Texas Hunting Forum
Hunting "Kit"
Posted By: BenCronin04
Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 04:14 PM
New to hunting here, and so far have only been out for hogs and coyotes. I'm looking for some info from experienced hunters on putting together a sort of hunting "kit" for myself.
What I have so far:
Mossberg 100atr .270 (with cheap scope)
Northface Backpack
Camo facemask
Gloves
Binoculars
Cheap Camo fold out chair
Ear Plugs
Wet Wipes
Cooler
Wanting to purchase:
Wicked Hunting Lights W402zf
Carhartt Pants
Rifle Strap
First Aid Kit (Ordered Coleman 205 piece set)
Soft Rifle Case
Hand Warmers (Ordered a pair of 10)
Nitrile Gloves (Ordered a box)
Flip up scope caps
This is where I need your help. If you all could help me with some of the selections below and add onto the list of other things I may have missed and will want/need I'd really appreciate it. Thank you all in advance.
Need Advice:
Good small portable flash light (Ordered UltraFire WF-501B)
Hunting Boots/Shoes(I'm ok with spending up to $150 as long as it's something versatile and water resistant/proof)
Camo Jacket
Hunting/Gutting Knife
Predator Call
Walkie Talkies
Rope, pulleys, etc.
*Everything in red purchased!
Posted By: Jaydub
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 04:25 PM
I keep a rubbermade box packed so all I have to do is grab it and go. A couple of things I didn't see that I would suggest as necessities:
A box of nitrile or latex gloves for cleaning
Leather work gloves for dragging animals, they work better when cactus are present
A headlight - one with multiple settings including red
Rope or straps
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 04:41 PM
Perfect, this is exactly what I'm looking for! Any recommendation on the headlamp? I'm not finding many with multiple colors on Amazon.
Posted By: Lance Vick
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 04:46 PM
I will help you with the flashlight
Go to sportsmans guide look up the 750 lumen flashlight get it you will be happy
Posted By: Lance Vick
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 05:02 PM
I will help you with the flashlight
Go to sportsmans guide look up the 750 lumen flashlight get it you will be happy
Never mind they do nit have it anymore I have two
Should have ordered more when they had them
I cannot vouch for other s on the light throw of the beam
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 05:04 PM
Thanks Lance. A buddy has the one I just decided to order and loves it. Plus at $15, it can become a paper weight if I don't.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 05:05 PM
Also, would you all recommend short boots or the longer boots for Texas hunting? Is Lacrosse a decent brand?
Posted By: billybob
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 06:15 PM
What you kit out with really depends on how you hunt....do you use a blind? Can you 4 wheel it close? Is your camp nearby? How much walking do you do? Do you get scared walking in the woods? Makes a big difference in what you carry.
Posted By: Jaydub
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 06:36 PM
I don't recall the brand of the headlight. I bought it at WalMart for around $15. I have bought the cheap ones at Home Depot for $5-6 and they are functional. With that said, I bought a BlackDiamond from REI for $40 probably 15 years ago and it still works like a champ, except the elastic headband is all stretched out. I plan to mount it to a cap, in my spare time, one of these days.
Someone mentioned how you hunt and what you plan to bring with you. I group my stuff into 3 categories, pre-hunt, hunt and post hunt. Pre-hunt is scent killer, batteries, etc. Post hunt are the things I would need for cleaning, nitrile gloves, cleaning knife, garbage/plastic bags, etc. I only carry the "hunt" items with me while I hunt. I either have a backpack or fanny pack depending on how I'm hunting. When stalking or bow hunting, I use the fannypack, when sitting in a blind I use the backpack. The pre-hunt and post hunt stuff stays in my container in the truck.
Posted By: remman
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 07:00 PM
I agree with the above. I have mine broke apart into different backpacks: hunting and post hunting.
For boots, I have Rocky and Danner. I have been pleased with both. If you buy from Cabelas or Bass Pro, they will stand behind it. I bought a pair of Rocky Bearstalkers from Sportsman's Guide 15 years ago and last year finally wore the sole out. I called Rocky and they sent me new soles at no charge.
As for knives, get a good one. Gerber makes kits for skinning, gutting, bone cutting etc that are decent and fairly inexpensive. I have one and have used it for years without issue. If you want a very good skinning knife, I recommend the custom handmade knives on here. They are expensive but rewarding. However, they are not required. My buddy has a Bush Monkey. I have one made from a guy in Austin. Anza in California makes a good one.
