Hunting Gear Prep List

Hunting is one of those passions that is full of strong passed down opinions.  There is no list that can be perfect as so much of one’s hunting gear is a matter of personal preference.   The list below is a great starting point for any hunter to make sure they are set up for success.  These items can change due to the time of year ( early or late season) or the terrain you will be hunting in.  There are a few things to consider when you make your ow hunting list.  First, what ever you bring you have to carry so don’t be the gear head slowing everyone down!  Secondly, remember there is nothing like the basics, fire, water, shelter, and food.  If you can take care of these simple things you can handle the rest no problem.  When I pack I handle the basics first…

The Basics:

• Fire starter
• water filter
• Food
• shelter
• full tang knife
• first aid
• Rifle (or hunting weapon of Choice)
• Ammo
• Binoculars

Hunting Gear

• Sturdy full tang knife
• Maps
• Compass or GPS
• Hunting Pack
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Blaze orange tape for route marking
• Decoys and game calls
• Scent eliminators or  Scent Block
• Scent attractors
• Ground blind or portable tree stand
• Game carrier (sled/cart/or rope)
• Wind Checker
• Small flashlight or head lamp ( head lamps are great because they are hands free allowing you to work in the dark)
• Binocular
• Binocular Harness
• Range Finder
• Bear Spray
• Hunting License & Tags

Fire Arms & Gear

• Firearm
• Riflescope
• Ammunition
• Ammunition Pouch or belt pouch
• Gun Sling
• Gun Case- Just for transportation not on the trail
• Bipod/Shooting Sticks
• Cleaning Kit

Hunting Clothing

• Hunting jacket or convertible parka
• Hunting pants
• Hunting vest
• Hunting boots
• Performance base layer or long underwear
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Winter watch cap or beanie
• Hat (blaze orange, if required)
• Fingerless gloves or convertible mittens
• Camo balaclava/face mask
• Belt
• Boot gaiters
• Spare clothing
• Blaze Orange vests and Hats where required

Overnight Gear

• Tent or Hammock- Personal prefference
• Ground cloth or tent footprint
• Sleeping bag
• Foam ground pad or inflatable pad
• lantern
• Camp chair/stool/seat pad
• Water purifier/filter
• Water jug
• Meals and snacks
• Camping stove- Solo Stove, Msr
• Mess kit/utensils/
• Cooking Pot/Utensils
• Garbage bag
• Rope or nylon webbing
• Biodegradable camp soap
• Scrubbing sponge and Washcloth
• Small shovel/trowel
• Toilet paper
• Bear bag with rope or cord
• Tent/tarp patch kit

Emergency and Survival Gear

• Lifestraw
• Emergency blanket
• Signal mirror
• Water purification tablets
• Windproof matches
• Firesteel/flint and steel
• Fire starting supplies
• Small sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Multi-tool
• Portable saw
• Energy bar
• Sol Survival Kit– *pro tip this guy is packed full of a lot of the things on this list and its all good quality!

Meat Care

• Para Cord
• Game Bags
• Sharpening tool
• Processing Tools
• Cooler
• Rubber Gloves- This is not a must but a bonus item

Medical Gear

• First Aid Kit
• Aspirin/pain reliever
• Odorless insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Water purification tablets
• Blod clott or Tactical First aid (accidents happen)

Personal Gear

• Cell Phone
• Wallet
• Hunting License & Tags – Incase you forgot from earlier!