First Time Hunter Necessities

It can be tough to start a new hobby like hunting, as you don’t know what you will or won’t need right away. Hunting can be pricey, but you do not need to have everything you see at the store for your first hunt. Companies are constantly coming out with new gear to make it easier on hunters, but this can make it quite expensive. Here are a few things that are a must for a hunter who is going out on his first trip.

A License

Many states will require specific licenses and permits for you to hunt. Understanding the times and seasons for each animal will help you prepare better. General license requirements can be found on individual state resource websites. Some will require hunter safety courses or written exams to make sure you know safe hunting practices, ensuring you do not injure yourself or someone else.

An Area

Having a set place to go hunting can make for an amazing experience. The less pressure the animals feel, the better chance you have for seeing more. Many states offer the use of public property for hunters who do not have access to their own. As you gain more experience, you may want to look into a guided hunt in other states or find farmers near you who will let you hunt their property.

A Weapon

The animal you are hunting will determine the weapon you need. Smaller animals require small caliber guns. Certain states also have specific seasonal times for different styles of guns. Some will not let you use a rifle, only a shotgun. There are some opportunities where you can use handguns or black powder rifles. You are investing a great deal of money into your guns, so make sure to keep them in good condition. Store them in a safe vault to keep them secure from year to year once the hunting season is over.

An Outfit

Having proper clothes can make or break a hunting trip. Depending on the time of year, you will need to prepare for how many layers of clothes you will need. In warmer climates, wearing breathable clothes will help keep you cool. If you are in cold conditions, warm, thick clothes will keep you comfortable as you may be out in a stand all day. Each area you hunt will look different, which is why they make multiple styles of camouflage. Companies have created different colors and patterns to hide you from the animal you are hunting. The longer you hunt, the more clothes you will accumulate which allows you to prepare for the different locations you may go hunting in.

A Knife

It is important to have a good knife while out in the woods. It can offer an easy way for you to cut through brush or branches that may be in your way of walking or while in a stand. Once you have killed your hunted animal, field dressing the animal is vital to preserving the meat. Having a knife that cuts effortlessly can make this process cleaner and quicker for you. Some companies have made knife kits that have multiple knives or all-in-one knives which provide specific ones for your different needs. The decision on which to bring is up to you for whatever best suits your needs.

A First Aid Kit

Though you hope to never need it, you want to be prepared and carry a first aid kit in case of an accident. You do not need a lot of products, but you should carry the basics. Safety is important and many people hunt alone, so you do not want to find yourself stuck in the woods during an emergency without supplies. Simple bandages and ointment can offer quick coverage for cuts you may get while walking through rough terrain. You never know what could happen, so it is important to be prepared.

These are some of the essential items every hunter should have, especially for his first hunt. As you hunt over the years, you will acquire new equipment and grow your collection of gear in time.