Different hunters swear by different pieces of deer hunting gear, but these are the items most agree on. Check out this list of essential items.
Hunting can be an expensive sport.
On average, hunters in America spend $2,500 on it every year!
Clearly, there are cheaper ways to spend your time. However, for most people, the money spent on hunting is absolutely worth it.
That said, hunters often disagree on what to spend their money on. After all, the popularity of the sport means there’s a host of different gear on offer. Choosing the right equipment can be a challenge. Newbies to the hunting world may struggle to know where to start.
After you’ve sorted out your rifle or bow, what else do you need?!
We wanted to help. Are you considering your first hunt and want to get kitted out for the occasion?
Keep reading to discover 8 essential pieces of deer hunting gear.
Flashlight
Hunting deer isn’t restricted to the daytime.
Multiday hunts will almost certainly have you outside in the night time too. Whether you’re hunting or not, when darkness sets in, you need something to see with.
That’s why carrying a flashlight is essential hunting gear. In fact, it’s best to carry a back-up too. There’s nothing worse than you light source dying when you need it most. Having a spare (or two!) stops that becoming a problem.
A head torch is best. This keeps your hands free for your other needs. Whether you’re setting up camp, or stalking your prey, you want your hands available.
Rope
Some would argue that rope isn’t necessarily essential for hunting.
But it can definitely come in exceptionally handy. Having a stretch of rope with you is never a bad idea. For one thing, it can literally be a lifesaver in survival situations. For whatever reason, if you find yourself in a sticky situation in the wild, having rope will always come in handy.
Your hunting expedition will benefit too.
For instance, you can use the rope to tie up your dead deer for easier skinning. You can drag the dead deer behind you attached to it. Likewise, you can use the rope to get your rifle in and out of position when using a tree stand.
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First-Aid Kit
You never know what might happen on a hunt.
The potential to come into harm’s way is fairly high. Well, that’s when you compare it to other pastimes! After all, you’ve got knives, rifles, and bows and arrows to contend with (if you’re looking for these items, then products by Caldwell are always a good bet). Failing to prepare for the worst is like preparing to fail.
Having a first-aid kit can make a difference in dealing with minor injuries and ailments. Cover all the basics in what you include; remember to keep it stocked up too.
Appropriate Clothing
We’re going to bunch clothing into one big category.
You can’t go hunting without appropriate clothing. Wearing your favorite shirt and pants just won’t cut it. You have to be kitted out sufficiently. That means camouflage gear and hunting boots at a minimum.
Other specific items that’ll be important include a waterproof jacket, thermals, hand and foot warmers, and a camouflage hat. Prepare for bad weather, just in case you get hit by a cold front or a downpour.
Check the weather before your trip to predict the elements you’ll be up against. Remember, the right clothing can be the difference between a safe and dangerous trip. Prepare appropriately.
Cooking Equipment
At the end of long day’s hunting, there’s nothing like a hot meal to lift the spirits or, you can just carry a portable grill grate and use the campfire to cook your food..
You’ll be burning energy fast. You will often be cold and wet. And you might not have shot a thing all day! Having the gear to cook yourself something hot can make a huge difference to morale.
Be sure to include a camping stove in your pack. Ideally, it should be lightweight, small, and powerful. That’s a hard combo to find, but they exist.
Knife
A knife is undoubtedly essential for a hunt.
Not every knife will do though. A tiny Swiss army set up is better than nothing, but you’ll struggle for the tougher work.
You want a proper hunting knife for the job. It should be heavy-duty, foldable, and have a holster to keep it in. The variety of uses for a knife on a hunt is extreme. Having a solid knife to hand will ensure yours is fit for purpose.
It’s handy for everything from skinning a deer and chopping wood, to cutting up your food for the evening meal. Don’t leave home without one.
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Binoculars
Failing to take binoculars on a hunt is like trying to read without your glasses.
You might be able to make out the odd word. But the detail will elude you and the entire process will be more difficult.
Be sure to take a quality set of binoculars with you. Having them will make everything about the hunt easier. You can monitor the land from a distance. You can spot your deer from afar. You can ascertain their sex, age, size and the actual type of deer, and so on.
You can be more efficient with your movements. Your accuracy will improve too.
Quality Pack
The pack that holds everything else is, of course, also vitally important!
It’s no good having the best equipment out there if your pack fails on the first morning. Your backpack must be high quality to stand up to the rigors of the hunt.
Remember, you’ve got all your kit on the way in. You might need enough space to hold up to 14 days of gear and food! Unlike ordinary hikes, it’s not going to get any lighter over time either.
The whole point is to carry out more than your carry in! Bringing home a prizewinning pair of antlers demands a pack that can hold them. Obviously, there’s the meat and cape to think about too.
Time to Buy Your Deer Hunting Equipment
There you have it: 8 must-have pieces of deer hunting gear for your next hunting trip.
Hunters often spend thousands of dollars on their gear every year. However, the sheer variety of options out there makes it harder to know what to invest your money in. For newbies to hunting, knowing the essentials can be a challenge.
Hopefully, this post has highlighted all of the key items you’ll need on your first hunt.
Want to read more articles like this? Check out more gear suggestions on the blog!