Hunters are no longer the majority of gun people, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be remembered come Christmas time. Or, for that matter, on their birthday or graduations. Yes, you can use this handy gift guide for those times as well!
What are some awesome gifts for hunters? Here are 7 stellar examples. Bear in mind that this is by no means comprehensive; these are just quick, easy ideas to help you out this season.
Anyone who’s hunted in states that get cold and have…well, moisture…knows how valuable a good set of gaiters is. They can make the difference between abject misery and only moderate misery when you’re out in the field.
First Lite, the clothing company formerly fronted and now owned by Steven Rinella of Meateater fame, makes a very decent set, the First Lite Brambler Gaiter.
They’re waterproof, lightly insulated, and – like other First Lite gear – designed specifically for hunters with adjustable boot straps and calf straps. Price of entry is relatively steep at $85, but good gaiters are worth Jabba the Hut’s weight in gold.
Another great gift for hunters is some decent glass, and specifically binoculars. Most hunters prefer them compact and light so they’re easily carried, but powerful so they can spot game.
Leupold’s BX-1 McKenzie binos are a fantastic set for anyone, from East coast beanfield sitters to Western hunters that stalk the plains. They have 10x magnification with a 42mm objective, but a modest 22 oz in weight.
For about $175, that’s a gift that would make just about anyone swoon.
Don’t have much of a budget? Okay. How about something simple, yet unbelievably useful?
The Magpul RLS sling is ridiculously simple, as it’s basically an adjustable nylon strap. It’s also ridiculously cheap, at just under $20…but it has a party piece. The thing about this relatively simple sling is its adjustable loop, giving it the function of National Match and/or Rhodesian slings.
Adjusted to the shooter, it rapidly deploys as a stabilizer. Is a bipod or are shooting sticks better? Sure! But you don’t always have time to deploy them in the field. The Magpul RLS sling is simple, effective, and inexpensive.
Another good stocking stuffer?
Surefire EP7 Sonic Defender earplugs use a passive percussive filter which blocks noise above 85 dB, but allowing low levels of noise to pass through. There are even canal inserts that can block even more noise in case you want to block out passive noise on, say, a plane, if someone’s talking during the game, your in-laws are visiting, what have you.
They’re perfect for hunters who don’t always take their ear muffs or plugs with them. This way, you can hear what’s around you in the woods and not get that ringing in the ears after shooting at game. Every hunter needs a good set of ear protection and they’re less than $20.
If you want to help your favorite hunter out and make it easier for him or her to hit that trophy target, a rangefinder is an ideal gift idea. Nikon’s PROSTAFF 1000 rangefinder is small, light and — best of all — affordable. It’s water resistant, fits in a pocket and will give your favorite hunter reliable single or continuous range readings out to 1000 yards. It’s also affordable at about $170.
Yes, it’s a total cliche to give socks as gifts.
But…almost any hunter in North America would jump for joy to get a pair or two of good merino wool boot socks. Sure, some folks never have to deal with cold, wet feet. But for those of us who do, we know what a misery it is.
Huntworth offers a 2-pack of tall (over-the-calf) length merino (and nylon) wool socks for $20. Again, it seems like a horrid, tired cliche, but trust me…this is a gift fish that will never be sniffed at, so to speak.
Finally, there are many, many knives on the market, and many are excellent. Stellar, even. But in my experience, there the one that absolutely rules the roost is by Havalon.
The Havalon system, such as the Havalon Piranta-Edge, uses replaceable blades which are surgical sharp. They design has been copied by multiple companies (Gerber makes a darn good copy), but if you’ve never used one…oh boy, are you missing out.
Havalon blades remove hides like a laser. Normally a blade this fine is only found on a carpet knife. You aren’t going to find a better skinner or cleaner of fish. Price of entry is less than $40.
Granted, there are many, many, many different bits of gear that make fantastic gifts for hunters. These are but a few, merely an appetizer, an aperitif. Know some other great gear that you think makes a great gift for the hunting set? Sound off in the comments.
