Clay Dahl Guide & Outfitter • Camp Crook, South Dakota

South Dakota Archery Mule Deer Season

Having the right gear can not only increase your odds of success, it can make your hunt enjoyable. Can you kill a deer with a worn out gun or bow and flannel shirt covered in motor oil, of course, but to get the best advantage on whatever you are hunting you need the best gear. I've been hunting all my life and guiding hunters the last several years in Northwest SD. To be the best it helps to have the best. Hopefully my list of gear can help you have the most memorable and the most success in your next hunt.

- Clay Dahl

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

Besides your weapon of choice, optics is crucial in a successful hunt. If you can't see it, you can't hunt it. You get what you pay for in life and optics is one of them. Don't waste your money on cheap stuff. Buy the best and that's what you will get out of it.

Binos

Swarovski 10x42 EL Range Binocular/Laser Rangefinder

Bino Harness

SITKA Gear Mountain Optics Big Game Camo Hunting Harness

Spotting Scope

Swarovski Optik Modular Objective - 95 mm

SWAROVSKI BTX Eyepiece Module

Tripod

Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminium 3-Section Tripod Kit

Outdoorsman Fluid Head

Range Finder

Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder

Other

MAGVIEW PHONE PLATE

S1 SPOTTING SCOPE ADAPTER-S1

Backpacks & Gear

Backpack/ Pack Frame

The F1 pack is a great tool when you need to get some meat out in a hurry because of the heat. I like the bat wings for a light day pack that zip right onto the mainframe.

Eberlestock Mainframe Pack

Eberlestock Batwing Pouch

Knives

The Outdoor Edge RazorPro knife is super handy with 2 different blades to use.

RazorPro™

Hydration

YETI Rambler 36 oz Bottle

Headlamp

Nock On LED Hat Clip

Flashlight

P7R Signature

GPS

Every hunter needs to have some way to figure out where he is and where he can hunt. On X is an incredibly valuable tool for that.

Elite Hunt Membership

Satellite Messengers

SPOT X® - with Bluetooth®

Safety/ First Aid

MyFAK

Game Bags

FULL SIZE GAME BAG

Gear - Accessories

Scent Eliminators

SCENT-A-WAY® MAX ULTIMATE HUNTING KIT - FRESH EARTH

Blinds

The Primos Double Bull Blind Surroundview 270 is fast and light weight to pack around and set up. The view is great and very functional.

Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide Ground Blind

Trail Cameras

I've tried a lot of different trail cams and it appears Cuddeback works and will last a longtime.

Cuddeback 20 MegaPixel IR

Camping Equipment

Tent

The T4 Hub Tent is just like setting up a blind. Easy and fast.

Gazelle T4 HUB TENT

Sleeping Bag

Agnes pads and sleeping bags are very lightweight and comfortable.

Big Agnes Blackburn UL 0 (850 DownTek) Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Sleeping Pad

Cooking

Jetboil cooking systems make it easy to get a quick meal on the go or cook anything in camp.

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

Food & Nutrition

Love all of the MTN OPS products, but I use Ignite everyday. Mountain House has some great tasting meals the are very filling.

Supplements

IGNITE

Snacks/ Bars

Nature's Valley Granola Bars

Freeze Dried Meals

Mountain House Classic Bucket

Clothing

Clothing and footwear is very crucial in every aspect of your hunt. I can't stress enough how comfortable and durable products can make your hunt enjoyable and even more successful because you can deal with any weather and terrain you encounter. I'm a huge fan of Sitka products and Crispi boots.

Baselayers

SITKA Men's Core Lightweight Hunting Hoody

SITKA Gear Midweight Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

SITKA Gear Core Heavy Weight Hoody

Outerwear/ Jackets

SITKA Gear Men's Jetstream Vest

SITKA Gear Men's Kelvin Lite Down Jacket

Pants

SITKA Gear Men's Ascent Breathable 4-Way Stretch Hunting Pant

Rain Gear

SITKA Gear Dew Point Waterproof Jacket

SITKA Gear Dew Point Waterproof Pant

Footwear

Crispi Monaco GTX

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Darn Tough socks are awesome and they keep your feet in good shape.

Clothing - Accessories

Gloves

I typically wear leather gloves everywhere, but they are nice to keep cactus out of the hands on stalks.

Kinco - Unlined Buffalo Leather Work Gloves

Hats/ Beanies

SITKA Gear Jetstream Windstopper Beanie

Firearms

Archery Equipment

Bow

I can't say enough about Mathews bows. Super accurate, smooth, and quiet.

Mathews V3X 33"

Sight

Axcel Armortech HD Bow Sight - 5-Pin (.019" Fibers)

Release

Scott releases have a light trigger that helps me shoot better.

Scott Archery Jaws Release

Broadhead

Sevr Titanium 2.0 Broadhead

Targets

Rinehart® 18-1 Broadhead Target

Case/ Storage

Pelican 1745 Air Case

Other

Depending on the wind or what type of broadhead I'm using, depends on what type of vanes I will use on an Easton arrow.

MATHEWS Flatline 12" Stabilizer

MATHEWS Lowpro Detachable Quiver RH

Nockturnal-S (3 pack)

Easton Axis Pro Carbon Arrow Shaft

Easton Axis Series Match Grade 5mm Arrows

AAE Max Stealth Vane

Nock On Max 23 Vane

Clay Dahl Guide & Outfitter • Camp Crook, South Dakota

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!