Scenario: You're packed up, boots tied tight ready for three to five days of solo hunting with plans of coming out heavier than when you entered. You won't have the availability to call anyone with horses or llamas. All the meat transportation will rely solely on your back and feet. The question becomes how far is too far? Here's what I've learned about certain distance ranges throughout the last couple seasons when hunting solo.
0 to 1.5 Miles
This range is where I believe a good portion of hunters focus. That's not to say there isn't any good hunting to be had in this range — I’ve had my fair share. Surprisingly, there can be a lot of chances for game opportunities depending on species, difficulty of terrain and access. One of the biggest problems with this range for our dedicated three-to-five-day excursion scenario is that there is a high probability of running into other hunters from the weekend surge — especially if game can be seen from roads. However, there are some spots where terrain makes it a terrible hike in and deters most folks who are looking for the path of ease. In these difficult to access short distance spots, you may find where the animals are hiding from the general populous. I have one or two spots like this, but for the sake of the scenario, I wouldn't use them. Plus let's face it, you wanted a tougher pack out. Right?
1.5 to 3 Miles
This is a pretty attractive range. This is a good range when planning a long weekend or when trying to avoid crowds. If I can, I will try and plan to start my hike-in during the middle of the week and be out before the weekend kicks off. This is my go-to range, more specifically closer to the three-mile area, especially when solo. There is plenty of good hunting to be had if you're willing to do some off trail exploring. You will also get a good amount of elbow room when resting up at camp. Road noise is nonexistent, fewer people are seen and there is more than likely room to adventure out in all directions. I like this range because I can pack in — whether on trail or off — with a hefty pack full of my favorite creature comforts since I know I'll be setting up a "base camp" to continue hunting the surrounding areas. The 1.5-to-three-mile range isn't too bad either if you do harvest an animal. Granted it will be a multiple trip pack out, but it is manageable.
3 to 5 Miles
Solo hunting speaking, you have entered the area of stamina. Depending on terrain, this can really kick your ass. However, what you may pay in pain just getting there, you will be rewarded in serenity! If you're searching for the real deal when planning a do-it-yourself (DIY) hunt out West and want the full experience of a backcountry hunt, then this is the range for you. Now, remember that we’re talking solo hunting for a couple to a few days, which means everything you need will be on your back. For most, humping a 60 lb+ pack close to five miles will be a real workout and test of mental fortitude. Training is a must when entering this realm. The beauty of this range is that people are rarely seen — at least in my experience. When planning for this range, be sure to only pack what you need and try to find items that can be used multiple ways to help keep your pack weight down. Depending on location and time of the year, you may get some unexpected weather so prepare for that. I don't trust forecasts too much because I know from experience that Mother Nature's mountains make their own decisions. Always pack rain gear! Consider lightweight yet nutritionally dense foods to assure you will be getting enough nutritional support while exerting a lot of energy. Another consideration is water. If you won't have the availability for it near camp you may have to resort to packing in a couple gallons, which adds a lot of extra weight. If you're lucky enough to harvest an animal, then get ready for the real fun! I'm a fan of deboning the meat since I don't want to pack the weight of bones, but that's just a personal preference.
5 Miles and beyond
This is horse country! That's not to say that people don't venture out into the wilderness solo at these ranges, but those people are some hard chargers! This area isn't for the beginner or first timer. I have yet to find a need to go this far; however, part of me is curiously tempted. You're more than likely not going to run into anyone, but may run into the occasional horse rider. The animals in this range are more than likely not as educated as some in the previous ranges mentioned. Although you may see some of the most majestic views you'll ever encounter, caution must be noted. Ranges beyond five miles requires you to fully understand what you're getting yourself into. There can be no wasted items in your pack and your nutrition has to be a priority. I would highly recommend some kind of communication device like the Garmin inReach mini or Garmin inReach Explorer so you can stay in contact with someone just in case things get hairy. Something I have thought about doing is starting at one trailhead and covering as much ground as possible, finding game throughout the few days, with a plan to get picked up at another trailhead some five miles away. The theory would be that if I did tag out, then I would just pack it out to the closer of the two trailheads. If you are someone who hunts in this range, let me know, I would like to hear what you have learned.
What Range Is the Best?
Not quite sure. It will depend on your experience level, where the animals are and how far you're willing to pack an animal out if successful. Every one of the ranges mentioned will hold game; there's no doubt. Mainly, for me, going further or hunting less forgiving terrain just helps me hunt animals that could be less pressured. Additionally, it challenges me both mentally and physically. If you have hunted solo you know just as well as I do the games your mind can begin to play after a day or two. For those who haven't hunted solo but plan on it in the future, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is prepare. Prepare yourself for boredom, solving problems, physical strain, etc. There's really only one way to find out what you require and that's to get out there and put miles in!
Be sure to let us know in the comments what range you prefer for a three-to-five-day trip. Stay safe and hunt hard!
13 Comments
Dennis Rackers
4/16/2020, 3:19:55 PM
Cooling your freshly killed meat immediately is imperative, especially in warmer weather when your pack out may extend to a couple days or even more. Last October, I was hunting alone and killed a bull elk one morning about 4.5 miles from the trailhead. Rather than separating the meat from the carcass to cool it ASAP, I removed just enough deboned meat to load my pack for each trip out. The weather was cool and windy with high temps in the 50s but the carcass fell in a spot where it was in the sun all day. The pack out took two days and more time than I expected. I had never packed an elk more than about 1.5 miles to the trailhead. The meat in the last load was a hind quarter from under the carcass and smelled very rank when I started processing it at home. Simply removing the quarters from the carcass and moving them to a shady spot would have made a big difference.
Barry Tresch
4/16/2020, 12:54:00 AM
Terrain, elevation, the size of animal are greater determining factors than distance in my opinion. I’ve been eyeing a 5 mile hike that would also take me 5k in increased elevation and I have my doubts it can be done with an elk. I’m thinking I’ll hold off with the elk hunt until I haul a deer out first. I’ve packed out large bulls by myself at about half of the elevation and distance and it took me 2 days. I love hunting solo but at some point you’re limited by these factors. Thinking about climbing 20,000 ft in elevation only to then descend 20,000 ft under load (80-100lbs) for a total of 40 miles round trip, is humbling to say the least. All the more reason I’m saving up for llamas!!
Barrett Funka
4/15/2020, 10:44:54 PM
I am very pleased to finally see an article on this subject. As a federal public land manager in Colorado, we are seeing an explosion of hunting use, especially archery, in areas beyond the 3-5 mile mark. Much of this use is the new backpacker hunter who is psyched to go deep with top of the line gear and expectations of unmolested game, only to find that the area is already busy or when he does kill something, its impossible to retrieve all the meat. We have seen a large increase in illegal outfitting, mainly by folks capitalizing on these hunters when they come to town desperate for someone with stock to help them. Or we see wanton waste. I tell hunters who call, remember, you can hike a lot further than you can effectively kill and remove elk from the backcountry. Finally, I would like for many of these companies, including GoHunt, to highlight the fact that they often use packers and line legal ones up ahead of time. I was encouraged to see this in the New Mexico elk hunt a couple years ago, but again, a little more focus on what it takes two hunters to get two elk out of the backcountry would be appreciated. Also, making sure that the guy packing your meat out is a legal outfitter is paramount. Outfitters obtain a privilege to use the public's land to make a profit, and they pay fees. Illegal outfitters do not, and those fees go from everything to habitat restoration to trail maintenance. Its your land, take care of it.