Solo spike/bivy hunt

[mandrroofing]

Hey guys...this year i will be hunting with a base camp but from there i will be doing 3 to 4 night spike/ hunting off my back.never have done this solo and was woundering how you all fair being alone,i like hunting alone but 3/4 days alone,never done it.any tips to keep my spirts high?i know this will be a big part of success ,or any tips for that matter?thanks!

[cantgetdrawn]

I've only been on spike hunts a few times so I'm not an expert. Every ounce of weight counts, plan what you take carefully. The first time I did it I carried too much weight, partly because it was a rifle hunt and needed warm weather gear. Every time I went out since has been a learning experience as to what I really want out there and what I can do without.

Taking a side arm gives me piece of mine at night.

Unfortunately, I have not been lucky enough to harvest an elk while on a spike hunt so others may have better suggestions than me. Have a plan to get the meat out, especially in Sept. I try to camp close to a stream and carry contractor garbage bags, therefore if can submerge the meat or hang it over the stream while I'm packing the rest out. This year I am hunting an area I have not been to in 2 decades so I don't know yet if the streams still have water, I'll take a scouting trip soon.

Good Luck

[Lefty]

If Im not hunting with family I would much rather be alone. I quite enjoy it. Everything happens on your own schedule and changes made on a whim if you want.
Keeping my spirits high,.. Hmmm,. I know one hot night I got back to camp late,too hot to sleep, and heard a cow call, in minutes I was in the center of all sorts of crazy elk action. I sat on my chair in my underwear and just enjoyed the nearby elk sounds.
Ive packed up and moved 15 miles on a whim,
Sick once and quite enjoyed the whole day sleeping. A few Sundays I spent the time sleeping resting, eating and reading scriptures and Sunday lessons.

Maybe Im the wrong guy to ask

[mandrroofing]

good thoughts guys,My sister got me a leather bound hunters journal for my anniversary,I think being able to log my experiences will be nice way to pass time away during down time.Im looking really forward to hunting solo this year!whats the average pack weight for a 3-4 day hunt?

[Heartwood]

Every year I do a few 3-4 day bivy hunts. Usually the first week of Sept. I go solo. Pack weight is usually under 30# with only the bare essentials. Total freedom of movement and schedule is what is so nice about this type of hunt. I pack no stove so mountian house cold is on the menu as well as jerky and backcountry bars. I use light weight backpack equipment and tactics to keep weight down but always pack a full kill kit. The key to meat care in my opinion, is to bone out and expose the meat to the sky to cool that first night, then hang or truss up over a creek in the shade until packout time. Unless you are very tough, you will start to cull out unneeded items from your pack until you reach a comfortable weight. Remember that you will be hunting with your home on your back the entire time and likely making the kill shot with the pack on. For us here in Idaho, the Sept. Weather is often hot and dry. I don't pack rain gear but use my bivy to stay dry when storms hit the high country. If it is blowing and nasty for a while, I won't be hunting anyway. Always remember to move from your call position so the bull doesn't pinpiont your location when coming in and use a popping grunt to stop him. I counld go on for pages about the solo bivy hunt but basicly, go light and use solo calling tactics and you should be fine. As far as the mental side, you will eventually get used to being solo and learn to trust in yourself. Usually if the hunting is good and your in elk, the time flys by. If things are slow, I get behind the glass or cover ground or both. Good luck, I think you will grow to cherish some solo time but team elk hunting is very deadly, for the elk that is.

[Brendan]

When you say pack weight, make sure you're counting everything. I was approx 50# including food, bow, water, sidearm, ammo, bear spray. I count everything except the clothes I wear leaving camp, my watch, boots, etc. It adds up fast. My gear is not the lightest, but it isn't terrible either. That does not include my tripod and spotter.

I brought a "Rite in the Rain" journal and kept lots of notes, took lots of pictures whenever I was stopped. In general, I hunted hard all day, so was exhausted at night. Pitch tent, eat a mountain house, hang food, asleep until morning. How did I stay motivated? I kept telling myself that I'd been looking forward to those moments all year long, and I'd be reminiscing and looking forward to next year as soon as I left.

