By Heath Wood

Hunting in the early fall months of September and October comes with its own set of challenges, demanding the right gear and equipment. As the weather shifts from warm to cool, preparing for a hunt can feel much like dressing your kids for school – you’re never quite sure what to expect. Mornings can start cold, only to turn hot by the afternoon. To stay comfortable, concealed, and ready for whatever comes your way, it’s important to have the right clothing, gear, and accessories. Let’s take a closer look at the must-have items for early fall deer hunting, along with my personal favorite – a trusty backpack. What's in my pack? Here’s a breakdown of my go-to essentials for ensuring a successful and well-prepared hunt.

Essential Early Fall Deer Hunting Clothing

Early fall often brings a blend of warm days with cooler mornings and evenings, making layering your clothing a necessity. As I mentioned, dressing for early-season hunts can feel like trying to prepare a school kid for comfort throughout the day. The same applies to deer hunting – it's vital to dress in layers to stay comfortable all day long.

Base Layer

A moisture-wicking base layer is essential for keeping sweat away from your body in the early season, which helps regulate your temperature and keeps you comfortable. Look for synthetic or other material options that dry quickly and offer good insulation underneath when the mornings start much cooler.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Thermal Performance Base Layer

Mid-Layer

As temperatures drop in the mornings and evenings, an insulating mid-layer becomes crucial. Fleece or insulated jackets provide warmth without adding too much bulk, allowing for ease of movement when drawing your bow, climbing a treestand, or moving comfortably in a tree saddle. A couple of great mid-layer options would be the Mossy Oak Mid-Season Anorak in the popular Terra Gilla pattern or ScentLok’s NEW Stealth Hoodie in Mossy Oak’s newest pattern, Country Roots. Early fall can also bring unpredictable weather, including rain and wind. Sometimes, a hoodie or a mid-weight garment isn’t enough to stay comfortable. A lightweight, waterproof, and windproof jacket will protect you from the elements while keeping you quiet as you move through the woods or move freely in a treestand or when saddle hunting.

The upper half of our body is covered, but don’t forget the bottom half is equally important. Choose a pair of durable, quiet outer pants that are both breathable and weather-resistant. The fabric should, again, allow for ease of movement while protecting the cool, damp ground.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Country Roots Tech Hoodie

Footwear

Your feet need to stay warm and dry, especially during those early morning hunts when the ground may be wet from dew or rain. One of the top factors for many hunters cutting their hunt short is because their feet get wet and cold. Insulated, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential. Make sure they’re comfortable for walking long distances. One of my favorite choices for early fall boots is the Lacrosse Footwear Windrose boots that feature 600 grams of insulation to keep your feet warm early in the morning, yet they make your feet sweat later in the day. It is also vital to pair your boots with merino wool socks, which offer excellent moisture management, warmth, and comfort. They’re also naturally odor-resistant, a bonus for staying scent-free in the field.

Clothing Accessories

Gloves

Lightweight gloves that allow for dexterity are crucial for handling your weapon and gear without compromising warmth. Look for gloves that offer a good grip and are made from quiet materials.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Thermal and Windproof Gloves

Headgear

A beanie or cap that covers your ears and keeps you warm is necessary for those chilly mornings. A neck gaiter or balaclava can provide additional warmth and camouflage.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Country Roots Beanie

Early Fall Deer Hunting Gear

Beyond clothing, the right gear can significantly impact your early fall hunting success. One piece of gear that I keep with me all season is a quality pair of binoculars. Binoculars are indispensable for scouting and spotting deer from a distance. Look for models with good light-gathering capabilities, such as the Vortex Optics Viper HD 10X50’s. As early mornings and late evenings often present low-light conditions, a good pair of binoculars can be a game changer when spotting deer. A rangefinder is also a must-have for bowhunters during the early fall. It ensures you know the exact distance to your target, helping you make an ethical and accurate shot.

Calls and Lures

Grunt Call

As October progresses, bucks become more responsive to calling. A grunt call can help you draw in curious bucks looking to establish dominance.

Shop Now: Primos Rut Roar Call

Doe Bleat Call

A doe bleat call can simulate the sound of a doe in estrus, attracting bucks during the pre-rut period.

Shop Now: Primos Doe Bleat Can Call

Scent Lures

Using estrus scent or buck urine can be effective in early fall, mainly as the pre-rut heats up in October. Apply these lures sparingly around your hunting area.

Read More: 3 Must-Use Scent Lures for October

Scent Control

Scent-Eliminating Spray

Deer have an incredible sense of smell, so it’s crucial to eliminate human odor as much as possible. Use a scent-eliminating spray on your clothing, gear, and body before heading into the field.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Odor Eliminator

Activated Carbon Clothing

Some hunters opt for clothing with activated carbon technology designed to absorb and neutralize human odors, offering an extra layer of scent control.

Shop Now: ScentLok Early Season Gear

Navigation and Safety

GPS Hunting App:

Even if you’re hunting familiar territory, a GPS hunting app on your mobile device can replace a handheld GPS unit or a map and compass. An app can help you navigate in case you get turned around, find boundaries, and give you the option to mark your location before heading in and out of your hunting area.

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Headlamp:

A headlamp is a good idea for early morning and late evening hunts when the light is low. Choose one with adjustable brightness settings and one that can be worn with a strap or hat clip to keep both hands free when climbing into the stand.

Shop Now: Mossy Oak Headlamp

Field-Dressing Gear

Sharp Knife

A sharp, durable knife is essential for field dressing your deer. Consider carrying a small knife sharpener as well.

Shop Now: 2-Pack Knife Set

Game Bags

Game bags are necessary for keeping your meat clean and protected from insects and dirt. They’re lightweight and easily fit into your pack.

Rubber Gloves

Carry a few pairs of disposable rubber gloves for field dressing. They help keep your hands clean and reduce the risk of contamination.

Early fall deer hunting requires a balance of preparedness and adaptability. With the proper clothing to keep you warm and concealed, essential gear for spotting and taking down deer and a well-stocked backpack, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges that September and October bring. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.