Trail cameras are expensive, and if you’re like me you are trying to get the most out of each trail camera you own. Proper placement is necessary to do this, especially for mature bucks. There are two types of trail camera placement in my opinion, inventory placement and bedding area placement. I go into detail on both.
Inventory Trail Camera Placement For Mature Bucks
The first method is inventory placement of trail cameras. Inventory placement is the placement of trail cameras over food sources, bait, deer trails, rubs, scrapes, or a combination of these, basically any location that is not bedding. Inventory placement can work well to inform you if a mature buck is in the general area. Finding a mature buck to hunt is in my opinion the hardest part. Getting a few trail camera pictures of him means he’s most likely living nearby (outside the rut).
I’ve noticed when hunters start getting pictures of a mature buck they get excited and become content with their camera placement, ultimately leaving their trail cameras in the same spot in hopes that they will get more pictures of the particular buck. Usually, hunters will get a few more pictures of this buck until the season changes and the buck moves core areas.
Placing Trail Cameras and Buck Seasonal Shifts
The biggest problem I had when placing trail cameras in inventory locations was bucks disappearing from their core areas as hunting season approached. This frustrated me because I took extreme precautions to avoid spooking deer when checking trail cameras, so I was fairly confident that was not the issue. I found it especially difficult to hunt a particular buck.
What I noticed was I would get pictures of hitlist bucks fairly consistently until about the first weeks of September when they started to shed their velvet, then they would vanish. The funny thing was they would be right back in the same spot at the exact same time the following year, only to vanish again before the hunting season. Only a small percentage of bucks I got pictures of would stay in their core area into the hunting season.
Corrected Date: July 16th 2016, 3:30PM (Buck 1)
Date: July 19th 2017, 8:18 AM (Buck 1)
Corrected Date: August 14th 2016, 9:55AM (Buck 2)
Date: August 14th 2017, 9:12 AM (Buck 2)
Above you will see photos taken of big bucks in the summer. In both years the trail camera was placed over a well-used deer trail. Although camera’s exact placement changed these pictures were all taken in the same spot. These pictures show the same two bucks during the summer of 2016 and 2017.
Bucks in this area show up at the same time every year in the summer but then vanish in August every year (The date and time on the photos is not correct, I was able to figure out the exact date and time and have inserted the correct date and time as text below each photo.) “Buck 1” shows up within 3 days of the previous year. “Buck 2” shows up within the same hour as he did the previous year. This year I will have to move my cameras and figure out where these bucks are bedding.
Place Trail Cameras Where Bucks Will Be During Hunting Season
Unfortunately, inventory trail camera placement will likely not be where a mature buck feels comfortable during daylight hours during the hunting season. More often than not when hunting season rolls around bucks aren’t using food sources, bait, deer trails, rubs, and scrapes during daylight hours, especially if you’re hunting an area with hunting pressure. As hunting pressure increases daylight movement tends to decrease. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule but in general, I have seen less success when I leave cameras over inventory areas throughout the hunting season.
If you have located a mature buck using inventory trail camera placement that is fantastic, finding a mature buck is the hardest part, but now you need to take it to the next step. Where is this buck likely spending his time in daylight during the hunting season? Bedding areas.
Trail Cameras and High-Quality Bedding Areas
I felt that if I could just figure out why a small percentage of bucks remained in the same area for longer periods I could put myself in similar situations and start capitalizing on particular bucks. After a few seasons of brainstorming, increasing my arsenal of trail cameras, and testing hypotheses I started to notice a pattern; my cameras, even though they were over inventory placement they, by chance, were on the border of bedding areas. Cameras at the edge of high-quality bedding areas were more likely to keep bucks in their core areas longer into the season.
This is how I first discovered high-quality bedding areas. I define high-quality bedding areas as an area that provides excellent protection in the form of security from hunters and predators, so much so, that mature bucks feel safe and relaxed. However, in this definition, I include proximity and availability to does, food sources, and water. The more readily available these are, the higher the quality of the bedding area.
From trail camera observations I found that the higher the quality of the bedding area the more likely I would be to get pictures of a particular buck into the hunting season.
Big Buck In High-Quality Habitat SeptemberBig Buck In High-Quality Habitat In OctoberBig Buck In High-Quality Habitat Early NovemberBig Buck In High-Quality Habitat Mid-November
Bucks Spend The Most Time In Bedding Areas
The more I thought about this the more it made sense. High-quality bedding areas are where mature bucks feel safe which is where they will be spending most of their time during most times of the year. Additionally, even if deer seasonal patterns change due to food availability, loss of foliage, testosterone levels increasing… etc, mature bucks will likely want to remain in the same high-quality bedding area because it is where they feel secure.
The highest quality bedding area on a property can likely hold multiple bucks depending on its size. These bucks will want to take advantage of its safety and compete for the safest areas in that bedding area. Mature bucks will push satellite bucks out to maintain the highest quality bedding areas for themselves. Camera placement near high-quality bedding like this increases the odds of catching dominant bucks and respectable satellite bucks on camera during daylight into the hunting season.
From trail camera placement trial and error I have found that buck bedding that provides food, water, and does nearby gives bucks less of a reason to leave in September and into the hunting season. Do I still have bucks disappear on me in September? Absolutely. Each situation and buck is different but the rate at which they disappear has reduced.
It is important to note that I rarely intrude on a buck’s bedding area when placing trail cameras, as this will likely result in the buck leaving his core area or becoming nocturnal before the season starts. Instead, I put my trail cameras as close to the bedding as possible but where I am confident that the buck will not be alerted in any way by sight or sound. I assume some of my scent may be left behind but I take precautions mentioned below to minimize this as much as possible.
The one exception is if I place a camera deep within a bedding area in the spring, during spring scouting, and leave it there throughout the entire hunting season. I will only check this camera after the hunting season has ended. The information on this camera will help me plan for future hunts because I will be able to see what days and times bucks are moving through the bedding area.
Summer Trail Camera Placement In Bedding Areas
Trail Camera Placement In Bedding Areas
Summer Trail Camera Placement In Bedding Areas
Trail Camera Placement In Bedding Areas
High quality bedding location: I had this buck (above) on camera from the beginning of June through the middle of August. Unfortunately, I forgot to turn my camera on for the last check of the season. However, on October 13th, 2017 I had a deer walk by at 20 yards, 5 minutes after quitting time. I couldn’t see him, but when I got out of my tree I smelt what was unmistakably the smell of tarsal gland. I’d bet a lot of money it was him. The location of this camera was just on the outside of a thick winterberry and alder swamp, this buck made many appearances.
When To Place Trail Cameras For Mature Bucks
Most of my scouting takes place just after snowmelt in spring. When I find a buck bedding area from scouting I will come back and place a trail camera at the edge of the bedding in May. To learn how I scout for buck bedding check out my article Finding Pressured Bucks. I like to put my cameras out in May.
I check my trail cameras about once every two months preferably during windy or rainy weather conditions. This way I leave almost no evidence that I was in the area and the bucks have a minimal chance of catching onto me. I always wear rubber boots and use scent-free wipes to clean my cameras when I’m done setting them up. I also am quick to download pictures and get out of the area to reduce scent contamination.
If I am not getting any mature bucks on camera after two months I will adjust accordingly. Sometimes I’ll move the camera and other times I will leave a camera out over the hunting season to see what it turns up if I have a good feeling about an area. Sometimes there’s not much activity in an area until the hunting season starts. Other times I will move the camera to another bedding location I feel has potential.
I will continue to check my trail cameras until one month out from the season opener, sometimes later if there is really bad weather that lets me sneak in undetected. This gives the area time to cool down before hunting season.
There is a balance between checking cameras close to the season and having high-quality information telling you that a mature buck is moving in daylight close to the start of the season. During this check, I wear full scent-lok clothing that has been carefully stored to minimize scent.
Trail Cameras And The Rut
I have found that during the peak rut most bucks have left their core areas in search of does, making it much harder to capitalize on a particular buck. For this reason, I won’t check my trail cameras again for the rest of the hunting season. I let trail cameras collect valuable data that I can use and apply to future hunts.
Being that the buck I am after is most likely gone during this time there is no reason to check cameras. Instead, during this time of year I rely on last year’s trail camera dates and times. Deer are habitual creatures and often visit areas at the same time and dates each year.
I will use the dates of rutting buck pictures from the previous year and use them to determine when to hunt during the present year. This way I do not contaminate my hunting locations with my scent from checking trail cameras. I don’t want to be checking my cameras during the season because as the season progresses and hunting pressure increases bucks will become much more sensitive to human presence. Checking trail cameras during the season is a great way to ruin a spot.
Conclusion
If you are a hunter who is having trouble capitalizing on trail camera pictures of bucks then I recommend you try the method above on how to place trail cameras. Although placing trail cameras near bedding areas can be risky, I have found it to be worth the risk with the proper precautions. I hope you can take away from what I have learned and apply it to your trail camera strategy to capitalize on mature bucks.
A classic buck high-quality bedding area. Bucks will often bed at the edges of islands or on hummocks in cattail swamps like this. They feel secure in these areas, most hunters don’t want to walk through this thick stuff and it is difficult for the ones that do to sneak up on them. A trail camera set up at the edge of a bedding area like this has the potential to capture a big buck.
Understanding how hunting pressure shapes deer behavior, especially buck behavior has completely changed my approach to whitetail hunting. I used to get frustrated in heavily hunted areas, but now I see the pressure as an opportunity.
Table of Contents
Figure Out The Hunting Pressure In Your Area
Some states are hunted more heavily than others. Many states require hunters to gain permission from landowners to hunt their land. That is to say that private property is considered posted property unless the property specifically states that public access is allowed.
However, in my home state of Maine the opposite is true. In Maine, you are allowed to access and hunt anybody’s property without asking permission as long as it is not posted. There are some caveats to this but in general, this statement is true.
This causes much of the populated portion of central and southern Maine, where I live, to be hit hard by hunting pressure. Especially during the rifle season. Also, there are no antler restrictions in Maine which means hunters can shoot any size buck, reducing the overall age class of bucks. In the more populated southern areas of Maine, you have to do your homework to find a 3 ½-year-old buck.
If you also experience high hunting pressure, big bucks won’t be just anywhere. Understanding areas that bucks prefer will greatly increase your odds of success. Bucks that have grown to maturity in these pressured areas are smarter animals. They have found sanctuaries where they feel safe which has allowed them to reach a higher age class.
Pressured Buck Bedding Areas
Pressured bucks prioritize safety above all else when the rut isn’t in swing. They’ll seek out the highest quality bedding areas – often overlooked, secluded, difficult to access, and with dense vegetation offering excellent cover. This makes focusing your scouting on bedding areas a smart starting point.
Fortunately, the type of vegetation pressured bucks prefer to bed in can usually be seen from aerial imagery. To determine how secluded a bedding area is you will have to use your imagination. I often ask myself the question; would other hunters likely be accessing the area?
Where do you think a big buck would be living on this landscape? My guess would be a hummock in one of these swamps.
I can usually tell if a property will provide quality bedding opportunities by looking at aerial imagery. To learn how I do this check out my blog post: 15 Best Tips for Scouting Deer using Google Earth. This post goes into detail on different Google Earth tools that are useful to increase your deer scouting efficiency.
Figuring out certain areas that pressured bucks gravitate to has advanced my whitetail hunting career more than anything. Even though few bucks manage to live to a mature age because of high hunting pressure, there are areas I have found that hold bucks over others. Not only are these areas more likely to hold bucks but they also hold bucks consistently.
Edges of Protected Areas
One of my favorite places to find pressured bucks is on the edge of properties where hunting is not allowed. I call these areas Protected Areas. Protected Areas could be wildlife reserves, conservation areas, and posted property where hunting is not allowed.
Scouting in these areas during the off-season and along the border of posted land has been beneficial to me in finding bigger bucks. Why would you scout places you cannot hunt? Because nobody else can hunt them either, and as a result, bucks feel safe and have a chance to grow to maturity.
First, I’ll try to get permission from the landowner to simply scout the property. This lets me confirm buck activity and strategically place a stand near the boundary.
Even without access, if the buck sign is excellent and the bedding area is clear, I’ll assume bucks are using it. Experience has taught me that pressured bucks naturally gravitate toward the safest bedding available.
I have found bucks naturally gravitate high-quality bedding areas. Here is one example of a confirmed bedding area based on a hunch from aerial imagery.
When setting up a stand location it is key to be as close to the property line as possible. Pressured deer often don’t stray far from their beds until dark. Being as close to the bedding area as possible increases the likelihood of catching a big buck on his feet before quitting time. Many hunters don’t think about protected areas when looking for areas that produce big bucks, but I have found they have potential.
Highway Bedding Areas
Highways are another spot I key in on. They often create good deer bedding habitat because the edges of the highway get a lot of sunlight which creates dense vegetation. Additionally, they often create wetlands from the water that is shed off of the highway and into the ditches.
If this water remains long enough to inundate soil for long periods of time, wetland vegetation starts to grow. This wetland cover often includes cattails, speckled alder, and tall grasses, which provide great screening cover. I have found whitetails love this vegetation for bedding compared to other areas.
Pressured bucks have learned to use the shape of the highway to their advantage as well. They are aware highways greatly limit where danger can approach them, and will often choose a concave portion for bedding.
A great example of concave portions of a highway with dense vegetation. An area like this is one of my favorites for finding pressured bucks.
I believe they do this because this shape protects them from approaching threats in the greatest range of directions. Pressured bucks can utilize multiple wind directions, take advantage of thick and noisy vegetation by hearing approaching predators, and see what is coming from all threatening directions.
Doing this allows them to slip out the backdoor undetected. Bedding areas like this pretty much offer complete safety. Becoming aware of how bucks use highways to their advantage will help you place stands in more strategic locations. Although it may not be the most peaceful hunt, highways can produce great results.
Swamp Bedding Areas
I have found swamps to be especially productive when it comes to finding pressured bucks.
