If you clicked on this, then I’ll assume there is a hunter in your life and you’re doing the same frantic search you do every year. What do you buy this hunter that he’ll actually use, that he’ll be excited to open, and that he’ll think, “how did you know this is exactly what I wanted?!?!” Unfortunately, Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman in your life can be like taking an off-hand shot at a running buck at 400 yards…you just hope you come close.
Since you can’t buy your hunter a lucky shot at the buck of a lifetime, what should you get him???
Unless your hunter keeps a detailed list with hyperlinks to the specific model-number he wants (which the generous gift-givers among you don’t want to use because it takes the magic out of it), or you’ve been taking copious notes all year long as your hunter rambles on and on about the next gear purchase he’s been considering (but who has time to write all that stuff down), then how can you possibly surprise him by knowing exactly what he wants? Well, here’s the deal: hunting gear is highly specialized (I know…you’ve already discovered that). And hunters spend an embarrassing amount of time researching each piece of gear to death before they decide on the specific item they want to purchase and use. This is why it’s really hard to buy the exact thing your hunter wants when he’s out in the field without him being involved…at any given moment, your hunter could have a dozen internet browser tabs open while he’s researching the perfect pack, boots, weapon, headlamp…the list goes on forever.
So, with that in mind, I believe it’s best to buy your hunter more general gifts that will help scratch his hunting itch, but are less specific by nature. Here are five ideas for awesome hunting gifts that any hunter would be happy to get, and would actually use…
Knives are awesome!
Every hunter needs a really, really good knife once he gets an animal down in the field. And once you start looking at the cost of high-quality knives, they can quickly become the kind of item a budget-minded hunter will skimp on. But, any hunter who has ever run out of replaceable blades or had to stop field dressing an animal every four minutes to put a fresh edge on their budget-blade will tell you…a great knife is invaluable! What’s even better for the gift-giver is that hunters are generally all about having multiple options and backups when it comes to gear. If your hunter already has a decent knife, I can almost guarantee he’d be plenty happy to get another awesome knife!
If you’re looking for a couple of great specific ideas, it’s hard to beat Benchmade Knives. If your hunter is really into the ultralight backpacking style of hunting, the Bugout can’t be beat. If he prefers to hunt closer to roads, he’d probably prefer trading a few extra ounces for the in-hand comfort and increased blade size of this fixed-blade. If you’re purchasing your hunter a high quality steel blade like this, it would fully complete the gift to throw in a simple field sharpener so he can put a fresh edge on it out in the field.
Flashlights ALWAYS get used!
Flashlights are another item that’s it’s hard to have too many of for the avid outdoorsman. Your hunter probably has a specific one that he always carries around, and perhaps he relies mostly on a headlamp for hands-free mobility in the backcountry. But, a quality flashlight will absolutely get used at some point. It may be an extra he keeps back in the truck, it might be a nice addition for back at camp, and it may save the day at some point when he forgets spare batteries or his primary light has a full meltdown at the least convenient time. If you’re looking for a couple high-quality options, check out this one and this one.
This book is a terrific read for any outdoorsman! (Sidenote: the Teddy Roosevelt mug was a Christmas gift from my aunt years ago, and I still love it!)
Books still exist!
Okay, I know we live in the most digital age in history, and who even reads anymore? And while a book may seem like a super nerdy gift, even the most non-reader-types (myself included) will devour a quality hunting book. The entertainment value and the skills that can be acquired are well worth turning off the TV for a couple hours to read (plus, it’s good for your brain). Now, if you just Google “hunting books,” you’ll find an overwhelming list of titles. Here are a few suggestions…
Anything by Steven Rinella! The man’s a terrific author and an excellent hunter. I particularly loved American Buffalo (beware, your hunter will probably begin trying to figure out how he can hunt buffalo), and his two text books on hunting big game and small game are invaluable to any hunter. There are plenty of other great reads out there, but these are three great choices. You may also consider a magazine subscription to a hunting publication you think he may enjoy.
The Garmin InReach Saves Lives…and Marriages!
Okay, this is probably the most specific gift in here, but if you know your hunter doesn’t have an InReach and he has ever complained about not having cell service when back in the wilderness, this is a must-have! This little gizmo basically turns his smartphone into a satellite phone when he’s outside of cell range. Through a free app and the wonders of bluetooth technology, he can now text anyone from anywhere. It also has a built-in SOS feature that allows him to summon Search and Rescue to his exact location should an emergency arise. Yes, there is a monthly subscription required to use it, but it can be turned off and on at will throughout the year. I simply turn mine on for the few months of hunting season, and then turn it off the rest of the year.
I’ll do a full write-up some other time specifically on this device, but let me say that it is also a marriage saver! If your hunter does any amount of solo hunting (like me), and has ever been caught outside of cell range for longer than he expected to be (also me), then this little gizmo is the solution to the tears and unrelenting fear that comes from a loved one anxiously wondering where you are and if you’re still alive. If you’re the loved one in this equation, go ahead and buy this for your hunter and let the card say, “here, continue to go chase your dreams, but let me know you’re still alive so I can avoid going insane when you’re not back on time.” Merry Christmas.
If you’re gonna pull bonehead moves like this, make sure that Garmin InReach is clipped to your pack!
Supplement Samplers
If your hunter is also into fitness and trains specifically for the rigors of hunting season, then he probably already has a few supplements he utilizes as part of his regimen. However, there are so many options out there when it comes to hunting nutrition that most people don’t have the budget to give everything a try. Companies like MtnOps have leaned into that, and offer sample packs for a relatively low cost to let people see how they like (and how their body responds to) a certain supplement before dropping the coin on a whole bucket of the stuff. Maybe grab a handful of supplement sample packs, stuff them in a shaker bottle, and give that to your lean and mean hunter this year. Which actually reminds me…
BONUS: Backcountry Food Subscription
Okay, that title sounds a little weird, but I’m talking about Backcountry Fuel Box. It’s a monthly subscription service (though you can save in the long run by prepaying for the year) that sends high-quality backcountry food and snacks to your hunter every month. The days of heading out to live for days out of your pack with little more than granola bars and freeze-dried Mountain House meals is basically over…there are so many companies making great-tasting, energy-dense, highly-natural products that can fuel your body for the rigors of a major hunting excursion. Each month your hunter will receive a box with an assortment of products to enjoy and test out. When your hunter finds something he loves, each box also has exclusive discount codes so he can stock up on that item for his next hunting excursion. It’s a great way to try a vast array of quality foods to keep you going deep in the backcountry.
I always prefer to try a sample of a supplement to see how it works before dropping serious money on a whole tub of it.
Happy Hunting
Hopefully something in this list has sparked an idea for your hunter this holiday season. I get that most people don’t want to just hand a loved one a gift card because they don’t know exactly what they want (though the highly pragmatic folks among us think that’s a great gift). While we hunters tend to be a picky bunch when it comes to our gear, just about any hunter I know would be more than excited to receive anything on this list. So, happy shopping to you all, and here’s hoping you get that excited look of shock and joy when your hunter unwraps the perfect gift this holiday season!