Sorry to hear about your buddy bailing on you last minute. That seems to be a trend this year as a few other members have had the same thing happen to them this year. I think your on the right track on leaving information on where your going to be and when you plan on coming back. Also make sure to take a first aid kit and a small survival kit. Other than that it should be just like anyother hunt. Make sure you have your maps, compass, gps or whatever else you would normally take along with you. I like hunting alone I also like having company too. It's nice to be able to have a conversation with someone at night at camp. But then again I like to actually hunt alone so It's just me spookin game or having game wind me. I don't have to worry about someone else blowing a stalk or spooking game. I'm sure you'll still have a blast and don't forget your camera and take a ton of pictures for us. Good luck and I hope you have a fun and sucessfull hunt. Be safe.

Man that sucks and sorry to hear that but try not to let it ruin your hunt. I would make sure you leave a map of your area with your family. Also set up a few times that you can call in during your hunt if that is possible. Also you can let the local warden know so he/she knows your general area. Make sure you take it slow and if you get something down do not try to be a super hero and carry it out whole. Take a half or quarter if needed so you do not hurt yourself. Take your safety/survival gear and get out and find that deer. If you get one down be sure to send your partner a photos so he knows what he missed out on. Good luck and let us know how it goes and be safe.

I'm sorry to hear the situation you have found yourself in. Like has been said it seems to be happening to many of the guys this year. Usually it's just something to work around without too much trouble but being your first real deer hunt I can see how it adds to the stress a bit.

Good luck though and stay focused and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Sad to say in all the planing I have been doing I didn't even think to throw in my first aid kit . It is now in the bag!

So if everyone is getting bailed on then maybe the woods will be empty and increase all of our chances!

Damn, sorry to hear that.  I know you have been doing your homework for this hunt, and seem to be ready for it.  Just curious, do you only have the D-16 tag, or G-13 also?  I have the G-13 tag, so I am only looking for a doe.  I can't get out on Saturday, but will be heading out Sunday.

Can I ask more or less where you are going, in a general sense?  Are you going to extreme east county, where you could run into the more desert terrain, or did you find some place to hiek back more local in the mountains.  That will present 2 totally different challenges, the most important of which is weather.  It's going to high in the 90's in the deserts, so bring plenty of water.  Supposed to be down in the 40's in the mountains, so dress warm.  But, be prepared to shed some clothes as the day moves on.

Let your family know where you are, and if you need to feel more secure, and have the financial ability, then maybe one of the satellite locators would be something you could try.  Anything that gives you a piece of mind is a good thing.  Oh, and watch out for the slithering critters too.

Good luck!  Hopefully you and I both have some photos and a story to tell next week!

Well it turns out My buddy got saturday off, so I will only be alone on saturday! His Boss is a kind man

I only have a D16 tag but wishing I have applied for a G 13 since on sunday I snuck up on a doe at about 50 yards. I wasnt even trying to be quiet, I was stinky and making a ton of noise! HA. I also found some scrapes.

I picked up my trail cam and had a forky on there, just once at about midnight, so that would be the second buck in the neiborhood that i have seen. Also picked up one of the largest skunks I have ever seen

For a better idea on where I am going is kinda Like Barker Valley on palomar Mnt but on a  smaller scale. Not stoked on the heat though. I am prepaired for it but when I started Hiking out at 5 am on sun you could already feel the heat coming off the desert BLEH! I havent seen a snake yet in this area but I am Sure they are there! Good luck too you as well hope you fill your tags! Thanks for all the help every one