Hunting Guide: Permits, Etiquette, & Hunting Supplies

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or you are preparing for your first hunting excursion, it's important to make the right hunting supplies for your hunting trip. While there are many "minimalist" hunters who pack the bare minimum, you can get the most out of your excursion if you take the time to pack carefully.

While there are many supplies you can make do without, your trip can be more comfortable, enjoyable, and successful when you consider our ultimate hunting supplies checklist. Our checklist is designed for every hunter, and while some supplies may not apply, we're confident that you'll find a few supplies that you will be happy that you didn't forget to pack.

Starting With The Basics

If you're new to hunting and haven't ventured out on a weekend-long hunting trip, you might be unsure of what to pack. Before we tell you which hunting supplies are essential for a trip, it's a good idea to consider some of the basics.

While many experienced hunters may consider some of these basics as "no-brainers," it's always smart to consider all the things you need before you head out on your trip. Here are some things to consider before you even start packing.

How Well Do You Know Your Weapon?

Many hunting trips may feel like a "bust," and a hunting accident may occur if you don't know how to use your hunting weapon that well or if you don't feel confident using your weapon. While hunting is a lifelong learning experience, you should always feel comfortable using your weapon and know how to use it properly.

Never go hunting until you know how to use your weapon, regardless if it's a rifle or bow. You can learn from experienced hunters or even enroll in a course. Not knowing how to use your weapon is not only dangerous for you, but also for other hunters.

You should also familiarize yourself with how to troubleshoot any issues that you might encounter with your weapon.

Make Sure You Have The Proper License and Permission To Hunt

 Before you can go on a hunting trip, you need to make sure that you have the right license for hunting. Depending on where you live, there are open seasons for specific hunting, and you often need a license or tags (such as deer hunting). Failure to get proper licensing can land you in some legal trouble, steep fines, and even the seizure of your favorite hunting gear.

As you're planning your hunting trip, you must be familiar with where you're hunting and whether or not it's private or public land. Never attempt to hunt on private land without permission. Not only is a big "no-no" in the hunting community, but you could be charged with trespassing.

Don't forget to carry your regular ID, such as a driver's license, but avoid carrying valuables, cash, or a credit card. If you must bring them along on your trip, consider locking them in storage in your vehicle.

Brush Up On Hunting Laws and Safety Skills

Responsible and successful hunters are up-to-date on hunting regulations in the state where they hunt and know some essential hunting safety skills. While problems and accidents may arise during any hunting trip, knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can save your life.

Check The Weather Forecast

Have your mind set on hunting, rain or shine? Checking the weather forecast might seem like a "must do" before every hunting trip but you may be surprised by how many hunters are unprepared for their trip due to the weather.

Even though the weather can change drastically, and with very little warning, checking the weather will help you be better prepared for your trip. Dress and packing accordingly and if you're able, always avoid hunting in dangerous weather, such as storms with lightning, blizzard-like conditions, or sub-zero temperatures.

Share Your Trip Plans With Someone

Whether you're planning your hunting trip to your favorite hunting spot or are trying out new hunting grounds, you should always share your hunting plans with someone (not just your hunting buddies). This is especially important if you are hunting alone.

It's important to share your hunting trip plans with a family member or friend, in case of an emergency. Include essential information like lodging, contact info for other members of your hunting party, and where you will be hunting. If you change your plans, don't forget to let others know.

Get Your Vehicle Maintenanced

Some hunters are so excited to get out and hunt that they forget to have their vehicle, ATV, or boat maintenanced before they head out on their trip.

Whether you are driving your truck to get to your hunting destination or will be hitting the water on your duck boat, ensuring that your vehicle is tuned up and ready to go is just as important as making sure your weapon is in good working order.

Plan Your Route

Many hunters rely on a GPS or are simply familiar with their hunting grounds, but it's always a good idea to map out your route before you go hunting. Don't forget to bring a standard map just in case your GPS doesn't work.

If you are hunting in unfamiliar territory, it's easy to get lost. Maps and surveying the area beforehand (especially in daylight hours) can reduce your chances of getting lost.

What To Wear

Hunting clothing is all about function, comfort, and durability. The clothes you wear should be comfortable enough to wear all day, keep you warm and dry when it's cold or wet, and not interfere with your movement.

Let's take a look at some of the essentials that you should pack, regardless of what or where you hunt, starting from your feet on up.

Footwear

Most hunters wear boots during their hunting excursion, and if this is your footwear of choice, it's important that you choose a pair that is waterproof, comfortable, durable, and supportive. Since you may be spending the whole day on your feet, you want a pair of boots that can handle all types of terrain and support your feet and ankles.

Insulated boots are a popular choice for cold weather hunting, but always make sure that your boots (or footwear of your choice) is roomy enough for insole inserts if you need them, thick socks, or even toe warmers.

