Build Your Own Hunting Survival Kit

Hunters are great at planning and preparing before a hunt. They take into account weather and terrain, usually hunt in pairs or groups, and whether they’ll be hoofing it or riding ATVs.

Nevertheless, no matter how well you plan and prepare, Murphy’s Law is always in effect. You know the one that says: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” And what you thought would be a quick scouting maneuver down a hill, turns into an unplanned overnighter, possibly in pain and definitely cold. Making it worse, you realize most of your gear is at camp or in the truck.

What you need is a compact survival kit, one you have with you all the time, but is also light. You can buy field survival kits if you want. However, building your own survival kit is easy, because there’s a good chance you already have most of what you need at home. What you don’t have you can grab from the nearest sporting store, or even grocery store. 

Below are suggested items sorted into two categories, you definitely don’t have to pack it all.

Survival

• Emergency tube tent 
• Emergency blanket
• Paracord
• Water container with filtration/purification system
• Lighters, wrapped with duct tape. Include ferro rod and/or matches
• Accelerants like vaseline coated cotton balls
• Power bar, tuna pack, or jerky.
• Fixed blade knife and multitool
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Compass, maps, GPS device
• Whistle
• 2 way radio
• Insect repellent

First Aid

• Tylenol, ibuprofen, and benadryl packets
• Chapstick
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibacterial ointment
• Bandages/butterfly bandages
• Medical tape
• Gauze pads
• Compress bandages
• Moleskin
• SAM splint
• Needle and thread
• Bandana
• Razor blades
• Cough drops
• Alcohol cleansing pads
• Tweezer
• Safety pins

It may seem like a lot of items, but you can pack them with efficiency. You can be as detailed as you want. The idea is to have something light and compact, easily carried, but will help you get through a night until help arrives.

So, during this hunting season, be prepared and be safe. And good luck.