
Finding the perfect gift for a kid that loves to hunt can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to start. This shopping guide will help you check off those hard-to-buy-for youth hunters on your Christmas. Many of these items are must-haves for a youth hunter and some are higher-end products that make hunting much more enjoyable, regardless of age.
These unique gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of your favorite youth hunter for seasons to come. Don’t be fooled by other blogs on the web because there are a ton of Top 10 shopping guides out there that are compiled by people who don’t hunt and this isn’t one of them. I’ve spent hours researching products and years introducing new hunters to the woods.
Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Youth 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
Knowing the wind direction is essential to hunting success, so picking up a couple of HME Wind Indicators is a sure-fire, no-brainer! They’re inexpensive and convenient and sold nearly everywhere.
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.
Christmas Gifts Ideas Under $25 for Youth Hunters
Headlamp
Light up the night with a headlamp. There are several great options on the market from a wide variety of retailers. Look for something that’s lightweight and has multiple settings for different conditions. A headlamp with a green LED is ideal for sneaking into the stand before daylight because deer can’t see it.
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!)
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.
Christmas Gifts Ideas Under $50 for Youth Hunters
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
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.
Trail Cameras
Finding a trail camera under $50 can be tricky (unless you’re a HuntingGearDeals.com Daily Deal email subscriber!). However, there are deals out there to be found on trail cameras that are under $50. For instance, check out this two-pack of Bushnell Spot-On Trail Cameras for only $59.99.
Christmas Gifts Ideas Under $150 for Youth Hunters
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.
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.
Christmas Gifts Ideas Under $250 for Youth Hunters
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
Kids need their own clothing. Unfortunately, they rarely get more than one season out of them because they’re constantly growing. There are a lot of great options for youth hunting clothes and you could spend a thousand dollars or more on KUIU or Sitka Gear youth camo.
You don’t have to spend tons of money to buy good hunting clothing for kids. Instead, check out Blocker Outdoors or ScentLok. They’re constantly having sales, so be patient and you can save a lot.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Youth Rifle/Gun Hunters
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 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 a few options to help you locate one.
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 a 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. The 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.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids That Bow Hunt
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 calculates the angle of compensation, such as Leupold RX-1400I TBR/W Gen2 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:
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 Rinehart Targets 18-1 Portable Archery Target 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:
There are tons of other great broadheads on the market and you can check them out here.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids That Turkey Hunt
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.
Throw on a Vortex Venom 3 MOA Red Dot Sight and you’ve got a turkey killing machine that’s ready to hunt!
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.
Primos Double Bull Surroundview Stakeout Hunting Ground Blind
Turkey hunting often consists of running and gunning and cover can be a hindrance in some areas. Well, the Primos Double Bull Surroundview Stakeout Hunting Ground Blind is the perfect way to eliminate that issue and they’re cheap. This mobile ground blind was built for the turkey hunter who’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 who 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.
>Christmas Gift Ideas for Beginning Hunters
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.
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