Going solo as rookie elk hunter

[NirvanaFan]

I'm planning my first elk hunt for Colorado in 2015 for the first rifle season. I've already got the unit picked out and have gotten some good information from people who have hunted the areas that I marked on the map. I've got a few things left to acquire before the trip (new backpack, binoculars, and some calls). I've got pretty much everything else though.

Having a hunting partner makes sense, so I asked my buddy if he wanted to go. He doesn't hunt so I thought, "Perfect, if I score, I have a pack mule!" We're still 15 months before the trip, and he is still saying that he can go. However, I have my doubts. A few months back, he said something about "hopefully work doesn't get in the way." I'm not convinced that he won't bail a week or two before the trip. He's flaked on me in the past with some other stuff.

How critical is it to have another person? Is it wise for a rookie to go alone? I've got plenty of experience backcountry camping and hiking. Although, our mountains top off at 5344' in NY. The hiking, camping, and camp life doesn't worry me at all. I don't think I'll lack the "drive" to keep going and I enjoy pushing myself physically and mentally. I enjoy hiking and camping alone and I have the necessary backcountry skills. The elevation concerns me a little, and I plan to talk to my doctor about diamox. It sure would be nice to have the company and another set of hands around camp though.

So, what you do in this situation? Find another partner and disinvite the first? Hope my buddy won't bail? Get a SPOT (to ease the wife's concerns) and go at it alone? I'm still a long time away from the trip, so I have some options.

[Trophyhill]

My first elk hunt was solo along with 80% of them since. When you have success, it is an amazing accomplishment that not many can say they've done alone. You get to do it your way and learn from your mistakes. This is how we truly learn. Failures lead to success if you have the "it" factor engrained in you. I say do it and have a blast!

[foxvalley]

From what you mentioned,I don't think you would have a problem if you end up going solo,but I would still give your bud first crack at the hunt,but plan on going solo just in case.
Going into new erea,I make sure I have the right maps,and use my GPS more than usual.If you don't have cell service where you hunt,Jeff mentioned in a different thread about a unit simular to the SPOT, that sounds a lot cheaper to activate than the SPOT as you don't have to have it activated all year long. I believe you can also rent a unit. This is a great piece of mind,and you can check in with a bunch of people with one push of the "ok" button.
One of the hardest things to do solo, is getting an elk out by yourself, as it is at least 4 trips,with about 90 lbs on your back.You could check into an outfitter if there is one close by that might be able to help get out the meat via. horses, but you will pay.Also, make sure you know how to break down an elk,and have the proper knives to do so.
I really enjoy hunting solo, and have been doing so since 1987,in some of the most remote, roadless ereas of northern Idaho that I could find on a map,you just have to be more carefull, and plan a little differently.

[twinkieman]

You could fly solo, common sense is a solo hunter's best friend. You spend time in the outdoors, and already possess skills needed. A Spot or an Inreach would be a great tool to have. I wouldn't hesitate to go it alone if need be.

[Lefty]

,,.... common sense is a solo hunter's best friend. You ,.... already possess skills needed.

plus 1
It should be a great adventure
The learning curve steep
The memories unforgettable

[under H2O hunter]

Nothing wrong with going at it alone. Sounds like you already have some good intuition which is a positive thing to have when elk hunting. There are lots of people that go at it alone and are very successful so don't be hesitant to do so. I would still try and get your friend to go as the odds of success will increase if you have someone else there to keep you motivated, help call, ect ect ect.

As far as needing a SPOT or IN-REACH type of a device. I say this. Not worth it IMHO Most areas in Colorado have good cell phone coverage somewhere with in the area you'll be hunting. So just check in every few days with a love one, give several people your exact plan and locations for your hunt and stick to that plan, and as some have stated earlier. Use common sense all the time. However if you want a piece of mind that you can always reach someone in case there is an emergency. These devices are nice to have and beat using a SAT phone.

I would also suggest getting out here and putting some boots on the ground for a few days if you can. I know that it can be difficult sense you're from NY. But 15 months is plenty of time to save up and make a quick flight out here and do some scouting and get a feel for the elevation and terrain as well as check to see if your cell phone is got good signal from your area. Just incase you do have to solo hunt, it will improve your odds for success.

[Fridaythe13th]

See if he wants to apply for a cow tag then he has to commit in early April. At least you know and can prepare.

