When going hunting you are required to carry the necessary gear. This is all for the purpose of keeping people around you safe and also for making the experience a bit more fun. When it comes to hunting, you can pick and choose from different activities, like hunting small game, big game animals or furbearers, game birds, predators and waterfowl. No matter what you are hunting, the advice and accessories are going to be the pretty much the same (except for the calls and lights – if you are hunting at night).
Accessories
Firearm
There are three important accessorises you should get to enhance your firearm’s capabilities and make it safer and more convenient. The first item is a muzzle cover which unlike other hunting accessories is quite simple and straightforward to use. A muzzle cover is going to keep the nozzle clean from debris, moisture and dirt. Make sure you get one in a bright colour so you know at all times where the nozzle is pointing.
You should also get a gun sling to make carrying your firearm more comfortable. Go for one with thick padding that evenly distributes the weight on your shoulder and an anti-slip backing for better grip. If you want to make things even more convenient, look for a gun sling hunting accessories with a thumb loop.
A scope makes aiming way easier than using an iron sight (the one that’s already on your rifle). Whilst a scope may add some weight to your firearm, it is certainly worth it, considering how easy it’s going to be to focus on your target.
Clothes
Apart from camouflaged pants and a jacket, you should also go for a camouflage head net and gloves. You should get a head net especially when hunting game animals from up close, like turkeys. The gloves should be comfortable and used prior to the actual hunt so you get your fingers used to the feeling. If that is an issue for you, just get a pair of finger-less hunting gloves. You should also consider getting hunting gaiters.
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antibacterial cream, hand sanitiser, a paracord and a couple of small, medium and large band-aids. You can also include toilet paper, wet wipes and some medications – you can never be too cautious.
Game Calls
Look for sturdy and weatherproof ones, but also make sure they are compact and can make realistic sounds. Some of these hunting accessories come with wrist straps so it’s easier to utilise them.
Hunting Light
Whilst brightness and beam distance are important aspects of hunting lights, light colours are even more important. Not all game animals perceive colour the same way, which is why you should consider getting a hunting light with different light colours. Red is great when hunting for feral goats, rabbits, wild dogs, foxes kangaroos and dingoes. Red light also makes it easier for your eyes to adapt to the dark.
Green light is great for hunting hogs, especially in foggy conditions and it is harder for them to spot the light when you approach them from the side. While green light is closer to the range of visible light, for most game animals in Australia it’s still a better option than white light.
Infrared illuminators are the hunting accessories that work the best at night since they don’t cast a visible light spectrum allowing you to look for your prey without worrying about getting seen. Infrared light is going to extend your visual range if you are going to be using night vision equipment.
Tips
Stop at the Noise
If you make even the slightest of noise in the wild, you should immediately stand still. Sometimes a snapped twig can give your position away and a deer or a fox will run away with no hesitation. But if they don’t smell you or see you they will go about their day – this is why you shouldn’t move after you’ve made the slightest screech.
Go Extra Slow
To prevent the former from happening, you need to move slowly and sit still for certain periods of time. The latter can be quite difficult at first but you can use your watch to make it easier. Set a minimum period of time (five minutes) to stand still and give your best to remain quiet and go longer if you can.
Quick-Stepping
This is contradictory advice in regards to the previous one, but it can actually make you sound a lot like a squirrel. Therefore, it might be best to alternate between the two. Try making quick steps for about 10 to 20 metres in short sprints but keep your footsteps as light as possible.
Safety
Make sure you are always shooting at game animals you are legally allowed to hunt. Always be prepared for emergencies by familiarising with the area you are going to be hunting in and learn how to properly use a compass and a map.
Always wear your fluorescent orange clothing and maintain your safe fire zone. Plan your hunt and keep yourself in shape. Know where you are going to be hunting, when you are going to get back and avoid becoming a statistic. Get a medical check-up and make sure you follow your doctor’s advice.
