Coolest Hunting Gear from SHOT Show 2023

New products are always are fun to see or hear about. Here are some of the coolest new hunting products coming out this year.

January 24, 2023 By Alan Clemons

Each year in early autumn, bowhunters start hearing about new compounds, crossbows and accessories. Other hunters get word about new rifles, pistols, ammo and gear. Sales reps talk with shop owners, who talk with close friends, who talk with … seemingly everyone. And the word trickles out into the outdoors communities.

It happens in summer before the big fishing trade show, too. Secret introductions do get held close to the vest sometimes, and then are revealed at the ATA Show for archery gear and the SHOT Show for other hunting and shooting gear. Here is some of the coolest hunting gear for 2023, with some of the new items in stores or online soon.

Spypoint, Moultrie Cameras

The new Spypoint Flex-S and Moultrie Mobile Edge Pro game cameras have been upgraded from their 2022 debuts, with some cool features. Foremost is the integrated solar panel and lithium battery with the Flex-S, so you don’t have to fart around with changing expensive AA-batteries. The Edge Pro has several new features including AI tech False Trigger Elimination and SmartZone grid detection to help block things like waving limbs or weeds. Both camerashave 100-foot detection and flash ranges, connect to the best AT&T or Verizon signal available and have reliable apps with numerous features including mapping, weather, image and video, and more. Moultrie Mobile also has a universal 12-volt camera solar power pack works with cameras and feeders. The company claims it offers up to three times more power than similar existing solar units. spypoint.com moultriemobile.com

GPO Spectra Reflex Dot

I’m looking forward to trying the new Spectra Reflex Dot, which is GPO’s first foray into this aspect of firearms optics. After seven years of steady growth and loyal following with riflescopes, binos and spotting scopes, the Spectra Reflex Dot appears to be a great addition. It has a built-in photo sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the 3mm red dot depending on conditions. The battery compartment is on the outside of the unit, so you don’t have to remove the optic from the pistol to change a battery (which should last up to 25,000 hours). It has no on-off button; the integrated sensor responds to motion when you remove it from the holster. It’s just 1.04 inches wide, 1.6 inches long and 0.90 inches high, and weighs just three-quarters of an ounce. It’s designed for most pistols and also comes with a rail mount for rifles. gpo-usa.com

Bow Spider

This bow-holder for your belt, pack or vehicle isn’t a new product but it has a version coming out in summer for crossbows. Owner David Merrill said that was the No. 1 requested thing from consumers. Merrill created an adapter to fit current Bow Spider models, saying “If you have one of those and a crossbow, just buy the adapter for it. If not, the crossbow version will be available.” Bow Spider is a tough circular holder with a clip on the back for your belt or bag, and bow holder slot on the front. Once clipped in, the bow is secure. Another cool thing about Bow Spider is it frees your hands during walking, climbing into a stand, dragging a deer or other tasks. That’s incredibly helpful, especially if you have a long walk to your stand or vehicle. bowspider.com

Code of Silence Apparel

In its sophomore season in the industry, Code of Silence is turning more heads with its three-season apparel hunting systems and gear. Lightweight, midweight and heavyweight tops, bottoms and bibs in the Vertigre, Zone7-Versa and Coldfjall lines carry hunters from early season to late winter. The company is owned by a longtime former Cabela’s apparel executive with 30 years’ experience, and a successful northwest Nebraska farm operator, entrepreneur and outdoorsman. They know hunters want three things from camouflaged clothing: warmth, a great pattern and no noise. The Code of Silence line hits all three of those dead-center. The items I saw were incredibly quiet – no scratching or scritching, no rubbing noises – had quality components, smart designs and versatility. You could wear them in a deer stand or duck blind in Dakota or Texas or Georgia. Even the backpack is quiet and lightweight, with a sharp camo pattern. Prices are quite affordable, too, compared to other brands. codeofsilence.com

