Hunting is an experience that requires proper equipment. Whether you are hunting for the first time or have been doing it your whole life, there are some items that will make your trip more enjoyable and successful.
Before you hit the road to go hunting, take a look at this ultimate checklist of gear that you'll need for a great hunt!
Pack Your License
Pack your hunting license and identification, if you are a resident of the state or country where you'll be hunting. For non-residents, check with the local authorities to determine what is required. Most states will not issue licenses for hunts within their borders unless residents have at least two years' residency in that state.
If you're unsure about any regulations concerning your hunt location, call ahead before crossing the border to ensure compliance with all wildlife management rules.
You should also carry a driver's license or another form of ID that identifies you as the person who has permission to hunt.
Having these items ready will allow for quick and easy access when needed by law enforcement officials. They also provide assurance if there were an emergency situation in which someone could confirm your identity with the police.
Rifle
Don’t forget your rifle! Hunters can't forget their favorite rifle when heading out into the woods. The most popular is a bolt-action rifle, but other models are available depending on your hunting style and target animal.
Some hunters don’t like having to fire off more than one or two shots before reloading because it interrupts their focus on taking down prey.
A lever-action gun allows for quick follow-up shots if necessary without stopping shooting altogether in between each shot which makes it an excellent choice for deer hunts with high visibility and movement from the animals being hunted.
If you happen to be looking for something that's less expensive and doesn't have as much recoil then consider picking up a pump-action model instead of a traditional bolt-action model since they're much more popular among deer hunters.
Also, investing in a red dot sight is a great idea. It will help you aim more quickly and accurately than a rifle with iron sights, especially if your target is in the distance or moving fast.
When choosing a red dot sight, it is important to make sure that the one you buy has a magnification range higher than what your rifle offers. You'll also want a sight with a battery life of at least four hours so you can go hunting for a while before needing to swap out batteries.
Pack A Map
Pack a map of the area you are going to hunt in. Make sure it includes all roads, trails, and landmarks that can be seen from your blind or standing location. You should also bring paper and a pen so you can mark locations where the game has been observed on the map before hunting season begins.
Bring Food
Pack food in containers that don’t leak, pack enough snacks to last the whole trip. Bring drinks like water or lemonade in large bottles and sealable plastic bags. Bring plenty of any food you might need for special dietary needs such as those who are gluten-free or vegan.
Pack non-perishable items before they go bad on the road; this includes lunch meat, peanut butter, jelly, canned goods such as beans and soup, crackers and chips, and cereal.
Bring any special equipment, like a camp stove or fishing gear you might need for your destination (check if it can be stored in the car).
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have for any hunting excursion. You never know when you'll need it and what kinds of injuries may occur.
A good first aid kit should have a broad selection so that it can cover any needs that arise. If you're going to be gone for more than one day, make sure the first aid kit includes:
- Bandages in different sizes (large adhesive bandage pads)
- Antibiotic ointment or cream
- Scissors with blunt tip blades
- Gauze roll/small square gauze pad
- Non-Stick sterile dressings (or “butterfly” closures) or tape if larger wounds are anticipated – they prevent dirt from getting inside a wound as well as promote faster healing by keeping air out
- Extra prescription medications such as insulin, inhalers or Epi-pens
- Electrolyte replacement such as Gatorade powder
- A muzzle for injured animals in danger of biting you
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are an essential item for any outdoor enthusiast. They provide stability while you walk, and keep your feet warm in the winter months. They're also great at keeping water out when it rains or if you step into a stream by accident. There are no one-size-fits-all boots, so be sure to try on different sizes before settling on the right pair!
Hiking boots need to have good soles that won't wear down quickly with heavy usage (such as mountain walking).
Finally, make sure they fit well; narrow heels can lead to pain after long periods spent wearing them. You'll want a heel that's wide enough to comfortably support your foot throughout the day without slipping off easily—it's important that they are snug but not too tight!
You may be eager to get started on your hunting trip, but you should always remember one thing: safety first. Make sure that you have a complete set of supplies and gear before taking off into the wilderness; pack your rifle, ammunition, and identification. You'll also need a map of the area you plan to hunt in as well as food for sustenance while out there.
A first aid kit is always good to have when traveling into unknown territory and hiking boots will protect your feet from any injuries or blisters that may happen during long hikes through rough terrain. Pack all of these items in an organized way so they can easily be found when needed most.
