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Getting Ready for Hunt Camp
Paul Markel © 2013
The author scans for varmints during a recent Wyoming trip. Take the time to listen to your guide and they’ll point you in the right direction..
Student of the Gun
LUVERNE, AL --(Ammoland.com)- I suppose this article has been in the works for several years now, at least in my head.
Having just returned from a successful trip to Wyoming I’ve decided that now is the time to put it all on paper (so to speak).
During several hunting excursions I have had the time to sit and listen to professional hunting guides and outfitters. They’ll share their favorite hunt stories and experiences with great enthusiasm. When comfortable enough with a guest, they’ll also share some of their hunter nightmares.
Over the years I’ve compiled a list of complaints or concerns that hunting guides have shared regarding hunters who arrived unprepared for their outdoor adventure. In the next page or two I’ll enumerate several areas where a hunter can better prepare themselves for their next trip into the wild.
Prepare your Guns and Gear
“When I ask a hunter what distance he has his scope sighted in and he says ‘I don’t know I’ve never shot the gun, I borrowed it.’ I know it’s to be a rough hunt.” related the guide on my last hunt. Folks, its fine to borrow a rifle from your brother-in-law, but get yourself out to the range and get familiar with it. Shoot the gun and find out where it is sighted in. Don’t take someone’s word for it.
Yes, every reputable outfitter will take you out to their ‘zero range’ and have you verify your scope settings before you step off on the hunt. This is supposed to be a relatively quick check to ensure that your optic didn’t lose zero during transportation. It is not supposed to be a training session where you learn how to use the gun.
“We don’t have time to train the hunter to use their rifle.” Another guide remarked and continued. “Hunters need to know their gear before they arrive. They must understand how to work the action under stress to include taking off the safety.”
Prepare your Body
You don’t need to be a world-class athlete, but you should be able to make it to lunch without a nap. If you live on the east coast and plan to hunt the higher elevations, it is going to be a bit of a shock to your system. Elevation sickness is no joke. The air is thin up there. If nothing else, get out and walk for extended periods. Lace up your hunting boots. Fill your hunting pack and it on your back. Now go out a walk a couple of miles. If you cannot go a half mile without stopping at sea level, you are going to be in serious trouble at 6000 feet.
Hydrate yourself properly BEFORE you arrive at hunting camp. Your body needs time to adjust and acclimatize. Take it from someone who has traveled all over the world to all climates. Consuming plenty of water and eating properly goes a long way toward helping your body adjust. Cigarettes and alcohol slow and impede the process. You are an adult, make your choices.
Prepare your Mind
When you arrive at the lodge or base camp you should be ready to go.
Dave, a career outfitter and Alaskan hunt guide said, “Too many guys show up and aren’t at all focused on the hunt. They have their phones and lap tops out all the time. They’re heads are not in the game.” Dave continued, “We’ve had hunters miss the opportunity at a trophy animal because they weren’t ready when it was time to head out. Their gear isn’t prepared. Their rifle isn’t sighted in. Some don’t even know the specifications of their ammo”
If you’ve invested the time and money in a guided hunt, would it not be reasonable to focus on that effort, particularly when you get to camp? Can the office survive without you for two or three days, a week perhaps? Make arrangements for all the day to day responsibilities to be covered while you are out. If you can’t go an hour without work calling, the chances of having a thoroughly enjoyable hunt are slim.
Listen to your Guide
Of all the areas of concerned expressed by innumerable hunting guides the ‘A, Number 1’ issue is hunters who refuse to listen to the guide’s advice. As crazy as it sounds, people will spend thousands of dollars to book a professionally guided hunt only to ignore the experience-based advice offered by the person who knows the game and area a hundred times better that they.
Close your mouth and open your ears might just be the best way to sum up this section. You are paying the guide for his experience and expertise. Close your mouth and let him give it. Would you pay an attorney for his advice and then ignore it? If so you could have saved your money.
Park your ego at home. You might be the Big Cheese in your company, the HMFIC or MFCEO, but out on the mountain you are a neophyte. If you can go it on your own without a guide’s advice then do it and save yourself some money.
Be ready to go when the guide says “Go”. Animals aren’t going to hang around for a half-hour waiting for you get ready.
“We’ve had more animals run off because the hunter wasn’t ready when I gave him the go ahead.” Remarked a professional elk guide.
If you have a legitimate problem with a guide, arguing with them in the field is the least favorable avenue. Save your complaints and take them directly to the outfitters. Of course, much of these fears can be allayed by using a reputable outfitter with a good track record and many recommendations. [ Visit NRA Outdoors to book your next hunt: http://www.nraoutdoors.com/ ]
The first shot might be the only one you get, you should know your rifle and optic before your arrive for a hunt.
Talk to your Guide
Ask questions if you aren’t sure what you are supposed to do. Assuming you know the answer is a great way to make a mistake. If you are not sure where to place the crosshairs on an animal, ask. Don’t risk a bad shot. Seek their advice; after all, you are paying for it.
If you have any physical limitations or medical issues let your guide know. Telling your guide that you are diabetic, have heart issues, or other ailments during the middle of a mountain side stalk is not the way to do it. Take a moment to be open with your guide. If you’ve had back or knee surgery, let them know so they can make accommodations and help you have a better hunt.
Final Thoughts
I supposed the moral of the story is that a little bit of extra preparedness on your part can go a long way. Park your ego, familiarize yourself with your guns and gear, listen to your guide’s advice and plan ahead.
Those few steps can ensure you have the hunt of a lifetime.
Paul Markel © 2013
About the Author
Paul Markel has been US Marine, Police Officer, Professional Bodyguard and a firearms industry writer for twenty years. He is the author of the new book “Student of the Gun; A beginner once, a student for life.” Paul hosts and produces “Student of the Gun” a show dedicated to education, experience, and enjoyment of firearms. Episodes of SOTG can be viewed by simply going to www.studentofthegun.com and clicking the “play” icon.
Source: http://www.ammoland.com/2013/08/getting-ready-for-hunt-camp/
