An upland vest is an essential piece of gear for any bird hunter. With multiple pockets and shell loops, it allows you to carry all the items you need for a successful hunt close at hand. But knowing exactly what to pack in your upland vest can be tricky. You want to be prepared without overloading yourself. Here are some tips on how to stock your upland vest for the field.
Ammo
First and foremost, your upland vest needs to carry plenty of ammunition. The exact amount will vary based on the type of hunting you’ll be doing.
- For dove hunting, plan on bringing 1-2 boxes of shells (25 shells per box). Doves fly fast and erratically, so you’ll go through ammunition quickly.
- For quail, pheasant, and grouse hunting, bring 2-3 boxes. These birds often flush in coveys, allowing multiple shot opportunities.
- When hunting wild turkey, you may only get one or two good shots all day. But you’ll still want several shells on hand just in case. Carry 6-8 shells.
Look for an upland vest with both a large rear game bag and multiple shell loops on the shoulders to carry all your shotgun ammo. Make sure to bring a variety of shot sizes appropriate for the game you’ll be pursuing.
Calls and Decoys
Game calls and decoys can be extremely helpful for bringing birds into range. Consider packing the following in your vest:
- Dove call – Used to mimic dove sounds and attract them to your location.
- Quail call – Imitates the “bob-white” call of the quail.
- Pheasant call – Replicates the crowing of a male pheasant.
- Turkey calls – Slate, box, and mouth calls that mimic turkey sounds are essential when turkey hunting.
- Dove and quail decoys – Add motion and realism to your spread.
Look for an upland vest with specialized pockets sized to hold calls and a few decoys.
Tools
It’s wise to carry a few tools with you for field use:
- Knife – Useful for cleaning birds, cutting fabric or line, and other general tasks.
- Small flashlight – Helpful for navigating in lowlight conditions.
- Lighter – Necessary for starting emergency fires.
- Whistle – Allows you to signal companions in loud conditions.
- Compass – Helps you keep your bearings if turned around.
- Paracord – Strong rope that has many helpful uses in the backcountry.
Specialized upland vests have slots and holders designed to carry these types of small tools securely.
First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen anywhere, so carrying a few basic first aid supplies in your vest is always a good call. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, pain relievers, etc. A waterproof container will keep the contents protected.
dog equipment
If you hunt with dogs, consider packing the following for them:
- Collapsible dog bowl – For providing water to your pooch in the field.
- Dog first aid kit – Allows you to treat minor scrapes and injuries.
- Dog whistle – Useful for recalling dogs from long distances.
- Collar/harness with ID – Enables easy restraint and identification if your dog becomes lost.
- Dog booties – Protects paws from rough terrain and foxtails.
Navigation
Don’t get lost in the backcountry. Make sure to bring:
- Map – A detailed topographic map of the hunting area can prevent you from becoming disoriented.
- GPS – Allows you to pinpoint your location and find the route back to camp/vehicle.
- Personal locator beacon – A PLB broadcasts your position to satellites, allowing search and rescue to find you in an emergency.
Other Essentials
Some other handy items include:
- Bird cleaning gloves – Keep hands protected when cleaning feathers and innards from birds.
- Small game bags – Carry birds comfortably once retrieved.
- Toilet paper – For personal hygiene needs in the backcountry.
- Water/snacks – Prevents dehydration and provides energy.
- Camera – Captures memories from your hunts.
- Bug spray/sunscreen – Keeps you comfortable in changing conditions.
- Handwarmers – Help keep hands warm during cold weather hunts.
Clothing Layers
Your upland vest should integrate seamlessly with outerwear to keep you dry, warm, and protected. Some clothing items to bring include:
- Hunting jacket and pants – Durable, quiet outer layer to repel wind/rain.
- Insulating mid layer – Provides warmth without bulk.
- Baselayer – Wicks sweat away from skin.
- Fingerless gloves – Keeps hands warm while allowing dexterity.
- Wool socks – Retains heat even when wet.
- Hat – Prevents body heat loss through the head.
Conclusion
Loading your upland vest correctly takes some thought and planning. You need to anticipate your needs without going overboard. Keep essentials like ammunition, navigation tools, first aid, food, and water close at hand. Store calls/decoys, dog gear, and clothing layers where they are accessible but won’t interfere with your shooting. Follow these guidelines, and your upland vest will carry everything you need for an effective, enjoyable hunt.