Mandatory Bear Hunt Gear :)
Okay, mandatory is a pretty strong word, but here’s some gear we took with us to Manitoba to hunt bears and we found it very, very useful. As my older gear gets replaced with newer, more functional pieces, I like to report that here. Here goes!
Headlamps! One are technology keeps improving is with lighting, and I’m all for it. As my eyes age, I need more and more light. My first headlamps had light bulbs were pretty crappy by modern standards. My more recent one was a Cabela’s model which worked well, but was nowhere near as bright as today’s LED options! And these are rechargeable. No more batteries, and I can leave it charging right in the truck so it’s always ready. And it’s a two pack so I have one for Genevieve (or a spare for me, as needed)!
Next up is a card reader! Whether you’re checking your trail cameras or Tactacam, or just transfering files from an SD card to your phone (or vice versa) a card reader is a must. These are cheap, effective, and small. Don’t lose them! (The only downside is they’re small and I’ve misplaced a couple over the last two years.)
A little orange painters tape on there goes a long way in helping you spot that amongst all your other gear! :)
Next let’s talk about Smart Tags! I put one in my crossbow case and one in my luggage so I can track them while I fly. These handy devices are constantly monitoring their whereabouts as they move about the airports, airplanes, runway, sky, etc. They report those whereabout to my phone. Pretty cool. Piece of mind while I’m flying that The Enforcer (or Bunjie, etc.) will join my when we land. They have a million other uses, of course.
Batteries are replaceable, too. They last a long time either way.
And what about TSA locks? I use these on my luggage, crossbow cases, and coolers. It’s a special lock that has a key the TSA can open, but otherwise the combination lock protects my gear from non-TSA folks. If nothing else, it keeps my bags from flying open and spilling out onto the luggage carousel. :)
Now for my favorite new piece of gear: this gear hanger for your treestand is the first one I’ve had that is STURDY! It really will support your crossbow, unlike the rinky dink plastic ones I’ve had. I am confident this one will help me have my gear handy in those small, not-so-roomy treestands in Manitoba!
Well, now that we’ve got all this cool gear, let’s see what get can do for bears!!