Hello,

I am Mark, and new to this forum, but not the outdoors. I have been an avid hunter (and fisherman) for over 23 years. I have spent a lot of time in the woods but admittedly rolled the Proverbial dice when it comes to survival preparedness. In recent years I have read a lot about people falling from tree stands and such, and really gotten into the saftey aspect of hunting/ hiking etc. I found that I carried very little in the way of survival gear. My clothes were suited, I had a knife and a rifle but not much else. I have in the last few weeks put together a survial (and a first aid) kit that I will keep in my hunting backpack. I have gotten inspiration from J. Wayne Fears complete survival guide as well as stuff I have read on various forums.
My bag weighs about 5 pounds, and all I would add for hunting is some calls and ammo. Would be a lot less without the 6x8' tarp.
Question, for those of you who are hunters; what type of items do you normally carry vs somone who is hiking etc.?

Anyway just wanted to introduce myself, since I will probably be bumping around here for a while. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

ps. some of the lingo around here. I take it PSK means Personal Survival kit. What does BOB mean? I have seen it a few times and assume it is an acronym.

Mark G.

izzyjg99,

Thanks for the insights. I guess I must be using the wrong lingo, lol My PSK itself is a 1 liter wide top water bottle packed full of crap. It weights about 2 lbs maybe. My backpack wich I guess would be my BoB, is what weighs 5 lbs. My first aid kit in my backpack is maybe 1/2 lb??

Thanks again!

Welcome Mark,

I always carry water into the woods, even on cool fall days. For a hunter Vs, hiker, I'd say the diferences are

1. Hikers tend to stay on trails
2. Hikers rarely shoot each other, by accident
3. Hunters tend to out in the field earlier and later in the season.

Teacher

Hey MArk welcome...

And this is Bob:


And another Bob:


And can't forget about this Bob:


BOB - bug out bag... Bag you keep at home stocked and ready to go when bad stuff happens...

Wow! Judging by the responses so far I would guess that hunting must be the most dangerous activity on the planet (it isn't), and hunters must be the most stupid neanderthals in the woods (they aren't.)

To answer your question, I carry about the same amount of items hunting or hiking. The main difference for me is (obviously) a rifle or bow, ammo or arrows, and optics.

What do you mostly hunt, and where? Knowing that would help narrow down some ideas.

Bob Ross... LOL
I'm going to paint a happy little PSK here...

Welcome aboard Mark!

Mark,

Please excuse these rude responses!

If I made my first post and got this nonsense I would blow this site off as a bunch of fools and spend my valuable time elsewhere. There are fellow hunters here.

Welcome to ETS! It is a great place! There are more survival ideas being tried and discussed here than anywhere else I have seen.

Look on the home page and you will see two books suggested: "98.6" and "Deep Survival" they may be at your library. They are the source for many of the discussions here.

Specs. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You can't tell us the carrier and the weight and not whats in it. That's teasing. *pouts*

Don't worry, folks, it's just St. Paddy's day.

Welcome; I'm also a hunter. what I add to my pack depends on where i'm heading, and how far I might be "dragged out", how many are in the party, ect.( the farther-and, tougher that you go- the more you need). I always carry a PSK, and a Real FAK, and supliment these as required, per situation - there's a ton of diference between hunting rabbits, and elk

Hi Mark, sounds like you're off to a great start with your resources and PSK. Being a resourceful and experienced outdoorsman is your biggest asset.

Some type of emergency food would be nice to add if you have space. Some smoked almonds, beef jerky, candy, etc would be good for fat, carbs, and to mellow you out during the initial day or so until you asess your situation, treat injuries, and develop a plan.

Those items aren't quite as prone to weather changes and store well. Glucose tablets from the drug store are good for quick carbs, compact, and last forever if stored airtight.

Thanks for the replys (for the most part any way)

Yeah, I do kinda get the feeling some think all hunters are Redneck morons that shoot each other. Whatever. It's the people that think that way, that I would fear with a gun.

Anyway, someone asked for a little more info so here goes:
I mainly hunt whitetail deer, in VA, WVA, NC. I hunt alone 75% of the time. I know it is breaking the #1 rule, but If I die doing it, so be it.
In most cases though I am only .5 to 2.0 miles from the truck, but getting lost comming out in the Dark is an issue. I have been "turned around" a few times but managed to get out. Luckly compasses work in the dark <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />.
I weighed my PSK this morning and it tips the scale at just under 2 lbs, My First Aid kit was 5 or 6 oz.

