Stocking Stuffers

Gifts under $25

Gifts under $50

Gifts under $150

Gifts under $250

Gifts for Youth Gun Hunters

Gifts for Youth Bow Hunters

Gifts for Youth Turkey Hunters

Field Dressing Gloves

Simple, cheap, and everyone could use another pair or two. Gutting gloves keep you clean during the messiness that takes place after the kill!  They’ll protect your hands from the mess, as well as give your little hunting buddy the confidence to help you gut your first deer.

Hot Hands

Hot hands are a must-have when the temperatures start to drop.  Kids tend to get colder much easier than experienced hunters so buy these in bulk and never leave home without them.  It might be the difference between staying in the ground blind until primetime vs. going home early and empty-handed.

HME Wind Indicator

Learning how to hunt the wind takes years of practice, as well as trial and error.  A wind indicator is ideal for showing kids the current wind direction so they can learn why a downwind doe started blowing at them and ruined their hunt. My bonus son and I utilized this strategy the day before he killed his first buck.  Lessons learned through experience are more valuable than those learned from being told how to do it.

SD Cards

Before you gift an SD card, make sure the youth hunter has their own trail camera.  SD cards might not be a good stocking stuffer if the kid doesn’t have their own trail camera. Plus, no matter how many trail cameras you have, you can never have enough SD Cards. Buy them in bulk and you’ll save a lot of money. In fact, this is one of the most commonly over-priced in-store purchases that hunters waste money on. I’d recommend getting an 8GB or 16 GB SD card. If you’re running cellular trail cameras, invest in Sandisk Extreme 32GB.

Headlamp

Light up the night with a headlamp.  There are several great options on the market from a wide variety of retailers.  Most kids prefer a headlamp over a flashlight because it frees up their hands to carry snacks.  Also, it frees up their hands to catch themselves if they were to fall.

The Hang-Up

Proudly display your trophy with The Hang Up from Wicked North Gear.  It’s simple, easy to use, and the perfect way to display European mounts or dead heads found while shed hunting.

Use Coupon Code:  HGD20 for a 20% discount at checkout!  

Thermacell

Mosquitos are no match when you have a Thermacell in the treestand with you. One of the biggest hurdles on early-season hunts is blood-sucking mosquitos that make you want to jump out of the tree and run home. The Thermacell is the perfect solution that won’t spook game and it’s worth its weight in gold during early-season hunts. (FYI – Thermacell also makes larger units that are great for the backyard too!)

Half-Rack Wildcat Soft Gun Case

Half-Rack has a great price on soft cases.  At the time of this being posted, you can pick up a shotgun or rifle case for only $15 each.

Pelican 0915 Micro Memory Card Case

Not losing SD cards seems to be a challenge for most hunters that use trial cameras.  I can’t tell you how many SD cards I’ve lost through the years but I can assure you it’s enough to have paid for one of these cases for me and all of my hunting buddies.  This is a great investment and a high-quality product that will last a lifetime.

Youth Ghillie Suit

Kids hunting for clothes can get expensive because they never seem to stop growing.  Every year they seem to need a brand new hunting outfits because their old ones won’t fit.  One of the cheapest alternatives to buying new camo every season to pick up a youth-sized ghillie suit!  Kids love them too.  They’ll be wanting to wear them outside to play in, as well as trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Arctic Shield Boot Warmers

If you live in an area where the temperatures drop during hunting season, this is a must-have for youth hunters.  Don’t waste money on warmer boots when you can simply buy these and wear the same boots virtually all season.  This is one of the best investments I’ve made in my hunting gear.  Simply slip the Arctic Shield boot covers over your hunting boots when you get settled in for the day’s hunt and your feet will be warm and toasty. On extra cold hunts just throw some hot hands inside them and you’ll never want to get out of the treestand!

HME Hand Warmer

There are two types of hunters during cold weather.  Hunters that have hand warmers and hunters that wished they had hand warmers.   They last up to 5 hours on a single charge and will really heat up and keep you warm during cold-weather hunts.  It might be a good idea to pick up a few extra because everyone is going to want one of them.  They’re rechargeable and you can pack them with you on all of your hunting adventures.

Portable Power Bank Phone Charger

Everyone needs an external battery pack but kids especially.  There’s nothing wrong with passing the time playing a game or two on your phone when the movement is slow.  Carrying an external battery during the hunt will ensure you always have just enough battery life when you need it.

