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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wisconsinteacher on July 05, 2010, 07:39:00 PM
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Any tips for camping on the prairie? I plan on going mid August to hunt and camp. I have a small Coleman tent, small grill, camp stove, coolers with blocks of ice covered in blankets, a lawn chair, and a sleeping bag. What else is needed for a comfortable night on the prairie?
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water
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Originally posted by mysticguido:
water
and LOTS of it
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Instead of all blocks of ice, freeze gallon jugs of good quality water. That way, as they thaw, you use it to suppliment your drinking water supply.
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You're gonna need an excellent tolerance for the constant, always blowing, eternal, ever present wind.
When you find a place to buy that, let me know, I need two.
All kidding aside, all your stuff will need to be buttoned down pretty good. Anything that flaps will be worn to a nub or broken smooth-off after two days. We do some hunting and a lot of fishing near Laramie, WY and this is a true lesson to learn. Use every stake and tie-down on the tent, fold all the camp chairs up and stow them away when not in use and put buckle straps or bungies on any tubs/containers without locking lids.
Oh... and take lots of water.
OkKeith
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Have you had your tent in windy conditions? Sometimes it gets pretty breezy and every now and then a thunderstorm can move thru when antelope hunting. A fold up latrine stool is nice, we usually dig a pit and cover it when we leave, but all the openness doesn't allow for much privacy.LOL Ben
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Lots of water as mentioned above and wind repelent.
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Oo oo oo! Where can I buy wind repelent? Does Cabela's sell that, or maybe there are pads to go in the Therema cell?
That's a good one Doug.
OkKeith
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If it's the prairie here in Kansas some kind of chigger repellent .
And water... I use the freeze water in a jug trick and it's pretty handy.
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lots of big bug repelant and water
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On a six day hunt, how many gallons of water should I guy have? I plan on freezing drinking water in jugs. I understand there is wind out there. lol. I guess this is why I am a little nervous about the trip. I have never hunted or camped outside of WI.
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I love camping on the prairie. The nights are beautiful. I like a tent that I can look at the stars with but keeps the bugs away. Be prepared for sudden rains though.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/tlclum/Hunting/P1080361.jpg)
Be sure to keep your tent zipped up, all sorts of bugs and other things can get inside.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/tlclum/Hunting/P1080372.jpg)
It is hard to beat wide open spaces. It's a lot different than WI but you might just love it. I do!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/tlclum/Hunting/P1080356.jpg)
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Matthew,
Six days, I would plan for at least 2 gallons per day for drinking and cooking. Might add another gallon for washing (yourself and the dishes).
I have 2 big blue water jugs with spigots that go everywhere with me. They are each as compact as 5 gallons can get. They are square and pack well. I picked them up at Wal-Mart or someplace like that. They are cheap and work well.
I personally don't care for the collapseable type. They wobble all over the place unless they are completely full and you can't pack/stack anything on top of them.
10 gallons for 6 days would not be over kill by any means. I would take 15 if possible. That way you would have plenty to drink, wash with and keep the dishes clean. Unless you are a strict bottled water kinda guy, all the expense you might be out is the jugs and they can be used for years.
OkKeith
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I use the blue jugs like OkKeith - I think I had 5 of them with us last year. That covered 2 people for 10 days for showers, cooking, etc. Plus we bought about 10 gallon jugs of drinking water at the grocery store. The gallon jugs are a lot cheaper than bottled water by the case - just use them to fill a camelback type bladder.
I used to do the frozen jug thing, but they don't seem to keep things as cold as an exposed block of ice will for some reason. So now I just freeze big pans of water to make block ice and take extra jugs for drinking.
I've been following along with your planning for this trip from the start. I think you are going about it the right way, doing all your research and asking all the right questions.
I can feel the excitement you have for your first out of state hunt. I'm betting you are going to have a heck of a great time! You know of course we'll be waiting for a full report!
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Just a couple suggestions. Sunscreen, odorless if you can find it.
If you don't wear contacts, you may not think to bring eye drops, but it can be a big help to rinse the dust from your eyes.
Bring sturdy tent stakes that don't pull out too easy; can be a big help in the wind, including enough stakes for the tent(s) and blind(s).
Lots of parachute cord to tie or stake down anything you don't want to blow away.
Be sure to bring a small wisk broom to sweep the dust out of your tent. I have camped out in a couple of dust storms where I thought I was going to choke to death. A small, fine-bristle whisk broom is a big help sweeping the dust out.
While it may not be much of an issue where you are planning on hunting or camping, if there is a possibility of rattle snakes, make sure you know in advance where the nearest hospital with antivenin (antidote for snake venom) is located. A GPS can be a big help in providing coordinates to medical emergency personnel. Plus, you may not have cell phone coverage and may need to drive some distance before you can reach 911. It helps to drive in the right direction and not away from the hospital or medical clinic.
