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Ever thought about turning one trip into two adventures?
Hunting and camping are two things that naturally go hand in hand. Instead of driving out for a day hunt and immediately returning home, throw out your tent and sleep in the great outdoors. Wake up at the crack of dawn and be prepared to hunt. It’ll save you time, money, and many headaches.
And you can bet a lot of people are doing just that. Over 81 million Americans camped in 20.24 alone. While approximately 14.4 million hunters hit the field. Combine those two groups together and you have it all.
The concept is straightforward. Establish one basecamp from which you pursue two activities. Camp for the weekend and enjoy your hobbies outdoors without worrying about beating the sunset clock to get home each night. Executing it properly does take some finesse, however, and it begins with managing your finances and your gear.
And one last thing before you go, there is an expense that most people overlook: ammo. If you’re packing a 9mm handgun for plinking or camp guard duty, the price per round that 9mm enthusiasts pay can sneak up on you over a long weekend. Buy plenty of 9mm luger ammo in bulk before you leave and it will keep your costs down and nasty surprises to a minimum.
Here’s how to roll both trips into one…
Here’s what you’ll pick up:
- Why Camping and Hunting Belong Together
- Planning the Perfect Trip
- The Gear You Can’t Leave Behind
- Setting Up Camp Near the Hunt
- Staying Safe in the Field
Why Camping and Hunting Belong Together
There’s a good reason so many outdoor lovers pair these two hobbies.
Hunting typically occurs miles away from home. Whether it’s deep in the woods or wide open country. Driving everyday will burn up gas and valuable hunting time. Pitching a tent on the land means waking up already IN the thick of it.
Makes sense. Morning and late afternoon are prime time. If you camp near your stand, you can never be tardy. You are rested and ready and waiting when that deer starts to move.
The benefits stack up fast:
- You save money on gas and lodging
- You get more time actually hunting
- You stay close to the animals and their patterns
Win-win-win. You make your hectic day trip into a real camping trip, and you save money too!
Planning the Perfect Trip
Good planning is the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.
Begin with location. First you need public land that permits both camping and hunting on the same parcel of land. National forests and some state lands are excellent choices, but be sure to check the regulations in that area first. Many places have strict designated areas for each.
Season comes next. When during the year you hunt will dictate what animals you’ll see as well as the weather you’ll be sleeping in. Heavy winter gear for a cold deer hunt is opposite of what you want for a warm early season trip.
Before you leave, sort out these basics:
- Your hunting license and tags
- Camping permits, if the area asks for them
- A proper map of the land
- A weather forecast for your dates
Skip the ticket fines. Being busted without the proper license will ruin your weekend fast, then slap you with a big fine, too.
The Gear You Can’t Leave Behind
Gear for two activities equals double the equipment…not necessarily double the madness.
Try to travel light and only carry items that have earned a spot in your pack. Both your camp gear and hunting equipment should complement one another.
Your camping essentials:
- A weatherproof tent and a warm sleeping bag
- A camp stove and enough food
- Water, or a reliable way to filter it
- A first aid kit and a flashlight
Your hunting essentials:
- Your firearm or bow, plus plenty of ammo
- Camouflage that matches the terrain
- A sharp knife for field dressing
- Scent blockers and animal calls
Here’s a smart tip: Keep your ammo in a dry safe place. Wet ammo can jam and the last thing you want when you’re finally ready to pull the trigger is a dud.
Setting Up Camp Near the Hunt
Where you set up camp matters far more than you might think.
You want to be close enough to your hunting ground that you don’t waste a lot of time traveling. But you also want to be far enough away that you don’t spook game. Deer have keen noses and keen ears. Loud, stinky camps right on top of them will send deer running in every direction for miles.
Alright then, choose your location wisely. Pitch your camp downwind from where you want to hunt, near water but on dryer elevated ground, and out of the direct heavy wind. Five Minutes or less, calm walk to your hunting grounds is ideal.
Keep your campsite area clean as well. Leftover food scraps can attract wild animals you don’t want lurking around your tent. Animals such as bears and raccoons will rip into your tent to get to your food. Put all your food in sealed containers and hang it far from your sleeping area.
Staying Safe in the Field
Never take safety for granted just because you have logged many miles.
Mother nature can be fickle. Weather changes in seconds and most accidents occur when you’re least prepared. A few simple precautions can mean the difference between staying safe.
Follow these simple safety rules:
- Always tell someone your trip plan and return date
- Wear blaze orange so other hunters can spot you
- Handle every firearm as if it’s loaded
- Keep your phone charged and pack a backup battery
Ok, now for the biggy. Always, ALWAYS hunt with another person if possible. They can watch your back, help drag out game, and call for assistance if something happens out in the field.
Tying It All Together
One of the best ways to enjoy the time you spend outdoors is by combining camping with hunting.
You spend less money, you earn more hours in the field, and you experience the simple pleasures of sleeping under the stars. It does take some planning, but it’s worth it.
To quickly recap:
- Pick land that allows both camping and hunting
- Plan around the season and sort your permits early
- Pack smart for both activities
- Set up camp downwind and keep it clean
- Put safety first, every single time
Pack up, hitch up your trailer and hit the road. Adventure awaits around every corner.
