Where Are You From & Where Do You Backpack Hunt?

[spectr17]

How about some introductions?

Where are you from and where do you backpack hunt?

Do you use a bow or Rifle? What kind?

Who taught you if anybody to backpack hunt and when did you first go backpack hunting?

What is your dream backpack hunt?

I'm from southern California and started backpack hunting 1980 in California in D14, the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Dream hunt would be a backpack hunt in AK or New Zealand

[snoopdogg]

Started in '98 in the Trinity Alps. Self taught. Use a PSE bow and a Rem 700 in 30.06. I've used everything from a $5 aluminun frame pack from a garage sale, to a $250 Wolf Creek pack. They all work, some better than others. I chase blacktails and blackies and you cannot beat the scenery with or without connecting on an animal.

Dream hunt, Wilderness hunt for goats or sheep in Wyoming/Montana etc...

[BOWUNTR]

I started as a backpacker in the late 70's when I was in the Boyscouts. Been on many trips with my family and friends, mostly So Cal mts and the Sierras. It wasn't until I started hunting in 1986 that I incorporated the two. I have never looked back and my most rewarding hunts have been backpack hunts. I rarely just go backpacking anymore. It's either scouting or hunting!!!

Many people have taught me what I know. Cameron Hanes drives me with his articles and intensity!! Always learning and over a thousand times I've said to myself, "I have all the right equipment and don't need anything else". I'm looking for a zero degree ultralight/roomy bag right now!! Arizona is cold in January

My dream hunt WILL be a sheep/goat hunt!!! Come on Colorado!!

I did two horse pack hunts this year where we bivy hunted from our camp. New type of adventure that I will do more of in the future. Extends your range, more luxury in base camp and most importantly, you are fresh when you get to the hunting area. I wouldn't hunt elk in the backcountry without horses.

Oh yeah, I only hunt with a bow. Ed F

[SierraFool]

Hello everyone... I'll do my best to Moderate this forum.
I know that there are alot of hardcore backpack hunters here at JHO and in no way do I claim that I know everything.

I usually do at least 2-3 long backpack hunts per year. I'm self taught and usually only hunt with a bow. I'm not apposed to rifle hunting but just addicted to chasing Mulies in velvet.
I usually try to draw an X zone and/or an AO ,A-31 tag every year.
I have backpack hunted in California eastern sierras, Northern Nevada and Arizona
I plan on this year Backpack hunting in Nevada,California,Wyoming,Utah, Colorado and Arizona...All which are draw dependant

"I have had alot of miserable times to far in to walk out and go home"
but it always ends up as memorable life experience, I constantly question myself in the backcountry and sometimes swear that it will be my last year.

[easymoney]

Hello to all, and a big thanks to Jesse for getting this forum started.
I am a CA native and I have been backpacking since my teen years. I started out packing along the Eastern Sierras and like to try out new spots every year.
I mainly bowhunt and put in for as many premium tags as I can, which like most people don't get drawn for. So I usually have an out of state OTC bow tag as a back up. I have used most all types of external frame packs from the military surplus alice to a kelty freighter. I now try to go as lightweight as possible, weather permiting. I love the freedom that this type of hunting allows and the fact you see far fewer people and more game the further you get away from the trailheads.

[One Track]

I never did any backpacking until my first backpack hunt in the Trinity Alps. I read Cameron Hanes book, and that was my bible. I was solo in the wilderness for six days. It was scary, as it was my first time in bear country. I was trippin. But, when it was all over, it was definitely the most outstanding adventure I have experienced. I tagged a big bear. Thankfully, I had arranged for a muleskinner to pack me out. That was the smartest thing I can remember doing lately. I had about 200 lbs of meat and cape, and it would have killed me being 15 miles in.

My only other backpack hunt was A20 this past year. That was a four nighter, only about 3 miles from the road. But, it kept us in the game. I can't think of a more fulfilling way to hunt. Can't wait for another.

Sounds like a sheep/goat hunt is the ultimate. So, that's my dream.

[Bevyhunter]

I've never backpack hunted. I turned 50 yrs old in nov of 2005 and have maid my mind up to do as much hunting and fishing as possible while I physicially can. Backpack hunting sounds like alot of fun.Would like to go with someone who is experinced.

