First time hunter.. What gear to bring.

[bpdodge84]

Hey guys, have been on the boards for a few months now and have picked up some good info and tips so far. Thanks for that! Now I am looking for some specific advice. This white tail season will be my first hunting season and I am curious what you guys bring out for a day trip? I plan on packing the obvious basics, binocs, rangefinder, dressing kit, rope. Anything else that you experienced hunters recommend bringing out into the bush that would make ny experience easier?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond to my question.

[GillieSuit]

My hunting pack has my knives, drag rope, tags, licenses, regulations, head lamp with extra batteries and extra clothes. My binos are on me at all times.

I also carry a cusion to sit on while hunting and a small survival kit / first aid kit.


Other than just dress so you are comfortable in all weather conditions and have fun and be safe.

[nsherman72]

Yea you need a knife for sure, a couple things to start a fire a fire with, Headlamp or flashlight for sure, some snacks and a first aid/survival kit is a good idea too.

[waterninja]

I would add a compass to what has been posted.

[Moo Snukkle]

My pack has the basics as you mentioned but also compass, space blanket and fire starter. I don't know the particulars of how you hunt but I have no problem taking a 6 mile walk or 20 mile quad ride. When you end up this far away from camp you had better be prepared to spend a couple nights in the bush. Disaster is only a twisted ankle or knife slice away. Oh ya, best pack item is roll of electrical tape.

[BANG]

Something to sit on that keeps you dry if there is snow on the ground.
Even a plastic bag if nothing else.
You can make a little nest of sorts from spruce boughs on the ground to sit on as well.
Toilet paper is a nice luxery.

[fingershooter]

for me, toilet paper (enough of it), is a necessity for comfort and as a fire-starter.
I carry a light, three-legged stool to keep my butt off of the ground and b e able to see over the brush/grass and be comfortable. Enough food to spend the night. All of my stuff will fit in or on a good-sized fanny pack or in a small pack (school sized).

[bpdodge84]

Black tape is something that will come in handy!!! TP is up there too. I don't really plan on spending nights out away from camp but a twisted ankle may make for an interesting hike back. Thanks for the input fellas. I've now added a few more items to the list.

[abrigger]

One thing I find invaluable is my SPOT.

http://international.findmespot.com/

If you are out by yourself, without cell service and you find yourself in an emergency, its an SOS call at the touch of a button.

[ESOXangler]

Pants are a must

[Peebles]

How you pack depends on how you are accessing your hunting area. Are you hiking, camping, quadding, driving a truck, riding horse, etc? Camping or not?

A few things I haven't noticed mentioned yet:

• plenty of water if there isn't a source handy
• high visibility tape for marking locations
• gaiters if you are on foot through snow
• radios are useful if you are hunting with a partner
• relevant maps (county, topo, roadmap)

[medhatshaun]

I like to have some baby wipes for after cleaning the animal.

[koolaid39]

Definitely bring some matches or a fire starter of some sort. I like to stash a few of those mini chocolate bars just in case you need some energy food to keep you through the night or if you get gassed during the day. Just pick up a box of them cheap after Halloween. I would also suggest to bring water and a bottle of some sort.

[bpdodge84]

You guys are great. Baby wipes is a great idea, I will be getting out before the snow flies most likely so maybe not gaiters but that is something that wont hurt to have in the pack.

[PolarBearSouth]

I second the baby wipes. Great for after the kill. Really sucks when it's a cold day and the fat sticks to your arms after gutting. Or pack a collapsible bottle that you can fill at the closest stream. Food and drink is important. When you walk out and forget and don't turn around right away sometimes you can reach the point of collapse before getting back unless you are carrying some kind of pick me up. This is especially relevant if you walk with someone else who usually walks farther and faster than you.