Essential Deer Hunting Gear: What to Wear and What to Bring

Deer hunting is great way to spend time outdoors, and it has become a popular activity for many. In order to maximize your deer hunting experience and remain safe while on your trip, it’s important to have the right preparation – and this includes having all of the right deer hunting gear!

What you wear and what you bring with you on your deer hunting trip can make or break the trip. Wearing the right clothes can keep you comfortable and safe and extend your ability to hunt for longer. The right deer hunting gear is important to ensure a successful and safe trip for you and your hunting buddies.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential deer hunting gear that you should bring with you on your trip, providing a comprehensive guide for both the seasoned hunter and the novice.

Choosing Deer Hunting Guns

When it comes to deer hunting, choosing the right gun for the job is essential! Let’s take a look at the top three choices for deer hunting guns and learn about each of them.

Slug Guns

Shotgun slugs are heavy projectiles that are fired from a shotgun and especially designed for hunting large game. A slug gun is a type of shotgun that is created especially for the purpose of firing slugs. Slug guns are a popular choice when it comes to hunting deer.

Deer Rifles

Deer rifles fall into several categories: the pump rifle, the lever action, and the bolt action. A bolt action rifle is a popular choice for deer hunting in more open territory, while the other two types are ideal for fast shooting in the woods.

Straight-Walled Cartridge Rifles

A straight-walled cartridge is a type of ammunition that does not have a taper on the case. The cartridges have the same diameter across the entire case. A straight-walled cartridge rifle is a firearm that shoots these type of cartridges.

Certain states only permit this gun to be used for hunting game animals (such as deer or elk hunting) during the annual deer season. Be sure to check out your local state laws before investing in this type of weapon for deer hunting.

Clothing for Deer Hunting

Your clothing for deer hunting should include solid base layers, middle layers, and outer layers. Proper clothing will keep you comfortable while hunting and keep you safe from the elements. Read on to learn more about each important layer!

Base Layer

Your base layer should include long underwear on both the top and bottom, a moisture-wicking liner sock, and a heavy wool sock. Avoid wearing cotton socks when hunting. The right socks will keep you comfortable and allow you to hunt for longer.

Middle Layer

Your middle layer should include a wool shirt and pants, a fleece vest, and a belt and suspenders to keep everything in place.

Outer Layer

Your outer layer should include a warm jacket, a blaze vest, a hat, and a neck gaiter.

Rain Gear for Hunting

Quality rain gear for hunting will protect you from hypothermia. It keeps your body dry and also allows your body to release moisture through the right ventilation. Look for a rain jacket and other gear to help you stay dry.

Whitetail Hunting Boots

The right hunting boots are an important part of your deer hunting ensemble! Look for boots that are sturdy and that will keep your feet dry. You can try a heavy pac-style boot, such as LaCrosse Ice King, Hip Boots, or Insulated Danner’s.

Other Essential Whitetail Deer Hunting Gear & Whitetail Hunting Accessories

Having the right whitetail deer hunting gear ensures that you have a safe and successful trip! Read on to learn more about the essential hunting gear that you should bring with you in your hunting pack.

License: It’s important that you have a license to hunt where you plan to go deer hunting. Keep this license with you when you hunt, just in case you need to present it.

Hand & Foot Warmers: If you are deer hunting in cold weather, hand and foot warmers can be a lifesaver! Be sure to bring them just in case they come in handy.

Trail Markers: To help you navigate the woods, be sure to bring trail markers with you.

Gutting Gloves: Carry a pair of rubber gloves with you. You will need to wear them when you are field dressing a deer.

First Aid Kit: You’ll always want to keep a first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency.

Trash Bags: Bring some large trash bags with you. You can cut these open to put game meat on while you process your deer. They can also be used to keep gear and clothing dry.

Paracord: Bring 30-50 feet of paracord with you for your trip. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including hanging food from a tree or building a shelter.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is absolutely crucial! This will enable you to feel more energized and hunt for longer. Make sure your water bottle is big enough to sustain you for the amount of time you plan to spend deer hunting.

Hunting Knife: Consider a fixed blade, a folding knife, or a multi-tool knife. Each type of knife has its own unique benefits for hunting. Fixed blade knives are unbreakable, easy to maintain, and will have a larger blade. Folding knives are easy to pack, lightweight, and come in multiple blade types. Multi-tool knives are versatile and can provide other important tools, such as a screwdriver, saw, and scissors.

Essential Navigation for Hunting

The proper navigation tools will allow you to trek through the woods without getting lost. There are thousands of people who get lost in the woods annually, so it’s important to be prepared in this regard!

A traditional map and compass can be helpful if you know how to use them, but most people opt for hunting GPS units. These GPS units can make navigating the woods so much easier!

Another option is to use a smart phone app to navigate. Try onX Hunt App. This app offers offline maps, which allow you to navigate even when you don’t have cell phone service.

FAQs

Can I wear jeans for whitetail deer hunting?

No, you should not wear jeans for deer hunting. It is best to wear pants made of wool, which will keep you warm and dry for the hunt.

What essential hunting gear do you need for deer hunting?

Be sure to bring all of the essential hunting gear that you need for a successful trip! You will need to bring your license, hand and foot warmers, trail markers, gutting gloves, a first aid kit, trash bags, paracord, a water bottle, and a hunting knife. Obviously, you will also need to bring your gun and ammunition and wear the right clothing to protect you during your hunting trip.

What colors can deer see best?

Deer can see blue and green, but they are less sensitive to red and orange. Red and orange are great colors to wear while hunting, as they will help you stay hidden from whitetail deer and will make you more visible to fellow hunters.