The holidays are rapidly approaching. Whether looking for ideas for yourself or the perfect gift ideas for the hunter in your life, these five items are must-haves.
Wicked Tree Gear, Wicked Tough Hand Saw. $30. Whether trimming last-minute shooting lanes or sawing through bone while quartering an animal, a good hand saw is a must. The Wicked Tough Hand Saw is the best one I’ve used. A thick and durable 7-inch blade with an aggressive tooth pattern makes sawing through wood a breeze. At only 8 ounces, it features an all-metal blade lock and is made to be used and abused.
The Complete Guide To Hunting, Butchering and Cooking Wild Game. Vol 1: Big Game. $22. Written by Steve Rinella and the team at Meateater, this large paperback book is full of 400 pages of information about how to go about hunting and processing every big game species in the United States. Large pictures and diagrams illustrate key concepts while the text covers everything from biological information to the best recipes for cooking game. New hunters and experts will all find useful information here.
Quake Claw Rifle Sling. $28. The Claw rifle sling from Quake is one of those products that just works. A strong nylon band keeps your rifle secure while the soft rubber shoulder pad ensures it won’t move while hiking. Comfortable and durable, the Claw outperforms other rifle slings that sell for much more money. Every hunter should have one for each of his rifles.
First Lite Wind River Balaclava. $35. With colder temperatures setting in, a good balaclava is a must-have to keep your face warm while in the field. The First Lite Wind River is made from a high tech merino wool and synthetic blend. The merino wool means it is naturally odor-free and will insulate even when wet. This balaclava even features small holes near the ears to allow you to wear it without compromising your ability to hear game moving nearby.
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp. $40. A good headlamp is a must-have for any hunter. The ability to light up the dark while keeping your hands free is crucial for field dressing, blood tracking, and climbing down from a treestand after dark. There are many headlamps on the market, but they’re not all created equal. At $40, the Black Diamond Spot is the best bang for your buck. It is reliable, bright, and features several different light options from a red light to dual white lights. With an IPX8 water-resistant rating, it will hold up to any field conditions. Runs on 3 triple A batteries. With a 3 year warranty, you know Black Diamond will stand behind it if it ever fails (it won’t).
