How many have spent a night out alone?
General Topic
Contributors to this thread:
I’ve often wondered what percent of hunters have spent a night out in the woods by themselves solo. I was listening to the Kifaru podcast this weekend and they estimated that perhaps 1 in 50, or maybe even just 1 in 100 hunters could do a multi-day solo hunt. I heard Cam Hanes in another podcast a few years back mention that when he held back country seminars and asked “who here has spent a night out solo?”, nearly no-one raised their hand. Is it really that small of a segment of the population? What do you guys think? I know I am asking a skewed demographic here on Bowsite, but curious to get folks thoughts. A multi day solo hunt is a “heavy lift”, so let’s just assume one night out in the woods alone for the question. If I had to venture a guess, from my own experience (folks I talk to and hunt with), I think the 1 in 50 estimate is probably right, but I suppose it could be as low as 1 in a 100?
Preferred.
I think will find the percentage that are afraid of the dark is higher.
I do every year but like Hackbow, I like having company around the campfire. I prefer to hunt solo during the day and rendezvous back at camp after the hunt.
Multiple times....longest streak was pushing three weeks.
Huntcell, in my mind those two are the same...folks that are afraid of the dark I can't imagine are willing to spend a night out alone.
But really curious what you guys think the percentages of the general hunting population is? I understand you guys like to do it, but what portion do you think we comprise? 1 to 2%?
Several times, but most recently after I took my Dall sheep this year, I processed the meat and it was too dark to safely get back down to the glacier, let alone find my buddy and the tent. So I threw out my sleeping bag and prayed it wouldn't rain. Beautiful night on the side of the mountain, northern lights and the brightest stars I've ever seen. Was thankful for the sun rising the next morning though!
I've done it, and speaking for a guy who did not grow up spending any time in the backcountry (there is none in Illinois), I can believe the numbers stated. I don't think I could go several weeks without it being forced upon me. My preference aligns with yooper89 well.
Mostly, I’ve stuck to day-tripping into an area so as not to disturb the animals by sleeping on their turf, but I used to take at least a week solo every year, camping from the truck. Almost never anybody around, so it was entirely Solo, though not usually a day’s hike into the hills.
Several times. Partly to try and get over to my dislike for being alone at night. When I was very young my brother and I would go up into our attic. We had to go up a ladder, slide an overhead door open then pull a string to turn on the light. He had a habit of sneaking down the ladder, closing the door and turning off the light. That did a number on me. Never have liked being out after dark alone. So I decided to pack in by myself and spend the night. Can’t say it did any good though. I’ve always hunted alone, scuba diving for decades by myself and gone fishing out in the ocean sometimes at 4 am by myself. I just returned from elk hunting by myself. At 70 I’m starting to question my logic in continuing to do this.
I have done several 1-2 nights solo trips, but the older I get I prefer to hunt/camp with others.
Several times. I hear stuff at night. Haha
Lots of times, in fact, most every time I've ever hunted in the wilderness for several days. Elk country, griz country, cougar country...not a problem yet. I prefer hunting solo if I am truly going to get serious about the hunt. If hunting with others, I usually have to alter my plan and it gets derailed by some circumstance. I can truly hunt the situation when I am alone. I have never had to spend a night alone unintentionally, but came close once - got out to the rig at midnight (with a snowstorm moving in) after tracking elk to a spot 7 miles in, and looking up only to realize the sun had set and the clouds were red. That was a close call. Had zero energy left and had to sit for a half hour on a windswept ridge just to regain stamina - then had another hour hiking left. Wallowing in ass deep snow for a while left me beat to a pulp. The Gallatin Valley can be brutal sometimes. Of 13 elk taken, I 've only been with another hunter next to me once. Rest were completely solo.
12 days out without seeing a soul, on my last solo elk hunt.
You really have to like yourself...you tend to get on your nerves a little ;^)
i have, it doesn't really bother me, but I can't say I really enjoy it, I like a little company in camp as well.
Haha, no one is answering my question....just everyone posting "But, I do it!!!". Apologies if I was unclear. To clarify, my post is trying explore what folks think the percentage of hunters is that have spent a night out alone?
Yep only one time that I didn’t plan on it. I spent a cold night in the woods in Maine. I was walking out leading my hounds after a coyote chase and I ran out of light. Couldn’t see shit and had no light to walk with. Tied the dogs up and built a fire a went to sleep. Walked out in the morning with a problem.
Other then that I spent plenty nights alone in the woods while I was back country bowhunting.
I have solo camped by the truck, but not hiked in and camped.
I start talking out loud to myself on day 3
I do solo DIY type hunts from the truck. The longest I've done was like 7 or 8 days in Canada on a DIY bear hunt in the bush.
It's not clear in your question what constitutes "...a night out in the woods..."?
Does this require backpacking into the woods, or would camping by yourself at a point in the woods where you drove to the location count?
Percentage of hunters would be far less than 1% IMO. There are a lot of hunters that do not even need to camp to hunt, not to mention camp alone.
