How to Hunt Alone - Solo Backcountry Mule Deer and Elk Hunting Tips

I’m Matt Hartsky, and I founded Backbone Unlimited to help you Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. With 33 years of Western big game hunting and 29 years as a professional strength, conditioning, and nutrition coach, I share the tactics, training, and mindset that lead to success—on the mountain and in life. This brand is about more than elk and mule deer. It’s about living with backbone in a world full of excuses—crushing limits and refusing to quit. After losing my oldest son to suicide, I made it my mission to help anyone struggling with mental health and to build a community of hunters who push each other forward. When you join Team Backbone, you get direct coaching from me, a private group of like-minded hunters, an exclusive monthly shirt, 20% off gear, giveaways, and member-only content to help you sharpen your edge. Join us at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Intro: Why Solo Hunting Is the Ultimate Test 0:46 – You Are the Entire Team 1:24 – Flip the Mental Switch Before You Leave 2:05 – Train for Durability, Not Just Strength 3:31 – E-Scouting & Terrain Prep for Solo Hunts 4:30 – Safety Musts for Hunting Alone 6:10 – Solo Camping: Quiet, Fear & Mindset 7:32 – Solo Hunting Tactics & How They Differ 9:00 – Solo Calling Strategy for Elk 10:25 – The Pack Out: When the Real Test Begins 11:35 – Final Thoughts: Hunting Alone Is a Calling Solo elk hunting on public land is the ultimate test of grit. It’s not for the faint of heart—and this video lays out exactly how to survive and thrive when you’re miles deep with no backup. If you're a DIY backcountry hunter, training for a solo mission, or wondering if you’ve got what it takes to go it alone, this is the real talk you need before boots hit dirt. I'm Matt Hartsky, founder of Backbone Unlimited. After 33+ years of Western hunting, I’ve learned that solo backcountry hunts demand a different level of preparation—mentally, physically, and tactically. This episode breaks down the exact strategies I use when heading into the mountains alone. UNDERSTANDING WIND & THERMALS VIDEO:    • Mule Deer and Elk Hunting WIND and THERMAL...   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Solo hunting mindset – how to become your own team How to train for solo elk hunts – real-world fitness prep E-scouting solo strategies – how to plan every move Safety protocols – gear, check-ins, and survival tactics Solo elk hunting tactics – calling, glassing, and closing the distance alone Mental toughness for hunters – overcoming doubt, fear, and isolation Backcountry solo camp tips – how to embrace the silence and stay sharp Packing out solo – how to haul elk meat out safely by yourself Who This Video is For: Public land elk hunters, First-time solo hunters, DIY backcountry hunters, Archery and rifle elk hunters, Anyone preparing for a Western solo hunt. #BackcountryHunting #ElkHuntingTips #DIYElkHunting