When you head outdoors for your hunting excursion there is some essential hunting gear you will need to take. You should never simply set out to your hunting destination without proper preparation. Whenever you head into the great outdoors you should always assume the best, while planning for the worst-case scenario.

This is to ensure that in the event of an unexpected emergency, you are ready to take action to ensure your survival. When you are miles into the wild with not only your prey but also a large number of predators, you must keep in mind the possibility that you may end up unexpectedly detained for a couple of days.

So are you prepared to get out there?

Let’s be sure you have everything you need on the hunting gear list! Hunting gear is super important and can go a long way in making our experience so much more enjoyable. Even if you are an experienced hunter, you may want to double check your pack for some of these items. There are tons of things to take into consideration for any particular hunt.

It is not a surprise that the hunting industry is increasingly strong and ever-growing. That can be seen by the vast amount of new gear that is sold with each and every hunting season. Unfortunately, all too often it appears as if product development occurs far faster than we can keep up.

With that being said, here is the guide to all of the essential hunting equipment to kick off the hunting season. From accessories to something as important as your gun, we have a long list of things to prepare for, so let’s dive in.

Hunting Gear List

Boots:

To start, you are certainly going to need a good set of boots. With the looming threat of cold and blisters, if you find yourself in a poor pair of boots you are more than likely going to find your hunting excursion to end quite quickly. Keep in mind that a good set of boots are going to cost you, but remember that you are going to get what you pay for.

There is a reason that hunting boots are the first thing on the list. It doesn’t matter if you are duck hunting or tracking down elk. Your choice of boots can literally (mentally and physically) make or break your hunt. For this important topic, we created a full buyers guide for The Best Hunting Boots.

Backpack:

Much like boots, a good backpack can be the difference in being able to hike for miles on end or just a mile and end. You will rely on your backpack far more than you anticipate, and just like your boots, a good backpack will certainly set you back a bit financially, but there again, you are going to get what you pay for. And trust me, it is more than worth the cost. The last thing you are going to want to deal with on the middle of your hunt is having a strap or zipper break and you need to take the time to try and figure out a quick fix to get you back to camp.

When looking for a good for a good pack for hunting you want to find something that is light, has good padding for comfort and a waist strap as well. This Badlands Backpack is ideal, or something similar.

Water:

Water should be at the top of your list in terms of importance not only to keep you hydrated as you wait for your prey but also to simply keep you alive in the event of an emergency.

This is something you should invest your money in when you first decide to hunt. In fact, it might be the first thing you should buy. There are a number of options but here are a few:

Get a good bladder that holds a lot of water, and make sure it is full to the brim before you head out, because you’ll need it.

Keep 2-25 oz stainless steel water bottles that are previously filled

A compact water filter (the LifeStraw is super handy and takes up virtually no room) and/or iodine tablets.

Decoys:

Decoys are important. Very important. Whether you are hunting for waterfowl or turkey hunting. Not utilizing decoys for your hunt can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a newbie. If you want to fill your bag more often, you need to have decoys and use them to their fullest potential.

Click here to see our recommendation on:

Duck Decoys | Turkey Decoys | Goose Decoys

Bird Calls:

This is another essential! Not only should you own a call for whatever game you are hunting, but you should be practicing your call to perfection. This can be the difference between filling your bag or tag and going home empty-handed. We’ll point out a few good calls to get you started:

Turkey Call Kit | Duck Call

Deer & Elk Calls:

Primos Elk Hunter’s Master Pack Call

Knight & Hale® Da Bonehead Deer Rattle Call – Da Bonehead is exactly what the beginning hunter needs to bring in that big buck that they have been dreaming of. Delivering the ultimate realistic sound, Da Bonehead Deer Rattle Call provides hunters of every skill level complete control of the sound sequence. It is additionally incredibly compact and super easy to carry. Not only does Da’ Bonehead simulate the sound of territorial bucks fighting over a doe, it even is guaranteed to work on whitetails, mule deer, elk and even moose.

Primos® The Great Big Can® – Primos The Great Big Can just may be your golden ticket to bagging the trophy buck that you are after… and earning some bragging rights back at camp. Easy to pack, effective to use in any weather condition (even in the wind!) and incredibly lightweight, the Great Big Can boasts a long distance estrous bleat which lets all of the bucks in the area know that there is a doe around who is seeking to mate.

