Whether you want to connect deeply with nature or you are looking to narrow the gap between your food and the table, you never run out of reasons to hunt. The core reasons for hunting can be reduced to four: to have an intimate connection with the wild, to take responsibility for your food, to appreciate your kinship with nature, and to experience your environment as a participant. Compared with other sporting activities, hunting is relatively safe. If you are planning to head out, remember to carry this essential hunting equipment.
1. Weapon
Your weapon of choice is the most critical hunting requirement you should have. You can decide to use a bow or a rifle. So, weeks, or even months before your scheduled hunting trip, select your weapon and keep it at bay. Perform the much-needed maintenance on your tools. If you are using a rifle, buy the necessary ammunition. As for those using a bow, make sure your arrowheads are in good condition and that they haven’t rusted. Replaced worn out bowstrings.
2. Boots
Quality boots are critical for any hunting mission. Beat up feet or a single blister on your foot can end your hunting spree in an instant. You get what you spend on, which is why you shouldn’t shy away from investing in a good pair of hunting boots. The moment you hit the woods, you will realize that rock piles and sharp sales easily damage a cheap pair of boots.
3. First Aid Kit
A hunter’s first aid kit is not the ordinary kits you are used to seeing in cars and restaurants. Primary pain killers and band-aids wouldn’t suffice if you were to suffer a significant injury while in the wild. Make your first aid kit from the ground up so that you can include everything hunters need in emergencies. Start with medications, particularly those for special needs like anti-bacterial ointments, blood pressure pills, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine pens. Move on to items meant for severe injuries like splints, gauze, and tourniquet. Besides putting together everything, it’s best to learn how to use them.
4. Knife
Pocket knives offer great versatility during hunting trips. You can use it to make small homes, cut down branches, set stakes, or even building a shelter. Although some hunters like bringing different knives for specific tasks, most are quite the same. Besides, you don’t want to carry excessive weight. It’s best for you to get a quality knife that you can use in various ways. It should be sharp-edged so that it can cut through tough objects out of your way as you hunt.
5. Camouflaged Clothing
Successful hunting and camouflage go hand in hand. There is no way you will hunt any animal when you are wearing brightly-colored clothes that attract attention easily. If you don’t know how to match your dressing to the area you plan to venture, consult a sporting-goods expert for advice. Regardless of your choice, make sure you dress in layers. Hunting often involves bouts of vigorous activities that could leave you sweaty. Layering allows you to stay comfy by removing or adding layers to match the situation.
6. Navigation
Since time immemorial, the compass has been utilized as a guiding force for hunters. Now we have the GPS. Hunting experts advise that you can never be too prepared. That is why you should consider carrying both a compass and a GPS. Consider getting a hand-worn gadget that is waterproof.
7. Food/Water
One of the hunting essentials you require for a successful trip is food and water to keep you going. The amount you carry depends on how long you will be out in the wild. It’s best to take canned food and energy bars as they don’t require much preparation. If you will be outside for days, it’s a good idea to invest in a portable water purifier. That way, you won’t have to carry a lot of water for the stay. Avoid bringing disposal cups, but instead, bring something you can reuse.
8. Fire-Starter
The ability to start a fire is critical whenever you are going to hunt. For instance, you need fuel to prepare meals, fight the cold and keep predators at bay. Besides carrying the tool, make sure that you have the necessary skills for starting a fire without having the starter. Avoid relying on one type of starter as one might fail. Keep the fire-starter tools moisture-free to avoid inconveniences.
9. Rain Gear
The rain gear you carry depends on where you are hunting. Most forests experience rainfall in the most unexpected times because they are water catchment areas. For instance, if you are in Alaska where it can rain for days on end, bringing your rain gear is more of a need than a luxury. Go for PVC or rubberized clothing because some of the breathable ones soak in water.
10. Backpack
Just like boots, a good bag can be the difference between hiking for miles and getting tired after one mile. You will rely heavily on your backpack. You want a carrier that is light enough but still of high quality. Ensure that it has comfortable padding and waist straps. They come in various sizes and loads. Also, you can adjust the frames to match your preferred torso.
11. Light
If you are planning to hunt for days, pack some waterproof headlights and flashlights. Invest in a quality flashlight instead of buying the cheap ones for the sake of buying. The woods are too risky to put your trust in light-duty lighting. Also, remember to pack extra pairs of bulbs and batteries. Furthermore, don’t leave the house without testing the flashlights to ensure they are in excellent condition.
Gearing up for a hunting trip is exciting. Ensure you have everything you require before leaving the house so that you can have a great time in the woods.
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