x-country skis vs snowshoes for hunting

rhino519

rhino519

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anyone using x-country skis for hunting?
this last dump of snow really messed up my plans to go chase yotes. I've tried snowshoes before and I'm not a big fun, it was horrendous in fresh deep snow. I do see a lot of x-country skiers in the park I take my dogs too and it got me thinking about trying that out, after all biathlon is the direct result of the winter hunting, why not try it. My concern is still how well will the skis keep me above snow, while going from stand to stand.
trying to look it up on yt last night I found about trekking skis, though on expensive side I like the idea of using a good winter boot instead of the ones dedicated for x-country skiing
 
I use some. OAC KAR 149's. shorter and wider than other x-country skis and hummock binding. I wouldn't consider them to offer any better floatation than snow shoes but they are quicker to cover ground on.
 
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after all biathlon is the direct result of the winter hunting
nope, military origins
that being said i sell both xc skis and snow shoes so i have an idea of what works, I'd hunt (especially coyotes) on snowshoes (MSR makes great ones) and you can be fairly mobile on them
if you're going to ski (arguably faster, maybe quieter) look for "BC" or backcountry models/versions they may be wider and shorter for mobility and maybe even have metal edges (not for turning like alpine skis but make skis way more durable)
PM if you have questions
came back to add I'd pay to see someone try to move fast on the ones pictured above
 
If I'm passing through, skiis. If I have any stops or things to do along the way, snowshoes. FWIW, the Army cable and magnesium snowshoes aren't perfect, but there are way worse choices.
 
Judging by the op first post, I hazard a guess you have never tried either means of transport? Hunting is not the time to experiment
It might take some extra time and travel but stomping out a trail prior to a hunt is a good option
dress light and hoof it out and back with no load, whether it is a day or jsut the night before, then the hunt wil be so much more enjoyable
imho

or look at the Altai Hok
https://www.snowfeetstore.com/skinbased-skis-explained-oac-altai-hok-trekking-skis-guide
 
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Skis are good but they need to be fairly wide or really long for deep snow, they are faster than snowshoes but a bit more cumbersome especially if you are not a skier!! Snowshoes need to be of the traditional style and of the right size to be effective in deep snow, I use only trad snowshoes of different style for different purposes. Skis that are made for tracks are not gonna be of any use in soft deep snow! Skins on the bottom of the skis make for a huge difference too!
 
rhino519 said:
anyone using x-country skis for hunting?
this last dump of snow really messed up my plans to go chase yotes. I've tried snowshoes before and I'm not a big fun, it was horrendous in fresh deep snow. I do see a lot of x-country skiers in the park I take my dogs too and it got me thinking about trying that out, after all biathlon is the direct result of the winter hunting, why not try it. My concern is still how well will the skis keep me above snow, while going from stand to stand.
trying to look it up on yt last night I found about trekking skis, though on expensive side I like the idea of using a good winter boot instead of the ones dedicated for x-country skiing
Click to expand...
Get a hunting/trapping snowmobile, 20"X155" stance with lots of power to turn that big track. Titan Polaris 800 Adventure, huge floatation skis, makes a guy feel young again while floating on the snow......:)

Cross country skiing is not for the faint of heart. The proper snow shoes also makes a difference in deeper snow. Once you cut a path, it is of course easier to follow your established trail.
 
Donny Fenn1 said:
after all biathlon is the direct result of the winter hunting
nope, military origins
that being said i sell both xc skis and snow shoes so i have an idea of what works, I'd hunt (especially coyotes) on snowshoes (MSR makes great ones) and you can be fairly mobile on them
if you're going to ski (arguably faster, maybe quieter) look for "BC" or backcountry models/versions they may be wider and shorter for mobility and maybe even have metal edges (not for turning like alpine skis but make skis way more durable)
PM if you have questions
came back to add I'd pay to see someone try to move fast on the ones pictured above
Click to expand...
MSR snowshoes are great if you are on wind pack alpine scenarios but useless in real deep snow, and they are so noisy that I doubt you would see any games using them!
Edges on skis are not for durability, but for “grab” on icy slopes.
Bring your msr snowshoes and I’ll bring my trad snowshoes and in real snow where you actually need snowshoes I will be faster than you on your msr!
 
rhino519 said:
anyone using x-country skis for hunting?
this last dump of snow really messed up my plans to go chase yotes. I've tried snowshoes before and I'm not a big fun, it was horrendous in fresh deep snow. I do see a lot of x-country skiers in the park I take my dogs too and it got me thinking about trying that out, after all biathlon is the direct result of the winter hunting, why not try it. My concern is still how well will the skis keep me above snow, while going from stand to stand.
trying to look it up on yt last night I found about trekking skis, though on expensive side I like the idea of using a good winter boot instead of the ones dedicated for x-country skiing
Click to expand...

I snow shoe hunt and have done some ski touring. Was going to say stick to the snow shoes, but then looked up the trekking skis. Those look like they could be a nice compromise. Easier travel than snow shoes and not having to deal with ski boots and long skis in the bush.

Go for it, and report back!
 
gorby said:
I snow shoe hunt and have done some ski touring. Was going to say stick to the snow shoes, but then looked up the trekking skis. Those look like they could be a nice compromise. Easier travel than snow shoes and not having to deal with ski boots and long skis in the bush.

Go for it, and report back!
Click to expand...
I’ve had a pair of the hok skishoes and sold them they are a compromise and unless your pretty light they won’t float you on soft snow.
 
gorby said:
Bummer, I was hoping they had some decent floatation.
Click to expand...
Like I said if your are lightweight it might more for you but I will make myself a pair of sibarian style skis, really wide( around 7.5”) quite short but not super short like maybe around 60” long and the entire sole will be climbing skins, the skins works great at moving forward and slowing you down on the down hills, also the cut the noise a lot! Have a look here
 
I would get the traditional skis that look the same on both ends, and are wider and shorter. They are a pita to find in Canada. I would not want to ship them from an out of country vendor. I don't know where you'd find a pair of CF bangity boards without a bunch of holes already drilled in the middle of each ski. A pair of skis like that would be nice as well. Same thing, I do not know of a list of any good vendors of these types of skis in Canada.
 
I grew up on cross countries in Norway going on a hunt on them is on the list!

Depends, skiing takes more skill. Are you skilled? Being able to cover more ground is definitely advantageous
 
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