What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
10-20-2003, 10:55 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 157
What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
I' m trying to get as prepared as possible by opening gun season on Nov. 8th - 16th for my first deer hunt. So far all I have is my gun and a new pair of good boots. I plan on saving enough by then to have a pair of camo coveralls and some scent eliminator. I don' t have a tree stand or a blind. Should I forget the camo coveralls and get a stand instead? How important is a grunt call or doe estrus attractant? I' m trying to get my priorities straight. Thanks for any advice.
10-21-2003, 08:57 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Winthrop NY USA
Posts: 161
RE: What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
Nathan,
A tree stand (climber if you can afford it) is much more important than camo or scent eliminator. Just wash the clothes. Warm clothes are very important. If you are worried about scent, stand in the smoke of a wood fire for a few minutes.
A tree stand (climber if you can afford it) is much more important than camo or scent eliminator. Just wash the clothes. Warm clothes are very important. If you are worried about scent, stand in the smoke of a wood fire for a few minutes.
10-21-2003, 10:23 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wappingers Falls,N.Y
Posts: 140
RE: What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
Are you hunting private land or public/state land?
If state land, then the calling items may be a waste of money.
I know it' s not gear, but the first thing you need is a place to hunt.
Next, you need to scout the area and determine if a tree stand is needed.
Then you need to sight in your rifle.
Next, you need a knapsack to carry all you food and cloths.
Then you need binoculars
then the following;
warm cloths
knife
rope for dragging
small flashlight
compass
small first aid kit
watch
hunter orange hat & vest
pad for sitting(if not using a tree stand)
Good Luck!
If state land, then the calling items may be a waste of money.
I know it' s not gear, but the first thing you need is a place to hunt.
Next, you need to scout the area and determine if a tree stand is needed.
Then you need to sight in your rifle.
Next, you need a knapsack to carry all you food and cloths.
Then you need binoculars
then the following;
warm cloths
knife
rope for dragging
small flashlight
compass
small first aid kit
watch
hunter orange hat & vest
pad for sitting(if not using a tree stand)
Good Luck!
10-21-2003, 11:42 AM
#8
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 157
RE: What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
I' m currently planning to hunt on public land. Why would this make a difference with the calling? Thanks for the advice. -Nathan
10-21-2003, 11:53 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Walnut MS USA
Posts: 871
RE: What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
Like deerhunter 1224 said, just the basics. Gun, ammo, warm clothing. At least a pocket knife but a sheaf knife would be better. If you are required to wear blaze orange get some that meet requirements. All that other stuff is just dressing. As the need arises, start getting the acessories you need, then the fancy stuff later. Get some Sport wash and UV killer then you can just wear drab clothing without resorting to a bunch of camo til you know what you need or can afford. Boots? I' ve used oversized boots, and put on 2-3 pairs socks if you are in a cold climate.
Number 1 item; a suitable gun, ammo and some time with some target practice.
Russ
Number 1 item; a suitable gun, ammo and some time with some target practice.
Russ
10-21-2003, 12:29 PM
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wappingers Falls,N.Y
Posts: 140
RE: What is the ESSENTIAL gear for a limited budget deer hunt?
natnan:
I don' t know about Arkansas but here in N.Y. before the gun season the deer are getting hunted and spooked by the bow hunters and small game hunters. By the time gun season starts the deer are allready jumpy. On opening day the hunters disturb the deer' s natural patterns and they head for cover. Unless you are back in the woods away from most hunters or on private land, the deer will be too scared (or smart)to respond to your calls. If this is your first year deer hunting you may be in for a supprise on opening day when you see all the hunters. I hope you find a place all to yourself.
Deer hunting shows and videos are nice for seeing big bucks but it' s not the real world.
Look for trails that lead into thick cover, and maybe you will catch a deer heading into it.
I don' t know about Arkansas but here in N.Y. before the gun season the deer are getting hunted and spooked by the bow hunters and small game hunters. By the time gun season starts the deer are allready jumpy. On opening day the hunters disturb the deer' s natural patterns and they head for cover. Unless you are back in the woods away from most hunters or on private land, the deer will be too scared (or smart)to respond to your calls. If this is your first year deer hunting you may be in for a supprise on opening day when you see all the hunters. I hope you find a place all to yourself.
Deer hunting shows and videos are nice for seeing big bucks but it' s not the real world.
Look for trails that lead into thick cover, and maybe you will catch a deer heading into it.