If you are going on your first guided big game hunt, knowing what to bring can be kind of confusing. It is because of this that many first time hunters bring way too much gear. In this situation it is important to only bring exactly what you need. This will give you and your guide less to manage and as a result improve your chances of success.

So, what in the HECK are you supposed to bring? Well, obviously the most important item you will need is toilet paper. Trust me! You will definitely want some TP in your pack for any sudden visits to nature's latrine. Next, you will need to have any licenses or tags (Montana here) that are required for that state and area that you will be hunting in. Make sure to read up on the area's regulations so that you can be accountable and have full confidence that you are totally legal.

Depending on the season, you will need to bring your weapon of choice. Whether you are a bow or rifle hunter, make sure that you are proficient with your weapon and you have plenty of ammunition. Do NOT forget your release if you are an archery hunter! Maybe even pack an extra one just in case. A technical clothing system is very important if you want comfort and protection from the elements. Make sure that it is appropriate for the hunt you are going on. You don’t want to bring a late season fleece jacket during the hot archery season. In general you should have a base layer to wick away sweat, a warm synthetic or merino wool layer to regulate core temperature, an insulation layer to generate heat and a wind and water resistant jacket to protect you from the elements. 

Next important piece of gear is a good pair of hiking boots. Again, it will depend on the time of the year what kind of boots you will bring. If you find yourself on a rifle hunt bring a pair of leather insulated boots. These will keep your feet warm in the elements and provide necessary ankle support. On an archery hunt a pair of leather uninsulated boots will suffice. Adding a pair of quality gaiters will greatly improve the protection of your feet. Not only will they keep your feet dry, but they also eliminate any piece of the woods from getting down in your boots and bothering you all day.

You are going to need a good daypack. Preferably this pack will have a frame so you can pack out your meat when you are successful. Isn’t the goal to go in light and come out HEAVY? A bino harness is also very handy for carrying gear. If you get one like Sitka Gear’s Mountain Optics harness, you will have room for other important items like binoculars (of course), calls, range finder, and wind checker. I consider the wind checker to be one of the most important items that I carry. You will not get very close to any northwestern big game without knowing which way the wind is going.

Some final items include a water bottle, snacks, a quality headlamp (maybe extra batteries), an orange vest, and game processing kit. Refer below for the continued list, but with what we have talked about you will ensure that you only have exactly what you need. Having the right gear and the right amount of it can make or break the trip. Take your packing list seriously and listen to any other advice or suggestions that your outfitter or guide might have. If you want to see my personal gear list, watch the youtube video below where I do a complete bag dump. Lastly, make sure to book your next trip through GuideTime. Happy hunting!

Gear List

Hunting License and Other Legal papers

Weapon (Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader)

Ammo or Arrows

Wind checker

Good pair of Hiking boots (insulated and non insulated)

Appropriate clothing system

Water Bottle

Day-pack with a frame

Optics (Range Finder, Binos, Spotter)

Head lamp

Orange Vest

Game bags

Knife 

Knife sharpener

Toilet paper

Personalized Survival and First Aid kit 

Portable phone charger 

Electrical tape

Rope

Snacks