Top Deer Gear 2016: Big Sky Shooter

by
posted on September 3, 2016
** 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. **
deer_gear_big_sky_f.jpg

Clothing
Browning’s new Hells Canyon Speed apparel in A-TACS A/U camo provides optimum mobility with an athletic fit and tough, lightweight fabrics. The breathable softshell Hellfire pant ($249.99) is windproof and water-resistant with Primaloft insulation and a warm fleece lining. A great base layer or stand-alone piece, the MHS ¼-zip top ($99.99) wicks moisture with Merino wool in the trunk and underarms. The warm Shrike jacket ($229.99) is windproof, water-resistant and insulated with Primaloft.

Boots
A favorite of AH editors, Danner Gila boots ($200) have a wide toe-box, aggressive tred with beefed-up outer lugs and offer more support than you’d expect from a 6-inch boot. Clad in Gore Optifade camo.

Pack
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf pack ($525) offers 4,325 cubic inches of available space with 10 sets of external straps to provide multiple options for compression and for attaching a bow or rifle. Haul both meat and a full pack utilizing the overload shelf. Other features include a lightweight carbon/fiberglass frame, 600-cubic-inch, removable Alpine Lid that doubles as a shoulder pack and hydration bladder compatibility.

Rifle
The Extreme X2 rifle ($1,337) from Montana Rifle Company is a deer hunter’s dream simply due to the sheer volume of chamberings available, short and long—31 to be exact. Add in the all-weather, Kevlar-reinforced, carbon-fiber X2 synthetic stock, free-floating stainless steel barrel, adjustable trigger, glass bedding, controlled-round feed, Mauser-style ejector and three-position safety, and you’ve got a deer-dropper in any region.

Optics
The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 4x-16x-44mm riflescope ($363.95) is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. It houses fully-multicoated lenses for more than 90 percent light transmission. Features side parallax focus, 30mm tube and .25 MOA windage and elevation adjustments with DOA LR 600 reticle.

Latest

LEDE Victra 20 Modularity
LEDE Victra 20 Modularity

New for 2026: YHM Victra-20 Modular Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) has announced the debut of the Victra-20, a new modular sound suppressor engineered specifically for 20-gauge single-barreled shotguns, plus new Turkey and Skeet choke options for the Victra-12.

End of Season Gear List

Did your trusty multitool disappear somewhere in the backcountry this season? Boots finally lose the last lugs on their outsole? Check out this list for some handy replacements sure to go the extra mile.

Barnett Introduces New Crossbows for 2026

Barnett is kicking off 2026 with a host of introductions, including a new crossbow in one of its most popular families, as well as a whole new crossbow series.

New for 2026: Ol' Man Outdoors Hang-On Stands

Ol'Man Outdoors has introduced two new hang-on stands: the lightweight Eagle Eye (OT-501) and the feature-rich Top Dog Deluxe (OT-504).

Perfect mARC Introduces the Navigator Whistle in Bottomland

Perfect mARC has announced the release of its flagship Navigator retriever whistle in Mossy Oak Bottomland, bringing an iconic camouflage style to a tool built for serious retriever training and hunting.

Reviewed: Montana Knife Company Speedgoat 2.0

There are thousands of knives out there to choose from. Out of the dozens of knives I personally own, this one from Montana Knife Company clearly stands out as a hunter’s top-tier tool.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.