The 2015 Big Game Rifle Season in Montana is creeping up on us. This year the opener for deer and elk is Saturday October 24. I have compiled a Hunters Vehicle Checklist. This is a list that experienced hunters have helped me put together. Many things can happen when you are hunting in the backcountry and I hope this list of maintenance and survival items to put into your hunting rig will be helpful. The main thing of course is to make sure that your vehicle has been properly serviced to avoid a break down. This list will also help you be prepared for the unexpected. Next week please look for my Hunters Checklist as it will also help you get prepared for the upcoming hunting season. Good Luck! Feel free to cut this list out or print it out for future reference.

-Service your vehicle: Change oil, check antifreeze level,(strength of the antifreeze should be 30 dregrees below zero or better), battery fluid levels, transmission-tranfer case levels

-Inspect serpentine belt (fan-belt) replace if worn or cracked (save your old one for a spare.

-Inspect your tires and check tire pressure, including your spare tire.

-Tire chains-make sure they fit and are in good condition.

-Two vehicle ramps. (It makes putting tire chains an easier task)

-Flashlight with extra batteries for your map-GPS-compass.

-Tool box (Make sure all your tools are in order)

-Jumper cables or Jump Start Power Pack

-Assorted nuts-bolts-washers-mechanics wire-duct tape-electrical tape-wire ties.

-Extra oil-antifreeze-Automatic Transmission. Fluid-Radiater Stop Leak.

-High lift jack or come-a-long

-Tow straps or tow chains-Heavy Rope.

-Snow shovel, ax-bucket-tarp.

-2×6 that is 1 to 4 feet long (Might help to put under tires if you are high centered)

-Old carpet to lie on if you have to get under your vehicle

-Ice chest with freshwater and food like jerky-dehydrated fruit-energy bars.

-Old sleeping bag-blankets-firewood.

If you get stuck or break down stay with your rig. You are more likely to be found in your rig and with the right emergency supplies you will be safer.

When packing your rig try and put the items you would use only for an emergency in first and the items that you will more than likely use in last.

If you have anything to add to the HUNTERS VEHICLE CHECKLIST please e-mail to captain@montanaoutdoor.com

(Written by the Captain)