Hunting Equipment

Hunting Equipment What You Need Versus What You Want

When you think of deer, hunting equipment you may think that you do not need much more than your gun and a little camouflage. Actually, there is so much more than that, some you have to have and other things you may want to have. Some articles are even required by law in the state you hunt.

Clothing

There is at least one article of hunting clothing you will be required to purchase and wear. Blaze orange is required at different levels, depending on the state you hunt in. In Wisconsin, for example the requirement is 50% blaze orange during any firearm season. Conversely, in Minnesota the requirement is some blaze orange on either clothing or cap. Some states even require blaze orange to be placed on ground blinds. Be sure you check the regulations on the state you will be hunting in.

You can find blaze orange vests, t-shirts, sweaters, caps, and even coats so choose an article of clothing that is beneficial to you where you are hunting. Where I live, the preference is in lightweight vests worn over the hunters camouflage.

Camouflage is another type of hunting clothes that you will find is a deer season staple. Camouflage pants, shirts, coats, hats and even socks can be found in most hunting clothes. I would not be surprised to find out there are camouflaged underwear available from realtree! Camouflage was first used in WW I when the French army started a special camouflage unit, the rest as they say is history. When choosing your camo choose a style that works with your surroundings. For instance, mossy oak will probably not be very concealing when hunting arid parts of Texas! Something along the lines of cactoflage would be better suited to that environment.

Do not neglect to get a good pair of hunting boots before you go out this season. This is an area often overlooked with detriment to hunter’s feet. Again, this will be an area specific choice but look into getting good camo boots that are rated for the temperatures in which you will be hunting. Look for well-made boots that will keep moisture out and heat in as well as comfort, you do not want to cut a hunting trip short because your feet are hurting or frostbitten.

Hunting Gear

Now that you have, your wardrobe all picked out it is time to pick up the last few items you will need. Hunting gear comes in all different forms there are things you will need and just some stuff you will want.

Hunting Knife

First, let’s look at what you will need. You will need a good sharp hunting knife in case you must field dress your deer. Many hunters carry a regular pocketknife but the best choice is a certified hunting knife. Pocket knives are generally small and may not be very sharp leaving you to saw your way through tough deer hide, not to mention there propensity for breaking. As with many other aspects of hunting equipment a lot depends on personal preference and the game you are hunting. Many hunters like knives that incorporate a gut hook on the tip. This will aid you in skinning your deer by preventing you from paunching the meat, that is contaminating the meat from cutting the stomach or bowel.

Calls

Another piece of staple hunting equipment is the deer call. Deer calls are a variety of contraptions that make various sounds particular to the whitetail deer. Hunters vary on which is the best with the suggestions being to have more than one type in your arsenal.

Buck calls

To call in a buck you can use a variety of calls. A buck grunt mimics the grunting or snorting sounds of another buck, this will lead another buck to come check it out. They are looking to see if there is a female nearby or to just run the intruder out of their area. Rattling antlers has much the same effect; you take a set of antlers and rattle them together imitating the sound of two males fighting.

Bucks will also respond to doe bleats of course. That is what the mature buck is looking for in the first place. As with the grunt, this is generally a manual contraption that you blow through in specified patterns to achieve the correct sound. Doe bleats often double as fawn calls also, these are good for calling in a doe if that is what you happen to be hunting. Of course, do not forget where there are doe there are usually bucks too.

Night and Hale has come up with the granddaddy of all hunting calls. It is a remote control E-Call. This little baby comes with cartridges that have pre-recorded animal sounds on them. Want a little antler rattling followed by a snort or two? This thing does it via remote control! Simply conceal the call a few feet from you deer blind or stand then give everything a little while to settle down. Now pull out your handy dandy remote and begin calling. Easy as can be, this will probably become a favorite because one of the draw backs of the manual calls like those above is you need a little skill.

Cover Scent

There are hunters that swear by cover scent and no scent detergents and then there are others who say it is pointless. I say do what makes your hunting trip exciting. I have a friend who washes his clothes and bedding in scent free detergent all year round. For those who are interested, let’s look at a few cover scents.

Doe estrus is a cover scent that mimics the smell of a doe in heat. Guessing that there is not a lot more that needs to be said about that particular scent.

Buck urine sounds questionable as a cover scent but I am assured that this scent will bring big bucks a running. Like the calls and the antlers buck urine alerts a deer that a buck is in the area marking his territory so to speak. The dominant buck in the area will assuredly come out to take a look.

You can get less inflaming cover scents such as pine or cedar just be sure that it is a scent native to your hunting area. These scents will mask your human scent and keep from scaring the game out of the country.

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