When packing and organizing your hunting gear, some items take priority over others. Nevertheless, you should have a list of all necessary items next to you:
- water
- first aid kit
- food
- baby wipes
- flashlight
- headlamp
- rain gear
- knife
- gloves
- game bags
- blanket
- rangefinder
- fire starter
- game call
- hunting license
It may look like a lot to pack, but these are all necessities when it comes to hunting. Also, you must have a proper hunting pack. With that in mind, let’s see what’s the best way to organize and pack your hunting gear.
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Do not forget water
Water is essential when going for a hunt. The best way to pack water is to use a hydration pack, otherwise known as a bladder. If you want to pack backup supplies, best is to use platypus collapsibles. You can pack them at the bottom of your pack.
Do not let your ammo get in contact with water. If the gunpowder gets wet, you’ll ruing the ammunition
First Aid Kit
A simple First Aid Kit is a must. It should contain a couple of band-aids of all sizes, itching cream, hand sanitizer, antibacterial creme, and paracord if you must tie a wound. Do not overload yourself, but always have these essentials with you.
Bring some food
It is crucial to bring something to eat. Hunting can stretch for hours and hours, and you must re-energize yourself. Still, you should always pack only jerky, energy bars, or mixed nuts.
Baby wipes
Baby wipes are useful for many things, do not forget to pack them. Whether you must go to the bathroom, wipe your hands before eating, remove swat from your face, or clean the knife, you should always bring a packet or two.
Flashlight
There are many flashlight types, and having a quality flashlight is crucial for any hunt. The hunt can stretch out into the night, and tracking an animal without a flashlight in the dark is difficult. When buying a flashlight, have one with at least 300 lumens.
Headlamp
Headlamps are always useful. Even though you have a flashlight, headlamp is a must. First of all, you’ll want your hands free. Second, headlamps have alert modes, like SOS or strobe. Additionally, they are lightweight, you won’t even notice you are wearing one.
Rain gear
The most essential quality of rain gear is to wick away moisture. The last thing you want is cutting your hunt short due to hypothermia, and if your layers get soaked that is what will happen.
A sharp knife
A sharp, long-bladed knife is the best friend of any hunter. Still, think about safety when you are handling a knife. Always have it in the holster, but close to your hand. If you are packing it in a pack or a bag, always know where is it, so you don’t cut yourself when searching for the knife.
Always have a knife with you, for game handling or any last self-defense resort
Gloves for dressing an animal
A pair of rubber gloves is essential when dressing an animal. You don’t know what parasites or bacteria they might have, so put your safety first when handling an animal.
Game bags
Many people bring trash bags to pack the game. However, if you are hunting for larger animals, it is always smart to invest in a sturdy game bag. They can carry more meat, and won’t tear so easily.
Blanket
No one thinks about sleeping when going in a hunt. Nevertheless, an experienced hunter knows the value of a survival blanket. If you have to post up camp or lie on the ground full of thorns or hard rocks, you’ll see the true benefit of a blanket. A piece of advice is to read more about survival equipment, you never know what might come in handy.
Rangefinder
A rangefinder is essential for ethical shots. It will tell you the exact distance to the target, and you’ll avoid taking a shot you know you can’t make. Furthermore, you eliminate the chance of wounding an animal and leaving it in the woods.
Making an ethical shot is always important, do not risk a shot that you know you can’t make
Firestarter
Firestarters and lighters are useful for many things. Whether you want to post up camp, call for help or burn paracord to tighten up the knot, it is always smart to have one.
Game call
The game call should always be on the top of your bag, where it’s easily accessible. You won’t make too much noise pulling it out, and if you see a good buck or an elk, you’ll minimize the chance of getting away.
Hunting license
Never go on a hunt without a license. Put it in a plastic bag to protect it from water or dirt, and make it easily accessible.
Moving hunting gear
If you are relocating, packing and organizing your hunting gear for the move is crucial. You’ll want the best service for your gear, as it is expensive!
Best tips
Even though you should let movers pack and organize your belongings, there are plenty of things you can do yourself.
- Your knives and blades should be thoroughly cleaned and safely packed before the move.
- When packing flashlights, always remove batteries.
- Prepare your hunting rifle by taking it apart and cleaning it. Pack it safely in the bag before handing it out to the movers, or bring it with you in the car.
- Use your hunting pack as a bag for clothes. It is sturdy, so pack underwear, socks, shirts and such. Fill all compartments, as it is easy to carry it.
- Items that can be damaged, like gloves, game bags or raincoats, should always be safely packed between other items. Do not put them close to sharp objects.
- Put your hunting license together with other important documents. Do not forget it when moving!
As you can see, packing and organizing your hunting gear plays a crucial role, whether you are going on a hunt or moving to a new place. Remember these tips and apply them, and there shouldn’t be anything to worry about!
