When you break it down, all you need is a decent firearm, non-florecent clothes, boots, and a knife. Take all these suggestions under advisement, but it comes down to you and what kind of hunting you want to do. If you really want to go hard after it then some calls, special camo, scents, and some other really neat whiz bang gadgets are in order. If you want to go traditional then how traditional? You can get handmade bamboo bows and learn to make your own shafts. If you're just in the mood to get out and enjoy God's creation, then a good pipe and a good Hemingway novel are in order. I do each at one point or another. Each time what's in my pack or pockets is different, and I've killed game every way. I've been hunting for 21 years. I still remember my first hunt like it was yesterday. I can tell you I remember more about the ones that I just sat and watched than the ones I took home. After all this time what goes with me each and every time no matter what? A rifle, knife, old surplus clothes, rope, knife, and SNUFF ( sometimes a pipe ). The rest depends on the day and the mood I'm in. My grandfather, who taught me to hunt and I hold in highest regard, will probably have a little something different in his pockets. Get the basics, go a few times, try something new each time. It won't take long to figure out what works for you. It will take a lot longer to figure out what to bring to help enjoy the hunt than it will the stuff to help take the animal.
I will add one item. A journal. I wish I had started one the first day I thought about hunting, and recorded each hunt. I am going back now and scribbling down what I can, but a lot is lost.
I will add one item. A journal. I wish I had started one the first day I thought about hunting, and recorded each hunt. I am going back now and scribbling down what I can, but a lot is lost.