"My Current Pennsylvania Bowhunting Setup: Simple DIY Gear That's Working for Late Season Whitetails
I've never been big on the high priced gear or setups. Expensive doesn't always mean the best. But definitely cheap sometimes will get you in trouble ,I've learned. Sometimes the gear just doesn't last very long or breaks quickly. Then you end up buying it twice, so mid grade is usually where I try to be. And that's good advice on anything ( not just hunting gear).
Simple DIY bowhunting setup that I personally use and what works for me:
Bow brands are a personal preference I think 🤔. Everyone has their specific likes. I've tried several different brands, but at present I have a “Bear Archery Legend XR” 2025 model year. I just bought it a month before archery season and am really happy with it so far. It performed good enough to get me a nice pt this year. It came totally set up with . And at a great mid range price.
●quiver ● whisker biscuit ●4 pin lighted sight ●limb dampers
And at a great mid range price. I use 100gr OZ Cut fixed blade broadheads and zombie killer arrows.
For my treestand setup for this season , my buddy @kcoutside7143 finally talked me into buying a lonewolf climber. I found a used one advertised on Marketplace close to home and picked it up for 260$. I would definitely recommend this stand to anyone who hikes any distance to hunt. It's light weight, small and extremely quiet going up a tree. But new ones are ridiculously expensive. I've used several different brands of climbers. They all have their own perks and downfalls, so ask lots of questions and choose wisely before spending your money. I also use hang ons with strap on ladders/ steps. They're nice to leave setup for days when you're late getting in the woods or just don't feel like carrying a big load. I just use the cheap ones from Sportsman's Warehouse. Again, treestand type/ selection depends on where and how you want to hunt. You need straight trees with no branches to use a climber, but you can use a hang on in any tree. But they're bulkier and take longer to set up , especially with whatever step setup you choose. So do your homework before buying and try to pick a stand that you can pee out of comfortably 🤔
Late season treestand bowhunting essentials: for while you're in the tree
What I take on stand for me might not necessarily be what's essential for you. These treestand essentials keep me going during Pennsylvania's late season bowhunting...#1 is a comfortable safety harness. I highly, highly recommend using a comfortable safety harness from the ground up to hunting height the whole time in the tree. I learned the hard way years ago, falling over 10’ onto my shoulder and shredding my rotator cuff. I could easily have died or paralyzed. A bow hoisting rope, I use parachord. Screw in bow holder or whatever version you prefer... Everything else is just for comfort now. I strap my pack around the tree, if possible. Or hang it from a branch. I carry in my pack… #1. Hunting license and pen, in a zip lock with #2 Paper 💩. Never go in the woods without it… gutting knife, drag rope, range finder, lighter, headlamp flashlight , zip tie, bottle of water and trail mix. Gloves and face mask for cold weather.
My personal late season bowhunting clothing
Clothing that I wear might not work for you but it's what I find to be sufficient for me. I wear insulated comfortable hunting boots with heavy socks. Long underwear and heavy camo patterned pants. Next is insulated under shirt and usually a hoodie next. I then put my harness on so that the safety rope is outside of my hood. If not, it interferes with your hood . I use gumby straps to strap my heavy jacket or jackets and bibs to my stand . If you wear all your clothes on the hike in, you'll be a sweated up mess. I also buckle my pack to the stand. I also have a pair of cheap ice cleats for those below freezing days. They definitely come in handy on hilly hikes on the ice.
Good luck my friends and stay warm and safe out there. This is what works for me, your setup might differ. What are some of your favorite items to take in the woods on your hunts?
