This is my recommended gear based on my usage and success. I’m not saying you won’t kill a big buck if you don’t use these items. I know what has worked for me and will share it with anyone I talk to. I like to put the odds in my favor as much as possible. Please see the Gear List Below.
Trail Cameras
I am personally running 100% cellular cameras. 22 of them to be exact. I am obsessed with them and will never own a non-cellular camera again. They save me from intruding on my property and give me real-time data. This year (2022) I would have spooked the buck I tagged had I not been using a cellular trail camera. If I had to choose a favorite out of them all, I would pick the Tactacam Reveal X 2.0 paired with a Tactacam Solar Panel. Every camera I own cost me less than $175 each.
My Choices for Cameras:
| Camera | Monthly Cost | Link To Purchase |
| Tactacam Reveal X | $5-$13 | Buy Here |
| Tactacam Reveal X 2.0 | $5-$13 | Buy Here |
| Tactacam Reveal SK | $5-$13 | Buy Here |
| Stealth Cam Fusion | $5-$20 | Buy Here |
| Stealth Cam Fuxion X | $5-$20 | Buy Here |
| Muddy Manifest | $5-$15 | Buy Here |
| Bushnell Cellucore | $10-$15 | Buy Here |
| Spypoint Cell-Link | $0-15 | Buy Here |
Crossbow
I’ve hunted the last 4 years with a crossbow due to shoulder surgery and the healing process just isn’t great. I’ve been a compound hunter all my life and frowned on crossbow hunters. It’s all funny until you can’t draw your bow back. Needless to say, the confidence level of having a crossbow that can shoot insane groups at the 50-70 yard range is a game changer. My furthest harvest has been 42 yards and my confidence level was extremely high at that range. If you’re worried about feeling inferior because you choose to use a crossbow, just remember it’s all about being in the outdoors and you buy your own tags, not a keyboard cowboy in his grandma’s basement. I’ve owned two crossbows in the last 4 years and have nothing but great things to say about the Ravin Crossbow Brand.
My Choice for a Crossbow: