Where do you stay when you hunt & fish?

[Oldtrader3]

Fotis, I had a Ford that was pretty similar to that one. It was a 1969, F-250, long bed with a 360 CID V-8. I paid just under $2000 cash for it, new, at a dealer! Grill was slightly different but similar and same period.

 

[SJB358]

Fotis, I had a Ford that was pretty similar to that one. It was a 1969, F-250, long bed with a 360 CID V-8. I paid just under $2000 cash for it, new, at a dealer! Grill was slightly different but similar and same period.

Man, that would have been a tank! Chances are it is still driving if it wasn't wrecked or eaten alive by salt... I have a 78 F250 and put a 460 in it. Man, it was a great truck. Just thirsty!

 

[bullet]

Depends, here is the last place I stayed in Tennessee last year, and the hunt in Arizona before that.

Hunt in Arizona some in the motor home and once on the ground to extremes :mrgreen:

Just before I set up

 

[onesonek]

Depends on a whole host of things Guy,,,,then the where can be "all of the above" type of answer, from cabins to bivy sack, to wickiups. Example,, when still/track hunting, I carry a light bag and bivy sack, with an emergency blanket or two, 6'x8' 6-8mil clear poly, and 2-3 sq.' of heavy weight aluminum foil. All adds up to very miminal weight in one pack roll below my other necessity/day pack, carrying some food clothing layers, paracord, flashlight, fire starter, etc.. If weather turns ugly or I cant make it back to base. A simple wickiup partially lined with the emergency blanket, and the poly for a door, I can turn it from 0 to 50-60 degrees inside
Great pic's!

 

[Africa Huntress]

Guy

Since most of our hunting is done in connection with our business travels we unfortunately, hardly ever get to hunt from home.

We have stayed in Yurts, Tents, Chalets, Igloo, RV, Mud and straw huts, caves. wagons, and Lodges of all sizes

Most unusual for us or at least the ones the family seems to talk about the most

Tree house in the Brazilian rain forest, Horse drawn Gypsy wagon in Australia, and staying as a guest of an African tribe in their homes/camps. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons this is becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

The lodges at Victoria falls in Africa, and the VERY large old estate homes in Argentina that are nestled up against the Andes, are some of the most storied. And for a week or so it is actually fun to "Dress" for dinner and then set on the veranda with a scotch and cigar after a day in the field.

Some of the best nights have been in nothing but a bed roll with the stars as your roof. As long as your in the field hunting, it is all good.

 

[SJB358]

Depends on a whole host of things Guy,,,,then the where can be "all of the above" type of answer, from cabins to bivy sack, to wickiups. Example,, when still/track hunting, I carry a light bag and bivy sack, with an emergency blanket or two, 6'x8' 6-8mil clear poly, and 2-3 sq.' of heavy weight aluminum foil. All adds up to very miminal weight in one pack roll below my other necessity/day pack, carrying some food clothing layers, paracord, flashlight, fire starter, etc.. If weather turns ugly or I cant make it back to base. A simple wickiup partially lined with the emergency blanket, and the poly for a door, I can turn it from 0 to 50-60 degrees inside
Great pic's!

Dave, I would love to see a picture of this set up, if only in your yard. That sounds like a great shelter. Great idea.. I like it!

 

[onesonek]

I wish I could Scotty, just don't have the natural materials here in my back yard. Maybe I can, out at my oldest son's acreage sometime soon,,,,but for now I will try and give a fairly accurate description.
As some might know, a wickiup is a somewhat dome or teepee type structure. Likewise a simple leanto will suffice. I have used both with deadfalls and pinebows. The point is to have some exposed side, for the poly door. Clear or opaque poly tarps work too and can be easier due to grommets installed, but are heavier and bulkier.
With the emergency/survival type blankets, one wants to lash them inside the temporary structure which works as a reflector, directing radiant heat back down on the occupant(s).
The poly is lashed to the open side, to let radiant heat from the fire in. Trick here is, keeping the fire close, but not so close enough to melt the poly. Now that's where the alum. foil comes in, but is not a 100% necessary,,,just more efficient use of heat scource. One can use a wood/rock reflector as well. I actually do, and just face it with the foil for the efficiency.. The idea or rather principle of it is reflect heat from the fire, in to the shelter. In which again the blanket keeps bouncing the heat around inside, trapped by the poly door. Actually you can get it a lot warmer inside than I previously stated. Just depends on how air tight, one wishes to make it and how big the fire is. But I find comfort can be made in just about any tempe rature conditions. Even if one does not have a sleepng bag. And they can be fairly water tight enough as well. One can carry a silver tarp along with a clear tarp to accomplish the same thing. They just tend to be more bulky, and weigh more as well. One could use a modified "Whelen" tent also.
I still am considering making one of Whelen's with light weight Ripstop, and the "space blanket" laminated to it, with a rollup fire retardant clear poly door. Now I may have some of you scratching your head somewhat,,,,,One can google Wickiup and Whelen Tent or Whelen Leanto and get a better idea.
But I still need to teach my youngest this technique, so I will try and get it done with some pic's as soon as I can.
On the more open terrain, it presents some challenges with raw materials. So a ready made lightweight survival structure would be handy, that slung between 2 trees or some sort a 2 pole system would be the ticket in my mind.