Thanks, Vonfoust, that's a good point. Stickflicker, let's assume any night out alone. Doesn't matter if they drove there or hiked, if they're out in a hunting area, sleeping alone, that's what I'm getting at. Doesn't have to be in a secluded wilderness.
I would guess of all American hunters it’s well below 1 of 100, break it down by regions and it would fluctuate but I wouldn’t bet you’d find more than 1 of 50.
I would bet it's closer to 1 in 1000. And that's for westerners and Alaskans. If you figure in all the eastern hunters that hunt deer, I would bet it's closer to 1 in 10,000 or more
As a Midwesterner, I tell friends and family (a lot of whom hunt), about solo hunting trips out west, and most tell me they couldn't do it. And several of these hunts I sleep in the truck for crying out loud :) Just cause I hate crawling in and out of a tent, and I'm too cheap to buy a bigger tent.
I don't even think sleeping in the truck counts, but I've done it in a tent in wilderness too, and people just don't get it :)
I'm guessing 1 in 50 is probably right for Bowsiters. Probably less than one in 100 for general hunters.
I have done several backpack trips and people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I was alone. But really, what is the difference if you are out all day hunting in the woods and go home, or are out all day in the woods and sleep there? There is nothing that is out there at night that is NOT out there in the daylight! ;-)
Few of you on here probably hunt alone because no one that knows you would want to be around you! ;)-
Don’t mind doing it. Figure I have hunted 20 days or so this year and I would say maybe 35-40% alone. I think 5 nights backpacked in 3 with someone two alone. Those were sheep hunting. Elk hunting this year have not been alone.
There are a few but I'd also say less than 1% of all hunters spend nights alone.
Having said that, I'm glad I don't know YOU. ;P
I have a number of times, a couple of days up to a week. And I have to say that when I first started doing it I was surprised that I really did miss contact with other people. I'm not afraid of the dark but camping by myself made me realize that we are most definitely social creatures (like most all other creatures I know of, so maybe it shouldn't be a surprise).
95% of the folks I see these days have a big 5th wheel and a 4 wheeler or sxs. I can't even remember coming across another solo hunter when I am packed in. It has probably happened, but rare. 1% of the hunting population is probably close.
Spent a few nights out in the desert near the Border camped by myself. Thought I was alone until I saw a steady stream of flashlights moving north. Unregistered Democrats for sure! The woods are a cakewalk compared to the deserts near our southern border with Mexico. Smith and Wesson make good company.
If you are looking at all USA, then it's very VERY Small, more like 1 1000 or more. Unless you are hunting remote parts, like the west, Alaska, it's not an issue back east where you are not far from any roads anyway.
Im going to say that there's a big difference between a tent alone on the side of a mountain and in a hard sided camper alone off the side of a two track.
I’ve only done single nights solo, never a multi night trip. Seemed ok to me. I sleep pretty hard so it’s kinda the same as having another person next to me...I’m oblivious either way.
I have done it with a backpack, and many times alone truck camping. I prefer a truck camp. I don't have a hunting partner.
I do it all the time. So far this year I have been solo overnight at least 5 nights. At least among the hunters I know about half have no problem going solo....
Not very darn many!
I do it often
Over this past Labor Day weekend I was solo hunting Himalayan Snowcock in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada for 5 days. All solo and the first night hiking in I slept in a deer bed on a steep grade under the stars. If it's dark, good weather, and I'm tired I will throw out my sleeping bag about anywhere and rack out without a tent. I don't think it's anything special but lot's of guys have issues with hunting alone.
I have done solo backpack hunts for elk in Colorado and New Mexico. I did a bighorn sheep hunt solo in Colorado. I will admit that after being alone in the back country for two or three days, I usually hiked out and went to someplace I could at least talk to another human.
Well lets see. I spent 6 months in the Colorado Mountains in a tent when I was about 40. My 1st 6 weeks at 10,000+ feet I never saw another human. My 1st trip Antelope hunting I spent 3 days alone b/4 anyone showed & also on my 4th trip, 4 days. Tons of times in N. Wisconsin Deer hunting. Always in a tent. Elk/Mule deer at least 5 other times. I just never gave it much thought as many times someone else couldn't fit in my time frame.
The one thing I’ve found out about myself when hunting alone. I tend to get more discouraged as time goes on. When I have others to talk to it isn’t as bad. I guess I’m just bad company when by myself.
Truck camp when I’m doing 1-2 nights.
Truck camp when I’m doing 1-2 nights.
I'd guess it's pretty low, maybe 1-2%?
I have a few times, but usually don't enjoy it all that much. I get my needed solitude while being out hunting, evening is when I really enjoy the social aspect of hunting.
I would think 1 in 30 hike in and tent camp solo for at least 5 days on Bowsite.
When I hunt antelope in Wyoming. The Rochelle Hills. So beautiful.
