What's in Your Vest and Why?

[Jack Crevalle]

I was reading a article on "essentials" to carry turkey hunting and was wondering what everyone else carrys.

Here's the usual contents of my vest:

- Calls at least two, one friction type and at least one diaphram in case it
   rains. Plus accessories eg. chalk, sandpaper.

- Ammo, at least ten rounds. I've probably never shot more than 3 times
  in a day turkey hunting but I read, and I believe, it's better to carry more
  ammo. If you're injured and can't make it out you can signal with it.

- Orange hat. I wear it when moving. Store it when sitting.

- Small first aid kit.

- Gloves. Even when it's warm I'll carry a mesh pair.

- Mesh face mask.

- Knife.

- Parachute cord. To tie on my tags. I can also use it in emergencies. It's
  strong but doesn't take much room.

- Water. Now days I just stop and buy two bottles of spring water at
  the store and drop them in my game bag.

- Snacks. I usually carry some carbs, a trail mix bar and something
  with protein like jerky or peanuts.

- Cell phone. So I can get my calls, NOT. It stays off unless there is an
  emergency or until the day is over and I call home.

- Light. I carry a very small light powered by two AAA cells. It gives me
  enough light to get my stuff together in the morning and to find my
  way to my stand. I bought a small headlamp I'm going to try next
  season with red and white LEDS.

- GPS. Not always, but I like to take positions and go back and plot them
  on a topo map.

- Belt hook for my keys. Also a rubber band to rubber band my keys
  together.

- Toilet paper. For that 'spring time fresh' feeling you just can't get from
  leaves.

- License and tags. I'm an optimist.

- Bug juice. A small bottle.

- Paperback book. Yes, I usually pull out a novel and start reading on
  my stand. That way I don't get bored and move around too much.

What would I carry but don't? Garden shears for snipping small branchs. Why? See the rest of the list.

[Hawghead]

I carry ammo, albert paul box call, cane creek slate, primos power crystal, owl hooter, a few diaprams, gobble call, toilet paper, crackers, gps, and water. Thats about it for me oh yeah, and jake and hen decoy.

[freddogs]

I carry ammo, usually at least 3 calls, chalk, flashlight, extra hat & gloves (warmer ones than I wear walking in), a gardening knee pad for a seat cushion, and a canvas military surplus poncho. I take one decoy with me. I've got forked sticks I use to prop my gun up so I don't have to move much.