First deer hunt in 15 years, am I forgetting anything?

Ok, I haven't been deer hunting since I was a teen, and even then I only went once. I haven't really done too much bigger game hunting, mostly just birds.

I want to make sure I am not forgetting or over looking anything.

The hunt/stalk
Camo clothes
Binoculars
Camelback/water
snacks
Patience and ability to stay still

For the kill:
20" AR with 1:7 twist
Winchester Super X 64gr Power Point ammo (wanted some 75-77gr stuff but the hunting ammo in this is few and far between and $$$)
5 round mag (I usually bring two 5 rounders with me while coyote hunting, should I bring it with me for deer? I don't know why but...)
Sling

For the cleaning:
Knife Cold steel GI Tanto

Or
Cold Steel SRK


I don't know which to use but am leaning towards the GI Tanto (it's sharper and I like the point more)

550 cord
some string
Game bag (any recommendations? I've seen the 'Alaskan Game bag' any good?)
gloves
Ice (in the ice chest once I get it back to the road)

Misc:
My ever trust 1911
extra 30rd mag (AR) for the illegals...

That's all I can think of, am I missing something?

I've killed lots of small game and birds but never bagged a larger game animal. It's not easy down here in the desert

Recommendation on things to bring? I like to pack lite as I will only have said camelback to hold my gear. I am strong like ox too I am planning on hiking this bad boy out so the less gear the better.

Stalkimg /Walking : How Far ... ?

How do you plan to " Carry / Pack / or Drag " your Deer, back to the Car ... ?

CABELAS :
Cabela's Extreme Alaskan Outfitter Frame

Yukon Collapsible Game Cart

Trophy Tow All-Terrain Transport Sled

Game Bag , Lightweight Item:
Bigger than needed, is better.

Better Bullets ? : .223
Barnes TSX bullets; Corbon loads them in their DPX line.

Knife:
Cold Steel SRK

Desert Hunting ; Cactus Thorns ?
" GOOD " pair of Tweezers

Snakes : Snake Chaps ?
Cabelas ; Whitewater Snakeproof Chaps – Husky

Sunglasses:Thorns / Grit / Bugs , etc.
Don't forget to pack .. !

Hat : Full brim for Sun Protection
Adam's Headwear
Extreme Outdoor Hat
UV Protection 45+
[AH-EOM101]

Injury ? :
Small Signal Mirror
Fire Starter : Lighter / Matches.

Desert:
Pack more water (2X),... than you think you need !!!!

Just my two cents

PAPI

Thanks for the imput, I got the desert thing down. I grew up running around the desert. Spent 5 hours hiking it just Quail hunting yesterday

Survival thing are good, do need a fire starter and a signal mirror just because they are good for being out in the 'wild'. Got Multipliers in my pack along with an extra pocket knife. They never leave the pack, along with a cleaning rod, clp and Ear Pro. Never go out without hat and sunglasses.

Will look into better bullets. I didn't know CorBon loaded TSX bullets, I see that they are 62gr. I want to stay as heavy as possible incase the shot is longer then 150 yards. I'd just trust a heavier bullet...

Gonna carry it out, that has me carrying less into the field.

As for snakes...I wear boots and BDU's.

I like the SRK but the drop point isn't as sharp as the GI Tanto, I will need to get a sharpener, need to anyway.

Almost all new knives need a bit of touch-up ,, in my opinion !

A bit more info on using " Premium Bullets ".. Why chance it ... ?

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_23/626832_.html&r=11078119&page=11

Just an update on : Terminal Bullet Performance : " Cutting Edge Bullets "






Pg# 183
" Trauma to medium was nearly non existent from the Nosler, which surprised me a bit, just a tiny hole with pieces from beginning to end at 6 inches.
The Barnes gave a bit more trauma than the Nosler, but not as much as the BBW #13 NonCon.
This concludes my "TINY-ITTY-BITTY Big Bore" report, we will now move to something a bit more, entertaining!
Michael " http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/2861098911/p/183

CEB - ESP RAPTORS
http://site.cuttingedgebullets.com/pages/news

PAPI

So I am liking the TSX's then, 10-11"s of penetration with good expansion. I read in an article that the 64gr Power Points had a good deep wound cavaty? Maybe TSX are better.

The SRK is old, like 15-20 years old. The back of the drop point is actually sharpened (got bored as a teen and did that). Do like the rubber handle over the 550 cord wrap on the 'GI Tanto.
ETA:
http://www.rathcoombe.net/sci-tech/ballistics/tactical/tactical-test.html


This is why I am leaning toward the Power Point. It didn't penetrate as well but it sounds like it caused more damage towards the end of it's travel. Also lots of guys in the "Deer Hunting Round" thread seem to like it enough.

ETA: Would like the 70gr TSX but it's $10 more then the Power Points, that leaves me money to gather other items.

Both of my knives are over twenty years.. So, I didn't have a choice of materials of " Rubber vs Para-Cord "..

But .. I would prefer the " Para-Cord " if I was buying another today !

I consider the " Tanto " more of a fighting knife & the " SRK " more of a tradtional field knife, which I keep in my work bag.

