How to Plan Your 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Trips Like a Pro
- Tyler Smith
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
It’s already February, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering how the heck January lasted ten years. But now that we’re rolling into 2025, it’s time to start planning out all the trips we want to take this year—whether that’s hunting, fishing, or just getting out into the woods for some camping.
Planning is crucial, especially when you’re balancing a full-time job, personal responsibilities, and the logistics of these trips. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll find yourself scrambling at the last minute, missing out on key opportunities, or just being flat-out unprepared when the time comes. And trust me, I’ve learned some lessons the hard way.
So, in this post, I’m going to break down exactly how I plan my year, from major hunting trips to quick weekend getaways, and hopefully help you do the same.
Why You Need a Planning System
I recently picked up a massive 12-month calendar, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Writing things down not only helps me remember important dates, but it also allows me to visualize my year at a glance. For anyone trying to balance work, family, and outdoor trips, having a physical or digital planning system is key.
When I plan my year, I break it down into three main categories:
Hunting trips (these take the most time and money, so they come first)
Fishing trips (usually easier to fit in around other obligations)
Camping trips (which can be spontaneous or planned in advance)
These three categories help me stay focused and make sure I don’t overcommit while still getting the most out of my time outside.
Planning Hunting Trips in 2025
For me, hunting trips are the cornerstone of my outdoor plans, and they require the most preparation. Here’s how I go about it:
1. Choosing My Hunts
Each year, I aim for two big hunting trips. In 2024, I went to Colorado twice, but this year, I’m considering Montana, Utah, Arizona, or even Kansas for whitetail. The key here is understanding which states you have points in, what kind of hunts you want to do, and how those hunts fit into your overall schedule.
2. Understanding the Draw System
Western big game draws work differently in every state. Some states have preference points, some have bonus points, and some are purely random draws. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Idaho: Has a first-come, first-served system that opens in December. I totally botched my first attempt at getting a tag this year because I wasn’t prepared.
Montana: Uses both preference points and bonus points. If you don’t apply correctly, you can lose points (ask me how I know...).
New Mexico & Arizona: Much harder to draw tags.
Iowa, Kansas, etc.: Require years of points for a decent tag.
If you’re serious about hunting in multiple states, you have to think long-term. Some tags take years to draw, so planning ahead is critical.
3. Budgeting Time & Money
Hunting trips require money, but they also require time. I’ve found that taking two full weeks off for hunting can be mentally and physically exhausting. You have to balance work, family, and making sure everything is good at home before you leave. Nothing kills the excitement of a hunting trip like feeling guilty about leaving unfinished business behind.
Also, budgeting financially means planning for:
Tag costs (which add up fast!)
Gas and travel expenses
Gear upgrades
Food and lodging
You don’t want to get hit with unexpected costs right before your trip.
Planning Fishing Trips in 2025
Fishing is a little easier to fit into my schedule than hunting, but it still takes planning. Here’s what I consider:
1. Picking My Target Species
Am I fishing for steelhead? Smallmouth bass? Trout? Each species has its own season and prime fishing windows, so I need to match my trips accordingly.
2. Choosing Destinations
If I’m planning a fishing trip, I need to figure out where I’m going and what the travel logistics look like. Am I staying in a hotel? Camping? Sleeping in my truck? (Honestly, truck camping is one of my favorite options.)
3. Timing My Trips
Unlike hunting, fishing often depends on weather conditions, water levels, and fish migrations. If I’m planning a steelhead trip, I need to be flexible and ready to adjust based on river conditions.
Camping Trips & Weekend Getaways
Camping is probably the easiest trip to plan, but that doesn’t mean you should just wing it. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Choosing the Right Campground
Not all campgrounds are created equal. Some have great fishing, others are more remote, and some are just overcrowded and not worth the trip. Researching campsites in advance can save a lot of headaches.
2. Managing Travel Time
One of the biggest lessons I learned last year is that travel time matters. Driving six hours one way for a weekend trip can turn a fun getaway into a stressful mess. If I only have two days, I try to keep my travel distance under three hours.
3. Budgeting for Gear
Camping gear isn’t as expensive as hunting gear, but it still adds up. The main things I budget for are:
A reliable tent (or camper, if that’s your thing)
Cooking equipment
Sleeping gear (a good sleeping pad is a game-changer)
Clothing for different seasons
Camping is the most flexible of the three types of trips, but a little planning goes a long way in making it enjoyable.
Final Thoughts on Trip Planning
If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: Preparation breeds confidence.
When I have a solid plan, I go into my trips feeling excited and ready. When I don’t, I second-guess myself and stress over small details. Planning ahead—whether it’s for hunting, fishing, or camping—makes the whole experience better and allows you to fully enjoy your time outdoors.
So take the time now to map out your year. Write down your trips, research your tags, set a budget, and make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. The more thought you put into it now, the more rewarding your 2025 outdoor adventures will be.
As always, thanks for reading, and make sure to keep it wild!
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