Emergencies in the Field: Build Your Hunting First Aid Kit List

Whether deep cuts from sharp brush, rolled ankles from rugged terrain, dehydration from exposure, or a snake bite, anything can happen out in the field, and seasoned hunters have seen it all. 

Luckily, with some planning and a hunting first aid kit list, you'll be set for many common first aid emergencies that can happen in the field. In this blog, we're breaking down some must-have items and strategies to implement first aid practices for the ultimate day or extended hunt in the field. 

We'll cover:

• The essentials every kit needs

• Survival items for emergencies

• Items for injuries

Why Every Hunter Needs a Hunting First Aid Kit List

A list helps you pack your kit with everything you need (and you're less likely to forget something crucial that could help you in a serious situation out in the field).

The simple fact is that things can and do go wrong when hunting. While some injuries can be treated with minor first aid, other more serious injuries can require immediate and more advanced intervention until professional help is available. 

Hunting environments are unpredictable; on long hunts or with limited phone connectivity, help can often be far further away than you think. A well-prepared and stocked first aid kit (plus someone who knows how to use it) can provide the necessary stabilization in the early stages of a more serious injury.

Training in first aid and maintaining a current first aid certificate is part of responsible hunting practice. You're ensuring the safety and security of yourself and your fellow hunters.

Never assume your fellow hunters are equipped with a first aid kit. You can be the one who steps in and helps a hunting buddy in their time of need. 

What Are the Essentials For a Hunting First Aid Kit?

While your first aid kit will vary based on location, time planned in the field, access to medical services, and storage requirements, the following list can help answer the question of what should every prepared hunter carry for outdoor emergencies. 

Basic Wound Care Supplies 

Cuts, punctures, and deeper wounds all require quick intervention to stop the bleeding. Once the injury is packed, you can apply bandages to maintain pressure and seek professional medical services.

Your kit should include:

• Assorted bandages
• Sterile gauze pads and rolls
• Antiseptic wipes or liquid
• Adhesive tape
• Butterfly bandages

With these options, you can disinfect confidently, apply gauze effectively, and bandage properly to stop the bleeding. 

Trauma Supplies 

For severe open wounds, such as an arrow injury, more advanced trauma supplies will need to be applied. Always carry a tourniquet for severe bleeding and an advanced hemostatic agent (clotting powder or gauze), such as a quick clot dressing. 

Carry trauma shears to cut tough hunting fabric from the injured individual quickly. 

Burn and Blister Care

Severe burns can turn nasty quickly, and the persistent pain will ruin any hunting trip, no matter how long you've been planning it.

Pack a burn cream or gel for quick relief immediately after a burn injury and to help reduce inflammation. Also, pack moleskin for blisters that will inevitably develop. 

Pain and Illness Management 

Must-have medications to have on hand include:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce muscle and ligament stress, headaches, and fevers
• Anti-inflammatories for injuries
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions
• Anti-diarrhea and electrolytes for stomach issues, hydration requirements, and fluid balance

If you're hunting with partners with pre-existing medical conditions, it can help to ask them about any medication they take as well as requirements in case of emergencies. 

Survival Tools For Emergencies 

Depending on your hunting environment, you may be exposed to extreme conditions (like heat or cold), venomous wildlife (snakes), or other location-specific threats. 

I know of a hunter who once caught a chill while hunting with his father-in-law. The impulsive shivering and feeling of coldness didn't seem like they would ever go away. Even though it wasn't hypothermia, it was close enough for me to always pack an emergency blanket to maintain my core body temperature.

Additional must-have tools include:

• Tweezers to remove ticks, splinters, and other embedded debris
• Skin glue or sutures for deep cuts
• Eye drops and a cup for removing debris from the eye
• A finger splint or SAM splint for fractures, sprains, and joint injuries

Long-Term Survival Add-Ons

You may also need additional items in your kit for long-term remote hunts, such as a big-game backcountry adventure or an unguided fly-in hunt to the Alaskan regions. The longer you are out in the field and the more remote you go, the greater your chance of succumbing to illness or suffering an injury. 

Plans change, and weather patterns can delay your flight out of Alaska after your hunt by a few days (or longer). Would you be prepared for this? 

Must-have items for survival situations include:

• Water-purification strategies such as tablets or devices
• Lightweight fire-starting materials
• High-energy snacks that are calorically dense

Pack Personal Medical Items 

Always pack personal medications with some spares. Consider printing out a small, laminated personal health information card (including medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts) with medication and treatment details, as it may be necessary for another person to administer your medication, such as during a diabetic episode. 

Additionally, carry your epinephrine injector for severe allergies and ensure all party members are confident and comfortable administering this medication. 

How to Pack Your First Aid Kit

The first and most essential packing consideration is knowing where your first aid kit is located for easy access and quick action in an emergency.

Always store your kit in a waterproof container, choose a lightweight design to avoid carrying an excessive load, and regularly check your hunting first aid kit for expired items or damaged tools. Keeping a spreadsheet with all your first aid gear and the expiration dates or particular tools — while a time investment to set up — will save countless hours digging through your kit to check all your gear later down the line. 

Tailor Your Kit To the Hunt 

Factors such as weather, access to water, snowfall, elevation, and a range of environmental impacts will dictate the additional items you will be required to bring on a hunt. 

State wildlife departments are great resources for helping you plan your hunt and are more than happy to provide information on your hunting first aid kit for your chosen environment. 

Training and Knowledge Are Crucial In An Emergency

To properly learn how to manage and administer your first aid kit, take an introductory first aid course and CPR training. This will give you an excellent overview of common first-aid scenarios and how to utilize your gear effectively. 

Generally, people undertake CPR every two years and first aid every three. 

Be Prepared and Hunt Better With HuntWise

Knowing first aid and preparing your hunting first aid kit list is not just a "nice to have;" it's an essential component of being an ethical and responsible hunter. Being prepared helps you hunt safer, season after season.

While some first-aid emergencies are unexpected, others can be mitigated with advanced planning and preparation. For weather insights, mapping overlays, hunting strategies, and much more, HuntWise is the perfect companion to help you plan and execute a successful and safe hunt. 

You can also track notes about hunts (including if and where you needed first aid items from your kit) using the notes feature within the app.

If you don't have HuntWise yet, now's the time to download and explore the app so you're prepared for your next hunt! 
We'll give you your first week free.