Hunt solo or not at all???

[RogueFishr]

How many people hunt solo? I'm not talking about day trips from home, but crossing the state and hunting for a week on your own?

Here's the scoop. This is about to be my 30th year of elk hunting in E. Oregon. I have hunted the Ukiah, Desolation, and Keating units since I was 10 years old. I have dropped college classes, quit jobs, missed family reunions and weddings, but NEVER missed an elk season. Until possibly this year.

We have a regular hunting group, but it is looking like no one else is going to make it this year. 1 guy took a new job and is leaving the state, 2 guys are in construction and simply don't have the money this year. And, the last guy broke both arms and is going to be down and out for a couple months. I am tempted to take him, but I think a week of him sitting in a Depends (because I will not help with the 'hygiene issues'), is probably a bit much. But, I digress.

So... back to my question. Does any one make long trips to hunt for a week, alone? I am trying to arm myself for the battle with my wife that will ensue, when I propose the idea. I did not draw a 1st season tag this year, so I am hunting a general (2nd) season. I am self supportive, not afraid of the dark, in good shape, house broke, etc, etc. But, I am certain that this idea will not sit well with my wife, who will undoubtedly recruit my mom into the debate. Just trying to find out if it is an off the wall idea, or if it is (fairly) common practice??? I would rather miss Christmas than elk season......

Thanks for the input; good, bad, or indifferent.....


RF

[ehunter]

I would say go but maybe invest in the spot locater and make sure you check in if your buddies know what areas you are going to be in that should help too. I would do it also but it is not as much fun. Hopefully sombody on here is going so you can at least camp with them?

Originally Posted by RogueFishr

How many people hunt solo? I'm not talking about day trips from home, but crossing the state and hunting for a week on your own?

Here's the scoop. This is about to be my 30th year of elk hunting in E. Oregon. I have hunted the Ukiah, Desolation, and Keating units since I was 10 years old. I have dropped college classes, quit jobs, missed family reunions and weddings, but NEVER missed an elk season. Until possibly this year.

We have a regular hunting group, but it is looking like no one else is going to make it this year. 1 guy took a new job and is leaving the state, 2 guys are in construction and simply don't have the money this year. And, the last guy broke both arms and is going to be down and out for a couple months. I am tempted to take him, but I think a week of him sitting in a Depends (because I will not help with the 'hygiene issues'), is probably a bit much. But, I digress.

So... back to my question. Does any one make long trips to hunt for a week, alone? I am trying to arm myself for the battle with my wife that will ensue, when I propose the idea. I did not draw a 1st season tag this year, so I am hunting a general (2nd) season. I am self supportive, not afraid of the dark, in good shape, house broke, etc, etc. But, I am certain that this idea will not sit well with my wife, who will undoubtedly recruit my mom into the debate. Just trying to find out if it is an off the wall idea, or if it is (fairly) common practice??? I would rather miss Christmas than elk season......

Thanks for the input; good, bad, or indifferent.....


RF

[scottishsetter]

Yeah!!! I 've done it for like 10 seasons now. Mostly in the Wenaha trying to spot a spike(Whew!)
I underwent knee surgery that has slowed me but not before I hunted up a 5-pt last year. Packed the meat uphill 60yrds. Was back in Portland with meat on Sat.; had the pre-Op on Wed. and Surgery Fri. Quite the year.
Done some spike hunting in Desolation.
No tag this year. And now I need to find out if I can give that Point away to get back into the Zero Pt. Draw. ??????Suggestions?

[sliverpicker]

I've done it several times during archery season. It gets a little boring in the evenings at camp, but I always hunt more efficiently by myself. Packing an elk by yourself is a chore, but it can be done. Take your time and you'll get everything out in due time.

Take some reading material for the evenings, and make sure the little woman knows exactly where you're camped and the general areas you'll be hunting.

Good luck and have fun!

[Klamanite]

I have taken 2 elk while bowhunting on solo expeditions. You need to let people know where you wil be in the event you don't return on time and don't hunt beyond your capabilities. Only go in as far as you can reasonably expect to pack out and care for an animal without assistance. Don't take any unnecessary risks that you might take for granted when there are others with you. I will not miss an elk season unless I'm physically incapacitated. I'd rather go alone than not at all.

