You're at work and a buddy calls asking if you want to join him for a quick predator hunt later in the day.

Can you? Time isn't an issue because, yes, you can slip away for a few hours. But your hunting gear is at home. You have nothing but disappointment. Right?

About 20 years ago I kept a one-piece camo jumpsuit in my truck. It had a nifty stuff-sack design and zipper, so when in "stuffed" form it was about the size of a couch throw pillow. It was made of cotton, though, so it was hot and eventually got that outdoors stank funk. I switched to a ghillie suit, which was much more comfortable.

Slipping away on short notice for a hunt isn't impossible. Plan ahead with these items in a bag or tote box when you want to knock down a few songdogs:

Calls

Hand-held calls like the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls jackrabbit and cottontail distress calls are small, loud and get the job done. So do those from Convergent Hunting Solutions, which also has the compact Bullet HP electronic call with flapping decoy that doesn't take up much space. If you're good with hand calls, having these in the go-bag is an inexpensive, lightweight decision.

If you have enough room, consider some of the larger electronic calls from ICOtec and Foxpro that offer numerous animal sounds. Bluetooth is an option, too, on many units.

One simple call to remember is the Primos Mouse Squeeze. It fits in a pocket, can be affixed to a rifle or shotgun, and can help bring a coyote in closer or make a bobcat slink in.

The Coyote Bag

If you don't have a Coyote Bag from Slay Bag in your pack, you're missing out on one of the best possible tools for predator hunting.

Coyotes are riddled with ticks and fleas, may have mange, and you don't want any of that on you or your gear. Feral pigs are equally nasty. Some of the infected sores I've seen on pigs' legs, not to mention the disgusting wallow mud and even cactus spines in Texas, require a strong constitution to drag them out. Coyotes or bobcats with nice pelts you want to save also don't need to be dragged.

The Coyote Bag weighs just 2 pounds, can haul a couple of average sized coyotes, and is made of uber-tough material that can handle mud, rocks, frozen fields and other terrain. Hook-loop fasteners secure what's inside while you're dragging with the 2-inch wide straps. When you're done transporting, open and rinse before letting it dry. The material resists odors and cleans up in a snap.

It may look cool to sling a coyote over your shoulder and head out, but I'd rather be free of ticks and fleas than look cool. If you need to change clothes or boots in muddy terrain, it doubles as a ground tarp. For just $79, the Coyote Bag is a great accessory you need in your kit.

Clothes

I usually have at least one camo pullover in my vehicle in a bag, if not two or three. I've sourced them in bargain bins, online and have received some from companies. A quarter-zip, lightweight performance shirt that breathes can go over existing clothes or by itself if it's hot. I don't think camo pants are extremely crucial, but maybe roll up some and add to the box. Pnuma's Tenacity pant has several great features including removable knee pads, which help greatly, and reinforced seams. They're pretty awesome. 

Don't forget gloves and a cap. I suspect almost anyone who hunts has one or both, in camo, in a vehicle. Maybe boots, too. You won't need a hangar bar in the back with a Paris Fashion Week selection of togs. Just a shirt and boots with jeans and khakis will work. Remember, grandpa didn't need 11 varieties of camouflage when he hunted.

Binoculars

A good binocular is invaluable if you're a hunter, whether its used for off-season scouting or scanning open areas for terrain features or sneaky predators. If you're a waterfowl, turkey or whitetail hunter, watching fields from afar can be helpful for planning a hunt or opting for another area. They're great for squirrel hunting, too, when you need to find a bushytail clinging to a trunk or nestled in a fork.

I have binos from several different companies, accumulated over the years. For my needs, the 8x32 and 10x40 usually are best. They're lightweight, provide good views and don't take up much space.

One of my favorites is the Bushnell Nitro 10x42, which is moderately priced and works great. Slightly raised texture on the housing gives good grip in wet conditions or with gloves. Another favorite is the Styrka S5 Series 8x32, which is compact yet yields great views. I use them for turkey hunting, too. Unfortunately, Styrka discontinued this size; consider their S5 Series in 10x42.

With these items in a bag you can hit the door to meet your buddy. Just remind him to bring an extra gun and ammo.