A new report shows that in 2017, more than 15 million Americans participated in hunting.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who participate in this sport each year, then you know how fun it can be to escape the real world and spend some time in nature.
If you have a hunting trip coming up, then you’re probably figuring out what to take with you. Whether you’re new to hunting or you’re a seasoned vet, the right accessories can make all the difference.
So, what should you take with you on your next trip?
Check out this guide to discover the top hunting necessities for your next big trip.
1. Binoculars
Once you’ve brought binoculars with you hunting, you’ll never leave for another hunting trip without them.
Binoculars can help you spot your prey, calculate the distance of your shot, and shoot the correct prey.
When choosing binoculars for hunting, you want to make sure that you buy ones that are suitable for hunting. The main thing you want to look at is the formula. The binocular formula refers to the magnification level and the size of the objective lens.
For hunting, we suggest choosing binoculars with a magnification level between 8 and 12. When it comes to the objective lens size, the larger the better.
2. Boots
Whether you’re going hunting for a few days or a few weeks, a pair of quality hunting boots are a must.
A single blister in the wrong place can instantly end a hunt, so you want to make sure you choose the right pair. But, keep in mind that quality hunting boots are expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for.
To select the right pair of hunting boots, keep the following tips in mind:
- The boots should be snug around your ankles and instep, but you should be able to wiggle your toes
- If you plan to walk through creeks, swamps, and marshes, rubber hunting boots are the best choice
- If you plan to hunt on dry land, stick with leather or nylon hunting boots
- The higher the number of grams, the more insulated the boot will be
Your choice of boots can make or break your hunt, so take your time deciding.
3. Water
When it comes to hunting necessities, water should be a no-brainer. But, you wouldn’t believe the number of hunters who forget to bring water with them or who don’t pack adequate amounts.
We suggest coming into your hunt with two, 25-ounce stainless steel water bottles that are already filled. It’s also a good idea to invest in a quality water bladder and filling that to the brim before you head out.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring along a water filter with you. Even if the place you’re where you’re hunting is known for having safe drinking water, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For ease of carrying, we suggest bringing iodine tablets to filter your water.
4. First Aid Kit
Whether it’s to patch up a tiny blister or put pressure on a profusely bleeding wound, a first aid kit is absolutely necessary for your next hunting expedition.
Here’s everything that you should include in your first aid kit:
- Space blanket
- Trauma sheers
- Bandages (including butterfly bandages and pressure bandages)
- Medical tape
- Leukotape
- Gauze
- Electrolyte tablets
- Pain meds
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic cream
- Nitrile gloves
- Towelettes
- Duct tape
- Matches
5. Backpack
Just like boots, a good backpack can make all the difference from being able to hike for a few miles or miles on end.
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a hunting backpack:
- Size: Make sure it’s big enough to fit all of your stuff comfortably but without wasting space
- Fit: The pack should fit snuggly around your waist and shoulders or you will end up with undue fatigue
- Quality Construction: Choose a backpack made of quality materials such as Cordura, cotton canvas, nylon, polyester, or PVC fabric
Also, make sure the backpack you choose comes with plenty of zippers as well as other features such as tie-down loops, hydration compatible systems, and a built-in rain cover.
6. Cutting Tools
There are several styles of cutting tools you’ll want to bring with you on your next hunting trip. The knives you should bring include a:
Pocketknife
This is a compact folding knife that comes with one or more blades. As the name suggests, this knife is small enough to fit inside one’s pocket. This will be your go-to tool for several tasks, so you should always have it sharp and easily accessible.
You can use a pocket knife for slicing food, cutting rope, skinning prey, or opening gear.
Gutting/Skinning Knife
A good knife is absolutely necessary for gutting your kill. Your best bet is to look for one that comes as a combo set with a gut hook and fillet knife.
Bone Saw
Also, depending on the type of game you hunt, you may want to pack a bone saw in your bag. Bone saws help to cut through the rib cages and thick joints. They also come in handy for cutting wood, which is great for when you want to start a fire on a chilly night. At Natchez, there are professional survival knives for sale you can check out.
7. Hunting Stove
Unless you want to live off of protein bars and beef jerky your entire hunting trip, we suggest packing a hunting stove.
Make sure to look for a compressed gas stove, as these are the most suitable for hunting. Also, don’t forget to pack fuel canisters.
Hunting Necessities: Are You Ready for Your Trip?
Now that you know about the top hunting necessities, it’s time to start planning your trip. With these accessories, your hunting trip will be all the more enjoyable. If you liked this post, be sure to check back in for more hunting news and tips. Duck calls can help you a lot in your hunting. It can easily lure ducks by imitating the exact sound of ducks. If you are wondering how to make a duck calls, read this guide.
