Long ago I worked with a woman who was one of the fist to go through the Army jump school. She had issues similar to those you had with the pack frame, but much worse.
Ha, I'm so happy this came up in Wild Bites TODAY -- I don't think I was subscribed back in March, so I hadn't seen this, and we're packing for our first hunt of the season **this morning** and these tips are going to be super handy.
I am very snack-oriented, so making sure everyone's got their pockets full of accessible treats is always high on my to-do list -- and I love the spice jar idea. My version of wrapper-free trail snacks has usually been to make a bunch of savory tarts or pasties (one-handed, self-contained), wrap them in beeswax cloth, and tuck them into a waxed canvas lunchbag which Dexter just shoves in his hunting backpack. The beeswax cloth keeps its shape, but it's easy to unwrap and it isn't trash like saran wrap or shiny like tinfoil (and it's water-resistant!) and you can tuck pasties in your pockets for later, too. (Beeswax cloth is super expensive to buy, but it's not difficult at all to make your own if you have an iron, and you can choose the fabric you use -- camo lunchwrap, anyone?)
Love it! If you decide to make the specific mix I discussed, I definitely recommend subbing in dark chocolate M&Ms for the chocolate chips, which melt in warm weather, especially if they're in a pocket close to your body!
Holly I'm not a duck hunter, but I can relate to your gear trials and errors. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, it really helps to have a sense of humor. Really enjoyed reading your post it was the absolute highlight of my day.
I don’t have a full blown hack per se, but, in my blind bag, I always have a couple of different length zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape, Philip’s screwdriver, pliers, three small carabiners, and a couple of short bungee cords. Those items have saved my day in the field more than a few times! Thanks for sharing!
I definitely need some bungees! My bungee game is weak. I have some crappy old ones that I haven't bothered to replace - lame.
But if we're talking what goes into the blind bag, I'm a big fan of the Real Avid gun tool - a multi tool designed for guns. Universal choke wrench, screwdriver and Allen wrench set, punch. I use it several times a season, and take it to the shooting range too.
Fun story about duct tape: Couple OGs go duck hunting and take their grandson, who's maybe 4. Somehow, they don't notice that he's not wearing shoes when they leave the house. They're not about to skip their hunt, so they duct-tape his feet to give him improvised booties! Hella cute photo. Grandma was shaking her head at that, though, lol.
Long ago I worked with a woman who was one of the fist to go through the Army jump school. She had issues similar to those you had with the pack frame, but much worse.
No doubt!
Ha, I'm so happy this came up in Wild Bites TODAY -- I don't think I was subscribed back in March, so I hadn't seen this, and we're packing for our first hunt of the season **this morning** and these tips are going to be super handy.
I am very snack-oriented, so making sure everyone's got their pockets full of accessible treats is always high on my to-do list -- and I love the spice jar idea. My version of wrapper-free trail snacks has usually been to make a bunch of savory tarts or pasties (one-handed, self-contained), wrap them in beeswax cloth, and tuck them into a waxed canvas lunchbag which Dexter just shoves in his hunting backpack. The beeswax cloth keeps its shape, but it's easy to unwrap and it isn't trash like saran wrap or shiny like tinfoil (and it's water-resistant!) and you can tuck pasties in your pockets for later, too. (Beeswax cloth is super expensive to buy, but it's not difficult at all to make your own if you have an iron, and you can choose the fabric you use -- camo lunchwrap, anyone?)
Love it! If you decide to make the specific mix I discussed, I definitely recommend subbing in dark chocolate M&Ms for the chocolate chips, which melt in warm weather, especially if they're in a pocket close to your body!
Holly, I see you have a new venture. Would love to talk
Rick Schussel
Please ping me at holly@huntgathercook.com - I neglected to save your email address before I left CWA. I'd love to talk!
Oh man, if my wife reads this, she’ll never let me take our grandson out hunting!🤣
Hey, as long as you've got duct tape, you're good!
Holly I'm not a duck hunter, but I can relate to your gear trials and errors. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, it really helps to have a sense of humor. Really enjoyed reading your post it was the absolute highlight of my day.
Thank you! Any time hunting gear reminds you of a BDSM getup, it's hard NOT to laugh!
Yes I believe the safety harness for portable tree stands falls into this category...LOL
Well played!
I don’t have a full blown hack per se, but, in my blind bag, I always have a couple of different length zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape, Philip’s screwdriver, pliers, three small carabiners, and a couple of short bungee cords. Those items have saved my day in the field more than a few times! Thanks for sharing!
I definitely need some bungees! My bungee game is weak. I have some crappy old ones that I haven't bothered to replace - lame.
But if we're talking what goes into the blind bag, I'm a big fan of the Real Avid gun tool - a multi tool designed for guns. Universal choke wrench, screwdriver and Allen wrench set, punch. I use it several times a season, and take it to the shooting range too.
Fun story about duct tape: Couple OGs go duck hunting and take their grandson, who's maybe 4. Somehow, they don't notice that he's not wearing shoes when they leave the house. They're not about to skip their hunt, so they duct-tape his feet to give him improvised booties! Hella cute photo. Grandma was shaking her head at that, though, lol.