Intro
Eric –Welcome to episode #5 of the Canadian Prepper Podcast… Post Deer Hunting. . . My name is Eric, and I’m the host of the show.  I am based in southern Ontario. I’m a hunter, target shooter, HAM radio operator (VE3EPN), and computer geek. I got into preparedness when I was working front line in emergency services and witnessed an over reliance on Emergency Services during major events, such has ice storms, power outages, etc. I started a small preparedness company to help get people prepared and able to look after themselves for at least 72 hours, if not longer.
Ian – My name is Ian, co-host of the show.  I live on Vancouver Island, on a small hobby farm.   I am an outdoor enthusiast, hunter, reloader, my farm’s designated handyman.
I have had a lifelong interest in preparedness, and am gladly learning new skills on a regular basis.  My professional background has allowed me to see pretty much every, province and territory in Canada. It also has taught me to prepare for various unexpected situations daily.
Eric – We have some great content for you in this episode, We’re going to start off with some news articles relating to our hunting trip and the outdoors. Next Ian and myself will be letting you know how we’ve improved our preparedness since our last episode, ((((we have some listener feedback to cover off hopefully))))), and then were going to get into the main topic for this episode, Post Deer Hunting.
 
News
Eric –
Calgarians found themselves navigating a nasty drive home on Friday as a band of snow blanketed the region.
 
Swap go bag gear. . .
https://globalnews.ca/news/4696025/calgary-record-breaking-snowfall/
 
Ian – California Wildfires.  I had the opportunity to literally pass right over Malibu this week. While it was night, didn’t see much.  WHat did impress me was the level of smoke in SFO
Watching ews - Need for a proper Bugout / INCH bag becomes crystal clear at this point.  Residents had minimal time to leave, and had nothing to come home to.
Halifax -
Small earthquake in Mexico.  Series of them this week in the Province of Oaxaca, 200 km away.  Sitting underneath Popocatepetl, feeling a jiggle; prepper’s bad sleep scenario….
 
Eric –
Episode’s topic. Post Deer Hunting
Eric – Day 1 all setup, some communication glitches and a deer blasted past all 3 of us… Rest of the week lots of signs but no deer. I left on Thursday, Sat morning the guys got one.
Clarify the carrying first aid stuff on person.
Ian –  Absolutely skunked.  Not alone, as was everyone else. Sighted two off the ferry, good start!  Saw one doe in fast flight jumped in front of my truck near campground. Sweet!  Nothing after. Island much busier than expected, and we had to ensure everyone had their own patch to cover.  Saw zero grouse, or even songbirds. My partner had mechanical and logistical issues, and came late.
Busy enough during the weekdays.  We called it before the weekend rush arrived.
Take aways –
Ian-  We have the tech for now, use it.  Free GPS aps, (Maps.me) or paid ones such as iHunter.
Testing your gear is key.  I ran into people who had not sighted in their rifles prior to going.
There is no such thing as overdressing for weather.  Most guys I ran into had proper gear and were functioning well.  Layering is the most adaptable style of dress for changing conditions.
Even in good times, people vs animal population is not good.  Imagine when food is tight. Jacklighting, etc would work short term, then deplete populations even faster.
Sleep is key to fast response and sighting ability.  Don’t ruin it by boozing too much after dark. Afternoon naps helped a lot with alertness during dusk time.
Different catch methods ensure SOME success.  My hunting partner ensured we didn’t get ‘completely’ skunked during the trip by catching and releasing a small lake trout.  Good for morale and a real time test for his gear & loadout!
My own failings:
I used riflescope to glass some areas.  Bino would have been better. Packing light versus util