Whats the furthest you have scouted?

[beargrass]

Did you know of particular spot beforehand or just going blind?

And does it pay off? Obviously it pays to get off the beaten track when scouting new places to hunt or dig but here in SWVA this is not always the case. The further you get from major water source the more likely you are distancing yourself from a major campsite...so it's a trade-off here until you get closer to the border of East Kentucky and SWVA where major waterways traverse into deeper sections of mtns that have minimal roads and access.

I have done some trips that take a couple of days to complete and require a night camping out. I would guess well over 10 miles hike. I dont take a gun with me but I am thinking more and more of doing so. The only problem is that sometimes you go on and off federal and private land, making a gun illegal to have. Man it can get flat out creepy being that far out alone. The last couple of times I have walked upon major bear scat and it gave me a real uneasy feeling. I have never feared bears but the thought of walking upon a den accidently gives me a chills. I dont worry about coyotes at all. I am thinking the solution is bear mace. Scouting for a new place can be just as much fun as the actual digging....

[Wichita]

Alot of my hunts last 7 to 8 hours, and I always carry. Not long ago I had to shoot a 600lb wild sow that charged me. Another time I was followed by a pack of coyotes for about half a mile or so. Then I shot at one of em, but missed. They didn't follow me any more though. That was the 1st and only time coyotes ever worried me. We also have bobcats, lynx, and rarely a mountain lion. No bear though.

[beargrass]

Wow man, are you serious? 600 lbs feral pig?

I probably should included wild pigs because we do have those here but I havent heard of anything like that. The problems we have is coming down ridges and all the possible dens that are everywhere...but I dont remember the last "wild" animal attack that occured around here that didnt involve rabies or something bizarre. I also hate mountain luarel, its so dense that you can barely see your hand in front of your face but its great at concealing a cave or rock ledge so you have to go through it. I think the coyotes are pretty curious animals but that surprises me that they let you spot them...If we had mtn lions here then I definatly would carry a weapon!

[Rockit Man]

I always carry. my best scouting trip was thru some of the most dense mesquite trees I have ever seen. breaking side view mirrors and not having ac in ole blue having to roll up the windows to keep limbs, bugs, and dust out of it in the heat of summer and wondering if I was going to have to back out of a very stressfull situation looking for a new fishing hole. Finally water, and then walked 3+ miles of shorline because I had a feeling since I just blazed a trail into a powerfull river and saw where a tributary met with it. Pats preposturous point (affectionately called Pats P.P.)was born. 15 complete artifacts later on the suface. two weeks later after tripling my collection the rains came and I havn' seen it since. Just one more hot dry summer and Bam. from hisoric to paleo the flats started from where i left the vehicle till i found the main campsite, campsites line the river from point a to pats pp.

[adamckee]

Man you guys are hardcore! I thought I was getting crazy driving 150 miles one way and hiking in about 5 miles. Sounds like I might need to step up my game.

[comanche]

Scary?
Man I get out into some areas that can be pretty sketchy.Miles away from roads and People I will come across Homeless camps.The most unpredictable animal out there,Always packing something////c

[Cluton]

About 200 yds! lol

[comanche]

Originally Posted by Cluton

About 200 yds! lol

Oh yea Keep bragging Buddy,,,You are set for artifacts///

[ghost recon]

I like to recon a 100 mile radius that covers big chunks of two states but I've found stuff a few steps out the back door. I see bear tracks often and coyote thrive here but imo wild dogs are the most unpredictable and aggresive predator around here along with humans. Either have a S&W .22 pistol or Springfield xd - 45 on me when I'm out of the comfort zone.

[manoman]

My hunting radius starts at my front door and heads north 55 miles, south 48 miles, west about 3.5 miles until I hit the Sierra Nevada, east about 3 miles until I hit the White Mountians. I do have concerns about mountain lion activity, as they do come in close at take livestock. Rattlesnakes are still dormant, but not for long with this warm trend. The farthest I will walk from my vehicle is until I just can't see it anymore, then I will backtrack and remain in that zone. I once got lost....no kidding...in the Owens Valley by parking my car in a low swall where I couldn't see it from any distance. I overshot it by about 3/4 of a mile and panicked a bit. I called my wife and told her someone stole the truck, as I was sure I was in the right area.....she drove her car out 10 miles to pick me up and passed up my truck parked where I left it but couldn't see it. It was rather embarassing to say the least. The only weapon I carry is my walking stick/club/staff.