Spring Backcountry Hunting: How to Stay Safe and Be Successful Leave a comment

Spring backcountry hunting is an adventure that offers solitude, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to pursue game in its most natural habitat. Whether you’re chasing elk, bear, turkey, or other game, hunting in the backcountry comes with its own set of challenges. Harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and the need for self-reliance require careful preparation. In this guide, we’ll cover essential strategies to stay safe and maximize your success in the spring backcountry.

1. Planning Your Backcountry Hunt

A successful backcountry hunt starts long before you step into the wild. Proper planning ensures you’re well-prepared for the physical, environmental, and logistical demands of a remote hunt.

Choose the Right Location

• Research public land hunting opportunities in National Forests, BLM land, and state game management areas.
• Study maps, topographic features, and satellite imagery to identify prime habitat, feeding areas, bedding zones, and travel corridors.
• Consider factors such as elevation, terrain difficulty, and distance from roads to ensure you can safely access and exit your hunting area.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Tags

• Spring seasons vary by state and species, so check regulations for licensing, draw odds, and tag requirements.
• Some backcountry areas require special permits for overnight stays or access.

Develop an Exit Plan

• Identify multiple exit routes in case of an emergency, such as injury or extreme weather.
• Share your hunt plan, including your route, estimated return time, and check-in points, with a trusted friend or family member.

2. Packing for the Backcountry: Gear Essentials

Weight is a major factor in backcountry hunting—every item should have a purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the essential gear you’ll need.

Backpack Essentials

• Hunting Pack (3,000-5,000 cubic inches) – Large enough for multi-day hunts and carrying out meat.
• Navigation Tools – GPS device, compass, and physical maps. A GPS with an offline hunting app is ideal.
• Game Bags – Essential for meat storage and keeping it clean after a successful hunt.

Survival Gear

• First Aid Kit – Include wound care, pain relievers, and blister prevention.
• Emergency Shelter – Lightweight tarp or bivy sack in case of unexpected weather or injury.
• Fire Starter Kit – Waterproof matches, fire steel, and dry tinder.

Clothing and Layering System

Spring weather is unpredictable, with warm days and freezing nights. A layering system is key:

1. Base Layer – Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic fabric to regulate body temperature.
2. Insulation Layer – Lightweight puffy jacket or fleece for warmth.
3. Outer Shell – Waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against sudden storms.
4. Hiking Boots – Durable, well-broken-in boots with good ankle support.

Food & Water

• Hydration System – At least 3 liters of water capacity per day, plus a water filter or purification tablets.
• High-Calorie Food – Freeze-dried meals, protein bars, trail mix, and jerky to sustain energy.

3. Navigating the Backcountry

Spring hunting often takes you into deep wilderness, where getting lost is a real risk. Mastering navigation techniques is essential.

Map and Compass Skills

• Learn how to use a topographic map and compass in case of GPS failure.
• Identify key landmarks such as ridgelines, rivers, and valleys to orient yourself.

Avoid Getting Lost

• Mark your trail with biodegradable tape or GPS waypoints.
• Use natural markers like rock formations and tree patterns to track your movement.
• If you lose your bearings, stay calm, retrace your steps, and use the “STOP” method:
  • Sit down and assess the situation.
  • Think about the last known location.
  • Observe your surroundings and check your map/GPS.
  • Plan your next move instead of wandering aimlessly.

4. Hunting Strategies for Spring Game

Spring hunting varies by species, but a few universal strategies apply regardless of your target.

Hunting Black Bear in the Spring

• Focus on Green-Up Areas – Bears emerge from hibernation and seek lush, green vegetation near south-facing slopes, creek bottoms, and burned areas.
• Glassing is Key – Spot bears from a distance before making a stalk. Use high vantage points for the best visibility.
• Watch for Scat and Tracks – Fresh sign indicates active areas. Older sign means bears have moved on.

Turkey Hunting in the Backcountry

• Find Roosting Areas – Turkeys often roost along ridges, near water, or in protected old-growth trees.
• Use Natural Funnels – Identify areas where terrain forces turkeys into predictable movement patterns.
• Soft Calling Works Best – In remote areas, pressured birds respond better to subtle clucks and purrs rather than aggressive calling.

Spot-and-Stalk Tactics for Elk and Deer

• Wind Direction Matters – Always move into the wind to avoid detection.
• Be Patient – Glassing for extended periods increases your chances of spotting bedded or feeding animals.
• Use Terrain for Cover – Stay in shadows, behind ridges, or within tree lines to avoid being silhouetted.

5. Staying Safe in the Backcountry

Hunting in remote areas presents risks that must be managed. Here’s how to stay safe.

Weather Awareness

• Spring storms can bring rain, snow, and high winds. Always check the forecast and prepare for sudden changes.
• Hypothermia is a real danger—stay dry, layer properly, and recognize early symptoms (shivering, confusion, exhaustion).

Wildlife Encounters

• Bear Country Precautions – Carry bear spray, store food in bear-proof containers, and avoid areas with fresh bear sign.
• Predators – Mountain lions and wolves may also inhabit your hunting area; stay alert and keep a defensive weapon accessible.

Emergency Situations

• Carry a Satellite Communicator – Devices like the Garmin inReach allow you to send SOS signals in case of an emergency.
• Know Basic First Aid – Be prepared to treat injuries such as cuts, sprains, or dehydration.
• Stay Hydrated – Dehydration leads to fatigue, poor decision-making, and increased risk of heat exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

Spring backcountry hunting is a test of skill, endurance, and adaptability. With careful planning, the right gear, and a strategic hunting approach, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding hunt. Whether you’re pursuing black bears, turkeys, or big game, mastering navigation, understanding animal behavior, and preparing for unexpected challenges will greatly improve your chances of success.

The backcountry offers an unparalleled hunting experience—one that demands respect for the land and the wildlife that inhabits it. Hunt smart, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure.