I can see it now. After just arriving to camp on my first backcountry hunt, I felt lost in a sense. Not because of where I physically was, but with what to do and how to do it. The flow of backcountry living just hadn’t hit me yet. Just like anything, it was only a matter of time though. Every backpack hunt since then, things get a little more efficient every time I go. It is a rhythm that I still do this day try to catch up with. If you’ve spent any deal of time in the backcountry, this phrase probably rings true to you. Efficiency is everything. The fact of the matter is backcountry hunting is just plain hard. Here are 3 ways that have helped me personally be more efficient in the backcountry.
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Thinking back on that first hunt I mentioned earlier makes me realize how much I didn’t think ahead. Sure, I had my gear dialed and packed nicely, but when it came time to actually use everything, that was another story. Putting things in motion wasn’t something I really took into account. For this reason, I am of the party that thinking ahead is a good thing. Things like taking the time to throw up your shelter in the backyard, so you know how to do it when it the field. Or filtering water out of a cup in your kitchen, so you know how your filter works exactly. Knowing this stuff ahead of time is going to make things go much more smoothly once you actually get out on your hunt. This doesn’t just have to do with using gear beforehand though. It also translates into your actual actions in the field. Stuff like filtering water before going to bed, so you don’t have to do it in the morning. Or deflating your sleeping pad right when you get up and are laying on it. Which leads me to my next point.
Our species is incredibly used to routine. Whether it’s at work or at home, I’d bet that you have some semblance of a routine in your life. They are comforting and leave decision making at the curb. I mentioned above filtering water before bed, so that you didn’t have to do it in the morning. Doing this allows you to just get up in the morning, chug down some coffee/breakfast, and get to hunting. Having an idea about when and where you are going to do things will also make things run more smoothly. My day looks something like this: I wake up, walk over to my food hanging in a tree, and grab my food for the day. After hanging that back up, I will make a quick cup of coffee and eat breakfast. I will hunt all day and usually make dinner around 2:30 p.m. out on the hill. I do this so that I don’t have to bother with such activities during prime hunting time or when I get back to camp and am tired. When I do return back to camp, I go over to my food hang and take my bag for the day to put in the tree with the rest. Filter water and fill up water bladder for the coming day. Go to bed. Sticking to something like this, lets me just focus more on hunting and less on doing other stuff.
You are your engine on a backcountry hunt. If you are in bad shape, than your hunt is in bad shape. Taking care of yourself out on these hunts is of the upmost importance. Not only for the sake of your hunt, but for the sake of your safety and well being. You’d be surprised at how many folks just forget to eat and drink water. I get it. When things get moving, they get moving. You need fuel and hydration though to keep going. I also try to make sure that everyday during my down time, I take my boots off to let my feet dry out. This is especially important on those longer hunts. By taking care of yourself I am not just talking about making sure you are eating out there and staying hydrated though. I am also talking about not being stupid. What I mean by that, is if you are being careless, putting your safety at risk day after day, you are not taking care of yourself. When you are miles from the truck, being smart about your actions is huge, especially if you are alone. We have all done dumb stuff here and there, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be smart.
For some of you, the seasons have already started. For most of us, we are a few weeks out from living out our dreams once again. It’s once again that time of year, and once again, I am chomping at the bit, just like many of you. Now is the time to be thinking about this stuff I’ve mentioned above. Especially, if this is your first year hunting. Try to go afield prepared both in mind and body. Make a habit of taking care of camp chores at a certain time everyday. And lastly, use your head and be safe. The thirst for wild places we all have is about to be quenched. It’s a drink we can all agree on.
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