2018 hunt plans and preparation

Discussion in 'Big Game Hunting' started by wl704, Jan 14, 2018.

  1. ash d

    ash d Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Booked in Ohio instead of Kansas this year. 7hr drive instead of 22 and a little cheaper. Smiling already but will miss the Kansas guys.


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  2. Taylor.S

    Taylor.S Weekend Warrior

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    Planning on heading to Colorado for my first elk hunt. I may do a few out of state duck hunts. Mostly hunting deer & turkey on my family farm here in Alabama
     
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  3. jstephens61

    jstephens61 Weekend Warrior

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    Elk hunting in Colorado. Planning on bear hunting in Minnesota next year. Son called me yesterday, he closed his gun shop and is looking at getting back into hunting. Got my partner back.
     
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  4. bz_711

    bz_711 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Bill...as you know, most of my offseason centers around a 5-6 day elk hunt each year...which I'm hoping involves packing out your elk this year:)
    I really need to make plans to bowhunt whitetails again :) , only took my bow out twice this year. Fortunately got a few other sits in with my boys while they took deer and watched my second son get his first deer (was also our first crossbow deer in the family)...so that makes it easier to swallow not getting out on my own much. I elk hunt many more hours each year than I do deer at this point...

    I'll keep building my Rocky Mountain sheep points, and really considering starting some point builds for my kids (elk and deer most likely) so they can have a real good first tag if at some point they want to go. I have one 5 day spring turkey tag, and will take my two oldest for the 2 youth turkey weekends we have.

    Offseason workouts resumed yesterday...the Sept mountains are my motivation.

    [​IMG]
     
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  5. successful failure

    successful failure Weekend Warrior

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    Where at in Texas are you going hog hunting?


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  6. mhouck06

    mhouck06 Weekend Warrior

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    Crane Tx at Mule Creek Outfitters. Ive never been there before but the guy heading up the trip has hunted there and has had some pretty good success.
     
  7. Hogs need lovin too

    Hogs need lovin too Weekend Warrior

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    Colorado elk trip is most notable on my 2018 agenda. I have no idea how to do it so I'll start a thread once I start gearing up. I'll need all the help I can get!


    I already see people mentioning working out. Time to get myself back in shape...

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  8. soccerdan90

    soccerdan90 Grizzled Veteran

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    Back country hunt or a big camp with day hunts from there?

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  9. Hogs need lovin too

    Hogs need lovin too Weekend Warrior

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    Back country backpacking


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  10. soccerdan90

    soccerdan90 Grizzled Veteran

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    Awesome. I am doing the same!

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  11. wl704

    wl704 Legendary Woodsman

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    There is a lot to consider for sure but it's totally manageable. Read everything you can, in this forum and elsewhere. Shameless plug read the first chapter or two of my 2016 first hunt-use what you can: https://forums.bowhunting.com/index.php?threads/83080/

    If you have drivetime or workout time listening to podcasts can also shorten the learning curve.

    Think about what type of hunt experience you're looking for (diy, guided, a drop camp, etc). This will drive planning, budget, and gear preparations.

    Where do you want to hunt - even narrowing down to a particular state will guide you toward licensing/permit and regulation specifics. Narrowing further to a gmu will drive you to looking at maps, terrain, water, trails, etc.

    Gear (needs v wants, trade offs, etc) - this is a fun area is you have lots of $ to spend but also can truly be bare bones. Again, what you truly need will vary with where you want to go.

    Fitness - if you're thinking mountains, back country or hunting at elevation start getting fit sooner than later. This was my best move when I lost 50+ lbs years ago and have kept it off for subsequent years hunts.

    Weapon proficiency.
     
  12. Hogs need lovin too

    Hogs need lovin too Weekend Warrior

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    Thanks for sharing. I will most definitely read


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  13. OneBigDude

    OneBigDude Newb

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    Headed to Grey Owl outfitters in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. Went in 2016 with my dad, our first bear hunt. I screwed the pooch and shot a little low, only clipping brisket. Been losing sleep for two years. Can't wait to get back in the stand and let the air out of one in June. Caught some monster pike and walleye too.
     
  14. Rangerdan

    Rangerdan Weekend Warrior

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    those are some big plans! Good luck
     
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  15. Rangerdan

    Rangerdan Weekend Warrior

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    Deposit for Africa trip in 2020
    IOWA preference points
    MA-saw a great buck on the new farm, owner says he survived late season, so the patterning begins.
    NY-brassica mix did well on the lease last season, more of what works!
    VT
     
  16. Hogs need lovin too

    Hogs need lovin too Weekend Warrior

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    Took me some days but I read it all. A great read thanks for sharing.

    Made me think of some gear necessities which I've jotted down


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  17. soccerdan90

    soccerdan90 Grizzled Veteran

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    We will gladly look over your list and help you narrow it down. I had way to much stuff my first time. Last trip I used most of what I took so I will be narrowing it down once again for this year.

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  18. wl704

    wl704 Legendary Woodsman

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    I got long winded. The first two chapters were mostly the background and prep which have served me well...

    My first trip, I used other folks gear lists to help me with planning and building my own list. I review my list for items I didn't use on the prior trip. Each trip I pack less and my gear buys/replacements are more focused.
     
  19. CoveyMaster

    CoveyMaster Grizzled Veteran

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    To get ready for 2018 season, I have completed plans "A through G"! I am now ready for preparation H.
     
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  20. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

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    [​IMG]



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