How to Start Hunting

by

Sarah Rodgers

|

December 6, 2019

Hunting can seem very nerve-racking and expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Find all the hunting equipment and gear you need at your local pawn shop. At Sportsmans Pawnshop, you have a wide variety of options to choose from, and all of them are at a better price than you can find almost anywhere else. We even have the rifles for your next hunt. Visit us today to make your hunting experience one of a lifetime. To help you know how to start hunting, we've listed the topics you should know before you hunt. Feel free to skip through the topics that are most relevant to you.


What essentials should I bring while I'm hunting?

If you are a beginner, you will probably only have an idea of the basic items you would need when going on a hunt. Just remember that each hunter is different, and you will want to have the equipment that works best for you and is most comfortable with your style. With all this being said, we've come up with a list of the items that you may need when you are going hunting. 

Binoculars

Binoculars are good for when you are scouting out deer from a long-distance. Unless you are very experienced, you'll miss out on a lot of opportunities without this piece of equipment by your side. They also help you locate footprints and trails of animals. 

Glow clips 

Glow clips are used to mark blood trails, distance, hiking trails, and just about anything you can think of. These clips use a reflective plate on the top that bounces light from flashlights off its surface, which is perfect if you plan to hunt at night. It also has a bright color orange so that it's easy to see in the day time as well. 

Knifes

Knives are used mainly for skinning and boning animals of each prey. You can also use them for a variety of other things, depending on what type of game you plan to hunt. It's always wise to have one or two of these with you on a hunt. You may also want to bring a short saw if you plan on tree hunting; that way, you can cut down any small branches to clear your path.

Head Lamp

A headlamp is used for when you plan to hunt at night, early morning, or when it's starting to get dark. It's great for finding your way through the woods or traveling through your camp. 

Flashlight

Flashlights are an essential part of hunting. Even if you don't plan on hunting during the night or early morning, you may end up staying in the woods longer than you thought, and without a flashlight, you could be sleeping with the wolves. Flashlights are also useful if you are looking for a blood trail, and you have glow clips marking your path. 

Snacks

Being out in the woods hunting for meat may take longer than you think, and having an empty stomach doesn't help. Snacks are good for when you are waiting to spot prey, or you start getting tired. Try to buy snacks that don't make a lot of noise when you chew, and the ones that don't have a heavy scent. 

Extra Bullets

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will want to have extra bullets in your backpack just in case you run out. You don't want to be in the middle of a hunt and run out of bullets. You'll just be wasting your time and giving up a good hunt.

Cover Scent

Most prey that you plan to hunt in the woods have a heightened sense of smell. It might not seem very important to cover your scent, but once you get out there and have more experience, you'll see how much cover scent makes a difference.

Extra Pair of Gloves

Every hunter needs a pair of gloves, especially in the colder seasons. Bring two or three pairs of gloves to make sure that your hands are warm. Cold hands can make it harder to shoot and sends you home faster than you originally planned. 

Water

Getting dehydrated in the woods is not only a bad sign for you, but it can also mess up your aim and sight. Make sure to bring some extra water with you so that you can stay hydrated and ready. 

Bore Snake

A bore snake is used for cleaning your rifle. If you plan to hunt with a bow, you will not need this item. The bore snake is a device that makes cleaning your rifle fun and uses minimal to no effort. 

Tree Harness

If you plan on doing some of your hunting in a tree. You are required to wear a tree harness to protect you from falling or from any other accidents occurring. Hunting from a tree gives you a lot of opportunities that you wouldn't be able to have by shooting on the ground. 

Lighter

A lighter is suitable for if you need to make a quick-fire. This might be included in your hunter first aid kit. 

First Aid Kit

Yes, we know you're probably not planning on getting hurt, so you probably won't need a first aid kit. Well, nobody intends to get hurt when they hunt, it just happens whether you get cut from a branch on a tree, or you get hurt another way, first aid kits are recommended.

Toilet Paper

So, you're planning on being in the woods for a long time. You will probably have to use the bathroom while you are outside hunting so, instead of going back home for a break, it's probably wise to use the bathroom in the woods. Toilet paper will help with that. 

Leatherman Tool

A leatherman tool is a tool with a wide variety of uses. From pliers to a knife and screw, the leatherman has the tools you need. 

Knee Pads

Have you ever stuck your knee down in the mud or snow and realize how bad of an idea it was? Knee pads make it easier for you to get down on the ground without having to worry about your knees getting cold or wet. These are also great in the summer and reduce knee pain when you're on the ground for a long time. 

Orange Vest/ Hat

You might not be the only hunter in the woods, and making sure that you don't get shot by another hunter is very important. Especially if you are down on the ground next to a deer, you've just shot. Some hunters may not be able to see you if you plan to wear camouflage clothing. Bring an orange vest and hat just in case to make sure no accidents happen. 

Rifle/Bow

Yes, this is obvious, but it's also the main object you need when you hunt. Whether you will be hunting with a bow or rifle, you should always make sure to have it on hand. If you don't have a rifle Sportsmans Pawnshop is the best place to go; you can get a lovely well made rifle at a better price than ever. Visit us today!


What should I wear when I hunt?

Thermal underclothes

Hunting outside during the night or colder seasons can get cold. Wearing a pair of thermal underclothes can keep you warmer and more protected during the winter months and later nights. 

