I've never been hunting before and now that I live in a state where hunting is common place, and I know people who hunt, I've been dying to go. My wife's uncle lives nearby and hunts duck and deer each season. I've asked him if I could tag along in the 2013 deer season to learn the ropes and he agreed (reason for 2013 vs 2012 is wife and I plan on buying a home next summer so we will be involved in that process and I won't have time to go hunting). This gives me roughly two years to incrementally obtain the basic equipment I will need (of which I have very little of). Non-archery deer season here in MN runs from November 3rd to November 25th (little longer - to December 9th - if you hunt with a muzzle loader, which I don't). This creates a special need as far as equipment because November here in MN is cold, can get wet and muddy, and occasionally we do get an early snow towards the end of November.

What are some of the basic pieces of gear I will need? My goal is to spread out the cost over the next two years. Uncle will also teach me how to field dress the deer. So far here is what I have that I could use:

• Good sweat-wicking thermals

• Good sweat-wicking warm socks

• Cold weather accessories (hats, mittens, etc.)

• I've got a stock Remington 11-87 Shotgun (deer season in the area we will hunt is restricted to slug hunting) but I'm not sure if the best route is to modify it or just buy a new shotgun altogether (like a cheaper pump that I can modify and dedicate to slug hunting). I know if I go with my 11-87 I will need to buy a rifled barrel, but I also would need a scope (and have it mounted). Not sure if adding a permanent rail for scope mounting/removal is the best route or not.

• External clothing wise while I've got cold weather gear (parkas, snow pants, etc.) that keep me warm while playing with the kids in the snow, but they aren't rugged articles I'd want to wear while hunting.

I'm guessing (and hoping) the list of big ticket essentials won't be too long (or too costly). I'm figuring a start will be to buy insulated and water resistant pants and parka. Comfortable water proof boots. A good fixed blade knife. Decent binocs or a monocular. And a backpack (daypack) to carry gear. If my 11-87 won;t be ideal, new shotgun will be in order.

Anyway, looking forward to your feedback. BTW, on a budget, so I probably won't be buying top of the line bajillion dollar equipment like the guys on those hunting TV shows wear.

I rifle hunt in the SW WI deer season and Muzzy or shotgun hunt in NW IA.

Funny story, the cold is what drove me away from hunting as a teenager in WI! When I got back into the sport about 7 years ago I was in the same position you are now. Lesson learned: cotton kills! Do not wear cotton. It's more complicated than just that.

As you mentioned: Wicking layer ( Base Layer) is key. I like Omni-Wool base layers. They are a wool-Poly blend and work great for me. Not too expensive either. You can find them pretty cheap on EBay. I also recently bought LL Beans wool-blend Union Suit but have yet to try it in Winter conditions. My Wife calls it a onesie for adults :)

Socks-nothing but thick wool for me, thicker the better. Some people like poly liners but not me. I also bring those chemical heat pack toe Warner's out with me and slip them into my boots after I reach my blind. I ware at least 1000 gram thin sulfate boots with these in Nov- Jan.

Mid-Layer: Fleece sweatpants/PJs and Sweatshirt work pretty well on a budget. I sometimes wear BDU pants on the bottoms on top of these too. I might wear a wool flannel or shirt-Jacket as well.

Top Layer (or shell): i often leave this completely off until I reach my blind. I might store them in my blind ahead of time in Rubbermaid containers so I don't have to carry them out with me. I rarely ever wear them out walking to my stand as I get too hot. My Parka is always Gortex with a hood! That has saved me so many times in wet cold weather! I usually wear a blaze orange vest over all this.

Did I mention Wind? Some of those Alberta Clippers from Canada can be killers. Cabelas Windshear gear can be worth it's weight in gold.

Backpack- to carry your gear, lunch, drinks and maybe chair in. I use a Cabelas medium cout pack that has a lot of expansion.

Headwear- often overlooked. A simple watch Cap is not enough. I got almost no hair on my head and can get cold here fast. I wear a fleece Bacoava minimum and either the hood or my favorite wool Jones cap over that. I sometimes use a boonie hat.

Camo- anything works, literally. Don't worry about pattern and wear the required blaze orange. Staying still, quiet, and downwind is far more important.

Have fun and get out for hikes in your gear ahead of time. Helps to get some field time in before the season starts. you may find you easily get too hot or restrict your movement in gear, so make adjustments. I start doing this in September when it first gets cool. Sight in your shotgun at 50, 100, and 150 yards. Feel confident.