Every year thousands of hunters embark on guided whitetail hunts across the country. Some come home with the buck of a lifetime, others bring home stories of a great week in camp, and some unfortunate hunters leave their hunts with tales of gear failure causing the loss of an opportunity. Here’s what you need to bring to help your guided whitetail hunt be as good as it can be.
Layer Up
Packing an adequate layering system is key to staying warm, dry and comfortable on a guided whitetail hunt. Ryan Livingston of Prairie Rock Outfitters in Broadwater, Nebraska said “The temperature changes pretty drastic out in Nebraska where we outfit. So it could 50 degrees or 60 degrees one day, then it can be 30 degrees the next.” Livingston stressed that a good layering system starts with quality base layers and urges his hunters to use scent control clothing.
One piece of gear that can help you stay warm in the most frigid temperatures is the IWOM. This product includes a self-contained carrying system and converts from a parka to a full body protection system, making it perfect for late season hunts or deer hunting in the far north. Learn more or pick one up here.
Be Ready for Rain
Your layering system isn’t complete without a good set of rain gear. Whether you expect bad weather or not, packing rain gear will keep you prepared if the weatherman makes a mistake. If you’ll be doing most of your hunting from a treestand, you should also consider packing a treestand umbrella. In conjunction with your rain gear, a treestand umbrella will keep you nearly 100% dry and make your wet weather hunt much more comfortable.
Stay on Target
Whether you plan on hunting with a bow or a gun, a hard sided case is a good idea, especially if you are flying. Airline baggage handlers are infamous for their rough treatment of cased weapons and you’ll want all the protection you can get. Even a long drive on rough roads to reach your hunting location can knock your weapon off target and cost you an opportunity at the buck of lifetime. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check that your weapon is still sighted in after reaching your hunting location.
For gun hunters this means bringing plenty of ammunition of the same brand and bullet weight that you plan on hunting with. That way, if you need to shoot a few rounds to get back on target, you won’t be worried about where to get enough ammunition to take to the stand.
Archery hunters should consider packing along a portable target such as those made by Rhinehart. While most outfitters have targets on site, it never hurts to have your own, just in case. These targets are also great for taking a few practice shots just before heading into your afternoon stand. They’re available in sizes as small as nine inches, so there’s no excuse not to pack one whether you’re driving or flying.
Take a Stand
Another optional item that could make or break your hunt is a stand. Again, outfitters typically have multiple stand sites set up for their clients, but the ability to be mobile could help you close the deal on a buck that’s been traveling by out of range the last couple of days. Summit Treestands’ line of climbing stands will help you get into position quickly and quietly. Bowhunters should look into the open fronted Sentry SD, while gun hunters will be better served by the Explorer SD and it’s integrated gun rest. If you decide it’s time to move on a deer, be sure to approve it with your outfitter, then get in there and kill your buck.
Scent Control
When you are hunting a mature buck, it's wise to use every technique you can to your advantage. By carrying a bottle of scent elimination spray in your pack and spraying down your boots and clothing before entering your stand location, you'll rest assured knowing you help cut down on some of your human scent.
Calling All Bucks
Don’t forget to bring along a grunt tube, especially if you are hunting during the whitetail rut. A few grunts is often enough to bring a deer in close enough for a bow shot or stop a chasing buck long enough to put a bullet into him. Rattling antlers can also be an asset during rut hunts. Andy Petesch of Muddy Creek Whitetails said, “Depending on where they’re at and the time of the rut they’re hunting, [rattling antlers] can obviously be a good calling device.” However, some outfitters don’t like their clients using them, so get the okay before starting a faux fight from your treestand.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Petesch said, “I’ve had [hunters] forget everything. All the way from boots and shoes to bullets. I had a guy forget a breathing machine not too long ago.” Livingston felt that the most commonly forgotten item among archers was their release aid. Do yourself a favor and pack two. Not only will this ensure that at least one makes it to your hunting destination, it will also keep you hunting if your first release gets broken or otherwise malfunctions. By making a list before your hunt and checking it closely before leaving, you’ll be sure to have all the necessary gear to enjoy your guided whitetail hunt and, hopefully, bring home a trophy buck.
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