Written from an Easterner's perspective.
We strive to learn all we can about the game and fish we purse. A big part of that is where to go to have the best chance of success.
I remember a conversation with a wise old hunter years ago. He asked if I knew what made someone a good hunter. His simple answer...a good place to hunt.
If you are looking for advice on the best places to go it seems logical to simply ask right?. After all some big name magazines offer advice for all to see and plenty of websites claim to know exactly where to direct you to find a big bull elk.
So why not ask the Roksliders who have "been there and done that"?
It is really not that simple.
First it is important to understand how hard some folks have worked for years, even decades, to find a spot to chase game without crowds of other hunters to interfere. Many hours, many boot miles and many dollars are spent to gather such intel. Some folks use precious vacation time during the summer to backpack into the high country to scout for a place to hunt. Some live close and others not so close but they sacrifice to find a decent spot to go when the season rolls around. These folks also spend time behind a computer using Google Earth and game and fish stats to further advance their search. Some even pay ($150.00 and up) for sites that offer planning tips and advice.
So should these folks offer you the fruits of their efforts online just for asking? Ask yourself--would you?
It is also important to understand that these folks will protect their knowledge with a degree of secrecy as they should. Some of these spots are good places to go because so few folks go there. Even thought the Western US is a seemingly vast area-much is either not available for hunting or not terribly good for hunting for a specific animal. Hunters also have to contend with mountain bike riders, back country fisherman and other hunters pursing different species at the same time in a given unit.
What should you do then to find a place to hunt?
The best way is to go there and see it firsthand. Pick a few spots, look at G&F stats and then go. Fly or drive. Go fishing or backpacking and get out there. It might not be easy but there is nothing like boots on the ground. If you do go to a new to you area hunting then scout while you hunt. Take photos and notes and ask biologist and others face to face while you are out there.
Guided or semi guided hunts will get you hunting and you can take a few extra days once your hunt is over to look around for yourself for future hunts.
Read up on the critters you want to go after. Do research online. Call wardens and biologist and be prepared with a few good brief questions for them. Look at a pay for info site to assist you with planning.
So best practice is not to ask for too many specifics when looking at a hunt area. Honestly if someone I don't personally know freely gives me suggestions about where in detail to go I would wonder why. Chances are they really do not know and just like to give advice--bad advice many times.
It might take 2 or 3 unsuccessful hunts to hone your skills and learn an area. Don't get stressed about killing an animal on your first trip. Get out there and you may find you can answer most of your questions by just being there.
We strive to learn all we can about the game and fish we purse. A big part of that is where to go to have the best chance of success.
I remember a conversation with a wise old hunter years ago. He asked if I knew what made someone a good hunter. His simple answer...a good place to hunt.
If you are looking for advice on the best places to go it seems logical to simply ask right?. After all some big name magazines offer advice for all to see and plenty of websites claim to know exactly where to direct you to find a big bull elk.
So why not ask the Roksliders who have "been there and done that"?
It is really not that simple.
First it is important to understand how hard some folks have worked for years, even decades, to find a spot to chase game without crowds of other hunters to interfere. Many hours, many boot miles and many dollars are spent to gather such intel. Some folks use precious vacation time during the summer to backpack into the high country to scout for a place to hunt. Some live close and others not so close but they sacrifice to find a decent spot to go when the season rolls around. These folks also spend time behind a computer using Google Earth and game and fish stats to further advance their search. Some even pay ($150.00 and up) for sites that offer planning tips and advice.
So should these folks offer you the fruits of their efforts online just for asking? Ask yourself--would you?
It is also important to understand that these folks will protect their knowledge with a degree of secrecy as they should. Some of these spots are good places to go because so few folks go there. Even thought the Western US is a seemingly vast area-much is either not available for hunting or not terribly good for hunting for a specific animal. Hunters also have to contend with mountain bike riders, back country fisherman and other hunters pursing different species at the same time in a given unit.
What should you do then to find a place to hunt?
The best way is to go there and see it firsthand. Pick a few spots, look at G&F stats and then go. Fly or drive. Go fishing or backpacking and get out there. It might not be easy but there is nothing like boots on the ground. If you do go to a new to you area hunting then scout while you hunt. Take photos and notes and ask biologist and others face to face while you are out there.
Guided or semi guided hunts will get you hunting and you can take a few extra days once your hunt is over to look around for yourself for future hunts.
Read up on the critters you want to go after. Do research online. Call wardens and biologist and be prepared with a few good brief questions for them. Look at a pay for info site to assist you with planning.
So best practice is not to ask for too many specifics when looking at a hunt area. Honestly if someone I don't personally know freely gives me suggestions about where in detail to go I would wonder why. Chances are they really do not know and just like to give advice--bad advice many times.
It might take 2 or 3 unsuccessful hunts to hone your skills and learn an area. Don't get stressed about killing an animal on your first trip. Get out there and you may find you can answer most of your questions by just being there.