What should a hunter take in her pack for a walk in the woods? Assume wilderness and moderate weather.

That question is too general.

Once you have spent some time with a list that YOU GENERATED, it will be easier to contribute.

Here is a Microsoft Word document that you can use as a form. Down load it, fill it out and it will automatically update the date each time you save it.

Print out a master and take it out on your hunt. After a few trips and a lot of thinking, you will have it covered.

http://www.tincher.to/CHECK-11.DOC

I didn't open Cliff's response yet, but as a 3gun competitor and not a hunter, I'd start with upgrading your gunshot trauma supplies in your FAK

(2) Israeli bandages or similar compression bandages
Special Forces type self administering tourniquet
Kerlix roll and gauze
hemostatic sponge like Quick Clot
elastic adhering tape like Coban
petroleum gauze to seal chest wound
nasal pharangeal airway
steri strips / crazy glue
betadine
non adherent pads
burn gel
irrigation syringe
good shears like electrician shears not cheap import
dedicated LED light
chem lights attached to a string so can be circled overhead to identify a landing site for helicopter
gloves, and hand sanitizer to protect responder

It is reasonable to carry trauma supplies, but aside from that, a hunter should basically carry what anyone else would pack on a hike. There obviously will be variations depending upon the specifics of the situation.

A full 2 day supply of food.
Basic Hiking Gear including a pot/metal cup.
Good long distance 2 way radios.
flashlight with spare batteries.
Full psk with signalling devices.
Maybe even a flaregun? It may pose a fire hazard in forest tho.....I dunno about that one...Im sure if the guy in the worm eating thread had a flaregun he would have gotten noticed in the dark.

Frisket, I think Teacher is in Southern Cali. No-go on flare guns. You pop one off, you're liable for the 20,000 acre fire you just started. Granted, it'd get someone's attention, but not still ...

I'd just keep a regular day pack. 10 essentials, some water, a decent FAK and maybe a light sleeping bag or space blanket, depending on terrain and weather.

Flares are a standard signalling device at sea, where they are reasonably effective if used properly, but on land in most circumstances, they are a really bad idea. A properly maintained fire is more effective, but in dry conditions, even that is a bad choice. A signal mirror is probably your best bet. How about a PLB?

As it was not mentioned explicitly:
-Navigation equipment (map, compass, pen and optionally a GPSr with spare batteries); I prefer laminated maps and mark positions from time to time e. g. when sitting for a rest
-Krill light for signalling and marking position (lasts longer than a chem light and can be turned off)
-SAM splint

OK, good ideas. Now a follow-up. How do you get hunters to build and carry such a kit? Even better kit kit from stuff found around the home?


-- I agree on the flare gun, too dicey. Instead a mirror/ whistle/ radio (cellphone) and or strobe flasher would be good.

You could start to build a modular kit for yourself and then show it to the people you want to carry a kit. Ideally the modules should have a size between an Altoids tin and two packs of cigarettes.
Then you could start by making up realistic scenarios and let them solve them. I would start with less serious events like loosing orientation or a sprained ankle.
One reason for not carrying a kit is the prejudice that it it takes too much space and weight. That can be overcome with examples. The modular design allows to use the infamous "Salami tactics" for sneaking in the entire kit.