Originally Posted by
Muley Hunter
Yes, you should carry everything you need to dress out the animal with you. I skin, quarter, and sometimes bone it out at the kill spot. Put it in game bags, and hang it up in a tree. In the shade.
Marking the spot with tape is a good idea if you don't have a GPS to mark it. You can even use some tape to mark your tail back to the truck, but please take the tape down when you're done.
I hunt with a small backpack that has everything I need dress it out. Game bags, rope, knives, wipes, gloves, plastic bags, and a tarp. I'll also have my lunch, first aid kit, rain gear, and ammo.
I have just enough room left in the pack to bring out the tenderloins, and backstraps on the first trip. I go back to the Jeep, and get my frame pack, and get the rest. That may take 4 more trips.
+1
Additionally, a couple of forms of fire starter. A flash light (head lamp is best) with extra batteries will be appreciated the first time you have to walk out of some thick stuff in the dark. Carry water. A little dehydration will rob you of a lot of energy. You can go days without a snack (though low blood sugar will rob you of some energy too), but you need to keep your hydration up to keep the nervous system and muscles working well. A couple of candy bars in case you need to spend an unplanned night will be good for moral. Extra wool socks, gloves and a wool hat can make a big difference if you get wet or it turns cold on you. Even if you have a GPS, a few flags to help you find a carcass is wise. Equipment fails, batteries go dead...