Here’s our annual hunter’s checklist
By Hookemharry

Posted: October 17, 2003

Last year, I developed a hunters checklist that many readers found useful. I have added a couple more items to the list this year, so feel free to clip it out and use it as a guide to get ready for your next hunting trip.

If you have a tip you would like to add to the list, e-mail me at captain@montanaoutdoor.com.

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

Cell phone in your vehicle – it just might save your life.
Toilet paper, small bucket, and shovel in your vehicle – for when nature calls.
Hunting license (yes, check it again to make sure) – so you can hunt when you get there.
Regulations booklet – so you can check on seasons, bag limits, laws.
2000 sunrise/sunset tables – so you know when you can start and have to stop shooting.
Good pair of boots and warm socks – there’s nothing worse than wet or sore feet.
Sharp knife, and a pack saw – one for the hide, one for quartering.
Game bags and a quarter-pound can of pepper – they keep flies off your game after you field dress it.
Binoculars – they give you an edge and are better and safer than glassing through 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 the 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 – it 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 warming fire.
Whistle and mirror – Both items can be
valuable if you are in a situation where you need to signal people for assistance
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 wet or lost.
Two one-gallon jugs of water – many uses, including washing hands or 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 IN 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, sharpening stone, and throw-away cigarette lighter.
Finally, a camera – a picture is worth a thousand words.

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