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Deer Hunting Essentials—What's in the Pack?
When prepping for the deer hunting season, there's plenty to do—scouting the land, planting food plots, setting optics, and honing in on your aim. Whether you're bow hunting or rifle hunting, making sure you have the essentials ready to go is easy with the help of our Hunting Experts. When hunting whitetail deer in the woods, use this deer hunting checklist for a successful season.
Pre-Season Preparation
To start prepping, you’ll likely want to set up your trail cameras to help scout the area and determine if you need a treestand, saddle, or ground blind depending on how you prefer to hunt.
✔ Hunting License & ID: Don’t forget to review the state and local regulations.
✔ Firearm or Bow: Make sure you spend time sighting in your firearm or bow. Need help? Our Experts walk you through how to sight in a bow and a riflescope.
✔ Ammunition or Arrows
✔ Optics & Scopes: Depending on your hunting situation, you may need a variety of optics to help you scout your target. Many hunters turn to riflescopes, binoculars, and rangefinders for performance in the field. It’s not a bad idea to pack lens wipes too.
What to Wear Deer Hunting
When prepping for your hunt, make your layering system a top priority. There’s a lot to consider when dressing for your hunt especially if you plan on hunting from early to late season.
✔ Technical Hunting Clothing: You need hunting clothing designed to keep you undetected and comfortable no matter the weather conditions. When layering for your deer hunt, choose to wear the proper base layer, insulating layer, and outer layer to maximize comfort.
✔ Cold-Weather Accessories: Into the mid and late-season, don’t forget to wear a gaiter, hat, and gloves to enhance protection and warmth.
✔ Hunting Boots: Invest in a high-quality pair of hunting boots that are comfortable and suitable for the terrain and weather conditions you'll be hunting in. Look for boots with insulation, waterproofing, and good traction to keep your feet warm, dry, and secure while walking or stalking.
✔ Hunting Socks: Pair your boot with a quality pair of socks designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly!
✔ Hand & Foot Warmers: When out in the winter, be sure to pack several hand and foot warmer packs to place in your gloves and boots!
✔ Scent Killer: Use scent reduction products on your clothing, boots, and gear to help minimize your scent and keep you undetected.
Featured Expert Content:
What to Pack in Your Hunting Pack
Investing in a high-quality hunting pack is a top priority when out in the field so that you have easy access to all your gear. Aside from the gear mentioned above and hunting layers, don’t forget to pack these deer hunting essentials.
✔ Hydration System or Water Bottle
✔ Field Dressing Kit: Include a quality hunting knife, disposable gloves, and game bags.
✔ Snacks
✔ Battery Pack
✔ Trash Bags
✔ Headlamp
✔ Rope
✔ Mapping Tool or Handheld GPS: This is important because you may not have cell reception in heavily wooded areas.
✔ Portable Heater
By investing in essential items and preparing adequately, you can make the most of your time in the field. If you have any questions about deer hunting gear, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with a Hunting Expert!
About our Experts
Whitetail hunting is Adam's primary focus, having spent the past 25 years with a bow in hand and many hours honing his craft. These experiences, along with many seasons hunting mule deer, antelope, and elk out west, give him the knowledge to prepare you for whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Whether on the 3D course or in the stand, he knows what it takes to be successful.