Top Deer Gear 2016: Big Sky Shooter

by
posted on September 3, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
deer_gear_big_sky_f.jpg

Clothing
Browning’s new Hells Canyon Speed apparel in A-TACS A/U camo provides optimum mobility with an athletic fit and tough, lightweight fabrics. The breathable softshell Hellfire pant ($249.99) is windproof and water-resistant with Primaloft insulation and a warm fleece lining. A great base layer or stand-alone piece, the MHS ¼-zip top ($99.99) wicks moisture with Merino wool in the trunk and underarms. The warm Shrike jacket ($229.99) is windproof, water-resistant and insulated with Primaloft.

Boots
A favorite of AH editors, Danner Gila boots ($200) have a wide toe-box, aggressive tred with beefed-up outer lugs and offer more support than you’d expect from a 6-inch boot. Clad in Gore Optifade camo.

Pack
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf pack ($525) offers 4,325 cubic inches of available space with 10 sets of external straps to provide multiple options for compression and for attaching a bow or rifle. Haul both meat and a full pack utilizing the overload shelf. Other features include a lightweight carbon/fiberglass frame, 600-cubic-inch, removable Alpine Lid that doubles as a shoulder pack and hydration bladder compatibility.

Rifle
The Extreme X2 rifle ($1,337) from Montana Rifle Company is a deer hunter’s dream simply due to the sheer volume of chamberings available, short and long—31 to be exact. Add in the all-weather, Kevlar-reinforced, carbon-fiber X2 synthetic stock, free-floating stainless steel barrel, adjustable trigger, glass bedding, controlled-round feed, Mauser-style ejector and three-position safety, and you’ve got a deer-dropper in any region.

Optics
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 4x-16x-44mm riflescope ($363.95) is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. It houses fully-multicoated lenses for more than 90 percent light transmission. Features side parallax focus, 30mm tube and .25 MOA windage and elevation adjustments with DOA LR 600 reticle.

Latest

Ledearizona Outdoor Expo
Ledearizona Outdoor Expo

Arizona’s Free Annual Outdoor Expo returns March 28-29

Sportsmen ready to explore wildlife and wild places in the Arizona should mark their calendars for March 28 and 29, when the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) Outdoor Expo returns to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix, Ariz.

Scotland Stag Hunt: A Proper Stalk

“That it [deer-stalking] is a chase which throws all our other field-sports far in the back-ground, and, indeed, makes them appear wholly insignificant, no one, who has been initiated in it, will attempt to deny.” – William Scrope, The Art Of Deer-Stalking

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD Solar

Built for long-term performance, Browning Trail Cameras has added the Defender Pro Scout Max HD Solar to its 2026 lineup.

#SundayGunday: Burris Fullfield 3-12x42

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Burris Fullfield 3-12x42mm. While the Fullfield line encompasses a whole range of magnifications and objective lens sizes, this one appeals as an excellent balance of features for hunters facing almost any scenario in the field. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Restoring Hunting Rights: How a DOI Proposal Could Benefit Alaska’s Hunters

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) has proposed restoring state-aligned hunting regulations in Alaska’s national preserves marks a significant shift toward reducing federal overreach and empowering local hunters.

AI, Robots and the Future of Conservation

Is the future filled with AI robots using facial recognition to check your hunting license? Will a cloud of “smart” drones launch on opening day? And why can’t hunters buy one of those robotic mules designed for the Marine Corps to haul big game out of a wilderness? If you've ever wondered about any of the above, check out this latest piece from our own Guy Sagi.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.