Preparation

Whether you hunt with a partner, or you prefer to hunt alone, planning the trip takes some preparation. There's quite a bit more to planning the trip than most would think. I like to begin planning the trip several months before I'm ready to leave. I usually begin by putting together a detailed check-list of all my gear and supplies. I then make a careful inspection of all items, writing down anything that may require repair or replacement. I also run through any maintenance my vehicle may require, to get me to my destination without any problems! This is very important, as problems with a vehicle can ruin any hunt in a real hurry.

If planning a hunting trip in an area you have not hunted before, first of all, I hope you've taken the time to pre-season scout the area or made the arrangements to have an outfitter or guide assist you in your hunting. Second of all, there are other details you should look into when planing your trip such as meat processing. I would recommend looking for a butcher who cuts wild game, or locating a locker where you can hang your animal, before leaving for your hunt. It's one less hassle you'll have to worry about later, once you get your animal down. I'm always surprised to see camps with animals hanging for days in 80 degree weather. It's sad is what it is! I treat my meat as though it were gold, getting it into a locker to hang, and cool-out as quickly as possible! If you decide to have your meat cut and wrapped at the butcher, usually they'll have it cut, wrapped and frozen for your journey home, by the time you're ready to "pull-up-stakes" and head out, which can be very convenient.

One thing most hunter's probably wouldn't stop to take into consideration when planning the trip, is your health. After all, nobody ever plans on getting sick. When I begin planning my trip several months before my hunt, I begin taking vitamins and getting plenty of sleep. Being healthy is important if you want to be as effective as you can be hunting. There's nothing worse than waiting all year for your hunt and getting slammed with a nasty cold, or worse yet, the Flu. This can be even more of a problem if you've laid down a sizeable amount of money on an out-of-state guided hunt and are unable to go, as most deposits are non-refundable. Take my advice and stay in good shape, trying to stay as healthy as possible by eating right, getting plenty of sleep and taking your vitamins!

If I was able to put my finger on one single element that has contributed to my hunting success over the years, that I could share with you, it would be the element of time! By far the most important thing in planning the trip, is the amount of time you plan to spend hunting! I have friends and relatives who come back year after year with nothing. When trying to evaluate their situation and where their falling short, I'm always disappointed to hear: "If we only had a few more day's." "Who's fault is that" I tell them. "You can't expect to roll in on a weekend and take care of business." I personally prefer to take no less than two weeks at a time for each species of animal. Two weeks usually allows me plenty of time to get the job done! Not too many outfitters out there, offer two weeks of hunting. Most usually offer five or seven day hunts, and for this reason, I usually prefer to hunt without an outfitter or guide. Hunting pressure, along with changes in the weather and other unforeseen circumstances can drastically effect the amount of game you'll see, therefore allowing yourself enough time, can make all the difference in the world. Believe me when I say: "THE KEY IS TIME!"