Hunting is challenging, but good gear can be a difference maker. The right equipment can create fantastic food plots, proper clothing can keep bugs off and warmth in, and a good scent can draw in deer for a shot. There are so many products to choose from as a deer hunter it can be overwhelming to find which gear is right for you. The D+DH team has rounded up the top 50 deer hunting products of 2021. Here is Part 4 on our list (see Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3). Stay tuned for Part 5 on July 2.
19. Elite EnKore
Last year, Elite shook the archery industry with the release of first-ever technologies that allow archers to change the tune of their bow without ever leaving the shooting line or needing a bow press. This year, Elite Archery adds the S.E.T. (Simplified. Exact. Tuning.) Technology to three new models and offers Expanded Shootability. As a follow up to the wildly popular 2020 Kure, the new EnKore will satisfy the needs of many archers. It utilizes the ASYM Tri-Track Cam System and S.E.T. Technology to make tuning easy and frustration-free. A newly designed Performance VersaMod System has 90% let-off, and generates increased speed. Offering the best of both worlds, the EnKore features the comfort and shootability that an Elite is known for, but with added performance. It is 33 inches axle to axle, has a 6-inch brace height, and weighs 4.55 pounds. Peak draw weight options include 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70. Draw length options range from 23–30 inches (in ¼-inch increments). Let off is 70–90% (with adjustable draw stops). It sends arrows at up to 340 fps (IBO measured at 80% let off).
MSRP: $1,099.99 | Info: elitearchery.com
18. Hoyt Carbon RX-4 Alpha
Hoyt bows have a reputation for being tough and dependable, and that continues with the Carbon RX-4 Alpha. It’s tough and is stronger than many other options on the market. It’s one of Hoyt’s shortest ever axle-to-axle flagship bows at 29 1/2 inches, and it weighs just 3.9 pounds, making it ideal for hiding out in a ground blind or trekking through the elk woods. It has a 6 1/8-inch brace height and is rated for speeds of 342 ATA. Draw lengths range from 25 to 28 or 28 to 30 inches, and the draw weights from 30 to 80 pounds, in 10-pound increments. Whether shooting this bow in the yard, or carrying it afield, it’s definitely a sweet shooter and one worth adding to the arsenal.
MSRP: $1,699 | Info: hoyt.com
17. Muddy Infinity Three-Person Ground Blind
The Muddy Infinity Three-Person Ground Blind is turning heads. It incorporates the innovative Shadow Mesh drop-down window curtain, which allows you to see out, but wary game can’t see in. Also included is an ultra-dark interior that’s coupled with ozone loft pockets, keeping you undetected. With ample room, you can stretch out and have plenty of space to make the shot. It comes equipped with a large door (No. 10 zipper), ultra-sized webbed base loops for larger stakes or t-posts, and a small drop down peek window in the back (for viewing or shooting). Its dimensions are 82 inches by 82 inches. Finally, the Infinity is covered with Veil camo, but has brush straps throughout the blind for additional concealment. It comes with a carry bag, rope and stakes.
MSRP: $279.98 | Info: shop.gomuddy.com
16. SEVR Robusto 2.0
SEVR’s Robusto 2.0 features patented rear-deploy locking-pivoting blade technology and features a fluted, hardened-steel ferrule that provides maximum strength and higher front-of-center (FOC) — ideal to withstand the punishing demands of today’s high-energy crossbows.
The Robusto™ 2.0 is optimized to fit crossbow arrows and weighs an FOC boosting 150 grains for improved accuracy and increased momentum. Utilizing a 2-inch cut diameter Max-Cut 2.0 blade technology for improved penetration. Robusto is assembled with a machined one-piece ferrule and precision-ground tip.
Crossbow optimized forward-pivot geometry prevents blade pre-deployment even under extremely rapid crossbow acceleration, so they remain closed in flight. Available in 150 grains in standard 8–32 threads. Since the cutting edges are protected inside the ferrule, the SEVR heads can be used for target practice. This gives bowhunters assurance that their broadheads will hit on target and eliminates the uncertainty of practice broadheads. SEVR’s Stretch Cut™ blade effect stretches the hide while cutting for a larger-than-blade wound diameter for bigger blood trails and easier recovery.
