Bowhunting Gear

by
posted on October 16, 2009
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
20091016-bowhunter_f.jpg

1. Wolverine's surprisingly flexible M9 Extreme boots have 600 grams of Thinsulate and a Gore-Tex liner to keep your toeskis dry and toasty. ($220; 866-699-7369; www.wolverine.com)

2.
The steel Guide Gear Climbing Stick and Tree Stand Combo is the best bargain in the entire world. It comes with five, 4-foot sections, a harness, a padded seat and all the straps a person needs to tie himself to a tree. ($65; 800-882-2962; www.sportsmansguide.com)

3.
Sitka Gear's innovative clothing system allows hunters to move silently and comfortably in any weather. Its Optifade camo is scientifically designed by Gore to break up human outlines viewed by ungulates from near and far. Ascent pant, Celsius vest; Traverse Zip T ($99-$149; 707-253-1122; www.sitkagear.com)

4. The Retractable Call Lanyard keeps your calls handy while preventing the dreaded "death-by-call-lanyard-lynching." ($29.99; 888-588-9981)

5. The soft and flexible Buck Commander Rut Hunter call is loud and attention-grabbing when you want it to be. ($16; 877-993-4868; www.flextonegamecalls.com)

6. Hoyt improved on its top-notch bows by making its fastest (321 fps) and lightest (3.9 lbs.) yet. The AlphaMax is loaded with features, and proved accurate and ultra-quiet in our field tests. $899; 801-363-2990; www.hoyt.com)

7.
Energizer's Handheld Swivel LED light is waterproof and has five different bulbs and 13 modes for blood-trailing, map-reading and finding out what you just stepped in. ($79.99 www.energizer.com; 800-383-7323)

8. Scott's Silverhorn NCS release aid is smooth and reliable. Its hook is meant for use with a string loop, and its buckle wrist strap is comfortable and quiet. ($75; 606-663-2734; www.scottarchery.com)

9. NAP's Bloodrunner hybrid broahead has a 1-inch cutting diameter until it hits and expands. 0 Shockblocker stabilizer quiets your bow. ¡ Quickfletch shrink-wrap tubes revolutionize the arrow fletching process. $33; $29; $29; 800-323-1279; www.newarchery.com)

10. The G5 XR2 fiber-optic bowsight has a stationary primary pin for most of your shots, and a "floating" pin that dials in for any range. ($209; 866-456-8836; www.g5outdoors.com)

Latest

Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)
Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.