FOR NEW ADULT HUNTERS

 

 
As a beginning hunter, it can seem daunting to choose and
  gather your own gear. How do you know what you should buy?
Where do you even start?

This is a list of the exact gear I use each deer hunting season.
There is a separate list for cold and warm weather hunting.

Some items are truly essential, some are recommended, and

others are optional. But I do use and suggest them all eventually
as your field experience grows and budget allows.

Simply print the checklist out and you’re ready to head to the
store to start collecting the essentials.

I hope it helps you in planning your first hunt!

COLD WEATHER HUNTING
These deer hunting gear recommendations primarily apply to northern states and
Canada, but could also apply to southern states during winter (late season) hunts.
Everybody’s different, so add/remove insulation layers to stay comfortable.
Clothing Recommendation Necessity X
Base layer (moisture-wicking)
Merino wool/synthetic bottoms and Critical, but it won't be seen. Don't worry about camouflage ESSENTIAL
Merino wool/synthetic socks It helps to have several pairs, maybe even an extra pair with you. ESSENTIAL
Synthetic underwear RECOMMEND
Mid-layer (insulation)
Wool heavy socks Any brand/homemade ESSENTIAL
Wool/synthetic sweatshirt Multiple, thinner layers. You can use cotton sweatshirts if you need ESSENTIAL
Nylon/wool pants You can get by with blue jeans if you need to. RECOMMEND
Fleece jacket/vest If the weather necessitates more layers. RECOMMEND
Shell layer (wind/waterproof)
Synthetic hunting jacket Some waterproof clothing can be very noisy, especially in the cold. ESSENTIAL
Walk around the store to ensure it isn't loud.
Synthetic hunting bibs Same as hunting jacket. ESSENTIAL
Heavy boots (>800 grams insulation) Buy one size larger than your shoe size, to leave room for socks ESSENTIAL
and some open space. That will keep your feet warm.
Hunter orange vest Check your state regulations to see if you need orange clothing. RECOMMEND
Accessories
Wool/synthetic gloves Make sure you can pull the trigger while wearing them. ESSENTIAL
Wool winter hat Check your state regulations to see if you need an orange hat. ESSENTIAL
Facemask (camouflage) Nice to have in extremely cold weather. RECOMMEND
Synthetic beanie hat Reversible orange/camouflage beanies are useful for bow hunting OPTIONAL
or firearm hunting seasons.

Firearm Recommendation Necessity X

*Check your local gun regulations to make sure your firearm complies.*
Rifle: .243, .270, or .30-06 caliber Find a break-action, bolt-action, or semi-automatic rifle. ESSENTIAL
Rifle ammunition 100 to 150 grain works well for deer. ESSENTIAL
Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge Find a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun. ESSENTIAL
Shotgun ammunition Deer slugs only; do not use buckshot. ESSENTIAL
Firearm case Soft or hard-sided. ESSENTIAL
Gun-cleaning kit Get a kit specific to your firearm. ESSENTIAL
Scope/optics (3-9x), if legal A variable power scope is usually for rifles only. RECOMMEND

Other Hunting Gear Recommendation Necessity X

Waterproof, but quiet, backpack A camouflage backpack would be best, but can use any neutral ESSENTIAL
Knife (blade under 4") Fixed-blade or folding-blade. Used for field dressing and skinning ESSENTIAL
Tree stand/ground blind Ladder stand: hunting the same spot throughout the season on RECOMMEND
private property.
Climbing stand: moving around or hunting public property.
Ground blind For private property, where you can cover it with branches and RECOMMEND
hide it. Or get a mobile mirror blind (e.g., Ghostblind).
Tree stand safety harness Invest in a high quality harness. ESSENTIAL if
buying a stand
Safety rope Always attach to the tree while climbing into a tree stand. ESSENTIAL if
buying a stand
Foot/hand warmers Chemical or electronic OPTIONAL

