The keto diet is exploding right now. Which is obviously one of the reasons that I wanted to try it out. To see what all of the rage was about. It’s all over the place. I see it on the cover of magazines, on TV talk shows, and it’s even the topic at hand on a plethora of podcasts. While this diet didn’t work for me personally, there are many out there that thrive eating keto. If they are a backpack hunter though, I think one question constantly pops up. That question is “How do I eat keto on a backpack hunt?” I asked the same question. Keto, in my opinion is a very involved type of diet. The thought of doing that in the backcountry kind of made my stomach turn to be honest. I assure you that it can be done though!
Yes, you read that right! After it was all said and done, I made it 17 days on the keto diet. There were parts that I really enjoyed in the beginning, but after a while, those parts actually turned negative. Being the type of person that I am, the decision to throw in the towel was a difficult one for me. I’m not one to give things up, and sometimes that is to a fault. With that being said, I’m going to dive into why I decided that enough was enough. I know that there are plenty of people out there that really love the keto diet, and that is awesome. I’m not insinuating that any of you are wrong for doing keto or bashing the diet at all. These are just the reasons why it didn’t work for me personally.
OK! It has been two weeks since my dive into the Keto diet and I’m feeling pretty good. I still haven’t gotten to do a legit backpacking trip with this meal plan, but am planning to in the future. It will be interesting seeing how that mashes up and how I feel. If I feel anything like I do now, I think I will be totally fine. Can’t blame me for wondering though! In the beginning of this journey, I was pretty pumped on Keto. Since then though? Let’s just say that my overall thoughts on Keto have definitely changed.
I have officially started the Keto Diet and am officially one week into it! So far so good, but there has definitely been some challenges along the way. It is expected at this point. Whenever starting something new, there is an acclimation period that exists. This experience has been no exception to that.
Clean eating sounded intimidating enough when I decided to try it out. Honestly, it was kind of overwhelming with all of the restrictions that would be put in place once I got going on it. They aren’t really a big deal from a bird’s eye view, but once you realize how many of those creature comfort foods you can’t eat anymore, it can become daunting. So, eating clean is one thing, but what about on hunts and not just any hunts. What about eating clean on a backpack hunt to be more specific? After doing this diet for one month during our spring bear season, I can assure you that it is entirely possible. It probably isn’t going to be what you’re used to back there, but if I can do it, you can do it too! Who knows, you might even find a few new staples in your backcountry menu!
Most focus in the hunting world gets put onto all things ungulate. That being deer, elk, moose, caribou, etc. Basically, all of things with antlers or horns. Rightfully so! All of those species are magnificent animals with a ton of opportunity behind them for the blue collar hunter to take advantage of. Arizona is no exception in that right. We have a massive amount of attention put on our huge bull elk and tons of opportunity for mule deer and coues deer, especially for the bowhunter. Those are some of my favorite hunts of the year, but they are not my absolute favorite. For me, that title rests in the paws of our Arizona black bear. Yes, we do in fact have bears here in our hot and desolate desert believe it or not. Let me tell you why they are my favorite animal to hunt here and the best hunt you’ve probably never heard of.
What a whirlwind it was. Hunting season is over and I am left salivating in anticipation of the next. Right now is the time of year that I really like to focus on my gear list. I like looking back on the things that I used the most, and recognizing the things I didn’t use much at all. Each year that goes by, it seems that I lose a gear item here and there that didn’t make the cut. So, I thought it would be cool to lay out for you the Top 6 gear items I don’t leave home without. This isn’t going to be obvious items like my bow, pack, survival gear, or a first aid kit. These are going to simply be items that I find myself grateful for having with me out there. Without further ado…
I have gotten asked quite a bit lately about HOW I actually go about packing my backpack for a backcountry hunt. Where I am putting certain pieces of gear, how I am putting them in the pack, and why. I thought the absolute best way to convey this was with a video! Now, there are way more ways to pack for the backcountry than what I show you here. This is just what has worked for me over the years, so don’t feel like they are hard set rules. That is one of the beauties of backpack hunting. It’s all on you. After you spend more and more time in the backcountry, you will find out what works best for you and your specific style of hunting. Maybe, you like to bring an ultralight chair with you? Awesome! More power to you! Luxury comes with a price though and it is paid in weight. I wouldn’t consider my system a super ultralight kit, but it is getting there. I do enjoy things like an actual tent back there, rather than a bivy sack. You might be different and that it totally fine.
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.
We are currently coming up on the middle of August as I sit here and write this. If you are anything like me, you have been salivating for months anticipating what is to come. I’ve been shooting my bow all year long, dialing in gear, and making sure that I stay in the best shape that I can. Preparation is key. One of those gear items that I think is beyond important to get squared away is your boots. Our boots are our wheels essentially on our trips through the mountains. If you don’t spend the proper amount of time and take the necessary precautions with boots, you might be in for a world of hurt come your hunt. If you feet go out, your hunt might follow. Nobody wants that. Let’s take a look at 5 tips for choosing a hunting boot.
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