Keeping items organized so they can be located quickly when needed is almost as important as packing them. (Scott Linden)
November 11, 2024
By Scott Linden
Somewhere in the darkest corner of the continental U.S., we slowed then pulled over beside the pickup, its hood fl ying like a white fl ag of surrender. Later that day, my wirehair limped toward us as we jawboned about the climb and cursed the chukars that streaked down the hill we’d just ascended. Both situations—broken-down pickup and hurt dog—were quickly remedied with stuff in my truck, vest and pockets.
Over the thousands of miles I’ve walked and driven during bird hunts, I’ve managed to overcome dozens of serious or merely inconvenient problems because I was prepared with some basic items, organized in my truck or on my person, to deal with mishaps. They got us back to the hunt, truck, nearest veterinarian and, in a few cases, hospital emergency room.
In hopes you’ll be prepared for (almost) anything on your next bird hunt, here’s a peek inside my rig. Consider my mantra: There’s a reason there’s a place for everything, and everything should go in that place. Think of your rig as a rolling multitool.
IN THE CAB Have some large rags or a roll of paper towels under your seat for dog accidents. They’re going to happen, and the sooner you can get in clean-up mode the better.
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A headlamp will keep your hands free for any task or chore. Your buddy has better things to do than hold a flashlight. Make up “lost” poster for your dog that includes a photo, description and your phone number. Print a bunch and keep them handy, along with enough thumbtacks to hang them.
IN THE BED Start with a sturdy dog crate, anchored well, with a weatherproof cover and soft bedding. A comfy place to rest will help your dog perform at his peak the next day.
Food, water, supplements and bowls go right next to the crate, ready to grab when you offload or crate him at the end of the hunt. Hang his leash and training collar on the crate so when you open the door, they’re ready to be put on.
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I position my satchel with first-aid items, a dog vest, spare collar with name tag and phone number, whistle and dog boots within arm’s reach of the tailgate, where I put my dog’s e-collar on him and do my post-hunt inspection. Also nearby are foot-care items: a preventive to put on pads prior to hunting (I like Happy Jack Pad Kote) and a post-hunt soothing cream called Profoot Heel Rescue.
A lockable bed storage system protects shotguns and helps keep them secure against theft both in the hills and the hotel parking lot. (Scott Linden) Long road trips require breaks, and for your dog that means a little exercise (won’t hurt you, either). Bring a retrieving bumper and throw a few fetches in a safe location every 150 miles.
In the bed (which is capped) I place my shotgun next to ammo, shooting glasses, ear protection and vest or jacket. I have a few gunsmithing tools and a choke tube wrench squirreled away, along with lubricant and a clean rag to wipe away moisture post hunt. I stow a pair of chaps for wet weather or rough country. A truckbed storage system deters bad guys and keeps everything organized; forgo the daily latte and invest in one.
Oh, and I have duct tape. A lot of it. Gun stocks, dog boots and travel trailers have all benefitted from that humble gray roll.
ON THE TRUCK Besides all the other stuff you haul around from hand tools to tow strap, some things make more sense attached to the rig, usually on a roof rack if you have a cap. Start with a winch and full-sized shovel. You might want to add fuel, off-road lights and another spare tire (try getting at the one hanging from your chassis while axle-deep in the mud). A high-lift jack is a makeshift come-along and has myriad other uses.
When you’re bird hunting outside the metropolis of Puckerbrush, Nev., self reliance can be the difference between a full game vest and a long wait for a tow truck or vet. Less stress, more fun is how bird hunting should be, and that starts with healthy, safe, happy humans—and dogs. When everything is in its place, you worry less. You can concentrate on excuses for your lousy shooting and craft insults about your buddy’s pointer.
In the Vest While my bird vest isn’t part of my truck, it goes in the bed on every trip. Therefore, it only makes sense to be sure it is well stocked before hitting the road.
I always have water in my vest for my dog and me. Of course there is ammo, along with my “ten essentials,” or survival, kit. An emergency locator beacon goes from the truck cab to my vest, as does my phone/camera. Two things most hunters don’t carry but should are aircraft-cable cutters to free a dog from a snare, and a pair of Trapper Ron’s Safety Setter dog releases to rescue Fido from a conibear trap.
I keep a short leash in case of porcupines or walks along roads. A light rain and wind jacket is lashed to the back of the vest.
A dog first-aid kit is in a front pocket, as are a pair of deerskin “roper” gloves for rough country and barbed-wire fences. Another pocket holds high-fat, low-volume energy snacks for my dog (ham fat is convenient). I also carry an e-collar control and whistle, with the important items leashed to my vest with a lanyard so I never (again) walk away from a photo session without them.
This article was featured in the October 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