[jrobbd7]

Auberry, Ca. Central sierra foothills, bout 2300` elev, D7. 41 yrs old. Rifle hunting since 2000, Bow hunter since 05`. Backpack hunter this year. Great forum Hope to learn alot of good info from the experts.
winchester mod 70
PSE Dakota

[FresnoHunter]

jrobb , I live in Fresno and also go up into d7 for the hunting. There are a few JHO members living in Fresno, jackrabbit, family tradition and some others I havent met. Next time we have a hooters round up you have to go.

[ooja]

The pack is my backup. I try to get deer close to the road during rifle season, and since I found a decent area I have not failed to tag out on opening day (nothing ever big, but I am not a proud guy). However, I backpack hunt when I bowhunt, because I know some areas that are just crawling with game, but too far back to do for a day, so when I go with a stick and string I backpack hunt. Oh yeah, this is in San Diego.

My ultimate backpack hunt is any one where I kill my prey on the way back, and early, so I don't have to haul it too far...lol.

I have been backpacking off and on since I was 14. I am 35. All in California, mostly in Yosemite. I only started backpack hunting about 4 years ago, and I finally think I have the hang of it. There sure is a lot more to it when you add hunting to a backpack trip.

Great forum.

[Aden]

I'm from Alberta and do most of my backpack hunting during the archery elk season in Southern Alberta about 50 miles north of the Montana border. I've got a sweet deal going with a ranching coop that owns 53,000 acres. I have access to it all but foot access only. It's real dry belt down there and the quads tear the crap out of the grasslands which are prone to wind erosion and don't recover quickly. Works out good for me though. Lots of room to walk and no one messing up my stalks.

[2rocky]

I did my first overnight backpack hunt last year,solo. during bow season in the Yolla Bolly wilderness I've always been a horseback huntin' kind of guy. I blew a stalk on that hunt, but I was really fired up that I did it and survived the experience.

My gear inclkudes a Crooked horn Extreme internal frame pack, a Trekker Bag, and a cabelas one man Bivy tent. My pack weighs 48 pounds for 4 days. I hunt with a Hoyt Ultra Sport or a Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag.

My ultimate hunt would be a Bugling season Elk hunt in a wilderness in WY, OR ID,NM or AZ.

[jerkee]

I'm from the Eastern Sierra's. Started backpacking as a Boy Scout in the early 80's but didn't officially begin to backpack hunt until a couple of years ago. I started doing it out of necessity because I ABSOLUTELY hate to hunt where there are tons of people, pressure, distractions, etc. It got real old hiking at 3am each morning just to get where I wanted to be during shooting light then to hike back, and then to do it all over again each day.

Prefer to pack a bow but I'll hunt with any weapon just to be out in the field.

[AgentP]

I grew up in upstate NY and my family was always active outdoors, although my dad didn't hunt. We did a lot of car and light backpack camping trips. I didn't start backpack hunting till 1995 in California where I had moved to. Still not super hardcore but getting back in 5 or so miles in Northern Calif., mostly the Yolla Bolly and not to successful (I have never had much time to devote to hunting as I started my family at about the same time).

I used to backpack hunt alone, but after a recent episode of misplacing myself I am not allowed to go backpacking alone anymore. That and an even more recent relocation to Southern Calif. have left me out of the game for the last 2 years.

If anybody wants a partner for moderate (NOT hardcore) backpack hunting based out of the LA area (I'm near Pasadena) let me know.

[smhuntley]

Howdy all, new guy here. I just relocated back to SoCal after living in CO the last 8 years or so. I'm living in San Diego, but I split my time between SD and a place we have in Silverthorne, CO. Growing up in SoCal with nobody I knew that hunted didn't provide for much of an opportunity for doing any kind of hunting during my first stint here. I started when I moved to CO and have been doing it religiously since, with the exception of this last season's hunt which was cancelled due to my move. I guess a late start at hunting is better than none at all. I learned to hunt by joining some buddies who had hunted since they were kids and then going out and doing it on my own. As for backpack hunting, I just kinda figured that out based on my previous backpacking experience. I'm still learning stuff though. I don't think you should ever stop.

I've hunted elk, mule deer, antelope, and upland birds in CO and WY when I was in CO full-time. My definite favorite has to be elk though. It took me 2 seasons of hunting before I bagged my first one, a bull. I've been backpacking for almost 30 years, since I was a kid in the boy scouts, and I've used and accumulated a lot of gear as a result. I backpack hunted for elk in the CO Rockies one rifle season in late October and that made for a large, heavy pack once it was loaded up with all the "sniffle gear".

