A few other items for those that have never been on LBL...
Our weather here in February can change in ten minutes. Dressing for winter can be a challenge. During our first year's hunt it was a balmy 5 degrees, snow on the ground and a brisk 20 mph plus wind. Last year it was almost right for a short sleeve shirt. Be prepared for rain and/or cold weather. Warm clothes, gloves, light rain suit or poncho, comfortable waterproof boots, heavy socks and a hat are recommended. I often get hot wearing heavy clothes when walking into a long stand, layering is the way to go. A light weight day pack is always handy. A map is another must have item along with a compass, roads are well marked but it is easy to get turned around in the thick timber. Due to topography and cell tower (repeater) locations GPS units and cell phone often do not work well on LBL. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Although Rangers are on patrol, back road traffic can be scarce. There are no gas stations on LBL, it is a non-commercial wilderness area. When you get off the beaten path you may go all day without seeing another soul. Therefore, get in trouble and you maybe on your own. I strongly suggest hunting with a partner. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Are 4 wheel drive vehicles needed? Maintained (paved and gravel) roads are usually very passable by 2 wheel drive unless we get a heavy snow or ice storm. The LBL use map shows all marked (numbered) roads that allow motorized vehicle entry. In the field, roads have corresponding numbers posted at their entrances, intersections and crossroads. Last year, a few "remote area" roads in Tennessee were closed to foot traffic only. Be forewarned... we encountered a couple of field access roads that were so badly rutted that they should have been closed. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
Not to fear, there are plenty of good places within a short distance of good roads. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-006.gif I ran into two guys last year, on a main road, that were in the process of loading a large coyote they had just killed. They said they got out of the truck, walked 100 yards into a nearby field and started calling. The coyote was laying in the edge, apparently sleeping. Total time from leaving the truck till loading.... 20 minutes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
I'm sure Jimmie,Brent and other experienced LBL members may want to add to this...
Chet