One of the most difficult things about backcountry hunting and mountain and western big game hunting in general is that many lessons about preparation are learned too late. Lack of preparation before the season can mean missing out when it really matters the most, and with training, it can take months to catch up to where you need to be.
Fortunately, there are a number of good books that can help with the preparation process. We’ve identified some favorites for recommended reading:
Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry
by Josh Kirchner
This book is a great book for getting started. Whether you’re new to the game or taking on a bucket list trip and not used to mountain or western big game hunting, this book will help you identify needs and the process for being ready for the hunt. From food recommendations to safety tips, this book covers just about everything.
Learn more about this book by clicking here.
Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers
by Kilian Jornet, Steve House and Scott Johnston
Mountain runners and ski mountaineers often bring a great deal of training and experience onto the mountain. With many of these athletes taking on specific customized training and often with coaches, their expertise has great value to hunters. This book is about as thorough as it gets. Although hunting isn’t a topic in the book, this manual is perfect for mountain hunters.
Learn more about this book by clicking here.
The Backpacker’s Field Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills
by Rick Curtis
Backpacking and backcountry and mountain hunting go hand in hand. Any hunter should pay attention to the expertise that other backcountry athletes bring to the table. From navigation to nutrition, this book is a go-to for all things backcountry.
Learn more about this book by clicking here.
Backcountry Bowhunting: A Guide to the Wild Side
by Cameron Hanes
Cameron Hanes is likely the hunter who defined modern backcountry hunting, and he was among the first to really identify backcountry hunting as an athletic pursuit. This bowhunting-specific book breaks down all of the skills, preparation, and training needed for backcountry bowhunting. This was one of the first books of its kind and the latest edition is full of tips for the field and the preparation needed before the hunt.
Learn more about this book by clicking here.
Rack Camp 