Hornady Outfitter is available in many loads from .243 Win to .375 H&H Mag and .375 Ruger. (Hornady image)
August 19, 2019
By Brad Fitzpatrick
In prep for the upcoming deer season, Game & Fish has been highlighting great new gear that might give you an edge in the field.
We featured new deer hunting rifles for 2019 , best new bows and crossbows , and great new optics .
Here’s a look at great new ammo, broadheads, footwear and other accessories geared for deer hunting .
Ammo, Arrows, Broadheads HORNADY Outfitter Loaded with Berger Hybrid Hunter bullets, this ammunition combines high ballistic coefficients with superb terminal performance. Berger Hybrid Hunter ammo is loaded with nickel-plated cases, Gold Medal Primer, specialized propellants and is available in loads from .243 Win to .300 Win Mag. $38
Browning’s polymer-tipped, all-copper BXS bullets offer reliable expansion and great terminal performance, even on heavy game. Ammo is loaded in smooth-feeding nickel-plated cases. Available in offerings from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 Win Mag. $35
Winchester’s new straight-wall cartridge is loaded with 150-grain Extreme Point bullets, designed to transfer energy efficiently and produce large wound channels, for fast, clean kills.The package is said to have more energy than a 30-30 and more penetration than a .243 Win. $24
Built for the worst conditions, Outfitter ammo pairs tipped GMX monolithic copper alloy bullets with sealed watertight nickel-plated cases. Bullets retain roughly 95 percent of original weight. Outfitter is available in many loads from .243 Win to .375 H&H Mag and .375 Ruger. $36
Winchester’s Deer Season rifled slugs have a muzzle velocity of 1,600 fps, and they transfer tremendous energy on impact to keep follow-ups short. The rear-stabilizing wad in these deer slugs helps improve accuracy at any range. $6
The T64 shaft tapers from 6mm to 4mm at the nock. This front-of-center weight distribution results in improved accuracy, and penetration is also increased courtesy of a reduced friction path. Arrows available in shaft lengths ranging from 26 to 32 inches. $299/dozen (shafts only)
Browning’s all-copper slug offers tremendous knockdown power and very good accuracy. Special features include a polymer tip for improved aerodynamics and a high-density plastic sabot. BXS slugs are available in 12 and 20 gauge. $13
The rear-deploying CenterPunch broadhead is built with a 7075 T6 aluminum ferrule and razor-sharp 440A stainless steel blades. With a cutting diameter of 1 7/8 inches, these accurate broadheads yield excellent blood trails and short recoveries. $45/3-pack
OPTICS/SIGHTS BURRIS Veracity 2-10X42 RFP The RX-950 measures under 4 inches long and weighs around 6 ounces, yet it provides rapid, accurate range calculations on targets up to 950 yards away. The 6X magnification makes it easy to see distant objects, and this affordable waterproof rangefinder also features fully multi-coated lenses. $325
Bushnell Prime riflescopes offer excellent clarity thanks to their multi-coated lenses, and these optics are also a great bargain. Rugged waterproof construction ensures years of reliable service, and Ultra-Wide Band Coatings on the lenses provide optimum brightness and true color in any conditions. $216 (3-9X40)
These budget-friendly binos are available in a number of different configurations, all of which feature a durable magnesium alloy body and tough rubber armor. They are lightweight, easy to carry and provide optical clarity that is quite excellent for this price point. $289
The Prime 1-4x32 offers a generous field of view and the versatility of Bushnell’s Multi-X reticle. This durable scope comes with a 1-inch main tube, measures 10.5 inches in length and offers 4 inches of eye relief. $130
Burris’ superb Veracity riflescope is now available in a rear focal plane model with the new E2 reticle. This compact scope measures 13.5 inches long and weighs under 23 ounces. With its 2-10X magnification, this scope is extremely versatile and rugged. $719
Hawke’s compact rangefinder packs many high-tech features in an affordable package. It comes with BK-7 prisms, 6X magnification, multiple operation modes (including angle and rain settings) and several other must-haves in a compact and lightweight rangefinder. For the pricepoint and features its tough to beat. $269
This 1.5-6x30mm crossbow scope comes with an illuminated duplex reticle with aiming points from 20 to 60 yards. The variable speed locking ring allows shooters to dial in their bow speed from 330 to 450 fps. The scope also has quick-detach rings, a bubble level, quality flip-up caps and is waterproof and fog proof. $400
FOOTWEAR LACROSSE Atlas Danner’s fifth-generation Pronghorn may be the best Pronghorn yet. It combines Danner’s Terra-Force Next Platform with the original last (foot form) design to make this one of the most comfortable and durable hunting boots ever. Full-grain leather construction and up to 1,200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation keep your feet warm and comfortable. $230
These waterproof full-grain leather boots have abrasion-resistant toes, a Vibram Lug outsole and an EnergyBed LX footbed with memory foam. Rocky guarantees the Rocky Vapor Pass waterproofing for one year, and there’s an option for 6- or 8-inch heights. $159
These new lace-up boots combine rubber, leather and textile construction for maximum durability and comfort while in the field. The boots feature a Dry-Core waterproof lining, and they are available with or without PrimaLoft insulation. $170
These feature full-grain leather uppers with 900 Denier nylon. The EnergyBed XL footbed comes with ultra-comfortable memory foam, and you can choose from 400 or 800 grains of Thinsulate insulation. $164
Accessories BUSHNELL Core DS Camera The Contender X features molded foam suspension with Lycra shoulder straps for the ultimate in comfort. The L-shape frame design allows the pack to stand up on flat surfaces, and it offers 1,850 cubic inches of space and plenty of gear pockets. $200
Waterproof and large enough to carry a deboned deer on the blaze orange meat shelf, this comes with integral rifle boot, hydration pocket & pistol holster. $280
Wildlife Research Center has developed an effective spray can design that uses a valve system to separate the premium scent from the pressurized air, ensuring the purest and most effective doe-in-estrus odor available. $16
The Buck Roar II allows hunters to make two very effective whitetail vocalizations — a grunt call and wheeze — from a single call. It’s durably constructed and comes with a rotating wrist strap. $22
It’s always been difficult to get very crisp day and night trail camera pictures, but the Core DS has dual sensors that provide superb clarity under any light conditions. This camera features a 100-foot night range, .2-second trigger time and a .6-second recovery rate. $200
This 4.5-pound blind is easily portable and sets up very quickly thanks to the dual-hub design. Three triangular shooting windows open and close, and the blind walls are constructed using one-way see-through fabric. The expanded width is 59 inches, and the height is just over 3 feet for maximum concealment. $125
For those hunters who don’t own, or have access to, private land, hunting public grounds may be the name of the game. The onX Hunt App is an excellent tool for these hunters, as it identifies public-land boundaries and private-land ownership. It also provides powerful tracking tools and allows users to drop custom waypoints. $30/year for one state
Topographic maps, aerial photos and satellite images. Public lands and hunting unit maps. Private land boundary maps. For custom-made printed maps in a hurry, Mytopo delivers. Simply log on, choose a map by USGS quads or by GMUs or WMAs or search by GPS coordinates and order up the desired map. Price varies