Planning your first hunting trip can be extremely exciting, especially if you have trained for your trip for some time. Before heading out on your first deer-hunting getaway, there are a few deer camp essentials to take care of first. Taking care of any deer camp essentials you will need to prepare for ahead of time will allow you to make the most of your trip once the big day arrives.
Prepare Your Weapons
One of the most important deer camp essentials to remember when you are planning your first hunting trip is to prepare your weapons properly. Consider which weapons and tools you will be carrying with you on your trip and packing to store away for potential use. You should also take the time to determine whether it is legal for you to shoot specific guns where you intend to go, as some seasons may require bow-hunting only and others may permit the use of guns such as muzzleloaders.
If you want to take extra time to prepare your weapons before heading out on your first hunting trip, you can do so with a bit of handgun painting. Painting your handgun can help your gun to stand out, which is ideal if you intend to hunt on public state land or if you are hunting where others may be present. Taking the time to clean and properly test your weapons before heading out to hunt is also advisable. This will ensure that you are genuinely prepared for a potential encounter in the wild, whether you are hunting for deer or you stumble upon a bear in the woods.
Learn About Local Gun Laws
When it comes to important deer camp essentials to remember before planning a hunting trip of your own, learning about local gun laws should not be underestimated. In most states in the US today, there are many different gun laws to abide by based on where you are located, planning to hunt, and what type of animal you intend to hunt. It is also important to consider what time of year you intend to plan your hunting trip, as different seasons will have various gun laws in effect. While earlier on in the hunting seasons, bows are promoted and permitted, guns are typically prohibited until later on in November, depending on where you live and plan to shoot.
Additionally, you will also need to take the time to research what type of licenses you will need to obtain in order to hunt legally in your city and state. Gun and hunting licenses provide proof that you have obtained permission to hunt for specific animals, such as deer or even pheasants, turkeys, and wild game. You may also need to purchase individual tags based on the number of deer you intend to kill. Keep in mind that you will need to abide by any laws pertaining to doe hunting as well as buck hunting, as it is not always legal to hunt doe deer, depending on your location and the time of year you choose to plan your first hunt.
If you are caught attempting to hunt without a license or if you are shooting a gun that is not licensed or registered, you may be charged with a criminal offense or charged with a fine. When you find yourself with a run-in with the law, the best course of action first involves retaining an experienced and trusted gun charges attorney. The right attorney can help to guide you through your legal case for the best outcome possible.
Advantages of a Gun Charges Lawyer
Retaining an attorney who specializes in local and national gun laws is a way to attempt to represent yourself in a court of law, especially if you believe you have been wrongly charged for owning a weapon or hunting. Gun charge attorneys understand the ins and outs of the Second Amendment as well as what is required by law in order to obtain, purchase, and use a weapon in your region. Working with a gun charge lawyer is a way for you to effectively navigate any legal case that may involve hunting or gun ownership.
Ensure Your Vehicle is in Good Condition
Ensuring your vehicle is in proper working condition is another one of the most deer camp essentials to consider before heading out on the open road. Even if you do not intend to drive your vehicle once you arrive at your camping or hunting site, you will need to maintain access to your car or truck at all times for transportation and safety purposes, if necessary. Before heading out on any hunting trip, even if the trip is not too far away, there are a few ways to go about preparing and inspecting your vehicle.
Take the time to inspect all of your vehicle’s fluids to determine if any are currently low or if you may require an oil change before you head to your hunting spot. If you’re unsure of how to go about inspecting your vehicle’s fluids or its functionality, consider taking it to a local auto body repair shop that you can trust and rely on. A local repair shop will provide a thorough inspection of the main components of your vehicle to determine whether it is ready for the road or if it requires a bit more attention first.
Protect Your Phone
Protecting your phone should also be a top priority when you are looking for deer camp essentials to complete before your big trip. Investing in a waterproof and shatterproof phone case is highly advisable anytime you are taking a trip outdoors and away from locals and emergency services. Because your smartphone will likely be your only form of potential communication when you are out in the woods, protecting it with the right case can make all the difference in your overall experience, especially if you find yourself lost or stuck in the woods at any time.
Investing in an intrinsically safe iPhone is one way to add a layer of protection to your phone. If you have an Android phone, however, there are also plenty of additional phone protectors and cases that are suitable for both outdoor and underwater usage today. Whenever you are in the market for a new case for any smartphone, it is important to take the time to research brands and customer reviews to ensure the quality of your purchase and new investment, as some cases may cost you upward of $100 to start.