Probably 1/100 in the mountain states. Probably 1/10,000 everywhere else.
I'm sure the ratio skews per species hunted. Sheep hunters probably more like 1/10. Mule Deer & Antelope more like 1/200. Elk hunters 1/50.
I've done lots of 1-3 night solo trips for fishing and hunting, if I'm solo I'd prefer to be truck camping at this point though so I can hunt better and longer without getting tired. Discomfort while backpacking is way overrated and I sleep like crap when I'm on the ground.
Does tent camping in SE Oklahoma count? If it does, I've done it. Now, my wife likes her camper and I like my wife. :)
A very small percentage of hunters. Less than 1% of all hunters. I have for the last 12 years since my dad quit hunting and my uncle died I have hunted solo. Usually I have a basecamp with my wall tent and truck but I do carry enough in my backpack so I would not have to go back to basecamp. Many a night I have enjoyed the freedom of sleeping on the mountain when the sun has set and not had to worry about trying to make it out with a flashlight.
Even in high school I would tell my parents where I was going fishing and would spend weekends out by a stream by myself catching trout.
This is one of the most surprising threads I've come across on bowsite. Just illustrates that there's always something new to be learned here.
Interesting question, but I really have no idea. I would have guessed the numbers were higher, but after reading some of the responses, and considering all the hunters in the east and south you guys are probably right. It's likely a very low percentage. I've solo camped so many nights in my life it's hard to understand that it's a big deal to most people, but I guess it is.
Several times but one that really sticks out was Caribou hunting in Quebec at dusk I decided to cut across a large boulder field to save time going back to camp.
1/2 way across it was dark and deep holes between the boulders where I had to sometimes circle back made me decide to stay put so found the most comfortable boulder and sleep.
1% all hunters, 3-5% bowsiters would be my guess.
I have done it and enjoyed it but it's fun to have a buddy along. Did it once unexpectedly without the right gear completely lost. Sorted it out quickly in the morning but didnt sleep much that night.
I enjoy having fellow hunters but also love the solitude of being alone in the woods. Any night in the woods is a good night.
I haven't living on the east coast but when I was stationed in California most weekends I was in the mountains alone. I would say less than 1pct.
Hard to generalize but I think Bowsite regulars would be higher than others. Maybe 1 in 20 with the hardcore guys we have here. I have gone on weeklong bowhunts solo and agree with some above that after a few days l am talking to myself and wishing that I had company. I find that having someone to share adventures with is an important element in a rewarding hunt. A good dog would be a fine substitute if practical for the particular hunt that you are doing......badbull
I've done it many times but also say the % is going to be very very low. Also depends on your definition of hunter. If you are going by license sales it will be fractions of a %. But personally the guy who goes out with a rifle for an afternoon every year to try and smoke a deer doesn't even really qualify as a hunter much like I don't qualify as a golfer or a bowler.
But like the others I just have way too many good friends that I like to hunt with, but every now and then schedules don't align...if that's the case you can bet I'm still going.
Hard to tell what percent. 1-10%?????????????????????? I love to and have spent up to 18 days solo. Hunt, nap, read, practice, camera, eat, observe, think, enjoy the quietness and find out about one's self. My best, Paul
I've done it a lot. It's no big deal.
Spiked out solo 20+ days many times. Don't know if I prefer it, just never found anyone else that wanted to do it or had as forgiving of a schedule as me. So.... gotten accustomed to it I guess.
I think that most guys who are packing in are doing so with a buddy or buddies. Because of that and because of the numbers of Midwest and Eastern whitetail hunters, I'd guess well below 1%
I've spent more solo time on canoe trips, but have been solo on several hunting trips.
I enjoy hunting with good friends.
I enjoy hunting solo. I like that the noise in my head is reduced quite a bit around day four or five. I feel more in tune, more observant.
1-3% would be my guess.
I am awaiting the next thread topic, "What % of Bowsiters can follow simple instructions?"
Based on this thread, you could probably add a 0 to the percentages above. ;-)
I've noticed my opinion on sasquatch existing seems to change when camping alone. :^)
Count me in the group that can't read instructions! As to original question; not many. I'm from WY and don't know anyone else hunting that way.
My guess would be that something like 1% of the hunting community would have spent any night out in the woods, solo or otherwise, on a hunt. When you talk about how many hunters have spent a night alone in the wilderness on a hunt, my guess is it’s closer to .1%. Most people don’t need to camp out in the woods when they go hunting, and I suspect that the vast majority that do aren’t doing it solo.
I wonder what percentage have actually had an animal come into camp and give them cause for concern.
I’ve had bear come into camp, but the time that got me really amped up was when I had a rutting bull moose come through camp. He didn’t seem to want to go away.
I was canoeing and the only thing I had was a paddle that I wasn’t inclined to wave around only fifteen feet or so from him.
