A Survival Check List for Your Hunting Trip

There's nothing quite as special as getting in touch with nature when you're going on a hunting trip, but any good sportsman or sportswoman knows that nature can overpower us if we don't take the right precautions. No matter how in tune you think you are, you can never be too safe so it's smart to be prepared. Think of anything that could go wrong, and prepare yourself for that to happen.

Hunting trips often involve being in an unfamiliar area. Whenever you put those hunting boots on and head off with your firearm, you should leave behind somebody that knows where you are going to be and when you are expected to return. This 'hunting plan' is even more important when you are hunting in an unfamiliar area, so leave as many details as you can. If possible, attach a map with your hunting route highlighted to your hunting plan that you are leaving behind with somebody.

Many of the things you need to bring are very basic, and should always be carried in your hunting pack even if you are just hunting in your own back yard. Some of these things may simplify your survival list and save you some money, and some of these things may be 'expensive extras' that if you can afford... could help save your life. You can never be too safe!

These first 3 items are things that you already know you need, though you may not know of these specific items that make your load to carry much smaller, lighter, and less expensive.

Emergency Space Blanket
This handy little thing can actually be found for under $5 at Bass Pro Shops (if you have one nearby.) At that price, and with the conveniently compact size, it couldn't hurt to carry two in your pack at all times. You can see what one looks like by clicking here. The reflective material can prevent someone from freezing even at sub zero temperatures. With the risk of catching hypothermia, carrying an 'emergency space blanket' is an easy protection plan.

Survival Kit
Again this is another necessity that can be bought for under $7. What do you get for your money? A waterproof match case with flint, whistle, compass and mirror. These are the absolute survival basics, combined into one compact item that is not only affordable... it can be carried around your neck so it is always on your person. (View by clicking here.)

Magnesium Fire Starter
Not only will this be the last item I give you that includes a link to view (or buy.) but it is the most helpful thing any outdoorsman or woman can carry in their packs. Seen here for only $6, but can be found for even less ($3 is the cheapest I've found) the magnesium fire starter can be combined with your knife to always be a guaranteed fire starter. (One side of the block is a strip of flint that you scrape into a pile, and then you strike the blade on the other side to send sparks down into the flint scrapings. I toyed with one of these on a past camping trip and started a fire with no problems.)

Now that I've covered saving money on a few necessities, let's get into those 'extras' that cost extra as well. Of course bringing these with you is optional, and you certainly don't need all of them but carrying at least one would be a wise choice of a responsible, prepared sportsman or woman.

GPS
The prices on these things vary greatly. Yes, you can buy even a good GPS for under $100, and I am always one to recommend saving money. However, GPS can be helpful to hunters and fishers for more than survival and location purposes. Find a 'hot spot'? You can mark it on your GPS to return to another time!

Two Way Radio
Use this to communicate with other hunters in case you become separated. If you don't carry a cell phone, or your cell phone has no reception where you are hunting, a two way radio can be a helpful back up device to have.

Okay, let's try to remember the basics taught briefly in your hunter safety course. Aside from maintaining muzzle control, students of this class (necessary to attain a hunting license) are taught many valuable lessons to prepare them for becoming positive examples of what a hunter is. Those lessons should never be abandoned.

The following items on the checklist should always be carried into the woods or field with you. "Just in case".

First Aid Kit
Don't waste any money on a first aid kit.. Yes you need one at all times, in your vehicle(s), in your hunting pack, diaper bag... everything you carry because you NEVER KNOW when you will need a bandage, burn ointment, or other first aid treatment. In a situation like a hunting trip you'd be a darn fool not to have a first aid kit with you. At the same time, why spend $30 or more on something big and bulky that you have to carry around with you? Instead, throw a few of each of the items you might need into a ziplock bag. You'll be equally prepared without taking up too much room or spending too much money.

Food
Depending on your intentions for the day, you may be planning to hunt from sunrise to sunset in which case you will want to bring a 'bag lunch'. Now you don't have to bring enough food to last you a week, just enough for the whole day and then double that. If you want to take up less room, pack a few of those 'energy nutrition bars' that have become very popular.

Topographical Map of the Area
This item is useless if you don't know how to use it. So learn how to use it! When used with a compass this necessity will help you find where you are and how to get where you want to be. It's also wise to plan your hunting route, highlight it on the map, and attach a photocopy of this to the hunting plan you leave behind with somebody.

Survival Knife
A survival knife is something you may already have anyways. These knives can be 'big and flashy', so they're fun to carry around although you wouldn't want to use them to dress your bag. This is not a hunting knife, this is a knife with a 'saw-like edge' that would allow you to cut branches if necessary to build a lean-to or gather firewood. This knife would allow you to cut off your own leg in case you were bit by a poisonous snake (just kidding.) Carry one of these knives with you because you never know when you might have a need for it.

Bottle of Water
Before heading into the woods, you may stop at a gas station for some coffee and a bathroom break. Pick up a bottle of water. It should be the bulkiest thing on this list, but it is very, very helpful. Not only might you need the water for hydration... but there is something really cool you might not already know. If an emergency ever did take place, in which you have built a fire (both for warmth and a signal for help) you can fill that bottle of water out of a stream, suspend it over the fire, and that water will boil before the bottle starts to melt! Well, I think that's neat. I also think that it's worth it to carry that bottle of water. Even if you don't find yourself in a 'worst case scenario', water is better to drink than soda while out in the woods all day... and much safer than alcohol.

Finally, the most important thing to bring into the woods with you...

Responsible Hunting Partner(s)
You should never be rolling your eyes at this one. Any good sportsman or woman would confront their closest friend if they felt that they were engaging in reckless or disrespectful behavior. Respect for the environment is only part of hunting, but it is an important part. Anything you take in with you should leave with you as well. Proper firearm handling is another aspect to consider when choosing who will be accompanying you into the woods, because you are putting your life on the line if you allow somebody careless to join you.

After taking all the right precautions to assure a safe, responsible hunting trip... enjoy it!

Please remember to dress warm, clean up after yourself, and be a strong, positive image to others of what hunters are.