Need help with some new hunting stuff.

[patrick0685]

So I got super lucky and drew a Mule Deer tag out here in Nevada on my first try. So being that I havent hunted big game in a long long time I have nothing, I have been trying to research on everything and I thought I would ask the good ppl here on CO-AR some of there advise.
I'm pretty sure I have decided on a Savage Model 116 FCSS in 270 win. now I need some good glass for it. Possibly a range finder, pack, knife, and anything else I might need. So what are your recommendations?

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

I'm a leupold whore, they make awesome scopes and range finders. Start buying camo now cause it is cheap.

[02ducky]

I picked up a Simmons range finder and for s beginner model I like it a lot.

[armstrong001]

Whatever you end up shooting, practice. Don't be like 90% of the hunters out there who sight in with half a box of ammo the week before hunting season starts and save the other half of the box for the season itself. Lots of practice will be more valuable than a range finder.

[patrick0685]

Whatever you end up shooting, practice. Don't be like 90% of the hunters out there who sight in with half a box of ammo the week before hunting season starts and save the other half of the box for the season itself. Lots of practice will be more valuable than a range finder.

yea thats why im trying to get as much of this stuff now as i can, longer time to practice and get her good and sited in

[TriggerHappy]

My family has never once used a range finder.

[TRnCO]

Starting from scratch with a limited amount of funds it sounds like, so you'll need to get a list of stuff and prioritize the list and get the must haves and the could use stuff if funds are available.
Must haves:

rifle/scope combo.
ammo...not cheap these days
knife
a pack and game bags... to get the meat out

those are really the only things you must have. Might not even need a pack if you can kill a deer near a road.

Depending on you're shooting ability, you might need a range finder, but unless you're planning on taking shots past 300 yards, it's not necassary for sure.

Camo is the last thing you'll need. You're rifle hunting so I'm guessing orange is a requirement?

If you've hunted big game in the past, even a long time ago, it's still the same as it was then. Get back on the bike and enjoy the ride.

[Mtn.man]

Nevada? Need camo SHORTS, Tank top, etc.


and a scope with ranging reticle would be easier than packing alot of extra stuff.

[lifeon2]

Dont forget something to sharpen the knife if you plan on skinning it in the field, I always sharpen mine before I go out but I still pack one of these

[RJLou]

Good choice on the rifle. For a scope I'd recommend a burris with the ballisti-plex reticle. I bought mine for my first rifle/mule deer hunt about 4 years ago. I didn't actually need the ballisti-plex reticle for mule deer, all my deer have been under 200yds but it sure came in handy for antelope this past december at 500+. A range finder is handy but not necessary. Even when one was available I've never used them for hunting, only target shooting.

Sight in and practice practice practice especially at different ranges so you know where your bullet hits.

Congratulations and good luck!