Every year, with all of the new hunters entering the field in search of their first harvest, we get the question. What do you need to get to be ready for that first hunt?

New hunters looking to acquire the gear they need for their first whitetail deer hunt can use this list. Please note that you need to ensure you have licensing and booked your hunt and all of those things before you get started. If you are going to an outfitter they may take care of the licenses need in that area.

Keep in mind, you should also check the hunting regulations of the area you are heading to. Some of these regulations will impact your clothing items, such as whether you need an orange hat and vest.

Now for the gear. The list below contains the gear you need for the hunt, the clothing you will need and the tools needed for your first harvest (and the many that follow your first).

Main Gear List:

  • Ammo
  • Binoculars
  • Rifle or bow
  • Good Knife
  • Game calls

Clothing:

  • Jacket
  • Inner layer
  • Outer layer (puncture resistant)
  • Orange vest (check area regulation)
  • Orange hat (check area regulation)
  • Boots
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Rainwear

Extras:

  • Ammo case
  • Backpack
  • Toilet paper
  • Knife sharpener
  • Headlamp
  • Food/water
  • GPS
  • Scent attractant
  • Two-way radios
  • Dry towel
  • Batteries
  • Hand warmers
  • Lighter/matches
  • Trail marking tape/tacks
  • Seat/Cushion
  • Gutter gloves
  • Permanent marker
  • Processing knives
  • Cooler
  • Butt-out tool
  • Deer drag
  • Pelvic saw

If you are going to an outfitter, such as Oak Creek Whitetail Ranch, your guide will have many of these items and it will make for a lighter load as you prepare for you hunt for you first monster buck. Also you will not have to worry about food or lodging, if you decide to go this route.

If you have any questions as you prepare for your hunt, give us a call. We are here to help you have the best hunting experience you can. You never know, your hunt may land you in the record books!