| A first-time hunter should be ready for anything. The | | | | noise in movement and the material can be shiny and |
| first step to prepare for your first hunt is to ensure | | | | bright so bring a rain suit or jacket instead. |
| you have the right equipment, clothing and gear that | | | | Personal Items |
| you will need. The last thing you want is to forget a | | | | A flashlight will come in handy in the dark. Make sure |
| crucial necessity, but you don't want to be lugging | | | | you check the batteries. Binoculars are also advisable, |
| around superfluous items either. | | | | to help spot prey or other wildlife. Hunting can be a |
| Equipment | | | | tedious, quiet activity if your prey doesn't materialise, |
| You will need your own rifle, whichever make and | | | | so bring along a good book or a journal to write in. |
| size suits you best and is appropriate for the kind of | | | | Insect repellent will come in useful; however some |
| animal you are targeting. Telescopic sights will also | | | | hunters prefer to use a head net as prey may scent |
| come in handy, depending on your prey and method | | | | repellent. Water, hot drinks, snacks, medication, a |
| of hunting. A sharp, heavy hunting knife is essential | | | | first aid kit and personal toiletries will make your hunt |
| on a hunt. It can be useful for other work duty | | | | more comfortable. Don't forget your camera! |
| functions, depending on your choice of knife. The | | | | Gear |
| best blade for the occasional hunter would be a clip | | | | To store all of this, you will need a duffle bag that is |
| point knife, which is utilitarian enough for hunting, | | | | water repellent, a soft gun case for your weapon |
| skinning and other field cleaning tasks, but also useful | | | | and a few boxes of ammo. If you intend to bring |
| for other normal duties. | | | | cuts of your game home, pack meat bags and an |
| Clothing | | | | extra duffle bag to store them in. Alternatively you |
| Bring a sweater, hunting jacket, heavy socks and | | | | can bring a cooler to keep the meat fresh. You will |
| gloves, a wool cap and good footwear. Hunts often | | | | also have to bring along both your weapon and |
| occur in the early morning or late evening, when the | | | | hunting licenses. For your own safety and navigation, |
| animals are most active and feeding, and these times | | | | bring along a digital GPS or compass. |
| of day can be chilly. Plastic ponchos make too much | | | | |