Very often, what you do before a trip will determine how enjoyable the trip will be. many great hunting trips have been ruined by lack of preparation. A gun fails, it rains and you have no rainsuit, or a similar mishap occurs spoiling an otherwise perfect hunting adventure.

MAKE A CHECKLIST
30 Days before you depart, make a checklist and start getting the items together. If you wait until the last minute, you run the risk of finding that something essential is "out-of-stock" locally. Be sure to include items of a personal nature as well as hunting gear.

TAKE A RAIN GEAR
Don't forget your rainsuit. It's amazing how many people go on a trip and don't take any rain gear. Even in areas where rain is not expected, take rain gear.

MARK YOU GEAR
Most sportsmen now use soft bags instead of hard luggage because air charter companies require it. It often seems that everyone at the lodge has stopped at the same store and many of the bags are identical. Use luggage tags or a permanent marking pen with your name on each bag. Always mark your soft guncases too.

BAGS
If you have two small bags, split your gear. place half of your better clothing and rough field clothes in each bag. Then put half your film, underwear, shirts, pants, socks, etc. in each. If the airline looses one, your trip won't be completely ruined. When you return, you can place all dirty clothing together in one bag.

GUNS
Check your guns thoroughly before you leave. Make sure that they are in perfect condition. If you have any doubts, have the gun serviced by your gunsmith. Ask his advice about which parts are likely to fail or malfunction and bring spares.

PASSPORT
Make copies of the first two pages of your Passport and stow them somewhere other than with your Passport. While these copies won't serve as a Passport, the vital information you will need is there if your Passport is lost.

FIELD BAG
Bring a small bag with handle that folds and fits compactly in your luggage. Make sure it is field green or camouflage color so it won't spook the birds. And don't forget sunscreen, insect repellant, spare parts, cameras and film, etc.

FIRST AID KIT
Take along a small first-aid kit, It does not need to be very elaborate, just something to take care of nicks and scrapes. Band-Aids, antiseptic, tape and something for sunburn. This can make a trip a little more comfortable.

EYEWEAR
When in the field, it is important always to wear glasses to protect your eyes from a stray shot. Always carry spare sunglasses or clip-ons. Loss of these could mean a spoiled trip.

TAG YOUR BAG
Place a note INSIDE your bag that says where you will be and for how long. If your bag gets lost and the airlines open the bag, they can forward it to your destination. If they have only the outside address, they will send it back to your home.