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By Pete Rogers
In talking with hunters across the country, one common theme arises. That is the benefit of Christmas arriving at or near hunting season. The desire for the next greatest thing is at its peak. We want and need more gear to help us become more successful in the field. Informing your significant other of your next must have is paramount to many happy Christmas mornings.
Here are a few items to consider putting on your list this Christmas:
Ten Point Shadow Ultra Lite Crossbow
The recent rise of interest in Crossbows is sure to catch their attention as the Christmas. When it comes to Crossbows, Ten Point is about as good as it gets. The Ten Point Shadow Ultra Lite Crossbow features the patented ACUDraw, enabling hunters of all ages and sizes to draw the bow with ease. The pure safe – DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor) prevents firing the crossbow when not loaded. TenPoint’s 3x Pro-View 2 Scope mounted on a machined aluminum 7/8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount Ambidextrous Side-Mount Quiver Bracket includes a scope. The kit features a 3-arrow quiver, 3 arrows with practice points and instructional DVD.
Armscor Rock Island Armory .22TCM / 9mm Pistol
For the pistol lover in your family, it is hard to beat the new Armscor Rock Island Armory .22TCM / 9mm Pistol. As stated in an earlier review, this Armscor .22TCM/9MM combo is perhaps the most enjoyable pistol I have ever shot. Available in the new .22TCM, a centerfire .22 caliber bullet, this little round is a joy to shoot over and over. Field stripping and switching to the more conventional 9MM is easy and fast. The Combo comes with everything needed to accomplish the feat. As handguns go, this 1911 frame gun is about as good as it gets.
SOG Powerplay
Every hunter needs a multi-tool in their arsenal. While there are many on the market, there are some that just are better, plain and simple. Of those the SOG PowerPlay Knife is one to consider. It has everything most buyers of a multi-tool are looking for, including several different blades. It even has a saw blade. I will never understand why anyone would make a multi-tool that does not include a saw blade. Personally, I use the saw blade more than any other part of my tool. Strong pliers and compact design are other features to consider.
Sitka Gear Elevated II Celsius Shacket
Temperature swings during hunting season can necessitate some interesting methods of dressing for the changes that occur. Sitka Gear has an article of clothing for many situations, the Sitka Celsius Shacket that is ideal for many situations. I only wish they made it in all of their hunting patterns. The Celsius Shacket is one of the best pieces of clothing on the market. It is basically a vest with short sleeves, or an insulated short sleeve shirt, this “Shacket” is a great design, which I cannot believe has not been copied. Able to stand alone on cool mornings or as a layer in the very cold climates, the Shacket needs to be on every list.
Stormy Kromer Mackinaw Cap
One of the classic hunting hats in America is the Stormy Kromer Mackinaw in Red Plaid from The Original Stormy Kromer Cap. The Mackinaw is the original design by Ida Kromer featuring a six panel design with pull down ear flap. A functional cap that became a legend. Available in many colors, there is one for you in the field.
Taurus Raging Bull
Handgun hunters are always looking for another weapon to put in their arsenal. Taurus has long been one of the “go-to” brands when it comes to handguns designed for handling big calibers and big loads. The Raging Bull series is one of the more popular handguns available. My personal favorite is the Taurus Raging Bull Model 444, arriving in an 8 3/8” barrel and chambered in .44 Rem. Mag. The model 444 is one of the most accurate and easy to shoot hand cannons available. The built in porting aids with handling this pistol’s heavy recoil.
Leupold VX-5HD Riflescope
Optics is always a need among hunters, and American-made optics get no better than those made by Leupold. The Leupold VX 5HD 2x10x42 is a great all-around scope. Mount it on any big game rifle, and you have a great light gathering scope that will zero quick and hold that zero forever.
Big Agnes
For the backcountry hunter, shelter is always a point of contention. Can we find a good quality tent to pack into the backcountry that is not too heavy, and yet durable to handle the conditions? Big Agnes has some to choose from that will handle it all. The Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL 2 Person Tent features patent-pending mtnGLO Tent Light Technology using durable LED lights to illuminate the interior of your tent. A simple push button controller with three settings, on, off, and 50% brightness, controls the mtnGLO lights LED light strand that is integrated into tent seams. The system is durable and flexible enough to withstand repeated tent pitching and stuffing. Media pockets located above sleeping area enable clean ear bud cord routing from phones or other devices. Fly and floor are nylon rip-stop with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating. Its trail weight is only 3 lbs. 9 oz. and it carries 29 square feet of space. This is a great Spike tent or backcountry tent for the remote hunter.
Fox Pro Fusion Electronic Game Call
Not all hunters are big game hunters. Some prefer predators and others upland hunting and small game. For the predator hunter in your life, there is one brand that stands out, Fox Pro. Their electronic game calls are light years above the rest. And the Fox Pro Fusion is a great way to get into the electronic game calling market. Able to store over 1,000 sounds, the Fusion is a ‘”do-it-all” call. It comes with 100 sounds downloaded into the call. A handheld remote can make the selection of the sounds easy and effortless. The remote allows you to place the call in a location separate from the hunter to keep the predators focus on the sound and not the shooter.
Badlands Upland Vest
Upland hunters carry a lot of stuff away from their truck, from ammo to water to dog-handling equipment. To carry all of this comfortably, we need a good vest. The Badlands Upland Vest fits that need well. It’s fully breathable with an internal lining to stay cool on long walks. Shooter-friendly shoulder straps do not get in the way of mounting your gun. It has 9 pockets and 3 compartments for all of your gear. Its blaze orange color keeps hunters safe. The Badlands Upland vest is a great gift for the bird hunter in your life.
Christmas can be a stressful time for those looking for the perfect gift for the hunter that seems to have every tool, toy and accessory available. But when my wife asks me why I am buying another gun or accessory, I simply ask: “Why are you buying another pair of shoes?” Hunters need gear like women need shoes – we really don’t, but it sure makes us feel better when we have more. Merry Christmas!”
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