$1000 to spend on gear...whats important?

[anglo-saxon]

You said you bought a rifle package, so I assume you already have a scope, etc.

Here's what I'd spend the $550 on if I was just starting out.

1. Decent pair of boots ("OK" just ain't good enough in my book). I got a great pair of HiTec hikers with a half shank on sale for $150. Something like this would do you, but you can do better if you shop around: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwe...boots-mens.jsp

2. A good jacket with a removable thermal liner. Waterproof/windproof. ($200) An on-sale example: http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storef...rod269679.html

3. Merino wool underwear (LS shirt and long-johns) ($120) http://www.essentialapparel.com/mens...ool+base+layer

4. A reasonable pair of binoculars (you're not going to get anything fancy on your budget): An example on sale at Canadian Tire for $50: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en I have a pair and they're not bad.

5. Spend the rest on two or three pairs of excellent socks. By far, Lorpens are my favourite for anyting down to -15C. Your feet are your best frined in the bush. Having said that, your hands run a close second. So once you've spent all your money also get a decent pair of gloves next pay day.

You'll pick up gear as you go. I'd stongy recommend you also eventually get:

1. A decent knife ($50-$75), plus a good sharpener.
2. A good day pack for all of your bits and pieces (or put together a decent "belt kit", which is what I prefer.
3. A head light for those late days.
4. A chest spreader.
5. etc, etc. (you'll never be done).

[KodiakHntr]

I'll say it again. Binoculars first. Cheap rifle. Slightly less cheap scope (redfield or something). Binoculars FIRST. Blow your budget on bino's.

Hunt in walmart hikers if you have to. Spend $4 on a box cutter. Use your work gloves and clothes. Bino's FIRST. Can't kill anything if you can't find it.

Don't buy a pos savage package gun. Buy a Huskie with a scope on it from Tradex or borrow one from a buddy.

Bino's first.

[ianwuzhere]

wow- great gift.. does she have a sister hehe..
i think a decent set of binos and bino buddys are good. maybe a good pack..
if i could do it all over again and if your serious about hunting- dont buy gear from places like walmart. youll just replace it very soon. i would spend the extra on quality gear, especially rain gear, and good boots.
but after u spend it all make sure u get her "just cuz shes awesome" flowers!!

[bruin]

I'd have to agree, other than a gun, they're probably the most used piece of hunting equipment. Cheap out on everyday clothes if you have to but bino's are irreplacable.

[Weatherby Fan]

So first of all, I wanted to say that my wife is incredible. We've been trying to sell her wedding dress, and when we started advertising it, she said, and I kid you not "Whatever we get for it is yours to spend on gear". Score!

So anyways, I now have $1000.00 to spend on gear, and aside from an OK pair of boots and a knife, I have nothing. I found a good deal on a savage 111 package, which after taxes will leave me with roughly $550. so I have to spend on the necessities. What should I spend my money on?

Ok with $1000.00 budget this is what I would buy to get going,
Used rifle 30-06 Husky 5000 $400
Used Leupold VX3 $300
Trail crest Fleece Camo $50 you can always skip the camo and get a cheap daypack.
Wyoming saw 2 $60
Victorianox knife and sheath $25
Rocky Boots-with gortex $165

All you need now is a box of shells and hunting licence and tags your good to go,your next purchase should be a good set of binoculars.

PM me if you need a hand with any of this stuff.
WF

PS sounds like you have a great gal there,better take care of her !

[hunter1993ap]

dont bother with rain gear. its better to be wet and uncomfortable than loud. work clothes and jackets you have now are good. binos are good if you hunt open areas but if you stay in the bush they dont have to be great. just get a good scope and use it instead of binos joking around of course. in my eyes get a used rifle set up thats decent quality. get a knife around $45. your going to find this hobby is very expensive!

[BiG Boar]

You're going to want this gear as a minimum for day hunts, or even weekend hunts. I would start by collecting all of this gear as cheaply as possible, you probably have a lot of it already, and can always upgrade later.