Family Tradition Double Seat Ladderstand

As much as I enjoy ground blinds, I do love a good, solid ladder stand that is comfortable enough for an all-day sit. I grew up hunting from pre-dawn to after dark, and with a good cushion, safety harness and backpack with some grub and hot tea, an all-day sit can be a fine way to spend time in the woods. Michigan-based Family Tradition Treestands turned my head with its DD14 Ladder Stand, which is made with the company’s "Ultra Rigid Double-Rail Ladder" construction. The dual rails on the ladder offer more security and safety while climbing, descending or sitting in the stand. An ample double seat is 42 inches wide by 15 deep, with a 23-inch high webbed back. That’s plenty of room for a pack, bino, rangefinder or other gear. The standing platform is 42x17, so you can stand for bow shots, and a pivoting and padded rest allows for easy entry-exit and a quiet rest when you’re aiming with a rifle or crossbow. The eye level height while seated is 14 feet 7 inches, and additional ladder extensions are available. The stand weighs just 65 pounds shipped, and can support up to 400 pounds. familytraditiontreestands.com

Fiocchi KnockDown

Non-toxic ammo for big game is gaining popularity among some hunters even in states where it’s not required. Fiocchi’s new KnockDown centerfire rifle ammo starts with a polymer tip that aids in the expansion of the all-copper bullet’s tri-petal design. The bullet’s grooves help reduce fouling, and a lead-free primer burns hotter to ensure maximum ignition and powder efficiency. Fiocchi’s quality testing ensures reliable consistency. The ammo is available in eight popular calibers: .243 Win, .300 Win Mag, .30-06 Sprg, .308 Win, 7mm Mag, 7mm-08 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor and .270 Win. fiocchi.com

Hodag Hempscent System

Deer hunters who make mock scrapes often forget absolutely critical feature: the overhead licking branch. Deer will rub and chew on the licking branch, along with peeing in the scrape they create, create a signpost for other bucks. Just whizzin’ on the ground is half the recipe; it may work but it’s not the best you can or should do. I like the Hempscent rope system from Hodag because the hemp is natural, and the rope is not treated with any chemical products. The kit includes a 6-foot braided hemp rope and 8-ounce bottle of AllSeason scent. Hang the rope over a mock scrape, fray one end and use tape, wire or a zip-tie 5-6 inches up to keep it from fraying more, and then apply AllSeason or your favorite scent. Use your favorite buck scent in the mock scrape, too, or fire away yourself if you’re in the mood. Just don’t forget the overhead licking branch is vitally important to create the full monty. hodagoutdoors.com

ATSKO Rapid Rod

Some things are too good mess with, yet many companies believe they have to improve on or tinker with a product. The Rapid Rod isn’t one of those products, and ATSKO isn’t one of those companies. I’ve had a Rapid Rod for more than 20 years in my hunting bags, because they’re lightweight, incredibly handy and they work. ATSKO makes a wildly diverse line of odor-reducing products, from body wash and UV-Killer clothes wash to Sno-Seal and diffuser spray bottles for odor- or UV-killer product. The Rapid Rod is made of lightweight aluminum and collapses to seven short pieces. An internal cable keeps them together when the handle is screwed tightly, and also when it’s disassembled and stored in its nylon case. It can be used to clean a gun barrel, remove obstructions or probably roast a chunk of venison over a fire if necessary. Versatile, often overlooked and in my opinion something every hunter should have for that one time you need a good piece of equipment for a task. atsko.com

Moultrie Feeder Hub

Finding out a feeder has been empty for weeks stinks when you’re wanting to provide consistent supplemental food to deer, turkeys and game. What if, you wonder, someone could put a gizmo on a feeder that would let me know on my phone the status of the corn, pellets and any other issues? Moultrie Mobile seems to have solved this with its new Moultrie Feeder Hub. It’s a 3-part system with a feed level detector, cellular timer and connection with the Moultrie Mobile app that is compatible with all major spincast feeders. The feed level detector is mounted in the top of the feeder and detects the amount of feed remaining in it. The timer replaces any standard digital timer and communicates readings and setting to and from the app, which manages the Hub and allows you to change settings or dispense food on demand. The app requires a subscription, $6.99 monthly or $49.99 annually. moultriefeeders.com

