December 08, 2011
By Staff Report
Bowhunting is the single most gear-intensive method of hunting on the planet. If you have a bowhunter on your Christmas list the number of options for a present from Santa is long, diverse and, frankly, staggering. You can spend a little or a lot, but one thing is certain — there's no such thing as a bowhunter who has everything. The following is a list of a dozen great products that we at Bowhunter Magazine have tested and approved.
If your bowhunter doesn't have everything on this list then your search is over!
Want more outdoor gift ideas? Check out more Holidays Gift Guides for the big game hunter fisherman dog lover waterfowler gun nut
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Easton Injexion Shafts We used the new Easton Injexion arrow shafts this past summer and were impressed by the precision and engineering, which was focused on creating the ultimate hunting shaft. Injexion shafts are micro-diameter so the thin profile contributes to deep penetration in game and a reduced cross-section that's more resistant to the effects of wind. Running around 10 grains per inch, Injexion shafts carry enough weight to buck the wind and achieve maximum penetration. The Deep Six System features stainless steel inserts that strengthen the broadhead-to-arrow connection as well as increase front-of-center balance for better flight. Carbon Injexion shafts will cost you $85 per six (with Blazer Vanes), and the A/C (aluminum/carbon) version will set you back $150 for six (with Blazer Vanes). Visit
www.eastonarchery.com>Easton Archery Leupold RX-1000i Rangefinder Every bowhunter who has sight pins on their bow needs a rangefinder, and the Leupold RX1000i with DNA is one of the best we've used. This precision instrument features True Ballistic Range (TBR), which adjusts the initial detected range to compensate for inclines, allowing you to aim for the true ballistic distance. The new DNA (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy) technology makes it all happen quickly and accurately out to 1,000 yards or to 125 yards in Bow Mode. The OLED display is easy to read in all conditions and the quality of the optics really stands out, making this rangefinder useful as a 6X monocular. The RX-1000i is very compact and light at 7.8 oz. and retails for $499.99. Visit
Leupold Ozonics HR-200 Talk about turning the odds in your favor! The latest scent-eliminating technology, ozone generation, could change your hunting technique forever. The Ozonics HR-200 is not just another ozone-generating device that kills odors; it's the only ozone-generating device you can take into the field, which is where you need the most help killing scent. The unit can be mounted to the tree above you or inside your ground blind, and positioned so the flow of ozone tracks with your scent, killing it on contact. This is not a gimmick. If you're looking for a gift for a hardcore bowhunter your prayers have been answered. The HR-200 will cost you right around $449. Visit
Ozonics Hunting S4Gear LockDown S4Gear's LockDown optics deployment system, with Anti-Bounce Technology, keeps your binoculars close to your chest and static when you are moving, and that's really important, especially when crawling during a stalk. The moldable security cover has a scratch-resistant interior for optimum protection when you aren't glassing. Breathable security straps allow you to use your optics with zero tension and they fit comfortably under your backpack straps or safety harness. The LockDown is adjustable for waist size, optics size, optics cover position, tension and harness positioning. It's available in Black/Grey ($44.99) and Black/Realtree AP ($49.99) and in two sizes to fit optics ranging in height from 4 ' to 7.5 '. Visit
S4Gear Scent-Lok ThunderTek Cyclone Every bowhunter knows nasty weather doesn't always translate into poor hunting action. Big game animals are notorious for being active during light rain or snow, and especially right after the weather clears. If your bowhunter needs to be out hunting when the critters are moving they could use Scent-Lok's ThunderTek Cyclone Parka and Bibs. These garments are waterproof, windproof and breathable, so they will protect your bowhunter from all the elements. The activated carbon technology will help eliminate human scent, and Scent-Lok's Vertigo Grey camouflage pattern is extremely effective when perched against the wooded skyline. The Parka retails for $199.99 and the Bibs for $189.99. Visit
