The Ultimate Hunting Supplies Checklist You Must Follow

 

When you are out in the wild, you need much more than a gun and ammunition to hunt. The focus is as much on survival as it is on the thrill and excitement that comes with an outdoor experience. You need a lot of gear to cover both fronts. It comes as no surprise that experienced hunters follow a checklist of supplies they follow every time while planning a hunting trip. Having a list of things at hand saves your time and ensures that you don’t miss any of the essentials. Here is the ultimate one that every newbie and a seasoned hunter can rely on to have an incredible and safe trip.

 

Start with the basics

Even before you think about guns and rifles, you need to start with the basics that keep you going in the middle of nowhere. Have an adequate supply of water in your backpack because hydration is vital, even when days aren’t hot. You must also have packaged food and snacks to keep your energy levels up. Pick healthy options such as fruits, nuts and seeds, and protein bars because these are filling but don’t make you feel lazy. A basic first-aid kit is another essential you cannot miss out on in the wild. You can expect accidents like falls, stings, and even food poisoning to happen outdoors, and a first-aid kit can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.

 

Have essential clothing to keep you warm and dry

You need the right kind of clothing to keep you warm and dry outdoors. Most new hunters get complacent about clothing but not having enough elevates the risk of hypothermia if you have to spend a night in the wild. Pack according to the weather as you wouldn’t want to be too hot or cold. Opt for lightweight options because heavy layers can make you uncomfortable and restrict movement. The right kind of shoes and socks keep your feet safe even on rough terrain and in harsh weather. Don’t forget to pack rain gear, even if there isn’t a forecast of wet weather. It makes sense to carry body armor if you are planning a trip in a high-traffic area where shooting accidents are common.

 

Carry visual aids for shooting accurately

Next on the list of hunting supplies are the visual aids you need for shooting with accuracy. After all, you have to see clearly to hunt properly. Even the best hunters can miss the target and hit something or someone they do not intend to. A dependable pair of binoculars is an asset outdoors as it lets you be sure about the target in the first place. It can also help to safeguard yourself when in danger. As a rule, you must invest in Optics for Rifles and Pistols just when you buy the firearms. It helps see the target carefully before you shoot, which eliminates the chances of a misfire to a significant extent. While you must have a firearm and visual aids you are comfortable with, don’t miss out on practice before you embark on the trip.

 

Pack essential outdoor tools 

Besides the firearm and visual aids, you will need a host of essential hunting tools for handling other aspects of the hunt. You will require an outdoor knife to clean the game, cut ropes, and notch hunting tags. Carrying a couple of them in different sizes is a good idea. Some prefer fixed blades, while others opt for folding knives, so you can pick the one you are comfortable with. An all-in-one hunting tool kit with a knife, screwdriver, saw, and scissors, covers all your needs in the forest. These tools are small, and it is easy to forget them, but they are as useful as your firearms and ammunition. Check these tools before packing them to make sure that they work well enough.

 

Don’t miss out on navigation gear

Even seasoned hunters lose their way in the areas they know well enough. When you step outdoors, you must know where you are, where you plan to go, and what terrain you may encounter while reaching there. Traditional maps and compasses are still the best pieces of equipment you can trust for showing you the way in the middle of a forest. But you must learn how to use them. Alternatively, you can pick a GPS unit to show the way, as it is simple and easy to use. But there is always a risk that you will not get the internet in the forest. It makes sense to carry both traditional and modern navigation equipment so that you can be safe and confident even when you lose your way.

 

Grab personal care essentials

While personal care may be the last thing on your mind as you embark on a hunting trip, it is vital to pack these supplies as well. These small things serve multiple purposes, which is the reason you can count on them to be safe and comfortable during the outdoor experience. Pick a few rolls of toilet paper to last through the trip. Carry some trash bags as they help you pack the game meat, store clothing, and gear, and even be a part of your survival shelter in a worst-case scenario. Don’t forget small items like a torch, matchbox, thread, and needle, and pen and paper. Packing a paracord in your backpack is a good idea as you can use it for hanging food from a tree or building a shelter.

Whether you are planning your first hunting trip or do it often, you must be extra sure about carrying your essential supplies every time. This comprehensive checklist can be helpful if you want to pack quickly and smartly, without missing out on anything you may need in the wild. Apart from these basics, carry your common sense and pay attention to every little sight, smell, and sound when you are there. It is easy to be overconfident if you are an experienced hunter, but safety should be your top priority when you are outdoors.