Questions for You DIY Elk Hunters....

[Nala]

Hey all,

I LOVE these Elk hunting threads.  I never miss 'em!

There are a few questions I have for the guys that choose to do the DIY hunts.

1.  Where do you get your water?  Do you make camp near a stream or lake and use a purifier?

2.  What kinda food are you all eating?  Is it a week of Ramen and Ravioli?  Wouldn't it be easier to get a couple MRE's for each day you were planning to be there?  I've heard some of the MRE's are really pretty tasty.

I'm sure I have more but those are the only 2 that always come up when I'm nosing through these threads that you all let us join in on.

Now I am not talking about the guys that hire mules or horses.  I am talking about the pack it in on your back kinda hunts.

I'd LOVE to go on one of those hunts, but if it ever happens I'll be lookin' to rent a couple of elephants to pack my stuff in.

Nalajr

[Hud]

There are several magazines and books on the subject, and stores that cater to backpacking.
Think light and leave extra weight behind. If you can carry too much you will be lucky to make it to your destination. Lite tent, or shelter, bag, medications, freeze dried food, water, purification, stove, fuel, clothes and gear (compass, GPS, maps, game bag (?), it all adds up. What's your limit, get into condition, take short hikes, work out the details before your big hunt.

Water can be an issue, good topo maps will show likely sources. It needs to be boiled, purified, or treated otherwise the risk is high you will get sick. Food is a matter of personal choice, you need the energy if you expect to trek into the backcountry, hunt and be able to hike out.

You need to know how to take care to any game you kill, and know how you will get it out.

[awbowman]

For water, we are using a water filter (Katyldin Hiker Pro) WITH backup tablets, taste neutralizer, and single packet teas and energy drinks for taste.  Top off your water bladder or bottle every chance you get.

For food, we will be doing MREs and Mountain House for dinner.  Lots of trailmix, peanut butter, jerkey and power bars for the daytime.  Coffe in the morning for me AND lots of water for hydration.

[jhg]

Originally posted by Nala:


1.  Where do you get your water?  Do you make camp near a stream or lake and use a purifier?

If you will have clear water sources (not cloudy) use a Steripen. Light and works great. Kills all pathogens. Where I hunt clear water is everywhere. I gave up carrying large amounts of water.

And yes, make camp near, but not next to, a water source if you can.

[Orion]

I always make camp near water and purify it for drinking.  If I'm at the end of the road with a wall tent, where weight and volume is not a consideration, I use stuff like oatmeal, spaghetti, Dint Moore beef stew, canned ham, bagels, bread, butter, etc.  For packing in, breakfast/granola bars, gorp and freeze dried meals. Most of my hunts are a combination of both.

[ron w]

When we went this year we camped at a trail head. We brought water with us but also collected water when it rained. As far as food we did not have to carry it so it was mostly canned goods, Chunky soups and canned stew. Just warm it up and put it in a bowl with a bagel and a drink. Trail mix, granola bars ,Cliff bars and such, also boiled eggs. I was never hungry the whole week but I did still lost 7 pounds....lol!

[Hashiba]

As someone who just started really backpacking this year, I would very strongly recommend you do a bit of it before you go on a hunt off your back.  There are soooooo many little things to think of and figure out that I would not want to try and discover on a hunt.

The demand on your body when carrying extra weight is unbelievable if you haven't actually done it before.  I'm a young, athletic guy.  I did karate for years, I hike, bike, work out, and run.  The first trip I did with about 39 lbs on my back was completely exhausting.

Of course I had almost 3000 ft of elevation on that hike, but most elk country I know if pretty mountainous.

Have fun above all else!