Upland Hunter’s Checklist
Upland Hunter’s Checklist
“Hold my beer. Watch this!”, isn’t something any of us want to hear when we are hunting. If this is a statement we hear from our hunting group, we probably need to find new hunting buddies. All kidding aside, field safety isn’t a joke. Some of you are probably going to roll your eyes at me as you start to read through my suggestions, but when it comes to me and my dog, I’d rather be “over-prepared” than “underprepared”. Better yet, I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Pre-Trip List
1. Purchase my license/permit and necessary stamp. Put they in my wallet, on my phone or in my hunting bag.
2. Let my spouse, significant other, or good friend know where and how long I’m hunting.
3. Locate and save the contact information for veterinarians in the area where I’m hunting.
4. Save the contact information for the nearest Emergency Room in the area where I’m hunting.
5. Locate and save the contact information for the DNR agent in the area where I’m hunting.
6. Pack the dog’s first aid kit. (GunDog Outdoors has a Field Trauma Aid Kit for $75.)
7. Pack my first aid kit. (Adventure Medical Kits has a Sportsman 100 that is good for two people for four days for $34.99.)
8. Pack my ear protection (some to consider are AXIL, ISO tunes or Walkers).
9. Pack my eye protection
10. Pack my gun cleaning kit (Pro-Shot carries a variety of kits).
11. Pack a change of dry clothes and shoes. Even if I’m only going on a day-long hunt. Being cold and wet is miserable, especially in cold and wet conditions.
12. Pack the necessary clothing for the conditions and type of hunting I’m doing. If necessary, DON’T FORGET THE ORANGE!
13. Pack the necessary clothing (Gun Dog Supply has many options for dog boots and vests. Rex Specs has multiple options for dog goggles), stands/blinds (Gun Dog Supply has stand and field blind options), a crate for my dog (Ruff Land Kennels, Lucky Duck Kennels and Gunner Kennels are three of the top five to explore), and a crate cover if my dog’s crate is in the back of a truck (Gun Dog Supply has a Brown Dixie Insulated Kennel Cover by Mud River for $182.)
14. Pack towels and toilet paper (you never know when you might need it.)
15. Pack drinks and snacks for me and my dog.
16. Pack my dog’s E-collar (Garmin and Dt Systems have multiple options with GPS, beeper or locate.)
17. Make sure my gun is clean and in working condition.
In The Field List
1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Place your finger on the trigger only when you’re ready to shoot. Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and remember wherever the muzzle points is in the crosshairs. Identify the target before putting my finger on the trigger.
2. Communicate the safe shooting lanes. This is especially important if there is a new hunter in the group. When duck hunting, talk about whether we’ll take turns shooting, and whether we’ll stand or sit to shoot.
3. Don’t sit a loaded gun down & control your dog. Dogs can inadvertently pull a trigger by stepping on it, but they can’t load guns. If I have to set down my gun, take out the shells. Also, keep my dog under control.
4. Never shoot at sound or movement. Assume it is another hunter until I can clearly see the animal.
5. Stay aware of other hunters.
6. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.
7. Know where the boundaries, houses, roads, fences and livestock are located on the property and surrounding properties. Don’t overlook the possibility of a ricochet.
8. Check your barrel. Be alert for barrel obstructions. If you notice a strange-sounding report, unload the gun and check to make sure there’s not a wad stuck in the barrel, even if the shot hit the bird. Bring a cleaning rod to the blind to clear muzzle obstructions.
9. Hold your fire. When dogs or hunters are out in the decoys, keep the gun muzzle up and don’t shoot. Dispatch any crippled birds before releasing the dog.
10. Speak up. If you see unsafe gun handling during the hunt, say something. Be firm but tactful, as it’s embarrassing to get called out for unsafe gun handling. Regardless of their feelings, hunters who are a danger to the rest of the party need to be told what they’re doing wrong and how to correct it.
by Kyle Dana
November 2023
