Packing for Tracking
Like most hunters, I enjoy getting “ready” for deer season. It’s fun to shoot the rifles and maybe sneak a new wool garment into the wardrobe, but one preparation activity in particular that I’ve always liked above all else is stuffing and un-stuffing my belt pack until it’s just right. I use a Big Woods Bucks belt pack because the size is perfect for putting in everything I need to track for the day with enough room for a shirt, in case I have to shed a layer. I purposely go light on gear so I don’t get bogged down with needless baggage.
The first thing I put in my pack is a spare compass, the second is waterproof matches. I carry a small flashlight with a spare set of batteries in a ziplock bag. To cut down on weight, I don’t lug water around, I use a small water filtration straw. I also keep this in a ziplock so I have a “cup” to scoop up the water and drink from. A leatherman has been an extremely useful tool in my pack. I could write a book about how many times my multitool has been just what I needed to get a certain job accomplished. Some safety pins, a small first aid kit, roll of electrical tape, extra bullets, 8-10’ of rope, and spare gloves are all the things I carry every time I go into the woods looking for a buck.
Sometimes items make their way into my pack and half-way through the season I’ll be looking for something and pull out a knife sharpener or deer antler (ok maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but you get my point!) and think “why did I ever put that in here?”. So some of the items I carry are constantly changing and I enjoy that part of the game but for the most part I just make sure the basics are covered. Navigation and a way to build a fire, after that it becomes a personal preference.
Going light is key to going further on a buck track, but on the other hand you need to have enough gear to get you to the end of that track and back to the truck. You have to know what the limits are to your woodsman skills and then pack accordingly.
If you need a pack out there this season, Big Woods Bucks fanny packs are back and in stock, order one here.