[foxvalley]

I love to solo hunt,I like the freedom to do or go anywhere anytime.I also do more spike camps than bivy,as I like to use the frieghter frame to pack into spike camp,always close to where the elk are,also I try to set up near water,so as not to pack that in.Being close to the elk at spike means hunting close to spike,which translates to a light day pack.
I'm just not built to carry "camp" with me all day,and find it difficult to stay quiet,and to keep from burning out with a heavy pack all day.
Mind over matter being alone on a solo hunt,some people can't be alone for 15 min.,others can go for a month.

[BrentLaBere]

My pack consists of 40 to 42 pounds (including everything for weight) and I would say roughly 1 to 1.5 lbs of food per day. Water may add to it depending how available it is.
Hunt solo is so much different IMO. Keeping your spirits high can be difficult. Even when you take a break from hunting after the 3-4 day hunt, call home or a friend that shares the passion of hunting. Hearing some positive feed back or getting some tough love might be what you need to hear. Biggest thing is dont be hard on yourself if it isnt work out like you dreamed of all year. You are out there for the journey and the experience first and foremost.

[elkstalker]

Bring a book, and take a few naps When you don't have to pack in/out and the critters are bedded down it will leave you with lots of time, also I spend a lot of time glassing mid-day and you'd be surprised how much you will see even mid-day. Once I make camp for the night and have diner I'm usually ready for bed.

[cantgetdrawn]

I usually carry about 50lbs from the vehicle to the place I set up my spike tent and hunt from there.

When I hunt from the tent I have around 10lbs on my back, most of that weight is the hydration bladder and pack. I carry lunch and a some extra food in case of emergencies, I also put a tarp, some garbage bags along with a light jacket or sweatshirt depending on weather in my pack.

I do take a nap around midday so I use the tarp and light jacket as a pillow. Other than that I don't have a lot of downtime. I leave the tent before light and get back after dark, otherwise I feel I did not hunt all I should have. When I get back to the tent I spend my time; preparing dinner, getting my pack ready for the next day, looking at maps and making a plan on which direction I will hunt the next day. After that I try to get to bed, usually before 9pm. I usually don't have a lot of days to hunt so I try to pack as much hunting as I can into the time I have.

[Raghorn_Reaper]

I am in the same boat this year. Going solo for the first time. I like what Brendan mentions about the journal. (check out his writeup also. It is really good). I plan to do certain things to not let my mind wander. (journal, feed my titanium stove, elknuts playbook, etc). I also had to tailor some of my plans to go in real deep. Being alone I cant afford to kill one 5-10 miles back in. I don't think i would ever get it all out. While I am going the spike camp route my gear is on the very light side. I don't think i could do the bivy thing though and be as hard charging.

I have spent 2 nights alone and lost in colorado (didnt have a gps though). So between that and the grizzly bears those are my greatest fears about going alone.

While I love the camaraderie, there is something to be said about a man walking into the mountains alone and harvesting an elk.....and still being able to walk out

[Heartwood]

I just re-read your post and realized that you were talking about hunting from a spike camp. Sorry, I was rambling on about bivy style hunting. I used to do a lot of that type of hunting but now prefer bivy. I guess I don't like having to be back at a specific location every night. You could also pack in a spike camp and then bivy out some of the time, especially if the weather is mild and dry. I find that the time flys by as I'm looking at maps, glassing and covering ground to find elk. This leaves little slack time to get bored. Another thing that helps to stay motivated and in the right frame of mind is to be able to call home and check in every few days if you happen to be in an area where you can get cell signal. I have found that I can stay out longer when the family is informed that everything is ok on the mountian.

[mandrroofing]

Wow,some great info here guys!i like the spike and the bivy idea if conditions alow.has anyone ever slept under the stars with just a pad and and sleeping bag?

[Pop-r]

I'm ALWAYS too heavy!! but I find confidence in knowing I have the gear to overcome anything mother nature can throw! She gets mad at times & if I'm not prepared 100% then my focus is off completely. You can die out there or have a very bad occurrence if you aren't prepared. I've had a couple of those & now am fairly reluctant to go in for more than the day w/o being prepared for the worst. If you have the gear then it's no different than staying downtown in the motel. Well, considering. Not that good but u gotta be able to know you're gonna be "ok" & then all the other worry goes away somewhat. At least for me. Now things can happen that you aren't prepared for but those are just fate & how it goes. Being in game helps dramatically! If not it's extremely hard to stay focused!

[Raghorn_Reaper]

I talked to a gentleman once that said he "slept" with the elk. I guess he moved with them at night and come light was in position. That would be tough.

