A top priority of mine is to go on at least one hunting trip every year. Typically, I go out west to chase elk, mule deer or antelope. Hunting trips are what keep me motivated throughout the year because I know it is going to be an adventure. I know I will improve my hunting skills. I know I will have fun. And I know I will create stories that I can tell for years to come.
Several draw deadlines are approaching over the next several months so now is the time to start planning you next hunting trip. With plenty of public land out west and the internet you can create your next outdoor experience. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Get a Journal – While you are planning and researching your hunts I recommend taking notes. This will make the process more efficient. My notes include hunts I want to take in the future. Tasks I need to complete in order to make a hunt happen. Gear I need to take. Miscellaneous notes and much, much, more. Starting a journal will help keep you organized and they are fun to go back and read.
Make a Plan – What do you want to hunt? Answer this question first then start making a plan. In addition to the upcoming season make a list of what you would like to hunt over the next five to ten years. There are two reasons for starting to plan future hunts. First, some states, species, and units require preference points to draw, so you need to start building these up. Second, hunting trips aren’t cheap and you might need to start saving now to be able to go on a dream hunt in the future.
Where do you want to hunt? Narrowing down the state you want to hunt in will help with the research. The second part to this question is: public or private land? Private land will increase your chances of success, but it is going to increase your chances of paying an access fee or hiring a guide. There are plenty of opportunities on public land in western states if you are willing to put in the work.
Who do you want to hunt with? Are you going solo, taking a buddy, or going in a large group? There are pros and cons to all three. However, you need to decide early on what the roster looks like so they can be part of the planning process.
When deciding who is going on the hunt remember large groups make coordinating logistics harder. Additionally, make sure everyone is looking for the same kind of experience that you are (and can keep up). However, hunts can be more fun with a good group of buddies and more people helps to split up travel costs, food, ect.
Do the Research – It is the easiest it has ever been to plan an out of state hunt (or an in state hunt for that matter). Most game and park websites have reports that show the number of tags offered, draw odds, and success rates. Utilize this information when deciding on a unit to hunt.
If you will be hunting public land research access points in the area you will be hunting. I start my research by using a Delorme atlas. This gives me a broad overview of the area and shows some public land. Then I narrow my research using the On X Hunt App. This provides a more detailed picture of access points and topography of the area I will be hunting. Some national forests also provide detailed maps that give you an idea of trails in the area.
Commit Now – Put the hunt on your calendar. Tell your spouse. Take the time off from work. In the past I have made the mistake of not committing to a hunt early in the year. Then as the season approached I felt like I had too much work and other commitments so I didn’t go. Even if you don’t end up drawing a tag you might be able to find an over the counter unit. The bottom line is commit to the hunt now, and you are more likely to see it through.
Make a budget and start saving – Out of state tags are expensive. You will also have travel costs and food. There will also be some new gear you want to purchase. When I go elk hunting in Colorado I go as cheap as possible. I usually only have the cost of a tag, gas, food and some new gear. It still costs between $1,250 to $1,500 each trip.
Out of State Elk License - $661
Gas – Six tanks at $50/tank - $300
Food $150
New Gear/Misc - $150
Total - $1,261
This is conservative and assuming I don’t shoot one. If I get an elk I might have butchering fees and/or taxidermy fees. I find it easier to put a couple hundred dollars away each month to pay for my hunts vs spending a large lump sum during hunting season. Start now and the hunt will be easier to afford when the time comes.
Get Ready – If you are going to invest money and time into a hunt make sure you get ready. This includes physical, mental, and your ability to shot. There is nothing worse than showing up to a hunt out of shape. If you are going to be hunting in the mountains start early and focus on being able to hike for long lengths of time. No matter how much I train for the mountains, they still kick my ass. So don’t put off getting in shape.
Whether you are hunting with a bow or rifle practice shooting. I recommend practicing in different positions and angles. It’s easy to shoot your bow standing and a level target, but what if you have to kneel and shoot at a steep angle? Also, practice with the gear you will be wearing. Bottom line is if you get lucky enough for a shot, you want to make sure you take advantage of the opportunity.
Think Local – If an out of state hunt isn’t in your cards this year think local. Some of my most memorable hunts are from college when we would go camp and hunt turkeys during the spring. We only had to drive 15 miles but we created an experience. Also think small. You don’t have to go hunt big game out west. I enjoy going some place new to hunt ducks, pheasants, or other small game.
Hopefully, this article will help you plan your next hunting trip. Remember hunting isn’t always about filling your tag. Hunting is about being in the outdoors. Challenging yourself. Appreciating wildlife. And learning new things. Don’t be afraid to fail on a new hunt. The knowledge you will gain and the memories you make will will be worth it.
How Does This Apply to Business
The first tip in planning a hunt is to get a journal so you can write important items downs. Writing down your goals and a plan to accomplish them will increase your chances of success in business and life. It also clears your mind. So get a journal for your business and personal life.
My second tip was decide what you want hunt first, then make a plan. It is easier determine what you want, then work backwards to figure out how to get it.
What do you want to accomplish this year?
What is your plan to achieve it?
Write it down.
What are you waiting for?
Until next time remember…you are going to have to earn it!