MSRP: $13.99 | Info: They are only sold direct to consumer at sevrbroadheads.com
15. RECONYX HyperFire 2
We live in a connected world. Your trail cameras shouldn’t be any different. The RECONYX HyperFire 2 camera is now 4G LTE cellular enabled, allowing you to receive images from your camera through the mobile app. Cost-effective data plans are available directly through RECONYX, and start at only $5 per month. Plans are available through Verizon or AT&T, as well as an international program for use almost anywhere in the world. It really shines in the settings category, including a 0.2-second trigger speed, 150-feet flash range, and has three illumination power settings. It takes great photos and videos, captures up to 10-second videos, and will take one to 10 images per trigger. Time-lapse surveillance is an option. Interval settings include one, five, 15, 30 or 60 minutes, and users can choose from one of two start and stop times (fixed and solar). The camera’s nighttime shutter speed is 1/30 or 1/60 (faster), and max ISO is 1600 or 3200 (longer range). Recommended batteries include the NiMH rechargeable or 12 AA lithium batteries. These cameras are made in the USA.
MSRP: $599.99 | Info: reconyx.com
14. Thompson/Center Compass II
The COMPASS® II is a feature-rich rifle that is packed with value, including the Generation II 3- to 4-pound pull trigger system. It is also designed with a threaded muzzle for use with compatible compensators, muzzle brakes and suppressors. Simple, rugged 3-lug bolt design lends itself to years of reliable service and top-notch accuracy and reliability with T/C’s match grade barrels that feature 5R rifling to deliver guaranteed Minute of Angle accuracy; 1-inch, three-shot groups at 100 yards with premium ammunition. Each rifle also features a three-position safety for visible and tactile feedback as to position of the safety. Provides locked, load/unload and fire positions. The 60-degree bolt lift provided by the three-lug bolt design gives the shooter maximum clearance between the bolt handle and a mounted scope — for fast cycling. A detachable, compact rotary magazine fits flush with the stock for easy carrying and no snags. The low-maintenance polymer magazine provides smooth feeding in a rust-proof, durable package. Five-round capacity in standard calibers and four rounds in magnum calibers. Available in 10 popular calibers, with or without Crimson Trace Scope.
MSRP: $405 to $595 | Info: tcarms.com
13. Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 AB Laser Rangefinding Binocular
This 10×42 rangefinding binocular takes the guesswork out of dialing in long-range shots with in-display ballistic data and built-in environmental sensors, which means less time calculating ballistics and more time putting rounds downrange. With Applied Ballistics Elite solver built right in, you can pair with the Fury HD App to create custom ballistic profiles, and with popular Kestrel and Applied Ballistics Garmin devices for the ultimate in real-time precision. Other features include the ability to customize profiles via the Fury HD App, or use one of three preloaded profiles for popular cartridges, and an on-board compass, humidity, barometric pressure and temperature sensors. The system also allows you to manually enter speed and direction with Full Cross Wind Mode and the patent pending Wind Bearing Capture Mode. Maximum reflective range: 5,000 yards. Weight: 32.4 ounces.
MSRP: $1,999.99 | Info: vortexoptics.com
12. Easton Archery FMJ 4MM
The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) 4MM by Easton Archery offers increased accuracy and penetration. It’s one of the most accurate, dependable arrows on the market, and it’s precision made in the USA. FMJ starts with an advanced carbon core foundation for added strength in a lighter shaft. A full metal (7075 alloy) jacket adds kinetic energy, enhances accuracy, and pulls easier from targets. The combination provides deeper penetration and more pass-through impacts for quicker kills and heavier blood trails. The 4MM FMJ has been updated with a new spine configuration, an 8-32 point outsert system, and redesigned graphics. The standard 8-32 thread point outsert optimizes front-of-center performance for easier broadhead tuning and more durability. It comes with pre-installed 4mm nocks. This arrow is graded at +/- .003-inch straightness, and .001-inch straightness is available in the Match Grade version.
MSRP: $180 per dozen | Info: eastonarchery.com
11. Hornady 6mm ARC Precision Hunter
Tested, selected and fielded by a specialized group within the U.S. DoD for its multipurpose combat rifle program, the versatile 6mm ARC does much of what larger cartridges can and everything that smaller cartridges can’t. Designed to meet the needs of the world’s toughest critics, the 6mm ARC utilizes efficient, high-BC bullets to deliver unprecedented performance from the AR-15 platform. The 6mm ARC achieves results with a blend of system weight, performance and shootability, and is equally at home in AR-15 platforms and short- or micro-action bolt guns, this load is suitable for applications from personal defense to match shooting, hunting, and military and law enforcement. Accuracy and terminal performance are the cornerstones of Hornady® Precision Hunter® factory loaded ammunition. Great care has been given by Hornady engineers to develop superior, match-accurate hunting loads that allow the 103-grain ELD-X® bullet to achieve its maximum ballistic potential. Propellants used in the Precision Hunter® ammunition line are clean burning and loaded to uniform capacity for consistent shot to shot results regardless of temperature. This attention to detail provides the highest levels of accuracy and performance uniformity for the most demanding and diverse hunting situations.
MSRP: $42.99 for a box of 20. | Info: hornady.com
