going small hunting for the first time.. need advice

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silverlance

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Well, now that's gonna change.

I've decided that for my 27th birthday, I'm going to get myself one nice camping, maybe small hunting, trip. The hunting's secondary - even if all I get to do is sit and stare at a spring for two or three days, I'll consider it time well spent.

The problem is, I had originally planned to do this with an experienced buddy, but he's been extended another 10 months in Bosnia (army medic). I'm not quite sure that I'm knowledgable enough to do this on my own. I'm trying to get two friends to go with me, but I'm not sure they will be interested once I tell them about the no showers, no toilet, no running water bit....

Oh, and the bears / elk / deer / bobcats / coyotes / rattlesnakes, etc.

So... is there anybody here, maybe, who could give me a bit of advice? I'm going to get a hunting permit and wilderness permit, and try to camp out at relatively remote campsite (not yellow post [those are REALLY way out there]) with no facilities by a small spring.

this is what i'm bringing:

milsurp stuff:
french 2man tent, conventional type
german 30F mummy bag, nylon shell
german gore-tex flectarn suit
uk desert issue boots
large backpack, french
swiss alcohol stove and cooking kit
dutch mess kit
homemade waterproof matches, butane lighter, triox bars
uk desert leaf camo netting
belgian rubber water basins
usgi sleeping mat
cz first aid kit, large
ussr binocs
milsurp undies, shorts; nva, bgs
e. german pick/shovel
spanish bota water bags
swiss poncho
usgi boonie hat
us mres
italian blanket
us para cord
us duct tape

commercial stuff
pump type water filter
water tablets
compass
whistle
mirror
chalk
changes of clothes
FRS radios
surefire, mag 951 lights
glowsticks
fire extinguisher
boker knife, swiss army knife
camp saw
camp axe
hammer
tent repair kit
maps
bug spray
plastic bags, zip ties
benelli 12g
brenekke slugs, buckshot & sling
sig p228 & holster
camp shower
towels
a bunch of books
 
Well, certainly looks like you'll be driving into your campsite!:)
I'm guessing you're just wanting to know if you're bringing the right stuff?
If that's the case, one thing you will probably want is some sunblock, especially if you're going to any high desert/high altitude...
If you're off-road, a well thought out tool kit. I think we always broke down at that point furthest from help!
If you're driving in, screw the water filters and pills (bring just in case) and buy your water in a 5 gallon jug...
One spare set of boot laces--handy for more than just boots.
A camp chair--no where to sit off the ground gets old.
If you're backpacking, forget the storebought water and the camp chair. Loose the fireextinguisher. Make sure your boots are broken in.
More will come to me later (and from others, I'm sure!)
By the way, I'm jealous! The more remote and further away the roads are, the better!
 
I think you got most of it covered. I also suggest a folding chair, if you are driving in bring a couple of plastic milk crates. Pack your stuff in them for transport and then they are handy for tables and foot rests when kicked back in the chair. I also suggest an air mattress of some type. Toilet paper and a shovel for burying same are also handy. Bring a pair for work gloves for handling hot cooking utensils and a container of scouring powder and scrubbers for cleaning up. Need a couple of flashlights too. Be sure you let someone know where you are and when you'r supposed to be back.

rk
 
ah, yes, gloves for cooking.

hadn't thought about that need. i had planned on bringing gloves but then decided not to becuase of the heat.

on secnd thought, however, i'd rather not try to lift a hot pot with my bare fingers.

What activities should I try my hand at, btw?

And is there a website i can look at to show me how to skin a small animal (like a gray squirrel)?

I don't want to shoot anything big, but if i get a chance to drop a gray with some birdshot i might give hunting a try. they are in extreme abundance there as they live off of.. well, everything.

course, i also believe in eating what i kill... soo...

help me not eat fur.
 
Channel Lock Pliers.

Come in real handy for a lot of things - besides handling hot utensils around the fire. :)

I for sure would would find an experienced person to come along. I would check with local Scout Troops, Retired Military folks, someone in Local LEO/ Fire Dept/EMT.

May just find someone is wanting to "get out" and they too would prefer to not go alone.

