Alexandra Ramirez
Just like any other sport, good-quality gear is needed for an athlete to perform at his or her best. Hunting also requires more than just a high-quality weapon and some skill. It requires several important pieces of gear to help hunters have a successful season.
Binoculars
Hunting binoculars are extremely important in making sure you have a successful hunting trip. A poor pair of binoculars can hinder your performance and cause you to lose sight of an animal. Try to look for a pair that can create at least a 10x magnification so that you have a distinguished, magnified image. A good pair of binoculars will also help you to clearly see into the distance so that you do not accidentally mistake a fellow hunter for an animal.
Footwear
Depending on the season you hunt, certain styles of footwear are more important than others. There three main types of hunting boots to consider: early season, midseason, and late season. Early season falls between late summer and early fall, which means the type of boots a hunter will need must be breathable, lightweight, and waterproof. During this season, depending on the region, lots of rainfall is possible which will create wet grounds. Hunters may also want to consider purchasing footwear that is fang-deflecting if they hunt in snake territory.
The last thing you want is to be bitten by a snake while out in the woods. During midseason, hunters will want boots that are insulated and waterproof as this is the time of year that temperatures plummet. Midseason boots will keep your feet dry during dewy or frosty mornings. Lastly, late-season boots will keep feet dry and insulated from negative degree temperatures so that hunters can travel a long distance without freezing. Studs are also an option to add to hunting boots if there is ice or snow on the ground so that your boots will have better traction.
Rain Gear
Rain gear is especially important if you reside in a very wet climate such as the Pacific Northwest where it rains a good bit of the year. Invest in some breathable rain gear that will keep you dry for extended periods in the rain. Make sure that any rain gear you purchase can withstand these extended periods so that it does not become saturated with water and therefore serve no purpose.
Backpack
A good-quality, camouflage backpack that can carry a large amount of weight is another piece of essential gear. Your backpack will carry footwear, food, weapons, water, phone and any other item that can fit into it. Although they can be quite expensive, it is an investment that is well worth it. A good hunting backpack will have a waist strap so that no loose buckles are dangling. Securing loose buckles will also ensure that the backpack is securely attached to you.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Portable and lightweight lighting equipment is an important item to have if you enjoy hunting in the afternoon. A flashlight or headlamp means you can still maneuver through the woods safely and is a handy piece of equipment to have in case you get stuck outdoors for the night. Also, don’t forget to pack a hunting knife which can end up being an essential piece of equipment while out in the woods.
First Aid Kit
Travel size first aid kits are easily stuffed into your backpack. No matter how experienced a hunter you may be, accidents can happen at any time. A first aid kit means you have access to life-saving materials like gauze, rubbing alcohol, band-aids, tweezers, and sterile gloves. These can be a benefit to your health and also to those around you.
Scent Elimination Spray
If you plan on hunting from dawn to dusk, packing scent elimination spray is a good idea. Often, such as during hot days, body temperatures rise which causes you to seat and release a body odor that animals can pick up. Spraying clothes and skin in a scent elimination spray or using unscented wipes can help minimize odors released into the air.
There are many important pieces of gear to take along with you on hunting trips, and these are just a few of the staples. Make sure the next time you are ready to leave the house to go hunting, that you have the necessities to keep you safe during the trip.