If you have not spent much time in a prairie setting, if you drive off road, don't pull off a track and park in tall grass without letting your catalytic converter cool off first. I watched somebody's truck burn two years ago because they stopped and parked on tall grass and started a grass fire. Most ranchers I have spoken with prefer you park on a track/trail/prairie road period. If someone needs to drive around you, they will. A vehicle parked on dry grass is more likely to start a fire than one driving over at 5 to 10 miles per hour.
Also, I suggest bringing a tripod to photograph sunrises, sunsets, and the stars at night. Brush up on low light or night photography if you are not familiar with doing so. You can end up with some amazing photos, including distant or not so distant lightning storms at night.
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Great suggestions bowslinger. One other one I would add is lip balm. The wind and sun can really dry out your lips to the point of cracking.
Here is my prairie camp one year.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyofP1000242.jpg)
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You might want to reconsider the Coleman tent. These are family camping tents at best. They are not good in high wind. The fiberglass poles snap under any good stress. Consider a higher quality tent with aluminum poles - much better.
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That was a great thread Whip and nice set up too. :thumbsup:
Whips's right chap stick and sunscreen. I recommend a extra tarp for some kind of shade or wind block if you can't find any.
What state will you be hunting in??
Tracy
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I am taking notes guys. I hope to be in WY if not, then SD. I will know today. I have a tripod, will get eye drops, and plan on getting some coolers from my dad with lots of ice and water. I will also look for the water jugs. Keep it coming, I need it.
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Prairie rattlers are thick in parts of Wyoming. In August, they will be active. They make nice bow backings!
Yes, the wind will be incessant, and thunderstorms are likely. The smell of sage on the prairie is like perfume, at least to me. The prairie country is wonderful; you should have an enjoyable time if you are prepared.
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(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/P1020676_2.jpg)
Typical Wyoming prairie in August
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I have to echo Hunt Its remarks about the tent. The ordinary family camping type tent is no match for the wind you will likely experience, no matter how well you guy them down. Whip's pyramid style or a tepee style is much more wind resistant than any dome type in my experience.
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I do the exact thing with the frozen gallon milk jugs...
Don't forget bug dope and sun screen..! I've had mosquito's like to eat me alive with the sun beating down on me in 95 degree heat.. Yeah! As fun as it gets....
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m123/JDS3_2006/Nature-Wild%20Places/100_1733.jpg)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m123/JDS3_2006/Nature-Wild%20Places/100_1729.jpg)
John III
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Well, I got my tag today. Zone 19 WY. The more I read, the more I am thinking about sleeping in the bed of the truck on an air bed with the topper windows open if need be. I hope the truck does not blow away. I have a Ford 150 SuperCab so a single bed should fit just right. I ran to town today and got a few things. A nice chair to sit in. I sat in it at the store for 10 minutes to test it out. I also got some brush trimmers to cut grass and brush in the blind. I am really getting pumped up for this. I am planning on taking three blinds. Two to be set out and one as a back up. I have knee pads and leather gloves, spotting scope, binos, camera, and coolers. I need to pick up a solar shower.
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These pictures are making my life very, very difficult. The prairies have a way of getting into your blood. I moved from the prairies of NE Montana 13 years ago, and I have been trying to get back ever since.
Depending on where you pitch your tent, you may need an extra thick/strong ground cloth to prevent the grass from tearing the bottom of your tent.
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Matt, My hunting has been best over water holes and if there is a cut feeding the tank (pond) cut some sage and build yourself a blind in the cut. Practice out to 40 yards if you can.Our last trip to Wyoming we had kill shots from 10 to 40 yards.I didn't want to bad mouth the Coleman tent, but I've seen the Coleman and Ozark tents laying flat in Wyoming winds, made me real proud of my Cabela's EWT tent! Ben
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Wow. Those prairie camp pictures are great! I love it out that way.
Whip- how did you contend with the "creepy crawlies" in that tent without a floor? Yikes.
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Centaur's "typical Wyoming prairie in August" pic sure looks inviting doesn't it? I've been following Wisconsinteacher's plans for this hunting trip too, and it's getting close for him. Keep us posted on this, and best of luck! :campfire: :archer:
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Thanks for the luck, I will need it. I have to shingle two more homes this summer and the trip will be covered plus a little extra incase there is to be a new addition to the wall of fame in the house.
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If you are back in off the gravel on ranch roads and 2 tracks be aware that if you get a big downpour
you could be in trouble, even with 4x4. The prairie top soil turns into a greasy, slippery slime goo "Gumbo" that you would not believe.
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Keep your camera inside a ziplock bag until you use it. Cameras don't like all the dirt and sand getting into the working parts. I failed to think of this on my first antelope hunt, and I could feel the grinding inside the camera whenever I had to advance the film. It's not pretty.
