Imodium, Imodium, Imodium.. Don't leave the home on excursion without it. Nothing worse than being away from home and coming down with a case of the spatters...

I wonder if the smoke bombs that are sold for 4th of July and such might be handy. They are small, inexpencive and easy to use as a signal. Think about it, even a smokey fire might not be noticed out in the woods, but brightly colored smoke might get extra attention.

Those smoke bombs don't throw much smoke at all.  You'd be lots better off (if you want smoke) putting some wet leaves, etc on a fire.

If you're going to be way out there for some time, you may also consider a strobe light. There are rescue beacon lights that are visible for literally miles even in the daylight. And these days there is no time of day when you cant look up and see an airplane of some type, from almost anywhere.

It's hard to get rescued if no one can find you. Even worse if your'e injured and want walk out.

Things you can do and carry to make a Searcher's job easier:

1) Tell people where you're going, when you'll be back.  Leave them with a map if possible.

2) Don't go to the bar/casino/etc. after you're supposed to be back, without telling the appropriate people. (I'm serious!)

3) Give me a nice fat, muddy boot print by your truck.. let me see that tread, and the general direction of your travel.

4) For your ease and mine, use biodegradable flagging tape to mark your path in.. It'll help you get back out as well.  You can buy it at most outdoor stores.. don't use the plastic stuff, it just makes the world less pretty. Remove the tape on your way out, even if it's bio-degradable... just make sure you're going the right way.

5) Take a compass bearing of your general direction of travel from your truck and leave it on a note on the dash.  Check the bearing periodically. (Am I traveling towards that big mountain still?  Yup, good).  If you'd rather roam, that's fine.. the initial bearing is a big clue.  Just say something on the note about wandering about.  A note on this: Some people think it's a good idea to leave your time in/out information on a note here too... However it mostly seems as if it helps thieves know how long you'll be gone... leave that information with somebody you trust.

6) Carry signal devices, several.  The no-pea whistles are my favorite audible device, they don't freeze up, and they carry forever.  Mirrors are good, bright colors are wonderful, especially if you're laying down from injuries.  Laser pointers are small and carry for a long while.. not a general purpose useful item.. but good anyway.  Flashlights, strobes, etc.. just use your imagination.

7) Once you get to the point that you're lost or injured, make a mess.. Bend twigs, make it obvious that a human is in the area.  Don't destroy the forest, but if you're in need.. you're in need.

8) Have any medications you need on you.  If you're allergic to bee-stings, have your epi-pen or whatever you carry.  Make sure the rescuers know if they have any special needs to deal with.  We'll generally have some gear, but not all of us are medics, and specialized medicine might not be available.

9) If you start hearing people moving about near you, start a fuss.  Blow your whistle flash the mirror and flashlight around, bang sticks together, whatever you can do.


That's just aside from the whole "Don't get lost" thing, and basic survival needs like a first aid kit..  By no means is this a comprehensive list, just some things off the top of my head that I've grown to appreciate.

I'm feeling a lil    right now after reading "vaseline, cotton balls and non lubricative condoms."
What and where exacting r u guys hunting? Sounds like a prison movie to me...

dave2old says "1 pound elk jerky
1 very large bottle George Dickel", I guess there's nothing really else one needs to go with this or will fit in the kit...  

Sounds like a remake of "Deliverance".......

Take a class! Go to your local fire department and ask them when and where the next CPR and first aid classes are held. GO for it a take the first responders course! You do not need a back pack (Frame back) to carry an education. Most incidents turn bad because most people panic. A basic education in first aid will make you more confident. Confidence saves lives - Next point don't carry anything you have not actually used and know you can count on to save your life. Try it on your next hunt... can you start a fire with it? Can you build a real shelter? Purfiy water? Cook anything in it? PROVE it to yourself by doing it BEFORE you need to do it in a life saving situation. The next time you spend the night in the field do it with just your normal gear you hunt with (no cheating) It will give you more CONFIDENCE for when you really need it. KNOWING you can survive and care for wounds is the best tool for survival. Add a mag strip and good knife strapped to your belt and your oddds are all the better. Facts show people will drop everything in a panic including a rifle, bow, and even their backback. It leads rescue searchers right to the end of the trail and a sad ending. Please if you have someone who cares about you take time to KNOW what you need to know and PROVE to yourself you can do it. When the time comes it WILL save your life. Better than a frame pack full of anything. Except maybe the jerky and wiskey bottle and cell phone..can I have my I-pod also? Afterall what is survival without some good tunes!  

Is there a site to go to that would show you where you wouldn't get coverage with your cell phone.
As for gps coverage I believe the US is pretty well covered for a signal does anyone no where there is no coverage.
I believe that cell phone and gps would you be your best possible options if you were truly in trouble.

One thing that I put in my pack for "just in case" is a large Victor rat trap. I put an eyelet screw on one end attach a 3 foot length of spiderwire superglued onto the eyelet and a tent stake on the other end. Also a plastic zip top bag with cotton balls lathered in peanut butter. If there are any member of the family rodentia in the area this is an easy way to make them tablefare.

Some of these sound more like BOB's than BASIC survival for an archery hunting trip. Were the heck are some of you hunting. Amazon maybe.

For those of you that are not in the Survivalist culture a "BOB" is a Bug Out Bag.

GPS technically covers most everything.. Except when you're in deep tree cover, or in some canyons.  They rely on triangulation, if you lose one of the signals, especially the WAAS satellites (there are two), then for all intents and purposes, you've lost your signal.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get lots of deep tree cover, and the GPS gets a bit wonky a good deal of the time.  

So really, you don't need much of a coverage map, just need to know that if you can't get a satellite signal, then you may be out of luck.

For those interested though:    WAAS
and:
  USCG GPS PAGE

Should be of some assistance.

The issue of "BOBs" though.. I'll not touch that with a ten foot pole. =p

Those of you who requested my list,would you please e mail me. Thanks.

Two large orange garbage bags stuffed with dry leaves make very warm sleeping bag. Duct tape can make a tourniquet, a pressure bandage, or join the garbage bags together. A few candle stubs would be a big help getting a fire going. 100% deet bug repellant might not save your life but maybe would save your sanity in bug season.

Super glue was first used in Viet Nam and I have used it on bad cuts. I understand there is is version that Doctors use but don't know the name of it! Anyone know the name or anything about it? Ken

Ken,  You're probably thinking of Dermabond, but as far as I know, it's really only for medical professionals (if only because it's incredibly expensive).  I've got plain old super-glue in my big first aid kit, never used it for sutures... but it's there just in case it becomes necessary.

Great stuff here. I've been thinking about adding the QuikClot Blood Clotting stuff to my kit.Does anyone have any experience with it ?

Quick clot has been reported to be excellent,but I haven't had to use it.Any volunteers?   :rolleyes:    

i have just about everything except the kitchen sink in mine. LOL!!! but i am going to cut it down some. to a few things like space blanket. dettol. painkillers .compass .cord. lighter. bandages. butterfly closure clips. a few hooks and line. and a knife.oh i forgot a wire saw best thing since sliced bread.