Currently, my setup is as follows (see photo): SCAR 17 or BCM AR 15 carried across my chest over the ghillie coat over my other layers. The Tally Ho and Circe call are in my bib pockets. The foxpro remote is in the other bibs pocket, the caller and decoy are in my Eberlestock mini-me pack and the seat clips to the back of the pack. I never carry a rangefinder, or binos or shooting sticks. The only thing I will not change is carrying the rifle in front across my chest and the seat (back problems). With this setup I still feel a little tied down. For those thinking the rifle is heavy, it's more of an advantage for me than a liability. I'm trying to figure out how to carry less stuff. Any thoughts? Thank you.

First off, I'm envious of your Scar since I've always wanted one myself. I carry my AR the same way on a 3 point sling across my chest, I would not want to carry mine any other way. I carry a very similar seat (NEP therma seat) draped cross body, Rapid pivot bi pod, and my call lanyard around my neck. I haven't graduated into a ghillie yet, instead I wear standard head to toe camo with facemask. I consider that a fairly light setup. I often carry a Savage Axis 243 & a Mossberg 835 instead of the AR.

I love the scar and the 7.62 round as well. Do I need this round for coyotes? No, but I like it. I would have no problem taking a 400 yd shot on a coyote. I was shooting a 2" group at 200 when I sighted it in last weekend. I think the only way to lighten my load is to eliminate the e-caller, but my wife bought me a foxpro fusion for Christmas. I may try the mouth calls only which eliminates the caller, pack and decoy. Thanks.

i also use a backpack similar to urs. mine has a side area pouch that carries my shotgun, i do carry shooting sticks, a bipod is worthless in this part of oklahoma unless it extends enough for sitting shots, the grass is so tall here theres no way u can lay down and see anything to shoot. I recently started using a 4wheeler to get me closer into my stands. i put a secondary muffler on to help quiet the noise. saves on walking. also helps because 99% of he coyotes in this area get shot at from trucks, so if they see one coming they usually high-tail it out of the country before i can even get anywhere close to the stand. Ive had coyotes stand and stare when they see a 4wheeler, like theyve seen a UFO, they dont see them much around here. a buddy of mine uses a mountain bike to go from stand to stand, he has had good success with this. he leaves the truck back at the ranch house and rides the bike in. instead of trying to carry less stuff it may be easier to just find a better method of carrying it or get u closer and shorten ur walk down. If ur back pack doesnt have it, u might look into one that has a chest strap and waist strap with good frame work. they will really lighten the load by taking some of the weight off of ur shoulders. A good quality back pack is a good investment. I am currently considering an electric 4wheeler type vechicle to use to help get me closer to my stands quietly. I currently use a ghillie type net that i throw over the 4wheeler to hide it. the only disadvantage to going to mouth calls only is, sometimes if i have to do alot of calling at one stand, i can get pretty winded by the time tge coyote comes into range. Heavy breathing is never good for accurate shooting. so the e caller helps relieve some of my energy and wind for concentrating on a good shot.

99% of the time I'm hunting over picked bean/corn field. I like to hunt 2-mile sections whenever I have the chance. Most of the time I'm in a sitting position shooting off my knee. I'm not sure what my dream setup to carry my gear looks like. When I hunt with friends, I'm the guy who always does the calling. I thought about a badlands monster, but this doesn't allow me to sit in my seat. I've looked at making a paracord lanyard for the ecaller, but this doesn't offer much protection for a $500 caller. I'm not sure what I want, but I haven't found it yet. Thanks.

I have a few eberlestock bags and they work well but I find myself using a turkey vest over anything for predator hunting. I carry a fox pro and critter and woodpecker, extra batteries, mouth calls, shooting sticks, snacks etc. And of course the seat. Hope this helps. I use an eberlestock when I'm night hunting

I'm old. I just throw it all in the back of the gator.

Haha. I hear you. Do you guys know if the Foxpro Predator Vest seat offers back support or is it just for padding? If it does, I could probably make that work. Thanks

Badlands Superday pack. I just strap my turkey lounger from cabelas to the outside, put my call and decoy on the inside and away I go. Even has a holster "pocket" on the waist straps and it holds my XDS .45 very well.

