You've saved your money and booked a bird hunt at a shooting preserve or with an outfitter, and the day is approaching when you'll step afield or into the blind. To better prepare for your hunt there are a few pieces of essential gear that you should consider purchasing or borrowing if they are not supplied. In some cases, the business that you'll be hunting with can provide the gear. Ask when in doubt.

After you gear up, it's time to let the hunt begin. Look around, soak in the sights, and have a great time-and a safe hunting experience.

Upland Hunting Gear List

When it's time to pursue pheasants, quail and other upland species, expect to walk great distances. You'll need lightweight and comfortable gear, plus properly fitting footwear.

Another top piece of bird hunting gear is a vest. It's the perfect place to store shotshells, a bottle of water, other gear and your camera. Most good bird hunting vests are orange-you want to be seen-and never have too many pockets.

Next, think about your protection. A hat with a brim can shield your eyes from the sun and help you to better see. Of course, you'll want to wear sturdy shooting glasses that wrap around while not blocking your view. And more and more hunters are now wearing ear protection on the hunt, including electronic muffs. Some guides also wear these so they can better hear and locate their dogs.

Other outer wear to consider is soft leather shooting gloves to cover your hands, and brush pants or chaps to protect your legs from briars.

Waterfowl Hunters' Gear List

If you are hunting ducks and geese, remember that most action occurs over or near water. And incoming ducks can easily spot you, so most gear-including your outerwear- will be camouflaged. To help you stay warm and on the hunt, remember to bring along a cap or hat and gloves for your hands. You might also consider placing handwarmers inside your coat pockets to help keep cold fingers warm and flexible.

Next, waterfowl hunting often involves early starts and long hours so pack along a Thermos with hot drinks or soup, snacks, a flashlight and binoculars. You can place these-and extra shotshells-in a small canvas bag or daypack.

In some cases you'll need waders to wear in the blind. In all hunts over water you'll need a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) that fits. Wear this any time you are in a moving boat-period. And bring your own duck or goose call if you have it. Most guides will provide pointers on calling when there's a lull in the action.

A Sweet Shotgun

It's a fact that prepared hunters normally plan ahead to care for their most important piece of equipment-a shotgun. Plan to use a soft gun case for transporting it to the field or blind, and remember to bring some basic cleaning equipment. If you are borrowing or renting a gun, be certain that you learn the basics of operation. Don't be afraid to ask because everyone wants you to have a good time. If possible, try the shotgun out at the range before the hunt begins to determine the pattern of your choke and shell combination.

An Important Note on Shooting

I'll pass along some sage advice that I received from an expert shotgunner many years ago: Shoot for the bird's bill, and focus there. That way you're ahead of the bird and more likely to make a clean kill.