Here's my two favorite knives .. , along with my most used knife " Cold Steel Bird & Trout ".

Cold Steel Master Tanto " San Mia " & Buck

I want something as close to 75-77gr as I can get without going bankrupt

Should only take " One " or possibly two shots .. !

PAPI

Agreed about the Tanto being more of a combat knife then survival type of knife and the blade on the SRK is indeed thicker. I also have a better sheath for it as well...

Will share a trick that has assisted us.

You mentioned ice. Unfortunately it melts quickly and of course the bags leak.

We now use Gallon milk jugs, juice jugs, or better yet 2 gallon plastic ice cream buckets (square ones).
Place in freezer, freeze up, and then throw in cooler. They stay colder/frozen longer than bags of ice.
AND of course you can have a refreshing drink from the melted water inside after getting everything back to the truck.

Reseal and place jugs inside body cavity, wrap body with rope, and drive FAST to wherever going to process.
I actually got stopped for "wheels turning a little to quick" one year, explained why, he looked at deer in back of truck, said nice buck, and have a good day. Must of been a hunter.

ETA: As for a knife, I keep going back to my trusted Old Timer Sharp Finger.
www.survival-gear-guide.com/schrade-oldtimer-sharp-finger-usa-discontinued.html
They have been discontinued, but can still be found. It is honestly my favorite knife for over 35+ years.
Sometimes bigger isn't better.

That's actually a very good idea!

I like to practice

you quoted me before I could edit for knife info.

check out the Old Timer Sharp Finger.

Yeah, I have looked at some smaller knives but I don't want to buy anything new. The GI Tanto is my hiking/camping knife while SRK needs a job.

I am finding lots of bullets that I might want to try. If anything else I might test a bunch on coyotes and post the effects.

Looking at the Fusion 62gr JSP bonded bullets
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/59189-5.html

Portable Bladders....

I have not personally used the Fusions. But I have seen the results.
(Granted this was from a .243 a Buddy was using. He made a 198 yd shot. DRT). Deer dropped. BUT..... When we got up to it NO BLOOD.
I was kidding him that must of given the thing a heart attack. We rolled if 5 times and then spotted a little blood spot.
When opened it up, the insides could best be described a MUSH. It destroyed everything it touched.

We did find the bullet lodged under the skin (Not a pass through) on the opposite shoulder. Unfortunately it got lost before we got home to check retention weight.

I have always been a fan of the "Werewolf Killers"–– Winchester Ballistic SilverTips. ( I have not tried in .223, but all the other calibers they do the job.
Read the thread at the top of the deer forum on .223 hunting rounds. Some good information.


Back to knives. I know you said you don't want to buy another knife, but for $15-$20 bucks, I think you will find you use it more than you think.
IMO, they call it sharp finger, because of how small it is, you can put your finger on top of the blade, and "Feel your way around inside" as cutting, and not butcher/puncture something you will regret, and best of all not butcher yourself while getting deep inside the cavity. It really is like an extension of your finger. Check Ebay. I bought one as a gift for someone paid $17 shipped.

... Sometimes bigger isn't better....

Agreed

" .... along with my most used knife " Cold Steel Bird & Trout " 

You really should tryout the " CEB- ESP RAPTOR .233 " , when they are offered for sale!!

They are " BETTER " than anything currently offered , based on independent testing !!
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/2861098911/p/183

PAPI

I didn't see anything in 223?

Plus I plan on testing accuracy with what ever I pick up at a few different ranges. Don't want to dump money down range ya know, I am poor.

I didn't see anything in 223? 

Plus I plan on testing accuracy with what ever I pick up at a few different ranges. Don't want to dump money down range ya know, I am poor.

They are currently being offered to a few individuals to field test ( R & D ) before going into full production.. I'm personally going to have to wait for the " CA Lead Free : Copper Versions "

I can't afford to miss or have my game ( Deer / Pig Dinner ) run off , using questionable bullets

PAPI

I have never heard a bad thing about the sharpfinger. bought one for my hunting pard and he says it is the best.

I would eschew the paracord-wrapped knife. it will get bloody amd greasy and it will be tough to clean.

if you will be near the rut, then a c'mere deer call.

if you will be field dressing it, then elbow-length cleaning gloves.

what zone are you hunting in? will you be going alone? is your tag for mule deer or whitetail?

35A- Antlered White Tail- Alone mostly, might take my dad or brother towards the end.

Good luck. Next year someone should put together an AZHTF coues deer hunt in one of the southern units.

I'll be leaving for unit 29 on Thursday morning. Hope you are ready to glass.

Try Ash Canyon. It was in the burn zone, but it greened up a lot during the monsoons and there were a few nice little Coues bucks in there this spring.


If you need someone to sharpen that SRK, I'll hook you up.

Please.

I am gonna get a 'Sharp Maker' from Spyder Co at some point but that's $50 I don't want to spend just yet.

Billy - sent you an IM.

Got it and replied

Toilet paper for nature calls.

Get some hook blades for a utility knife at home depot. Works better than a traditional gut hook knife. Cheaper and sharper.

[quote]Originally Posted By Skyjunky:
Toilet paper for nature calls.

This....most important.

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