The way the 30 year old and younger males are today....0%
That use to be the only way I hunted...until I reached a certain age and my wife didn’t care for that anymore
Ok sleeping insides a vehicle doesn’t count. I feel perfectly comfortable sleeping inside of a truck. I hiked in one spot and threw up my little two man tent. Sometime during the night the wind came up and caused a limb off a Bush to rake across my tent. I bailed out with my pistol and flashlight. I’m amazed at how good my hearing is in the dark. Hahaha
Yes I have many times both in very remote areas and others not so remote. Love sleeping in a peaceful spot by myself. I have been accused of taking off into the mountains with a garbage sack for shelter and a summer sausage for food but in reality I have very good equipment. The number of people I know that are willing to do this is zero.
I know a lot of people that do it including me!
I bet VERY VERY few hunters in my home state of Michigan have ever stayed out in a tent alone overnight hunting..... Probably only Michiganders who travel west to hunt in the Mountains.
If we have a half a million hunters in our state.... I’d guess that one in 5,000 have done it. I don’t know of any.......
The closest I ever come is staying alone in my cabin in the woods with no electricity... and no running water.
I've done it a number of times over the years, the first time I did it I was 13!!!! It was scary at first but then I learned what those "night sounds" were and once I did that I would get worried when I DIDN'T hear them!
I gotta say... I’m really surprised that it’s so few.
I love hanging out with good people, but there’s something really good about being able to tolerate your own company for a week or so at a time. Gives you a chance to sort some stuff out....
I too am surprised it's so few. Heck, I camped for 6 straight weeks by myself already this year, although I did have a couple guys come and camp by me for a few days in the middle of it. I did sometimes talk with other hunters, especially the last couple of weeks, but still camped alone (in the snow).
Day tripping. Haha Purty sure every where in RI is only a half a day hump.
I use hunt a place in MT for years. Same old timer camped in this drainage alone every year.
I met him coming out the night I shot my best bull a number of years ago.
That buggah would not tolerated share camp wirh anybody.
K
I have a number of times. Love hunting solo. Just me, my thoughts, and my own opportunities. Love hunting with buddies as well, but there’s just something uniquely special about solo.
1-3%. I mostly hunt alone but almost always sleep in my vehicle. I like to be able to listen to the radio and charge my phone and sleep comfortably. I think elk hunting next year though i will tent out at least a couple nights in a spot i want to try thay would be a pain to get to otherwise. I am not looking forward to packing a tent and food in, sleeping in the tent doesn't bother me that much, just the extra effort to pack in etc.
Orion, that would have been an unfair fight, two paddles against one... :)
“I like to be able to listen to the radio and charge my phone and sleep comfortably.”
Just occurred to me that all those years when I was taking off for a week on Da Nort Shore or up high in CO....
I never had a phone.
I carry one now, of course, because my wife sleeps a whole lot better after I’ve checked in at the end of the day.
Maybe 1-2 times a season. Listening to the crickets, wolves, fox, nighthawks, trumpeters, owls, etc.
Wife says its so I can lay out there and snore til my heart's delight with no one to wake me. Usually the best sleep of the year!!
I don’t think sleeping in the truck counts as staying in the woods overnight...... :-)
Best sleep of the year for sure! There's NOTHING like a "woods nap"! It's restful and comforting, and one of the best things about it is that when you wake up, you don't have to "go" hunting....you're there!!!!
Big difference to pack in solo vs sleeping by the truck. I wouldn’t even consider that a thing to be in your truck or camper by yourself....They don’t compare in my mind. Especially in grizzly country. Packed in, by yourself....that’s a whole different deal. I think most would not be able to do it, some like the idea but when it comes to the reality of it....not many who can and even fewer who enjoy it.
Likely less than 1%. I have done it several times on multiple hunts. Once after boning out an elk I shot in 2011. Just had my Marmot Helium bag. Finished up at midnight and went up the mountain a hundred yards from the kill site till I found a flat spot and went to sleep. In Wyoming last year I went 10 days without talking to another human. I guess I did text the wife on inReach. Like someone above said. Really not a big deal.
Count me in the group that never has. Most of my camping has been in groups and not part of a hunt. Just went on an elk hunt and base camped in a cheap nylon tent but 2 other guys with me doing 5he same. I think I could do it and would enjoy it but pry not for much more than a couple days.
More times then I could count. Throughout my 20's before marriage and a child, I would solo bivy hunt every weekend and usually 1 or 2 week long trips a year. And this was long before anything was lightweight.. lol
Critters I've had in my solo camp. Bear, Mt. Lion, Skunk, Coons & never too concerned. When I did the 6 months in the Mountains I had a 357 mag in camp. I had it in the event "bad" people, not animals came into my camp. In my 60+ years bowhunting I know a ton of hunters. I can recall only ONE other that has done solo overnight hunts & it's always been for Elk. Photo is of me nearing the end of the 6 months taken by a logger I got to know.
