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Pat Taylor
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Survival preparation a necessity
I have taught or assisted in hunter education classes annually in several counties for the past 22 years. At my first class as an instructor, my assignment was to teach the survival portion of the 10 required hours. This wasn't by coincidence, but from the head instructor's knowledge of my backpacking hobby since the mid-70s. Whether hiking for days or hunting for hours, it could be a matter of survival to carry a small fanny pack or backpack with life-saving essentials.
They say each backpack is somewhat personal, but I believe in packing a few universal items that could actually save a life. It's not uncommon to run-out of daylight before making it back to your vehicle, slip and injure a limb, or get caught in sever weather. When you start thinking of all the possibilities, your backpack could get heavy quick, but that's not necessary.
With turkey season in full swing, hikers and campers gearing up for spring and summer, I strongly promote survival. Survival can be summed up as staying warm, dry, and hydrated. In my backpack this translates to a really compact (3 inch bundle) rain gear or jacket, matches in a waterproof container, some toilet paper rolled into a Ziploc bag to be used as a fire starter or whatever, and one bottle of water.
Actually the item I've used most in my backpack is a small flashlight. We've hiked most of the day trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but invariably the last half mile or more catches us hiking after dark. The same goes for several evening hunts and walking from the back side of farms. Naturally it's good practice to add some first-aid items.
We've talked about the basics and now let's talk about the bonus items and items I carry hiking in my pack. A large trash bag may sound strange but it can be converted into a rain jacket, a pillow, a water container, a seat cover, and as just a trash bag. An extra layer of fleece or Polypro is great for sudden weather changes or overnight cold weather and is very light. Another strange item that comes in handy is duct tape. I've fixed many pants, coats, built small shelters, fastened myself to a tree stand, and repaired gear with the tape.
Naturally food can't be overlooked, especially on day hunts, hikes, or extended hikes. I'll keep it simple by suggesting water purification tablets, instant soups, cocoa mix, vacuum packed foods, and any light-weight items that can easily be fixed in a metal cup.
Maybe you've been lucky and never needed a few extra survival items, but I've been caught in a few rough storms, weather changes, accidents, and worse. I hope you'll consider some version of survival kit, and it's there when you need it.
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