Smokepole,
It wasn't our first hunt, only our first backpack (spike camp) hunt. We had always hunted from a camp with truck access before. This was my 5th elk hunt, and my son's 3rd (I think) and we are still learning more each year. But I got a late start on elk hunting and I'm afraid my best physical years are behind me.
Nesco FD-75A on amazon.. about $60. Does a great job on jerky too. Plenty of resources out there on how to do it (prep, temps, time). It's not hard, but it does take some time... but I like knowing what I'm eating and how it's going to taste. This unit comes with the solid sheets and mesh sheets needed for soup like foods. I did the marinara for the spaghetti separate from the noodles... look up dehydrating "bark" or "leather". Also did the venison burger separate from the marinara sauce, I used the sauce (Newman's) right from the jar on to the dehydrating sheet.
Most meals need about 15 to 20 minutes to re-hydrate.
If you need links to resources let me know I will shoot you some.
Give it a try, good luck,
