Hunting Gear List: The Essential Gear You Need This Hunting Season

Hunting season is around the bend, and to be ready, we have come up with a hunting gear list. Being prepared not only with your training, but your equipment also is imperative for success. People are often pretty brand loyal for good reasons so you can choose your poison per se, but these items are sure to be beneficial in the field, such as hunting bow strings. I’m going to break down these items into tree stands, saddle hunting, open/western hunting, and a category that applies to all these types of hunting. The last bit will be about items that you won’t need in the field, but you will need them to be prepared for the field.

Tree Stand

• Tree Hooks
• Extra Carabiners
• Bow Tether
• Lineman’s Rope
• Safety Harness

Tree stand hunting has a whole long list of items that you can get to better your hunting experience. You’ll need to cater your hunting gear list to your specific needs, and don’t be afraid to change and add things along the way. 

Saddle Hunting

• Knee Pads
• Gear Strap or Tree Hooks
• Pouches for Extra Ropes
• Ropeman 1 Ascender
• Climbing Sticks
• Platform
• Saddle
• Hand Saw

Saddle hunting is very similar to tree stand hunting, but a lot more mobile for those who hunt public land or places where it’s inconvenient to keep a lock on or ladder stand. Most of the items you need in your pack will be the same; the main difference is the equipment for getting up the tree. 

Open/Western Hunting

• Good Hiking Shoes
• Hydration/ Electrolytes
• Water Bladder
• Game Bags

My experience is more in tree stand hunting, so there are plenty of people who know a lot more about what’s needed for western or open hunting. But as far as general knowledge goes, staying hydrated and being mindful of what food you bring with you is essential. When hiking in and out of your camp, weight is crucial so make sure that the weight of your food is pretty calorie-dense. Water bottles aren't practical for multiple days, so a water filtration device like a life straw is a good option. 

All Categories

• Quiet Close Snack Bags
• Drag Rope
• Line Man’s Rope
• Tree Hooks
• Gutting Gloves
• Scent Free Wipes
• Travel Towel
• Water Bottles
• Bow Hanger
• Head Lamp Green/White
• Handheld Light
• Bow Rope
• Scent Free Deodorant
• Game Calls
• Decoys
• Broadheads
• Range Finder
• Binoculars
• Wind Gauge

There are plenty of other items that can be on this hunting gear list, but these are things that I think aren't necessary for a successful hunt, so take this list and make it your own. There are items that are essential for equipment prep that aren’t items you take with you into the field, like scent-free laundry detergent. There is other hunting gear to list like tree stands and saddles and sticks that can be essential for your desired hunting method.

For archery, things that are often overlooked are your hunting bow strings. Strings over many seasons of use get a fair amount of wear that can affect performance. Confidence in your equipment’s performance is key, so make sure to stay up to date on your bow preparations.

Trail cameras are a great tool to make educated choices for stand location and knowing what deer or other game is in the area. Make sure to check your local laws before hanging any cameras and be aware of property lines. With trail cameras, batteries are essential. Lithium batteries tend to be a better option for their long life and can be used for years without having to change them out. There are definitely optional items on this list for you, like the decoys and game calls. Some people prefer not to use these items and are just as successful without them.

For women hunting, you may need a few different products on your hunting gear list than men. There are aids for relieving yourself in the woods. I also recommend having some toilet paper in a Ziploc bag for messier situations for men or women. We have other related blog articles like equipment prep for hunting season and 15 bow hunting accessories to keep in your pack.

Author Bio: My name is Mackenzie Brown, I am a 2 time Olympian and I now shoot compound at 3D events. I am an avid outdoors woman and I love to hunt. Shooting archery has been a passion of mine for over half my life and is a huge part of my life. I met my husband through archery and we both love being outdoors. Working for 60X has given me a new perspective on the production side of archery companies after being a consumer for so many years. I make blog articles like these as well as working in the shop making some of the strings that go out the door.