November 15, 2019
By Game & Fish Editors
We understand: It's not always easy to select just the right gift for the hunter or angler on your Christmas list.
First, outdoors enthusiasts can be a bit picky. Price and value are important, but so is your gift-getter’s style of hunting or fishing, brand loyalty and even favorite color.
We’re here to help. Below are more than two dozen great hunting and fishing gift ideas that will get a thumbs-up on Dec. 25th.
onX Hunt App onX Hunt App The onX Hunt app encompass 985 million acres of public land and more than 121 million private properties. Hunters and outdoorsmen are able to use their mobile phones as a GPS, tracking their movements, delving through different topographic maps with unique applications for hunting, fishing, hiking and more. Those maps are accessible via a membership or can be used on a traditional GPS device with a purchased, pre-loaded chip. App features include public/private boundaries, a Wind & Weather feature, Offline Mode, a Historic Wildfire Layer, Shareable Waypoints, and the ability to sync data across desktop, tablets and mobile. Free trial available
Advertisement
Premium membership, $29.99 per year; Elite membership, $99.99 | onxmaps.com
Genesis Original If you'd like to get your children involved with the great sport of archery, look no further than Genesis Archery for help in doing just that. With its Original bows designed to fit virtually any child, you couldn't ask for better equipment for beginners. With only one cam on the bottom of the each rig, tuning is breeze, recoil is limited, and accuracy is increased. Bows are available in bow right- and left-handed options with plenty of different color schemes to choose from. You also have an opportunity to add a kit to your purchase, which includes a quiver, armguard and five arrows. A hunting bow that packs a bigger punch — the Gen-X — is also offered when the right times comes!
$170-249 | genesisbow.com
Advertisement
Moultrie Mobile Cellular Trail Camera Moultrie Mobile Cellular Trail Camera Trail cameras are not without their drawbacks. Investing the time to slog out to remote hunt locations to change cards and download pictures can be labor intensive, resource draining and, potentially, a disturbance to deer in the area. The new Moultrie Mobile XA7000i and XV7000i cellular cameras eliminate much of that hassle. They transmit remote trail camera images to a smart phone, tablet and/or computer, saving hunters time while leaving camera sites undisturbed. The 7000i, with its all-in-one design, easy setup, remote controllability and reliable service, is a valuable hunting tool for those with limited time to spend fussing with trail cameras. Three-year warranty. Read review
$179.99 | moultriemoblie.com
Streamlight TL-Racker Shotgun Forend Light Streamlight TL-Racker Shotgun Forend Light The sleek all-in-one shotgun forend light eliminates the need for remote cords and reduces snag hazards. White LED produces 850 lumens and 237-meter beam distance. Runs 1.5 hours. Designed to easily replace the original factory forend of a Mossberg® 500 or 590 and Remington® 870 or TAC-14 model pump-action shotguns. Click here to watch a video about 2019 products from Streamlight.
$129.90 | streamlight.com
Thiessens V1 Whitetail Clothing System Thiessens V1 Whitetail Clothing System Deer hunters in need of whitetail clothing have a new option from Thiessens, a new outdoor brand based out of Lodgepole, Neb., that makes and sells pursuit-driven outdoor equipment directly to the consumer (online purchases). The new V1 Whitetail clothing line offers options for most weather conditions in the field. All clothing and accessories incorporate moisture-wicking, anti-odor treated material to help with scent and utilize innovative designs and industry-leading technology to excel afield. Aside from the baselayers, all also come in Realtree EDGE camo. Line includes: base layer ($39.99), lightweight ($24.99-$59.99); midnight ($49.99-$79.99); heavyweight ($169.99 to $199.99). Read more about Thiessens
Prices vary | thiessens.com
TRUGLO Intercept 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. More riflescopes
$189-$236 | truglo.com
ALPS Outdoorz Contender X 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. Another option: Trophy X Pack Bag
$200 | alpsoutdoorz.com
Wildgame Innovations Shadow Micro Cam Wildgame Innovations Shadow Micro Cam Wise hunters place a premium on scouting, and for most, that includes a trail camera—or several. The new Shadow Micro Cam is remarkably small, with dimensions of just 3x3x2 inches. It’s perfect for public-land hunters looking to locate wary bucks and prevent camera thefts. It can be mounted almost anywhere with its proprietary magnetic ball bracket and operates quietly with Silent Shield technology. Adaptive illumination adjusts image exposure based on distance, and high-intensity infrared LEDs provide crisp HD photos and videos. Delivers 16-megapixel images and 720p video. The Shadow Micro Cam Lightsout model uses invisible black infrared LEDs and Lightsout invisible infrared LED flash.
