For those who have always wanted to go hunting and enjoy the fun that comes from outdoors activities, a few may be a little intimidated by how difficult it may at first appear. However, with a little basic preparation and some essential advice to help guide you, you may be confident enough to try it out for yourself. The best thing is to make a detailed plan of what to bring with you, and spend a good amount of time packing the most appropriate gear for the occasion.

Essentially, you have to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. Before you leave for your hunting adventure, always check the weather forecast and make sure you are aware of the conditions you will have to endure all day. Do not simply assume that, because it is a certain month of the year, the weather will consistently stay that way. Like hunting itself, the weather can be rather ambiguous at times.

Always carry at least one spare pair of socks, underwear and headgear. All of these may become wet and cause discomfort, so spares will be a blessing in times of soreness if a painful rash starts to develop. Remember that your body is a temple, and our temples can become too hot or too cold at any given moment: keeping both warm and dry is vital so, in case of snow or rain, wear (or at least carry with you) a waterproof layer. A polyester fleece layer is a real lifesaver in places where the chill really clings to your bones.

Furthermore, if you are walking for miles, you need to keep your toes as toasty as possible, and, even though it may seem a no-brainer to many, it is always worth repeating: check your boots for small holes that will leave your feet agonizingly wet. If you are thinking of purchasing a pair of waterproof boots, pick a size that is larger than what you usually tend to wear. That way, you will have the freedom to put on multiple pairs of socks if desired.

A pair of warm gloves will prove indispensable. However, if you find that shooting can be a little too tricky whilst wearing them, pack a ready supply of hand warmers instead. Not only are they great when nestled in your jacket pockets, but they are also highly effective if you choose to sleep overnight and are confronted by a cold sleeping bag. All kinds of hand warmers and toe warmers are available to help keep Jack Frost away from your chilly extremities!

Waterproof as much of your kit as you can, so you do not become waterlogged and end up feeling like a drowned rat. Buy a cover for your riflescope and bring along a pack of optical wipes, so you can clear your lenses if it starts to rain, sleet, fog or snow. After all, as the old adage goes, "You can't shoot what you can't see with your own eyes."

A tip to keep in mind regarding all of these garments: do not pack clothes that make noise! Even the most amateur of hunters is aware that they should never converse when on a hunt, but keeping your mouth shut for hours on end is useless if you are unable to walk a few paces without your waterproof jacket making obnoxiously loud noises that give away your position in the field. Make certain that every move you make will not create even the most minor of distracting rustles. Your intended prey - be it turkey, deer or duck - will scarper at the slightest sound you make.

Finally, make a thorough checklist of what you need to pack the night before you leave. This is crucial if you want to remain happy and comfortable if the weather becomes stubborn or challenging.