Keep these in your bag
It’s that time of year again, the time a lot of us have been waiting for, deer season! Some of us have already begun hunting, and others are waiting for the season to open in their game zone, but we all have our hunting bags and equipment ready to go.
Everyone is different, but here are some things I never leave behind when I’m headed out for my early season deer hunts, besides the obvious (bow or gun, arrows or ammo, hunting license, tags, etc.).
Binoculars
Binoculars are one thing I always make sure I have on my hunt, and I even have an extra pair in my vehicle just in case. I hunt a lot of open fields where I can see 200 yards or more. Even though I am bow hunting, I enjoy watching wildlife, whether it be deer, turkeys, or other animals. It also helps to be able to get a look at a buck that I may have been watching on my trail camera. If it is a buck that I decide to take a shot at, I can be better prepared before it gets in range.
Thermacell
I think for most of us, I don’t have to elaborate on this one, and can probably just end with simply, “Thermacell.” The mosquitoes, especially in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, can be brutal in early season. Game Zones 3 and 4 in South Carolina opened on Aug. 15, and with the heat and humidity, the mosquitos can be terrible. Even here in the Upstate of South Carolina, in Game Zone 2 where I primarily hunt, the mosquitoes can be a nuisance as well. I don’t think any hunter wants to go home with hundreds of mosquito bites, so Thermacell is a must for me. Also, be sure to have extra refills and pads.
Waters/Electrolyte Drinks
Again, with the heat and walking in and out from our stands, and hopefully tracking and dragging deer out as well, it’s easy to get dehydrated or just downright thirsty. Personally, I make sure to have two or three waters at least, depending on my walk in and how long I plan to sit. I also like to bring little packets of electrolyte mixes (Propel, Liquid I.V., etc.) to put in my waters. Most important thing, is to have a couple waters at least, and stay hydrated.
Rangefinders
I think everyone can benefit from rangefinders, but it’s a must have for me. I primarily bow hunt all season, and I can sometimes judge yardage, but I’ve been off before. I try to figure out distances before going into the woods in the off season, and places I’ve hunted for years, I may know. However, those shots you’re not expecting might just happen, and you’re unsure of the yardage. If you are like me, you want to make sure you take the most ethical and lethal shot, so rangefinders can help with that, especially in bowhunting. In some situations that happen quickly, there may not be time, but if you’re unsure and there’s time, I think rangefinders can be a big help.
Extra Release for Bow
Hey, we’ve all been there. You’ve left the house, gotten set up for your hunt, and reached for your release, only to realize it’s not there.
I typically put my bow release on my wrist, or on my bow before I leave for the hunt, but I have managed to leave it behind a time or two, then had to leave my hunt and go home to grab my release. So now, I always keep an extra one in my hunting bag. I haven’t had to use it much, but I know a release is always there, just in case. It just gives me more peace of mind.
Those are the top five things that are my must-haves, besides the obvious as mentioned above. Some honorable mentions I’d like to include are headlamps, flashlights, a knife, and wind detectors.
Bonus must-have
One more honorable mention is snacks!
I love to pack some trail mix, crackers, Little Debbie snacks, beef jerky, gum, candy, etc. Especially for longer hunts. Also, a little side note, and possibly a tip: for snacks with a noisy wrapper, put them in a different type of bag, like a Ziploc, or even a small container.
These are just some of my personal must-haves for early deer season hunts. I typically start swapping items out throughout the season depending on the weather, as well as during the rut.
How about you? What are your must-haves for early season hunts? ■
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