Hunting Season Must-Haves with Alex Templeton

The absolute best time to start getting ready for the upcoming bow season is….now! The last thing you want is to be scrambling days or hours before a hunting trip trying to test out new gear, find your boots, or fletch your arrows. As hunters, we owe it to the wild game we pursue to be adequately prepared so that when the moment of truth presents itself, we are able to make a clean, quick shot. I encourage every hunter, both new and experienced, to keep a running list of their gear of choice. This list differs for every hunter, based on personal preferences, the type of hunt in question, location, etc. However I’m excited to share a few of my personal favorites that I’ve accrued over my 10+ years bow hunting. The gear we use can make or break a hunting experience, so here’s my list of go-to’s!

Clothing 

I’ve been wearing SITKA Gear for almost my entire bow hunting career. Being a woman, wearing gear that is specifically created for my size and needs is something that is extremely important to me. I never realized how important it was to me personally until I actually started wearing it. SITKA is created to be worn in “systems” meaning each individual piece of gear works together in order to improve the overall experience while in the field. I have specific systems for early season whitetail hunting at home here in Missouri, systems for late season goose hunting, and for bow hunting elk in the rut. I rely on different systems for different pursuits. The point is, your clothing shouldn’t be looked at as “once size fits all” for different people and different styles of hunting. The SITKA System Builder is a great resource for building out exactly what you need for the type of pursuit you’ll be participating in.

Visit Sitka Gear to learn more.

Optics 

In 99% of all hunting scenarios, you’ll want your eyes doing most of the work. Scouting, glassing, and overall just observing the game that you’re hunting is incredibly important. So good glass means less eye strain and a better chance at seeing your prey before it sees you. I have been using Leupold optics for several years now and not only is the glass amazing quality, but the company itself is top notch.

Scope out Leupold to learn more.

Tools 

I think it goes without saying that anything can happen, both good or bad, on a hunt. The entire point of this is to encourage fellow hunters to be prepared for anything, and that doesn’t end when the hunt itself begins. You can always count on one tool being in my pack, the Leatherman Wave® Plus.  I’ve been there, a few miles from the truck, bow hunting elk, and I start hearing something rattling as I’m walking. I instantly grab my bow, tapping on it to find where the rattling is coming from. Lo and behold, my site was loose. Being able to make adjustments in the field to my equipment is very important when it comes to being prepared for whatever is thrown my way. I literally don’t leave my house without a Leatherman, so going into the treestand, goose blind,  or into the elk mountains is no exception. 

What makes the Wave® Plus a Leatherman® favorite? Watch an Engineer Explain.

Boots

Much like clothing, your footwear can and will make or break your hunt. I cannot recommend enough to find what boots work for you and start wearing them weeks or even months before your hunt. The last thing you want is to be getting blisters from trying to break in a pair while actually on a hunt, or to find out the boots you chose weren’t actually as warm as you thought. LaCrosse Footwear has been my top choice because of their many different options. I don’t goose hunt in the same boots I mule deer hunt in.  And I don’t have to because of all the different choices they offer. The fact that there’s a ton of women’s options just makes it even better. 

Trek on over to LaCrosse Footwear for more info.

Weapon

The best way to find a bow for yourself is to go your local archery shop and shoot every bow they have. Find one that fits the best for you and stick with that. For me, that’s always been a Mathews. I’m currently shooting the PRIMA, their newest bow for women and for those with a shorter draw length. It’s fast and insanely quiet. It’s super smooth to draw and it just fits my body better than any other bow I’ve shot. It’s important to feel connected with your weapon of choice. And knowing my bow like the back of my hand has definitely increased my odds of success.

Shoot on over to Mathews Inc for more info.

One Last Tip

There’s infinite amounts of gear out there. And even more resources and reviews on that gear. The absolute BEST tip I can give is to get whatever gear is within your means and use the heck out of it before crunch time. Put in the work to find out what works best for you. Take risks before the hunt actually begins, create your own must-have lists and never stop trying new things trying to perfect it. Utilize articles, podcasts and social media to educate yourself, but nothing in this world can top actually getting out there and testing things yourself. Be smart, be safe, and hunt hard! Good luck this season! 

Check out Leatherman’s top multi-tool picks for bow, rifle, or shotgun hunting to see what else we have available!