Must-Have Early Season Hunting Gear

by
posted on October 6, 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-early-season-hunting-gear_lead.jpg

Here's a look at some of the most innovative early season hunting gear for 2021.

Avian-X PowerFlight Dove


Avian-X PowerFlight Dove
With a full-size body, wings that spin 360 degrees in up to 30 mph winds, durable, true-to-life molding and paint scheme, a 16-hour runtime and a stake that allows you to hang the decoy or mount it stationary, the PowerFlight Dove from Avian-X will help make yours the hot seat in the field. Carry bag included. MSRP: $62.99; avian-x.com.

ALPS OutdoorZ Deluxe Dove Belt


ALPS OutdoorZ Deluxe Dove Belt

This handy little belt is all you need for the dove field. It sports two hold-open shell pockets, a large game pouch with mesh bottom for drainage and a drink holder to keep refreshment close at hand. Adjust the location or remove any pockets to suit your needs. Made of a tough 600D fabric with 2-inch belt. MSRP: $59.99; alpsoutdoorz.com.

Millennium M60U Ultralight Hang-On Stand


Millennium M60U Ultralight Hang-On Stand

Millennium has everything you need for a lightweight and portable hang-on treestand system. The M60U Ultralight Hang-On Stand weighs only 13 pounds, and as it utilizes Millennium’s CamLOCK attachment system, you can have multiple CamLOCKs set at different locations and relocate your stand in no time. Pair it with a set of lightweight M250 Aluminum Hang-On Climbing Sticks and the new Climbing Stick Quiver and you’ve got a mobile ambush ready to go. MSRP: $256.99 M260U; $179.99 M250; $47.99 Quiver; millennium-outdoors.com.

Muddy Manifest 2.0 Cellular Camera


Muddy Manifest 2.0 Cellular Camera

The updated Manifest 2.0 sports a 16MP photo resolution with an 80-foot detection and flash range, a fast trigger speed and a multi-burst photo mode. It will also send pictures to your smartphone or device via the Stealth Cam COMMAND Pro app. QR-code quick start makes it easy to begin seeing what’s on your property. Multiple data plans are available with no contract required. MSRP: $129.99; gomuddy.com.

Big and J Headrush Mineral Attractant

Big and J Headrush Mineral Attractant
Late summer is a great time to start or refresh your mineral sites, and the combination of salt and an irresistible aroma make Headrush a major draw for deer. Big and J also adds calcium and easily absorbed bioavailable trace minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium and cobalt to boost antler growth and the overall health of your herd. MSRP: $24.99; bigandj.com.

Latest

Facinn1.25
Facinn1.25

Late Season Decoy Mix

In the final days of duck season, don’t be afraid to change the look of your decoy spreads. Be it a simple alteration or a bold move, a different presentation can be all it takes to provide a strong finish to the season.

New for 2026: Stealth Cam 3.0 Tail Cameras

Stealth Cam has announced its 3.0 trail camera line, with some major tech-forward improvements over its previous generations. Designed for hunters and wildlife managers, these cameras introduce a suite of technologies designed to push surveillance capabilities to the next level, all accessible through the Command app.

Kifaru Launches New Hunting Apparel System

“This system is a purpose-driven solution for the tough environments and unpredictable scenarios outdoor enthusiasts’ encounter. Every piece was designed to help hunters meet those challenges head on.”

Hardware Review: Sierra MatchKing X

Sierra MatchKing bullets have been setting the accuracy standard for handloaders since the Truman administration. Now, they have redesigned their classic MatchKing bullet for hunting, with a softer lead core, tapered jacket and a skived nose to help it expand. They call the bullet the MatchKing X (MKX).

New for 2026: Lapua TRX Tipped

Lapua has expanded its True-Range Expanding (TRX) family of products to include several new ammunition offerings.

Bolt-Action Build: Model 2020 Muley

With the right tools and a bit of know-how, anyone can build a quality backcountry rifle in their own shop, and for a far sight less than a comparable rifle from a custom gun-builder. Follow along for exactly how to build a backcountry-capable rifle all your own, with your only trip to an FFL being the one necessary to get your receiver.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.