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Boots, Sticks, bladder.???

ironwood

ironwood

Active Member
Hey I am going into the Bitterroot National Forest next fall for 14 days. I have never done a western hunt before. Have never hunted mule deer. Have never hunted deer with a rifle. Have never spend days wandering mountains with a pack on my back. And I am sure there will be many other have nevers. My rifle is set I just need to spend time working on my skills. First question,
1. What should I realistically expect to achieve as a maximum effective range. 4.5 X 14 power scope on a TC 270.
2. What style of shooting stick would do you like and why? Mono, bi or tripod? 12 to 36 inches or 29 to 68 inches.
3. I'll be using a Badlands 2200 pack. Do bladder qualities vary much or should I just grab one.
4. Would you pack a spotting scope and tripod? I will have 8X42 binos.
5. I am buying a 40' wide cot but am not sure about spending money on a wide sleeping pad to go with it.
6. What would you make sure your day pack contained. (Scope, how much water to carry, GPS or no GPS, survival stuff)

Well you get the idea. I am looking to gain a little wisdom as I have done over and over from you guys.
 
With the .270, it can be very affective out to 400+ yards, but since this is your first rifle hunt, I would say 300 yards, and practice alot. If you are sighted in at 200 yards with a 130 grain bullet (thats how I am sighted in, and that is the bullet I shoot), you will only be 2 1/2 inches low at 300. You will, however, be a little high at 100. Just practice, and practice some more.

As for packing a spotting scope, you will have to decide it you want the extra weight. They definitly have their place hunting like you will be, but they also add a few pounds to your pack. Your bino's should help you spot something, and with the 14 power scope, you should be able to see at a long distance.
 
Spoting scope is a must if your glasses are'nt at least 10/50..... water bladder are about the same get half gallon if you can find one.... EXNAY the shooting sticks and shoot from your pack. Having been a elk guide before rule of thumb when a client asks on caliber... i tell them whatever they can handle...(dont need wounded game).. The 270 is a great gun tho 300 to 350 yrd shots are a breeze with that gun. practice tho........... Pack i use th Alaskan II is big but a full week is a long time when i guided. Nife...stone...waterproof matches...flint. flahslight... first aid kit...new changes of socks...headlamp(packing horses at night)..cumpass lol....spotting scope .. glasses.. rope...shi# tickets... everything else should be packed in on a mule or horse...Any other ?'s

And Killer hiking shoe/boots
 
The bitterroot is in Idaho correct? If it is, hopefully it is much more open than where we went in Nez Perce national first this past fall. In the timber you could only shoot about 40-50 yards and in the open, maybe 125-150 yards max, but those would be rare. Definitely have a good gps, I would make sure to have the Topo maps because I had found that all of the horse trails etc are on them. The tough part is making it back to camp in the dark, when you are 3 miles out in BFE. It makes it alot easier if you can find those, and the topos are really nice as well.

I used a 8 dollar bladder from Walmart, and it worked great. The Therma rest sleeping pads work great to keep the cold air under the cot away from you. It gets pretty cold at night. 8x42 binos were great in the area we were in. I would have a good rain suit. I started off by carrying it everyday but it got too heavy, and I just put an emergency poncho in my pack just in case. I actually used my turkey vest vs my badlands 2200. It had more pockets, which is alot more convenient when you got alot of things. Plus it is lighter and less bulky if you have a camp that you will be returning to daily. In the area we were in, a spotting scope would have been useless. I would imagine it must be much more open there. There wasn't any mule deer in the area we went in. Lots of whitetails though.

I guess when I hunted we went back to camp every day. But I carried a bladder full of water. A capri sun, granola bars, tree saw / pruners, Toilet Paper, GPS, Knife, Extra batteries, emergency poncho. Headlamp, Flashlight, spare mini-mag. Thats really about it. You will find out real fast that you will minimize what you carry, every lb counts. Goodluck
 
For day trips (coming back to a base camp to sleep nightly). I would do the following.

Most important things is a good pair of Boots I would recomend Danner Pronghorn.

Second most important thins is breatheable gear. Sitka Gear and Under Armour are good choices.

Third most important thing is a good day pack with shoulder straps. I have a head hunters day back similiar to the Badland Pack. Plenty of room for everything you need for day trip. Things to take in the pack, compass, GPS, waterproof matches, lighter, first aid kit, several knifes, emergency blanket, whistle, maps of area hunting, several head lamps, rope, trail mix in plastic bag, flagging tape, butt wipe, water tablets and packable rain gear and pair of backup socks.

Bladder, I had a two liter bladder and I went through it each day. Make sure you have a hunting bladder their fabric is quieter than the hiking bladders which are real noisy IMO.

A second water source such as a 20 OZ bottle of gatorade is also good, but do not use this until your bladder runs out. I also mixed my bladder water with gatorade powder. I would recomend this and it will keep you energized.

