Gents,
I'm posting this here to spread the word to the hunting crowd, as this course isn't really designed for the tactical shooter, per say. Moderators, if you think this needs to be replaced into the training forum, by all means; this is your house. We worked for many months on this curriculum to bring you a comprehensive and systematic approach to undertaking a successful, and safe backcountry hunting adventure. The course outline and gear list you'll find below is a sneak-peak, as we haven't yet gotten this up on the website for advertising. This is going to be an epic course, so if you're interested get in while you can as we're limiting class slots to 10. To register, email [email protected] and label the subject line "Backcountry Hunter's Course".
Magpul Dynamics and Guiderite Adventures
Backcountry Hunter’s Course
July 26-30, 2014
Cost for Tuition: $1,100
Course Description:
Magpul Dynamics and Guiderite Adventures have collaborated to deliver the ultimate instruction for the hunter that wants to push beyond the status quo and undertake a do-it-yourself backcountry backpack hunting trip. The backcountry hunter’s course is designed to provide the student with all the necessary skills to safely and (hopefully) successfully fill your tag in the solitude of the wilderness. The student will spend two days on the range receiving instruction on practical field shooting skills under the Magpul Dynamics Precision Hunter course. Upon completion of the range time the student will spend three days and two nights in the backcountry of the Washington Cascade mountains learning all the skills needed to assist them in the successful undertaking of a do-it-yourself backcountry hunt.
The two-day Precision Hunter portion of the course will cover the following topics:
• Rifle Set-Up and Accessories
• Telescopic Sight Theory and Operation
• Basic Angular Units of Measure (Minutes of Angle and Milradians)
• Basic External Ballistics and Ballistic Solvers
• Understanding Ballistic Drop Compensated Turrets and Reticles
• Reading Atmospheric Conditions and Wind
• Unconventional and Field Shooting Positions
• Establishing Ranges to Targets
• Terminal Ballistics and Bullet Composition
• How to know your limitations.
The three-day backcountry adventure portion of the course will cover:
• Personal Equipment and Clothing
• Pack Selection, Fit, Loading and Wear
• Weapon and Optic Selection and Carriage
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Basic Land Navigation
• Live-Fire Field Shooting Scenarios
• Proper Hiking Techniques
• Techniques of Observation and Game Detection
• Pre-Season Scouting
• Camp Site Selection
• Fire Starting
• Backcountry First Aid
• Emergency Situations and how to handle them.
• Butchering/Meat Cooling/Packing
Your Instructors:
Caylen Wojcik, Magpul Dynamics, Director of Training for Precision Rifle Operations
Luke Carrick, Owner: Guiderite Adventures, Yakima, Washington
Luke Carrick has amassed almost two decades of experience hunting within the state of Washington. Luke has successfully guided dozens of successful elk, deer, bear, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts within the state. Virtually 100% of those trips were do-it-yourself hunts with a backpack on his back. Luke will be the subject matter expert and primary instructor for the duration of the backcountry portion of the course.
The student to instructor ratio for this course will be kept firmly at 3:1 to ensure the student receives the absolute best instruction possible.
Other Points
This course is an adventure, and as such, will have its associated risks as with any trip taken into a wilderness environment with dependence on self reliance. Our students’ safety and well-being is of the utmost importance and every precaution will be taken to ensure all have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Cascade Mountains are not gentle, and it is highly recommended that the student be physically capable of sustained strenuous activity such as climbing and traversing steep and uneven terrain, all while under potentially adverse weather conditions.
Backcountry Hunter's Course Gear List
Note: The instructor recommended items and products are simply based upon what the instructor staff uses and prefers. In many cases, there are equivalent products or gear that are alternatives, and will suit the student's needs well. This course is intended to be a total learning experience for each student, as well as an opportunity to evaluate their own equipment under real situations and harsh environments. Perfect gear selection doesn’t happen after reading about it in an internet forum. Personal experience trumps all, and the only way to get that experience is to try different things that are recommended by subject matter experts. Any questions that are related to gear and equipment may be directed to the instructors, and their contact information is listed below. Although this gear list seems extensive, most people that spend time in the outdoors and/or backpack will have a substantial amount of this equipment already. In the event the student needs to purchase a piece of equipment, we recommend Deliberate Dynamics as a well-rounded retailer of high-quality outdoor gear. Please visit Tactical Gear for Military and Law Enforcement | Deliberate Dynamics Deliberate Dynamics and utilize the promotion code: XXXX to make your purchase.
