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

Proof PXT Barrel Tech Lede
Proof PXT Barrel Tech Lede

Proof Research Introduces PXT Rifle Barrel Technology

Proof Research has launched Proof Exponential Twist (PXT), an advancement in rifling that promises to improve durability, accuracy and shootability. Further, Proof has backed this new technology with extensive military testing and research. Engineered to meet the demands of modern high-pressure ammunition, PXT is billed as delivering longer barrel life, improved consistency and enhanced performance.  

Ammo Analysis: So You Like 'em Heavy?

Phil Massaro discusses what might make someone opt for a heavy-for-caliber choice when taking on game.

New for 2026: Steiner eDiscovery 10x42 Binoculars with Integrated Camera

Steiner Optics has introduced the eDiscovery 10x42 binoculars, combining clarity and durability with a fully integrated 4K camera.

First Case of CWD Documented on the National Elk Refuge

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on May 11 that for the first time chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been documented in Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 77, located on FWS-managed National Elk Refuge.

Range Review: Rock Island Armory PK-12 Pak-Out

This 18.5-inch barrel pump action from Rock Island armory folds in half for easier storage and transport. Check out B. Gil Horman's review of the PK-12 Pak-Out here.

New for 2026: Alps OutdoorZ DU Legacy Waterfowl Bag

For those seeking a classy field bag, the Alps OutdoorZ Ducks Unlimited Legacy Waterfowler’s Bag should be on their radar.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.