The Big and Impressive Deer Hunting Gear List

There’s no bigger disappointment than showing up, all pumped up for a hunting trip only to struggle and curse your way through the whole thing because you didn’t get your gear right. Let’s face it; without the proper gear, you’re just camping in frustration. So here is a conclusive list of deer hunting gear:

Proper Hunting Attire

One of the biggest mistakes a hunter can make is to neglect this particular aspect of hunting, which if you think about it, is your protection against the elements. So always consider your environment and the weather. It can be much colder under the constant, thick cover of trees but it could also just be stuffy. That is exactly why wearing thermal under layers is probably a good idea. Some hunters prefer to wear ski-masks as part of their apparel for warmth and camouflage. Extra hats and vests are just somehow always necessary. There are debates about camouflage vs. no camouflage but because of the dichromatic vision of deer orange is a safe color to wear as well as earth tones. Also, remember to put on decent hunting boots, as a general rule of thumb hunting attire should be insulated. That includes boots, gloves, and shirts.

General Gear

I would suggest a decent, heavy duty pack with many pockets and compartments to fit all your gear into; you may want to check the condition of your pack before every hunting trip as they can sometimes get damaged, just like clothing. Besides your general food, while hunting, a bunch of protein bars and water are an absolute must. No passing out on the hunt, guys. Chemical body warmers are little lifesavers in torturously cold weather. You get them in packs for hand, foot, and toe warming.

Flashlights

Yes, more than one because one always seems to flake out when you need it most. The smaller ones work just the same as big and bulky ones except they take up less space and aren’t as heavy. Then also definitely a headlight – my preferred type of light for hunting, it’s just a great tool for hands-free lighting that I am sort of spoilt with. I usually pack more than one and some extra batteries in case.

Lighters and waterproof matches

When buying a lighter for hunting and the outdoors, in general, you want to look at something that’s durable, refillable and waterproof, because there’s no contesting how important these are, so they’re worth spending a bit of extra money on. Matches are good for Plan B. You have to have a backup way of starting a fire. Lighters and matches are also an excellent way of determining wind direction.

Knife or Multitools

A Swiss army knife or a high-grade multi-tool is a favorite amongst campers, fisherman, and handymen and of course hunters. As they should be, their compact versatility allows you to carry along an entire toolbox full of essentials on your belt. With multi-tools, it is important to find a good quality, highly versatile tool. An ingenious brand is Leatherman; their tools just keep for years and years and even their cheaper range is quite useful.

Rope

The rope comes in very handy for all sorts of things. On average about 50 feet should do just fine.

Bug spray

Bug spray but many hunters don’t like using it because they believe it works against their scent eliminating spray and causes the animals to be more aware of their presence. But in my opinion, when you’re up in a tree a mosquito is more likely to get a whiff of you than the deer on the ground.

For hunting

First and foremost, your hunting license, permission from the landowner and general preparation such as reading up on the local rules, limitations, and regulations and also checking all of your gear for functionality, cleanliness and battery life.

After that you’re going to need a deer hunting rifle and its appropriate safety equipment such as arm guards, finger tabs and chest guards for archers and safety glasses (plus a hat for extra protection), hearing protection and a safety vest. A cleaning kit for your weapon is also necessary, yes, even if you cleaned your weapons at home. Remember a carrier for your weapon as well as a scope and ammunition or arrows.

Bring along an extra knife after making sure that all your knives are sharp and ready to go and then pack a knife sharpener because odds are- you will need it.

Scent eliminating spray for yourself and your backpack to hide your whereabouts. But also Scent and a Grunt Tube (you can also just use calls) to attract deer.

For tree hunts (most hunts) you have to have your preferred tree stand there are different kinds, so keep that in mind when purchasing one, do your research first and don’t buy something that looks flimsy because it is cheap. Along with that, you will need a tree belt or harness and a release. Other useful things include a folding saw which you can use to create to cut away smaller branches to create an ideal space for your stand. You may want to keep in mind that you’ll be up there a while, so pack a pee bottle.

Binoculars and rangefinders are some of the standard equipment you’ll find in a hunter’s backpack but in the spirit of lightening your load, you should consider buying a range finding a pair of binoculars. Be sure to include the safety harness and cap in your pack.

Most hunters have both a GPS unit and a compass. A GPS unit is an impressive piece of tech for hunters and makes things much, much easier, but they can run out of batteries or refuse to work under thick, overgrown trees. That’s why a good, old-fashioned compass is always a safe backup. You could also just use your cell phone for either; just remember a backup battery for your phone.

At the very least a first aid kit (a small one will suffice) and some flares should make it into the mix.
Post hunting gear should include a deer cart; a butt-out tool; game bags; a deer cart; a black-out marker and elbow-length plastic gloves.

I hope this helps, happy hunting!