Directly following deer season, there are a few certainties; Weariness, sadness, and even relief. After all, it’s a grind. For me, there’s another one too; my pants don’t fit quite right. I’ll get to that shortly.
Run and gun hunting in the whitetail community is big these days. It usually refers to a mobile style of hunting, whereby a hunter regularly changes locations based on calculated and strategic decisions in the field. It’s a more intentional approach – pretty much the opposite of the traditional way of regularly sitting in a go-to stand waiting on a good buck to wander by. But for the growing nomadic type of hunter, run and gun hunting has another meaning as well, and it can take a toll on the quality of the hunting experience and life back home.
These days, more and more hunters spend a lot of time on the road to and from their hunting property. More deer hunters solo hunt as well, many of them securing multiple properties or hunting multiple sections of public land. Whatever the case, it entails packing up the truck and hitting the road, sometimes at a moment’s notice. It can also mean spending the night on or near hunting grounds.
Efficient packing and eating will shave precious time during your hunting commute.
Proper planning and packing go a long way toward success in this lifestyle. No matter how much you plan, it can be a constant struggle to conquer the details of travel, not to mention the hunting chores upon arrival. There’s your weapons, optics, clothing, and other miscellaneous gear. If you’re camping, there is a whole slew of other gear to be packed. Deer hunting gives me tunnel vision and I can easily forget needed items. Among my most forgotten items are trail camera cards and batteries. I have to admit, I’ve even gotten off without my bow release a time or two…
What about the food?
I know I’m not the only rambling whitetailer that eats like crap on my excursions. Without thoughtful packing of food and snacks, the road becomes an endless string of fast-food meals and culinary gems such as Cheetos, rotisserie hotdogs, and candy bars from gas stations. For the record, I’m a sucker for Grandma’s brand cookies and ice cream sandwiches.
If you see multiple food groups on these shelves, you can probably do better.
Sure, I pack some food, but the quality and quantity of my choices leave a lot to be desired. Once I hit the road, I’m a captive audience, depending on unhealthy choices out of necessity, albeit, self-imposed necessity. Perhaps the worst part is that, with the constant carb intake from junk food, I increasingly crave them. There is nothing wrong with fast food but, in addition to the unhealthiness of it, it gets expensive. I can remember many occasions when I’ve looked at my convenience store receipt, bewildered by the price tag. By the way, how did that those Hostess Twinkies get on there?…It also results in an unhealthy lifestyle and, honestly, when it’s all said and done, I’m uncomfortable.
Eating Habits and the Hunting Experience
There is another problem. When I eat processed foods for two or more hunting days, I not only don’t feel my best, but it detracts from my energy and stamina during and in between hunts. To top it off, I don’t sleep well. And here starts a vicious cycle that ultimately decreases my optimal effectiveness and enjoyment of the very activity I love most; chasing whitetail bucks.
After many failures, I’ve come up with a list of foods that sustain me while on the road. While this list isn’t geared toward, say a backcountry elk hunting trip, some of it works for such a venture. Either way, it’s much better suited for deer hunts on and between properties.
Healthier Hacks
I’m no dietician but my quality of life on Whitetail Road improves greatly with thoughtful planning and packing of certain types of food. My approach is largely about maximizing protein intake to avoid food crashes and hangry moments. Note that the hangry thing also negatively affects my attitude and outlook, which is no way to hunt. Many of these food types are common ones to take on the road and to the camp and stand.
The key is to follow through and pack them.
Jerky
“If you don’t like jerky, you’re not someone I care to know”, a friend of mine once said. I tend to agree. This one is low-hanging fruit. Most hunters already love jerky. The fact is, jerky readily provides a protein punch and can carry you for a good while. You can use jerky from the last deer you shot or pick up a pack at the supermarket or convenience store. This one should be a staple.
Jerky is hard to beat before, during, and after hunts.
Summer Sausage
Summer sausage is a no-brainer. It’s filling, full of protein, and pre-cooked. Like jerky, it also has little or no carbs. Get out your pocket or hunting knife and you’ve got a hearty snack or even meal. Like with jerky, you can have it made from your latest deer harvest or pick it up at the grocery store. For that matter, about any pre-smoked sausage is a righteous meal on the road. Luckily, it can be left out in cool or cold temperatures. A modest ice chest will also do for the warmer days.
