This is a good gear list for your typical mule deer hunt in the West. If you’re doing a backpack hunt, you need to see this post and podcast by Steve Speck. *If you’re hunting from a lodge or with an outfitter, you can adjust this list accordingly based on their recommendations.
SUGGESTED GEAR LIST
Mule Deer Hunting
Apparel
❏ Underwear (1 pair per day)
❏ Base Layer Top and Bottom (2 – 3 pairs per week) *we suggest merino wool
❏ Lightweight Camo Jacket
❏ Windstopper Camo Jacket
❏ Midweight Camo Jacket
❏ Lightweight Camo Vest
❏ Lightweight Camo Shirt (3 – 5 per week) *you can get away with fewer shirts if you wear merino wool.
❏ Lightweight Camo Pants (1-2 pair per week)
❏ Midweight Camo Pants (1 pair per week)
❏ Rain Gear
❏ Blaze Orange (rifle hunts) *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Lightweight Gloves
❏ Midweight Gloves
❏ Camo or Neutral-colored Cap
❏ Camo Stocking Cap or Camo Beanie
❏ Camo Head Net
Footwear
❏ Hunting Boots
❏ Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Liner Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Boot Grease
❏ Extra Laces
❏ Camp Shoes
❏ Stalking Shoes
Accessories
❏ Elk Decoy (if applicable)
❏ Cow Calls (if applicable)
❏ Bugle and Bugle Tube (if applicable)
❏ Ground Blind
❏ Folding Chair
❏ Bow Holder
❏ Day Pack
❏ Water Bottle
❏ Large Backpack
❏ Wind Direction Indicator
❏ Flashlight
❏ Headlamp
❏ Hunting Knife
❏ Multi-Tool
❏ Topo Maps or Mobile Mapping Software
❏ inReach GPS
❏ Scent Elimination Spray
❏ Water Bladder (2L)
❏ Fire Starter Kit
❏ Game Bags
❏ Caping Salt
❏ Dry Bag
Optics
Buy the highest quality optics that you can afford.
❏ Binoculars (Quality 8’s or 10’s)
❏ Spotting Scope
❏ Tripod
❏ Rangefinder
❏ Bino Harness
❏ Phone Skope
❏ Lens Cloth
❏ Defogger
Rifle Hunts
Use enough gun. We suggest these calibers: .270 Winchester; 7mm Remington Magnum; .30-06 Springfield; .300 WSM; .300 Winchester Magnum; .300 Weatherby Magnum; 30 Nosler; .338 RCM; or .338 Winchester Magnum. Other options might be: 6.5 Creedmoor; .280 Ackley Improved; or 28 Nosler.
❏ Rifle
❏ Shells (at least one box)
❏ Scope (with rain cover)
❏ Sling
❏ Shooting Sticks
❏ Soft Rifle Case
❏ Hard Rifle Case
❏ Gun Cleaning Kit
Archery Hunts
The Outdoors International team shoots Hoyt.
❏ Bow *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Arrows (at least one doz.)
❏ Broadheads *check regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Release *an extra release is recommended
❏ Soft Bow Case
❏ Hard Bow Case
Personal Items
❏ Lip Balm
❏ Towel
❏ Insect Repellant
❏ Sunscreen
❏ Moleskin for blisters
❏ Super Glue
❏ Prescription Medication
❏ WD-40
❏ Duct Tape
❏ Pain Reliever
❏ Extra Glasses and/or Contacts
❏ Quality Polarized Sunglasses
❏ Personal Toiletries
❏ Camera
❏ Video Camera and/or GoPro
❏ Extra Batteries for all Electronics
*This is a sample/generic gear list. For more specific details for the time of year you are traveling to, we recommend checking with your outfitter, hunting consultant or your destination’s local Wildlife Management Agency.