Thread: What does a new hunter need?

Originally Posted by Madridista22

Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.

My only concern with clothing would be to avoid all the thin super lightweight macpac type trendy gear as it won't last 5mins in a bush hunting scenario , boots included. Others may possibly disagree but I went through all this with my family , the missus in particular as all her tramping friends use that type gear and I was proven correct in... well...5mins of bush hunting.

You don't need flash stuff...or at least you didn't 50 years ago...

Originally Posted by Madridista22

Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.

For tops, a 3-layer system is effective
Merino baselayer/ thermal type thing
polarfleece windbreak mid-layer for warmth and a top waterproof coat layer

Adjust according to temperature
Good waterproof coats can be had from the army surplus guys cheaply

I'd recommend starting out with a surplus one first and not rush out and spend 600 odd on a Swazi straight away

Someone will be along shortly with a surplus recommendation


And always hunt into the wind if you can

Deer will wonder what you look like and wonder what that noise is but one whiff of you and they'll bolt in most cases

Not said yet but as a starter please do get a PLB! This little bad boy might just save your life!

As said above learn map reading and compass work there’s plenty of google ways to learn this!

Good case for your phone water proof if you can and then get the topo map app! When using this there’s a few tricks so it won’t drain your battery one is put it in flight mode and shut down all your other apps. But make sure you mark and check your progress on the other paper map!

If you have a place that is going to be a regular hunting ground then get that map laminated.

Try and find someone that has shot a few and tag along. Even if your just to help carry the meat out if your successful

Learn the art of bush stalking....as you have no doubt seen they can be closer than you think.

Clothes: use the search engine on here and have a good look through. There’s loads of stuff. Boots that fit and are comfortable and are suitable for the area you are hunting. Mountains are different to bush in that bush hunting you can use a lot lighter boot. Sometime you have both in the same area.
A good rain coat! Also a good water bottle and a filter if your in a Giardia area....you don’t want this

Again use the search engine to look for light weight cooking gear!
Some of the flys these days are brilliant.
But again all this can come latter.
Join NZDA do the hunt course this will give you a huge step up.
Rifles and scope and bins have been covered.
Hope this helps......don’t forget the PLB have fun ah

Just join the local nzda and get a good mentor to take you out and show you the ropes. Good boots sleeping bag and pack is what I’d be doing. As funds allow get some good binoculars and don’t skimp. You can shoot deer with any old thing as mentioned above. Get used to walking long distances carrying weight. Get hard and fit. Get hard mentally too. Push yourself.

What's wrong with the super tough CCC stubbies, I wear them almost year round if it gets super cold some thermals under do the trick. Just rfemember not everyone thinks Merino is the bees knees I don't as I can't wear it and its damn expensive too.

Originally Posted by 308

And always hunt into the wind if you can

Deer will wonder what you look like and wonder what that noise is but one whiff of you and they'll bolt in most cases

This for me as a beginner was huge, because when I started I didn't have deer hunting mates to pass that sort of wisdom along. I knew they used their noses, but had no concept of quite how much the deer relied on their sense of smell. Their eyesight is pretty good too, especially for movement. So take advantage of that invite to tag along with your mates, there is a bit to learn. And then join/do the Deerstalkers Assn Hunts Course, well worth it as it covers clothing, equipment, maps, rifles etc.

And clothes wise, you don't "really need" camo. If you are in open country, staying downwind and low to the ground helps lots. If you are in the bush, finding sign, and slowing down hugely and looking lots will help.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Madridista22

Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.

I wouldn't over think it at this stage. You may not like or be any good at hunting. I would go for some un armed game spotting trips first before buying gear. If your heart races and pounds in your chest when you see a deer and when you sneak in close then hunting is for you. If there is no buzz and you dont like being in the hills it might not be your thing.

Learn to read the weather forcasts a few days ahead and river level data from ecan web sites.Watch the good weather coming over from Australia,gives you a good idea whats coming from here and the southerlys coming up with the cold weather.Good weather makes hunting more enjoyable.Deer stalkers association clubs a very good place to learn as well.

always buy good quality gear, doesnt have to be a name brand. good boots are a must! even 2nd hand ones (ask sarvo)
and best of all is a hunting mate you can trust

Originally Posted by Madridista22

Hey guys, so I am completely new to all things hunting and am looking at getting into it for a hobby as well as to stock a freezer. I have never had any experience in hunting or shooting anything other than rabbits. I am planning on getting some basic tramping gear and going on some hunts with my cousins and friends to watch without shooting and get some experience and will buy more gear as I go along to be able to hunt by myself. I was wondering what sort of gear I will need and any recommendations on the types of gear or good brands that are good to have with you. I'm thinking of doing both day trips and multiday trips and mainly going after deer but really I'm just looking to start building up the basic gear to get started. If anybody can help it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Items/brands that are possibly the best despite being relatively cheap:

Mora knife- If you are prone to losing/dropping things get a pink or orange one(or both!), get a stone and learn how to sharpen

Opinel knife for backup

Aliexpress titanium gas stoves with pot supports (buy three and you are still less than half of a fancy MSR cooker)

Casio digital watch (waterproof and accurate yet replaceable)

Vortex binos (cheap, come with a harness and will retain some value, forever warranty)

Silva Compass (get one 'baseplate' type one for map reading and a watch strap one for taking bearings)

Osprey backpack (get a bigger one, secondhand)

Do not ever skimp on:

Quality wool Socks

Sphur Hunting series (not tactical) scope mounts

GPS (Garmin Marine are my pick, they are accurate and float!)

Join NZDA, do their HUNTS course. It's not the kind of thing I'd normally do, but was advised to on this forum when I asked the same question as you a year or so ago.

It was the best thing ever in terms of getting started. You don't need the kit to do it, I didn't even have a rifle as my license took a while to come through.

When it did come through, I went to Reloaders Supplies where after some discussion with the guy got sold a rifle that I needed rather than the one I thought I wanted. I remain pleased that I took the advice - which is a long way around of saying "Find a decent gun shop".

Start small, work your way up as you find what you need.

And being able to find your way around in bush is far more part of making it all work than I realised.

Edit: and to level up quicker, pay someone like Paul Carmine to spend a couple of hours with you and your rifle getting you and your shooting sorted out, plus all sorts of hunting advice.

Originally Posted by Madridista22

Thanks for all the quick replies, I'm learning a lot. How about clothing and backpacks? I'm not sure what types I would need e.g. fleeces, pants, base layers and waterproofs. Would it be better to get expensive stuff (hoping that it will last a long time) or just cheap out? I know to get a decent pair of boots but unsure about all other clothing.

Personally I wouldn’t cheap out on packs, boots and waterproofs, especially down where you live.

Waterproofs can save your life in shit conditions and also act as windproof layers, if you have shit boots you’ll regret every step you take in them, and getting the right pack is key to being able to make the most of your time hunting. Get one fitted for you in a store if you can.

Originally Posted by mimms2

To up your shooting skills, a .22 and a shitload of ammo. All ranges, all weather.

"Shooting rabbits" may or may not have been good practice... were you head shooting them? Stalking them?
.

And here's where the humble .223 comes into its own. If you have access to plentiful bunny hunting areas, then once you are happy tipping over bunnies @ 200- 250m then Deer become big big targets.

"what you need" has pretty well been covered over the last couple of pages ....just to add you need an old codger to be camp mother ,cook big feeds for you , show you how to sharpen your knife keep the campfire going and pass on his local knowledge around said campfire ...... alot of guys had their father to do that for them .....some of us didnt ....so dont be shy if an old grizzled hunter offers to take you bush ......take every opportunity you never go away without having learnt something