Most of my hunts are solo. Its nice to have a partner for some hunts but I truly enjoy hunting alone. Here are a few of my solo must haves and some others have already mentioned:
- know where you are going. Use google earth, hike the area during the day before hunting season and know your way out. Things look very different when walking in and out in the dark
- a GPS or a good app on your phone is a must. Most GPS apps work outside of cell range now.
- CARRY BEAR SPRAY. If you forget it, turn around and go back to get it.
- My gun safety technique doesn't change if I am alone or with others but I double and triple check when alone. No one is around to help if something goes wrong.
- Communications devices are critical. If you are out of cell range you really should have an inreach or spot.
- After the shot I am much more cautious following a blood trail. My bear spray holster is open and when I am field dressing my rifle is always on my back. Hunting in grizz country, a lot are conditioned to follow the shot. My head is on a swivel when field dressing. Make noise, sing, etc when carrying out quarters.
- I prefer gutless method of dressing so that means multiple trips to carry quarters out. I will haul the quarters as far away from the torso as I can, towards the truck and punch the gut. If something comes in, hopefully it goes for that first. I will cover quarters with leaves or branches between trips. Its nice to have a couple buddies on speed dial to help carry out loads. Non hunting buddies get some choice cuts when they help. Hunting buddies get the same favour when they need it.
- Travelling in the dark is sensory overload. Walking in I rarely use a headlamp. Walking out I always use a headlamp.
- Always have a person who knows where you are going and when you expect to get back. If I am tree stand hunting I will text or message my wife when I am safely in the stand as that's always another hazard in the dark alone.
You are much more aware of everything when you are on your own but I really enjoy the peace and solitude of a solo hunt.