The average western hunter

[utah400elk]

My Dad shot a deer today. About a half mile later found this.

I'm not afraid to hike in the dark, but I get why some aren't keen to.

Hunting in grizzly area would definitely change how I hike in and out in the dark. This guy almost cried when we were hunting in unit 15 in NM for elk. No big bears. He was more afraid of snakes and in general the dark. He needed two to three flash lights just to take a piss. Kind of funny to me. Now if I had seen a big grizz track like that, I would have been a little more cautious.

 

[mtmuley]

I access where I hunt mostly from a gate on a closed road although I do use other access points. Seems like people will go further on a road or trail than they will off of them. When I leave the road or trail I am by myself. mtmuley

 

[elkhuntinfool78]

Imo there are way more people willing to go in farther these days than I saw 10 years ago. It's made it harder to get away from the crowds. I agree with mtmuley that getting off the main trails is key however I still have ran into a few guys in spots i never would have thought I'd see anyone. For myself finding success means longs hikes in the dark off trail.

 

[hank4elk]

Used to never see anyone way back. Except on main trails. A few.
I have always used game trails or no trails to hunt from. A quarter mile from trailheads and trails have been productive recently.
Over the ridge where everyone is driving....asking if I have seen any elks.

Hunters here just watched several road hunters drive right by herds of elk.No clue. 100 yards away from road.
None here so they are heading behind my mesa to walk into the wind.