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

Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1
Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.