Hey all, I'm a brand new hunter, but an experienced tracker (wildlife biologist by training). I've been planning on a whitetail hunt for a few years now, and hunting season reminds me that I've let another year go by. Can't let that happen again! First, I need to get a little bit of clarity on the equipment that I need. I hope some of you can help me with this. Thanks in advance for anything you can do! I want to keep quality good enough but prices low enough.... What are the most critical pieces of equipment that I'll need to prepare for my first whitetail hunt in fall of 2013? I appreciate as many specifics as possible in terms of price, make, model. Thanks again!
I don't have a lot of time to go into great detail, but I'll answer the best I can. 1) Lots of money, it's a very expensive, yet addicting hobby. 2) A Bow & Arrows with lots of practice, warm clothes, good boots and a well made knife. 3) This is totally up to you, all you really need is your bow and the will to go out and try. There are lots of minimalist hunters out there. Hope this helps some and good luck.
The most important thing for you to do is find a good bowshop and get the bow fit properly. Also have someone very knowledgable set up your arrows. Don't overlook trad archery either... Lots of fun an maybe cheaper... If you have a year to look around you can find some good deals.
Ok I just started too and will share what I have done so far to prepare. #Things you NEED - What I went with 1. Bow - I bought used from archerytalk classifieds and got a great deal! 2013 Mission Ballistic Loaded $420 Shipped 2. Arrows/Points/Broadheads - 6 Easton Bloodlines $55, 12pk Field points $3, 3pk cheap Allen broadheads $12 3. Release - Tru-Ball Black Hornet $45 4. Licence 5. Blaze Orange 50% where I hunt if during any gun season. I use Orange hat and vest 6. Sharp Knife 7. Safety Harness (If hunting from a treestand!) Very Important! 8. Proper Clothing for the temperature. 9. Cell phone on your person (In case of emergency) 10. Target! Make sure to be confident that you will be able to hit your mark. Optional 1. Treestand - Summit Viper SD $200 Craigslist 2. Rangefinder - Redfield Raider 550 $100 AT 3. Scent 4. Grunt call 5. Rattle Horns 6. Camo clothes/face paint Thats all I can really think of right now. Shop classifieds on different forums and you will find some great deals on used and even new stuff! Just make sure to visit a shop to test different bows and figure out your draw length and comfortable poundage you can pull back. Good luck!
I too am going to start hunting next season and have no clue where to begin. This thread is VERY helpful. Don't know about the tree stand though. I'm a BIG guy (6ft 380 lbs.) and most stands aren't made for fat guys. Probably have to use a blind.
For basic gear, Bear Archery is tough to beat. Start practicing now... maybe find a range where you can shoot either 3D or video hunts (pretty cool). Timothy, no offense intended but getting in shape would really help a lot. Hunting can be pretty demanding. So set some realistic fitness goals and reach them. Before you know it, 50, 60 or more pounds will be gone and you'll begin seeing yourself as the stud you are. I for one, believe you can do way better than a tent.
