I think every year around this time, I find myself taking inventory of last fall's hunting equipment as well as planning for the coming year’s trips.  Thought I would take some time to tell you about some of the things I use in the field that I take with me on my hunts.

On top of my list from last year is a pop-up blind I discovered last season by Yukon Tracks.  This is more important of a tip for disabled hunters because it has a wheelchair accessible entrance, but it’s also one of the most well made blinds that you can buy for less than $200 that I've ever stumbled across.  I hunted in one this past year in Kansas and was very impressed.  It has large, zipper down windows on all four sides with zipper down “shoot through” camo mesh under the flaps.  The zipper down side entrance unhooks at the bottom so you can bend the back flap up backwards and roll into if you need to.

The first morning in Kansas, we hunted in 40+ mph wind (don’t ask me why), and staked down it held up great.  Best made pop-up I’ve seen since Double Bull and cheap.  I have a Yukon Enforcer in my garage right now that is 70X70X80 that I got for $169 and that is ready for turkey season in April.

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Next thing I take on all my hunts is a small pair of loppers.  You can get a lightweight, 24” pair at Wal Mart for $15 and they fit in your backpack.  We do a lot of temporary blind set ups getting ready for hunts, and loppers are the best tool for cutting brush to either conceal the blind or open shooting lanes.  Sometimes, we even take them along in the jeep in case we get to a trail that’s been grown over.  They can come in real handy!

The last thing I have with me somewhere on all my hunts is one of those small clip-on LED lights, the kind that clip onto the bill of your cap.  I bought a couple on my dad’s Cabela’s gift card two years ago, and they’re the most convenient headlamps I’ve ever worn.  They keep your hands free and are ideal for getting to the blind without lighting up the world.  The hard part is keeping track of them, because I take them off when I get in the blind, but they’re light and simple and if you ever find yourself in the woods at night, they’re a great back up plan if your other light fails.  A lot of times, I’m out with someone who needs to borrow a light.  (We’ve all been there.)  And I’ll slap one on their cap and send them on their way.

I hope these help.  I’d love to hear about the gear you use that you “don’t leave home without”.

Good Hunting!