I stayed up all night last night- listening to the elk bugle on the river below my cabin. When I go elk hunting; it can start out from the cabin; and can end up looking down on it like its an ant.
What happens then is I start out with just the basics and go where I want to go - and that could be into a dangerous situation.
What I take with me everytime I go out is critical to my survival. I have the basics down pretty good.
First off everyone that mentioned water is right on. Dehydration is a big threat. You might take water and run out- or not drink it so you don't run out-- and then your blood can thicken.. and your in trouble. So - although a water carrier is good; you should carry a water filter system. You can get a filter straw that fits in your pocket for ten bucks. You don't even have to take it out of the package until you need it. More involved systems take up more room; what you have in your pockets is most likely to save you.
One of or two of those foil emergency blankets. They are not meant to be unfolded until they are used - but are small and you can make a leanto out of one and sit on the other in a pinch.
A sierra cup. Heating up tea or instant coffee; or soup- hot food or drink has a settling effect on a persons mind- do not underestimate the importance of that.
A cigarette lighter ( they will not work when cold)I carry one and also a magnesium (sp) type lighter.
WARNING: you can sit next to a fire and warm up if your wearing wool- but if your wearing poly - you can melt it long before you get warm. Fire is a friend in heating water up for tea or food; and moral support; but if your dressed right; and you stay dry- you can make it through a bad night. The leanto can reflect heat to you; and evergreen branches or something for insulation under you can be your best bet in a bad situation.
And really its the unexpected bad situation that you need to think about. You can live in your camp or your truck- but twist an ankle in the middle of nowhere; and what you have on you determines how or if you will survive!!
I take a gps. I mark where I start; and points I will EASILY recognise when your 'lost' or 'confused' - or your injured and can't think from the pain. While your better off staying put with an injury and making a fire - it might be safer to walk out.
If you do find yourself not being found in a lost or injured situation- start a tree on fire. That is right; start a big old spruce tree or pine on fire- that will bring attention ! You can apologise when your alive later on.
a fold up parka. that fits into your pocket. If it rains - you can stay dry.
A section of parachute cord. Enough to make the leanto with and to tie up elk or deer quarters with.
A knife - a simple fold up will work- I carry that and a big enough knife on my belt to cut and chop with- for firewood or whatever. The best knife would have a bone saw on the back.
I take a file too; as that is what I use to resharpen my broadheads and knife(s).
I have a catquiver that has additional stuff; like cans of spam ( eeww) and unopened packets of matches and tea etc that come in MREs. And in my quiver pack I have a saw for cutting pelvic bones and rib bones on elk.
***Its the basics that you have in your pockets though that are most likely to save you in an emergency - the space blankets; the fire starter; the poncho;the water filter; the sierra cup ( if that will not fit in pocket- then fold up some aluminum foil- it can be made into a cup); some instant coffee or tea in packets. Stuff that can stay in a pocket for years.***
For camp - I want a cot; a foam pad; and a canvas sleeping bag cover. I woke up one time in a tent that sprung a leak in a bad storm; to find a puddle of water on my canvas sleeping bag cover- yet I was safe and warm inside... it takes up the rating of your sleeping bag; but it has enough air circulation that even in minus 35 weather that perspiration will not accumulate in your sleeping bag and make you cold.
Boots? I vote for broken in ones; water proof ones. My next boot purchase will be rubber bottom leather tops; and will be tall enough have ankle support.
Getting in shape is a good idea; when you see a herd of elk over a ridge; you will push yourself harder than you ever thought you could. NO drill sergeant in the world- could make you do what you will make yourself do: when you are working in on that trophy bull.
I know this last one is going to sound odd; but those that know me; know it comes with the territory... in any case that you might be in snow- wear over or instead of underwear- swimming trunks. They will not let water in; and if you cut a hole in the front- you can still do what you need to. If your ever in the snow; and sit down and get your butt wet- it will be wet for a long time; and in an emergency- like an overnight camp- it can demoralize you to the danger level. Most trunks have netting inside to keep things cool; and keep chafing not an issue.
Laugh at all this; but if your out there with a twisted ankle; or stuck after dark-- you will think back on this and wish you had the basics- guaranteed.
Its great in the mountains; but when the sun goes down your not likely to see a single light; even if you saw for twenty miles in each direction before the sun went down- its called 'when the elephant gets you'. Be prepared for it !!
And have fun
Topic: Must have elk -hunting needs? (Read 687 times)
