Now for what is a nonnegotiable to have in my pack on every hunt. Things like a set of game bags like the Econ Game Bags by HME. These are sold individually with a 12” x 54” stretch bag for $4.99 or in a four-pack, with each bag being a 12” x 48” stretch bag. Each bag should be big enough for most game in the lower 48. Bags are made from a knitted cloth that is breathable, washable, and reusable. These bags are reasonably priced, and there is no reason not to have a product like this to keep bugs and dirt off your kill while they hang and cool.

Personally, I have made a more significant investment in products like the Kuiu Quarter Games bags. These types of bags will handle many animals over many years of use. These bags are made from lightweight, high-strength, and breathable nylon fabric. Their side panel construction also eliminates the bottom seam, the most vulnerable part of every game bag. Their high visibility makes spotting them easy and keeps you from being a target while carrying out game. They are sold individually in four sizes: Small ($15), medium ($19), large ($25), and extra-large ($29), so they surely have a bag for whatever you may be hunting.

There are different schools of thought on knives, but I prefer a quality, fixed-blade knife for handling down game. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter fits the bill perfectly. This drop-point knife is small enough not to take up gobs of room in my pack but also is substantial enough not to feel small in my hand. It holds an edge for a long time and is a perfect build and shape for breaking down large deer and elk. This knife only comes out of my pack when it’s time to butcher an animal, so it’s sure to be sharp when the time comes when it’s needed.

While butchering animals, especially large game like elk, it’s imperative to have a sharp knife. Breaking down an animal of this size is hard work and takes time, and the process can start to dull even the best of knives. My kit always has a Worksharp Guided field sharpener to keep my blade sharp. This little tool can sharpen even the dullest of knives, and they are even dummy proof, so even I can use them properly. I try to keep an edge on my blade throughout the process, so I periodically stop and give it a quick touch-up. I love this tool and can’t say enough about its value in my kit.

For some folks, a length of paracord might not be a must-have, but for me, it certainly is. I always have a fifty-foot length of something like the Mossy Oak Paracord. Available in Olive drab, camo, or my preferred Blaze orange, this product will come in very handy. Able to hold up to 750 pounds, paracord can handle many tasks, from tying legs off to trees while butchering, hanging quarters to cool, or lashing them to a pack for carry out. It’s cheap, light, and worth its weight in gold when needed.

Sure, hunters might vary, but some product categories must be filled in your pack on each hunt. One last thing to note is I always like to have at least a basic first aid kit. Butchering large game is serious business, and cuts and lacerations can happen quickly. It would be best if you were prepared for whatever may come and care for the animals we harvest; it’s the least we can do when we shoot an animal. Keeping the meat clean and cool throughout the process ensures our harvest makes it to our freezers with as little waste as possible; ultimately, that is the final goal.