Check out these packs. Very high quality and a little cheaper than the high name brands.

http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/

I own three of them now and have been happy with all three. Amazon has good prices on them.

I actually own a Badlands Superday currently. It's a little big for what I need predator hunting. There are a few of the AlpsOutdoorz packs that look interesting. Thinking out loud here, but a sling bag that you could slide the pack from your back when walking/prone to your chest when sitting would be great. Or a similar concept with a fanny pack with suspenders that you could slide around from the back to the front. I'm talking minimalist setup with only necessary pouches, nothing bulky. Thanks.

The new cabelas predator vest is the kickstand model so it should be self supporting. Seems like there is just too much junk to carry when calling. I'm using an old camera bag to put the ecaller in with all my hand calls and spare ammo. Quickest way to shed pounds would be a lighter rifle and leave the ecaller at home IMO.

Doc, I agree on having a lot of stuff to take. I think we all carry this stuff for the "what-if" scenarios. What if the Circe doesn't do it? What if they hang up and another sound would do the trick? The weight of the gear isn't the problem at all. It's more trying to streamline the process. When I get to the stand, I have to take off the pack, take the caller and decoy out, throw the pack down, set up the caller and decoy (fighting the frozen ground), throw the pack on the terrace somewhere, set up my seat and get comfortable. I always sling my rifle first when I get out of the truck so I don't have to remove it to shed other gear.

Sometimes I take the neighbor kid. I used to take my nephew until girls dominated his interest. Anyways, make the kid carry everything, they are young and strong. <LAFFIN>

He thought I was really doing him a favor when I et him carry the e-caller and place it out in front of us on stand setup.

Honestly, this is the best idea yet. you get help carrying stuff and kid gets to learn how to hunt

How will I get the tv and play station out there?

I'm thinking about buying a army surplus load carrier can attach whatever molle pouches you want to it also get some jute and make it some what like a ghille vest

Turkey vest

a pickup truck LOL

seriously, I tend to park, hike in a bit & make a stand & then drive off & do it again. Gun, sticks, maybe a seat -I call standing a lot- and caller/ecaller, all the spare/extra/backup stuff stays in the truck.

That's similar to what I do, but I like to have my hands free. I've busted dogs on my way to the stand; and have shot one or two this way. If I would've had gear in my hands it wouldn't have happened. I did find a few "lounge-type" turkey vests that are interesting. I'm thinking maybe I need a .338 lapua with Schmidt and Bender 5-25 and then I will call and shoot from the truck, haha.

I hunt kinda like Stu.. only take what you need, and stay closer to the truck? You only need so much. Is the decoy necessary on every stand? What are you carrying that you rarely use? You know where you hunt and what the conditions allow. I would take basics, and adjust from there. Good luck!

thebestofindica: You stated you'd have no trouble taking a 400 yard shot at a coyote, and you don't carry shooting sticks. How many coyotes would you kill at 400 yards with no sticks, say out of 10 shots at that distance?

I would kill zero coyotes at 400 sitting, however, no problem with bipod if laying on my stomach. I would say out of roughly 3 dozen coyotes, I've killed 3-5 between 300-400 yards. Crazy things have happened to me while making a stand (I'm sure everyone has stories). There have been rare instances where the landscape allowed me to move from sitting position to prone (while coyote was moving out of vision) to take a long shot. Similar situation with this double a couple weeks ago.

.

Things just got weird. I speak no lies so you won't catch me in one. And another thing, how do you know my background or what I can/can't do? These threads always go south after a nice conversation.

lol

Thanks to everyone who contributed. This looks like the best option I see so far.

http://t.basspro.com/RedHead-Bucklick-Creek-Turkey-Lounger-Vests-for-Men/product/1109160501131/?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

I certainly wasn't saying anything negative about you. I was just wondering about the 400 yard question. Personally, I would not coyote hunt without shooting sticks. Most people who have been hunting coyotes very long have a pretty set way they arrange their gear and do it all for particular reasons. I have been carrying 5 things for the last 25 years, my rifle, my Fieldline carry bag with ecaller, etc., my shooting sticks, and a cushion or stool. I keep my shooting sticks the right length to sit down and take a shot if it presents itself on the way to stand. While on stand, the Bog Pod sticks are solid as a rock and really help on the longer shots.

oh chill out...i just razzling u...

