By Nick Simonson

The firearms deer season brings with it renewed demands of hunters in the field.  From the physically challenging hikes in the badlands with a coveted mule deer tag in the back pocket, to time spent on stand in the eastern farmland reaches of North Dakota waiting out a rut-crazed buck, hunts this time of year require sportspeople to be on their game in pursuit of these challenging animals.  What follows are those items that can’t be left behind, or if they are, require a trip back home to make sure everything is in order for the adventure.

Tagged In

First and foremost, with a few hours left before the season starts, make sure that your firearms deer tag is in your possession and you know exactly where it is and where it’s going to be – wallet, gear bag, or other safe place – on opening day. Locate it now and get ready to move it from its place of storage since summer to where you’ll have it handy in the field on Friday.

Layered Up

With the forecast for this firearms deer opener weekend cooler than what we’ve seen in recent seasons (including a day completely under the freezing mark), having the layers needed to stay warm in the field, and which can be taken off during a walk (or perhaps when hauling out that heavy deer after a successful shot) is even more important.  From long johns under it all for those sitting and glassing their hunting area from a blind or stand, to those long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts and jackets, make sure to have the clothes your hunt requires.  Note too that you can’t put on what you didn’t bring with, so have an extra layer just in case and pack it away for the day if you don’t need it.

Standing Out

On top of those layers, you’ll need blaze orange – a vest and a hat at the very least to comply with legal requirements – but the more you have, the easier you’ll ben seen in the field. So, go nuts!  Orange gloves, orange coveralls, an orange handwarmer pouch and even an orange facemask will keep you well covered and in sight of others in the field, and remember the legal minimum is still required no matter how many of the aforementioned layers you add on or take off during your day. Stay modular and safe with your blaze orange outerwear.

Written Down

Finally, for everything else – firearm, ammunition, snacks, calls, cleaning gear, and more – make a checklist now and give yourself space to X it off as you get set for each hunt this opening weekend and prepare to hit the road.  Additionally, make a note and a map for folks at home of the places you will be hunting and your planned schedule with check-in and return times, along with your phone number and those of others in your hunting party or landowners. Both efforts assure you have everything you need when the season kicks off, and that you can be found in case of emergency.

Luck favors the prepared mind.  By having your firearms tag in hand, along with the warm clothing and blaze items the season requires and a plan for everything else to be toted along, you’ll be set for what the season requires, and likely better off when the opportunity for success – be it buck or doe – comes strolling into your hunting area to meet you at your best.

Simonson is the lead writer and editor of Dakota Edge Outdoors

Featured Photo: Get It Together, and Get Him!  Having the items legally needed for firearms deer hunting, including a tag and blaze orange gear; and those that make it better, such as layers of clothing and those items necessary during and after the hunt, will make you better prepared when a big buck comes your way. Simonson Photo.