What’s the One Piece of Hunting Gear You Can’t Live Without?

Excess earnings. I've never found a time that making more money didn't help out on trips. More animals. More ammo. Dumb rifle purchases of a 6.5 CM. I really recommend that everyone should have more cash for more trips. And Immodium. There just aren't enough fancy wet wipes to make some problems go away. If I can't fix it with Immodium or cash...shoot it and eat it.
 
My wife.

She has the eyes of an eagle when it comes to spotting game. From squirrels to rabbit and whitetail to kudu...she picks them out like no one I've ever seen. Even amazed our PH and tracker. You can't shoot what you can't find.

Plus, the obvious addition of her company. ;)
100%.
First hunt we went together with another couple. Great hunt and followup tour thru Namibia, Botswana and on to Victoria Falls.

Second trip without her but I took my youngest son to Makuya and into Limpopo. The owner stated that it was no place for young grandchildren so my wife said"Well, I guess I will stay home with the grandkids" as their mother was no longer in the picture and they were only 9 and 8. I failed to recognize the sarcasm in her statement. So my son and I went and I got my cape buffalo, sable and giraffe. My son got his kudu, gemsbok, zebra and impala. Back at home my wife got her new kitchen, granite countertops in the kitchen and main bathroom, new tile flooring and other amenities.
So I don't know who's expense was higher so we will call it a win win.

Third trip, Eastern Cape and Cape Town, we went together (lesson learned).

And we are still married and still ranching as a team after 43 years.
 
100%.
First hunt we went together with another couple. Great hunt and followup tour thru Namibia, Botswana and on to Victoria Falls.

Second trip without her but I took my youngest son to Makuya and into Limpopo. The owner stated that it was no place for young grandchildren so my wife said"Well, I guess I will stay home with the grandkids" as their mother was no longer in the picture and they were only 9 and 8. I failed to recognize the sarcasm in her statement. So my son and I went and I got my cape buffalo, sable and giraffe. My son got his kudu, gemsbok, zebra and impala. Back at home my wife got her new kitchen, granite countertops in the kitchen and main bathroom, new tile flooring and other amenities.
So I don't know who's expense was higher so we will call it a win win.

Third trip, Eastern Cape and Cape Town, we went together (lesson learned).

And we are still married and still ranching as a team after 43 years.
Safari sling, goes over the shoulder and you don't have to remove it to shoot.
Small flashlight with a hat clip. Red lens to preserve night vision.
Small pocket size first aid kit.
Leatherman super tool.
 
I good knife & good leather....
IMG_0519.jpeg
 
Every hunter has that one piece of gear they swear by. For me, it’s head lamp. It’s saved me in [from very deadly situations. What’s the one item you always bring with you, no matter what?"


I'd say its a clean draw:

Option A: The FHF gear chest pack for my binos that have been with me on every hunt for the past 15 years.

Option B: A von gruff "bushcraft hunter" knife with a scandi grind.
 
I don’t think I could be without some sort of light, either a handheld or my favorite is a small surefire single cell light that hangs around neck on a lanyard. Perfect for getting around at night in camp.
 
Funny you mentioned headlamp. I do mostly duck hunting on tidal waters, leaving in the dark, in the middle of winter, here in NJ. I use my headlamp to navigate. I don't even want to think what I'd do without it. I even carry a spare.
 
Quality wool socks x2.

Tired feet are not fun.
 
My wife.

She has the eyes of an eagle when it comes to spotting game. From squirrels to rabbit and whitetail to kudu...she picks them out like no one I've ever seen. Even amazed our PH and tracker. You can't shoot what you can't find.

Plus, the obvious addition of her company. ;)
Yep, agree. I would say my wife and my wool socks. If my feet are comfortable I can go all day.

My wife is not a hunter but she has been on the vast majority of my international safaris. She is a fantastic amateur photographer (could be a professional) and we have so many great photos around our house from our many trips and of our children. Those photos along with the taxidermy make it easy to constantly relive the memories of our trips.
 

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SCmackey wrote on SBW1975's profile.
I have a Chapuis 450-400 double that looks brand new and shoots well, never been hunted from what I can tell. I am willing to part with it as I have a 375 H&H Sodia on it's way from Dorleac & Dorleac. I am looking for $9,250 for it and if you are interested, I am happy to send you some pictures. Regards,
Steve
SCmackey wrote on buckstix's profile.
Hi There, I saw the pics of the VC 470 NE, what is the asking price? Thanks, Steve
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