Whether you’re going to Alaska or Arizona, hunting can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as long as you make sure that you’re prepared for any situation. Luckily, there are certain things that you can do to get ready for your next hunting trip that will ensure you have the best experience possible.
And if you have concerns about where to buy these pieces of equipment for your next hunt, you might want to check out https://hunterswarehouse.com.au/.
Here are 10 things you need to know before your next hunting trip.
Common Mistakes
Many new hunters are nervous about making mistakes and feel that if they’re not perfect, they’ll somehow break one of hunting’s unspoken rules. So what if you miss a shot? That doesn’t make you a failure it makes you human. It takes practice, but errors in judgment can be avoided before they happen by preparing yourself ahead of time with knowledge.
For example, many hunters are told to track their game after shooting it, but few realize how long it can take for an animal with a large amount of meat on its bones. Long periods of tracking may mean that your prize goes bad before you get home; so don’t be afraid to go against tradition here and let nature take its course.
The Right Gear
The gear you bring with you can mean all of the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. It’s not just a matter of comfort, either the right clothing and equipment will help keep you safe, too. Here are some tips for deciding what gear to take on your next hunting trip:
- Clothing: Bring as many layers as possible; warmth is more important than anything else when it comes to staying comfortable during a long hunt, so dress in multiple layers with plenty of room for air between them.
- Bring rain gear too, you never know when bad weather might strike while you’re out there.
- Bring appropriate footwear; hiking boots or sturdy shoes that protect your feet against rocks and brush are ideal.
Be Ready for Anything
You never know what you might encounter in nature, and if something goes awry, it’s better to be prepared. There’s nothing worse than realizing you didn’t pack enough water or forgot your sleeping bag.
Pack a checklist so you know exactly what you need for each trip and stick with it. If there are items on that list that won’t fit into your backpack, put them in a separate bag and bring them along as needed during your trip.
This way, when you go backpacking through Yellowstone National Park, for instance, you don’t have to worry about carrying several bags of stuff everywhere with you all day.
Safety First
When it comes to outdoor activities, safety should always be your top priority. While hunting is generally a very safe sport, there are several things you can do beforehand to ensure you have a successful trip.
Gear up with all necessary protection, learn about unfamiliar plants and animals in your area, and if at all possible, find an experienced guide or mentor who knows what they’re doing. There’s nothing more discouraging than having everything ready for a great time and ending up worse for wear because of something you could have avoided had you been more prepared!
Remember, only weigh yourself down with items that will improve your experience; if something isn’t going to help keep you or your party safe or comfortable then leave it at home.
Plan Ahead
Unless you’re accustomed to a lot of physical activity, hunting can be physically demanding and that’s one thing you don’t want to focus on while you’re trying to shoot a game. A few days before your trip, start doing short walks with a weighted pack. This will get your legs and hips used to carrying extra weight.
Pack light for now so as not to overdo it you can always increase your load once you have mastered carrying it around in small doses. Start by carrying about 10 percent of your total expected hunting gear for just five minutes at a time. Try taking longer walks as your endurance improves.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to make sure you stay hydrated when going on a hunting trip. It can be hard enough to get fluids as it is, especially when you’re in a new environment and your body is adjusting.
Staying hydrated will help keep your skin from drying out and it’ll prevent your vision from becoming blurry or distorted. There are also water purification tablets that you can use in extreme situations if fresh water isn’t readily available.
Get Comfortable
One of those known unknowns is figuring out how you’ll be spending your time in your tree stand. Being as comfortable as possible is critical if you plan on staying a while, and it’s best to know what you’re getting into beforehand so that you can pack accordingly.
Even if you don’t go all out with camping chairs or blankets, having at least one set of warm clothing and sturdy boots can make or break a trip. Get ready for sitting around by taking note of what could make things more comfortable things like snacks, books, and something soft for your backside are all good ideas. Be ready for sunburn by packing sunscreen and sunglasses.
It’s Not Just About the Kill
Wildlife has distinct feeding and breeding cycles. Knowing when certain animals are active will help you avoid competition from other hunters and potentially improve your chances of seeing a trophy buck or elk. If you’re going after the big game, find out when mating season is over and bucks will be on their own.
For example, there’s no point in trying to go after bighorn sheep in early September at that time of year, rams are too busy fighting off challengers for mating privileges to pay much attention to humans or their bright orange vests.
Best Time of Year to Hunt
Different animals are most active at different times of the year, so it’s a good idea to research seasonal activity for each animal that you want to hunt. For example, whitetail deer can be found more often and easier during their mating season in the fall.
In general, however, deer hunting is best during October and November. That’s also when you’re likely to find moose and elk. Make sure you know if your state has a bowhunting season or a rifle-only season. The tactics for each are different for example, not every rifle shot gives instant death and knowing these things will give you an edge when planning your trip.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Before you take your first shot at a buck, know where you’re going, how you’ll get there and back, how much time it will take and where you’ll eat. If you practice these things ahead of time, it will reduce stress when things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
Although there is little written about preparing for a hunting trip, it is an important skill that has been passed down through many generations of hunters. As you prepare for your next hunting trip, take these tips into consideration and visit https://hunterswarehouse.com.au/ to have a more successful hunt! Remember, if you are new to hunting it’s always best to reach out and speak with more experienced hunters about their own personal experiences. A little preparation now will go a long way toward a happy hunting experience in years to come.
