Going on a hunting trip into the wilderness requires you to be prepared for any situation, especially if you’re planning to stay there overnight, away from any modern facilities. With the right equipment, you can use your survivalist and hunting skills to have a memorable experience. In the following guide, we will share with you the essentials you must pack for every hunting escapade.
First Aid Kit
Whether you’re an experienced hunter or you recently got your license, you should always carry a basic first aid kit in your backpack. Since it’s very likely that recreational hunting spots will be far away from the nearest medical center, you need to be as prepared as possible to attend to any health emergency. Be ready to treat cuts, scrapes, and joint injuries by packing the bare essentials in your kit, which should include some paracord, bandages, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant. Depending on your particular necessities, you should also pack allergy medication or other drugs to treat specific medical conditions you may have. Your first aid kit should be easy to access and safely contained on a hard box container, and any liquids can be stored inside a plastic bag for additional leak protection.
Hunting Knife
You should never embark on a hunting escapade without making sure that you have a hunting knife packed among your essentials. It’s important that you select a knife manufactured with high-quality stainless steel since other materials can rust and deteriorate when they come in contact with fat tissue and other components. Not only is a hunting knife a must-have for hunting, but it’s also an indispensable survival tool, especially in case of an emergency. Whether you choose a folded or fixed blade, it will still be up for the task, but if you’re a newcomer to the sport, the outdoor enthusiasts at Shooting Mystery recommend browsing specialized buying guides to get a better insight into the different types of knives out there and select the one that will perform best for specific scenarios. For example, some blades are meant for skinning and will have curved blades, while knives meant for sawing through bones will have serrated blades.
Binoculars
Hunting your prey from afar will count for a significant percentage of your time. Therefore, you will rely on a pair of binoculars to not lose sight of the animal while you keep your position hidden. Whether you decide to set traps, use live ammunition, or even use a crossbow, it’s important that you choose lightweight, mid-range binoculars that bring you a clear, shine-free image. Combining this tactical gear with other essentials like scent killer to camouflage yourself from your prey will help you increase the probabilities of being successful in your hunting efforts.
Water
You won’t get far into your hunting escapade if you start to feel dehydrated. Keeping a decent supply of water at hand is so important, and plenty of survival backpacks include a bladder compartment that can hold up to three liters of water for comfortable carrying. You should calculate the amount of water you’ll be consuming and always add a bit extra. In some cases, if you’ll be near a lake or river, some hunters prefer to carry water purifier straws or pills instead to avoid the excess weight while still keeping themselves properly hydrated. While this technique may not suit everyone, always make sure that you have this area covered before starting the hunt.
Satellite Phone
If you’re planning to go into an authorized hunting spot, it’s likely that the cellular signal on your phone won’t be as strong compared to the city. In some cases, your phone will be as useless as a brick. While some hunters may carry a dual-band mobile HAM radio for better communication in isolated areas, in almost all countries it requires a special license to operate. The best option, in this case, would be a satellite phone. While it may seem like a costly purchase at first, knowing that you can always contact authorities in case of emergency and stay in contact with other hunters if someone goes missing will be worth the price.
Regardless of your experience, it’s vital that you’re always carrying your tags and hunting licenses should you ever be stopped and questioned by the respective authorities. Make sure to keep all your paperwork up to date and at hand before planning any hunting trip because nothing can spoil your day like a hefty fine and a permanent ban from hunting. If you play by the rules and take care of your gear, nothing can stand between you and your prize – except maybe your skills and patience!