Hey folks,
I originally posted this on Rokslide, and they suggested reposting here for better information.
I'm a really lucky guy. As a NV resident I drew the first time for a late Bull tag for 111-115 (Nov 21-Dec 4th) and a cow tag for 114 (Oct 1-20th). I was mainly just wanting to build points for the bull and gain experience first, but oh well.
I hunted obsessively in the southeast growing up and have spent the past ten years as a wildland firefighter and rock climbing guide out West, with little hunting time. I've been on a couple horse packing elk hunts with my wife's family out of Utah, old school cowboy style, although I hiked one trip while they rode since a horse got sick and I still wanted to go.
I've got a couple questions and this seems a very informed group/forum.
I'm pretty set on lightweight camping and bivy/ suffering. I love putting up new climbing routes, and often scour the West for new areas, then hump in loads of bolts, drill, fixed ropes..... I've put tons of miles in hiking in the backcountry and suffering for no apparent reason.
My goals for these hunts are to put meat in the freezer, especially with the cow and having it be my wife's first hunt, but try to not waste my opportunity with my bull tag. I'm not looking for a trophy but don't want to shoot a little guy that I'm going to regret later.
1. I'd love any specific area advice. I've got an ok on the ground knowledge from my scouting so far.
2. I've been scouting a good bit with two buddies who are experienced backcountry hunters for the weekends for my bull tag units. I'm trying to rope in a fire guy or two to be available for packing out so I can hunt the weekdays as well. So how do I continue scouting now that the season has started without screwing up people hunting now?
3. Packs - I've got tons, but I'm assuming hunting specific packs focus on strapping the awkward load of boned out meat? Any affordable recommendations? Can you just use a cheap external frame for packing out meat?
4. General advice, things to note on late season hunts, anything that I should keep in mind.
Thanks in advance for the advice,
I originally posted this on Rokslide, and they suggested reposting here for better information.
I'm a really lucky guy. As a NV resident I drew the first time for a late Bull tag for 111-115 (Nov 21-Dec 4th) and a cow tag for 114 (Oct 1-20th). I was mainly just wanting to build points for the bull and gain experience first, but oh well.
I hunted obsessively in the southeast growing up and have spent the past ten years as a wildland firefighter and rock climbing guide out West, with little hunting time. I've been on a couple horse packing elk hunts with my wife's family out of Utah, old school cowboy style, although I hiked one trip while they rode since a horse got sick and I still wanted to go.
I've got a couple questions and this seems a very informed group/forum.
I'm pretty set on lightweight camping and bivy/ suffering. I love putting up new climbing routes, and often scour the West for new areas, then hump in loads of bolts, drill, fixed ropes..... I've put tons of miles in hiking in the backcountry and suffering for no apparent reason.
My goals for these hunts are to put meat in the freezer, especially with the cow and having it be my wife's first hunt, but try to not waste my opportunity with my bull tag. I'm not looking for a trophy but don't want to shoot a little guy that I'm going to regret later.
1. I'd love any specific area advice. I've got an ok on the ground knowledge from my scouting so far.
2. I've been scouting a good bit with two buddies who are experienced backcountry hunters for the weekends for my bull tag units. I'm trying to rope in a fire guy or two to be available for packing out so I can hunt the weekdays as well. So how do I continue scouting now that the season has started without screwing up people hunting now?
3. Packs - I've got tons, but I'm assuming hunting specific packs focus on strapping the awkward load of boned out meat? Any affordable recommendations? Can you just use a cheap external frame for packing out meat?
4. General advice, things to note on late season hunts, anything that I should keep in mind.
Thanks in advance for the advice,