The first reason is that swamps, especially large ones offer isolation from other hunters. Hunters avoid these areas because to most it is a lot of work to struggle through the nasty cover. Additionally, many hunters like to hunt from treestands. Swamps often stunt tree growth and do not produce trees big enough to support conventional treestands.
Most hunters usually end up hunting the edges of swamps where the trees are. I have found that getting deep into swamps where other hunters do not want to go can provide excellent hunting. Being able to get away from other hunters has allowed me to find areas of low hunting pressure within regions of high pressure. These types of places are where mature pressured bucks seek refuge because they know from experience that there are fewer hunters; thus, it’s safer.
Here I had to use hip-boots to get through this swamp, but it was worth it because I found isolated bedding deep in the dense cover of the swamp.
Swamps also have the potential to hold multiple big bucks. Like I mentioned before I have found that pressured bucks seek out and bed in the highest quality bedding areas, they aren’t mindlessly bedding down anywhere. Thick swamps, more often than not, offer the highest degree of safety when compared to other areas on a property. This means multiple bucks will gravitate toward the same swamp because they know it is the safest place in their core area. The size of the swamp influences its ability to hold multiple bucks. Big swamps are more likely to hold multiple bucks than small ones. Hunting areas that pressured bucks tend to gravitate to, and that potentially hold multiple bucks has increased my success.
Pressured bucks do not spend all their time in swamps; they need to feed at some point. However, this is usually after dark when they feel safe. Deer trails are often easily noticeable in swamps, sometimes you can even see them from aerial imagery. I make sure to follow these trails from the mainland into the swamps during scouting missions to find buck beds. Doing this has helped me understand where I should place my stand in relation to these beds. Usually, this means placing my stand as close to these beds as possible without spooking them. I hunt from a tree saddle which allows me to get into trees much smaller than conventional treestands. Getting closer to these bedding areas has helped me get eyes on bucks during daylight hours.
River Oxbow Bedding Areas
Rivers often create swamps at their edges from soils being exposed to hydrologic conditions for long periods. Thick and nasty wetland vegetation is created as a result, which is where pressured bucks like to spend their time. I have noticed that bucks will use rivers almost identically to how they use highways for protection.
I often find pressured buck beds in swamps where the river has created a concave shape. The beds are usually located on a hummock at the edge of the river looking back toward the mainland. I find these beds here because, like highways, they know they are safe in the direction of the river. By bedding the concave portions it limits the direction danger can come from, reducing the likelihood of being snuck up onto.
Pressured bucks feel safe with the River at their back. Also, notice the change in vegetation as you near the River, this is thick wetland vegetation.
Conclusion
For me, understanding where and why mature bucks bed where they do has made me a significantly better hunter. I struggled with seeing mature bucks for years and could never figure out why. I thought that hunting harder and longer using the same tactics would provide better results.
Now that I am hunting smarter I have seen much better results. If you are someone who is struggling with finding pressured bucks you can take action. Seek out and scout places that other hunters would not think to go, or may not want to go, be creative. If you find big buck sign the next step is to find the highest quality bedding area on the property. Then search the bedding area for more sign, if you see an additional big buck sign near the bedding area set up your stand!
Scouting deer using Google Earth will save you countless time and effort by efficiently scouting properties. Not to mention it can be done without even leaving your house! The tools and add-ons mentioned of Google Earth Pro combined with aerial imagery a very powerful deer scouting deer tool. You don’t have to spend hours scouting entire properties. Instead, with a little practice, you’ll be able to identify portions of properties that are of higher quality than others without setting foot on the ground.
By eliminating portions of lower-quality properties from your scouting missions, you are ultimately spending less time on properties. Although you are spending less time on properties, you are spending a higher proportion of your time in high-quality areas. This undoubtedly increases scouting efficiency and makes scouting even more enjoyable.
Although I love scouting for deer, it can sometimes be frustrating. Finding new properties, getting permission to hunt properties, and meticulously walking those properties to understand how deer use them is a slow and time-consuming process. If you’re like me and you don’t have a lot of time to scout, using your scouting time efficiently is key to hunting season success.
Scouting deer using Google Earth provides powerful preliminary information, but it is no substitute for boots-on-the-ground scouting. Make sure you get out there and compare what you are seeing on Google Earth with the actual site. Over time, after comparing enough Google Earth data to on-site observations, you will become proficient at finding the best areas to scout for deer.
Table of Contents
Tip Number 1: Scout Deer Using Google Earth Pro
The first step toward effectively scouting deer using Google Earth is to download Google Earth Pro to your desktop. Google Earth Pro is free and better version of Google Earth. With Google Earth Pro you get everything Google Earth offers and more.
Google Earth Web is another option to choose from but does not provide the same features as Google Earth Pro. I regularly use measuring tools that are only found on Google Earth Pro and is the program I recommend.
Tip Number 2: Measuring Tools
If you click on the ruler at the top of the window you can measure areas of interest. It gives you the option to measure with a Line, Path, Polygon, Circle, 3D Path, and 3D Polygon. I commonly use these measurement tools as drawing tools to journal my past and future scouting trips. I do this by placing circles and Placemarks on areas I’d like to scout and drawing Paths where I’ve previously scouted. By doing this I can recall these areas at a future date. Measurements overlaid on top of the aerial imagery are saved in the Places window and can be toggled on and off.
Google Earth Pro Measuring Tool
Tip Number 3: Organize and Prioritize
You can also roughly pre-determine the distance you will be walking, and the area of a property. This is helpful when determining how many properties you can realistically scout in a day. Another advantage of measuring tools is marking boundaries. For example, in Maine we have an expanded archery season. This season only takes place in a few specific locations of the state. By using the Path measurement tool, I was able to draw the boundaries of the expanded archery zones. Doing this eliminated the redundancy of checking to make sure I was in the expanded zone before each new scouting trip. The use of measuring tools has helped me organize and prioritize my scouting schedule greatly, saving me a lot of time in the field.
Picture 1. Representation of how I might use Placemarks and measuring tools to plan a scouting trip.
Tip Number 4: Historical Imagery
A simple yet effective tool for scouting deer using Google Earth is using Historical Imagery. The Historical Imagery icon can be found at the bottom left of your Google Earth Pro window, shown as a clock with a green arrow. The icon appears when you zoom into a location close enough so the program can find the area’s imagery dates. Once zoomed in far enough, click this icon and a slide bar with a range of dates will appear. By moving the slider across these dates, you will be able to observe years of previously recorded aerial imagery.
Google Earth Pro Historical Imagery Feature
Tip Number 5: Find Wetlands
Another benefit of Historical Imagery is you can toggle between different seasons. This is because the imagery was captured at different months from year to year. By choosing imagery with the foliage off you can locate features that you otherwise would not be able to. I often use this feature to find small streams, swamps, and other wetlands when scouting deer using Google Earth because wetlands often provide high-quality bedding areas.
Tip Number 6: Forest Composition
You can also use Historical Imagery to look at forest composition. Using aerial imagery with foliage off will make determining the hardwood-to-softwood ratio simple. I like to know the ratio of forest types of the property before I scout. This helps me understand what the area looks like. It also helps me get a general sense of how much food could be available to deer in the area. Higher proportions of hardwoods often will often mean more forage in the area.
Tip Number 7: Age Timber Harvests
If logging has taken place in an area you can estimate cover density and the age of a forest stand. For example, let’s say in your most recent aerial image you find an old clear-cut. You can determine how old the vegetation will be by going back in time on your Historical Imagery. The date where you encounter the clear-cut disappearing will roughly be the age of that logging event. Being able to age forest stands like this is important because it allows you to theorize how deer will be using the area.
I often scout clear-cuts that are around 8-15 years old to see how they have grown back. Often they provide quality bedding and feeding. Using this method has allowed me to identify sections of properties that I believe are worth scouting over other areas, increasing efficiency. Historical Imagery is a very effective tool for scouting deer using Google Earth.
Picture 2. The clock with a green arrow is shown at the bottom of the screen, when clicked it opens the slider bar shown at the top. Notice that some features have changed, such as the field and logged area which are not present in the 2003 imagery.
Tip Number 8: Google Earth App
Google Earth can be found in the App Store and has proved very useful. Data placed on Google Earth Pro on your desktop can be uploaded onto the Google Earth App on a phone. This means that any Google Earth Pro file that you find online such as; topo maps layers, parcels layers, public land layers…etc. can be uploaded onto your phone via the Google Earth app. This is one of my favorite tips because it allows you to take preliminary research from your laptop into the woods.
Tip Number 9: Placemarks & Baselayers
Before I head into the woods I like to set Placemarks on my Google Earth Pro desktop in areas I specifically want to visit on a property, then download them onto my phone. This is helpful because when using different baselayers, like topography, you can’t see the aerial imagery. This makes it difficult to navigate to the preliminary features of interest you marked. Placemarks will stay on top of all layers so that you know where your features are at all times, even when using other baselayers. This eliminates having to repeatedly toggle a base layer on and off to see the aerial imagery.
Tip Number 10: Property Parcel Information
Parcel information is another huge advantage to have remotely. Having property lines available at your fingertips while in the woods allows you to always know whose property you’re on; thus, you’re quickly able to ask for permission when you find good deer sign. This has sped up my permission-seeking and asking process immensely. The Google Earth App is a great tool for scouting deer when combined with Google Earth.
Picture 3. Points from Google Earth Pro are shown downloaded onto a mobile phone. Notice that you can still view the Placemarks when using a different base layer.
Tip Number 11: USGS Topographic Map Layer
USGS Topographic Maps layer is a layer I use every time before I start scouting. This layer can be easily downloaded from the internet and can be found by clicking the link above or with a simple Google search. I have found viewing topography to be a helpful preliminary step before putting feet on the ground. Topography influences deer movement, whitetails generally want to follow the path of least resistance. There are exceptions to every rule but generally, you can predict where you should focus scouting. Doing this reduces time wasted on areas that have a low potential for concentrating deer movement.
Tip Number 12: Pinpoint the Best Areas on Properties
Pinch points are a type of terrain feature I key in on with topographic maps. An example of a pinch point would be a steep hill that runs perpendicular to a river. A hill that decreases in steepness as it nears the river creates a great pinch. Whitetails generally will want to use shallow terrain to get around hills. In the picture below, the closest part of the hill to the river provides the easiest travel corridor. I will place a Placemark to remind myself to scout this area to see how well-traveled the pinch point is.
Another example of a pinch point would be two steep hills near each other that create a valley in-between. Often, the deer will walk in the valley. Using the valley acts as a shortcut and is less energetically expensive than climbing the hills. Pinch points like these are excellent candidates for tree stands, especially during the rut when bucks use travel corridors to find does.
Topographic layers have helped me identify specific sections of properties that should be scouted more thoroughly. It has also helped me identify sections that aren’t worth my scouting time. Topographic map layers are great tools for scouting deer using Google Earth and are a must in my scouting regimen.
Picture 4. The Placemark labeled “Pinch Point” is located in a saddle between mountains. Naturally, deer want to walk the path of least resistance. Saddles often provide deer with the easiest travel corridors.
Tip Number 13: Parcel Data Layer into Google Earth
There are multiple ways to obtain parcel information to be downloaded into Google Earth Pro. Parcel information is available to the public. Historically, to interpret parcel information you had to visit a town’s assessors page and figure out the map and lot number of the property of interest by looking at confusing PDFs. This took a long time and was tedious. Recently, however, parcel information is becoming digitized/computerized. Towns often have an online parcel viewer which is incredibly helpful. Even better this information can often be downloaded as a Google Earth File (.KMZ) which can be overlaid onto Google Earth Pro aerial imagery.
Tip Number 14: Research State and Town Websites
Parcel information is not a nationally recognized layer because parcel information is only at the state or town scale so it can be harder to obtain. Some leg work may be required to find out where to obtain Google Earth parcel information for towns and states you’re interested in, but it’s worth it. I recommended searching state and town websites for this information. It may also be beneficial to get in contact with state and town officials.
Tip Number 15: Interactive Parcel Layers
Once projected onto Google Earth Pro they often (not always) do much more than show you the locations of the parcels. These Parcel layers are generally interactive which means you can click on them to display additional information. Some of the more helpful pieces of information that pop up include the property owner’s name, address, and acreage. After locating properties you deem worth scouting you can overlay parcel information over those properties. This allows you to obtain all the information you need on properties you want to scout before heading into the woods.
As previously mentioned, parcel information can also be downloaded onto your phone so you can have it in the field with you. Having property lines available at your fingertips while in the woods allows you to always know whose property you are on, enabling you to quickly ask for permission.
The ability to have property owner names, addresses, and acreages one click away, all on a single platform, rather than going through pages and pages of confusing documents to find it has saved me copious amounts of scouting time. Parcel information is a useful tool for scouting deer using Google Earth.
Picture 5. Parcel information from a town’s website in Maine. Notice this particular parcel is owned by the town of Freeport, is 104.75 acres and they can be found at 30 Main Street in Freeport.
Conclusion
Although there are other ways to e-scout deer digitally, like with OnX Hunt, I still prefer Google Earth when I’m on the desktop. I feel like there is much more customizability.
There are so many ways to use Google Earth Pro to your benefit that this blog does not cover. These tips will help you unlock the potential Google Earth has to scout for deer. I am confident that if you implement these tips you will improve your scouting efficiency. Scouting deer with Google Earth is one of the best tools a hunter can use to become successful during the hunting season.
If you’re interested in more ways to effectively scout deer check out my post: Finding Pressured Bucks. This post goes further into scouting deer using Google Earth. I share how to how to determine habitat types and features that bucks are likely to key in on.
If you want to learn additional skills and shortcuts or are having trouble getting started with Google Earth the Google Earth User Guide is a helpful resource. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think about scouting deer using Google Earth! If there are any articles you want me to cover in the future feel free to let me know.
The best boots for ice fishing will be big, heavily insulated, waterproof, comfortable, and durable. These ice fishing boots were designed to keep your feet warm in the coldest conditions while being relatively stationary.
