Hunting has been one of the main activities from ancient times to today. In the primitive communal system, it was almost the only way to feed yourself and your family. Ancient people used primitive equipment and weapons such as stones, slings, sticks, spears, spear throwers, organized collective raids, and built hunting pits. In our post-industrial world, people do not hunt for food and survival, although in some far-flung corners of our vast planet, some peoples and tribes still live by such primitive laws. Nowadays, it is more of a sport, a passion, and a way to pump adrenaline. Evolution touches everything in its path. And hunting weapons and equipment are no exception. After all, for the most part, your success depends on what you bring to the game. With the help of appropriate aids, you expand your capabilities when hunting games, including at dusk and night.
As you know, night hunting is an activity to which humanity, as a biological species, is not adapted. We can see well, hear well, and smell well. However, this is enough for our lives. When hunting at night, more is needed. However, inventors have coped with this challenge, so we have enough auxiliary equipment to compensate for our imperfections.
Even though many challenges and inconveniences accompany night hunting, interest in it has grown. Some people motivate it with sporting interest, while others specialize in regulating the population of certain species. For example, wild boars have this flaw, and their excessive numbers can threaten the ecosystem. There are also more exotic and possibly even dangerous species of animals that can be hunted at night, such as coyotes, wild cats, wolves, etc. Of course, before you go for a night game, you should check the laws of the state you are going to hunt because ignorance of the law does not exempt you from liability.
A modern hunter's kit includes a large number of tools that have different prices and purposes of use. Even though you have to spend money on a high-quality rifle, scope, thermal imager, night vision devices, etc., there will always be simple things that cannot be written off. After all, an ordinary knife and mosquito spray are also small steps towards a comfortable stay and hunting in the forest.
Here's a list of criteria you should consider when choosing equipment. Strength, durability, lightness, ease of use, mobility, versatility, etc.
The first two are essential, not only when choosing guns or optics. This applies to all hunting equipment. The weight of the equipment is also of great importance. Especially if you plan to hunt on foot. Carrying an extra 20 kg is not convenient at all. Fortunately, modern technology allows us to combine durability with lightweight optimally. Comfort is primarily about clothing and footwear. Shoes should not rub, and clothes should not restrict movement. Comfortable clothing will allow you to move quickly, and seconds often make all the difference when hunting. Versatility allows you to use the same things while hunting in different seasons or weather conditions, saving you extra money and space in your backpack.
Create a list you will follow during the preparation phase for more comfort. Before each game, use it to make sure you have everything you need. After the hunt, you can make notes on it about what needs to be updated or repaired. This will save you time and nerves, and you will be sure you have everything you need at the crucial moment.
List of Night Hunting Gear
Look at examples of things you will need during a night hunt.
Weapons
First of all, you need a suitable hunting rifle. It can be either a rifled or smoothbore weapon or, in some cases, something more extravagant like a bow or crossbow. Many hunters want to avoid reloading, so this is a good option. Get a weapon that does not make much noise because night animals are usually more shy than day animals, so excessive noise can scare away the animals you are hunting. Once again, pay attention to the laws and regulations governing hunting in the state where the hunt will occur.
Clothing and footwear
These are essential elements of equipment because the hunter's adaptability to the environment and his comfort play a key role in his ability to hunt in general. Clothes should be strong, comfortable, durable, and provide a comfortable temperature because it's no secret that even in the warmest latitudes, the difference between day and night temperatures can be sharp and unpleasant. Choose pants and jackets made of materials that will not create additional sound during your movement. Give preference to natural materials. These things do not hinder your activities while they breathe or warm you if necessary. It is also equally important that your clothes are moisture resistant because if you get completely wet, you will not only fail to catch prey but also undermine your health for a long time and lose the ability to hunt.
In addition to the above properties, footwear should protect the hunter's feet from mechanical damage, ideally by securely fixing the lower leg to avoid the risk of twisting or pulling the leg when moving recklessly at night.
Regardless of the time of year, having a hat that will prevent you from catching a cold or, on the contrary, protect you from sunstroke is advisable.
Whether you plan to stay in the woods for several days, it's always a good idea to change clothes. Your hunting kit will be dirty, sweaty, or even stained with blood. Therefore, this is also an important rule that should be addressed.
