Gearing Up for the Hunt

Equipment for success in the field.

Every hunter is different, with a different definition of success. For some, it's a six-point bull elk after a long stalk through the mountains. For others, a simple walk along a river, watching a few ducks alight on the water's misty surface, constitutes a great day afield. Hunting is as broad and diverse of an activity as the people who pursue it. What binds us hunters together is a sense of kinship, a shared appreciation of the hunt.

Another aspect of hunting consistent among all is the massive amount of gear available, in every category. Regardless of one's hunting style, there's a wide variety of equipment to meet the needs of the hunt. And there is no better pastime than gathering the right hunting gear and going on your next outdoor adventure to test it out. Here's a rundown on some great hunting products, all of them available at Hinterland Outfitters. Happy hunting!

Optics
In all types of hunting, optics are imperative. From turkey and waterfowl to small and big game, no other item of hunting equipment can more greatly improve the enjoyment of the hunt. Do not skimp, as this optic can last a lifetime. Steiner is a world-renowned optics company and has been at the top of the industry for decades. Their Roof Prism Binocular has a long list of advanced and practical features. The new innovative frame design makes the binos easier to grip. Images are crisp, bright, and vivid. BAK4 lenses (high-density glass), high definition with fast-close focus, and NBR long-life rubber armoring round out this great binocular's features.

Game cameras are making a big splash everywhere in the hunting world, offering better animal tracking than ever before. Motion sensors are getting sensitive to more sounds and have the ability to distinguish between different animals. The Stealth CAM G Series Trail Camera is an affordable trail optic providing good resolution at an affordable price point. The feature set is rich with innovation. The 14-megapixel camo-covered camera can be easily hidden, providing the hunter with a 16.9 wide-angle shot. The camera captures HD video from 5 to 180 seconds with high-definition audio. Use the camera’s triggering function to capture several images, 1 to 6, in rapid succession. Shoot the trail at night with a default 100-foot range of low-light illumination. Activate time lapse to capture the game as they naturally wind through the forest. The video resolution is 1280 x 720 with 14 megapixels.

Powerful lasers are often utilized for shotgun- and pistol-hunting, with more applications appearing daily. Categories being heavily influenced are red-dot sights, riflescopes, rangefinders, night vision, bore-sighters, and laser sights. For pistol shooting with autoloaders, the Crimson Trace Rail Master is an instantly activated universal sight using a Weaver or Picatinny rail system. It features a durable polymer housing, plus windage and elevation adjustments.

Knives & Tools
Long gone are the days of cheap, dull hunting knives. Most edged tools hitting the market are multi-use designs in light materials. With the right knife, hunters can not only field-dress an animal, but prepare a meal, start a fire, and survive the night if necessary. A good pocket knife should be passed down for generations. SOG Knives began in the jungles of Vietnam, with soldiers using the SOG combat knife. A young designer, in 1986, seized the opportunity to build these unique weapons for general use. The Aegis Folding Drop Point boasts Innovations such as rapid-assist opening and an ergonomic grip pattern. A versatile carbon steel blade provides long-term durability and ease of maintenance. The ambidextrous design offers a smooth and textured handle for comfort and confidence. The Cryo D2 Steel blade provides the user with a lifetime of performance.

Ka-Bar is a global brand built on rugged knives and outdoor tools. The Becker Crewman is a fixed-blade survival knife that can withstand any harsh environment. The overall length of the Ka-Bar is 11 inches, and it weighs in at 11 ounces, with a solid-as-steel "Ultramid" handle material. The Becker Crewman is the perfect all-around camping and hunting knife, and it comes razor-sharp out of the box. This blade is also an excellent overall survival or tactical knife: light, compact, and built for performance.

The Columbia River Kangee T-Hawk is built with advanced materials and quality machining. The blade is made from ultra-hard carbon steel with a black powdercoat and an aggressive spike by the hilt. The T-Hawk’s handle is made from glass-reinforced nylon for superior toughness. Designer Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical has been honing quality cutlery for over 30 years and this is one of his finest creations.

 

Game Calls
With centuries of history, game calls are in widespread use nowadays. Modern calls with advanced materials can mimic dozens of species, the most popular being turkey, goose, and mallard. Many decades-old businesses are redefining the game-call industry by adding better materials and utilizing electronic calls. The Duck Commander Flash Open Call is a quality-built acrylic. The mallard hen call harmonizes air pressure like a single reed with a tough double-reed call.

Cass Creek Electronic Calls offer quality devices, opening the door to any North American predator with over 20 preloaded calls. They're made of camo polymer and are weather-resistant.