Hey outdoor friends.. I'm going deer hunting for the first time in Jan and I'm looking for tips/suggestions on what to buy. I've only ever dove hunted so this is new territory for me.

I need a rifle first off since I don't presently own one (only shotguns and handguns). I'm thinking the Savage 116 Trophy Hunter XP chambered in 308. Thoughts? I don't know how much hunting I will do with this rifle so I don't want to break the bank, but I also want something with enough stopping power that I can potentially use it on other game later as well.

I'm expecting it to be cold so I'll buy some cold weather camo pants and an insulated jacket. What else should this deer newbie plan on getting?

Really depends on the type of hunting. If it is out of a blind then just something warm. Don't really need to spend the extra on camo.

If it's spot and stalk then it will depend on where.

I would recommend some good gloves no matter what type and some quality thermal socks. Doesn't matter how much I bundle up my feet are always cold.

It should be in a blind down in Southwest Texas.

Good call on the socks. Cold feet is the absolute worst.

I would recommend a .243. Can be found relatively inexpensive, ammo is cheap and available, very low recoil, has enough energy to take down deer or hogs. Spend your money on ammo instead of other "gear" and get proficient with your new rifle! Enjoy!

If you aren't sure, borrow a rifle for your first hunt. I am sure you have a buddy that will loan you a gun for the weekend. Try it, make sure you like it, then buy the best you can afford and use it for 30 years.

Or, just buy a gun and then buy more as you go. That's a pretty good option too.

You'll get all kinds of recommendations on calibers, everybody has a favorite, but I think you're spot on with a .308. It's plenty enough for a deer without being overkill, and could be used for larger game down the road. Ammo for it will be easy to find and has several options as far as grain weight.

As for gun model get you one from any reputable manufacturer: savage, Ruger, browning, etc. plenty to choose from just find one that fits your price range and fits you well ergonomically.

For cold weather I've found layering to work best and don't forget about hands and feet. Get a good base layer like some merino wool leggings and undershirt or under armour base layer top & bottom, then middle layer can be something as simple as a long sleev t-shirt or something or up to a hoodie, and then a heavy and/waterproof jacket for the top layer.

You lose heat fast in hands and feet so definitely have gloves if it's cold enough and for feet I usually wear a thin pair of socks under a thick wool pair or something like that. Beanie or something on your head will obviously help as well.

Mostly don't over think. Take what you need to be comfortable and don't over pack. Hunting from a blind is fun, and not overly complicated or anything so mainly just make sure you are competent with your rifle. Run a box or so through it even after you've sighted it in to make sure you comfortable with taking shots.

Binoculars

The reason I have so many rifles is so that if a friend ever needs to borrow one, they will have plenty to choose from.

I would look for a cheaper used rifle/scope combo set up on the rifle.

If you are itching for a new cheaper rifle, go with this. Winchester XPR, Winchester is giving like a $75 rebate on top of that price.

I would just throw a cheaper 3-9x40 on it. Vortex Diamondback

In the clothes department, sitting in a blind you can wear whatever warm clothes you can cobble together.

Socks, Gloves, and Hats are your priorities. You may also want to invest in a Mr. Heater thing if you want to stay warm.

In terms of gear, binoculars (you could go all over the place with this depending on what your future uses may be.) and kill kit are the main items. For whitetail you are going to take to the processor, all you need is a good knife, bone saw (optional), and latex gloves (optional).

Poop shovel. I'll forget my rifle before I forget it.

2013 is spot on with layers of clothing. The gun you mentioned is a fine choice. 700 for gun and scope at Cabelas. If you can borrow one even better. Just make sure you practice loading and shooting the gun you take. For deer I only load three rounds every time. Do not load until you are in the blind and set.

Don't shoot any deer unless you have specific approval from your host. Most visitors are limited to die and spikes but you may get more access. But ask. Have fun

If it's going to be really cold and you're hunting in a blind, I'd buy a little heater for the blind. There's plenty of different kinds and they just hook up to a green propane bottle.

