While we tend to focus on the hunt, pre-hunt planning is essential. It’s also enjoyable and will make your hunting trip much smoother.
by Zach Bowhay
If I were to list my three favorite things, it would be my family, hunting, and planning hunting trips, in that order. I won’t dive into the family aspect here but will focus on the hunting part of my list. As much as I love hunting, planning hunts comes a close second, nearly tied with the actual hunt itself. Why do I love planning hunts so much? Well, I make it part of the hunt, which extends my enjoyment over a long period.
Although I went on a Missouri hunt in 2001, my real journey into out-of-state hunting began with a caribou hunt along the Haul Road in 2007. We drove from Idaho to hunt Alaska’s North Slope. The logistics were extensive, and although it could have been better, we pulled off a successful hunt and trip. Since then, I have gone on many hunts from Oregon to Missouri, Alaska to Southern Arizona, and many places in between.
I share this to let you know that I have researched and planned my fair share of hunts. I won’t delve into planning where to hunt or the gear needed for this article. Instead, I will discuss some things you need to know about an area before you go. You might need services and amenities if things go wrong or right and you need a hand.
Vehicle, Tire, & ATV Repair
Regardless of the type of hunt, it will likely require a vehicle. I’ve hunted areas where roads were too rough or impassable, making a side-by-side ATV or dirt bike a better mode of transportation to the trailhead or hunting area. You hope to avoid having mechanical issues with trucks, trailers, or off-road vehicles, but it’s always possible.
Before leaving on a hunt, research where to get a vehicle or ATV fixed if issues arise. It’s well worth your time. Call beforehand to ensure they are open, check their schedule, and maybe check some reviews to ensure they are reputable. Also, know where the nearest auto parts store is in case you need to buy a part to do some repairs yourself.
Tire repair is another important consideration. It might be in the same place as truck repair, but often it’s not. I always have two spares just in case, but when I get a flat and plan to do a lot more driving, I get the tire fixed. Like above, know where this location is and when they are available.
Gas, Groceries, & Propane
If you plan to drive to a trailhead, backpack in, and eat freeze-dried meals for your entire hunt, you can disregard this section and likely many other parts of this article. Sometimes I do this, but I usually have all these things figured out anyway, even if it’s unnecessary.
Many of my hunts, especially when going with a group, involve bigger base camps. With a nice camp, I enjoy good food and typically burn more gas, moving from spot to spot to hunt. In these cases, knowing where the closest gas station and grocery store are is a good idea. When needed, I drive to town in the afternoon to get gas, buy groceries, and top off the propane. Sometimes, I do this mid-hunt to take a break. I find it hard to relax during a hunt, so the drive to town can provide a much-needed break.
BLM, Forest Service, State Land Contacts & Offices
Yes, we all have mapping apps on our phones now, which is generally all we need. But sometimes, you need information or clarification on land ownership, travel restrictions, etc.
There have been times on hunts when I drove to a Forest Service office to clarify where I could and couldn’t be. Sometimes, you must sit down with a map and someone who knows the area well. I recommend contacting these offices beforehand to ensure they are open to the public, not just field/research facilities.
While you have them on the phone, have them send you a travel map of your hunting area. No matter what your phone says, if the travel map for the area says otherwise, you can end up in a pinch. I rely heavily on phone mapping services like onX and Basemap, but cross-referencing things like open roads and trails with a travel map is always a good idea.
Laundry And Shower Facilities
This is my first research point if I will be on a hunt for an extended period. Laundry is important, but it is 100 percent the shower facility. Sometimes, on a hard hunt, a long, hot shower can completely rejuvenate you and your hunt. A shower can be a game changer when you have been out grinding and are sweaty, dirty, and stinky.
Most small towns with hunting areas understand and value the business hunters bring to their communities. Because of this, you can find many things you need, and a shower facility is often available if you look around. I’ve even called hotels and had them let us use a shower for a fee. There is almost always a small fee of $3-10 to use a shower facility. There are times when I swear I would pay $50!
If you are going to town to get supplies and a shower, you may as well do a load of laundry that you can hang to dry in camp. While the clothes are washing, I have nothing but time, so I use that time to catch up with family and friends on the phone or sit down and relax, which I am not always good at doing.
Sporting Goods Stores & Archery Shops
When you leave on your trip, hopefully, you remember everything on your list, and even more so, your gear performs flawlessly and doesn’t fail you. Unfortunately, things happen, and this isn’t always the case.
Knowing where a reputable archery shop is can save your hunt if you are bowhunting. A sporting goods store will usually suffice if no archery shop is available or you simply need supplies. Sometimes, it might be as simple as forgetting your wind checker powder, but it could also be as serious as a derailed bow. Each can be critical to a hunt in different degrees of importance.
Taxidermist
If your hunt is successful and you are far from home, you may need the services of a taxidermist. Researching this ahead of time is crucial. Many good taxidermists can help with various tasks, including caping, hide prep, fleshing, euro mounts, and possibly even a full mount.
Some services can wait, but long travel can spoil hides and trophies if not cared for correctly. This is where a good taxidermist can be invaluable. If it’s an early-season hunt, preserving velvet is essential. Finding a taxidermist in the area who can handle this is important.
On my Nevada hunt in 2020, I struggled to find a local taxidermist. I drove through the night to reach a taxidermist in Idaho the following day to preserve my buck’s velvet. Fortunately, I was close enough for this to work, but this won’t be the case for some hunts, so plan accordingly.
Meat Cutting Or Storage
Even more critical than taxidermy is caring for the meat after a harvest. With top-end coolers, you can drive across the country and keep the meat if necessary. However, there are times when you need the services of a meat locker for storage or processing.
This is especially true on a hunt with others when an animal is harvested early, and your party plans to stay and hunt longer. Finding a reputable meat locker and processor is more challenging than ever, so don’t assume it will be easy. Call ahead and ask questions about their charges for meat storage and processing.
Once, on a hunt in Southern Utah, my brother took a buck early in the hunt. With warm daily temps and another week to hunt, we knew the meat needed to be stored in a meat locker. We called around and found that most places were full, except one with openings only if they processed the animal. We took that route, and it worked out great, but these are things to know beforehand.
Most established places have a good idea of how many animals they will receive and if they have room for new customers. Before my brother’s Henry Mountains bison hunt, we had a plan. We were far from home, and it would be hot and dry. After he killed his bull, we dropped it off at a place where he had already scheduled a slot. Had he not done this beforehand, we would have been in a tough spot.
Emergency Services
I hope never to need the aid of a doctor or a hospital on any hunt, but it’s always a possibility. While I always have my inReach device, knowing where the closest medical help is is essential. If you or a hunting partner needs medical attention, it can sometimes take hours to get help.
In certain situations, though, minutes can mean the difference between life and death, and quick help is critical to saving lives. Always know the closest hospital or medical facility and how to get there.
Putting It All Together
While most of the considerations discussed here may not be life-or-death, they are crucial for a smooth and successful hunt. If you embark on enough out-of-state hunts or venture to remote locations, you will likely encounter situations where this knowledge becomes essential.
Knowing the locations and contact details of essential services in advance can save you valuable hunting time that would otherwise take lots of time. Making calls and driving around in search of solutions is no fun. It’s wise to communicate with the relevant businesses before your trip to confirm their availability and ensure they can meet your needs.
I keep a notebook with phone numbers and notes from conversations with local contacts gathered before the hunt. Most people are helpful but have busy schedules and lives, so it’s vital to ensure they are prepared to assist if needed. Being proactive and organized can avoid unnecessary headaches and ensure you’re ready for any situation during your hunt.
