Hunting deer can keep your family supplied with meat for several months. It is also a good way to test your skills against a creature that is cautious and easily spooked. A deer stand should be built way before the hunting season begins and getting to it undetected by deer will help determine the success of your hunt.

There are several items that need to be included with your hunting gear that will increase your odds of coming back with a deer.

Binoculars

A good set of binoculars will help by locating a deer in low light conditions. Too much magnification decreases the field of view and brightness.

A good quality set should have a magnification between 6 and 10X. Brightness and sharpness of the image play a more important role than trying to enlarge the image extensively.

Calling Them In

This takes some practice before actual use in the field. You should become familiar with a grunt tube, snort call, and a rattle bag or antlers. Learn to mimic the sounds of bucks that are locked in a fight. Hunting doe takes a soft calling on fawn bleat.

Proper use of calls will help your chances of bringing in a deer. Lures and scents should also be included to increase your chance of success.

Clothing

Dressing appropriately is a must for spending several hours in the woods in cold weather. Long underwear, puncture resistant pants and parka, gloves, and boots should all be included in your gear. An orange vest and hat should also be included for safety. Most areas require this since there are so many hunting accidents. Additionally, hand warmers, and insulated socks will help keep you comfortable during several hours of immobility in the cold. Rain gear should also be included for unexpected showers.

First Aid Kit

Many unplanned things can happen during a hunting expedition. You can possibly fall out of your deer stand, trip over a root while walking the trail, get a possible gunshot wound, or even contact poison ivy.

Having a good first aid kit is a must for you while on a deer hunt. Some items you should carry along in your kit include gauze, pressure bandage, chest seal, tourniquet, and a survival blanket.

It’s also a good idea to carry water for both drinking and cleansing of wounds. You should familiarize yourself with these items and how to use them.

Covering Scent

Deer have a very good sense of smell and can detect you way before you can detect them. Masking your human scent will enable you to remain undetected longer. Your clothing and gear should also be free of any type of human scent, including detergents from washing clothes.

Besides using store-bought scents, you can also use natural coverings, including pine needles and leaves. Make sure they have a strong smell before applying them.

A Hunting Knife

A good hunting knife should always be carried when deer hunting. This knife should be reserved for dressing and cutting up the deer. If you need a knife for cutting string, vines, or brush, bring a different knife for that purpose. The knife should be sharp and of high quality.

Safety should be your main concern when out deer hunting. Whether you opt for black powder, shotgun, or bow season, always be sure of your target. Avoid shooting something that you aren’t sure of.