A deer hunter’s gear checklist

That long-awaited and glad moment, opening day, has finally arrived. You rise early, stoke the inner fires with coffee and sausage biscuits, and set out for what you hope will be a glorious first morning.

All too often though, the thrill and excitement is marred or possibly even ruined by the failure to take along essential items of gear. Here’s a checklist of such items. Tape it on a closet wall or enter it into your computer, making a point to check it at the start of each new season.

• Ammunition

• Gun sling

• Binoculars

• Insect repellent or a Thermacell unit

• Water

• Well-sharpened knife

• Flashlight with spare batteries

• Safety belt

• Scent masking spray

• Hunter orange cap or vest

• GPS, compass or map if hunting strange territory

• Basic first-aid kit

• Clippers or small folding saw

• Deer drag or other means of getting an animal from the woods

• Protective disposable gloves for field dressing

• Large Zip-Loc bags if you plan to save heart and liver from deer

• Day pack for carrying gear

• Rangefinder

• Camera

• Lift rope for raising and lowering gun or bow to and from your stand

Also, as a part of your list, even though it doesn’t involve equipment, always make a point of letting someone know your plans and where you will be. This is especially true when you are hunting alone.