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.