Flextone Bone Collector Buck Crusher Deer Call – If for whatever reason the Primos The Great Big Can just isn’t what you were seeking, another great option is the Flextone Bone Collector Buck Crusher Deer Call. The Buck Crusher lets off a similar long-distance estrous bleat which draws in the big bucks, but it is far more convenient to utilize. The Buck Crusher boasts an all in one wrist strap which quickly and easily straps to your wrist or forearm allowing for easy and quick usage, hands-free! It can even be used at full draw and prior to.

Illusion Game Call Systems Extinguisher/Black Rack Deer Rattling System Combo

Scent Killer:

Wildlife Research Center® Super Charged Scent Killer Clothing Wash – Nice smelling clothes are of course great to have… unless you are heading out for the hunt. While scent killing sprays are of the utmost importance, many beginner hunters fail to realize that their clothes should be washed with a scent killer clothing detergent as well. Opt for the Wildlife Research Center’s Super Charged Scent Killer Clothing wash. There are a number of various sizes and selections, all of which are super affordable and they are guaranteed to leave your hunting clothes odor-free. The washes are additionally biodegradable and contain absolutely no UV brighteners.

Wildlife Research Scent Killer Gold Clothing and Boot Spray, (24-Ounce) – If you just are not in the market for some brand new clothing, be sure to opt for the super affordable is the Wildlife Research Scent Killer Gold Clothing and Boot Spray, which is an exceptional clothing and hunting equipment odor eliminator. Best of all it works whether your gear is wet or dry and can be applied several days in advance. Not to mention the fact that the scent killers actually keeps working long after it dries, and even aides in ensuring that new odors do not end up forming again.

Trail Camera:

Trail cameras help hunters keep track of game over long periods of time. The hunter cannot follow its prey constantly, so the camera picks up the slack. It uses motion detection to determine when large animals have passed and generates an image with the date and time. This information is used to help hunters plan and organize their hunting patterns.

A trail camera is a remote camera placed by a hunter in order to avoid disturbing nearby prey. They are used to track game, so they are best when designed to be sturdy and weatherproof. This durable design allows them to be placed for extended unmanned use in the wilderness.

A trail camera will photograph game when the hunter is not present, so the photographs will be stamped with a date and time. The cameras detect the motion of larger animals nearby, and this information can be used by the hunter over time to determine the patterns of the prey to create hunting locations.

Binoculars:

Classic standard tool for any explorer, let alone hunter. Yes, I said explorer, because that is what we are essentially, isn’t it? We explore little-known spots in nature and hunt their game. A binocular will come in handy for spotting that deer a football field away, or if you are on very high ground and want to scope out the terrain from afar.

Vortex is a very trusted brand and probably seen as one of the more popular choices. Here is their most recent Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism (perfect set for deer and elk hunts). We also have a separate post detailing the best binoculars for hunting.

Headlamp:

This may seem like one of the things that goes without saying….but it must be said. In fact, I specifically mention headlamp and not flashlight. This might be obvious while I’m saying it, but it’s something you may not think of as your packing your bag. Headlamps are far better because you have both your hands freed up to carry your gun, or if you down an Elk just before sunset and you have to dress it long into the night. Trust me, it happens. Id also recommend a headlamp that has a Red/Green light (animals are not spooked by this type of light) and is waterproof. This is the most recommended head lamp.

Rangefinder:

A rangefinder is a device used when hunting to measure the distance to the target. As measuring the distance accurately is the goal, the range allowed by the device should be one of the most important factors to consider in choosing one. The range needed by the shooter will vary depending on the type of hunting in which he or she engages.

Magnification is also important for long-range hunting. One should note that a higher magnification results in a more difficult time keeping the device steady. Rangefinders used for rifle hunting vary greatly from those used for golf or archery. Laser rangefinders are popular for hunting, but they may not be the best option as the light used may give away the hunter’s position.

Leupold® RX®-1200i TBR® Laser Rangefinder – The Leupold RX-1200i utilizes a highly sophisticated Digitally eNhanced Accuracy (DNA) of which works at at least double the speed of competing rangefinders, and is accurate to within less than a yard! It also boasts multi-coated optics and a bright OLED display for a crystal clear image. The Quick Set menu and on-screen prompts make is incredibly user-friendly and the scan mode (along with three reticle options) are perfect for a number of various situations that may arise. Not to mention the fact that the rangefinder is even weather so you are guaranteed to be covered in any hunting season!

