Hunting is an American tradition; settlers in the United States had to hunt to survive. If you want to take up an old-fashioned American pastime as a hobby, then hunting is something that’s worth considering.
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If you have never been hunting before, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually very complicated. There are lots of different pieces of equipment that one needs in order to be able to go out and actively participate in the sport.
This post will tell you about four pieces of equipment that you will need if you plan on going hunting:
Laser Bore Sight
One piece of equipment that’s a great addition to any hunting trip is a laser bore sight. You can significantly improve your accuracy with a laser bore sight, because they improve weapon alignment. Laser bore sights allow you to point a laser beam at your target, which allows you to illuminate distant targets and ensure that you hit them. These sights are quite affordable, which is another reason that you should purchase one. Owning one of these will prevent you from coming away from hunts empty-handed.
Bear Spray
If you live in North America, then bears are an ever-present threat. Thousands of hunters have been killed by bears. Bear spray is something that you should always carry around with you, even if you are carrying lots of weapons. Research has shown that bear spray is up to 98% effective at deterring bears from attacking. Bear spray contains capsaicin, which causes a bear’s eyes to burn and water. With all of this said, if you encounter a bear it’s a good idea to get away from it, rather than engage it. Large grizzlies can kill people in less than a minute.
High-viz Jacket
If you are hunting in a high-traffic area, then it’s a good idea to invest in a high-viz jacket, so that other hunters can see you. If you are going to be hunting in an area that’s not oversaturated with other hunters, then you don’t necessarily need to wear a high-viz, although it is still recommended. If you are wearing camouflage gear and other hunters are nearby hunting the same animal as you, then they could accidentally hit you, or could discharge their weapon close to you. A jacket will allow other hunters and people to see you.
Camping Gear
Lastly, you should always ensure that you bring camping gear hunting with you, just in case you get lost or stranded. If you can’t bring a tent, then at least bring emergency food supplies, a method of cooking like a gas stove, and water. In addition to camping gear, it’s also a good idea to bring some kind of signal booster, in case you get injured but aren’t getting cell phone service. Some hunters also take flare guns with them, so that they can call for help if they have been injured or have gotten lost.
Hunting is a lot of fun. If you want to have a safer and more enjoyable experience hunting, then you should follow this post’s advice and invest in the equipment outlined here. In addition to everything listed here, make sure that you have protective clothing, a good firearm, and a little bit of experience or training.