To have the most enjoyment while ice fishing it is important to have the correct footwear. Otherwise, you’ll be focusing on your feet when you should be fishing and having fun. The boots below are great options for keeping your feet warm and dry while ice fishing.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
These Baffin Titan rubber boots are comfort-rated to -148ºF (-100ºC). They are perfect if you’re stationary for long periods of time with your feet on the ice.
Also, they’re waterproof and have thick removable liners for insulation and warmth. Since they’re waterproof, you can be sure your feet stay dry, which is essential for ice fishing in cold weather. For how big and warm they are, they’re surprisingly not that heavy.
These rubber boots are made by Cabela’s and are one of the warmest rubber boots on the market. They have 2000g of insulation in the toe area, 1600g in the arches, and 1200g in the heel. This design is for maximum warmth in the areas that need it but also to keep them mobile enough for walking.
Also, you can find these boots for a very affordable price compared to the other warm rubber boots on this list, making them a great budget option. These boots will fall apart if used for a lot of walking but if you’re relatively stationary when you’re ice fishing these could be a great option.
These are the 1200g Zoned Comfort Boots, but same idea as the 2000g.
Lacrosse Alpha Burley 1600g Insulated Boots
The Lacrosse Alpha Burleys are one of the warmest full-sized (18″) rubber boots on the market with 1600g of insulation to keep your feet warm in the coldest weather while ice fishing. Also, another benefit is that they are waterproof so your feet don’t get wet which will further which is key to keeping your feet warm on the ice.
Another one of the warmest ice fishing rubber boots is the Thorogood Infinity with 1600g of insulation. These boots are similar to the Lacrosse Alpha Burleys but they use Solarcore insulation (which NASA uses for insulating space things) to keep boots as insulated as possible and retain heat better than other boots.
Cabela’s Saskatchewan – Warmest Winter Boot For Ice Fishing
The Cabela’s Saskatchewan boots are one of the best boots for ice fishing because of the3 inchesof insulation between your foot and the ground surface that they offer.
This means it will be very difficult for the cold to penetrate from the ground up into your boot, which is key when your feet are on the ice for long periods of time. They have a removable liner which gives them even more insulation and warmth.
Although they’re one of the biggest and bulkiest boots, they’re very warm. They’re also surprisingly lightweight for their size because of the synthetic material they’re made of.
These boots are unique in that they have interchangeable soles so you can add ice grips to the bottom of them which is a great feature for ice fishing. They’re comfortable, insulated (1200g), and waterproof making them great ice fishing boots. This is a versatile boot because it’s fairly heavily insulated for warmth but agile allowing for better mobility.
Lacrosse makes a winter boot called the Hunt Pac Extreme. They are big and bulky winter boots with 2000g of insulation which is great for keeping your feet warm on the ice. 2000g of insulation is a lot which means these boots can keep your feet warm during the coldest temperatures of the year. Although they aren’t rubber, they are still waterproof.
Another one of the warmest ice fishing boots is the Cabela’s Inferno 2000g insulated boot. These boots are big and bulky but they will keep your feet warm in just about any weather condition you throw at them. They’re waterproof which is essential for keeping your feet dry and warm on the ice.
The Baffin Snow Monsters are comfort rated to -94°F and are another top ice fishing boot. Additionally, they are waterproof and have a removable felt liner. The big and bulky winter boot offers a lot of insulation to separate your feet from the cold and retain foot heat. Baffin is a Canadian company they are well-known for its quality warm winter boots.
If you’re looking for some of the warmest ice fishing boots for the money, these budget winter boots are great. Also, they are comfort-rated down to -40°F. They won’t be able to handle the coldest days but they’ll be able to withstand most. If you’re a beginner ice fisherman these are a good option. Especially if you know you won’t be ice fishing on the most brutally cold days.
Tips For Buying The Best Ice Fishing Boots For You
What Does Boot Comfort Rating Mean?
A comfort rating for boots will tell you the effective temperature that a pair of boots are designed to keep you comfortable with light usage.
This is important to know because there is a big difference between in warmth between being stationary and walking around a bit.
For this reason, you will want a pair of ice fishing boots that are rated warmer than the temperatures you plan to fish in to ensure your feet stay warm while ice fishing.
Let’s explore the 9mm vs 9 popular handgun cartridges using ballistic tables and graphs out to 100 yards. The 9mm’s velocity, trajectory, energy, and recoil are compared to all 9 cartridges providing a clear and data-driven perspective on how the 9mm stacks up.
When it comes to handgun ammunition, the 9mm cartridge stands out as a favorite among shooters. It’s known for its balance of power, ammo capacity, and ease of handling, the 9mm has become a staple in personal defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting. But how does it stack up against other popular rounds like the .45 ACP, 10mm, .380 ACP, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .357 Sig, .44 Magnum, .40 S&W, and .32 ACP? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
How To Use This Article:
I used common bullets for the cartridges in this article for a realistic comparison. In the graphs and tables, I make sure to show the grain of each bullet for simple comparisons. All of the bullets in this article were made for self-defense.
The Ballistic Tables
If you want a 1-on-1 comparison from 0 to 100 yards in 25-yard increments for any of these cartridges to the 9mm, you can find that after the graphs in the ballistic tables section.
The Ballistic Graphs
Keep in mind that with different bullet grains and different ammunition, you can achieve different results than shown below. However, you can use the information below to determine the potential of each cartridge.
Let’s jump into the graphs first because they’ll answer your broader questions faster.
Velocity Ballistic Comparison Graph: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
Below are velocity ballistic graphs of all 10 cartridges. The 9mm is shown as a black line in all graphs.
Trajectory Ballistic Comparison Graph: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
Below are trajectory ballistic graphs of all 10 cartridges. The 9mm is shown as a black line in all graphs.
Bullet Energy (Stopping Power) Ballistic Comparison Graph: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
Below are bullet energy or stopping power ballistic graphs of all 10 cartridges. The 9mm is shown as a black line in all graphs.
Recoil Comparison Graph: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
Below are the recoil values of all 10 cartridges. The 9mm recoil energy and recoil velocity are shown as dottedblack lines for easy comparison to the other cartridges. This graph assumes that all cartridges are shot out of a handgun that weighs 30oz. This was done to create a better apples-to-apples comparison between cartridges.
Ballistic Tables: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
9mm vs 45 ACP
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) consistently exhibits higher velocities than the .45 ACP (230 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. Starting faster at the muzzle (1150 fps vs 900 fps) and maintaining its speed advantage throughout, the 9mm demonstrates superior velocity retention over distance compared to the heavier .45 ACP.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the .45 ACP (230 gr) at distances up to 100 yards. With a flatter trajectory, the 9mm shows a smaller decrease in height, dropping -8.8 inches at 100 yards compared to the .45 ACP’s drop of -14.6 inches. This indicates that the 9mm maintains a closer path to the line of sight over distance, making it more favorable for precision shooting.
Energy
At all distances up to 100 yards, the .45 ACP (230 gr) consistently exhibits higher bullet energy compared to the 9mm (124 gr). While the 9mm starts with an energy of 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, the .45 ACP begins with a higher energy of 414 ft-lbs. This trend continues across distances, with the .45 ACP maintaining its energy lead, with 354 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the 9mm’s 263 ft-lbs. The heavier bullet of the .45 ACP contributes to its greater energy, making it potentially more powerful on targets.
Recoil
The .45 ACP (230 gr) exhibits significantly higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). Specifically, the .45 ACP has a recoil energy of 7.8 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 16.4 fps, which is notably higher than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. This increase in recoil for the .45 ACP is due to its heavier bullet and larger powder charge, resulting in a more pronounced kick when fired. The lower recoil of the 9mm makes it generally easier to handle and quicker for follow-up shots.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 10mm
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) generally exhibits higher velocities than the 10mm (200 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. Starting with a slightly higher velocity at the muzzle (1150 fps vs 1130 fps for the 10mm), the 9mm maintains its speed advantage throughout, showing superior velocity retention over distance compared to the 10mm. Just remember the bullet is much heavier for the 10mm.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the 10mm (200 gr) at distances up to 100 yards. The 9mm shows a smaller decrease in height, dropping -8.8 inches at 100 yards compared to the 10mm’s drop of -10.0 inches. This indicates that the 9mm maintains a relatively flatter trajectory over distance. However, they’re very similar which is impressive since the 10mm bullet is much bigger.
Energy
The 10mm (200 gr) consistently exhibits significantly higher bullet energy than the 9mm (124 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. While the 9mm starts with an energy of 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, the 10mm begins with a substantially higher energy of 567 ft-lbs. This higher energy level for the 10mm remains across all distances, demonstrating 361 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the 9mm’s 263 ft-lbs. The larger powder load and heavier bullet of the 10mm contribute to its greater energy, making it more powerful on impact, especially at closer ranges.
Recoil
The 10mm (200 gr) has significantly higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). Specifically, the 10mm exhibits a recoil energy of 10.2 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 18.7 fps, which are notably greater than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. This increase in recoil for the 10mm can be attributed to its more powerful load and heavier bullet, resulting in a stronger kick when fired. The lower recoil of the 9mm makes it generally easier to handle and quicker for follow-up shots, especially for shooters with less experience or lower tolerance for recoil.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 380
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) typically has higher velocities than the .380 ACP (99 gr) across all distances measured from 0 to 100 yards. The 9mm begins with a velocity of 1150 fps at the muzzle, compared to the .380 ACP’s initial velocity of 935 fps. This trend of the 9mm maintaining a higher velocity continues through each measured distance, indicating superior speed. If you’re looking for more in-depth information on the 9mm vs 380 you can check out my article: 380 vs 9mm Comparison (with Ballistic Tables & Graphs).
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the .380 ACP (99 gr) across distances up to 100 yards. The 9mm shows a trajectory drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, whereas the .380 ACP has a more pronounced bullet drop of -14.0 inches at the same distance. This indicates that the 9mm maintains a flatter trajectory over longer distances, which can be advantageous for accuracy.
Energy
The 9mm (124 gr) consistently has higher bullet energy compared to the .380 ACP (99 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The 9mm starts with an energy of 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, while the .380 ACP begins with 192 ft-lbs. This higher energy level for the 9mm is maintained across distances, demonstrating 263 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the .380 ACP’s 149 ft-lbs. The 9mm’s higher energy is due to its greater velocity and mass, contributing to more power.
Recoil
The .380 ACP (99 gr) has significantly lower recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). The .380 ACP exhibits a recoil energy of only 1.6 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 7.4 fps, which are considerably less than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. This reduced recoil in the .380 ACP can be attributed to its lighter bullet and less powerful load, making it easier to handle, especially for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or prefer a more manageable shooting experience.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 357 Magnum
Velocity
The .357 Magnum (158 gr) typically has higher velocities than the 9mm (124 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The .357 Magnum starts with a velocity of 1240 fps at the muzzle, compared to the 9mm’s initial velocity of 1150 fps. This trend of the .357 Magnum maintaining higher velocity continues throughout the distance range, indicating its superior speed.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) and the .357 Magnum (158 gr) exhibit similar trajectories, with the .357 Magnum showing slightly less bullet drop at longer distances. The 9mm experiences a drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, while the .357 Magnum has a slightly lower bullet drop of -7.1 inches at the same distance. Both cartridges maintain relatively flat trajectories, but the .357 Magnum’s marginally superior performance in this aspect can be largely attributed to its higher velocity.
Energy
The .357 Magnum (158 gr) consistently delivers significantly higher bullet energy than the 9mm (124 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. Starting with an energy of 539 ft-lbs at the muzzle, the .357 Magnum surpasses the 9mm’s initial energy of 364 ft-lbs. This trend continues across distances, with the .357 Magnum demonstrating 396 ft-lbs at 100 yards, compared to the 9mm’s 263 ft-lbs. The higher energy of the .357 Magnum is due to its greater velocity and heavier bullet, resulting in more power.
Recoil
The .357 Magnum (158 gr) exhibits significantly higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). Specifically, the .357 Magnum has a recoil energy of 8.5 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 17.1 fps. In contrast, the 9mm’s recoil energy is lower at 3.9 ft-lbs, with a recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. The increased recoil in the .357 Magnum can be attributed to its more powerful cartridge and heavier bullet, resulting in a more substantial kick when fired. This higher recoil level can affect shooter comfort and the speed of follow-up shots, especially for those less accustomed to handling higher-recoil firearms.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 38 Special
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) generally has higher velocities than the .38 Special (120 gr) across all distances from 0 to 100 yards. At the muzzle, the 9mm starts with a velocity of 1150 fps, compared to the .38 Special’s initial velocity of 1000 fps. This higher velocity of the 9mm continues through each measured distance, indicating superior speed.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the .38 Special (120 gr) at distances up to 100 yards. The 9mm shows a bullet drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, while the .38 Special exhibits a more pronounced drop of -12.7 inches at the same distance. This indicates that the 9mm maintains a flatter trajectory over longer distances, which increases accuracy.
Energy
The 9mm (124 gr) generally exhibits higher bullet energy than the .38 Special (120 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The 9mm starts with an energy of 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, whereas the .38 Special begins with slightly lower energy, at 266 ft-lbs. As the distance increases, this trend continues, with the 9mm maintaining a higher energy level, registering 263 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the .38 Special’s 186 ft-lbs. The higher energy and power of the 9mm can be attributed to its greater velocity.