First aid kit
This is a must-have whether you hunt in the dark or not. You are still stepping into territory that you may need to learn better. At best, you're afraid of scratching yourself on a rock or twisting your ankle over a tree root. But hunters can tell you many stories when a well-organized first aid kit saves their lives or the lives of their companions.
Applying only hydrogen peroxide and plaster with a bandage is not enough. Remember that it is always good to have ammonia (again, situations can be unpredictable), head pills, or poison control.
Hunting knives
Hunting knives are suitable for cutting up the prey you have pursued. They can handle various tasks, such as skinning games, cutting ropes, sharpening sticks, etc.
Firestarter
Fire starters are good because they do not produce smoke and do not cause sudden flashes when lighting a fire. It may only sometimes be advisable to start a fire. But if you plan to stay in the forest for more than one day or if there is an emergency, this item will come in handy.
Flashlight
Flashlights are a separate topic for discussion. To begin with, there are different types of flashlights. They can be divided into two categories: those intended for hunting and those designed for household use.
The second option can light your way and stabilize your orientation in the dark. It illuminates your field of work when you have hunted game. Sometimes it can become your savior, which can be used to send an alarm and inform the search service about your location. It is advisable to use it when there are no people around who might be frightened by it. Or, of course, you can specifically use it for this purpose and blind the object.
Now let's talk about the first category of flashlights. They differ in their type of light, color, and place of use. For example, some lights are fixed in the daytime above the bait, so you can see your target when the game bites on the trick.
There are green and black lights. They are relevant when hunting, for example, deer or wild boars. After all, the pupils of these animals' eyes cannot distinguish the colors of these spectra. This is your advantage. You are close but camouflaged; you are compact and can see.
Many hunters have arguments about which color is better to use. We want to point out that this is entirely your choice. Just keep in mind that when you turn on and off a black flashlight, it's easier for your eyes to adapt to the change in lighting. At the same time, human eyes can distinguish more shades of green, which is the color primarily used in night vision devices.
Night vision devices
Talking about night hunting without mentioning night vision devices is surrealistic. The modern market can offer many options. Their classification is quite extensive. They differ by generation. We know about Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3. Each of them has its additional subspecies and improvements. The development and materials used in the production of this technology depend on the generation.
In addition, you will be guided by the structure of this device. There are the following options: monoculars, binoculars, goggles, and night vision sights. It is impossible to say a priori which one is better. After all, your choice will be based on your needs, preferences, comfort, and financial capabilities. You can always rely on the advice of experienced hunters, but everything is achieved only through practice.
Supplies
Our bodies need to be fed regularly. But in this matter, prioritize nutritious foods that can keep you full for a long time. Of course, everything should be hermetically sealed, and taking food in sealed tin cans is advisable, never in glass jars. They can be damaged and spill everything in your backpack.
We have already emphasized that it should be non-perishable food. But if we talk about a cold fall night, you will always need something hot. So make yourself some tea or coffee in a thermos. But coffee has a pungent aroma, so first, ensure you are not close to places where animals will be scared by a strange smell.
And, of course, having an ample supply of water with you is a good idea.
Rescue blanket
A reliable helper on cold nights. You can either wrap yourself in it or cover your ambush place when you have to wait on the ground for a long time.
Mosquito and tick repellent
This one is simple and self-explanatory. If you don't want to be distracted by itching, having this product with you is best. However, you also need to be very careful here and ask for products in specialized stores that will not only protect you from parasites but will also be able to mask your odor.
By the way, an important note! Do not wash clothes with powder or specific flavors. It remains on your clothes and will leave a trail behind you that animals can smell. It means nothing to your nose. But many hunts have been unsuccessful because of such a trifle.
Extras
A good phone with a strong signal and a map. Of course, having a printed version with you is always a good idea.
If you have a phone, there should be a power bank that will help maintain the charge level and will function at the right time.
Manok. This unique whistle can reproduce the sounds of wild animals to lure them to you.
Raincoat. This belongs to the category of clothing. But you do not need to take it with you if you know the weather forecast.
If you plan to stay in the forest, take a travel spatula. There are universal options that have teeth, like a saw, or are used instead of an ax.
Metal utensils. Don't pollute the environment with disposable tableware. You are coming back here, and no matter what you do, remember that by being tidy in the forest, you respect the animals.
A tent, a sleeping bag, or a futon can be helpful.
An additional battery for your devices.
In general, we know that it is impossible to foresee all situations. However, this was our list of indispensable and valuable things that should be in your pack when you go on a night hunt.