WHAT TO PACK ON YOUR HUNTING TRIP
Whether you’re pursuing big game in the rugged mountains or chasing upland birds through dense forest, having the right gear makes all the difference. Weather in northwest Montana can be unpredictable, ranging from crisp autumn days to cold, snowy mornings, so layering is essential. Comfort, durability, and quiet clothing are key, along with well-maintained firearms or shotguns and plenty of backup supplies. This checklist covers everything you’ll need—from clothing and footwear to optics, navigation tools, and hunting accessories—so you can focus on enjoying your hunt safely and successfully.
BIG GAME HUNTING CHECKLIST
This hunting checklist should be reviewed and please feel free to call for more details.Weather here in northwest Montana during November can be mild or cold and snowy. Generally speaking it’s best to layer well and plan to have several options for clothing each day. Regardless, good quality gear sure makes a hunt more comfortable. Be especially prepared with a good, quiet jacket and pair of pants, and separate totally waterproof set of rain gear. Everything else is pretty standard.
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Firearms: .270, .280, 7mm, .30-06, .300 (ensure appropriate sling)
Ammunition of your choice
Gun oil and accessories to clean both gun and optics
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Two pairs of boots (well broken-in, aggressive tread, waterproof, supportive)
Plenty of socks (variable weight, wool or synthetic blend)
Base layers: Poly-pro or technical wool long underwear, moisture-wicking products
Hunting pants and jacket (camo, quiet fabric, fleece or brushed finish)
Warm hat (wool/fleece, include blaze orange)
Gloves (light pair for shooting, additional warm pairs)
Rain gear (waterproof, breathable, camo preferred)
Orange vest (quiet material, required by law)
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RODS AND REELS
Day pack with comfortable suspension system
GPS, offline mapping (e.g., OnX), compass
Knife
Water bottles
Binoculars
Phone (for photos only; no cell reception)
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Compact flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries/charging cable
Moleskin, duct tape, preferred dressing for blisters
Hand warmers (disposable or reusable, bring extras)
Buck grunt and rattle bag (optional)
UPLAND HUNTING CHECKLIST
The weather here in Yaak, Montana in late September and October is generally still stable. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the 60’s with nights in the low 40s. Frost or at least dew is very common in the mornings and usually it’s best to start the day by layering your clothing. Chamois shirt and fleece coat or vest is often the standard morning wear. Throughout the day, just a chamois shirt (or comparable item) usually suffices. Nights are cool and long sleeve shirts and fleece jackets work well. Unfortunately, sometimes it rains.
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Hunting pants with reinforced, water-repellent front panels
Fleece or softshell jacket
High-quality waterproof raingear (Gore-Tex jacket & pants)
Broken-in lace-up leather hunting boots with good support
Ankle-high upland or hiking boots with solid tread
Waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar) preferred
Shooting gloves (any type)
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Shotgun (break-action O/U or SxS; 12, 20, 16, 28 gauge)
Shotgun shells (recommended shot sizes 6–7½; 8s also acceptable)
Shotgun cleaning kit
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Blaze orange bird hunting vest with game pouch and shell pockets
Blaze orange brimmed cap or other orange headgear
