A few years ago, I developed a hunters checklist that many readers have found to be useful. With input from other hunters, I have added to the checklist every year.

Here’s the new and updated list. Feel free to clip it out and use it as a guide to get ready for your next hunting trip.

And remember, before going east to hunt, wash the undercarriage of your vehicle and trailer to rid it of any knapweed. Good Luck!

HUNTER’S CHECKLIST

Hunting license (yes, check it again to make sure) so you can hunt when you get there.

2005 sunrise/sunset tables-so you know when you can start and have to stop

A good pair of hunting boots and warm socks plus an extra pair of socks there’s nothing worse than wet or sore feet

Sharp knifes, and a pack saw one for the hide, one for quartering

Sharpening stone or steel

Game bags and a quarter-pound can of pepper and a spray can of Pam they keep flies off your game after you field dress it

Rain gear dry is better than wet

Extra clothing it would be nice if you could take layers off as the day warms up

Plastic tarp to place your animal on when cleaning or to cover up when transporting

Cell phone in your vehicle-it just might save your life.

Toilet paper, small bucket, and shovel in your vehicle-when nature calls

Binoculars they give you an edge and are safer than glassing with your rifle scope

Electrical or duct tape to tape your license onto the carcass (after you validate it by cutting out the month and date)

Hunters orange sweatshirt or vest and cap it’s law, 400 square inches above the waist

Compass or GPS unit if you want to get back to camp

Map of your hunting area so you don’t trespass or get lost

Sighted in rifle and ammo a one-shot hunt is the best hunt.

Ammo carrier-makes things easier in the heat of the moment and keeps your cartridges clean

Orange marker tape- it helps you get back to camp and can help mark the site of your kill

Five to 10 feet of rope a hundred uses

Small flashlight-helps before dawn or after sunset

Matches in waterproof case and small candle- it will help keep you warm if you need to start a fire

Energy bar-it helps you keep going and is light to pack

Leatherman tool  a thousand uses

A good spare tire, jack and tire wrench ever been stranded?

Two pairs of gloves in case one pair gets lost or wet

One pair of rubber dishwashing gloves use them when field dressing your animal

Two one-gallon jugs of water very many uses, including washing hands and washing out carcasses

Sunglasses if you get in a snow situation, you won’t be squinting all day

Warm cap most body heat is lost through your head (with or without hair)

Also, put these supplies into a fanny pack: a pocket first aid kit, small package of trail mix, small water bottle, pocket-size emergency blanket, plastic garbage bag (cut armholes and head hole and you have a rain proof vest), small packet of fire starter, short piece of nylon cord to help drag game out, waterproof matches and a throw away cigarette lighter. An extra set of vehicle keys. Finally a camera a picture is worth a thousand words.

(Added by Mike Violette: An essential thing that I have found useful, and because it has been so handy, everyone I am hunting or fishing with now carries this as well. It is a little bottle of super glue. I started to carry super glue in the late 90’s and it has helped me out several times. The most serious time was in 2001 and I was salmon fishing on the Clearwater. I cut my hand badly and It needed stitches. Well, I was 70 miles from any place to get stitches and the fishing was way too good to stop so. So I stuffed the fat that was hanging out of the cut back into my hand, disinfected it and super glued it shut, end of story. I fished the rest of the trip and the cut never bothered me (a couple Tylenol did help, maybe this is something else to carry?) The glue can be used for countless jobs and it is small and takes up no space. I consider it one of the most important things I carry. — Mike)

If you have a tip you would like to add to the list, e-mail me at captain@montanaoutdoor.com or drop it in the mail to: Hunting Tips, 4591 Heavens Gate, Missoula, MT 59803.