TRAVEL TIPS

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A GOOD HUNTING TRIP REQUIRES GOOD PLANNING

Very often, what you do before a trip will determine how enjoyable the trip will be. Many great hunting trips have been ruined by lack of preparation. A gun fails, it rains and you have no rain suit, or a similar mishap occurs spoiling what could have been a perfect adventure. There are dozens of small things you can do before you leave that can make your trip much more pleasant. Offered here are some tips that will help you prepare for and better enjoy your future outing. 

MAKE A CHECKLIST

30 days before you depart, make a checklist and start getting the items together. If you wait until the last minute, you run the risk of finding that something essential is "out of stock" locally. Be sure to include items of a personal nature as well as hunting gear.

TAKE RAINGEAR

Don't forget your rain suit. It's amazing how many people go on a trip and don't take any raingear. Even in areas where rain is not expected, take raingear. You will never regret it.

MARK YOUR GEAR

Most sportsmen now use soft bags instead of hard luggage because air charter companies require it. It often seems that 

everyone at the lodge has shopped at the same store and many bags are identical. Use luggage tags or a permanent marking pen to put your name on each bag. Always mark your soft gun cases, too. They are very easy to confuse and misplace en route to and from the field.

TWO BAGS

If you have two small bags, "split" your gear. Place half of your better clothing and rough field clothes in each bag. Then put half your film, underwear, shirts, pants, socks, etc., in each. If the airline loses one, your trip won't be completely spoiled. When you return, you can place all dirty clothing together in one bag.

CHECK YOUR GUNS

Check your guns thoroughly before you leave. Make sure that they are in perfect condition. If you have any doubts, have the guns serviced by a local gunsmith. Ask his advice about which parts are likely to fail or malfunction and bring spares.

PHOTOCOPY YOUR PASSPORT

Make copies of the first two pages of your passport and stow them somewhere other than with your passport. While these copies won't serve as a passport, the vital information you will need is there if your passport is lost.

TAKE A FIELD BAG

Bring a small bag with a handle that folds and fits compactly in your luggage. Make sure it is a field green or cameo color so it won't spook the birds. At the lodge you can fill it with what you want to take with you each day - sunscreen, insect repellent, raingear, spare parts, cameras and film, etc.

FIRST AID KIT

Take along a small first-aid kit. It does not need to be very elaborate: just something to take care of nicks and scrapes; band-aids, antiseptic, tape and something for sunburn. This can often make a trip a little more comfortable.

CARRY SPARE EYEWEAR

When in the field, it is important to always wear glasses to protect you eyes from stray shot. Always carry spare sunglasses or clip-ons. Loss of these could mean a spoiled trip.

TAG YOUR BAG "INSIDE"

Place a note INSIDE your bag that says where you will be and for how long. If your bag gets lost and the airlines open the bag, they can forward it to your destination. If they have only the outside address, they will send it back to your home.