Curious if anyone is or has done some long hunts in the backcountry. Meaning, you lived out of your pack for five days.
I'm hitting the backcountry for archery this September. I've done it before but I'm looking for any tips for the hunt.
Or you can share a cool story.
I annually do back country hunts, with either back pack (5-7 days) or with my pack horses (up to 3 weeks). I'd go for longer now that I'm retired if I didn't have familial obligations and responsibilities.
I got drawn for a special archery elk permit in the Missouri Breaks this year after years of applying and am planning a ten day hunt in there as far from any roads as I can get..
If you're backpacking try to limit your gear and everything (food, equipment) to 45 lbs. That way if you get an animal down you can limit your trips out...
On backpack trips I usually carry my Case XX Changer.. it's a folding lockback knife with multiple blades. I also carry a SOG or Leatherman multi tool just in case. I would recommend a water filtration system versus packing water, and have a good bladder system in your pack to hydrate while you're hunting, especially in September.
I always carry one judo point arrow and the rest broadheads in the event that I can augment my meals with fresh grouse or rabbit.
I have an ultra lightweight stove burner and prefer the small iso-butane fuel cans vs packing propane bottles. I generally use a bivy sack in lieu of a tent just for weight and space reduction but that is personal preference. There's some super lightweight cooking utensil sets out there.
For September hunts I usually break down 2 MRE meals per day that I'm scheduled to be gone. By break down I mean that I open the MRE package and take only the meal packages.. I don't pack the crackers and peanut butter and horseshit. Don't forget RV friendly bio-degradable toilet paper Nature will call and leaves are a poor substitute.
When bow hunting I have my Matthews bow, a half dozen arrows in a quiver, my diaphragm elk calls, REVIC range finding binos, my Case XX Changer, SOG paratool and that's it. I have KUIU or Sitka rain gear, waterproof hunting boots (I use Crispi's), that's the extent of my hunting kit..
I bring a set of lightweight GSI cooking utensils and pot/pan kit, and my MREs (broken down).. I usually am able to augment my meals with grouse or rabbit especially in September and often a variety of berries and mushrooms.
For September hunts it's generally pretty easy for me to keep my pack at 45 lbs or under, and at that weight I can make good time and go all day.
Start training if you haven't already..
Good luck!!
