I had a "walking stick" I guess you could call it for a couple years, it also had a shooting loop on top, which was the attraction for me. I don't scabbard my rifle, usually on the shoulder, or at the ready, so it was somewhat a pita for me and I gave it to a camp mate one year.

I don't usually walk as much as you fellas like too, so I can easily do without, but get a cheap one and try it on, may be the hells bells for you. Honestly though, I think I am the only hunter I have seen with one, fact the fellas made fun of me at camp like I was wearing a fanny pack or something. If you're going up there to hike, I say use whatever you think will make it more comfortable, you will quickly discard things that don't contribute..

what's wrong with a fanny pack?

IDK, I have 2, one unzips from my pack and is quite handy for short treks, the other I have had for near 20 years and works great dove hunting. Must be a younger generation hangup

I, like Western, hunt with my rifle at the ready on my shoulder. It is way too cumbersome to hike with trekking poles and a rifle on the shoulder for me. If you scabbard your rifle then it would be definitely a non-issue. I won't "backpack" without trekking poles, however. Takes a ton of stress off your knees, ankles and low back, especially when going over uneven terrain. It's just too much of a pain while hunting for me. Now if you have to go back to the truck to dump a quarter or two and/or switch out for a meat pack, the trekking poles will help a ton getting that meat out. Definitely something to think about, but not a necessity IMO.

Ah....the good ole "Granny Pack" Not a thing in the world wrong with them sir. That's the only thing a friend of mine carries while bow hunting for elk. He would prefer going in extremely light and "stealthy" and return to his truck for a meat pack than haul around a backpack.

Yes sir, did the same when I bow hunted, that did require more leg work for sure.

Highly recommended the Safari Sling. Gun is always ready for shooting position and your hands are free to use walkng stick binos etc...

I hunt in some knarly country up there. When I googled the unit the only thing I found out for certain it was rough. Consistently folks said good Bulls but bring repeling gear. Moral of the story I would not dream of being up there without trekking poles. Also I bent one of the cheap walmart poles each of the two trips I've taken. They did not fail me but.... So if your an average sized 220 like myself id suggest spending a bit more.

I know a few places like that, you're best to take in a frying pan if you get one down and cook it right there My stupid self will still go into those ares if there is reason, then I deal with what falls, I should probably forgo the trek sticks and talk a walker the way my back gets sometimes

That's funny because the 1st trip I went on I told my buddy that i thought poles were a good idea. He laughed and showed up with his late dads cane that forked at the bottom and made 3 little legs.

Let's just say he owns poles now.

Thanks Marc, going to have to look in to that.

Really looking forward to hearing about yalls trip. I went 3rd rifle last year just east of yall in Unit 74. I am going to have all my stuff ready to go again for 3rd rifle this year. If none of my 3 youth football teams make the playoffs, I'll be on another solo adventure.

10 Days. How is everyones packing going?

Still working on a load for my new build. If I don't get a warm fuzzy by Saturday it will get put on the shelf and my STW brought up from the bull pen. Got most items staged, just need some last minute items and start packing it up.

This week is cooking utensils and food preps. Everything else is coming together.

For you guys that let kids/teens borrow your stuff, I just learned the hard way that I have to check the condition of said borrowed items prior to my use. Was excited about sleeping on my comfy padded cot in my tent for the hunt. Wanted to make sure it would fit in my tent though prior to getting to camp. So, I put the tent up in my bedroom, went to grab the cot that my son last borrowed from scout camp out of the box. As I am pulling it out I notice something doesn't appear right. It seems awful flimsy. I inspect it a bit closer and it's missing the hinge bolts. Completely useless now which means, I'll be sleeping on the ground. I am counting the seconds till that boy gets home from the movies.

Home depot--new bolts

BTW, Your son, being a good scout, probably used those bolts to fix an old ladies car, I'd say you should take him out for ice cream, then stop by and get some bolts

Hah, he won't even remember having used the cot. "I didn't take that to scout camp Dad, you were the last one that used it."

It may be salvageable. The problem is the diameter of the whole where the large hard plastic bolt goes. It measures 2 inches in diameter. So I am either going to have to find a huge bolt or a huge washer that won't fall through the whole.

Unfortunately had that happen too many times with my son. He thinks his stuff is his and my stuff is his. I've spent the last 10 years buying stuff for him to have of his own, so he would not use mine. It has been rather expensive, but I bought allot on sale, off craigslist, internet, bargain cave, etc. The problem is he will lose or not take care of his stuff, then go take mine and treat it like crap also. Infuriates me.......

What kind of cot is it,, as I have a Slumberjack cot frame that has ripped canvas that have some spare parts you can use.

Worse case, make a wood washer, then use the bolt and metal washer.

I have slept many times on the ground in a tent, just get a 4" or so foam piece, then layer the sleeping bag/blankets, works good as long as you have a chair to sit on when getting shoes on/off.

Done, found a 3 inch foam pad I had stored in a closet and then am sneaking out the queen size "down comforter'(if the Mrs. doesn't notice) that I'll double over and put on top of the foam pad. Should sleep like a baby.

I'll jack with the cot later. Too much other crap to do.

Hell if sneaky falls out I think their may be a fight for the other bed in my pop up

Looks like we are getting the change in the weather we were hoping for.. Forecast now shows highs in mid 40s and lows in low 20's.

Hmm, well I am planning on Sneaky to be there at this point, but if he's not......

Heading out in the morning sometime. Have news that it has been warm for the season and acorns in the oak shimery are plentifull.

OH, got my Polaris 800 half way to the TH and it died, cranks, but wont fire 59 hrs on her Now I need to decide if I want to load it and take it up there, (where I bought it) or leave it. Good news!! I did get me a new cheapy trout fishing rig

Drive safe. Knock something down. 'Sorry I'm not there to help.