November 06, 2018
By David Draper
The holiday season is the perfect time to restock your hunting gear “needs.” Use this opportunity to your advantage! Here are a few “wants” that are now “must-haves.”
onX Hunt
No cell service? That's no problem with the onX Hunt App, which uses your phone's GPS to access saves maps in the field rather than relying on the nearest cellular tower. Available on both Apple and Android devices, you have instant mapping information for 985 million acres of public land. If that's not enough, users also have access to 121 million private property maps, 421 map overlays and 400,000 miles of trails. Plan your hunt today! MSRP: $29.99 – $99.99/year | www.onxmaps.com
Motorola MHC250 Headlamp
Durable and versatile, this light and motion-sensing lamp adjusts through three intensity settings as conditions dictate. Luxeon TX White LED bulb lasts just short of forever, and runs for up to 24 hours on a full charge. The bulb and refractor combination throws a beam more than 350-feet on the high setting. The rugged housing and battery box are rated to IPX5 waterproofing to resist rain and snow. MSRP: $50 | bestbuy.com
Cobra Chat Tag Rock Two-Way Radio
Cell phones are great for staying in touch, but get anywhere off the grid and a two-way radio might be the only means of communication. Cobra’s smallest walkie-talkie yet, the Tag Rock is rated for up to a 12-mile range in ideal conditions. Voice activation keeps hands free to carry a rifle or drag out that deer. Utilizes 22 different channels, and is compatible with any FRS radio system. Charges via microUSB, and delivers 10 hours of use on a full charge. MSRP: $70 | cobrafrs.com
Plano Guide Series Hunter Waterproof Case
Stuff…we all have it, and usually it’s free-floating in your truck or pack. Ask Santa to fill your stocking with one of these waterproof, hard-sided cases from Plano to keep all of your gear in one location. They’re airtight and submersible up to one meter for 30 minutes. Multiple sizes available. MSRP:$18-$50 | planomolding.com
TenPoint Stag Hard Crossbow Case
Don’t let airport TSA ruin your holidays by smashing the limbs of your brand-new Nitro X (or Stealth NXT or Shadow NXT). A rigid outer shell and velvet interior keeps your bow protected and makes for convenient travel to your favorite hunting spot. $189 | tenpointcrossbows.com
Huntworth Heavy Weight Softshell Hunting Jacket
You’ll be toasty warm when you hit your treestand after the morning’s gift-opening festivities left you with a brand-new softshell jacket from Huntworth. Low-pile outer bonded to a waterproof laminate and waffle fleece keeps heat in and wet snow out. $110 | huntworthgear.com
Hoppe’s BoreSnake Den
This handy kit eliminates the problem storing solvent-soaked gun cleaners with a poly case that keeps messes contained. The lid serves as a comfortable T-handle for pulling the BoreSnake through grimy barrels. With just a single pass, the rugged brass bristles loosen lead build-up and carbonized powder, while the soft cotton tail clears away debris with a surface area of more than 160 standard patches. Available for just about every cartridge, from .22 through 10-gauge. $18 | hoppes.com
Rite-in-the-Rain Storm-Sight Targets
A little inclement weather shouldn’t put the brakes on an outdoor shooting session. Just like the company’s famous notebooks, these targets resist rain and snow, staying intact and completely usable in any weather short of a hurricane. Double-sided with differing targets, offering 25- and 100-yard sight-in options, or short- and long-range silhouettes with bulls-eye targets on the opposite side. Standard paper sizes store easily in a binder or folder for post-practice follow-up. Per 25. $12 | riteintherain.com
Warne Mountain Tech Mounts
Every ounce counts on the mountain, right down to weight of your scope mounting system. Warnes reduces the overall weight of your rifle and optics set-up by machining its rings and bases from T6 aluminum. Nearly as strong as steel, but significantly lighter, this unique alloy cuts weight by up to 60 percent. The rings and bases are hard anodized to reduce wear and fight corrosion from the elements. MSRP: Bases - $75; Rings - $140 | warnesscopemounts.com
Federal Premium Gold Medal
At the bench or in the field, shooters and hunters shouldn’t compromise, no matter the caliber their carrying. Federal’s top-shelf Gold Medal line is now available with premium match bullets in 6mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor. Each piece of premium brass is loaded with exclusive Federal powder and topped with either Berger Hybrid and Sierra MatchKing bullets, for unrelenting accuracy. MSRP: $34-37 | federalpremium.com
Danner Merino Hunting Socks
While it may be the most glamorous gift, a pair of good hunting socks still go a long way. These are uber-comfortable, with a non-binding, seam-free design that keeps feet comfortable all day long. Soft, itch-free merino insulates against the cold with the addition of strategic stitched cushions to guard against bruises and blisters. MSRP: $18 | danner.com
Wildgame Innovations 360 Crush Camera
This versatile trail camera a swivel design that gives you a 360-degree viewing area, doubling your chances of capturing a hi-res image of that rut-smart buck. The Crush Cam can snap 12-megapixel photos or record 720p HD videos out to 70 feet thanks to 36 high-intensity infrared LEDs. With a trigger speed of 1.5 seconds. no animal is safe from being caught on candid camera. $170 | wildgameinnovations.com
