O’Neill Williams once said, “If you’re too busy to go hunting, you’re too busy!”
So, you’ve realized the truth in Mr. William’s advice and booked your hunt. You’re taking time to get away, relax, entertain (or be entertained), and enjoy fine wingshooting. But you don’t want to go unprepared. Today, we’ll discuss a few items of equipment that will make your hunting more enjoyable. Having the appropriate gear helps make for a more enjoyable experience.
Appropriate Layers of Clothing
As the fall foliage turns to crisp mornings of winter, you can expect the weather to be a bit hot and cold (literally). That’s why it’s important to pack layers for the trip, especially items that will wick away moisture. Knowing that you’ll be walking quite a bit, and that temperatures could swing upward in the morning and downward in the afternoon twilight hours, plan to layer so that you can adjust accordingly. You can always take garments off, leave them on the Jeep, and put them back on as needed. Remember: you’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Eye and Ear Protection
The safety of our guests, guides, staff, and dogs is our primary concern. With that comes the need to utilize proper eye and ear protection. You’ll be amazed at how much echo there is in the longleaf pines of southwest Georgia. While a bobwhite’s whistling call rings true in your ears, you don’t want the muzzle blast of a shotgun to ring your ears. The available products on the market today range from simple foam inserts to technologically advanced devices that would put some hearing aids to shame. Whatever you choose, make sure to take comfort into account.
The same can be said for covering your eyes. Sunglasses, prescription glasses, or shooting glasses will make sure sticks stay out of your eyes and that gunpowder doesn’t alter your ability to focus on shooting birds. There’s nothing more irritating than trying to flush your eyes while your hunting companion’s shooting into a flushing covey. Tinted shooting glasses, preferably yellow, allow for enhanced contrast, make lighting seem brighter than it is, and improve your ability to hone in on a moving target.
Footwear
With the change in seasons comes the inevitable rain that Mother Earth needs to replenish the forest. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry, will keep you moving, and will allow you to focus on the birds in front of you without worrying about the soil underneath your feet. Be sure they have ankle support, rise at least to be above the ankle. And if you get your boots at our Pro Shop when you arrive you’ll not only ensure a correct fit, but a couple of days at Riverview traipsing through the woods will break them in perfectly.
Gloves
Shooting gloves are used by veteran bird hunters. They keep your hands clean and somewhat warm, aren’t thick enough to impede your shooting ability (or the times you need to check your phone), keep unwanted fingerprints off your shotgun, and make you look like you know what you’re doing. Go with a light glove, typically in leather, sheepskin, goatskin, or deerskin. Make sure they have a snug fit, and bonus points if they’re waterproof.
Leg Coverings
Chaps are a necessary endeavor when hunting southwest Georgia. They protect your legs and ankles from unwanted thickets, briars, and brambles. They help you push through thick growth to get the perfect shot on a covey rise, or to make a quick pursuit at the perfect angle when the dogs are on point and the birds are running.
Riverview Has You Covered
When you’ve booked your hunt, don’t impulse buy your equipment from just anywhere; you could end up with substandard gear that doesn’t fit and doesn’t work. Our Pro Shop is available for your every need and want for the hunt, including the above items and much more. And if you want to surprise someone for the holidays with a gift of the best hunting clothing and equipment available, you can come in and shop or call in and have the items shipped to you or your loved one.
But most importantly, call us today to book your group’s hunt at 229-294-4904 or click here.
Overlooking the Flint River, Riverview Plantation is a timeless tradition where our family has hosted refined sportsmen since 1957. We look forward to showing you what southern hospitality is all about.