Ravin R26X Crossbow

Let’s get started with an eyebrow-raising product that’ll cost you nearly $2,000!  Why did I buy a Ravin when I could have picked up a good crossbow for under $500?  After years of testimonials from other hunters and shooting one for myself, I knew Ravin Crossbows were at the top of my list.  However, buying one was a different story because they were so expensive.  I chose the Ravin R26X because of its unique size and silent cocking mechanism.   It’s a great choice for youth hunters due to it’s size and weight.  In fact, this crossbow wasn’t purchased for me, it was purchased so that my bonus son could start hunting with me during the archery season.

After a few months of putting the Ravin R26X to the test, we couldn’t be happier.  I’ve been able to witness my little hunting partner gain confidence and experience in the whitetail woods.  I’ve witnessed him kill his first buck and then a second buck this season as well.  We watched as both deer dropped in sight of the blind as they took a 400 FPS QAD Exodus tipped bolt to the heart.  The Ravin has given him the ability to make a clean, quick, ethical kill each and every time!  Also, it’s given me confidence in him that when he pulls the trigger, the crossbow is going to do its job!

Typically, I would suggest such an expensive product for a first time hunter, however, after all of the new gear that I’ve purchased through the years, this is a product that I fully stand behind.  This is my #1 choice on the list because it has provided Boston and I with a lifetime of memories in such a short time.  The opportunity to pass along the hunting tradition is special and to see my boy have consistent success in the field is the ultimate reward!

You can pick up the Ravin R26X from a variety of online retailers, such as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Scheel’s, or Amazon, or just buy it directly from Ravin.

Bog Deathgrip Tripod

The Bog Deathgrip is an essential part of our hunting arsenal when hunting from a ground blind or practicing in the backyard.  I picked up a Bog Deathgrip to accentuate the Ravin R26X, without it, my bonus son wouldn’t have been as confident in taking the shot on the bucks he killed this hunting season.  Having a solid rest increases accuracy, however, it’s unmatched when you can clamp a crossbow or gun into the grip and allow it to hold the weapon in place.

I chose to purchase the Carbon Fiber Bog Deathgrip simply because of the reduced weight.  We have enough gear to pack with us to the blind and the reduced weight is a huge benefit for dad.  If cost is an issue, pick up the slightly heavier aluminum version.  Bog has other models similar to the Deathgrip, but will cost you even more, as they’re even lighter and smaller than the Carbon Fiber Deathgrip.  The Infinite Deathgrip or Deathgrip Sherpa are top-of-the-line models thanks to the increased packability.

Arctic Shield Boot Warmers

One of the best investments you can make for cold weather hunts is Arctic Shield Boot Insulators!  I’m on my second pair and the only reason that I’ve had to replace them is that I left them in a ground blind after killing a buck in the late season one winter.  My carelessness shouldn’t bring any negativity to the product because a few rodents found a new home in my old pair.  (Mice chewed them up).

Arctic Shield Boot Insulators, regardless of camo pattern, will not only keep your feet warm and cozy in colder temps, but you’ll also save money on expensive colder weather hunting boots.  These boot insulators allow me to regulate my body heat on the last day of bow season while wearing the same boots that I hunt in during the heat of the start of archery season.

Lastly, this is one of my favorite hunting gifts to give, in fact, two people that I know are getting a set this year!  It’s not uncommon to pick these up on sale for around $30!

Electric Hand Warmers

I’ve spent a lot of money through the years on Hot Hands until someone purchased me a set of electric hand warmers.  At first, it wasn’t a product that I found necessary until I had a kid tagging along on cold days. Once I started using them, I fell in love!  The best part is, they’re rechargeable, so you never have to run out.  On extended hunts, you might want to bring and extra set just in case the batteries die before your hunt ends.

The most popular option is the Zippo.  Another option is the Muddy Electric Hand Warmers.  At the time this was posted, you could pick up two for under $40.  This is the perfect gift for a duck hunter or deer hunter, especially a youth hunter!

