Best Hunting Gear for Deer Season

Find all your deer hunting gear essentials at Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

With November underway, deer hunting season is upon us. There are a lot of ins and outs to finding the best hunting gear for you. A lot of it comes down to your own hunting experience, personal preferences and the type of hunt you’re planning. Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced hunter, there are deer hunting essentials that you’ll need for a successful hunt.

The Basics

If you’re a first-time deer hunter, this will help you get started. Use this as both a shopping list and packing list for your first hunting trip. You’re welcome.

Firearm or Archery Equipment – Deer hunting can be done a few different ways.

There’s gun season, where hunters use shotguns or rifles.

In December, there’s muzzleloader-only season.

Some deer hunters also use a crossbow or other archery equipment. A high-quality crossbow can make all the difference in the crossbow hunting experience.

It all comes down to your skill level and personal preference, but whichever method you choose, you need the right equipment.

For firearm hunting, you’ll need the firearm itself, ammo (buckshot if you’re hunting with a shotgun), and a secure gun case for transport.

Tree Hunting Stand –  A deer hunting stand allows you to have a better view of your terrain and to get above the deer’s level of sight. Different tree stands fit different needs for every hunter, but whichever kind you choose, make sure to wear a hunter safety harness while climbing and when you’re in the stand.

You can learn more about choosing a tree stand with our buyer’s guide.

Ground Blind – If you choose to hunt with a ground hunting blind, you need a hunter orange blind cap.

Most states require your blind to have at least 144 square inches of blaze orange, visible from all directions. It lets other hunters see the blind, while the camo still keeps you concealed from the deer.

Hunting Knives – A hunting knife has many uses when you’re out in the woods.

You never know if you’ll need to cut small branches down for your tree stand or blind, or to field dress a deer if your hunt was successful.

Deer Drags – Using a deer drag makes it easier to haul and transport the deer back to your camp or vehicle. A harness can be used so you can face forward while dragging the deer from behind you.

The Hunter

Hunting Clothes – When it comes to deer hunting gear, hunter orange clothing is required.

It’s always best to find hunting clothes that will stand up to the cold weather and harsh elements. A warm thermal base layer is a great start, and waterproof or water resistant boots, hunting pants, and jackets are must-haves for deer hunting.

It’ll be hard to fully enjoy the hunt if you’re not warm and dry.

For added convenience, you’ll thank yourself later for picking up a good hunting pack to carry all of your smaller items and ammo. Pro tip: make sure you have at least a small first aid kit on you at all times.

Hunter orange requirements vary from state to state, but most require you to wear at least some blaze orange above your waist. You can usually meet the requirements with a blaze orange hunting jacket or safety vest. You’ll also need a blaze orange hat or cap. Check with your state’s DNR to be sure about blaze orange regulations.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we offer men’s and women’s hunting clothes in blaze orange and camouflage. We even have hunting clothes for kids who want to get in on the hunting trip.

Scent Elimination – Deer can sense you by your scent. That’s why you need to use scent elimination products on your clothes and hunting gear as deer won’t be scared off as easily if they can’t smell you.

Upping Your Hunting Game

Each piece of gear you add to your collection can help increase your chances of successfully bagging a deer.

Game Camera – If you’re hunting on your own property, you can use a game camera to see where the deer go, allowing you to set up your tree stand in the best location for hunting. Learn how to set up your game camera with our trail camera setup guide.

Optics – Rifle scopes can be used to make aiming easier. You don’t have to line up your front sight with a rear sight, giving you a convenient way to up your hunting game.

Choose a rifle scope using our guide to optics. Binoculars are also essential for better surveying your terrain.

Trail Markers – Once you’ve found the perfect hunting spot, you’ll have to find that spot again when you’re ready to hunt. Using trail markers is an easy way to mark your route.

Two of the most common trail markers are trail marking tacks and marking tape.

Deer Decoys – Deer decoys are used to spark an interest from live deer. If used correctly, deer will be curious and want to investigate the strange deer decoy, which brings them right into your hunting range.

Deer Calls – Deer calls are game calls that are specially designed to attract deer. Choosing the right call can help you attract does or bucks, depending which deer call you choose.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll find all the hunting gear you need from trusted brands like Mossy Oak, Terrain, Rivers Edge, and more. For more tips on bagging big game, visit our hunting blog.