Like other hunting sports, hunting mule deer is one of the oldest sporting traditions in the world. It brings you both exciting knowledge about deer habitats and the best outdoor times. In fact, the results after each hunt will be actually sweet, right? But imagine that during the hunting trip, you suddenly stop dead in your tracks. “I forgot my ….”. OMG, how will your hunt be?
Because the hunt may take a few day, even a week, the preparation will extremely important. With too many things to pack, there’s no guarantee you’ll remember everything even if you spend plenty of time on it. Even the most experienced hunters still forget things time to time. So this is where the hunting checklist comes into play. A good mule deer hunting checklist will help us not only save time but also avoid the fluctuation of forgetting anything at home.
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Before-you-go checklist
For any mule deer hunting checklist, the before-you-go period is always an important part. For this section, I recommend you should take several weeks before your trip. You have to make sure your scope, firearm, etc. work well, as soon as possible, in case anything needs to replace or repair.
Therefore, it will help you control time carefully, and not have to scramble on the night before.
- Acquire Landowner’s Permission
- Buy License
- Check all Batteries
- Clean Binoculars/Scope
- Clean Firearm
- Hang Treestand/Inspect Stands/Set Blind
- Mend any Torn Blinds
- Organize/Pack
- Practice Calling
- Read Local Rules, Regulations, Restrictions, Limits etc.
- Read/Watch Instructional Books and Videos
- Scouting/Game Cameras/Food Plotting
- Screw in Tree Steps
- Sharpen Knife/Broadheads
- Sight/Tune/Pattern/Test/Practice
- Update Electronics (Charts/Maps/Locators)
- Wash Clothing
General hunting equipment checklist
Mule deer hunters often spend thousands on high-end rifles and optics. However, a more modest can still work as well. Even the cheapest rifles can have repeated precision and the ability to function in any weather conditions. Invest in quality items that you can rely on, and pack only the essential ones. Thus, it’s important to spend time on the quality of hunting equipment to pick ones that meet your need.
- Ammunition
- Game Cameras/Batteries/Memory Cards
- Scent-Reduction Spray
- Back Pack/Waist Pack
- Game Ear (Amplifier/Wireless Com.)
- Scent-Wicks/Drag or Scrape Dripper
- Bipod
- Gun Sock
- Scope with Caps
- Bow/Gun Case (Hard/Soft)
- Hammer and Stakes
- Shooting Stick
- Bow/Gun Hanger/Rest
- Range Finder
- Spotting Scope
- Bow/Gun Hoist
- Rachet Clippers
- Targets (Flat/3D)
- Gun Hanger/Rest
- Rifle/Shotgun/Muzzleloader
- Treestand
- Bow/Gun Sling
- Scent Attractant
- Treestand Umbrella
- Cleaning Kit/Oil/Oil Cloth
- Scent-Free Containers for Clothing
- Climbing Stick
- Scent-Reduction Detergent/Deodorant
Clothing checklist
Apart from hunting equipment, clothing is quite important in your hunt trip. They can keep you warm in cold weather, keep comfortable in every motion, as well as avoid the detection from mule deer. Moreover, some states even require how much orange hunters need to wear to ensure the safety for hunters. So carefully consider the clothing you will wear during the mule deer hunting trip.
- Baseball Hat – Blaze Orange
- Long Underwear – Insulated/Moisture Wicking
- Socks – Breathable and Insulated
- Baseball Hat – Camo
- Pants – Camo
- Socks – Liner Belt – Camo
- Pants – Insulated Overalls
- Stocking Hat – Blaze Orange (Check Local Laws)
- Boots – Insulated/Un-Insulated Depending on Weather Conditions
- Rain Suit
- Stocking Hat – Camo Gloves – Insulated/Un-Insulated Depending on Weather Conditions
- Safety Vest (Required)
- Vest – Blaze Orange (Check Local Laws)
- Handmuff
- Shirt – Camo Long-Sleeved
- Jacket – Camo Windproof/Pullover
- Shirt – Camo Short-Sleeved
General accessories checklist
Now we come to the exciting part, organizing your pack of accessories for the big day.
Sunglasses, bug spray, camera, etc. You might be tempted to throw every item you own into the pack. But you are not a Superman, right? Choose items which are actually essential for your hunt.
When in doubt, ask yourself if it will actually help you during the hunting trip.
- 2-Way Radios
- GPS/Map/Personal Locator
- Safety/Shooting Glasses
- Batteries
- Hand Sanitizer
- Seat/Stool (Bucket/Cushion)
- Binocular Harness
- Hand Warmers
- Sunglasses and Case
- Binoculars
- Hearing Protection
- Sunglasses Leash
- Bug Spray/Insect Repellant Device
- High Energy Food/Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Hydration Pack
- Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
- Compass
- Ice
- Trail Marking Tape/Tacks
- Cooler
- Identification
- Water
- First-Aid Kit
- Knife Sharpener
- Waterproof Stuff Sack
- Flares
- Knife/Multi-Tool
- Wind Indicator
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Lighter/Matches with Case
- Glass/Lens
- Cleaner Rope (50 ft.)
Calls checklist
Deer use sound and scent to communicate. Therefore, to bring them into range, call them. There’s a wide selection of deer calls to choose from. It’s a wise practice to check over following types of calls:
- Estrus Bleat Can
- Grunt Call/Tube
- Snort/Wheeze Call
- Fawn Bleat Can
- Rattle Bag/Antlers
After-the-shot checklist
When you do take an animal, you have to use the following items. Thus, make sure you bring them on.
- Black Permanent Marker
- Butt-Out Tool
- Gambrel
- Plastic Bags
- Game Bags
- Processing Kit/Knives
- Deer Drag/Cart
- Grinder
- String for License/Zip Ties
- Folding Saw
- Gutting Gloves (Wrist/Shoulder Length)
- Freezer Paper and Tape
- Pelvic Saw
We hope that with this full mule deer hunting checklist, you will make your own trip as perfect as possible.