Cheese Sticks
Individually wrapped, cheese sticks are ideal for the hunter on the move. No, these are not just for kids’ snacks, rather a quick boost of protein that, like jerky can easily be stashed in a pocket for the tree stand.
Electrolyte Packets
Hydration is of course important, so pack water. Dehydration can wreck a hunting trip. Even the playing field by packing electrolyte crystals or tablets to mix in your water. They’re inexpensive and provide electrolytes and vitamins and are sugar-free. There are a few popular brands at the supermarket such as Propel. There are also similar products geared toward the hunting and outdoor lifestyle like Wilderness Athlete Hydrate and Recover packets. While bringing water is a must, consider packing less and stretching them out with electrolytes.
Optimize your hydration on hunting trips by adding electrolytes to your water.
Canned Tuna or Chicken
Good old-fashioned tuna fish makes for a quick healthy meal. I particularly like the ones that come in bag form. Chop up a tomato and ad it for a more filling and healthy serving. Canned chicken works the same.
Hint: Collect and pack salt, pepper, mustard, and mayonnaise packets for easy pairing with tuna and other foods.
Tortillas
If you don’t mind the carbs, tortillas are an inexpensive staple that can be used with cheese, sausage, and many other items; and they’re filling. Further, they’re inexpensive, easy to pack and hold up better than a loaf of bread.
Protein Bars
Protein bars are a quick alternative that works for breakfast or between meals. There are seemingly hundreds of brands to choose from and all of them are a much better choice than a candy bar – though you’ll still find Pay Day wrappers in my truck from time to time. I can’t imagine how they got there…
Nuts
Nuts are a convenient and tasty snack that, despite being high in fat, have a number of health benefits. For one, they are a low-carb alternative that is effective at filling your stomach. They also fill your time in the stand and the hours between hunts. Of course, when in the stand, opt for shelled nuts – you don’t want to pique a deer’s sensitive hearing abilities!
Oatmeal Packets
You don’t have to be a culinary genius. Can you boil water? Easy and cheap, oatmeal packets are great for a light breakfast before sun up or following the morning hunt. Pack a cheap propane stove or jet boiler and you’re in business. You can pack a little fruit to add for a more filling meal.
Premade Meals/Leftovers
Another, perhaps heartier food source on hunts can come from pre-prepared meals at home. Good choices include chili, stew, and pasta dishes. My favorite is leftover brisket (enter the aforementioned tortillas). With the help of a small propane stove, such meals can be warmed up if need be. Some require no heating at all. These types of meals are best for the evening when you’re winding down and preparing for the next day’s hunt.
Leftovers and pre-prepared meals like barbeque make great filling meals for lunch or after the hunt.
Don’t Forget the Joe
Last but certainly not least, I pack coffee. I make a pot and put it in a large thermos ahead of time and/or pack instant coffee. The latter may not be the best, but it sure is nice to have hot java early in the morning before (and sometimes during) hunts. My favorite is Wild Rivers Coffee Company Ethiopia Blend. I’m a coffee-aholic, so I even have it in the evening back at the truck or camp.
If you are a coffee drinker, including it is a great way to start off your morning on hunts.
The Simple Tools
I keep a tote in my truck that includes a few basic items for food storage and prep. Items include tupperware, plasticware, paper towels, can opener, Pyro Putty fire-starter tin, lighter, small skillet, and a pot. Also included is a small propane or woodburning stove, coffee cup, and kettle. Miscellaneous items include wipes and packets of sweetener, salt, pepper, mayo and mustard packets. Don’t forget a couple of disposable grocery bags for trash as well.
Inherently, I also pack a heavy-duty soft-sided (YETI-type) cooler to keep some “cold” items at least cool.
Note: I prefer the TOAKS Backpacking Stove for cooking and a source of warmth.
Sausage cooked over the TOAKS Backpacking Stove is a great solution for traveling hunts.
Final Thoughts
The idea isn’t to bring culinary masterpieces (though you can), rather meals and snacks you can prepare rather seamlessly. However, while portions don’t have to match those back at the house, at a minimum, pack food you like. You don’t have to be miserable.
There is nothing wrong with hitting your favorite burger joint or fried chicken shack before or after hunting and scouting trips. However, there are healthier and cheaper alternatives to consider. Plus, stops at fast food places and convenience stores add precious time to your commute and valuable time. With a little effort, you can establish a food packing and eating regimen for your hunting trips that afford you more time doing what you’re there to do – hunting and scouting whitetails.