We have a separate post detailing the best rangefinders for hunting.

Rifle Scopes:

Unlike a silent bow, a powerful rifle allows for very few shots to strike the target when hunting. Shooting a rifle requires immediate precision, so it is wise to use a scope to ensure the most accurate shots at longer distances. To place the shot, the viewfinder displays a reticle. These may vary in design, and some allow for bullet drop compensation, windage compensation, and distance ranging.

The scope is mounted to the rifle with additional equipment, and this process may alter the weight or handling of the unit. The benefit of the telescopic sight of a rifle scope is the user’s ability to focus on the crosshair and the target at the same time. With iron sights, the viewer tends to draw to the target and blur both sights.

ATN® 5-18® 5-18x Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope – The ATN 5-18x Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope offers some pretty incredible advancements in terms of low-light HD digital sensor technology, and produces a powerful, and well-priced night vision scope; perfect for the beginner hunter. While the scope is ideal for early morning and late dusk shots, it is incredibly clear and concise in broad daylight as well.

Night Vision Scope:

Night Owl Nex Gen Night Scope – One of the first questions that beginner hunters seek to find out about is the best scope for hunting, particularly one’s with night vision of which will allow clear and concise vision in the wee hours of the morning as well as into the dusk. Before searching for the top of the line, most expensive night vision scope that you feel you may need, check out the Night Own Nex Gen Night Scope. Available from a number of trusted retailers, this scope is an amazing deal that offers some incredible rewards. The scope kicks off an ambient light magnification of 500x times, and its strong infrared illumination grants you the capability to view objects that are normally undetected by the human eye during early morning hours and early evening hours. Not to mention that the ease of its one-hand operation makes the scope seamlessly simple to use.

Pocketknife:

A pocket knife is a compact folding knife with one or more blades that swivel inside its handle. As their names suggests, they are small enough to fit into one’s pocket. They are also commonly referred to as jackknives. Your pocketknife is going to be your go-to tool for a lot of things. It should be sharp at all times and handily available.

Pocket knives are useful for a variety of tasks outdoors. They can be used for tearing flesh or skinning animals, and they usually feature a number of tools. In addition to being compact and lightweight, pocket knives should be comfortable to hold and use as well as effective enough for each task.

These knives are very versatile, and they can be used for cutting rope, slicing food, opening gear, first aid or defense. Pocket knives used in hunting are often used to skin prey once killed. The blades of a pocket knife usually measure between 2 and 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters). The ideal knife is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and effective.

We have a separate guide covering a variety of knives suitable for hunting or camping.

Skinning / Gutting knives:

You’ll want to find good knives for gutting your kill. A combo set with a gut hook and a fillet knife is your best bet. This combo from Outdoor Edge is a full Game Processing Kit and will be able to handle animals as big as elk and as small as quail.

Elk Ridge™ Infinity Field Skinner Knife – The Elk Ridge Infinity Field Skinner knife is the perfect knife for any beginner hunter (and even experienced hunters!). The knife itself is comprised of a 440 stainless steel camo-coated skinning/gut hook blade and includes a hard nylon sheath with belt loop has an integrated fire starter and even a diamond honing file for sharpening. Also boasting a nylon-lined finger loop design for complete and total control and best of all… a built-in bottle opener for the end of the day tales of the hunt back at camp.

Trophy Master® Change-A-Blade Kit – Field dressing has never been easier if you are using one of the Trophy Master Change A Blades in their complete kit. Compact and completely durable, these field dressing knees have the perfect blade for whatever aspect you are needing it for. Change A Blade Kits boasts interchangeable 3 1/4″, 5″, 6 1/2″ stainless steel blades, and a highly visual orange rubber lockback handle complete with a nylon carrying pouch. Literally everything you need to clean your fill with ease.

You can also see more options in our skinning knife review guide.

