Out-Of-State Whitetails Part 4: Packing

This is our 4th installment of our series on hunting Out-of-State Whitetails. Catch the full discussion here:

James: Jared, thanks for joining us again. Today, we're focusing on packing for an out-of-state deer hunt. Let's start with the basics. What are some essential items that you always bring, regardless of the time of year or location?

Jared: The most crucial item for me is a solid base layer. I'm a big fan of merino wool. Having the ability to layer up or down is key, so a good clothing system that fits your hunting style is essential. This might be different for everyone, so it's important to find what works for you.

James: That's great advice. Any other must-have items?

Jared: Absolutely. I always bring a kill kit – knife, sharpener, and even some surgical gloves. It might sound odd, but keeping your hands clean when field dressing an animal can prevent a lot of issues, especially if you're living out in the woods for a while.

James: Good point. What about your hunting setup? Do you always bring the same gear?

Jared: For white tail hunting, I usually bring my saddle system. But regardless of whether I'm using a saddle or not, I always have camo netting and a butt pad in my pack. These items are incredibly versatile and can help you set up almost anywhere, even if there isn't an ideal tree for your saddle.

James: Let's talk about weather-specific gear. What do you pack for early season hunts when it's still warm?

Jared: For warm weather, less is more. You want to create as little sweat as possible. I'll wear the lightest clothing I can get away with. One item I never forget for early season hunts is my Thermacell. Bugs can ruin a hunt real quick, and in my experience, the Thermacell doesn't seem to bother the deer if you play the wind right.

James: And what about when the temperature drops? How does your packing change for cold weather hunts?

Jader: For cold weather, it's all about layering. I start with that good base layer we talked about earlier. Then I add an insulation layer, like a lofty puffy jacket to trap heat. On top of that, I'll have some sort of shell that's wind-resistant and can shed some water. It doesn't need to be 100% waterproof – that's what your rain jacket is for.

James: Any specific advice for gloves or headwear?

Jared: I like fingerless gloves for dexterity, but I'll bring along mittens for when I'm sitting still. As for headwear, it's crucial, especially if you're bald like me! You lose a lot of heat through your head, so a good beanie is essential.

James: Let's talk about food. How important is it to pack the right kind of food for these hunts?

Jared: Food is often overlooked, but it's crucial, especially in cold weather. Your body needs fuel to stay warm. I avoid quick-burning carbs like chips or sugary snacks. Instead, I go for foods that will nourish your body and keep your metabolism burning. Nuts are a great option. And remember, avoid foods that might upset your stomach – you don't want to deal with that in the woods!

James: How does your packing change if you're staying in a tent versus a hotel?

Jared: It changes drastically. If you're camping, you've got to pack your entire shelter system. It's crucial to lay everything out on the ground before you go, see what you have, and figure out how it's all going to fit in your pack. This is especially important if you're backpacking in, like on our Manitou Island trip.

James: Speaking of that trip, any lessons learned about overpacking?

Jared: Oh, definitely. We way overpacked for that trip. We brought tree stands and saddles that we never used because the terrain didn't allow for it. Then when you shot that buck, we had to figure out how to pack all that out too. It's a good reminder to really think through what you'll actually use based on the specific terrain and conditions you'll be hunting in.

James: Let's talk about boots. You mentioned having strong opinions about deer hunting boots.

Jared: Boots are a big deal for me. I've found that the stiff, heavy mountaineering-style boots that are great out west aren't ideal for Midwest whitetail hunting. Here, you want something lighter and more flexible that allows you to move quietly. I often go with a high-top, off-road running style shoe, or knee-high rubber boots if I know I'll be in wet areas.

James: What about optics? What's your go-to for binoculars?

Jared: I'm a fan of 10x42 binoculars. They're a good balance of magnification and field of view. We've also been experimenting with some stabilized 16x binoculars, which are amazing for glassing at longer distances or from a vehicle.

James: To wrap up, let's do a quick round of dos and don'ts. What's one thing you wish you had brought on past hunts but didn't?

Jared: A knife sharpener. Having a sharp knife when you're processing an animal in the field makes a huge difference. It's safer and helps you do a cleaner job.

James: And what about something you often bring but never use?

Jared: That's a tough one, actually. We've gotten pretty good at paring down our gear over the years. I guess I'd say extra straps for my backpack. I always bring more than I end up needing.

James: Any final advice for our readers about packing for an out-of-state deer hunt?

Jared: The key is to be flexible and learn from each hunt. What you pack for your first hunt of the season will probably be very different from what you bring on your last hunt. Don't be afraid to adjust your gear as you learn what works best for you. And always be prepared to adapt to the conditions you find when you arrive at your hunting spot.

James: Jared, thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us.