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I just talked to the rancher and said there are three wells that I can camp by so that water is close. If I get an antelope, he has a room where I can process it with hot and cold water also a freezer if I needed to keep the meat cold until I came home. He said it can get cold at night and that there are trees around the ranch to camp next to and to hang an animal if need be, if not there, he said I could use the shed to hang an animal in. I can't wait to meet him and give him some bear sausage, WI beer, and WI cheese. My wife is going to make cookies for him also.
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Others have great advice also
A few things on care of antelope meat. Antelope is different from other animals like deer/elk. Dont hang unless it is cold period. Antelope will go bad in one hour or less in 75+ heat. I am not sure what is different about the meat but you want a good tasting animal. If you have shade hang and skin immediately and cool in cooler if available. IF NOT, quarter your goat up and put in cooler (coleman type) with ice as soon as possible. If you have to to get it to fit bone it out. I have been doing this for years. Here in WY most people dont like the taste of antelope that is because they shoot a goat and gut then drive around looking for another one to fill their tags (mostly gun but some others as well). They usually throw the meat out and keep the horns by the time they get home or to camp. Dont make this mistake antelope is excellant but needs field care immediately. Keep proof of sex if needed for G&F.
Sleeping in back of truck works great I have done that myself. Use tarp off truck for additonal shade if needed. Dont let the wind scare you but a cheap style tent will not stand up to a WY wind/thunderstorm for very long. So if you dont have good tent with fly then truck will work great.
Wear a pair of shorts under your pants and carry some sandals in your pack, when you strip to almost your birthday suit and you will if you stay in a blind most of the day, you will be glad to have sandals on your feet and at least your naughty parts covered when that shot opportunity comes. I have seen my friend hop-skip-jump over the ground to try for a follow-up shot. It took a couple of days to get all the thorns from his feet.
Good luck.
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Oh man, I forgot about the skitter spray. The kicked are butts one time in southeast Montana. Don't forget it!!
You guys are sure getting me fired up for are antelope/muledeer trip this fall to western Kansas. :D
Tracy
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Sounds like you're going to have a good time and the rancher really wants to help you. If you really want to thank him proper though, you should get him some VT chedder! ;)
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Originally posted by VTer:
Sounds like you're going to have a good time and the rancher really wants to help you. If you really want to thank him proper though, you should get him some VT chedder! ;)
Hey, we don't wear cheese hats on our heads for no reason. Nothing better than a good Wisconsin cheese. :readit: And lots of them are a whole lot better than cheddar :thumbsup: :D
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Do you think a Eureka Tetragon 9 dome tent would hold up to the winds/storms?
Thinking of purchasing one of these for a fall trip to SD.
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I want to get him different kinds of cheese. The only thing I will not take is German Brick and Limberger (sp). I don't want my truck smelling like a teenagers sock.
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One other suggestion. Take an extra 5-gallon bucket with a lid for storing your hunting clothes. When you arrive, clip some sagebrush and crush the leaves and branches and put them in the bucket with your clothes as a cover scent. I have even soaked crushed leaves in water in a separate bucket and refilled a spray bottle to use as a spray on cover scent. The sage can be a pretty strong cover scent.
I am really getting excited about this hunt and I'm not even going! Great tips guys! Take lots of pictures to share!!
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Todd you might want to look at the aluminum pole tents like the Cabelas XPG. The fiberglass poles just don't stand up in the wind as well. I have the Cabelas Quad Pole which has been a great tent but flattened out in the winds of Comptons last year. It didn't go down but one pole snapped.
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Matthew,
For many years, Lisa and I camped out of the truck (with a camper shell). I built a platform over the top of the wheel wells and two side by side drawers that ran the length of the bed to go underneath. Storage under and bed on top. Worked great and didn't cost that much in lumber to build.
OkKeith
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Originally posted by OkKeith:
Matthew,
For many years, Lisa and I camped out of the truck (with a camper shell). I built a platform over the top of the wheel wells and two side by side drawers that ran the length of the bed to go underneath. Storage under and bed on top. Worked great and didn't cost that much in lumber to build.
OkKeith
I did something like that on my trip back from AK. The cap I had was insulated and I spent a night out on the exposed area of Mt. St. Helens with winds rocking the truck and was warm inside.
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You mentioned picking up a sunshower for cleaning up. I think a better idea is a one or two gallon polyethelene pump sprayer. You can add hot or cold water as needed and it doesn't need to be suspended above your head. It could even be painted black to "self heat" full of water in the sun if you wanted to. You may want to shorten the wand for ease of use as well. Just a suggestion. wulf
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Buy a extractor kit. It is made in England for wasp bites and stings. It has small suction cups that fit on the extrator and a plunger that sucks the stinger or poison out. Only cost about 15.00 and here in Texas we us it for Rattlesnake bites on the way to the hospital.
For snakebite, we always carry a 1 liter Dr Pepper for snakebites. Just cut a hole in it and stick you hand or elbow in it. For any kind of sting, nothing works better. Ken
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any updates?