Thats crazy....I am truly surprised the estimates are so few...i have done it hundreds of times and feel as comfortable as in my own house ...it is a common part of my hunting and thought it was more prevalent in western hunting than it apparently is...I like to camp close to where I will be hunting and eliminate all the humping up and down and around the mountain
Never overnighted for a hunt, but usually do a few multi day backpacking trips throughout the year, now usually with someone... in the past by myself.
There really is something about when it gets dark and you are in the wild. Without a fire, I want in the tent, even with a fire it is mildly erie/primal in a sense... "the unknown" just beyond the campfire light.
but would highly recommend... start out small. A known area, close to road/car. then venture further and more remote.
I’d say less than 1% as well. Thinking back on all my trips, most of not all the camps I’ve seen or driven by have multiple people in them. I’ve been hunting solo for years and love it. Have hunted solo out of a base camp and packed into the backcountry solo. The first few times were a little unnerving but now it’s no big deal. The wife hates it when I go alone but... eh.
I really enjoy solo outings. Spent many nights solo some hunting, some not. Seven nights in NM the year I shot my first bull then another seven nights in the Kodiak archipelago. I made it through two books on the Alaska trip. Solo hunts are harder when you're fogged in. I've "spiked out" away from group base camps a few times to get away from hunting pressure. I'm surprised the guesstimates are so low, no use in making up a number as it would be a total guess.
I read somewhere that less than 10% of hunters go farther than 1/4 of a mile from the road, or their vehicle... I forget which it was. I think most people get scared in the woods. I have only done it a few times... Never for an extended stay though, usually just a couple days.
I do it and have camped and hunted,alone since I was a kid going bow hunting ,,sometimes for weeks a thousand miles away ,,sometimes 6miles from my house overnight. I love it..ill be doing it till someone opens my tent door and finds me dead one of these days...just drag me outside and help yourself to my gear..I'm good with that:-)
"I think most people get scared in the woods." Wow, I can't even imagine what my life would have been like if I'd been like that. I have been so far from any road back into unknown territory in WA, MT, NY, OR, WY,CO, ID - that when I came out two hours after dark from being up there all day, I'd be almost too tired to get in the truck. I rarely got lost - just turned around a couple times. 1/4 mile is for people who don't do this kind of thing more than once a year. Most of mine were day trips, but they were far far in, and I was prepared to stay overnight if I had to. I didn't...unless I planned it. I just figured most hunters were like me, until I was about 20, then realized that when I never saw anyone up where I was, that I was going to do it that way every time to get away from everyone else. It worked.
I have done this many times.
"multi-day solo?" 1 in 100 would be quite high, imo.
First time was this spring on a remote fishing trip, loved it. Can’t wait to do more.
Much better to be in bush alone and if shit goes south, what better place to cash out.
Maybe on a 18-20ft clean up set at outter Log Cabins. 400 tons of water on yer head wont never know what hit ya.
Can't pull 360 degree security by yourself however.
KH
Yes, and enjoyed it but it has always been in KS or MO and my vehicle as well as civilization was close by so it really doesn't count.
Not afraid of the dark, but hate eating spider webs early season as I try to go to my stand without a flashlight.
^^^. You smokin’ the wacky weed with Willie Nelson again there Hedge ??
Yes, I have done a bit of camping solo in the woods. Not a lot, just a few times. It's fun, just not a lot of opportunities.
I'd guess, just ball parking off folks I know, that maybe 20% of my friends overall have done it.
No Lolo for dis Braddah. Cant keep a TSCI that way.
Not when you go on da little buggah machine.
Maybe You Yogi, yeah?
Kana
In full disclosure, I might be a little afraid of the dark in a tent with no bear fence in the Gravelly Mountains.
Yes, both planned and unplanned, taken me better part of the night to make it back also.
Is just me, or does Paul at the Fort look like Ron Perlman... Just a bit?????
Paul, I hope you know that I mean that with all due respect sir! You are an animal!
Longest was 14 days. Emergency signal was to place the red side of a space blanket under rocks on the "strip". 4 days late getting picked up.
Looks like 80% of us bowsiters sleep alone with big bad wolves solo...maybe the better question is how many go in bear country solo?
That 1% is probably close for all bow hunters and somewhat higher for Bowsiters. I'm not afraid of the dark or I'd been scared half my life!! I've hunted solo for about the last 18 years and nearly all of those in a back pack camp, and fortunately because I've been retired about 15 years I've had that many I could spend the whole month of season spiked out if necessary. I discovered it's something I crave, good for the soul. The first couple nights the remoteness and loneness, not lonlyness, sets in. When the hunt ends it is actually hard to leave. It's just a special deal for me. Granted, I hike out to my truck for food resupply after 10 days or so or even to town to watch the grandkids play football or volleyball those years they were involved. September in the mountains is just a special thing for me... and oh, did I mention elk hunting? More involved answer than you asked for, but you got me going!!
Here is a thought. Most likely the solo drive from the mid west and east coast is more dangerous than the solo nights in the woods.
