Walk into any outdoor store and you’ll see a whole wall of hunting gear. Calls, scents, gadgets, five kinds of camo. It’s easy to spend a lot of money on things you’ll never use.
Your first deer hunt only needs a short list of gear. Get the basics right, and add more as you learn what you like.
The must-haves
Your gun or bow. Use something you shoot well and that’s legal for deer where you hunt. Your state’s regulations list what’s allowed.
The right ammo. Bring ammo made for hunting deer, and use the same kind you sighted in with. Different ammo can hit in a different spot.
Your license and tag. Keep them on you the whole time you’re hunting. Some states let you carry them on your phone. Check yours.
A knife. You’ll need it to field dress your deer. A fixed blade or a sharp folding knife both work. Bring a small sharpener too.
Blaze orange, if your state requires it. Many states do for rifle seasons, and it’s a good idea anyway around other hunters.
Clothing
Dress in layers so you can add or peel off as the day warms up. Mornings can be cold and afternoons hot, especially in Arizona.
- A base layer that pulls sweat away (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- A warm middle layer like fleece
- An outer jacket that blocks wind and rain
- A warm hat and gloves
- Good boots that are already broken in
Quiet fabric helps. Deer can hear a crinkly jacket from a long way off.
Seeing and finding deer
Binoculars. These are worth buying early. You’ll spend much more time looking for deer than shooting at them. In open country like Arizona, good binoculars are a big deal. See our post on how to pick hunting binoculars.
A map and a way to find your way back. A phone with a hunting map app works, but bring a backup battery. A paper map and compass don’t need charging.
Field dressing and getting your deer out
This is the part most first-timers forget. Once your deer is down, you’ll need:
- Your knife
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
- Some rope or paracord
- Game bags to keep meat clean
- A few zip-top bags for the heart and liver, if you want them
- Paper towels or rags
- A plan to keep the meat cool, like a cooler with ice back at the truck
In warm weather, get the meat cooled down as fast as you can.
Safety gear
Things go wrong in the woods sometimes. Bring:
- A small first-aid kit
- A headlamp and spare batteries (you’ll walk in and out in the dark)
- A fire starter or lighter
- A whistle
- Plenty of water, more than you think
- Snacks
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Nice to have, not a must
These help, but you can hunt without them your first year:
- A rangefinder to tell you how far the deer is
- Shooting sticks or a tripod for a steady rest
- A seat cushion or small stool for long sits
- Deer calls
- Scent-control spray
- Trail cameras (check if they’re allowed in your area)
Gear to skip for now
You don’t need the newest camo pattern, a pile of gadgets, or the most expensive rifle on the rack. Deer don’t care what brand you wear. Spend your money on boots, binoculars, and practice ammo first.
One last tip
Set out all your gear the night before and check it against this list. Then pack it the same way every time. You’ll forget less, and you’ll know where everything is in the dark.
Next step: Brand new to hunting? Read how to start hunting as a total beginner.