Caylen Wojcik, Director of Training, Precision Rifle Operations, Magpul Dynamics
[email protected]
Luke Carrick, Backcountry Hunting Expert and Guide, Owner Guiderite Adventures
[email protected]
Shooting and Observation Equipment
Rifle/Optic: Same requirements as the Precision Hunter Course outline.
Rifle Sling
• Recommended Gear: Magpul MS1
Bipod
One Magazine (If the rifle requires a detachable magazine.)
20x Rounds of ammunition.
Rifle's external ballistics data card for chosen ammunition
• Recommended Gear: Magpul Dynamics Shooter’s Checklist
Laser Rangefinder (The rangefinder you choose should be accurate enough to provide consistent ranges inside your comfort zone, and slightly beyond. Accurate ranges are crucial to precise shot placement.)
• Recommended Gear: Leica CRF1600, Vortex, Swarovski, Vectronix Terrapin
10x Magnification Binoculars
• Recommended Gear: Vortex Razor HD 10 x 50/10 x 42, Vortex Viper HD 10 x 50/10 x 42
Binocular Chest Case
• Recommended Gear: FHF Gear Bino Harness, Badlands Bino Case or Bino X
Spotting Scope
• Recommended Gear: Vortex Razor HD 11-33x, Vortex Razor HD 16-48x
Tripod
• Recommended Gear: Manfrotto 055 Series or 190 Series with Classic Head
• If able to afford, a carbon fiber version of the above tripods will greatly save weight while providing the same stability.
Individual Backpacking Equipment
Water Storage: MINIMUM 3 Liter Capacity (No exceptions will be made on water capacity.)
• This capacity can come in either a hydration bladder and bottles, or just bottles.
• If a hydration bladder is chosen, it is recommended to have at least one 32 oz bottle for meals, washing, etc.
Tent: A solo or 2-person light weight 3 season backpacking tent is the ideal option. Minimalist style tarps and bivvy covers are not recommended as the weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and sometimes violently. Your tent should provide ample space to store all your gear in adverse weather. Students that are taking the course as a pair may share one tent and split the weight.
• Hilleberg Akto (4-Season Solo) (Mesh liner for summer use.) (Highly recommended by instructors.)
• Big Agnes
• Nemo
• MSR
Backpack: Your backpack should provide at least 4000 cubic inches of storage, with 5000 cubic inches being ideal. Internal frame packs are recommended, but external frame packs are completely acceptable. Your pack should have a rain cover for inclement weather.
• Recommended Gear:
o Stone Glacier Sky Series
o Arcteryx Khyber 80
o Gregory Whitney or Palisade
Sleeping Bag: 15 deg to 20 deg Comfort Rating. (Down insulation is recommended, but Synthetic insulation is completely acceptable.)
• Recommended Gear: Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Big Agnes
Sleeping Pad: Lightweight 2.5” Inflatable
• Recommended Gear: Thermarest Neoair, Big Agnes
Boots: WELL BROKEN IN, solid ankle support, and comfortable. It’s a good idea to have your boot and sock combination as close to 100% dialed in as you can BEFORE coming to the course.
• Recommended Gear: Salomon Quest, Meindel, Asolo, Kenetrek
Trekking Poles
• Recommended Gear: Any model that offers a quick-adjustment for height.
GPS Device (Small and lightweight, with extra batteries.)
• Recommended Gear: Garmin Foretrex 401, Garmin ETrex
Magnetic Compass (Maps will be provided.)
Headlamp: 100 Lumen recommended. (With extra batteries.)
• Recommended Gear: Surefire, Petzl
Foam Sitting Pad
• Recommended Gear: NEP Outdoors Therma Seat
First Aid Kit: Required Gear, no exceptions.
• Ibuprofen/Aleve or any other pain medication.
• Sudafed or Antihistamine
• Benadryl
• Anti-Diarrhea medication
• Antacids
• Various size Band-Aids
• Cloth athletic tape
• Antiseptic Ointment
• Finger Nail Clippers
Toilet paper: Recommend paper towels and baby wipes.
Tooth brush and Toothpaste
Gallon Size Zip Lock Bag for waterproofing
Hand warmers (Weather forecast dependent, but it’s always a good idea to have a few in your pack for the unexpected.)
