Merc,
Welcome back to town! It can be hectic to be away from home for so long and then run out on a remote hunting trip. I’m betting that you have almost everything I will mention already covered – please take my thoughts in the spirit of wanting to help ensure you have everything you want to bring.
I like to have a comfy camp even when remote, so several of these things are not necessities, but I didn’t see them and wanted to mention them for your consideration…seeing how you are going solo and have plenty of room for extras in the 206.
Silk Long Underwear – To sleep in, it’s nice to get completely out of the hunting clothes and let them hand and air out overnight in the tent.
Belt – Am sure you were gonna bring one, but didn’t see it, so wanted to mention it.
License, locking tags, and harvest tickets
Transfer of possession forms
Small gun cleaning kit with oil/rag/patches
Nitrile Gloves – 4-5 pairs for the kill kit
9’x9’ Tyvek Meat Tarp – I cut a 9’x9’ piece from a roll of Tyvek, soak it in the clothes washer for a couple of hours, then run it through a wash/rinse/spin cycle without detergent. It takes the noise out of the Tyvek, and you’re left with a soft, light, 9x9 tarp to set your pieces of meat on when breaking down the caribou.
Empty 32 ounce Gatorade bottle – When it’s raining cats and dogs outside and I need to take a leak, this lets me do so without leaving the text. You can pour it out each morning around the tent perimeter to help with bear deterrence, scent is not typically as crucial on a caribou hunt as it is with moose.
2 large trash bags – To put your game bags inside when packing them (if you aren’t able to use the sled), to keep blood and blood scent somewhat off your backpack.
Hand Sanitizer – to clean your hands before eating meals or after cleaning game
Newspaper – I put a couple of sheets, loosely crinkled, into my boots at night, and in the morning they are dry on the inside. If I pull out the newspaper carefully and spread it out in the tent, it’s dry by nightfall and can be sued for 2-3 more nights.
Tent Lamp – Since you have room and weight space, a small battery-powered lamp is a slight upgrade in the tent from a headlamp
Mess Kit – I’m sure you were bringing, but didn’t see it listed – pan/pot, plate, mug, knife/fork/spoon, paper towels, a few Ziploc bags for snacks
Detailed Food List – Might want to list everything out so nothing gets left behind. On a 6-day hunt – with flyin and flyout days on either end - I will typically pack 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners, just in case I am weathered in. Then list the snacks you plan to eat through the day also, and coffee/tea of you drink it. Also bring a box of Saltine crackers, great with Mountain House meals and also help with an upset stomach if you happen to get one.
Bear Fence – I always bring one, don’t always set it up (sometimes the terrain doesn’t allow it. If you bring one may want to bring a fence tester also, to test the charge you are getting – you can get significantly different readings depending on where you put the stakes.
Again Merc, please take all of these thoughts in the spirit of wanting you to have the best time possible. Happy to answer any questions this post may generate, and have a great hunt! Share your story with us when you return.
Michael