Bone Saw:

Depending on the game you are hunting it can be very helpful to have a bone saw in your bag. This can be used for cutting the rib cage of an animal or cutting through thick joints to quarter an animal out. It can also come in handy for cutting wood, and you know there is going to be plenty of wood out there. Especially if it is quite chilly out and you’re packing for an overnight stay, you’ll want to get a fire going. There’s nothing like a good saw to provide us with some heavy duty fuel to keep us warm on those day or week-long hunts.

Weapon:

Ammo: Always carry more than you think you will need. You never know how many misses you’ll have. We all know our hunts don’t go perfectly sometimes, so store plenty of ammo.

Gun: Make sure you put a lot of thought into this one. We want to get off quality shots, which means we should be spending quality money on this one. It should go without saying but sometimes we get so focused on trying to remember the little things that we could forget the money maker!

Compound Bows: A compound bow uses a lever system consisting of cable and pulleys to bend its limbs. This bow features limbs that are much stiffer than those of a recurve bow. The compound bow is much more energy-efficient due to this increased stiffness. Compound bows are rarely affected by changes in temperature or humidity. This provides greater velocity, accuracy, and distance in comparison to other bows.

The bow’s string is applied to cams, and these pulleys have cables attached to their opposite limb. When the archer draws the string, it causes the pulleys to turn. A soft cam allows for a soft and smooth pull. This helps to aim better with hunting or target shooting.

It may be best to use an aggressive cam when hunting. This provides increased energy when drawing and offers better penetration for the arrow. Beginner archers should look for a bow that is lightweight, powerful, smooth and quiet.

Recurve Bows: – A recurve bow features tips that curve away from the shooter, and the string of the recurve bow touches an area of the limb when the bow is strung. These limbs put greater strain on the unit, so they are more likely to make noise during the shot compared to other types. In contrast to bows with straight limbs, the recurve bow stores and delivers energy more efficiently for greater speed.

Many recurve bows are take-down models, and their limbs can be detached from the riser for better transportation, storage or versatility. Hunters may prefer one-piece bows instead due to the noise level of the limb pockets on take-down models while drawing. Modern recurve bows are the only forms allowed for competition in the Olympics.

Apparel:

Camouflage head net: This on can be important on a turkey hunt, or a bow hunt when the game your hunting will be especially close to you. Your face can stand out to these keen animals.

Camouflage Gloves: Get some comfortable camo gloves which are comfortable and will still allow your hands to be functional. Don’t forget to practice shooting ahead of time with the pair of gloves you plan to hunt with. Finger-less hunting gloves are a great option too.

Extra socks: Along the same lines as hunting boots. If your feet are not dry and comfortable, you will inevitably be heading back to cam earlier than you had originally planned for.

Under Armour® Scent Control Jacket – Easily one of the best products of the season is the every-trusted and reliable Under Armour Scent Control Jacket. With the assistance of the jackets “zeolites,” which utilize pure antimicrobial silver that is sure to block odor, no longer will you have to worry about masking your scent or load your pack with a number of various other scent control options. Just zip up and you are ready to head out on your hunt.

ScentLok Men’s Savanna Quickstrike Coveralls – In rough weather you are going to want to be as comfortable as humanly possible to ensure that your hunt lasts. And this the ScentLoc Savanna Quickstrike Coveralls that feature moisture-wicking treatment, you can ensure that your body will remain warm and comfortable through all of the elements.The coveralls feature a hooded design that boasts a built-in face mask for added concealment. And also provides a two way from zipper with a front waist buckle adjuster for added convenience. Not to mention a super convenient safety-harness opening in the back and drawcord adjustable cuffs.

Under Armour Scent Control ColdGear® Infrared Balaclava – With your new Under Armour Scent Control Jacket, you will, of course, need to the same scent blocking technology when it comes to your head. And that is precisely what you’ll receive when you opt to purchase the awesome UA Scent Control ColdGear® Infrared Balaclava. With this incredible balaclava, you will get an odor blocker as strong as carbon but lasts about ten times longer. And when temperatures drop you are sure to stay warm and comfortable.

Ladder Stand Tools:

Tree Stand Up™ Composite – All hunters will agree that putting up a ladder stand is one of the major annoyances of hunting. However, the Tree Stand Up tool quickly and easily elevates ladder tree stands with ease (and safety), by way of creating a pivot point from the legs of the ladder to the ground, which eliminates the kick out when you are ready to to elevate your stand. In other words, the Tree Stand Up serves as a stake for the legs of your stand which allows for a quick easy on and easy off.

