My first few years of hunting weren't so great.. I was 100% self taught, had nobody to hunt with, and had little money to go out. I did it anyway. After staying at it for a few years I have been blessed with a few buddies to hunt with,and I don't think I'll do much solo hunting in the future. I generally road and trail hunted, and only ventured a few hundred yards off the trail at most. I never trekked miles and miles into the backcountry wilderness alone and I don't think I ever will (without a buddy/guide).

A whistle and a spaceblanket, in my opinion, are the two most important items to double check before heading afield as a solo hunter. Yes you need water, but you can freeze to death much quicker than you can die of thirst. Three short blasts on a whistle means distress.

Cherish your good hunting buddies!