"Be Prepared" Is Easy To Take But Often Overlooked Advice

Tom Carlsen, FWP Wildlife Biologist

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Lessons learned the hard way might be the lessons we remember longest. In my case, I learned the value of a good flashlight years ago one moonless night in the Elkhorns, looking for a runaway mule.  

I found my flashlight had dead batteries just when I needed it most. The switch had turned on in my pack accidentally and burned out the batteries.   Fortunately, Socks, my horse, could see in the dark and we made it safely back to camp late that night.

I didn’t find the mule, Lollipop, until the next day.   I’ve carried a headlamp with a locking switch ever since.

The fact is, if you spend enough time outdoors, hunting or otherwise, things can and will go wrong. The best defense is being prepared—and yet this simplest of mottos is overlooked time and again.

  One quick way to join the prepared is to always carry a well-equipped pack.

Your pack should have enough of the “right” gear to enable you to deal with almost any situation.

Right means specific to the season and the activities. Right also means you have what you need to ensure your survival. If you have the right stuff, you’re prepared to carry on, even if things go wrong. And, in an emergency, you’re the stranger everyone hopes will come by.

I use the same pack year round, adding or pulling out gear and clothes, depending on the season. For example, right now I have all my hunting-related gear packed and ready to go.

One way to organize your stuff is by functional group. Your top three may be different than mine, which are a basic pack, survival stuff and hunting stuff.   As seasons and interests change, so will your pack.

The main thing with the pack itself is to buy a good one that fits well, is lightweight and comfortable to carry. Most importantly though, commit to never getting more than 20 feet from your rig without putting the pack on.

Here is what I consider the essentials in the basic, survival and hunting backpack groups:

Hunting Pack List

BASIC PACK

Pocket Knife

Wrist or Pocket Watch

Extra Clothes, Gore-tex rain gear (good for layering)

Polar Fleece or Wool Stocking Cap

One quart water/more is optional, can use a filter canteen for using water in field

Compass/GPS unit

High-energy foods

Extra Gloves

First Aid Kit

Flashlights, at least two and check batteries before you go, and try to get locking switches

Extra Batteries and Bulbs

Maps

Matches in Waterproof Container

Fire Starter- various kinds on the market

Rope (50 feet of small diameter nylon cord)

Toilet Paper

Orange Flagging

Large Plastic Garbage Bag

Butane Pocket Lighter With Locking Switch

SURVIVAL STUFF Space Blanket

Whistle

Mirror

Additional First Aid Items Depending On Activities

         

HUNTING STUFF Two Knives

Knife Sharpener

Saw for Dressing Animals

Latex Gloves for Dressing Animals

Handy Wipes

Zip Lock Bags

Silver Duct or Electrician’s Tape

Extra Ammunition