I have a few more things to remember while I’m in the field filming. Get the camera bag, tripod, batteries, charger, film etc…... I have left the house without that one critical piece of equipment that is setting on the kitchen table, had to turn around and drive back home, not fun.

When I pack for a hunting/filming trip, I try to start days ahead amassing a laundry list of items to pack in my gear box. On top of personal gear I have to remember tools, supplies etc….. Then there's the ATV to get ready. That includes gas, tire pressure, loading ramp, lash down straps, etc. Add to that pure hunting gear from gun to gloves, flashlights to ammo, binoculars, calls, and everything else, but most importantly don’t forget that special roll of white paper, couldn’t live without that!

In this high tech hunters age, if you're an electronics-challenged hunter, don’t forget your GPS & make sure you have the instruction manual, get out & use it before you go hunting so your not out there scratching your head . Charge your cell phone BEFORE you go hunting for the day. Range finder, extra batteries. Boy, are we getting spoiled or what?

Even with all that planning, times still do arise when I forget something. Lucky for me it is usually not a critical item like ammo. I've heard of more than one deer hunter that left his hunting rifle propped up in the garage where it was waiting to be loaded in the truck. I've seen guys show up at deer camp without boots, a deer knife, or a hunting license. Last hunting/filming trip I left the chain and shovel setting next to the shed. Guess what, it rained for 2 days and I buried my truck to the axle in mud, "NO SHOVEL, NO CHAIN", thank god for friends and passers by.

It (*%&^$#@) happens.

If you're getting tired of constantly leaving something behind, a fairly simple solution is at hand. Make a comprehensive checklist for deer hunting or any other kind of hunting. Once you get the list defined and refined, have it typed so you can read, make several copies and laminate them. Place a copy in the hunting gear closet, the glove compartment of your hunting vehicle, and a couple of other visible places if need be.

One thing I have done, with the help of my wife is to set up a weather proof camp box. Every thing I need from utensils, pots, pans, camp stove, fuel tanks, lantern, mantles, towels, soap all the basic needs for camp survival. All I do is grab the box, and go hunting. The key here is to clean it up and re-supply it after the hunt.

Even with a camp box, you need to make a deer hunter's checklist anyway? I suggest you begin by defining major classifications like hunting equipment, clothing list, camping equipment, personal hygiene items, wet gear, tool list, and consumable supplies. This should handle the majority of deer hunting gear needs.

An out-of-state trip might require a few more items or a special category. You'll want to remember non-resident licenses, if bought in advance, special tags. Outfitter hunts may also require some items you might not normally pack like a sleeping bag, towels, saddle scabbard, or a backup pair of boots. Make sure you get sufficient cash or traveler's checks. Leave behind full information where you will be with telephone contact numbers in case an emergency should arise. Put this item on every list simply as a safety reminder before you go hunting anywhere, any time.

The major checklist categories listed above might well seem self-explanatory and for the most part they probably are. However, lets add a few extra items some beginners as well as experienced hunters have probably not thought about. That is until you needed it.

Under the heading of hunting equipment don't forget these: a choke tube wrench and lube for shotgun hunting, scope cover, scope cleaning and tool kit, sharpening stone with oil, electrician's tape for a muzzle cover, treestand safety harness, gear pull rope, sunscreen, dirty clothes bag, extra flashlight batteries, and more film for the camera.
Obviously, the more complicated your hunting adventures are the more items that may need to be added to the list. If you're trekking across the country in a motorhome, towing a camping trailer.

The bottom line, a hunter's checklist is really pretty simple. Just get organized. Get it on paper then refine it over two or three hunting seasons until it includes everything you need for a safe, comfortable, successful hunt. Even after all these years of packing for hunts, occasionally I still leave something at home I wish I had brought along. However, you can sure bet there is one thing I never forget to bring. Food!

AZ Wilderness Productions

Executive Producer