It is said that in the US alone, there are more than 15 million people who hunt recreationally, and there are even more people who are waiting for their license to be able to start with this sport. If you are a beginner in hunting, then there are some important things you need to know. In this article, we are going to talk about the essentials that you have to bring on your next hunting trip. Continue reading to make sure you are always prepared and protected.
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Knife
The first item on our list is something you should never go hunting without. The knife can help you out in many different situations, starting from preparing the ground, cutting branches, or if needed, defending yourself from an animal. Choose something durable, sharp, and something that is going to be easy to carry around with you.
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Survival blanket
This is something that could potentially save your life and experts suggest that you should always carry it with you. These blankets are lightweight and portable, plus they won’t take a lot of space in your bag.
They are great for any condition, and they are a perfect way to protect yourself if you end up following an animal for a long time. You can easily use it to cover yourself at night and keep yourself warm.
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Heated gloves
The heated gloves are a must if you go hunting in the winter. With them, you will never risk your hands getting sore, injured, or your skin breaking because of the cold. The best types are water and wind-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about getting them wet from the snow.
Look for something that is high quality and a pair that will never limit your range of motion. If you don’t know where to find these gloves, or which ones are good, you can click here to check out the reviews for some of the best pairs.
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Rain Gear
Now let’s talk about going hunting during the rainy season. When you go hunting and it starts to rain, it can ruin your experience or you risk catching a cold. In addition to this, the rain may damage the equipment you are carrying with you, and you don’t want to have to buy everything you own once again.
You should invest in materials that will protect you and your gear from any moisture and you can also use it to set a trap over your head and wait for the rain to stop.
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Water
Staying hydrated is a must when you go hunting. You may end up following an animal for hours and even days, so you don’t want to risk getting thirsty. Water is the number one thing needed for survival, so you should carry enough bottles for your trip. Even though this may be one of the heaviest things you have to carry with you, you should never dispose of the bottles just to be able to take something else with you.
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Food
Even though water is more important for survival than food if you want to have a good experience and if you want to have the strength to follow your prey, you should have enough food with you. It is said that freeze-dried food is a great option, or you can also carry snacks, nuts, and several varieties of nutritious protein-packed Mahogany Smoked Meats jerky. Consider the time you plan on spending while doing this activity, and pack food and snacks depending on it.
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First Aid Kit
The next thing on the list should go without saying. A first aid kit is a must if you don’t want to risk serious injuries and infections. Anything can happen when you are going hiking and when you are in the woods, and you can easily get scratched by a branch or slip and fall down. So, this kit can save your life, or it can just help you continue your trip without any issues or pain.
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Flashlights and headlamps
Flashlights are a must if you plan to spend more than a few hours on this trip, and you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the woods without light. You can pack a headlight so your arms are free and you can still see where you are going.
Nowadays there are a lot of different types and models of lights, so choose something that is durable, lightweight, and an item that is battery powered. Don’t forget to pack a few extra batteries as well.
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Lighter and fire starter
Flashlights are not enough if you plan on spending more than a day somewhere, and you will need to keep yourself warm and prepare the frozen food you are carrying with you. Pack a few lighters just in case, and experts suggest that a fire starter is a safe bet if you don’t want to bother starting the fire for a long time.
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Binoculars
Binoculars are another essential item that you have to carry with you when you go hunting. They will let you follow your prey from a distance, and you will be aware of your surroundings. They are a necessity that you should not leave at home.
Choose a pair that is going to last for years, and even decades to come, and know that if you take care of them, you will only need to invest in one good pair in your whole life.
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Scent Killer
If you want to be able to notice your prey, without getting spotted by it or other animals, then you should get some scent killer. When you hike or walk for a long time, you are bound to get sweaty, and most deodorants will not protect you from it.
So, the easiest way to stay hidden from your pray and other animals is to get a scent killer, spray it on you, and remain without odor for the whole trip.
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Bug Spray
The last thing we are going to talk about is the bug spray. We know how annoying bugs can be, and some of them carry a lot of diseases. So, to make your trip more enjoyable you should always have a bug spray with you. Make sure you choose an odorless product so you don’t get noticed by animals around you.
These are some of the most important things you have to take with you on your hunting trip. You should also bring a charger so your phone does not run out of battery, and a face mask to protect your face from the wind while disguising you.