That does look like a nice vest.

I have a set of sticks I made but have rarely used them. I have spent a lot of time shooting freehand or finding other ways to get by. I can shoot very accurately off my knee. I am interested in the PRS tripod, though. It's lightweight and adds another dimension to precision shooting at distance. I completely understand the ethics of hunting and making a quick, lethal shot. It's nice to have the skills to make accurate long-range shots. Shotgun kills are fun, but I enjoy making shots on nervous dogs at longer ranges also. Even though I use a semi-automatic rifle, I do not take shots on dogs running away and I do not encourage others to do so either.

Got one of these for Christmas last year. I like it pretty well, but you should consider that I was using a walmart backpack before hand. It easily holds more crap than I need. Don't have to take it off to make a stand. Seat is more comfy than I would have thought, even with no back support.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/sly-dog-sling-shot-hunting-pack?a=1520975

I carry a back pack, an Eberlestock X2 to be exact. I strap all my crap to it or in it.
I have a shotgun scabbard attached that the shotgun sorta fits in and I carry my AR (no sling). Butt pad, small stool and shooting sticks stapped to the outside. Rain jacket and gloves in the pack. Hand calls are in my jacket pocket. Sometimes I carry a ladder too.
Somebody else usually carries the Foxpro and decoy.

This pic is not me, its mjlyynjr, but this give you an idea of how much stuff we sometimes carry.


Most of the time we aren't walking too far.

Some of you guys just carry to much...IMO.
All I carry is my call on my belt hanger, gun, shooting sticks and maybe a foam pad & that attaches to my belt for carry, if not my small pad I carry a 3 legged stool, all this in one hand. I like it simple & easy.

Man some of you guys carry alot of crap. LOL! Im another "keep it simple" guy. Rifle on shoulder, Foxpro in my hoodie pocket, remote in cargo pocket, binos and hand calls around neck and grab the homemade shootin sticks and go.

Yes Take me I can carry all that

That's the best system and I have been using it for years. LMAO!!

I just took all of the stuff that i use on stand to the store, then went back to the packs and tried putting all of the stuff in there.. When i found one that was just right. That was the one that i got..
For all of the extra stuff that i didn't need to take to the stand i have a milk crate that goes behind the seat of the truck for ammo, latex gloves, knives, camp stove and so on.
For the stuff that is bigger and like to have but don't use often, i got a 56gallon tote on sale at home depot and a dolly from Harbor Freight. I have bolt cutters, cold gear, snow camo, and survival gear in the tote. When i get home, the tote goes on the dolly, and then the pack, and milk crate. It rolls away to the storage place in the garage and then the next time i go hunting loading the gear take a few minutes and I don't forget anything.
i have been thinking of getting a second tote to put the first one in, and then when i get a animals, i can take the empty tote out from under the loaded one and put it at the tailgate of the truck and put the dead coyotes in there. This would limit the amount of mess they make in the back of the truck.

I rarely hunt in places where I can sit on the ground or even on a turkey lounger chair, so I have that problem to contend with. I usually carry my dove bucket (you know, a five gallon bucket with swivel seat). In that I keep my caller, decoy (if required), and other random stuff. I sling my AR and hand carry my Trigger Sticks, and sometimes, the shotgun. Once at the stand, I can either sit on the bucket or adjust the trigger sticks and just stand up against a big mesquite or yucca. I'm considering one of those folding "blind chairs" in lieu of my bucket, then I would be able to carry or strap everything onto my Eberlestock X1A1 and have hands free walking in.

