Preseason Big Game Scouting on a Mountain Bike

The Bitterroot National Forest contains many trails and gated roads offering access to mountain bikes. Utilizing a mountain bike to access areas off the beaten path and locate hunting areas is highly productive. Many of these areas are open to ATV and motorcycle traffic during the summer months. Some remain open through archery season. Most all of them close to any motorized traffic prior the general hunting season, though.

Why a Mountain Bike?

There are several reasons to consider using a mountain bike for your preseason scouting. The first reason that comes to mind is the cost of fuel. The ever rising cost of gasoline hits most of us pretty hard. Sure, it is faster and you can cover more ground using an ATV or motorcycle. You need a truck in which to load an ATV or dirt bike or a trailer with a vehicle capable of towing it. I can load my mountain bike on virtually any vehicle. I know that my scouting trips would have to be limited if my only choice were to haul an ATV behind my Suburban.

Keep in mind the new travel plan for the Bitterroot National Forest proposes closing many of these areas to motorized travel year round. While I am not a fan of overly restrictive closures, the fact remains that we could possibly see widespread, year round closures in the future.

Get in Hunting Shape

A person can’t watch the news or read a newspaper today without a story on the obesity problem in the U.S. Riding a bike in the mountains is fabulous exercise. There are numerous benefits including strengthening leg muscles, getting a cardio workout, burning calories and increased metabolism.
Anyone who has harvested an elk knows the incredibly hard work it takes to get the meat out in good shape. Scouting on a bike is a wonderful way to prepare yourself physically for a successful hunt.

Know your Limitations

Don’t be tempted to bite off more than you can chew. Even subtle elevation changes present potentially big problems. Long uphill rides are extremely taxing. While downhill stretches can send the unsuspecting head over heals.

It is advisable to begin with short rides on fairly level roads or trails. As you gain experience and physical conditioning you can take more extended trips. If you haven’t participated in strenuous physical activity for some time, it is advisable to get a complete physical from your physician.

Mountain biking equipment

You don’t need equipment that would require a second mortgage. Good quality hard-tail mountain bikes can be purchased from $350 and up. I also use an off-road bike trailer to haul extra equipment for extended trips. For day trips, a simple day pack will carry everything you need. My pack always has plenty of water, lunch, GPS receiver, extra clothes, first-aid kit and a fire starter.

I also carry some essentials for minor bike repairs that might be needed. A tire patch kit is essential, as is the tool to remove the tire from the rim. Bike shops carry a multi-tool that can handle most any other minor repair needed on the trail.

So get out there, off the beaten path and maybe you’ll find the animal of a lifetime to chase this fall.