Autumn means opportunity for anglers and hunters. After weeks of scouting game and waiting for fish to bite, it’s time to plan and pack for autumn fishing and hunting trips. For folks who enjoy all kinds of outdoor sports, the choice is often a tough one. Should the trip target whitetail or catfish, birds or bass? Will there be time for hunting squirrels, or will the bushytails have to wait? Will that leave room in the schedule for a trout fishing expedition? What if the fish are biting, but the weather is still too warm for good hunting? Will an unexpected cold front put the fish off, but cool things down and get the deer moving?
One answer to this dilemma is to combine fishing and hunting trips. A week of fishing or a few days at the hunting lodge can turn into a blast and cast adventure. The way to make a multi-purpose outing run smoothly is to plan well and pack accordingly.
Check Out Fish and Game Seasons and Regulations for Hunting, Fishing Vacations
When weighing various destinations for the trip, it’s wise to check with the Department of Natural Resources in the targeted state. Seasonal limitations and other regulations, including which types of fish and game may be harvested at the same time in the same area, will help in choosing the best places to go. Many states sell fishing and hunting licenses online, so that both may be purchased ahead of time. State parks that offer both fishing and public hunting areas often maintain comfortable lodges, cabins, and camping facilities.
Travel Fishing Rods and Hunter's Packs for Organization and Travel
Packing for a blast and cast experience doesn’t have to involve a pickup truck bristling with fishing rods and crammed with duck blinds until there’s no room for the retriever. Outfitters offer some fine gear that keeps equipment stowed away in surprisingly little space.
Travel fishing rods break down into from three to seven sections, and these fit in sturdy cases well-suited for keeping tackle safe, whether packed at the bottom of a stack of equipment in the truck or carried onto an airplane. Orvis has a line of Frequent Flyer fly rods and spinning rods that are perfect for travel. At $139 for a 3-piece spinning rod to $225 for a seven-piece, 9 wt. fly rod, they are moderately priced. Browning offers a travel spinning rod for $99, and SAGE has a more expensive, but elegant, fly rod that includes a travel tube that sells for around $690 for the set. SAGE also makes travel cases for 4-piece fly rods and reels, and these are priced at $65 to $70. Adding a chest pack or tackle box ensures that the angler will be ready when the fish start biting.
Hunters can stow a tremendous amount of gear in well-designed packs. L.L. Bean makes a Hunter’s Tote Bag with a zippered top that comes in three sizes and four colors, including two camouflage patterns. The bag’s squared-off structure stays conveniently upright when packed in with other equipment. The extra-large tote is $35. RedHead’s Hybrid packs break down into two separate units: a day pack and a waist pack. The RedHead Hybrid Hunt Pack weighs just 2.18 lbs., comes in Realtree and Mossy Oak Break Up camouflage patterns, and holds a pile of equipment. RedHead’s Hybrid Illuminator Pack adds a bow/rifle harness system. Load up a pack like this one, put in the shotgun cases and bows, whistle for the dog, and it’s time to hit the road.
It’s easier to take advantage of Autumn’s hunting and fishing opportunities when combining more than one activity into a single trip. Planning and packing well allows more versatility and opportunity for outdoor adventure.
Rod and Gun
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