My PSK includes:
A plastic 1 liter container -that everything fits in.
combo whisle, signal mirror, compass, with container filled with fishing line, hooks, splitshot.
Match container filled with dryer lint, and wrapped with Ducttape (about 5-6')
magnesium fire starter
1 box water/wind resistant matches
1 small lock blade knife
rain poncho
space blanket, (the thin cheapy kind)
chapstick
flashlight
2 AA batteries
second signal mirror
trash bag

My First aid kit
has assorted bandages
med. tape
band aids
antibiotic ointment
anti itch ointment
tylenol, nexium, immodium, benedryl, vicoden
sissors
gloves
needle & thread
and some other stuff I cant think of.

Now my hunting bag weighs about a pound, so with PSK and first aid kit, and a small metal bowel (for boiling water), and 50' nylon cord, its still less than 3.5 lbs.

Now my 6x8' tarp weighs 1.1 pounds. I am thinking about ditching it. I have a space blanket, poncho, and 1 HD trash bag already.
I could add a couple more HD trash bags that weigh 2 oz a peice and probably be ok. What do you think?

Weight is really important to me as a hunter. Keep in mind I still have to add food, water, ammo, deer calls, optics/range finder (during bow season) etc.

Mark G

It looks like you have a good start. The two items that I would add in are a Strobe light and a GPS.

20

Mark,

You might give the Coghlan Emergency Bag a try. They are only about $4.00. Put only one loop of duct tape on the closed end. That way your feet can stick up without poking the bag. Then put three more loops on the open end to hold it open. Sliding in there is a very secure feeling. It is like getting in your tent. Use the trash bags filled with pine needles for blankets. Add gloves, a stocking cap, and something for your neck and you will be warmer.

One of the LED headlamps with a flash mode is a wonderful thing. Still have to get my twins Petzal headlamps.

I hope you are using a good signal mirror that has the sighting hole that creates the bright spot for aiming. Also the Fox 40 and Storm whistles are worth looking for. The Storm is the loudest, it is the boating section of WalMart for $4.88.

There is nothing more real than hunting! Enjoy!

A couple of quick comments...

First, double-check that combo whistle/compass/whatever else. It might add a little weight, but a Fox or ACR whistle would be MUCH better. I also cannot stand a cheap compass. If you have no compass, you know that you are lost. If you have an unreliable compass, you have a false sense of security. I was recently in an army surplus store, and some of their compasses absolutely did not work. I would much rather have a decent Brunton, Silva or Suunto compass. You can get a decent baseplate compass for $10. Then, you can pop the capsule out of the plate to make it smaller. It is bigger than your combo device, but MUCH more reliable.

Second, you might want to consider dumping the tarp for something smaller/lighter. I picked up from the local dollar store a small, rolled-up piece of plastic sheeting for $1.00 plus tax. This item is much smaller than the traditional blue tarp. It measures 8' x 12' when unfolded. I am sure that it has nowhere the durability of a real tarp, but hopefully you are rescued within a week. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> If you cannot find this particular plastic, then look for a plastic drop cloth in the paint section of your local department store.

Finally, have fun hunting. And don't pull a Dick Cheney: remember to get a permit before trying to take lawyers. And it takes more than birdshot to bag a lawyer. Even though they are lawyers, you should still try to be humane. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I rarely hunt alone, but I don't see anything wrong with doing so unless you don't tell anybody where you will be and for how long. Here's what I typically carry. Items in caps are always with me:

BIC LIGHTER
8 X 10 silnylon tarp (1.1 oz)
Surefire G2Z
RIFLE OR BOW
AMMO OR ARROWS
Handgun and ammo
BINOCULARS
FIELD DRESSING GLOVES
32 OZ NALGENE BOTTLE
NESTED CAMPMOR METAL CUP
BUCK S30V PBS CROSSLOCK
TRIOX
PHOTON 3
TRU-NORD COMPASS
MAPS
GAME CALLS
Mountainsmith lumbar pack with shoulder straps
ZIPPO
GARMIN RINO GPS/RADIO W EARBUD
large Sterno
CMG INFINITY ULTRA
CELL PHONE
MAGFIRE PRO
MOSQUITO HEADNET
LEATHERMAN KF4 JUICE
Vacuum bottle
Game shears
SUNSCREEN
SUNGLASSES

BECKER BK10 CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING:
SNARE WIRE
FISH HOOKS- 5
6 # TEST LINE- 25’
CUT DOWN SPARKLITE
SPARKLITE TINDER- 3
SPACE BLANKET
MINI-BIC LIGHTER
WETFIRE TINDER
ORANGE GARBAGE BAG
ALLAN WRENCH

COUNTYCOMM WALLET CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING:
HUNTING PERMIT(S)
CCL
DRIVERS LICENSE
INSURANCE CARD
CREDIT CARD
P-38 CAN OPENER
CASH
12’ PARACORD
BAND-AIDS (3)
PEPCID AC (2)
BURN OINTMENT
ANTISEPTIC WIPES (2)
CARMEX
SUNSCREEN
COTTON BALL TINDER
RANGER BAND
HACKSAW BLADE (3”)
CC SIZED DIAMOND SHARPENER

