Your preperations

[Lefty Dick]

We got guys claiming they cant hit running deer, but keep trying those sorts of shots, we got guys diressing long shots on game.

So how about a discussion as to what you do as an individual to prepare for a successful hunt.

Example for myself.
I ensure my equiptment works reliably, such as load development.

I practice with my hunting weapon, be it a bow, a rifle or even my shotgun, that includes trying to replicate what I might just find or have to do in the field. (running deer included)

I maintain my equiptment, such as sharpening knives, cleaning firearms, cleaning optics etc.

I pre scout (where applicable) the area and potential animals I may be hunting (waterfowl and upland are diffrent), this includes relations with landowners, and talking to locals to assertain more information. I may set out trail cameras, and place or move blinds or stands from recent pre scouting trips.

I try to maintain some level of reasonable fitness(I dont mountain hunt or back pack for days on end), but do spend a fair bit of time walking skulking and even stalking.

I maintain my means of transportation, usually involving tire rotations, balancing and aligment prior to hunting season, also get other mechanical things checked for sound operations.

I stock up on items often used in hunting season, such as spare flashlight batteries, extra "survival paper", latex gloves, paper towels, etc, and make sure both my day pack and my vehicle has plenty of such stuff on hand.

So how about a bit of similar feed back that some NooB's can take with them to learn.

 

[stubblejumper]

I work up a load with a bullet suitable for the game to be hunted.I practice with that load,out to as far as I would ever consider shooting at a game animal,in order to learn the actual trajectory of that load.I make sure that I have more than enough loads to last a hunt.If the hunt is far from home,I normally take a second gun as a spare.I pack a rangefinder and binoculars.I make sure that I have two sharp knives,and a sharpener.I make sure that I have a pull through should a gun barrel be contaminated in the case of an accident.I carry some paper towels and some gun oil.I pack two flashlights,and extra batteries.I pack a Wyoming saw.I pack extra socks.Pick boots according to the terrain to be hunted.Lightweight boots suitable for walking on flat ground,are usually not good for hunting in the mountains.I pack goretex raingear.I scout wherever possible and obtain permission well before the season opens.Make sure that you have good tires on the vehicle,and an axe in the vehicle.I take extra tarps and rope.Make sure that you have matches to start a fire.

 

[270dave]

Every year I buy a new battery for my rangefinder and GPS, I change out the old for last years "spare" and put the new one in the case. I "pre-test" all the mechanical gear before I pack it , things like the stove, the lantern, the heater,etc... better to find out you have a problem in the driveway then when your in the bush. Pack a small multi tip screwdriver and a small tool set. Have some idea of how your equipment works, if it breaks down you might have a chance of making a "bush repair". If its absolute gotta have equipment, carry critical spare parts.
Never leave camp without your day pac, the contents of which will be determined by the where and how of that particular trip. For sure, matches/lighter in a waterproof bag or container, some type of chemical fire starter and hand warmers, knive/sharpner, space blanket, GPS or compass, toque, gloves, socks, couple of candy bars. If you have to stay out.... all of these greatly increase your odds. Try to light a fire when your cold, wet and shivering....
And for sure..tell someone what the plan is and have a backup plan. Right now we are looking for a guy that went "way back in" and it's not looking good. All we have is a drop off and a pick up point...right in the middle of 6 million square hectares wilderness. With electronic tracking devices <$200 bucks...why wouldnt you have one for this type of trip.... Sh$t happens, is your life worth $200 bucks?