Tree Stand Buddy Starter Kit – With the Tree Stand Buddy Starter Kit you will receive all that you need to safely and conveniently set up your tree stand. The system is super easy to set up and take down. The kit boasts a “male” and “female” attachment system for the vast majority of hanging stands, while allow granting you the freedom to quickly and easily change locations with little to no effort! You even have to the option to purchase extra receivers which allows you to be able to move your stand to other locations in a quick and quiet manner.

Sharpening stone:

You’ll be using your knives a lot, especially when you are gutting a deer. What happens when we use knives out in the wild? You got it, they dull quicker than we expect sometimes. You already went out and got a good set of knives, but that does you no good when they get dull half way through skinning an elk, trust me it happens- Get a good sharpening stone and pack it every time you hunt! There are some surprisingly good deals on Amazon for sharpening stones. We think this is the best sharpening stone.

Survival Kit:

Your survival kit should include the basic modern-day last resort tools. Matches, first aid kit, blister kit, disinfectant, ibuprofen or Tylenol and a compass. This is sort of a half emergency, half last resort kit.

License and Regulatory Documents:

No need to expand much on this one. Make sure you are correctly licensed to hunt in your state. Could be bad if you get caught up hunting without a license, no matter how seasoned of a hunter you may be.

Map:

Even if you’re not using it at the moment, always keep that map of your area on your person. A GPS is the most ideal. You can find a lot of good GPS’s for a reasonable price these days like this Garmin GPSMAP. Whether you have a GPS or not though, it is still a great idea to carry a physical map with you.

Food:

Protein and granola bars, fruit snacks, fruit, trail mix, etc. Just be sure to avoid anything with meat scents such as beef jerky as the smell can scare off prey and also draw in predators.

And remember to have all of your items stored already unwrapped as to avoid the loud noise that wrappers can make. Can easily be stored in zip-lock bags to quietly remove and snack.

Wire cutter & Pruner:

Have you ever been on a hunt and come across an old, abandoned wire fence? Could you do anything about it? Well here is where a wire cutter can be your best friend. Sometimes we want to get through these annoying obstacles like wire fences, and the best thing to do about it is to bring along one of these. Make sure the fence isn’t electric or private property.

Just like those annoying wire fences, you’ll definitely come across some thorn bushes, or other thick brush you want to clear out to have the perfect “blind” while you’re on a bow or turkey hunt.

Keeping Warm:

There are a number of ways to get a fire started at your camp to stay warm. Some great essentials to consider keeping in your bag to make fire starting east are firesteel, magnesium starter, petroleum jelly smeared cotton balls, strike anywhere matches and a zippo lighter. Additionally, your best form of defense against the elements is the shelter that you put on your body. Be sure to wear layers of synthetic material or wool, and also keep on hand a shell of windproof and waterproof material, and you are set for virtually anything that mother nature throws your way. You will trap an abundance more body heat within these layers as opposed to releasing it.

Rain Gear:

Of course, we have to prepare for all types of weather, so make sure your rain gear is in check. Especially in the cold, if it is a little rainy out, that wetness will affect everything about your hunt. Make sure you prepare your rain gear.

Toilet Paper:

This one is self-explanatory. Tissues and other human necessities can’t be forgotten! Toilet Paper can also be utilized for tracking a wounded deer. Every time you find blood, hang a bit of the toilet paper on the tree to mark the path that the deer took. Best of all, it dissolves after a heavy rain.

Shelter:

If you get stuck in the wild for any reason, you are going to need to build yourself a survival shelter. One can easily be built using a 5×7 nylon tarp, 20 feet of paracord or nylon rope and a swiss army knife. In terms of keeping warm, you may want to invest in a bivy sack; but to save on the bulk keep an emergency space blanket in your pack.

Remember to never build your shelter any larger than for the people (or person) who will be utilizing it. This is to ensure ample heat. Selecting the best place to build your shelter is essential. Make sure that it is in the driest location available and if it is not too cold, try and build your shelter on higher ground as light breezes will assist in keeping the bugs away, while you will be able to locate a search party or other hunters who may be able to help you out. If there is a cold wind blowing, select a location that is sheltered by trees. But remember to not build your shelter as the bottom of a deep valley or ravine as cold air settles in the night.

