The Midwest Whitetail Hunting Gear Guide

When you think of whitetail deer hunting, what comes to mind? For many, it's the wide-open ag fields and colorful oak ridges of the Midwest. Whitetail deer hunting here is a way of life, and millions of hunters hit the field each fall in search of their target buck and meat for the freezer. If you're joining the Midwestern tradition of whitetail deer hunting this fall, then our whitetail hunting gear guide is a perfect place to start with making your plan for the gear you need.  

Choosing the Right Layers

If there's any piece of whitetail hunting gear that's most important, besides your firearm, it's the clothing layers that you choose. Having a solid layering system can be the difference between a comfortable all-day sit or freezing out and going home early, especially during rifle season. Fall rifle seasons in the Midwest range from late November to early December, so having the right layers is critical to a successful hunt. Here's what to look for. 

• Base Layer: The foundation of your layering system. A good base layer should help wick away moisture, keeping you warm and dry. Base layers can come in different weights, from lightweight layers for hot early season hunts to heavyweight layers for late season. 
• Mid Layer: The mid layer works to help continue wicking away moisture from your body but can also help provide heat or cooling depending on the season. Common mid layers include hoodies, quarter or half-zip jackets, and vests. 
• Insulating Layer: The insulating layer is the main layer that helps you deal with heat. This layer traps heat in, helping you stay warm in the field. These layers are also typically packable to put up while you’re walking into the stand.  
• Outer Layer: Your outer layer is responsible for protection against the elements. These often include softshell jackets, pants, and bibs that are windproof and waterproof to seal out harsh weather.

The weight of your layers will vary based upon the season, so having different layers for early, mid, and late season may be important depending on when and where you hunt. Also, don't forget to get good hats, gloves, and boots. Your head and extremities can dump heat fast, so keeping them warm is just as crucial.  

Packs, Blades, and More Gear 

In addition to your clothing layers, it's important to have some other pieces of whitetail hunting gear. Backpacks, knives, binoculars, and more are all important to helping make your hunt successful from start to finish. 

Backpacks

If you're hunting on public land, especially deep into public land, a backpack is key in helping to hold all of your other whitetail hunting gear. If you plan on packing in field dressing gear, calls, game bags, etc., a backpack is critical to carry all that gear. Here are some things to consider packing. 

• Gloves, especially a spare pair 
• Snacks 
• Spare ammo and magazines 
• Knives 
• Field dressing gear 
• Spare pair of socks 
• Rain gear

Don't feel like you have to get the largest pack around. Consider what items you're taking to the woods and find a pack that best fits your needs and the way you hunt. 

Field dressing

Field dressing is a part of every successful hunt, so having the necessary gear is mandatory any time you hit the woods. Sometimes, though, your field dressing can take place deep into public land far from your vehicle. In that case, it's a good idea to have a field dressing kit to carry with you that includes a few key items. 

• Knife set or a knife with removeable blades 
• Latex or nitrile gloves 
• Wipes 
• Game bags if quartering and packing out 
• Tarp to keep meat clean

Carrying this gear is essential to make sure you complete your harvest in a clean, safe, and ethical manner to make the most out of the meat of the animal you have taken. 

Other Gear Pieces

So, what other pieces of whitetail hunting gear do you need? Most hunters would agree that some of the following pieces of gear are non-negotiable to take into the field. 

• Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will help you pick apart cover while glassing for deer. For most applications, 10x42 binoculars will work perfectly. If you’re hunting at longer ranges, 10x45, 10x50, or 12x50 may be necessary.  
• Rangefinder: For those hunting large fields and longer distances, a rangefinder is always helpful for establishing the range of your deer and dialing the proper corrections. 
• Deer calls: When hunting the heart of the rut, having the right deer call can be deadly. Calls to try include grunt tubes, bleat calls, and rattling antlers to attract the attention of mature bucks. 
• First aid kit: While nobody plans for accidents in the woods, they do happen. Trips, falls, and scrapes can happen on uneven terrain. Keeping a first aid kit in your pack keeps you prepared at all times. 

Savage Whitetail Rifles (and Shotguns) 

If you're searching for a new firearm, the most important piece of whitetail hunting gear, you're in luck! We offer a variety of different options to fit any whitetail hunter's needs. Here are a few of our favorite picks from our rifle and shotgun lines. 

AXIS 2 Pro

The AXIS 2 Pro has everything you need in a whitetail rifle, all at an affordable price point. It features a Cerakote gunmetal bronze finish on the action and barrel, a spiral-fluted and threaded barrel, ergonomic stock with adaptable length of pull, and a one-piece Picatinny rail that's perfect for mounting optics. Plus, it comes chambered in all the classic whitetail cartridges, including some straight wall options that are required in many Midwestern states. 

110 Trail Blazer

The entry level option to the Model 110 family, the 110 Trail Blazer features the Trophy Stock with adjustable length of pull, as well as a Cerakote finish, one-piece rail, and a threaded barrel. The Trail Blazer comes in a variety of different cartridges, including three straight wall cartridges with the 350 Legend, 400 Legend, and 450 Bushmaster.  

110 Core Hunter

If you're looking for a great, all-around rifle for whitetail deer hunting, the 110 Core Hunter fits the bill perfectly. It features the AccuFit V2 stock with toolless length of pull and comb height adjustment, and swappable grip modules. The Core Hunter also has overmolded grip texturing and M-Lok slots on the forend, a threaded barrel, and a Cerakote finish on the action and barrel. Chambered in 34 different cartridges, the 110 Core Hunter comes in just about any whitetail cartridge you could want. 

110 Carbon Hunter

When you want to knock down weight without knocking a hole in your wallet, the 110 Carbon Hunter is the best pick. Featuring the same Trophy Stock as the 110 Trail Blazer, the 110 Carbon Hunter features a BSF carbon fiber barrel to help cut down on weight. It's threaded for suppressor use, and comes in popular cartridges like 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 350 Legend.  

Harvester Slug Guns

For many in the Midwest, the slug shotgun still reigns supreme. While many states have moved towards allowing straight walled rifle cartridges, slug shotguns have been used for decades and remain highly popular. Luckily for you, the Harvester is the most accurate slug gun on the market. It features many of the same features as the new Model 110, with the AccuFit V2 stock and a tactical forend with integrated ARCA rail. The Harvester also comes with a one-piece rail for optics mounting, a threaded bolt knob, and is available in either 12 gauge or 20 gauge.  

Having the right whitetail hunting gear will help you make the most out of your season. The right layers, gear, and firearm all work together to help make you more efficient and effective in the field. Now is the time to start building your kit, practicing with your firearm, and getting ready to hit the field this fall!