Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Leaving tomorrow

Got my pack all ready to go and I'm out of here at o'dark thirty. I'm rockin' some great gear.... in 1991.

My pack is a Dana Arcflex Alpine that fits me very well. I like it lots. I also have a Bomb pack that was my climbing pack but it's too small for this. My wife has a Yellowstone... I was working at an REI-type outfitter and could pro-deal this stuff back in the day...

My bag is a Gore-Tex/goose down Marmot. I have slept in the open in that bag on very cold nights and been toasty. The Gore-Tex is nice insurance, with down. I sealed the bottom seams 20 years ago... I think they could stand another go-over.

Stove is an MSR Whisperlite International. Say what you will, those things just keep working (knock on wood). Tested it this week and it fired right up.

Pad is an early Thermarest. I wish I could've upgraded that but my goal was "no new gear, dammit!".

I forget my filter. It's a fairly recent one from REI. A pump filter with a ceramic element. Seems to work. We've only used it a couple times. Haven't caught Beaver Fever yet!

My tent is where I'm eating some weight. It's a two-person North Face that is heavier than a really good 2-person tent would be. Whatever. It works. Gonna have to get myself set up with a 1-man shelter of some sort one of these days though.

Rifle is a Kimber Montana in 7 WSM... Swarovski 3-10x42 scope in Talley's... Leica LRF1200... and my trusty Swaro 8x30 SLC's. I'm not packing in my "Big Eyes" Minox 13x56's. Hope that's not a mistake.

I'm driving to a campground mid-mountain (Steens) tomorrow, about 8 hours, and grabbing a campsite at the campground for my buddies in their trailer. They show up late Thursday and Friday. I'll spend Wednesday night there, then drive up to the top of the mountain (9000+ ft) Thursday morning and pack in around 4-5 miles (I think) and put my camp in. Friday I will scout for where to be opening morning and try to get some rest. The altitude and long drive are going to have my head all FUBAR so I'm hoping a rest day will help. Then, the season starts Saturday!

I'm bringing in enough food to stay in 4-5 days tops. I'll assess what's up at that point.

Dat be da plan, man! I'll take some pics of my old-school 90's gear gettin' 'er done!

Go get 'em Jeff!

best of luck!

Be sure and report back on the trip

Good luck -

Make a trip report -

Jeff, you sound like you're all set with a good plan!

Good hunting man...

BTW, the Alpine was my favorite of the Dana packs... good stuff and better than what's out today IMO. Your Marmot bag sounds exactly like what my wife and I had in the 1980's... USA made Marmot dwon with goretex shells. Got mine in 1982. Wife got hers in 1986. They served us well.

You could try to "upgrade" your gear and end up in a poorer position... A Neoair is the only thing I'd recommend.

I missed it; elk or deer? Both? Neither?

Bringing a trail pistol? <grin>

Oh yea.....Good Luck.

Smartazz

I know someone that made those bags. Last I heard they were doing almost a remake of the bag for sar folks.

I'm jealous, no deer tag for me this year.

Take the 13x56's... Steens country will put those to good work!
(not that I blame you since your'e backpacking)

Best of luck!

He has special deer tag.

Good Luck Jeff. I have always wanted to hunt muley's in the Steens.

My partner and I are getting a late start on our bike in trip. I am getting a brace and some shots in my left knee. We won't go in until the 4th.

Who knows, we may get a little rain and get in some good hunting. That is our hope anyway. It is awfully dry in the Sled Springs Unit at the moment.

Thanks guys! On the road....

Bullet holes in the highway signs and NOTHING on the FM radio... love it!

What's a "trail pistol?"

It's a pistol designed for shooting enraged grizzly bears on the Appalachian Trail.

But apparently its primary role is fending off two-legged predators from the wimin under one's care.

Jeff,
could you give us the gear report for the chukar portion of the hunt?
Also, a run down of the fly poles and gear would be nice.
Boots?
Socks? You know like wool, poly, liner etc.
Sling?
Hot or cold carry? including shotgun.
Knives?
Saw or axe?
Game bag preference?
Organic only or Mtn. House trail food.
Big rock over it? Dig and bury? Or pack it out? with TP?
Did you bring a comb? Or just slap on a hat?
Phosphate free soap?
GPS or compass? Both? Don't forget breadcrumbs.

Thanks in advance.

Interesting Kevin... Western Mountaineering is all I'd own today.

Good luck. Looking forward to a report!