Deer hunting doesn’t have to drain your wallet, but there are a few things worth spending extra on. Some gear flat-out makes you more comfortable, more accurate, and more successful. On the flip side, plenty of stuff gets hyped up and doesn’t really help you put venison in the freezer. Here’s a simple breakdown—eight pieces of gear worth every penny, along with the common junk you can skip without regret.
Spend on: Good Boots
Don’t Cheap Out on: Fancy Scent Sprays
A quality pair of boots keeps you out longer and more comfortable. Cold, wet feet will end your hunt fast. Waterproof, insulated boots are always a good investment. Meanwhile, fancy scent sprays don’t fix bad wind setups. Coyotes and deer both ignore most of them. Focus on wind direction and good access routes—you’ll save cash and spook fewer deer.
Spend on: Quality Optics
Don’t Cheap Out on: Cheap Trail Cameras
Clear binoculars help you spot deer earlier and pick apart cover. You don’t need top-dollar glass, but don’t buy the bargain bin stuff either. You’ll end up replacing it soon. Trail cameras can be helpful, but the cheap ones miss pictures, break easily, and waste time. A couple decent cameras are better than five budget models that constantly give you headaches.
Spend on: Comfortable Tree Stand
Don’t Cheap Out on: Gimmick Lures
A good stand with a comfy seat keeps you still longer, which means more deer in range. Worn out cushions or wobbly stands lead to fidgeting and short hunts. Skip the endless bottles of scent lures claiming to pull in bucks from miles away. Most don’t make much difference—food sources, terrain, and the rut do the real work.
Spend on: Reliable Rangefinder
Don’t Cheap Out on: Cheap Shooting Rests
A solid rangefinder helps avoid bad guesses and poor shots, especially from a stand. Knowing your distance builds confidence and leads to better results. Cheap, wobbly shooting rests, on the other hand, just frustrate you. If you use one, spend a little more on something stable and quiet, or practice off shooting sticks for versatility in the field.
Spend on: Good Hunting Clothing
Don’t Cheap Out on: Heated Hand Warmers Every Trip
Quiet, well-insulated hunting clothes help you move silently and stay out longer. You don’t need high-end brands, but mid-tier, weather-appropriate gear pays off quickly. Constantly buying disposable heated hand warmers adds up fast. A good layering system or rechargeable heated gear will save you more money over time and keep you more comfortable through the season.
Spend on: Properly Sighted Rifle or Bow Setup
Don’t Cheap Out on: Factory Trigger Upgrades
Money spent on solid optics and a properly tuned setup always pays off. Too many folks throw cash at aftermarket triggers or custom paint jobs and ignore sight-in time. Focus on accurate, repeatable performance instead. Skip those upgrades unless your shooting is already rock solid and you’ve put in plenty of range work.
Spend on: Quiet Backpack
Don’t Cheap Out on: Overloaded Survival Kits
A quiet, organized pack makes a big difference sneaking through woods. Look for soft, quiet materials and smart compartments. Skip the overloaded packs filled with survival gadgets you’ll never touch during a normal hunt. Keep it light, simple, and focused on what actually helps you during a sit, like snacks, water, and basic field dressing gear.
Spend on: Quality Headlamp
Don’t Cheap Out on: Cheap Flashlights
A good headlamp frees up your hands, making morning setups and nighttime recoveries easier. Look for red light options to avoid blowing out your night vision. Cheap flashlights from the checkout line always fail when you need them most. You’ll burn through batteries and time. Spend once on a reliable headlamp and stop worrying about dead lights in the dark.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
