The Wrong Trousers (and Other Bad Clothing Choices for Hunting Days)

Even though it's more usual to offer tips about what to look for in practical clothing, it's often just as useful to learn from the bad choices.  If you have ever found that the "water proof trousers" you purchased at a too-good-to-be-true price really were too good to be true, and let all the rainwater in, then you have already learnt from that mistake!  Here are several other mistakes to learn from:

1. Not checking your shooting trousers until the time you come to put them on.  If you have been a fan of hunting and fishing for years and know you have a great pair of trousers, it is possible that the last minute checks could get left out.  There is nothing worse than discovering moths have got into the storage, or that the trousers are smaller than you remember them being.

2. Overlooking the accessories.  If you are looking to be out in the field in January, which is the coldest month, then it's a good idea to be fully covered.  If you go out without a nice hat, or some warm gloves, you may find yourself eyeing your companion's with envy.  Of course, it is also easier to aim when your fingers are not trembling!

3. Forgetting to look at the grip when you purchase shoes.  This is a school boy (or girl) error, because you have to cover all kinds of different ground when you are shooting.  You'll need thick soles for rocky terrain, and deep grip for muddy and sloping land.  Unfortunately you may only realise that the grip wasn't right when you do slip in the mud...

4. Buying clothes at bargain- basement prices.  While I'm not saying that you should only pay for expensive clothing, sometimes you really do get what you pay for.  This could mean a day of itching if you buy scratchy, uncomfortable material in the form of many of the cheaper shirts.

5. Underestimating the importance of a high quality jacket.  While waterproof trousers are good for keeping the rain out, if you haven't got a good jacket over the top you are still going to get soaked.  Think ahead and make sure you have a thick jacket, with plenty of manoeuvrability and pockets for carrying essentials.

Even though experience is often the best teacher, learning from the mistakes of others is the cleverest thing to do.  This way you can make sure your day in the field is as enjoyable as it can be.

This article was produced by Liz Strawford on behalf of Shooting Clothing. Shooting clothing supply high quality clothing and accessories for shooting and other outdoor pursuits.