Garrison Kinsel Guide & Outfitter • Cotulla, Texas

Texas Whitetail Gear List

For many reasons, whitetail hunting in South Texas is unlike any other big game pursuit in North America. The weather can go from icy frigid to blistering hot in a matter of hours at any point during the season, and physical activity levels can range from simply crawling in and out of a box blind twice a day to pushing through miles of thick, thorny vegetation when rattling or tracking a buck. A gear list that can comfortably and effectively handle the highs and lows of a hunt in the South Texas brush is a must when traveling to the Lone Star State. I've been hunting/guiding in South Texas for as long as I can remember, and this is the gear I'm currently using throughout my seasons.

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Optics

Binos

I like the new Swarovski 12s because they fit in your hand like a pair of 10s.
Additionally, their low-light capability is second to none, which is big during hot early-season hunts when most of the action is at first and last light. I do not carry a spotting scope simply because I rarely need to do any "long-range" glassing. While it is common for some senderos (roads) in south Texas to run several hundred yards, I rarely find myself wishing I had more glassing power than my 12s.

MARSUPIAL GEAR Binocular Pack

My bino harness has slowly become one of my favorite pieces of gear as I'm often moving through thick brush or sitting in a blind handing my binos to other hunters.

Rangefinder

VIPER® HD 3000 Laser Rangefinder

Gear

These are some of the things I keep in my backpack pretty much all season.

District 18-BLACK

When it comes to a backpack: pick whatever you're comfortable with
and go for something smaller with pockets. Nothing is worse than getting in a small box blind with a client or two and having to navigate around the massive military-grade backpack they brought just to sit in a box for two hours. Find something suitable but practical. Think school backpack size.

RazorPro™ Saw Combo

The knife combo is especially important when tracking deer that have run into substantial brush away from any roads. Dragging big bucks back to the truck whole is no fun.

Black Diamond Equipment Astro 300 Headlamp

Although I do most of my night time moving without a light, a good headlamp is huge for tracking through thick brush at night.

AMK Ultralight/Watertight .5 Kit

Thankfully, I rarely have to use my medical kit. One thing that live in my pack at all times.

EXTRACTOR® PUMP KIT

I've actually never had to use my snake bite kit, but one thing that live in my pack at all times.

Accessories

Of all the things on this list, these are some of the items I've tested the most through
extensive trial and error.

Calls

First, the three calls I keep with me all season are huge.

RUTTIN' BUCK RATTLING BAG

For the rattling antlers, the fresher the better. Avoid using old sheds or the plastic products you see on TV. I do a lot of rattling every year, and nothing beats the real thing.

Hardwood Grunter Grunt Call

Still JackRabbit

Still Cottontail Rabbit Predator Call

Trail Cameras

Strike Force HD Extreme

Blinds

Boss Game Systems 4'x6' Standard Rifle Hunting Blind

Nearly all our rifle blinds are the 4x6 Boss Blinds, which is really common in Texas.

RHINO Blinds R150 3 Person Hunting Ground Blind

The best (hands down) ground blinds I've used are from Rhino. They are extremely durable, have great window options, and they handle the hard brush (and nosy cattle) on our ranch better than anything else I've used. That being said, I'm pretty partial to simple brush blinds over a pop-up, but if you want more stability and cover, Rhino is great.

Camping Equipment

Mr. Heater Buddy Portable Propane

The only real piece of "camping gear" I'd suggest is a portable heater. Sometimes the difference between success and failure on a hunt down here can be how long you can sit in a box and not go crazy, which means comfort is important.

Food & Nutrition

Gas station tacos and a pack of tums.

TUMS

Clothing

There's nothing fancy about my clothing system. I've learned over the years what works and what doesn't and I've continued to use everything (no matter how cheap or expensive) that gets the job done. Most days I dress like I'm going to walk through hot brush all day, then add layers as needed if I'm going to be sitting in the cold.

Baselayers

The biggest thing I've learned over the last couple years is how important layering is. That's why I almost always have on a base of Merino wool.

First Lite Men's Wick Short Sleeve Crew

First Lite Men's Furnace Long John

Saxx Men's Underwear

Outerwear/ Jackets

I would highly recommend keeping the brush in mind when choosing outerwear. Fleece
and other fabrics that catch things easily won't do well. A tough outer layer is important.

Hunter Series Hoodie

Woolrich Men's Elite Discreet Carry Twill Tactical Jacket

Pants

Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean

SITKA Stratus Hunting Bib

I'm a big fan of bibs for cold days.

Rain Gear

SITKA Dew Point Waterproof Lightweight Jacket

SITKA Dew Point Pant

Footwear

Men's Justin Stampede Rush Strike Snake Boot

Depending on the time of year, snake boots are always a good piece to bring. I'm sure people from other parts of the country laugh when they see hunters down here in them, but I've personally had some close calls with snakes in tight quarters when I wasn't expecting it and been very glad I had them. I wear an old pair of Justin's, but I've been told they don't
make my model anymore, so I'd suggest those if you can find them or Chippewas, Redhead, etc.

ULTIMATE LINER SOCK

Accessories

Gloves

I keep a couple different pairs of gloves on me but these two from First Lite are my
favorite.

First Lite Aerowool Touch Liner Glove

The Touch Liner glove is pretty light and good with phone screens.

First Lite Alpine Cold Weather Glove

The Alpine glove is great for the extra cold days and features a zipper for easy on/off.

Guidefitter Tactical Hat

I will always recommend people bring a cap of some kind for the sun on hot days.

Firearms

Rifle Equipment

The best cartridge for South Texas (just like everywhere else) is pretty debatable, but
these are some guns that rotate in and out of my truck all year.

Sako A7S .308 Win

MARLIN 336W 30-30 WIN LEVER ACTION RIFLE

The 30-30 is an old open sight and great for tracking through brush or a short-range challenge since I don't hunt archery very often myself.

VENOM® 5-25X56 FFP

Hornady Precision Hunter Rifle Ammo

Garrison Kinsel Guide & Outfitter • Cotulla, Texas

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!