Recoil
The .38 Special (120 gr) has lower recoil compared to the 9mm (124 gr). Specifically, the .38 Special exhibits a recoil energy of 2.7 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 9.7 fps, both of which are less than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. The reduced recoil in the .38 Special is due to its lighter load and lower pressure, making it easier to handle, especially for shooters who prefer a firearm with less kick. This can make the .38 Special a more comfortable choice for recoil-sensitive shooters.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 357 Sig
Velocity
The .357 Sig (125 gr) typically exhibits higher velocities than the 9mm (124 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. At the muzzle, the .357 Sig starts with a velocity of 1350 fps, surpassing the 9mm’s initial velocity of 1150 fps. This higher velocity of the .357 Sig is maintained throughout the distance range, indicating superior speed at the same bullet weight.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) and the .357 Sig (125 gr) have similar trajectories, but the .357 Sig shows slightly less bullet drop at longer distances. While the 9mm experiences a bullet drop of about -8.8 inches at 100 yards, the .357 Sig has a slightly lower drop of -6.1 inches at the same distance. Both cartridges maintain relatively flat trajectories, but the higher initial velocity of the .357 Sig contributes to its marginally better performance in maintaining a closer path to the line of sight over distance.
Energy
The .357 Sig (125 gr) consistently delivers higher bullet energy than the 9mm (124 gr) across all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The .357 Sig starts with an impressive energy of 506 ft-lbs at the muzzle, substantially surpassing the 9mm’s initial energy of 364 ft-lbs. This trend of higher energy in the .357 Sig continues as the distance increases, with the cartridge demonstrating 323 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the 9mm’s 263 ft-lbs. The higher energy of the .357 Sig is largely due to its greater velocity.
Recoil
The .357 Sig (125 gr) exhibits higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). The .357 Sig has a recoil energy of 6.3 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 14.7 fps, both higher than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. This increased recoil in the .357 Sig can be attributed to its higher velocity and energy, resulting in a stronger kick when fired. The more pronounced recoil of the .357 Sig may affect shooter comfort and the speed of follow-up shots, particularly for those less accustomed to handling higher-recoil firearms.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 44 Magnum
Velocity
The .44 Magnum (240 gr) is almost double the weight of the 9mm (124 gr) yet still is has faster velocities at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The .44 Magnum starts with a velocity of 1210 fps at the muzzle, compared to the 9mm’s 1150 fps. Despite its larger and heavier bullet, the .44 Magnum maintains higher velocities across the measured distances, suggesting superior ballistic performance, especially in terms of speed.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) and the .44 Magnum (240 gr) have similar trajectories, but the .44 Magnum shows slightly less bullet drop at longer distances. The 9mm experiences a drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, while the .44 Magnum drops about -7.7 inches at the same distance. Both cartridges exhibit relatively flat trajectories, but the .44 Magnum’s higher velocity contributes to its slightly better performance in maintaining a flatter trajectory over distance.
Energy
The .44 Magnum (240 gr) significantly outperforms the 9mm (124 gr) in terms of bullet energy at all distances. At the muzzle, the .44 Magnum starts with a remarkable energy of 780 ft-lbs, much higher than the 9mm’s 364 ft-lbs. This high energy level of the .44 Magnum is consistent across all distances, maintaining a substantial lead over the 9mm, with 559 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the 9mm’s 263 ft-lbs. The .44 Magnum’s higher energy can be attributed to its big and heavy bullet that moves at high velocity resulting in a lot of power.
Recoil
The .44 Magnum (240 gr) has significantly higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). The .44 Magnum exhibits a recoil energy of 18.7 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 25.4 fps, substantially more than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. The increased recoil in the .44 Magnum is due to its higher energy and larger caliber, resulting in a much stronger kick when fired. This higher recoil can affect shooter comfort and make accurate follow-up shots more challenging, especially for less experienced shooters.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 40 S&W
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) generally has higher velocities than the .40 S&W (180 gr) across all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The 9mm starts with a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps, compared to 1010 fps for the .40 S&W. This trend of the 9mm maintaining higher velocity continues through each distance, indicating its superior speed and potential for a flatter trajectory over distance.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the .40 S&W (180 gr) at distances up to 100 yards. The 9mm shows a bullet drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, while the .40 S&W has a drop of -11.4 inches at the same distance. This indicates a relatively flatter trajectory for the 9mm, which can benefit accuracy.
Energy
The .40 S&W (180 gr) typically exhibits slightly higher bullet energy than the 9mm (124 gr) at all distances from 0 to 100 yards. The .40 S&W starts with an energy of 408 ft-lbs at the muzzle, slightly higher than the 9mm’s 364 ft-lbs. This trend of higher energy in the .40 S&W continues across distances, albeit the difference is not as pronounced as with larger calibers like the .44 Magnum.
Recoil
The .40 S&W (180 gr) has higher recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). The .40 S&W exhibits a recoil energy of 6.1 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 14.5 fps, both higher than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. The increased recoil in the .40 S&W can be attributed to its heavier bullet and higher energy, resulting in a stronger kick when fired.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
9mm vs 32 ACP
Velocity
The 9mm (124 gr) consistently exhibits higher velocities than the .32 ACP (65 gr) across all distances from 0 to 100 yards. It starts with a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps, while the .32 ACP begins at 925 fps. The 9mm maintains this velocity advantage throughout the range, demonstrating superior speed.
Trajectory
The 9mm (124 gr) experiences less bullet drop compared to the .32 ACP (65 gr) at distances up to 100 yards. The 9mm shows a trajectory drop of -8.8 inches at 100 yards, whereas the .32 ACP experiences a more significant drop of -14.5 inches at the same distance. This indicates that the 9mm maintains a flatter trajectory over longer distances which increases accuracy.
Energy
The 9mm (124 gr) has higher bullet energy than the .32 ACP (65 gr) at all measured distances. The 9mm starts with 364 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, in contrast to the .32 ACP’s 123 ft-lbs. As the distance increases, the 9mm continues to outperform the .32 ACP in terms of energy, with 263 ft-lbs at 100 yards compared to the .32 ACP’s 94 ft-lbs. The higher energy of the 9mm is a result of its greater velocity and heavier bullet.
Recoil
The .32 ACP (65 gr) exhibits significantly lower recoil than the 9mm (124 gr). The .32 ACP has a recoil energy of only 0.7 ft-lbs and a recoil velocity of 5.0 fps, much lower than the 9mm’s recoil energy of 3.9 ft-lbs and recoil velocity of 11.6 fps. The reduced recoil of the .32 ACP is due to its lighter bullet and less powerful load, its an exteamly low recoil cartridge but at the cost of power.
Calculation assumes a 30oz handgun*
Final Thoughts: 9mm vs Popular Cartridges
As we’ve seen through our comprehensive comparisons, the 9mm (124 gr) cartridge holds its own as a well-rounded choice in the diverse world of handgun ammunition. Its balance of, velocity, bullet size, and power, make it a comfortable and reliable option for personal defense. In terms of energy, while the 9mm doesn’t always lead the pack, especially against powerhouses like the .44 Magnum and 10mm, it still delivers sufficient stopping power for human-to-human defense.
One of the standout features of the 9mm is its manageable recoil, which stands in stark contrast to more powerful cartridges like the .357 Magnum and .40 S&W. This lower recoil not only makes the 9mm accessible to a wider range of shooters but also facilitates quicker, more accurate follow-up shots, a critical factor in both self-defense and competitive shooting.
While cartridges like the .45 ACP and .380 ACP have their niches, the 9mm’s balance of power, capacity, and ease of handling keeps it at the forefront of firearm choices. Whether for law enforcement, self-defense, or sports shooting, the 9mm’s versatility and effectiveness are undeniable. It’s a testament to why, after so many years, the 9mm continues to be a popular and trusted choice among handgun enthusiasts.
In the end, the best cartridge depends on individual needs and preferences. However, for those seeking a middle ground in power, precision, and usability, the 9mm emerges not just as a jack-of-all-trades, but as a master of many.
This post covers the best gloves for duck hunting which include heated gloves, warm gloves, waterproof decoy gloves, and waterproof gloves. Sitka, Cabela’s, and Hot Hands are some of the best brands to look for when choosing duck hunting gloves.
There are different types of gloves duck hunters use for different scenarios. You’ll find the best gloves for all duck hunting scenarios.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Table of Contents
Best Heated Gloves For Duck Hunting
When you’re duck hunting in cold conditions it’s easy for your hands and fingers to get cold. Heated gloves are a great choice to fight back against the elements. These heated gloves are great because they are fast charging but also can be charged via a power bank for all-day warmth.
Waterproof decoy gloves are great options for keeping hands warm while duck hunting. They’re not to be used for the entire hunt, they’re only for setting and retrieving decoys. This keeps your regular gloves dryer and thus your hands warmer for the rest of the hunt.
Rubber Thinsulate Insulated Gloves (Elbow Length Long Gloves)
These duck hunting gloves have nice soft fleece-like insulation in them that keeps hands warm and cozy on the coldest duck hunting days, which is important for an enjoyable hunt. Additionally, they’re waterproof, keeping hands dry when handling decoys or anything wet out on the water. Rubber is also more durable than neoprene and cleans easily.
Neoprene DecoyPro Decoy Gloves (Elbow Length Long Gloves)
Neoprene duck hunting decoy gloves keep hands dry when handling decoys. The neoprene in these gloves is relatively thick, which provides insulation for cold duck hunting days. This also takes longer for the cold water to make your hands cold which is a plus.
These gloves are windproof, water-resistant, warm, and provide dexterity for shooting. They are thick and warm windproof gloves that provide water resistance by utilizing Windstopper fabric. These gloves are also convertible mittens for ultimate warmth while providing shooting finger dexterity.
These are the Hot Shot insulated waterproof gloves. They are one of the best budget gloves you can get for duck hunting in cold weather. 40 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps your hands warm, a waterproof lining keeps your hands dry, and they’re comfortable with pre-curved fingers and non-slip grips. They probably won’t last as long as the other gloves on this list, but for the price, you can afford to buy new ones if they wear out.
The Delta Deek Gore-Tex gloves by Sitka are another excellent versatile pair of duck hunting gloves. They have waterproof and windproof removable outer shells which keep hands protected against the elements. On warmer days you can just take the outer liner off. The inner liner is berber fleece which adds insulation and warmth.
This is Sitka’s version of a convertible mitten and glove. It uses Gore-tex and Windstopper for protection against the elements. These gloves are insulated with Primaloft, which is one of the top insulators on the market making them very warm.
This is a unique duck hunting glove and is sold as a single glove (for your non-shooting hand). Built into this glove is a Berber fleece-lined hand muff for your shooting hand. This allows you to keep your shooting hand warm while keeping it glove-free for ultimate shooting and calling dexterity. You can buy right and left-handed options.
These gloves are great because they are waterproof and windproof with a breathable gore-tex membrane. These gloves are perfect for just about any scenario from boating, picking up decoys, picking up shotgun shells in the water, and handling wet ducks.
The leather on these gloves also adds grip. They are a perfect size, not too big but big enough to provide good insulation. These gloves are great for hunting in temps around +/- 30ºF.
Your hands are one of the most noticeable parts of your body to ducks. It is beneficial to cover them with gloves for camouflage even if it’s not cold out. Also, in warm weather, you’ll want a lightweight glove with good dexterity. These gloves don’t need to be fancy, they just need to hide your hands.
These Mossy Oak gloves below are one of the best budget duck hunting gloves for the early season. They are lightweight and tight to the hand. They also allow you to use your phone with them on.
Wool is one of mother nature’s greatest natural materials. Wool is water-resistant, moisture-wicking, odor resistant, stays warm when wet, breathable and cool when hot, silent, has excellent insulating properties, and is durable. For these reasons, it’s an excellent addition to regular hunting gloves to improve their warmth.
Hand muffs are basically gold to duck hunters in frigid temperatures. When hands are cold it’s hard to enjoy yourself or think about anything else until your hands become warm. Hand muffs are one of the best gifts for duck hunters for this reason. The Sitka hand muff uses Gore-Tex and Windstopper layers with Primaloft insulation to block wind and keep hands warm.
In this post, you’ll learn what the best hunting dog kennels and crates are for your style of hunting. Since kennels and crates are designed differently than others, this post covers the pros and cons of the top hunting kennels and crates so you can make the best decision for you.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
The Gunner Kennels are the best hunting dog kennels on the market for many reasons. They check all of the boxes when it comes to features hunters are looking for in a dog kennel for hunting dogs. The feature that separates these kennels from others is that they’re great for transporting dogs in vehicles because they’re sturdy, stable, 5-star crash rated, and insulated. Below you’ll find a list of the pros and cons of the Gunner G-1 kennel:
Pros
Cons
Breaks into two pieces for transportation
Wheels for transportation
5-star crash safety rating
Double-wall Insulation (good for cold and heat)
Drain hole
All-weather kits
Good ventilation
Handles
Tie Down Brackets
Lockable Door
Big and Heavy
Expensive
Gunner G-1 Kennels
Lucky Duck’s Lucky Kennel
The Lucky Duck Kennel is another excellent hunting dog kennel, it’s one of the best hunting dog kennels on the market because of its 5-star crash safety rating and ergonomics. The most notable features of this hunting kennel are listed below:
The Dakota283 hunting dog kennel is not as feature-rich as the Gunner and Lucky Duck kennels. However, it is still a great option and is less expensive.
Pros
Cons
Drain hole
Built-in handle
Good ventilation
Stackable
Lockable Door
Adjustable door
Top drain
Lightweight
The door is flimsy and can get dog paws caught in it
Ruff Land Kennels is another brand that makes one of the best hunting kennels. This kennel isn’t as well suited for transportation in the bed of a pickup truck as the above-mentioned kennels because it does not have insulation or a door lock and is very lightweight. That being said, they’re excellent for home use and can work for transportation if placed inside of a vehicle.
Pros
Cons
Lightweight kennel
Lots of accessories and add-ons (fan, cover, nameplate, doors, handles, totes, brackets to mount to each other…etc.)
This Petmate kennel is the least durable kennel because it’s made of thinner plastic. Because it’s a two-piece design it’s even less durable than the Ruff Land Kennel. However, they’re very lightweight and easy to pack for hunting trips. This kennel is one of the best options for hunters who don’t kennel their dogs when traveling.
Pros
Cons
Lightweight
Lots of accessories and add-ons (fan, cover, nameplate, doors, handles, totes, brackets to mount to each other…etc.)
