Story by Bill L. Olson

This time of year those that travel out of state to hunt have, or are applying for tags for a variety of big game species.  Hunters that will hunt in the Lone Star State are possibly making plans for a variety of reasons to hunt a different piece of ground or in a different region.  For others maintaining the status quo it is improving existing property, and waiting for time to pass in anticipation of the opening of a new season.

Wherever hunt plans take you, this should also be a time to improve and review personal preparedness and protection afield.  It is something far too many overlooked when we are younger and still believed the myth that we are “bullet-proof,” or when we are naïve and didn’t think accidents would happen.  As we get older experience guides us to be more cautious and thorough to be personally prepared.

For those that travel, plans should be modified for specific potential challenges that might be encountered in that area.  Time of year, specific geographic conditions like increased elevation plus specific equipment needed should be included.  Like any good plan, preparation takes thought to evaluate potential challenges to be effective if needed.

During this “off-season” consider where you are going to hunt, with whom you will hunt and their experience, plus the time of year to anticipate changing weather conditions.  Those three questions will help define the final plan.

Most outfitted hunts in the Lone Star State include scouting, trespass rights to land, lodging and meals.  A hunter is taken to and from the hunt area, placed in a stand or hunts a predetermined area.  At a designated time the hunter is picked up for a midday break until the hunt resumes around mid-afternoon.

In a daypack every hunter should carry basic survival essentials that include fire making supplies, water purification system, paracord and tarp, compass for orienting oneself and a first aid kit (from basic to extreme) to meet the demands of a specific hunt.

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