[Rizzy]

You can usually beat the elevation by spending the first night at the trailhead and acclimating. As far as solo, you should be fine if you have experience backpacking. All my backpack Elk hunts have been solo. The biggest challenge is getting everything out, so don't underestimate it. Last season I killed my Bull about 6 miles from the trailhead, it took the rest of that day and the following day til after dark to get everything out. It's doable, if your in decent shape. As far as gear, I would say the top three items you will want are good boots that fit perfect, a warm sleeping bag, and a good comfortable backpack.

[Swede]

When I hear the word "if" interwoven into a statement of commitment, I know there is no commitment at all. You can almost be certain your friend is not intending to go. He likes you, and wants you to like him, but this is not his idea, and he will leave you at the last possible time. Get someone to go with you that is committed to the hunt, and let your buddy come along to. You may find a partner here on the forum that would like to share a camp with you. I hunted with Sniper from this forum, last year and he was great to have in camp. I just wish we would have had some good shot opportunities. It was a very slow year, but he never complained and fully participated in everything until he had to leave after the last day of his hunt.

[NirvanaFan]

I would also suggest getting out here and putting some boots on the ground for a few days if you can. I know that it can be difficult sense you're from NY. But 15 months is plenty of time to save up and make a quick flight out here and do some scouting and get a feel for the elevation and terrain as well as check to see if your cell phone is got good signal from your area. Just incase you do have to solo hunt, it will improve your odds for success.

I would love to, but I'm not sure if it will be able to happen. It's roughly a 29 hour drive, so that's out of the question. I'd have to buy a plane ticket and rent a car. I guess it could happen, but I'm not sure $1000 is in the budget. Maybe I can convince the wife to do it as a mini-vacation next summer

See if he wants to apply for a cow tag then he has to commit in early April. At least you know and can prepare.

He likes the outdoors, but has never hunted. We've done many camping and backpacking trips. He's never taken the hunter's ed class required by NY, and doesn't even have a rifle. That would certainly be a way to rope him in though.

You can usually beat the elevation by spending the first night at the trailhead and acclimating. .

The plan is to get to the trailhead Thursday night and spend the night there. Friday, we will leisurely make our way to camp, and maybe do a little scouting. Saturday morning, the season will open.

When I hear the word "if" interwoven into a statement of commitment, I know there is no commitment at all. You can almost be certain your friend is not intending to go. He likes you, and wants you to like him, but this is not his idea, and he will leave you at the last possible time. Get someone to go with you that is committed to the hunt, and let your buddy come along to. You may find a partner here on the forum that would like to share a camp with you. I hunted with Sniper from this forum, last year and he was great to have in camp. I just wish we would have had some good shot opportunities. It was a very slow year, but he never complained and fully participated in everything until he had to leave after the last day of his hunt.

We've known each other for 25 years (since we were in 2nd grade). It's very possible he will end up bailing. I'm just not sure he'll be able to take the time off of work. He doesn't get vacation pay and I don't think he can afford to take off a couple weeks.


I appreciate all the comments guys. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't being crazy when thinking of going solo. Part of me wants to do it alone, because it's all on me. Then, there is nobody to blame for not getting up on time, doing camp chores, hiking slow, etc. I just know it would be WAY easier to have someone else, provided they don't hold me back from hunting the way I want. Thanks again!

[zpd307]

I am lucky, my wife likes the idea of a summer family vacation to be used as a scouting trip. did it for our first trip to Colorado and doing it again next month for our first trip to Idaho

[NirvanaFan]

I am lucky, my wife likes the idea of a summer family vacation to be used as a scouting trip. did it for our first trip to Colorado and doing it again next month for our first trip to Idaho

You're definitely lucky. My wife's idea of a vacation is laying on the beach doing nothing. I get bored with that pretty quick, so I end up taking a few "man trips" every year with some friends. They're only 4 or 5 days, but we go camping, hiking, fishing, shooting guns, etc.

[WapitiTalk1]

How critical is it to have another person? Is it wise for a rookie to go alone? I've got plenty of experience backcountry camping and hiking. Although, our mountains top off at 5344' in NY. The hiking, camping, and camp life doesn't worry me at all. I don't think I'll lack the "drive" to keep going and I enjoy pushing myself physically and mentally. I enjoy hiking and camping alone and I have the necessary backcountry skills. The elevation concerns me a little, and I plan to talk to my doctor about diamox. It sure would be nice to have the company and another set of hands around camp though.

