Want to know all about the best type of camping for your future hunt? Unfortunately, there’s no one clear answer to that question. Your terrain, the time of the year and the type of animal you’re hunting all affect your choice of camping. Here are the four most practical ways to camp to consider, so choose the most practical one for your needs and hit the road.
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Spike Camp
This type of camp is favored by archers, especially at the beginning of the season. That is the perfect time to set up camp in high-mountain regions, so that you can have a great overview of the area.
From your camp, you will have the opportunity to spot animals, analyze their feeding patterns and plan your route of action. However, spike camps require a lot of gear in order to be effective. What you’ll need is a sophisticated shelter, a scope suitable for great distances and warm clothing that works in all sorts of weather conditions.
Bivouac camp
Bivouac camps are very popular among elk hunters, but a variety of different hunters can use this type of hunting camp. With some modifications, hog or deer hunters can also benefit from a bivouac camp.
This type of camping is perfect for those dream shots: when you see a bull you want to hit and you need to stay on it until you’re ready to take your shot.
Unlike the spike camp that is set up once and used the entire duration of your hunting trip, you will need to assemble and disassemble your bivouac camp every day. So, in order to be effective, your gear needs to be light enough so that you can take it with you and set up fast when you find a suitable spot.
Since you need to put some thought into your bivouac camp, make sure to check out websites like Gear We Are and search for light-weight camping gear and warm, water-proof wardrobe. Make sure to come well-equipped—if you forget something essential in your wish to stay light, it can end your hunt early.
Backpacker base camp
For literal centuries, hikers used to carry their base camp in their backpacks. You as a hunter can do the same! The best time to try this backpacking camping method is late in the archery season and early in the rifle season.
This type of camping allows you to stay on the lower ground and pack super light. However, in order to get the most out of your camp, you will need to pick an area that’s located away from the action so that you don’t spook the animals, yet close enough to the action so that you don’t have to trek long distances every day. What you need for this style of camping is water, food, clothing and a good tent.
Rut camp
During the rut, animals are going completely crazy, which allows you to catch them off-guard. The best thing about rut camping is the freedom—you can take your tent or even sleep in your truck.
However, raging hormones will force animals to expand their range and turn bulls, bucks, bears and other animals into aggressive machines, so you will want to stay alert. The best tip you can get for this type of hunting is to look for river crossings, natural barriers, canyons and other similar terrains—just stay away from crowds.
Camping while you hunt is one of the best decisions you can make. It will give you an opportunity to experience nature in all its glory. Sleeping, living and hunting in the woods will bring you closer to nature than ever and you will always remember your trip. So just pick out your favorite camping style, pack well and hit the woods!
