I think it is really important to be comfortable in the stand when you go, especially when you are pulling an all dayer.
Things that I will have no matter what time of year it is:
-Grunt call
-License
-Rattle Bag
-an extra release (in archery hunting)
-Binoculars
-Some snacks
When it comes to later times of the season, where is colder in Missouri:
-Handwarmers
-an extra hat
-Socks
-Neck Gator
Here are some things I bring regardless of what I am hunting or when I am hunting:
1. License. Don’t leave home without it.
2. Fanny Pack or small backpack. I like Badlands for their durability, quietness, and comfort.
3. Knife. Your favorite will do. I have had a Kershaw Alaskan blade trader for years. It has a saw blade as well as a knife blade so it is versatile and compact.
4. Compass or GPS. Always good to keep your bearings even when you “know” where you are. The GPS has the advantage of marking way points during tracking also.
5. Headlight. I prefer headlights over flashlights because if you have to track or dress a deer after dark it is much easier to do if you’re not holding a light too.
6.Wind dust. Always know which way the wind is blowing.
7. Knife sharpener. A small 3Rivers CC sharpener is great to have handy.
8. Camo mask or paint. Staying concealed requires head to toe coverage.
9. Bow hook, pull up rope, and 2nd chance arrow clip. Small items but when you have several stands they can easily be forgotten to be placed ahead of time so it is convenient to have a spare or if you grab your climber tree stand to head to a new spot for a night.
10. Chemical hand warmer and toe warmer. One pack of each. Clearly not a necessity but I put them in my pack early in the season so they will be there so later in the season and often use them on a morning I was not expecting.
11. Camera and camera clip. I never used to carry one but when I started hunting with my kids it has been a must to record the moments. Small is the key. I have a small point and shoot digital camera with a clip mount that will hold anywhere for a great picture to save the memories.
12. Binoculars. A small pocket set of binos for stand hunting are invaluable.
13. Phone. Think that is a given
14. Small baggy of wet wipes. A one quart freezer bag with a couple wet wipes in it is convenient for clean up after dressing a deer.
15.Armguard and glove/tab. Sounds so simple but I keep them in my fanny pack for a reason; and yes I’ve made it to my tree stand without them before so now I keep them in my pack so not to be forgotten.
16.Hand pruners. Trim those little branches that pop up in lanes, walking into stand sets or trimming out for taking photos.
17. Brunton Inspire™ battery pack. This is not a necessity either but I won’t be caught without one in my pack. They are about the size of your cell phone and can recharge your phone, headlamp, and camera. Very simple and eliminates the need to carry extra batteries.
18. Game calls. Not necessities but if you’re taking them, get them in there.
19. Marking tape. A roll of about 10’ to use when tracking a blood trail. Be sure to take it down after being used.