OK, I'll be the negative Ned. I do not think it's a good idea at all for a new elk hunter to go on a backcountry hunt solo (any weapon). Even though a cat has backcountry hiking/camping experience, that type of experience only transfers in a small way to backcountry hunting in the Rockies. Sure, the hiking in/out and even some hiking during the day hunts may be similar to normal high country hiking/camping, but most elk hunting isn't done from hiking trails once you've located them; it is oftentimes accomplished in nasty blow down, thick brush, extreme weather, and some lung piercing/knee racking elevation ups and downs on slippery rock slides that will quickly suck up a 1/2 day and much of your energy and enthusiasm for the mission at hand. The physical demands of an elk hunt can be incredible, and as somebody previously mentioned, bringing out chunks of elk on your back is no picnic after you've already pushed your body and mind to their very limits during your hunts. Yes, new guys have had luck on their first elk hunt before but I'll continue to believe that it's always best to tag along with a seasoned elk hunter for a new elk hunter’s first few times out. If that means doing a guided or semi-guided hunt if you can't find an experienced guy to throw in with, then that would be better than just heading out with a minimal understanding of what to expect, and more importantly, how to react to what the big mountains and the indigenous inhabitants throw at you. There are a ton of other factors to consider that are literally “learned” by experience that if not known, will result in a less than enjoyable hunting experience at a minimum not to mention the safety factor. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you good luck and a safe hunt.

[Elkduds]

Dissenting opinion RE cell phone: Don't bet your life on cell reception in CO's high country. My AT&T service, which boasts the best coverage in CO, is nonexistent in every area I have hunted elk in CO. Get a PLB/SPOT/Sat phone.

Also, have a Plan B, maybe C in case your iffy pal bails. You might find someone on this or other forums who would join you or have you along.

1st rifle is a good choice for 1st timer; short season, usually not deep snow.

Good luck!

[navet]

I did it you can do it. Take a PLB. I camped at the trail head. You already have more experience than I did. Some good olé common sense and self awareness will go a long way. Enjoy it. I did and am coming back this year.

[Thunderfoot]

If I were in your situation and really concerned about my partner bailing, I would look at finding a new partner, or possibly inviting more than one. If it turns out he doesn't bail would it be so bad to have 3 guys in camp instead of just two? As far as going solo, I think it completely depends on the area you are hunting. If you are putting your camp on your back, hiking in deep, and distancing yourself from civilization, I wouldn't recommend doing it solo unless I had made arrangements with someone to help pack out if you kill an elk. Packing an elk out of the wilderness is not a one man job! Know your limitations, physically and mentally. Ask yourself, can I make the hike out of here with 70+ pounds in my pack 4 times?

[foxvalley]

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration going solo. I think the most important one is how experienced are you, really,at navigating around in the mtns. and are you confident at getting yourself back to camp! I rely heavily on my GPS in new ereas,but always coordinate that with my topo map,in case batteries die,it breaks, etc.
Can you really,spent 5, 7, 10 days all by yourself?
Do you know basic first aid,where the pressure points are on the human body,signs of hypothermia,and dehydration etc.
Do you know how to break down a 900lb. elk?
Are you packing meat if you are lucky, uphill,or downhill? My camp is on the "bottom" and all my packing is downhill,anywhere I am,then I use my motorcycle to get it up to my truck.I don't think I am physically strong enough to pack an elk uphill for any distance where I hunt,it's incredibly steep.
My first experience was a rookie solo hunt,and I found the most remote erea on my map in the panhandle of ID,never being in the mtns. before,I figured thats where I had to go to get away from "all the hunters"and to find big bulls.I had about a 90lb. pack on,and walked down the middle of a stream for 2.5 miles to where I marked a good spot on my map to camp.The next day,after scouting,I found a pack trail that followed the same stream that I just walked thru.....LOL.It still remains one of my greatest adventures to this day.

[NirvanaFan]

OK, I'll be the negative Ned.

No worries about being negative. I'm glad that someone who is experienced chimed in with some pitfalls I may face.

[NirvanaFan]

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration going solo. I think the most important one is how experienced are you, really,at navigating around in the mtns. and are you confident at getting yourself back to camp! I rely heavily on my GPS in new ereas,but always coordinate that with my topo map,in case batteries die,it breaks, etc.

I'm alright with a map and compass, but was planning on bringing a GPS as well

Can you really,spent 5, 7, 10 days all by yourself?

I've done 4 day camping trips by myself, so I think so.

Do you know basic first aid,where the pressure points are on the human body,signs of hypothermia,and dehydration etc.

yup.

Do you know how to break down a 900lb. elk?

Only by watching Youtube videos. I was planning on quartering any deer that I get this year like I would an elk to get some practice.

Are you packing meat if you are lucky, uphill,or downhill? My camp is on the "bottom" and all my packing is downhill,anywhere I am,then I use my motorcycle to get it up to my truck.I don't think I am physically strong enough to pack an elk uphill for any distance where I hunt,it's incredibly steep.

