Hunting gear everybody forgets

[Adriaan Hunt24 8]

Overview

Every hunt is a distinct experience. Your gear and pre-hunt preparations should change as the seasons, the wildlife, and the weather do.  But what are the fundamental hunting items that will always be necessary?

While everyone’s answer might differ, in this article we’ll list the items that are almost always a successful hunter’s bag.

 

1.     Always bring your own pack

All novice hunters should carry a pack, and the majority of local recreational hunters are considerably better off carrying their own equipment.

Use one that is lightweight, comfy, and simple to undo if a careful stalk is required.

To stay cool, you need to get air onto your back.  You also need to be able to comfortably carry small, heavy objects.  Many hunters choose a thin pack that covers the entire back.

Kidney Pouches are also another great option.

Dropping a belt when you need to stalk something requires significantly less movement than dropping a pack because weight is much more easily borne on the hips than the shoulders.

Depending on what else you want to wear on your regular belt, obviously!  Additionally, don't forget to remove any "tactical" carrier rings from both shoulders.  Otherwise you won’t be able aim a rifle properly and occasionally you'll have to shoot from your weak side shoulder.

 

2.     A first aid kit

The bandages, plasters, ankle guard, and wound dressing are all contained in the trackers pack, which is a compact yet complete set.

Your personal medical aid kit, on the other hand, should contain the items that are typically used up first on the team.

For severe allergic reactions to insect stings, take aspirin, ibuprofen, or another appropriate pain reliever.  Include any effective anti-inflammatory medication, such as diclofenac (Voltaren).

Imodium or something comparable for constipation; Rennies or something comparable for heartburn – and remember that diarrhoea can ruin your hunt.  Also include a good rehydrate, as well as things like tweezers for thorns or splinters and extra plasters.

 

3.     A good knife

From tightening the stock screws on your rifle after a dirt road ride to opening a coke through a can of something for lunch, a Swiss Army knife or other multitool is practically required for a hundred and one tiny daily activities.

In most cases, this multitool knife is only needed for little tasks, such as peeling an orange or cutting some plaster to patch a blister.

You should use a proper knife whenever you need one, which is most of the time.  Your tracker's kit should always include a skinning knife and sharpening method, but you should always carry your own and never share.

Your knife must be strong enough to be used as a splint or walking staff, sharp enough to skin a buff, and sturdy enough to be used for a dozen more applications for which it was never intended but is the only item at hand.

 

4.     A lighter, or matches

There are instances when having fire is necessary.  It's the rule of the bush that your tracker will run out of matches exactly when you need one most, so it’s a good idea to bring your own as well.

 

5.     A torch or other light source

You absolutely need to have a small torch and a light stick.  Keep a torch in your backpack and maybe a light stick in your tracker’s bag.

If the animal needs to be skinned in the middle of the night for some reason, a light stick can provide enough illumination to do the job safely, or it can be left on top of the carcass to deter hyenas and jackals if the animal cannot be removed that night.

 

6.     A small gun cleaning kit

In the field, you won't need to perform much in the way of gun repair.  You'll need your preferred gun oil, a small bottle, a cleaning jag, a bronze brush, some patches, and a bore snake or four-piece rod.

Every night before bed, give your rifle a quick wipe down with a towel and some oil, but the only time you need to give it a thorough cleaning in the field is after an accident, like dropping it in a mud puddle or plugging the barrel with mud.

 

7.     A water bottle

Water is usually carried by the tracker, but you may want your own if you go on a stalk and the tracker needs to dump their packs.  In the event that something goes wrong, and you become separated from your group, having even a small amount of water on your person is crucial.

Most usually only bring half a litre of water if on a hunt with someone who can carry extra.

 

And finally, two pieces of advice from the hunt24 team, speaking out of experience:

“Do not forget insect repellent, the mosquitos can ruin your night”

&

“Always make sure you have charcoal tablets in your first aid kit.”

[keepdiggin 9,223]

There’s usually a paki shop 5 mins up the road from where you are in the Uk 

[leegreen 2,100]

Or 24hr petrol garage, which is the same as the above