Camp shoes (flip flops or crocs)
Stove: Lightweight backpacking stove with 1x full fuel canister
• Recommended Gear: Jetboil, MSR Whisperlite
Cup: Lightweight
• Recommended Gear: Titanium
Eating Utensil
• Recommended Gear: Titanium Spork
Water Purification Pump
• Recommended Gear: Katydyn, MSR
Clothing
A large portion of the course will be dedicated to the proper use and selection of a clothing system. Not everyone is the same, and clothing selection comes from extensive personal testing and learning through experience. Some people are colder by nature, whereas others are not. However, all things change in the backcountry where there isn’t an option to go in-doors and get warm. Ideally, clothing for backcountry travel and hunting should be made of either synthetic material or merino wool. Cotton should be avoided completely due to its lack of insulating properties, lack of efficient moisture transfer, heavy weight, and its lengthy drying time when wet.
Long Pants/Zip-Off Pants
• Polyester, breathable material
T-Shirt to hike in
• Synthetic blend
2-3 pair of extra socks
2-3 pair of sock liners (If liners are used in your footwear system. If not, disregard.)
2 pair underwear
2-T-shirts
• Synthetic blend
2 sets of long johns (light weight set and medium weight set)
Baseball cap
Stocking cap
Gloves (windproof)
Gloves (waterproof)
Hooded jacket (Fleece or lightweight softshell)
Vest (Fleece or lightweight softshell)
Down jacket
• Down insulation is ideal, however a comparable synthetic insulated jacket such as the Arcteryx Atom SV Hoody or Acteryx Atom LT Hoody will be sufficient.
Rain Shell (Top and Bottom)
Gaiters (Recommended but not required.)
Extra clothes at the truck: It is always nice to have dry clean clothes and shoes when you get back to the truck after the trip.
Nutrition
Electrolyte replacement supplements (Required. Minimum 4x servings per day.)
• Gatorade/Propel packets
• Nuun Tablets
• Wilderness Athlete
Instant Coffee and/or Tea bags
High Calorie Snacks for throughout the day:
• Granola bars, nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, candy, etc.
Breakfast Suggestions:
• Mountain House/Backpacker’s Pantry meals.
• Instant Oatmeal (Minimum three packets per meal for necessary calories.)
Lunch Suggestions:
• Tuna Packets
• Canned Fish
• Beef Jerky/Smoked Meats
Dinner Suggestions:
• Mountain House/Backpacker’s Pantry meals.
Some Nice-To-Have’s
• Chocolate
• Hot cocoa
• High-Carb Energy Supplements (For big movements with heavy loads, or significant climbs.)
o Shotblocks
o Wilderness Athlete
o Power Bar Gels/Chews
I'm posting this here to spread the word to the hunting crowd, as this course isn't really designed for the tactical shooter, per say. Moderators, if you think this needs to be replaced into the training forum, by all means; this is your house. We worked for many months on this curriculum to bring you a comprehensive and systematic approach to undertaking a successful, and safe backcountry hunting adventure. The course outline and gear list you'll find below is a sneak-peak, as we haven't yet gotten this up on the website for advertising. This is going to be an epic course, so if you're interested get in while you can as we're limiting class slots to 10. To register, email [email protected] and label the subject line "Backcountry Hunter's Course".
Magpul Dynamics and Guiderite Adventures
Backcountry Hunter’s Course
July 26-30, 2014
Cost for Tuition: $1,100
Course Description:
Magpul Dynamics and Guiderite Adventures have collaborated to deliver the ultimate instruction for the hunter that wants to push beyond the status quo and undertake a do-it-yourself backcountry backpack hunting trip. The backcountry hunter’s course is designed to provide the student with all the necessary skills to safely and (hopefully) successfully fill your tag in the solitude of the wilderness. The student will spend two days on the range receiving instruction on practical field shooting skills under the Magpul Dynamics Precision Hunter course. Upon completion of the range time the student will spend three days and two nights in the backcountry of the Washington Cascade mountains learning all the skills needed to assist them in the successful undertaking of a do-it-yourself backcountry hunt.
The two-day Precision Hunter portion of the course will cover the following topics:
• Rifle Set-Up and Accessories
• Telescopic Sight Theory and Operation
• Basic Angular Units of Measure (Minutes of Angle and Milradians)
• Basic External Ballistics and Ballistic Solvers
• Understanding Ballistic Drop Compensated Turrets and Reticles
• Reading Atmospheric Conditions and Wind
• Unconventional and Field Shooting Positions
• Establishing Ranges to Targets
• Terminal Ballistics and Bullet Composition
• How to know your limitations.
The three-day backcountry adventure portion of the course will cover:
• Personal Equipment and Clothing
• Pack Selection, Fit, Loading and Wear
• Weapon and Optic Selection and Carriage
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Basic Land Navigation
• Live-Fire Field Shooting Scenarios
• Proper Hiking Techniques
• Techniques of Observation and Game Detection
• Pre-Season Scouting
• Camp Site Selection
• Fire Starting
• Backcountry First Aid
• Emergency Situations and how to handle them.
