Opening day for Montana’s general rifle season for deer and elk is Saturday, October 25th. 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.
2025 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
-2025 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
-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 or Your Smart Phone loaded with the up-to-date Montana mapping System from On X Maps
-Paper Map of your hunting area-so you don’t trespass or get lost