Years ago a lady EMT was going to start Nursing School. One of the EMTs made mention his dad , a widower, getting up years wanted to get more before his time was up. She needed to take a break before a starting hard semester.

These two went out, young lady EMT and this Geriatric - she keeping tabs on him - and he passing forward all his years of woodscraft, hunting and all. Worked out well.

So if a lady comes along, be a gentleman, there are a LOT of woodsmart ladies you can learn from.
 
Reference activities, I tend to drink quite a bit. I skin a squirrel like taking off my socks. Make a couple of slits, insert fingers and pull. Best field way to cook him is to skin, gut, wash, salt, pepper, run a cleaning rod in one end and out the other, and broil him over an open fire. Eat him like a corndog.

rk
 
As far as activites, where are you going? That'll make a big difference due to what's available and what fish and game laws are.
We've done everything from shoot jack rabbits like crazy, call in and shoot coyotes (or often in my case just scaring them badly), wreck vehicles, bird hunt, gophers, ground squirrels, bear, deer, antelope, elk, break bones, break down, fish, plink with a wrist rocket, fall off horses, float tube, hunt arrowheads, hunt lost friends, hunt rocks, hunt bigfoot, hunt fossils, get sunburned, track various animals just see if we could, photography, get stuck, hike to hot springs, stay in the tent for 4 days because of the world was being flooded again, stay in the tent for 4 days because of a blizzard, go four wheeling, (ATV and jeep/pickup), (did I say break down?) hunt petroglyphs (of course, don't touch 'em!). Make sure you treat the outdoors and anyone you meet with respect.
Some things I would never recommend doing alone--rock climbing (don't climb anything!), caving., petting Smokey. If you're alone, pay close attention to where you step and what you do. I spent 4 days on my back in the Pasayten wilderness a long time ago with a buggered leg...
Like Roadkill said, let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. And stick to it! Don't try your hand at trying new and exotic foods. And finally, PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER!
 
You are missing

a Leatherman wave and a whole case of bic lighters. In the same space you can store 30 matches (at most 30 fires) or one bic lighter (at most 130 fires) I would also suggest bear spray and a good kit gun or small frame magnum for cougers, you never know how crazy they might be. I forgot to mention, ALWAYS carry a knife at all times. You may never know what kind of insane, absolutely bonkers hunting guides pack horse you may have to put down.
 
Oh, and the bears / elk / deer / bobcats / coyotes / rattlesnakes, etc. [quote/]

I have been camping in bear country for years (backpacking in) and consider worthwhile to take a perimeter alarm, somentimes suplemented by a Driveway Patrol infrared alarm.

Here is my "early alarm kit" you may recognize the MAG 951 II flashlight (951 lumens) there.

bearkit.jpg

If you are near the stream, you will enjoy a small fly fishing kit.

Have a good trip.
Regards
black bear
Click to expand...
 
Don't know about where you are but check your state hunting regulations. Most small game have seasons, and you DON'T wanna get caught shooting stuff out-of-season(or without the proper license). In most of the states that I know anything about, small game, except for some varmints seasons are in the fall/winter/spring, including squirrel and rabbit. You may also need some type of Hunter Safety Course, in order to get a small (or other) game license. And, there may not be many classes available this time of year.
 
Throw in the kitchen sink as well !!!!!!!!!

Yes - I think you will be driving in - that is alot of gear - It is nice to have it all. :) So many times I first make a list, get my stuff together, make sure it is in good working order then begin my packing process. :rolleyes: Then I will either add to or take away from stuff at that point. :rolleyes: You might want to consider -cell phone - gps - Two leatherman folding tool combos ,a camp axe, machette or some type of folding hand saw, sharpining stone of some type. Also some glow sticks, placed on the end of a cord and swung around it can be seen for miles. Get at lease two different colors, have pre-determined meanings for signalling each other. How about flashlights and extra batteries. Coffee pot, or something to boil water in, and sterlize stuff in. Rain gear, and first aid kits, and most important trash bags, paper towles, and toilet paper and a little shovel to cover it up with.
 
you folks are awesome

i'm updating my list of things to bring and do as we ... type.

i'm going to go on ebay and try to find a tripwire-type perimeter alarm. if i can't find one i'll learn how to build one.

i wish i owned a revolver but i blew all my money on a nagant sniper rifle last week =(

i'm going to start saving up for a wheelgun in probably 44mag. i figure that ought to be enough to stop a bear if my shotgun slugs don't.

the three of us that are going, btw, are so spooked by the very real possibility of being pawed over by black bears that we're going to sleep in shifts (roflo... sort of)

* by the way... how deep should i dig a latrine?

