Most important gear on a hunt

[Michigander1]

So I was watching Jim shockeys show and he asked what are the 3 most important pieces of gear you take on a hunt. I thought it was an interesting question and I know it varies by the type of hunt your on but I liked the question. What do all of you think is important. My 3 choices were easy.
1. My Leica geovids
2. The best rain gear I can afford
3. My dad. Hunts just suck if he isn't there.

 

[Rick Richard]

Rangefinder - don't want to guess at extended ranges
Bipod - stability to ensure good shot placement
Boots - well supported and dry feet

 

[Sykes]

Boots- get you there
Binos- help find game
Clothing- keeps you there

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Top 3 are rifle, ammo, boots.

 

[gusd]

Your clothes.
Your boots.
And your motorcycle!

 

[Michigander1]

Boots are on my short list also. Ive found there isn't too many things that drag me down more than being wet for the entire hunt.

 

[Capt RB]

rifle full mag and knife. Everything clothing is a given

 

[VernAK]

Interesting post....please state why a certain item is on the list.

 

[BHP9]

Besides the obvious rifle/ammo, good footwear and clothing.

Map & compass with GPS (batteries dies and you forgot replacements)
Fire starter and flame - you may stay overnight.
Snacks.

 

[Birdoguy]

A very interesting question that invokes memories. Some 60+ years ago my Grandfather gave me $200 to purchase "Hunting Equipment" for an upcoming hunt.
Also, he asked me to list my top three items that I was going to purchase, prior to spending the money? (Note: Long Range Hunting was not an option for the Michigan woods)
After some discussion he presented (his) top three:
1. Best boots that I could find.
2. Quality clothing (wool being the option at the time)
3. Best Optics (Binoculars) I could afford with the money remaining. (Weaver or Lyman scopes were gaining popularity but still not considered necessary)

Now that I reside in Arizona, and have done my share of hunting, I would reverse
2 & 3 ( Plus, I would have to pony up about $2000 for "my" grandson)

In some ways times change and in some they don't.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Well there are only three items that are permanently stored in my day pack; compass, fire starter kit and a polypropylene layer. Any thing else I may carry gets rotated into my day pack depending on circumstances.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Besides accurate method of take (rifle/bow)….

1. Optics
2. Tripod
3. Rangefinder

I can hunt in running shoes or boots. I can hunt in shorts, blue jeans, or Carhartts. But if I can't find the game or know how far they are....I am just taking my rifle/bow for a nice hike or drive.

I live/hunt in AZ and the southwest though, so not those 150 yard max shots like back east for the most part. Glass them up from 2+ miles away and go get them.

 

[Hawryluk]

1 best boots you can afford!!!
2 good pack to carry your gear/game
3 buy once cry once and get a good pair of binos

 

[Elkeater]

Other than a weapon and tag, Good boots, knife, rangefinder.

Boots. If my feet are taken care of I can hunt. If my feet are miserable I have a hard time hunting hard.

Knife. So many uses

Rangefinder. Many shots were not taken prior to me owning a good rangefinder because I didn't know the range and couldn't risk a bad shot.