We finish out the days of one season dreaming of the next. Whether you are going on a do- it-yourself public land hunt or you choose to hire an outfitter, the ultimate responsibility of your own hunt preparation lies within yourself.
Hunting in Oregon can mean miles of walking through steep and rugged terrain. Your physical condition can make or break your hunting season. With that in mind- year round- I include five days a week of cardiovascular training coupled with two sessions per week of weight training.
While covering all of those relentless miles, make sure to wear condition appropriate foot wear. I opt to couple my boots with a two-layer sock system to reduce blistering and wicks moisture therefore helping reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Your clothing, hair and body should all be washed with scent eliminating detergents. Clothing should be stored in bags that block scent to keep foreign odors away. Once showered avoid cooking smells, cigars, or campfires.
For late summer and fall hunts, dress in clothing that is easily layered, beginning with a moisture wicking synthetic base layer. Couple this with a poly blend pant and shirt. In cooler temperatures, carry gloves, a stocking hat and layer in a hi-count fleece top for wind protection and/ or bring along a waterproof pant and jacket.
Carry a quality pack that has a chest and waist strap that offers comfort and support without sagging or shifting. Your pack should also offer good ventilation and a separate compartment for your hydration system.
Hydration is key to keeping your body functioning in the field. During warmer hunting conditions, I will freeze my hydration pack the night before my hunt and utilize it as a refrigerator for my lunch during the day.
Optics are a must-have item. To keep glasses close to hand, use a binocular harness system with a soft cover to allow for comfortable carrying and ease of viewing while protecting your lenses from debris and fogging in the field.
To dope the wind, bring a breeze detection powder like Smoke-In-A-Bottle, and any applicable scents such as condensed elk urine, hand or mouth calls, laser range finder, and a small camera.
To round out the pack, include an LED flashlight, a GPS unit, extra batteries, and a knife. Additionally, I carry an Outdoor Safe Survival Kit available at www.outdoorsafe.com, and a small first aid kit.
Your success in the field can come from taking extra time to learn about and utilize the right combination of gear and preparation for your hunting style.
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