Backpack Hunting & Backpacking !
- Thread starter Guy Miner
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Just to add to the discussion a tad, I also have developed a fondness for my now 2-season old daypack. It's a Badlands Pursuit, and it's great for taking a day's worth of gear into the woods, whether for hiking and stalking the mountain or sitting in a treestand. Here's a pic of it loaded up for some mountain stalking:
I need to lube the zippers, as they've started to stick, but two seasons afield with zero maintenance is not bad. I can't complain about durability or utility, either, as I've loaded up the pack and strapped a set of insulated bibs and an insulated parka to the outside of it for a day's hike around my lease, without trouble. Here are some pics of the country I'm hiking and stalking on my lease. Nothing like some of those out west pics, but we like it down in northern Alabama.
It can be tough to pick out a shot opportunity here, and I'm convinced we lose opportunities on deer every year because they slip through thick woodlots like this unnoticed.
Here you can see the bluffs opposite my position, barely. I've really enjoyed learning this part of the terrain on our lease and figuring out how to hunt it. For an old Florida boy, where they biggest bluffs are interstate bridges, this has been an education.
This is one of my favorites. It just exudes the goodness of God for letting me experience this little slice of heaven these last few seasons.
Notice, too, the dusting of snow on the ground. I had to get really good this year at picking my steps going down into these hollows, and climbing back out.
This is out on the end of the point of a ridge, right at the eastern boundary of our lease. Several deer have been killed in the open woodlot below, which offers as much as 200+ yd shots in some areas. I shot my buck on the last day of the season walking out to sit here, and since it was frosty cold (28deg) I let the buck lie and came out here anyway. I got to watch a spike buck for about 20min as he milled around trying to figure out what to eat and what to pee on.
This is back up along the western edge of the ridge, just to show some perspective of how steep some of this terrain is. I'm only about 30-40' off the top taking this, but looking down was another 100' or so (at this location) of similar rocks and ledges.
And, just for good measure, here's one from the last day of the season, up on top in one of the old terraced fields. We've got over 100ac in interconnected fields on top, so we can sit and wait if we want. Some big deer have been killed from this very location, and I got a doe about an hour and a half after this pic was taken. A fitting end to a great last day of the season.
I need to lube the zippers, as they've started to stick, but two seasons afield with zero maintenance is not bad. I can't complain about durability or utility, either, as I've loaded up the pack and strapped a set of insulated bibs and an insulated parka to the outside of it for a day's hike around my lease, without trouble. Here are some pics of the country I'm hiking and stalking on my lease. Nothing like some of those out west pics, but we like it down in northern Alabama.
It can be tough to pick out a shot opportunity here, and I'm convinced we lose opportunities on deer every year because they slip through thick woodlots like this unnoticed.
Here you can see the bluffs opposite my position, barely. I've really enjoyed learning this part of the terrain on our lease and figuring out how to hunt it. For an old Florida boy, where they biggest bluffs are interstate bridges, this has been an education.
This is one of my favorites. It just exudes the goodness of God for letting me experience this little slice of heaven these last few seasons.
Notice, too, the dusting of snow on the ground. I had to get really good this year at picking my steps going down into these hollows, and climbing back out.
This is out on the end of the point of a ridge, right at the eastern boundary of our lease. Several deer have been killed in the open woodlot below, which offers as much as 200+ yd shots in some areas. I shot my buck on the last day of the season walking out to sit here, and since it was frosty cold (28deg) I let the buck lie and came out here anyway. I got to watch a spike buck for about 20min as he milled around trying to figure out what to eat and what to pee on.
This is back up along the western edge of the ridge, just to show some perspective of how steep some of this terrain is. I'm only about 30-40' off the top taking this, but looking down was another 100' or so (at this location) of similar rocks and ledges.
And, just for good measure, here's one from the last day of the season, up on top in one of the old terraced fields. We've got over 100ac in interconnected fields on top, so we can sit and wait if we want. Some big deer have been killed from this very location, and I got a doe about an hour and a half after this pic was taken. A fitting end to a great last day of the season.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,505
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Throughout, the pictures have been great, reminding me what a great place the USA is.
C.Smith
Handloader
- Oct 11, 2006
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The hike out of Butte Creak.
This is camp, my tent is the further one.
Butte Creak
Some decent fishing in this creak.
We going to go again this summer, looking forward to it.
Corey
- Thread starter
- #25
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,840
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NICE! You guys pack in a lawn chair? :shock:
Am thinking that must be late summer/early fall? Good looking country.
Guy
Am thinking that must be late summer/early fall? Good looking country.
Guy
C.Smith
Handloader
- Oct 11, 2006
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That was August last year. No we found the lawn chair among a bunch of trash left there from horse back hunters. It worked great for my buddy. I was just sitting on the ground and I was very envious of the chair.
