So, I think I'm ready to kick of this falls whitetail hunt. All trips are within 5 miles of home or truck. Any other neccesities that the more experienced handgunners would recommend?? I'll also carry along a water bladder, blaze orange, camo, and a cell phone. Good hunting to all this fall!!

I don't see a camera. Good luck!

hey, good point! i almost forgot!

Good luck to you Taurus41! I still have a 2 weeks until muzzleloader opens. I have my gear laid out and waiting until then. I just got one of those hydration backpaks, and to be honest, I don't know why I ever hunted without one!

Dang, taurus41 lives just north of me or you might say I live south of him

You forget hand sanitizer. Its an incredible fire starter, good for putting on cuts, and perfect for after you dress your deer.

Don't forget the baby wipes which serve for when you need to clean your hands and nature calls.

I don't see a small first aid kit. Good luck to you!

Its amazing , I thought I was ready. Lets see, first aid, hand sanitizer,baby wipes. All good ideas. I'll add them in. Thanks for the replies!

I figured there had to be some handgun hunters from around the Flathead Valley, that like this site. I've learned alot just from browsing around. Great site, well laid out and fun to surf, While I patiently wait for opening day.

Just got back from a short scouting trip of a little spot I have close to home. (about a 1 minute drive) Great little area, about 700 acres. Just checked out the spots and spotted 3 bucks and a couple does on the hike in. Things are looking good.

Whats the mace for? You have a handgun. Just kidding!!! Better follow the rules.

Lars

That's Montana Cajun Sauce

extra spicy:)

Taurus41

Just spoke to a guy that he and his dad hunt with a guy up the Northfork... in a couple of days hunting up there 3 seperate griz encounters. One slalked them for 1.5 miles all the way back to camp. Another one along the trail some place and the other friend had one come with in 40 yards.

Be careful out there on the Whitefish side of the range and up the Northfork. These guy's are experienced bowhunters but have never encountered griz before.... no one had secondary back up for this plan. They went out and purchased proper back up now. But just wanted to give you a heads up......

Thanks for the heads up, My hunting buddy and I saw alot of sign this archery season. I'm mean FRESH sign. Luckily no encounters. He was hunting (I didn't get archery tags this year) I was there to accompany him. I was sure to carry a 12 gauge, with OO Buck and slugs. I carry bear spray too. Just too many damn bears these days!

I also carry spare batteries for the light, and a tiny extra light that takes the same batteries.

Depending on how you hunt, I'd recommend some sort of shooting stick. I seldom head out w/o the monopod or bipod (and sometimes a tripod). Good luck.

Latex gloves in there??

Spencer, you beat me to it. Excellent idea!

personally I'd add a hand ax (gerber), A couple of really large
and heavy duty trash bags (good for shelter, and emergency rain
gear), and a map to go with that compass, put in about 20' or so
of rope (para cord), a blast match or flint and steel (fire making
back up) and finally a film canster of Vaseline soaked cotton
balls (fire tender).

just my .02

H_Talon

Extra batteries and a drag rope.

Going into bear country with a buddy. I always get a good stick that way when a bear attacks I wack my buddy on the leg so I can make sure I can out run him!!! Good luck hunting