$100-$110 | wildgameinnovations.com
Savage 110 High Country Rifle Savage 110 High Country An accurate turnbolt equipped with Savage’s customizable AccuFit system, the 110 High Country is outfitted with True Timber Strata AccuStock with overmolded surfaces and a PVD coyote brown finish on the metal for all-weather reliability. Click here to read more about AccuFit: Model 110: Savage Model 110 Gets AccuFit .
$1,130 | savagearms.com
Kimber Hunter Rifle Kimber Hunter Rifle Realistic practice before the season helps when it comes time to shoot the real thing, but having the right rifle can make a difference, too. Consider the Kimber Hunter, which at about 5 1/2 pounds is easy to carry and maneuver into a shooting position. Its rigid composite stock follows the ergonomic lines of Kimber’s more expensive rifles. Other shared features include the controlled-round-feed Model 84 action, pillar bedding and a stainless steel barrel. Things that set it apart from the company’s other offerings are a detachable box magazine and a relatively low MSRP. Read our review .
$891 | kimberamerica.com
Shimano SLX DC Baitcaster Shimano SLX DC Baitcaster Shimano SLX DC150 baitcasting reels offer I-DC4 digital-control technology relying on a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Right- and left-handed low-profile reels are available in gear ratios of 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1.
$189.99 | shimano.com
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Boasting a staggering 10.1:1 gear ratio to retrieve 41 inches of line with every revolution, no reel will burn your baits in faster than this one. Perfect for fast techniques and heavy cover. The Revo Rocket baitcaster won the Editor’s Choice in the 2019 Game & Fish Tackle Test .
$300 | abugarcia.com
Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Combo Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Combo This series is custom-made for big-cat action. Features include 7-foot, medium-heavy rods with EVA handles and stainless guides, Carbon Matrix hybrid drags and an Everlast bail system on spinning models. Read more about catfish
$80 (spinning), $100 (baitcast) | abugarcia.com
Lure Lock 4-Inch Deep Box Lure Lock 4-Inch Deep Box Lure Lock continues to evolve in the tackle-management world with its new 4-inch deep tackle box with Tak Logic Technology Gel. The 4-in-1 box has a unique divider system that allows you to customize your box from one to 24 compartments, or remove them altogether and use the box to store 2, 1-inch trays. The scent-free deep box is made of 100-percent polypropylene, making it durable and easy to clean. Check out this video about 2019 Lure Lock gear
$39.99 | lurelock.com
St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Rod St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Rod Fiberglass is perfect for fishing crankbaits. Mojo Bass Glass rods bring the advantages of moderate fiberglass construction and precision tapers to a budget-friendly level. Available in five different lengths and powers.
From $130 | stcroixrods.com
The Rod Glove The Rod Glove Protect rods with the Rod Glove. Available in a number of configurations and colors, this affordable device can be used to protect rods in rod lockers, while traveling on your next fishing trip or wherever they’re stored. The Rod Glove is a must-have for any serious angler.
$6 | therodglove.com
Traditions Crackshot XBR Traditions Crackshot XBR The unique Crackshot XBR firearm is two in one: a .22 LR single-shot with a 16 1/2-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
Winchester Super X4 20-Gauge Shotgun Winchester Super X4 20-Gauge A few yearsago, Winchester introduced its newest generation of semi-auto shotguns, the Super X4 (SX4). Since that day hunters have been hounding Winchester to release a 20-gauge version, and it’s finally here. Like the 12-gauge model, the SX4 20 utilizes Winchester’s excellent Active Valve gas system which self-regulates gas bleed-off and allows excess gas to escape through the Quadra-Vent ports. The system is easy to clean, doesn’t require any O-rings that can break, and it functions with everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnums. The SX4 20-gauge features a trimmer forearm than the previous-gen SX3, and the pistol grip has been redesigned for a more comfortable hold. Also new are the oversized bolt handle, bolt release and safety on the SX4; all can easily be manipulated while wearing gloves.
$1,070 | winchesterguns.com
Excaliber Assassin 420 TD Crossbow Excaliber Assassin 420 The Assassin 420 comes with Excalibur’s detachable crank system, and the front limb can be removed for convenient transport and storage. Length of pull is adjustable from 12 to 15 inches, and the Assassin produces velocities of 420 fps.
