Your optics do not need to be giant. Small compact 10x50 or smaller are fine.
Vortex, Brenton, and Lueopold are all great brands.
We encourage our hunters to sit all day so these gear suggestions will be geared towards that.
As for knives, I like skinning gutting knives. Small utility knives or multi-tools are also good to have.
Any hydration packs or water bottles will do.
Phone or GPS, Garmin or Magellan are all good.
This list is ultra important to your success as big deer live and die by their noses.
Any grunt calls and bleat calls are very effective.
You need to stay hydrated and focused, so I recommend small protein and energy-packed snacks.
Ohio is a unique weather area that can change quickly.
Any compound bow over 45# and any crossbow.