Be Able To Haul Your Game
Whenever you are planning a hunting trip you will need to be able to haul any game you hunt, from birds to deer. Investing in a trailer for your truck or ensuring that the trailer you intend to use with your current vehicle is compatible is essential. If you are thinking of renting or investing in a new trailer, you can do so by checking with a local trailer dealer.
Benefits of Visiting a Trailer Dealer
Visiting a local trailer is a way to learn more about your options based on your budget and the type of vehicle you intend to take with you on your hunting trip. With the help of a specialist at a trailer dealer, discover which trailers are compatible with your vehicle and which are suitable for the type of game you intend to hunt once you are out in the wilderness. A trailer dealer specialist can help you to pick out or inspect trailer tires as well as various features that are most important for your hunting trip before you make a final decision.
Buy Proper Clothing
When it comes to deer camp essentials, no preparation list would be complete without buying proper clothing. From layering traditional winter garb to investing in Western clothing, you will need to shop for new garments based on when and where you intend to hunt. Dressing appropriately for your hunt can have a significant impact on your experience and ability to remain incognito, especially if you are hunting animals such as deer.
Because you are heading out on your first hunting trip, it’s also advisable to invest in an orange hat or blazer. While camouflage clothing can help you to remain hidden, it’s also important to alert other hunters who may also be on the land, especially if you are hunting on state land or public grounds. Ensuring your safety is a top priority matters, regardless of the type of hunting you’re interested in pursuing.
Properly Dispose of Animal Waste
If you are successful during your first hunting trip, you will need to know how to go about properly disposing of any animal waste you collect. Dumping carcasses into bodies of water or leaving them on public grounds can cause you to be fined for littering or ever cited criminally, depending on the state you reside in and the location you are hunting. Burying entrails, hides, and heads can be done as long as the burial point is between two and three feet in total. It is also possible to take any remains you capture while hunting to local landfills that currently accept animal remains and carcasses.
Additionally, you can research hazardous waste disposal companies in your local area before heading out on your hunting trip. Was disposal companies that accept animal remains and carcasses can help you to streamline the cleanup process after your hunt is complete. Calling companies ahead of time will help you find the most suitable location for your needs.
Buy Proper Camp Supplies
Purchasing the proper deer camp essentials and camping supplies ahead of time will also help you to feel as prepared as possible. If you are planning to camp while you are out hunting overnight, you will need to invest in a high-quality tent and sleeping bag. For extended trips that will require you to cook at your campsite, investing in outdoor cookware such as cast iron skillets is highly recommended.
If you do not have access to clean drinking water, you can also consider investing in a complete outdoor water filtration system or in purification tablets that can be placed in collected water. Packing protein-filled snacks and non-perishable foods is also highly recommended when you are planning a long-term camping trip or if you are traveling into the deep woods for any extended period of time. Popular camping food items include canned meats, beef jerky, soups, and even MREs, or Meals Ready-to-Eat.
How to Find the Best Hunting Supplies
Finding the best camping supplies can be done by visiting local outlets that provide hunting gear, sporting equipment, and non-perishable food items. You can also find all the camping and hunting supplies you will need for a short or extended trip online. Take the time to research popular hunting gear brands and manufacturers to familiarize yourself with high-quality equipment suppliers before choosing the tools, equipment, and supplies that are right for you.
Ensure You’re of Sound Mind
Going on a hunting or camping trip can be a great getaway for those who want to decompress or enjoy time in the great outdoors. However, anytime you are thinking of planning a hunting trip for the very first time, it’s important to ensure you are of sound mind before heading out into the woods. Maintaining proper mental health is essential for anyone who will be handling a gun or spending time alone for any extended period of time.
If you are someone who is struggling with depression and anxiety, seeking help from a local young adult mental health service provider before planning your trip is highly advisable. The right mental health service provider can assist you with inpatient, outpatient, and even intensive care solutions based on your needs. Finding group and individual therapy is also much easier once you connect with a local adult mental health service provider that is right for you.
Understanding some of the most vital deer camp essentials can help you to better prepare for your first hunting trip, even if you have never explored the great outdoors before. The more time you take to prepare with proper deer camp essentials in order, the less likely you are to find yourself confused, stressed out, or overwhelmed once you arrive at your preferred hunting site.