Owens Products 3-Dog Hunting Kennel With Top Storage
This kennel by Owens Products is great for hunters or dog trainers who want to safely carry multiple dogs in a truck bed while still having storage space on top for dog/hunting essentials. They’re lockable and have tie-down brackets which make them great for travel.
Owens Products 3-Dog Hunting Kennel With Top Storage
The Owens Products 3-dog kennel is basically the same as the kennel above except it doesn’t have extra room on top for additional storage. This 3-dog kennel is great for hunters or dog trainers who want to safely carry multiple dogs in a truck bed. They’re lockable and have tie-down brackets which make them great for travel.
Another great Owens Products kennel is the 2-Dog ATV kennel. It’s basically the same as the truck versions above but in a smaller package so you can put it into the back of an ATV.
One of the very best crates for hunting dogs is the MidWest Homes crate because it’s simple to set up, lightweight, portable, and works well. There are also single-door and double-door options.
Another one of the best crates for hunting dogs is this heavy-duty crate. This crate was designed for dogs who need a stronger kennel than the more thin kennels. It’s more difficult to transport than the crate above because it does not assemble and disassemble as easily. For this reason, it makes a great permanent location crate.
Vehicle Seat Cover Kennel Alternative For Hunting Dogs
Transporting dogs inside of a vehicle with a dog seat cover is another great option for hunting dogs. Hunting and training with a hunting dog will usually result in a wet, muddy, brushy, and stinky pup. Seat covers keep the dog safe with the hammock-like design and keep the vehicle clean, especially after hunting trips
Vehicle Seat Cover Kennel Alternative For Hunting Dogs
This hunting gift guide has 101+ gift ideas for hunters, sorted by price, making it easy to find the perfect hunting gift (even for non-hunters). You’ll find great hunting gift ideas for all types of hunters, at all budgets, and for any skill level.
With my two decades of hunting experience (more About Me here) and years of conducting hands-on reviews of hunting products, I know what makes great hunting gifts.
If you don’t hunt yourself you might be lost trying to decide what a hunter would actually want as a gift. I understand you’re trying to make a thoughtful gift choice which is why I’ve written brief summaries of the gifts explaining the gift and what type of hunter they would be perfect for.
Many gift ideas are from gear I’ve personally tested, ensuring quality. In those instances, I have linked to a more in-depth article/video so that you can learn more about the gift idea.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
This is a cookbook by Hank Shaw that is specifically for cooking four-legged antlered animals. This cookbook is one of the best gifts for hunters looking to level up their wild game cooking skills.
Electrical lighters are flameless and require no gas or butane making them an excellent choice for getting a fire started in poor conditions. This lighter is waterproof, windproof, and made from PVC and Zinc alloy for durability. It’s an interesting, unique, and functional gift making it a cool gift.
Splatterburst targets make great gifts because the bullet holes are highly visible at a distance. This makes sighting in guns a lot easier because you don’t have to walk down-range after every shot to see where you hit (you’ll still want binoculars though). These targets have thousands of reviews and a solid 5-stars.
Every gun hunter needs a place to store ammo. The Plano Ammo Box is a classic and has been around for a long time. The hard plastic is durable and the box makes a good seat if needed. The box is essentially waterproof, it can handle any weather event. It just can’t be submerged underwater. Throw a cushion on top of the ammo box for additional comfort.
A Compass Is One of the Best Gift For Hunters Under 25$
A compass is a very useful tool for navigating while hunting. It can be used to get out of the woods when lost or to maintain a straight line. It is also an essential backup for any hunter using a GPS. A GPS can fail because it is electric and runs on a battery. A compass requires no battery making it very reliable and thus a great gift.
Gun socks are a silicone-treated knit fabric that will not hold moisture which prevents rust. Plus, they’re very affordable, making them a great small gift or stocking stuffer! Every hunter and gun owner wants to make sure their firearms are kept in good shape.
A duck call lanyard is a perfect duck hunting gift for someone with a lot of calls. This lanyard is worn around the neck for easy accessibility and allows a hunter to place many different calls on the lanyard. Different species of waterfowl will make different noises and having quick access to the right call at the right time is key.
This bow storage rack is made in the USA and is very sturdy. It’s much more convenient and safe to have a place to hang a bow during the hunting season than digging it out of a case or setting it on the ground. This hanger can also be used to hang guns and gear. It’s also great for allowing everything to dry after a day in wet conditions.
Don’t forget to grab an extra battery for your MOJO duck decoy. The battery life will decrease with age (which is expected) so it is always nice to have a backup battery to extend the operation time of the decoy. It’s also a great idea to have a backup battery for many other reasons such as forgetting a battery, breaking one, or losing one in the water. It never hurts to be prepared!
Every hunter with a game camera will appreciate a mobile SD card reader. Instead of wasting time by bringing the SD card back home to plug into a computer, you can just download photos and videos to your phone and put the SD card back in the camera. This saves a lot of unnecessary time dealing with SD Cards.
Buffs are versatile and can be worn in many different ways. I use mine as a facemask as well as for protection from the sun and insects. These could be great stocking stuffers.
A cold one always soothes the soul after long days of hunting. A whitetail buck cast-iron wall-mounted bottle opener would be one of the best gifts for a hunter’s home, man cave, or hunting camp.
This is an inexpensive but fantastic-sounding duck call and doesn’t require a lot of practice to get good. I’ve used these calls for 10+ years and are still my go-to duck call. They are excellent calls for both beginners and experienced hunters. Haydel is so confident you’ll like it that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re looking for a great sound for a reasonable price this call is a great option and is one of the best gifts for duck hunters.
Do you know someone getting hunting withdrawal? Help them out by gifting them Hunting Simulator for PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox. Hunting Simulator offers loads of options for weapons and locations. The weather is dynamic which makes gameplay very realistic. Additionally, gamers have the chance to play with others from around the world.
Slate calls are popular calls for turkey hunters because you can make realistic calls when performing both up-close quiet calls or loud calls for shock gobbles. The versatility of slate calls makes it one of the best gifts for turkey hunters.
LifeStraws are filtering straws that are very handy for hunters or outdoorsmen in general. These straws allow hunters to drink out of lakes, streams, ponds…etc. and will filter “the bad stuff” so you don’t get sick. With well over 15,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon, you can bet LifeStraws are the real deal. They are super lightweight and it beats carrying a heavy water bottle when you’re walking long distances.
All hunters are striving to become better hunters. Why not get a book so they can take their hunting to the next level? Check out my post: 10 Best Deer Hunting Books – Wisdom from the Top Big Buck Gurus. One of my absolute favorites is Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails by Chris and John Eberhart.
Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails by John and Chris Eberhart
Level up a hunter’s cooking skills with a wild game cookbook. This cookbook by the well-known hunter, Steven Rinella, offers cooking instructions and fantastic photography. Getting better at preparing wild-game meals is something every hunter can appreciate (who knows, maybe you’ll selfishly benefit as well).
The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook Is One Of The Best Gifts For Hunters
These grippy, fleece-lined, wool gloves are the ultimate fall hunting glove. They’re thick enough to keep your hands warm, but thin enough to safely enter a trigger guard. The added grips make sure the gun does not slip out of your hands. Because wool is a natural fiber it has many benefits such as being odor-resistant, insulating, water-resistant, moisture-wicking, excellent in snow, breathable, warm when wet, and quiet.
Every remote/backcountry hunter should have these matches in their emergency kit. The UCO stormproof matches are incredible! I own these matches and can personally attest to how well they work. They will maintain a flame even after being buried in sand or dunked in water. This match technology is invaluable when in a survival/emergency situation in remote areas.
Waterproof fire starters are another great gift for hunters who hunt in remote areas. Waterproof fire starters in combination with stormproof matches make an amazing gift combination for an emergency kit. These items greatly improve the odds of getting a fire started in poor weather conditions.
It’s helpful for hunters to minimize odor when hunting animals with powerful noses, like deer. If the wind direction starts swirling a good scent control regime can be the difference between a successful and not successful hunt. Dead Down Wind makes a great scent-killer kit which I’ve purchased many times over the years.
Neoprene duck hunting decoy gloves make great gifts for waterfowl hunters. These waterproof gloves keep hands dry when handling decoys. This can be critical when temperatures are cold, otherwise, the remainder of the hunt may be very uncomfortable with freezing hands.
These rubber gloves are my personal favorites. They have a nice soft fleece-like insulation in them that keeps my hands warm and cozy on the coldest duck hunting days which is important for an enjoyable hunt. Not only are they warm but they are also waterproof, keeping hands dry when handling decoys or anything wet out on the water. Long rubber gloves would be one of the best gifts for waterfowl hunters.
Do you know anyone who is training their dog for bird hunting? These realistically shaped and sized training dummies would make a great gift. They are scent injectable and easy to throw. They also float so training to retrieve in water is not an issue with these. There are different dummies to choose from including; ducks, doves, grouse, and pheasant decoys.
Lumenoks are lighted arrow nocks, when an arrow is shot the nocks light up making them easily visible in low light. For this reason, Lumenoks are a bowhunter’s best friend and are one of the best gifts for bowhunters. The ability to see where the arrow connects with the animal is important for effective recovery decisions.
Are you tired of getting holes in your socks? Darn Tough’s famous guarantee – “if these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them no questions asked. No strings. No conditions.” Every hunter needs quality socks. Because these socks are made from merino wool they are soft, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, durable, comfortable, and breathable.
A game hoist makes the butchering process so much easier. The 4-pulley system allows for animals to be easily adjusted to a perfect height which minimizes strain and makes the butchering process less straining. It comes with a 40’ rope and is rated for 600 lbs. There is also a 1500 lbs. option.
When you buy a GoPro you’ll want to buy accessories for it. There are many to choose from, but you can get a large bundle of accessories for very cheap. These accessories will be valuable because the GoPro will be able to be worn in any way imaginable.
A solar charger is a great gift idea for hunting in remote areas to keep phones charged after days without electricity. This charger is durable, weatherproof, and can be conveniently folded up and stored when not in use. The Qi battery bank has excellent reviews and offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Lithium batteries make a world of difference and are an overlooked gift idea for hunters. This type of battery is much more efficient and works much better especially in cold weather making them superior for hunting products. They are especially useful for game cameras because they don’t fail like alkaline batteries will.
Getting wet and dirty from being in the elements and then repeatedly getting in your vehicle will wear out the seats. Seat covers keep their vehicle in good shape through the hunting seasons. Extra protection for vehicles is always appreciated especially during the hunting season when things can get dirty.
Blind material can be used to camouflage your boat, treestand, or for creating quick blinds when hunting mobile from the ground. It also has many uses and is a very affordable gift. I use mine to drape over the duck boat when duck hunting to break up the hard lines of the boat.
When you’re setting up on a weary game silence is key. Treestand silencing tape stops the loud twang from sticks on metal. It can be used to reduce the noise of treestand platforms, climbing sticks, buckles, bows, or any other noisy accessory that could use some sound dampening.
A fun way to keep memories while at the hunting cabin! Leave this book in your cabin or shack and fill it with memories from hunting adventures. This doubles as a great way to start connecting patterns and better understanding the animals in your hunting area as well.
A binocular harness wraps around the torso and keeps the binoculars at chest level so hunters can be hands-free when hunting. When hunters need their binoculars, they will be able to get to them effortlessly. A binocular harness is a great hunting gift because binoculars are only needed periodically, and a place to store them while maintaining quick access is helpful.
Yeti Rambler Coffee cups are popular gifts for hunters because of how well they work. This stainless steel, vacuum-insulated coffee mug will keep your drink at the desired temperature (hot or cold) for a very long time. These ramblers are nice to have during hunting trips that require a lot of driving time.
Blaze-orange is often a requirement for upland bird hunting. Even if it’s not required by law, it is never a bad idea to wear orange for safety. Gamehide makes a briar-proof semi-blaze-orange hunting vest specifically designed for upland bird hunting. It offers comfortable shoulder pads for shooting, many pockets, blood proof game pouch on the back for carrying game.
European mounts are a cost-effective way to show off a trophy. These “Little Hooker” hangers by Skull Hooker are pretty cool because you can adjust the skull up and down, as well as the side to side. The adjustability of these hangers makes them one of the best gifts for hunters looking to mount a skull.
The adjustability of these hangers makes them one of the best gifts for hunters.
Another cool and useful accessory for spotting scopes that would make a great gift is a spotting scope adapter. This adapter allows the hunter to place their phone camera over the spotting scope eyepiece and see through the spotting scope. This attachment is awesome because you can take photos and videos on your phone and review them in more detail when back at home.
This is a great starter kit for training dogs to shed hunt. It comes with a plastic antler, antler scent, and a training booklet. Starting early ensures the best results when training dogs for shed hunting. The booklet explains the three-step system that is involved and proven to work for training dogs to find sheds.
Rynoskin is chemical-free tight mesh clothing that protects against ticks, mosquitos, and other insects. Bugs have a hard time penetrating the tight mesh which makes being outdoors more enjoyable. Check out my full review here: Rynoskin Review: Insect and Tick Proof Clothing | Does it Work?
Vehicle Dog Seat Cover Gift For Hunting Dog Owners
Dog seat covers make excellent gifts for anyone who has a hunting dog. No matter what dogs are getting messy after a hunting trip. Hunting and training with a dog will usually result in a wet, muddy, brushy, and stinky pup. Seat covers keep the dog safe and keep the vehicle clean, especially after hunting trips.
Nothing is more annoying than trying to do something with a dull knife. A good quality knife sharpener will make it easy to get a sharp blade edge. This is a great option for a sharpening stone because it does not require oil, it only requires water to start sharpening.
Coleman is a well-known outdoor camping gear and equipment company with a great reputation. Many of their products are excellent for hunters as well. This portable propane cooker is perfect for hunting in remote areas or camping. There’s no better feeling than a warm meal or beverage after hunting all day in cold weather. The hunter you’re shopping for will be grateful for this gift.
