Solo Hunt Hints

[dsdanger]

Hunting buddy moved to the coast. Anyone have good advice regarding solo hunting (elk & deer). WY & UT.

Thanks.

 

[MCgunner]

Always shoot the elk next to the road?

 

[littlegator]

Don't do it solo. That's part of the great thing about hunting, being with your pals. I know, that didn't answer your question.

 

[koja48]

Hunted that way most of my life (I'm 60) . . . my preference. Let someone know where, when, & when you'll be back -- BE SPECIFIC! Beyond that, be careful since there's no one to go for help, hunt slowly, follow your instincts, and enjoy. Things like a compact rope block & tackle & a good saw really help when dealing with Wapiti. Put a wrist lanyard on your light(s) so you don't drop/break/lose it. Carry enough with you (space blanket, FA kit, food, fire starter, etc) to hold you for a few days if things go sideways. I've been "confused" a time or two, but never lost & have never had a serious predicament arise.

 

[eliphalet]

Above advice and hunt uphill if at all possible. A hit animal will run downhill 90+% of the time has been my experience. Dragging or packing out downhill is much easier than up.

 

[quicktime]

koja48 had it right on the money. Where I hunt also is close to a ranger station not a bad idea to stop in to see the fella's and let them know where you are going where you are camped and when you will be back. They usually can give you some decent advice on where to go as well. Just make sure you pack enough rope to hang your kill high as I have yet to meet a guy who can pack out a whole elk in one trip. That is when you truelly miss your buddies.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Carry some form of communication other than a cell phone. A small FM or VHF radio, in case things go SNAFU. A small GPS unit would be smart as well, to pinpoint your location to people looking for you. A small mirror or reflective object is a great backup for being located. A small Bic lighter saved my butt from a very hairy situation once. Trust me on this one, when you've been submerged in 35 degree water, it's 30 degrees outside, sleeting and you're 3 miles from camp, fire is your friend.

 

[WuzYoungOnceToo]

I bow hunt solo, since my son hasn't yet taken an interest in that (strictly a "things that go *bang* kid")...but I also enjoy the solitude from time to time.

I'll just echo and magnify the recommendation for a GPS unit. I was a couple of miles deep into public land woods, and well off the beaten path, on my 3rd bow hunting expedition when I missed on my estimation of when it would begin to get dark, and wasn't paying close enough attention to the time to begin with. The blackness hit quicker than I expected, and I could barely see my hand in front of my face. Were it not for the GPS unit my wife had just given me as a gift (bless her) then I would likely have had a hell of a time finding my way back to my vehicle.

 

[Never No More]

Ive hunted solo all my life, only went out with friends a few time. (never got anything either).

Id leave a map with a square on it on the table. My people would know where to find me.

Heck Cell phones make it easier, cept where I go, they often dont work

 

[uk roe hunter]

"Always shoot the elk next to the road? "

I love this. And i agree. I shot a little roe buck a couple of years ago a couple of miles from the car. Carrying it back broke my balls!