A Last Minute Checklist Before You Go Deer Hunting

November 7, 2019 T. Arthur Mason Outdoors
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Robistow, a Wounded Warrior and active-duty member with the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron participates in a deer hunt sponsored by professional military organizations from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., and the Oberg Land Company. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Tomorrow at noon marks the beginning of North Dakota’s 2019 Deer Gun Season. You’re probably far more organized than I’ve been at times when it comes to prepping for the hunt. If not, then you can probably relate to things like scrambling to find ammunition, blaze orange, and even your tag/license— on the same day season begins.

Life is busy for most of us. But with a little planning, you can avoid the scramble and actually get to that prime hunting spot when you’re supposed to. Here’s a checklist of some of the basics you may want to gather up ahead of time. After all, arriving in the field and realizing you’ve forgotten something is pretty darn frustrating.

Hunting Clothing

  • Coat/Jacket (Layers are appropriate.)
  • Blaze Orange Vest
  • Blaze Orange Hat/Stocking Cap
  • Gloves
  • Scarf/Face Mask

Footwear

  • Extra Socks
  • Hunting Boots

Equipment

  • Ammunition
  • Rifle
  • Shooting Stick
  • Binoculars
  • Range Finder
  • Spotting Scope
  • Fannypack/Backpack
  • Sharp Knife
  • Sharpening Stone
  • Deer Call
  • Folding Saw (Makes splitting that pelvis much easier.)
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Phone Charger
  • First Aid/Survival Kit
  • Ziploc Bags (If you keep the heart and/or liver.)
  • Rope/Deer Cart

Pocket Essentials

Naturally, this list may vary from hunter to hunter. Everyone has their preferences. Besides that, the unit in which you hunt may dictate that you include things others may not. Nevertheless, I think the basics are covered pretty well.

Make sure you check the weather forecast. If you plan on staying out for the duration of a day, then you’ll want to make sure to pack a lunch and have plenty of water available. Also, don’t forget to let people know the areas you’ll be hunting— especially if you’re alone.

It’s important to know the regulations for your hunting unit. This is especially true for those in areas affected by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

Hopefully you’ve sighted in that rifle already. Shoot straight, be safe, and enjoy the experience. The day will come when you don’t get to do it again.

(Note: If there’s items you feel should be included on this list, feel free to drop them in the comments on Facebook.)

PLEASE LIKE & SHARE!

Sources:

  1. https://gf.nd.gov/gnf/regulations/docs/deer/deer-guide.pdf
  2. https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/deer
Facebook Comments
About T. Arthur Mason 883 Articles
T. Arthur Mason is a native North Dakotan who has spent nearly all of his life in the Peace Garden State. As the third of four children in Western North Dakota, Mason grew to appreciate family and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories are annual deer hunts with family and friends. In his early teenage years, faith became a central part of T. Arthur Mason's life. He and the majority of his family attend church together on a weekly basis and find this a fulfilling aspect of their lives. Through the influence of his father, T. Arthur Mason became intrigued with politics. As a boy, he attended political events with his father and enjoyed the friendships that resulted as a byproduct of those political associations. As Mason grew older, he became convinced that the quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson was true, "That government is best which governs least." Today, T. Arthur Mason enjoys time with his wife and children, an occasional hunt, and an increasingly active life on the political scene. This blog is the fulfillment of a dream to design a web site in the realm of politics and to advocate for the principles of Liberty and constitutionally limited government. On behalf of all those that contribute to The Minuteman, we hope you enjoy your time on the site and will share the message with others.

Related Articles