There are a number of different shelters that you can create in the wild. The easiest one, especially if night is falling is to simply collect dry debris (such as leaves, pine needles, bark, etc.) from the forest floor, and create a vast pile that is two to three feet high and longer than you are tall. Burrowing into the pile creates something similar to a natural sleeping bag of which will significantly protect you from heat loss.

The single easiest option is to simply find a fallen tree that has enough room underneath of it for you to crawl in. Be sure to lean its branches against the windy side of the tree to make a wall, ensuring that the wall is thick enough to keep the wind out. If you can safely build a fire on the open side of your shelter, the added heat will aid in keeping you warmer.

If you are able to locate a fallen tree that does not have enough room underneath of it, or even a rock or small overhang, you have the option of building a lean-to. To do so, lean the fallen limbs against the object at an angle (to shield rain or snow) to create a wall, and cover the leaning limbs with leaves, boughs, pine needles, bark or whatever else you can find in the area. Once your wall is thick enough you can crawl into the shelter. You can additionally build a lean-to by simply placing one end of a long stick across the lower limb of a tree and then prop it up the other end of the stick with two more sticks. This is where rope comes into importance, tie the ends of the sticks together (if you do not have rope, you can tie the sticks together with your boot laces or even your belt). Next, lean more sticks against the horizontal stick and then pile leaves and forest debris against the leaning sticks until you have created a wall. If safe, a fire on the open side of the lean-to can add heat to your shelter.

And the Rest – Other Miscellaneous Items (I’m sure you can think of others)

First Aid Kit : First aid kit (be sure to consider Murphy’s Law when packing your first aid kit, you can never be overly cautious), toilet paper or wet wipes (easier to carry and quite refreshing), fishing handlines, GPS, compass, map, a headlamp and flashlight are also handy to keep on hand.

: First aid kit (be sure to consider Murphy’s Law when packing your first aid kit, you can never be overly cautious), toilet paper or wet wipes (easier to carry and quite refreshing), fishing handlines, GPS, compass, map, a headlamp and flashlight are also handy to keep on hand. Blaze orange vest

Bug Repellent : This one often gets overlooked and forgotten about. You’ll only forget bug repellent one time to realize how important it can actually be, especially when you’re getting swarmed out there in damp weather. Trust me!

: This one often gets overlooked and forgotten about. You’ll only forget bug repellent one time to realize how important it can actually be, especially when you’re getting swarmed out there in damp weather. Trust me! Nylon cord or Rope : There are many types of ropes and rope strength out there, but as long as you have a sturdy one for hunting purposes, it will do. You may not anticipate needing rope, however, situations always come up when you’ll wish you had packed some. And because there is really no substitute for rope in the wilderness, and it doesn’t weigh a lot or take up a lot of room, it’s a great thing to pack. A rope is also useful in case you have to camp overnight away from camp to help you while building a quick shelter.

: There are many types of ropes and rope strength out there, but as long as you have a sturdy one for hunting purposes, it will do. You may not anticipate needing rope, however, situations always come up when you’ll wish you had packed some. And because there is really no substitute for rope in the wilderness, and it doesn’t weigh a lot or take up a lot of room, it’s a great thing to pack. A rope is also useful in case you have to camp overnight away from camp to help you while building a quick shelter. Surveyors tape : This is a very valuable tool to help you track your downed animal. Place some tape where you find a blood trail to be sure you don’t lose sight of it. This can make the difference in leaving with that buck you just killed or never finding it only to go home empty-handed. There is nothing worse than losing an animal you know that you took down. This can also be a marker for you if you have to go deep into the woods, just tie some around every 3 rd or 4 th tree as you’re walking in and you can safely find your way back to the trail.

: This is a very valuable tool to help you track your downed animal. Place some tape where you find a blood trail to be sure you don’t lose sight of it. This can make the difference in leaving with that buck you just killed or never finding it only to go home empty-handed. There is nothing worse than losing an animal you know that you took down. This can also be a marker for you if you have to go deep into the woods, just tie some around every 3 or 4 tree as you’re walking in and you can safely find your way back to the trail. Zipper-seal bags: for storing used scent and lure items like drag rags or scent wicks. Placing them in zipper-seal bags can significantly combat the rest of your items soaking in the stench.

for storing used scent and lure items like drag rags or scent wicks. Placing them in zipper-seal bags can significantly combat the rest of your items soaking in the stench. Field Dressing Gloves

Wet Wipes

Insulated seating pad

Metal screw-in tree steps

Light compact pistol

Walkie Talkies : If there are two of you.