[Scrillznac]

I hunt solo every year for at least a few days. This year I've been out probably 20+ nights on my own scouting and hunting. If I have to choose between not going or going by myself it's not even a discussion......I'm going!

[huntercgr]

I usually "hunt" by myself, but have someone in camp. I'm going to hunt Colo. by myself, but Dad will be making his first tag along trip to enjoy the outdoors on his own, and keep me company during the evenings.

If you really think she'll put a dampener on this, do as suggested above and look into the spot device. Hopefully she'll feel better.

[quackersnacker]

Definately a "Go" for me. It has never been an issue before, my brother would always have the whole archery season off anyways. Now he lives in Colorado, so there may be times in the future when I have to ask myself the question. I know my answer will always be "YES!" though.

[No Fences]

All well said advise and another for the spot devise. Show her how it works and how to see your progress on Google Earth.

[scottishsetter]

There's always Football by radio. During a Muzzleloader Elk season; I listened to the World Series at a small fire; it was the best...

[Beamerfish]

Another vote for just do it. You can always go and play it by ear and come on back if it is not for you. Hunting alone for that long takes some mental discipline but is a whole different rewarding experience. Chances are there will also be some other camps around so you won't be totally on the dark side of the moon. Might consider renting a sat phone - wife will probably feel alot better if you can check in with her regularly. You can also give regular updates to your less fortunate buddies.

[huntercgr]

RF, which unit will you be hunting 2nd season?

[Got One!]

I like hunting solo

Just a few things to keep in mind.

Let them know where you are. Now with GPS you can get exact...for that matter now that there are cell phones its even that much better calling in your starting point into the trees...but they dont work many of the places I end up at, so turn it off when your not using it as it will drain itself looking for a tower.
The spot device would be fantastic, and they are only around $160...well they would be fantastic as long as your not hunting at the Chicken Ranch
Be sure (as you can be) the kill is at a place you alone can retrieve it...without killing yourself doing it (trust me)

Have spare everything (smaller versions) in different locations/containers
mini-hand crank water filtration units are a wonderful thing
Keep a fire going at night.

I personally feel your awareness goes up many x's when out on your own. Its very enjoyable.

[scottishsetter]

Will that Spot Device put chains on all four wheels to get up outa' the camp 'hole' with 12" on the ground?
I could sleep alot better huntin' alone if I had one of those!

[Bobberman]

Solo is a great way to go! I have had some of my best hunts solo

[cwh]

I'd go/have gone alone for a week or so. Especially in an area that you know that well, I wouldn't hesitate. Probably have a much smaller camp, and maybe give a little more thought to the survival gear.

I do a few solo bird hunts a year in the winter on snowshoes. Use a little common sense, hunt alone and enjoy the company.

[RogueFishr]

ok, glad to know this isn't unheard of! I am not afraid of packing an elk out of anywhere, on my own. I usually end up packing my own elk out anyway, so as not to mess up anyone else's hunt. I have packed an elk, solo, out of the middle of Mill Creek Watershed (took 3 days).

I am very self reliant/ self sufficient. If, any of you guys are divers, I routinely make 200+ foot solo working dives. Being self reliant in that situation is absolutely the difference between life and death. I am confident in that department.

My first choice is the Ukiah unit, which I know very well. I will look into one of those Spot Locator units. I have to think about if I want her to know the technology exists for her to pinpoint me on the computer, at any time

Thanks for the input.

RF

[Mad Mikey]

I hunt solo, most of the time. But it's usually long arsed blue grouse hikes.

If I draw a big game tag with a buddy we hunt together.

I like solitude, I won't let the lack of a hunting partner keep me out of the woods.

Sometimes I go on looong hikes for grouse that take up the better part of a day. Most of my friends and co-workers know my haunts but if I decide to go somewhere different to explore I leave a post it note on my truck and/or a msg. on a few friend's phones detailing where I will be.

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by RogueFishr

ok, glad to know this isn't unheard of! I am not afraid of packing an elk out of anywhere, on my own. I usually end up packing my own elk out anyway, so as not to mess up anyone else's hunt. I have packed an elk, solo, out of the middle of Mill Creek Watershed (took 3 days).