My preferred elk meatgitter is a Savage 111FC in 7mm Rem Mag. I've been thinking about getting geared up for bow-hunting but haven't gotten around to it yet. I don't hold out much hope for elk hunting here in CA and I'll probably just continue to go back to CO for that. That's where I'm going this year. I wouldn't mind hunting mulies in SoCal though.

Cheers,
Scott

[Hawk 1]

Howdy,

I am from Roseville and have been backpacking since the late 70's. The majority of my trips are in the Trinity Alps, Marble Mts. and Snow Mt. While I began using only rifle ( current rifle, Weatherby Ultra Lightweight in 308) to take blacktail and Mule deer, I am going to start this year seeing if I can be sucessfull with a bow. My best backpack hunts have been in Nevada in the Arc Dome Wilderness with my goal being to get away from the other hunters while remaining in good hunting areas. This often requires tough cross country travel at high elevations however the physical aspects of the challenge are a reward in themselves. I have been off and on this site for a number of years and look forward to the sharing of stories and tips.

Thanks,

Hawk1

[Nic Barca]

I am from Hawaii. Started out backpacking into a bow hunting area near home. The trail runs 12 miles into a rugged coastal area and is the only way in other than boat. We set up base camp at a shelter along the main trail half way in and hunted the remaining 6 miles from there. Went for feral goats mostly but pigs were there too. Possible that blacktailed deer are traversing down the slopes of the valley in the picture but I never seen any yet. Here's a picture of the place:

[attachment=30295:attachment]

Thants the last 2 miles.

Done a little and hope to do more around the Makaleha Mountain area on eastern Kauai. Strait up initial climb to the top of a plateu like mountain with hills, streams, and bogs on the top. Loaded with goats and pigs but usually covered in clouds. Been doing some long day hikes on the Big Island but haven't camped yet. Maybe later.

[garsrene]

Hi guys,

I'm from France (originaly) and moved back in southern California with my wife in september 2005.
Over there I did a lot of backpacking hunting (only with the bow) in the French Alps for wild goat and wild boar ( population are explosing cause not enough hunters!!!!)
I only use my 70 pounds Black Widow

Waiting to meet someone able to show me some nice place to go hunting in D 15 D 16 zone

[THE ROMAN ARCHER]

welcome to the forum sebastien, great to hear your a traditional bowhunter .
Ted Nuggent always uses the phrase (YOU CANT HUNT IN FRANCE), i guess thats not true by reading your post

i am sure some jho members will be able to give you some info on those D zones, good luck...........tra

[MattS]

I live in Red Bluff, and usually backpack into the Trinity Alps or Yolla Bolly Wilderness. I enjoy the bow most, but won't hesitate to bring the rifle on later season hunts.

I am continually working on my gear and equipment, to cut weight and go with as quality gear as I can afford (or get permission from the "boss" for).

I am glad to see a backpack hunt forum on here now, nothing else like packing into the wilderness and being self sufficent.

[smhuntley]

QUOTE (sebastien @ Jun 9 2006, 05:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi guys,

I'm from France (originaly) and moved back in southern California with my wife in september 2005.
Over there I did a lot of backpacking hunting (only with the bow) in the French Alps for wild goat and wild boar ( population are explosing cause not enough hunters!!!!)
I only use my 70 pounds Black Widow

Waiting to meet someone able to show me some nice place to go hunting in D 15 D 16 zone[/b]

Yo Sebastien, Scott from San Diego here. It seems we share the same taste in forums.
I'm still up for tramping around the Cleveland National Forest some time if you are.

[Monsterbull]

I'm originally from McCloud (N.Cal) and hunted rifle for many years. Took up the bow about 10 yrs ago when I lived in Illinois to take advantage of the 3 month season. Since returning to Cali, I make a sojourn into the N Cal wilderness for deer/bear, as well as the Oregon wilderness with my bro for elk. Absolutely love hunting with my camp on my back, but it is definitely not for the faint of heart or weak-legged. I've yet to connect with the bow but I'm sure it'll happen this year!

I too use Cam Hanes' books. He just came out with a new one btw, called Backcountry Bowhunting. (Actually, I helped his brother Pete pack his bull out last season). His stuff pretty much covers everything you need to know. Bottom line ---- get in shape!

