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Here's a question for all the veteran hunters - What should I bring with me during the day while hunting.
Apart from the obvious, gun, ammo, a good knife, camera, bino's, change of socks/shirt, rain gear, what else should I have that the PH won't provide? What about rangefinder, sticks, repellent, first aid stuff, water, snacks, a full flask? I've never been on a guided hunt, but I'm assuming I won't need a pack that's full to the brim.
On my person when hunting:
I consider a knife a necessity, therefore I am always carrying a pocket knife. In Africa carrying an appropriate (5-6 inch blade) hunting knife may not be a necessity, but can come in handy, thus I carry one on my belt along with my pocket knife.
Extra ammo varies by what and where hunting, and firearm(s). I like to generally have 10 rounds total of ammo on hand.
Compact binoculars, 8-12x to help locate your animal before going to your scope.
Lens wipes for cleaning scope, binos, sun/shooting/eye glasses.
Bandana/hankerchief
Toilet paper and wet wipes are dependent on how far or how long from the vehicle otherwise left with the vehicle.
A full water bottle is also handy in the pants/shorts cargo pocket and dependent on distance and time away from vehicle.
A hat is a necessity.
Depending on weather: a light or mid weight, wind and rain resistant jacket, extra pair of socks, gloves or pocket chemical hand warmers.
Other items: (generally left in the vehicle)
a length of cordage (paracord), a multi tool (leatherman), appropriate items/ tools/ allen wrenches/ small screw driver to remove or adjust scope, [multi piece cleaning rod with jag (to remove dirt/debris that might get lodged in the barrel)(ask your PH maybe he will bring this along)]
Snacks and such:
PH usually has sufficient water and various (non alcoholic) drinks in a cooler in the vehicle.
When not going back to the lodge or camp for lunch, the PH usually packs a lunch.
Rather than packing toiletries with me, I pick up toiletry items upon arrival. This saves luggage/packing weight and space.
I also bring with me a paper notebook, a couple of pens and pencils to write in, as a journal of my trip, along with a DLSR camera with extra batteries, cards, lens and accessories to take better (especially distance) photos and videos vs just using my phone camera.
Light footwear for around the lodge or camp gives you and your feet relief after the days hunt(s).
If you are not planning on before or after the hunt activities/traveling, then hunting clothing other than camouflage should be fine around the lodge or in case you need or want to shop or walk around the local town/village.
Long underwear, is personal choice. In 2017 my first trip to hunt the East Cape, I was glad I packed 2 sets of long underwear. I needed them for 3 of the 9 days in June.
In my check baggage is a bore snake and gun cleaning items: patches, solvent/oil, bore swabs, Q tips, small sewing kit, small simple first aid kit, small flashlight, headlamp, extra copies of SAPS, CBP4457, photocopy of passport, yellow shot card, birth certificate, itinerary, airline ticket, letter(s) of Invitation, etc.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND: Carrying Extra Cash: $40.00USD and R60 in two separate easily accessible button shirt and/or front pants pockets, with additional cash tucked safely into an inside jacket or vest pocket that I'm wearing. Passport carried in an exterior jacket or vest pocket.
As others suggested:
If your only going to be hunting then 1 set of hunting clothes in your carry on and 1 set in your check baggage and travel/just in case hunting clothing worn.
Just another idea on what items to carry on your person afield, in the vehicle, into lodge/camp.
