Depending on your hunting needs, essentials can include advanced optics for dusk and dawn hunts, trail cameras for land research, and gear to help you get into your stand safely. Other must-haves include a knife and a pack.
For emergencies, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, an emergency blanket, signal mirror, sewing supplies, and a portable saw are important for hunters to carry. Read on Bugle For Elk for more information.
1. Snacks
For hunters to perform at their peak, they need a steady supply of energy. That means consuming snacks that are high in carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Snacks should also be easily stored and accessed in a hunting pack, easy to eat without a mess and leave no odor.
The best hunting snack is one made from meat. Whether it’s beef jerky from last season’s harvest, turkey jerky or venison summer sausage, meat sticks provide lasting energy while taking up minimal space in your hunting pack. Homemade jerky or granola bars are another great option for hunting snacks as they offer a harmonious blend of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fiber necessary to sustain the hunter.
A favorite snack for many hunters is trail mix. This nutritious snack is easy to store in a bag and consists of nuts, seeds, grains and dried fruit. The best trail mixes come in a variety of flavors and can be customized to your liking.
Another great snack is Pemmican, a Native American food that’s been used by hunters for generations. Pemmican is a mixture of tallow, dried berries and dried meat, which is high in calories and provides a lot of fuel. It doesn’t melt like chocolate and won’t spoil, making it a reliable option for hunting snacks.
Another important snack for deer hunting is sunflower seeds. Not only are they a good source of carbs, but they’re also crunchy and can keep the mind busy while in the deer stand. However, it’s important to be careful when eating sunflower seeds, as spitting them on the ground can potentially alert deer. Having a liquid collagen protein snack, such as Frog Fuel, on hand is also an excellent way to add a quick hit of energy to your hunting pack without having to open your eyes.
2. Water
Water is one of the most important hunting essentials for both people and wildlife. For the savvy deer hunter, knowing where and how to find water is key.
Deer typically travel to water before and after feeding, and hunters can use this knowledge to their advantage. They can also strategically locate their hunting stands near water sources to increase the likelihood of encountering deer.
In addition to water, having access to a variety of food is crucial for survival in the wild. Having extra energy bars, nuts, and seeds is a good idea to help sustain hunters throughout their adventures. Having a backpack with a hydration pack is a good way to have access to clean, drinking water while out on the trail.
Lastly, having a way to purify water is necessary to prevent illness while in the wilderness. Boiling is the safest way to disinfect water and should be done prior to consumption. There are many different water filtration systems available for hunters, including hydration packs that have built in filters.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of water, especially when you’re busy prepping for your next big hunt. However, if you don’t have enough water and become dehydrated, it can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, bringing extra water is an essential hunting item that should be included in every pack.
The bare-minimum packing list for hunting trips can vary depending on the game you’re after, your region, and the weather conditions. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to include a tactical bag for hunting, base layers that wick perspiration, emergency supplies like first aid kits, signal mirrors, emergency blankets, and fire-starting tools, and basic hunting gear essentials, such as zip ties and chapstick.
3. First Aid Kit
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, it is important to keep a first aid kit with you while in the field. You never know when an injury might occur, especially if you are far from help or the nearest medical facility. First aid can mean the difference between a minor annoyance and a life-threatening situation.
Your first aid kit should contain more than Band-Aids and some tweezers. It should include items that can address backcountry injuries like a sprained ankle, a knife cut or a broken rib. Consider packing a CAT tourniquet and some gauze 4x4s and ace bandages to address severe wounds and bleeding. Consider adding some antibiotic ointment and a survival blanket to the kit as well.
The farther you go into the backcountry, the more first aid supplies you should carry with you. It is easy to sacrifice space in a pack for more gear, but remember that every ounce counts in an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to take a basic first aid and CPR course before your trip. This knowledge may end up saving someone’s life — or even your own.
If you’re planning to hunt with friends, collaborate to ensure that the first aid kit covers everyone’s needs. You should also inform someone about your trip and expected return time, in case you’re unable to make it home on time. This can help search and rescue crews find you if you’re injured or lost in the wilderness. A personal locator beacon is also a smart addition to any hunting pack. This device will transmit your location to rescuers and help them find you. You can purchase these devices online or at some sporting goods stores.
4. Firearms
Firearms play a crucial role in hunting. They are not only the tools of the trade, but are also a symbol of family history and tradition, and help create a sense of continuity. From flintlock muskets used by settlers to lever-action rifles of the Wild West, firearms are deeply embedded in American culture and heritage.
Guns are an important part of a hunt, but they can only be safely used when the hunter has a proper understanding of gun safety rules and is following them at all times. A good starting point is to always treat every firearm as if it were loaded, and make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, both of which are basic elements of shooting safety.
Keeping track of your ammunition, ensuring your camouflage is in good condition, and carrying the right gear for the game you are pursuing is essential to a successful hunt. Other essentials include a rangefinder for determining distance, a deer call to lure in your prey and a field dressing kit for processing your kill. A map or GPS is a necessity for navigation, and walkie-talkies are a must for communication with fellow hunters.
As a final note, before you head out on a hunt, it’s important to inspect your equipment for signs of wear and tear that may compromise your safety or that of others. Things like a faulty blaze orange vest, worn or frayed clothing and improperly secured or adjusted scopes are just some of the many safety precautions to take into account before heading out. Also, never forget to carry your hunting licenses and tags for the game you are pursuing!
5. Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is one of the most crucial pieces of gear for a hunter, providing much-needed rest and recovery after physically demanding days in the field. Sleep is vital to mental acuity, muscle recovery and the ability to focus and be ready for the next day in the field, all of which are essential for hunting success.
When selecting a sleeping bag, be sure to choose a temperature rating that is appropriate for the conditions you will likely encounter on your hunt. A 15-degree bag is a great all-around choice that will keep most hunters comfortable for the majority of hunting scenarios. If you are a cold sleeper, consider adding a fleece liner to bump the temperature rating up another 10 degrees.
Many manufacturers offer bags in different shapes and sizes, so be sure to select the one that is right for you. If you are close to the upper limit of a manufacturer’s “fits up to” sizing, opt for the smaller size as it will be warmer and lighter.
The Thermarest Chilcoot sleeping bag is a favorite amongst hunting enthusiasts due to its outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. The insulated hood keeps warm air from escaping out the top of your head while the neck seal system prevents drafts from entering at your face or shoulders. This bag also offers the versatility to add a CORE liner if needed, held securely in place by interior loops.
Other features that are available in some sleeping bags include stash pockets to store items, pad sleeve and loops for connecting the bag to your sleep pad, and a pillow pocket where you can stuff clothes to create a pillow. If you haven’t workshopped your sleeping bag selection, we recommend visiting your local REI and testing out a few different models to find the one that feels right to you.