| Whenever you venture into the wilderness - even | | | | packing - it's better to be overprepared than |
| if it's no wilder than your state park - you need | | | | underprepared. |
| to make sure you're well prepared for any | | | | You will, of course, be packing your hunting gear. |
| eventuality. If you're going on a guided hunt, your | | | | Your hunting rifle, of course, in a sling carrier to |
| outfitter will probably give you a list of suggested | | | | save you bag. Ammo - more than you need, but |
| items to pack. But still, it pays to plan ahead. First, | | | | don't go crazy. 50 rounds for your main rifle is a |
| think about where you're going and what you're | | | | good number. A sidearm, if you're so inclined. And |
| going to be doing - a guided fall deer hunt in | | | | a cleaning kit. If your rifle has a scope, make sure |
| Michigan will have a different set of requirements | | | | you have lens brushes. Depending on where you'll |
| than winter elk hunting in Sheridan, Wyoming. | | | | sleep, you may need a sleeping bag. Whatever |
| Similarly, you'll need different supplies for an Ozark | | | | the weather or season, pack a "space blanket," a |
| elk hunting trip than for one on a California deer | | | | thin sheet of plastic material coated with a metallic |
| hunting ranch. | | | | substance that reflects about 80 percent of your |
| The first step to smart packing for a hunting trip | | | | body heat back to you when you're wrapped in it. |
| is basic research. If you're traveling to | | | | These come folded up small enough that they can |
| somewhere that you've never been before, hop | | | | fit in your pocket, and could save your life if you |
| on the Internet and find out as much as you can. | | | | get lost on the trail while hunting elk and deer. |
| If you've never been to Manitoba during elk | | | | Pack clothes that will keep you warm and dry |
| hunting season, learn as much as you can before | | | | while hunting, and make sure you have a first aid |
| you start packing. Look into what sort of | | | | kit stocked will all the basics. Also pack enough |
| conditions you'll be encountering, what the | | | | food to keep you going for the long days hunting |
| weather will be like, what the wildlife is like. You | | | | outdoors - energy bars are good, as they take |
| can check city, state and county websites, and | | | | up little space but pack a lot of nutrition. Once you |
| send away for brochures on the area where you'll | | | | know where you're going and what the weather |
| be. Don't take for granted that the weather will | | | | will be like, packing for an elk or deer hunt is |
| be good, or that it'll be like it is in your own | | | | merely a matter of common sense and smart |
| backyard. If there's even the smallest chance of | | | | planning. |
| rain or snow, take that into consideration when | | | | |