The duality of preparation

[Autumnarcher]

I spent a good part of the day today researching , pricing and ordering hunting gear for this years elk hunt.

Goingin for a month long, backcontry wilderness hunt requires a good aount of thought, and planning.

Now here I am, a trditional bowhunter. I hunt with the most basic and simple of weapon, yet seek out, for the most part the best lightweight, high tech gear to get me to where I can hunt with that simple bow.

Now my base camp will be a simple canvas pyramid tent,and woodstove. But really, thats where it ends. We'll suck it up and pack that 40# tent in , along with stakes, fly and stove, about a mile from the trailhead, to make base.

From there on out, lightweight sleeping bags, tent, and all the basic essential gear we need to do 2-4 day bivy trips out from base camp will sustain our adventure.Titanium cookware, freeze dried meals, ultra light Kifaru shelter, water filtration, etc.  But in our hands, longbows, and wood arrows.

I guess when ya stop ad think about it, its kinda funny. But the way I look at it, having the right equipment will make staying in the backcounry for a month much better, which gives me more time to chase critters with my stick.

John,
Where are you planning to go?

[straitera]

Guess it could be a double edged sword if you let it. That's why I always tell folks to have fun first. If you're having fun you're doing it right no matter what you legally & ethically use.

[crotch horn]

Sounds like a great time. Being prepared & getting it right will make it so much better. When you down your trophy is when the work will begin.

[bawana bowman]

John,
Maybe you should have Cody Lundin be your outfitter.    
You won't have to pack in nothing but bow, quiver, arrows, and attitude.  

[cyred4d]

Sounds like you are doing your homework on this. I agree that the right equipment will make it a lot more comfortable.

[Plumber]

you know I have never been apart of anything like this but when I got to thinking about what you are about to do It reminded me of how I plan for a major job at work.you can only take so much.when your there  your there! An that is when the real planing starts when going for a month Iam sure you will be faced with daily dicissions an adjustments.how you react will determin your success,your saftey an your over all out come.30 days is a long time.If things get too tuff just regroup get rested an go again.good luck I hope you get us some pictures an NO MATTER WHAT BE SAFE -GOD BLESS have fun you lucky dog!

[Autumnarcher]

Plumber, the cool part of a long trip is you dont have to be in a rush. Ive been elk hunting enough to know a couple things- first is, you dnt need to spend $4-5,000 for a 5 or 6 day outfitted hunt. The other is, 5-6 days is a bare minimum, and often leads to going at it too hard too fast and getting worn out or discouraged.

Take that same money, and invest it in top quality gear and clothing. Then you can hunt a lifetime for just the cost of tags and fuel getting there. I do not really consider food a hunt expense, cuz I'd have to eat at home just the same.

With a long trip, our plan is to hunt hard for 2-3 days, then return to base camp, rest, fish a little, take life easy. Enjoy the mountains,and take our time finding elk. Then work them and hopefully put one down.

A trip like this tests far more than your hunting skills, you put to test evrything about living, and hunting in a backcountry setting.

While its still a seemingly long time before the truck hits the pavement, to me the preparation is a huge part of the overall experience.

And trust me, there will be plenty of pics when we return.

For those interested, here is some of the gear I decided on for this hunt.

12x12 canvas pyramid tent from PAnther Primitives. Strong sturdy shelter, with wood stove.

Kifaru paratipi, with packable stove as well.

Marmot pinnacle sleeping bag

Big Agnes insulated Air Core pad

Kifaru backpacks- AG2 with hauler frame for me, Pointman for my son. I was going to get one of their new ultralight packs, but got a great deal on the ones we're using.

Sitka gear pants, shirts, vest and jacket. Got a deal n this stuff I couldnt pass up.

First Lite merino wool base layers.

Snow Peak giga stove, and titanium cookware

Delorme Earthmate PN6 gps with SPOT communicator .

Katadyn Hiker Pro water filtration, with 2 extra filters.

Kahles 10x42 binoculars. Found a great deal on them, couldnt swing the Swaro's MAybe next year.

Thunderstick MOAB takedown longbow( on order) for me, and my original MOAB for my son to use.

Surewood shafts- still debating broadheads, leaning towards either Bear razorheads, or Zwickey 2 blades. Both are proven heads.

GFA quiver.

ParaOrdinance .45 ACP sidearm for unruly bears or cats. My standard carry gun.

Also plan a few luxuries for base camp, Zodi hot shower setup with shower tent. Air mattresses or cots, not sure on that yet.

Food will consist of freeze fried dinners, homemade dehydrated meals, energy bars, oatmeal, etc. Hpefully supplemented with some fresh trout, sage grouse and some elk tenderloins.

And a splash of good bourbon for around the campfire.

[Hermon]

Make sure to take lots of pictures of your adventure and post on hear for us to enjoy.  Look forward to following this story.

[Autumnarcher]

Macatawa, We will be hunting part of the Gunnison Nat'l forest in Colorado. I've hunted a few miles from this area in the same unit a few times, and the area we are going is some of the most incredible scenery and habitat.
High rugged country, with a good mix of quakies and dark timber, lots of small lakes and streams.

We leave here August 23rd. Opening day is the 27th.

[Steve O]

Always jealous of you retired guys...

Sent you a couple e-mails yesterday morning, so if you did not see the check your junk folder.

I would really like to know hat you think of the new GPS and SPOT; I have been eyeing them.

John,
I am also jealous!!  That would be a dream come true.  Maybe I can learn this from you.

Is North Branch near West Branch?  When I get back to Michigan I will probably settle in the Gaylord area.  Might have to look you up and pick yer brain??

Sounds like you have given this a lotta thought. Good luck!!

[Cocklebur]

Sounds like quite an adventure. I have been out there a few times and it is a lot of fun.

[Autumnarcher]

Seve, havent checked my mailbox, will do that right away, thanks. As for the GPS, its a pretty neat setup. Screen isnt as big as it looks in the pics, but I dont spend all day in the wods following my GPS anyway. I use it to save key waypoints, like where my truck and camps are, waterholes, springs etc.

IT comes with a TON of mapping software, which will kee me cnfused for hours learning how to use. The biggest thing I like, which is a big point for my wifes piece of mind is the integrated SPOT system. With it, I can send her daily text updates so she knows we're ok . (shes a bit f a worrier lol) It will even update messages to Facebook. Maybe erry could work something out with Delorme so we could update directly to Tradgang! ITs definitely not a cheap unit, but somethings ya just bite the bullet on.
Obviously I'll have to see how it performs in mountains and dark timber, but everything Ive read on it says its apretty good unit.
MAc, North Branch is in the thumb, north of Lapeer, about half hr NE of flint.

[Bonebuster]

Hmmm...lets re-cap.

A MONTH in the mountains in SEPTEMBER...chasing elk with your SON...THEN upon your perfectly timed return...October whitetails at home!!!

Take lots of arrows, lots of pictures, and most importantly...TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

     

[Autumnarcher]

Bonebuster, I'll get home, re-tool for deer, and then head for Ohio for some whitetail action there as well. Hopeing to do an early and a rut hunt in Ohio. Thats the plan for now anyway.
I had to promise to take my wife on an out of state deer hunt. Gee......ok!

[Bonebuster]

Autumnarcher...            

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Yeah, I often think about that as I grab the GPS to take the longbow for a walk in the woods.