[Bill2k1]

I am thinking I will spend more time in the woods solo this year since most of my friends spend Sunday watching football. I hunt a public area mainly for tree rats, when I went with friends I worried little about survival. The idea of going alone makes me want to get geared up incase something happens.

so tell me about your load out when you head out to hunt.

[killzone]

I think that kind of depends on where you are hunting. If you could be more specific about where and what you are huntin I think I could give you complete list,,, How about that? How long will it be? Rain, snow, mud trrain are any of these present? What are you hunting? How fat are you from the closest town or city?

When I go out hunting I concider all of these vital factors in order to pack usefull pack.

[1911 guy]

Everytime I go hunting, solo at least 75% of the time, I carry a lighter, T.P., a backup knife, a compass, a whistle, a flashlight and about 50 feet of riser cord.
A) The lighter is obvious, just make sure you don't get one that will crap out if it gets wet.
B) T.P. serves as "strikin' paper" and as a decent fire starter if you roll it up and fold it in on itself. Light the center and it will burn long enough to light tinder.
C) The backup knife is to take care of camp chores, should I have to camp. Primary knife stays sharp. If I have to camp, I have to skin & eat game.
D) Compass is also obvious, just pay attention to your directions going in or they'll be meaningless to follow out.
E) Whistle to tell everyone my pitiful butt is lost, please come rescue me.
F) Flashlight also self explanatory. Put batteries in backward until needed. They won't go dead that way.
G) Riser cord is also called 550 cord. If you're ever stuck in the boonies you're gonna wish you had rope. This is small, strong and easy to pack.

Other stuff will vary by location and weather conditions. Wet? Extra socks. Sunny but snowy? Sunglasses. You get the idea. A first aid kit isn't a bad idea. I confess to not carrying one, that will probably change when I get hurt.

[TMM]

when i go hunting i will see if i can carry a backup pistol like a 1911... i head there's PETA crazies and such that go around killing hunters... or atleast trying. i don't want to take a chance.

~TMM

[NRA4LIFE]

I think it's against the law to do anything on Sunday in Wisconsin other than drinking beer and watching the Packers.

[Kingcreek]

I am getting ready for a Utah wilderness elk hunt (archery)
I carry a small pack with some essentials. most of it sealed in waterproof plastic (yay Foodsaver!) compass, surefire flashlight and spare batteries, windproof butane lighter and also some strike anywhere matches and kindling (toilet paper is best- ie dual purpose), extra knife (lightwt Erikkson mora), paracord, 1 pair dry socks, and a roll of Elastikon 2" tape- like an ACE bandage with adhesive- use for sprained ankle or knee or for making a darn good compression bandage with a bandana if needed. Also a small packet of dried fruit and nuts. always carry some water also.

[tuna]

My kit is pretty much what 1911guy said with a coupel additions.

I've got a military canteen with cup and a folding stove with a couple bars of fuel. I can at least drink hot water, coffee if I bring any.
A large compression bandage. I got rid of most of my first aid kit, if I need a band aid, I can use a hankie, if I need a big bandage, I probably NEED A BIG BANDAGE.
A couple large bandanas, or cravats, for splint/sling or to clean off my glasses.
Electrical tape wrapped around my minimag lite. Makes it easier to bite the flashlight and I've got tape if needed.
Snare wire: takes up so little space, and if I need it, while I'm setting it up I know someone will come by to tell me I'm doing it wrong and tell me the right way to do it - I can then ask him where the *&%*&(*^^& road is.

[pcf]

It never hurts to set up camp in the backyard or close to home before going hunting or camping. So many little things that we take for granted and forget.

Other things:
WATER!
Food,
a sturdy, clear water bottle
Small metal cup,
Trashbags,
Small strobe light
Nailclippers
Cell phone if it works where your hunting

Inform someone where your going and when you'll be back, and if your late specify a time frame to call for help.

[Bill2k1]

PCF- I do primative camping out of a truck so I know what to take for that. I want a small list I can throw in say a butt pack or small belt pouch.

The area I hunt is 2 miles south of the nearest town and 30 minutes from decient medical treatment. Mostly hunting small game/maybe some dove. I tend to carry alot of ammo when I go I also carry some water. Good lists so far.

