solo hunt question

ck

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I've posted several questions from trying to find a guide, questions regarding the Grey's, etc. I'm still trying to narrow it down and make a decision on a hunt this year. Just looking for something somewhat affordable.

I'm now considering a solo hunt in Western Colorado. Nevermind the unit, but would you all advise or advise against a hunt by myself in Western Colorado? I'm looking at the 2nd rifle deer season. I was a little concerned about me getting off somewhere and getting in a bind with my truck with possible snow, rain = wet and slick roads. I've got a 4x4 Chevy, but that's it. I know I need chains and shovels, but when I start thinking of all this it makes me hesitant to do it by myself. Your thoughts?
 
Get a satilite phone or one of those Spot devices and go for it! Just be careful & don't take any unnecessary risks!

nnl.gif

GO HEELS!
 
from what I've seen everywhere you go you'll have company. not as bad as Utah general but you'll have a hard time getting somewhere that doesn't have people.
 
I've been to western Colo by myself on non-resident muley hunts close to a dozen times and haven't had any problems. For solo hunts though i try to avoid the highest roughest country and usually hike and hunt from my camper rig each day. Still, things can get hairy and a guy needs to pay attention to his footing and conditioning.

The nice things about going solo, nobody to start whining that the country is no good, i gotta get home see/miss the wife, girlfriend,... get back to work, why don't we hunt over there, this is costing too much money,... it's just you, the beautiful country, and your dream buck, whatever that may be. He's there! Just takes a fair amount of work, some good skills, and a few handfuls of luck thrown in :)

A good hunting partner that shares your likes and dislikes, similar values and can go as long as you want to stay, is a blessing and tough to come by. I'd rather go by myself though than hunt with guys like those mentioned above.

Joey
 
Your biggest concern with Colorado, if you hunt the high country, is altitude sickness. Even a mild case creates anxiety, headaches and a feeling of being totally worn-out. I've had it once and just crawling to your sleeping bag is tough, never mind heating some water for a hot meal and hot drink. Acclimating to the elevations above 11,500 feet usually involves some degree of altitude sickness. I have yet to go above 11,000 feet and not feel, to some degree, the symptoms; no matter how many days I stay at 8,000-9,500 feet. The symptoms usually subside after a day. It's much tougher when you are by yourself and have no one to help you. The same applies to hypothermia. Once you have it, you probably will not be able to think clearly enough to help yourself.
Not trying to scare you, but these are the two things that concern me when I go by myself.

Cody

www.cqheinbaugh.com
 
I have hunted alone. When I do this I try and watch were I go and what kind of situations I get myself into. If I go alone I do take a cell phone GPS and prepare for unexpected things such as weather or having to stay longer than expected. If I am alone I don't venture to far of from raod, trails or land marks I am not familiar with. The last Elk I shot I lucked out and came across a guy who offered some assistance. This was much app. I later gave him his choice of the meat. Jason
 
I get yelled at by my wife and co-workers for hunting alone ever year. I ask for volunteers to go with, but no takers! They ask why I don't take someone with me and I say "they wouldn't be able to keep up". I hunt at my pace, go as I go, and try and find the biggest whatever to hunt. Is it safe? Not really! All it would take is get hurt and things will change quickly. I recommend to get in shape the best you can and know your limits to what you can do. If your after an elk, remember, its heavy and you have to get it out, so know where your hunting (ie. terrain) and what you have to bring to get it out. I have a GPS and a SPOT which I carry on any hunt. I also tell my wife exactly where I'll be and when I'm suppose to get home. I also put a note on my truck for when I'll be back. I backpack or hunt from my truck, depending on species. Make sure you have chains/come-along/jackman/50-100 feet of high strength rope(to pull you out) and a chainsaw. My last solo trip to Colorado I didn't take the last and after a snow storm, trees fell on the road. (You have to watch the weather report and hunt depending on what the weather will be. If its raining and the road get slick, stay low, if sunny and dry go high). I had to wait til someone cut them up. Was quite lucky someone was hunting in my area. I don't try and camp close to other hunters, I give them room, but try to camp in the vacinity of other hunters, just in case. I would recommend hunting alone. After years of doing it, I can only last 4-5 days alone before it drives me crazy. Make sure you take a tripod and a camera for that one in a lifetime photo. Good luck and post the photo's.
 
Whoever said it was a road hunt??? Yeah, I mean, I'll use the truck to get me as close as I can....you gotta get to the unit and around in the unit somehow. I guess Bambistew parks at the border of the unit he's hunting and hikes in the rest of the hunt.

LMFAO - good one Bambistew...
 
I hunt the Greys alone as often as I can. It's lonesome up there, but I prefer it to having company. I like to be able to do my thing without having to adjust to someone elses schedule. If I see a deer two canyons over I just load my pack and go for it. If I have a partner I have to wait till I meet up with him and tell him where I want to go.
 
I backpack hunted solo the West Elk Wilderness for 8 archery seasons. I loved every second of it. I was single and younger then but I still prefere to hunt alone. The only exception is for a late season meat hunt. With the intro of tools like Sat phone or Spot I don't see why anyone should not go alone if they feel good about their abilities.

Bean
 
I don't mind hunting solo and have many times. One time I went for 10 days and never seen another sole. That does get a little boring at times. Don't have to worry about no one but yourself!
 

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