Hunting Equipment List
Hunting is an extremely challenging activity that requires different types of equipment. Many factors influence what types of equipment a hunter uses, such as the type of game, the season, and the region of the world. However, hunters of all skill levels should be extremely familiar with the weaponry, apparel, and strategic devices associated with the sport if they are to perform at a high level.
Hunting equipment used is based on the hunt’s characteristics. Depending on the weather, the hunter may opt for certain clothing over others, and depending on the target game, the hunter may prefer one type of weapon over another. Overall, hunters should utilize many if not all of the following pieces of equipment at some point during their hunt.
Hunting Equipment
Bow and Arrow
A bow and arrow is a classic hunting weapon that many old school hunters prefer when attacking animals from medium to long range. To operate a bow and arrow, the hunter must pull back the binded arrow attached to the elastic string and release once a target is found. Its simplistic design and feel is what many hunter’s love about the bow and arrow, despite the fact that they require a steady hand to operate at a high level.
Binoculars
Binoculars are an essential tool most hunters use to find and stalk their prey before laying a hand on their weapon of choice. As one might expect, tracking down and killing an animal is an extremely difficult task. Hunters should be aware of their surroundings at all times. High tech hunting binoculars of this kind can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Crossbows
Crossbows are a piece of weaponry that many hunters prefer when hunting larger, grazing animals like deer and buffalo. Crossbows are more technologically advanced than bow and arrows, as they allow the hunter to fire off of high speed arrows by cocking an arrow back and firing the trigger. Despite being viewed as one of the more difficult weapons to master given their immense size and weight, Crossbows have heavily increased in popularity over the last few decades.
Decoys
Decoys, also known as ‘confidence decoys’, are fake animals that are designed to attract a certain type of animal to a desired space. Generally speaking, decoys are placed in wide open areas, like pond surfaces or overhanging tree limbs, in order to give the hunter a wide open shot once an animal of the same kind presents itself. Because it’s difficult to replicate larger animals, the use of decoys is used solely for small game hunting.
Game Call
A game call is a common piece of equipment that hunters can use to make a noise to attract animals into revealing their location upon hearing that specific call. All a hunter must do to operate a game call is blow into the device, prompting a loud noise to echo throughout the hunting area. Game calls are not necessary for all types of hunting; however, they are certainly valuable when trying to locate smaller birds and other types of pheasant.
Hunting Backpacks
In addition to clothing and footwear, most hunters will wear backpacks to hold all essential tools during any given hunt. Hunting specific backpacks are similar to military backpacks in that they are typically larger and have several pockets that allow for optimal storage capacity. Other pieces of equipment like knives, optics, and ammunition are commonly found in hunting backpacks.
Hunting Boots
Hunting boots are large, oftentimes heated shoes that hunters wear to keep their feet warm. Hunters encounter several different types of terrain while in the woods, so owning a hefty pair of boots is essential, especially during overnight trips. Most pairs of hunting boots cost anywhere from $50 - $300 dollars depending on the quality.
Hunting Jacket
Hunting jackets are large black or camo jackets that hunters wear to blend in to their surroundings while searching for their prey. In addition, hunting jackets keep the hunter warm and mobile during their pursuit of an animal, which is absolutely essential when dealing with a high-powered firearm. Although it is customary to wear bright colors to warn others of your position when hunting on public grounds, hunting jackets of this kind are essential for private hunting journeys.
Hunting Rifles
A hunting rifle is a common type of weapon many hunters use to shoot and kill their target during a hunt. Rifles are most commonly used to shoot at game from longer distances (upwards of 600 yards away) because they have more precise scopes, giving the hunter a more exact idea of their target. Most hunting rifles fire off one bullet each time the trigger is pulled, although some automatic hunting rifles can be constructed to shoot multiple rounds with one press of the trigger.
Knives
In the context of hunting equipment, knives are essential for skinning and preparing game to be used as food or decoration, upon a successful kill. As one might expect, hunting knives are extremely sharp, as they must be able to cut directly through the skin of all different types of animals. Although the exact use of hunting knives may vary from hunt to hunt, they are necessary in one way or another for all types of hunting.
Scopes
A scope is a hunting tool that attaches to a rifle, giving the hunter a more exact location of where their shot will land. Although many hunters prefer to line up their shots manually using the barrel of the gun, modern technology allows hunters to line up their shot perfectly through the use of a scope. Night Vision scopes are also fairly common for hunters looking to do their hunting when daylight is limited.
Shotguns
A shotgun is another type of firearm that hunter’s commonly use to shoot and kill their prey when hunting small game like waterfowl and pheasant. As opposed to rifles which shoot small, single bullet rounds, shotguns fire shells which gives the hunter a better chance of hitting their target at close range. The highest quality shotgun brands are Remmington, Winchester, and Weatherby, most of which cost at least a few thousand dollars.
Trail Cameras
Trail cameras are small, portable cameras used to identify and track animals in the surrounding areas using motion technology. These cameras are usually set up on trees, allowing them to gather data on potential prey as motion is detected. Hunters can use this data to get a better idea of the location, and to capture the tendencies of the animal is being hunted. Some trail cameras cost as little as $40, while others can get up to $400 in price.
Treestands
A treestand is a solid platform made of metal that hunters can tie or hang to the trunk of a tree, allowing them to stalk their prey from a higher vantage point. When utilizing a treestand, hunters are far less impeded by overhanging branches, usually giving them a more desirable route to their target animal.
Weapon Ammunition
To go along with the proper firearm, hunters must also be equipped with plenty of ammunition to ensure they have enough for an optimal hunt. If the hunter is using a shotgun, the ammo comes in the form of a shell. If it’s any sort of rifle, the ammo will be a round/bullet. Both shells and rounds come in many different shapes and sizes, and it is up to the hunter to choose which type is the best for that specific hunt.