October Bowhunting Backpack Essentials
October Bowhunting Backpack Essentials
When I hunt, I want to be prepared. There is nothing worse than ending your hunt, not because you are ready, but because you didn’t have a piece of gear to get you through the sit. In October, I’ll bring a pack along to keep my hands free. I used to be a minimalist, and would refrain until November all-day sits for bringing a backpack. However, after a few times of not having the gear I needed, I now keep a pack close by. I’ll grab it and go, and know I have everything I need for a 2.5 hour sit or longer if I want to. Here are some things I’ll carry around in my backpack and these things will change for me as the season progresses.
Rangefinder
I first started hunting before rangefinders were popular. The average hunter didn’t have one, but relied on guessing distances and stepping them off for yardages. At that time, hunters were hunting in the timbers more, and food plots were few and far to be found. I’m stating this background information to let you know you do not need a rangefinder. However, they sure do help and can allow your effective distances to be farther and more precise. Since food plots are now a staple for a lot of hunters I recommend carrying a rangefinder. For one, judging open distances without trees or other markers is tough. It’s easy to mis-judge the distances. If you have a single pin, it’s best to range the deer (if you can), then adjust your sight to hit exactly where you’re aiming. Additionally, rangefinders can also help boost our confidence. If you know the distance you can shoot confidently. My backpack has a compartment on the belt portion. While I’m walking, I can grab my rangefinder and turn the hunt into a spot-and-stalk easily.
Binoculars
Honestly, binoculars are one of the last things I pack, and I don’t get upset if they’re not in my pack. However, I sure do miss having binoculars when I don’t have them. This is particularly helpful when hunting a specific buck. It’s not very useful to lay eyes on a deer if you can’t identify that particular buck. Having a binoculars can let you get a closer look about where deer are entering exiting, and what particular deer you see.
Scent Control
I don’t hunt with an ozone machine. If I did, October would be the perfect month to use it. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to get to the stand without sweating, and the ozone machine can help cover your growing scent. I do, however, pack something for scent control. Whether it is a scent eliminating wipe, or a spray, I will climb the stand and spray my skin, equipment, and clothes before the hunt.
Mosquito Control
Early October can be brutal for mosquitos. Many evening hunts have been ended too early because of subdued movement paired with the attack from mosquitos. Some hunters will wear permethrin treated clothing, and others will elect a Thermacell to keep mosquitos at bay. I don’t like to use a Thermacell often, but when you need it, it’s nice to have one near-by.
Calls
There are a TON of opinions about calling during October. Some of you never call, some will blind call every 30 minutes, and some will wait until they can see a deer to try and read its body language. For me, I have a lot of success in October doing some grunting and bleating. I’ll do a little bit of rattling, I’ve had success rattling in bucks, during October, but I tend to be conservative on my rattling until the end of the month. When calls are particularly valuable are when you see a buck and he has no interest in coming your way. You can bleat or try a couple grunts to see if he will come investigate closer to your stand. I also like to use a higher-pitched doe grunt or bleat to get does to come in closer too.
Accessories
Some other things that might make it into my pack early season can include: a folding saw, tree hooks, an extra release, a reflective marker, and snacks. These aren’t necessary, but can be really beneficial depending on your situation.
In short, having a pack ready can be really beneficial to your hunting strategy. Pack a few things that you might need. When the first cold snap comes through, have a pack ready so you can get out to your tree or blind with plenty of time to sit and enjoy the evening.
by Michelle Clark
October 2024
