Tips For Planning A Hunting Trip With Your RV

Tips For Planning A Hunting Trip With Your RV

Hunting in the woods for sport or commercial purposes sounds like the perfect thing to do with the boys. Easy and straightforward. Rent an RV, grab a couple of beers and your grandfather’s hunting rifle, and off you go. Well, not so fast.

Planning an RV trip requires careful consideration of the budget, travel companions, laws, and regulations, among other things.

In this article, we delve into the key elements you need to consider when planning a hunting trip with your RV.

Contents

Tips For Planning A Hunting Trip With Your RV

1. Prepare A Budget

Budgeting is the most important part of this adventure. Do not make any messes here.

If you are going hunting as a family, discuss various options with your spouse and children. If the journey is leaning towards adults only, draft a reasonable budget with the group. Whether with family or with friends, the first item on the budget is the RV.

Should you rent or purchase an RV? In many cases, people will prefer to rent as it is more affordable than buying. However, if you plan on going for several hunting trips throughout the year and years to come, negotiate a good deal and make a down payment for the purchase. Owning a Recreational vehicle is expensive, but you will save money in the long run.

Now you can budget for groceries, parking fees, gas, and maintenance. While traveling with family is lots of fun, splitting the budget with friends keeps your finances in check.

2. Find A Suitable RV

At this point, you have decided the best option of acquiring an RV.

Now, you need to find one that provides the space and amenities you need. Recreational vehicles come in different sizes and interior designs.

However tempting it is to take a peek at that monster RV reserved for rock stars, be realistic. See item one above.

Select an RV that fits everyone’s gear and any special equipment that you will bring.

While on a hunting trip, you will spend most of the time outdoors hunting and cooking your spoils over an open fire. Therefore, do not spend extra money on an RV with a top-of-the-range entertainment deck. Who needs TV when you got wild rabbits to hunt?

3. Inspect And Test Drive

Whether buying or renting an RV, it is paramount that you understand the intricacies of the particular model you are handling.

You may be tempted to assume that an RV is just another supersized version of your minivan. Well, it is not. The sheer size of the RV alone calls for particular attention.

If you are renting, do a walk-through with the owner and inspect all parts to ensure they are in great shape. Once you are satisfied, it is now time for a test drive.

Test-driving an RV is not redundant at all. Even great drivers can be overwhelmed and hence the need for practice. New beginners may need accompanying in the vehicle so do not be shy to ask.

Test driving the RV allows you to bond with the car; you know how the steering wheel feels like, the brake pedal and even the driver’s seat.

4. Tools And Spare Parts

Just as planning a marathon requires a first-aid kit, do not drive off without spare parts for your RV. Even when dealing with a new purchase, better safe than sorry.

A good planner will bring a flashlight, jumper cables, an extra set of wheels, battery, fuses, bolts, etc.

Hunting in the woods often means no electrical power supply. Bring a generator with enough power to run your RV amenities for the duration of the trip.

Please note, the items you may need are not limited to this list.

5. Hunting Gear And Equipment

Whether hunting for sport or commercial, you need to bring the correct hunting equipment. The woods pose a myriad of challenges from the rough terrain to dewy grass and leaves and plenty of bugs.

You need game cameras, game and food processing, knives, archery, wildlife feeders, optics, hunting accessories like fold-up chairs, etc.

The right hunting gear includes hunting boots, camouflage jackets to blend with vegetation, hunting backpacks, waders, etc.

Although the RV comes with bunk beds, you may want to be more adventurous and sleep under the stars, so bring several tents and sleeping bags. The woods will probably be chilly at night so bring extra blankets.

For family hunting trips, make a list of items for the younger ones and inspect the luggage before boarding. Imagine forgetting your inhaler and having to turn back while halfway through the journey?

6. Stock Your RV

Remember, an RV is more than just a mode of transport from point A to B; it is a home on wheels!

Do a walkthrough with your travel companions and ensure that all rooms are fully equipped. Do a grocery run and stock the kitchen with breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

If you plan are staying for a while, check the date on perishable foods like milk and salads to avoid wastage only after a couple of days.

Do not forget toiletries! The going country is not an excuse to let your personal hygiene suffer. Bring rolls of toilet paper, bathing soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products that bring you comfort.

A day in the woods will teach you a thing or two about bugs. Mosquitoes can keep up all night trying to fend them off. Plan ahead and bring mosquito nets for everyone, especially those who prefer to sleep outside in tents.

7. Map Out The Hunting Area

Identifying a suitable game area is key to a successful trip. If you are traveling across state lines, be sure to consult with local authorities about their hunting regulations.

Find out the most commonly used sites and enquire about the safest areas, especially if your children are involved. Know where to park your vehicle away from that the path of hunting rifles and dangerous wild animals.

In most cases, you will find an RV park where other hunters situate their cars and set up tents and bonfires. Although you can get a map online, nothing beats the old country ways.

Purchase a hard copy of the area you settle for and start familiarizing yourself with different routes. Knowing the safest and shortest routes to use will not only keep a lid on your gas mileage but save you energy too.

For long-distance RV trips, allocate driving shifts among your travel companions or consider hiring a driver to help. Regardless of how many drivers are onboard, schedule stops to stretch the muscles and have a meal before carrying on with the journey.

Conclusion

Having followed the above tips, you are well on your way to endless adventure in the wilderness. Plana couple of months ahead to allow ample time for consultation and comparing notes with experienced peers.

Brandon Cox is the founder of StayHunting, who is passionate about all things of hunting and fitness. Through his hunting website, he would like to share tips & tricks, finest tech that will excite all of the intricacies of hunting whether you be an amateur or a professional.

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