A hunter’s safety and success often hinge on having the right equipment at hand. Regardless of whether you are turkey hunting or going after deer, there are a few items that every hunter should carry in their pack at all times.
These items range from first aid and emergency supplies to tools and snacks. Read on to find out what the essentials are and how they can help you. Read on Bugle For Elk to learn more.
A knife is one of the most important survival tools a hunter can have. It can help you cut vegetation, build shelter and even whittle tinder for a fire. It is important to choose a hunting knife that is well-made, lightweight and tailored to the kind of game you intend to hunt. For example, if you hunt big game, you’ll want a heftier and more durable knife. On the other hand, if you hunt small game, a smaller and more precise knife would be suitable.
When choosing a knife, consider the blade material and the handle design. The blade material determines how easy it is to sharpen and how long the knife will hold its edge. Some popular blade materials include high-carbon steel and stainless steel. High-carbon steel has better edge retention and toughness, while stainless steel is rust resistant. You should also look for a knife with a choil, which is the groove at the base of the blade. A choil ensures that the knife will be held securely by your hand and prevents it from falling out of the sheath.
The handle is equally important as it determines how easily the knife is used. The handle should be comfortable to grip, whether wet or dry. Handles made of wood, bone and exotic horn are common options but may not be as durable as you need in a hunting knife. Synthetic handles are more reliable and are often lightweight as well.
Most quality hunting knives are available with either carbon or stainless steel blades. Carbon steel is more prone to rusting and requires special care, such as regular use with a sheath that protects the blade from contact with moisture. Stainless steel is less prone to rust but can be difficult to sharpen and is usually more expensive than carbon steel. You should also consider using a commercial cleaner/lubricant, which will clean and protect your knife.
First Aid Kit
Regardless of where or when you hunt, having the right first aid supplies is crucial to your survival in an emergency situation. The best way to prepare for a hunting trip is to take a CPR and Wilderness First Aid class before you head into the backcountry. This knowledge could potentially save your life or the lives of those around you.
While many hunters buy ready-made wilderness first aid kits, these often contain only a few essential items. Instead, invest in a small medical bag, personal kit or fanny pack and shuffle items to fit your specific needs. A pair of tweezers, for example, is an important item to include in your first aid kit because it can remove a splinter or tick and should be disinfected before and after each use. It’s also smart to carry a SOF-Tactical tourniquet, a lifesaving device that can temporarily stop uncontrollable bleeding.
If you have a large first aid kit, divide items into labeled bags and store them in the bag to keep everything organized. Consider purchasing a first-aid manual for your area of the country to familiarize yourself with the terminology and how to treat common injuries.
It’s not likely that any of us will cut off our femoral artery or sprain an ankle, but even small cuts and scrapes can have serious consequences if left untreated. A basic first aid kit containing a gauze pad, sanitary napkin or triangular bandage can help you treat minor wounds so that you can get to a trailhead and get home safely. Also, consider carrying antibiotic ointment for treating wounds, as it can reduce the risk of infection by keeping the cut away from dirt and limiting air exposure.
Fire Starter
A fire starter is an important part of a hunting survival kit. It can help you build a fire in wet and windy conditions where normal tinder and kindling isn’t as effective. There are a few different types of fire starters on the market, and it’s important to choose one that works well in your environment.
Some are waterproof, and some can be used even when it’s raining. Others are odorless and don’t require water to light, making them good for situations where you might not have access to a water source. If you’re going on a long hunt, it’s recommended that you bring two or more fire starters in case one gets wet.
You can also make your own fire starters at home ahead of time. For this, you’ll need cotton balls and petroleum jelly. You can use room temperature jelly if you want, but it’s more effective to melt some and dip the cotton balls in it. This will create a survival fire starter that can burn for upwards of 20 minutes.
Another option for a survival fire starter is char cloth. Made from natural fibers and materials like linen and cotton, char cloth is lightweight and easily lit with even a small spark. If you’re planning on using a char cloth as your survival fire starter, be sure to pack it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.
If you’re not planning on bringing a survival fire starter, it’s still a good idea to bring some tinder and kindling in your survival kit. You never know what weather you might encounter when hunting, and being prepared is the best way to be safe.
Water
Water is an important element for both wildlife and hunters. Understanding the importance of water can greatly enhance your hunting experience.
Deer are frequently found near water sources. By learning a little about deer habits, such as preferred food, habitat, and movement patterns, a hunter can better anticipate their quarry’s movements around water areas and take advantage of this information to improve their chances of success.
Hunters also require water to function properly. The vigorous activity of hunting causes the body to expend energy, which leads to sweating. Taking small sips of water regularly throughout the day can keep hunters from becoming dehydrated and help prevent hypothermia.
If a hunt takes place in an area with limited access to clean drinking water, it’s wise for hunters to pack a portable water filtration system. This will provide a safe and reliable way to disinfect water and protect against illnesses caused by Giardia lamblia.
It’s also essential for hunters to have a first aid kit that contains relevant items for the type of hunt they are going on. For example, a basic first aid kit should contain bandages for wounds and gauze to wrap larger cuts until they can be seen by a medical professional.
Other helpful tools for a hunting trip include a bluetooth camera trigger to capture those precious memories, and a multi-use tape such as Leukotape, Tenacious Tape, or Duct Tape (for a variety of applications). Leaving non-essentials at home will leave more room in your bag for the essentials that will make your hunt safer, more enjoyable, and more productive. Shop our selection of shotguns, sleeping bags, camo, and more to gear up for your next hunting trip.
Food
When planning a hunting trip, it is important to have all the necessary equipment. From rifles and ammunition to a comfortable tent and sleeping bag, hunters must ensure they have everything they need to make their adventure as enjoyable as possible. It is also a good idea to have items that will help you survive in the wild, like a first aid kit, a map and compass, a flashlight, and food supplies.
Hunting essentials can vary depending on the type of game you are after, your location, and the weather conditions. You should always have a first-aid kit in your pack, and you should bring a flashlight with fresh batteries, a compass and map, and a GPS device to help you navigate the wilderness. It is also important to bring a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and cozy, as well as a camping stove and cooking supplies. Lastly, you will need to have enough water and/or a way to purify water from natural sources for the duration of your trip.
It is also a good idea to bring some entertainment for your trip. Whether it is a deck of cards, a book, or a movie, having something to do can be helpful in beating cabin fever. If you are planning on a long hunt, bringing a portable stove and a supply of fuel is also a smart choice to help you prepare meals and stay hydrated.
At Hunt To Eat, we want all hunters to have the best chance of success in the field. That’s why we are proud to support a variety of conservation organizations, including BHA, Artemis Sportswomen, and many National Wildlife Federation affiliates. These groups share our commitment to creating more diversified, ecologically conscious hunting narratives that celebrate the deep and visceral connections forged between hunters and their food.