I am very self reliant/ self sufficient. If, any of you guys are divers, I routinely make 200+ foot solo working dives. Being self reliant in that situation is absolutely the difference between life and death. I am confident in that department.

My first choice is the Ukiah unit, which I know very well. I will look into one of those Spot Locator units. I have to think about if I want her to know the technology exists for her to pinpoint me on the computer, at any time

Thanks for the input.

RF

I am solo for almost two weeks this year. I will pop back into town for provisions and a shower. The Spot has helped aleviate some of my wifes demons. Get one, they are good to have and could save your life.

[Duckwheat]

Go hunting and enjoy yourself.

Before I had kids it was the preferred method.


DW

[BeaverBoy]

I would definetly go! You only got one life to live. People worry about going out in the woods when the most dangerous thing we do is drive across town because a lure, spinner, pole etc. is on sale. It would be interesting to figure how many hunters are hurt driving 8 hours a day for a week in a city as compared to hunting 8 hours a day for week in the woods.

[BeaverBoy]

I forgot one thing dont drive on saturday's from 8 to 10 am early in the summer. You have to watch out for all the Daisey May's going to garage sales. Crazy bunch of drivers!

[blacktail hunter]

love to hunt alone..

[Scrillznac]

Originally Posted by Got One!

I like hunting solo

Just a few things to keep in mind.

Let them know where you are. Now with GPS you can get exact...for that matter now that there are cell phones its even that much better calling in your starting point into the trees...but they dont work many of the places I end up at, so turn it off when your not using it as it will drain itself looking for a tower.
The spot device would be fantastic, and they are only around $160...well they would be fantastic as long as your not hunting at the Chicken Ranch
Be sure (as you can be) the kill is at a place you alone can retrieve it...without killing yourself doing it (trust me)

Have spare everything (smaller versions) in different locations/containers
mini-hand crank water filtration units are a wonderful thing
Keep a fire going at night.

I personally feel your awareness goes up many x's when out on your own. Its very enjoyable.

[Charlie Storey]

Go. Have fun. I've never considered "what if". "What if" can happen anywhere. My worst "what if" happened on my front steps. People that are controlled by the fear of "what if" will miss a lot of life. My most memorable hunt was a solo backpacking trip into the Mt. Jeff. Wilderness. Just me, my rifle and tent. It was late October and the only thing I didn't like was the long nights. I came away with a new sense of independence and freedom I'd never had. When it came time to leave (had to, got my deer) I didn't want to go. It was like leaving home. Go! Have fun!

[cityfisher]

Invest in a SPOT locator...good idea all the way around.

[nakoa]

Originally Posted by ehunter

I would say go but maybe invest in the spot locater and make sure you check in if your buddies know what areas you are going to be in that should help too. I would do it also but it is not as much fun. Hopefully sombody on here is going so you can at least camp with them?

i agree just go

[Jellyhead]

Originally Posted by nakoa

i agree just go

I've done alot of solo hunts. The hardest thing to conquer is being alone in camp in the evenings. Take a small radio, a book, a deck of cards for solitare and have a good campfire or woodstove in the tent. I usually hunt harder and longer by myself knowing that I am not missing anything back at camp. Don't hunt any farther from camp than you can pack an animal out solo.

Good luck,

Aaron

[Arrowslinger]

Go hunt!!! I found a place that rents SPOT Messengers by the week, if you need one, PM me for the website.

[Hunt'nFish]

Originally Posted by scottishsetter

Will that Spot Device put chains on all four wheels to get up outa' the camp 'hole' with 12" on the ground?
I could sleep alot better huntin' alone if I had one of those!

It could if IFish were on the email distribution list for your Distress message.
I'd come get you......I owe IFish.

Seriously, I wouldn't give a second thought to hunting alone.....but I'd also go prepared and make every effort to tag up w/ another IFisher. Buddy system you know. Even if you simply knew which IFish Nimrods would be in the area and had exchanged cell #'s and such. That can be a HUGE help.
I should know.

On the IFish Predator Hunt this last year I had to call for an IFish Assist. There is a thread floating around on here about it. (thanks everybody) But the short of it is, we are here to help. I suspect during the hunting seasons we'll have IFish Hunter scattered to the four corners of ALL the western states. I message back to here, a post up on the board and I suspect we could make contact w/ somebody in your area of the woods to assist.
But we have to know WHERE you are.
GPS at minimum. You can borrow mine if you want.

