Must haves for a rookie

[GreatWhiteHunter]

Baby wipes.

 
 

[vandeman17]

Its funny because baby wipes are high on my list. It goes license, tag, rifle, boots, jacket, baby wipes because it is inevitable that as soon as I get a few miles back in the woods... 

[huntlakewood]

Good boots, Dry plus rain pants ( I loved mine this year wish I could afford to buy a couple more) Nice coat/rain coat, Socks, Baby wipes,

[elksnout]

A quality sleeping bag appropriate for the weather conditions and a decent cot. A dry, warm camp at night. I can hunt all day in any weather if I know I can get warm and dry at the end of the day. And don't forget the PILLOW!! And baby wipes. Hunters don't let hunters leave home without them!!   

[kglacken]

For the area I hunt in Idaho.....
1. Gloves
2. Hand warmers
3. Good Boots
4. Snow gear
5. Binoculars and covers
You can have the best gun and ammo but if you are too cold, not comfy, or cant see the deer, it won't do you any good! Best of luck on your trip!

[Armadillo]

c'mon guys.. first time! Just tell him to shove some TP in his back pocket, load his gun, strap on some cheap bushnells and have at it. Is this a for sure thing that he'll be doing again and again? 

[Todd_ID]

c'mon guys.. first time! Just tell him to shove some TP in his back pocket, load his gun, strap on some cheap bushnells and have at it. Is this a for sure thing that he'll be doing again and again?

Good point!

I used to shoot a lot more and better critters with just a bow, pocket knife and tennis shoes than I ever do now with GPS, binos, and a pack full of really expensive stuff.

[Alpine Mojo]

...spend that $300-400 that would have went to a scope on upgrades in boots...and gym membership.

Best advice by far.

[spookgus]

The rookie must have thick skin because he will undoubtedly be nominated as camp boss. Camp boss settles all disputes and assigns all camp duties. The rookie camp boss is only over ruled by veterans which is everyone since the camp boss is always the rookie. Is there anything like hunting camp??

[pianoman9701]

The rookie must have thick skin because he will undoubtedly be nominated as camp boss. Camp boss settles all disputes and assigns all camp duties. The rookie camp boss is only over ruled by veterans which is everyone since the camp boss is always the rookie. Is there anything like hunting camp??

Basic maybe.

[GoldTip]

Number One must have for a Rookie is some common sense, or he won't make it back to camp.  Common sense will over rule panic when he can't find his GPS/compass to tell him which direction to go to get back to camp.  Common sense will get him back on track following his wounded animal when he goes 5 feet with no blood. Common sense will also keep him from beating the ever living dog doo out of you "old heads" who've been coming to camp for years when you incessantly give him heck.  Common sense will let him realize just how much fun he is having even without seeing or killing anything and let him realize that the good old US of A is one of the few places in the world, where you just get to go down to the store and buy a license, and a gun, and get to become part of the worlds oldest tradition, the hunt.

[Pathfinder101]

Here's what I tell the high school kids that ask me this same question:


1.  Rifle
2.  Scope (best you can afford)
3.  Binos (best you can afford)
4.  Boots (best you can afford)
5.  Knife
6.  Light pack with a hydration system
7.  Black electrical tape
8.  Windicator or Smoke in a Bottle
9.  Wool everything if you can manage it
10.  As much practice out on the rifle range as you can manage

[KNOPHISH]

Rook needs to get out & do some shooting asap. Not just sighting in. How green is he really, Can he go off by himself or need to be with another? We still work hill sides a few hundred yards apart. Radio's are good to keep in touch.

[vandeman17]

Rook needs to get out & do some shooting asap. Not just sighting in. How green is he really, Can he go off by himself or need to be with another? We still work hill sides a few hundred yards apart. Radio's are good to keep in touch.

He is pretty green but I am confident that he is smart enough to know his own abilities and not push the envelope with regards to how far he ventures from us on his own and all that. My plan is to be with him most of the time to not only coach him but to also hopefully be there to watch him shoot his first buck. 

[BOWHUNTER45]

take him to the top of the mountain in the dark and tell him to meet ya at camp before dark !!!    Just messing with ya !!!