April 13, 2020
By Joe Arterburn
Vortex Fury HD 5000 Rangefinding binoculars reduce unnecessary movement to keep predators coming into your call. No more messing with a stand-alone rangefinder. Instead, with the Vortex Fury HD 5000 you observe and range in one motion. Pricey, as quality optics are, but convenience, speed, efficiency, and stealth at critical times are invaluable. One-handed operation so you can also hold a call or a firearm. Scan mode reads as you track approaching predators. $1,600; vortexoptics.com
Ruger Long-Range Hunter Based on Ruger’s Hawkeye Target Rifle, the Long-Range Hunter is a compact, 7.25-pound beauty available in 6.5 Creedmoor or its big brother, the 6.5 PRC. It features a two-tone synthetic stock with an adjustable LOP, matte stainless finish, Mauser-style controlled feeding, 22-inch barrel, and AI-style magazine (five rounds for the Creedmoor, three rounds for the 6.5 PRC). World-champion coyote caller Al Morris says the 6.5 PRC Hawkeye will be his next predator rifle. Enough said. $1,279; ruger.com
ALPS Enforcer A pack/vest with a kickstand as a backrest during long sits is not a new idea, but the ALPS Outdoorz Enforcer has predator hunting written all over it. Adjustable legs set up quickly, and wide swivel feet prevent sinking into soft ground. Carry electronic calls and gear in the pack and mouth calls and accessories in the removable front pockets. It also features ammo holders, a hydration pocket, and a removable memory foam seat. $180; alpsoutdoorz.com
MOJO Fatal Shot A MOJO and Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks partnership, Fatal Shot choke tubes are designed to deliver denser, more uniform patterns at a consistent point of impact with all loads. MOJO’s Terry Denmon reports stoning coyotes at 100 yards using 3½-inch TSS shot in BB and 2s, and he recently killed at 72 yards in heavy brush using a 3-inch blend of BBs and 3s. $80; mojooutdoors.com
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Foxpro XWAVE Think of the XWAVE as Foxpro’s deadly, popular Shockwave on steroids. Similar in appearance, the XWAVE features über-improved Xtreme High Definition speakers and, even cooler, Bluetooth compatibility so you can connect wirelessly and play wildlife-calling sounds from your library—or Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes once you’re in from the field. Also operates manually or with LCD screen remote control. Comes with 100 sounds, but it can store 1,000. $700; gofoxpro.com