I just got back from my first backcountry bowhunt, something Ive wanted to do since I killed my first archery whitetail at 13. Ill first say that my biggest worry was not being physically fit enough though I am very active and only 31, I had somewhat psyched myself out. I underestimated the work I had put in leading up to the trip because I put 12 miles and +2,600ft of elevation in the first full day and I actually felt great even with a heavy pack on my back. The thrill of wanting to see what lies ahead definitely helped keep me going. I learned quick about the pop up thunderstorms, got cliffed out and had to take a plan B through a long, rocky and vertical gulch. Did not see a single animal besides cattle the first or second day so we relocated by vehicle to the south side of the mountain range, 20 minutes away or so and started seeing deer on the drive in. The next 4 days of hunting we stayed in a lower elevation and saw roughly 30 doe but not a single buck. I'm assuming they were up higher but we glassed and glassed above us without picking up any. Most deer were seen in the timber and not actually out in the open. The unit I was in is not known for its elk hunting so hunting pressure was very low. I had a blast just starting my season in such beautiful country (not to mention a month earlier than I usually can start bowhunting) and I learned alot in my trip but I would be lying if I said I was not overly ready to get back out there again.
