Must-Have Deer Gear for 2023

by
posted on October 31, 2023
** 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 2023 Lead

Here's a look at the newest gear you'll need before heading into the deer woods this season.

Mystery Ranch Treehouse 16 hunting pack.

Mystery Ranch Treehouse 16
Because deer hunters rely on stealth to ambush a big buck at close quarters, the Treehouse 16 pack from Mystery Ranch is made from a quiet-to-the-touch fabric so you won’t get busted digging for your bino or a snack. Lightweight and sized right for day hunts, the 975-cubic-inch pack provides ample room for your gear and sports exterior compression straps, a clamshell opening and a built-in tree strap. MSRP: $175; mysteryranch.com.

DryShod Evalusion Boot

DryShod Evalusion Boot
Made with an exclusive Dureva outsole material, the new Evalusion Hunt boots from Dryshod might just be their best yet. Weighing in a full pound lighter than the competition, the mid-season Evalusion boot sports a 5mm Densoprene insulated booty, a breathable Airmesh lining, a roll-down calf, durable rubber overlays and a water-repellent finish. Flexible multi-lug tread design offers maximum traction across rough terrain. MSRP: $189.95; dryshodusa.com.

Bowhunter standing on tree stand drawing back compound bow.

ALPS OutdoorZ Shield Bino Harness & Ember Handwarmer
ALPS uses an all new layered DeadQuiet fabric with a fleece exterior and suede liner to eliminate all noise from their new bino harness and handwarmer. The Shield bino harness features MOLLE attachment webbing, one-hand operation and pockets for extras. The Ember Handwarmer sports a handwarmer pocket inside, and hidden cuffs to keep the warmth in. Used alone or in tandem, both pieces sport a waterproof membrane. MSRP: $49.95 bino harness, $59.99 handwarmer; alpsoutdoorz.com.

Wildlife Research Center Next Generation Bio-Synthetic Scents.

WRC Next Generation Bio-Synthetic Scents
These next generation of synthetic scents from Wildlife Research Center have been bio-engineered with advanced technology to smell like real deer urine yet are safe to use in areas where real urine is prohibited. Made with WRC’s proprietary scent-boosting formula, the Next Generation Bio-Synthetic Scents line consists of Ultra-Premium Estrous Gold, Ultimate Buck Lure, Synthetic Estrous and Hot Scrape to attract deer all season long. MSRP: $7.18-$27.25; wildlife.com.

Bear Forrest Pickens Game Knife.

Bear Forrest Pickens Game Knife
Made from high-carbon “Swedish saw steel” that’s known for holding an edge, this 7.5-inch fixed blade is a true hunting knife through and through. The Pickens Game Knife sports a durable Micarta handle, a full tang, and a 3.5-inch trailing-point blade with a rounded spine, ideal for meat slicing, skinning and deboning. This knife is finished with a rock-tumbled acid wash and ships with a Kydex sheath. MSRP: $159.99-$169.99; bearforestknives.com.

Big&J Cotton Crave deer attractant.

Big&J Cotton Crave
Want your deer attractant to stand out from the neighbors? Be different. When everyone else is using corn, cottonseed may give you the edge you need. New from Big&J, Cotton Crave combines a highly attractive, long-range aroma Big&J attractants are known for with the nutritional high-quality protein of Fortified Cottonseed. Used in your feeders or placed directly on the ground, Cotton Crave will bring deer to your property and keep ’em coming back. Available in 40-pound and 8-pound bags. MSRP: $12.99-$24.99; bigandj.com.

Latest

Fenson Braised Coues Deer (5)
Fenson Braised Coues Deer (5)

Recipe: Braised Coues Deer Hind

An adventurous January hunt into the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico provided Brad Fenson the opportunity to cook Coues deer in traditional ways.

Friends of American Hunter Chad and Marsha Schearer Headline GAOS Seminars

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show Runs Feb. 7-15 and includes 200 demonstrations and seminars.

Significant Donation Will Cover Entry Fees for Boone and Crockett Club Records Program

On Jan. 21 the Boone and Crockett Club announced a long-time Lifetime Associate and benefactor to conservation has provided the opportunity to waive entry processing fees into the organization’s records program. As a result, the usual $40 entry fee will not be charged this year for entries received after Jan. 1, 2026.

Avian-X Adds 3 New Species to Motion Decoys

Avian-X has expanded its motion duck decoy assortment with the addition of three new species to the Power Butt Kicker lineup: Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake and Black Duck.

World’s Largest Gathering of Outdoor Enthusiasts Begins Saturday

More than 200,000 hunters, shooters, anglers, RVers and virtually every other flavor of outdoor enthusiast will attend NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS). It opens Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., and is the place to be if you want to see your favorite pursuit’s latest and greatest, book a trip and more.

Year-Round Gear Care

Every fall season I hear one or two horror stories involving equipment failures in the field. All too often these stories include personal injuries. Let's take a few minutes to help you avoid such costly circumstances.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.