Whether your hunting trip is big or small, a first-time excursion or a treasured favorite, having the right gear can make or break your trip. Online shopping has become the greatest tool to access items that we never knew existed and gives a platform to those with a vision to a better way.
¡Nothing beats a good ol’ trade show or hunting expo though, and Pheasant Fest back in March certainly hit my wallet more than once. While some inventions are purely fad and frivolous, many actually make life easier and allow us greater access to chase game and engage with the outdoors in new ways. I’m way too excited to try the barbed wire “collector” so I can pass over fences easily.
Guns & Ammo
I’ve always been an advocate for checking your gun fit and fitting your gun to the task at hand. In other words, leave your finer break-action guns at home when you’re headed to the duck swamp. Likewise, you’ll appreciate packing a five-pound break action gun in pursuit of woodcock versus dragging an eight-pound autoloader with 32” barrels in tight cover.
This is why, yes; you CAN be successful on multiple species in several different hunt scenarios, but selecting the best tool for the job will make your adventure that much more enjoyable. Taking time to break in and get acquainted with your gun is also incredibly important. I encourage anyone looking at adding a new gun to their collection specifically for hunting, to spend time behind the barrel before jumping into the field.
Do you know the best ammo for the species you are pursuing? A quick search through the old Google box (as my hubby always jokes) will provide a bevy of info; almost too much. More importantly, you need to pattern the shot you have selected in tandem with the chokes you will use for that particular hunt. Being able to understand your “kill pattern” will save you heartache in the hunt field and keep you from unintentionally crippling, which often leads to unrecovered game.
Packing for Pursuit
Living in Virginia prepares us for just about any season, most of the time within a week’s timeframe! Fall and winter in the Commonwealth can be 80 or 8, just depends on which way the wind blows, literally. Layers are an excellent way to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Being able to pack all that clothing efficiently without carrying an extra 50 pounds can be tricky.
Recently, I scored a down jacket at Costco for $24.99. It’s perfect for layering under my bird vest and if I snag the hell out of it, there’s no love lost since it was so cheap. I probably should run back and grab another one or two now that I think about it. Down is excellent as it’s super lightweight and perfectly packable. I normally pack a down vest into a cubby under one of the back seats of my Tacoma, kinda like an emergency layer.
You will appreciate packing a clothing travel kit. Just something to keep in your truck that has a few extra items in case you find a spot to jump into that wasn’t planned or a planned hunt that goes a little sideways. My travel pack has a thin and thick pair of socks, mittens, Frogg Togg rainsuit, down vest, a bath towel and t-shirt. Your travel pack isn’t meant to be a wardrobe, just a few things that would keep you way more comfortable if say your feet got wet, your hands got cold, or you got into rain or snow. I also pack an extra pair of shoes or small boots. For my long trips, I always stay at an Airbnb with a washer/dryer so I can pack less but still have more than enough clothes.
Four-Legged Hunting Buddy
Please don’t forget your best hunting buddy as you collect items for your excursions. I swear that I normally pack better for the dogs than I do for myself. When I travel, which is every few weeks and often out west or up north, I always pack an extra day of dog food for every dog on the rig. A medical kit, extra leash and collar, charger for electronics and papers to prove vaccinations are all in the top of my dog box.
Wherever you are headed and for however long you’re hunting there, be sure you, your dogs and your gear are ready to get after it. Have an incredible hunt, stay safe and absolutely share the adventure with a friend or family member.