You should be able to shoot 300 yards fairly easy. Mule deer are not overly intelligent and if you spot a buck bedded their is a good chance you can get into easy rifle range (100-150 yards) and make a clean shot.

As far as sticks, their are many models out their. If you do not plan to walk alot and a little added weight is not a big deal, an attached bipod is a good choice and a very solid rest. Sticks can wander alot especially if you are huffing and puffing from climbin a mountain.

I take 10 * 50 binoculars. They work great and a spotting scope is not needed especially if you will be hiking alot each day.

The most important thing is make sure you are in the best shape you have been in some time. The mountains will kick you in the butt if you are not in shape. I would recommend long walks 3-4 time per week 3-5 miles per walk and hit the hills hard the last 2-3 weeks; before you head out so your legs are ready for the mountains.

The mountains rock and if you are in shape and have comfortable gear you will have a great trip.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 5. I am buying a 40' wide cot </div></div>

why the hell would you want a 40 foot cot?

/forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Benny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Most important things is a good pair of Boots I would recomend Danner Pronghorn.

</div></div>

These are the best boots i've ever wore. my pair have been out west multiple times and are still going strong. Great boot. Might want to replace the insoles. I have "superfeet" in mine.
 
Great advise from the guys already.

Before your trip, train in the boots you plan to wear. Danner Pronghorns were also my first choice.

I also second wearing Under Armor...and dress in layers.

Also, practice drinking water before your trip. I say "practice" because water will really help you with the altitude...big time.

Start drinking bottled water like I drink beer. Have one in your hand all the time. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

The mountain air with dehydrate you quick, and you need to make a conscious effort to drink lots of water.

Ride a bike, run, walk, and hit the hills in your boots. It will make your trip that much better if you are in peak shape.

Oh and drop some weight too, would ya! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: teeroy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 5. I am buying a 40' wide cot </div></div>

why the hell would you want a 40 foot cot?

/forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif </div></div>

40" OK I changed my mind. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ghost</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Oh and drop some weight too, would ya! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif



</div></div>

Bite me! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shredder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pepper spray for an ol Grizz should you encounter one. </div></div>

Yes, the Forest Service has issued a BEAR WARNING in the national forests for this Fall. They're urging everyone to protect themselves by wearing bells and carrying pepper spray.

Hunters should be alert for signs of fresh bear activity, and they should be able to tell the difference between Black Bear dung and Grizzy Bear dung.

Black Bear dung is rather small and round. Sometimes you can see fruit seeds and/or squirrel fur in it.

Grizzly Bear dung has bells in it, and smells like pepper spray!
 
Make sure you've got a GOOD GPS and know how to use it. Don't buy one the day before and plan on learning it on the way out. Get yourself a good map and make sure you know how to apply your GPS coordinates to the map.....definately helpful, especially if you're hunting anywhere close to private ground. Chances are your GPS might not work in dark timber, you may have to find a small clearing to get a clear view of the sky. It's so easy to get turned around in the thick timber, especially if you're not used to it.
 
If you do get the Danner Pronghorns don't wear them into the ocean. Mine have lots of "salt damage" according to CRITR.
 
Everything the guys said above is on the money. I stress the gatorade in powder form (lots), water tabelets, underarmour, extra socks, plenty of jerky body needs protein when working hard etc.. Suggestion on practicing with your rifle, use your rifle as much as possible, but if in a crunch where you can't shoot it, practice squeezing with your 22 it's a heck of a lot cheaper.

I used Danner elk hunters the first day, then switched to a pair of Meindel Denali's. This boot is by far the best boot I have ever worn. I bought these boots 12 years ago on my honeymoon and they are tough, sturdy, superior ankle support, indistructable & oh yea, expensive.

Good luck bud and not sure what to tell you about the cot we roughed it /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
I will say that
boots #1
GPS #2 a big number two.


If you cant use number two you will use a lot of number 1


Go light with your day pack.
I personall just packed good binocs. But I was in a lot of dark timber. I can imagine the importance when looking for muleys in the valleys. You are doing your first hunt right I will tell you that much!!

Our first was a DIY bow elk. We found them but it was brutal!!!

You are going to have so much fun!!!

One last hint. When you think your in shape. your not good enough. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif for me anyways..

one more

this is A HUGE ONE!!


You are going to be jacked when you get there. You are going to want to run 30 miles and shoot 80 deer. Just relax!! you have 14 days. GO SLOW for two days. make sure you have everything figured out. I am excited for you. I get chills thinking about ours!!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gundog870</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ONE LAST POINT

for us it was not a DO-it-yourself. but a TRY_IT_YOURSELF </div></div>

This is a DIY hunt but base camp will have at least six veterans of this area. Some will fly in, others will ride the horses in. I also need to think about spike camp stuff. Lighter sleeping bag and stuff like that.
 
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