Gear

Below are some sample gear lists for various scenarios. These are just starting points to help you be better prepared for our hunts.

We don’t expect our mentees to necessarily have all of this gear as we are able to loan out most necessary items.

Spring Turkey

The gear list for a spring turkey hunt has to consider the variable weather of early May, the incredible eyesight of a turkey, and the risk of ticks.

  • Mid-weight base layers for potentially cooler mornings

  • Camo outer layers to hide from a turkeys’ eyes

  • Camo face mask or face paint

  • Rain gear (ideally camo)

  • Comfortable and dry boots

  • Bug spray

  • Sit pad/cushion

  • Shotgun and shells

  • Turkey calls

  • Small backpack

  • First aid kit

  • Knife

  • Water/coffee/snacks

  • Head lamp and extra batteries

  • License and tags

Early Season Deer

An early season deer hunt can be cool in the early mornings/evening, but also very warm in the afternoon. Like Spring Turkey, layers become important.

  • Mid-weight base layers for potentially cooler mornings

  • Comfortable outer layer (does not need to be camo)

  • Rain gear

  • Comfortable and dry boots

  • Bug spray

  • Sit pad/cushion if you choose to sit on the ground

  • Harness and tether/lifeline if hunting out of tree stand

  • Weapon: bow, crossbow, rifle or slug gun

  • Arrows w/ broadheads or ammo for firearm

  • Small backpack

  • First aid kit

  • Water/coffee/snacks

  • Head lamp and extra batteries

  • License and tags

Late Season Deer

Late season deer hunting is typically in winter conditions so staying warm is important,

  • Heavy-weight base layers

  • Insulating mid-layer (puffy or fleece)

  • Warm jacket (and bibs if necessary)

  • Comfortable and dry insulated boots

  • Warm gloves

  • Warm hat

  • Sit pad/cushion if you choose to sit on the ground

  • Harness and tether/lifeline if hunting out of tree stand

  • Weapon: bow, crossbow, rifle or slug gun

  • Arrows w/ broadheads or ammo for firearm

  • Small backpack

  • First aid kit

  • Water/coffee/snacks

  • Hand warmers

  • Head lamp and extra batteries

  • License and tags

Camping

Adding primitive camping to a hunting trip adds more gear. In addition to what you might need for the specific hunt, you also will want:

  • Three season tent

  • Sleep pad

  • Sleeping bag rated to the lowest temperature you might see

  • Camp pillow

  • Camp chair (nice to have)

  • Fire making supplies

  • Small hand saw (cutting firewood)

  • Dry clothes to change into after hunting (nice to have)

  • Camp shoes (nice to have)

  • Camp stove

  • Food / coffee