Father's Day 2022: The Petersen's Hunting Gift Guide

If your dad is a diehard outdoorsman, we've got his best interest in mind this Father's Day.

May 05, 2022 By David Draper

You could buy Dad a gun a Father’s Day, but that’s likely a budget-buster. Plus, he’s probably got one already picked out, so let him get what he wants. Instead, hook him up with some great hunting and shooting accessories that he needs, even if he doesn’t know it. Here’s our top picks for Father’s Day gifts this year.

Browning Blackout Micro Headlamp

Like ammo and knives, a man can’t have too many ways to light up the dark. The Browning Micro is small enough to stash in a pocket or pack, but packs plenty of punch—enough to send 500 lumens 175 yards down the trail in optimum conditions. It also has low and medium settings to conserve power from the single, rechargeable Li-Ion battery. (Can also be substituted for a single AAA.) The tough aluminum case is covered in an anodized bronze finish. $70; browning.com

Leupold Performance Eyewear

Set up your dad with some safety-rated sunglasses that both look good and protect his vision on the range or in the field. Leupold’s Performance Eyewear collection features several models that are shatterproof and ANSI-certified against high impact. Polarized lenses are also resistant to wear and scratches thanks to an internal polarization process and DiamondCoat exterior coating. $140-190; leupold.com

Vortex Guide BinoPack

We’ve yet to find the perfect binocular harness, but this one comes close. The Guide Binopack has ample room to fit all but the biggest set of Vortex binos, with a padded compartment and full-fit cover to keep optics protected. The front pocket is big enough for a folding knife and other small hunting accessories. Slide a wind indicator in the side pockets and stash a few extra rounds on the opposite side. $130; vortexoptics.com

Federal 100th Anniversary Book

Any hunter worth their salt has a story about Federal ammunition, and for good reason. The venerable ammo brand has been around for a century, feeding hunters that are hungry for quality shotgun and rifle ammo. This year, Federal is celebrating their anniversary with a coffee-table book of the highest caliber. Divided by decade, with stories from those who helped the brand grown, the 244-page book is filled with archival photos and vintage marketing materials that provide an in-depth look at a century’s worth of the sporting life. $60; federalpremium.com

Hornady Range Bag

A day on the range requires a lot of gear: optics, targets, tools, ear and eye protection, and, of course, plenty of ammo. Transporting all the stuff is easy with a quality range bag, like this one from Hornady (which knows a thing or two about transporting ammo). Large enough to carry a compact spotting scope and tripod, it also has several external and internal pockets for spare mags, tool kits, dope cards and other shooting accessories. $52; hornady.com

MTM 5-Can Mini Ammo Crate

Dads, especially those who hunt or shoot, have a lot of stuff. Make storing all that stuff easier with a crate full of miniature ammo cans. But don’t think mini means these boxes don’t hold a lot. Each can hold up to 650 rounds of loose 9mm ammo, several boxes of rifle or shotgun ammo, a compact handgun, flashlights, extra batteries and much more. Each can rests securely in the easy-to-transport stackable crate. $51; ammoboxes.com

KUIU Base Camp Ripstop Jacket

Sure, this jacket isn’t the standard Kuiu camo, but it’s equally up to whatever task is at hand. Part of the company’s Base Camp collection of casual wear, the Ripstop Jacket is crafted from tough Cordura that’s been treated for water- and oil-resistance. Double-knit brushed liner is comfortable, and the jacket features a full YKK zipper covered by a storm cover that snaps closed to keep out wind and rain. $159; kuiu.com

Old Trapper Snacks

Forgot about Father’s Day and need a last-minute gift? Stop by the local Git ‘N Split and pick up a pack of snacks from Old Trapper. We’re partial to the Deli Style Beef Sticks (available in Original, Jalapeno, and Teriyaki flavors), but really is there any kind of meat snack Dad doesn’t like. While you’re at it, you better buy two. Trust us, they don’t last long. $15; oldtrapper.com

Pendleton 1910 Rye

If you’re going to get your father a bottle to enjoy, at least buy something good. Pendleton is a perennial favorite, and we particularly like the limited editor rye. Plus, it doesn’t cost an absurd amount of money. For less than $50, you can give dad a smooth sipper that also has the right amount of bite to pair well in quality cocktail. Spicy, like a good rye should be, with just a touch of sweetness that isn’t syrupy like those lesser whiskeys from the bottom shelf. $42; pendletonwhisky.com

Winchester Wildcat .22 Ammo

What’s more fun than burning through a brick of ammo with a .22 pistol or rifle? Answer: not much. Winchester’s Wildcat .22LR ammo is a proven performer, with a copper coating to reduce fouling and keep that semi-auto functioning all day long. The 40-grain Dynapoint bullets also expand reliably, making them a great choice for hunting cottontails, squirrels and other small game. Now available in a 500-round bulk box. $20; winchester.com

Gerber Lockdown EDC Knife

Sure, a big, fixed-blade hunting knife makes a badass gift for dad, but it might not be the most practical choice. But a handy blade for everyday carry is something he’ll use all year long. The Lockdown Drive features a lockable folding blade, coupled with several handy tools: a reversible screwdriver bit; chisel-tipped file; awl; and replaceable X-acto-style blade. All in package that slips easily into the pocket. $51; gerbergear.com

One of our favorite ways to use up all those deer and elk scraps is making delicious, and healthy, jerky. This 5-Tray Digital Dehydrator takes the guesswork out of drying meat and other foods with a digital time and temperature setting that shuts off automatically after the pre-set drying time. Convection design keeps air flowing and eliminates the hassle of rotating trays. $85; chardproducts.com

Meindl Merino MT6 Socks

A pair of socks might not make for the most exciting gift, but it’s one that dad will really appreciate when his feet are warm and comfortable next fall — long after he’s forgotten that sleeve of gag golf balls your stupid siblings bought him. Meindl MT6 socks are crafted from a two-layer blend of soft, warm merino and bioceramic fibers that keep feet warm and dry. They are sewn to provide a perfect fit, with specific right and left foot socks, to eliminate binding or chafing. $25; meindlusa.com