I agree with Paul. 1-10%? Soi hard to say. How many folks/hunters have I met that I am sure don't have an issue with sleeping under the stars or even in a tent overnight, whether intentional or not? I believe WAY more than will admit do not relish the idea of a night out alone. I enjoy it and it seems kinda natural to do so. I do like some company in camp after a few days, so when fellowship is scarce, I tend to find ways to entertain myself.
Like Zack, my inner dialog becomes.....me having an out loud conversation. If there is ANY booze in camp, it seems to disappear quicker. AND.....Legoman shows up and does some crazy, amazing stuff. Like killing giant grasshoppers, scorpions and marauding chipmunks. Him and I have had some amazing discussions. We drank, he shared, I shared, we cried.......good times.
First time elk hunting I was alone. Learned something about myself. I don't like crowds too much and even just hanging out socially but after a couple days of no human interaction I was looking forward to seeing another person.
Alone, in a tent, or just a sleeping bag, far away from other humans? I would guess that would be an extremely low percentage, closer to 1/1000. Alone in a tent camped not that far from others, would be a much higher percentage. I spent last night alone, probably at least 10 miles from the nearest human, but I was in a camper, so not really the same thing. I hunt alone most of the time, often in places where if anything happened, I wonder if I would ever be found. However, I'm not that keen on the nights alone in a tent in grizzly country, I like there to be at least one other person.
Some good points. Don't think I'd care to do it alone in Grizz country either. And if a hunter does wander through I find myself more willing to visit then normal! I have spent four winters in Arizona and also went tent camping and hiking alone in the desert for days at a time.
Several times over a few days each time.
And I prefer to hunt solo.
I went on a solo sheep hunt in the Alaska range for a week , but most recently spent almost the entire elk bow season on Colorado in 2007 solo. I went to town once to do laundry and get a shower and a beer,. I loved every minute. I would made it to the end of season if a pending snow storm hadn't driven me out. I can only say that I was born 100 years too late.
8 point If you would have been born 100 years ago you would not have known the snow storm was coming and you would have had to gut it out. I think what you meant is that you should have been born 100 years ago with PERKS.
Lots of impressive time in the woods represented here. Cool stuff for sure. Bowsiters are the best
Thats Right RK.
Ensuring strong DNA strands survived.
K
Couldnt find my quad after an evening bear hunt. Spent the night in the woods. Found the quad shortly after daylight.
I sleep like a baby unless I am camping roadside. Far more scared of two leggers than four. I figger theres no more likely place for shizz to go down than sleeping amongst a bunch of expensive pawnable gear with the types that cruise back roads at night. In the woods I am all good.
To a degree I think there is a regional difference. While somewhat common (1:50-100) in the west, I think it is less than 1:1000 in the east, probably way less. And if you include all hunters, like duck hunters and pheasant hunters, it is probably less than 1:10,000.
Personally, I have camped solo in the back country so many times it is a standard practice. I've backpacked into Alaska solo hunting bears for a week, and have already done several multi-day drips alone this year in Wyoming. More to come, if things go well!
I've had grizzlies leave footprints in the sand 5 yards from my tent, and slept like a baby, even the NEXT night. While I can enjoy some company in camp, I really don't mind being alone, although longer than a week would probably be pushing it.
I usually carry an epirb for when the shit really hits the fan, but often joke with my wife that it will just allow her to collect on my life insurance quicker. She came to grips with me going alone way before cell phones were even invented, so it really isn't a big deal for her.
Bill
Every year I pack out with my horse and mule for Elk season, just me. this year it was hot and wet here in WA. ON the 9th day I hiked up the biggist ridge slept up there and awoke to bugeling bulls. got a nice 6x6
uhmm I thought that was the norm out here in MT, guess I'm an oddball??? I prefer solo...
"Never Unintentionally" good wording TrapperK Not for several years either, Last time I did, I broke into an old lookout tower and camped in it.
oz
I spent a week up in Indian Heaven in WA and loved it, never thought much about it as far as getting concerned or lonely. Did it in Spanish Peaks at trailhead too, and got into elk a lot but other hunters there blew my stalks and calling a couple times. Camped for a few days solo in Bridgers, and up Sage, Gallatin, Yellowstone valley (Paradise), a lot actually, Hyalite, etc. I prefer it, but also like camp with buddies. Tend to drink more when with others though, and that impacts the hunt sometimes. MT livin' it is 'my' norm...
I think everyone that posted above but one has done it. So it looks like about 99% have at some point. Haha. I have not. Guess I've just never made plans to do it. Something I should really do. It will have to be after the skeeters are dead and before freezing temps.
I think it's a safe bet to assume that as far as this question is concerned, the response that you'll get from Bowsite is WAAAY beyond the "norm". I mean the people who frequent here are, shall we say, a bit "intense" as far as hunting goes!
In fact, I would have been surprised if the response on this WASN'T as far in the "yes" column as it is.
I have no friends so I do the solo thing like, all the time.
