Checklist

Checklists are a good habit to get into when you prepare for an outing. Print this one out, make your own additions, and maybe you can avoid that, "Oh, no, I forgot..." scenario.
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The Essentials
All necessary licensing (stamps, tags, permits for access to private land, etc.)
Fixed blade knife
Folding knife
Butane lighter
Flashlight, headlamp or lantern
Trash bags
Whistle and signal mirror
Fire starters (cotton rolls soaked in melted wax or any material containing paraffin)
Compass and topographical maps
Rubber kitchen gloves or latex examination gloves for field-dressing or cleaning game

Layered Clothing
Multiple warming layers
Windbreaking outer shell
Thin pair of poly socks

Emergency Items
Emergency kit in a waterproof container
Adhesive bandages
Aspirin or aspirin substitutes
Waterproof matches
String or parachute cord
Space blanket
Pocketknife or multitool
Energy bars, hard candy
Safety pins