Being prepared for outdoor emergencies is crucial for hunters who spend a lot of time in remote areas. Having the right gear and supplies can help you handle accidents, injuries, severe weather, and other potential crisis situations when help is not nearby. Here are some of the most important items every prepared hunter should carry in their backpack or hunting kit for safety and survival.
First Aid Supplies
Carrying a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating minor to serious injuries in the field. Some basic supplies every hunter’s kit should include:
- Sterile gauze pads and roll bandages
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Elastic wrap bandage
- Small scissors and tweezers
- Pain medication like ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamine for allergic reactions
- Triangular bandage for makeshift slings
Make sure to check expiration dates and replenish any used items. A basic CPR face shield, surgical gloves, and emergency blanket are also good additions.
Survival Tools
Having the right tools on hand can help you improvise shelters, navigate terrain, signal for help, and more if you become stranded or lost. Useful items include:
- Fire starting kit (lighter, matches, tinder)
- Multitool or Swiss Army knife
- Emergency whistle
- Compass and maps of the area
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Paracord for setting traps, gear repairs, etc.
- Emergency sleeping bag or space blanket
- Water purification tablets or filter
Weather Protection
Be equipped to handle extreme weather and temperature drops in the wilderness. Pack:
- High visibility, waterproof outer layer
- Insulated mid layer for warmth
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hiking boots or shoes with good traction
Sustenance
Emergency rations give you vital calories and nutrients in a pinch. Good options are:
- High energy protein or granola bars
- Dried fruit and trail mix
- Jerky or pemmican
- Lightweight backpacking meals
- Hard candies
- Powdered sports drink mix
Also pack a reusable water bottle and extra water filtration/purification supplies.
Navigation and Communication
Stay found and call for emergency help with:
- Detailed topographical maps of the area
- Battery powered GPS device
- Emergency locator beacon (PLB, EPIRB, or SPOT device)
- Two-way radios or satellite phone if hunting with others
- Backup power bank to recharge devices
- Notebook and pencil for leaving notes
Additional Safety Essentials
- Bear spray or other defensive spray if needed
- Spare ammunition and firearm cleaning supplies
- Hunters orange visibility vest and hat
- Backup flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries
- Firearm sling for carrying your weapon
- Paracord or rope
- Duct tape and zip ties for temporary repairs
- Signaling mirror
- Camp knife or hatchet
First Aid Skills
In addition to supplies, every hunter should get certified in wilderness first aid. Learn how to:
- Treat wounds and stop bleeding
- Immobilize fractures
- Manage burns
- Recognize symptoms of shock
- Perform CPR
Knowledge and practice will empower you to effectively handle injuries until you can get professional medical care.
Emergency Survival Skills
Along with gear, master fundamental survival techniques like:
- Building shelters, fires, and signaling devices
- Foraging for food and water
- Navigating terrain without trails
- Predicting weather patterns
- Avoiding hazards like flash floods or landslides
Advanced training in areas like tracking, trapping, and wilderness survival can save your life if things go wrong far from civilization.
Hunting Partners
Never go into remote areas alone if possible. Having even one companion provides huge safety and survival benefits if you encounter trouble. Partners can get help, watch your back, pool resources, and more. Choose seasoned hunters you trust.
Notification and Check-In Procedures
Before each trip, leave a detailed plan with family and check-in regularly. Share when/where you’ll be hunting, your planned route, expected return time, and any contingency plans. Carry a satellite tracking device that lets contacts monitor your location remotely. Check in with updates at predetermined times if you’ll be out long.
Don’t Take Chances with the Elements
Be vigilant about weather forecasts and don’t take unnecessary risks hunting in marginal conditions. Similarly, avoid tough backcountry areas that push your navigational limits or physical abilities. Know your capabilities and don’t overestimate them.
Stay Calm and Focused in Emergencies
Despite best efforts, accidents and emergencies still happen. If you face a crisis, avoid panic. Take a moment to assess the situation and your resources. Create a plan of action, taking care of immediate threats first. Keeping a cool head gives you the best chance of overcoming challenges in the wilderness when help is not on the way.
Conclusion
Preparation is the key to handling outdoor emergencies. Every responsible hunter venturing into the backcountry should carry a well-stocked first aid kit, survival tools, weather protection, emergency rations, navigation/communication devices, and other safety essentials. Just as importantly, get certified in first aid, emergency survival skills, and team up with reliable hunting partners. Notification procedures and caution around weather/terrain also boost safety. With the right gear and training, you will be ready to handle accidents and emergencies far from outside help. Be prepared, not scared, and enjoy your time afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What basic first aid supplies should every hunter have?
Essential first aid kit items include sterile gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain medication, protective gloves, trauma shears, emergency blanket, and basic medications for pain, allergies, and digestion issues.
What survival tools does every prepared hunter need?
Useful survival tools include fire starters, knives/multitools, emergency whistles, compasses, headlamps, paracord, water filters, and sleeping bags or emergency blankets.
What weather protection gear is vital for hunters to carry?
Pack high-visibility, waterproof/windproof outer layers, insulating mid-layers, moisture-wicking base layers, warm hats, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots with good traction.
What emergency rations should you have for wilderness hunting trips?
Good emergency food options include protein/granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, lightweight backpacking meals, hard candy, powdered sports drinks, and plenty of water.
What navigation and communication devices help hunters in emergencies?
Carry maps, GPS devices, PLB/satellite communicators, radios, notebooks/pencils, and power banks for recharging electronics.
Why is formal first aid/survival training so critical for hunters?
Hands-on education in treating injuries, navigating without trails, improvising shelter and fire, and other techniques could save your life in a crisis.
What is the benefit of having hunting partners vs. going solo?
Partners provide huge safety/survival advantages if you have an accident and can get help, watch your back, share resources, and keep spirits up.