For the moose-hunting adventure of a lifetime, head afield with a seasoned guide. Here’s why

#4  WHAT TO BRING

A hockey bag with wheels (above) is my go-to luggage for my wilderness trips. The pliable, but durable material allows for flexibility when packing gear, and most bags can easily handle the 50-pound check-in capacity at the airport. They can also be compressed and stowed away when not in use.

When hunting the moose rut, you can encounter four seasons in one day, especially in the northern boreal regions of Canada. With that in mind, also bring a daypack to carry lightweight, breathable layers and a shell when you head out each morning. That way, you easily adjust to the weather conditions, keeping you comfortable enough to stay in the field all day long. (If your daypack is not equipped with a rain cover, also bring along a garbage bag to keep it dry.)

Proper apparel is important for a successful hunt, so also bring the following to camp: waterproof, lightweight raingear; insulated gloves and a windproof toque for cold weather; and insulated, waterproof, knee-high rubber boots. As well, it’s a good idea to pack spare merino wool underlayers and socks, and a backup breathable fleece layer.

PACKING LIST

You can typically count on your outfitter to bring adequate supplies for camp, but it’s always prudent to pack for any scenario. Here’s what I usually bring along, on both guided and self-guided hunts.

• Rifle
• Comfortable rifle sling
• Rifle barrel cleaner
• Gun sock
• 1½ boxes of cartridges (most regions recommend .270 calibre or larger, with a 180-grain bullet)
• Shooting stick
• Knife
• Two rechargeable, compact headlamps
• Compass
• Lighter and/or matches
• Compact binoculars
• Power bars
• Packs of jerky
• Toilet paper
• One-litre water bottle
• Water-filtration bags or straw
• GPS unit or remote messaging device
• White plastic bag (if the carcass is to be left overnight, tying a white bag to the antlers to flap in the breeze will help ward off scavengers)
• Rubber gloves and a painter’s plastic drop sheet for field dressing
• Sleeping bag (if going to a base camp)
• Camera (or smartphone for photos)