2-4 pairs of socks

You should always wear two pairs of socks to keep your feet protected from the cold. The first pair should be a long thin pair, whereas the second pair should be a warm wool pair. 

Base layer pants and shirt with (Extra pants and shirts)

On top of your thermal underclothes, you should be wearing some base clothing. This will also help protect you from the cold and keep you warm. You can decide what type of clothing you want to wear for this one but nothing too fluffy or big. Some hunters even suggest bringing two pairs of pants as well as shirts

Camo Pants and Shirt

For your last layer of clothing, you should be wearing a pair of camouflage pants and a camouflage shirt. These make it harder to be seen by prey.

Rubber boots or other warm boots

Rubber boots make it easier to walk in dirt or snow without it seeming into your shoes. They are also suitable for winter months when you want to keep your feet warm and dry. 

Gaiters 

Gaiters are similar to leggings, but they are worn to protect and cover your ankles and lower legs. These will keep you warm if you would rather wear shoes or you want extra protection. 

Hunting Vest

Hunting vest is a must-have when going out in the woods to catch your prey. Remember the long list of essentials? Most of those items on that list will need to be put somewhere, and that's where your vest comes in. Your jacket is for holding the small object and must-haves while you are hunting. 

Two pairs of gloves/ Leather gloves/ Fingerless gloves

Having two or more pairs of gloves is vital in case a pair gets wet or muddy while you are trying to hunt. Running out of gloves can make it hard to track, especially if it's winter, and you don't want your hands to freeze. 


Leather Gloves are often waterproof, and both weather and wind-resistant and have proven protection for durability and dexterity. Depending on what time of gloves you get. Look at the reviews online before you buy some leather gloves. 


Becoming a good hunter takes time and practice, and sometimes having a large pair of gloves can mess with your aim. Fingerless gloves can be worn to keep you warm when you are scoping out prey and then uncovering your fingers when you need to make a shot. 

Neck Warmer

Everything, including your neck, has the opportunity to freeze or get cold. With a neck warmer, you can stop the cold weather from making your neck stiff and freezing up while you are trying to hunt. 

Rain Gear

If you like to go hunting no matter the weather, you might want to bring some rain gear with you on your trip. Rain gear will protect your clothing from getting wet and help keep you warm. It's also wise to have rain gear to protect your backpack and other baggage you plan on carrying.

Extra Supplies hunters suggest

  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Sunscreen 
  • ChapStick
  • GPS
  • Wind checker
  • Wet wipes
  • Trash bags
  • Duct Tape
  • Protein Bars
  • 2 cases of Water
  • Fleece
  • Puffy Jacket
  • Backpack 
  • License
  • Knife sharpener
  • Bone saw
  • Tarp
  • Latex Gloves
  • 2.5-gallon zip locks
  • Binos
  • Range Finder
  • Firestarter
  • Shooting Sticks
  • Game bags
  • Para-cord
  • Survival Blanket
  • Firestarter cubes
  • Portable Cell Phone Charger
  • Range Finder
  • Finger cots
  • Electrical tape
  • Extra batteries
  • Cooler



Hunting app useful for hunters

Some hunters suggest the app onX, this app lets you access maps from anywhere across the world and locate yourself in the woods while you hunt. This app will also show you public and private landmarks and different property boundaries. Now you can stay legal and safe. 

Best Hunting App - Offline Land Ownership Hunting GPS Maps | onX


Tips for Beginners

If you have just barely started hunting and you have no idea what to expect, don't be worried you will do great! The main thing you need to realize is becoming a fantastic hunter takes time and doesn't happen in a day. Keep practicing, and if it's something you enjoy and want to become an expert at, you'll get there one day at a time. But, as you start, there are a few things you should know and tips we can give you to make your hunting experience better. 

Tip #1

If you have a friend or relative that knows how to hunt and has been doing it for years, bring them along. They might be able to teach you more than you'd think. If not, that's okay; you can always watch videos on Youtube or read articles that give you advice on the matter. The best type of information that anyone could give you, though, is to practice. You'll be a pro in no time. 

Tip #2

The wind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I mean that in the right way. If you know how to position yourself with the wind, you could be getting yourself a jackpot. What I mean by that is making sure that you are placed in a way that sends any scent you might be carrying in the opposite direction of the deer or prey you plan to hunt. 

Tip #3 

Pick up your feet when you are walking. Sliding your feet makes way too much noise and scares deer and other animals away. The best way to walk is to pick up your heel and slowly roll your foot forward. Hunting this way will also help you be more balanced. 

Tip #4 

If you are a beginner, you are probably worried about expenses. Don't let that scare you into not hunting. You can start hunting before you have every single piece of equipment. Just get the material that is most important and required and slowly move forward as you go. Hunting can be a lot of fun, but only if you put the stress behind. Also, remember that Sportsman's Pawnshop can help you get the equipment you need at a better price than you'd find at a name brand shop, and we have rifles and equipment that works just as good as theirs. 

Tip #5

Always read the rules and requirements for hunting before you go out in the woods to hunt. You have to have a hunting license before you shoot any animal. You will also have to pay a fee to achieve your permit to hunt, and prices will range depending on what you want to shoot. 


Get your hunting equipment at Sportsmans Pawnshop. We have everything you need at a lower price. Check out our wide variety of guns and hunting equipment today. And if you are interested in selling your old gear, we buy that too. You can call us at (801) 938-3807 or contact us online. 




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