Many have come to realize that they can’t pack their hunting closet with them. Strategic decisions need to be made. What to take and what to leave! I am not providing a what to take list here. Just some thoughts that you may resonate with. Take into account foreseeable weather such as rain, snow, cold or hot. Layering is essential. If there is no way to wash clothes, perhaps taking the right scent killer products with you instead of more clothes is the better way. Silver- Carbon and Ozone makers are my main friends as both kill bacteria and reduce odor from them. Testaments to both are found on-line. I have a good set of Vortex binoculars and a very powerful rifle scope, a Leupold Gold Ring VX-6 3-18x44mm. Can you say Zoom! My pride and joy, lifetime guaranteed! If I can’t count points and “age” a buck at 18x then I am in trouble. Yes, if I were scouting first then I’d take the spotting scope but my scouting is very limited on this short trip. I must depend on my outfitter to put me in deer central where the big bucks wander. I am taking two rifles, my Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard in 6.5 Creedmoor and my Thompson Center 50 Cal Encore Muzzleloader which sports a Leupold VX-3 Gold Ring 2-8x36mm.
I had the 50 cal powder pellets and primers shipped ahead to my destination as they are not allowed in any airline baggage.
I will be carrying three bags, a black carry on backpack for my cameras, a dop kit and a venison cook book to read (“Buck Buck Moose”, a take off of Duck Duck Goose), my 2 gun hard case and ammo (40lbs) with locks and a duffle like suitcase with wheels for my clothes(40 lbs) the back pack is just small enough to be a carry-on.
My biggest concerns in the field are hydration and bathing my throat to prevent dry cough. I will put a few granny smith apples in the duffel to slice later. On stand, I like to take a slice of apple and put it in my cheeks. the tart pectin works great to keep my dry throat at bay and doesn’t spook game.
I walk about 5 miles a day so I am in shape for this kind of hunt, I just can’t run up and down mountains like I used to, unless I desire to really get in shape for a mountain hunt. My eyesight for distant objects is better than 20/20. I can still see a single pine needle at 100 yards and pop 8 inch balloons at 1000 yards.
My comfort level with my Nosler ammo is outstanding as I hand loaded most of it or have some custom ammo. I loaded Nosler Ammo for my African Safari too years back. Nosler is my go to bullet. I am shooting both the 129 Nosler ABLR and the 140 grain AccuBond Custom. Both hit the bullseye at 100 yards without any adjustment. The TC Encore muzzle loader is a fine tuned all weather smoke-belcher that kicks a 300 grain Powerbelt down range with great accuracy.
I have two knives with me. A tiny folding pocket blade, and my self made Damascus Skinner.
I will be wearing a body camera at some points on the hunt and have three movie camera’s if I can get them set up in the dark. Speaking of dark, I have a headlamp and a back up hand held light to get to my stand. Most veteran hunters know that headlamps are the way to go my friends as they are hands free. Ok time to relax and wait for my pick-up to the airport.
See you on the back side in a week with some photos and the Hunt story…
Good Hunting!
© 2018
I am going to presume that you confirmed with your air carrier(s) that ammo can ship in the same container as your rifles. I have seen it both Yes and No. Quite a few years ago after flying into Canada and clearing customs I was stopped at the baggage scanner for my final leg of the trip because of 2 boxes of ammo in my locked, hard gun case. My other check bag was a unlocked duffle with rubber boots and clothing. At the officer’s suggestion, the two boxes of ammo went into my carry on bag, which also was my hunting backpack. Go figure… My recommendation is to be prepared, be polite, and be flexible.
Have a great trip.