Prepare to go Deer Hunting in the Woodlands

Hunting can be some of the most fun, exhilarating, and life-changing experiences we can have as humans. However, it can also be incredibly dangerous and miserable if you’re not prepared. This blog is designed to help prepare you for your first-ever deer hunt in the woods. I’ve created this guide based on my own personal experiences.

Hunting Dangers to Consider in the Woodlands

Most of my time hunting is spent in the deep woods of the Jefferson & Washington National Forest or in the surrounding areas when I get permission to hunt on private land. Anybody that hunts in the East or the Southern US knows that we have a lot of things to consider besides what rifle we use. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost stepped on a Timber Rattler or Copperhead walking through the thick grass and dead trees.

Another big issue out here is the number of ticks that you’re likely to come into contact with. You’re going to need to figure out ways to limit your exposure to ticks and reduce your chance of getting bit by a venomous snake, especially when you’re miles into the woods with no one to help get you out.

Besides the insects and snakes, you’re also likely to run into a black bear the deeper in the woods you get. Luckily, every black bear I’ve ever come across has run away with the sound of a loud clap and a bellowing yell. However, this doesn’t mean that this will happen every time because a momma bear could be with cubs and will do anything to defend those cubs. A can of bear spray will do just fine in these circumstances if you have it ready.

Where Do I Find Timber Rattlers & Copperheads?

In my experience, the biggest concerns I have are the snakes and ticks because snakes like to sun in the middle of the trails where the sun shines through the canopy. They’re very well concealed and most of the time you won’t notice until you step on one of them. Other than the trails, be wary of dead trees or groups of rocks before you step or sit down. As the weather gets colder (if it gets colder), the snakes will look to find cover under rocks and dead trees.

Where Do I Find Ticks in the Woods?

The ticks like to hang out in tall grass, especially on game trails so they can climb on any animal walking by. Ticks also fall out of trees and land on your head. I always wear a wide-brim hat that’s treated with Permethrin to prevent ticks from landing on your head and embedding in your scalp.

How Do I Avoid Snake Bites While Hunting?

As proud as hunters can be with their ability to hunt safely in the woods, many still get bit by venomous snakes. As I said, You’re likely to only see snakes as you step on them when you’re stalking a deer or turkey. Last spring turkey season, I stepped on a copperhead and the only reason I didn’t get bit is I stepped on his head. I quickly jumped up and ran away(maybe peed a little too), but I got incredibly lucky I didn’t step on its tail. The easiest way to avoid getting bit is to wear shin guards or protective clothing that snakes can’t penetrate.

I use the For Everlast Snake Guard because it wraps around your leg to ensure you have full coverage from your shin to your calf. Some people wear soccer shin guards, but soccer shin guards don’t go all-around your leg so your calves are exposed. The ForEverlast brand is comfortable enough, covers your entire leg, and will protect you against snake bites, thorns, and sharp branches.

How Can I Limit Tick exposure in the Woodlands?

Luckily, my wife is an entomologist (the study of insects) and has been able to educate me on the best way to avoid getting Lymes Disease. The first thing you can do is ensure your clothing is tucked into your gloves and boots. Tucking in your pants to your boots and your shirt sleeves into your gloves limits the chances that ticks can enter through those openings.

However, it seems like every tick I’ve had on me gets on my head or my lower back. The best thing here is to make sure you tuck your shirt into your pants and always get a longer shirt so it doesn’t come untucked when you’re bending over or sitting against a tree or large rock.

The other thing you can do is bring a bug spray or lotion that is specific to preventing ticks. This can be a tricky thing though because deer can smell a lot of those bug sprays that you can buy. However, you have to consider if it’s worth ensuring ticks can’t get you or if getting close to deer is worth the risk. For me, getting close to a deer is worth the risk during bow season, but not rifle season. I’m including the best sprays and lotions I use to avoid getting ticks and that have worked exceptionally well for me.

What to Wear During Deer Season in the Woodlands?

Normally this time of the year starts to cool down well into the high 30’s-low 40’s, but that’s not the case anymore. Within the past 5-6 years, the weather has been getting warmer and wetter. We’re into the 2nd week of bow season and it’s 73 degrees outside in Virginia right now.

Even with that being said, the weather can go from 73 down to 35 in a day or two, so you need to be prepared. I believe in wearing layers that are breathable and waterproof to protect from the torrential downpours we get this time of the year.

Hunting Boots

Keeping your dogs calm and dry is one of the most underrated aspects of a safe and comfortable hunt. You can go 2 ways with the type of boots you wear while hunting in the woods, either a hiking style boot, like Danner, or the farm style rain boots like LaCrosse boots. You have to look at what kind of hunting you’re doing and how much you’ll be walking when you consider what type of boots to wear.

