Hunting Gear Buyer’s Guide: 10 Choices For Your Last Minute Gifting

Stumped about what to get the hunter on your gift list this year? We are here to help with our hunting gear buyer’s guide. The following list is a wide selection of not only the most desirable outdoor products, but also the most versatile. There are items on this list that big game, upland, waterfowl and varmint hunters can all use and enjoy, and there are items on this list for every price range. How do we know that the hunter on this list will like these gifts? Because these are the presents that we’d like to see under our own tree this year.

 

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Your Hunting Gear Buyer’s Guide:

Browning Crossfire USB Rechargeable Light

A good flashlight is a must-have for every hunter, and Browning’s new Crossfire USB Rechargeable Light adds an extra level of convenience since you can charge this light in your pickup on the way to the hunt to ensure you’ve got a fresh charge for the day ahead. The Crossfire runs on either one lithium-ion rechargeable battery or one AA alkaline battery, both of which are included with purchase. With adjustable brightness levels from 102 to 300 lumens, you get a functional range of up to 150 yards (depending on the battery used) and the various settings offer run times from 2 to 18 hours with a full charge. This durable, lightweight flashlight measures less than 5 ½” and it’s submersible to 3′ for 30 minutes. MSRP is $54.99. Browning also offers a rechargeable spotlight (max output 915 lumens for a 550-yard range) for $109.99 and a rechargeable headlamp with a max output of 260 lumens for $64.99. www.browning.com

Wrangler ProGear Upland Jean

Wrangler has been selling jeans for 75 years now, but the iconic brand’s most versatile pants might be their ProGear Upland Jeans. Why? They offer the comfort and durability of Wrangler’s other denim pants with an added layer of protection against brush and briars. These pants are perfect for hunting upland game like grouse, quail, and pheasants, and I always have a pair when I’m chasing rabbits with beagles. They are also functional garment outside of hunting season as well. They’re great for clearing brush to set up blinds and stands, hunting for shed antlers, general scouting, and chores around the farm or house. They’re available in several colors in waist sizes from 28 to 42 and these pants are designed to fit over hunting boots. Plus, the relaxed fit design and five-pocket layout are comfortable and very versatile. Every hunter should have at least one pair. MSRP: $54.00. www.wrangler.com

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Primos Proof Cam Gen 2

High-quality trail cameras are an essential hunting gear item for hunters and the Primos Proof Cam Gen 2 is a great option for year-round scouting. These cameras offer best-in-class performance with greater detection distance and a faster recovery rate for fewer “blank” images when game is on the move. The new auto exposure feature allows for better light detection and fewer “whiteout” images so you’ll get improved images with each photo. Simple set-up, illuminated sliding switches, and simple operation make these cameras very user-friendly, and a one-year battery life means no more missed opportunities. They offer 720P HD video and time-lapse as well as 80-100′ night ranges for better images when game is most likely to be moving. The 01 model comes with a .7 second trigger speed a 12 megapixels, the 02 offers a .3 second trigger speed and 16 megapixels and the 03 BLACKOUT version comes with 60 BLACKOUT LED lights for the absolute best nighttime images possible without spooking game. MSRPs range from $99 to $149, making these high-tech cameras a great buy. www.primos.com

Flambeau Heated Hand Muff

There’s nothing worse than trying to hunt with cold hands, and the new Flambeau Heated Hand Muff is essential hunting gear for all hunters. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows for three different heat settings with a maximum run time of 10 hours, and you can easily recharge the battery from the power output in your vehicle. Comfortable fleece cuffs with elastic bands trap heat while allowing you to quickly and silently remove your hands for a shot, and multi-layered polyester active warming insulation with 260G brushed fabric interior lining keep you comfortable in even the coldest conditions. There are easy-to-use on/off, high, medium and low settings with a rubber push button design that is illuminated for use in total darkness, and two zippered pockets at the front of the unit offer storage space for small items like keys, licenses, and mouth calls. The waist strap easily adjusts for a perfect fit and the muff is machine washable. Available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo. MSRP: $161.99. www.flambeauoutdoors.com