* and what should one do if he/she gets lost? we will all be tromping about carrying our packs, but we're pretty.. well... let's just say that little red riding hood probably had more woodsense.

*** ps: i am driving in, but since we have civvie cars we will have to park at the "nice" campsites and then hike up to where we're camping. it's either that or have someone nice drop us off. i'm all for long hikes, but in reality the three of us have never hiked more 10 miles - combined. i lead the pack at having done a five mile hike. and i distinctly remember standing still for about 30 minutes because this was a night hike and i heard a rattler shake up. i coudlnt' tell were it was coming from and i couldn't see much of anything, so i just waited and waited and waited...
 
Holy mackerel! What a list. I know this is in the opposite direction of your thinking but here is my opininon.

The time sounds like just a couple of days.
Site sounds like a place that you will be driving to, then walking some ways to a place that is not a campsite, as you indicate that you will not be using their "facilities".


That said. Get rid of 90% of that gear and go light, light,light.

I have enjoyed the outdoors much better when I bring only the bare essentials and don't try to duplicate my living-room in the middle of the woods, and make a small as possible footprint.

In any case, don't forget the woodsman's friend, TP!!

Have a great get away,
cavman
 
That said. Get rid of 90% of that gear and go light, light,light.
Click to expand...

Ditto, that's WAY to much stuff to carry for a short stay. You can get away with alot less.
 
That's quite a list. I know, it's fun to think about this stuff and make a list in case you have to live off the land or whatever.

If this is your first time, I would just plan on taking a 22 rifle along and think about squirrels and rabbits (small game). Be sure to check the hunting seasons and get a license. You will probably need to take a hunter safety course prior to getting your first hunting license.

You could accomplish a lot of what you want to do with a simple weekend camping trip and take along the guns for plinking and recreation. That would get you out and you can begin to think about what you really need.

I carry some of the stuff you list in my truck when hunting, and have a much smaller amount of stuff that I carry while hunting. I wouldn't be too worried about perimeter alarms.
 
+1 caveman

Go as light as you can, lose the Bota bags and get regular water bottles - two will do. Forget the shower & towels. Forget the gloves use a bandanna instead, it makes a potholder, hat, bandage, washcloth, and at least a dozen other things I can't think of right now. If you going to bring any books, bring just one.
Try some of the Mountain house freeze dried meals before you have to eat mre for three days. Yeah they're pricy but IMHO they taste better. A LOT BETTER !

With a water filter you don't need tablets. Pick ? ! Shovel ? !
Seriously cut the gear in half and you'll have a lot more fun. Don't over-plan. Bring just the basics that's all you need for two to three days.

Have fun.
 
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uk desert issue boots
Click to expand...
Have you used these at all previously, how have your experiences been??
I had asked elsewhere about them and one person who served alongside some Brits in Saudi said that they (the Brits) didn't care for them much. )I assume you mean the Sportsmans Guide boots?

Here is Cali mammal regs:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/docs/06-07_Mammal_Hunting.pdf

www.dfg.ca.gov is the Department of Fish and Game website.

And is there a website i can look at to show me how to skin a small animal (like a gray squirrel)?

I don't want to shoot anything big, but if i get a chance to drop a gray with some birdshot i might give hunting a try. they are in extreme abundance there as they live off of.. well, everything.
Click to expand...
http://bayoubill.com/archives/2002/080502column.html
and to cook one:
http://bayoubill.com/archives/2001/81501squirrel.html

Also, using a shotgun is just dandy for tree rats. It is much easier (IMHO) than a .22, but that is 9 v 45 debate that we shant go into here or now.
 
If you are camping near water, forget about carrying it in your hikes ( a good amount is very heavy) and go with a water filter, I have been using my Sweetwater filter for a few years and the thing is great! no more aftertaste from the iodine pills!!