[borrowedtime69]

i hunt small game alot up in the colorado mountains alone, and i take most all the things everybody has listed previously. the one thing i would add that i carry for shelter is a GI body bag, cause it rolls up very small if you cut off the webbing handles and its very water proof. along with that i carry a military poncho liner as a lightweight blanket inside. this rigg will keep you warm and dry. -Eric

[OH25shooter]

Don't forget the most important thing when hunting alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.

[pcf]

Just went through the camping/hunting jacket (needed to anyways)

-dog treats
-metal cup

-heavy duty trashbag (for shelters etc)
-toilet paper in zipper bag
-9v strobe light
-surefire batteries
-cigarette lighter
-2 tea candles
-small first aid kit (ace wrap, bandaids, pressure dressing, immodium, tweezers)
-nail clippers
-fishing and snare kit in 35mm film canister
-iodine tablets
-snack food
-trail marking tape
-compass
-whistle
-20' 550 cord
-4 quarters taped together
-laminated index cards with my emergency contact info, bloodtype, known drug alergies, current medications, and primary care physicians contact info

With the exception of the TP it all fits in a zipper baggy.

[Lennyjoe]

Fanny pack consists of;
GPS (Rino 120 with radio capability)
50ft of parachute cord
TP
flashlight with spare batteries
Light sticks
knife sharpener
Emergency blanket (silver one that can also be used as a marker panel)

On the person;
10MM S&W 1006 with 2 spare mags
Rifle with 10 extra rounds or bow and 6 arrows
Buck folding knife

And that's about it.

[RugerOldArmy]

Cell phone, GPS, Blackberry, and your Amex Card? :neener:

Times have changed ;)

[arcticap]

Nobody mentioned a map. I prefer topographical ones, even photocopies so I don't mind folding them up and wrinkling them. :D

[1911 guy]

aren't a bad idea at all. Just remember that like a compass, it does you no good if you wait until you'r lost to look at it. Keep you position current by looking at it periodicaly and at the land features (topography) around you. There are no roadsigns to look at after you're lost.

[Fumbler]

When I hunt I bring a camo lumbar pack (glorified fanny pack). Inside this is a compass, lighter, matches, plastic waterproof bag for paper towels (you never know when nature calls), very small folding knife, water, a snack, paracord, bug spray, a whistle, a roll of flagging and a few other odds and ends.
In addition I have my primary hunting gun and a sidearm, usually a Sig 228 or Ruger GP-100. I never go into public lands without a sidearm and an extra magazine or speedloader (there can be some crazy people about those woods). I always have my Microtech LCC and a Vixtorinox super tinker in my pocket no matter where I go, but I also take along a Fallkniven F1.
Thats about it. Ohh yeah, my car keys, cell phone and wallet too.

[22-rimfire]

Good lists. As mentioned, I like a topo map and compass. I usually just print a topo off the computer. It really depends on the terraine and how far you are from roads and towns. It is also fun to just look at the map from time to time depending on the size of the area that you hunt. It is pretty easy to get lost on flat rolling lands that are timber covered... no reference points. If it is really flat and "the same everywhere"... take a GPS and pay attention to where you go relative to your starting point or where your camp or car is parked.

I always carry a disposable parka (~$5 max). If it is rainey, then a regular one is used or taken along. Parka's also make great wind breaks to keep you warm if it becomes an issue.

The important things are to carry things that will allow yourself to stay warm and dry. Good Hat (and gloves in the winter). Then matches, TP/paper towels, water bottle (no soft drinks). Zip lock bags work well for packing things and keeping them dry short of a major dunking in a lake or river. I usually have back up matches, stored in two different containers versus just in the pocket.

I have been known to carry a book with me if I'm hunting from a tree stand or blind. Depends on the amount of game in the area. No game; everyone bets bored. The book keeps you from taking walks.

I take munchies.... trail mix, granola bars, lunch if I am not going back to the car during the day. It really depends how far you are from the car and how well you know the terraine. You don't want to get lost.

Take EXTRA set of car keys and cell phone if you have one. Back up guns... just a lot of weight that is un-necessary. If you are hunting with a rifle or long gun, you don't need a handgun... unless you just like to carry one. There are not that many crazies out there. They exist.

[Mannlicher]

Mostly I hunt alone. I usually do not go far from the truck, a few miles at the most.
I just dug out the little fanny pack I carry. This inexpensive one has one large rear pocket, two smaller side pockets, and two even smaller ones on top of those.
I was hog hunting not long back, so the pack is still full of stuff.

