For big game, I travel light. Normally just the rifle, Buck 110, and some cheese crackers. Water is abundant here. Of course, there will be miscellaneous items in my mackinaw pockets. Always have 4 or 5 spare shells for my rifle, and a little pen light just in case I get caught out too far. Some kitchen matches (wrapped in newspaper) tucked into a 45-70 case with a .38 case for a lid. Also tend to save a little of the poly hay twine, about 10 or 15 feet, and roll it up tight and stick it in a coat pocket. Let's not forget the great big safety pin stuck to the inside pocket. It has a dozen uses. That's really about all.
For small game, I travel even lighter. I generally carry a .22 rifle, 50 rounds of ammo, and good pocket knife. The other things are most likely still in my mackinaw pockets if I need them, but I usually don't. I have a home-made squirrel carrier that comes with me, too. If I think I'll be out most of the day, I'll slip a bottle of water in my pocket.
As far as hunting clothes, I usually wear a grey or green shirt, green and brown briar pants, and a grey and black mackinaw coat if its cold. Have a nice old Duxback canvas game vest for when it's warmer. Orange hat during deer season, grey/green cap or grey SK when it isn't. Boots are either lace up Redwings or rubber LaCrosse. I am a traditionalist, I guess, but I like to keep things simple. Over the years I've found that it's not necessarily the arrow, but the Indian, that gets the job done. You can be completely decked out in the latest scent blocker camo, have the latest and greatest gun, ammo, and gear, but if you sound like a team of logging mules coming through the woods, you'll more than likely go home hungry.
Mac