Here is more information about the Driveway Patrol infrared alarm

http://as-seen-on-tv-products.ws/store/product_info.php?products_id=38

And my perimeter alarm is a "personal screaming siren" that a friend gave my wife, I just attach a trip wire to the pull cord and I pass it thru the eye-hooks that are shown in the picture and of course they screw into trees.

I have hiked and camped for years with a map and a Silva Compass, but the GPS is a lot of fun, and can help you to navigate even at night when you can't see landmarks to take compass readings from.


Beside with it and a cell phone you can give exact positions coordinates to any rescue team if the need arise, (someone in the party can break a leg or worse)

Good luck
black bear
 
are you guys serious? no one said BABY WIPES! your not camping in style without these. be it for cleaning up after getting dirty, or for use during trips to the rest room, they are always handy when i travel.

if your small game hunting, you might consider a firearm that will leave you with enough small game to eat after you shoot it :) shotguns are great for defense, but i don't think you need both slugs and buck, unless you really want to carry it. i'd swap out the buck for some #9 shot to take small game with. that or a handy little 22. lately i've been taking my ruger mk II 5 1/2 inch barreled tack driver out, and with a little work, im confident on small game out to 25-30 yards. i won't get fat off of that skill set just yet, but im not starving either.

did you have duct tape in your kit? flourescent marking tape? first aid kit? you may have had these and i missed them, if so i apologize. good luck and im jealous :)
 
Silverlance

I see you're in CA. Our tree squirrel season doesn't start until September and runs thru the end of January. I don't know where you are going, but there ain't much hunting till the fall. Come the fall you can hunt a lot of game, but as stated already, make sure you have tags or stamps for what you hunt. You can hunt ground squirrel and jack rabbits year round, but don't eat them.
 
Bring about 100 feet of 1/2 inch line and a couple of heavy-duty garbage bags. Just flip it over a tree limb every night, and every time you leave camp and suspend all your food, garbage, soap, and camera film about 20 feet in the air. Not only will it help keep away the big bears, it discourages the chipmunks from sampling your meals before you.

Instead of your 2-man and another tent, borrow a 3-man and split up the load.

Get a game scale and weigh your fully loaded pack, including water and food. If it weighs more than 45 lbs., start jettisoning gear, better to do it now at home than out on the trail.

Since there's 3 of you, bring a deck of cards. If you're bringing a hachet anyway, bring one you can throw, it'll be good for hours of fun.

I think the idea of just bringing the .22 rifle is good, you can lug lots of ammo.
If your heart is set on the 12 gauge, figure how much shooting you want to do then weigh out the ammo you'll need to bring, you may have to make some trade-offs.
 
Silverlance, personally I like to go light--if you take all that's listed here, you won't use half of it. Geim druth is right--if you're back packing, you (and most of us) will be miserable if you're pack is over 40-45 pounds.
I've hunted/backpacked/camped for nearly fifty years in both griz and blackbear county and only one time had a bear problem...
You guys don't need to sleep in shifts. Black bears are by and large skittish and shy of people. If you are lucky enough to see one it usually happens in one of 2 ways--you see the butt of one disappearing in the woods as he's breaking his neck to get away from you, or you see one at a distance and he doesn't know you're around.
If you are in some serious bear country there are things you'll want to do to minimize them coming into your camp. Keep your food, garbage, latrine pit, soap, some good distance away from your camp--hang it in a cooler from a tree high enough to keep them from it.
Don't keep any food, even snacks, in your tent.
When you wash any of your cooking utensils, do it away from your camp--their noses are remarkable and supposedly can even smell the remnants of your food in the poured out dishwater.
If you're camping way off the beaten path, you have less chance of having bear problems than if you're at some place like, say, Yosemite, where bears have pretty much become accustomed to humans.
Now, if you run into a RABID bear...
(sorry, that was mean.)
 
gbran writes about California having ground and tree squirrel. I thought that there was the really common Grey squirrel, which on the East Coast, are found in both ground and tree environments, and the less common Red squirrel.

What is it about Cali ground squirrels that one should not eat them?

have a great day,
cavman
 
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