Me and my son drew a public land nilgai/deer hunt at LRGV NWR. What recommendations do yall have for gear to pack besides the basics, we go the weekend before thanksgiving. This is a first for both of us. Would yall stick to spot and stalk/still hunting or bring a blind and hunt over poop/feeding areas? We are staying in an airbnb and planning to hike in and pack them out like an elk. Thanks in advance!

Archery or rifle?

They don’t seem to move much once it gets remotely chilly. Scout hard, if possible. If you can find a well-traveled path between feeding areas and heavy brush, that’s probably your best bet. Lots of movement occurs at night.

A handheld thermal is useful. I carry warm, quiet clothes.

Be prepared to put that bullet or arrow EXACTLY where you want it.

Its a rifle hunt. Wish i could bring a bow for deer tho

Snake boots, good glass and shooting sticks.

I’ve heard ticks and chiggers are bad down there this year. Good luck and let us know how you do!

Walk into the wind

IDK about the rifle hunts but spot and stalk is a good way to get on everyone's [censored] list if you're archery hunting. Good luck.

i've been putting in for these hunts too. haven't been drawn yet. My brother got to go last year with a different group of folks out on the east lake unit. they hiked in prepared and with the intend of spending the day out there or until something was harvested. focused on trails/fresh sign, fresh water areas and just sat up and waited for something to move. they had luck. be prepared to pack them back out. a functional game cart probably a must as well as game bags to wrap quarters and whatever knives/saws/etc you need in the field to disassemble one. knowing how to break one down on the ground would be a must. they shot theirs with 3006 and 300win mags. both seemed to do fine.