Going for a first hunting trip can be exciting but a bit scary at the same time, and it’s understandable. You’ll be in the middle of nature with nothing but your gun and your partner if you’re going as a team, and you have to take the steps necessary to be safe out there. There are also things you can do to make the trip more enjoyable. It’s mainly about being thoroughly prepared, but it’s also about having the right gear with you. Here are some of the things you should know before going on your first hunting trip.
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Get the Right Gear
The first thing you need to get familiar with is your gear. There are two types of gear you’ll need to worry about; you have to think about what you’ll be wearing and what you’ll be carrying with you. Look for camouflage gear that will keep you comfortable, dry, and warm. Even if the weather seems nice, you always have to think about rain, so pick a waterproof jacket or bring an extra rain jacket just in case. We also suggest that you invest in tactical boots so you can move around swiftly while feeling protected. When it comes to the stuff you’re going to carry, you will need things like a tactical knife, a first aid kit, waterproof matches, and rope. You’ll also need easy-to-eat food and snacks, water, toiletries, and additional clothing.
Prep Your Gun
If you’re going to be using someone else’s gun, then you have to make sure that it’s clean and up to par. Cleaning a gun is not that complicated as long as you have the tools. You will need a gun vise, cleaning brushes, and some solvent. If you want to learn how to clean a gun in detail, then you can find tutorials online that will guide you through the whole procedure. You should also check if the gun is ready for an upgrade. If you’re using an old AR-15, then check how old the sight is. If it has been a while since you’ve used it, you’ll find a few different types to choose from online. A good sight will make you much more efficient and make the experience much more satisfying, so don’t neglect this.
If you’re using a shotgun, there are multiple preparation steps available to you if you’d like. You can customize your gun to suit the kind of hunt you’re going on. For example, to make the gun operation simpler on the Benelli M4, a lot of enthusiasts and hunters will opt for the Benelli M4 charging handle with an anti-spin locking design.
Rules and Permits
You also need to know what the rules are in the state/region where you’ll be hunting. You also need to learn federal rules as there are species that you are not allowed to hunt and areas where you can’t practice hunting. Some states even require that you follow a series of courses before you’re even allowed to hunt. As a matter of fact, only 11 states in the country do not require that you get hunting education before you get your license, so, do your research.
Get Familiar with the Hunting Area
It would be wise for you to find a way to visit the area where you’ll be hunting just for reconnaissance. Just going there with an ATV and binoculars will give you a lot of information and you’ll be much more comfortable on your hunting day. You could go a step further and learn about the different species that are there including their daily routines. You’ll understand their patterns which will make you a much better hunter.
These are only some of the things you need to think about when going on your first hunting trip. Try to get as much practice as you can beforehand and go with someone who will be willing to teach you through the ropes.
