The Complete Bow Hunting Checklist
Are you new to hunting and wondering what you need to get started? It can be overwhelming to see long lists of gear and accessories when you’re a beginner. With this bow hunting checklist, I hope to share what you need for your next hunt.
Bowhunting demands attention to detail. But you don’t have to have all the fancy gear when it’s your first time. Many items are optional and can be added to your gear with each bow season. As you become more experienced you’ll also adjust your list of items for short trips or a long hunting trip. You can also download my printable checklist.
There’s one lesson I learned the hard way: never forget your quiver holder. Picture this: perched in my stand, the woods alive with the rustle of leaves, and I realized I’d left my quiver holder behind. Panic set in. I had no choice but to improvise. So I wedged my quiver between the treestand and the sturdy trunk beside me.
I hunt primarily on public land. This limits certain gear I choose because I don’t want to leave it all at my hunting spot overnight.
Basic Hunting Gear (essentials)
- Hunting License
- Compound bow
- Bow case
- Water bottle (quiet style, Nalgene)
- Bow release (attach to car keys)
- Arrows and broadheads
- Peep Sight or Bow Sight
- Quiver
- Backpack
Extra Gear (secondary)
- Tree stand, tree saddle, or ground blind
- Safety harness for tree stand
- Range finder
- ThermaCell (not bug spray)
- Wind detector
- Grunt Calls
- Doe Bleat (can call)
- Rattling antlers
- Dead Down Wind Field Spray
- Bow sling
- Hiking Pole
- Binoculars and Bino Harness
- Flagging tape for tracking
- Trail cameras
Field Dressing Tools
- Havalon knife and blades or Outdoor Edge 3.5 knife
- Butt Out tool
- Bone Saw
- Paracord or rope
- Latex gloves
- Sharpie
- Zip ties
- Small trash bag for dirty equipment
- Game bag(s) – if backpacking the meat out
- Tarp
- Gut hook
- Duct tape
- LED light
Personal Items
- GPS unit
- Car keys
- Cell phone
- Charging block
- Portable battery
- Power cords
- First aid kit
- Food, quiet snacks, protein bars
- Lighter, matches or firestarter
- Hand warmer packets
- Toilet paper in gallon zip lock bag
- Sleeping bag or space blanket
Camo Clothing
- Base layer
- Camo long-sleeve
- Camo Jacket
- Boots
- Camo or green pants
- Camo hat or Carhartt beanie
- Camo Face Covering
- Rain gear (weather depending)
Before each upcoming season, I will go through my gear and make sure it’s in good condition for the upcoming season. A little maintenance on my bow with string wax and checking for signs of wear will go a long way. You can also check out your local bow shops for maintenance services.
My favorite local archery shop is Grand Valley Sporting Goods. The owner Matt and his managers are knowledgeable and honest. I’ve used their services for over 20 years. They have an indoor range, rental bows, first-time instruction, and archery leagues.
It’s very easy to spend a lot of money if you shop for name brand gear. I recommend focusing on the necessary gear for your first season. Keep growing your knowledge by talking to other hunters about how to get better each year.
I’ve shared about our hunting mistakes and what I’ve learned along the way. You might enjoy reading my scent control tips next. I’m on a mission to help the next generation of fellow bowhunters.
