Hunting Solo Survival Tips?

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CanadianBaconPancakes

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Longs story short. I got a job that I took loads of long weekends during hunting season and most people cant come.

I will be out with my truck. Main tent at base camp and back packing hammock tent.

I never been out for 5 day trips solo. At most truck hunting.

Is this safe? Im fairly confident to go out but everyone I talk to thinks i'm crazy, Do I need a reality check? Or am I all good to go?

I really don't to limit my self to someones schedule.
 
Going solo always carries some additional risks as you have no one to rely on but yourself. That being said like you stated if you want to get out hunting and other people are not available when you are then you are going it alone. Make sure you have are all your gear well organized and prepared and consider taking a SPOT GPS unit if you don't have cell coverage where you will be hunting. If this is your first solo backpack hunting trip you might want to consider doing a couple over-nighters or weekend trips first to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before doing the 5 day trip.
Have fun!
 
A sat phone or spot is a good idea. Obviously leave a description of where you'll be hunting with your family and when they can expect you home. Nothing more satisfying then hunting alone in my opinion.
 
I'd say it's safe, the risk is becoming incapacitated and no one knowing. But, we have the technology.
 
I make sure to take my voodoo chicken bones to bring me luck and to keep me safe. :p

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A few years back I was solo hunting and had a fall. Ended up half in a creek with my scope knocked off, cell phone under water and a dislocated shoulder. Reset my shoulder (ouch!!!!), walked out to where the boat was, pull started the boat with my left arm and got to my truck. No fun, but like the op said you don't limit your self to other peoples schedules. Two weeks later I'm back at it, this time with a different gun and iron sights and shot a buck less than a hundred yards from where I had my fall. What was I thinking! Spent the rest of the day getting it back to the boat, dragging it with my one good arm. Had to get help to get it from the boat into the truck. It hurt a lot and maybe I'm just stupid, but I'd do it again!
 
As mentioned, communication device, share your hunting area with a loved one, be prepared to work your way out of a situation- stuck truck, gutting an animal without a leg holder lol.. DO NOT slip with your knife, limit chainsaw use, don't take anything for granted..

I'm sure you'll have a first aid kit (small pack size) fire starting striker or matches, space blankets and a compass. Basically you just need to keep yourself from bleeding or freezing to death. I do it often, nothing a resourceful guy can't handle.
 
Simple rules apply when hunting alone..........

Spot locator / sat phone if remote.
Plenty of supplies and clearly communicate where you have gone to and when you will be back.

I like hunting alone, but you have to be prepared. I have been surprised by a snow storm and delayed in returning home for 6 days. Rations were getting very low and I was faced with abandoning the truck and hiking out. Thankfully the weather changed and I managed to drive out over a two day period.

You owe it to those that care and rely upon you to take precautions and to be prepared. The time I got stuck, I was just supposed to go for a two day hunt and the snow occurred on the first night. Thankfully I had packed all of my hunting rations which carried me through. If I have only packed for those 2 days I am doubtful that my return would have been so certain. You make mistakes when desperate, ones that can be life limiting.

Balance the risks with the reward, and just be well prepared.

Candocad.
 
I enjoy hunting/camping alone and find that I am much more risk averse when doing so. I walk carefully, think ahead and if possible send updates to friends/family regularly. I also take more than I need for the time I plan to be afield. Weather is an important factor also, I wear a watch with a GPS/barometer so I can keep track of changing weather patterns and I make sure to have duplicates of clothing items that keep me warm and dry, ie. extra insulation and rain gear. Also, pack a proper first aid kit with not just emergency provisions but everyday items that make your trip more comfortable, ie. Advil, antacid, Imodium, allergy/cold meds etc.

Patrick
 
Almost always hunt alone, worked on the railroad so had no schedule, very difficult to plan so became a habit after a while. I am going to repeat what has already been said. Do NOT take chances. I have had my share of difficulties here and there but nothing insurmountable. My survival pack always goes with me. Always means whether it is two hour jaunt or much longer. You never know when Murphy's Law will prevail.
 
I've been doing solo back-country camping for years, and the family is always worried until I get back. I bought a Spot 3 tracker, and after the first trip using it, they worry much less. With the track function they can follow your movements in near real time, and receive daily messages. I just did 9 days solo kayak/camping (Spanish River) it was on 10 minute constant tracking, and ran over 12 days on one set of rechargeable batteries. Great product.
 
Candocad said:
... delayed in returning home for 6 days. Rations were getting very low and I was faced with abandoning the truck and hiking out. Thankfully the weather changed and I managed to drive out over a two day period.

. If I have only packed for those 2 days I am doubtful that my return would have been so certain.
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You're not going to starve to death over the course of a week. You might not like feeling hungry, but you could probably fast for a month even if you were super-fit. Everybody seems to overemphasize the need for food, when shelter and warmth should be your first priority, followed by water.
 
9.3mauser said:
You're not going to starve to death over the course of a week. You might not like feeling hungry, but you could probably fast for a month even if you were super-fit. Everybody seems to overemphasize the need for food, when shelter and warmth should be your first priority, followed by water.
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No food for a month, good luck....

To the OP, tell someone where you are and when your expected back. Take your time doing things, don't rush
 
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