Cellular Trail Cameras

This one is pretty vague as there are several different brands of cellular trail cameras on the market, some of which will cost you big bucks and others that will help you kill big bucks.  Personally, one of my favorite things to do in the morning is to check my trail camera photo in the morning before getting out of bed.  I’ve had consistent success with Spartan Cameras and Reveal by Tactacam cellular trail cameras in recent years.

I’ve been running trail cameras for longer than I can remember but the introduction of cellular trail cameras changed the game.  Instant intel from the field has helped me capitalize on multiple bucks and has given me an edge.  I’m able to cast them over a large area and multiple states, allowing me to hunt the areas with the greatest odds of killing a buck at all times.

When looking for a cellular trail camera, make sure it has multiple carrier options.  For instance, having the option for both Verizon and AT&T in the same camera was a really big improvement.  Some of my hunting locations require AT&T and others require Verizon.  Now, I have both options in one camera.

If you’re running cellular trail cameras, invest in the Sandisk Extreme 32GB cards.  Many trail camera issues can be resolved with a good SD card.  Cellular trail cameras such as the popular Reveal trail cameras are really finicky with SD cards and will not operate without the right card.  Avoid the overpriced in-store prices or house brand SD cards and pick up the best SD card for your money in the SanDisk Extreme 32 GB SD Card.

Thermacell

One of the quickest ways to ruin an early season hunt is to forget your 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.  This is one of the best gifts that you can give a turkey hunter as it could save their hunt for years to come!  They’re relatively cheap at under $30 most of the time.

Portable Power Bank Phone Charger

Everyone needs an external battery pack nowadays.  Our phones cannot only save our lives in the event of an emergency but keep us entertained and on track while hunting.   If you’re bringing a kid along on the hunt, you’re certainly going to need one.  There’s nothing wrong with passing the time by playing a game or two on your phone when the movement is slow.

One of the most creative ways that I’ve utilized an external battery pack is by powering my GoPro.  I’ve attempted to get a particular shot angle for years and in order to do it, I have to plug my GoPro into an external battery pack to keep it running for the day’s hunt.

Master Lock Python Cable Lock

If you’re hunting private land and never have to worry about thieves, then you might not need this product.   However, for the rest of us, protecting our investment with a Master Lock Python Cable Lock is essential.  I use these cable locks on trail cameras, treestands, bicycles, ATVs, and more!  They’re worth every penny and I’m still using the same ones that I originally purchased a decade ago.  They’re tough, durable, and a necessity in my neck of the woods.  There’s no worse feeling than anxiously waiting to check a trail camera to find out that it’s not there and someone had stolen it.  The Master Lock Python Cable Lock has saved my expensive hunting gear on multiple occasions.  Buying in bulk from Amazon will save you money because you’re going to want one for every treestand and trail camera you own!

Digital Scouting Applications for My Phone

Digital scouting mobile applications such as OnX Hunt and HuntStand have been a huge benefit to hunters across the nation.  There’s no better way to kill time on your phone than digitally scouting hunting properties.  It’s good practice and I find myself scouting ground that I may never hunt just as practice sometime.  However, since this increase in technology has given me the ability to scout anywhere, anytime, I’ve gained access to new private ground and stumbled upon hidden pieces of public ground that I didn’t know I could hunt.  A fun way to use any of these mobile applications in the field is to turn the tracking feature to ensure you’re covering every inch of a property when shed hunting!

For more information on the HuntStand App, check out our gear review.

Sitka Gear

There are several Sitka Gear products that I could add to this list but first, let’s understand why Sitka Gear made the list.  It’s no secret that Sitka Gear isn’t cheap, however, I see it as an investment in my hunt.  Quality gear keeps you hunting longer!

