There are many things to consider before you go hunting to ensure you have the best possible experience. Be sure you pack layers that can be added or removed depending on the weather, invest in durable boots that will protect your feet, and always bring plenty of water because hydration is key while out in nature. Those are just some of the basics!
Hunting Gear
It is important to have the right gear for a hunting trip. Many people don’t realize just how much goes into preparing, and as a result, they may not be completely comfortable when it comes time to go on a hunting expedition. That being said, knowing what you should have with you can help take away some of those fears and worries that may otherwise prevent you from fully enjoying the activities that you most enjoy. First, you’ll need the right weapon. If you want to remain silent, use a crossbow. Great crossbows come in various models and sizes, from the Killer Instinct Ripper to regular crossbows. You’ll need to bring long pants, shirts made of fabrics designed for wicking away moisture, and a hat with a brim wide enough to protect both your face and neck from getting too much sun exposure. You don’t want either of these to get too bad since you can develop a sunburn very easily through your ear canals and around your neck if you keep the UV rays on those areas too long.
Be Prepared
It helps greatly if you pack as lightly as possible since you will be hiking on foot. Even if it’s not particularly long distances, carrying too many supplies is only going to tire you out faster and prevent you from getting into the right mindset for hunting. You’ll also want to keep your backpack (and all of its contents) organized and within easy reach so that nothing goes missing and you’re able to find things quickly when needed instead of wasting time digging through your bag or unzipping unnecessary compartments. However, bring extras of everything. Make sure to bring extra ammo because you never know when it will run out, and most importantly, make sure you have spare batteries for all of your equipment such as scopes, binoculars, and trail cameras. You don’t want to run out of batteries when you most need them! A field bag is important as well; people forget that they’ll need something with pockets to carry spare ammo and other miscellaneous items like gloves and wipes (to clean your weapon) and hand warmers (for the colder months).
Hunting Dog
Another thing to consider is your hunting dog. You’ll want to make sure that this animal will be able to follow commands and stay with you throughout the trip. If you’re unsure whether or not a particular breed can handle interactions with birds and other animals, then do some research before choosing a canine companion. Once you have that figured out, you’ll need to get a proper hunting license and tags for the trip. A hunting dog will also be a great hunting companion, as they can alert you to the presence of other animals and make your trip a fun and interactive experience.
Be Ready to Stay Overnight
You should also remember that this will not be just a quick day-long hiking expedition. If you’re planning on hunting in an area where overnight camping is necessary (e.g. if you plan on deer hunting), then you’ll need to make sure your tent is a good one! It should remain watertight even in a downpour, and it should come with mosquito netting for the warmer months. You don’t want to get any bug bites out on this trip! And if you plan on camping more than once during your hunting expedition, you may want to buy a camping cot. This provides support for your back so you can get some rest during your trip, and it also keeps the bugs off of you when you’re sleeping!
Don’t Forget Your First Aid Kit
Make sure that your first aid kit is fully stocked with bandages in various sizes, antibiotic ointment, pain medicine, and any other medications you might need. You may also want to consider adding ibuprofen for pain relief, allergy medication, anti-fungal cream, tissues, moist wipes, activated charcoal tablets (in case of poisoning), gauze pads, scissors, alcohol wipes, tweezers, medical tape rollers, hydrogen peroxide, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Clif bars/granola bars/dry cereal with proteins, electrolytes, and sugars, storm matches (as opposed to normal matches), and the list goes on.
Make sure to bring a good first aid kit, extra batteries for your equipment, and all of the proper hunting gear. Remember that a hunting trip might end up being a long trip and you’ll want to make it as comfortable as possible!