BY CLINT TRAVER
This backcountry season has been awesome thus far. Although the warm weather gave us a lackluster early season, the elk rut continued through the end of October in most places. Thinking the rut was nearing its end and running out of free weekdays, I harvested my bull a bit prematurely. I took a 5-point raghorn then had opportunities at several bigger bulls at 20-30 yards. Thanks Murphy. With my elk in the freezer I am looking forward to putting all of my efforts into harvesting a nice mule deer.
The last month of the general rifle season is some of the toughest backcountry hunting you’ll ever face. Beside all of the usual rigors of the backwoods, the element of winter adds to your suffering. Though it can be a down right miserable time to hunt, the rewards can be huge as the animals become very predictable and fresh snow will tip the scale in your favor with better animal visibility, silent walking and better tracking.
I have mentioned before that just before and just after a storm system are great times to hunt. Critters feel the oncoming low pressure and tend to feed in advance of the storm. They will stay out in the open later into the morning and they come out to feed earlier in the evening. This is an awesome time to capitalize on their exposure. When a strong storm sets in most animals will find a good hiding spot and wait it out. When this storm breaks is when I want to be in the woods. If my time off allows I will usually try to head into the hills prior to the storm, dig in and wait it out and then hunt the post storm. This allows me to be in the woods for the
pre-storm feeding activity and to be properly located when the storm finally breaks.
Another option when playing the weather game in the backcountry is to hunt during the storm. This is not for everyone and extreme caution is paramount. Look for places out of the wind that have good thermal cover and move slowly. You will all but have to step on the animals to get them to break cover. Hunting this way can give you a few advantages. The wind and snow will help conceal your sound, scent and visibility. Also, any tracks that you come across will be very fresh and this is a great time to track an animal to its bed. Remember that this is not an endeavor for the beginning backcountry hunter. Snow, wind and cold temperatures conspire with limited visibility, poor GPS reception and slippery terrain to create a potentially dangerous situation.
Gearing up for cold weather backcountry hunting is kind of frustrating. You know that the more stuff that you carry the happier you will be when you get to camp, but you also know that carrying it is going to suck. The bare necessities should include a sleeping bag rated to at least 0*, a down jacket, adequate shelter and dry/warm clothes to change into. One item that I always carry in the backcountry is a small tarp or groundsheet. These are usually about 5’x7’ with grommets in the corners. They have too many uses to mention including being great to sit on when you are in the snow.
Everyone has different thresholds to cold so it is important to know how you will handle it. I have a seemingly volcanic core and I rarely get cold so I am able to carry a bit less then some of my hunting partners. Remember that proper layering and a good hat goes a long way to help prevent heat loss. I usually drag my base layer into my sleeping bag about thirty minutes before I plan to get up so it is warm when I strip down to get dressed.
Having the ability to have warm food and drinks is crucial for a good winter backcountry experience. Some hot tea in the morning or at night before bed can warm the soul. Remember, whatever you choose to drink, it should be caffeine free to promote proper circulation. Warm meals help warm your core while providing the caloric fuel your body needs to produce energy and warmth. If it is cold out keep granola and candy bars close to your body to keep them from getting too hard. Keeping your water well insulated at night will keep it from freezing.
When traveling in the winter backcountry there are a few tricks that can make the going easier. Obviously fresh snow, depending on the temperature, is usually quiet. Snow that has had time to see some sun then re-freeze is going to be crunchy and loud. Try traveling in places that have seen less sun as they tend to be quieter. Remember that snow covered Beargrass is very slippery. If you need to sidehill across steep terrain consider climbing or descending to a less steep area to avoid a fall. I always try to use the contours of the land around me to my advantage as I try to avoid falls and save my strength.
Sometime during November animal migration will be in full swing. Whether it is buck mule deer descending from their summer aloft in the high country or elk moving to winter range, you will encounter migrating animals. For the elk it is not just snow that will dangerous situation.
Gearing up for cold weather backcountry hunting is kind of frustrating. You know that the more stuff that you carry the happier you will be when you get to camp, but you also know that carrying it is going to suck. The bare necessities should include a sleeping bag rated to at least 0*, a down jacket, adequate shelter and dry/warm clothes to change into. One item that I always carry in the backcountry is a small tarp or groundsheet. These are usually about 5’x7’ with grommets in the corners. They have too many uses to mention including being great to sit on when you are in the snow.
Everyone has different thresholds to cold so it is important to know how you will handle it. I have a seemingly volcanic core and I rarely get cold so I am able to carry a bit less then some of my hunting partners. Remember that proper layering and a good hat goes a long way to help prevent heat loss. I usually drag my base layer into my sleeping bag about thirty minutes before I plan to get up so it is warm when I strip down to get dressed.
Having the ability to have warm food and drinks is crucial for a good winter backcountry experience. Some hot tea in the morning or at night before bed can warm the soul. Remember, whatever you choose to drink, it should be caffeine free to promote proper circulation. Warm meals help warm your core while providing the caloric fuel your body needs to produce energy and warmth. If it is cold out keep granola and candy bars close to your body to keep them from getting too hard. Keeping your water well insulated at night will keep it from freezing.
When traveling in the winter backcountry there are a few tricks that can make the going easier. Obviously fresh snow, depending on the temperature, is usually quiet. Snow that has had time to see some sun then re-freeze is going to be crunchy and loud. Try traveling in places that have seen less sun as they tend to be quieter. Remember that snow covered Beargrass is very slippery. If you need to sidehill across steep terrain consider climbing or descending to a less steep area to avoid a fall. I always try to use the contours of the land around me to my advantage as I try to avoid falls and save my strength.
Sometime during November animal migration will be in full swing. Whether it is buck mule deer descending from their summer aloft in the high country or elk moving to winter range, you will encounter migrating animals. For the elk it is not just snow that will move them and this is particularly true with big bulls. When the snow has hard crusted layers it is difficult for animals to feed. This coupled with a cold snap in the weather will usually get the wapiti traveling. The mule deer will certainly be pushed down by the snow but they also descend in preparation for the rut. If you have done your homework you should have an idea where these winter ranges are and using this knowledge you should be able to deduct where the migration corridors will be. Posting up along these routes just before or after a storm or a really cold snap can be very productive. Bring extra warm clothes for this type of hunting as you will certainly get cold from sitting still.
When most sane people are staying at home in their warm houses, November backcountry hunting can be very productive. Using the weather to your advantage and having the proper gear can help your odds of success, just remember to hunt safe and not to hunt alone.
On a wee side note I thought I’d mention that my fifty-something year old mommy has purchased her first bow and is hell bent on backcountry hunting with me this next season. She is already a good shot at thirty yards and I know she will push herself hard to be ready for next September. She should be a good inspiration for any would-be backcountry hunters who have not yet made the commitment. Go get em’ mom.
