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

LEDEW H2026 04 Gear Winchester Semi Auto Shotgun Sxp Long Beard Nwtf Mossy Oak Bottomland 512478290 01 Jpg
LEDEW H2026 04 Gear Winchester Semi Auto Shotgun Sxp Long Beard Nwtf Mossy Oak Bottomland 512478290 01 Jpg

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

New for 2026: CMC Triggers Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group

CMC Triggers Corp has released its Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group, available in both Flat and Curved trigger bow configurations.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.