If you're new to hunting, getting ready for the hunt might be just as tricky as the hunt itself. It's important to remember that outdoor activities like hunting require careful planning to succeed and have fun. You have a lot to learn about bow hunting, including the crucial items of hunting gear to bring with you.
The appropriate hunting preparation may make or break your success. While investing in a semi-guided hunt and bringing your hunting license is obvious, there are additional hunting essentials you should bring with you to ensure your success and enjoyment.
The following are eight essential hunting gear things that you should never be without
1) Pocket Knife
Knives are considered a hunting necessity by many. For starters, knives might come in helpful when digging tiny holes for posts. They can also be made into a blind or a shelter. Of course, they may also be used while skinning an animal.
While some hunters believe it is reasonable to pack two (or more) knives for certain jobs, a robust EDC pocket knife is all you need if you don't want to carry too much weight.
2) Camouflaged Clothing
Because you may easily creep in closer and obtain a more precise shot if you remain hidden by your target, you can considerably boost your chances of landing a kill. Camouflaged clothes can also assist you in remaining hidden so that your prey does not run.
Naturally, in addition to being concealed, you must ensure that the camouflaged gear you chose keeps you comfortable regardless of the weather. Choose warmer apparel for hunting in the late fall. Choose more breathable materials throughout the summer.
3) Decoys
Decoys may be used to encourage animals to get closer to you so you can obtain a clear shot. Having these on hand will undoubtedly improve your chances of a successful hunt.
Different decoys may perform better than others at different times and under different situations.
Deer decoys, for example, are considered useful if a second rut occurs or during the peak of a track.
4) Trekking Poles
Trekking poles come in a variety of sizes and may be readily adjusted to match your needs. Ideally, you should use trekking poles that are appropriate for your height. This is critical, therefore no major changes are required.
Trekking poles made of 100% carbon fiber, like those from Hiker Hunger Outfitters, are popular because they are light and robust. These dependable hiking poles are not just great for hunters since they are compact and readily portable.
They are also suitable for mid-winter treks and backpacking vacations.
5) Trail Cameras
Trail cameras allow you to collect data on your target species without constantly invading your prey's environment. Install trail cameras along pathways to learn about your prey's activity patterns and track their movements.
Place them near food sources to observe whether the animal you wish to hunt visits those areas. You may set up a highly successful ambush after you know the animal you wish to harvest.
6) Scent-Free Boots
There are methods for animals to avoid becoming trophies or meals. They keep themselves secure in part by depending extensively on odors that help them forecast danger.
While being downwind might prevent your target from picking up your scent, your tracks can also maintain your fragrance and alert them to your location. Investing in a pair of scent-free footwear will assist ensure you leave no trace of your presence.
7) Emergency Supplies
Leave the house without emergency supplies. They are just as crucial as any other item of equipment or apparel you'll be carrying. Consider the following items to be the very bare minimum you should consider bringing in case of emergency:
Water Supply and Purification System (UV filter and iodine tablets)
Food (high-calorie meals containing 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fats) (high-calorie foods with 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fats)
Shelter (space blanket or emergency bivvy bag) (space blanket or emergency bivvy sack)
Fire-making Supplies in a First-Aid Kit (two lighters wrapped with duct tape and a waterproof Magnesium striker)
Illumination (flashlight, headlamp, and additional batteries) (flashlight, headlamp, and extra batteries)
8) Other Hunting Essentials
Seasoned hunters have acquired a few tips and tactics regarding what they prefer to carry in their hunting packs. Some of these objects have many functions in the field, which is why hunters rely on them.
Trash Bags
When split open, a few large yard bags make an excellent ground cloth to place game meat on when processing an animal. They are also useful for keeping gear/clothing dry (particularly while crossing streams) or, in the worst-case situation, as part of a survival shelter.
Pen, Pad, Sharpie
Whether for writing down notes with an everyday carry bolt action pen and observations while watching a game or using the Sharpie to leave notes that won't deteriorate in the rain, bringing these few simple items with you will be well worth it. It's simple to wrap roughly 10 feet of duct tape around one Sharpie.
Paracord
With 30-50 feet of p-cord in your pack, you can do just about anything. Paracord is a multi-tool of rope, used for everything from hanging food from a tree to creating a shelter or using a rudimentary bow drill for fire-making.
A business even manufactures a p-cord with a combustible core (FireCord).
Toilet paper
This should go without saying.
In A Nutshell
Begin ready for your first hunting trip by gathering all of the necessary equipment. If you have everything you need in your backpack and are ready to go, your chances of a successful hunt increase. You'll be ready to take on any animal in the wild with this essential hunting gear.