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.

Bow hunting checklist – downloadable PDF

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.