If you’re like me, and have a regular job, you might only get a few weekends a year to get out into the field. You need to make the most of it, and this is where a good deer hunting checklist comes into play. A good deer hunting checklist can not only save us time, but also save us from the frustration of forgetting a critical piece of gear at home.
Even the most experienced hunters forget things from time to time, so I always recommend relying on a checklist to get ready for an upcoming hunt. Feel free to add to, or modify this checklist to suit your style and needs.
Contents:
Hunt Preparation Checklist
I go through the first section of my checklist, several weeks before my trip. I like to go through all my gear early, in case anything needs replacement or repair.
This allows me time to take care of it in time, and not have to scramble on the night before.
| Buy Hunting License(s)/Tags | Clean Firearm/Tune Bow | Monitor Weather, Pack Appropriate Layers |
| Read This Years Regulations | Sight-in Firearm/Bow | Check Your Blaze Orange |
| Determine Hunting Location | Sharpen Knife or Arrows | Leave Trip Details with a Friend or Family |
| Gain Land Owner's Permission | Practice Calls | Assemble Field Dressing Gear |
| Game Camera Scouting | Wash Camo and Clothing | Cell Phone Charger |
| Inspect Tree Stands & Blinds | Purchase Ammo | Check GPS Maps are Working |
| Practice Tree Stand Climbing w/Harness | Check Batteries | Clean Hunting Optics |
Field Packing Checklist
Now we come to the fun part, organizing your hunting pack for the big day.
You might be tempted to throw every gadget you own into the pack, but like one of my favorite bloggers likes to say “Don’t be Like Batman”. Don’t be that guy strutting through the woods with a piece of gear attached to every loop, and stuffed in each pouch.
Invest in quality gear that you can rely on, and pack only the essential gear. When in doubt, ask yourself if it will actually help you kill something, or help preserve the game when you do take an animal.
| Hunting Backpack or Day Pack | Bow Release | GPS/Map/Compass |
| Hunting Licenses/Tags (Check Again!) | Ammo/Arrows/Broadheads | Calls/Scents |
| First Aid Kit | Firearm/Bow | Drag Rope |
| Means of Fire | Headlamp/Flashlight | Hunting Knife/Multi-Tool |
| Cell Phone | Glow Sticks | Folding Saw |
| Tree Stand/<Safety Harness | Hunting Binoculars | Bug Spray |
| Wear Your Blaze Orange | Binocular Harness | Hand Warmers |
| Paracord | Rangefinder | Water & Snacks |
| Game Bags/Latex Gloves | Rain Gear | Extra Layers |
Hunting Vehicle Checklist
It’s a wise practice to check over each of your vehicles before heading out, especially if you travel to remote areas to hunt.
Check your truck, as well as your ATV’s. Doing so will prepare you for the unexpected, and maybe even prevent you from getting stranded with a disable vehicle far from help.
| Change Oil | Flashlight & Batteries | Tow Straps or Chains |
| Check Antifreeze Levels | Tool Box | Shovel |
| Inspect/Replace Belts | Jumper Cables/Power Pack Jump Start | Tarp/Carpet Remnant |
| Check Tires and Pressure | MacGuyver Pack of Hardware, Misc Items | Ice Chest |
| Tire Chains (If Needed) | Spare Tire/Vehicle Jack | Sleeping Bag/Blankets |
Download and Print this Checklist
Click Here (Right Click > Save Link As)
Leave a reply