When it comes to hunting, having the right accessories can make all the difference between an enjoyable and successful outing and one filled with missed opportunities or unnecessary struggles. Beyond your primary weapon, the right hunting accessories enhance comfort, efficiency, safety, and overall success. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting out, outfitting yourself with essential accessories will ensure you are ready for whatever nature throws your way. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful hunting accessories that will take your hunting gear kit to the next level.
1. Quality Optics: Binoculars and Rangefinders
Binoculars and rangefinders are indispensable tools for almost any type of hunting. Being able to clearly see your target from a distance is crucial, and binoculars allow you to do just that. The right binoculars will help you scan the terrain, spot game, and assess the quality of animals before making a move.
When selecting binoculars, consider magnification power and objective lens size. For general hunting, an 8×42 or 10×42 pair will provide a balance of magnification and field of view. Rangefinders, on the other hand, help you accurately judge the distance between you and your target, which is especially important for bowhunters and anyone shooting at longer ranges. The ability to precisely determine distance can mean the difference between a clean ethical shot and a missed opportunity.
2. Hunting Backpack: Organized and Accessible
A well-designed hunting backpack can make a significant difference when you’re out in the field for hours, or even days. The right backpack will keep all your essential gear—such as ammunition, calls, water, snacks, and first aid supplies—organized and easily accessible. Look for a backpack that offers multiple compartments, durable zippers, and comfortable straps for carrying over rough terrain.
Backpacks with specialized compartments for hydration bladders can be particularly useful, ensuring you stay hydrated without having to constantly stop. In addition, a pack with a meat-hauling capability will allow you to carry your game out of the woods safely and efficiently, saving multiple trips and energy.
3. Game Calls and Scents: Attracting Your Target
One of the most enjoyable parts of hunting is the process of calling in your target animal. Whether you’re after deer, elk, turkey, or predators, a good set of game calls can help lure them into range. There are a wide variety of calls to choose from, including grunt calls for deer, cow calls for elk, and slate calls for turkey. Learning how to use these calls effectively takes practice, but once mastered, they can significantly improve your success rate.
Scents and scent eliminators are also important accessories. Deer hunters often use doe estrus scents during the rut to attract bucks, while cover scents can help mask human odors. Scent elimination sprays are valuable for reducing human scent on clothing and gear, which is crucial when hunting animals with strong olfactory senses. Using scents effectively can mean the difference between spooking an animal and having it wander within range.
4. Knives and Field Dressing Tools
Once you’ve successfully harvested your game, having the right knife and field dressing tools is essential for processing it in the field. A sharp, high-quality hunting knife is needed to dress the animal and remove the internal organs. Knives with replaceable blades can be particularly useful, as they allow you to maintain a sharp edge throughout the field dressing process without having to stop and sharpen.
A bone saw can also be helpful if you need to cut through the pelvis or ribs, especially when dealing with larger game like elk or moose. Game bags are another key accessory for keeping meat clean and free of dirt, insects, and debris during transport. Consider carrying gloves to keep your hands clean and safe during the field dressing process.
5. Scent-Blocking Clothing
Animals like deer, elk, and bears have highly developed senses of smell, and eliminating human odor can increase your chances of getting close enough for a shot. Scent-blocking clothing has become a popular accessory for hunters who want to minimize their scent in the field. These garments are made with special materials that help absorb and neutralize human odor.
Wearing scent-blocking clothing, combined with using scent elimination sprays, can provide a substantial advantage in fooling an animal’s keen sense of smell. Make sure to store these clothes in a scent-free bag or container and avoid contaminating them with everyday odors before your hunt.
6. GPS Devices and Mapping Apps
In today’s technology-driven world, GPS devices and mapping apps have become essential accessories for hunters, particularly when venturing into unfamiliar areas. A handheld GPS unit will allow you to mark locations, navigate terrain, and track your movements without getting lost. Modern GPS devices are durable, waterproof, and come with a host of features, including topographic maps and route planning.
In addition to a GPS unit, smartphone apps like OnX Hunt or Google Earth can be valuable tools for scouting the terrain, marking game trails, or even locating property boundaries. Offline maps are helpful when you’re in areas without cell service, ensuring you always know where you are and how to get back to camp safely.
7. Shooting Sticks and Bipods
A shooting stick or bipod can significantly improve your shooting accuracy, especially when taking longer shots. These accessories provide a stable rest for your rifle, allowing you to steady your aim and reduce wobbling. This is particularly helpful in open country, where you might have to shoot at a game animal from a sitting or kneeling position.
Shooting sticks are available in different styles, from simple monopods to advanced tripods that can be adjusted for height and terrain. The right rest will not only improve your accuracy but also boost your confidence when making critical shots.
8. Trail Cameras for Scouting
Trail cameras are a game-changer when it comes to scouting and understanding the behavior of game animals. By placing these cameras in strategic locations, such as near feeding areas, water sources, or trails, you can gather crucial information about the movements and patterns of animals before your hunt.
Modern trail cameras offer features like motion detection, night vision, and wireless connectivity that can send images directly to your phone or computer. This allows you to scout from afar and helps you make informed decisions about where to set up for the hunt, saving valuable time during the actual hunt.
9. Headlamps and Flashlights
Having reliable headlamps or flashlights is crucial for navigating in the dark, whether you’re setting out before sunrise or tracking game after sunset. A headlamp allows you to keep your hands free, making it easier to carry gear or handle a weapon in low-light situations.
Choose a headlamp with adjustable brightness settings and a red-light mode, which helps preserve night vision and is less likely to spook animals. It’s also wise to carry an extra flashlight and spare batteries as a backup to ensure you’re never left in the dark.
10. Portable Game Cart or Sled
Getting your harvested game out of the field can be one of the most physically demanding parts of a hunt, especially with larger animals. A portable game cart or sled can be an invaluable accessory for transporting game over rough terrain. These carts are designed to carry heavy loads, reducing the physical strain on your body and making the process more efficient.
For hunts in snowy or wet environments, a sled might be a better option, allowing you to pull your game easily across difficult terrain. Using these accessories helps minimize fatigue and prevents injuries, ensuring you can get your harvest back to camp or your vehicle without excessive effort.
11. Hydration System
Staying hydrated during a long day in the field is crucial for maintaining energy and focus. A hydration system, such as a bladder pack, allows you to drink water without having to stop and rummage through your backpack. These systems are designed to fit into hunting packs and come with a hose that makes drinking easy and hands-free.
In addition to a hydration bladder, it’s a good idea to carry a portable water filter or purification tablets, particularly if you’re hunting in remote areas where water sources are available. This way, you can safely refill your supply and avoid dehydration during extended hunts.
Final Thoughts
The right hunting accessories can significantly enhance your experience in the field. From quality optics and game calls to practical items like a comfortable backpack and hydration system, having the right gear is all about improving your effectiveness, safety, and enjoyment as a hunter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, investing in the best accessories will make each hunt more productive and enjoyable. So take the time to assess your hunting gear kit, consider where there might be room for improvement, and equip yourself for success on your next adventure.