Two compasses
Small Midland 2 Way radio and batteries. Sony Walkman radio & earphones.
One Case X Changer knife, One small Henckle paring knife. Sharpener
length of 550 cord
Roll up wire saw. Fold up Saw.
light stick, lighter, fire starter material. TP in a baggie doubles for this use.
Mini Mag light, and batteries. One small LED light.
extra ammo for rifle and handgun
Space Blanket
Skeeter head net, gloves
small first aid assortment in an Altoid Can
Goretex Poncho
Extra socks
Couple of energy bars
latex gloves, Gallon Plastic bags, cheese cloth
small top spiral notebook, ball point pen.
don't often take a map. I know the areas I hunt like the back of my hand.

[Fumbler]

Ohh man, flashlight, gotta have a flashlight. I forgot to mention I keep one LED headlamp and one xenon lithium cell flashlight in my pack. I use the LED for walking, they last a long time, and the xenon for looking far or if i have to signal to someone.

Take EXTRA set of car keys and cell phone if you have one. Back up guns... just a lot of weight that is un-necessary. If you are hunting with a rifle or long gun, you don't need a handgun... unless you just like to carry one. There are not that many crazies out there. They exist.
Good advice. When I worked with the forest service the guys kept keys duct taped to parts of the chassis.

I take a handgun with me for a couple of reasons. First is you never know who you'll encounter or when you'll need more shots than the 4 in your rifle magazine or the 5 in your shotgun. I have heard some public lands I hunt are sometimes filled with illegal immigrants who poach. Also, it is illegal in one county I hunt to hunt with a centerfire rifle unless you're 8 feet off the ground. It would be a pity to just stand and watch a huge buck walk by while I stand there with my climber on my back and unloaded 308 slung on my shoulder. In those times the 357 may come out if a good shot presents itself ;) I never go more than a mile away from my car (there's not enough land for that) so the weight is no big deal.

[killzone]

megaphone!
hot spot light
gum (not mint)
beef jerky
ramen noodels
bells
gar bags
allergy med
asprin
garlic (natural anti biotic)
1911 in a condom (it fits and still shoots - try it)
light collecting lens for fire
2000 psi ox tube( if the area is high and low air)
black - white - red rope
knee pads
razors
mac oil

[Sunray]

"...something happens..." Like what? CYA says take a topographical map, a compass(assuming you know how to use 'em. A GPS unit will do), water and a cell phone. A space blanket, a BIC lighter and water is all you really need.
Mind you, I like hunting alone. Just pay attention to where the sun was when I went into the bush. Knowing what the road is helps too.
Takes a bit of experience, but the biggest thing is not being afraid of the bush. The absolute worst thing you'll ever run into is Pepe Le Pew. If he's healthy and you leave him alone, he'll leave you alone. Rocky Raccoon is only interested in food. Yogi isn't interested in you. You stink of trouble to him.
Truly, Bill2k1, being alone in the bush isn't a bad thing. It's very soothing being alone in the bush. It's called 'bush time'. Good for your mental health so it is.

[1911 guy]

The more you carry in your head, the less you carry in your pack. That being said, I'm about as likely to go off with a loincloth and pointy stick as I am to walk on the moon. There are many who can and do get by with less than I carry, but I stick with what I got. Like Sunray said, don't be afraid of the woods, just know your limits and try to learn more.

[22-rimfire]

1911 Guy and Sunray: Good points. These lists are nice. I think it really depends where you hunt and distance to highways and so forth. What do I actually carry with me besides gun, shells, and appropriate clothing.... topo map for the fun of it; paperback book; cell phone because I can get reception; munchies; small digital camera; extra keys (usually at the vehicle); disposable rain gear; sometimes a shooting stick; wool scarf for the neck on windy days; rope; two knives (belt and pocket); parka (if rain or cold and windy); scent control products; matches; urine bottle if on a tree stand; several bottles of bottle water; compass (for the heck of it); lunch (if I am not going back to the car); and head lamp or small flash light; and binoculars.

At the vehicle-and full change of clothes; extra shells; tennis shoes; more food; bigger flashlight; medium sized first aid kit; more water; more rope; spare lighter coat or heavier depending on weather; shovel for getting un-stuck or helping someone else get un-stuck; tow rope; jumper cables; and parka if I don't have it with me.

