The days until Christmas are ticking down, and the frenzy of the holiday shopping season is upon us. No need to panic; the editors of American Hunter have assembled a handful of gift recommendations for every outdoorsman on your list. We’ve listed a variety of items to fit just about any budget. Happy shopping—and hunting—to all.
Primos Custom Mill Game Calls, Euro Plaques and Boot Pullers
Looking for a unique, personal gift idea? Look no further than Primos Custom Mill’s hand-crafted turkey calls, deer calls, game mounts and boot pullers. Simply select the item you think the hunter in your life will appreciate most, and choose which pattern, scene or banner you prefer, then personalize with a name, date or special message. Each item is made in the USA with high-quality wood and is individually marked for authenticity. Order by Dec. 10, 2020 to guarantee delivery by Christmas. MSRP: $55-150; primos.com.
Spartan Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod
The Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod is designed for hunters who cover lots of ground but need to be ready in an instant. Attached to your rifle using the company’s Magnetic Attachment System, the Pro Hunt has lockable, extendable legs that are easy and quick to operate with a single hand. Those hunting uneven terrain will appreciate the single-button Leg Lock-Out feature to open and close legs and ensure they stay fixed in the shooting position. It’s made of 7075 hard-anodized aluminum and high-quality carbon fiber for light weight (6.3 ounces) and strength. MSRP: $290; javelinbipod.com.
Kuiu Guide Gloves
Know a hunter who constantly complains of cold fingers, even before the late season? Warm their hands (and their hearts) with a set of Guide Gloves from Kuiu. Made with stretchable, Primeflex fabric, and the company’s K-DWR (Kuiu Durable Water Repellent) treatment, the mid-weight gloves shed water easily, and dry quickly if they somehow do become soaked. The treatment also allows for sweat evaporation, if your hands starts perspiring during a long backcountry hike. Finally, Ethiopian Cabretta leather, from Pittards Leather Company, covers the palm where it is mixed with polymers for enhanced grip. Pittards Oiltac further limits water uptake into the fibers, for optimal performance. One of our editors used a set of Guide gloves on a rugged backcountry hunt this year, and reports them to be waterproof, warm, and exceedingly rugged. They are available in Valo, Vias and Verde camo patterns, as well as Gunmetal and Olive solid colors. MSRP: $69; kuiu.com.
onX Hunt App Membership
With features such as public and private land boundaries with landowner names, various waypoint capabilities, hunting districts and management unit divisions, topo maps and aerial photos all in one app, it’s never been easier to scout for a new spot. The onX Hunt app’s “Offline” function allows you to download and save maps to use when you’re out of cellular service. Custom Waypoints make it easy to mark critical areas such as trail cam and treestand locations, where you saw game, etc. You create a name for each Waypoint, along with a color, icon, notes, and can even add a photo if you wish. The Tracking feature allows you to record your path as you travel and saves it on your map, taking the guesswork out of backtracking, and also provides the time the trip took, the distance and average speed. Additionally, onx Hunt shows the current weather, wind direction, barometric pressure, sunrise/sunset times and has offline data caching. An onX Hunt GPS Chip can also be purchased to integrate the software with a GPS unit. MSRP: $29.99 per year for one state, or $99.99 per year for all 50 states; onxmaps.com.
Nomad Harvester Jacket & Pant
The Nomad Harvester jacket and pants are ideal for mid-season hunting. They’re medium-weight set is durable, wind-and water-resistant, and were developed to be quiet and warm featuring soft, high pile interior for comfort. The jacket is 100 percent polyester and features zippered chest and side pockets, while the pants include a double-layer seat, flap rear patch pockets, a gusseted crotch, an articulated double knee and a zip vent from cuff to knee. MSRP: $130 each; nomadoutdoor.com.
The Buffalo Wool Co. Advantage Trekker Bison/Merino Boot Socks
Warm, thick and durable, these socks will keep your feet happy all day, whether you’re walking or sitting in a stand. Made with ultra-soft bison fiber, they wick moisture better than any natural fiber, and have a stay-in-place fit, flex zones for added mobility, targeted heavy cushioning and long-wear durability. Machine-washable and non-allergenic, these socks are a perfect stocking stuffer—and they’re made in the USA. MSRP: Single Pair, $38; Three Pair Bundle, $96; thebuffalowoolco.com.
Camp Chef Portable Flat Top Grill 600
Camp Chef’s Portable Flat Top Grill 600 features a cold-rolled steel 604 square-inch flat top griddle with a seasoned, non-stick surface, four 12,000 BTU/hr. stainless steel burners, a matchless ignition system, a propane tank holder, a bottle opener and a grease management system for easy cleanup. Its collapsible legs easily fold up beneath the grill body, which the two opposing side shelves fold inwards over the burner for added protection. MSRP: $440; campchef.com.
Silver Stag Cascade Hunter Knife
The Cascade Hunter from Silver Stag is the ideal skinning knife. It features a 4-inch stainless steel blade, your choice of a crown or elk antler handle, and a handmade pouch or snap sheath. You can also have the knife laser engraved for an additional $12. MSRP: $159; silverstag.com.
Muck Wetland Pro Snake Boot
The Wetland Pro Snake Boots are 100 percent waterproof and feature full-height snake strike resistant rubber construction to protect against snakes, rocks, sticks and scratches. The EVA midsole provides added comfort and ground insulation, and 3D air mesh lining yields breathability. The boots are ASTM certified against electrical hazard, include a bioDEWIX antimicrobial footbed insert, and weigh 5.65 pounds. MSRP: $180; muckbootcompany.com.
Ravin R29X Crossbow
The new Ravin R29X crossbow, complete with the company’s fully-integrated Silent Cocking System, hits a new pinnacle of speed at an incredible 450 fps. Overall length is 29 inches, and when fully drawn, the R29X is 6 inches axle-axle and weighs just 6.75 pounds. Including an ergonomic grip, that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces and allows for great control without sacrificing comfort. Available in Predator Dusk Camo, exclusive to Ravin. MSRP: $2,624.99; ravincrossbows.com.
Chief Upland Over/Under Vest
Do you have an upland hunter on your list this year? Outfit them in style, with the Over/Under Vest from Chief Upland. A full-on bird hunting system, the vest comes in Earth Tone or Blaze Orange, and boasts a variety of unique, well-thought-out features. The vest is crafted from 1000-denier Cordura, with Hypalon and leather accenting, and rip-stop liners. The material is fully adjustable using a series of strapped buckles, but the true genius comes in its customizability. All around the front-loading, water- and briar-proof game bags sit Molle webbing, onto which you can attach water-bottle holders, shell holders, and numerous other accessories Chief Upland sells. This allows the hunter to fully customize their rig exactly how they want it—no compromises required, no concessions needed. A zippered compartment in the back also allows the inclusion of a water bladder, perfect for those long, thirsty hunts. MSRP: $149; chiefupland.com.
Kuiu Pro LT 4000 Full Kit
Kuiu's PRO LT pack system exceeded our expectations. The lightweight 3.8-pound PRO LT 4000's 4,000 cubic inch size is versatile for 1 to 3 day bivy-style hunts, or gear intensive day hunts. The fabric choice and placement has been optimized and features various durable and waterproof fabrics in key areas along the back and bottom of the bag. A side zip front pocket allows access to critical items, even with a gun or bow attached. All load bearing zippers have been upsized to a robust YKK #10, and laser-cut, hypalon attachment points for compression straps minimize weight and build. Additionally, the PRO LT can be easily transitioned into Load Sling Mode, which opens an extra 2,500 cubic inches of storage for hauling meat or gear between the frame and bag. MSRP: $479; kuiu.com.
