Basic gear for deer hunting?
#23
Spike
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 6
Most everything has been mentioned. You can do it with as much or as little gear as you like. The gear junkie in me wakes up when I decide to browse around Cabelas but at the end of the day I like to go in with as little gear as necessary, whatever fits in my pockets.
One thing that was not mentioned, which I think is probably the most important, is making sure you get plenty of range time with whatever weapon you decide to use. I know way too many people that only go to check their sights once a year if even that. Of course they end up missing or worse wounding animals more often than not. Personally I think it's irresonsible to take a shot at an animal if you haven't done all you can to max out your proficiency.
Good luck & have fun!
One thing that was not mentioned, which I think is probably the most important, is making sure you get plenty of range time with whatever weapon you decide to use. I know way too many people that only go to check their sights once a year if even that. Of course they end up missing or worse wounding animals more often than not. Personally I think it's irresonsible to take a shot at an animal if you haven't done all you can to max out your proficiency.
Good luck & have fun!
#24
A pack - as in a ruck style back pack - for a day hunt a half mile from your truck is a waste of weight. Unless you're western hunting and day camping, a big hiking pack doesn't make sense.
For stand hunting - day hunt within a mile or two of my truck - I carry a small "tactical pack" (let's be honest, it's an F'ing purse...) for water/gatorade and food/snacks, plus a drag rope. I have a couple knives, a small first aid kit with Quik-Clot, and my binos inside. All of those could go into my jacket pockets, but I often change jackets during the day, and hate transferring stuff. With the truck so nearby, I really only worry about hauling nourishment and an Oh Schitt Kit. If I take a larger bag on such a short trip, it's because I have a sleeping bag inside planning to keep myself extra warm.
I didn't see many people mention a safety harness. If you're elevated, you need a harness.
For stand hunting - day hunt within a mile or two of my truck - I carry a small "tactical pack" (let's be honest, it's an F'ing purse...) for water/gatorade and food/snacks, plus a drag rope. I have a couple knives, a small first aid kit with Quik-Clot, and my binos inside. All of those could go into my jacket pockets, but I often change jackets during the day, and hate transferring stuff. With the truck so nearby, I really only worry about hauling nourishment and an Oh Schitt Kit. If I take a larger bag on such a short trip, it's because I have a sleeping bag inside planning to keep myself extra warm.
I didn't see many people mention a safety harness. If you're elevated, you need a harness.