For headlights, I use the cheap Energizer brand from Walmart. I bought several and keep one in each pack. I still have the first one I bought 8 years ago and use it about 30 times a year.
For predator calls, I have both electronic and mouth. For electronic, I use a FoxPro Wilfire. For mouth, I use TJ Shockler handmade from Boyd, Tx. I have had great results with both.
For camo jacket, get a name brand. Columbia will stand behind their products no questions asked. Cabelas will too. Browning is way overpriced.
Hope this helps.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 07:09 PM
Great info guys, keep it coming.
Currently no blind is used. We usually walk, but not large areas of land (under 200 acres). Sometimes we will take our chairs and cover them and ourselves up with brush to make a sort of make shift blind.
Posted By: der Teufel
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 07:25 PM
A box of nitrile or latex gloves for cleaning
Leather work gloves for dragging animals, they work better when cactus are present
A headlight - one with multiple settings including red
Rope or straps
I carry a cheap headlamp, although I rarely use it. The other items are a must for me, however. When I shoot a hog the first thing I do is put the rifle down (I carry a .22 pistol in case I need a finishing shot) and pick up a pair of leather gloves and a piece of rope about 20' long. I tie the rope around the hog's head and make a loop to go over my shoulder, then I start dragging it.
Other things I carry are:
1) a small pair of binoculars — easier to use than looking through the scope, and safer.
2) electronic hearing protection — the ones I use have a jack into which an MP3 player or a walkie-talkie may be plugged. Makes it easy to use radios. If you and a buddy split up and you're sneaking up on something, your buddy can talk to you without spooking nearby game. Also, a quick hit on the talk button gets your buddies attention so you can use hand signals if you're closing in on potential targets.
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 07:28 PM
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 09:15 PM
That's actually not a bad one. I'll add some wet wipes to the kit.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 09:17 PM
Other things I carry are:
1) a small pair of binoculars — easier to use than looking through the scope, and safer.
2) electronic hearing protection — the ones I use have a jack into which an MP3 player or a walkie-talkie may be plugged. Makes it easy to use radios. If you and a buddy split up and you're sneaking up on something, your buddy can talk to you without spooking nearby game. Also, a quick hit on the talk button gets your buddies attention so you can use hand signals if you're closing in on potential targets.
Good info. I'm looking into walkie talkies, and will definitely be buying ones with audio jacks now that you mentioned that.
I also just got these in: Pentax 62211 UCF-X II 8x25 Binoculars. They seem to be a decent small set of binoculars.
Posted By: Jaydub
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 09:22 PM
Yep, and make sure you walk away from where you park to utilize said paper. My buddy told me to watch my step when I parked to go to the deer blind. My son didn't hear him, he was pissed.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 10:12 PM
I was wanting to get some flip up caps for my scope as well. Does anyone know how to tell what size in diameter scopes are? Will I need to bring it in if it's not listed on the scope itself to be measured?
Posted By: inkedagent
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 10:19 PM
This is a biggie. Never be without, unless you like to use shirt pieces and socks. Dont leave surface turds, bury that $#!7...
Also, if you're going out for awhile, Id recommend a hatchet with firestarter. Just in case. Helps remove crap thats in your way, helps with seperating bone, and awesome backup self defense weapon.
What are you using for a watersource? I have a canteen that straps to my webgear and a camelback. Always good to have water.
Maybe some snackfoods, keeps your energy up in the long run. Im not saying pack a #3 from burger king. Jerky is good, small bag of peanuts.
My advice comes more from my military time rather than actual hunting time, but once I started hunting, I didnt notice much difference except the deer wasn't shooting back at me. Good luck.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:02 PM
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:03 PM
Boots - I prefer short (though that depends on where I am hunting, what I am hunting, weather) when not wearing snake boots.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:05 PM
My day-pack has a hydration system - I have a little bit of hike from camp or parked vehicle to blinds so it's really convenient just the same as when out stalking around.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:09 PM
Far from necessary (for some) but I always carry a rangefinder. Easier than the thumbnail method.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:12 PM
I carry a tape measure like what a seamstress would use. I was told by somebody to measure for a rough estimate of hog weight... but then I usually forget to measure and I rarely weigh them so it's pretty pointless other than it makes me feel prepared... for what I don't know.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:13 PM
Knife sharpener.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:14 PM
A stick of gum, a paper clip and a tampon. Somehow a bomb can be made with these items. Ask MacGyver.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:16 PM
Cover scent if you're a believer.