If you’re going to be sitting in a tree stand or walking more than a few miles, I’d wear the Danner boots because they’re waterproof and will help keep more heat so if it does get cold, you’ll stay warm. However, if you’re going to be walking a mile or two across streams or low rivers and posting up near water, I’d go with the LeCrosse style boots. They’ll give you the best chance at staying dry and they breathe really well to keep you from sweating too much and getting athletes foot or trench foot.

Hunting Socks

Hunting socks are the most underrated item that I see with beginner hunters. They always think if they got great boots, the socks don’t really matter. Keeping your feet dry, warm, and comfortable is incredibly important. I always wear a thin sock that is designed to wick the sweat from my feet and a thick outer layer to keep me warm (if the weather is below 40). Always carry an extra pair (or two) of socks in your dry bag to ensure your feet are always dry and comfortable.

Hunting Pants

I’m not one of those guys that demands you wear camo from top to bottom in the woods. I actually wear Columbia’s Rapid Rivers pants in the early hunting season and my Carhartt pants later in the season. When selecting hunting pants, I always try to choose pants that are waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Columbia does a great job of offering breathable, water-resistant, and windproof pants.

When it gets cold outside and you’re stuck in a deer stand or ground blind, you’re going to get cold. For me, it takes a lot to get cold, so I only wear thermals if it’s under 40 degrees outside. Packing an extra pair of pants in your hunting pack is always a good idea.

Hunting Shirts

I always wear a compression style long sleeve shirt that is breathable and wicks sweat really well. I’d wear almost anything other than cotton if you’re going out for more than a few hours. Once it gets colder outside, you’ll want a thermal and a bigger jacket. Just make sure your jacket doesn’t inhibit or restrict your movement. If you can’t comfortably hold your rifle or bow, then your jacket is too big. I’ve included some of the undershirts I like to wear below.

Hunting Jackets

When I go out for a hunt, the weather dictates what I wear and what I pack into my Eberlestock pack. Deer are colorblind so feel free to wear extra blaze orange while rifle hunting. I always have a really light jacket to serve as a wind-breaker and a heavy jacket for the colder more snowy days around Thanksgiving.

Hunting Headgear

As most of us already know, the majority of your body escapes through your head and limbs. It’s important to know your state rules, but generally speaking, you have to wear at least blaze orange headgear during any rifle season. Many hunters prefer hats in any weather, but I’m always more comfortable in beanies. I only wear hats when it’s warmer outside. This is the headgear that I’d recommend hunting in the woodlands.

Hunting Gloves

Gloves are paramount to keeping your body temp regulated and your hands functional for the moment you need a shot. Gloves are all about the weather and I normally carry 2 pairs of gloves to ensure I have a heavy pair and a lighter pair. Make sure whatever gloves you wear have at least water-resistance and wind-resistance built-in to keep your hands from shaking uncontrollably. I prefer to have gloves that have touch screen capabilities as well.

Hunting Packs

When you hunt, you can literally bring any kind of backpack you want that can carry your gear. However, you have to consider if you’re going to need to process the animal and pack it out, or if you have a vehicle or someone to help drag it out of the woods.

I’m in love with every style of the pack they’ve ever produced. Some might think of it as overkill to use the Elk Team bag, but I have to pack my meat out sometimes and it’s built for that.

When choosing a hunting pack you have to consider durability, reliability, practicality, and comfort. Eberlestock hunting packs check all those bags without contestation. You’re going to want a pack that is going to support your back, shoulders, and hips, without weighing you down too much.

Hunting Tools

Even if you want to bring your meat to a processing facility, you’ll still need some of the basic tools, such as a knife, rope, game bags, flashlight, and batteries. I bring 2 hunting knives and a bone saw with me when I hunt because I process all of my own meat and haul it all out on my back. The great thing about hunting out on the East Coast and in the South is that there is no animal that’s too big to not fit in my Elk Team pack. Here is the list of tools I have and use every hunting season:

Hunting Food

There is no doubt in my mind that at some point you’ll be hungry. The trick is to make sure you’re not eating foods that the animals can smell or hear you eat. So, you Cheetos lover’s need to keep that at home unless you want to never see a deer. Some people love beef jerky, which is great, while others like sandwiches or pepperoni rolls. I prefer much more subtle foods that are high in calories and low in effort and noise.

 Hunting Pack Checklist for Beginners

If you’ve made it this far into the blog you deserve a nice checklist to follow to make sure you have everything you need to hunt. This is not a full-proof list, but a guide to help you remember everything you need for your hunt.

We didn’t include rifles in this guide because we’ve written in length about hunting rifles, scopes, and other weapons. If you want to find some other hunting blogs, I recommend reading these blogs:

Our Favorite Riflescope For Hunting

7mm Remington Magnum Hunting Rifles

Best 30-06 Hunting Rifles