Are You Gear-Ready for Fall Hunting?

Whether you’re chasing big game or predators, needing a new pack or looking for an optic to upgrade your setup, these are stellar options.

Taurus Raging Hunter

Handgun hunters, check out this six-shot .357 Magnum that comes ready for optics with its integral Picatinny rail. This revolver, also available in .44 Magnum, weighs less than 3.5 pounds, thanks to the aluminum shroud that surrounds the barrel and forms the optics rail. Factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chambers are engineered to disperse propellant gas, reducing recoil and muzzle lift, and allowing you to get back on target quickly. $920, taurususa.com

Rossi RB22

Another great choice for squirrel season or small game is the RB22. It’s a .22 LR featuring a synthetic Monte Carlo stock with an 18-inch free-floated barrel. It has fully adjustable fiber-optic sights and comes with a 10-round detachable magazine. Its overall length of 351/2 inches and weight of roughly 4 pounds make it handy to carry afield. $189, rossiusa.com

Traditions Crackshot XBR

Cooler evenings, the cutting of acorns, shrapnel falling from the treetops: It’s squirrel season. Enter the Crackshot XBR. This unique firearm is two in one: a .22 LR single-shot with a 161/2-inch barrel for small-game hunting, and an XBR upper that installs onto the frame, turning it into an arrow-launcher for hogs and other game. $499, traditionsfirearms.com

Rock River Arms RRAGE

Varmints beware. If you’re looking to eradicate the local trash pandas or put a dent in the coyote population, check out Rock River’s latest RRAGE with Alpine Veil finish. Chambered in .223 Rem., the rifle features a 16-inch chrome-moly barrel with a 1:9-inch twist, a Rock River single-stage trigger and a free-floated Magpul M-LOK handguard. $925, rockriverarms.com

ALPS Outdoorz Contender X

Built with the whitetail fanatic in mind, the Contender X is designed to be the ultimate treestand or ground-blind bag. The L-shape frame allows the pack to freely stand on any relatively flat surface, and the U-shaped zipper provides flip-down access to the top of the main compartment. Gear is easy to grab whether you’re hanging in a stand or sitting on the ground. Capacity is 30 liters. $200, alpsoutdoorz.com

TRUGLO Intercept

TruGlo Intercept riflescopes come in either 3-9X or 4-12X, and all models have an illuminated reticle and a 1-inch tube. The Intercept is available with a 42mm or 44mm objective lens, and a duplex reticle or MOA BDC reticle. Its generous eye relief, affordable price and limited lifetime warranty make it an optic worth considering for deer, elk or any big game. $189-$236, truglo.com

Wildlife Research Center Scent Killer Gold

Wary whitetails are constantly checking the breeze for danger. Wildlife Research Center now offers the Scent Killer Gold personal care kit that includes spray, body wash and shampoo, conditioner, antiperspirant and field wipes all in one package. While you can’t eliminate human scent, Scent Killer Gold will help you minimize it to increase your success. $38, wildlife.com

TenPoint Turbo M1

Fall means whitetails, and most states open bow seasons long before firearm seasons. TenPoint has one of the lightest, fastest and narrowest crossbows on the market: the Turbo M1, an ideal tool for whitetail hunters. TenPoint’s VX-5 inverted cams elongate the power-stroke and increase rotation to produce arrow speeds up to 380 fps. The Turbo M1 features a new T5 trigger; an AccuDraw Pro cocking device is optional. $950, tenpointcrossbows.com

---