There are a few situations where I'd consider it; the problem is it still all has to come out. An additional 20-30 lbs added on the way out can be the difference between one-tripping a mule deer or not.
Snowy:
I figure it like this. If I don't get an elk I will stay the entire season trying to fill my tag and I will eat all my food while I'm there. If I do get an elk I rent a horse and the horse is courteous enough to carry out any remaining food along with everything else.
I only cache stuff for elk hunting. When deer hunting, I carry everything. A deer is small enough that I can usually carry one out in a single trip then go back in and get my camp and any remaining supplies. I'm too old and feeble to try to carry out my camp, remaining supplies and a deer, all in one trip.
BTW I figure that food and fuel weigh about 1 1/2 pounds per day. So a week (7 days & 6 nights) will weigh less than 10 pounds.
KC
