ORIGINAL: stealthycat II

OHbowhntrI've solo backpacked into Colorado wilderness several times, backpack hunted witha partner quite a few other times, archery and black powder and I've been very successful in every aspect.

Where to start?

First, round is going to only bring you pain and misery if truly you're not in shape. If you can't run a few miles, if you can'thike with your hunting boots and pack on for a few hours without ill affects of it (sore, tired, blisters etc) cancel your ideas and plan for 2010. ( Packing ain't a problem, running ain't gonna happen on these old knees, but I can put 20-30minutes at a time on a stepper, and really burn some calories, which I think may be better preparation than running in some ways. )

If you were jesting about that, read on.

You MUST have great fitting footwear and synthetic socks (not natural fibers like wool/cotton)As your feet go, so will your hunt. ( COVERED, and after wearing combat boots for a few years, it don't take much to be better than them, but the more important lesson I learned was how to "properly tie your boots and take care of your feet!!!! )

You needa reliable tent and sleeping bag.I found myself in 2' of snow and it hammering down Sept 17th one year - another year rain after rain and it 40 degree's. Colorado weather can be brutal, even archery season. Be prepared with good equipment. ( Got it, slept in my bag only 3/4 zipped on a night we hit 27*, I build a shelter over my tent using a tarp, for a little added protection, a good light but tough tarp helps a lot. I have a good 3 season tent 7x9 that is only 5.5-6#, so that should be good for my needs through and through. )

Your hunting clothes will differ very little from yourwhitetail hunting IMO. I take Frogg Toggs for rain gear. ( Covered also, layers are my friend, as they were the last time. )

Your food is important depending on your body. I can live on dehydrated soups and SPAM and candy bars. Some people need morefood, and differnt food. You'll have to figure that out. ( Jerky, trail mix, trail bars, and some canned premade pasta's and such in a vacuum-packed bags worked well for me as well. MSR Water filter and a 5 gallon water bag also worked well for me last time. )

Preparingfor a filled tag is important to, so your pack will need to carry weight well for you. I think Howler is crazy to quarter an elk - deboning is the only way solo elk hunters should do it, the gutless method. Also I'd never consider going elk hunting without my Wyoming bone saw. ( I've heard a lot about the wyoming saws, but already have a couple small saws, are they that much better??? )

I do agree that you have to have a good headlamp and water filter bottle, though I've drank out of a lot of streams and never an issue.

I hate GPS's, Ive seen a lot of glazed looks when the batteries die or they can't get a signal etc. or their GPS says go this way and there is a sheer 30' bluff or 100 acre deadfall pit right in that path and the GPS can't tell you that. Maps - learn the lay of the land, memorize. ( I usually more orienteer than anything, and there are certainly enough landmarks to keep myself well oriented in Colorado, the desert in west Texas, maybe not, but the mountains in CO, it ain't too bad from my experience. As for maps, I've been over them pretty heavy, aerial views, topo, terrain, etc. )

If you can get a pack less than 55-60 pounds for a 5-6 day hunt you're doing well. 55-60 pounds is a LOT of weight, more than most people understand. ( I've broke mine down to about 90# total, including the boots and clothes I'll wear in, my pack, my bow, food, the 96oz. (6#) of water I'll have in my hydration bladder etc. I took in 130# in '05, I ain't doing that again, that is for sure!!! )

PM me if you want more info on how I do it.