How to Prepare for a Multi-Day Big Game Hunting Trip

How to Prepare for a Multi-Day Big Game Hunting Trip

A multi-day big-game hunting trip—whether deep in the backcountry or based out of a drive-in camp—requires thorough planning, reliable gear, physical readiness, and smart logistics. From packing systems to camp strategy and meat care, preparation directly affects your odds of success and safety.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the planning process so you can head into the mountains, timber, or desert fully prepared. If you want support from experienced guides or are comparing outfitted multi-day hunts, start your research on Find A Hunt.

Step 1: Physical Preparation for Multi-Day Hunts

Big-game hunts often involve steep climbs, heavy pack-outs, and long hours on your feet.

Build Fitness Early

• Cardio: Hiking with a weighted pack, stair work, hill intervals

• Strength: Focus on legs, core, and back

• Endurance: Long-duration hikes with increasing weight

• Flexibility/Mobility: Reduces injury and improves pack comfort

Train Like You’ll Hunt

• Practice hiking with the boots you’ll wear

• Get comfortable with your pack loaded to 40–60 lbs

• Simulate long days—fatigue changes decision-making

Good physical preparation reduces mistakes and improves your ability to capitalize when opportunity arises.

Step 2: Choose Your Camp Style

Backcountry (Pack-In) Camps

Lightweight and mobile, ideal for elk, mule deer, sheep, and remote hunts.
Pros: Close to game, low pressure
Cons: Limited comfort, requires strong fitness

Spike Camps

A middle-ground option—small tents staged off a main base camp.
Pros: Reduces fatigue, increases flexibility
Cons: Requires extra setup and break-down

Base Camps (Drive-In or Wall Tent)

More comfort and gear capacity.
Pros: Warm sleeping area, better meals, recovery time
Cons: Farther from prime country

Choose based on the species, terrain, and your experience level.

Step 3: Dial in Your Gear System

Shelter & Sleep

• 3- or 4-season tent

• 0–20°F sleeping bag (depending on climate)

• Insulated sleeping pad

• Pillow or jacket-stuffed stuff sack

A good night’s sleep is more valuable than most gear upgrades.

Clothing

Layering is essential:

• Base layers: Merino or synthetic

• Mid layers: Fleece or active insulation

• Warm layer: Down or synthetic puffy

• Shell: Waterproof/breathable jacket

• Pants: Durable, quiet hunting pants + rain pants

• Boots: Broken-in, waterproof, supportive

• Accessories: Gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, gaiters

Hunting Gear

• Rifle or bow you’ve practiced heavily with

• Ammo or arrows (bring extra)

• Optics: binoculars + spotting scope

• Rangefinder

• Calls, decoys, or wind checker (as needed)

Pack Essentials

• Quality 60–80L pack

• Game bags

• Knife + sharpener

• Paracord

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp + spare batteries

• Fire starter

• Water filter or purification tablets

• First-aid kit

• Emergency blanket

Organize gear so essentials are always accessible.

Step 4: Plan Meals & Nutrition

Multi-day hunts require fuel—lots of it.

Daily Caloric Needs

Expect 3,000–5,000 calories/day depending on exertion.

Food Strategy

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, bars, instant coffee

• Lunch: Jerky, nuts, tortillas, peanut butter, cheese

• Dinner: Freeze-dried meals or one-pot meals

• Snacks: Energy gels, trail mix, chocolate

• Hydration: Electrolytes to prevent fatigue and cramping

Pre-pack each day’s meals into labeled bags for efficiency.

Step 5: Prepare for Meat Care & Pack-Outs

Nothing matters more after success than keeping meat clean and cool.

Bring the Right Tools

• Breathable game bags

• Sharp knife

• Citric spray or pepper to deter flies (optional)

• Paracord for hanging quarters

Meat-Care Checklist

• Cool the carcass quickly

• Hang meat in shade

• Avoid stacking quarters

• Keep airflow consistent

• Use creek bottoms or windy ridges for cooling (if safe/legal)

Expect multiple heavy loads—plan your extraction route before the hunt begins.

Step 6: Understand Local Regulations & Access

Before leaving home:

• Review season dates and legal shooting hours

• Study weapon-specific regulations

• Know tagging and reporting rules

• Confirm land boundaries (public vs. private)

• Carry digital and paper maps

Failing to research can turn a great hunt into a legal headache.

Step 7: Build a Hunt Plan

Your Plan Should Include:

• Target basins, ridges, drainages

• Morning and evening strategies

• Backup areas

• Access points and hiking routes

• Water sources

• Camp locations

• Glassing points

• Expected bedding/feeding areas for your species

Create a simple, clear plan—but expect to adapt based on weather and animal movement.

Step 8: Use Weather & Terrain to Your Advantage

Weather

Monitor:

• Wind direction

• Temperature swings

• Storm systems

• Cloud cover

• Snowfall levels

Terrain (via topo + satellite maps)

Key features to mark:

• Saddles

• Benches

• Water sources

• Bedding cover

• Travel corridors

• Wind-protected pockets

Weather and terrain shape movement patterns—anticipate both.

Step 9: Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Multi-day hunts carry heightened risk.

Safety Essentials

• Satellite communicator (InReach, Zoleo)

• First-aid kit

• Extra layers

• Fire starter

• Backup navigation tools

• Knowledge of local predators

• Bear spray in grizzly country

Tell someone your plan and check-in schedule.

Step 10: Mental Preparation

Multi-day hunts test mental resilience.

Tips for Staying Sharp

• Accept that tough conditions are part of success

• Stay positive during slow days

• Break hunts into manageable segments

• Celebrate small wins (good glassing, locating tracks, hearing bugles)

• Stay patient—big game often move during short windows

A calm, focused mind will outperform expensive gear every time.

FAQs: Preparing for Multi-Day Big Game Hunts

How much should my pack weigh?

Backcountry hunters often carry 35–55 lbs before adding meat. Base camps require less.

Should I hunt solo or with a partner?

Partners increase safety and pack-out ability, but solo hunts can be effective with experience.

How early should I start training?

Ideally 8–12 weeks before your hunt.

Do I need a spotting scope?

For mule deer, elk, and sheep—yes. For dense timber hunts—less so.

How do I choose a camp location?

Water access, wind protection, safety from falling trees, distance to hunting areas, and visibility.

Plan Your Multi-Day Hunt With Confidence

A successful multi-day big-game hunt starts long before you step onto the mountain. With smart gear choices, fitness preparation, a solid plan, and disciplined safety habits, you’ll be ready for whatever the backcountry throws your way.

To explore guided multi-day hunts or compare outfitters across North America, start browsing opportunities on our hunt marketplace.