Walk and stalk has always been my preferred method of hunting. “Boots on the ground” to coin a phrase often used nowadays, but usually in a different context. It is not only the most challenging way to hunt, it also brings one into closer contact with the bush – the sights, sounds, and smells are all so that much more real, and I like it that way.
The wilder the area I can hunt, the better – the further away from the trappings of civilization, the better. I also prefer to hunt alone – do my own tracking, stalking, and follow-up. Hunting alone avoids the need to talk to someone or to answer them, even if you are not inclined to talk. But hunting alone, in wild places, increases the risk factor – I like that too. I never take a communication device with me – no cellphone, satellite phone, or two-way radio. There is nothing more intrusive or downright irritating than hearing a cellphone or other electronic gadget trying to get my attention. Of course, they can be switched off and used only in an emergency, which is something to be said for the pesky devices, but no thanks, I would rather leave them at home.
Because one is at greater risk hunting this way, I try and prepare for “eventualities” by carrying my hunter’s pack. If “something” should happen and I am stranded out in the bush for a few days, I carry enough with me to live in relative safety and comfort. There is nothing worse than to be cold, thirsty, wet, and hungry, and if these needs can be met, you are “home free”.
The contents of my hunter’s pack includes:
- Hunting gear and spares
- Water and fluids
- A small survival kit
- Food supply
- A first aid kit
Let’s have a look in some closer detail.
Hunting gear and spares
I carry my bow, 7 broadhead-tipped arrows, a bow fishing arrow and line, a hex tool, some judo points, and a spare string.
Water and fluids
Water is essential for survival, and I always carry a full litre bottle in my pack. I use my water sparingly, but if I find a source of water, I will drink from the water bottle to keep myself hydrated and immediately refill it, and add a water purification tablet. I will never pass a water source without drinking and making sure my water bottle is full. I also generally carry a 1-litre box of fruit juice (with a re-sealable lid).
A small survival kit (Figure 1)
This is essential as something could happen which might force me to sleep out for a night or more. Apart from water (already mentioned), my very basic survival kit provides me with the means to make fire, provide shelter from the elements, to purify water and to heat or cook food, and to boil water. My bow can always be used to shoot food – which can include birds and fish.
- A 10m length of paracord can be used for numerous tasks.
- A groundsheet on which I can sleep in good weather or make a shelter if things turn cold and wet.
- To help stay dry, I include an emergency rain jacket, which is small and does not take up much space.
- Means to make fire – at least two lighters, flint and steel (on my hunting knife), and a few firelighters to get a fire going in wet conditions. I soak old teabags in paraffin. Makes excellent fire starters. Fire keeps you warm, provides light, can be used for cooking and boiling water, and helps keep predators away.
- A packet of water purification tablets (20 tablets can purify 20 litres of water).
- Metal cup (it can be used to heat or cook food in, boil water, or have hot drinks.
- Hunting knife and multi-tool (Leatherman)
- Torch – plus spare batteries
- A small compass
- If the weather is cold or the forecast indicates cold weather is on the way I will also carry a sleeping bag (the type which can fold up small) in case I have to sleep out.
Food supply (Figure 2).
A few basic food items are excellent morale boosters if you find yourself having to “night out” in the bush.
- 1 or 2 packets of noodles (just add water)
- 2 tins of bully beef
- 6 teabags
- A small container of sugar
- Some fresh fruit (apples or oranges)
- Some glucose sweets
- A small container of condensed milk (to add to the tea)
- A packet or two of dried fruit and nuts
Small first aid kit (Figure 3)
Sickness or injury can really spoil a hunt. By carrying a basic first aid kit, I can deal with most minor and some major issues. It is impossible to carry enough medical equipment to cover all eventualities, so over the years I have narrowed things down to the most likely medical emergencies and have identified the following possible problems and have indicated what I carry to deal with this issue:
- Overheating and dehydration – 6 sachets of Rehidrate
- Diarrhoea – a small packet of Imodium or Lomotil tablets
- Nausea and vomiting – a small packet of Valoid tablets
- Bleeding and cuts – for severe bleeding, 2 combat tourniquets; 2 bandages, a roll of plaster, and a few assorted sizes and shapes of Elastoplast (preferably waterproof). A few gauze pads. Betadiene (or alternative) wound cream.
- Allergies – a packet of Allergex tablets and some Antisan cream. For anyone who is allergic to bee stings, I strongly recommend carrying adrenaline in a pre-determined dose syringe.
- Stomach cramps – a packet of Buscopan
- Bites and stings – a stick of insect repellent. Antisan can be used to alleviate itchy insect bites.
- Pain – 10 Disprin and 10 Myprodol tablets
A roll of toilet paper is a “nice to have”, but is bulky and takes up lots of space. There are “bush alternatives”.
This might sound like a lot to carry and heavy to boot. In actual fact, it all fits comfortably into the hunting pack shown (Figure 4) and weighs around 8kg. – quite comfortable to carry all day long. The pack I use, which I have had for close on 30 years, is called a Catquiver. It is still manufactured by the Rancho Safari company in the USA.
Having the peace of mind knowing that you have the basics to survive in the bush for 3 or 4 days, should you be called upon to do so, makes the hunt that much more enjoyable.
