I am by far not an expert. I do consider backpack hunting for big game essentially an alpha sport , using a culmination of skills , often somewhat isolated in varying conditions. Add in solo and you up the ante.
Here are a few tidbits I have that may help
- Pack light but don't sacrifice your ability to carry weight, stay warm, and keep dry.
- A light pack to me makes the most sense, it is always worn
- Reduction of equipment is as important as anything else to save weight.
- Move to where the game is , but keep pack outs realistic depending on weather conditions , help , angle of slope etc
- Don't kill yourself energy wise. Realize a pack out can take a lot of effort. Save enough effort to get it done when it counts
TO me the biggest advantage of backpack hunting around here is conserving energy. Getting up at 4 am and gaining 2000 ft of vert everyday saps your energy and often leaves you missing out on the best opportunities. By backpacking you can get near game (and possibly only carry 15 lbs more on the hike in) hunt early, hunt late , and if you need a break mid day then take it. There are also a lot of other advantages (hearing game at night) etc.
Kevin
