You passed the exam!
Congratulations on getting your hunting license!!!
62% is the success rate for the first theoretical session of the hunting license 2026 in Wallonia.
A figure that reminds us that obtaining your license is a real milestone, with its share of study hours, stress before the exam, and that somewhat special feeling of entering a world filled with rules, traditions, and sometimes impressive codes when you're just starting.
Once the license is obtained, new questions quickly arise in your mind.
You’re already looking at opening dates, hunting videos, equipment at 11:48 PM on your phone. And you’ve probably already typed: “Best equipment to start hunting” 😅
62%
Because obtaining your license is not just about passing an exam. It’s entering a world where everyone seems to already know the codes, the brands, the reflexes, the equipment “that you absolutely must have” and the mistakes you should definitely avoid.
The good news? You absolutely don't need to invest thousands of euros to start hunting properly. Most experienced hunters will tell you the same thing: what matters at the beginning isn't having the most impressive equipment, but developing good reflexes, equipping yourself intelligently, and learning gradually through experience in the field and from other hunters.
The new generation of hunters is here
For a few years now, hunting has been attracting more and more young enthusiasts in Belgium, but also more women and very different profiles from the sometimes caricatured image we still have of the hunting world.
Many discover hunting through :
- the desire to spend time in nature,
- land management,
- family transmission,
- or simply the need to find something concrete, away from screens and the daily grind.
This new generation of hunters is connected and alert to the latest innovations like digital permits, weather apps, interactive maps, GPS trackers, drones... Hunting is evolving with its time, and that’s probably a good thing.
And yet, despite this motivation, there's often a quiet little fear when you're starting out.
The fear of doing it wrong.
The fear of forgetting something important.
The fear of asking a "stupid" question.
And also the fear of buying unnecessary equipment simply because you see others using certain gear.
Spoiler alert: every hunter started somewhere.
Even someone who seems to have been born with boots on their feet and a radio in their pocket.
🎒The really useful gear to get started
Before investing in expensive accessories, start with a solid foundation.
1. A suitable insurance
When talking about equipment, many immediately think of weapons or accessories. However, one of the first reflexes to have when starting out is to ensure properly.
Good young hunter insurance allows you to start your first season with more peace of mind, while respecting the obligations related to hunting.
It’s rarely the “passion” purchase you dream of at the beginning. But it’s clearly one of the most important.
Learn more about hunting insurance for young hunters offered by Delatte Insurance, our partner
2. Hearing protection
We talk a lot about weapons, not enough about ears.
The best time to protect your hearing was yesterday.
The second best time? Before your first season.
Noise fatigue, tinnitus, progressive hearing loss…
The problem is that damage often occurs slowly and silently. We think that "it's still okay"… until certain sounds become annoying or tiring on a daily basis.
Today, protecting your hearing has become much simpler than before. Modern hearing protection is comfortable, practical, and suitable for hunting, even for someone who is completely new.
Honestly, it’s probably one of the best reflexes you can take from the start.
Many experienced hunters regret not starting earlier.
Our selection of Hearing Protection for the active hunter
Headphones and earplugs designed for comfort and protection during shooting or extended exercises.
3. A simple and reliable radio
During drives, good communication quickly brings more comfort and safety.
No need for the ultra-complex model used by intergalactic commandos of the forest.
You mainly need:
- a reliable model,
- easy to use,
- with good battery life
- robust enough for the terrain
When starting out, being able to communicate easily with other hunters greatly helps to gain confidence and better understand the flow of hunting days.
4. A practical knife
The perfect knife does not exist.
On the other hand, a simple, effective, and easy-to-maintain knife will do the job just fine to start.
When you start:
- prioritize simplicity,
- durability,
- and ease of maintenance.
No need for a blade forged in a Nordic volcano for €700.
An effective and well-maintained knife will do the job just like the Neverlost Wild Boar Sticking Knife for example.
5. What you need to properly clean your weapon
Cleaning the weapon is part of the important habits to adopt from the start.
It’s not necessarily the most “fun” part of hunting, but
it’s an essential step to:
- preserve your equipment,
- avoid certain technical problems
- and develop good safety habits.
Over time, it is often noticed that a careful hunter in maintaining their equipment is also someone more attentive in the field.
What I wish I had known earlier
And especially… the first tips you never forget.
In the beginning, what really helps you progress is not the price of the equipment. It’s mainly:
- the reflexes you learn in the field,
- the advice given at the right moment,
- the small mistakes you avoid thanks to others,
- and all those things that no product sheet can really explain.
Because in the end, hunting is rarely learned alone behind a screen. It is built outing after outing, discussion after discussion, sometimes over a coffee at 6 a.m. or an anecdote shared after a drive.