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HOT WEATHER HUNTING
This gear checklist mostly applies to southern states, but could also apply to northern
states during early fall (early season) hunts. Again, adjust the layering to stay warm in
the morning, and cool during the day.
Clothing Recommendation Necessity X
Base layer (moisture-wicking)
Merino wool/synthetic shirt These will help on cold mornings, but also help you wick sweat as ESSENTIAL
the day heats up.
Merino wool/synthetic socks It helps to have several pairs, maybe even an extra pair with you. ESSENTIAL
Synthetic underwear RECOMMEND
Outer layer
Nylon pants Depending on your state's regulations, use blaze orange or ESSENTIAL
camouflage patterns.
Light synthetic hunting jacket Depending on your state's regulations, use blaze orange or ESSENTIAL
camouflage patterns.
Lightweight hiking socks It helps to have several pairs, maybe even an extra pair with you. ESSENTIAL
Snake boots If located in snake country; otherwise, any light-weight hunting ESSENTIAL
boots. Make sure to break them in before the season begins.
Shell layer (wind/waterproof)
Rain jacket Camouflage pattern. Some waterproof clothing can be very noisy. ESSENTIAL
Walk around the store to ensure it isn't loud.
Accessories
Light synthetic gloves Camouflage pattern and to wick sweat away. RECOMMEND
Synthetic beanie hat Nice to have on colder mornings, and helps wick sweat away from RECOMMEND
head.
Light facemask, or face paint For camouflage purposes. Your preference. RECOMMEND
Baseball cap Useful to keep sun out of your eyes. OPTIONAL

Firearm Recommendation Necessity X

Check your local gun regulations to make sure your firearm complies.
Rifle: .243, .270, or .30-06 caliber Find a break-action, bolt-action, or semi-automatic rifle. ESSENTIAL
Rifle ammunition 100 to 150 grain works well for deer. ESSENTIAL
Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge Find a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun. ESSENTIAL
Shotgun ammunition Deer slugs only; do not use buckshot. ESSENTIAL
Firearm case Soft or hard-sided. ESSENTIAL
Gun-cleaning kit Get a kit specific to your firearm. ESSENTIAL
Scope/optics (3-9x), if legal A variable power scope is usually for rifles only. RECOMMEND

Other Gear Recommendation Necessity X

Waterproof, but quiet, backpack A camouflage backpack would be best, but can use any neutral ESSENTIAL
Knife (blade under 4") Fixed-blade or folding-blade. Used for field dressing and skinning ESSENTIAL
deer.
Insect repellant/bug net Chemical, physical, or electronic repellant. ESSENTIAL
Tree stand/ground blind Ladder stand: hunting the same spot throughout the season on RECOMMEND
private property.
Climbing stand: moving around or hunting public property.
Ground blind For private property, where you can cover it with branches and RECOMMEND
hide it. Or get a mobile mirror blind (Ghostblind).
Tree stand safety harness Invest in a good harness, such as the Hunter Safety System. ESSENTIAL if
buying a stand
Safety rope Always attach to the tree while climbing into a tree stand. ESSENTIAL if
buying a stand
Sunscreen If skin is exposed. RECOMMEND

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OTHER STAPLES
Besides the items listed in the checklists above, you should always have the items listed
below in your backpack when you head into the woods. Even if you don’t plan to hunt
long, you never know when they could come in handy!
Other Staples Recommendation Necessity X
Hunting/Firearms license, Deer tags, Check with your state agency about what identification/licenses ESSENTIAL
Identification you need with you in the field.
Matches, firestarter, tinder Waterproof matches, with a cotton ball and some lint in ESSENTIAL
waterproof container.
Compass ESSENTIAL
Map, if unfamiliar area ESSENTIAL
Water bottle ESSENTIAL
Small first aid kit ESSENTIAL
Toilet paper ESSENTIAL
Headlamp (adjustable settings) Much easier than flashlight. Good if you get lost or hunt AM/PM. ESSENTIAL
Flagging tape For trail-marking. Use a color you wouldn't normally see in the RECOMMEND
woods (bright orange or pink stand out).
Scent elimination field spray RECOMMEND
Field dressing kit Gloves, bags, etc. RECOMMEND
Rope (20-30') RECOMMEND
Binoculars (10x42) OPTIONAL
Rangefinder OPTIONAL
Animal call Doe can call, buck grunt tube, etc. OPTIONAL
Animal scent attractant/scent wicks OPTIONAL

FINAL THOUGHTS
Before buying any of the items on the checklists above, check with family, friends, co-
workers – anyone who might have some gear they would be willing to loan to you. If
nothing else, it’s a good way to test out the equipment before committing to buy.

However, don’t let gear limitations slow you down either. Though an item says
“ESSENTIAL” above, use whatever you can until you accumulate your equipment. It’s
more important for you to actually get out hunting, even if it’s less than ideal gear-wise.
Generations before us hunted in blue jeans and flannel shirts, and it didn’t hinder them!

Learning to hunt as an adult has its unique challenges. Making the leap from gardener
to deer hunter might seem beyond grasp. But now you have some solid gear
recommendations to reference as you move forward on your local food journey.

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