How to Prepare for a Big Game Hunting Trip with a Group

How to Prepare for a Big Game Hunting Trip with a Group

A successful big game hunting trip depends on more than good scouting and solid shooting. When you’re traveling or hunting as a group, preparation becomes even more important. Coordinating gear, expectations, communication, safety plans, and shared responsibilities can make the difference between a smooth, productive hunt and a chaotic one.

This guide walks you through the essential steps for planning and executing a group big game hunt—whether you’re chasing elk in the Rockies, mule deer on the open plains, or whitetails in mixed timber. If you're getting ready to book your next adventure or want access to trusted outfitters who accommodate groups, explore options through Find A Hunt.

Start with Clear Group Planning

1. Establish the Hunt’s Purpose

Different hunters may have different expectations. Discuss goals upfront:

• Meat hunt or trophy-focused?

• Adventure-first, or punch-the-tag-first?

• Backpack, basecamp, truck camp, or lodge-based?

Agreeing early prevents misunderstandings later.

2. Pick the Location and Species Together

Make sure everyone understands:

• Tag requirements

• Hunting pressure

• Terrain difficulty

• Travel costs

• Weather and seasonal conditions

This ensures the destination fits every group member’s ability and goals.

3. Assign Planning Roles

Divide responsibilities so the entire burden doesn’t fall on one person. Examples:

• Camp gear organizer

• Navigation / mapping lead

• Food and cooking coordinator

• Logistics and transportation manager

• Safety and medical kit manager

Shared responsibilities strengthen group cohesion.

Research Regulations as a Group

Big game hunts involve strict regulations. Review:

• Tag draw deadlines

• Weapon restrictions

• Blaze orange requirements

• Season dates and unit boundaries

• Carcass transportation laws

• Motorized access rules

When hunting in a group, everyone must be on the same page to avoid legal issues.

Coordinate Group Gear & Packing Lists

Build a Collective Gear List

Avoid duplication of heavy or bulky items by planning what’s communal vs. personal.

Group Gear Examples:

• Large shelter or wall tent

• Camp stove and fuel

• Cooking equipment

• Water filtration system

• First-aid kit

• Satellite communicator or two-way radios

• Tools, rope, and game hoist

Personal Gear Includes:

• Weapon and ammo

• Clothing and boots

• Pack system

• Sleep system

• Optics

• Personal snacks and hydration

Standardize Important Items

Everyone should carry:

• Knife

• Headlamp

• Emergency insulation layer

• Water container

• Basic first-aid items

• Fire-starting tools

Standardization improves safety and efficiency if someone gets separated.

Communication: The Backbone of Group Hunting

Establish Communication Methods

Use:

• Two-way radios

• Messaging via satellite device

• Pre-set check-in times

• Agreed-upon hunting boundaries

Discuss Non-Negotiable Safety Rules

Make sure everyone understands:

• Shot angles

• What constitutes a safe backdrop

• When to take or hold off on a shot

• How to identify group members in the field

• How far apart teams will hunt

Clear communication prevents accidents and improves teamwork.

Physical Conditioning & Ability Matching

Group hunts often involve varied skill levels. Address this early.

Evaluate Everyone’s Physical Ability

Terrain can be brutal—especially for elk or mountain hunts.
Plan routes and daily expectations around the least-fit group member unless splitting into sub-groups.

Group Fitness Prep

Encourage:

• Hiking with packs

• Range practice under elevated heart rates

• Shooting from realistic field positions

Confidence grows when everyone prepares physically and mentally.

Food, Water & Camp Logistics

Meal Planning

Decide whether the group will use:

• Shared meals

• Individual freeze-dried rations

• A mix of both

Assign shared cooking duties to avoid burnout.

Water Planning

Identify water sources for:

• Camp

• Daily hikes

• Emergency filling

In arid country, build redundancy into water plans.

Safety Planning for Groups

Create a Group Emergency Plan

Include:

• Primary and backup exit routes

• Designated meeting point if separated

• Medical response roles

• Satellite communicator instructions

• Nearest hospital and ranger station info

Review Terrain Hazards

Discuss:

• Cliffs

• Weather changes

• Rivers

• Snow and ice

• Predators (bears, lions)

Safety preparation is more complex with multiple hunters in the same unit.

Hunting Strategy as a Group

Decide How to Hunt

Options include:

• Hunt together as one team

• Split into pairs

• Solo hunts with check-ins

Define Shooting Priority

Avoid conflict by assigning:

• First shooter of the day

• Rotating shot opportunities

• Species- or tag-specific priority

Plan Your Stalks and Approaches

When glassing together:

• Only the designated shooter moves first

• Partners support with spotting

• Everyone stays quiet and calm

Group discipline leads to more filled tags.

Field Care & Pack-Out Coordination

A group hunt shines during recovery and pack-out.

Divide Tasks

• One person handles photos

• One begins quartering

• One preps game bags

• One filters water or sets up shade

Assign Pack Loads

Strongest pack heavier loads
Rotate for fairness
Use multiple trips if safe and necessary

A coordinated team can clear a mountain quickly and efficiently.

Maintaining Group Morale

Stay Positive

Long hunts have slow days. Groups should:

• Encourage each other

• Avoid blaming missed shots or blown stalks

• Celebrate small wins (fresh sign, new glassing points)

Manage Camp Culture

Respect sleep, cooking effort, and camp cleanliness.
Good morale translates into better hunting.

FAQs: Preparing for a Group Big Game Hunt

How many people is ideal for a group hunt?

Three to four hunters is optimal—large enough for teamwork, small enough for stealth.

Should everyone use the same gear?

Not identical, but consistent communication tools, navigation apps, and safety gear help greatly.

Is group hunting harder than solo hunting?

It can be—but with planning and communication, it becomes more productive and more enjoyable.

Should we hire an outfitter for a group hunt?

Outfitters excel at logistics for multi-person hunts, especially in rugged or unfamiliar areas.

Plan a Successful Group Hunt

Group big game hunts are some of the most memorable adventures you can experience—if the planning is solid. With shared responsibilities, clear communication, smart logistics, and strong safety habits, you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer, and far more successful hunt.

If you’re organizing a group trip and want outfitters who specialize in multi-hunter packages, start your search through our hunt marketplace.