Deer Hunting Essentials: 2021
Deer hunting is not just exhilarating—it’s incredibly rewarding. There is no greater thrill than taking down a high-point buck or doe. To do that, however, you need the right tools and experience. That’s where GrabAGun comes in. We provide hunters of every experience with the right equipment to have an enjoyable experience. Through our store you can find everything from tactical shotguns for sale to ammo online, all at affordable rates. In this post, we broke down all the deer hunting essentials you’ll need before, during, and after a big hunting trip. Let’s get into it.
Pre Deer Hunting Essentials
If this is the first year you’ve decided to go deer hunting, there are a few things to get out of the way beforehand. First and foremost, start by checking your local laws regarding hunting limits, the duration of the season, and the types of weapons you are allowed to use. Next, you’ll need to pay for your hunting license. You cannot hunt in the United States without a valid license. With it, you are legally allowed to hunt during a specific time in whichever state you live. If you are going to be hunting out of state, you will need to purchase a license for the area you’ll be located.
Note: Many areas have a cap on how many licenses and permits are issued each season. Permits are different from licenses, allowing individuals to hunt specific animals on private or public land. You don’t need a permit to hunt, but you absolutely need a license.
Once you have your licenses and permits, the next thing to determine is the “bag” limit. A “bag” limit refers to how many deer (antlered and antlerless) you are allowed to bag and tag. Limits will vary based on location, time, and other factors. Tags can come in a package deal with your license or be purchased over the counter in most outdoor supply stores.
Last but not least, you’ll need to decide which season you’ll be hunting in. Your hunting season is determined by your location and will help you decide which weapon you choose to use. Archers typically have the first pick with their season starting in September for most areas. After that, muzzleloaders and other firearms are next in line. So how do you know which weapon is best for you?
Choosing Your Perfect Weapon
Deer hunting requires very different equipment compared to something like duck or dove hunting. In those instances, you need a firearm that can disperse a large number of pellets at varying distances. With deer hunting, however, you need a singular blow to hit accurately at a long distance. For that, hunters have a few options to choose from, including:
Crossbow/Bowhunting
For bigger game like deer, bowhunting is a much sought-after weapon. Unlike dove or duck hunting, deer hunting provides larger, more stationary targets that an arrow can hit. This is not necessarily the best method for beginners, but it certainly is an enjoyable one once you get the hang of it. When you’re packing, don’t forget extra bow releases in case something happens!
Muzzleloaders
For dynamite long-range power and accuracy, muzzleloaders are the only way to go. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also provide unmatched power. It only takes one good shot to take down a high-point buck, and this firearm can do that. This is an option for experienced hunters who want to stop a deer in its tracks. Muzzleloaders for sale shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, and they won’t when you shop with GrabAGun.
Rifle/Shotguns
Hunting rifles and shotguns are what you will most typically find in the field, specifically long-range rifles and bolt-action shotguns. Whichever you choose will be determined by the time when you go hunt, your location, and other factors. Long-range rifles for sale will obviously provide the most accurate shots from further distances. Bolt-action rifles are just as common amongst hunters, providing incredible power and accuracy. If knock-down power is what you are after, then a shotgun is what you will need. Whether it be semi-automatic or a pump-action shotgun, you won’t be missing a shot with either. GrabAGun has hunting rifles and tactical shotguns for sale and you don’t want to miss out on our prices.
With your firearm, you’ll also need ammo. It’s unlikely that you’ll need more than a box or two the day of, but it never hurts to have a few extra on hand for target practice. For any semi-automatic rifle, you want to look for ammunition that blends high-velocity distances with weight retention for powerful impacts. Brands like Winchester, Hornady, and more produce high-quality ammo at affordable rates.
Pick up a box of rifle ammo online with flat rate shipping from GrabAGun!
We also have plenty of shotgun ammo for sale here
Practice, Practice, Practice
Regardless if you are a new or experienced hunter, it never hurts to take the time to practice at the range. While the conditions aren’t going to be the same, getting used to setting up shots can do wonders for your performance in the field. Start by setting targets up at 25-yards and work on placing shots in the same area. Once you’ve got a grasp of it, move the target back in 25-yard until you reach somewhere between 100 and 150-yards. These are perfectly respectable distances for new hunters. What helps is picking up bulk ammo so you can practice without worrying about wasting precious rounds that you might use in the field.
Day of Deer Hunting Essentials
Nothing is quite as exhilarating as waking up the day of a deer hunt. The night before is the best time to pack up everything. You don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark trying to find your permit or gear bag. Believe us when we say even some of the most experienced hunters have left the house without their gun on more than one occasion!
But we understand. For your first trip, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what you need and what you don’t. It can result in overpacking, especially for first-time hunters, which is why we put together a general checklist. Items you’ll need the day of a deer hunt include:
- Permit
- First aid kit
- Hunting knife
- Weapon of choice
- One or two boxes of ammunition
- A blaze orange hunting cap or vest
- Appropriate camouflaged cold-weather gear (depending on the climate)
- Hat, gloves, shirts, jackets, waterproof boots, rain jacket, cleaning kit, etc.
- Scent control/scent attractant
- Treestand/blind
- Binoculars
This isn’t an exhaustive list. In fact, there are a few extras that you can also bring with you, including items such as a safety harness for blinds, LED flashlights, a trail camera, odorless bug spray, a rangefinder, and even a walkie-talkie for convenience. Get all of this and more items like ammo online or a quality rifle for sale from GrabAGun today!
Post Deer Hunting Essentials
At the end of your hunt, you will need to make sure that any deer you have taken down are properly tagged. As soon as that is done, you can either take your deer somewhere to be dressed or start the process yourself. Whether you are hunting on private or public land, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Mind Your Manners
- Be respectful
- Whether you are hunting on private land, public property, or your own land, be respectful of where you are. Don’t leave any trash or used shells behind. Not only can it spook deer for future hunters, it’s just not cool.
- Safety is the highest priority
- New and experienced hunters alike must remember that safety should always be their number one priority. Never shoot above the horizon, toward homes, or populated areas, no matter how far away. The safety of yourself and others should always rank higher than bagging a deer.
- Common courtesy
- If you have the opportunity to hunt on someone’s private land, it’s never a bad idea to offer any meat you catch to them. While there is no rule, spoken or unspoken, this is a common courtesy that many hunters follow.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are an experienced hunter or this year will mark your first official hunt, a checklist for all your items is a must. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of packing up everything that you end up missing important items. While your list shouldn’t be a mile long, it also shouldn’t be so short that you end up leaving all your essentials behind. When you need all your deer hunting essentials, including deer scents, hunting rifles, ammo online, and more; check out GrabAGun. We have everything you need plus things you may not have even thought of!
—Kellie Krevosky