Corey
Corey
SJB358, thank you. I have heard good things about the Eblerstock packs. Personally, I have fall in love with the Badlands packs. I have the 4500 for week long stuff, the 2800 for over night and long day hunts, the Monster Fanny pack for short hunts that will not require packing out meat. My 2800 has packed out 4 antelope and two black tail deer with out a hitch. Love the packs and the warranty.
I love the pictures of all the different hunting areas. You guys are getting me antsy for fall to come.
I love the pictures of all the different hunting areas. You guys are getting me antsy for fall to come.
tecumseh":haicj94i said:
I dig that pack alot. Really is a nice one. I had a couple problems with the chest snap coming off, but it was more to do with the pack being too overloaded than an actual gear shortfall. Nothing a few stitches wouldn't fix anyhow. The rest of the pack has been excellent. I look forward to strapping it on.
runtohunt":haicj94i said:
Yeah, there are alot of great packs nowadays. It is almost hard to pick a bad one. That Badlands set up sounds really good. I am so tickled with the little X2 for my day to day hunting, I actually smile when I put it on, knowing I am going hunting!
gerry
Ammo Smith
- Mar 1, 2007
- 6,951
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I found this picture just now, my buddy and me are heading to camp just on the other side of that mountain with his mountain goat in our packs, our other partner, Bcbillies took this photo from the kill site. it was a long trip back to camp and we got there just after dark, in between we were stalked by a grizzly in the pass to our left. Grizzlies love goat meat :shock:
- Thread starter
- #30
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,840
- 6,323
Long walk in good country. Memorable hunt as well.
C.Smith
Handloader
- Oct 11, 2006
- 1,411
- 0
Wow that is an awesome photo and some great looking country.
Corey
Corey
Hi Guys,
David, I'm hoping you'll chime in with some of your Montana backcountry exploits! Man am I looking forward to hunting this year! I probably already mentioned it, but the wife and I are going to put the kids in our packs this year and hunt antelope in NM together. It's a shame to say it, but this is the first time in my life that I've drawn an antelope tag. After that, headed south to bow hunt elk with an old pal from work. After that, back across the country to WA. I'm hoping to hunt the high country of WA with an older friend. After getting rained on for an entire weekend recently on the west side, I'm seriously contemplating making the drive to the east side of the range and taking advantage of the rain shadow for the Fall.
I grew up backpacking and feel very content and at home in the backcountry. My kiddos are a little young yet to be out there with me, but we'll get there someday-and I can't wait! I've been very fortunate that my job has afforded me some nice gear. It's quite a contrast to when I was young and dumb and full of ..., well you know. I had some close calls in the high country because I thought I could tough through anything-even being ill prepared. I was mistaken and it almost cost me dearly repeatedly. I guess that's my lead in for having the right gear for being out there and using some common sense. Mistakes up high will kill you. You can't head to the truck to dry off and warm up or drive to the ER if you cut yourself dressing out your bull. Your set up, or "kit", doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to work for you. A lot of my gear came from the thrift store when I was younger. There are some great buys on used stuff. Tents, backpacks, stoves, and etc are a lot like hiking boots. If it fits right, get it. Guys wearing "Brand X" because it's cool or Gucci, but ill-fitting, will really be regretting their choice on day three of an eight day backcountry hunt. A label is nothing more than a piece of fabric stitched to the item you use. If it works for your application, then go for it. Believe me, you're going to have it for a long time. I'm still using a down sleeping bag I inherited when I was eight! The old sayings "Beware of the guy with one rifle, as he probably knows how to use it" and "KISS" apply here. Know how to use your kit. The super bling GPS you just got is no good if you don't know how to use it or the batteries fail from being old, the cold, or it lost signal from the blizzard that just swallowed you up. Murphy's law will get you every time. A map, compass, and the smarts to use them go a long way out there. At work, what we have to carry on our person is heavy stuff. There's absolutely no room for extra weight. Every trip or mission is different so we're constantly refining as we go. Boil your kit down to what you need and what you don't because humping extra gear sucks. Ounces add up to pounds! I guess my final plug is to have a way out. There's a nice product out there called "SPOT" that will send up a help signal if you find yourself in a real pickle. You buy the thing, then pay an annual fee for its service. It gives me and the wife piece of mind when we're out and about and even allows me to send her an "I'm okay" message daily if I'm out hunting by myself. If I fill out, I'll send a few in short sequence and that means that I killed and will be home.....eventually. Anyway, get out there, have fun this summer and get ready for Fall!
Take Care,
Joe
Oh yeah, thanks to everyone for the great photos of hunting the backcountry and to Guy for getting this started!
