November 03, 2020
By Mark Demko
Holiday shopping for bowhunting enthusiasts can often be a challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to those individuals who seem to have it all. That being said, new advancements in technologies, products and hunting-related research continually result in a variety of awesome, new gear and equipment designed to give archers an edge when pursuing wily whitetails, elusive elk and other big game with stick and string.
While our annual holiday shopping guide usually sticks to items that are $100 or less, this year we’ve expanded our suggestions to include a variety of products and price ranges, covering everything from super stocking stuffers to reasonably priced bows, offering gift options for every bowman on your list.
Moultrie Deer Feeder Pro II Tripod The Deer Feeder Pro II Tripod is one of the most economical options for a reliable wildlife feeder. The tough polymer hopper will hold more than 150 pounds of corn and features the Pro II Hunter Feeder Kit with an adjustable funnel, plastic spin plate, ABS plastic housing, feed-level estimator, battery indicator and external power port. The feeder kit will feed up to 6 different times per day from 1 to 20 seconds per feeding. The Deer Feeder Pro II is easy to fill with the fill opening sitting at 5.5 ft. tall. MSRP: $139.99 | moultriefeeders.com
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Summit Viper SD Climber Stand The Viper SD is the most popular stand in the Summit lineup. Its lightweight and strong aluminum build make it the climber of choice for hardcore hunters. The padded backpack straps coupled with the upper and lower frames ability to pack tight against each other allow for maximum portability no matter how far the distance. Once you get there, stay for a while in the suspended foam-padded seat with cushioned backrest and padded armrests. The closed front allows for simple sit-and-stand climbing and doubles as a gun and crossbow rest. The large 20”x36” aluminum platform offers plenty of foot space to stand up for a bow shot, too. The Viper SD features Summit’s Dead Metal technology that allows you to move in the stand without creating game-spooking unnatural metal sounds. Padded seat, rail and armrest are decorated in Realtree camo for maximum concealment. MSRP: $329.99 | summitstands.com
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Mission Hammr If you’re in search of a great starter bow for a new or growing bowhunter, Mission Archery’s Hammr might be the perfect present. Mission’s best-selling bow, this compound boasts quality performance, compact size and easy adjustability. Its adjustable Fast Fit cam technology allows for half-inch draw length adjustments between 17 and 29 inches, making it suitable for almost every bowhunter. At its maximum 29-inch, 70-lb. draw weight, the Hammr is capable of delivering arrow speeds of up to 300 fps. The bow comes in six finish options including black and Realtree Original. MSRP: $299 | www.missionarchery.com
Barnett XP400 Crossbow Have a crossbow hunter on your list? Then Barnett’s XP400 might just be the dream gift. Speed, dependability and affordability are hallmarks of this new horizontal bow, whose 200-lb. draw weight and 13.75-inch power stroke produce arrow speeds of 400 fps. An adjustable buttstock and pass-through foregrip also make it comfortable for almost any shooter. The package comes complete with two 20-inch carbon bolts, a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope, a quiver and a rope cocking device, making it ready for practice and the hunt. MSRP: $449.99 | www.barnettcrossbows.com
Millennium M50 Hang-On Stand Anyone who hunt multiple properties can never have enough stands, making the M50 Hang-On a great option for almost any sportsman. One of the highlights of this stand is its InterlockLEVELING system, which allows you to adjust both the seat and platform to a level plane even when your perfect, new stand location doesn’t have a perfectly straight tree to go with it. Weighing 20 lbs., the M50 features a 24-inch wide by 33-inch deep platform, as well as a 20-inch wide by 16-inch deep sling-style seat that folds up for standing shots. MSRP: $149.99 | www.millenniumstands.com
BLOCK 6X6 One of the leaders in target development, BLOCK Targets this year introduced the BLOCK 6X6, its first six-sided shooting target. With different target images on all six sides, and the ability to handle both field tips and broadheads, it’s a great option for practicing with bow or crossbow. The 6X6 features BLOCK’s patented Friction Foam, which allows arrows to slide between compressed layers of foam, making it easy to retrieve them from the target. The 6X6’s compact size - 18-inches by 18-inches by 16-inches - also makes it convenient to transport and store. MSRP $99.99 | www.feradyne.com/block
LaCrosse Lodestar Boots There’s no doubt that your bow, arrow and broadhead selections are crucial to the hunt. But, the quality of your hunting boots can also make or break your experience, especially on backcountry trips. Released this fall, LaCrosse’s new Lodestar boots offer durability, stability and comfort in a lightweight boot, providing daylong comfort even when you’re on multi-day excursions. Weighing 2.9 pounds, these 7-inch boots come with a GORE-TEX waterproof liner and feature a Vibram outsole with omni-directional lugs, offering solid footing in even the toughest terrain. They come in sizes 8-14. MSRP: $220 | www.lacrossefootwear.com