I use the Surefire EP4 earplugs and love them. Though it took awhile to sort them out. The tiny internal orifice really works to block the bangs while letting a little bit of a conversation in. Much cheaper than the electronic stuff, and more comfortable than ear-muffs.
The EP4’s have three silicon rubber ear canal seals. I had a great deal of trouble getting them inserted. My solution was to clean the seals after every use, and put a thin film of Vaseline on the seals. Also, get rid of the lanyard and the big plastic loopy things that are supposed to hold them in your outer ear. They come with a nice little plastic box that you can link to a belt loop so you don’t really need the lanyard.
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I use a Vortex 10x monocular. Smaller and cheaper. The optics are decent, but not at a Nikon, Leica, or probably Leupold level. I got some Leica binocs that a great but why lug them around? If you wrap your fist around the monocular tight, then jam the base of that index finger onto your forehead, it really helps stabilize the image.
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I bought a Simmons rangefinder for $95 and it works great. Only good to 400 yards though. Oh yeah, you gotta press the ON button twice if it’s been dormant for while.
I have e muffs. They do a great job but they’re bulky as hell and before daylight when it’s cold they make wearing a hat a pain. I want to try the ear pieces.
I don’t like the muffs squeezing the bows of my glasses.
If you use my Vaseline tip, eventually it will migrate inside the earplug where the tiny orifice is, plugging it. The whole thing easily disassembles into two parts and you can either blow the orifice out with your mouth, or soak the parts in warm water and dishwashing liquid.
I have them all!
Wool socks are a must have. Even here in CA we can get cold and snow. Donner party, anyone? I have a complete base layer of merino wool and a large variety of wool socks and sweaters, vests to chose from. Add decent boots and you’re good to go.
I have the gerber version of the piranta. it works a charm. I usually carry a fixed blade and the folder.
For binocs I went even simpler and bought a monocular. Lighter and more compact and good enough for my needs.
For a hunter? Get them their annual license and stamps/tags. My sons mil gets him his every year as a xmas gift.
The fancy utility knife isn’t a bad concept except this ( https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Classic-Boning-Flexible/dp/B000QCNJ3C/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=victorianox+6%22+filet&qid=1574811147&sr=8-8 ) exists and is all of $27. A monkey could keep this knife sharp and I can get 3ish years out of one in a working kitchen. I break down primals every day with no issues. Not great for cutting pretty steaks however.
Thanks for the tip. I’ve been using my fishing filet knife. Its a little too flexible, but, keeps a razor sharp edge. I’ll get the Victorinox and try them as a team.
Browning socks… reeeeeeeeeeee… Mine were all full of holes after less than a year. Got one pair left that aren’t quite to “net” status yet.
Smartwool or Darn Tough.
If you change them once in a while they last longer. 🙂
Nice. 🙂
Nah. Trench foot smells great.
Especially if you’re trying to bait in a sasquatch.
Yup. Stick some of those socks on your buddy’s wookie suit and you’ll either have a sqatch trophy or a really angry friend and a great YouTube video in no time.
Ammo is a great gift. My non-gun family members are happy to throw a box in. I can usually get a trip or two to the range without having to buy extras.
Wool socks would be a great choice for an emergency bag, too. IMHO, a good pair of socks is almost as important as comfortable shoes if you’re going to be hoofing it for any length of time. Wool retains a lot of its insulating properties even when wet, and a good pair are going to be very comfortable as well.
Personally the gift most wanted on Christmas is a cold stiff RBG.
Anything else is just frosting on the cake.
Nice list. Some are on my wishlist! I will share this to friends to give them a hint.
I ask for merino wool socks every year
I just bought my brother a set of wood duck decoys. He’s mainly a deer hunter but lately he’s been watching a certain pond to see if any quackers have settled in.
It would be a fun hunting if you got more choices of target!
I’m not terribly interested in the knife but ya’ll feel free to get me anything else on the list.
A new sxs shotgun…I’ve been VERY good this year….
Able to try the SXS shotgun as well, surprised how good it is.
Santa 🎅 dear ol Santa please bring me a baby rock 1911. I promise I won’t shoot any reindeer. Or birdies. Or politicians no matter how bad they need shooted. Your friend lil Sammy
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