Preparing for the hunt

Range finders can also be a valuable tool in the field. A good range finder starts at around $100.

A global positioning system cannot only be fun, but lifesaving, especially for those hunters who sometimes have difficulty making it back to camp. One benefit hunters sometimes overlook is that with a GPS they can easily return to a favorite hunting spot or find an old game trail. New GPS units also come with topographical maps that can be pulled up in seconds and show detailed layouts of the land.

Some of the new heaters that use propane canisters have carbon monoxide detectors, which means they can be used inside tents. If the air quality gets low, the system shuts down.

A game bag is something else a hunter should not forget, especially if the weather is warm.

Another handy item is survey flagging. The flagging is biodegradable and will be gone within months. Until then, it marks trails and locations to help hunters find game and their way back to camp.

There are, of course, a number of other items that are important and/or can make a hunt easier and more pleasurable. With only two days to spare, hunters should go down the checklist and then check and double check to make sure it's among the things to be packed.

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