"Don't leave home without it" was a popular advertising catch phrase a couple decades ago. While originally referring to a credit card, as a bird hunter's maxim it still holds true.
Over the years, I've forgotten shotguns, sleeping bags and on a particularly hectic day I almost left a dog in the front yard.
Starting on the long drive following one of those debacles, and then over the years on my blog with help from my television show's fans (thanks, everyone!), I created what is now the "Ultimate Upland Checklist."
Dog
- Food
- Bowl
- Nutri-Cal or supplement bars
- E-collar, charger, transmitter
- Check cord
- Whistle & spare
- Lead/leash
- Crate
- Maltodextrin supplement
- Tie-out stake/cable
- Microchip
- Temporary collar ID tag
- Bell for collar
- Skid plate/belly protector
- Vitamin C
- Brush/comb (burrs, tangles)
- "Lost" kit (chip#, photo, license #) and flyers
- Boots
- Food supplements to encourage eating at night
- Extra collar
- First aid kit plus:
- Eye wash/saline solution
- Aspirin
- Ophthalmic antibiotic ointment
- De-skunking kit
- Hydrogen peroxide, dropper or squeeze bulb
- Bandages/gauze
- Vet wrap
- Empty gel cap/super glue (nail repair)
- Dermabond
- Antihistamine (snake/bee)
- Pad Tuff
- EMT Gel
- Hemostats/tweezers
- Tick removal tool
- Insect repellent spray/drops
- List of veterinarians in area
- Poop scooper or bags
- Blaze orange bandanna or vest
- Veterinary/health certificates
- Bumpers, toys
- Nail clipper
Camp
- Bungee cords
- Duct tape
- Propane, white gas
- Lawn chairs
- Table/folding
- Ice chest
- Trash bags
- Ziploc food bags
- Lantern, extra mantels
- Hand ax
- Water
- Rope
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Sleeping bag
- Cot or sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Baby wipes
- Tent/vapor barrier, rain fly
- Tent stakes, rope, poles
- Insect repellent (human)
- Shovel
- Cook gear
- Cook stove
- Paper towels
- Tarp
- Toilet paper
- Repair kit: sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.
RV/trailer/camper
- Fill propane tank
- Fill water tank
- Charge batteries
- Keys - spare
Wheel chocks and leveling blocks
- Check tire pressure
- Water hose
- Drain hose
- Shore power cable
Hunt
- Shotgun
- Extra shotgun same gauge
- Ammo (incl. non-toxic)
- Choke tubes
- Hard gun case
- Soft gun case/sock
- Gun care/cleaning kit
- Gun permits (Canada)
- Choke tube wrench
- Snap caps
- Shooting gloves
- GPS, spare batteries
- Vest
- Water bladder/bota
- Hunter's ed certificate
- Contact info, itinerary to reliable person
- Topo maps
- Diary/journal
- Landowner gifts
- Shooting glasses
- Regulation booklets
- Hearing protection
- Licenses/tags/permits
- Extra car key
- Game shears
- Ten essentials survival kit:
- Duct tape
- Map/compass
- Waterproof matches
- Alternate fire starter
- Space blanket
- Aluminum foil
- Water purification (tabs or filter)
- Water container
- Whistle
- Multi-tool
- Ziploc bags for bird storage
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunblock
- SPOT messenger/PLB
- Towel/chamois
Personal
- Medications, vitamins
- First aid kit
- Boot dryer
- Cell phone, charger
- Laptop, charger
- Still camera, memory cards, USB cable
- Video camera, tripod, batteries, tape or disks
- Wallet
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries, toothbrush, etc.
Transport
- Jerry cans/extra fuel
- 2-way radios, batteries
- Spare serpentine belt
- Air compressor
- Anti-freeze
- Books on tape or music CDs
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Hi-Lift jack
- Shovel
- Comealong or winch
- Road maps
- Spare key
- Jumper cables
- Tow strap
- Tool kit
- Tire sealant/spray
- Fire extinguisher
- Ice scraper
- Spare fuses
- Spare bulbs
- Lug wrench
- Check all fluid levels
- Tire chains
- GPS
- Jumpstarter/power source
Clothing
- Rain/wind pants, jacket
- Wicking layer - underwear
- Brush chaps
- Socks - liner
- Socks - wool blend
- Bandanna
- Insulating layer (fleece)
- Hat/cap
- Shirts
- Pants
- Town shoes
- Sleepwear
- Gloves
- Shoe repair goop
- Boots - 2 pair
- Blaze orange as required by law/safety
- Belt
- Chemical hand warmers