I use the 5 gallon bucket too. I carry stuff inside the bucket and hand carry the Primos Shooting Bipod stick. I had trouble keeping the rifle slung over my shoulder with a regular type sling so I went and got a three point sling that can convert from one point to two point attachment. I've not used the new sling yet. I'm getting older and finding it harder to get out and hunt. Between heart attacks, eye operations, and join problems my hunting has been limited the past few years. I could use an electric camo 4 wheeler to help carry me and my stuff to the stands.

Chest Rig - I run an Eagle/SKD UCR. Super lightweight, high quality, inexpensive, and modular (they have an all-MOLLE version that is heavier once outfitted but BFG helium whisper or similar pouches will help shave weight). It carries all my hunting gear, plus survival stuff, plus medical, and I hang my shooting support and sitting pad off the back or off my belt. I also run a dump pouch on my belt and in the cold I hang a Kifaru hand warmer muff off the front. Grimlocks and web dominators help keep things secure.

My EDC stuff all comes to my outermost layer (soft or hard shell depending on weather) with the exception of my CCW which stays AIWB generally.

Rifle is on a two-point tac sling attached front and rear of the receiver. I've seen guys run shock cord to hook it up next to you when walking but I run an SBR so I don't have an issue with it bouncing if it is tucked up under my support side armpit. When stalking I run the sling necklace style for quick shots or getting into and out of positions.

I just ordered one of these. There on sale right now for like $101 in snow camo if anyone's interested. Can't wait to try it.

I use a 19$ camo igloo ice cooler with back pack straps from wal mart. I gutted out all the insulation from the inside. It has several zip up compartments and works great for my hellfire, extra batteries, extra magazines, remote and still room for plenty other goodies. Sticks and rifle are carried by hand.

I've spent a lot of money on and tried a lot of different back packs and fanny packs. They work but left me struggling from time to time. They can be cumbersome and I'm a firm believer in the idea that the more space you have the more you will inevitably pack.

I bought a Cabela's Speedy Yote Kickstand Vest last week before a 3 day predator challenge. It is hands down the best purchase I've made in terms of gear.

All I carry (in the vest) is my Foxpro Fusion (which fits perfectly in the chest pocket), a face mask, Fox Jack Decoy, two hand calls (rabbit distress and open reed howler), flashlight, hand warmers, and hunting license. There's a pocket for a water bottle, but I don't usually carry water.

On a side note, I'm not a sling fan. I almost never used one on patrol in AFG and almost never use them now. The way I figure it, if something jumps up real quick I don't want to wrestle with a sling. Plus they get caught on stuff.

your carrying a gun 2 calls an e-caller and a seat? put your calls and remote on a lanyard,your already carrying a gun (?),put your ecall and decoy in a fanny pack and carry your seat i believe that leaves one empty hand.

less indica = more energy and better organizing skills lol

I just got a speedy yote and now have both hands free. I just wish I didn't have to take it off to get in the truck. There is always a compromise I suppose.

I carry 4 hand calls, rifle, or shotgun, foam seat, and sticks. I will carry a range finder if I'm out in an open area. Stopped carrying all of the extra stuff a long time ago. I did carry a decoy but it's out in a field somewhere in Kansas! Batteries are dead by now for sure!!!

If you are carrying more than this you need to re-think your coyote calling.
Remote, drag, mouth calls go in pockets, flat ground pad in lieu of stool.

I carry everything in a backpack. I always carry more than I need because I would rather be over prepared than under. Calls, Change of clothes, ammo, gloves, rangefinder, lighter and matches, a couple knives, hand warmers, and so on.

"Re-purposed" this surplus office cart, added 12" wheels, for my gear-tote.
Carry rifle on back via sling and all other stuff rides in the cart.
Had it out yesterday, worked ok, handle is tad short, and it could use more volume.

Stuff in cart:
- low slung folding chair
- tripod modified as gun rest
- e-caller
- Coyote Juice (aka, skunk stink)
- camo netting
- large OD Satchel with even more stuff: motion decoy, rangefinder, mask, gloves, flashlight, water, goodies, camera, compass, matches, whistle, extra mag-ammo, extra knife, drag rope, property permission, TP, etc

i know a pull around cart would not work for me and the places i hunt. be a royal pita. be very interested to know if you are still using a cart to haul you stuff in after you try it a few times. have you tried it a few times?

