The onset of a new season always evokes a mixed feeling of impatience and concentration among people keen on hunting animals. Long before dawn, when nature is just awakening, an experienced miner is already in the process of careful preparation, because the success of the entire event depends on the actions taken the day before and a few hours before entering the land. Ignoring the preparatory steps often results in an empty backpack, a spoiled mood, or, even worse, injuries and fines from government agencies.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that the main thing is to simply show up in the woods with a gun, but professionals know that the process begins long before this moment. Preparing equipment, checking the technical condition of the weapon, collecting the necessary documentation and even physical fitness require close attention. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages that precede entering the land, so that you can feel confident in any conditions.
It is important to understand that nature does not forgive mistakes and negligence. Cold, dampness, difficult terrain and unpredictable behavior of game dictate their own strict rules. The right equipment and a well-assembled backpack guarantee not only a trophy, but also a return home safe and sound. Let's take a step-by-step look at what exactly needs to be done before slamming the door of the house and heading off to adventure.
Checking permits and vouchers
The first thing every responsible hunter should do before leaving home is to audit his portfolio of documents. The absence of any paper, even the most insignificant at first glance, can lead to the seizure of weapons, large fines and a ban on hunting in the future. Hunting ticket of a uniform federal standard must always be with you, regardless of whether you walk five kilometers into the forest or leave for another region.
In addition, you must have a valid permit to store and carry weapons (ROKh), as well as a permit to hunt specific types of animals. The voucher must contain all the necessary stamps and signatures, as well as the date of issue and expiration date. Inspection bodies often pay attention to receipt of payment of state duty, so a copy or original of it should also be in an accessible place.
⚠️ Attention: Photocopies of documents on your phone are not a legal replacement for originals or notarized copies. Always take paper versions, as there may be no connection in the forest to check the databases.
Don't forget about special permits if you plan to hunt with dogs or use certain fishing gear. Some regions require additional certificates of passing a knowledge test of hunting rules. Lack of a permit is equivalent to poaching, even if you have all the other paperwork, so double-check the dates and game species listed.
For ease of storage and quick checking, it is recommended to use a waterproof folder or a small sealed bag. Documents should be kept in a separate, easily accessible pocket of clothing, so that when you meet a huntsman you don’t have to dig through your backpack for a long time, demonstrating suspicious behavior.
Technical preparation and shooting of weapons
The weapon is the main tool, and its reliability directly affects the result. Before the season, it is necessary to carry out complete preventive maintenance: lubricate the rubbing parts, check the condition of the barrel bore for lead or carbon deposits, and also evaluate the condition of the wooden or plastic parts of the stock. Any mechanical failureproblems, such as a tight trigger or a stuck fuse, must be corrected by the workshop in advance.
A critical step is zeroing. Even if the gun shot perfectly last year, storage conditions and transportation could throw off the zeroing. It is necessary to go to the shooting range and check the combat with bullets and shot at various distances. For smooth-bore weapons, distances of 35 and 50 meters are relevant, for rifled weapons - 100 meters or more, depending on the caliber.
When checking ammunition, pay attention to primers and cases. Dampness could damage the powder or cause the primer to oxidize, causing it to misfire at the most inopportune moment. Ammo It is best to store it in a dry place until the moment you leave, and charge it into the bandoleer just before leaving or already in the car.
It is also worth checking the operation of optical sights, collimators and laser designators. Batteries in night vision scopes or thermal imagers should be fully charged, and spare batteries should be kept in a warm pocket, since battery capacity drops sharply in cold weather. The cleanliness of the optics lens also plays a key role in object identification.
Collecting equipment and gear
Packing is the art of balancing the weight of your backpack with the comfort you need. Clothing should be selected according to the principle of multi-layering: the base layer wicks away moisture, the middle one retains heat, and the outer layer protects from wind and water. Camouflage colors should be appropriate for the terrain and time of year so that disguise was effective.
Shoes require special attention: they must be worn, but not worn out, with good ankle support. The tread must be deep for confident movement in mud or snow. Be sure to put a repair kit for clothes and shoes in your backpack, as well as spare socks, since wet feet are a sure way to hypothermia and blisters.
- 🎒 The backpack should be voluminous, but comfortable, with a back ventilation system.
- 🔦 A flashlight with spare batteries is required even for daytime hunting in case of delay.
- 🔪 The knife should be sharp, reliable and located in an easily accessible place, and not in the depths of the backpack.
- 🧭 A navigator or compass with a map of the area is necessary for navigation in unfamiliar areas.
Don't forget about odor masking agents. Humans have a specific smell that animals can sense hundreds of meters away. The use of special sprays, as well as storing clothes outside the living space (for example, in a garage or shed) helps reduce the anthropogenic factor. Hygiene products must also be fragrance-free.