BCB TIN CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING:
FOX 40 WHISTLE
STARFLASH MIRROR
PEN CORE
WATERPROOF PAPER
BUTTON COMPASS
PHOTON FREEDOM
DUCT TAPE (3’)
PONCHO (OUTSIDE OF TIN)
PARACORD-20’ (OUTSIDE OF TIN)
KNIFE BLADE FROM RAGNAR (2”)
MINI-BIC LIGHTER
TRICK CANDLES
SPARKLITE TINDER
ASPIRIN (4)
IBUPROPHIN (4)
IMMODIUM (2)
BENADRYL (2)
PEPCID AC (1)
POTABLE AQUA (20)
BOULLION (4)
COFFEE BAGS (2)
HEAVY DUTY TINFOIL
8 OZ BREAST MILK BAGS (3)
SNARE CABLE
SNARE LOCK
MP1 TABLETS (6)
RANGER BANDS (4)
QUARTERS (2)
LARGE NEEDLE
SAFETY PINS (3)
RAZOR BLADE
WIRE SAW
SPARE CR2016 BATTS
SNARE DIAGRAMS
SURVIVAL NOTES
LIST OF CONTENTS

NORAD45,

Thanks for that very complete list. I have a question though. I assume all this goes into a bag, or backpack (framed or otherwise), my question is how much does your gear weigh.
I weighed my bag the other day, with all my survival gear, first aid kit, extra food and .5 liter bottle of H20, it comes in at about 6.5 lbs. Is this too heavy?

Thanks,

Mark G

I have not weighed my gear. If I had to guess I would say my PSK, including $0.99 poncho and paracord, weighs about 3 lbs. My Becker probably 1-1/2 lbs. Rifle, scope, & ammo: 9 lbs. Add another 3 lbs for water and snacks. Good grief, I'm surprised I can stagger up the mountain! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, I do step up my conditioning about 3 months before my hunt. I figure whatever weight I lose is more stuff I can carry. Don't get too hung up on weight. Carry what you need to stay safe and to hunt effectively, and then build an exercise regimen around that.

hello Norad45 - I enjoyed your list, but had a question on the sidearm/handgun being optional, leaving rifle as your only firearm, and also the lack of a hat. I ask this as someone who is considering taking up hunting, mainly wild boar in this neck of the woods.

Sorry, I did not bother to mention any clothing. I wear gore-tex boonie hats myself. I do not bother with a handgun if I am carrying a rifle. I figure the rifle is much better suited to the game I am hunting (elk and mule deer) than any of my handguns. I will carry a handgun while hiking or bowhunting, which I believe to be legal as long as you have a valid CCL (obviously check your state regs.)

I'm not as knowledgeable in this area as I would like, but is it considered concealed carry if you have your handgun in a holster at your side or on your thigh. This would be fully visible and not an in-belt, shoulder or ankle type rig meant for hiding. I mean, if I go hunting with my shotgun, in Illinois, can I legally carry my handgun at my side? Seems to me, that this should be okay, but I'm not clear. I know I've taken my guns out in the field for target practice, and they get holstered out there. I suppose someone could come by, but it's highly unlikely - still I would like to know if this is considered concealed carry even though it's readily visible (not under a coat or anything).

I do not know what the CCW regs are in Illinois. A good source of info on the bewildering array of state laws is Packing.org . However, I have a hard time believing that any exposed holster would be considered "concealed" anywhere.

I am in Utah. Here it is illegal to carry any firearm while bowhunting, or even to have one in your camp! One of the few exceptions is made for CCL holders, which was the main reason I obtained one.

Wow. Looks like I'm pretty much SOL for that unless I'm hunting on my own land (where carrying it would be permitted it seems). I'll have to talk to my friend in the Sheriff's office to see.

Thanks for the link... very insightful.

massacre,

I have a CC permit here in VA. I know the law in VA says you can carry a sidearm and it is not considered "conceled".
I would just call the state police in your state. One phone call would get you the facts.

A thin plastic dropcloth isn't much shelter outside FL, esp where wind is an issue, and can give you a false sense of security. A woman I knew years ago used one as shelter in central OR (it was an accident that she even had it). Between the wind and the bushes, it got heavily ventilated. A tarp is worth the extra weight if you need it.

Two things tend to bite you in the butt: too cheap and too light.

Sue

Massacre, aside from the CCW concerns, I'd be concerned about the hunting laws. During bow, muzzle loader, and shotgun seasons here in TN I've been told by a game warden (granted... a real jerk, actually) that my carrying a centerfire pistol was technically a violation. So if I hunt other than in rifle season I remain aware of this (I didn't say I necessarily comply.. just aware).

Still grinning at your response. For both comments. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />