Backpack hunts are the only way to go. I hunt only motorized vehicles-closed areas. This alows me to go in as far as I want without worrying about hearing the put put of 4-wheelers comming in behind me, without having to work for it, as I do. No noise to ruin my morning, or day. Go alone and you don't have to go where someone else wants to go. If you want to climb that mountain, climb it. If you want to go down that valley, do it. You become more reliable on yourself. Learn how to use a compass, correctly. Don't rely on a GPS, but they can help. Buy maps,(you are probably going to anyway!). Learn the area, and mark anything special on the map, YOU WILL FORGET IN TIME! Soon, your friends will want to kill you for them. Buy a backpack that is Camel friendly, or something similar. Make sure it holds more water than you think you will need. Carry a spare knife in the pack, with a small lightweight hatchet. They work better than saws, period. Make sure you have at least two ways to make fire, even if you don't think you will need it. Carry a small gun cleaning kit, sticks don't work. Otis makes a great one. Carry enough twine to tie-up a deer, or to drag it out with. A short piece tied to a small branch goes a long way when dragging out deer. Make sure its strong enough. Nylon is the strongest, but not resistent to sunshine. It is resistent to mold, a big plus when you forget it somewhere. Carry a small flashlight, with spare batteries. There are some fancy ones out there, but they eat batteries. Small mag-lights are hard to beat. I like the kind that takes two double AA batteries. They work fine, and are very affordable. Calls, enough said. Scents, if you use 'em. Rangefinder, personnal favorite. Spare socks, but thats up to you. Sometimes, nothing beats clean dry socks. Place food in the top of the pack, or somewhere where it is easier to get too. You may need it first. Place everything that clangs on the opposite side that you plan to carry your gun. Helps a lot with noise, and abuse to your gun. Nobody wants that. Keep the gun on that shoulder, and get use to it. Carry a camera. You will hate yourself years later if you don't. EVERYTHING GOES IN ZIP-LOCK BAGS! This is a must. You may not always get cought in a rain storm, or fall in a river, or your water bag not leak from not being shut properly. Yea, none of this may ever happen, but if it does... Hope this helps. This IS off the top of my head, and I may have forgotten some things, good luck.