: If there are two of you. Cell Phone : Try and bring a solar charger if you have one, but a cell phone is good to have on hand for anything ranging from an emergency to getting help with a larger animal.

or the Hunt

: Try and bring a solar charger if you have one, but a cell phone is good to have on hand for anything ranging from an emergency to getting help with a larger animal. or the Hunt Wind power direction checker

Pen and Paper : For filling out tags and just plain handy.

: For filling out tags and just plain handy. Hand Warmers : Essential especially during the cold seasons.

: Essential especially during the cold seasons. Books or magazine : Let’s face it, sometimes the hunt can take an extremely long time and you can only stare at so many squirrels for so long.

: Let’s face it, sometimes the hunt can take an extremely long time and you can only stare at so many squirrels for so long. Trekking Poles : Especially, if you are heading into higher country, having a good set will make your life significantly easier.

: Especially, if you are heading into higher country, having a good set will make your life significantly easier. Zip-Ties : This may seem like a surprising item to toss into your back, but zip-ties can be used for a number of different options. For instance, they can be used to attach the tag to the carcass, tying branches out back, temporarily attaching things to your backpack or tree-stand, attaching lure dispensers to branches, and even quick and simple fixes.

: This may seem like a surprising item to toss into your back, but zip-ties can be used for a number of different options. For instance, they can be used to attach the tag to the carcass, tying branches out back, temporarily attaching things to your backpack or tree-stand, attaching lure dispensers to branches, and even quick and simple fixes. Trash Bag : Again, a useful item for a number of reasons. Can especially be used as a makeshift poncho in the event that yours gets lost or damaged.

: Again, a useful item for a number of reasons. Can especially be used as a makeshift poncho in the event that yours gets lost or damaged. Belt : Can be used as a tourniquet, or simply to hold items to your waist. You would be surprised as to the number of uses that you can find for a belt when it comes down to it.

: Can be used as a tourniquet, or simply to hold items to your waist. You would be surprised as to the number of uses that you can find for a belt when it comes down to it. Urine Bottle : In the event that it is inconvenient for you to leave your stand.

: In the event that it is inconvenient for you to leave your stand. Bear Mace Spray : You are in the woods stalking your prey, but who knows what may be stalking you. While you, of course, have your gun, Bear Mace is a great added option to keep close by your side just in case.

: You are in the woods stalking your prey, but who knows what may be stalking you. While you, of course, have your gun, Bear Mace is a great added option to keep close by your side just in case. Snare and Fishing Gear : Sure, you may see yourself as master of the woods. But in the event of an emergency can you really rely on the items in your backpack? Be sure to carry a small snare and fishing gear or learn how to create your own in the wilderness.

: Sure, you may see yourself as master of the woods. But in the event of an emergency can you really rely on the items in your backpack? Be sure to carry a small snare and fishing gear or learn how to create your own in the wilderness. Wilderness Survival Guide: As previously mentioned, you can learn a ton from having a wilderness survival guide on hand. From edibles in your area to building a shelter and making your own snares. If you are stuck in the woods, this tiny book can save your life.

Wrap-Up

Wow, now that’s a lot of gear! And I bet you could add some more items yourself. Most of these things are needed for your hunt, and the others are recommended. But whatever you do, make sure you have some sort of checklist before heading out on your hunts. If you have to, print this page out and add whatever you think is necessary out there in the wild.

You’re also probably thinking, “How can I fit all this stuff on my person, and wouldn’t it slow me down?” Two things for you. One, as you learn more and more about how to hunt, you’ll learn how to be more efficient with the space on your person and in your catchall bag. Second, we recommend hitting the gym a little bit, because it will strengthen your body and give you great endurance to carry anything when you head out for your hunts.

Don’t skimp on some of these items when it comes to the price either! A few extra bucks can go a long way. Just remember to have fun out there with your gear.

So what did we forget that is on your personal hunting gear list? Don’t hesitate to contribute below.