I Am Going First Time Deer Hunting. What Do I Need?

If you are going deer hunting for the first-time, the question on your mind probably is “I am going first time deer hunting. What do I need?”

Now, that’s an important question to ask because hunting is a fun outdoor activity, but a difficult one to master if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Therefore, asking questions about what you need when you go in search for a deer to hunt in the woods is the right question to ask, especially for beginners. Without further ado, let’s dive right in and tell you about what you need to take with you on your first deer hunt:

Knowledge about the Hunting Grounds

To kill your first big game, you need to understand the hunting grounds. Travel to the hunting grounds each year and prior to your hunting trip to scout out the area. You are looking for croplands and terrain features. By looking at the land, you will receive an idea on the direction the whitetail deer tends to travel.

You can get out of the car to get a closer look. When on the ground, look for deer tracks. Get in the habit of sizing up the land so its becomes instinctive. If you are hunting for deer, using a bow and arrow, understanding the land and wind direction becomes even more important, as shooting with a bow and arrow requires special skill.

Perform a Comparison of the Different Deer Habitats

When you are asking, “I am going first time deer hunting. What do I need?” our answer to what you need will change based on the location you have chosen for your first deer hunt. Each whitetail deer habitat differs from each other and you need to assess each area to determine what hunting tools you need to take with you and what your hunting attire needs to be.

For instance, hunting for whitetail deer in Saskatchewan, Canada differs greatly from deer habitats in Mississippi. Another reason to consider the habitat is due to deer’s food source, which also differs. A deer in Saskatchewan may not eat what a deer eats in Mississippi.

By knowing the food source of a deer from a particular area, you can put together food that will lure the deer out of hiding and give you a clean shot to take it down.

Select the Right Hunting Spot

This another piece of knowledge you need when going hunting for the first time. You need to find the right spot to sit tight in and wait for the deer. Some tips include sitting on the highest hill on the land and waiting patiently for your kill to come to you.

The Items You Need

Now, to really answer your question, “I am going first time deer hunting. What do I need?” here’s a list of items you need to take with you on your first deer hunt:

Clothes

• Bibs
• Camo cap
• Camo face mask
• Early season clothing
• Hunting boots
• Insulated hat with brim
• Insulated parka with hood
• Jacket
• Rain gear
• Shooting gloves
• Socks
• Stocking Cap
• Sweater

Accessories

• Beverage holder
• Compass
• Hand warmers
• Hunting knife
• License holder
• Lights

Equipment

• Ammo
• Backpack
• Cameras and accessories
• Cleaning kit
• Climbing sticks
• Cover scent
• Gear bag
• Ground blind
• Gun and/or bow hoist
• Luggage
• Lure
• Scent killer
• Shooting stick
• Shower kit
• Sleeping bag
• Tree stands

Optics

• Binoculars with harness
• Spotting scope

Archery

• Arm guard
• Bow and arrow
• Bow sling
• Case

Basic Accessories

• First air kit
• Flares
• Flashlight
• Knife
• Knife sharpener
• Lighter or matches
• Multi-tool
• Water

After the Hunt

• Deer cart
• Folding saw
• Freezer paper
• Gambrel
• Game bags
• Game lift system
• Game scale
• Grinder
• Gutting gloves
• Pelvic saw
• Processing kit
• Vacuum bags
• Zip ties for license

To call deer to you, you need to learn their language as well. You need to learn how to make three special and distinctive calls — grunt tube or call, rattle bag or antlers, and snort or wheeze call.

What Else Do You Need?

Still asking the question, “I am going first time deer hunting. What do I need? If you are, the last thing you need is practice and experience. In the beginning, you might find it difficult to take down your first whitetail deer, but with a little practice, you’ll be hunting down deer effortlessly.

On your first deer hunt, you should take someone experienced with you to help you learn the ropes and improve your deer hunting skills. Once you become a pro at deer hunting, it will become your favorite pastime activity to do.