Elimishield Hunt Scent Control Bundle Pack

Scent control is important for most hunters and having your own “hunting soap” really gets your excited for the days hunt.  Elimishield Hunt is now offering a Bundle Pack on Amazon.  There seems to be a new scent-control company hitting the market every month but Elimishield is different.  Elimishield is the best working scent control system on the market and is recognized/approved by the FDA to do exactly what they say they’ll do.

Here’s what’s included in the bundle:

• Elimishield Hunt Core Body Foam
• Elimishield Hunt Field Spray
• Elimishield Hunt Hair and Body Wash
• Elimishield Hunt Laundry Detergent

Game Processing Kit – More than just a knife!

A new hunter is going to need a good knife and a game processing kit.  There are several great options on the market for game processing kits with prices varying depending on brand and how many items are included.  I recommend sticking with familiar brands like Outdoor Edge. Outdoor Edge has a bunch of options and I’m sure you can find one in your price range.  Be sure to pick up some field dressing gloves for stocking stuffers also!

TideWe Hunting Backpack. 

This backpack is great for throwing in the accessories kids need, as well as some you’d wish they’d leave at home.  It’s the same hunting backpack that my bonus son carries into the woods and we’ve even used it to carry our squirrels out of the woods after a successful hunt.

Tactacam Reveal X 2.0 Cellular Trail Camera

The Tactacam Reveal X 2.0 is the most affordable cellular trail camera on the market that you can depend on!  Everyone loves them and the reviews prove that this is a really good camera for the money. Click the link to find the most likely places to find one in stock.  Don’t be afraid to buy a couple extra because once your favorite hunter uses one of these cellular trail cameras, they’re going to want more!

TideWe 270 Degree See Through Ground Blind

This TIDEWE hunting blind is equipped with three full panels of one-way see-through mesh that creates a 270-degree unobstructed wide view angle and allows hunters to see their surroundings.  This is a must-have ground blind for turkey hunting, especially if you’re taking kids with you.  The see-through mesh allows you to see out from the floor to the ceiling but nothing can see in!  I purchased a couple of these blinds for myself and really like them.  Slightly better built than most ground blinds in this price range and loaded with features that you would expect to pay much more for.

Lil’ Treestalker Youth Harness

If you’re going to be hunting from a treestand then you better be wearing a safety harness.  The same principle goes for youth hunters, whether they’re hunting from a ladder stand, self climber, or lock-on treestand.  Safety harnesses save lives and it’s imperative that you start a youth hunter out on the right track by wearing a harness.

Habit Outdoors Youth Clothing

There are some high-end youth camouflage options on the market that will cost you way more money but Habit Outdoors clothing is much more affordable than most.  My bonus son has a full set and I know a couple of other kids that have them as well, with no hesitations in buying again.  I will say it’s a little noisy compared to my Sitka Gear but it serves its purpose.

Vortex Crossfire HD Binoculars

Vortex makes some of the best optics on the market and it’s no secret that they have the best warranty in the business.  At this time this was posted, Cabela’s had an awesome deal on Vortex Crossfire HD Binoculars In TrueTimber Strata Camo.

Savage Rascal .22 Caliber Rifle

The Savage Rascall .22 caliber rifle should be every kid’s first gun.  I remember getting a similar model nearly 30 years ago and I still get it out a play around with it from time to time.  I’ve killed squirrels raccoons, rabbits, coyotes, bobcats, and who knows what else through the years with my first rifle.  This single-shot, bolt action is less than 32″ inches long and only 2.66 pounds.  It also comes in a variety of colors and camouflage patterns.

Ladder Treestand

There are a lot of options in the treestand market nowadays but most hunters start with ladder treestand.  They’re easy to climb in and out of and you don’t have to rehang them each day.  Ladder stands can be small and cheap or big, bulky, and nearly as comfortable as your Lazy Boy at home!  Prices vary but don’t worry because the new hunter in your life is just going to be happy to get a new treestand this season.  Don’t forget to pick up a properly sized safety harness as well.

Youth Hunting Clothes and Boots

I hesitate to list this as an option but it needs to be said.  Youth hunters do not need the most expensive hunting camo on the market to make memories in the field.  Heck, you don’t even need camouflage to be successful when hunting, but having the appropriate gear helps.  The most important part of the hunt (as far as hunting gear goes) is that the youth hunter is comfortable, warm, and dry.

