I get a lot of questions from new hunters about what gear I carry into the field every season. If you read The Beginner’s Guide to Upland Hunting – Part 2, you may have a good idea of what gear I consider essential on my hunts. Much of the gear I use is affordable or can be acquired secondhand. You don’t have to go broke and a lot this can be acquired over time and will last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
Here’s a peek at the gear I am using for the 2017 California Upland Opener:
Guns & Ammo, etc.
Ithaca Model 37 (12 Gauge)
Remington 870 Express (12 Gauge), w/extra chokes
Federal Ammunition “Game Load” #6, 1 oz
Federal Ammunition “Heavy Field Load” #6, 1-1/4 oz
Cleaning Rod, Cleaning Tools and patches
Buck Knives 194 Skinner (discontinued)
Clothing
Shooting Glasses
Filson Tin Gamebag (Classic Version)
Under Armour Tech Shirt (x3)
Under Armour Compression Shorts (x3)
Dickies Carpenter Pants (Duck Canvas)
Orvis Kevlar Lined Upland Gloves
Orvis Water Bottle Holder
Redwings “Irish Setter” Non-Insulated Boots
Bandanas (2 to 3)
Gadgets
Android Note w/ OnX Hunt Maps
GoPro Hero5
GoPro Batteries (x2)
GoPro Head Mount
Black Diamond Headlamp
Extra AAA batteries
Weaver 10×42 Binoculars
BLM/Forest/Trail Maps
Comfort & Sleepy Time
Foldable Camp Chair
Sleeping Bag
Hudson Bay wool throw blanket
Traditional Mexican Falsa blanket
Camp Cooking
Igloo Wheelie Cool
Coleman Triton Stove
Coleman Propane Bottles (x2)
Box of matches
Lodge Cast Iron Pan
Cooking Tongs/Spatula
Reusable Plastic Plates and Utensils
Ceramic Enamel Camping Pot and Mugs
Stanley 24 oz Classic Food Jar
Two 20 oz water bottles
Frozen Gallon of Water
Coleman LED Camp Lamp
Large ZipLoc Bags
Latex Gloves
Trash Bags
CYA Gear
Basic First Aid Kit
Ibuprofen
Allergy Medicine
Tweezers
Eye Glasses
Eye Glass Repair Kit
Extra Rx Contacts
Basic Tool Kit
The above gear fits easily in two duffel bags (aside from the shotguns, which have their own cases). Quail Camp is a 2-3day excursion for me and I carefully plan out meals and ensure that I bring enough water, which is especially needed on those warm early season days in October. As mentioned in a previous blog entry, it is a great idea to create a checklist for all your gear, before your upland hunting trip. This will help ensure you do not forget loading any gear into your vehicle. just check it off as it is loaded!
God Bless and Happy Hunting!
-J.R.
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