GEAR LIST Checklist for Day Trip

Stuff that comes with me when hunting

On my person or in pockets:

Gun
8 bullets and magazine full
wind checker bottle
S.P.O.T.
GPS
Digital camera
Rangefinder
Binoculars

In my small day pack:

Two heavy duty garbage bags (will work as game bags for pack out)
One large zip-loc bags with water proof or bic Lighter in it(for grouse, organs, etc)
20ft strong light cord
Choice of Jerky, instant oatmeal, instant soup, granola bars
500-1000ml water depending on availablity
Headlamp with all electronics using the same type of batteries so no extras needed
spotting scope
Short lightweight tripod
Compass
TP as marking tape
Olfa Knife w/one extra blade
Electrical tape wrapped around end of barrel
Small first aid kid w/ tenser bandage, butterfly and regular bandaids, gauze, Mole skin, coagulating powder, tylenol, tums, Space Blanket, krazy glue vial, medication
2 feet of duct tape rolled up (emergency fix)
rain poncho or packable rain gear
Tags w/ LEH's and gun registration
2 inch square of rubber inner tube (awesome firestarter even wet)


Optional gear (Check list to see if anything is needed prior to leaving):

Season appropriate Gloves
Season appropriate hat
Lightweight saw
Animal Scents
Game Calls
Snare wire
paperback novel
Sat. Phone
Spare socks
Shooting Stix
Hiking poles
Accessories for walking stick/hiking poles (rubber end caps)
Bear spray
Gaiters
water purification tabs (area pending)
trail cam
Sunglasses
Wet Wipes
Radios (for someone walking you into an animal)
camo face/bug net
Siltarp for overnight emergency, but have garbage bags also for emergency cover
Whiskey
Swiss army knife or multi tool
Camcorder
Dog tracking collars

If you print this out and keep it with you're gear you will never go without. Or save it into the notes section of your cell phone so you can check off the list and go hunting knowing you'll be okay.




Not neccesary if main list is brought

Knife sharpener – you got two olfa blades, easy to sharpen with a break off blade

Matches – bring a waterproof lighter or flint and steel as they are more reliable

spare batts – use all electronics with interchangeable batteries

extra knife – have extra olfa blades, weighs too much

extra headlamp – lights are a luxury, 1 is plenty

Spare Jacket or Hoodie – dress in wool layers before you leave

Bore snake and bore light – shoe lace or paracord will work to remove debris from barrel

Reflector vest – this isnt alberta

flagging tape – use tp as its bio degradable

Game bags cheese cloth – you’ve got two garbage bags
that will work to get your meat to camp

scalpal knife and blades (in case I get something worth mounting) – olfa will work in an emergency

hatchet – why not bring a chainsaw

keys – leave at camp or at truck under a rock

map – GPS and back up compass will get you to a road

can of spam – shoot a rat if you’re that hungry

tea light candles – rubber tubing is lighter and burns long as well

Whistle – something you should learn

A spoon – this isn’t a sit down dinner, drink your soup like a cup

Disposable rubber gloves – man up, its only blood, unless wolf hunting

stove and fuel A blue enamel mug - shouldn’t need for 1 day away from main camp

lens cloth – use your shirt, or just clean before you leave camp

sleeping bag – should have enough clothes to stay dry and warm next to a fire over night

survival kit in a can – your daypack is this

fishing line with 3 or 4 hooks – 20 days before you starve to death

[Bc Deer Hunter]

with the remaining 550 i would get, good set of binos, good frame backpack, and a set of wallmart hikers. Work clothes are completly fine! and use a pillow case to pack the meat out, not a garbage bag they have chemicals that can mix with the meat and do not allow the meat to breath. Good luck with your purchases!!

[hunter1993ap]

big bore you have a lot of gear!! i would be lost if someone told me i needed that much stuff, especially if i was just starting hunting. i have some of the stuff on your list but theres a good portion you dont need.

[Fella]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to offer their advice!