SEVR Titanium 2.1 and Robusto 2.0 Broadheads Need a great stocking stuffer? Look no further than SEVR’s Broadheads’ latest designs. Completely redone for 2020, the Titanium 2.1 now comes with a 2-inch cutting diameter blade featuring a more swept-back blade angle, reportedly resulting in 15-percent more penetration than the original Titanium 2.1. These tough broadheads, which feature SEVR’s Lock-and-Pivot blade design to help reduce deflection when hitting bone, come in standard 100 and 125 grain sizes, as well as 100 grains for Deep Six threads. For crossbow hunters, SEVR has also unleashed the Robusto 2.0, designed especially for crossbow arrows. These 150-grain broadheads also feature a 2-inch cutting diameter, SEVR’s Lock-and-Pivot blade design and offer a higher front of center (FOC), helping to stand up to the demands of today’s high-energy, high-impact crossbows. MSRP: $13.99 per broadhead (sold individually) | www.sevrbroadheads.com
Rinehart Targets’ Big Jim Woodland Series 3-D Target Tough-as-nails construction and a fine set of headgear make the new Big Jim 3-D target an ideal choice for backyard bowmen and 3-D shooters alike. At 33.5 inches to the top of shoulder and 43.5 inches long, the target boasts a larger profile than Rinehart’s Jimmy Big Tine white-tailed deer 3-D target, simulating the size of a 140-lb. buck. The target’s unique foam construction is designed to not only stand up to the wear and tear of regular practice, it’s also made to withstand the elements, making it a great option for year-round shooting outdoors. MSRP: $299.99 | www.rinehart3d.com
T.R.U. Ball Archery eXecution This new wrist strap release by T.R.U. Ball offers a variety of features packed into its all-aluminum frame. The eXecution includes an adjustable ultra-light, crisp trigger that comes complete with independent travel and tension adjustments, both with their own locking screws. Its double-sear internal firing mechanism also eliminates trigger pressure as you increase draw weight, while the stainless steel jaw opens away from the shooter’s face, aiding accuracy and providing additional clearance. The release comes with a cinch web strap connection attached to either a buckle or Velcro wrist strap; the Tornado Connection allows the release to fold back while not in use and is adjustable in 3/32-inch increments. MSRP: $189.99 | www.truball.com
Leupold RX-Fulldraw 4 Rangefinder Unless you’re intimately familiar with the terrain you hunt, having a high-quality rangefinder is an essential piece of equipment. Leupold’s new RX-Fulldraw 4, featuring Archers’ Advantage software, is designed to take the guesswork out of assessing almost any shot, including close-range angle shots, as well as longer-range shooting situations you might encounter while afield. Entering data on your arrow weight, velocity and peep sight height allows the rangefinder to calculate the arrow’s trajectory with reported half-yard accuracy out to 125 yards, while also determining if your arrow will clear any branches or other obstructions that may be in the way. With its ability to determine ranges out to 1,200 yards, the RX-Fulldraw also lets you know how much you need to close the gap for a shot at that elk, mule deer or pronghorn you’ve been eyeing in the distance. The unit features an OLED display, 6X magnification, sturdy rubber casing and is 100-percent waterproof. MSRP: $714.99 | www.leupold.com
ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Pack This heavy-duty, ergonomic daypack offers everything a bowhunter needs in a carrying system. It’s 2,700-cubic inches of space provide ample room for toting rain gear, extra clothes, binoculars and other equipment. Included are a spacious main compartment, as well as a roomy front compartment with plenty of pockets for calls, knife, rangefinder, flashlights and any other accessories you may need while on the hunt. The pack’s front-panel lashing system makes it easy to store your bow, freeing up your hands for climbing or dragging your deer out of the woods, while both sides of the pack include pouches and straps to hold your quiver. The Pursuit Pack also comes with a hydration pocket and port, D-ring for hanging the pack while on the stand and a rain cover. It comes in Realtree Edge, Mossy Oak Country and, new for 2020, Coyote Brown. MSRP: $99.99 | www.alpsoutdoorz.com
Gold Tip Airstrike Arrows Arrows always make for an awesome Christmas gift! Gold Tip’s new Airstrikes are ideal for sportsmen looking an ultra-light arrow that offers enhanced speed, penetration and long-range accuracy. Featuring a high modulus carbon construction, the Airstrike includes a .204 inside diameter profile and an extreme front-of-center design for more stable arrow flight, resulting in longer range accuracy. Its Dyna-Tek Slick Shield coating is engineered for deeper penetration, as well as easy removal from targets. Available with 2-inch Raptor Vanes or 2.75-inch 4 Fletch Vanes. MSRP: $119.99-$134.99 per six | www.goldtip.com