You can spend a thousand or more on Sitka Gear youth camo or do what I did and pick up some camo from brands like Habit Outdoors.  I was able to outfit a youth hunter for an entire season for less than $300 this season.  Yes, there will be some conditions that will be too harsh for my hunting buddy to join me, but chances are, even with the best hunting clothing on the market, he’s still going to be uncomfortable in those conditions.

Savage Axis II Compact Rifle

Youth hunters often need a smaller framed gun and the Savage Axis II Compact is a perfect choice.  These guns are extremely accurate for the price and they’re fun to shoot.  You’re might not be getting a beautiful hand-crafted rifle but you will get a rifle that will get the job done for years to come.  In fact, I found myself hunting with the Savage Axis II Compact 7mm-08 on several occasions due to its accuracy and reduced size.

For hunters in states like Ohio that allow straight wall cartridges, go with the Savage Axis II XP Compact .350 Legend!  It doesn’t have much of a kick, approximately 10% less than a .243 actually.  The 350 Legend cartridge doesn’t shoot as flat as some of the other calibers mentioned but with practice, you can shoot this gun out to 300 yards.

• Savage Axis II XP Compact comes in three different models:  6mm Creedmoor, .243, and 350 Legend!
• Savage Axis II Compact is available in 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, .223 REM, and .243 WIN.

Finding this rifle in stock may be difficult sometimes, so here are few options to help you locate one.

• Palmetto State Armory
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Sportsman’s Guide
• Cabela’s
• Scheel’s

Hearing Protection – Walker’s Game Ear

Hearing protection is a must for upland game hunters.  The more shots you take without hearing protection, the more likely you are to do irreversible damage to your hearing.  Products like the Walker’s Razor Series Slim Shooter Electronic Ear Muffs are designed to protect your hearing but still allow low volume noises to pass through the earmuff.  Technology has its perks!  These can be used in the field or on the range and support at 23 dB noise reduction rating.

BOG Deathgrip Tripod

The Bog Deathgrip Tripod might be the best investment that I’ve made in recent years.  This was my bonus son’s first deer season and we jumped in deep with gear.  I picked up a Ravin R26x and a BOG Deathgrip Carbon Fiber Tripod and couldn’t be happier.  The BOG Deathgrip is rock solid, fully adjustable, and creates confidence for both the youth hunter and the mentor.  They Deathgrip comes in aluminum and carbon fiber, with aluminum being much cheaper.  However, carbon fiber is much lighter.

Half Rack Blaze Orange Hunting Vest

Blaze orange vests are a must-have for gun hunters and this one from Half Rack is perfect for the job and is very inexpensive.

Rangefinder

One of the most difficult aspects of hunting for new hunters to learn is judging distance.  Whether it be archery hunting or gun hunting, the distance between you and your target will drastically impact your point of impact.  The simplest and quickest way to master this skill is by utilizing a digital rangefinder.  Rangefinders come in a wide variety of styles and designs, with prices all over the spectrum as well.  For archery hunters, I’d recommend something that calculated the angle of compensation, such as Vortex Impact 1000 Rangefinder or the Bushnell Broadhead Laser Rangefinder.   There are cheaper options on the market but both of these companies stand behind their products and I’ve had good success with both brands.

Crossbow

One of the easiest ways to transition from gun hunting to archery hunting is with a crossbow.  Many states allow crossbows to be used during the archery season and this has opened the door for new hunters to enjoy more opportunities than gun hunting only cannot provide in most states.  Crossbows range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.  You don’t need need to spend thousands on a crossbow to kill a deer but if I had to pick out a crossbow for myself, it would be a Ravin!  Ravin crossbows are top of the line but I’ve shot plenty of lower-priced crossbows that were accurate enough to hunt with anywhere.

Youth Compound Bow

There’s something special about the mystical flight of an arrow.  It doesn’t take long for a kid to develop the desire to start to have their very own bow and finding one that will grow with them will save you a lot of money through the years.  You’re going to want to buy something that has an adjustable draw length and draw weight.  Here are a couple of options that are perfect for growing youth, such as:

• Bear Archery Royale 50lbs Right Hand Compound Bow
• Diamond Edge 320
• PSE Uprising
• Quest Centec NXT

BOG Deathgrip Tripod

The Bog Deathgrip Tripod might be the best investment that I’ve made in recent years.  This was my bonus son’s first deer season and we jumped in deep with gear.  I picked up a Ravin R26x and a BOG Deathgrip Carbon Fiber Tripod and couldn’t be happier.  The BOG Deathgrip is rock solid, fully adjustable, and creates confidence for both the youth hunter and the mentor.  They Deathgrip comes in aluminum and carbon fiber, with aluminum being much cheaper.  However, carbon fiber is much lighter.

