Solo vs. Group Hunting: What’s Best for You?

The Case for Solo Hunting

Going solo in the wilderness is an entirely different experience compared to hunting with a group. It’s raw, personal, and demands a high level of skill and self-sufficiency. But that independence comes with both rewards and risks.

The Advantages of Solo Hunting

1. Freedom to Move on Your Terms

When you’re hunting alone, there’s no need to worry about syncing up with anyone else. You can wake up, set your own pace, and adjust your strategy on the fly. Want to sit in a stand all day? Go for it. Feel like still-hunting through thick timber? No one’s stopping you.

Example: Imagine spotting a trophy bull elk at last light. In a group, you might have to discuss a game plan, but solo, you can act instantly. That flexibility can be the difference between success and a missed opportunity.

2. Stealth & Silence

Hunting solo naturally cuts down on noise. There are no extra boots crunching leaves, no whispered strategy sessions, and no risk of someone coughing at the worst possible moment. You’re a ghost in the woods, moving as silently as possible, increasing your chances of getting close to game.

Example: A friend once told me about a buck that slipped past their group hunt because of an accidental foot shuffle. When hunting solo, you control every movement, ensuring absolute quiet.

3. Personal Growth & Mental Toughness

There’s something about being alone in the wild that sharpens your mind. It forces you to rely solely on your skills, instincts, and problem-solving ability. You develop patience, perseverance, and a deeper connection to the hunt.

Example: I remember my first solo backcountry elk hunt. On the second night, the loneliness hit hard. But by the fourth day, I had adapted, enjoying the solitude and deep focus that solo hunting brings.

4. More Opportunities

With no one else calling the shots, you can take advantage of every hunting situation as it unfolds. If you spot a buck 300 yards away and decide to make a move, you don’t have to check in with a buddy or worry about them being in the wrong position.

Example: A solo mule deer hunter in Colorado told me about how he spotted a buck at sunrise, adjusted his approach without delay, and had his tag filled before his coffee cooled.

The Challenges of Solo Hunting

1. Safety Concerns

Hunting alone means there’s no one to help if something goes wrong. A simple twisted ankle miles from camp can turn into a serious survival situation. Carrying a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon is a must when hunting solo.

Example: A solo bowhunter once took a bad fall in steep terrain, breaking a rib. Thanks to his Garmin inReach, he was able to call for help. Without it, the situation could have been dire.

2. Packing Out Game

Bagging a big bull elk or even a heavy whitetail buck is one thing—getting it out of the woods alone is another. Without a team to help quarter and haul the meat, a successful solo hunt can quickly become a grueling physical challenge.

Example: As a solo hunter, tagging a bull requires 2 days of work if you're a few miles into the backcountry. Concerns of having to take multiple trips, dealing with exhaustion, cold, and the ever-present threat of scavengers.

3. Loneliness & Lack of Shared Experience

Being alone in the wild is rewarding, but it can also be isolating. There’s no one to celebrate with when you notch a tag, no one to swap stories with around the campfire, and no backup if things get tough.

Example: On a solo caribou hunt in Alaska, a hunter told me that after a week alone, he started talking to himself just to hear a voice.

The Case for Group Hunting

Hunting with a group is a completely different dynamic. It’s about teamwork, camaraderie, and strategic coordination. While it lacks some of the solitude and independence of solo hunting, it offers unique advantages that make it a preferred choice for many.

The Advantages of Group Hunting

1. Safety in Numbers

One of the biggest perks of hunting in a group is safety. If someone gets injured or lost, there are others around to provide aid, call for help, or navigate back to camp.

Example: A group hunting elk in Idaho once had a member take a bad fall. Luckily, two others were nearby to stabilize him and carry him back to camp.

2. Team Strategies & Better Success Rates

Groups can employ hunting tactics that aren’t possible solo. Whether it’s driving deer, setting up multiple stands for different wind conditions, or spotting and stalking with coordinated movements, teamwork can increase the odds of success.

Example: A group hunting whitetails in Kansas set up three shooters along a funnel, resulting in two successful harvests in one morning.

3. Packing Out is Easier

Taking down a big-game animal means a heavy pack out, but when you have hunting buddies, the workload is shared. A quartered elk that would take a solo hunter multiple trips can be packed out in a fraction of the time with a team.

Example: One hunter told me about their Alaskan moose hunt where five guys split the workload—without that help, it would have been nearly impossible.

The Challenges of Group Hunting

1. Less Flexibility

Decisions in a group often require compromise. You may want to push deeper into the backcountry, but the group may not be up for it. Strategies, timing, and locations all have to be agreed upon, which can sometimes lead to frustrations.

2. More Noise & More Scent

More people in the field means a higher chance of making noise or leaving scent behind. In high-pressure hunting situations, this can reduce your chances of success.

3. Conflicts & Differing Skill Levels

Not everyone in a hunting group will be at the same experience level or have the same approach to hunting. Conflicts can arise over ethics, shot opportunities, or hunting styles.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

No matter which hunting style you choose, preparation is key. Whether you’re going solo or hunting with a group, having the right tags, knowing the best hunting areas, and planning your strategy in advance will make all the difference.

That’s where East 2 West Hunts comes in. We specialize in tag applications, hunt planning, and gear recommendations to help you make the most of your season. Whether you need guidance on drawing the right tag, understanding regulations, or picking the best gear for your style of hunting, we’ve got you covered.

Book a time on our website today and let’s get your next hunt dialed in!