Are You Prepared?

It is hunting season! For many of us, this is our favorite season of the year as visions of antlers and bulging game bags fill our heads. But in the rush of sighting in rifles and circling opening dates on the calendar, some folks forget to slow down and really prepare for time outdoors. Whether you are heading for new territory or into your own backyard, your Salmon Region Fish and Game wants to remind you that what you do now to prepare for the unexpected is a vital part of preparing for your hunt. An important first step in hunt preparation is simply getting to know your hunt area. Gather maps, study them carefully, and then take them with you on your scouting trips. Use your map and compass to navigate around your hunting area and learn the locations of major landmarks, roads, and streams. If you do not have a compass, buy one and learn how to use it. Knowing how to use this small piece of equipment can be a lifesaver, especially if conditions change suddenly leaving you to navigate in a snowstorm. Some hunters are now using GPS systems. While a good tool to have, GPS is worthless if you do not know how to use it properly. Practice using your GPS long before your hunting trip and remember that it cannot replace a good map and compass. Take some time to go through your pack and see what you need. Besides the proper equipment for field dressing an animal, you should make sure your pack contains equipment that will allow you to spend a night outdoors if necessary. Extra clothing such as socks, hat, sweater, gloves, and a coat is a must especially if you hunt later in the season. Wool or fleece are your best bet since they will keep you warm even when wet. Rain gear will keep you dry as well as protect you from the wind. Checking an accurate weather forecast can help you decide what extra clothing to pack. Additional items to bring include a space blanket; flashlight with extra batteries; matches in a waterproof container; firestarter; a whistle or mirror for signaling; a heavy- duty garbage bag; and disposable hand warmers. Don't forget to bring water and remember to bring more than you think you will need. The same thing goes for food; bring more than you need. Exercise, fresh air, and the excitement of the hunt will increase your appetite so pack a bigger lunch as well as extras of your favorite hunting snacks. A vital item to carry with you is a good first aid kit. Such a kit should allow you to deal with minor medical emergencies. While large band-aids are good for small cuts, items such as gauze pads, disposable diapers, and Kotex are much better for controlling heavy bleeding. A splint such as a SAM splint or folded wire splint can be valuable in stabilizing a fractured limb. Other things to include are vet wrap, surgical tape, a triangular bandage, Tylenol or Ibuprofen, Benedryl, forceps, and alcohol wipes. A small First aid book is another nice addition. If you are on any prescribed medication, bring that with you as well and take it at the usual times. When opening day arrives and you are ready to head out into the hills, make sure to tell someone exactly where you are planning to go and what time you expect to be back. In case you fail to return on time, this information will be of great help to a search party. If you do get lost, admit it! Getting lost is nothing to be ashamed of; it happens to even the most experienced outdoorsmen. Stay where you are and think about your situation. If night is approaching, set up a camp. The process of collecting firewood, making a shelter, and building a fire will help you stay calm. In the morning, you might recognize where you are and be able to hike out. But if things still look unfamiliar, staying right where you are will make the job of Search and Rescue that much easier. Besides, if you are prepared, this experience will just give you one more interesting hunting story to tell when you get home.