Scent-Lok Scott Archery Wolverine Included in Scott Archery's new Predator Line of release aids is their single caliper Wolverine. Hunter-friendly technology and features like the spiral connector length adjustment, angled jaw design, and whisper-quiet trigger stop culminate in a perfect release aid if you're looking to seriously increase range and field accuracy. A unique locking band allows the head of the Wolverine to be 'tucked away, ' which means no more game-spooking bangs and clanks while climbing into or out of your favorite stand. Check out the Wolverine ($95-$99) and Scott Archery's other releases at
Scott Archery Spot-Hogg Bulletproof 'Virtually indestructible ' is a bold claim for any product, but Spot-Hogg's Bulletproof sight warrants those words and more. Each Bulletproof sight is adaptable to right or left-handers, features a built-in light gathering system for those low-light, make-or-break moments in the field, and offers over 4.5 ' of vertical adjustment. Whether you choose a 3, 4, or 5-pin Bulletproof, you can rest assured that it might be the last bowsight you ever purchase. That's because Spot-Hogg's Aluminum Bulletproof Pins are nearly unbreakable and each Bulletproof sight has a lifetime warranty. The price ranges from $89.99 to $109.99 depending on configuration. Visit
Spot-Hogg Trophy Ridge Revolution The Revolution is a combination containment/drop-away arrow rest with a U-shaped arrow holder on either end of its launcher arm that keeps your arrow securely in place until the shot. At release, the arm rotates out of the way for total fletching clearance. Should you need to let down your draw, you can do so and the Revolution stays in the containment position. There's no 'bounce back ' and it is super quiet when in action. If you don't have a bow press, don't worry, because it comes with a string clamp for simple setup without having to split your cables. It retails for $59.99 (non-micro), $79.99 (micro). Visit
Trophy Ridge G5 Outdoors Havoc No bowhunter has too many broadheads, and G5 Outdoors offers a seriously wicked stocking stuffer. The new 2-blade Havoc broadhead promises nasty wound channels and unprecedented blood trails due to its scary-sharp Lutz blades, which span over two full inches in diameter. Blades lock in place while in the quiver or in flight via G5's Posi-Lock blade retention system, and they deploy simultaneously through Havoc's Balanced Blade Deployment system. Available in 100 and 125-grain models, each 3-pack costs $47.95 and includes a practice broadhead. Visit
G5 Outdoors Cabela's Bow and Rifle Pack When it comes to backpacks, there are two things we look for — lots of storage space and simplicity — and that's exactly what you'll get with Cabela's 2,400 cu. in. Bow and Rifle Pack. The quiet fabric won't collect burrs, and the curved design promotes better airflow so you aren't soaked with sweat on long hikes or early season hunts. The large main compartment, two side pockets, and organizer panel provide more than enough room for storing your important gear. Last but not least is the bow/rifle holder that keeps your hands free and your weapon of choice secure. The holder's compression pod can be removed for use as a daypack. It comes with a 2-liter hydration bladder and sells for $149.99. Visit
Cabela's Day 6 Outdoors PlotWatcher Pro If you want to take the excitement of using trail cameras to the next level, check out the PlotWatcher Pro. This trail camera transforms still images into time-elapse video. There's no need for game to walk in front of the camera to trigger it. Just aim the PlotWatcher Pro toward a food plot, open area in the woods or anywhere you desire, set the camera up, and wait. It will take still images throughout the daylight hours, which is when you plan to hunt, and tell you where and when your game will show up. Interchangeable lenses allow you to view an entire field rather than just 20 yards in front of the camera, and armed with a 16GB or higher SD memory card you can acquire many days of invaluable footage. Now your bowhunter really can be in two places at once! It's the perfect gift for the serious bowhunter and will cost you about $255. Visit
Day 6 Outdoors Tink's Vanish Scent Eliminator You might think all scent eliminators are the same, but we're here to tell you they aren't. We've been using Tink's Vanish Scent Eliminator for two seasons now, and not only does it help reduce our scent signature when sprayed on boots and clothing, but it seems to make our deer decoys irresistible. Never before have we had so many does come nose-to-nose with our decoys or had bucks spend so much time trying to get cozy with our doe decoys. We don't know exactly what's in it, how it works or why, but Vanish should be in your bowhunter's bag of tricks. The 16-oz. spray sells for $11.99 and the 14-oz. No Pump Spray is $12.99. Visit
Tink's
