Suggested Equipment

Hunting Equipment

• Rifle, 40 rounds ammo, light cleaning kit, sling and scope cover
• Large pack, 6000-7000 cubic inches (80-100L)-Mystery Ranch, Barneys, Osprey, Arcteryx,KUIU
• Backpack rain cover
• Binoculars – waterproof (minimum of 7power and 30mm objective)
• Range finder (optional)
• 1 compact hunting knife (sharp)
• Lightweight sleeping bag (mummy style) rated for 15-20 degrees F – down or synthetic (0 degrees F for late hunts)
• Sleeping pad – Thermarest or equivalent light foam pad
• Boots (1pair) – high quality waterproof with new laces – Meindl, Lowa, Kenetrek
• Backpack raingear – jacket and pants – Goretex, Sitka, Russel APX2, Helly Hansen, Impertech, KUIU
• 6×8 ft plastic tarp or space blanket
• Gaiters – nylon or goretex
• Crocs or Wiggy’s nylon waders for stream crossing
• Flashlight or headlamp – LED
• Digital camera with extra battery, waterproof case or bag
• Matches in a waterproof container or a butane lighter (don’t pack in carry on)
• 1 liter sized hard water bottle – Nalgene or Gatorade type bottle
• 2 liter size Platypus or Nalgene wide mouth collapsible water bladder
• Lightweight waterproof stuff sack (20 L) – for storing backpack food
• Telescopic trekking poles – highly recommended
• 50 ft of light cord and 1 roll of duct tape (for packaging trophies)

Clothing

• Hiking/trekking socks (1 pair for every 2-4 days) – wool or synthetic
• Briefs/boxer briefs (1 pair for every 2-4 days)
• Long underwear tops and bottoms – wool or synthetic (non odor type is best)
• Hiking pants – 2 pair- wool or synthetic (fleece, nylon or Schoeller)
• Shirts – 2 pair- wool or synthetic (long sleeve)
• Gloves – 2 pair – fleece, wool or knit
• Hat – 1 ball cap and 1 warm hat with earflaps or stocking cap type
• Jacket – 1 medium weight – wool or fleece (windbloc type is best)
• Insulated jacket or vest for August or Sept hunts (down or synthetic)
• Cotton or silk handkerchief
• Goretex socks (optional)
• Travel clothes (1 set for travel to and from airport)

The temperatures on your hunt can vary from below freezing to quite hot on early hunts, and from well below freezing to fairly mild on late season hunts. You can expect some snow or rain along with the variable temperatures, so layers of warm clothes are your best bet.

Personal

• Tooth brush, tooth paste and dental floss
• Deodorant (baking soda or no scent type)
• Babywipes or Wet-Ones (travel pack of 15 is plenty) or a couple of Scent Shield bath towels)
• Prescription medication (if required) personal things – antibiotics, etc.
• Glasses or contacts (if required)
• Small backpack size first aid kit (band aids, moleskin, medical tape & antibiotic cream)
• Bug repellent (1 or 2 oz bottle) – Deet is best, headnet (optional)
• Chapstick and sunscreen for sensitive skin
• Shampoo for base camp and a towel and wash cloth

Miscellaneous

• InReach or Satellite phone – handheld – Iridium or Globalstar with extra battery and charger (optional)
• Airline ticket, Passport and ID, Firearms permit (sign at Customs). wallet, C Card, Contact # list
• Trophy fees, Royalty and Tip money (cash, cashiers or travellers checks)
• Spare large duffle bag  and  cooler for meat/capes/horns on return trip

Packing Tips

• For the commercial flight to the area pack your gun in an aircraft quality hard gun case that will be left at North Wright Airways base in Norman Wells. In addition your ammunition must be in a factory box and packed in a separate checked duffel and meet airline transportation requirements.
• For the commercial flight try to pack all of your gear into one checked duffel or large Rubbermaid type container (don’t exceeed airline specifications) and one carry-on containing essentials – camera, binoculars, paperwork, jacket, rain gear and a few clothes etc.
• Wear your hunting boots on the flight up so that even if your luggage doesn’t make it you will have your boots when you arrive.
• In order to take home your cape and horns it is necessary to bring along an extra, large duffel bag. You can pack your clothes and gear in this bag and the cape and horns can go into the Rubbermaid type container. If you wish to take home meat it is a good idea to bring a medium sized cooler instead of the  Rubbermaid container.
• Travel clothes and any extra gear can be stored a Palmer Lake Base Camp while you are out on your hunt.
• You may wish to fill out a US Customs form #4457  listing major items such as rifle, binoculars, camera, etc before entering Canada, as it will simplify clearing US Customs on your trip home.

Gana River Outfitters Ltd does not endorse any recommended brands, however buying high quality lightweight equipment is strongly suggested.

Remember you will be on a backpack sheep hunt and every ounce counts as ounces make pounds! Be sure to check with your airline for baggage limitations and any security regulations that could affect your travel.