Beyond The Gun: Six Other Essentials For Your First Time Out Hunting
Your first time out hunting is sure to be a memorable experience. Hopefully you are bringing a friend along to teach you the ropes, and you have the proper gun to shoot your game of choice. But beyond the right helper and gun, there are a few more items you need to have on hand before you head out into the woods. Shop for these essentials now so your first hunting experience can be as comfortable and productive as possible.
Boots
Depending on how your trip goes, you could be out in the woods for hours before you even see, let alone shoot, anything. During this time, you may have to tromp through everything from thick brush to marshy ground. Boots offer your feet the ultimate protection from all of the elements you might encounter.
But don't just settle for any boots. If you'll be out in cold weather, you're going to want PAC boots with a rubber sole, leather or nylon upper, and plenty of insulation. If there's no snow or freezing temps expected, then rubber boots will do. On long treks, you'll want to spend a bit more for leather and nylon hunting boots, which feature a breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and insulation to regulate their temperature.
Gloves
It's important to buy hunting-specific gloves before you head into the woods for the first time. These gloves are made from thin, yet highly insulating materials so that your hands stay warm, but you're still able to handle your gun. Make sure you try on gloves before you buy them, since a pair that works well for your friend may not fit your specific hand shape well. Make sure you can move each of your fingers independently and that you can remove the gloves easily and quickly if needed.
Orange Jacket or Vest
Orange is the "safety" color for hunters. Wear it while walking through the woods so that other hunters can see you clearly and do not accidentally shoot in your direction. Many hunters invest in orange jackets to wear out in the woods, but if you already have a warm coat you plan on wearing, you can just purchase an orange vest to slip over top of it. It's helpful if your orange vest comes off easily so that you can later remove it when you want to camouflage yourself in your stand.
Knife
If you're lucky enough to hit something on your first time out, you'll need to clean it before dragging it back home. A good-quality hunting knife will get the job done. Make sure the knife you buy has a fixed blade, as this is much safer than trying to use a switchblade knife. Many hunting knives come with a honing stone; you should carry this with you so you can use it to keep your blade sharp when you're out in the field.
Toilet Paper
This gear should be pretty easy to come by! While you could probably make do without it, you'll have a more enjoyable trip if you have a roll on hand when nature calls.
Towels
Make sure you stuff a few towels into your pack before you head into the woods. They will come in handy at multiple points throughout the day. You can use them to clean and dry your hands after you dress your game, and to dry off your face and head if you get rained on. This is a great use for older towels.
The other gear you'll need varies by region or by game. Ask an experienced hunter in your area if there are specific brands or products they consider must-haves.
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