Hunters Checlist: Captain’s Column 10.22.15
By angelamontana

Posted: October 22, 2015

Opening day for Montana’s general rifle season for deer and elk is just 2 days away. The weather has been unseasonably nice leading up to this year’s opener, but cold weather will be here before you know it and you need to be prepared. Since you only have a couple of days this check list will help you get ready. Feel free to clip this Hunter’s Checklist out. Oh yes if you have a tip you would like to add to the list e-mail me at captain@montanaoutdoor.com

HUNTERS CHECKLIST

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.

2015 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 knifes, 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

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

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 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.

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Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing