I have been a pilot for 30+ years,and flying professionally for 24. I have flown dozens of different Airline and Corporate aircraft. Large, sophisticated jets have redundant systems, meaning if one system fails, the other(s) will back it up. Each of these aircraft have what is called a Minimum Equipment List or "M.E.L." The M.E.L. tells the pilot the minimum amount of equipment needed on that aircraft to safely complete a flight.
Well I have the same M.E.L. for when I go hunting. Items that I consider the "minimum" to go hunting with, for a safe, enjoyable experience in the outdoors. My Back/Fanny pack always contains the following items:
Binoculars
Range finder
Scent Killer
Multi-tool
Gutting/Skinning Knife
Safety Harness
Nylon Cord
Cell Phone/Signaling Device
Water/Sports Drink
Compass/Gps
Matches/Lighter
Flashlight
Gardening Tool
Now before you say I am a walking advertisement for the Cabala's Catalog...let me explain.
-Binoculars..I started to see more deer and wildlife after breaking down and buying a GOOD pair of binoculars. They help me see better (and clearer) at dusk/ dawn.
-Scent Killer....what they can't smell, they can't detect...if you are like me...I am usually sweating by the time I reach my stand....I need all the help I can get !!
-Range finder...especially important when hunting a new area....don't risk wounding an animal because of misjudging a distance.
-Multi-tool...to many uses to cover here! Worth every penny. I use mine everyday at work, play, hunting, fishing, etc. A must for every Outdoorsman.
-As great as the Multi-tool is.....gutting/skinning calls for a "knife" !
-Safety Harness...Need I say more?
-Nylon Cord...from pulling your gun/pack up into your stand, to emergency repairs,first aid, drag line, etc...handy, handy, handy.
-Cell Phone/Signaling Device...You never know when it might save your bacon.
-Water/Sports Drink...keep yourself hydrated.
-Compass/GPS...Even on your Uncle Lee's Farm....you can get turned around tracking a wounded animal on a dark, rainy night.
-Matches/Lighter...For that warm fire (or signaling) when you forget to take your compass on Uncle Lee's Farm!
-Flashlight...next to the Multi-tool...a must. Spend the extra $$ and get a REAL flashlight...it is worth it.
-Gardening Tool...I know, sounds funny, but I love to make mock scrapes, plus it gives you a place to relieve that Sports Drink (which is a whole other Blog).
There, that's my M.E. L. ...Yours may vary slightly...develop your own and see if helps make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
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