First Hunt Gear List Recommendations

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Originally Posted by fratri

Don't carry too much stuff with you especially if you are going back to camp after a few hours, just carry the necessities with you. Don't get me wrong, bring more than you need for the trip (extra boots, clothing-food, etc....-leave them at camp) only take the essentials (compass-knife-lighter-license-phone) with you when actually hunting,................ leave everything else back at camp.

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Frati that certainly depends on the situation. For 15 years we hunted the north shore of White lake. For us it was hop in the boat at 4:45 in the morning, drive across the lake, then hop into a truck and drive 5 minutes before parking. Then it was a 40 minute walk in the dark to our area and walk out in the dark. We had to bring everything in for the day. I did leave a kit bag stashed for the season by "lunch rock" though that had a small saw, hatchet, rope, bags, paper towels etc for when we shot a deer, so at least that didn't have to be carried in each day. This was strictly a walk in hunt and it was a lot of work to haul a deer out. We couldn't have got an atv in there even if we wanted.

Cheers

I found a good website, there are many great reviews of hunting clothing. I think it will be useful - https://under-the-open-sky.com/

The only piece of advice I will give you is cost of anything should not dictate choice. Almost all of my gear is cheap, came from Walmart, Giant Tiger and on sale at big box stores.

The only thing I did not skimp on was walking boots, however, I bought the cheapest (cost) ones at CT and it has been my best investment yet.

The big brand name, high cost stuff is all relative to your hunt conditions, if in a tree stand (ladder), you will want good bib overalls to keep your back warm, good snow boots to keep your feet warm, a hand warmer to put your hands in until time to shoot or glass areas. It don't matter if they are pink or blue (somewhat bow hunters)

Animals like deer smell you long before they see you. Grandpa hunted in blue jeans and the checkered hunting coat and got deer. Stay still, play the wind is your biggest advantage and primary concern.

If in a ground blind, camo not required except face and dark clothing...makes sense, same as a box blind. Nothing worse than being in a blind all hidden and realize your $800.00 dollar Under Armour suit is useless in those conditions.

Duck hunting is the same thing, coffin blind field layout, only face needs to be covered, standing in reeds when duck hunting upper body, face and hands..pants can be dark colored.

Grouse/Rabbit same deal, road hunt or bush hunt, they don't care if your wearing camo. They will spook when hear you moving, before they see you.

Exception to those rules are if you a hunter/stalker then camo and sound are vital to cover. Good boots, scratchless clothing..ect...ect. Bow hunters it is vital to conceal as much as outline as possible with camo, as movement will give you away.

If you know the area and conditions, box, ground blind, tree stand, then you can buy what is needed right now for this season. Wait until the end of season for deals on kijiji, and stores trying to unload stock. I always buy during this time.

Same with used guns, over new. Buy what is needed to hunt under the conditions you expect to hunt in. The rest can be bought slowly over the off season. I buy ammo all year for duck hunting so as not to have the sticker shock opening weekend.

My 2 cents.

The fugal hunter...lol

I agree with what Mark said above. I shop at Canadian Tire, TSC and Costco. Even Merino wool can be found at good prices in those stores. That said, if you can afford to spend more, have a look here: http://www.gostwear.com/hunting-c-86.html

(I'm not advertising. I have no affiliation. I just find they sell some quality wool products that some people could benefit from. You can certainly find these same Canadian-Made products in other stores.)