Keep your drinks frosty with the Yeti Rambler Colster. This drink insulator is stainless steel for longevity and durability and vacuum insulated to keep drinks cold for a much longer time. You will be shocked at how much longer your drink will remain cold. With over 6500 reviews and a 5-star rating, you know it works well. Who doesn’t like to keep their beer cold and crisp? Yeti Ramblers would also be one of the best hunting gifts for your husband or boyfriend.
Not only do clay pigeons and a clay pigeon launcher make a good gift, but they also create the foundation for a fun activity that many people can get involved in together. In addition to being a fun activity, you’ll get some good wing-shooting practice in for the upcoming hunting season.
There is nothing more uncomfortable than wet boots the next day. Instead, just place boots on this dryer and they’ll be toasty and dry for the next day. Boot dryers also kill odors and bacteria for even more scent control. This Peet boot dryer can dry every type of boot, even chest waders when folded down. I’ve personally owned this boot dryer for years and it is one of my top pieces for gear for hunting.
This power bank has a very large charging capacity and can charge electronics many times over. This particular powerbank has a huge storage capacity and can charge an iPhone 8 up to seven times on a single charge.You never know when a GPS or phone could die for an unexpected reason so it’s nice to know you have a backup.
A headlamp is a great gift for hunters because lights are a must at night when there’s no electricity. A headlamp keeps both hands free so you can focus on the task at hand. Just don’t skimp on a good headlamp because cheap ones will break or stop working. The Black Diamond Storm headlamp is one of the best headlamps for hunters because it’s waterproof and dustproof, has red, green, and blue light settings, and takes replaceable AAA batteries.
The Coleman Propane Stove is one of the most useful tools for hunters and it will last forever. The double burner design allows hunters to cook larger meals, especially when cooking for more than just one person. It offers wind-blocking panels and the burner intensity is adjustable. The reviews are amazing and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Jet sleds are simple yet versatile tools making them a great gift for hunters. They offer easy and clean transportation of gear and harvested game. Whether the harvest is being pulled through snow or floated across a beaver pond, the jet sled can handle it. The Shappell jet sled is helpful in many other non-hunting-related scenarios as well such as ice fishing. These sleds are commonly attached to ATVs or snowmobiles for ease of transporting.
A thermos is a great gift for any hunter or outdoorsy person. Nothing lifts the spirits more than a warm beverage on those blustery cold days or a cold drink on those scorching days.Yeti is well-known for being one of the best companies for keeping drinks at the desired temperatures.
Nothing lifts the spirits more than a warm beverage on those blustery cold days or a cold drink on those scorching days.
A waist pack is an excellent piece of gear for hunters traveling long distances on foot but don’t want to carry an entire backpack. Backpacks make it difficult to be stealthy, especially in thick woods. A waist pack allows the hunter to duck under trees and blowdowns with ease.
Re-sharpening a knife is time-consuming and inconvenient, with the Havalon knife you can easily replace the blade at any point. This is one of the best gifts for hunters because the replaceable blades are surgically sharp. Additionally, you can get different blades. There are regular blades, gut hooks, and saw blades for versatility and other hunting-related purposes.
The knife is the quintessential tool for hunters, this is a unique knife making is one of the best gifts for hunters
This chair is an excellent choice for gun hunting from a blind. It is comfortable and has armrests and cupholders for added comfort. Be careful though, it’s so comfortable you might fall asleep! Another one of my favorite features is that the chair is very mobile because it folds up into a carrying case for transport.
A handy way to use a spotting scope for scouting is by clamping it onto the window of a vehicle. Since spotting scopes have a high zoom level they shake a lot if you don’t have something steady to put them on. The window attachment is super handy for getting steady visuals when scouting from the vehicle. This makes a great gift for hunters that seem to have everything.
Merino wool has many natural benefits, especially for those who hunt and spend a lot of time outdoors. With its insulating, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, Merino Wool is perfect as a base layer. Softer than virgin wool, these long johns and base layers won’t cause irritation.
One of the most underrated pieces of gear is the ghillie suit. A ghillie suit is a great piece of camouflage, especially in areas that are difficult or dangerous to set up ground blinds or tree stands. They also give hunters the upper hand when hunting on public lands by allowing for more mobility. This can make a great gift for serious hunters that aren’t afraid to hunt from the ground and for those who seem to have everything.
A field dressing and meat processing kit is one of the best gifts for hunters that are looking to get into processing their own meat. A good butchering kit will help make the butchering process flow much smoother resulting in faster processing and more meat in the freezer. This 10-piece Mossy Oak kit will equip you with everything needed to field dress an animal efficiently.
Seat cushions are helpful for all types of hunters. I’ve used mine on top of my ammo box while duck hunting, on the ground for turkey hunting, and on metal treestand seats. I’ve even used my cushion as a backrest. The Fatboy Premium Seat Cushion uses layers of gel and memory foam to maximize comfort. It has quiet fabric and a buckle so it can be easily carried when in transport.
There’s nothing that will make you want to go home sooner than cold toes. Heated socks are perfect for hunters who plan on sitting in stands or blinds all day in the cold. These socks come with rechargeable lithium batteries, 3 heat settings, and heat elements that cover the entire toe area, ensuring you stay warm longer.
Waterproof duffle bags are very handy for many reasons and are one of the top gifts for hunters. They can be used on long hunting trips, or to keep gear dry in the duck boat, and an infinite amount of other scenarios where water is a factor when hunting. With a waterproof bag, there is no need to worry about the elements.
Although most tree stands come with a harness, a specialized, quality harness can make all the difference for safety and comfort while treestand hunting. Show the hunter in your life you want them to come home safely! It’s quiet, quick to put on, and is padded for comfort.
One of the worst feelings is when you are in the middle of nowhere and your car won’t start. A battery backup is a great gift because this eliminates the issue of a dead battery. A battery backup can turn a bad situation into an easy solution. The hunter you are shopping for will be very grateful to have this gift in a situation like this. It also adds peace of mind when hunting in remote places.
The extendibility of the pole saw allows you to reach branches you otherwise would not be able to reach. They are very helpful for clearing shooting lanes and preparing treestands for deer hunting. Every treestand hunter could use a quality pole saw to speed up, improve, and perfect treestand hunting setups.
Spices make a great gift for those that already own food processing equipment. Spices can be used for all types of cooking of wild-game and will surely get used. You can improve the flavor of wild game dishes greatly with high-quality spices. I suggest organic spices to go with healthy wild-meat for maximum flavor and health benefits.
Waders are one of the best gifts for hunters because they have a variety of hunting applications. I use mine for hunting ducks, geese, and deer as well as scouting and fishing. They are great for marshes and swamps that are too deep for hip boots. It is important for waders to be durable. These waders are heat welded, have a durable neoprene cross-hatch finish, and offer generous extra knee/shin padding to reinforce and prevent punctures and leaks. The TideWe MAX5 waders below are quality budget waders, you can read my hands-on review here.
A game cart makes it easy to transport heavy harvested animals making it ideal for an on-foot hunter. This cart features solid rubber wheels that won’t go flat on you in rough conditions, and a solid steel axel to hold up to the abuse of rocks or logs. This cart can double as a carrier for hunting blinds, firewood, and whatever else you find yourself dragging into or out of the woods. It’s foldable, rated up to 500 lbs., and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
This is the ultimate wet environment hunting boot. The rubber can’t get over-saturated and start to seep like other materials. The Grange boots are 18-inches tall which is very handy for crossing streams, brooks, and shallow rivers. Multi-layer rubber on the heel and toe increases durability while the snug fit helps keep your feet comfortable and blister-free. Added benefits include scent-free protection and tear-resistant rubber.
A blaze orange vest is often a requirement by law for hunting because it keeps hunters safe! Cabela’s Guide II vest makes a great blaze orange vest that is lightweight, quiet and has a lot of useful pockets (inside and outside) for storage which is surprisingly difficult to find in an orange vest. This is one of the best vests for big game hunting.
All bowhunters will appreciate a fully adjustable blind chair. The legs of this chair adjust which allows for perfectly leveled sitting. Additionally, the chair swivels 360º so that you can shoot out of any window of a blind easily. A comfortable chair is key for success because when you’re comfortable you can last longer in the blind. There aren’t any armrests so drawing a bow is seamless.
An electronic game call not only makes a great gift for a predator hunter, but also for a hunter of many other game species. These calls come with a function that lets you download new sounds, and download custom sounds so that it can be used for any type of hunting. This call can play 2 sounds at the same time and has a 300-yard remote range.
Jetboils are great because they boil water in under 100 seconds which is pretty incredible. They are super compact and useful tools when camping or backpacking because they are fast, lightweight, efficient, and give you a warm meal in remote areas, making the Jetboil one of the best gifts for hunting.
Shooting rests are very helpful for stabilizing a gun for both target practicing and during hunting situations. Their versatility makes them one of the best gifts for hunters. With a push of a trigger, the legs of this tripod self-extend telescopically to the perfect height on uneven terrain for the fastest target acquisition. The gun rest swivels 360º to make it easy and fluid to turn to the target.
If someone you know has a canvas tent for cold weather camping but does not have a wood stove, this could be the perfect gift. A small woodstove will keep the tent nice and toasty even in the nastiest of winter weather. Canvas tents are safe to use with wood-burning stoves. Guide Gear makes a nice small wood stove that is designed for canvas tents and has great reviews.
An arrow fletching jig is one of the best gifts for bowhunters because it allows them to customize their arrows exactly how they want them. Hunters like to be able to build their arrows because it gives them more control depending on their hunting style. One of the most common reasons to get a fletching jig is to add some helical (spin) to the fletching and to add additional fletchings to increase accuracy with broadheads.
The Bitzenbirger (below) is more pricey because it’s metal but it can be worth it because it does not chafe when you scrape the glue off as plastic ones can. You can control the steepness of the helical and has the option to evenly place 3 or 4 fletchings. There are different clamps you can buy for this jig so that you can get a left, right, or straight fletching offset.
If you know someone who’s looking for a sight for their bow this Trophy Ridge Hotwire is one of the best. It offers 2 fixed pins and a 3rd tool-less adjustable floating pin which is very helpful for practicing at long ranges. The adjustability of this sight makes it versatile and a great choice for bowhunters.
Let’s be honest, instant pots are basically the ultimate gift as long as the recipient likes eating. The instant pot can cook fantastic meals and cook them quickly. They’re especially useful for hunters because they are great at tenderizing tough meat. Instant pots are ideal for wild game stews.
Hand muffs are basically gold to hunters in frigid temperatures. When hands are cold it’s hard to enjoy yourself or think about anything else until your hands become warm. Hand muffs are one of the best gifts for hunters for this reason. The Sitka hand muff uses Gore-Tex and Windstopper layers with Primaloft insulation to block wind and keep hands warm.
With 12-hour battery life, this heated sweatshirt will help you stay warm with fewer layers. That means more mobility and extra heat when you need it. To top it off, this sweatshirt is washer and dryer safe. This gift would be perfect for any hunter in cold climates.
Guns are expensive, and cleaning them can be a hassle if proper cleaning gear isn’t owned. A gun cleaning kit is one of the best gifts for hunters because it makes cleaning guns hassle-free because there are specific tools for specific jobs. Otis is a well-known gun cleaning company and is not one of those cheap knock-offs. This kit has all of the tools a hunter will ever need for gun cleaning care.
Believe me, there is no such thing as “too many block targets” when it comes to archery. You can set up spare targets at different ranges, heights, or even have them moving to increase your skill and accuracy. Additionally, they get worn out over time so the more targets you have the more you can spread out the wear. The durability and versatility of this block target make it one of the best gifts for bowhunters.
Every bowhunter loves a realistic 3D target. The GlenDel Full-Rut Buck is one of the most popular 3D targets and is one of the best gifts for deer hunters. One of the best aspects of this target is the replaceable core. The replaceable core is key because it enables the target to last so much longer.
The Tactacam FTS is a cool gift, especially for hunters who seem to already have everything. It is an attachment for the Tactacam which enables it to attach to scopes and record through the scope. This means the magnification of your scope will allow the Tactacam to be magnified as well. This makes it one of the best gifts for hunters who want interesting video angles.
Tail cameras make some of the best gifts for hunters because hunters can literally never have enough. They are incredibly helpful for scouting because they let hunters know what animals are in the area. Increasing the number of cameras means better odds of finding and learning about the animals in the area, leading to more success. This Browning trail camera is one of the best trail cameras for hunters for the money.
Scentlok gear uses activated carbon to adsorb human odor. Activated carbon is highly effective at adsorbing, in fact, it is used extensively in a wide range of applications because of its effectiveness. This makes it very helpful for getting close to animals when hunting because animals, like deer, have a harder time picking up a hunter’s scent.
A MOJO duck decoy is one of the best gifts for duck hunters. The spinning wings from this motorized decoy can be seen and attract ducks from very far distances. The MOJO gives ducks confidence in a decoy setup, making them commit harder offering more opportunities and better shots. What hunter doesn’t want better opportunities?
Hip boots are great for situations when you know knee-high boots aren’t going to cut it. Places with varying depths of water, like swamps, are great places for hip boots and most hunters will be in swamps at some point or another. The waterproof rubber of these boots is very strong and can bust through brush with no problem.
A good meat grinder is one of the best gifts for hunters because a good grinder will save countless hours when processing your own game. The faster your meat grinder, the quicker you can get the meat in the freezer. The STX Turboforce meat grinder is an excellent choice. It can grind 180-240 lbs. of meat per hour which is quite fast for a meat grinder at this price. The grinder comes with multiple attachments so you can make burger or sausage.
A shooting rest is one of the best tools for hunters who use firearms because the reduced human error results in fewer rounds downrange to start hitting the bullseye. This saves time and money and makes it one of the best gifts for hunters. The Lead Sled isn’t any ordinary shooting rest, it is highly adjustable to fit just about any shotgun or rifle and has fine adjustment knobs.
