BY JAY ANN COX, Staff Writer
Ask 10 hunters what they want for Christmas, and you will get 10 to 1,000 different answers.
There is so much gear out there, it’s hard to go wrong.
There’s so much gear out there, where do you start?
With only so much room for stuff in pockets, backpack or blind, hunters are choosy about weight and space. If a piece of equipment fails to do its job, it’s not worth the aggravation to bring it along.
The best item in any category is the one that will get used. If it’s too high tech, too heavy, too hard to handle, too difficult to set up, hunters will leave it behind after a try or two, if at all. There is also the feeling that something is “too nice” to take to the field and “get dirty.” Sometimes, entry level is junk, and sometimes it’s just right. If it’s a little more expensive, but a lot more useful and comfortable, then it’s worth the cash.
A 140-point white-tailed buck in the crosshairs doesn’t exactly fit under the tree, so gift givers have to get creative. Here are some thoughts on what to give the hunter in your life:
- A flashlight that is mini-USB rechargeable, with two or more brightness settings. Bonus if the flashlight has a red/blue blood tracking setting and/or a flashing mode. You can spend between $50 and $100 for a decent one.
- A good backpack is one that, when filled with essential gear, isn’t too heavy to lug around. All the zippers should work with minimal effort, the fabric should be fairly quiet, and the backpack should serve as a makeshift shooting rest if needed. Don’t cheap out on a backpack. Buy a nice one and it will last for several years. Cabela’s makes a really nice light duty camo day pack for $80 and has some with more features, such as gun slings and waterproof pouches, at higher price points.
- Look for the Leupold 10x42 binocular, either the Alpine ($149) or the McKenzie ($189), from Cabela’s. This binocular comes with its own pouch and has the best glass for the money.
- Primos Trigger Sticks “Gen 3” are an affordable “nice to have” set of shooting sticks. The Jim Shockey brand has nice tall legs that give me a lot more versatility when setting up for a shot.
- Knives come in all price points and types of metal, folding, fixed or switchblade. I’ve seen professionals dress out meat with a $15 knife that was sharp, and those who tried to use a $300 knife that wasn’t. If it will hold its edge, usually a carbon steel blade, that’s the knife you want. Don’t forget to include sharpening tools with any knife gift.
- The Yeti Flip soft cooler doubles as a roomy lunch box that will keep warm beverages for chilly mornings, or cold drinks for the end of the hunt celebration or commiseration session. It’s pricey at $249 but it appears to be everything it promises — ruggedly insulated, indestructible and portable.
- Trail cameras are probably the most confusing part of hunting gear, which is why I really like this camera: the WingHome 630 trail camera, $70. It doesn’t have the latest wireless technology where you view the images on your smart phone, but it does have good Amazon reviews, as well as the Leica lenses and the price going for it. Don’t forget the USB/SD card converter for viewing your cards on your computer and throw in a couple of extra SD cards so you can swap them out.
- When all else fails, grab a good set of spices and rubs for making tacos, chili, roast, steaks and jerked meat from the wild game that will soon fill the freezer. Penzey’s has a superb black pepper called World’s Best (and it is), and also a spice medley called Grill and Broil, perfect for game meat. Spices can lose quality over time, so it never hurts to freshen up the spice rack.
What’s on your wishlist? Give us a shout and report back on your Christmas wishes.
Jay Ann Cox is an avid hunter, shooter and writer. She has edited several hunting publications and hunted in Texas, Colorado, Europe, and Africa.
jay@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066 ext. 245