If you have more than one pair of boots, it's best to bring another pair along as you never know when you need to dry out a pair after a long day of walking through wet grass or stepping through some deep puddles.

Don't forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes or slippers that you can put on after a long day of hunting, whether you're relaxing in a camping lodge or driving home.

Socks

If most of your socks are standard cotton tube socks, you will definitely want to consider a different type of sock for hunting. Consider a wool sock over cotton. Despite what many people think, wool helps to keep your feet warm and wicks away moisture while cotton just retains wetness which can result in a cold and damp foot all day long.

You might want to consider sock liners if you will be spending the day in the cold but don't want to worry about bulky socks.

If you're prone to athlete's foot, don't forget your foot spray or powder to apply before and after your day on your feet, to keep itchy feet at bay.

Even if you have a perfect-fitting pair of boots and the right socks, you might get a blister or two (especially if you're breaking in a new pair of boots). Bandages, athletic tape, or moleskin may come in handy if you feel a blister developing. Even if you don't end up using your blister kit, it won't take up too much space.

Base Layer Clothing

For many hunters, the key to staying warm and dry is to wear layers. Aside from a good pair of tight-fitting underwear (to prevent chafing). Your base layer should be form-fitting and preferably made from wool or another moisture-wicking synthetic material.

High-quality base layer tops and bottoms typically cost more than a standard set of thermal underwear, but it's a worthy investment that lasts for a long time.

Outerwear

Like your base layers, your outerwear (or top layer) should keep you warm and dry. Depending on the weather, you may benefit from a lightweight coverall rather than one that's insulated. If you hunt during various times of the year, you will probably want to invest in different types of outerwear, such as one-piece or two-pieces (jacket and pants).

Some hunters prefer to wear fleece outerwear because it's "quieter" and easier for specific types of hunts, such as moose.

While most hunting gear has a camo design, you should definitely consider wearing some blaze orange clothing to keep you safer and more visible to other hunters (wearing orange may even be required depending on where you hunt). 

Weapons and Ammo

Our checklist of hunting gear wouldn't be complete without mentioning your weapons and ammo. As we already mentioned it's essential to know how to use your weapon with confidence. Nervous and uneducated hunters are a danger to themselves and everyone else.

While hunting is often a sport that requires practice and you'll get better the more you hunt, you should always know the basics. Have any questions or concerns? Address them before you plan a hunting trip.

Whether you're hunting with a rifle or a bow, make sure you have a proper storage case and that you know how to assemble and disassemble your weapon properly and safely.

If you're planning on bringing a scope, range finder, and other accessories make sure you know how they work before you go hunting, so you don't waste valuable time trying to figure out your equipment.

When it comes to ammo, it's always good to pack more than you think you'll need. Even the best hunters miss shots and end up using more ammo than they initially thought.

The weapons and ammo that you need to bring on your hunting trip will depend on what you're hunting for, where you are hunting, and other factors, but here are a few ideas to consider. Keep in mind that if you are on a guided hunting trip, there may be some specific rules and guidelines that you must follow.

Know Your Hunting Etiquette

While hunting etiquette is not your traditional "must have" hunting gear, it is important to mention as it may make or break your hunting trip. Here are some tips to consider to keep you safe and to also earn a good reputation as a hunter.

If you are seeking permission to hunt on private land, don't be offended or get angry if a landowner doesn't grant your request to hunt on their land. Remember, it's their land and they are not obligated to grant your (or any hunter's) wish to explore their land.

If a landowner does give you permission to hunting, respect any rules or guidelines they have in place. Don't attempt to "bend" the rules or tamper with any of the property (such as fencing or gates). Always try and remember the rule of leaving a place better than you found it. Never leave your trash behind, including ammo shells.

Whether you're hunting alone or with others, be aware of your surroundings. Never shoot near people, homes, vehicles, or other buildings. No matter how good you are at hitting your target, you don't have complete control as to where your shell or arrow will end up.

When hunting with others (or even in close proximity of other hunters), be respectful by keeping noise to a minimum. Many hunters view their hunting trip as an opportunity to connect with nature and to enjoy the quiet of the outdoors.

If you talk too much, are too competitive or boastful, or are just too loud in general, you might find yourself hunting alone rather than being invited on trips. Congratulate and encourage your fellow hunters; don't act like you are superior to anyone else or get negative if you didn't have any luck on your hunting excursion.

If you become lost or have an emergency and you find yourself on someone's private property, approach a person's home carefully. Do not arm yourself with your weapon as you're heading towards the door to ask for help.

Many people may feel uncomfortable helping strangers with weapons; do not be offended if you are not invited into someone's home. If you are having an emergency, ask someone to call 9-1-1 and wait for help to arrive.

You can positively represent hunting culture if you take the time to respect non-hunters (as well as other hunters). Hunters often have a bad reputation and if you display your kill for all to see, particularly when driving down the road, it can give people the wrong ideas about hunters. Use some discretion and think about your future hunting opportunities.