Redhead Silent Stalker Elite Hunting Coveralls Gift
Coveralls are the perfect gift for the new hunter who is looking to ensure maximum warmth on bitterly cold days as the full-body coverage cuts the wind and holds in heat. No heat is lost because there’s no separation between the top and bottom layers. These Redhead insulated and waterproof coveralls ensure the hunter will stay warm and dry on stand no matter the conditions.
Whether the hunter in your life is a professional videographer, or a hobbyist wanting to capture their hunting adventures, this camera arm is one of the best gifts for hunters looking for a quality camera arm. Fourth Arrow makes one of the best camera arms that is affordable yet durable. This arm will keep footage still for professional-looking video, keeping the hunting memories alive and well long after the season has ended.
ScentLok uses activated carbon for maximum odor adsorption. Activated carbon naturally adsorbs human odor because it has a huge surface area. When used properly Scent-Lok clothing is very effective at reducing odor and preventing animals from smelling the hunter. The coverall is also the best style of clothing from keeping scent from escaping the body.
With a flexible outsole design allows hunters to feel the environment underfoot in order to be as quiet as possible. Tightening the lacing forms the leather to your leg ensuring a snug fit and preventing blisters. These boots are time-proven and very comfortable making them one of the best boot gifts for hunters. The 16” tall boot is great for hunters because it will allow for shallow stream crossing without going over the boot. It will also keep dew from tall grasses from soaking the legs on early morning hunts.
Original L.L. Bean Boot. 16-inches in height.
Mobile Climbing Sticks Gift For Hunters
Climbing sticks are easily one of the best gifts for a mobile hunter. The best climbing sticks are lightweight, durable, interlocking, quiet, and easy to transport, pieces of ladder that will get you in the most awkward of trees safely. There are also many 3rd party attachments that be added to climbing sticks for ultimate customization.
Meat smokers are one of the best gifts for hunters because they are the gift that keeps on giving. This meat smoker is easy to monitor and control and has a removable ashtray for easy cleanup. This meat smoker has three smoking racks so a good amount of meat can be smoked at one time.
There is a lot to like about the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W. This rangefinder is one of the best rangefinders for hunting for the money because of the price and its ability to be used by both rifle hunters at long range and bowhunters at close ranges. It has angle compensation and internal ballistic profiles.
Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W – Best Hunting Rangefinder For The Money
Wool fibers are strong, insulating, odor resistant, water-resistant, moisture-wicking, excellent in snow, breathable, warm when wet, and quiet. This L.L. Bean wool jacket is one of the best gifts for hunters because it can be used in a wide array of settings and weather conditions. In addition to the wool, this jacket has added liners to improve wind-proofing and insulation making it a very warm jacket to fight off the elements.
Warmest Hunting Boots For Cold-Weather & Winter Hunting
Nothing ruins a hunt faster than cold, wet toes. When winter hits it can be hard to maintain warm feet. These Baffin Titan boots are for hardcore cold-weather hunters that will be stationary for long periods of time. They are waterproof, breathable, scent-free, have removable liners, and more. For additional warmth, I consider getting boots sized slightly larger.
Whether you’re looking to buy for a waterfowl hunter, deer hunter, turkey hunter…etc, binoculars are a handy tool. I tested 14 different binoculars from all price ranges to see which binoculars were the best value for the money. In my opinion, the Athlon Midas binoculars were by far the best value. You can check out my video review below:
This cooler is perfect for day trips to keep lunches and drinks cold and fresh while hunting. This cooler offers a waterproof, mildew, and tear-resistant exterior and the remarkable ability to stay cold as you’d expect from Yeti. It is important for hunters to have gear that stands up to the elements, and this cooler does just that.
Layout blinds are great gifts for hunters that do a lot of waterfowl hunting, especially for geese. Hunters are able to stay hidden in plain sight by laying down in a field inside one of these blinds. The ALPS OutdoorZ Legend Layout Blind is comfortable, waterproof, and easily transportable. What separates the ALPS from other layout blinds is that it has a specially designed chair with “zero gravity” that makes laying on the ground very comfortable.
The Tactacam is one of the best gifts for hunters trying to get epic film and interesting angles. The Tactacam is an action camera that is weatherproof, image-stabilized, 4K, offers 120 fps slow motion, and has 8x zoom. The zoom is a great feature and is something that lacks in the GoPro. The Tactacam cameras are versatile and are easily mounted to scopes and bows in order to easily capture hunts.
In many states hunting with a muzzleloader allows hunters to extend their hunting seasons. What hunter doesn’t want to increase the length of their hunting season? State regulations often have specific muzzleloader seasons. You can find quality muzzleloaders for surprisingly good prices. The Traditions Buckstalker Muzzleloader is a favorite among many hunters. It’s easy to clean, easy to load, and accurate.
The Benjamin Marauder is one of the best air rifles for those looking to get into PCP air rifles. Air rifles are a cost-effective way to practice shooting and have fun doing so, which is what makes them one of the best gifts for hunters. This is a bolt-action Marauder that comes with a 10-round magazine. Once you fill the air rifle with the air you will get about 30 shots before you need to refill your gun.
This GPA has all the basic features one would need to get to and from destinations as efficiently as possible. My personal favorite part of this GPS is that the arrow points in the direction the user is facing (3-axis electronic compass). This is lacking in some of the more basic GPSs. This GPS comes with a free TOPO map and more maps can also be downloaded onto this the Garmin 64SX using Basecamp for offline use.
The new GoPro’s are fantastic for capturing hunts on film. They are one of the greatest gifts for hunters looking to get into filming hunts. The new internal computerized gimbal-like stabilization makes the footage look buttery smooth even with excessive movement. Not only do they have great stabilization but they also have 5K+ video, slow motion, and much more.
Another Yeti product that would make a great gift is the Tundra Haul, a wheeled cooler. These coolers are fantastic for keeping things cool for long periods of time. They make great coolers for hunters going on long trips where keeping food and drinks cool for long periods of time is essential. Yeti coolers are heavy in general, and the wheels and handle make a big difference when transporting the cooler.
Compound bows are a lot of fun to shoot and hunt with. Additionally, in many states hunting with a bow allows hunters to extend their hunting seasons significantly. Compound bows are very accurate and are easy to learn how to shoot. You can get a high-quality ready-to-shoot compound bow bundle for a very reasonable price. This Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is a great bow because it is highly adjustable and can grow with the hunter for a lifetime.
The Sitka Fanatic Fleece jacket has all the things you love about fleece-like warmth, comfort, and silence. It also has specifically designed pockets for bowhunting tools. This jacket has a built-in muff, a high neck to cut the wind, and a built-in treestand harness leash port. The Gore-Tex and Windstopper fabrics prevent wind from penetrating the fleece making it incredibly warm during cold hunts.
For ultimate warmth, the Fanatic Bibs are designed to be worn with the Fanatic Fleece Jacket. The bibs offer the same benefits as the jacket, but for the lower half. The benefit of the Fanatic Bibs is they’re designed to be quiet, have many pockets, and have Gore-Tex and Windstopper fabrics to really prevent the elements. This makes a great gift for the cold-weather hunter in your life.
A canvas tent is one of the best gifts for a DIY hunter that wants to keep costs low, but not sacrifice comfort completely on hunting trips. Canvas tents are better than plastic tents for most hunters because they’re breathable, better in snow, more waterproof, can be heated with a woodstove, and are better at holding heat. This makes canvas tents a great place to set up hunting camps for extended periods.
Chest freezers are great gifts for hunters because it offers an easy place to store a lot of meat without taking up the entire daily-use freezer in the kitchen.
When binoculars aren’t up for the task it’s time to break out the spotting scope. Being able to see animals at longer ranges than binoculars makes spotting scopes fantastic tools for scouting and hunting. Vortex makes great quality glass and you’ve got to appreciate that lifetime warranty. If you’re buying for a hunter who hunts or scouts in open landscapes, a spotting scope makes a wonderful gift.
The Yeti 125 cooler is one of the best gifts for hunters and fishermen that need a lot of storage for long trips or to keep game cold. This cooler has thick 3-inch insulation in order to keep things cool for a long time as you’d expect from Yeti. In addition, it is extremely durable and can stand up to the toughest of hunting trips.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station With Solar Panels
If you know a hunter who has a remote camp that does not have electricity or looking for an alternative to a generator, these Jackery portable power stations are great. They are long-lasting rechargeable batteries with many outlets and plugs to recharge anything you might need. They can be recharged via outlet, car, or solar power making them very versatile.
Jackery Explorer 1000 With Two Jackery Solar Panels
Sony makes some of the very best video cameras for hunting, the AX100 is no exception. For the price, this camera has a lot of pro features. It has a 1” CMOS sensor which allows it to film in very low light situations. It also supports 4K video and 120 FPS slow motion. This is a one-stop-shop video camera for a hunter starting to film their hunts, making it one of the best gifts for hunters.
The one benefit of DSLR/mirrorless cameras is that you can achieve a much more cinematic, customized, and professional look. They also have the ability to be much better in low-light situations than camcorders which can be very important in hunting situations. Not only can they capture video but they can take professional-quality photos as well. You might like my blog post: How To Choose The Best Video Cameras For Hunting | Filming Your Hunt.
Get one of your favorite hunting photos printed on a slab of wood. The combination of a personalized photo on a unique slab of wood picture frame makes for one of the best Christmas gifts for hunters who seem to have everything.
An antler mounting kit is a great hunting gift on its own. However, you can take it one step further and mount the antlers for someone else to make it one of the most thoughtful and unique hunting gifts for hunters who have everything.
Antlers mounts are thoughtful and unique gifts for hunters who have everything
This 14 in 1 tool is not only convenient but in my experience, it manages to reduce a lot of frustration when things go awry or fall apart. There have been many times when the leatherman has saved the day when doing repairs while out hunting, or for fashioning a stream-spanning walking stick. Their hardiness in unideal situations makes them one of the best gifts for hunters and fishermen.
The deer poop necklace – ’cause you ain’t killed crap all season’ (consider going vegan) is one of the funniest gag gifts for hunters because not only are you getting them deer poop as a present, but you’re making fun of them at the same time.
Just about every guy loves the excitement of a new video game, this one is designed for hunters. It has hundreds of creatures to hunt and interact with, dynamic weather, animal behavior, sophisticated wind systems that carry scent, and more realistic components to really immerse the player in the hunting experience making it one of the best hunting gifts for your boyfriend.
Jerky makers are one of the best hunting gifts for him. Being able to make your own jerky from wild-game is a great way to change things up as far as wild-game consumption. It’s also a great way to introduce others to eating wild-game. The Cosori dehydrator comes with 50 recipes and 6 trays for dehydrating. It’s easy to use and easy to clean.
A BBQ cooking set is one of the best hunting gifts for dad because it offers a one-stop shop for all the barbecuing needs he could ask for when cooking wild game. The 27-piece Romanticist stainless steel grill is rust and heat resistant for long-lasting grilling. If you’re looking for Father’s Day gift ideas, check out my post: Best Father’s Day Hunting Gifts.
A BBQ cooking set is one of the best hunting gifts for dad because it offers a one-stop shop for all the barbecuing needs for wild game.
Turkey hunters can get away with more movement within a blind, which makes them one of the best gifts for turkey hunters. Not only are ground blinds affordable, but they also make a huge impact on a hunter’s comfort level and success. They have adjustable shooting windows with removable mesh screening. It’s very easy to pop-up, take down, as well as travel with because it comes in a carrying case similar to that of a lawn chair.
Blinds Are Effective Pieces Of Turkey Hunting Gear
Howard Leight Sound Amplification Hearing Protection
Keeping the ears protected during repeated shooting is essential for hearing longevity. If you know someone who needs a good pair of hearing protection they’ll appreciate it, and even more so in the long term. Howard Leight earmuffs are one of the best gifts for duck hunters because they have an adjustable amplification knob so you can still have conversations with them on. When a gun fires the headphones will automatically block the noise.
A cellular camera is a unique game camera in that it can send photos and videos via text message or email so that the hunter does not have to physically go to the site to pull the SD card which has so many benefits for deer hunters. These cameras are one of the best gifts for deer hunters that want to take their hunting success to the next level.
If you’re looking for the next step up from the Spypoint cellular cameras, the Browning Defender Wireless Pro is an excellent option. For a lot of people, the extra performance of this camera is well worth the price.
OZonics OrionX Ozone Scent Eliminator is easily one of the absolute best gifts for deer hunters because when placed next to the hunter in a treestand, it completely removes human order with Ozone. This tool removes one of the biggest challenges deer hunters face – a deer’s nose, which can smell human scent over 1/4 mile away.
Bow stands are a simple yet useful tool when practicing with a bow. A bow stand keeps your bow off the elements and relieves the shooter from having to bend down over and over again to pick up their bow. The Bow Buddy is one of the best bowhunting gifts for bowhunters. It comes with a ring to hold arrows which is another convenient feature. This way you don’t have to stick the arrows in the dirt to get them to stick up.
If you wanted to take safety to the next level you could opt for the Garmin InReach devices.
Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS
The benefits of this GPS over other GPSs is that it offers an emergency SOS feature and texting without service. The InReach uses satellites to send and receive messages instead of cell towers. The In-Reach GPS gives peace of mind when hunting in remote backcountry situations, making it one of the best gifts for backcountry hunters.
The InReach Mini is a more affordable and compact version of the InReach Explorer+. It has similar SOS and texting features as the Explorer+ and can be paired with your cell phone so that it is just as easy to use when using the free EarthMate App.
Hunting smartwatches are one of the coolest gifts for hunters in 2025 because of their customizability and abundance of cool hunting features. For example, smartwatches are helpful tools for hunters because they have GPS, ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and a Compass), weather, sunrise times, sunset times, moon phases…and much more. For more information check out my article: 7 Best Smartwatches For Hunting In 2025 Reviewed and Compared will help you choose the right smartwatch for the hunter in your life.