[foxvalley]

The "SPOT" is a nice thing to have along being solo.You can preprogram a couple messages that you can send home to let everyone know that you are ok,that you can send anytime,and also let them know if you kill an elk.Also push a button if you are in trouble, but not life or death,and then of course the "send the copter" button. This is a great piece of mind for everyone.

[Heartwood]

Yes, one can get by with just a good mummy bag if conditions are dry and stable, I have done that many times. If bad weather is expected then bivy and pad come along. There is a fine art to finding just the right spot to sleep. I often look for a downed log on a steep slope and can sleep in the flat spot created by all the needles and fine material built up on the up hill side. Often I will look for a place where I am least likley to disturbe the elk in the area. Also, it is nice to be awakened in the night by an elk party in full swing.

[foxvalley]

This is my spike camp setup,consisting of bag, tent, pad, and jetboil.I usually bring and extra set of cloths,and bottled water if I know I not going to be close to it.

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[mandrroofing]

This is my spike camp setup,consisting of bag, tent, pad, and jetboil.I usually bring and extra set of cloths,and bottled water if I know I not going to be close to it.

spike camp.jpg

How comfortable is that pad? I have the X Lite I don't like how narrow it is my arms fall off the side it keeps me awake any suggestions?

[elk.addict]

What keeps my spirits up is being comfortable (with my pack weight and still having good gear).

- Exped Synmat UL9. I've got the long/wide model. I'm large framed and my arms don't fall off the sides. I have used quite a bit in sub zero temps and always stayed warm. I use it in summer too cause it is just so comfy. I'm into the whole ultra-light thing, but I am willing to pack a little extra weight for a good comfy pad (it's 21 oz).
- Big Anges Copper Spur UL3: I like a 3-man tent for hunting as there is plenty of room for gear. If it is bug season, I pack the whole tent (4 lbs). But hunting, I can ditch the tent itself and just use the fly and the footprint. Takes me down to 2.5 lbs and the fly offers enough coverage to keep me dry. I have also used the Mountain Hardwear Hoopla 4. It's a good light tent too, but I'm not crazy about the floorless shelter.
- Warm bag: I use a north face 0°f down bag. I like a fairly warm bag as I've have seen temps into the teens during September.
- Down pillow: because I'm a softy. The backpacking versions are pretty light. Inflatables won't cut it for me

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[foxvalley]

This is my spike camp setup,consisting of bag, tent, pad, and jetboil.I usually bring and extra set of cloths,and bottled water if I know I not going to be close to it.

spike camp.jpg

How comfortable is that pad? I have the X Lite I don't like how narrow it is my arms fall off the side it keeps me awake any suggestions?

Mandrrofing, my pad is one notch up from sleeping on a rock.If you are looking for comfort,elkadict is right on with the synmat. They come in a bunch of different sizes,insulated, and have a built in pump.I think any air type matteress is going to give you more comfort.
My spikecamp setup is extremely lightweight, and small,and is not my primary camp,as I will just use this setup if I find elk too far from base camp,or to scout new locations for a couple days.However,this is a "budget"setup, and because of this,you loose on comfort,and warmth,and I would suggest the better stuff if you are not so budget minded.

[mandrroofing]

Here is my sleep system right now.
six moons tent, enlightened equipment 20 degree and neo xlite pad ,very lite.

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[Raghorn_Reaper]

Wow our setups are very similar. I have the enlightened equipment revelation 20 degree with a seek outside bt-2. Is your pad a L? That's a light setup!

[Huntrgathr]

When you're spiking vs. bivy hunting you can afford to pack in more but don't forget the pack out. Once the meat is on the ground it's all about packing/hauling efficiency. Those extra amenities in camp can cost you an extra trip, maybe some spoiled meat. Every year I hunt with less and less gear or I find a lighter weight version of what I already have. My hunting pack with bivy/spike gear and food for 2-3 days is still under 30#. Add bow weight to that..maybe 38# total. Being light and fast in the woods has always served me better than being " loaded for bear". Sure it's nice to have the camp comforts but the more comforts you can learn to do without, the simpler things become. Knowing your area is a huge asset though in making gear choices. Rain gear , saw, pillow, tent, often water filter, all stay at home most of the time now. But it's up to the individual hunter - what seems like "camping" to one guy might sound like a survival situation to another...