[jdkelly]

GPS-clipped on backpack straps
Compass-in jacket pocket
Back Up Compass-in backpack
Clip on Compass-on jacket front
Map(s)-in jacket pocket
Small Flashlight-in belt holster
Knife-in belt holster
Back Up Small Flashlight-in backpack
Batteries-in backpack (GPS and Flashlights use same batteries)
Matches-in backpack
Space Blanket-in backpack
Food-in jacket pocket and backpack
Water-in backpack
Light Weight Rain Gear-in backpack
Small Medical Kit-in backpack
TP-in backpack
Small Hand towels (2)-in backpack
Hard Candy/Snack-in jacket pocket
Wallet with cash-in zipped pocket of backpack
Keys-clipped to backpack and zipped
Ammo-in jacket pocket and backpack

Sometimes I carry a small strobe light.

All of this only weights a few pounds


Respectfully,

jkelly

[warriorsociologist]

Well, it can be anywhere between -20 F degrees and 45 F degrees when I hunt in N. Wisconsin, so I generally carry (I'm never more than an hour's walk or so away from the house/camp):

(1) rifle (5 rds. in mag) + 5 or so more rounds.
(1) handgun in a legal length & hunting caliber (between my 6" 686 or one of my 10mms) + spare mag or speadloader
(1) sighting compass
(1) 1 spare "type 7" or similar compass
(1) stout fixed blade knife
(1) "backup" folding knife
(1) lighter
(1) flattened 1/2 roll of TP in ziplock bag
(1) whistle (Fox 40) on neck cord
(1-3) packs of handi-wipes
(1) handkerchief
(1) 'drag out' rope/harness
(1) LED headlamp (w/ lithium AAs) - and both clear & red lens covers
(1) stripped-down sectional rifle cleaning kit (in case I take a tumble & get snow or something in my bore)
- and sometimes a camelback "stealth" under my jacket plus a few pieces of jerky or sunflower seeds if I'm going to be out all day.
- Also, on most of my land, I can get cell phone reception, so I have taken to bringing one along (ringer OFF). ;)
- I am thinking of taking a no-sh&% trauma/first aid kit just in case (I have a fanny-pack sized one I made for backpacking)...probably will bring it this year.
- Finally, usually when I am field dressing my deer, I get a little warm and take off my jacket. Long ago I took to wearing a blaze orange shirt & ballcap underneath so that my top half stayed "hunter" (not hunted) colors. Even though I hunt on my land, I was mistaken for game once before...and that one time was enough.

[Bill2k1]

Thanks for the outstanding replies. I got a good idea on what I need to put into my day pack. Thanks again.

[BeLikeTrey]

but here goes
hip pack:
First aid kit w/snakebite kit
also few scraps of tshirt sleeves
rope/cord
Camo netting blanket sized folded up tight (fine)
"striking paper"
S.A. knife
lighter
miniflask denatured alcohol
emergency pancho (about the equivalent of a trashbag LOL)
mini flashlight
Jerky (I always end up eating it too :) )

belt:
radio and cellphone spotty reception where I hunt
main sidearm 9 or a 45
BU Gun .380 (this has had to be used once, so now it is as religeous as those that have lucky underwear or hat etc)-long story
30-06 rifle
extra mags
big knife

go on with the Rambo jokes... :rolleyes: I like to be prepared though

[elkhunter]

Keep in mind that I hunt away from the truck/camp, all day and unless I think there is a really good reason, I ain't goin' back if I'm into game. (A missing limb would be one of those good reasons)

In the pack:
1. Lunch (usually a few PB&J sandwiches)
2. Jerky
3. A few candybars for snacks on the go.
4. Water- I carry at least a half gallon jug, and sometimes add two small
waterbottles in the side pockets that they were made for.
5. Extra Socks
6. Extra Gloves
7. Either a baseball or stocking cap depending which one is on my head
when I leave in the morning.
8. A first-aid Kit for minor injuries.
9. Space Blanket
10. Lighter/Matches. Usually both.
11. Compass
12. Map or photocopy of the area I'm Hunting
13. 50' of nylon cord
14. Gerber pack-axe
15. Extra cow call
16. A couple of predator calls in case hunting is really slow.
17. Speedloader for .44
18. Extra 5 rifle shells
19. Fixed Blade Knife
20. Sharpening Stone
21. My truck keys
22. My dad's truck key
23. Leatherman
24. Flagging tape
25. Flashlight
26. Extra batteries
27. Latex Gloves for field dressing
28. Garbage bag or two. (heart and liver mmmm....)

