15 Best Gun Accessories for Hunting
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into the sport as a new hobby, it’s important to have high-quality accessories for guns to make the most of the hunting season. Upgrading your hunting gear and improving your accuracy with firearm lessons can help you stay sharp and be better prepared for hunting big game.
In addition to cleaning and sighting your guns as you get ready to go out this year, let’s take a look at essential hunting accessories that are sure to level up your hunting skills.
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1. Bipod
Equipped with two legs, a good hunting rifle bipod ensures that your weapon stays steady and in position. The shooter’s body provides the third point to support the rifle when aiming and firing the weapon. If you’re looking for the best bipod or want to upgrade from the one you already have, go for options that offer collapsible legs. This ensures the bipod is quick and easy to pack up and stays out of the way when you’re not using it.
2. Sling
Step up your stealth game with a reliable hunting rifle sling. A sling carries your gun over your shoulder, leaving you free to move around but also have it close at hand. If you’re an avid hunter, you probably already have a trusty sling that will last for years. However, if you’re in the market for a new one or need to purchase your first gun sling, here are some features to consider:
- Padding
- Material
- Ammo loops
- Adjustable buckles or hooks
A sling also helps you carry your gun safely while walking, climbing, or moving through the brush. Find one that is either leather or nylon, can adjust to your size, and has sufficient padding to keep you comfortable.
3. Laser lights
Laser light beam attachments are a necessity if you plan on hunting at night or in darker areas. You can attach these laser beams directly to your barrel or rifle scope to improve your accuracy and outcomes.
While they can be used during the day, be sure to purchase a green light laser made for daylight. Red lasers are generally only useful at night. The good news is that laser beams are generally inexpensive and can make a big difference while hunting.
4. Scope
Designed to help you with long-range shots and accuracy, the scope you choose can make or break your hunt. Although your hunting rifle will already have a scope, they are usually detachable, giving you the opportunity to replace it with a better option or customized scope. If you’re just starting out, opt for a mid-level cost scope. As you improve your shooting skills, you can invest in a higher-quality scope that may be upwards of $1,000 or more.
5. Hearing protection
You should always protect your ears while hunting in the outdoors. Hunting firearms can be incredibly loud, reaching over 140 decibels and damaging the ear drums. Without protection, you could be facing long-term, permanent hearing damage that can impact your everyday life.
When searching for the proper hearing protection, find something you can wear comfortably and that doesn’t interfere with normal hearing. Hunting earplugs or earmuffs often use non-linear or electronic devices that block louder sounds that can be damaging but allow normal sounds, like talking, to pass through.
6. Ammunition case
While hunting, you’re often exposed to environmental elements that are less than ideal for ammo. An ammunition case ensures that your rounds stay safe and dry but are also accessible when you need them. Look for something durable but not too heavy, so you can easily carry it with you over different terrain or in changing weather. Also, consider ammo holders that attach to your rifle’s stock. These heavy-duty pouches store rounds right where you need them, making it easier to reload quickly and take your next shot.
7. Rifle bag
A rifle bag is a must-have if you’re a hunter. Just as you want to protect your ammo from the outdoor elements, you should also keep your rifle clean, dry, and secure until you need it. A good rifle bag doesn’t have to be expensive. All you need is something that will make transporting your rifle easy and safe. However, if you do want to indulge, some of the pricer rifle bags offer:
- Adjustable, padded straps
- Extra storage options for accessories
- Thick foam padding
- Multiple ways to carry the bag
- Lockable compartments
- Molle webbing to attach tactical bags
8. Rangefinder
Hunting big game on public lands often takes patience to analyze your shot. One way to do this is with a quality rangefinder to help you determine distance and improve your overall long-range accuracy. Knowing the exact distance between you and your target can help you understand angles, where to take your aim for a clean and ethical kill, and shoot more confidently.
9. Shooting sticks
Shooting sticks are placed on the ground in a “v” shape to hold and steady your firearm as you shoot. Many are equipped with shock absorbers, wrist loops, and grips that give hunters ideal weapon control in any environment, including uneven ground.
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10. Cheek riser
A lightweight cheek riser or cheek piece can also make a big difference in your hunting game. Some hunters add a cheek riser to the stock of their rifle so they can comfortably rest the weight of their head onto the rifle. This takes some of the strain off your neck muscles by giving you something to lean on to get proper eye alignment.
Hunting, especially long-range shooting, requires your body to be relaxed and steady for the best form and accuracy. Any strain in your neck or shoulders can cause you to miss the target completely. A cheek riser can help you get to the next level with more even support while shooting.
11. Muzzle brake
Anybody who has fired a high-caliber weapon knows there is often substantial recoil. A muzzle brake is a great accessory to help reduce recoil and be ready for the next shot. It works by helping to vent some of the gasses through the muzzle to reduce kickback. This gives the hunter an advantage by creating less fatigue from recoil and making it easier to keep the firearm in position against the shoulder.
12. Suppressor
If you’re hunting game or prey that is sensitive to loud sounds, a gun suppressor is a good investment. A suppressor will help to reduce the sound of gunfire and the muzzle flash that may scare off your target. Also, using a suppressor can help protect your hearing by making the noise level of shooting significantly less.
13. Sand sock
A sand sock is exactly what it sounds like it would be – a large sock that is filled with sand. When it comes to hunting and shooting, it serves several purposes, including:
- Provides a soft point of contact between the rifle and ground
- Becomes the third stability point when used with a bipod
- Prevents the firearm from swaying when shot
- Acts as a shock absorber for rifle recoil
- Creates stability to help with shooting consistency
14. Camouflage vinyl skin
If you’re hoping to improve your tracking, vinyl skins can help camouflage your firearm with different camo patterns that match your environment or terrain. Your rifle will also get an extra layer of protection with durable camo skins.
15. Hunting dog
Although a hunting dog isn’t really a gun accessory, they do offer several benefits that can make you a better hunter. Gun dogs, or hunting dogs, complete special dog training to help hunters find game and retrieve them after the shooter hits the target.
If you hunt quail, duck, or other birds and have a gun dog, you’re probably familiar with how to train a hunting dog and how it can be an advantageous partnership. If you don’t have a gun dog, it’s definitely something to consider down the road if you plan to continue hunting.
Getting Ready for Big Game Hunting Season
If you live in Nevada and are gearing up for hunting, be sure to get your ducks in a row before the season is in full swing. For game hunting or deer season NV, be sure to have your Nevada hunting license and big game tags ready to go. You should also clean your guns, have your hunting gear packed, and get some practice in at The Range 702! Reserve your lane online now.