[mandrroofing]

GOOD info!Anyone willing to post up there pack list for a 3-4 night hunt along with weight if available?
sorry for all the questions,i just wanted to be the most prepared as possible.Anything come to mind that you feel is not necessary that a newbie might think is?
I picked up kifaru nomad pack with the camp bag.i like the idea of being able to drop the camp bag at my spike location and running the nomad in daypack mode.i watched aaron's videos and he shows how to pack out meat and your gear on the first trip.I do have buddys that are hunting also but they are day hunting from base camp.My brother and I will have the inreach , so if i do get an elk down i can message him my location,for help packing out meat.

[elk.addict]

Here ya go....https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fMk_RFYilUOWWFxezW0aruGdllNMXYv3gU6rqMbM-5A/edit?usp=sharing

I have enough food for 5 days but I typically come out before then and shower/change clothes at the trailer

[mandrroofing]

Here ya go....https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fMk_RFYilUOWWFxezW0aruGdllNMXYv3gU6rqMbM-5A/edit?usp=sharing

I have enough food for 5 days but I typically come out before then and shower/change clothes at the trailer

Tell me about that pillow would you recommend it?

[elk.addict]

I would absolutely recommend the Quixote pillow. With the wide pad and pillow, I sleep every bit as good on the trail as I do at home.

[Huntrgathr]

Here's an overnight bivy pack from a shed hunt this Spring. Includes everything in my hunting pack except game bags, calls and spotter ( I pack a spotter and tripod about 50% of the time). Weighs in at just over 29# but includes six pounds of water and 1.5 pounds of beer. Normally I don't pack much, if any water on the way in if I know I have an opportunity to filter water. I haven't decided yet if beer is a luxury or a necessity for bivy hunting.


Gear -
Cabelas lightweight pack frame and daypack - 6# combined
25 deg REI synthetic sleeping bag ( nothing fancy)
Sleeping Pad ( currently REI ultralight) 1#
Basic Siltarp Bivy sack
Pocket Rocket Stove and smallest fuel can
Ti quart kettle and cup, spork
Water filter 1# ( upgraded to a 3oz Sawyer squeeze filter since then)
10x42 Binos and harness, lens cleaner
First Aid Kit, emergency fire starter, toothbrush and paste etc.
Headlamp
Havalon knife and 5 blades
Soft shell jacket - jacket choice varies weight a lot. I switch from ultralight down and windbreaker stuff to fleece, soft shells , heavy wool for the late hunt... But I figure 1-3.5# for upper layers.
Extra pair of socks
iPhone
Food


What am I forgetting...?

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[mandrroofing]

Here is my tent set up yesterday.i slept in it last night.it stormed pretty good and i stayed completely dry. I didnet sleep well,i need a pellow and a new pad,like i said before,the way i sleep,i need a wider pad and a light and comfy pillow.i have neck problems and this is a must for me to get some sleep!

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[elk.addict]

If you're not going to be in really cold condition, the Klymit lux V pad is REALLY wide and not too heavy. The only downside is there's not much R value.
When I used a narrow pad I'd stack up gear on both sides so I had something to support my arms. Which is important for me due to all the nerve damage I have... If I'm not positioned just right, my arms/hands go numb at night. It's no fun

[BrentLaBere]

With the neo pad I found that I sleep a lot better when I dont fill it completely with air. I used to have restless night with it but not anymore. Although, that doesnt sound like the problem you are having. I had mentioned it before, but if you know where water is easily available, you can save yourself a lot of weight by not carrying so much around with you. Food is the next heavy thing. I dont like skimping on the food, but last year I seemed to over pack.
I guess I dont agree with carrying camp the same time you are carrying meat. Forget about camp and take care of the meat is the way I look at it. Once you have the meat out and cooled, you can take your time by walking in to get the head and the rest of camp. I have a list I can emial you. I wasnt able to post xcell/pdf on here before....Or ill just have to retype everything up on the post. That might be the best option. Always nice to have others take a look at it

[Huntrgathr]

Careful trying to save too much weight on the sleeping pad. I have been through 3 pads in the last year. The lighter the pad, the easier it is to get a leak. I had a Neo that lasted one night and a Big Agnes Air core that lasted a few months. I think back to my original thermarest pads and those things are still going after 15+ years. They're too heavy for bivy/spike hunting but the correlation between weight and durability is a real consideration. If you have to carry a heavy tarp to protect your air mattress it kind of defeats the purpose... Just something to think about. Also, deflate your pad during the day if when you're leaving camp set up. When the sun hits it you can blow a seam.

