|
Author
|
Topic: Preparing for a hunt
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 18, 2009 02:59 PM
I think there is some benefit in having a plan, when going on a hunt so that you don't forget anything. If anybody has something that makes their preparation easier with less mistakes, by all means, let's hear from you.
The first thing I assess is my ammunition and batteries. If I need to load, I do it, providing at least twice as many rounds as I think I will need. At this time I also start charging all the batteries I will be using, for flashlights and electronic calls. There again, I usually pack at least twice what I think I will need.
I make sure all the fluids are topped off on the truck and change oil as needed. I also take along at least a couple spare quarts of oil and a gallon of antifreeze. I also make sure that my portable starter battery has a full charge.
Okay, then I start with warm weather clothes. Even if it is early season, I always have a warm jacket and a spare pair of boots. I pack 5 or 6 extra pair of socks and several changes of underwear and at least another pair of civilian pants.
I go through the house from top to bottom because I can't store everything in one location. Every room, den, garage, bed room, hall closets, and a storage shed out back. That way, I seldom forget an essential item.
As I put a firearm in the vehicle, I pack the ammo for that gun. In other words, I don't pack an armload of guns and then a bunch of ammo...too easy to forget. Example, I throw in a 22-250 and a 243 and then pack ammo for the 22-250 and a 6mm. That's a no no. The gun and the ammo go in together. If you only use one gun, great. But, I might pack different gund depending on where I am going and of course, they are not always the same.
Cammo. Yeah, I know we don't need it but I always pack several sets, bibs and separates, mix and match, desert and woodland and don't forget your snow camo because just as soon as you decide that it's October and you don't need it, guess what? I have encountered blizzards in October plenty times, so I never even take my snow cables out of the truck, I don't care what season it is. A live and learn situation.
So, you want to make sure that you have a good assortment of hand calls, make sure your hunting lights work, check your tire pressure, try the electronics make sure they are functioning properly and always keep the remote with the machine; that way you won't forget it. Pack a couple spare 9V batteries for the remote. If it's cold, you may need to change them a couple times. Sun glasses and an extra pair of corrective lenses. Bring your subzero mukluks, never apologize if it turns out that they weren't needed. Brink extras for the other guy if he has a history of coming unprepared.....
Pack plenty of snacks and cold drinks and bring at least two good thermos'. Music? Might as well, if your partner is sleeping on ya. I don't like to see a partner sleep while I'm driving and visa versa. I had one asshole fall asleep on me while I was in the back and my son was supposed to be keeping the driver company. But, guess what, they both fell asleep and we crossed over oncoming traffic and went bouncing around out in the desert! So, change drivers and work together. I never closed my eyes on that dude ever again.
You need to pack local maps in as fine detail as necessary. Road maps are still necessary because the GPS gives a sort of tunnel vision, if you know what I mean?
Make sure that you know where you packed stuff. I remember one time when I had all my gear on board and my buddy threw in all his crap on top of all of my stuff. Fine, but when we got to where we were hunting, we had some really nasty weather and short of tossing all his gear out in the snow, I couldn't get to any of my stuff. And, he had a lot, tables, camping gear, tent, etc. Put your stuff on one side and make him pack his stuff on the other side. Don't be a nice guy and leave him all the room while you store your gear in side compartments because he's going to be lazy and throw all his stuff hither and yon, and dominate the whole back, if you let him!
Make sure that you have hunting licenses and tags or at least know where to get them before you hit the dirt. Always set your trip odometer and make sure you know how far you can drive on a tank of gas. This is basically for wildeness or remote areas. If you never leave sight of the blacktop, it probably doesn't matter as much?
So, what did I miss? There's always something and hopefully, it isn't a big deal.
Anybody have a thought or two on how to plan a trouble free hunt?
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
22-250
Knows what it's all about
Member # 36
|
posted July 18, 2009 05:14 PM
The key to the spare tire lock!
--------------------
The coyote is a living, breathing allegory of Want. He is always hungry. He is always poor, out of luck and friendless. The meanest creatures despise him and even the flea would desert him for a velocipede.
Posts: 108 | From: Longview, Texas, glad to be gone | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 18, 2009 06:20 PM
Oh man! That was a good one, wasn't it? It's amazing what you can do to a 3/8ths cable with a hammer and beating against the frame for an hour or so?
But, I got it now. We learn from our mistakes.
And, BTW, that wasn't you I was talking about throwing all your gear on top of mine. Could have been, but wasn't. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Good hunting. LB
[ July 18, 2009, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
|
posted July 18, 2009 06:21 PM
Bolt cutters ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
--------------------
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 18, 2009 06:23 PM
Yeah, bolt cutters or a voltage inverter and a grinder might be just as good, maybe better?
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
|
posted July 18, 2009 06:26 PM
As the hunting season gets closer i start to remove work related equipement from the truck and start putting in equipement i would need for just incase. Firstaid kit, 2 cans of fix-a-flat, spare batteries and a few maps, tow strap and two short chains, shovel, extra oil, small allen wrench set, scope lens cleaner,shooting targets, and a small tool bag..
