Deer Gear – Has It Become the Goal?

The best, most consistent whitetail hunters see gear as a tool, nothing more. We recently wrapped up a series on the Deer IQ podcast about “the systems of great hunters.” If you didn’t listen to those, listen back through those with guests Adam Hays III (HERE) and John Eberhart (HERE). We could have had a hundred episodes and a hundred guests on this topic going into the details of all the systems a deer hunter could have. But that wasn’t the point of the series. The point was looking at some of the systems that put great hunters head and shoulders above the crowd, and emphasizing that if you want to take your deer hunting to a new level, you just have to have well-honed systems that work very well for you. (I talk more about what a “great hunter” is, and barriers to becoming one in this 2 part article here PART 1, PART 2, and video versions here: PART 1, PART 2)

Some of those systems discussed were data collection, scent control, rattling, and decision systems to know the exact when and where to hunt. In general, systems are important because they help eliminate mistakes and minimize variables that work against us. Over the years I’ve developed some systems that really go to work for me, and the great thing is once they become a habit, these systems really start doing the heavy lifting. Here’s a few that have tremendously helped me as a hunter, and that I’d suggest you consider implementing (or improving if you already have them).

1. Scent Control System (Keeping odors at bay is possible and I have hundreds of data points over decades that convinces me of this – HERE is my regimen that allows deer to be downwind consistently with no reaction)
2. Sound Control System (Being a dead-silent hunter is critical, while in transit, setting up stands/blinds, every part. Read more about how I do that HERE)
3. Data Collection System (Scouting, Trail Cameras, Maps & Apps indeed make a difference and having a working system to collect and log this without overwhelming yourself or wasting time is vital)
4. Hunt Decision System (how to know the when & where to hunt – how do you take the data you’ve collected and make the best hunting decisions and not waste precious time?- see how I do that HERE)
5. Gear Organization System (again taming the chaos is important, and having fluid systems to organize your gear at home, in the vehicle, in your backpack, and not misplace important things when you need them is key)

The Real Work

This is where it really pays to be honest about how your systems are working for you, and how well you have them refined. Your goal should be to have them perfected. Mature bucks aren’t forgiving and don’t care that you had a bad day at work and overlooked some detail, overslept and didn’t prep quite well enough, or fill in the blank________ with an excuse. Hunting systems should be flawless, because ultimately how well they function will make or break you. Work toward that goal. 

The “Oh Shoot” Test

Here’s a simple test to see if your systems are where they need to be. At any time using your systems, during your hunt, do you have a hiccup or moment where you think “oh shoot.” If so, this is where you need to focus and make corrections. By the time season hits, you really should have no “oh shoot” moments. And, if you can get to that level, you’ll really notice the significant results because you’ll have little to no mistakes. 

Hunting Gear – Its True Purpose

Now, let’s get to the title of this article and another area where we can make improvements as hunters regarding systems. The last few years I’ve noticed a trend with hunters. Maybe it’s been there all along and is just more noticeable now due to social media, but it’s a nefarious enemy of deer hunting success – aiming at the wrong thing. As hunters this should be a no brainer – if you aim at the wrong thing, it’s hard to hit the right thing – your actual target. But for some reason it’s easy to get distracted and start putting focus in the wrong place. With many hunters this manifests as getting distracted by and focusing on gear, instead of focusing on filling our tag on the deer we want.

The great hunters I talk to, interview, and observe are very similar – their goal is to have high success on the deer they pursue (many times big bucks). These hunters see gear as tools, and use the best tools and most refined systems to help them reach their goal. That is it. Unfortunately many hunters seem to somehow misinterpret what they say, or get drawn in by marketing ploys, and what ensues are selfies with said gear, discussion forums focused on said gear, endless talks about… the gear. The focus strays, and this doesn’t necessarily lead directly to the goal of taking a good deer. Let me illustrate.

A Prime Example

Let’s say you are building your dream house and of course want the best contractor. You search and find a builder and do some due diligence on them – checking out their social media and then arranging a meeting.  However in this process you notice one thing peculiar – all their pictures and endless talk is around one thing, their cool hammer. Selfies with a hammer, unless talk about how awesome it is, and you think “this is weird.” You’d expect a good house builder to talk about the end product, a great house, and then if pressed maybe discuss the many tools used to produce it. And, you would also expect them to have many tools, and always pick the right tool for a particular job. A hammer for pounding nails, a saw for cutting boards, you see where I’m going with this. You would not expect them to just use a hammer, or be obsessed with their hammer, and if they were you’d clearly know they are not the caliber of builder you want to work with. In fact, you’d wonder if their focus was off (obsessed with tools) and question their ability to build a top notch house for you (the real goal).

When it comes to deer hunting, the best deer hunters have the same attitude – the right tool for the job, period. They don’t obsess about a certain tool, system, or product (unless selling it – that’s another story), and although one might stand out as very helpful or versatile, the goal is not the gear, it’s killing a big ole buck. They just pick the best tool to help them do this for the specific situation they are in. Nothing less.

The Right Question to Ask

A way to cut through this distraction of focusing on the gear too much is asking “why?” As you hunt, continually be asking why you are selecting certain gear, in a certain situation, and make sure you have very legit reasons. If you can’t answer this question well, then maybe you’re grabbing for a hammer just because you like it, when you really need to pick up that screwdriver. 

The Mental Difference

• Great Hunters: What’s my goal, what’s the best tool for the job? How can I refine my tools or systems to help me reach my goal?
• Novice Hunters: I like this tool, I think it’s cool, I’m going to make it work for any job and hopefully reach my goal. 

I’m not quite sure why this phenomenon happens, but I’d guess there’s a psychology here where we want to fit in and be part of the crowd. I get it, we’re human. But instead let’s take a lesson from great hunters and start looking at gear as a tool to reach the goal, not the goal itself. Do this and you’ll be further along toward being a better, more consistent deer hunter and filling a whole wall with big, heavy-horned memories, not just talking about your gear.

High IQ Takeaways & Challenges:

1. Analyze if you’re too focused on gear and how you can refocus your goal on deer hunting and harvest.
2. Go through your systems – which can you tweak to make better or adopt and begin building?
3. Sign up for our Newsletter, so you don’t miss any more honest and helpful deer hunting content! HERE