I finally got on a lease this year and I plan getting serious about Deer Hunting. I've been Deer hunting my whole life with my Dad, Grandpa and friends but I never really had the opportunity to kill something myself or have my own set-up. I've been caught up in Bass fishing for a few years but I'm in a spot in my life now where I feel like I'm patient enough to enjoy the challenge of Deer hunting, I guess patience comes with age. I finished my stand this weekend and I plan on dealing with feeders this next weekend but I wanted to hear from everyone and make sure I will be prepared and have all the "Must-Have" items that go along with it.

Just looking for a little advice and I want to know what you consider "must-have" items that are crucial to Deer hunting.

For the way most hunt in texas

-feeder
-blind
-corn
-weapon & ammo
-ice chest & ice

Skinning equipment/knives
Clothing
Boots
Game camera(s)- they're addictive
Something to get the deer out with
Grunt call
Rattle bag
Scent killer

All I can say is dont get caught up in the gimics. I am assuming you have rifle, binoculars, knife, place to hunt, and time. There is a lot of stuff that is nice to have, but not a must IMO.

Yeah, like I said I've been around it my whole life so I'm not completely green.. I've got all the basic stuff: stand, feeders, camo, binoculars, lease and I have a Weatherby 300 WinMag that I use..

Are you hunting in the Rio Vista area? I grew up in Godley and have lots of family in Blum. Lots of good memories of friends and family on the Nolan.

sounds like you are good to go. i would suggest game cameras. like stated above they are very addictive!

hornedfrog - I own a house in Rio Vista, our lease is South of there around a little community called Blanton.. Kind of in between Blum and Covington..

Game cameras will have to wait until next season, I'm already broke trying to get ready for this season!

tractor, bushhogg, disc, spreader.

I think I have family burried in a old cemetary around Blanton. Good luck this season.

Cold Beer and Snuff

I cant believe no one said "toilet paper" And before anyone say's "thats a no brainer" look around, how many have shirts with missing tails or sleeves , or a pair of socks minus 1?

A good utility rope and a couple cheap tarps always comes in handy on the lease too. As I get older, comfort items get important also. comfortable clothes, chairs and a cheap lease camera.

I always have a portable heater with me to nock off the early mourning chill

Dry place to sleep
Dry stand to hunt
Camp fire
Hunting buddies
Feeder with corn
Warm clothes
Good food

A little know how will go a long way:

-Do you know where to shoot a deer? Behind the shoulder? There's a lot of deer behind the shoulder. Most that of that area "behind the shoulder" won't immediately kill a deer. I suggest that you shoot 'em immediately behind the shoulder-In the armpit, if you will. Otherwise shoot 'em through the shoulders. Yes, you'll ruin meat but you won't be that guy in camp that everybody has to help trail their poorly shot deer all over the pasture.

-Aging deer? Many leases nowadays want only mature bucks killed. Can you age a buck on the hoof? Lot's of good examples right here on this forum. Some leases are requiring their hunters to be able to rough score bucks on the hoof. Don't be "that guy" that shoots 2.5 year old 8 points if it might get you in hot water.

-Field dressing/skinning/quartering a deer? Lots of how-to videos on YouTube. Don't be "that guy" on the lease that doesn't know how. At least be familiar with it.

-Be sure to zero your rifle and practice shooting for groups before the season. Practice controlling your breathing and convince yourself now that you're not going to let "Buck Fever" control you when the moment of truth is at hand.

There's lots of gimmicks and fads that are designed to separate hunters from their money. Don't get wrapped up with all of that nonsense. Remember, our grandpas were successfully killing deer while wearing coveralls and red/black flannel shirts and probably smoking. KISS-Keep It Simple Stupid.

A good rifle that you're proficient with, a sharp knife, warm clothes and good binoculars. The more comfortable you are, the longer you can remain on the stand. Hunt the rut hard.

smart phone to listen to music and play games on
Diet Coke
Zebra cakes
book to read
Thermacell to keep the bugs away

Oh, I usually also take binoculars, rifle, etc

Believe it or not, I usually see most of the deer that come out in my area while I'm hunting (I think), and I kill a couple a year.

Bow
Whiskey
Beer
Arrows

Not that I am one to mix booze and guns but beer and a rifle mixed with a nice place to sit and some forage...always a good time. Save the beer for after the shot. Safety first. lol

Don't forget a pen and string to tag your deer.

I use electrical tape, have had them come off using other methods, suggested by a GW (after a warning) 25+ years ago