It’s as simple as that if it’s hot, I need hunting clothes that are lightweight and breathable.  If it’s cold, I need something to keep me warm, even on the coldest of hunts.  For me, Sitka Gear fits the mold.  There are other great brands out there, but very few are made with the treestand hunter in mind.  However, I’m excited to put the new KUIU Proximity line-up to the test.  First Lite makes some good gear but I haven’t tested any of their gear before.

If you’re only hunting when the conditions are optimal for you, you’re missing out on some great hunting opportunities.  Some of my best hunts were on opening day when the temperatures were way too high for most people to be out there.  Thankfully, I was wearing hunting clothing that enhanced the hunting experience, even when the temperatures were unfavorable.

Here are a few Sitka Gear products that I would recommend:

• Sitka Gear Stratus Pants and Jacket
  • The most versatile bowhunting outer layer for temperatures ranging from 30 – 65 degrees.
• Sitka Gear Fanatic Bibs and Jacket
  • If it’s colder than 35 degrees, I’m breaking out the Fanatic line.  It’s extremely warm!  For base layers, the Fanatic Hoody and Core Heavyweight never fail me.
• Sitka Gear Ascent Pant and Core Lightweight Hoody
  • My go-to outfit for turkey hunting and early-season deer hunts!  These are my favorite pair of pants for hunting in the heat, just be sure to treat them with Sawyer’s Permethrin if there are ticks where you hunt at.

Tight Spot Quiver

I simply love my five-arrow Tight Spot Quiver.  It’s built to last and I’ve been using the same one for a decade probably.  It’s been on more bows than I can count and I don’t have a reason to switch.  Tight spot quivers are adjustable to fit nearly any bow, arrow, or sight.  I had issues mounting it to an HHA sight one year but they have a bracket that you buy to make it work.  These quivers are more expensive than most, but it has been the most dependable accessory on my bow for longer than I can remember.  If lightweight gear is a must for you, then don’t overlook a 3-arrow Tight Spot Quiver.  I prefer a 5-arrow quiver, but I can’t recall ever needing five arrows.

Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro

Archery sights come in a wide variety of styles to fit a variety of hunting applications.  You can have a successful hunt using single pins and fixed pins.  Heck, they make fixed pin sights with up to seven pins, I know because I used to shoot one.  However, I’ve been using a three-pin hybrid sight for a very long time and absolutely love it.  There are plenty of options on the market but I’ve grown fond of the Trophy Ridge React technology.  It makes it extremely easy to adjust my sights for longer distances and the hybrid 3-pin sights provide the best option for hunting style.  I’ve got three fixed pins (23, 30, & 40 yards) for most applications, however, if an opportunity presents itself to shoot further, I can dial my 40 yard pin out to 100 yards with ease.

For more information on the Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro, check out this gear review.

Ozonics

Scent control is something that makes me a better hunter.  Regardless of your thoughts on fooling a deer’s nose, there’s no better way to fight unwanted odors than with the power of ozone.  Many people get hung up with the idea of using ozone in the tree, which falls in line with Ozonic’s patent.  Sometimes I’ll skip out on using an Ozonics unit in the tree but I always use ozone to treat my clothes prior to use and while I’m in the blind.

Just this week, Boston and I were in the blind and our wind wasn’t ideal.  As good as I think my scent control practices are, utilizing an Ozonics unit makes it better.  We had deer 365 degrees around us at the same time and at one time the wind switched towards a buck in our view.  The gig was up!  He jerked his head up from the ground and starts smelling.  He processed the human-like odor and eventually calmed down and continued on his way.  Knowing the wind direction, I’m confident that our Ozonics unit was the difference in saving that hunt.  Ozone works by attacking odor molecules and reducing their potency.  So that buck might’ve smelled us, but it wasn’t strong enough to spook him.

You can buy cheaper ozone generators but it’s hard to beat the versatility of an Ozonics unit.  I will caution you to be careful with electronics when weather conditions are poor, such as rain, sleet, and snow.  For more scent-control tips, check out this 11-step scent-control process.