10 Best Bushnell Scope For Deer Hunting

Best Bushnell Scope For Deer Hunting in 2023

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White-Tailed Deer Hunting: Equipment

Equipment choices are varied and wide. What do you need? What can you do without?

Hunting white-tailed deer is becoming an increasingly popular pastime. Whether you are new to the sport of white-tailed deer hunting or are an old hand at hunting, having the right equipment is vital to having a safe and successful hunt.

The list of gear for white-tailed deer hunting can be quite short or it can become lengthy, depending on how much you want to spend and how "hard-core" you want to be. Some would argue that the only thing that you need for white-tailed deer hunting is a weapon. Others will tell you that without concealment and scent control your hunt is useless.

Weapon
The weapon you choose for white-tailed deer hunting is possibly the most important decision you will make in regards to the equipment you need for the hunt. Most deer seasons are broken up into segments that allow hunters to use archery equipment, black powder rifles, center fire rifles or slug guns. Some states prohibit the use of center fire rifles. Be sure to check with your local DNR or Wildlife Resources Agency to ensure you are in compliance with the law.

Archery equipment can be as simple as a longbow and a few arrows, or as complicated as a state of the art compound bow with carbon arrows. The choice between a longbow or a compound bow is primarily based on your preference. Many modern hunters prefer the compound bow over the longbow simply because compound bows can keep pace with technology. Compound bows have come a long way in a few years. Today's hunter can purchase a state-of-the-art compound bow complete with fiber optic sights, mechanical releases, peep sights, kisser buttons and many more options.

Center fire rifles seem to be the preferred choice of most hunters. The hardest part of choosing a rifle is deciding on the caliber. Smaller calibers like a .243 can harvest many deer. Guns of similar caliber are great for youths. These guns have less recoil than larger caliber rifles. Though like in many other aspects, many hunters feel that "bigger is better." Larger calibers like 30-06 are very popular. These guns have a bit more recoil but have the knockdown power needed. If your shot is correctly placed, you won't have the need to track your animal far in many cases. Even better still, monster calibers like the .340 provide heavy recoil, but a deer hit with this huge round generally drops in its tracks.

Black powder rifles, sometimes called muzzleloaders, are another popular choice. These guns have kept up with technology as well. Long gone are the days of the flintlock. Modern muzzleloaders allow hunters to drop a couple of pre-measured pellets into the muzzle along with a sabot bullet and place a primer in the end of the breech plug and be ready to hunt.

Crossbows are another weapon that is becoming very popular. In the past few years several states have lifted the ban on hunting with this type of weapon. Many states allow only hunters with disabilities to hunt with a crossbow. Be sure to check your local regulations before choosing this method.

Clothing
Hard-core hunters will tell you that you must have the right clothing before you go hunting, though I've spoken to people who hunt in a t-shirt and blue jeans with much success. Camouflage comes in many patterns. Scent-eliminating clothing can be quite expensive, but most hunters who have implemented scent elimination into their hunting regimen will attest to its effectiveness. If you choose to use scent-eliminating clothing be sure to follow the manufacturers' instructions regarding cleaning. Many of these types of clothing contain activated charcoal and have special instructions regarding laundering.

Camouflage manufacturers all claim their pattern is the most effective at concealing you. A popular commercial shows several hunters hidden in camo in an outdoor setting and they are virtually undetectable until they begin to move. When choosing your clothing, be sure to remember to purchase face masks and gloves.

Stands amp; Blinds
Tree stands and blinds are another very important part of your hunting gear. Safety comes first in choosing this type of equipment. Whether you choose a blind or a stand depends largely on preference and the type of hunting and terrain. When choosing a tree stand, consider safety, comfort and durability. Many accidents occur each year in tree stands. Blinds are a great option to allow you to hunt on ground level and remain concealed. Prices for both can range from very inexpensive to quite costly. Do a little research to determine which will work best for you.

Decoys amp; Calls
Some hunters will tell you that decoys are of little use while others will swear to their effectiveness. Beginning hunters will find they do not "need" decoys to have success in hunting. Though, they may desire to add a decoy to their hunting gear at some point.

Many types of calls are available to deer hunters. Grunt calls and fawn bleats are two of the most popular. Curious deer often find these calls too interesting to pass up. Calls are relatively inexpensive and make a great addition to your hunting gear.

Possibly the most popular, the rattling horn is a very effective tool in enticing deer, if used at the right time of year. During the rut, deer spar with one another to prove who is the dominant buck. Using the rattling horns at just the right time can call bucks right to your line of fire, just so that they can prove that they are king.

This is just a short list of equipment you can use in white-tailed deer hunting. There are numerous other options available. Scents and attractants are often credited with many trophy-hunting trips. Baits and feeds are also very popular. Some states have strict requirements about using bait and feeds. Again it is very important that you check your local regulations before you embark on your hunting trip.