That was 1st go, STS. Had lumbar surgery so can't carry much.
Will use this cart, or a better one from now on.
Or maybe hire a youngster to carry my stuff, wash the car, cook steaks,,,
It limits the setup terrain, and how deep I go in..
As a younger man, I would have carried it all in a backpack.

i understand bob. about there myself. getting old aint for sissies is it?

Seriously, looked at this wagon yesterday in Academy, marked down:
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mac-spor...;Ntt=wagon+camo

but the wheels are to small and the bed is to big..
otherwise, it folds up pretty neat, just say'n..

I used to pack up and haul out everything but the kitchen sink. But now, I keep it light. Sometimes I get in the woods and feel like hiking deep, and lugging a backpack full of crap just won't cut it. I carry a few of my favorite hand calls, my bolt gun and some extra ammo. That's all I need for a succesful hunt.

What do you think?

http://tenzingoutdoors.com/index.php/new-products/972630.html

Wish it was cheaper

i think they are way too high on prices but having said that, i been thinking about getting there 1400 sling pack for tree stand hunting and there upland bird vest (bv15) for everything else. but if i hunted somewhere where there was not a lot of trees then i would just go with the predator pack you mention. a really nice bag i looked at while on vacation last week was the underarmour ridge reaper bags. i just aint convinced that they are as durable as some other bags at that price but i could be wrong

Nimrod back scabbard, works great on my bike, snowshoes and skis.

I have Desert Ram carry my stuff!!!!!

I've heard that, "Would you grab this, the stand is just up the hill a bit", they just don't tell how MANY hills away it is.

And of course it's my pleasure!

I guess I'm a member of the "what ifs" club, but after last night I've got to lighted my load-or get a packmule.although a partner would be nice to.I'll figure it out-just like you guys do.good thread

I'm pretty minimalist, pretty much just sling my rifle, Foxpro and accesories in a shoulder bag, shooting sticks and a ground pad or turkey stool. For packs, the slickest, most comfortable I've found is the Tarahumara from Hill People Gear, their harness makes all day carry a snap. I can't recommend it highly enough, easy to lash to, low profile, perfect for rain gear or an extra layer for long hunts afoot. Ymmv.

http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/3/ProductID/8/Default.aspx

El Cheapo fanny pack from Academy Sports, with my FOXPRO, remote, MOJO, and a pack of batteries...and of course a trusty firearm! Oh and a lanyard with a couple distress calls, and a couple of howlers!

I use a turkey vest with a built in seat, and backrest. It has lots of pockets for my calls, shooting sticks, extra gloves, and cover scents, windicator, etc... It has a large pocket in back for my FOXPRO, and decoys, and extra seat pad. I keep it light for those long walks to make several stands. I've used backpacks, and fanny packs in years past, but will never use anything, but my turkey vest again. It has much more room for everything than any kind of pack.

Well, found a medium size backpack and loaded it with most of the stuff from my cart.
It weighed 18.5 lbs loaded including a folding chair.
Used a monopod as a walking stick and gun rest then carried the AR via sling..
Went this morning, had good hiking shoes, that helped a lot.
Beautiful morning, was able to go further in, than with the cart, but still no yotes..

Alice pack. Worked in the Corps. Plenty of cargo space inside, three big outside pockets, map pocket on top holds ammo, compass, cell phone,shooting sticks slide under cinch straps for transport, and bullet proof under normal hunting conditions.

