Mule deer hunting checklist – Don’t forget a thing!

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: