Top 5 Best Snacks for Hunting Trips

Let’s face it—spending long hours in the woods requires more than just patience and stealth. You need fuel that keeps your energy up and your focus sharp. Whether you’re sitting in a stand from sunup to sundown or hiking deep into public land, having the right snacks on hand can make a world of difference.

Here are our top 5 snacks for hunting trips, plus a bonus favorite that’s perfect for those early mornings.

 

1. Peanut Butter Pretzels

We’re kicking things off with a personal favorite—peanut butter pretzels. These little guys pack a punch with a great balance of protein, fat, and carbs to keep your energy steady throughout your hunt. They're shelf-stable, don’t go stale quickly, and are easy to toss into your hunting bag and forget about (until you really need them).

 

2. Beef Jerky

A classic, and for good reason. Beef jerky is loaded with protein and fat, which are essential for sustained energy. With so many flavors available, it’s hard to get bored. Bonus: if you process your own game, you can turn last season’s harvest into this season’s jerky—a satisfying way to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

3. Trail Mix

The ultimate trail snack. Trail mix is endlessly customizable, which means you can mix your ideal blend of nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, seeds, or granola. It’s calorie-dense, lightweight, and easy to eat on the go—perfect for keeping your metabolism running while you glass ridges or hike between spots.

 

4. Summer Sausage

This one hits close to home. Summer sausage is a fantastic mid-day snack, especially paired with crackers and cheese. For the die-hard rut hunters, it’s also the perfect tree stand lunch during an all-day sit. Like jerky, you can make your own from last year’s deer or elk, giving you a snack with meaning and a story behind it.

 

5. Little Debbies

Let’s be honest—we all have that one snack that’s less about nutrition and more about morale. For many hunters, Little Debbies are a tradition. They may not offer much in terms of protein or healthy fats, but they sure help lift spirits after a missed shot, a long drag, or a cold, quiet morning in the stand.

 

Bonus: Oatmeal

Not just for breakfast anymore. Oatmeal is quick, hearty, and packed with carbs for lasting energy. It’s especially great for early mornings when you need something warm and filling before heading out. We’ve found that mixing your oatmeal in one of our Ambush Snack Bags is an efficient way to mix flavors and carry it on the go—thanks to the heat-resistant silicone, you won’t burn your hands even when it's piping hot.

 

Final Thoughts

Hunting is as much a mental game as a physical one, and the right snacks help keep both sharp. Whether you're looking for protein-packed staples or just a sweet treat to keep morale up, having the right fuel in your pack can be the difference between calling it early or staying out to tag that buck of a lifetime.

Stay fueled, hunt smart, and good luck out there!