hunting gear packing list

Having the right gear for your hunt can make all the difference. Don’t forget to check out our Merch.

Big game hunting gear

  • Rifle or Bow (and appropriate ammo or arrows): Ensure you’re familiar with your weapon and have it sighted in.
  • Binoculars (10x42 is a popular choice): A good pair will help you spot animals from a distance.
  • Rangefinder: Vital for accurate shot placement in varied terrain.
  • Hunting Knife: A sharp knife for field dressing; consider a separate bone saw for elk.
  • Game Bags: (Optional) For packing out meat and keeping it clean.
  • Backpack or Pack Frame: Choose a pack that can carry essentials
  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms; merino wool is a good choice. 
  • Mid Layers: Insulated jacket or vest for warmth.
  • Outer Layers: Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants; Montana weather can be unpredictable.
  • Gloves: Waterproof and insulated, plus a thinner pair for when dexterity is needed.
  • Hat: Insulated or wool beanie and a blaze orange hat for visibility.
  • Orange Vest: Montana law requires that you wear at least 400 square inches of orange that is visible at all times. 
  • Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking socks; bring extra pairs.
  • Boots: Waterproof, insulated, and broken in for comfort on rough terrain. Kenetrek is our preferred brand of boot. 
  • Hunting License and Tags: Double-check to ensure you have them handy. If you have them on your phone, be sure to take a screen shot. The FWP app does not work when there is no cell coverage.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers
  • Snacks and Water: Easy access snacks like protein bars.
  • Cash tip for guides: 20% of the cost of the hunt. 
  • GPS Device or Maps (paper maps and compass as backups): Cell service can be spotty.
  • Bear Spray: Montana is bear country, so bear spray is essential for safety.
  • Shooting Stick or Bipod: For steady, accurate shots.

waterfowl hunting gear

  • Shotgun: Ensure it’s suitable for waterfowl (typically 12- or 20-gauge).
  • Ammunition: Non-toxic shot, like steel or bismuth; ensure it’s appropriate for waterfowl and the location.
  • Choke Tubes: A modified or improved cylinder choke is often preferred for waterfowl.
  • Hunting Knife: For breasting out ducks. We can also breast them out for you.
  • Blind Bag: Waterproof bag for storing essential items like ammo, calls, and snacks.
  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms; merino wool is a good choice. 
  • Mid Layers: Insulated jacket or vest for warmth.
  • Camouflage or dark-colored, waterproof jacket and bibs to blend with the surroundings and protect against water.
  • Gloves: Waterproof and insulated, plus a thinner pair for when dexterity is needed.
  • Insulated Hat: Water-resistant or waterproof beanie for warmth.
  • Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking socks; bring extra pairs.
  • Neck Gaiter: To shield from cold winds and help with concealment.
  • Boots: Waterproof, insulated boots.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers.
  • Snacks and Water: Easy access snacks like protein bars.
  • Federal Duck Stamp and Montana Waterfowl License: Make sure all necessary licenses and permits are current and easily accessible.
  • Cash tip for guides: 20% of the cost of the hunt. Minimum $100


  • Shotgun: Ensure it’s suitable for pheasants (typically 12- or 20-gauge).
  • Ammunition: Appropriate for pheasants. 
  • Field Jacket: A durable, water-resistant, or waterproof jacket in blaze orange or with blaze orange accents for visibility. Look for a jacket with good mobility and enough room for a vest underneath.
  • Hunting Knife: A sharp knife for breasting out pheasants. We can do it for your by request. 
  • Brush Pants or Upland Hunting Pants: Heavy-duty pants that resist briars and thorns, which are common in pheasant hunting areas. Some upland pants have reinforced panels on the front for extra protection.
  • Blaze Orange Hat or Cap: A blaze orange cap or beanie or normal hat or beanie.
  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms; merino wool is a good choice. 
  • Hearing Protection: Lightweight earplugs or electronic hearing protection if you’re sensitive to the shotgun's noise.
  • Shooting Glasses: Clear or yellow-tinted shooting glasses for eye protection, especially useful in areas with low branches or dense cover.
  • Orange Vest: it is Montana law requires that you wear at least 400 square inches of orange
  • Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking socks; bring extra pairs.
  • Hiking Boots or Upland Hunting Boots: Durable, waterproof boots with good ankle support are ideal for walking through fields, grass, and rough terrain. Opt for boots with a comfortable sole for long hikes.
  • Hunting License and Tags: Double-check to ensure you have them handy. If you have them on your phone, be sure to take a screen shot. The FWP app does not work when there is no cell coverage.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers
  • Weather Preparedness: Be ready for unexpected changes in weather by layering.

  • Cash tip for guides: 20% of the cost of the hunt. Minimum $100

Pheasant hunting gear

Some of our favorite brands