Most of my hunting gear is organized in key areas in the house so i just have to walk into a room and pic what i will need for the trip.
Like Leonard i take along 3 different sets of camo's and a few extra in one color.
I try to have my gear set out and ready for loading into the truck 2-3 days ahead of time and i make sure all electronics is charged and workable at least a week in advance or sooner.
I go through the guns a few days before and make sure they are clean and enough ammo is loaded up, i try to bring at least 3 guns on a hunt..
I use three bags for my gear, one for hunting cloths and extra pr. of boots, a call bag with extra batteries and maps, extra lens pen and i also put my ammo in it. The third bag is for extra gloves, skinning equipement, extra rifle sling, string,camo face masks, extra pr. of socks, flash lites, ect.
I site my rifles in on the mourning i leave for my trip and if anything is forgotten i then drive by the house and pick it up on my way west..
--------------------
What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5622 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
CrossJ
SECOND PLACE: PAUL RYAN Look-a-like contest
Member # 884
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:08 PM
Tools. I also take an extra set of wiper blades. Even a new set can get cut up pretty quick in icey conditions. I also stated carrying one of those small aircompressors that plug into the cig lighter. They arent super fast, but have been very handy at times.
Tom, I see you are in Longview now. My kids live in Marshal during the school year.
Maintain
P.S. Don't forget the TP
--------------------
A friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a body.
Posts: 1025 | From: on a water tower | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:14 PM
You misread that sig line, Geordie. He is happy to be long gone from Long Valley, a long time ago. He lives in posh Poway, CA these days.
Good hunting. LB
edit: yeah, I always have an air compressor on board, but I really like an idea I noticed on the REZZ. They carry an air tank, a lot faster than a small compressor. The dirt bikers use them, as well. If you have the space, it's a good idea.
[ July 18, 2009, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
CrossJ
SECOND PLACE: PAUL RYAN Look-a-like contest
Member # 884
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:33 PM
Yep, Sorry. I was wondering why someone would leave the high desert for east Tx?
I agree, the airtank is very handy, but it does take up space. I once built a rear bumper out of 6" pipe. The ends were sealed, and it could be charged just like an airtank. Very handy, and out of the way.
--------------------
A friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a body.
Posts: 1025 | From: on a water tower | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:35 PM
Back in the hot rod days if the rear bumper was to high we had to put a pipe or bar below it to get a legal height. Since most of us use airshocks we went the pipe route and sealed both ends and put a air-chuck adapter on it and filled with air incase we had to add some to the shocks.. Later on when i bought my first 4-wheel drive i had the same thing done to the roll-bar. Comes in pretty handy and don't take up any room. Now i just have a couple cans of fix-a-flat along..
--------------------
What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5622 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:36 PM
LOL we posted at same time..
--------------------
What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5622 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:36 PM
I see that Leonard included the extra eyeglasses. I always keep at least one old pair in the glove box in case the ones I use daily get broken and no longer wearable. Most of my trips out are an 8 hour jaunt on a good day and I'd hate to make that drive in a blurry haze.
Speaking of extra stuff, my grandpa taught me when I first got a truck to have things like belts and hoses replaced with new stuff before they break, then put the old ones in the toolbox to use if the one on the truck should break. Along with a jug of 50/50 antifreeze, there has been two different times when I got back up and going by removing an old hose (heater or radiator), replaced it with the old used one, filled her with coolant and hit the road again.
Two spare tires. Daddy always said never go anywhere without a spare, and if you're in the middle of nowhere and you use your only spare, there you are. Without a spare.
A lesson I took from my dear mommy years ago was to make lists. Lotsa lists. I start compiling a list of everything I'll need at least two weeks in advance of the trip. Keep it on the fridge or someplace equally handy where I can add to it on the fly by. Keep a small slip of paper in one pocket so I can add to it when away from home (at work) and something comes to mind. Check things off as they go in the truck to make sure you get it all. I keep a "master list" in a desk drawer as the start of the next one. It has evolved over the past few years to add a few things and drop some others.
Years in the fire and Emed service taught me to be compartment oriented. My toolbox carries stuff stowed in very specific places, including ammo, calls, decoys, cammies, and guns when appropriate. Skinning stuff, too. Speaking of that, I made a dandy skinning rig for my truck this year as well as a fleshing beam, both of which mount to the receiver hitch. Keep latex gloves, several types of knives, a sharpener and an apron in the toolbox and skin/ flesh everything in the field. Much more efficient than toting dead critters all over, especially when traveling. Peel, flesh and dust the skin side with borax.
Always have at least two rifles with me, and a shotgun. Hate to be eight hours from home and be gun poor.
[ July 18, 2009, 07:38 PM: Message edited by: Cdog911 ]
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5440 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 18, 2009 07:39 PM
Anybody that can arc weld the ends shut on a 6" pipe is a decent welder.
edit: I'd be forced to TIG 'em.