Millennium Antler Shak 30-06

As much as I enjoy being in a ladder stand overlooking the woods or edge of a field, there’s something cool about a ground blind. You’re at eye level, usually, and if you’re set up correctly are watching something specific: a travel route, a gap in a fence row, maybe a food plot or ag field. I’ve been in ground blinds for turkeys and deer where they walked to within steps of it – and me — trying to decide what the heck was going on. Two years ago in west Texas, a giant cow looked inside while another sniffed the blind over my right shoulder. Bit of a hairy moment as either could’ve mashed me into soup. Millennium’s Antler Shak 30-06 blind is perfect for one or multiple hunters with chairs and gear. it has six Full-View mesh panels and blacked-out shooting windows with an adjustable rest for a 180-degree view; you can see out, but animals can’t see inside. The Antler Shak works for gun, bow or crossbow hunters. It’s made from water-resistant fabric over a powder-coated steel frame, has integrated brush loops and tie-down grommets, and is 6-feet-3-inches tall by 4-feet wide by 6-feet long. It weighs 80 pounds, so you may not be toting it in and out every hunt but it shouldn’t be a problem getting it to the woods and set up for deer, turkeys, predators, pigs or even photography and video work. millenniumstands.com

Having all your tools around for game cleaning and skinning is important, especially if you’re in the field packing out a deer, elk, moose or something else. The Razor Guide Pak from Outdoor Edge combines a RazorBone 3.5-inch drop point blades, gutting blade and 5-inch boning-fillet blades. The RazorCape’s 3-inch blade helps cape trophies and skin hides. The Flip N Zip saw easily powers through bone or helps clear a trail, shooting lane or remove a limb near your stand. Outdoor Edge’s replaceable blades are all surgical-sharp and easy to replace. The knives fit in a waxed cotton canvas roll pack that also converts to a belt scabbard. outdooredge.com

Rock River Arms Ascendant

The Ascendant All-Terrain Hunter series is the latest line from Rock River Arms and should be of interest to predator and big game hunters. The lineup includes the .223 Wylde, .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster, each with RRA’s proven LAR-15 components and select components from top-end manufacturers. Barrels are crafted from 416R stainless steel and media-blasted to a matte finish, then cryogenically treated for improved accuracy. Rock River’s lightweight handguard has an integrated Picatinny top rail for optics. TriggerTech’s Diamond single-stage AR15 cartridge trigger has zero creep short overtravel and is adjustable from 1.5-4 pounds. Rock River also partnered with Vortex to offer a Viper HS 4-16-44mm or Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm scope; both fit RRA’s Hi-Rise Cantilever scope mount with integrated 30mm rings and one-piece clamping bar on the Pic rail. Other features include Magpul's new and multi-adjustable PRS Lite stock, Hogue rubber over-molded pistol grip, Radian Raptor charging handle and more. rockriverarms.com

Titan 3D Leafy Suits

Years ago on a turkey hunt in Alabama, a gobbler jetted across the road as we were cruising around camp at midday. My buddy slammed on the brakes, yanked a leafy suit from behind his truck seat and implored me to quickly put it on while he grabbed his calls. I did, including the hat with facemask, and then we unsuccessfully attempted to get the ol’ boy to return for a visit with Mr. Mossberg. My affection for leafy suits was born that day, though. Titan 3D makes some great ones in five camo patterns, with a wide selection of accessories (gloves, hats) and in different sizes. These tops and bottoms cover the spring through late autumn with shades of green and brown in realistic camo patterns. They have a new Outfitter Heavy Duty suit, along with kids’ sizes. Keep them in your truck with other gear for those times you can break away for a quick hunt. leafysuits.com