I've never backpack hunted before but it's something that intrigues me. What are the pros/cons to this type of hunting? Obviously, it takes plenty of planning and can be a pretty grueling hunt if he conditions are right. Is this the only effective way to hunt certain areas or do people choose to backpack in even when there are good alternatives? I'd just really like to know why people do this?

Is there any online literature that would be recommended reading for someone starting at ground zero?

I am in my mid-40's and I needed a reason to get my butt in shape. I decided to do something that I always wanted to do...a sheep hunt. I choose to go strickly backpacking for the added challenge. I worked out for six months and I had a great trip.

The problem is this can be addicting!

Rattlesnaker, where do you live? Is it close to the mountains? The best way to start is buy a daypack and start hiking.

The chef

Rattlesnake, there are areas where they do not allow any motorized vehicles, and if you dont have a horse than you have to backpack in. this is probably the main reason that people do backpack hunts. the other is for sheep and goat. alot of times you cant acess sheep and goat country unless you are on foot.

No mountains where I live but a trip out to west texas should get me started in the right direction.

Years ago I read a book.I think "going softly in the wilderness" it was a great book about backpacking. There's also one put out by the sierra club I think. Damn it's been a long time since I've read books on camping. You can also check out the better camping stores -they always have good books. You can also check out if there are any really active scout troops in your area who do a LOT of camping-not the wussy geek troops. Then volunteer to be a leader- there's some very good training available through scouts.

the chef

I do it to get away from the crowds, and for the adventure. Though I do hunt them at times, I try to avoid the zones where quads are allowed. I hate their noise tearing up the silence, and I don't own one. And even if it did, sheep habitat requires legwork, and lots of it. Instead of driving to a camping spot and hunting the fringes from there (or cruising the highway and spotting from the vehicle), I'd rather cross a ridge, or two, set up camp for a few days and hunt in relative solitude.

If I didn't hunt, I'd still backpack into the backcountry, to climb, take pics, and just enjoy the peace and quiet.

Frans

Frans - Do you feel that you see more game like this versus hunting closer to roads and more accessible areas? Or do you just enjoy being by yourself?

Also, how many of you take someone with you versus going out alone?

I usually see a truckload more deer on private land, along the highway! The Blood Indian reserve that I hunted this fall was teeming with deer. The area where Keith Atcheson outfits, in Central Montana, holds so many mule deer it's unbelievable. Good elk too!

I'm just a sucker for the high country... I sometimes get so carried away with reaching new places, trying to sneak a peek over that far ridge, that I forget to really hunt... Ah well, as long as I have fun.

Frans

I don't have just one reason, but the main one is the bare fact that most trophy game on public land is some "X" distance from the nearest road. If I just wanted a spike or two point muley then I'd do just like the other gubers and shoot one in the foothills or in some alfalfa field. Elk REQUIRE security. They just don't get along with hunters at all, so unless you're a horseman, it's shanks mare all the way. Here in Montana we hunters used to drive the pickup to the end of the road, get out and start hunting. These days, the good old boys unload the 4 wheelers and go another 2 to 5 miles in and move the game further back and up into the mountain vastness. About 15+ years ago here in Montana every sumbich with a horse trailer became a guide and outfitter overnight. Read that as ----- hunting pressure pushing the game further back. IF YOU WANT A QUIALITY HUNT ON PUBLIC LAND, AT LEAST IN MONTANA AND WYOMING, then you must leave the crowds behind and find those pockets with good habitat. Other than that, I love to see what's over the next hill or mountain. If it's new to me then I feel just like Davy Crockett, albeit an older one now. I'm 58, and it hurts to go high and far, but it hurts worse not to go or stay near the road and lose the quality. For sheep and goats? Dahh----------------------- Get in shape and go for it, Hoooah!

My motivations are a little different than the others who have responded to your question. I didn't start deer hunting untill I was 52.

I'm primarily a fisherman, and I have always hiked in to fish small streams and high mountain lakes, so backpacking has been a life-long pursuit for me. When I started hunting it was only natural to go to the same areas as I have fished, I also go back in to get away from quads, road hunters and the crowds. I have also been looking for areas where there is less horse traffic to hunt.

The deer here are migratory. Early snow can shut off the back country all to quickly. Then you are fourced to hunt with everyone else, which can get dangerious. If you luckout and are in the right place at the right time, that hasn't happened to me in 10 years of trying, it's like shooting fish in a barrel with a lot of company. Many so called hunters are not very careful or safety conscious when the deer are streaming down on their migration routes. I prefer to avoid the circus, that's why I backpack hunt.

If you are up where there is little sign that anyone else has ever been there, it brings a great sense of satisfaction just being there. If you get an animal, that's just the frosting on the cake in my view. It's great just being there and seeing no one else, so I will continue to hunt as high as is practical even though my chances might be better lower down at times...Rusty.