This weekend will be my first time deer hunting. Other guys on my lease are experienced and have been helpful. But, what do I need to have with me in case I actually take a deer and need to prepare it for the processor? I do have a good hunting knife. What else? Gloves, ice, cooler, etc? Thanks.

50quart cooler or bigger, ice, trashbag for the head (keep the head and cape cold and dry if you plan to mount) and someone to help you. oh and beer would be a good addition.

Don't forget a good cigar.

Always light up a good cigar after I take a nice deer

[quote=Buck_N_Hook oh and beer would be a good addition. [/quote]

it's a must.

It's always nice to have some camp meat when you get back in from a long days hunting.

It will depend on how quick you intend to get it to a processor, with the temps we are having now, that should be your priority after the kill.

A Couple of good knives would get it "empty" and allow you to go directly to a processor.

What I carry. Good knives, sharpener, surgical gloves, and a Gerber bone saw. I always have a pen in my pack and a roll of electrical tape for attaching my tag to antler or leg.

If it is warm, I would avoid any kind of plastic for your meat or cape. Plastic will trap heat and can potentially ruin your meat and cape, consider game bags or old pillow cases.

I also have a pound or 2 of table salt handy,(cheap). I rinse out every deer I gut with a salt water brine, it's fast and helps control bacteria and aids in cooling the cavity.

That helps a lot Dennis. Thanks.

A good flashlight! Other than that sounds like you got it covered

Binoculars are a must have.

Skinning knife
Gutting knife
Pelvic/bone saw
Shoulder length plastic gloves
Pen and twist tie (for the tag)
Fresh water to wash out the deer (I use 2l bottles and poke a hole in the cap. U can spray it that way)
Flashlight or lantern so you can see!
Bags for cape and any meat you take out(liver, tenderloins )

Good luck!

Instead of a Bone Saw, I keep a battery opperated Saw-Zall, with me at the ranch. It works great for cutting through the joints, cutting off the head, and even trimming brush if needed.

And another option is a pair of garden loppers. Won't make as clean of a cut as a saw, but if you are gonna de-bone it anyway for sausage, who cares. We keep a pair at the cleaning station, and they are fast, work great and no battery or electricity required.

The most important thing for a first time hunter...a camera!

A confident steady aim is good to have. And a rifle or bow that u could drive tacks with is another key item. Breath and don't let buck fever get u to bad. Other than that sounds like u have everything covered. Good luck and prepare to be addicted
To hunting!!!!!

Loppers (choppers north of Harris county and south of Dallas)

Toilet paper. U just never know. Lol

A pen so you can fill out your tag. Don't assume the one you left in the truck is still there. Be sure to fully cut out the date on your tag as well. Do both immediately.

Might want a rifle & ammo, or bow & arrows

A rope to throw over the tree limb to hoist bambi up

Toilet paper

X's 1000
I posted earlier on this thread and I forgot the #1 item. Much cheaper than a sock or shirt tail!!!

We don't have running water on our lease, so I take a few of the cheap gallon water jugs with me. A good box of latex gloves come in handy. I also bring a backup knife just in case.

A lot of the above advice is good. A working pen to fill out your tag, a way to get it on the deer - I use a safety pin and clip it through the ear.

it's pretty obvious but don't forget gun, ammo, hunting and drivers lic., hunters educ cert. (if required)

and be sure you log on the back of your license immediately too!!!

Zip Tie to secure the tag works great to antler or leg!

You've gotten just about all the info you need here. I'd also carry a "Butt-Out." You can get them from most big box sporting good stores or Wal-Mart. I have a nice lanyard and wear a few around my neck like duck calls. "Wet Wipes" are also handy to have around. Not kidding on that one, like I was with the Butt-Out. Good luck and be safe!