How to Backpack Hunt in Dry Conditions (I wish I knew this when I started)

[@progradepainting3755]

I’m born and raised here in Tucson. We always pack the water in with large bladders ahead of time at a spike camp in our hunting area. People don’t seem to realize that a lot of these natural water sources are contaminated with arsenic and other harmful chemical runoff, due to all the mining in and around a lot of these hunting units. Ya ain’t gonna catch me drinking out of those sources. You can easily burn through six liters a day in the hotter temps. I always have a full 3 liter in my pack with electrolytes, and a full Nalgene at all times.

[@44bgood]

Just blew up on my first backpack hunting trip...spring bear in southern AZ. Knew there was water at our destination (about 8miles in)....but didn't carry enough water to get me there. Cramped up about half way in, and had to slam water and electrolytes to get the cramps to stop....had to turn around because I was another 4 miles away from water (we hoped) :( , and had basically exhausted the 4L i had on me. This is great info....next year, I'll pre stash some water.

[@DialedinHunter]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that man. Good call on turning back.

[@Benjacques1173]

Josh, once again, another great video. I live 50 mi. East of San Diego & we have similar conditions out here not as dry but close. Thanks for the great info , your videos rock 🤘🏼

[@DialedinHunter]

Thanks Ben! Definitely some unique conditions. Good luck out there. 👊🏼

[@Dirtbagoutdoors-qh4nk]

Good information, going to attempt my first backpacking spring bear hunt this year. I’m in the Tucson area and the dehydration factor has always been keeping me from doing this type of hunt.

[@DialedinHunter]

Thanks man. Best of luck!

[@timbow50]

👍👍 some great info folks. Pay attention, especially if you are new to this type hunting in the southwest. Never drink unfiltered treated water folks. You WILL regret it.

[@DialedinHunter]

Always appreciate you chiming in Tim! Thanks!

[@timbow50]

@@DialedinHunter I enjoy seeing your posts as they always offer good solid information. And I like seeing what hunters like you do to improve your archery equipment and skills etc. Especially when you’re out at the local range setting up a new bow, sight, arrows etc. Do you go to local 3-d shoots in the spring and summer?

[@DialedinHunter]

@timgruver5932 Thanks! I try, but my mind is usually on spring bear during those times. Either that or spending time with my family before the busy Fall.

[@christiantorres6118]

By far my favorite KZbin hunting channel. I hope to run into you someday in the Arizona desert.

[@DialedinHunter]

I so appreciate that Christian! Please stop and say hi if you see me! 👊🏼

[@joshgrigsby7097]

Definitely a great topic for Az hunting! Have you used cattle type water tanks for water? Always afraid to with how murky the water is and how it may taste.

[@DialedinHunter]

You and me both man, haha. I've never filtered out of a tank. Always springs or pools in the bottoms of canyons.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Excellent and thorough breakdown as always Josh. Definitely worth watching for everyone who has never been hunting in the Southwest and wants to or even adds to a veteran’s game. Hopefully I can do a hunt down there sometime soon. I will also bring salt 🧂 tablets and electrolyte drink mix, etc … to supplement any lost sodium and electrolytes that will occur. Thanks for sharing this with us 😎🏹🦌🏜️

[@DialedinHunter]

Thanks! Yeah, good call of the electrolytes!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@DialedinHunter you are welcome 🙏 and yes indeed. Definitely don’t want to completely bonk out there or cramp up. Makes it hard to gain elevation if needed lol

[@paultellier2147]

Love the video. Validating and insightful…. NOW, next video we see, you better be wearing those bear skins. Awesome to include them as we know how special they are to you. Cheers!

[@DialedinHunter]

Hahahaha! Hey, thank you man. Never know! 🙃

[@armandomada633]

It’s a very good book 📖.thx for posting

[@DialedinHunter]

Thank you Armando! 👊🏼

[@nickblaylock5115]

Great information Thank u

[@DialedinHunter]

Thanks Nick!

[@dad3562]

Did you get drawn for elk?

[@DialedinHunter]

I did not!