Mastering the Hunt: Best Beginner Loadout for The Hunter – The Hunter: Call of the Wild is an immersive hunting simulation game that offers players a realistic and thrilling hunting experience. As a beginner, choosing the right loadout can make a significant difference in your success, ensuring you have the right weapons, gear, and strategies for a smooth and enjoyable hunting journey.

In this guide, we will explore the best beginner loadout for The Hunter: Call of the Wild, covering essential weapons, ammunition, optics, callers, and other gear that will set you up for success in the wild.

Choosing the Right Rifle: The Best Starter Weapon

1. Ranger .243 Rifle – The Ideal Beginner’s Gun

The Ranger .243 is the default rifle available to all players at the start of the game, and it’s an excellent choice for beginners due to its versatility and ease of use.

Why the Ranger .243?

• Perfect for hunting small to medium-sized game such as deer and coyotes.
• Decent accuracy and manageable recoil, making it beginner-friendly.
• Comes with soft-point bullets initially, but polymer-tip bullets can be unlocked for better penetration.

2. Upgrading to the Solokhin MN1890 (7.62mm)

Once you’ve gained some experience, the Solokhin MN1890 is a great upgrade for taking down larger game such as black bears and elk.

Pros of the Solokhin MN1890:

• Higher stopping power compared to the Ranger .243.
• Suitable for mid-sized and larger animals.
• Classic bolt-action design with solid accuracy.

Essential Secondary Weapon: Handguns & Shotguns

1. Grelck Drilling Rifle 9.3x74R/16GA

This rifle/shotgun combo is great for beginners as it allows versatility in hunting both small and large animals.

Advantages:

• The 9.3x74R rifle barrel is great for larger game.
• The 16-gauge shotgun barrel is ideal for birds and small game.
• Multi-purpose weapon that reduces the need for multiple guns in your loadout.

2. Cacciatore 12G Shotgun – Best for Close-Range Hunting

For hunting birds, foxes, and rabbits, a shotgun is a must-have. The Cacciatore 12G is a solid choice.

Reasons to Use the Cacciatore 12G:

• Excellent for waterfowl and upland birds.
• Effective at close range with buckshot or slugs.
• Inexpensive and easy to use.

Choosing the Best Scope for Accuracy

1. Hyperion 4-8×42 Rifle Scope – Best All-Around Scope

A good scope is essential for accurate shots. The Hyperion 4-8×42 is one of the best choices for beginners.

Why Choose the Hyperion Scope?

• Adjustable zoom for versatility in different hunting scenarios.
• Clear optics for precise shots.
• Works well with most rifles in the game.

Best Callers to Lure Animals

1. Deer Bleat Caller – Essential for Whitetail & Blacktail Deer

If you plan to hunt deer, the Deer Bleat Caller is a must-have.

Advantages:

• Effective in attracting deer within close range.
• Simple to use for beginners.
• Works well in forested areas.

2. Jackrabbit Distress Caller – Perfect for Predators

If you’re after coyotes and foxes, the Jackrabbit Distress Caller will significantly improve your hunting success.

Why You Need It:

• Lures predatory animals such as coyotes and bobcats.
• Increases chances of spotting elusive predators.

3. Elk Bugle Caller – Best for Large Game Hunters

For those targeting elk, the Elk Bugle Caller is a crucial tool.

Benefits:

• Effective in calling elk over long distances.
• Increases the likelihood of successful hunts.

Essential Hunting Gear for Beginners

1. Binoculars: GenZero 8×50 Rangefinder

A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting animals from a distance.

Why Use the GenZero 8×50?

• Provides a clear view of animals in different terrains.
• Built-in rangefinder helps calculate shooting distance.
• Essential for long-range hunting.

2. Scent Eliminator: Cover Scent Spray

Scent plays a major role in hunting. A cover scent spray helps you stay undetected.

Benefits:

• Reduces your scent signature, making it harder for animals to detect you.
• Useful when hunting against the wind.

3. Tents and Ground Blinds

Tents and blinds provide cover and increase your chances of staying hidden.

Why Use a Tent or Blind?

• Allows you to set up a hunting location strategically.
• Reduces animal detection rate.

Best Ammo Selection for Beginners

Choosing the right ammo is crucial for ethical and effective hunting. Here are the best beginner-friendly ammo choices:

• .243 Polymer-Tip Bullets – Best for deer and coyotes.
• 7.62mm Soft-Point Bullets – Ideal for mid-sized game.
• 12-Gauge Birdshot – Great for hunting birds.
• Slug Rounds (12GA) – Best for close-range large game hunting.

Hunting Strategies for Beginners

1. Understanding Wind Direction

Animals in The Hunter: Call of the Wild have a strong sense of smell. Always check the wind direction and position yourself accordingly.

2. Use Cover and Stealth

• Crouch or go prone to reduce noise.
• Move slowly to avoid alerting animals.
• Stay in dense vegetation for better concealment.

3. Take Ethical Shots

• Aim for the vital organs (lungs, heart, spine) for quick kills.
• Avoid unnecessary suffering by using the right caliber weapon for the target animal.

Conclusion

Starting in The Hunter: Call of the Wild can be challenging, but with the right loadout, beginners can significantly improve their success rate. The Ranger .243 rifle, complemented by a shotgun, good optics, callers, and the right gear, provides a solid foundation for new hunters.

By understanding hunting strategies, using the right equipment, and practicing ethical hunting, you can master the wild and enjoy the immersive experience that the game has to offer. Happy hunting!