David, I'm hoping you'll chime in with some of your Montana backcountry exploits! Man am I looking forward to hunting this year! I probably already mentioned it, but the wife and I are going to put the kids in our packs this year and hunt antelope in NM together. It's a shame to say it, but this is the first time in my life that I've drawn an antelope tag. After that, headed south to bow hunt elk with an old pal from work. After that, back across the country to WA. I'm hoping to hunt the high country of WA with an older friend. After getting rained on for an entire weekend recently on the west side, I'm seriously contemplating making the drive to the east side of the range and taking advantage of the rain shadow for the Fall.
I grew up backpacking and feel very content and at home in the backcountry. My kiddos are a little young yet to be out there with me, but we'll get there someday-and I can't wait! I've been very fortunate that my job has afforded me some nice gear. It's quite a contrast to when I was young and dumb and full of ..., well you know. I had some close calls in the high country because I thought I could tough through anything-even being ill prepared. I was mistaken and it almost cost me dearly repeatedly. I guess that's my lead in for having the right gear for being out there and using some common sense. Mistakes up high will kill you. You can't head to the truck to dry off and warm up or drive to the ER if you cut yourself dressing out your bull. Your set up, or "kit", doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to work for you. A lot of my gear came from the thrift store when I was younger. There are some great buys on used stuff. Tents, backpacks, stoves, and etc are a lot like hiking boots. If it fits right, get it. Guys wearing "Brand X" because it's cool or Gucci, but ill-fitting, will really be regretting their choice on day three of an eight day backcountry hunt. A label is nothing more than a piece of fabric stitched to the item you use. If it works for your application, then go for it. Believe me, you're going to have it for a long time. I'm still using a down sleeping bag I inherited when I was eight! The old sayings "Beware of the guy with one rifle, as he probably knows how to use it" and "KISS" apply here. Know how to use your kit. The super bling GPS you just got is no good if you don't know how to use it or the batteries fail from being old, the cold, or it lost signal from the blizzard that just swallowed you up. Murphy's law will get you every time. A map, compass, and the smarts to use them go a long way out there. At work, what we have to carry on our person is heavy stuff. There's absolutely no room for extra weight. Every trip or mission is different so we're constantly refining as we go. Boil your kit down to what you need and what you don't because humping extra gear sucks. Ounces add up to pounds! I guess my final plug is to have a way out. There's a nice product out there called "SPOT" that will send up a help signal if you find yourself in a real pickle. You buy the thing, then pay an annual fee for its service. It gives me and the wife piece of mind when we're out and about and even allows me to send her an "I'm okay" message daily if I'm out hunting by myself. If I fill out, I'll send a few in short sequence and that means that I killed and will be home.....eventually. Anyway, get out there, have fun this summer and get ready for Fall!
Take Care,
Joe
Oh yeah, thanks to everyone for the great photos of hunting the backcountry and to Guy for getting this started!
I did some backpacking in my youth, Scouts and school stuff, but never combined hunting with backpacking.
This year I told my hunting partner that I was going to switch packs and use my internal frame pack as my hunting pack and that he should be prepared to bivvy wherever we find ourselves. I'll make a basecamp with the horsetrailer but the country I hunt in compares to Indian Country in the 1800's. In short, you don't want to be walking around after dark out there. Too much of a chance of bumping in to a group of dope smugglers, two legged coyotes, or groups of illegals. The bad thing is, if it's dope, they carry guns and have night vision. Also, there are groups, both Mexican and American, bandits that prey on the illegals and dope smugglers. I'm looking to bivvy, but run a cold camp, like my ancestors did during the Indian wars, and lay real low with one of us on watch while the other sleeps.
Might be crazy, not medically confirmed yet, but definitely maladjusted and too coues crazy to care. :grin:
This year I told my hunting partner that I was going to switch packs and use my internal frame pack as my hunting pack and that he should be prepared to bivvy wherever we find ourselves. I'll make a basecamp with the horsetrailer but the country I hunt in compares to Indian Country in the 1800's. In short, you don't want to be walking around after dark out there. Too much of a chance of bumping in to a group of dope smugglers, two legged coyotes, or groups of illegals. The bad thing is, if it's dope, they carry guns and have night vision. Also, there are groups, both Mexican and American, bandits that prey on the illegals and dope smugglers. I'm looking to bivvy, but run a cold camp, like my ancestors did during the Indian wars, and lay real low with one of us on watch while the other sleeps.
Might be crazy, not medically confirmed yet, but definitely maladjusted and too coues crazy to care. :grin:
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,505
- 6,517
And what a situation when a citizen is not safe in his own nation. Secure the cotton picking borders, politicians. Stay safe, Vince. Pulling for you to have every success in your hunt this year.
Down in the Huachucas I'm guessing? 35 or 36? My buddy was supposed to put in our joint app for Dec. Coues but he missed the deadline. I'm a little irritated to say the least. Was supposed to get a loyalty point next year but I guess I'll have to wait another five for it :evil: :x
