Hey guys - this is my first year bowhunting and I'm still working through the how-to's and what-to-bring's of the sport. I hunt public land and I like to get away from the crowds, hiking in deep where others don't go. That being said, I usually pack for the day since I'm far from the truck. I'm curious to hear what else you guys bring or if you think I'm nuts. Here's what I usually pack: GPS + compass Extra set of batteries Laminated map of the area Grunt call Scent + scent control Rattling antlers Binos Facemask Safety harness Extra gloves Cell phone Knife Drag rope/strap Water + food (esp for all day sits) Small blanket On Scouting Trips: Hanging stand Climbing sticks Small hand saw Bow hook/gear hook for tree What else do you guys bring for a day in the stand on mid to late season hunts?
In addition to what you listed I'll also throw in a camera (or two), ratchet pruners, a couple magazines or book, gutting gloves, headlamp and primos can call. I won't leave a stand on public land so I am also packing in and out my climber and the bow/gear hooks.
It depends but this time of year: Extra Gloves Grunt call Doe can-call (underated) Some string Rattling antlers Bottle of water Doe n heat urine w/ scent wicks Gut knife/ butout maybe some dip or chew but usually not
Phillip - good catch on the headlamp/flashlight! I need to throw one in the bag. One thing I cannot do, though, is read in the stand. I'm too paranoid that I'll miss a deer passing through, make too much noise flipping pages, or be stuck with a book in my hands when I need to grab my bow and get ready for a shot.
Here's my list for this time of year: Headlamp rattling antlers can call grunt water bottle porta john rope bow arm harness gear hook snickers bar wind checker extra gloves a magazine or two
Wind checker, rope, and TP. Wow - how did I miss these things on my list? Good stuff, guys. What else?
Oh yeah I forgot about this but this year I added one of those 1-2 Person first aid kits to my pack. As for the reading, I will typically read a paragraph and scan the woods, read a paragraph then scan. I also usually only takes those when I am planning on sitting dark to dark.
First off, sweet avatar, dude!! Second, the only things I can think of extra are those little heat things that warm up your hands, pull up rope, zip ties, matches, lighter, whistle. Sometimes I carry an extra hat and extra gloves and doe estrus...
I don't carry one. I have a pouch on my stand (saddle bag) that holds: bow hook; haul line; tether. I carry my tab and a flashlight in my quiver. My gloves and facemask sometimes ride in my hand muff or in my quiver, also. That's it.
Ah, ZIP TIES - the greatest thing since sliced bread and duct tape! Matches/lighter are a great addition as well. I may need a bigger pack....
you pretty much got it nailed.. i'll throw some money (folding and change) just in case? first aid kit, small signaling mirror. cant really think of anything else. i too used to hunt public land in MN and would always leave a shirt or something with my scent on it in the truck. just in case someone was looking for me with the dogs they had something to start on....
Flashlight or two, snacks, a beverage, gloves, range finder, binos, scent block and some of the other little things mentioned. I have a blackberry so any reading I do is on that, browse the web, etc. When things are slow in the woods, the blackberry is a life saver. I do believe in survival items but where I hunt I'm always with somebody or I'm on my property and someone knows where I'm at so I don't bring fire starting items and such. Wouldn't hurt though, you never know
I bring... A knife, some rope, headlight, rubber gloves, cell phone, candy bar, water bottle, scent, calls, extra release (upgrade, so have an extra, might come in handy sometime), and a monocular.
Flashlight, Knife, Bow/Gear Hanger, Bottle of Water, Grunt Call, Rattling Antlers, Hunters Orange vest, Cell Phone, Compass, TP, maybe a couple protein bars if sitting all day. (And sometimes Binos)
???? do u take a ow with u or do u make it out of sticks and string u take in???? just asking it wasnt in your post
Toilet paper is #1 on my list!!! Calls Bow hanger Pull up rope Hot hands Dressing gloves Range finder Binoculars Some jerky Sunflower Seeds Chew
Some of you guys take more in on an afternoon whitetail hunt than I do when heading deep into the Rockies chasing elk. Whew!
Jake - are you kidding me? Carry something heavy like a bow into the woods? I just use my air-bow, you know...kinda like air guitar, but for hunting. Starting to think I may need a roller-style suitcase to haul this much stuff in. You'd almost need to be an Airborne Ranger to drag a deer out with this pack on your back. * Edit: my Hoyt Maxxis is almost as light as my air-bow.
