Deer hunting seasons across most of the country will all be in full swing in the next week. It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally back in business when it comes to chasing bucks, and does, whenever time allows.
You’ve spent countless hours in preparation, but have you overlooked some of the essentials? Here’s a look at some overlooked treestand tools you should have in your pack this hunting season.
HME 14-in-1 Multi-Tool for Archers
How many times have you been on the hunt and you realize your bow sight, rest, or other accessory has become loose? You try to tighten it down with your finger, but you know it’s not as solid as it should be, leaving you lacking in confidence in your gear until you can get back to the house. Don’t let this be you. Make sure you’re prepared with the 14-in-1 Multi-Tool for archers from HME.
It has 8 Allen wrench sizes, 2 screwdrivers, a broadhead blade sharpener, broadhead wrench, nock wrench and storage compartment. It’s slim and trim and fits nicely in your pack or pocket.
Gear Hook
Few things are as frustrating as not having a place to hang your gear once you climb into the tree. There are plenty of options out there in the way of hooks, but I like a hook with multiple hanging options on it so I’m not stuck with binos, rattling horns, grunt calls and a rangefinder all on the same peg. Keep these hooks in your pack within easy reach for a quick grab when you first climb into the tree. They are worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping you organized in the tree.
Tree Gear Strap
There are still some really great options available for when you find yourself hunting on public land locations that won’t allow the use of screw-in hooks and hangers. The HYS Strap from Tethrd is a public-land-legal gear hanger that allows you to conveniently hang most all your gear while in the tree. With clips or carabiners, you can hang most anything from this strap. You can girth hitch it, clip in to it, wrap it around a tree trunk or branch. There’s a ton of options with this strap for securing your gear in the tree.
Compact Camera Mount
Keeping a compact camera mount in your pack is a big plus to help you capture the moment your shot goes down. Obviously, it’s cool to have your kill shot on video to share with friends and family, but even better, having a video reference of your shot greatly enables you to make better decisions about recovering your deer.
The Realtree EZ Hanger is one of my favorites because of its compact design, easy install, and range of motion it allows. They’ve got several adapters available that allow you to use either a POV camera or your smartphone.
Spare Carabiner
You’ll find plenty of uses for a spare carabiner in your pack. There’s been a number of times an extra carabiner has saved me. I’ve had times when I showed up to the stand with a missing carabiner on my harness or Lifeline, but I’ve also had times when I’ve used tape to convert the carbiner into a hook for snagging limbs to clear shooting lanes or opening up an out-of-reach hole in the brush around my stand.
I’ve also use the carabiner/hook hack on my haul rope to retrieve items I’ve dropped to the ground from my treestand. You’ll find plenty of reasons to have an extra carbiner in your pack.
E-Tape
As mentioned with the carabiner above, I use tape to convert a carabiner into a grabbin’ hook to retrieve dropped items from the treestand as well as hooking out of reach tree branches for a trim. I use electrical tape. It’s quick, easy, compact, and it’ll work to secure countless items throughout the hunting season. Don’t leave home without it.
Rubber Wristband
You’ll find a million uses for a rubber wristband. These are the freebie swag items you’ll find just about anywhere, but they are always good to keep around in your pack.
I’ve used them to anchor down camera gear, silence noisy bow accessories, secure punched tags to deer legs or antlers, tighten up a loose sleeve to minimize string contact with my bow, and so much more.
Bow Rope
Don’t try and climb up into your treestand with your bow in hand, or slung over your shoulder. Use a bow rope. It’s the best way. It’s the safest way. Keep it handy and within easy reach at the top of your pack. I like the new bow rope from Mathews and how it works with the new SCS system built into the new Mathews bows, but it also works well for the many other uses mentioned above. Keep a bow rope in your pack this season!
Gear Ties
One last item I like to keep in my deer hunting pack is the Nite Ize Gear Tie. These things are cheap and pack easy, yet you’ll find countless uses for having them on every hunt. From hanging or securing gear, to emergency uses and hunting hacks, this is one slick and simple tool to have with you on every hunt, as well as around camp.
Final Thoughts
We want to hear from you! What’s in your pack?
What are the must-have items you won’t leave home without?
Comment below and let us know what you use and recommend.
