Thread: Solo hunting; managing risk

I prefer my solo trips. On my own schedule. Go where and when I want. No compromise. I think it can put you in a safer mindset. Every decision I make I know it's down to me alone. And because it's all on my schedule never feel pressure to push on or into places to placate somebody else's wants or timeline.
Trips with mates are good for other reasons like catching up with mates you might not see that often. But solo trips I prefer for really clearing the mind.

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You shouldn't be taking any bigger risks with companions than you do solo. The fall etc will still kill or hurt you just the same. Have an epirb, spare clothes and a bivy bag with you in your day kit.
But that said, if you are feeling uncomfortable, within reason, then dont do it. You are there to enjoy yourself and push yourself in a sensible way.

Originally Posted by Jus

A lot of the places I hunt, I feel bad taking my mates in to as they’re basically an arsehole on earth.

This is me 100%.

I'm yet to find hunting friends with the same schedule who are willing to take it as seriously, stealthily and wake up without having coffee to arrive in the primo spots before first light 😆

I was out last weekend down a steep gut and while I wanted to stay in there till sunset I decided it wasn't a good idea to be down there by myself in the dark, it just didn't feel right. As it was I'm glad I followed that instinct because once I got back to the tops where I was based it fully clagged in.

Spent 46 years hunting so far. Sometimes as a team of two but still hunting separately for two or three days or so. Rest of time mostly hunt solo. Doesn’t matter if you’re hunting solo or as a team, you have to assess and manage risk the same. There’s quite a few members on here who have done the same. We lived through a time without GPS, cell phones, radio communication like today, or many other such aids. We had to rely on our observations, risk management and at times good luck. Most of us also utilised modern aids as they came along but I would guess that most of us all still rely on our own gut feeling, “if it looks too dodgy don’t take the risk”.

yeah dont over think it woods223 on to it - used to get into some mongrel situations goat culling and bluffy country and it was always what the hell am I doing here back out - lots of good gear now especially EPIRB,s - always leave a clear intention sheet with someone and a time to raise the alarm on non return - culling it was 10 till lunchtime next day - only ever spent one night out thankfully - lit massive fire and all okay just hungry

And that raises another point, what do you carry in a day pack/bum bag that will see you through if you get caught out

one brand new cigarete lighter wrapped in glad wrap - some small pieces rubber inner tube - a torch in fact I take two both small but these days the LED ones so damn good - and a survival blanket - they are small - but check them periodically - I looked at mine last roar and bloody thing had perished was in many small pieces - but not much more dont over think it -the torches have really been the big game changer - if I know the country have no hesitation coming back well into dark - back in seventies and eighties would not have dreamed of it - torches back then were useless - if caught out a fire is what will save ya cold ass

As Barry says, just carry the usual. For me includes rain poncho, muesli bars, oxo cubes.

I do 99% of my hunting solo and it does change things a bit.

not so much the big stuff but the little stuff. if I have a partner and one of us rolls an ankle then the other can take extra weight from the pack, help get over big obstacles, which would be a pain solo.
it could be the difference between a slow walk out or having to call the heli.

poncho, down jacket, emergency blanket, block of chocolate and beeswax fire starters for me. I camped on the lawn without a fire in my hunting gear on a 6 degree night and while it sucked I didn't die.

Solo trips are the best, as everyone has said just be prepared, First aid kit, PLB, phone etc...

Originally Posted by 16Tontovarish

poncho, down jacket, emergency blanket, block of chocolate and beeswax fire starters for me. I camped on the lawn without a fire in my hunting gear on a 6 degree night and while it sucked I didn't die.

one has to ask were you kicked out for night - it was the demon rum??- or just hardening yourself up yuk yuk yuk

Mine are 100% solo. Always have the Garmin inreach in a pouch in the front of the main bag, and hunting belt bag. If it's dodgey, I turn around/avoid it. Also conscious of having food/jacket should I need to spend a night out. Have definite turn around times planned. Concur with the comments around mates would struggle to actually hunt where I go - I like the struggle. I have to be intentional about joining mates on their trips as it's the only way they'll see me at the start/end of the day. There is something to managing yourself, hunting free with rifle in hand, not restricted by others.

I used to assume hunting alone would definitely make hunting easier, but the amount of times a mate has spotted a deer that I would have missed or vice versa really makes me wonder whether I would actually get more alone. I think having the extra noise risk is probably worth it for the benefit of having two pairs of eyes to glass etc. Probably depends on the terrain and whether you are bush hunting etc.

Having a PLB and an inreach is really good. You can put the Inreach on tracking mode so it sends your location out every 10 mins or something like that, so someone with the internet can see where you have been (where to find your corpse etc....). Can also message out if you are held up by weather. I still carry the PLB because I don't fully trust the Inreach SOS to always work 100% of the time as it has trouble picking up satellites/getting messages out occasionally, plus it's always possible that it has a flat battery when you need it most. I've also heard it's helpful for authorities to locate you with both the PLB and the Inreach signal simultaneously going.

Do you find that you talk to yourself more when hunting solo ? I tend to I've noticed. Don't know why but could be it's a sort of self assurance mechanism ... ? These days I tend to hunt more solo, which I enjoy, but don't have issues hunting with a companion either, especally my one hunting son. Sadly though, with his work demands, he only gets out with me once or twice yearly.