Must-Have Deer Gear for 2021

by
posted on October 19, 2021
** 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. **
must-have-deer-gear-2021_lead.jpg

Here's the gear you'll need before hitting the deer woods this season.

ALPS OutdoorZ Covert Lumbar Hunting Pack


ALPS Covert Lumbar Pack

Designed for the hunter who brings along the essentials and little else, the Covert lumbar pack features a large padded waist belt and a zippered, 500-cubic-inch main compartment with pockets to keep your knives, headlamp, scents, calls, snacks and other gear organized within. The pack can be worn to the rear or, on colder hunts, worn out front, providing access to the handwarmer pocket. Adorned with plenty of lashing points and a pair of buckle straps, perfect for strapping down a jacket and extra layers. MSRP: $59.99; alpsoutdoorz.com.

Wildgame Innovations Encounter Cell Trail Camera


Wildgame Innovations Encounter Cell Trail Camera

Utilizing any available cellular network, this “smart” trail camera from Wildgame Innovations—built with a half-second trigger speed, 80-foot illumination range, and the tech to recognize and sort photographs by species—will transmit high-resolution, 20-megapixel images directly to your device or computer via the HuntSmart app or website. With the HuntSmart app, you can manage your camera settings remotely, check battery life, log weather data, sort and share images and much more. MSRP: $119.99; wildgameinnovations.com.

Hunters Specialties Rack Jack Deer Rattle


HS DOD Rack Jack

When you get the timing right, nothing can bring in a buck faster than the sounds of war in the whitetail woods. With the Rack Jack from Hunters Specialties (developed in partnership with Drury Outdoors), simply push and pull a plunger to agitate the rings inside the call and mimic the aggressive antler smashing of testosterone-raging bucks. Tubular design is compact and allows for silent carry. MSRP: $29.99; hunterspec.com

Big and J Pour-It-On Molasses Deer Attractant


Big & J Pour-It-On Molasses

Plain corn is plain boring. Boost the draw of your bait station and the overall health of your heard with this Molasses attractant from Big & J. Whether added to corn or used alone, the strong aroma will draw deer fast. And because it tastes great and provides a major nutritional benefit (it’s fortified with protein, fats, amino acids, magnesium, zinc and other trace minerals deer crave), it will keep deer coming back for more. MSRP: $12.99; bigandj.com.

Wildlife Research Center Buck-Fire Raging Estrus


Wildlife Research Center Buck-Fire Raging Estrus

This unique estrus blend, part of the premium “Micro Brew Craft Scents” line from Wildlife Research Center, was developed to draw the wariest of bucks. Packed full of irresistible doe estrus, a few secret “rut-inspired” ingredients and a hint of tarsal smell, Buck-Fire hits bucks on two levels: sex appeal, and the urge to fight off the interloper. MSRP: $29.99; wildlife.com.

Latest

375 Setup
375 Setup

Is Wildcatting Right for You?

Dennis Bradley explores the potential benefits of going with a wildcat cartridge, using the .375 Raptor as a case study.

New for 2026: The Chiappa M1-22 Bushranger

Chiappa Firearms expands its rimfire lineup with the introduction of the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rifle built to bridge familiar sporting ergonomics with modern accessory capability. The Bushranger is intended for recreational shooting, skill development and range use, but could also excel in the hands of any small game or varmint hunter.

Savage Updates 212 and 220 Slug Guns

Savage Arms has upgraded its 212/220 Harvester and Harvester Woodland slug guns. These models now feature the AccuFit V2 stock system, providing shooters with all sorts of customizable options.

Science Behind Mountain Lion Management and Hunting

Across North America, agencies responsible for the conservation and management of native mammals, including large carnivores, employ science-based tools to manage wildlife populations. It’s a delicate balance too often compromised by emotion at the ballot box.

Wild Game Recipe: Venison Empanadas

Want to cook up some empanadas with last year's deer? Look no further than the "Know When to Fold 'Em" venison empanadas, by Chef Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet.

Federal Ammunition Expands Options in 6mm ARC

Federal Ammunition is offering more options int he 6mm ARC cartridge for 2026. Designed for the AR-15 platform, the short-action cartridge pair low recoil with high potential accuracy. Federal's new offerings in this cartridge will include American Eagle TMJ 110-grain, Fusion Tipped 110-grain and Gold Medal Berger BT Target 108-grain.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.