Whats Your Favorite Gun for Backpack hunting

[huntswithhounds]

If you were or have spent a week hiking/ hunting in the woods what gun would you bring or have brought. Shotgun, .22, over under combo shotgun/rifle, or just a plain old .30-06?

What's the most versatile for different types of game?

Personally I'm torn between a 12 gauge, shells and slugs; or a .22 rifle for size and weight. With the .22 I might as well leave the bear tags behind but I could still take down a small pig or turkey with a clean placed shot.

Anyone have any cool stories?

[tanner68]

A 22 rifle would be my first choice. In general, hunting small game is a more reliable proposition. And a 22 rifle is fine for personal defense. I like the idea of carrying a shotgun in the backcountry, but a decent ammo selection is too heavy. Especially considering I will probably wind up coming home with most of it.

[westcoastr]

Although I don't own one, I'd prolly say a single shot (i.e. ultralight) 12 gauge if the bird/big-game seasons were over-lapping. But if you are planning on a week out there, what are you going to do if you bag something, leave it rot in camp? Outside of a small bird, you couldn't eat it fast enough.

Since I mostly only backpack hunt for big game its my kimber montana 308, 5lb 2 oz w/o scope. love it. since a rifle is awkward to carry and drag thru brush each lb saved seems like 5.

[tanner68]

The times I have carried a 12 gauge for backpacking, it has been a single shot too. I think the OP needs to be more specific. Is this a hiking trip and potting meet is incidental, or this a hunting trip?

[EvBouret]

If I was hiking and planned on some supplemental meat I would bring a 22. Can carry plenty shots with you, and you're not going to want to shoot anything larger than you can eat in 2 days or so. You'll be shooting small gamebirds and squirrels. So that knocks pigs, deer and like sized animals out of the picture. Yet a 22 will still kill a small <50lb pig with stingers.


Check to see whats legal to shoot birds and large game with where you live.

[huntswithhounds]

Originally Posted by tanner68

The times I have carried a 12 gauge for backpacking, it has been a single shot too. I think the OP needs to be more specific. Is this a hiking trip and potting meet is incidental, or this a hunting trip?

While I'm an avid backpacker and climber, this will be my first time backpack hunting. I'm planning on going into Mendocino Forrest in hopes of pig or bear, but really I just want to take my hound and get away from it all. If I get something, great! If not, my hound and I will have some awesome pictures. The plan is to not be more than a two days hike from the vehicle or camp. I'll be scoping out each area for 2 days then relocating the vehicle/ camp if no signs of walking meat packages are available. I'll also be bringing my modified crosman 2240 for small game/camp meat.

I just don't want to miss a good opportunity and have the wrong firearm. Although.... if I took down a bear with a knife, I do believe that allows me to become a member of the Colbert Nation

[tanner68]

Well if that is the case, then best to bring your bear/pig rifle. If you got more than one, let us know.

[acousticmood]

I just enjoy my .22 more than any other rifle I own. Course I wouldn't expect to run into bears or a large moose!

[dglover]

Well if you are hunting pigs and bear then bring the 30-06 by all means.

It is probably one of the most versatile rounds out there when selecting bullet grains and powder charges.