Daypack gear for DIY SD muley's

[Mnbowhuntr]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and I'm sure you've heard this question alot but I'm going to South Dakota for public land archery spot and stalk mule deer and whitetails, and this is my first out of state spot and stalk hunt and I would just like to know what everyone carries in their daypack for the hunt? I have and eberlestock X2 and we will be camping out there and hunting public ground from the truck and spending the whole day in the field. I have game bags for packing out meat and general hunting gear, but just want to make sure I have everything I might need and be ready for the hunt! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Tj

 

[muleman]

Here is what I generally have, off the top of my head.

Headlamp & spare batteries
Kill kit (havalon, 2 spare blades, cord, appropriate bags, tag & license)
Small tarp and emergency bivy
Plenty of water
Enough food for an overnight stay
Clothing (hat, gloves, insulation, rain gear)

The two items I can't stress enough are water and light source. I have had issues with both. Just this week I ran my headlamp 10 hrs strait breaking down and packing out a mountain goat. I also ran out of water once. Which made a bad experience a terrible one.

 

[Lawnboi]

Where about and what time of year in sd?

 

[Mnbowhuntr]

I will be hunting SW South Dakota the first week in october

 

[SHTF]

Kill Kit (knife, Game bags, Gloves, Paracord, Wipes, and extra blades for knife)
Tarp for emergency rain snow fallout shelter
Rain gear
GPS
headlamp with spare batteries
Primaloft coat
extra socks
3liter water
Water Filter
2 days of food (incase of emergency)
Emergency med kit
extra release
string wax
tools for bow
calls
Insulated hat
Fire starter
at least 3 ignition sources (lighter Flint steel blast match)
and my cloths on my back

 

[Lawnboi]

Kill kit
Water, cause its a pain to find where I hunt in SD
Something to break the wind
Raingear depending on conditions
Food
Emergency/first aid kit (includes fire equipment, water tabs, first aid, bow/clothing repair, spot and backup light source)
Primary light source
Gloves, warmer hat, insulation layer
Glass
Bow

Depending how far and how much your willing to carry an emergency tarp/bivy may not be a bad idea, along with a little more food. If anything it will allow you to stay out if you drop something late and don't want to go back to camp right away.

Have a blast, I love hunting SD and am glad im going back this year. A shed hunting trip this spring revealed that the mulies are doing great out there compared to past years.

Good luck

Edit: don't forget the tp, chapstick or wind checker either

 

[Mnbowhuntr]

Thanks for the info everyone, what kind of food Is best to bring to stay light weight and to give you the most energy, calories and protien needed to stay hunting all day? And what kind of bow repair things does everyone bring?

 

[Bighub1]

I know it's been mentioned, but water water water. After running out on an elk hunt this year, I'll always double check water sources. Ruined our hunt fo 2 days to rehydrate.

 

[Mnbowhuntr]

Would you guys reccomend a hydration bladder or carry bottled water? Not sure how many miles we will be walking but I'm not afraid to go miles for muley's

 

[JNDEER]

Would you guys reccomend a hydration bladder or carry bottled water? Not sure how many miles we will be walking but I'm not afraid to go miles for muley's

I usually go with a full 100oz bladder and 1 or 2 bottles of water with gatorade powder/emergen-c mixed in

 

[Lawnboi]

Id go with a bladder out there. I use a bottle if there are a ton of water sources, but that will probably not be the case in SD

For food, its just dayhunting so weight shouldn't be a concern. Bring whatever tastes good.

For day hunting id even go as far as carrying a stove and mountain house meal if the weather is going to be cold to heat up some water for a drink and have a hot meal.

 

[2ski]

I'm going to start carrying one of the freeze dried desserts for day hunts in addition to a pro bar and trailmix. Something that can be eaten warm with some quick energy calories if the need arises. And I carry a 3L bladder and I have an assortment of different sized nalgene bottles I can add to the pack if water is going to be harder to find. Wouldn't mind buying a bigger bladder.

 

[Timberninja]

Would you guys reccomend a hydration bladder or carry bottled water? Not sure how many miles we will be walking but I'm not afraid to go miles for muley's

I always bring both. That way I know I have one more liter when my bladder (suddenly) runs dry. Kind of like when the fuel light turns on in your car.. I also bring a couple of pills in case I come across a watersource.

Best of luck!