hi everyone, i am new here and i am getting more interested in hunting and wondering what gear experienced hunters consider essential for typical trip. not looking for a huge list, just the things you actually find useful and rely on. thanks
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Welcome. I’d start by indicating where you’re hunting and for what in order to get some useful advice. Hog hunting in Florida, for example, is very different than grouse hunting in Pennsylvania.
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@Joseph488 that makes sense. I am mainly interested in general hunting gear for now, but i can see how essentials would change a lot depending on the game and location. I’ll narrow it down once i have specific type of hunting trip in my mind. thanks for your suggestion and welcome.
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Depends on the season or weather. MidwayUSA has a page dedicated to hunting. In Madagascar, it is suggested not to wear white or bright colored clothing as it can sometimes spook the animals.
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Good point @BeanCounter I can see how season and weather would change the essentials quite a bit. Thanks!
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The thing I remember from when I was a kid and we still do it today. Grandpa, Dad, Uncles, Cousins would all sit around and hone their hunting knives the evening before we went to the mountains. So I’d say a GOOD Knife. Don’t be cheap, get a good one.
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Suggest you first decide what you want to hunt, and where. Then work backwards to get what you need. This approach could save you $hundreds or even 1,000’s.
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This!
Anything else will depend on what you’re hunting, and where you’re hunting it.
Hunting pheasant with a 30-06 would be next to impossible and would destroy the meat if you did hit it.
Likewise, shooting at an elk with 12ga birdshot would be futile.
Other equipment like clothing, bags, camp gear, the list goes on will also change per where you’re hunting, and what your game is.
Waders would be necessary for duck hunting in Arkansas, but not as appropriate for grizzly hunting in Alaska.
Good luck!
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#1: an experienced partner
#2: an appropriate rifle/shootgun and a backup open carry pistol setup with a sharp gutting knife
#3: licenses, tags, and a hunting safety course
#4: proper attire;orange vest/orange hat/good comfortable boots/
#4: a scouting trip of the area with all the equipment, a paper map of the area and some kind of gps mapping of the area(I use my phone for that) as to create a plan for the day(s) of actual hunting. A very important part of the process. Looking for game trails, elevations, watering holes, and possible post up areas for tree stands or wide perspectives.
#5: Finally an understanding that these wardens are serious and do not play. Respect for the life of what you’re hunting and the humane ending of that life.
It may seem like a lot at first but some of that is a one time deal and totally worth it. I believe as a man this is one of our original purposes and the completion of the mission becomes a very unique emotional experience. The knowledge of were that food came from and the chemical free food on the table provides a primal satisfaction. Good luck brother!
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I agree your situation dictates gear. I got a room in my basement full of my gear I used for hunting when I lived in AK. There, whatever I had in my pack kept me alive for a week or two.
Now, here in MI, I can see my truck from most of my stands. No need for a 60lb pack. I get hungry, I run to McDonald’s 
One thing I still carry is a good first aid kit. Even if I can see my truck, a good bleed or injury doesn’t mean I can make it to the truck
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Thanks for welcome, Samuel here. I am from Anguilla and glad to be part of the community. Looking forward to learning, sharing experiences, and joining the discussions.
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Kinda far from home huh?
I’ve been to St. Martin and Lucia, very beautiful islands
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You forgot the bear bell.
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Birds or Bucks?
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@Samuel123 Welcome to the community!
I never like scaring away what it is I’m hunting. It’s just too hard that way.
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With Grizzlies, the line between who is hunting whom can often be blurred, especially if we’re talking about handguns. I also have found that a hungry bear can totally mess up a good fishing trip.
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