Usually that means on a cot next to my truck, but I'm no stranger to a backpack and a tent "way back in the holler." Got the tent after waking up a couple times with a few inches of snow on top of the sleeping bag.
I have even here in Tennessee if you don’t count my lab Lewis
"It will have to be after the skeeters are dead and before freezing temps." Brian, that's a darn short window around here - probably less than a day!!!
I've camped solo in the woods many nights in 4-5 states. But, that's not what Zim asked.
I would guess that 1 out of 100 hunters has camped solo overnight in the woods if you looked at the nation overall. Western hunters would be a higher percentage than eastern/Midwestern hunters that rarely would have a reason to do it. But, I would venture to guess that backpackers would be about 20 (or more) out of 100. Hikers and backpackers would be more likely to spend nights solo in the woods than hunters would.
Agree 100% elk........ Hunting and killing big game like elk or moose alone is in another league than simply camping in the woods. There’s no way I’ll ever attempt a solo hunt for elk or moose.... Those of you who do it on a regular basis are bad asses in my book.
I’ve done 9-10 consecutive nights out of backpack alone. And a couple other times 5-6. I really don’t find it to be a big deal if the weather is half way decent. I can loose it quick in crap weather though!
Truck camping I don’t know if I really count, heck I’ve done 2-3 nights of that in OK and didn’t even think about it. I guess it counts, but in a slightly different category to me.
As many have stated above in my home state of OK I bet the number is closer to 1/5,000 or maybe even 1/10,000. Just a different world and different mindset than the western states.
—Jim
Well according to this site it is 89 out of 100 people have spent a night alone.
I have not but have never needed to.
This thread surprises me as this is a regular thing for me. Packed a bull out last fall on a solo back pack hunt on day 4 and didnt think much of it. Like it has been mentioned I get more anxiety over weird people than animals. With that said I've never done it in grizzly country.
Humbled by how many folks have chimed in here, but I think its mainly a reflection of the caliber of hunters that frequent bowsite. Last year was the first year I did a solo hunt where I hiked into a wilderness area in Colorado. Absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to go back. The adventure one finds in the backcountry is unlike anything else. I didn’t see another soul and it felt like stepping backing in time while being surrounded by elk. I suspect many folks are reading this thread and not posting, to them I would say “just try it”. A night out alone is a right of passage and once you get comfortable with it will forever change you perception.
I used to spend quite a few nights sleeping out alone and waking up covered with dew.
I've since learned to apologize before she throws me out for the night.
Many predators that can hurt you or worse help you meet your demise. Still I love hunting solo in the back country. There are very few I will hunt with. Out of those few, there's only 1 I know who hunts and camps solo in the Backcountry. I too carry a sidearm for piece of mind.
First 18 days of nov is most I’ve ever spent solo in a tent whitetail hunting ....left yesterday for Ohio’s opener stayed last night tonight and toma night and I’m solo now
Ground hunter, I was doing it starting when I was 8 or 9. In the woods out back, or in the yard, under the stars. Sterno stoves cooking baked beans and hot dogs, cans of mushroom soup, and chipped beef in a package. I have always been comfortable out in the wilderness by myself starting out young. In fact, I think I am almost abnormal because I like it so much. Wife thinks I'm anti social. I'm not, but I prefer and value my time alone. It gives me time to think and learn about my surroundings, and nature. Hunting alone is probably my greatest teacher when it comes to nature and survival. Knowingthis stuff, I think I can be more prepared for some kind of natural disaster or human calamity than the average Joe on the street.
It’s a unique experience. I stay focused but evenings are boring. I will always hunt elk solo but I like company at night.
This season it’s the best of both worlds. Partners at base camp and 3 day solo trips to my spike camp.
I did it a lot when I had my 4-Llama pack string/numerous states and chasing different species.
Slept like a baby.
Good luck, Robb
It is a special feeling to be alone in the backcountry.
If and when I do, I think about what could go wrong, it’s more about what stupid things I might do myself. Knife wounds, hard or long falls.
I don’t worry about animals so much as my own stupidity.
I prefer to hunt alone. Unless it’s with a youth or someone that needs help.
But I do enjoy hearing others stories from their day. at night in camp. So overall I guess I prefer to hunt with other people.
I would guess the overall number for 1 night would be less than 5%, for multiple nights, probably less than 2%.
Of the 25-30 hunters around here that I know pretty well, I’m the only one (that I know of) who has done it. Most of them are surprised when I tell them I’m packing in solo and indicate they could never do it. These are eastern whitetail hunters, most of whom have never been on a non guided western hunt, so I’m sure the percentage is lower than it would be in a similar sized group of western hunters.