• Butchering/Meat Cooling/Packing
Your Instructors:
Caylen Wojcik, Magpul Dynamics, Director of Training for Precision Rifle Operations
Luke Carrick, Owner: Guiderite Adventures, Yakima, Washington
Luke Carrick has amassed almost two decades of experience hunting within the state of Washington. Luke has successfully guided dozens of successful elk, deer, bear, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts within the state. Virtually 100% of those trips were do-it-yourself hunts with a backpack on his back. Luke will be the subject matter expert and primary instructor for the duration of the backcountry portion of the course.
The student to instructor ratio for this course will be kept firmly at 3:1 to ensure the student receives the absolute best instruction possible.
Other Points
This course is an adventure, and as such, will have its associated risks as with any trip taken into a wilderness environment with dependence on self reliance. Our students’ safety and well-being is of the utmost importance and every precaution will be taken to ensure all have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Cascade Mountains are not gentle, and it is highly recommended that the student be physically capable of sustained strenuous activity such as climbing and traversing steep and uneven terrain, all while under potentially adverse weather conditions.
Backcountry Hunter's Course Gear List
Note: The instructor recommended items and products are simply based upon what the instructor staff uses and prefers. In many cases, there are equivalent products or gear that are alternatives, and will suit the student's needs well. This course is intended to be a total learning experience for each student, as well as an opportunity to evaluate their own equipment under real situations and harsh environments. Perfect gear selection doesn’t happen after reading about it in an internet forum. Personal experience trumps all, and the only way to get that experience is to try different things that are recommended by subject matter experts. Any questions that are related to gear and equipment may be directed to the instructors, and their contact information is listed below. Although this gear list seems extensive, most people that spend time in the outdoors and/or backpack will have a substantial amount of this equipment already. In the event the student needs to purchase a piece of equipment, we recommend Deliberate Dynamics as a well-rounded retailer of high-quality outdoor gear. Please visit Tactical Gear for Military and Law Enforcement | Deliberate Dynamics Deliberate Dynamics and utilize the promotion code: XXXX to make your purchase.
Caylen Wojcik, Director of Training, Precision Rifle Operations, Magpul Dynamics
[email protected]
Luke Carrick, Backcountry Hunting Expert and Guide, Owner Guiderite Adventures
[email protected]
Shooting and Observation Equipment
Rifle/Optic: Same requirements as the Precision Hunter Course outline.
Rifle Sling
• Recommended Gear: Magpul MS1
Bipod
One Magazine (If the rifle requires a detachable magazine.)
20x Rounds of ammunition.
Rifle's external ballistics data card for chosen ammunition
• Recommended Gear: Magpul Dynamics Shooter’s Checklist
Laser Rangefinder (The rangefinder you choose should be accurate enough to provide consistent ranges inside your comfort zone, and slightly beyond. Accurate ranges are crucial to precise shot placement.)
• Recommended Gear: Leica CRF1600, Vortex, Swarovski, Vectronix Terrapin
10x Magnification Binoculars
• Recommended Gear: Vortex Razor HD 10 x 50/10 x 42, Vortex Viper HD 10 x 50/10 x 42
Binocular Chest Case
• Recommended Gear: FHF Gear Bino Harness, Badlands Bino Case or Bino X
Spotting Scope
• Recommended Gear: Vortex Razor HD 11-33x, Vortex Razor HD 16-48x
Tripod
• Recommended Gear: Manfrotto 055 Series or 190 Series with Classic Head
• If able to afford, a carbon fiber version of the above tripods will greatly save weight while providing the same stability.
Individual Backpacking Equipment
Water Storage: MINIMUM 3 Liter Capacity (No exceptions will be made on water capacity.)
• This capacity can come in either a hydration bladder and bottles, or just bottles.
• If a hydration bladder is chosen, it is recommended to have at least one 32 oz bottle for meals, washing, etc.
Tent: A solo or 2-person light weight 3 season backpacking tent is the ideal option. Minimalist style tarps and bivvy covers are not recommended as the weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and sometimes violently. Your tent should provide ample space to store all your gear in adverse weather. Students that are taking the course as a pair may share one tent and split the weight.
• Hilleberg Akto (4-Season Solo) (Mesh liner for summer use.) (Highly recommended by instructors.)
• Big Agnes
• Nemo
• MSR
Backpack: Your backpack should provide at least 4000 cubic inches of storage, with 5000 cubic inches being ideal. Internal frame packs are recommended, but external frame packs are completely acceptable. Your pack should have a rain cover for inclement weather.