It depends on which one of my anticipated spots I would shoot one from. One spot would be pretty much all downhill, and the other two spots would be up a bit, then back down.

My first experience was a rookie solo hunt,and I found the most remote erea on my map in the panhandle of ID,never being in the mtns. before,I figured thats where I had to go to get away from "all the hunters"and to find big bulls.I had about a 90lb. pack on,and walked down the middle of a stream for 2.5 miles to where I marked a good spot on my map to camp.The next day,after scouting,I found a pack trail that followed the same stream that I just walked thru.....LOL.It still remains one of my greatest adventures to this day.

Sounds like it I can't wait until next year.

[foxvalley]

Go for it Joe! Sounds like you can handle it no problem.

[mmcan]

Great topic and comments. I know everyone has strong feelings about what they would do.

I envy the guys (like Cam, as an example of someone getting recognition for his schtick) that have been able to make a living solo hunting in the baddest mountains. I have really good experience in the backcountry, not only in the mountains but elsewhere as well. I'm very experienced taking care of injuries and basic first aid. And I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in. I'm not at all concerned about getting lost (Hell, you aren't lost until you have to be somewhere on purpose, right!!??)


I know 2 people personally who died hunting alone in Colorado. Both were injured and tried to get themselves out and ended up falling. One was a guy in his mid 60's who lived in the high mountains solo many weeks a year for decades. He knew the area he was in intimately. And he was a very cautious guy. The other was an absurdly fit guy in his late 30's who actually had a SPOT and signaled for help, but when it started to get nasty up top where he had broken his ankle, he tried to descend, and fell. Help was on the way, but I guess he couldn't wait any longer (left a note that was found on him)

Both were doctors with huge amounts of experience outdoors and taking care of others. But it just went wrong. They died doing what they loved to do their last time.

So my biggest concern for anyone out there alone is if something goes bad. 911 isn't minutes away, and having a partner and a plan could possibly save your life in the event that something bad happens to you.

And at some point, it might happen to any of us.

Go with a guide for your first trip. Learn the ropes a bit. See how it's done. Then consider going it alone.

Is this the last time you be able to hunt elk? If no, why make it the last time?

Sorry to Debby Downer you for now. But think long term, repeat seasons,... Especially if you have a wife and kids.

[Steve G]

I won't discuss the risks to yourself. We all take risks. Its your call.

I would strongly suggest that you make pre-arraingements with a wrangler of other local who will for a fee help you get the animal out before it spoils. Packing out an entire elk alone from the back country is a much bigger job than a white tail.

[NirvanaFan]

Thanks for the comments guys. I appreciate all the comments. I think it would probably be a good idea to have a "sit down" with my buddy and to make sure that he is sure he will go. We'll probably do this about 4 months before the trip. That will give me time to make other arrangements if he ends up bailing.

Thanks again!

[Mikeha33]

Here's my thoughts and comments after skimming through the guys responses about going solo. I went last year for the first time with a guy who had hunted before. He is not an accomplished elk hunter. He is comfortable in the mountains. I am certainly confident that between us, we could have gotten a downed animal off the mountain before it spoiled. By myself? No way in hell. Too steep, too far back in. I'm a flat-lander, so when I stepped out of the truck, at 11,200 feet at 1am when we got there, I was completely overwhelmed with the solitude, silence, and just creation in general, and we were still at the trailhead. I had a totally insane encounter with a cat, and without my buddy back in camp to chat and boost morale, I honestly think I probably would have left. I did fine as far a no cell service, I took a picture of my kids and wife with me, and that did help, and if I had a few minutes, I wrote thoughts and notes about the hunt, and life in general, but after a week, I was more than ready to go home after my first time being away like that. I also didn't really know how to hunt elk. It was a great experience, but having someone there with you, even if it is only for your first year hunting out west sure helps. Your mountains are 5400' max, and out there, you'll have sheer cliffs and slides that rival that. Google earth is fantastic for scouting, but on the ground it really doesn't look anything like that with 150' lodgepoles blocking your every view. Can it be done, I'm sure it can. Hell, I'll do it someday, and there's even a very small chance it'll still be 9 weeks from now, but probably not, simply for the fact hat I am not there yet. I don't know enough about elk, the mountains, breaking down and getting an elk processed by myself, what to do in a life or death emergency situation 6 miles from the truck, and other things to trust myself to do the type of hunting that I think I want to do.
If it's for you, than buddy, get out there and do it, but I don't think I am comfortable enough to do it by myself yet.