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FLIR Scout III

Thermal monocular offer an unprecedented view of animal movements in total darkness but they’re also versatile enough for a variety of other applications like home security and predator detection. The FLIR Scout III offers one of the simplest layouts of any high-tech thermal device with rubberized illuminated power, zoom, polarity, and LCD brightness buttons that you can operate when wearing gloved hands. With multiple palette options you can choose red-hot, orange-hot, white-hot and other color layouts and the unit comes with a rechargeable battery that can quickly be returned to full power for hours of wildlife viewing. There are three different models available that allow you to view heat signatures out to 550 yards and with a startup time of 1.5 seconds, you won’t have to wait to see what’s moving at night. The durable rubber exterior protects the unit against wear and these thermal monocular are small enough to carry in a pack or large pocket. MSRPs range from $1,399 to $2,799. www.flir.com

Outdoor Edge Onyx-Lite

Outdoor Edge’s Onyx Lite is one of the best replaceable-blade razor knives available today. The 3″ blade can be quickly, easily, and — most importantly —safely changed with just the push of a button. The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades are heat-treated and hand-finished to shaving-edge sharpness and the black-oxide coated blade holder’s offers firm support allowing you to cut with confidence. The one-piece Grivory polymer handle comes with a non-slip Trimond textured surface allows for a secure grip even with wet hands. Overall open length is 6.8″- and at just1.9 oz. this is a lightweight knife that can perform heavy-duty field dressing tasks. Each knife comes with an ambidextrous thumb opener, pocket clip and three blades. MSRP is $28.95 (packs of six replacement blades sold separately). www.outdooredge.com

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Leupold VX-3i LRP

Leupold’s VX-3i riflescopes have a reputation for maximum clarity, superb durability, and easy operation. The new LRP (Long Range Precision) version brings that same level of simplicity to long-range shooting. You can choose between front or rear focal plane reticles and Mil or MOA adjustments, and the tall elevation knob is easy to adjust even when lying in the prone position. An easy-to-read travel indicator is marked for 5 MOA or 5 Mil adjustments depending upon the model and there’s an adjustable zero stop to help you quickly get back to zero. The innovative Twilight Max light management system allows for the clearest images in any lighting conditions and models range from 4.5-14×50 to 8.5-25×50. Long-range shooting has never been simpler. MSRP: $1,104.99 to $1,234.99. www.leupold.com

Final Approach Original Pro Guide Layout Blind

Layout blinds are effective for hunting waterfowl in a variety of field conditions, but they aren’t always very comfortable. The Final Approach Pro Guide Layout Blind, however, offers maximum concealment coupled with a high level of shooter comfort and convenience. New coated exterior fabrics ensures hunters will stay dry and warm and the comfortably padded headrest and sloped exterior make it easy to open the doors and shoot while remaining in a comfortable position that won’t create flare-inducing shadows. To keep hunters even more concealed Final Approach has added a detachable camo face mesh and Stubble Straps that allow you to hide the blind using natural vegetation. There are fast-access flagging holes and a zippered cleanout at the bottom of the blind. The 11.5-pound Pro Guide folds up for convenient storage when not in use. MSRP: $329.99. www.fabrand.com

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Burris Droptine Binoculars

Most hunters wouldn’t head to the field without their binos, and Burris recently reintroduced their affordable and feature-packed Droptine line. Available in either 8×42 or 10×42 configurations, the Droptine comes with multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and reduced glare so you’ll always have a clear image in a wide range of light conditions. Nitrogen-filled construction offers waterproof and fog proof performance, and the durable, rubber-armored exterior stands up to the harshest elements. The center-knob design allows you to focus on your target quickly and twist-up eyecups make it easy to use these binos even when wearing glasses. Each pair comes with a durable carry case and a comfortable neoprene neck strap. The 10×42 model weighs just over 20 ounces, which means they are light enough for all-day carry. MSRP: $299. www.burrisoptics.com

 

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Bear Edge Double-Blade 61519 Knife

The Bear Edge 61519 features two blades — a razor-sharp guthook and a 3 7/8″ drop-point blade — which make it a versatile hunting knife, as well as a great everyday carry option. Both blades are made from black-coated 440 stainless steel for maximum longevity and corrosion resistance and the tough, lightweight aluminum handle offers a secure grip when field dressing game. When closed this knife measures just 4 ½” long and weighs only 1.7 oz., which makes it small enough and light enough to easily pack all day. The locking drop-point blade has a convenient thumb post for one-handed opening. MSRP: $44.99. www.bearedgeknives.com hunting gear