As for pillows, I always use my light down jacket, fleece or similar for a pillow to save on packing an extra piece...

[EVD]

One other item I like to take is a cheap lightweight pair of flip flops for camp. Gives the feet and boots a chance to air out.

I also have the problem of my arms going numb at night and will have to try some gear on the side to support the arms.

[Huntrgathr]

One other item I like to take is a cheap lightweight pair of flip flops for camp. Gives the feet and boots a chance to air out.

I also have the problem of my arms going numb at night and will have to try some gear on the side to support the arms.

I like the flip flops too. Got to have something to wear while you dry your boots way too close to the fire . Seems like a lot of guys have trouble sleeping or problems with arms going numb. I have the latter issue sometimes, usually related to sleeping with my hands above my head and clothing that is too tight around my arms or armpits. Having a really lightweight loose shirt helps me quite a bit. My buddy recently developed shoulder issues and the doc told him its a bad idea to sleep on your arms or have them up over your head 1 puts pressure on the shoulder joint at maximum extension and causes wear, nerve issues etc...

There's something to be said for making a good bed. I like to find a soft place and dig a little spot in for my bed- kinda like the elk do. If you build a bed similar to an elk bed you'll stay in one spot during the night and you can contour it to accommodate your size and specific issues. Too many times I've tried sleeping on really hard flat ground and/or something on a slope and it just doesn't work as well. Just watch out for ants...

[Jamieastle]

We hunt the Uinta Mountains in Utah, it’s going to rain. I believe it was August 28th last year we got 6” of snow on us over night and who knows how much rain. Rain gear, down jacket, a good tent, flip flops, a killer pad (for us old guys) and -10 down bag are a must. That rating on your sleeping bag means you won’t die at that temperature, has nothing to do with comfort. We hunt about 6 miles in so we typically take the elk out in one load and leave our camp there until the following weekend. Seems to work for my boys and I and we have never had a problem with meat spoiling.

[Huntrgathr]

We hunt the Uinta Mountains in Utah, it’s going to rain. I believe it was August 28th last year we got 6” of snow on us over night and who knows how much rain. Rain gear, down jacket, a good tent, flip flops, a killer pad (for us old guys) and -10 down bag are a must. That rating on your sleeping bag means you won’t die at that temperature, has nothing to do with comfort. We hunt about 6 miles in so we typically take the elk out in one load and leave our camp there until the following weekend. Seems to work for my boys and I and we have never had a problem with meat spoiling.

Actually most sleeping bags are comfort rated now where they used to be "survival rated". My 25 degree bag sleeps comfortably right near that rating and is actually a little too warm on 45 degree nights ...

You definitely know what it takes to hunt your area. That's a big weight/time saver. You know what to pack and what not to pack. This can be one of the big advantages to preseason scouting or hunting known areas. You figure out all the ins and outs of the exact area you plan to hunt. If you've packed too much or not enough you can be much more efficient with your gear choices. You can have a customized gear list for each area and season you hunt...

[mandrroofing]

Does anybody do anything specific in regards to finding their tent Afterdark coming back from a hunt? for example like reflective tape or small lightweight solar lights?

[BrentLaBere]

Does anybody do anything specific in regards to finding their tent Afterdark coming back from a hunt? for example like reflective tape or small lightweight solar lights?

My tent has reflective guyline and webbing on the tent corners. Just flash the head lamp quick to zero in on it. I have the same reflective tags for my game bags.
Wouldnt be a bad idea to place small pieces of reflective tape if you have any concern. Lucky enough for me my tent and game bags had them built in.

[Jamieastle]

You are thinking, that's is good, I learned the hard way. I have reflective guylines and tabs on my tent and one very dark night it took me over 45 minutes to find my tent. Light has to hit those reflective pieces for them to work. That particular time I was camped low and back then I tried to set up my tent in a hidden area. Now I usually camp on a ridge because I bugle at night, when camped on a ridge your tent is easy to find. When I do camp off a ridge I set my tent up in an easy area to find like off the side of a large meadow.

[steviek]

I use small solar lights you can buy at Walmart. They have worked well for me and they are lightweight.

[mandrroofing]

I have spiked but not solo,when i did my brother brought along solor power Christmas type of lights and if I remember correctly they were lightweight and strung them up in a small tree and it was easy to see at night,it just kinda took up more room then i liked