... a spare blaze vest for the deer, and some surveyor's tape.

I've mostly stopped for that reason to, but I do still keep some around becuase they are zero-spark and utterly waterproof. And then I throw them into jackle lanterns at halloween- radioactive green is kinda cool to me, and the landlord appreciates the no candles. But I EDC a Garrity light stick, not the most robust light I have but it is on par with a normal Cylume for brightness, lasts longer, and can be turned off. Or set to strobe, and then if you swing it like a bullroarer, yeah, that's obvious at night.

I'd start with my Core 15:
Knife, Firestarters (2 kinds), water carrier and purification, metal pot/cup/bottle, signals (cell, active audiable and visual- you should have passive visual with your blaze orange already, PLB if you can swing it), cordage, navigation (compass, map, gps), flashlight (with batteries), fak, tools (pliers and a SAK or a multi), socks, ID, some small food, and rain gear and/or thermal layer, in a small pack. Oh, wait, that's my EDC- so I'll add a little more.

For hunting, I'd add a tarp or sportsmans blanket (maybe a wool blanket, to), gauntlets, guts bag, a couple chemlights or a light stick, some thermal packs, minimal cleaning kit, and a spare blaze vest for the deer, and some surveyor's tape.

Oh, and a partner. I don't do big game alone, deer or bear. Easier to carry out with two.

Question on the chem lights/light sticks. I stopped carrying them because they generally have a short shelf life. Any brands out there with year+ shelf lives?

HJ

One of the big problems with winter survival is starting a fire in a cold wet windy environment. Carrying a bic lighter and some vaseline coated cotton balls may not be enough. You might want to tuck a road flare and/or a small can of zippo fuel in your pack for that ultimate wet wood fire starting capability. Might save your life if you suddenly find yourself soaking wet.