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/25/15 11:26 PM
As for the predator call - the FoxPro e-callers are very popular but for some can be cost prohibitive. There are competing brands as well or the mouth calls.
Walkie talkies - I thought there were some restrictions for use but came up empty handed when Googling. I don't know either way since I normally hunt solo and don't have radios anyhow.
Posted By: billybob
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 12:27 AM
New to hunting here, and so far have only been out for hogs and coyotes. I'm looking for some info from experienced hunters on putting together a sort of hunting "kit" for myself.
What I have so far:
Mossberg 100atr .270 (with cheap scope)
Northface Backpack
Camo facemask
Gloves
Binoculars
Cheap Camo fold out chair
Ear Plugs
Wanting to purchase:
Wicked Hunting Lights W402zf
Carhartt Pants
Rifle Strap
First Aid Kit (Ordered Coleman 205 piece set)Soft Rifle Case
Hand Warmers (Ordered a pair of 10)
Nitrile Gloves (Ordered a box)
This is where I need your help. If you all could help me with some of the selections below and add onto the list of other things I may have missed and will want/need I'd really appreciate it. Thank you all in advance.
Need Advice:
Good small portable flash light (Ordered UltraFire WF-501B)Hunting Boots/Shoes(I'm ok with spending up to $150 as long as it's something versatile and water resistant/proof)
Depending what time of the year snake boots may be wiseCamo Jacket
Hunting/Gutting Knife
Predator Call
Walkie Talkies Not needed if both have cell receptionThermacell or insect repellant
Posted By: Harley7892
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 12:42 AM
With all that has been mention, if nature calls you goin to lose some cloths to wipe you know what, I always carry some to in a zip bag or the baby wipes, leaves and cactus are a bi---.
Posted By: Harley7892
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 12:52 AM
I didn't see anything about rope (ratchet strap),colored flagging (to tie in tree from where you were to where the animal was), reflective tacks, depending on the season (layered clothing, dry socks) how long out, dry matches (zip lock bag or lighter). A lot to consider.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 12:55 AM
As for knives, get a good one. Gerber makes kits for skinning, gutting, bone cutting etc that are decent and fairly inexpensive. I have one and have used it for years without issue. If you want a very good skinning knife, I recommend the custom handmade knives on here. They are expensive but rewarding. However, they are not required. My buddy has a Bush Monkey. I have one made from a guy in Austin. Anza in California makes a good one.
Ordered this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00836HKDS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Updated this list also. Everything in red has now been purchased. As yall can probably tell, I don't like messing around or waiting.....I guess the bug hit me hard, lol.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 01:02 AM
As far as a water source, I usually just bring a few bottles of water. I do have a REI hard water bottle container thing, since they were a fad back in high school, lol. I'll add that to the backpack.
Thanks again everyone, keep the info coming.
Posted By: inkedagent
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 02:15 AM
I also bring chemlights (glow sticks) for tracking blood trails when it gets dark. That way I can mark the path and go back to my last blood sign if I lose the trail. Plus it lets me know where I came from. When you're tromping through unfamiliar woods, its easy to get turned around at night.
Posted By: 22hemi13
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 02:37 AM
WHAT!!!!! Not one person has said don't foget the thermacell
Posted By: Mickey Moose
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 02:59 AM
WHAT!!!!! Not one person has said don't foget the thermacell
Billybob did but that's ok!
Posted By: jetdad
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 03:24 AM
X2 on the electronic earmuffs. You can hear better with them on and my Howard Leights work great. I tend to takes ear plugs out and have paid the price.
Posted By: Jaydub
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 01:49 PM
One thing I saw on another thread is a multi tool. I have a couple I have gathered and keep one in my backpack and one in my box.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 01:55 PM
I'll add one of the ones I have to the pack Jay. I was considering doing that, but didn't know how much use I'd get out of it.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 01:55 PM
What is this thermacell you all speak of?
Posted By: clandr1
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 03:36 PM
Hunting Boots/Shoes(I'm ok with spending up to $150 as long as it's something versatile and water resistant/proof)
If you don't need something cactus proof, I'd suggest Merrells. You can get them in waterproof versions for around $100
Camo Jacket
I've been very happy with my USGI woodland camo ECWCS jacket. It is 100% water and wind proof and makes an excellent outer/hard shell. You can layer underneath based on how cold it is. It works with anything from a long sleeve t-shirt to several layers underneath.
Hunting/Gutting Knife
I've found the best skinning knife is a utility knife that uses replaceable razor blades. You'll never lose an edge in the field, and they are easily and quickly replaced when they dull during a skinning session.
Rope, pulleys, etc.
550 paracord can be worth its weight in gold sometimes. I'd suggest carrying 50 feet of it with you in your pack. I've always had friends to help lift animals, so I've never needed a pulley, but if you're going that route you should get two that work with the paracord. If you can hook one pulley to a tree, and another to the animal/hog, it'll effectively cut your effort in half.
Water source
If you're ever hunting in an area where it's even slightly likely you might get lost or have to stay longer than anticipated, get a LifeStraw to keep in your pack. They are $20 and you can basically drink from a cow tank, if needed.
Posted By: Cast
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 04:38 PM
Did anyone mention a Bic lighter?
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 04:55 PM
Did anyone mention a Bic lighter?
Always have one on me.
Posted By: billybob
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 05:54 PM
Posted By: dogdown23
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 06:27 PM
You better get a wagon also. You'll need it to tote your hunting kit around.
Posted By: Jaydub
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 06:54 PM
Multitools are one of those things you hope you never use. But when you need it....
I was with a buddy and asked if I should wear my snake chaps. He responded, Nah, I'll let you know if they work. I put 'em on.
Posted By: BenCronin04
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 07:02 PM
You better get a wagon also. You'll need it to tote your hunting kit around.
Eh, it won't be that much. I'll weigh it this weekend before we head out for the property.
Posted By: Theblakester
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/26/15 07:32 PM
Snake boots if you're hunting on foot at night or in wetter areas.
Mosquito net and thermacell.
Xtra heavy duty large trash bags
Topographical map print out of the property
Makeshift gun cleaning kit (can be simple as gun lubricating oil and a rag).
Spare paper targets.
Duct tape, paracord, zip ties
I use knives of alaska brand knives and box cutters to cut into the hide of hogs
I'm also a fan of Streamlight lights.
Posted By: jetdad
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/27/15 10:26 PM
And if you have trouble fitting the "kit' in the back of your truck you can always get a small utility trailer as you think of other items. It's a sickness.
Posted By: Navasot
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/27/15 10:31 PM
Beer, ice, cooler, Kit of its own.
Lighter, snuff, jerky... maybe a water or two.
something to shoot at animals.. pewpewpew
good pair of boots and lucky underwear
...... and funyuns..... yeah
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/27/15 11:04 PM
Great info guys, keep it coming.
Currently no blind is used. We usually walk, but not large areas of land (under 200 acres). Sometimes we will take our chairs and cover them and ourselves up with brush to make a sort of make shift blind.
200 acres & less small light folding chair, some have pouches ta carry items. rifle, skinning knife, keep it light & simple.
on make shift blind.
dont forget bullets, ya need bullets.
Posted By: inkedagent
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/28/15 12:03 AM
Just use common sense. Just keep essentials like what you got on your list. Don't worry about being "tacticool". In my job, you can always spot the guy tring to hard by all the pouches he is has on his Kit. We have colorful names for those types. Pack light enough to stay mobile, but pack the essentials.
Posted By: der Teufel
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 02/28/15 10:42 PM
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 03/01/15 04:47 AM
Your deposit tis not complete till the paper work tis done
Posted By: IamMr2
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 03/01/15 05:10 AM
TP is essential. Needed it last time I was out, darn it.
I also use a GPS with backtracking capability. That way I can count on chasing the sounder through the woods and not worry about finding my way back.
Posted By: Stegar
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 03/01/15 02:31 PM
Coleman Maxx for the headlamp. get it at Wal-Mart. TP is a must!
Posted By: Vern1
Re: Hunting "Kit" - 03/01/15 03:48 PM
Full tank of gas and good battery in Honda Rancher.
SuperStealth whisper after muffler.
Good gun rack.
Saddlebags always loaded and ready with stuff, extra water, etc. for quick deployment.
Usually carry other stuff in backpack but drop it in rear basket while traveling, then put it on for walk to blind or stalk.
Travel on foot as light as safely possible - I ain't no spring chicken no more Tater!
Gun depends on game/task at hand and standard practical Leatherman multitool always!