Hunter's Checklist - Are You Ready?

Hunting can be an enjoyable activity, but it's essential to equip yourself with the necessary gear for a safe and successful experience. While there's an abundance of information and gear available to hunters nowadays, these items are mission-critical to ensure your next hunt is your best one yet.

Use the following checklist as a guide, but personalize it for your needs and situation:

Hydration Solution

Make sure to carry an element-proof container, such as a water bottle, canteen, or camelbak bladder, filled with drinking water. Staying hydrated is crucial before, during, and after your hunt.

Hunting License

Always bring a copy of your hunting license with you, either in physical form or as a clear image on your smartphone. If you opt for the former, consider protecting it from the elements by placing it in a plastic bag.

Illumination Tool

In low-light or no-light situations, a dependable flashlight with a brightness of 300+ lumens is essential for safe navigation and locating your prey efficiently.

Hunting Knife

A hunting knife is indispensable for tasks such as cutting or trimming bushes, strings, fabric, and more. After a successful kill, you'll also need one for field dressing. A small sharpening stone would be a good precaution as well.

Navigation Aids

Ensure you know where you're going and how to get there. Carry a GPS unit loaded with local maps, along with a dedicated map and compass, both protected from the elements, to identify trails and navigate safely.

First-Aid Kit

Anything can happen during a hunt, from cuts and blisters to contact with poison ivy or sprained ankles. Your first-aid kit should include bandages, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, compression wraps, pain relief medication, tourniquets, splint materials, and more to provide self-aid until you can reach help.

Sustenance

Maintaining your energy levels is crucial during a hunt. Pack shelf-stable foods like mixed nuts, beef jerky, energy bars, dried fruits, and consider MREs or calorie-dense lightweight options for longer expeditions.

Hunting Binoculars

Scouting prey from a distance and identifying trails are essential tasks in hunting. Compact and lightweight hunting binoculars can greatly assist in these endeavors.

Weather Protection Gear

Study local weather conditions before your hunt and pack appropriate gear, including space blankets, hats, beanies, gloves, and shemaghs, to regulate your body temperature and keep your gear dry. These items can also serve as useful first-aid supplies in case of injuries. Blaze orange clothing is encouraged for all, but required in some areas. Check your local ordinances.

Rangefinder

A quality rangefinder is as important as your choice of weapons on a hunt. It helps you accurately measure the distance between you and your target, enhancing your shooting precision.

Other Suggested Tools

Small hand saw. Game bags or large garbage bags. Nitrile or similar gloves. Paracord or rope. Multi-tool. Duct tape. Rubber bands. Toilet paper. Pen/paper. Waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Orange flagging ribbon. $20 cash or more.

Texas Hunter Products has been designing and building quality outdoor products since 1954. Shop our entire line of Hunting Blinds and Wildlife Feeders today.