OP, I am going to recommend a 270 Winchester for you. Shoots flatter and kills a little better than a .308 and with a bit less recoil.

Ammo can be found almost on the side of the highway, just like 308.

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I need a rifle first off since I don't presently own one (only shotguns and handguns). I'm thinking the Savage 116 Trophy Hunter XP chambered in 308.

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Great first gun. Don't get overly concerned about the caliber. These are Texas deer. Not moose. Hit them in the right spot and they drop. Maybe get a sling. Helps trudging to/from the blind and it's safer. Don't load until you get physically in the blind. I always take a battery charger for my phone. Make sure everyone knows where everyone else is. Stay there. Don't trudge off and get lost or wander into another shooting lane. After you shoot - wait. If you hit it, let the adrenaline run it's course. Then go to ground. Often towards water. If you chase immediately, it may run further.

Question: ever sighted in a rifle before? You have a place to do it and time before the hunt?

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I'm expecting it to be cold so I'll buy some cold weather camo pants and an insulated jacket. What else should this deer newbie plan on getting?

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Wool. The correct answer is always wool. Glove liners. Socks. A hat. Base layers. If you're blind hunting, just layer under some good jeans and take a robust field jacket like a Carhartt you don't mind getting dirty (and hopefully bloody - which honestly, is the only reason I still wear camo). Insulated boots are a big help.

I always suggest 7-08 for first time and experienced deer hunters, a 270 is a great choice too. As for gear, the most important for me are some good gloves and glove liners, a neck gaiter, flashlight and binoculars. Layering your clothing is a must when blind hunting because it can get pretty hot when the sun is out and cool off pretty quickly when it goes down and riding to and from the blind. Non hunting related items would be wet wipes, TP, and rags/paper towels for cleaning up after you shoot something or need to visit the bushes. Good luck.

TP is a MUST in your bag. Trust me I know from experience

And one more thing: good bottle of booze for those that invited you. There's a lot more to hunting than just hunting. Be safe. Enjoy. Pass it on.

Nobody has mentioned a knife yet, so I guess I will. Buy a decent knife. Whether you end up hunting a bunch or not, you can always use a good knife. I would also recommend a small sharpener to go with it. If you are doing multiple animals, putting a quick new edge on the knife helps a lot. Or you could buy a really expensive knife and it will probably make it through several animals before needing a touch up.

Thanks for all of the replies, guys. I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure I'll get the itch to keep going after this first time. I love being outdoors and if nothing else deer hunting will give me another excuse to get out. Deer leases are just too dang high and with little kids it's been tough to find time to get away. I'm lucky to have a friend with some family land that is letting me come down.

I grew up shooting so I have experience with a rifle, I just don't own one. I want to change that though so I think I will buy one rather than borrow. Need to do some homework based on y'alls replies.

I'll definitely layer and wear wool. Gloves are a must. And a damn fine bottle of bourbon for the host!

BlueSmoke said:

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And one more thing: good bottle of booze for those that invited you. There's a lot more to hunting than just hunting. Be safe. Enjoy. Pass it on.

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And a flask for when you are waiting patiently....

Perhaps another bottle for your friends in case you have to chase a blood trail.

Happy Hunting!

OP - welcome to a great pastime. Public Service Announcement: If you hunt out of a blind and run a propane heater, crack a window. Hunters die every year from monoxide poisoning in situations just like this.

Puryear Playboy said:

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OP, I am going to recommend a 270 Winchester for you. Shoots flatter and kills a little better than a .308 and with a bit less recoil.

Ammo can be found almost on the side of the highway, just like 308.

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Every energy table I've seen has the .308 < .270 w/r recoil energy with similar bullet and rifle weight.

I had a .270 but now shoot a .308 and think the latter is just a little softer shooting.

But, we're splitting hairs and the .270 is certainly just fine.

.243
7mm08
.25-06
.270
.308
.30-06

Pick one. Some are easier to find ammo in Timbuktu but that's not a huge consideration, IMO.