[socko]

I live along the front range of the Colorado Rockies and have hunted big game so far exclusively in Colorado. This will be my first year backpack hunting, and after my souting trip last week I think I will enjoy the seclusion and adventure of carrying it all on my back as opposed to having a base camp.

My tag this year is for antlerless elk in NW Colorado, in the Routt National Forest. I hunt with a Ruger M77 in 7mm Rem Mag. Have not considered bow hunting, but would enjoy trying black powder. I am primarily trying backpack hunting this year since the unit is typically overrun with blaze. But I think I will enjoy it enough to give up the comforts of base camp.

My dream hunt would be a hunting / fishing trip to AK.

[Billybarou]

I'm new to backpack hunting. Although I've backpacked in So. Cal. and in Utah, I haven't hunted while backpackin', I'm really looking forward to goin over to the Island (Catalina Island) this season to pack hunt and get ready for next year's pack hunt in Utah. using a bow now, taken deer with rifle but really into bows now, no luck this year in Utah with bow but there's a lot of bucks east of Cedar city, just couldn't get close enough.

[el_vaquero]

I am new to bowhunting. Got my first bow (Mathews Switchback) last October and went on a pig hunt in June and Deer hunt this month. So far I am unsuccessful.

I have not gone backpack hunting, but went on a backpack fishing trip this year (Sequioa NF) and last year(Los Padres NF). I am shooting for a backpack hunt next year....maybe A zone or D-11/D-13 depending on conditions. Have not decided if I will take bow or rifle yet. If anyone is interested in something like this, let me know.

[Willy P]

What a great forum. I remember spectr17 from quite a few years ago on a forum other than this one. He gave me a great tip on UTM info and it really helped me out. I used to do some moderator work for AllOutdoors ( dead now from the dot com crash ). I live in Cent. OH and archery, blackpowder, and handgun hunt here. I dearly love to go to Cent. WY and hunt mulies backpack style when I can draw a tag there. Some fellas from the Dayton area got me started going there in the 80's when we could get a tag every year. It is not like that now days. The area has about a 18% draw rate now. I'm interested in seeing what the points system will do for that. I've been lucky enough to retire ( for now ) at 50 so I can hunt and backpack more. I'm planning a scouting trip to "My" mule deer area in WY this summer for about a week with a stop to scout antelope near Douglas, WY on the way back. Draw for them is 100% still .

[timsms]

Hey Guys,

Well, I was born and raised in S. CA., and started backpaking with my Dad in my youth. Mostly jsut weekend stuff, but i really loved it and the time he spent with me. My last yourthful backpack trip was behind Mammoth when i was 16. The local Rec. Dept. sponsored a trip and a friend and i went along. We we in the high country for 5 days, and it was quite a time !! Then i went to college, got married and had kids and we started the beach camping as San Elijo. Started out when the kids were little in a tent, and abou t7 yrs ago moved up to 5th wheel, FULL HOOK UPS..!!! But i started to get the itch for high country hunting about 3 yrs ago, and did my first car camping hunt in x10 2 yrs ago. This year, AFTER reading JHO, i decided to go for it. I drew x9b and headed up to the high country, between 10,000 - 11,000'. I didn't get my deer yet, but i did find the honey hole, and next year plan on going for 4 days instead fo 3 like this year. If anyone is planning on scouting the sierras in the spring, i would love to tag along.

Thanks,

Tim

[timsms]

Hey,

I got carried away and forgot to answer the questions.. hahaha

I hunt with a 30-06 Savage. My dream hunt woudl probalby be in YellowStone ....!!! Remember, this is supposed to be a DREAM...

[Chamokaneric]

Hi Everyone-I'm new to Jesse's page. I only just heard about it recently when an EBJ reader referred to it in a letter to Cameron Hanes. I think it's great. Believe it or not my only backback hunting has been "backcountry" turkey hunting. I hike about 3 miles around the back of a mountain and overnight in some landlocked public land--my own personal little honey hole. I took up bowhunting two seasons ago and last fall I was day hiking into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Central Wash. and got my first elk. Next year I want to go deeper and "live" with the elk. Hope to learn a lot more from those that have done more in the coming months. See yah.

[el_vaquero]

Welcome Chamo......enjoy your stay here at JHO.