 

[Guy Miner]

"As long as your in the field hunting, it is all good."

Absolutely! I completely agree. There are many different ways to hunt, and I was hoping everyone would contribute their photos and/or descriptions of their camp, lodge or cabin.

Very cool everyone. Very!

Probably my lightest "camp" - just a gore-tex bivvy over my old down mummy bag. It's good until the rain gets real bad. Adding just a tarp overhead to shed the rain, and a small campfire makes a huge difference, and I can stay very comfortable, even without a real tent.

Showed the Boy Scouts how to build a snow shelter one winter. They all watched me bed down, alone, in my sleeping bag in the shelter I'd dug. They they headed back up to the lodge, heated by a great stone fireplace.

I slept well, and in the morning heard many footsteps headed my way, and small voices. One asked "Do you think he's still alive?" :grin: I about cracked up! Had been working 12 hour night shifts for a while then and had relished the sound sleep I'd had that night in my self-dug icy tomb!

Thanks all, and I hope more will toss in their camp photos. Often for me the camping experience, spending good times with family and friends, and just being in the great outdoors far outweighs the actual taking of game.

Guy

 

[onesonek]

Missed this yesterday :roll:

Guy

Since most of our hunting is done in connection with our business travels we unfortunately, hardly ever get to hunt from home.

We have stayed in Yurts, Tents, Chalets, Igloo, RV, Mud and straw huts, caves. wagons, and Lodges of all sizes

Most unusual for us or at least the ones the family seems to talk about the most

Tree house in the Brazilian rain forest, Horse drawn Gypsy wagon in Australia, and staying as a guest of an African tribe in their homes/camps. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons this is becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

The lodges at Victoria falls in Africa, and the VERY large old estate homes in Argentina that are nestled up against the Andes, are some of the most storied. And for a week or so it is actually fun to "Dress" for dinner and then set on the veranda with a scotch and cigar after a day in the field.
All the above sounds like great times AH. All and any works for me, and I can only appreciate your experience's abroad! You joined while I was a bit disposed, and I don't back track the post as much as I should. With that and the above I feel the need to go back and read your other post! Thanks for sharing any and all!!

Some of the best nights have been in nothing but a bed roll with the stars as your roof. As long as your in the field hunting, it is all good.
Indeed!!!

Oh,,,and a belated Welcome to the Nosler Forum family!!!!

 

[bullet]

Yes, I forgot to welcome you also to the forum WELCOME :mrgreen: GLAD YOU ARE POSTING HERE.

 

[Guest]

"As long as your in the field hunting, it is all good."

Absolutely! I completely agree. There are many different ways to hunt, and I was hoping everyone would contribute their photos and/or descriptions of their camp, lodge or cabin.

Thanks all, and I hope more will toss in their camp photos. Often for me the camping experience, spending good times with family and friends, and just being in the great outdoors far outweighs the actual taking of game.

Guy

Guy, I was discussing this post with my hunting buddy, and you've pushed us over the edge. This fall we're going to find a weekend and backpack into our lease, find a good spot for a little campsite, and not come back out until Sunday. It should be fun. I'll try to remember to post some pics when it happens. Packing in will be pretty easy, as it's just 360ac, but what we're thinking is packing down off the bluffs and finding a spot on the first bench to camp, and then hunt down to the second or third bench off the bluffs of the mountain top. Usually there's just not enough time to get off down that far for a day hunt. Hiking down on a Friday afternoon, dumping our stuff and hunting a bit along the first bench, will give us enough of a head start to getting down to the second bench that we can make a good morning hunt in some of the thickest parts of the lease, down near where we suspect the wily bucks spend their time bedding and hiding out. Thanks for the motivation!

 

[onesonek]

"Probably my lightest "camp" - just a gore-tex bivvy over my old down mummy bag. It's good until the rain gets real bad. Adding just a tarp overhead to shed the rain, and a small campfire makes a huge difference, and I can stay very comfortable, even without a real tent. "

Yeah Guy, I agree.
I have and been using a mil-spec ECW sleeping bag system (total is 9 or 10 lbs). Being heavy, seldom do I take it along on the intended day hunts away from base camp. (more often than not, I do plan on spending a night away from base). But the inner patrol bag with the Gore Bivy is more weight tolerant, and will suffice for all but the worst. And so, the few extras I carry with it, can turn it into more pleasurable night if needed. But also agreed, one of those inexpensive poly tarps are light enough in weight, but worth their weight in gold. They can be rigged up different ways and quickly,,,all one really needs is a 6x6 or 6x8 footer imo.