I have many times over the years. Twice on sheep hunts, once on Montague island with a sitka blacktail deer in my pack and multiple brown/grizzly bears near by, once on a back country ski trip where it dropped down to 35 below and I only had a tarp and a sleeping bag rated to 30 above, every day for 10 days when I moved to Alaska, another time driving across the country and stopped outside west Yellowstone Montana and it dropped to 25 below and there was a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, once night under the Maroon bells when I had a pack of coyotes circling my tent and poking their noses on the tent all night long, once in Kansas where a pack of coyotes took down a cow just 200 yards from where I was camped, and probably another 50-100 times on other hunting. Camping and fishing trips over the last 35 years. And I have to say, I much prefer having someone else along with me!
I have done a few solo caribou hunts in western Alaska. at 66, I have more planned. I do them in a Kifaru tipi, pretty spacious for one, even with the wood stove in place....
I don’t really consider sleeping in my topper, even in very remote areas, the same as sleeping on the ground in a tent or tarp. Very different. Kinda like walking through a bad neighbourhood as opposed to driving. I’ve solo’d out quite a few nights and multi night trips, but I sure don’t sleep as well as in my own bed. Takes a few nights to get used to the difference. And I enjoy the company of one or two friends at the end of the day. For me, it’s a means to an end.
And I think a few posters are digging pretty deep to portray their inner Daniel Boone as very authentic.j
And others have proven their mettle.
I have no earthly idea on how to answer what percentage of hunters have done it.
FWIW, I've done it multiple times. And, Lord willing, multiple more times are a coming.
I do every year. Since my boys grew up and went off to school and I lost my hunting buddies I have hunted solo every year. I have come to treasure the solitude. First year I went back in several miles solo I had a heavy pack and was chased by a storm coming up the valley and by the time I got to where I was going to camp I was so tired I threw up my tent in the rain, crawled inside and figured I was too beat to care about any bears! I survived that first night and have been happy ever since. (I like to camp by streams so I can't hear any noises in the night! ) My wife worries about me but I carry the PLB and cell phone and figure the rewards are worth the risks.
Yes, I have many times over many years. Mostly 1-4 nights but my longest was 9 days solo in 1993 for a unit 27 AZ archery elk hunt. I do believe many people are afraid of the dark and being alone. I'm quite comfortable with both. Only two things have ever happened while out alone and they both happened in the last year. I was too tired to set up my tent so I just put a tarp down and my sleeping bag on the ground. At about 3:45 am I was woke up by a skunk walking on top of me while in sleeping bag. This past April I was hunting spring turkey on San Carlos reservation and at about 2:00 am something woke me up because of the smell. The best way I can describe it was a very strong polish sausage smell for about an hour and then it went away. Never heard a sound or saw anything but the smell almost gagged me.
I used to do a lot of it while guiding in AK get flown in somewhere scout for a few days before the hunter was flown in. Also did a few winter camping/ice fishing trips when no one else could go. Will probably do it again as I have elk points and no one to go with.
Elmer, you must have some real gifted fire starting/maintaining abilities!
"This past April I was hunting spring turkey on San Carlos reservation and at about 2:00 am something woke me up because of the smell. The best way I can describe it was a very strong polish sausage smell for about an hour and then it went away. Never heard a sound or saw anything but the smell almost gagged me."
John, that was a drunken Indian from town...
20 days total solo so far in bush Alaska this year on 2 fly-in hunts, sheep and moose. 14 days last year on one hunt for sheep solo. I enjoy the serenity of being alone and the peace of mind of not having to worry about anyone but myself.
I've done well over 400 days lifetime in the back country solo if you count non-hunting backpacking trips when I was in my teens-twenties. I've talked to a lot of people who don't understand my doing what I do, but I can't imagine not ever being alone for long periods of time.
I feel like my soul gives out a big refreshing sigh when I'm by myself for a while and I feel like I need the quiet every now and then, although I do talk to myself a fair amount when I'm solo.
No idea what the percentage is that do it, but I bet it's a minority. Then again, if you take hunters as a group, we've very different. If you counted just avid hunters who hunt more than 20-30 days a year and compared it with hunters who hunt 5 or less days a year, I bet the former group would represent 99% of the guys that had.
Do all of you guys who do solo trips sleep with your pistol at your side ready to go ??
What IdyllwildArcher said x2, just not quite as many days for me!!!
Yes Big Bear I always carry a pistol.
I've only carried a pistol in griz country or near the Mexican border. But I always carry bear spray - everywhere.
I carry a pistol everywhere. Life’s too short to die to a black bear. Black bear attacks aren’t common but it does happen, just ask idyll. I’ve spent a day here and there by myself but typically hunt with my brother. I prefer to not go 1 on 1 with the boogeyman. ;)
No clue what the percentages are. Like Brun, I've done it so much, I've never given it much thought.
Besides, I prefer my own company over just about anyone. ;-)
Matt
I'm a side sleeper Big Bear, so I put my pistol right next to my pillow. If I am on the "wrong" side and need to access it, I can still reach it! ;-)
I have slept out for 5 days about 6 miles deep. No issues at all, I had my bear spray in reach though.
I rarely even carry a sidearm when in the wild. While in town I carry every day and I sleep with one by the bed at home.