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Gearing up a noob
This will be my first year hunting and I don't have much besides my bow (and later in the year a shotgun, I do have ear protection), what are some items you vets would recommend? I'll be going after deer (and possibly Turkey if I get my license). I'm 18 turning 19 this year and I don't have a large amount to spend and I'd like to get gear that will last me a few years at the least, so clothing/gear that lasts the longest for your money is what I'm after. What are some companies that have good/reliable gear and what should I stay away from? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
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I'm in WMU 89 so I know I can only use my bow here and I'll most likely be in or along deciduous trees, possibly on the edge of crops/fields
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I'd suggest Real Tree Extra Green if you're looking at camo, this will work early in the year for turkey and in the fall for deer, you can get the Bass Pro brand in St Kits (sure you know) if you watch you can get it while on sale and save some $$, buy a size larger than you would normally get, allows you to use as outer layer during turkey and early deer season, you can get anything from basic cotton pants/shirt thru to fleece (quiet) windbreaker gear, I started with basic pants and shirt but ended going for windbreaker in the end simply for warmth factor and being comfortable on stand regardless of the weather. Depending on how much you want to spend you can construct ground blinds to hunt from (private property), that costs you time but no money, but I would suggest the best flexible solution is the climbing treestand, with a suitable tree you can get in and up almost anywhere, really makes you more effective and mobile. Assume you have all the hardware needed to shoot and practise with your bow (release, sight, arrows, broadheads) quiver is a personal choice, most guys I know take it off when on stand so you can decide how best you want to travel with your arrows. Good set of binoculars is a big help, always nice to look from a great distance when scouting etc. If you have any specific questions feel free to pm me, welcome and best of luck.
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The best advice I can give...... is go out and explore the land you are going to hunt as often as possible so you get familiar with the lay of the land on how the game travels/lives on the land (daily habits/routines).... Read as much about the game or youtube as much about the game as possible.... Lots of good videos out there...........Practice with the tool you will be using to put down your game until you understand its limits.
Clothing doesn't have to be camo........ it just has to be comfortable and quiet. Movement and wind will be your biggest factor with deer hunting....
Maybe a nice pair of comfortable boots (muck boots are pretty good)
You don't need to spend a lot on equipment you just need to know a lot about the game your after...
Best of luck
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Everything fratri said X2. A pair of rubber boots with the felt liners are great. I bought a reversible Coleman hunting coat at Canadian Tire and used it in Southern Ontario (WMU 48, 64 and CFB Borden) and was warm enough. Buy a decent knife, fixed or folding with a 3.5 to 4-inch blade and learn to sharpen it really well. A quiet backpack and a good thermos.
Definitely spend the money on warm clothing. You can have a dozen guns and bows and they are useless to you if you are too chilly to hunt.
Brand name I like best for knives is Grohmann, their DH Russell belt knife will be a great investment. I also really like Gerber and Buck knives, but LOVE Grohmann. Boots from Sorel. Wool clothing from Woolrich or Filson. Wind pants from Mountain Equipment Co-op. The word "underwear" is no longer fashionable, all the boutiquey places like Mark's Work Wearhouse call it "base layers", but get good stuff. Even if it's expensive. A couple really good long johns will last quite a few seasons. I have some Gore-Tex socks that were issued to me in the military; I think they are also from Mountain Equipment Co-op. Grizzly brand, maybe? Worth their weight in GOLD in damp chilly weather.
Hope this helps. Best of luck in the upcoming season.
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I would suggest big pants instead of trousers. Keeps the wind out better
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Wear some hunter orange during open season even if the legal requirements do not call for it, a flashlight, and a compass.
I get a lot of my clothing from the local thrift shop, $10 wool sweaters, $20 down parka, $5 wool scarfs.
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I shot a deer two years ago in grey sweat pants and a green sweater under my orange vest. As i woke up late and jumped outta bed and i to the bush. It walked right upto me. So for camo buy what you can like others have mentioned. silent yet comfortable and keeps you dry.
My year round hunting gear is only a shell. My under layers keep me warm.
Once you read a little more on the hunting forums you will pick up a few things.
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All good advice. Most every thing you need you can get at value village. Base layers and outer wear. Then a orange vest. If your going to spend any kind of money do it on a good pair of boots and gloves. Small back pack- knife- compass and flash light. every thing you take out with you comes back, so remember to go as light as possible. good luck and all the best Don