 

[onesonek]

My pack partially loaded, with the exception of the sleeping bag lashed to the bottom.
And with the prototype pistol scabbard.

 

[alaska100]

Guy

Since most of our hunting is done in connection with our business travels we unfortunately, hardly ever get to hunt from home.

We have stayed in Yurts, Tents, Chalets, Igloo, RV, Mud and straw huts, caves. wagons, and Lodges of all sizes

Most unusual for us or at least the ones the family seems to talk about the most

Tree house in the Brazilian rain forest, Horse drawn Gypsy wagon in Australia, and staying as a guest of an African tribe in their homes/camps. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons this is becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

The lodges at Victoria falls in Africa, and the VERY large old estate homes in Argentina that are nestled up against the Andes, are some of the most storied. And for a week or so it is actually fun to "Dress" for dinner and then set on the veranda with a scotch and cigar after a day in the field.

Some of the best nights have been in nothing but a bed roll with the stars as your roof. As long as your in the field hunting, it is all good.

My wife has always wanted to go to australia. I showed her your post and she thinks the horse drawn gypsy wagon would be a great family vacation. As did my son and daughter. We were wondering what you hunted in Australia. Also, I know you will get a laugh from this. My wife said she means her husband enjoys a scotch and cigar after hunting. I told her not to be to sure she wasnt speaking for herself LOL

I agree with you and Guy, "as long as your in the field hunting, it is all good" regardless of the type of accomadations

 

[SJB358]

My wife has always wanted to go to australia.

Mine too! I am not sure I would be able to get her back on the plane when it is time to go. I have a bunch of good mates in Perth that sweat the boar, Sambar and other hunting is awesome. Wished I could get over there sooner than later to take them up on it!

Oh, here is a picture of my typical camp in elk country. Hoping I have a better tent this year, but this one has done good work for me as it sits.

This was up in the Frank Church around 2007 I think...

 

[Africa Huntress]

bullet and onesonet, thank you for the welcome

Sean, we only hunted the wild boar, which we also ate for supper They also have water buffalo hunts, but IMHO that is like hunting muskox or maybe a better example is a farmers cow LOL

We prefer hunting New Zealand, as we like the Red Stag and tahr hunts. but New Zealand also has great bird hunting and other big game animals. Great country to hunt.

We invited Guy, Jim, Dr. Mike, Scotty and David to hunt with us in New Zealand but only Dr. Mike was willing to go. Everybody else had some excuse, too far to travel just to hunt, did not want to hunt with a woman, one went so far as to claim he is currently deployed somewhere and cant get away. LOL

 

[DrMike]

Aleena,

I don't recall that invitation. :shock: I must have been out in the bush that day. I'll get my passport in order. :mrgreen: As for anyone on deployment, well, we wouldn't want to distract such a person.

 

[onesonek]

You are very welcome Aleena,,call me Dave if you wish.
And invited or not, hunting with a women wouldn't bother me in the least.
Last one was very talented at skinning moose, and an excellent shot and hunter,,,err, huntress herself!
Unfortunately,the wallet ain't up to it,, Dang!!! Sounds like a great place down in NZ.. Only bad part, I kno they don't allow my desire to hunt with a pistol there.

 

[IdahoCTD]

You can actually hunt NZ without a guide/outfitter and there aren't really seasons for most things besides birds. Red stag is open year around as are pigs, whitetail, fallow, and goats with no limit and no license (I did some checking into it a few years back). There are some drawings for elk and tahr I believe. I'd love to go and do a do it yourself hunt. They have tons of public ground. Your probably not going to shoot a red stag like you see on TV but the trip would be more fun for me to do it on my own or with friends. Maybe we should do some research and put together a do it yourself Nosler reloading hunt in NZ.

 

[Africa Huntress]

IdahoCTD

Earle ( whelen 35 on this forum ) was a guide in New Zealand and could probably give you fellows a hand in planning a trip like you purpose.

New Zealand is a beautiful country and a country that is easy to hunt in. Like everything else in life there is sometimes a downfall to --easy. I am not making a judgement here but just explaining that the ease in which the red deer can be hunted has increased the chances of one getting anything but a spike on public land. The red deer you see advertised by the outfitters are usually and mostly on private land of some sort. Nothing is 100%, so it is always possible to do well on public land and like you say the hunt would be fun regardless.

If you go I recommend Nov or Dec or during the roar in April.

Just food for thought. If we were to go on a hunt today and our goal was a trophy Red Deer we would go to Argentina. they also have a ton of other big game that can be hunted and if any of you are bird hunters, it just does not get any better than Argentina for bird hunting.

However they do speak English in New Zealand---sort of LOL