• Recommended Gear:
o Stone Glacier Sky Series
o Arcteryx Khyber 80
o Gregory Whitney or Palisade
Sleeping Bag: 15 deg to 20 deg Comfort Rating. (Down insulation is recommended, but Synthetic insulation is completely acceptable.)
• Recommended Gear: Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Big Agnes
Sleeping Pad: Lightweight 2.5” Inflatable
• Recommended Gear: Thermarest Neoair, Big Agnes
Boots: WELL BROKEN IN, solid ankle support, and comfortable. It’s a good idea to have your boot and sock combination as close to 100% dialed in as you can BEFORE coming to the course.
• Recommended Gear: Salomon Quest, Meindel, Asolo, Kenetrek
Trekking Poles
• Recommended Gear: Any model that offers a quick-adjustment for height.
GPS Device (Small and lightweight, with extra batteries.)
• Recommended Gear: Garmin Foretrex 401, Garmin ETrex
Magnetic Compass (Maps will be provided.)
Headlamp: 100 Lumen recommended. (With extra batteries.)
• Recommended Gear: Surefire, Petzl
Foam Sitting Pad
• Recommended Gear: NEP Outdoors Therma Seat
First Aid Kit: Required Gear, no exceptions.
• Ibuprofen/Aleve or any other pain medication.
• Sudafed or Antihistamine
• Benadryl
• Anti-Diarrhea medication
• Antacids
• Various size Band-Aids
• Cloth athletic tape
• Antiseptic Ointment
• Finger Nail Clippers
Toilet paper: Recommend paper towels and baby wipes.
Tooth brush and Toothpaste
Gallon Size Zip Lock Bag for waterproofing
Hand warmers (Weather forecast dependent, but it’s always a good idea to have a few in your pack for the unexpected.)
Camp shoes (flip flops or crocs)
Stove: Lightweight backpacking stove with 1x full fuel canister
• Recommended Gear: Jetboil, MSR Whisperlite
Cup: Lightweight
• Recommended Gear: Titanium
Eating Utensil
• Recommended Gear: Titanium Spork
Water Purification Pump
• Recommended Gear: Katydyn, MSR
Clothing
A large portion of the course will be dedicated to the proper use and selection of a clothing system. Not everyone is the same, and clothing selection comes from extensive personal testing and learning through experience. Some people are colder by nature, whereas others are not. However, all things change in the backcountry where there isn’t an option to go in-doors and get warm. Ideally, clothing for backcountry travel and hunting should be made of either synthetic material or merino wool. Cotton should be avoided completely due to its lack of insulating properties, lack of efficient moisture transfer, heavy weight, and its lengthy drying time when wet.
Long Pants/Zip-Off Pants
• Polyester, breathable material
T-Shirt to hike in
• Synthetic blend
2-3 pair of extra socks
2-3 pair of sock liners (If liners are used in your footwear system. If not, disregard.)
2 pair underwear
2-T-shirts
• Synthetic blend
2 sets of long johns (light weight set and medium weight set)
Baseball cap
Stocking cap
Gloves (windproof)
Gloves (waterproof)
Hooded jacket (Fleece or lightweight softshell)
Vest (Fleece or lightweight softshell)
Down jacket
• Down insulation is ideal, however a comparable synthetic insulated jacket such as the Arcteryx Atom SV Hoody or Acteryx Atom LT Hoody will be sufficient.
Rain Shell (Top and Bottom)
Gaiters (Recommended but not required.)
Extra clothes at the truck: It is always nice to have dry clean clothes and shoes when you get back to the truck after the trip.
Nutrition
Electrolyte replacement supplements (Required. Minimum 4x servings per day.)
• Gatorade/Propel packets
• Nuun Tablets
• Wilderness Athlete
Instant Coffee and/or Tea bags
High Calorie Snacks for throughout the day:
• Granola bars, nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, candy, etc.
Breakfast Suggestions:
• Mountain House/Backpacker’s Pantry meals.
• Instant Oatmeal (Minimum three packets per meal for necessary calories.)
Lunch Suggestions:
• Tuna Packets
• Canned Fish
• Beef Jerky/Smoked Meats
Dinner Suggestions:
• Mountain House/Backpacker’s Pantry meals.
Some Nice-To-Have’s
• Chocolate
• Hot cocoa
• High-Carb Energy Supplements (For big movements with heavy loads, or significant climbs.)
o Shotblocks
o Wilderness Athlete
o Power Bar Gels/Chews
