Early: Hunting Gear

I know it’s July.  But in a recent Ask Me Anything, someone posed the question “with July 4th being the unofficial end of Summer, what’s on tap this Fall”?  I’m not sure what part of the country this gentleman resides in, but it’ll be in the 90s here in Georgia well into September.  That ain’t Fall to me…

However, it did get me thinking.  That’s only a couple of months away, and Fall in the South is a sportsman’s paradise.  We fish for everything: late summer bass, fly fishing the streams, and pond fish for bluegill.  Hunting season starts: upland, deer, waterfowl…  So with this being the case, I always take stock of what I have, what I don’t need, and what I want to upgrade.

My intent here is to get you to think about those things you’ve wanted to add to your gear lineup.  Some of them can get pricy, so why not pull the trigger now so they’ll be cleared off the AMEX before the official start of the season(s)…just a thought.  Here is some gear that I’m eyeing, and that I recommend:

From top left:

1. Ball and Buck Original Camo Hunter’s Shirt:  Legitimately the best hunting shirt ever made.  I have v1.0 with a right shoulder patch and wear it often.  It’s just the right weight for warmth, but not bulky at all.  And it’s made in the USA.
2. Russell Moccasin Bullhide Snake Boots:  A must-have for any field hunting.  The snakes will move well into the season and then again in late February/March, so be prepared.
3. LL Bean X Todd Snyder Ruck Sack:  I’ve become a big rucksack guy.  I love them for traveling, especially to a hunt camp or a duck camp.  This Bean/Snyder collaboration is a GREAT weekender size and is on serious sale right now.
4. Le Chameau Vierzon Boots:  Much more to come on Le Chameau, but now would be a great time to pull the trigger. on a pair of their Vierzon boots.  These are the $200 models that are a GREAT all-around boot for around a creek, walking a field, or sitting in a deer stand.
5. Edgevale Cast Iron Utility Pants:  You probably have a pair of brush pants that you love, but here’s another great option for outdoor pants that are just as tough.  Edgevale offers these with a 2% stretch option and a zero stretch option.  Worth every penny.
6. Orvis Camo Hat:  There’s always room for one more camo hat.
7. Smartwool PHD Lightweight Ski Socks:  I’ve tried a million socks – under boots, under waders, etc., and these light PHD OTC socks from Smartwool are THE BEST.  They are plenty warm, but if you need another layer they won’t be too bulky.  The price is right, too.
8. Tom Beckbe Performance Vest:  For those days when you don’t need your Tensaw.
9. Wren & Ivy Heirloom Ditty Bag:  A bit of a splurge, but Wren & Ivy left no stone unturned in the design of this bag.  Good for the duck blind or a quail buggy, it’s just the right size to carry all the necessities for your time in the field.
10. Orvis Uplander Shooting Gloves:  Go take a look at your gloves.  I’ll bet they are disgusting.  Upgrade.
11. Pelican 1700 Rolling Gun Case:  The best way to travel with your guns.  You don’t have to worry about a thing when it’s riding in a Pelican.
12. Duck Camp Large Tote:  I just got mine, and this thing is incredible.   It’s BIG (they make a medium size as well), so it would be perfect for waders/boots fly fishing, or duck waders, or any large carry that you need.  I like the design, and I like the price.

What did I miss?