Backcountry hunting and extra ammo?

[Deckerp]

Curious to hear how many rounds you guys take with you on a back country elk hunt without pack animals. How about just a day hunt? Considering the effort to get pack weight down I was thinking 4 rounds seemed reasonable but perhaps that’s not adequately taking into account possible what-if scenarios. I won’t be using the rifle for any others opportunistic hunting such as grouse and this hunt is in Colorado without the threat of Grizzly bears. What say you, 4 is enough or should I take my ammo pouch with another 6 - the 30.06 cartridges I am shooting come in at 1.3oz a piece.

 

[HandgunHunter]

I carry 4 with my single shot handguns.

Cylinder full plus a reload if I’m hunting with a wheelgun.

 

[MTLabrador]

Full magazine plus 10. I’ll often carry 2 rounds in my bino harness as well.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

13

 

[EastTNHunter]

I’d be worried about taking a tumble and having to recheck the zero on my gun. 4 sounds light to me, but I always seem to over prepare

 

[Zootownelk]

3 in rifle, usually a sleeve of 5 in the pack and probably 4-5 on gun stock sleeve. Another full box in camp/car.

 

[LuketheDog]

10

 

[Wapiti_wacko]

I like 8.. round numbers. 4 (seams like what I'd most likely need) times 2 for "just in case." Weight is an issue out in the backcountry, I get that. When you shoot one with the first round, just be happy at your crack shot and preparedness and carry the 7 bullets back to the truck with a smile! Happy hunting hombre.

 

[NDcoyote]

Really wouldn't worry about weight of something that is so Essential..along with having the rifle fully loaded (4),I usually have another 6-8 in my pack and 2-3 in my bino harness.

 

[Dsnow9]

13

 

[Tradewind]

10

 

[Jc2020]

I carry a full mag plus a box as others have said if I fall or Drop my rifle and need To check my zero I don’t want to have to come back out to get more ammo

 

[chuckchili]

12

 

[nrpate05]

Usually 10 or so. 3 or 5 in my mag (depending on which rifle I have) and 5-7 in a pouch and maybe a straggler or two in my pocket.

 

[Magnum Sherpa]

10

 

[Sasquatchewan]

Full rifle, 3 or 4, plus 10 rounds.

 

[Deleted member 18333]

10

 

[Pilgrim]

Had my clip fall out of my Tikka on an elk hunt without knowing it, which turned my bolt action into a single shot. Now I carry an extra clip plus another 6 rounds. Like deciding whether to buy a 12-pack or a case, I figure it's always better to have it and not need it then the other way around.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Curious to hear how many rounds you guys take with you on a back country elk hunt without pack animals. How about just a day hunt? Considering the effort to get pack weight down I was thinking 4 rounds seemed reasonable but perhaps that’s not adequately taking into account possible what-if scenarios. I won’t be using the rifle for any others opportunistic hunting such as grouse and this hunt is in Colorado without the threat of Grizzly bears. What say you, 4 is enough or should I take my ammo pouch with another 6 - the 30.06 cartridges I am shooting come in at 1.3oz a piece.

Most of my hunts I only needed 1 or 2... but when I needed more I need 8+

 

[longbow51]

Mag plus 20. Again, if you fall or your rifle takes a tumble you'll want to check zero. Also, someone in your party might have a rifle or scope go south, especially if on horseback.