What to pack for your hunting retreat
Great news, your hunting trip is finally happening! But before you get back to nature, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack.
What should you bring on your hunting trip? At Birdtail Waterfowl, we try to make packing easy. Check out our full list of gear recommendations, as well as all the essentials that should be ready to go in your blind bag.
If it’s your first trip, or you haven’t been out in a while, we also have a few extra things you’ll want to be sure to pack. This list will help keep you warm and dry, so you can focus on your target instead of your cold feet.
Warm, comfortable, waterproof clothing and footwear
No matter how great the weather is or how large your daily hauls are, a hunting trip can be spoiled by uncomfortable or inadequate clothing. Pack up your thermal shirts and base layers, because even in the late spring or early fall, it can get chilly during a hunt. Durable, water-resistant clothing and light camouflage is what we recommend for our area.
And don’t forget about comfortable shoes like Muck Boots or field boots. If you’ll be waterfowling, you can check out our loaner selection of waders (saving you the hassle of packing your own) but you’ll still want footwear that’s suitable for wet conditions. Waterproof shoes are great for hiking and scouting, and can help keep your feet warm, dry, and protected.
Don’t forget about your head
The old myth that most of your body heat escapes through your head is just that – a myth. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo a hat when packing for your hunting trip. Hats can help to keep your ears warm and also provide great protection from the sun.
If you’re concerned about safety, you could consider packing a hunting helmet to provide some extra protection for your head, increase your visibility, and even help protect your hearing.
Eyewear
Some hunters prefer to wear goggles to keep their eyes protected, or sunglasses to reduce glare. Sunglasses also help protect your eyes from UV exposure and prevent eye strain and headaches – so you can stay focused for longer.
Sunscreen and bug spray
One of the best parts of hunting is the long hours you get to enjoy outdoors, but this means you’ll also be exposed to the elements and the local bug population. Make sure you protect yourself from sun exposure to stave off burns, fatigue, and dehydration.
It’s also not a bad idea to bring bug spray, especially in spring. Applying bug spray with DEET or other effective insect repellents can prevent bites and also reduce your risk of contracting insect-borne illnesses. Increasingly, hunters should also be aware of areas with growing tick populations.
Water bottle
If you have your own refillable water bottle, it’s a great idea to bring it on a hunting trip. Hunting can be a physically demanding sport, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Not only will this help to prevent cramps and fatigue, but it can also keep your hands steady and eyes focused, which will lead to better shots!
If you forget…don’t fret
If you’ve forgotten anything on the list, there’s no need to panic. Our comfortable lodging provides a lot of what you’ll need, including clean towels and linens, and we’ll do our best to help you source anything you’ve forgotten.
Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned veteran, we look forward to welcoming you to Birdtail Waterfowl! Now get packing – the hunt awaits.
