By Maren McReynolds, Black Mountain Outfitters

Hunter with nice buck

Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Outfitters

Once you are out in the bush, you will have to rely on what you have in your hunting pack for survival. That said, it is crucial that you have all the essentials you need with you. Just like a guided hunting trip, having the right gear can make a world of difference in your hunting adventure.

Many hunters figure out what they need to bring through trial and error. However, if it's your first time going on a hunt, likely, you don't even have a clue what basics to bring with you. Take your hunting adventure a notch higher by bringing the following essentials with you:

01: Hunting Knife

A quality hunting knife is one tool hunters should never be without. Hunting knives can come in various sizes and styles. When venturing deep in the woods, most hunters opt for a fixed blade hunting knife.

Fixed blade hunting knives are known for their impressive cutting power. Another smart investment you can look into is a quality everyday carry (EDC) knife. The most popular EDC knife is the Swiss Army Knife. It comes with the following:

• Screw Driver
• Scissor
• Saw
• Can Opener
• Ruler
• Nail File
• Pliers
• Leather Poker
• Magnifying Glass

02: Binoculars

If you are serious about hunting, investing in a good pair of binoculars is another thing you should consider. It would be best to go for one with glare and fog-resistant lenses when it comes to binoculars. Binoculars can also help ensure you stay hidden as you stalk your prey.

What's even more impressive? It is now possible to take clear pictures using your hunting binoculars. These innovative optics combine the best features of a digital camera and binoculars. This allows you to share your exciting hunting experiences with others through pictures.

03. Quality Rifle Scope

Hunter with rifle

Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Outfitters

Unless you intend to sneak up to your prey and tackle it bare-handed, it will make sense to invest in a quality hunting scope. Most top-of-the-line rifle scopes come with some form of lens coating and moisture protection. If you are a novice hunter, it would be best not to get too powerful scopes.

If you are new to hunting, using a scope that's too powerful might make aiming more tricky for you. Also, it is recommended that you stay around 9x magnification until such time that you can confidently shoot with consistent accuracy.

It is also essential to keep in mind that your field of view can become more narrow the higher the magnification scope is.

04: Hunting Blind

A hunting blind is another gear that's considered crucial for new hunters. Hunting blinds work like super camouflage tents, allowing you to shoot from the inside. Ideally, the hunting blind should be set up along the trail. When you combine a hunting blind with a good hunting camera, you will have more prey coverage.

Quality hunting blinds should also be quiet and stealthy and can be moved with ease. However, you should set your hunting blind downwind from where your prey is. Otherwise, your scent might reveal your location.

05. Hunting Pack

Every hunter, seasoned or new, should never be without a reliable hunting pack. Why? Hunting packs can help ensure that you stay organized during your hunt. And that's just for starters. The ideal hunting packs will also give you easy access to the tools you need without unpacking the other items you have taken with you.

Perfect examples of ingenious hunting packs come with knife pouches and spotting scope pockets. Many hunting packs also come equipped with game carriers so you can easily take your catch back to camp with you. It would also be best to invest in a hunting pack that uses quiet Velcro technology so you won't scare your prey away.

Final Thoughts

Above are just some of the essential hunting gear new hunters should never be without. Understandably, there are plenty more. Fortunately, you don't have to get them all in one go. The bottom line is to invest in quality hunting gear that would suit both your needs and budget. Regardless of where you hunt or who you hunt with, having the right gear can significantly increase your chances of success.