With the bad weather we had here yesterday, I got to thinking of what all we as safe hunters need to carry with us when we venture into the field in pursuit of quarry du jour. Since deer hunting season is looming closer and closer, I thought I would share with you what I normally carry, or have close at hand in case of emergency, especially on those hunts where I won’t be close to anything for two or three days at a stretch.

I realize that this list won’t be all encompassing, and your input as to what and why will be gratefully received.

Gun, freshly cleaned and checked, with ammo for same.
Backup gun, just in case of failure of some sort, and ammo.
Knives..more than one. Usually two fixed blades and two folders.
Sharpening stones for knives.
First aid kit with a film canister with some needles in it. Never know when you might have to suture something.
Flashlights and batteries
Cell phone
Boots with backup boots…and dry socks.
Waterproof container with matches.
Water, bottled, and some water purification tablets.
Compass
Topo map if available
Rain gear
Rope…25′ – 50′
Gloves, hat, stocking cap.
Whistle.

The most important thing to carry along while hunting is a hunting buddy. If you go alone, leave a detailed map of the area where you will be hunting, and an expected time of return.

This may sound a bit bizarre to experienced hunters, but unless you have had to go out in the dark of night and find someone who has been injured or is lost, then you will see the importance of someone knowing where you are should something happen.

Things happen, and bad things happen to good people. Minimize those to every degree that you can.