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

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.