After every trip I make note of the things that were critical to my success as well as things that didn’t perform as well as they should have. Aside from my gun & rangefinder, the one thing that was most beneficial to me this year was my trekking poles, black diamond elliptical flick locks . The buck was over 1400’ vertical above the canyon floor and lived in cliffs and avalanche chutes. There was some snow left from a previous storm and I simply couldn’t have made it out without my trekking poles. I hauled two 65-70 lb loads to get him and my gear off the mountain and to my car, side stepping most of the way down. Between the mud in the avalanche chutes and the snow above I wouldn’t have made it. It rained on the second trip so I had the added factor of a muddy trail. I use them all the time on the way in/up and only tie them to my pack when I’m climbing through cliffs or stalking. They’ve made the “never leave” list along with the steripen, little .357, rain shelter, raincoat, super glue, reading glasses, bedroll and other essential items.

I’m considering some sort of drag bag, dragging the meat down through snow and cliffs would be a lot less hazardous than having the extra weight on my back.

Other things that worked well:
Plantar fasciitis foot compression sleeves
Bridgedale Coolmax sock liners
Cast lead bullets
Fingerless ragwool gloves
PB&J sandwich

Things that didn’t fare so well:
Asolo Fugitive GTX boots – after less than 2 years my feet were damp in spots so the gortex liners must have failed

Congrats on a great buck. I am a big fan or treking poles as well. I use them when hiking the high peaks in the ADK's. they are worth their weight in gold for sure

I normally just use 1 pole. At my age, it really helps with the balance and it's invaluable as an improvised shooting rest.

1 or 2, they really help. We go without sometimes, but then I always have a saw blade on my hip, and we'll cut 2 right quick if need arises.

The old reliable. Congrats, nice buck!

After using a 6 oz collapsible pole, a 3 lb pitch covered stick kinda loses it's appeal.

I've been using soft taco/ burrito tortilla wraps for my pbj's. They get flattened in my pack anyway!!

I often carry a few tortillas. They're about as calorie dense as anything and almost indestructible. An added benefit is that they taste so good if I toast or warm them a bit.

Very nice buck!! Wellsvilles? Even if not, I should have my kind end whipped for not getting to know that country better when I lived in No. UT...

Though my twist locks are still working, my next set will be flip locks. IMO/E that's a much better mousetrap.

A glove suggestion. Find a pair of untreated leather gloves that are a bit oversized. Treat them with melted beeswax. They become all but waterproof and tough as nails (break-in stinks). When it gets real cold, wear the fingerless woolies over the top of them.

Yep. and if your inflatable pad goes south, you can spread them under you sleeping bag for insulation....

And they make a passable wound dressing.