10 High Energy Snacks to Bring When You Go Hunting

Hunting is a physically demanding sport. To keep you going for the long haul, here are some high-energy snacks to make and pack.

Hunting is tiring work. Have you ever reached that point, probably after climbing up a hill, where you feel like you can't go on? We have.

When you're out walking miles at a time, climbing steep inclines, and pursuing prey, you need high-energy snacks to keep you going.

It's hard to know which snacks are worth your money. Some are just sugar and will give you short-term energy but nothing else. Others take too long to kick in.

In this article, we've picked our favorite food hunters should take with them on the trail. If you've ever needed a little pick-me-up while you're out in the sticks, then wave goodbye to fatigue and read on! (1)

1. Beef Jerky and Biltong

Your favorite snack is a fantastic fuel for hunting. Dried beef is high in protein, which keeps you full for longer, and fat, which provides long-lasting energy. It's also delicious. 

Coming in at around 90 calories per ounce, it's good, calorically dense food. It doesn't require any special storage either and can be stored easily in your backpack. We especially recommend buying Old Trapper Beef Jerky at Walmart, which is a very high-quality jerky.

2. Breakfast Cereals

It may seem counterintuitive, but breakfast cereals are not only for breakfast. They're high in calories and, if made from whole grains, provide long-lasting carbohydrates.

They're also high in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Pick a healthier cereal, such as Cheerios or Corn Flakes, rather than Cookie Crisp, and enjoy one of the best light, portable, high-energy snacks.

3. Trail Mix

An old standby, trail mix is a fantastic, well-rounded food for hunters. The protein from the nuts and the sugar from the dried fruit work as a fantastic combo. You get both immediate and long-lasting energy.

The average trail mix contains around 160 calories per ounce and is very portable. Just stick it in your backpack and munch it when you're hungry. 

4. Peanuts

Peanuts serve two purposes on the hunt. Firstly, they pack some of the highest calories of any nut. Second, they can be used as bait.

If you've ever wondered "do deer eat peanuts," the answer is a strong yes. Whitetail deer love peanuts, and they can work as great bait. 

If you're trying to introduce new hunters to the sport or teaching a class, such as promoting women hunters, peanuts are superb. They're an adaptable snack that every hunter should know about, and keep in their kit at all times.

5. Tortillas

The outer layer of the burrito has a huge number of uses for the modern hunter. It can be used at dinner or breakfast as a dipper, but think outside the box. Spread honey, peanut butter, or Nutella on the inside and roll it up.

Instantly, you've got a delicious and quick energy boost. They're also far easier to store than a loaf of bread. If you're low on space, you can pack them at the very bottom of your bag, and they'll be fine. 

6. Cheese

Cheese is rich in fat, protein, and salt. You need all three of these, with salt essential for restoring that lost through sweat. 

For form factor, string cheese can't be beaten. However, if you've got the room in your bag, take a block of it with you. It can be sliced thinly and added to meals, or a few slices can be eaten alone as tasty high-energy snacks.

In a pinch, combine cheese with some wheat thins. The carbs from the crackers make this a well-balanced snack, which will keep you full for a while.

7. Dehydrated Milk

If you don't want to cook breakfast while out hunting, taking dehydrated milk with you is invaluable. This stuff is worth its weight in gold as food for hunters. Combining dehydrated whole milk with water can add 100 calories to a bowl of cereal.

It also packs a protein and fat one-two punch, which will keep you fuller for longer. It's not just for breakfast either. If you combine it with a bottle of water, you get a large bottle of milk for on the go.

It's easy to carry in a backpack, high in calories and goes well with other foods. What more could you want?

8. Energy Bars

This recommendation comes with a proviso. Energy bars can be awesome for hunters providing fantastic high-energy snacks in a light, portable form. Sometimes, however, they can be pure sugar. 

Look for a bar that's packed with nuts and high in protein. A bit of sugar is recommended, but proteins should be the predominant nutrients.

9. Olive Oil

Grab a small bottle of olive oil, and take it with you on your next hunt. As essentially pure fat, olive oil is very high in calories. 

The most obvious use for olive oil is to fry other food, such as bacon, but don't look at it solely as the means to an end. A common breakfast in Spain is fresh bread, topped with olive oil and chopped tomatoes. This trio contains sugar, fat, and carbs, without being too bulky.

If you don't want to carry a tin of tomatoes, try dipping a tortilla in olive oil, seasoned with salt. The flavors might just surprise you!

10. Bacon

Where would we be without bacon at breakfast? Make a pot of coffee, fry up some bacon, and you're ready to take on anything the wilderness throws at you.

Bacon, as anyone who's ever given it up to lose weight, will be aware, is very high in calories. Around 151 per ounce, to be precise. Eating a few ounces of bacon in the morning is a fantastic way to start the day.

If you want to spice it up a little more, try bringing some eggs along and making scrambled eggs. The extra fats will go a long way.

Final Thoughts on High Energy Snacks

When you're considering what to bring on your next hunt, look at your high-energy snacks with a keen eye. While a sugar boost is good, most should be higher in protein and fat, which last longer. You should also try and avoid bringing too many things that are low in fiber, as you want to keep your blood sugar regulated.