We have experienced fall weather with rain and some snow recently, but cold weather will be here before you know it and you need to be prepared. Last week I gave you my vehicle check list for hunting. Remember to let someone know where you are going to hunt and when you expect to return. Oh yes if you have a tip you would like to add to the list e-mail me at captain@montanaoutdoor.com
2016 Revised and updated HUNTERS CHECKLIST:
-Hunting Pack
-Game carrier
-Personal medication
-Small bottle of hand sanitizer-it’s almost 100% alcohol, can be used to help start a fire when placed on toilet paper
-Cell phone in your vehicle-it just might save your life, plus doubles as a camera
-Toilet paper, small bucket, and shovel in your vehicle-when nature calls
-Hunting license and tags (yes, check it again to make sure) so you can hunt when you get there.
-Thermos
-2016 sunrise/sunset tables-so you know when you can start and have to stop
-Good pair of hunting boots and warm socks plus an extra pair of socks-there’s nothing worse than wet or sore feet
-Sharp knives, and a pack saw-one for the hide, one for quartering
-Sharpening stone or steel
-Game bags 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
-Binocular- they give you an edge and are safer than glassing from your rifle scope
-Range finder-better chance if you know your distance
-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 the law, 400 square inches above the waist
-Compass or GPS unit-if you want to get back to camp
-Garmin GPS unit loaded with the up to date Montana mapping System from huntingGPSmaps.com
-Map of your hunting area-so you don’t trespass or get lost
-Sighted in rifle and ammo-one-shot is the best hunt
-Shooting stick or bipod
-Ammo carrier-makes things easier in the heat of the moment and keeps your cartridges clean
-Bottle of smoke so you know which way the wind is blowing
-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-hundred uses
-Small flashlight-helps before dawn or after sunset
-Head lamp for hands free in the dark
-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-thousand uses
-Two pairs of gloves-in case one pair is lost or wet
-One pair of rubber dishwashing gloves-use when field dressing your animal
-Two one-gallon jugs of water-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 supplies into a fanny pack: a pocket first aid kit, small pkg 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. Finally an extra set of vehicle keys.