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Gear checklist
Small Game and Upland Gear Checklist 2026
Squirrel, rabbit, quail, pheasant and grouse: what to carry by category, 13 products hunters buy, and where to check your state's rules.
Photo: Matt Tillett (CC BY 2.0)
What to bring, by category
The checklist below covers what small game and upland hunters carry in most states. Laws on orange, weapons and methods are set by each state, so the rules section links every state we cover.
Vest and game bag
A blaze orange upland vest or strap vest with a game bag in the back, shell loops and a pocket for water.
Brush protection
Chaps or brush pants for briars and greenbrier in rabbit thickets and quail cover.
Boots
Light leather boots for walking miles behind dogs, or snake boots in warm early seasons where snakes are a concern.
Rimfire and shotgun
A scoped .22 for squirrels in the trees, and an open choke such as improved cylinder for close-flushing quail, rabbits and grouse.
Calls
A squirrel call can get squirrels moving and chattering after you sit still for a while.
Dog gear
A GPS tracking collar for beagles or bird dogs, and a whistle for handling.
Eyes and ears
Shooting glasses protect against twigs and shot; electronic muffs protect hearing on the range and in the field.
Cleaning and cooling
Game shears for birds and squirrels, and a small cooler with ice for the ride home.
13 small game and upland hunting products hunters buy
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ALPS OutdoorZ Adjustable Upland Game Vest
Front-loading game bag and shell loops in blaze orange.
about $60
Banded Upland Strap Vest 3.0
Large rear pouch for birds, rabbits and squirrels.
$100 to $110
Browning Upland Chaps
12 oz cotton canvas with a briar-resistant face.
about $100
Irish Setter Wingshooter 9 in Waterproof Boots
Uninsulated full-grain leather with a waterproof liner.
about $200
Athlon Neos 3-9×40 BDC 22 Rimfire Scope
BDC reticle set up for .22 rimfire drop.
about $140
Primos Squirrel Buster Call
Young squirrel distress plus gray and fox squirrel chatter.
$25 to $28
Garmin Alpha T 20 Dog Tracking Collar
Tracks a beagle or bird dog to 9 miles with an Alpha handheld.
about $300
ACME Alpha 210.5 Dog Whistle
Standard 210.5 pitch, heard to about 100 yards.
$14 to $20
Radians RSG Interchangeable Shooting Glasses
Clear, orange and amber lenses; meets ANSI Z87.1.
about $72
Walker's Razor Slim Electronic Earmuffs
NRR 23 dB with sound-activated compression.
$60 to $80
Outdoor Edge Game Shears SC-100
Stainless shears with a notch for small bones.
$15 to $25
Bass Pro Shops 24-Can Soft Cooler
Insulated 24-can soft cooler for birds or squirrels.
about $40
Carlson's Remington 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke
Improved cylinder for close-flushing birds; lead or steel.
about $25
Prices are as listed on maker and retailer pages checked on November 10, 2026, rounded to the dollar. Sale and clearance prices end; check the current listing before buying.
Rules differ by state
Blaze orange rules for small game and upland hunters differ by state; some require orange for upland birds, some only during deer gun season, some not at all. Pick your state below for its laws page.
Small game and upland hunting gear FAQ
What gear do I need for squirrel hunting?
A .22 rifle with a scope or a shotgun, blaze orange if your state requires it, a vest with a game bag and a squirrel call.
What should I wear for rabbit hunting?
Brush chaps or briar-resistant pants, sturdy boots, gloves and a blaze orange vest or hat where required.
What choke is best for quail and grouse?
An open choke such as improved cylinder suits close flushes. The Carlson's improved cylinder tube on this page fits Remington 12 gauge guns.
Do I need blaze orange for upland birds?
Some states require it for upland hunting and some do not. Check your state's laws page from the links on this page.
Do beagle and bird dog collars need a handheld?
The Garmin Alpha T 20 on this page works with a compatible Garmin Alpha handheld, sold separately.
How do I keep squirrels and birds fresh?
Field dress them soon after the hunt and keep them cool on ice in a cooler for the drive home.
Are the prices current?
They are the prices listed on maker and retailer pages checked on November 10, 2026. Prices change; the buttons open current listings.
Are these products tested here?
No. Specs and prices come from the makers and retailers.