Wilderness Hunting

I am all packed and ready to head out tomorrow after work. Scouting has revealed many animals. It appears that they are in pre-rut right now. The elk are still separated by sex, with rut approaching find where cows are hanging out and there will be bulls around. Wilderness hunting like we have planned for this weekend takes some special skills.

Photo: Cory Arola

Athlete: To effectively hunt the wilderness, you must be able to carry all of your camping and hunting supplies up and down ridges as you chase elk. If you are lucky enough to harvest an animal you must be prepare to carry out a few hundred pounds of meat, in numerous trips.



Biologist: Hunting any animal in their own habitat, it is necessary to understand how they live and what they need. This allows the hunter to key in on areas where animals will frequent.



Marksman: This really needn’t be said, the hunter must be practiced with their method of take to humanely and ethically make a killing shot in every field situation. This is out of respect for hunting and the animal one chooses to harvest.



Butcher: After the animal is harvested, a wilderness hunter must reduce their game to manageable bags of meet to be packed out. Not only must they cut the meat but it must remain cool and clean so when it becomes table fare it is delicious.



Story Teller: This is likely the most vital skill a wilderness hunter should possess. Regardless of luck with game and weather, the recount of each outing to family and friends is some of the most fun you will enjoy season.