Top Deer Gear 2016: Big Sky Shooter

by
posted on September 3, 2016
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

Logolead Photo 7Mm RM And 7STW
Logolead Photo 7Mm RM And 7STW

Head to Head: 7mm Remington Magnum vs. 7mm STW

We recently ran a battle between the two newest 7mms—7mm PRC vs. 7mm Backcountry. In the comments, we noticed quite a few folks having an entirely different debate about two older stalwarts—7mm Rem. Mag. vs. 7mm STW. Read on to find out which of these classic cartridge comes out on top.

First Look: JK Armament 195 SGX 20GA Shotgun Suppressor

The JK Armament 195 SGX 20GA (available in black and FDE) is a fully modular shotgun suppressor designed for 20 gauges. Its fully configurable design means that you can modify the suppressor for optimal performance whether you’re engaged in hunting, fun on the range or competition.

Wyoming Program Generates $1.5 Million for Conservation

Funds generated through the sale of the Wyoming Governor’s complimentary big-game licenses in 2024 will soon benefit sportsmen, photographers, campers and others who enjoy the state’s outdoors.

HS Strut Debuts New Turkey Chokes and Calls for 2025

HS Strut, the brand of turkey calls and hunting accessories founded by Hunters Specialties more than three decades ago, recently introduced a new choke tube lineup and double-tone box call for this year's turkey season.

When and How to Cut Hunting Costs

With the prices of hunting-related gear at near-ludicrous levels, one must question the necessity of much of it. Simply stated, what’s necessary and what isn’t? Here is what you need to know to shop smartly.

Must-Have Turkey Gear for 2025

Check out some of the best turkey hunting gear we could put our hands on during the 2025 season.



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.