Originally Posted by
Big Lew
For me it was an extension of other activities that I enjoyed being solo.
When I was young, I usually hiked and back packed solo, preferring going at my own pace,
usually faster than others in my circle of friends and relatives. I took up bicycle touring and
except for two long trips, found it more enjoyable for the same reasons. When I first began
hunting as a youth I was usually with my dad, and later with my brothers, but I still preferred
going on my own where I didn't have to worry or consider others. I have taken many hunters
out over the years and many of them have become lost when striking out on their own from camp.
I find this extremely stressful, enough that on the odd occasion I still take someone along, they
have to agree to stay with me. So many people just don't have the outdoor training needed to be
safe in the woods now-a-days. Road hunting is a different matter. I will say that in this day and
age with all the inexpensive technology available, anyone heading out into the wilds either by foot
or conveyance should carry a tracking device with them so someone at home can keep an eye on
where they are, especially if you have responsibilities like a wife and kids. We hear of hunters getting
lost or not returning every year and often the rescue party or searchers aren't successful because they
only have a vague idea where to look.