[ July 18, 2009, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Lonny
PANTS ON THE GROUND
Member # 19
|
posted July 19, 2009 04:03 AM
For the big trips I make a list weeks in advance just so nothing vital is forgotten.
When keys were mentioned above it reminded me of my brother-in-law, who on 3 trips that I was with him locked his keys in the cab and the "hidden" spare was never to be found. I can also remember spending a considerable amount of time trying to find keys in 6" of snow. Frustrating. Always have a spare set or three along.
Posts: 1209 | From: Lewiston, Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
|
posted July 19, 2009 05:19 AM
While lists of what to bring are good, I think that the list needs to be edited somewhat regularly to delete unneeded items. Otherwise we end up driving a tackle box with 'Winnebego' written on the side of it, knowing we have what we need but having no idea where it's at 'cause we brought along to much crap.
--------------------
And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8237 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Greenside
seems to know what he is talking about
Member # 10
|
posted July 20, 2009 07:19 AM
4 ft farm jack, a couple of short oak 2x12, 4 way lug wrench, fencing pliers, short roll of 12 ga wire, short coal shovel for snow and long handle sand shovel for mud and snow, couple rings of bologna and a block of extra sharp cheddar, 3-5 gallons of drinking water.
Dennis
Edit: I should mention that I'm on blood thinners and I alway have a few applications of QR Stop Bleed powder in my first aid kit along with a pen of Dermabond wound closure(super glue). Might be a good idea for everyone.
[ July 20, 2009, 08:14 AM: Message edited by: Greenside ]
Posts: 719 | From: IA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
onecoyote
Knows what it's all about
Member # 129
|
posted July 20, 2009 10:07 AM
My California rigs were always ready. Everything I needed was in the truck ready to go for a weekend of day hunting or night hunting.
All I needed to add was my partner, guns&ammo and money. Of course I didn't have all the toys they have nowadays to take along.
--------------------
Great minds discuss ideas.....Average minds discuss events.....Small minds discuss people.....Eleanor Roosevelt.
Posts: 893 | From: Walker Lake Nevada. | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Paul Melching
Radical Operator Forum "You won't get past the front gate"
Member # 885
|
posted July 20, 2009 10:31 AM
Most of my calling ,camping gear ect. is kept in large plastic containers that can be loaded up easily. I just need to decide which rifle or guns and ammo need to be taken along and not forget my hunting lic. Ive done that more than once. The extra glasses are a must Ive a few pair out there somewhere under a bush.
--------------------
Those who value security over liberty soon will have neither !
Posts: 4188 | From: The forest ! north of the dez. | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 20, 2009 10:48 AM
Good contributions, thus far.
I don't know why I forgot to mention my hilift jack? Maybe because it's always on board. I didn't know they were called farm jacks?
And, Danny. Yes, when I was hunting competitively, I also kept a lot of the necessary gear in the truck all the time. But, there have been times when I didn't own a dedicated hunting rig.
Yeah, of course pills and a decent first aid kit.
What else?
edit: I always have a coffee can with as much tire repair plugs of different sizes and glue and the poking thingees. That can has saved me a long walk, a number of times.
Good hunting. LB
[ July 20, 2009, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Dusty Hunter
Knows what it's all about
Member # 1031
|
posted July 20, 2009 11:37 AM
I always like to make sure I have a good stash of TP on board. It saves ripping up t-shirts. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posts: 346 | From: AZ | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Paul Melching
Radical Operator Forum "You won't get past the front gate"
Member # 885
|
posted July 20, 2009 12:07 PM
always like to make sure I have a good stash of TP on board. It saves ripping up t-shirts.
I'snt that what those camo gloves are for?
--------------------
Those who value security over liberty soon will have neither !
Posts: 4188 | From: The forest ! north of the dez. | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
|
posted July 21, 2009 09:40 AM
quote:
I'snt that what those camo gloves are for?
No, that's what you Buddies extra gloves are for!
--------------------
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 21, 2009 10:36 AM
quote:
No, that's what you Buddies extra gloves are for!
What I always do is to sneak those slightly soiled gloves back into his pocket when he ain't looking; particularly if he is an avid hand caller and a camo nut.... dang, hope he don't read this!
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
|
posted July 21, 2009 12:28 PM
quote:
I don't know why I forgot to mention my hilift jack? Maybe because it's always on board. I didn't know they were called farm jacks?
We call them Handi-man jacks up this way..
They where pretty popular at one time but most people now don't use the dam things. I use the jack that came with my pick-up and i also carry a hydralic floor jack and a few pieces of 1x4's..
--------------------
What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5622 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted July 21, 2009 02:17 PM
Tim, they ain't for changing tires. They are sort of an insurance policy for when you find yourself in a rut. You jack it up and then push your truck off of it, hopefully out of the rut or so you can fill the rut with branches or rocks. They have that stuff in Minneeso ta, don't they?
Good hunting. LB
PS hey, how's this "change" working for ya?
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
