The OP was mainly about eastern hunting but I'd like to add something about western, when you might be several miles from the road in rough country. I carry enough to spend the night out. When it's cold, that will likely be more than during warm weather. I have several ways to start a fire and I've practiced lighting one at home. It's harder than it looks and takes practice. Some kind of space blanket and a way to stay dry - even in warm dry weather. Mountain summer rain storms can be fierce. A trekking pole can be a big help if you twist an ankle. If you don't want to hike with it, fold it up and put it in your pack. You might think you can cut a hiking pole if needed but in the arid west, many times that isn't possible.
Have NEVER encountered a hunter "several miles" from their truck or road in Washington, Oregon or Arizona. Usually we see them within 300 yards of it. Oh, wait...saw a guy hunting bear with a goose gun ~1/4 mile from the parking lot near Mount Baker/Mount Shuksan.
Good point about storms. Next time you see a Memorial Shelter...you'll know what happened.
