Hunting essentials include firearms and ammo, scopes, hunting vests and clothing, binoculars, a rangefinder, and animal decoys. Various other hunting equipment is also necessary depending on the type of hunt. Read on Bugle For Elk for more information.
Water is an important thing to bring during any outdoor activity, and a good hunting essential is a water filter or iodine tablets to purify natural water sources. A compass is another must-have, especially when hunting in unfamiliar territory.
The first aid kit is an essential part of any hunt, but a well-stocked first aid kit specifically designed for hunting can help prevent injuries and illnesses during a trip. Even with proper safety precautions, hunting trips can lead to an array of accidents including: cutting a finger with a knife while sharpening it, twisting an ankle or getting a gunshot wound.
These accidents can be dangerous and life-threatening if not treated properly. When it comes to a first aid kit, hunters should prepare for anything, as any injury can occur at any time. A well-rounded first aid kit can address the majority of common injuries that hunters encounter. Aside from the typical cuts, sprains and fractures, a good first aid kit should include items like emergency blankets, survival blankets, splints and a multitool to assist with a variety of issues.
Aside from having the right supplies, it is also important to have the right skills and knowledge of how to use them. Taking a first aid course is a great way to learn more about how to properly treat any accident that may arise while hunting.
For example, many people don’t know that an ice pack can be used to stop heavy bleeding from a cut by covering it with a layer of ice and then applying pressure. This is a simple trick that can save someone’s life. Other skills that are vital to have while hunting include knowing how to properly use a firearm and having the ability to read a map.
It is recommended that before every hunting trip, a first aid kit is thoroughly inspected to ensure that all the required items are present and in working condition. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your medical records and contact information in case something goes wrong while hunting.
Whether you are planning on buying a prepackaged first aid kit or making your own, make sure that it is tailored to your specific needs by including everything from the basics to specialized supplies. In addition to a fully stocked first aid kit, having a trauma shears will allow you to safely and quickly dress an injured person without having to worry about causing more harm.
Shelf-Stable Food
Many perishable foods can be turned into shelf-stable pantry ingredients with a bit of prepping. By removing moisture and heat from food, bacteria can’t spoil it—and the results will last for years in your cupboard. You can choose from a variety of shelf-stable food options, ranging from canned goods to powdered milk and pasta mixes. These are especially important if you live in an area susceptible to severe weather or long-term disruptions like civil war.
Having the right food on hand to eat during an emergency can help you stay energized and healthy while you’re waiting for the conditions to improve. This includes both snacks and entrees. For a delicious and portable option, try a freeze-dried breakfast or entree kit. These are easy to pack in a backpack or cooler and can be prepared in a matter of minutes by simply opening the package, adding water and waiting for 10-15 minutes.
Protein-rich jerky is another good snack choice. It’s also handy to have in case you get stranded or delayed while hunting. You can find a variety of flavors and types of jerky, including turkey jerky, beef jerky and even vegan jerky.
Another staple is hard-boiled eggs. These are an excellent source of protein and are shelf stable, making them an essential item to have in any emergency kit.
Other non-perishable items to stockpile include dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Nutrient-dense options that store well include beans, whole grains and miso paste. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is also an excellent source of protein and contains several other vitamins and minerals.
Another great snack to have on hand is nut butter. These are often shelf-stable and contain a variety of dietary fats. You can even find a gluten-free option.
Zip-Ties
Originally designed for bundling electrical wires, these simple and versatile fasteners have many uses. They’re available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to bundle objects as large or small as you need. Some versions are heat stabilized to withstand high temperatures, while others have a stronger grip for more durable applications. Regardless of what you’re using them for, these quick fixes are an essential tool for every hunter.
In addition to securing gear and accessories, zip ties make excellent field dressing aids. They’re great for tying down a carcass, cinching tarps or creating impromptu utensil racks. They can also help you make a quick fix to broken equipment, providing temporary fastening options until you’re able to replace the broken item.
When a zipper breaks, several ties can be used to close the hole and keep cold air from entering your coat or sleeping bag in freezing temperatures. The same can be done for ripped fabric, closing a tear in a backpack or jacket. You can even use them to secure a snare, giving you more flexibility when setting traps.
You can also use zip ties to bundle your clothing together, making it more compact and easy to pack for hunting trips. They’re ideal for securing a set of pants, socks, underwear and a shirt, enabling you to keep your clothes organized until you need them again. They can also be used to cinch down your blind bag, keeping it securely attached to your body as you hike to your favorite mock scrape site.
While some people may choose to replace their standard cable zip ties with Velcro straps or rubber bands, these are not a good substitute for them as they’re not as strong and won’t hold items as tightly. Additionally, rubber bands and Velcro straps can easily slip out of place, which is a major problem when it comes to removing them. Lastly, you can always use a pair of scissors to cut off your zip tie, although this is not recommended for safety reasons.
In case of an emergency, you can also use a sharp knife to cut through the plastic of a zip tie. Be warned, though; this is not an effective way to escape from a tie and should only be used as a last resort. It can also be dangerous if used improperly, which can lead to serious injury. To break a standard zip tie, first put both of your hands together with your wrists touching. Then, turn your right hand a quarter-turn clockwise and your left hand a quarter-turn counterclockwise. This will cause the two sides of the zip tie to bend into a V shape and then straighten.
Chapstick
A tube of Chapstick is a simple item to keep in your hunting pack, but it’s one of the most important products you can have. Dry lips can be painful, irritating and distracting, so it’s important to have a good lip balm. Chapstick is available in many different forms and formulas to suit your specific needs. Some are tinted and others are clear. They can also come in different flavors, like peanut butter or mint. Some even have skincare benefits, like sun protection or a relaxing scent. Chapstick’s Love Wins lip balm is specially formulated for Pride Month with an untinted, cotton candy flavor and an all-natural formula to soothe your lips.
When it comes to scent control, there are several things you can do to help yourself stay undetected on hunt day. These include using an odorless deodorant, showering with scent free soap or shampoo, washing your hunting clothes in odorless detergent and storing them in an air-tight container. You can also use a scent eliminator to get rid of any sweat and body odor before you go to the stand or blind. These sprays can work on a number of levels to neutralize odors, including eliminating bacteria and altering odor molecules to make them less volatile.
Some sprays can even work to cover up the scent of deer urine or buck musk. Of course, these are not a guarantee that you will see a deer and should be used in conjunction with other hunting strategies and tactics to increase your chances. There are a lot of great options to choose from and most can be found at your local sporting goods store or online.