What do new hunters need?

rral22 said:
Lots of good advice about your personal stuff. I just want to add a thought about your son.

Taking him along is obviously a great idea, but you must be very careful to make sure he never loses his enthusiasm on any given trip. If HE is cold, tired, or uncomfortable he may very well decide he doesn't like hunting after all. Make sure he is at least as well equipped for dealing with the weather and conditions as you are. He needs good well fitting boots too, as well as all the other clothing that will work for him. He has less body mass than you, and will need even better insulation to stay comfortable. Do NOT scrimp on his stuff. Don't think some old clothing he wore last winter will "do for now".

The second thought is that you must be sure that whatever trip you have planned is within his physical capabilities. Hunting can be physically demanding, especially if you are only 4 feet tall with short legs and little stamina, and you do not want him to experience a trip that is more than a 7 year old can handle. That may mean that he must not go with you unless you know for sure the trip will be easy enough for him to handle. There is nothing wrong with explaining to him that he is just no "old enough" to go on this one, but next time he will get to come. He must always be left "wanting more"; he must never be allowed to become frustrated, or cold, or exhausted at 7 years of age, if you want him to become a hunter. So you must be very careful to evaluate your plans before you let him come along. As an inexperienced hunter, I think you should be very careful introducing your son to the sport until you yourself know enough about what hunting is all about so you can be sure his experiences are always positive. At seven, maybe he should wait until next year before you take him out unless you know for sure the hunt will be within his capabilities, or that you will modify your own expectations of the hunt to accommodate his size and strength.
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best answer so far
 
Some great answer for sure have been said. For clothing here is my take ( I started out about 3 years ago)

Rocky boots for hiking - warm and some what waterproof. well priced so they don't break the bank

Under armour for a base layer or a brand similar to it

Fleece/Wool secondary layer - I use this layer when the temps start to drop

Jeans or Camo cargo pants and a sweater/t-shirt again it depends on the time of year season

Outer layer - I use Rocky reversible jacket (camo one side and blaze orange the other) and Rocky pants/bibs in camo

Socks - Gloves - Hats are next and warm is best. I hate cold toes, fingers and ears. It will make a hunt go bad fast when you get cold

Then comes all the other stuff, backpacks, vests, face paints, balaclava etc......

Oh and as a father with a 7 year old I can tell you that 1 - 1 1/2 hr seems to be the max. I have taking him goose/duck hunting on the river (Rideau river in Kemptville) and deer hunting on our property. We have slowly got him clothes over the last year or so in camo, he thinks it looks cool. For the most part our hunts are out of blinds so clothing really doesn't make much of a difference. As long as you and him are warm/comfy you will enjoy the time outdoors.

Matt
 
Dress to stay warm and dry. You probably have those clothes/boots already.

For 'hunting gear' for rabbit & grouse, the list is very short. Gun, a way to carry birds/rabbits while hunting (backpack, vest, etc.), and a knife to gut/clean your kill.
 
I stopped carrying binoculars altogether where I hunt, I rarely ever used them and rarely was in an open enough area to need them.
 
I find normal wool irritating for a base layer, so I use polypro for base layer incl socks.
Cabelas USA sells it in talls and large foot sizes, don't know about Cabelas Canada.

Polar fleece for mid-layer.
 
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