Snowshoes?

[ID_Paul]

At this point the thought of buying snowshoes seems laughable since it is over 70 degrees here in southern Idaho and elk season is mostly over.

However, I'll be hunting the late season and hopefully by then there will be a good amount of the white stuff on the ground. The last time I hunted late, the elk had holed up high, and I was struggling through waist deep snow to get to them. I don't want to do that again.

Any suggestions on snowshoes? Especially brands recommended or warned against. I know Tubbs has a good reputation and a price to match. Do you know anything about InStep shoes?

Any other tips are appreciated.

Thanks.
Paul

 

[Idahoelk]

I've tried a brand called Bear Claw and liked them a lot. Don't know if your close to ISU but you could go to their rec center and rent some. They have several brands might be a good place to compare diff. brands.

 

[BCBOY]

I've got tons of expereince on snowshoes, having to wear them on an almost daily basis for 5-6 months a year for work. The thing about the snow in the fall is that there is no base to it. It is normally all powder especially at the higher elevations. Around here snow normally doesn't start to set up until the first couple of weeks of Jan. Snowshoeing doesn't really get any good until then. You sink with the snowshoes on just as much as without them. They can even be more of a hinderance because you get caught up in brush and blowdown and such. I prefer postholing without snowshoes in the fall.
By far the best snowshoes I've used were Sherpa's. They are the strongest and most durable. They really take alot of abuse. But I've had my share of blowouts with them. But I don't think that using them on a causal basis would hurt them. They used to have a lifetime guarentee but that is no longer. I think too many companies took advantage of the fact that they didn't have a industrial clause in the guarentee.
If you do want to use snowshoes for hunting I would suggest going with a cheaper brand. Wooden Bear Paws (small and round)would probably be the best bet. Don't go with long showshoes because you'll have a hell of a time on anything but flat ground.
You should note that snowshoeing requires muscles that normally don't get a good work out. There is a reason why we call them "Misery Sticks".