Archery Target for Field Points and Broadheads

Quality targets are an investment as long as you take care of them.  There are cheap targets that struggle to stop an arrow, then there are elite targets like Rinehart that are designed to take shot after shot for years for the average archer.  Invest in a target that will hold up to the abuse that you intend to subject it to and still allow easy arrow removal from the first shot to the last shot.  I stand by Rinehart targets and the RhinoBlock is a perfect place to start.  If you don’t want to spend that kind of money, try the BlackOut 6-Sided Foam Archery Target for about half the price.

Scott Archery HeroX Blue Youth Release

Maybe your little hunter is ready for a compound bow this year.  If so, you’re going to need to pick up a youth model archery release.  There are several options on the market in adult sizes but options are limited to smaller wristed youth hunters.  The Scott archery HeroX Youth Release is the perfect starter release.

Broadheads

The most debated question in the archery industry…  Fixed blades or mechanical broadheads?  Well, the answer is simple, when in doubt, go with fixed blades.  If you’re shooting under 55 pounds I personally feel that your only ethical option is fixed blades.   Anything over 55 pounds, then you can join in the conversation.  Mechanical broadheads tend to fly better than fixed blades and help out with human errors such as poor form, bad grip, or an out-of-tune bow.  However, if you happen to hit the shoulder or another large bone, your chances of recovering the animal with a mechanical broadhead are slim.  If you were shooting a fixed blade, your chances are much greater.  Now, mechanical broadheads are great when you hit softer tissue like the lungs, liver, or even stomach.  They tend to open up larger wounds and do more damage in the process.

Here are a few broadheads that have stood the test of time:

• Magnus Stinger Buzzcut 4 Blade
• QAD Exodus

There are tons of other great broadheads on the market and you can check them out here.

Stevens Model 301 Turkey Shotgun

Finding these guns will be tricky but if you can find one, jump on it!  The Stevens Model 301 Turkey guns are a great value for the cost.  With the right ammo, the Stevens Model 301 .410 will consistently knock birds down out 40 yards or more.  Of course, you’ll need to use TSS ammo to achieve this but it’s a blast to shoot due to its lightweight carry ability.  Not all turkey guns are created ammo and the same goes for turkey ammo.  Invest in quality ammo as well.  This gun comes in larger options like 12 gauge and 20 gauge also.

Hunters Specialties Cookie Cutter Slate Call

Turkey calling can be difficult for anyone, let alone kids that are just starting out.  One of the easiest ways to call a turkey is with a slate call.  This unique slate call is equipped with a built-in training device that will help a new hunter make realistic turkey sounds.

Ameristep 4 Spur Blind

Turkey hunting often consists of running and gunning and cover can be a hindrance in some areas.  Well, the Ameristep 4 Spur Blind is the perfect way to eliminate that issue and they’re cheap.  This mobile ground blind was built for the turkey hunter that’s constantly on the move.  Simply find a place to sit down and pop it up in front of you before the gobbler closes the distance.  It’s a must-have for turkey hunters, especially those that are self-filming.

Youth Turkey Hunting Vest

Turkey hunting can be fast-paced, run & gun hunting, or a relaxing morning in a ground blind.  Either way, your favorite youth hunter is going to need a turkey hunting vest.  Options are limited for youth hunting turkey vests but Academy and Bass Pro Shops have you covered.  Here are two options.

• Magellan Outdoors Boys’ Basic Strap Turkey Vest – $24.99
• RedHead Classic II Turkey Vest for Youth – $29.99

Books – Must Read Deer Hunting Boots

There’s a wealth of information at your fingertips but there’s something special about picking up an actual book and diving into a subject that you enjoy.   Now, most people aren’t avid readers but a good book about deer hunting will hold my attention each and every time.  Check out my blog post Must Read Deer Hunting Books for a list of books that every hunter, new and old, should take the time to read.  The more knowledge you take into the woods, the better your chance at success.