An important element of equipment is the seat. A folding chair or hoba (seat) allows you to keep your clothes warm and dry while waiting for the animal for a long time in a storage shed or in a hiding place. A wet bottom and a cold back will quickly lead to fatigue and loss of concentration.
Formation of a first aid kit and safety equipment
Safety comes first, so the first aid kit should be stocked not formally, but taking into account real risks. It should contain hemostatic tourniquets, antiseptics, bandages, painkillers and allergy medications. It is also necessary to have medications that the hunter takes constantly if he has chronic diseases.
Communication devices must be fully charged. A mobile phone in the forest often does not have network coverage, so having a satellite phone or a GPS tracker with an SOS function can save lives in an emergency. Signaling means, such as a whistle or flare, should be at hand.
| Category | Required Items | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Injuries | Tourniquet, sterile bandages, chlorhexidine, plaster | The tourniquet must be rubber or a tourniquet |
| Communications | Charged phone, power bank, whistle | Check your balance and network in advance |
| Fire and heat | Lighter (2 pcs.), dry alcohol, thermal blanket | Keep lighters warm |
| Tool | Knife, multitool, duct tape | You can fix almost anything with tape |
Special attention should be paid to protection from insects and ticks. During tick season, the presence of repellents and insurance against tick bites is mandatory. Antiallergic drugs will also not hurt, since contact with plants or insect bites can cause an unexpected reaction.
Wrap the knife and first aid kit in bright electrical tape or put it in a red bag - in a stressful situation or in poor lighting it will be much easier to find them.
Physical and psychological preparation
Hunting is not only shooting, but also long journeys, often over rough terrain, in full gear. Physical fitness must allow you to carry a load weighing 10-15 kilograms for several hours without excessive fatigue. Regular walking, running or training in advance of the season will help the body adapt to the stress.
Psychological attitude also plays an important role. The hunter must be prepared for the fact that the animal may not be seen at all. Patience and endurance are key qualities. Nervousness, loud conversations, sudden movements and the smell of tobacco or alcohol can ruin the hunt not only for you, but also for your comrades.
On the eve of going out into the field, you need to get a good night's sleep. Alcohol is strictly prohibited the day before a hunt, as it dulls reactions, impairs coordination and changes body odor, making the hunter noticeable to animals. In addition, drinking alcohol with a weapon is a direct path to tragedy and criminal liability.
⚠️ Attention: Even a minimal dose of alcohol changes handwriting and handwriting (sic) - no, it changes behavior and reduces critical thinking. When hunting with weapons, sobriety is the law of survival.
It is also important to set yourself up to be ethical. The hunter should not shoot at a target that is not clearly visible, at perched birds (unless permitted by regulations), or at females with young. Respect for nature and production is a sign of a true professional.
Route planning and area exploration
Success often depends on knowing the territory. Before leaving, you need to study a map of the area, mark possible places of watering places, feeding areas and bedding areas for animals. Modern gadgets allow you to download maps to navigator or smartphone, but a paper map should always be a backup.
Route planning includes taking into account wind direction. You need to move against the wind or across it so that your scent does not go ahead of you, warning the animal. It is also worth considering the time of sunrise and sunset in order to calculate the time of transition and not be left in the forest in the dark without preparation.
How to read footprints in the snow?
The freshness of the footprint is determined by the density of the snow at the edges of the print. A fresh footprint has clear, loose edges. If the trail is old, the edges are weathered, dense and icy. You can also test with your finger: if the snow in the print is loose, the mark is fresh, if it is hard, it is old.
If the hunt takes place in a group, it is necessary to discuss the movement pattern, warning signals and gathering places in advance. Discipline in a group, personal ambitions are more important. Each participant must know his role and area of responsibility so as not to create a dangerous situation, for example, finding himself in the line of fire of a comrade.
Studying the weather forecast is a mandatory step. A sudden change in pressure, fog or snowfall can radically change animal behavior and movement conditions. Be prepared to adjust your plan or even cancel your trip if weather conditions become life-threatening.
☑️ Final check before leaving
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to take alcohol to keep you warm while hunting?
Absolutely not. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, creating the illusion of warmth, but in fact it accelerates heat transfer and leads to rapid freezing. In addition, drinking alcohol with a weapon is a direct threat to life and a violation of the law.
What to do if you are lost in the forest?
Don't panic or rush around. Stop, assess the situation, try to contact by phone. If there is no signal, stay where you are, light a fire (if safe), knock on trees and blow your whistle. It is not recommended to move at random.
Do I need to shoot my ammunition every season?
Yes, definitely. Ammo batches may vary, and storage conditions may affect their performance. The ranged combat check ensures that you hit the target and don't injure the animal.
What clothes are best for walking hunting?
Clothing should be silent (not rustle), warm, waterproof and breathable. The best option is membrane clothing in camouflage colors, selected according to the principle of multi-layering.
Good preparation before a hunt takes more time than the act of harvesting itself, but it is what determines whether you return with a trophy and in safety.