Written by: M.D. Johnson
I’ll admit it. The larger my blind bag gets, and it seems to get bigger every year, the more stuff I cram into it. Some of it I use; most of it I don’t need. What I know is that come the end of the season, I need two strong kids and an ox cart to get my bag into and out of the field. Yeah, it gets that heavy.
But while there are ‘nice’ things to have in the field, waterfowlers should seriously consider the handful of what I believe to be Must Have items on hand; those things that, realistically, could spell the difference between going home having learned the lesson that Mother Nature and her Outdoors aren’t always a benevolent combination, and…well…not going home at all.
And with that, here are my top 10 must have items for waterfowl hunters!
Charged cell phone / portable power
No, I’m not a fan of cell phones nor am I a fan of what they’ve done to the traditional sport of waterfowl hunting; however, that’s an opinion best kept to myself or another time. That said, and at the insistence of my wife – and, if I were to ask, my Mother – I always pack my cell phone, my FULLY charged cell phone, into the field just in case. In the past, I’ve used the iPhone to contact the local wildlife officer, law enforcement, and in one case, to report a small structure fire. It’s with me, always, but always on silent. I hate having it ring! Oh, and some type of portable power in case a recharge becomes necessary. I love the small, portable battery packs from Dark Energy.
Operational plan
Leave someone you trust a note where they can find it providing the details:
- Where you’re going,
- Who you’re going with,
- What you’re driving,
- How you’re getting there (the route), and
- What time you expect to be home.
Should something go sideways during the hunt, folks at least know where to get a search started.
Small first aid kit
You don’t have to pack like an EMT, but a small first aid kit can come in handy for any number of reasons. Mine is roughly 6” by 6” by 4” thick, soft-sided and zippered, and contains an assortment of items including:
- Pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Lip balm
- Q-Tips
- Eye drops
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Dental floss
- Bandages
- Antacid tablets (Rolaids)
- A small mirror
- Individual gauze pads
- Strong tape
- A tiny sewing kit
Yours may differ slightly or radically, the common denominator is having one with you.
Headlamp and extra batteries
Perhaps it’s post-hunt, you’re on your way home, and there’s an issue with the truck. Flat tire. Broken something. It’s dark, and all of a sudden you realize that being able to see would be convenient! I carry two headlamps, both of which are The Torch from Dive Bomb Industries. Bright as the sun and rechargeable, though the units can be powered by three AAA batteries, the lamps have provided me with lighting on numerous way-too-dark occasions. Doesn’t really matter the make/model; just make sure you have one. And extra batteries.
Hydration
Water. Plenty of it. More than you think you could drink during the day, and then drink it. Coffee in moderation. Skip the high sugar energy drinks. ‘Nough said.
50’ of #550 paracord, plus duct tape and zip-ties
In an emergency, I’ve used paracord for everything from strapping my #65 Aquapod into the truck to building an in-the-field jerk cord, tying stubble to a panel blind, hauling a limit of mallard ducks out of the field, and making impromptu boot laces. It’s lightweight, relatively inexpensive, incredibly strong, and takes up practically no space, plus, as many know, it has 1,001 uses. Same with a small roll of black or brown duct tape – Can you say wader repair? Oh, and grab a handful of zip-ties.
Hunting licenses and stamps
When I grew up in Ohio in the 1970s, we were required by law to wear our hunting licenses and stamps in a square holder pinned between our shoulder blades on our outer jacket or garment. Times changed, I moved to Washington, and all that paperwork went into my wallet. Now it’s all in my dry bag from Slayer Calls—with my ammo and phone. That way I know its safe at all times.
Wader belt
I learned the reason behind the existence of an adjustable wader belt the hard way a couple decades ago, and, like my seatbelt after having rolled my ’98 F-150. I wear both religiously now. Every. Time. It is, as it’s said, cheap insurance; a simple CLICK, again like the seatbelt, can mean the difference between getting to shore and not getting home at all.
Personal flotation device
Like a wader belt, there’s absolutely no reason not to wear a personal flotation device, or PFD, this day and age. You board a duck boat. You wear a PFD. Simple as that. Today, PFDs aren’t the Old School big bulky uncomfortable orange monstrosities we had back in The Day. Modern PFDs such as those from Mustang Survival are lightweight, adjustable and extremely comfortable. While they can be a little spendier ($159) than a traditional non-inflatable vest ($41), I love the security and safety modern PFDs offer.
Extra glasses
And finally, if you wear prescription lenses, throw a second set of spectacles in your bag. Mother Nature and waterfowling in particular, can be tough on eyewear. While I certainly can use every excuse I can get – “I COULDN’T SEE!!” – so-called ‘seeing glasses’ can make the drive home a whole lot easier.
