Preparation is the key to a successful fishing or hunting experience, especially if you’re catching your own meal for Thanksgiving. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or angler, or a newbie, below are our top tips for fishing and hunting trips. Below we cover:
Get the Right Licenses or Permits
Long before you fish or hunt, be sure to check all regulations in the area where you will be fishing or hunting. Each state, and even different areas of the same state, will have different rules regarding when you can hunt and the animals you can hunt, as well as specifics on what to the method of take. While fishing has its regulations that need to be observed, hunting rules are more specific and encompassing. Additionally, there can be some pretty serious consequences if you violate hunting regulations. If you are unsure about fishing or hunting requirements, simply visit your destination state’s fish and wildlife website. Find state-by-state requirements here.
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Get the Right Gear
Certain gear for fishing and hunting will be top of mind – like bait or ammo. Then there are those smaller, easily overlooked items that can make or break your fishing or hunting trip. Below is gear that should be considered:
Fishing Gear Packing List
- Rods and reels
- Lures, hooks, sinkers, spoons, jigs or flies
- Line (and extra line)
- Needle nose pliers
- Sharp knife
- Small first aid kit
- Plenty of drinking water
- Water purifying tablets or filters
- Cooler
- Vacuum sealing bags or plastic wrap
- Plastic zip bags (freezer rated)
- For Ice fishing: tip ups, electronics, ice auger, retractable ice pick and head lamp
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Hunting Gear / Packing List
- Maps
- GPS or compass
- Blaze orange tape for marking route
- Decoys and/or game calls
- Scent eliminators and attractors
- Ground blind or portable tree stand
- Game bags and game carrier
- Cooler
- Signal mirror
- Sharp knife
- Rubber gloves
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
- Survival blanket
- Fire starter and lighter
- Hydration pack
- Water purifying tablets or filters
- Method of take and related supplies (e.g., firearm and ammo)
- Vacuum sealing bags or plastic wrap
- Plastic zip bags (freezer rated)
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Get the Right Clothing
Being bundled-up in layers of clothing will make your fishing or hunting trip not only more enjoyable, but safer. Thanksgiving weekend is typically cold in most parts of the country, but can quickly change for better or for worse. Consider these clothing items when packing:
Clothes for Fishing
- Performance base layers
- Warm, waterproof outer layers
- Hat and/or head-warmer
- Fishing vest
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
- Insulated, moisture-wicking socks
- Waterproof boots or waders
- Spare clothing
Clothes for Hunting
- Performance base layers
- Hunting jacket or convertible parka
- Hunting vest
- Hunting pants
- Hunting hat (orange) and/or head-warmer
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
- Insulated, moisture-wicking socks
- Waterproof boots
- Spare clothing
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Freezing Your Catch
Freezing your catch or prey is the best way to preserve it for as long as possible. When fishing in cold-water lakes, many will tie off caught fish in a section off to the side, allowing the cool water to refrigerate the fish while you continue. When thinking about freezing your catch after you’re done, a good rule of thumb to abide by is that meat with a higher fat content will not freeze as well. This means that fatty fish like herring or mackerel should be eaten sooner rather than later. Same goes for game with a high fat content, like moose or rabbit.
Before freezing it, make sure to gut, clean, and fillet the fish – that is, unless you want a whole fish for soup stock or other recipes. After your fish is prepped, either vacuum seal it or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Be sure to note on the outer packaging the type of fish it is and the date it was frozen.
Fortunately, the most popular game has a low fat content and will freeze well, like deer, elk and turkey. Clean out and cut the meat as desired (differs by type of game). If you won’t be eating all of your game within the first week or so, then freeze it. Vacuum seals, freezer bags or old-fashioned freezer paper all work fine. You just want to minimize air contact with your meat, which will give it the dreaded freezer burn. Whichever way you choose, be sure to label the package with the type of game it is and the date it was frozen.
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