Having good equipment can sometimes make the difference between success and failure on a hunt. While it's really easy to spend a bunch of money on gear these days, it's not necessary to break the bank to have a successful deer season.
Fortunately, there are some useful pieces of deer-hunting gear available for a reasonable amount of money. Here are four pieces of essential deer-hunting gear that won't cost you a fortune to purchase and can really make your life easier on a deer hunt.
1. Sheet of plywood
Loading a deer into the back of a pickup truck, especially without help from another person, can be extremely difficult. However, something as simple as a single sheet of plywood can make loading that deer much easier on your back. Not only is a sheet of plywood useful and relatively inexpensive, but it also doesn't take up much space in the bed of your truck.
Simply drop the truck's tailgate and use the plywood to make a ramp between the tailgate and the ground. Slide the deer (or hog, bear, etc.) as far up the plywood as you can. Then, using your legs, lift up the lower end of the plywood and slide it into the truck.
2. Butt Out
Made by Hunter's Specialties, the Butt Out tool is a simple, lightweight, inexpensive and effective tool for helping you field dress your deer.
By inserting it into the animal's anus and twisting, the Butt Out tool enables the hunter to quickly detach the anal alimentary canal from a deer. This eliminates the need for the tedious and difficult chore of removing it from the animal by cutting around it with a knife.
Used properly, it not only makes the process much easier and simpler, but it also greatly reduces your chances of contaminating the animal's meat with its waste as well.
3. ThermaCell
For those who hunt in areas with lots of mosquitoes, especially early-season deer hunters down south, the ThermaCell is a must-have item to carry on your hunts. I've spent a lot of time hunting in the Georgia swamps, and I have never found another piece of gear that works as well against mosquitoes as the ThermaCell.
It is very reasonably priced, lightweight and extremely effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects. It is also odor free, and I've used it extensively on hunting trips without it disturbing deer or other wildlife.
The only downside of the ThermaCell is the fact that it works best if you are stationary, making it less ideally suited for still hunting. However, the ThermaCell is perfect for use in a deer stand.
4. Paracord
Also known as Parachute Cord or 550 cord, paracords were originally used as the suspension lines for military parachutes. However, paracord is now extensively used in the hunting and outdoor communities. It is an extremely versatile piece of hunting gear that can be used for a wide variety of applications, including (but not limited to) securing cargo, replacing boot or shoe laces, serving as emergency fishing line, or hoisting game for skinning.
Paracord is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to carry. It should also be a mandatory piece of gear you carry on every hunting trip. Fortunately, there are even bracelets made out of woven paracord that you can wear so you will always have some with you.