$1,899 | excalibercrossbow.com
Mathews Vertix Compound Bow Mathews Vertix The Vertix comes with modules allowing shooters to change peak draw weights in 5-pound increments and is available with 60-, 65-, 70- or 75-pound peak draw weights. The Engage grip allows for a very comfortable, consistent hold for improved accuracy, and it produces 20 percent less vibration than the Triax bow. Axle-to-axle measurement is 30 inches, and it has an IBO rating of 343 fps.
$1,099 | mathewsinc.com
Winchester .350 Legend Deer Season XP Cartridges Winchester .350 Legend 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 | winchester.com
Hornady Outfitter Cartridges Hornady OutfitterBuilt 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 | Hornady.com
Easton T64 FMJ Arrows Easton T64 FMJ 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) | eastonarchery.com
Frabill Ice Hunter Sniper Combo Frabill Ice Hunter Sniper Combo Available in five different actions from Ultra-Light to Medium-Light, the new Ice Hunter Sniper Combo is a great option for ice-anglers due to its versatility, features and affordable price. The spinning reel has a premium 5+1 ball bearing system and has been guide-tested to hold up in brutal conditions. Other attributes include split grip reel seats and matte finish rod blanks with a high-visibility section for easier strike detection.
$50 | frabill.com
Berkley X9 Braid Berkley X9 Braid A unique braided line featuring nine polyethylene fibers, X9 adds an extra carrier beyond conventional eight-strand braids that enhances its toughness and reliability. It possesses these qualities while retaining a smooth finish and supporting long casts.
Starting at $18 | berkley-fishing.com
Aqua-Vu Multi-Vu Pro Underwater Camera System Aqua-Vu Multi-Vu Pro Underwater Camera System Ever wanted to see, in real time, what the fish marked on your sonar were actually doing? That’s exactly what Aqua-Vu’s new Multi-Vu Pro Underwater Camera offers. This turnkey sonar- or TV-to-camera adaptor system upgrades any video-enabled sonar or LCD TV with live, HD or analog (RCA) underwater video functionality. The camera apparatus can be directly wired into your boat’s 12-volt system, or, if you’re an ice-fisher, it can also be connected to the TV in your ice-fishing house.
$700 | aquavu.com
ScentLok OZ Radial EZ Marine ScentLok OZ Radial EZ Marine Under many circumstances, fishing can be a smelly endeavor. ScentLok Technologies has become very well known in the hunting industry for its odor-controlling technology employed in clothing and in its ozone generators, which uses an emitted stream of ozone molecules to seek out and destroy odors. This ozone technology has now been brought over specifically to the fishing side with the new OZ Radial EZ Marine and OZ Radial Nano Marine. Both are portable, rechargeable ozone generators that destroy odors, mildew, mold and fungus. Both distribute ozone in a 360-degree pattern, and both can charge mobile devices courtesy of a built-in USB port. The Nano is smaller in size than the EZ for odor control in smaller areas.
$250 (EZ); $180 (Nano) | scentlok.com
Wildgame Innovations ZeroTrace Wildgame Innovations ZeroTrace Scent-concealing sprays and soaps have been used for years to help mask our odor while afield. However, the new ZeroTrace PureION Field Generator offers another method. The device’s PureION technology neutralizes odor at the molecular level, with an ultra-quiet fan that disperses ions across a hunting area to grab scent. It has about six hours of runtime on a rechargeable battery. With its adjustable magnetic mount and TRUBark texture, the ZeroTrace can be used in almost any setup.
$200 | wildgameinnovations.com
Big & J Liquid Luck Attractant Spray Big & J Liquid Luck Attractant Spray Sometimes a little backup doesn’t hurt when it comes to attracting deer to your location. Big & J’s new Liquid Luck Attractant Spray provides an affordable option. Featuring a potent, long-range buck-attracting aroma, this attractant spray is designed to call in deer from far and wide. Spray it into the air or around foliage near your stand or ground blind to give your setup a scent boost.
$10 | bigandj.com
Bucket ‘O Eels by Felmlee Lures Bucket ‘O Eels by Felmlee Seen at ICAST 2019's new product showcase, Felmlee’s Bucket ‘O Eels is a throwback item from the early 1970’s, brought back by popular demand, according to the company. The saltwater soft-plastic lure comes in three sizes, and with the option of getting all three sizes together gives anglers exactly what they want.
$69.99 | FelmleeLures.com