I bought a extra tall white bucket. I think it is a 7 or 8 gallon bucket. then bought a 1/2 seat that you use for ice fishing to sit on. a great set up. your high enough off ground that your knees don't hurt and can carry every thing u need in it. the 1/2 seat cost me 12.00 at fleet farm store. it is padded. what I like about it with 1/2 seat you can reach down in bucket grab a sandwich without standing up. it is a great set up for me. if you need a brown bucket just spray paint it. marty

if a person asks how to carry all the crap they are probably carrying to much crap.

http://www.ruggedgear.com/index.cfm/page...prod/prd153.htm

I don't carry my rifles in it but my caller, extra speaker, chair, full size coyote decoy and a few times I've taken a shotgun with me on that. I never push it but pull it behind me. For what I use it for it can get though the woods and fields pretty easy, of course I can't just walk straight though some tall grass but work my way around things.

Just got a Eblerstock Lodrag backpack, it has a built in rifle scabbard. Took it out for a hike today loaded to check it out, extremely comfortable, rifle nice and secure, plenty of room for other gear.

Gun and shooting sticks I rarely use on stand. I need my seat though...

Exactly what I was thinkin'

Gun, Caller, Chair. Nothing more nothing less.

Most fishing tackle is not designed to catch fish as much as it is designed to catch fishermen.

Same goes for most hunting garb.

Rifle, call(s) and whatever fits in my pockets. Take a seat and sticks if you need them, but I rarely do.

5spd is right--keep it light and portable.
1) Hydrate at the vehicle for 1/4th-1/3 of a day of walking a huge loop from the vehicle
2) burlap covered customized soft-sided stadium seat that attaches hands-free around the waist
3) BRF for portability
4) Gun with bipod attached
5) camera strap to carry predators to a fence post for skinning
6) Obviously cargo pants for side pocket small gear storage
7) knife and camera
8) watch cap in case weather comes in
9) knee pads stored around my ankles for crawling if needed
10 Bushnell "doubler" that fits in my side pocket to turn a 10X binocular into a portable 25X spotting scope

Hi Everyone,,,,,,,Does anyone use a low turkey seat with legs??? wow I couldn't go a trip without it. It has a folding back so I have a backrest whereever I sit. this allows me to sit in the grass edge and not too far back. also ultimately important is it allows me to turn directions very easy since the seat material is slick nylon. Now all I have to do to shoot is put my knee up and put my foot on top of the other foot and rest gun on my knee. Sit anywhere,,,turn easily and throw away shooting sticks and bipods. Worth its weight. Good Luck and shoot straight. WT

Turkey foam type cushion tied to my arse, two or three mouth blowns on the lanyard around my neck and a rifle in one hand, shooting sticks in the other. Fast set up times, minimal scent dispersed, stealthy and usually deadly.

Same here, but add shooting sticks.

I've been using the foxpro fur taker for the past few years & its worked out very well.

CS 24C & remote in the call pockett, mojo decoy fits inside the water bottle pouch in the back, 3 or 4 hand calls, gloves, face mask (for when its cold) extra ammo & liscense.

I added a pair of tie down straps to the back of the vest to carry my jackett if I get to warm.

Everything fits inside the vest, I'm even able to slip my homemade shooting sticks through the D Rings on the back edge of the vest so I don't have to carry them.

Now if it just had better back support like the kickstand vest from cabelas it would be the perfect vest.

My rifle is on a safari sling so I'm completely hands free.

Lee

Im pretty simple foxpro,chair, and sticks. I have hand calls around my neck and drag in my pocket.

Im having a new 550 cord drag built that Im hoping will carry my chair cross shouldered and have the ability to drag 2 coyotes at once.

This is what i use for all my gear I bought it online at Airsoft Megastore been using it for 4 yrs now still holding up

I use my Bill Epeards turkey vest seat.To bad they don't make them anymore. I would not take 10 of any vest seats on the market today for it. Sometimes I may use my Kuiu backpack

I hunt mainly solo and use Eberlestock back pack, carries my Krakatoa, rifle , shooting sticks, extra gloves, can even strap my jack in the box decoy to it if needed. Hike into stands with everything on back and pack my chair in one hand.

I just recently bought a cheaper tactical vest on eBay. It's holds all of my crap except the ecaller. I ran one of the straps thru the handle so it hangs at my waist. Then I just carry my rifle and chair across my back.