Be Prepared for a Successful Hunt
Whether you are heading to your family lease in the brush country or a guided hunt in the Hill Country, being properly prepared makes all the difference. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from legal requirements to the gear that will help you make the most of your time in the field.
REQUIRED – Legal Documents (Texas)
Do not leave home without these – game wardens will check!
- ☐ Valid Texas Hunting License – Annual license required for all hunters
- ☐ Hunters Education Certificate – Required if born on or after Sept. 2, 1971
- ☐ Federal Migratory Bird Stamp – If hunting dove, waterfowl, or other migratory birds
- ☐ Harvest tags – Deer, turkey, and javelina tags (attached to license)
- ☐ Government-issued ID – Drivers license or ID card
- ☐ Proof of landowner permission – Written permission if hunting private land you do not own
- ☐ MLD permits – If hunting on a Managed Lands Deer program property
Pro tip: Download the Texas Parks and Wildlife My Texas Hunt Harvest app – digital licenses are accepted!
ESSENTIAL – Field Dressing and Meat Care
The most important gear for quality meat
- ☐ Large cooler (100+ quart) – Big enough for quartered deer
- ☐ Plenty of ice – At least 40-60 lbs, more in South Texas heat
- ☐ Sharp hunting knife – Drop point or gut hook style
- ☐ Skinning knife – Curved blade for hide removal
- ☐ Knife sharpener – Steel or ceramic rod
- ☐ Bone saw – For splitting pelvis and ribcage
- ☐ Rubber/nitrile gloves – Multiple pairs
- ☐ Game bags – Breathable cotton or synthetic
- ☐ Paper towels/clean rags – For wiping cavity
- ☐ Rope (25-50 ft) – For dragging and hanging
- ☐ Gambrel and hoist – If processing at camp
- ☐ Plastic bags – For heart and liver if keeping
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
- ☐ Primary firearm – Rifle, shotgun, or bow depending on season
- ☐ Adequate ammunition – At least 20 rounds for rifle, more for practice
- ☐ Gun case – Hard case for transport
- ☐ Cleaning kit – Basic field cleaning supplies
- ☐ Hearing protection – For practice shots
- ☐ Eye protection – Safety glasses
- ☐ Sling – For carrying in the field
- ☐ Backup optics – Extra scope or iron sights
HUNTING GEAR
- ☐ Binoculars – 8×42 or 10×42 recommended
- ☐ Rangefinder – Essential for accurate shots
- ☐ Hunting pack/backpack – To carry gear to stand
- ☐ Flashlight/headlamp – For early morning and tracking
- ☐ Extra batteries – For all electronics
- ☐ Shooting sticks/bipod – For steady shots
- ☐ Grunt call/rattling antlers – During rut
- ☐ Scent control spray – Wind checker
- ☐ Trail markers/flagging tape – For blood trailing
CLOTHING (South Texas Considerations)
- ☐ Camo or earth-tone clothing – Appropriate for brush country
- ☐ Blaze orange vest/hat – Required during gun season
- ☐ Layers – Mornings are cold, afternoons warm
- ☐ Waterproof outer layer – For unexpected rain
- ☐ Sturdy boots – Snake boots recommended in South Texas
- ☐ Warm gloves – For cold morning sits
- ☐ Face mask or paint – For concealment
- ☐ Extra socks – Keep feet dry and comfortable
SAFETY AND SURVIVAL
- ☐ First aid kit – Include tourniquet for emergencies
- ☐ Cell phone and charger – For emergencies
- ☐ GPS or compass – Know your way out
- ☐ Water and snacks – Stay hydrated and energized
- ☐ Emergency whistle – Signal for help
- ☐ Fire starter – Matches or lighter
- ☐ Snake bite kit – Especially in South Texas
- ☐ Sunscreen and bug spray – Early season especially
CAMP COMFORT (Optional but Nice)
- ☐ Comfortable camp chair
- ☐ Sleeping bag and pad (if staying overnight)
- ☐ Camp stove and cookware
- ☐ Cooler with food and drinks
- ☐ Playing cards or entertainment
- ☐ Camera for photos
- ☐ Notebook for recording observations
AFTER THE HARVEST
- ☐ Tag your deer immediately – Fill out and attach harvest tag
- ☐ Log in My Texas Hunt Harvest app – Required in some counties
- ☐ Field dress promptly – Within 30 minutes if possible
- ☐ Get meat on ice – Critical in warm weather
- ☐ Transport to processor – Do not let it sit in the heat
Processing Your Harvest
Once your deer is field dressed and on ice, bring it to a quality processor as soon as possible. The faster you get it processed, the better the meat quality.
Ruiz Custom Meats offers full wild game processing services! We can turn your deer into steaks, ground meat, sausage, and tamales. Call us at (956) 724-3013 to schedule your drop-off during hunting season. Hunters trust us to handle their harvest with care!
