Whether you’re a deer hunter in the West or turkey hunter, having quality hunting gear can significantly improve your success and comfort on the field. The right gear can also be critical when scouting for preseason deer or hunting your first elk.
Camouflage hunting clothing is essential to help you blend in with your surroundings. You’ll also want a good knife for cleaning game, cutting rope, and notching hunting tags. Read on Elk Calls for more details.
1. Backpack
A backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear to have when you’re hunting. It carries all the gear and supplies you’ll need for your hunt, from food to water to your hunting weapon and ammo. The best hunting backpacks are built to fit a variety of needs, such as a specific type of hunt or weather conditions.
A good pack is comfortable to wear and carries the weight evenly across your back, which can help reduce fatigue during long hikes. It should also have a padded waist belt and shoulder straps to prevent them from digging into your shoulders when you’re carrying a heavy load. A good suspension system will also be able to adjust for your specific torso size, which will make it easier to carry the load without any pain.
Depending on the length of your hunt, you may need to bring extra gear like a sleeping bag with a 0deg to 20deg temperature rating and a small survival kit. You’ll also need a map or topographic guide for the area you’re hunting in case you lose the trail. In addition, a lightweight and insulated hiking or hunting jacket will keep you warm and dry during cold weather hiking. The latest packs are capable of storing all the essentials and can even double as a bivvy if you’re planning on staying out overnight.
2. Knife
A knife is one of the most essential tools for any hunter. It can be used for a variety of tasks, from field dressing to cutting cord, making fires and more. The best hunting knives are high-quality, well-made and durable. They are also lightweight to make them easy to carry and maintain.
When selecting a hunting knife, consider the type of game you’ll be pursuing and how often you hunt. You also need to decide between a fixed or folding blade.
Many hunters prefer a drop-point knife with a deep point for skinning, gutting and quartering game. However, a clip-point blade, which is thinner and has a more pronounced point, can be just as effective for these tasks. It can even be used to clean out animal cavities.
Another option is a gut hook knife, which has a sharpened semi-circle on the spine to quickly and effectively cut an animal’s heart without damaging other organs. Finally, some hunters may prefer a set of specialized hunting knives that come with caping, skinning, boning and fillet knives as well as a bone saw.
It’s important to test out different knives before purchasing them to make sure they fit your hand comfortably. You don’t want a handle that is too small, as this can cause you to overgrip, which will tire your hands and possibly lead to blisters. Additionally, the knife should have a finger stop or contour on the tang that prevents your fingers from sliding forward onto the blade.
3. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have in every backcountry hunter’s pack. It isn’t about having Band-Aids and ibuprofen on hand, though; it’s about having the tools to treat any medical emergency that could occur while in the wilderness.
While there are ready-made wilderness first aid kits for sale, it’s best to build a first aid kit that is specifically tailored to the type of hunting you do. This will ensure that you have the items that you are most likely to need, and it will also help reduce weight.
Even seasoned hunters like Ben will tell you that it’s not just about having a first aid kit with you, it’s about understanding how to use the items in it and cultivating a level of mental preparedness that allows you to quickly respond to an injury. The ability to recognize an injury, clear it, and stop heavy bleeding are essential skills that all hunters need to know.
A basic wilderness first aid kit should include the following items:
4. Flashlight
A flashlight is a must-have for hunting because it gives you the ability to see your surroundings and boosts confidence. Poor lighting conditions can complicate and drag on hunts that are already a lot of work, and even endanger hunters and their groups. A good flashlight can help you stay safe by ensuring that you can clearly identify targets, track game after dark, and locate your gear in the woods.
Choosing the right flashlight for hunting can be a challenge, but the best ones have features that are specifically designed to meet the demands of nocturnal hunting. They can illuminate large areas, help you see potential prey and obstacles, and are lightweight and compact enough to easily fit in your pocket or backpack. The flashlights that are ideally suited for hunting also include red or green light functions that make them undetectable to deer, coyotes, and feral hogs.
Some of the best hunting flashlights also offer a lockout function that prevents accidental power-on, which is handy for beginners and those trying out a new piece of equipment. They also feature a battery status indicator that will shine green to indicate the batteries are good and red to warn you that they’re about to run out of juice.
Those who prefer hands-free lighting options should opt for the hunting lights with headlamp functionality, which allow them to navigate terrain and move around without having to hold the flashlight. They are easy to use and are great for tracking blood or setting up camp in low-light conditions. It is also a good idea to choose a flashlight with adjustable beam settings and maximum distance, which can be optimized for different applications.
5. Mobile Phone
When it comes to preparing for your hunt or tracking the progress of an animal, you’ll find that a mobile phone has become more important than ever. Many companies that manufacture hunting gear have incorporated pockets in their apparel for cell phones. Additionally, some of the best hunting gloves feature grips on the fingertips for using a mobile phone without removing it from your hand. These accessories aren’t just for safety or taking selfies, though; they can help you become a better hunter.
There are a lot of different hunting apps that are available, and each offers its own unique set of features. Some are free while others have a yearly subscription. The onX hunt app, for example, is a great option because it includes a land identification system that shows if a property is public or private and even gives the owner’s name. It also has the ability to save maps in offline mode for use when no cellular data is available.
Another good option is the earthmate hunt app, which works well in conjunction with Garmin’s InReach satellite communicator. This app is also free to download and has excellent mapping capabilities. It can save large areas for offline usage and responds quickly to GPS tracking. Lastly, it can connect to e-collars and be used as an SOS beacon in case of an emergency. It also has a useful feature that allows users to sync multiple devices and share their locations with others.
6. Electrics
Hunting requires a lot of equipment to ensure you’re fully prepared. This includes a hunting backpack with plenty of space, camo clothing and boots, a rifle or bow, game calls to lure prey closer, a rangefinder for determining the distance between you and your target, and field dressing gear.
There are a few items that are crucial to bring along on any hunting expedition, including a tent or cot for sleeping and a camp chair to relax in during breaks. You’ll also want to bring a few cooking supplies and water purification tablets to help you survive the wilderness. If you’re planning on a longer trip, consider taking an electric bike with saddlebags to carry your gear and food. This way, you can travel faster and further without worrying about your weight or the potential for unusual odors to scare off wildlife.
It’s no secret that scent control, staying silent, and blending in visually are all important aspects of hunting. However, there’s more to success than just those elements. Even when you’ve done everything right, animals have a sixth sense that can detect hunters. The reason is simple: humans emit electrical signals that can give away their location to wary animals. Luckily, there are some devices that can block these signals to prevent your presence from giving away your position. This is a great option for new hunters or experienced hunters who want to improve their chances of success.