On Me:
1. Binoculars
2. S&W 629 (6 in the gun and 1 Speedloader)
3. Extra 5 rifle shells in pocket
4. Folding knife for general use
5. Couple of different cow calls.
6. Lots of clothing layers which get removed and stowed in pack as it
warms up.


I'm probably missing a couple of things, but that's pretty much everything.

A note on the amount of water I carry. Yes, It's a lot of weight, but I'm moving almost all day and usually drink everything I carry. My dad was making fun of me when I first started doing it, but I noticed last year he had the same amount in his pack now. Besides It's just as important to stay hydrated while hunting as it is when you do any other activity.

[Byron Quick]

I take along pretty much what has been mentioned. However, I really, really don't like to hunt alone. All of my CPR classes neglected to teach me how to do it to myself.

The number one emergency aid is a buddy.

[warriorsociologist]

The number one emergency aid is a buddy.

Hey Bryon... Who's his? (your buddy's)? ;)
Actually, it IS perhaps something to think about. This isn't intended as a flame or negatively, but if he (she?) goes down with an injury of some type, it would be mighty handy if you had made it a priority to know basic first aid, etc. before hand - for boh of your sakes. Years back, I hunted with my younger brother to teach him the ropes. The year I told him it was finally "his turn" to field dress his own deer (instead of watching me do it), he inadvetently sliced his own wrist/hand open while guesturing to me about what he was about to do while dropping to his knees beside the animal. It was very fortunate that he didn't sever any tendons or that he wasn't alone. He was bleeding badly and went into mild shock (more from the sight of his own blood and the exersion from hicking to the animal I think). Anyway, had he been the only one who knew how to take care of that wound, I'm not sure he would have been effective in telling me what to do. Hmmm... This post is already longer and more "preachy" that I would have liked, but I think you get my drift.
Respectfully,
- Chris

[Byron Quick]

My dad had a fractured femur in a car accident. The surgeon put a pin down. A year later the pin started causing problems and was removed. Dad walked around fine for months. Then he went deer hunting one day. No fall. Nothing dramatic. He just sat under a persimmon tree for a couple of hours and then decide to get up and move around some. When he tried to stand up; his thigh bent in the middle. The femur had fractured again. While he was sitting on the ground. Tough old bird only had to crawl a quarter mile to his truck and then drive fifteen miles to a hospital with one useable leg. With a clutch.

I have no desire to find out if I'm that tough.

Hey Bryon... Who's his? (your buddy's)?

Hopefully, we won't both need assistance of that degree simultaneously.

[warriorsociologist]

Hopefully none of us will. - Glad he was so tough.
Take care & stay safe.
- C

[Vern Humphrey]

My hunting varies from a stroll out the back door for squirrels, deer or turkey, to a trip to Colorado for elk.

For elk hunting, I carry:

Rifle -- mine is Bigfoot Wallace, a custom '03 Springfield in .35 Brown-Whelen
Extra ammo -- at least 5 rounds (why not?)
Belt knife.
Compass (on watch)
GPS (in shirt pocket)
FRS radio (in shirt pocket)
Small flashlight (in pack)
Spare batteries (in pack)
Maps (in leg pocket)
Water -- soda bottle in pocket or pack
Saw -- Gerber (jacknife-type with two blades -- wood and bone)
Roll of surveyor's marking tape (to mark kill and trail to kill)
Plastic trashbags (to hold meat -- you bone an elk out and carry out the meat)
Knife sharpener
Throw-away raingear
Space blanket
Lighter
Fire starter
Whistle
Down vest
Lunch
Toilet paper

I wear:
Thick socks -- Wal Mart "hunting socks" are the best I've ever found -- and I'm an Infantryman who has tried them all.)
Insulated boots -- you have to stop and sit a lot while hunting
Wool shirt
Light jacket or battle dress shirt over wool
Battle dress pants
Waffle-weave long underwear
Blaze orange watch cap
Blaze orange vest
Wool gloves (add shell for wet or snow)

For very cold weather, I will add a Cabelas unlined gore-tex waterfowler's parka.

For wet weather, I will add Sportsman's Guide gore-tex socks (from Sportsman's guide.)