Binoculars
Small flashlight
No chambered rounds until sitting in blind

You sound experienced with firearms, but accidents happen.

Know of two game wardens hunting together that had a near miss hunting in the same blind because of a chambered round.

Rifle went off while they were sitting down and settling in. Thankfully only shot a hole in the roof.

agfan2013 said:

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For cold weather I've found layering to work best and don't forget about hands and feet. Get a good base layer like some merino wool leggings and undershirt or under armour base layer top & bottom, then middle layer can be something as simple as a long sleev t-shirt or something or up to a hoodie, and then a heavy and/waterproof jacket for the top layer.

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The leggings and base layer shirts at Costco work well and they're cheap. The brand name is 32 Degrees. I'm currently in Iceland and it's in the 30s and windy AF and with a fleece and light insulated jacket, I'm perfectly warm.

Thank you GP97. As important is unchambering round before getting out of blind. And know your guns SAFETY/FIRE POSITION in the dark. Double check with kids. Rifle and shotgun know your safety position by feel.

For a knife, I recommend a Buck 110.

Start watching Meat Eater on Neflix!!! Welcome to the addiction!!

If I were you I would go buy a $329 Remington 783 scoped combo from Academy in .308.

Get you a good .270 with a 3-9x40 scope, learn how to shoot it and you can kill anything in North America with the right bullet and right bullet placement. A .308 will do just fine though.

Make sure to get the doe in heat flavor mouthwash, shampoo, and body soap.

You can never be too prepared. Also take a condom for whenever the buck sneaks up on you.

My extended family has property near Valentine that I hunted for 50 years. One thing for sure is in SW Texas the temperature swings can be pretty drastic. Dress warm for the early morning but get ready to shed some clothes once the sun warms the earth a little or be prepared for a temp drop if a north wind coils up and blows through those arroyo's and canyons.
The rifle I used the most of the time was a Remington Model 760 Game Master in 30.06 and occasionally a Browning BAR II Safari also in 30.06.
There are some big deer down there.The largest deer I have seen in my life was a huge mule deer standing in the middle Hwy.166, just down from Mt. Livermore, early one Sunday Morning 12 years ago so be prepared.
And, if hunting from a blind, don't forget the Thermacell mosquito repellent. Down there, even in the winter months, a little standing water and mild temps will hatch kamikaze blood suckers. Talking from experience.

Check camofire.com daily for steeply discounted hunting stuff. They update at midnight & you can build up quite a collection of good stuff for a bargain.

I should be studying 11 said:

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Hey outdoor friends.. I'm going deer hunting for the first time in Jan and I'm looking for tips/suggestions on what to buy. I've only ever dove hunted so this is new territory for me.

I need a rifle first off since I don't presently own one (only shotguns and handguns). I'm thinking the Savage 116 Trophy Hunter XP chambered in 308. Thoughts? I don't know how much hunting I will do with this rifle so I don't want to break the bank, but I also want something with enough stopping power that I can potentially use it on other game later as well.

I'm expecting it to be cold so I'll buy some cold weather camo pants and an insulated jacket. What else should this deer newbie plan on getting?

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Op, I have a Remington 770 in 270 that I can sell you dirty cheap. It's good shooter, not flashy at all, but you'd be able to get out of it later for as much or more than I will sell it to you for. I also may have a pair of Rudolph binoculars coming into the store shortly that would pair up nicely. In regards to gear, definitely hit up steep and cheap and start looking for deals there. Or, hit academy right after christmas, I think that's when they usually start clearancing out their winter gear. That being said, if you're hunting out of a stand, you don't need camo. I generally hunt in sweat pants, a sweat shirt, and jacket if needed. If I'm going to be sitting in one place for several hours, I want to be comfortable.

SteveBott said:

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TP is a MUST in your bag. Trust me I know from experience

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I recommend wet wipes instead. Better than TP for cleaning after a deuce and way better than TP for cleaning up after field dressing. Sometimes the packaging is really crinkly and noisy though so just buy the refills and put them in a sandwich bag.