How to Prepare for a Family Hunting Trip: Your Ultimate Guide

Hunting is more than just a sport—it's an opportunity to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and create lasting memories with your family. But preparing for a family hunting trip requires careful planning, especially when considering the varying needs of each family member. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a first-timer, this guide will help ensure your hunting adventure is safe, fun, and successful. From adjusting your packing needs based on your specific variables, clothing considerations, essential gear, and tips for keeping it fun, we’ve got your hunting preparation covered!

Adjusting Your Packing List Based on Weather, Time of Year, and Target Animal

When it comes to packing for a hunting trip, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The location, weather, season, and the type of game you’re hunting all play crucial roles in determining what to bring.

Weather: If you're heading out during the colder months, pack layers, insulated jackets, and waterproof gear to stay warm and dry. In contrast, for warmer weather, breathable fabrics, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential.
Time of Year: Fall hunts might require blaze orange clothing to stay visible during hunting season, while spring hunts might demand camouflage that blends with the lush, green environment.
Animal: The animal you’re hunting also affects your packing. Larger game may require more specific gear like heavier calibers, stronger scopes, or special calls and decoys. Don’t forget properly fitting ear pro for every family member.

Planning your trip with these factors in mind will not only keep you prepared but will also make your hunt more efficient and enjoyable. For a complete list of essentials tailored to your specific trip, don’t forget to download our free Hunter's Packing List! (https://learn.fieldcraftsurvival.com/hunter-prep-weekend-sept-2024)

Clothing: Dress for Success in the Wild

Choosing the right clothing can make or break your hunting experience. Here are some key tips for selecting the best attire for your family:

Layers Are Key: Layering helps regulate your body temperature as conditions change throughout the day. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin, add insulating layers for warmth, and finish with waterproof outer layers to protect against the elements.
- Kids are less efficient at regulating their body temperature and thus more susceptible to temperature related discomfort. A good rule of thumb to follow is that children should be dressed in one extra layer than an adult would wear. This allows for that “shedding” that may occur and also allows for considerations like moving in and out of vehicles and carseats/seatbelts.
- You can reference this blog post for more details on dressing children for colder weather: https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/blog/how-to-dress-...
Camouflage: Matching your camouflage to your surroundings can significantly improve your success rates. Ensure everyone in the family is outfitted with appropriate camo that matches the environment and target species.
Safety Gear: Bright orange vests or hats are essential during hunting season to ensure your family’s visibility to other hunters. Make sure everyone understands the importance of wearing these items at all times.
- It can often be tricky to find gear locally that fits smaller children, so ordering these items in advance in their proper sizing is a helpful way to avoid having to hunt for gear, and lets you instead focus on hunting animals. It also allows time for younger children to become familiarized with their gear, and the reason behind why this gear matters, which helps to solidify the learning experience, and makes them more apt to oblige in wearing said gear.

Essential Gear: What You Can’t Leave Behind

Having the right gear is critical for a successful hunt. Here’s a list of must-have items to include in your packing:

Hunting Licenses and Tags: Always double-check that everyone has the necessary licenses and tags before heading out, some states/locations even require children to have a basic license, don’t skip over that part!
Firearms and Ammunition: Ensure that firearms are in good working condition and that you have sufficient ammunition. It’s also crucial to teach family members about firearm safety and handling.
Optics: A good pair of binoculars and a reliable scope are invaluable for spotting game from a distance.
Med Kit: Accidents happen, so a well-stocked med kit is essential. Include items like bandages, antiseptics, and any personal medications. Emergency equipment like tourniquets, bleeding control kits, burn dressing, and chest seals all deserve their proper place in your loadout.
Navigation Tools: While GPS devices and satellite devices are handy, always pack a physical map and compass as a backup.
Game Processing Gear: If you’re planning on processing your game in the field, bring knives, game bags, and gloves.

Snacks: Keep Energy Levels Up

Hunting can be physically demanding, and keeping your energy up is crucial—especially for younger hunters who may tire easily. Pack a variety of high-energy snacks that are easy to eat on the go:

Protein-Rich Foods: Jerky, nuts, and protein bars are great for providing sustained energy.
Quick Carbs: Granola bars, dried fruits, and trail mix are excellent for quick energy boosts.
Hydration: Pack plenty of water and consider adding electrolyte tablets or drinks to keep everyone hydrated.
Fun Treats: Include some fun snacks like chocolate or gummy bears to keep spirits high, especially for the kids. I love having smaller treats that I can make a game out of to help the time pass. A gummy bear everytime we hear a turkey? Kids love these kinds of memories!

Making It Fun: Engage the Whole Family

The key to a successful family hunting trip is ensuring that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, has a great time. Here are some tips to keep the experience enjoyable:

Teach and Learn Together: Use the trip as an opportunity to teach your kids about wildlife, conservation, and hunting ethics. Involve them in setting up camp, tracking, and even calling the game. I invest in field guides for our area when my children are young, and let them bring the book along anytime they have the opportunity to identify flora or fauna. They can also use the pages to save and press foliage.
Create Traditions: Whether it's a special meal cooked over the campfire or a family photo at the end of the day, traditions make the experience memorable.
Games and Challenges: Keep kids engaged by turning tasks into games or challenges, like spotting the first deer or finding animal tracks. Having a small and simple pencil and notebook will also allow children to document the things they see.
Comfort Matters: Make sure everyone is comfortable. This includes packing camp chairs, warm blankets,feet or hand warmers, and even a favorite card game for downtime. You can find plenty of travel friendly sized supplies these days, and kids can carry small backpacks with the “fun supplies”.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Preparing for a family hunting trip takes time, but the reward of shared experiences and connections with nature is priceless. Want to learn more about planning a successful hunt? Join us at our next Hunter's Prep Course in Tabiona, Utah, on September 27-29! This course will cover everything you need to know, from safety and gear selection to tracking and processing game. Plus, there’s an optional cow elk hunt to put your new skills to the test.

And before you head out, make sure you have everything you need by downloading our free Hunter's Packing List. It’s packed with all the essentials tailored to your specific hunt, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the wild throws your way.

Ready to gear up and make some memories? Check out our Hunter's Prep Course and download your free packing list today!