Having the ability to bird hunt close to home is a luxury some have, and others don’t. Even for those with the ability to hunt within a day trip of home, if they’re like me, they still have a burning desire to see new landscapes, experience new species, and most importantly, to do it all with your gun dog. That’s where having a hunting rig becomes beneficial. Originally, my camping trailer set up was brought to life by my good friend, and dog training buddy, Craig Jones. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decided he needed a rig that would allow him to go anywhere he desired to hunt birds. The trailer has since been passed to me, and I have made some changes, but I appropriately use it for its original intended purpose.

Storage and Gear  

A camping trailer is my preference over a truck that is fully equipped because it allows me to keep everything I need for hunting and camping ready to go without having to have it all in my daily driver. The base of the rig is a Smittybilt Scout trailer, which is super compact and lightweight with an independent suspension and articulating hitch that allows it to go through any terrain my truck can get through. The trailer itself has three areas for storage which have been modified to fit my needs. The rear compartment has two sliding floors. I use one side for sleeping essentials, miscellaneous camping supplies, guns, and clothing. The other holds a 50-quart ARB fridge/freezer that allows me to keep meat cool or even frozen for long periods of time without ice. The second compartment houses the power source which is composed of two deep cycle batteries with an on-board battery charger that allows them to be charged by a standard 120v outlet as well as a solar panel that I keep in the trailer. I use this power source not only for the fridge/freezer, but things like GPS collars for the dog, lights on the trailer, cell phone, and my camera gear. The last trailer compartment contains a kitchenette and my two burner Partner Steel cook stove that runs off a five-pound propane tank I keep attached to the front of the trailer. This makes cooking meals on the road a breeze. There’s nothing better than coming back to camp after a hunt and frying up the birds you were lucky enough to take that day.

In addition to the compartments, I also keep a few things attached to the trailer at all times. An axe that I use for chopping firewood, two five-gallon jerry cans of extra fuel (that I’ve had to use on a few occasions because birds seem to have a complete disregard for my fuel economy). I also keep a pressurized water system attached called The Waterport that I use as a water source for anything from cleaning birds, taking showers, to watering the dog.

Sleeping Arrangements  

The most comfortable part of the set-up is the rooftop tent. I use a Thule Tepui Autana 3 with a built-in mattress that has a sleeping footprint just slightly smaller than a king-sized bed. This size allows for two people to sleep comfortably, plus my dog, Tikka, who of course, is spoiled and sleeps in the tent with me. The beauty of the rooftop tent is that when you are done for the night and ready to move to the next location, it simply accordions back up and packs away quickly.

A dedicated hunting trailer gives you the ability to hunt in remote places comfortably and acts as a constant motivator to get out and hunt. You’ll find yourself planning bigger trips, and greater adventures.