Hunting Pack Essentials for Bow Season

We have reached the final countdown to archery season in Oregon. In less than a week the woods will be flooded in hunters looking to fill their tags, but before that happens let’s take a look at our day trip hunting pack must haves.

1. Headlamp
   1. Chances are you will be starting your hike in during the wee hours of the morning. A good headlamp will help get you to your destination safely.
2. GPS
   1. If you did your homework and preseason scouting all of your “secret spots” will be marked on your GPS.
   2. You never know where the blood trail will lead. Your GPS will help you pack out safely and quickly. Tip-be sure to mark your truck, camp or quad before you head out for your hunt.
3. Map and Compass
   1. You never know when your GPS might fail, it's important to have a plan “B”.
4. Allen Wrench Set
   1. You never know when you are going to need to work on your bow. Make sure you are prepared with the proper tools.
5. Extra bowstring and field bow press
   1. Chances are it has happened to you or someone you know. You are out in the middle of a hunt and your bow strings break for one reason or another. Without extra strings and a bow press you are 100% out of the game.
6. Knife
   1. You will definitely need this to field dress in the event you have a successful hunt.
7. Range Finder
   1. You never know how many chances you will have. It is important to take the best shot possible. Your range finder will help you accurately measure the distance between you and your target.
8. Nature’s Paint Camo Face Paint
   1. It's important to “break up” your face. Use Nature’s Paint to keep you hidden without the distraction of irritation and itching.
9. First Aid Kit
   1. Better safe than sorry. Be sure to stock a few medical supplies in the case of an emergency or occasional blister.
10. Calls (grunt tube, mouth diaphragms)
    1. Lucky for us it is possible to call elk in. Double check to be sure you have your calls packed.
11. Handsaw
    1. Your handsaw can be used for many different tasks: building a ground blind, building shelter and preparing your harvest to pack out.
12. Food/Water
    1. Make sure to pack enough food and water for at least 24 hours.  Just in case you need to spend the night.
13. Lighter and Emergency Fire Starter
    1. Fire is one of the most important survival tools we have. Be sure you have the ability to start a fire in any circumstance. You can find all the tips and tricks in the book here. 
14. Binoculars
    1. As hunters we know it is imperative we see the animal before it sees us. Our binoculars give us a great advantage to do so in a spot and stalk situation.
15. Gamebags
    1. Always pack for a successful hunt. When it comes time to pack out you will want some gamebags handy.
    2. Depending on when you're successful during the day you might need to hang your animal in a tree for the night, game bags will help keep your meat clean and away from insects.
16. Plastic Orange Flagging
    1. We all know how difficult it can be to follow a blood trail at times. Having some plastic orange flagging will help you follow your trail.
    2. You can also wrap it around the horns and pack if you end up packing out an animal.  This will help keep you fully visible to other hunters.  
17. Batteries
    1. Many of our modern tools require batteries. Make sure you pack a few spare to keep the electronics running.