need some help on my to do list

[beaver#1]

go on a hike in hunt in the high country somewhere. does not matter what the game is.  is there any place an out of stater can do this. let me know please thanks.

[beaver#1]

also minimal gear needed for such a trip.  as you can tell i am from texas and have no idea what i would need up there, so please excuse my ignorance. i am planning for 2011 or 2012 . is that enough time to plan?  that ahead for yalls help

[Orion]

Just about any Western state north of Texas.  Mule deer and elk would be the most common huntable species.  Most states do not sell tags over the counter though, but rather have lottery drawings.  In september, plan for temperatures of 10 degrees to 80 degrees, with 30s to 60s being more common.  If you've never done any backpack camping, a hunt in the mountains isn't the place to start, IMO.  Do some practicing in more hospitable country first.  Good luck.

[beaver#1]

thanks for your info Orion. i have done some backpacking around here but there is not big wilderness here. if you have any info that you think will help me prepare please let me know.

[ChuckC]

a lot of Colorado is "over the counter" for elk.  Not so for mule deer.

Jerry ( Orion) is right on.  In the mountains you need gear that works.  I am not talking the most expensive gear, but stuff proven that it works.  If you are gonna go in the back woods, it also has to be light.  If you are gonna truck camp (very doable) then you obviously can carry more gear.

A hunt like you dream of is very doable and pretty affordable.  You just gotta start looking.  The internet has a tom of information available.
ChuckC

[beaver#1]

this is a dream of mine< to do a backpack hunt>.  i am not a wealthy person in terms of money at least so i want this to be a good expirence.  any list of what yall take gear that you use or other stuff will be great info.

[Whip]

You don't necessarily need a big area to get the bugs out of your gear.  Are there any public lands in Texas that allow overnight camping?  Even if you don't have to pack in far, start your list of what you will need and go to wherever you can to try an overnight stay or two.  That will give you an idea of gear that works and what doesn't.  It will take at least a couple of shake out cruises to figure out what will work for you.

To get into mountain shape, you can practice hiking with a loaded pack around home.  

What to put on your list will depend on exactly how you want to do it.  Bivy sack, hammock, or packpack tent?  Prepared, freeze dried, or canned foods?  Will water be available?  Another issue that must be addressed when you actually are ready to do a hunt is how you would deal with an animal if you are successful.  Game bags and meat processing gear are heavy items that have to be accounted for.  

Start your list and add and subtract as you go.  There are some great backpacking websites with all kinds of tips for the serious packer looking to shave weight from a set up.

[beaver#1]

thanks alot whip. the first time i went out i carried wayyy too much. my pack weighed at least 45lbs.

[beaver#1]

would a dolly type cart be something worth looking into for God permetting i actually take any game?

[ChuckC]

beaver, again, a lot depends on what you want to do.  You can camp by your truck and bring all that stuff,  you can go in for overnights from your truck camp, or you can put it all on your back and go in for days / weeks / months.  Each of those might require a different mind set regarding needs.

Start with specific questions about specific things and I bet they all get answered by folks here who have actually been there..done that.

A dolly could come in handy if any of your trek in involves trails or roads however in the hills, I doubt it would be as worth the effort as a good backpack.
ChuckC

[beaver#1]

thanks chuckc.  my plan is to spend 3 to 5 nights pack in.  elk would be my pick for game but it all comes down to where i can get otc license and place to pack in. i now this is a big choice from someone that has never been there before. but if i dont start now im afraid it wont ever happen.

[lpcjon2]

Make sure the gear fits the climate and pack it in the pack first experiment different climates with your gear. So if the worst should occur you have the right equipment.In the corps we always did dry runs with packing our packs it helps!  

[beaver#1]

thanks iocjon2

[Whip]

Originally posted by beaver#1:
would a dolly type cart be something worth looking into for God permetting i actually take any game?

I used one once to pack out an elk by myself and wasn't impressed.  Rocks, downed trees, and brush are tough to pull a fully loaded game cart through.  I would have been much better off just packing it on my back.

I've also used a cart on a trail, and there it did fine.  But most times you won't necessarily have a trail to walk on.  You need to be prepared to load meat in your pack and haul it out or have an option to call a packer with horses IMO.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

The Sierras of California, just north of Yosemite Park, an are called Arnold and the Big Trees National Forest...

The zones are "D3, D4 and D5". The tags can be obtained, no lottery. Blacktail and Muley, high country, absolutely stunning, and NEVER below zero. Coldest night I had durring a hunt was 23 degrees. Look up "Spicer Meadow" on google for a feel of the landscape. Camping is free in the wilderness areas. GOOD LUCK.

[beaver#1]

thanks i will check those places out

[beaver#1]

thatnk everyone.  does any one hunt new mexico,

[hayslope]

My recommendation would be Colorado....I'm an ex-resident.

OTC elk/deer licenses, tons of draw opportunities, somewhat decent NR fees and more high country than you can shake a stick at.  Get in shape!

I'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to hiking into some place (especially when altitude is involved).  Just keep in mind what you plan on packing out!  That might put some perspective into where and how far.  As some local guys out there will tell you....why walk when you can ride a horse!