Leave no Nimrod behind.
Hunt'nFish

[brianschnoor]

I have hunted multiple states on my own, never had any problems!! I would go for sure!! Good luck - Brian

[OutdoorBum]

Originally Posted by Got One!

I like hunting solo

I personally feel your awareness goes up many x's when out on your own. Its very enjoyable.

Couldn't have said it better myself. You become very tuned in to the wilderness when you're solo. Its actually quite amazing the things you see and hear alone.

[shadowstalker]

I do it every year I draw for Elk on the East side (every 2-3 years), that is a "modified" pack in trip. I give my wife a precise location on a map, and tell her if I'm not home by 5 the day after the season ends, call OSP. I've been thinking about buying a locator in case something happens, but I haven't looked into them enough yet.

[death roe]

every year i take 9 days to be alone in the great out back thats how i stay sain the rest of the year

[Blowing Smoke]

I really enjoy sending time with my Brother and brother-in-law and nephews they are some real good entertainment and memories,I like a camp fire and a cold beer with good company, with that being said I kind of model my hunting after The singer George Thurogood With his song " I Drink alone and with nobody Else", I like to hunt alone and with nobody else, not that I'm unsocial I can just go at my pace, get going out early or take a nap and not feel like I'm holding my hunting partners up, I enjoy being out by myself, my day job requires me to manage 12 employees and take and make 75-100 phone calls so the time alone is more then welcomed by my sense of well being, My wife knows exactly where I'm at, and if time and closeness to phone I call at night when I can. I just picked up a SPOT from Jensans Adventures "really good people to deal with", so I will plan on using that this year, I also have been very blessed with my success with hunting alone, only down side I can see is cleaning-skinning by myself after dark but it's a labor of love and I can deal with it happily......BS

[Old Guys Rule]

I like hunting solo. Take a few precautions such as I write a note and leave it on the dash where I am going and when I left so if something happens Mrs Old Guy can at least find my body. Seriously. Take a few more precautions than usual. Are you equipped to spend the night? Not just for big game but birds also. I know of chuckar hunters stranded with broken boats in the winter on the Owyhee. Can be a real survival episode. Be prepared. Walk more careful than normal, a busted knee or ankle can kill you in bad weather. Same with slippery shale slopes and cliffs, don't go there.

Other than being cautious (not paranoid just use good sense) I enjoy the solitude and freedom of hunting alone. I can go where I want when I want how I want. No pressure to make other's happy or stopping my hunt to meet up with someone. Most of my day or long weekend big game trips are solo. I have taken a few 2 week solo Eastern Oregon trips starting out bird hunting and ending with an elk hunt. Best times of my life were long solo hunts-just took my wife a little getting used to-I keep telling her that I have a bigger chance of getting killed in a car wreck driving I-5 to work, if she was really concerned I could retire and she can support us. Tough to argue that one....

[Maverick Maxcat]

I have also spent many days and weeks solo, bring some reading and music for the evenings. I carry survival stuff, of course, but have added a Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) to my gear list for all adventures. It won't tell others where you are at all times, but if you need help it will call S & R to your location quickly. Same system as EPIRB on the ocean.

[south county]

Most of the better hunts i've been on I have been alone, may not be much "fun" in the evenings but it will be much more rewarding and you will probably be more productive.

[hillbillygoat]

"I have dropped college classes, quit jobs, missed family reunions and weddings, but NEVER missed an elk season."

Me too.

No hesitation, DO IT.

[RogueFishr]

Thanks for the input. I guess the hunting alone part isn't really what I was concerned about. I am always prepared (and have had to) spend the night in the woods, in bad weather. And, I end up packing my own elk out about 75% of the time. i was more concerned about the trip in general.

Over the last 30 years, we have had blown tires, jack-knifed trailers, slid on ice, logging equipment come off trailers into our vehicle, car trouble, broken axles, stuck in mud and snow, tree fall on tent, lightning hit, lost hunters, snowed out, rattlesnake bite, rabid fox, muscle/bone injuries, and all the other normal stuff that goes along with being in the woods. I usually try to gloss over those kind of high-lites when recounting the hunting stories to my wife. But, she eventually hears them and that is where I anticipate the "static" to come in. I will look into one of the Spot locators. That sounds like a good idea.

