Prioritizing Hunting Gear: A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Choices

Amy McNealy

Getting Started in Hunting

Hunting is an exciting and rewarding pursuit, but starting out can feel overwhelming. With countless gear options and a steep learning curve, costly mistakes are easy to make. This no-fluff guide is designed to help new hunters prioritize their needs, make informed gear choices, and enter the world of hunting and outdoor adventures—without breaking the bank.

Credit: This resource is based on the experiences and insights of Amy McNealy, a passionate hunter who began her journey later in life and learned invaluable lessons along the way.

Step 1: Define Your Hunting Goals

Before making any purchases, consider key questions about the type of hunting you plan to do. These will help guide your decisions and ensure you focus on gear that suits your needs.

Ask Yourself:

What Will You Be Hunting?

• Big game: deer, elk, moose

• Birds: ducks, geese, turkey, quail, pheasant, grouse

• Predators: coyotes, mountain lions, bears

What Type of Weapon Will You Use?

• Archery: compound bow or crossbow

• Muzzleloader

• Rifle: long-range or close-range shooting

• Shotgun

How Will You Be Hunting?

• Tree stand: stationary, elevated position

• Blind: ground-based concealment

• Spot and stalk: active tracking on foot

By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of your hunting style, allowing you to focus on gear that fits your specific needs.

Step 2: Needs vs. Wants

Once you’ve identified your hunting style, focus on distinguishing between the essentials for a confident and comfortable hunt and the items that can wait. Prioritize the basics:

Clothing: Choose weather-appropriate, durable clothing to keep you comfortable in the elements. While camo can be helpful, it’s not always essential for beginners. Focus on layering for maximum flexibility:

• Base layers: Moisture-wicking to keep you dry.

• Outer layers: Waterproof and windproof to protect against the elements.

• Boots: Comfortable and suited for the terrain you’ll be navigating.

• Socks: Invest in high-quality socks—these can make all the difference in keeping your feet warm and blister-free.

Weapon and Ammunition: Select a weapon that matches your hunting type and practice regularly to ensure proficiency. If you’re exploring archery, check out Hoyt for top-quality bows. Built tough to endure rigorous hunts, Hoyt bows provide reliability so you can focus on the hunt itself.

Safety Gear: Never compromise on safety. These essentials will help protect you in the field:

• Hunter’s orange (if required by your state)

• Harness for tree stands

• First aid kit

Licenses and Tags: Ensure you have the necessary licenses and tags for the type of game you’re hunting and the location where you’ll be hunting.

Pack: A well-fitting pack is just as important as comfortable boots. Depending on the type of hunting you’re doing, your pack should support your needs without sacrificing comfort.

Note: Be sure to assess the terrain and weather in the area you will be hunting. Different environments and seasons may require additional gear, for example:

• Cold climates: Insulated clothing, hand warmers, thicker boots

• Wet areas: Waterproof gear, high-quality rain cover, dry bags

• Mountainous terrain: Lightweight equipment, trekking poles

  
  

Step 3: Approach Hunting as a Journey

Build your kit over time. Hunting gear can be expensive. Avoid the temptation to buy everything at once. Start with essentials and expand as you gain experience and understand your preferences.

Do your research. Before making purchases, read reviews, ask experienced hunters for advice, and try to borrow or rent gear when possible to see what works for you. Sportsman’s Shows are a great place to evaluate a variety of gear.

Embrace the Hunt: Your Next Steps

Hunting isn’t just about the gear—it’s about the experiences, challenges, and personal growth outdoors that come with it. Remember that mistakes are part of the process, and learning from them will make you a better hunter.

Your Next Steps:

1. Prioritize safety.

2. Take time to learn.

3. Enjoy every step of the way.

With careful planning and thoughtful decisions, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses and set yourself up for success.

Join Our Community

Looking for the perfect way to get started? Consider joining one of our Her Outdoor Journey Guided Hunting Trips. These trips provide a supportive, educational environment for women to build confidence, learn new skills, and embrace the outdoors. Click here to learn more about our guided hunting trips.

Acknowledgement: This guide is brought to you by Amy McNealy, whose real-life experiences as a beginner hunter have inspired countless others to embark on their own hunting adventures. Her lessons serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to start their journey in the field.

Happy hunting!