Hunting season is here, and if you’re like me, the excitement starts long before the first cold morning arrives. Whether you’re heading out for the rut or settling in for an early-season sit, having the right gear not only improves your chances of success—it just makes the whole experience better.
1. Drinks: Hydration (and Morale) Matter
Everyone talks about scent control, wind direction, and shot placement, but hydration, in my opinion, is just as important. Especially for those long sits!
I always pack water or a sports drink, and if it’s one of those frosty mornings, a thermos of hot coffee is nice to have in the stand or blind. Staying hydrated keeps you focused during the long hunts!
2. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes - Don’t Judge
This one is 100% personal preference… but it’s now tradition. Once I climb into the stand, those Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes don’t stand a chance. They last about 1 – 2 minutes. I recommend opening them and placing them in something quieter though!
3. Binoculars, Range Finder
A solid pair of binoculars is critical. They help you:
Scan distant edges without moving too much
Confirm whether that brown flash is a deer or a squirrel (IYKYK)
Determine if the buck your after is a shooter (check out that rack!)
Good glass saves you time, movement, and mistakes.
Bow hunters especially know the importance of distance. Even with firearms, knowing the exact range helps you make clean, ethical shots.
A range finder takes all the guesswork out and keeps you consistent.
4. A Quality Knife and Sidearm
A sharp hunting knife is essential for field dressing, cutting rope, managing gear, or the hundred unexpected things that pop up in the woods. Don’t skimp here, good steel is worth every penny.
A personal choice, but I like having a sidearm with me, mainly for protection from critters, coyotes, or the whatever else the woods throw at you. It’s not about looking for trouble; it’s about being prepared.
5. Grunt Call, Rattle Bag (or Antlers), Doe Estrus Bleat
A grunt call is one of my go-to tools during the pre-rut and rut.
Early season: subtle, occasional grunts
Pre-rut: tending grunts to pique curiosity
Rut: a little more aggressive calling can pull a buck off a doe
Used sparingly, grunt calls can turn a slow sit into an exciting one.
Rattling: If you’re hunting during the right window—typically pre-rut into the early rut—a set of rattling antlers or a rattle bag can be incredibly effective.
Light tickling can simulate younger bucks sparring, while harder clashes imitate dominant bucks fighting. Either way, you’re tapping into the whitetail’s natural instincts to investigate.
Doe Estrus Bleat: A doe estrus bleat can pull a buck in fast—but only when used at the right time.
Early season: not very effective
Pre-rut: starting to heat up, can draw curiosity
Peak rut: extremely effective
Post-rut: still useful, but less dramatic
It’s a tool you don’t want to overuse, but when the timing is right, it can be magic.
Final Thoughts
Patience, quiet confidence, awareness, and an appreciation for the experience will always serve you better than any gear in your pack.
These essentials are my personal go-to items, and they’ve earned their place in my pack over countless sits and seasons. Whether you’re new to deer hunting or gearing up for another year in the woods, having the right equipment—and a few personal traditions—helps make every hunt memorable.