RF

[Fuse Master]

I always hunt alone. If I am in deep I will rent a Satallite phone to check in with the wife periodically. You have a far greater chance of something bad happening to you in downtown Portland than in the woods. With that in mind, you should be geared up to spend the night in the woods and be confident in wilderness navigation for your hunt area.

[hillbillygoat]

"Over the last 30 years, we have had blown tires, jack-knifed trailers, slid on ice, logging equipment come off trailers into our vehicle, car trouble, broken axles, stuck in mud and snow, tree fall on tent, lightning hit, lost hunters, snowed out, rattlesnake bite, rabid fox, muscle/bone injuries, and all the other normal stuff that goes along with being in the woods."

Sounds exciting

I wanna go

[stlhdr1]

I'd go, but I wouldn't shoot a bull in any sort of hell hole unless you have some good friends on speed dial!

Keith

[RogueFishr]

Originally Posted by Fuse Master

You have a far greater chance of something bad happening to you in downtown Portland than in the woods.

now, we're just talking hunting alone. There is NO WAY I am going to downtown Portland!

RF

[BrianMaguire]

Originally Posted by RogueFishr

Over the last 30 years, we have had blown tires, jack-knifed trailers, slid on ice, logging equipment come off trailers into our vehicle, car trouble, broken axles, stuck in mud and snow, tree fall on tent, lightning hit, lost hunters, snowed out, rattlesnake bite, rabid fox, muscle/bone injuries, and all the other normal stuff that goes along with being in the woods. I usually try to gloss over those kind of high-lites when recounting the hunting stories to my wife. But, she eventually hears them and that is where I anticipate the "static" to come in. I will look into one of the Spot locators. That sounds like a good idea.

RF

If I were your hunting buddy I would hunt alone, LOL, dang that is some bad luck.

[Two Fister]

Originally Posted by RogueFishr

I have to think about if I want her to know the technology exists for her to pinpoint me on the computer, at any time

Now that's a scary thought! I think this thread needs to be immediately deleted and anyone who has mentioned this to their wife is in big trouble. My wife will be slipping those things into my car, my briefcase, my gun case, my fishing gear, and any where else she can hide one. Our house will look like Mission Control (control being the operative word).

RF, sounds like you have a healthy respect for the dangers presented by hunting alone and that's probably the first step. Hunting alone can be productive. If faced with not going or going alone I would head out the door on my own. Personally, being at camp with my friends and family is a big part of hunting for me, but not enough to keep me away.

If you can pack an elk on your own out of Mill Creek and do solo dives to 200' than you're good to go. Carry some extra gear with you while hunting as it will take a rescue party longer to reach and find should something go wrong when your hunting alone. Extra matches, firestarter, a small shelter, an expanded first aid kit, extra food, etc.

TF

[bbell]

If your comfortable with going solo, then do it. But I do understand the wife issue. I like the guys suggestion of a SPOT device or some type of locator device. Good luck!

Brandon

[Little Fish]

So it sounds to me like this is more of an issue with your wife than yourself. I hunt solo most of the time and have made extra efforts to make my wife comfortable with the idea. This is basically how I do it...

- I tell her where I will be (I write if down for her and sometimes leave a map)
- I tell her when I will check in and I never miss a check date even if I have to hike 5 miles up a tall peak to get cell service or drive 20 miles to the nearest phone. If I know I can't check in until the end of the trip I tell her that.
- I personally carry a hunt pack with all the implements of survival and although it bores her to death I have show and tell sometimes while I'm packing so I can explain how each and every item in my pack is going to be help. I emphasize that I could live for a week easily with what's in the pack. I also emphasize that I never leave camp without the pack.
- Finally if I were to go into a seriously remote location like a wilderness backpack hunt where I couldn't get to a phone I would consider renting a Sat phone for a week and just calling to check in every couple days.

Take the advice for what its worth, but that's how I approach the subject with my wife.

[Gun Rod Bow]

With a buddy if possible, if not, I go.