Zachary had saved his money, booked an African safari with friends, and decided upon his target animals. All seemed perfectly in place until his flight was cancelled, his bags were lost, and a drought reduced his hunting options. Hunting your home ground can become so routine that it’s easy to forget the many things that can go wrong and not prepare for them. Zachary was able to take the excellent sable on the last day of his safari, yet the trip was nearly fruitless.
Plan Ahead
When booking travel, the farther out you book your dates, the better. If I draw a tag in the West, booking travel is my first step, and by using the same credit card for most of my monthly expenses, I have enough award miles for a free flight. Many travel sites have an “alert” option where you can designate your travel dates and destination, and the site will notify you when prices drop. Consider hunting in early or late seasons which can reduce your airfare as much as half off peak tourist rates.
Call Your Host
You don’t want to be a pest, but call your guide or outfitter as the hunt nears. “Are you expecting any unusual weather? Is there any special equipment I will need? What’s happening with game populations?” Forest fires often cause “cold camping,” where fires are prohibited, which results in frigid nights and the need for extra insulation. Flash floods can cut off backcountry access and make setting over water very unproductive. If conditions or circumstances have changed since you booked the hunt, you want to know about them in advance. Be sure to ask about a camp target, primarily if you hunt with a crossbow. What about CWD restrictions? Can you bring your meat and antlers home with you?
Pack Tight
If you hunt with a crossbow or compound, you want to tighten every screw before you leave home and re-check them upon arrival. Pack your Allen wrenches and other tools in your checked luggage. I once was prevented from taking my archery tools in carry-on luggage and nearly missed a flight re-checking them. Hard cases protect compound bows well, but don’t waste the space inside. Cushioning your bow with socks and other soft clothing saves space in another bag and helps protect against excessive vibration. I fly my crossbow in a Cabelas roller bag and usually have all my gear in that bag and a backpack, saving me money.
Consider Insurance
Early flights are the most economical and have other advantages. Typically, a 6:00 am flight will be the first of the day, and you don’t have to depend on an aircraft arriving on time for the first leg of your flight. Afternoon storms, which can delay or cancel your travel, are less likely. I hate the 2:30 alarm to get me there on time, but I can usually book the entire flight with air miles, saving big bucks on travel. Also, award tickets are more flexible, should you have to make a last-minute change. For international travel, travel insurance is worth the price, especially if you are flying through New York’s busy airports. Adventurous hunting is worth the time, energy, and resources to make it happen, but proper planning can make the excursion much more fun.