*Price At Time of Post
**Battery Life Depends on Settings
Last Minute Gifts For Hunters
OnX Hunt GPS Mobile App Subscription
The best last minute gifts for hunters are those that can be easily either ordered online with fast shipping, are subscription-based or are common items that can be purchased at your local hunting stores. The OnX Hunt App is one of the best subscription-based gifts for hunters. OnX shows property boundary lines as well as the owners of the property to help with land access and getting permission to hunt.
Growing up in a family of hunters made hunting gifts a top choice for birthdays and holidays. My experience buying and receiving hunting gifts my whole life in combination with years of personal and combined hunting experience has taught me what makes some hunting gifts better than others. This gift guide represents some gift favorites from over the years as well as gifts I believe hunters would be excited about. Hopefully, you found this long gift guide helpful.
In this post, we are looking at the best trail cameras for the money in 2025 for hunting, wildlife, and security. Buying trail cameras can be confusing because there are so many different companies making them and there are a lot of specs to understand.
To make matters more difficult many trail camera companies lie or exaggerate their specs for marketing purposes only to leave you disappointed when you start using the camera.
I make it easy to pick the best trail camera for the money by listing trustworthy trail camera companies and camera models with good reputations so that you know your money will be spent well.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Trail Camera Companies Lie For Marketing
Don’t Buy Into The Megapixel Hype
Don’t buy into the megapixel hype when it comes to buying trail cameras. Trail camera companies are using high megapixel numbers for marketing purposes to attract buyers. These numbers are not usually representative of image quality.
Companies are able to get away with this by using a process called interpolation. This digitally adds megapixels to photos without improving image quality. For this reason, megapixel counts should be taken with a grain of salt. Instead, looking at actual examples of photos is the best determining factor.
Are Cheap Trail Cameras Worth The Money?
Trail cameras in the under 100$ range are usually not worth the money. These cameras will often break in the first couple of years of use and even malfunction during the first year of use.
It is better to buy a more expensive camera that will get you many years of reliable use, rather than keeping your fingers crossed for those cheaper trail cameras to work.
This is especially important for hunters because there’s nothing worse than checking your trail camera at the end of the year only to find out that it stopped working 2-months from when you set it.
Trail Camera Comparison Spreadsheet
The Best Trail Cameras For The Money
Organize the spreadsheet below by the trail camera specs that are most important to you.
Trail Camera Model
Price ($)
Tigger Speed (s)
Megapixels
Daytime Range (ft)
Nighttime Range (ft)
Flash Type
Recovery Time (s)
Battery Life (Months)
Video Res.
Bushnell Trophy Cam
132
0.3
16
80
80
Low-Glow IR
1
5
1280x720 @ 30 fps
Browning Strike Force HD Pro X
160
0.2
20
80
80
Infared Glow
0.7
17
1600x900 @ 30 fps
Spypoint Force Pro Cellular Trail Camera
160
0.2
30
100
100
No Glow IR
1.3
28
1920x1080 @ 30 fps
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4
190
0.01
22
90
90
No Glow IR
0.6
36
1920x1080 @ 60 fps
Bushnell 30MP CORE Trail Camera
219
0.2
30
80
80
No Glow IR
0.6
12
1920x1080 @ 30 fps
Best Cellular Trail Cameras For The Money
You can also sort the spreadsheet below by the cellular trail camera specs that are most important to you.
Cellular Trail Camera Model
Price ($)
Tigger Speed (s)
Megapixels
Daytime Range (ft)
Nighttime Range (ft)
Flash Type
Recovery Time (s)
Battery Life (Months)
Video Res.
Spypoint Link Micro LTE
100
0.6
10
110
110
Infared Glow
66
2.5
n/a
Spypoint Link Micro S LTE
120
0.45
10
110
110
Infared Glow
73
2.5+
n/a
Browning Defender Wireless Pro Scout
190
0.3
18
90
90
Infared Glow
26.2
10.5
1600x900 @ 30 fps
Spypoint Link-S-Dark
299
0.07
12
90
90
No Glow IR
63
5+
1920x1080 @ 30 fps
Exodus Render 4G LTE
335
0.3
12
70
65
No Glow IR
25
6+
640x360 @ 15 fps
RidgeTec Lookout 4G LTE
300
0.5
12
100
100
No Glow IR
28
4
1920x1080 @ 30 fps
HCO Spartan Go-Live
500
0.6
8
70
70
No Glow IR
Varies
9
1920x1080 @ 30 fps
Best Hunting & Wildlife Trail Cameras For The Money
Criteria That Make Trail Cameras The Best
Trigger Speed
Camera Resolution Quality
Video Resolution
Daytime Detection Range
Nighttime Detection Range
Flash Type
Photo Recovery Time
Battery Life
Build-Quality/Reliability
Ease of Use
Warranty
The Best Trail Camera For The Money Under 100$
As mentioned above, you should be careful when buying trail cameras under 100$ because they are, in my experience, notorious for malfunctioning very quickly. For this reason, if you’re looking to buy a trail camera under 100$ I would suggest buying something close to the 100$ mark. For example, you can get a pretty decent trail camera for 99$ but I would stay away from trail cameras that are cheaper than 90$.
Best Trail Cameras For The Money Under 150$
Once you start getting above 100$ trail cameras start becoming more reliable and have better specs. You can find some decent trail cameras in this price range. For example:
Bushnell Trophy Cam Essential E3 Trail Camera
This trail camera is one of the best trail cameras for the money because of how many features you get for the price. For example, this camera takes 16-megapixel photos at a fast trigger speed of 0.3 seconds. This camera takes about 1 second to recover after taking photos before it can take more photos.
It also has a respectable 80′ daytime and nighttime detection range. This camera uses low-glow IR sensors to capture nighttime photos. Depending on the settings, Bushnell claims this camera can last up to 1-year on one set of batteries but tests from Trail Cam Pro indicate that you’re realistically looking at 5 months. The Bushnell Trophy Cam is built well to withstand the elements for the entire duration of its use.
Right around the 200$ price range is where you start seeing reliable trail cameras being made with great specs. These +/- 200$ cameras are likely where you will get the best trail cameras for the money. The reason for this is these cameras have the durability and the specs to get the job done reliably and with high quality for many years.
Browning Strike Force HD Pro X Trail Camera
The Browning Strike Force HD Pro X is one of the best trail cameras for the money. For just a little more money than the Bushnell Trophy Cam (above) you get a faster trigger speed, higher-quality images, faster photo recovery time, and an insane battery life of 17+ months with just 6 AA batteries.
The Spypoint Force Pro is another great option at the same price point as the Browning Strike Force HD Pro X. The difference is this game camera has better specs, making it an even better value for the money. It has a fast 0.2 trigger speed, 30 MP resolution, 100 ft detection range, invisible glow infrared, 1080p HD video, and 28 months of battery life with 8 AA lithium batteries.
The recovery time of 1.3s is slightly slower than the Browning Strike Force Pro X’s 0.7s.
The Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 is a top-notch trail camera with some great specs. For example, it has a blazing fast 0.01 trigger speed, the 22 megapixels take high-quality photos, has a 90 ft detection range, uses invisible infrared flash, has a fast 0.6s recovery time, and can last an amazing 36 months on one set of lithium batteries.
The HP4 also takes 1080p Full HD video up to 60 fps. With the fast trigger speed and high frame rate of this camera, there should be virtually no blurring in photos with movement.
Bushnell Core Dual-Sensor (DS) No-Glow Trail Camera
The Bushnell Core Dual-Sensor No-Glow trail camera is one of the best trail cameras for the money if you’re looking for state-of-the-art trail camera resolution and an invisible nighttime flash. 30-megapixel photos generate very crisp and high-detailed photos. Additionally, the videos are full 1080P HD which is very crisp as well.
In addition to the resolution, this camera offers great specs including a 0.2s trigger speed, 80′ detection range during the day and night, 0.6s photo recovery time, and 12 months of battery life.
Best Entry-Level Cellular Trail Camera For The Money Under 100$
Spypoint Link Micro LTE Cellular Trail Camera
The Spypoint Link Micro LTE is a very affordable trail camera. It’s one of the lowest-priced cellular trail cameras that will still work well. For this reason, it is a great camera for getting started in the cellular camera game.
That said, like all trail cameras, you get what you pay for. For example, this trail camera lacks behind in battery life, picture quality, and internal programming. But if battery life isn’t super important to you and you don’t need the best specs for what you’re using the camera for, then this is the camera for you.
Best Cellular Trail Camera For The Money Under 200$
Spypoint Link Micro S LTE Cellular Trail Camera
The Spypoint Link Micro LTE and Spypoint Link Micro S LTE are basically the same cameras with one big and obvious difference, a solar panel. This solar panel helps increase the poor battery life on these cameras (only lasting 2.5 months). This should allow the camera to take photos for a very long time as long as the solar panels do not get covered with debris and it has access to sunlight.
Because this camera addresses the biggest issue of the regular Spypoint Link Micro LTE, it earns a spot on this list. Just keep in mind that this camera is only 10mp and the photos are not very crisp but if that’s not a deal-breaker this is one of the best cellular trail cameras for the money.
As far as cellular cameras go, this is one of the best trail cameras for the money. It takes quality images, has a 90 ft detection range, has a fast recovery time for a cellular camera (26s), and an impressive 10.5 months of battery life (for a cellular trail camera).
If you’re looking for the next step up from the Spypoint cellular cameras, the Browning Defender Wireless Pro is an excellent option. The trade-off with the camera is the price when compared to the Spypoint cameras listed above, this camera is about 2x the price. That said, for a lot of people, these extra qualities of this camera are well worth it.
Best Cellular Trail Camera For The Money Under 300$
Spypoint Link-S-Dark Cellular Trail Camera
The Spypoint Link S Dark is one of the best cellular cameras for the money because of the additional features you get compared to the cheaper Spypoint cameras listed above. For example, you get a very fast trigger speed of 0.07s, 12-megapixels, 90 ft detection range, and 1080p HD video at 30 fps.
You also get 5 months of battery life with just the internal batteries but with the solar panel that comes with it, you can make your camera last much longer.
Best Cellular Trail Camera For The Money Under 400$
Exodus Render 4G LTE Verizon Cellular Trail Camera
On paper, the Exodus Render cellular trail camera might look like it is lacking in specs for the price. However, unlike other trail camera companies, Exodus is conservative with their camera specs so they ensure you are getting what you pay for in specs. Because of Exodus’ honesty about their specs and their generous 5-year warranty you know you are getting exactly what you pay for or better. For these reasons, it is one of the best trail cameras for the money.
The Exodus Render has a 0.3s trigger speed, 12 megapixels, 70 ft detection range, invisible no-glow infrared flash, fast 25 second recovery time, and will take between 500-5000 photos before the internal batteries die depending on camera settings. You also have the option to add a solar panel to this camera to increase the battery life greatly.
Best Cellular Trail Cameras For Security/Surveillance For The Money
RidgeTec Lookout 4G LTE Cellular Trail Camera
The RidgeTec Lookout is an excellent security cellular trail camera for the money. It has a 0.5s trigger speed, 12-megapixel camera, 100 ft detection range, invisible no-glow infrared flash that takes great night photos, a very fast 28s recovery time, and takes 1080P HD videos at 30 fps. Another great feature of this camera is that you can buy different sim cards for it depending on which carrier has better service in the area you want to put the camera (vs buying a whole new camera).
One downside is that it has a fairly limited battery life of four months, but as a security camera this might not be a problem for you.
HCO Spartan Go-Live Live Streaming Cellular Trail Camera
The HCO Spartan Go-Live has the ability to live-stream which is an awesome feature for a cellular trail cam. This also makes it a great feature for security because you can tap into your camera’s feed at any time.
The Go-Live has a trigger speed is 0.6s, an 8-megapixel camera, a 70 ft detection range, invisible no-glow IR, a variable recovery time, 1080p HD video, and up to 9 months of battery life.
Even though the megapixels are less than the RidgeTec, the daytime photos are better on this camera.
Trail camera detection ranges commonly fall between 70-100 feet. That said, each trail camera is different. The detection range of an individual trail camera should be listed in the product description of the trail camera.
Best Batteries For Trail Cameras
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries make a world of difference and are often overlooked. They are much more efficient and work better especially in cold weather, making them superior in trail cameras. The only downside to these batteries is that they’re more expensive than regular batteries but they pay for themselves with the increased trail camera performance.
This article uses ballistic graphs and tables to show you the differences between the 380 vs. 9mm Velocity, trajectory, energy, and recoil are compared between these two cartridges.
A common question for people looking to buy their first handgun is what’s better a 9mm or 380? Let’s jump into the tables and graphs so you can see exactly the pros and cons of each cartridge:
Table of Contents
How To Use This Article
I used similar grain bullets (95 vs 115 gr) for the two cartridges for a more apples-to-apples comparison.
The Ballistic Tables
If you want a 1-on-1 comparison table comparison from 0 to 100 yards in 25-yard increments for any of these ballistics, you can find that after the graphs in the ballistic tables section.
The Ballistic Graphs
Keep in mind that with different bullet grains, you will get slightly different results than shown below. But you can use the information below to determine the potential of each caliber.
Let’s jump into the graphs first because they’ll answer your broader questions faster.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Velocity Ballistic Comparison Graph
From the graph below you can see that the 9mm, even with a heavier 115-grain bullet is faster by 200 fps at the muzzle. The speed does drop off faster with the 9mm at first, but at about 40 yards it loses velocity at about the same rate as the 380. After about 40 yards there is about 135 fps difference. So how does velocity affect the bullet trajectory of these rounds? Let’s move onto the next graph.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Trajectory Ballistic Comparison Graph
You can see that the higher speed of the 9mm gives it a flatter trajectory than the 380. Though the difference here is pretty marginal until you get to about 100 yards. Other than that you’re talking just a couple of inches. So was the extra velocity in the 9mm worth it then? Let’s jump to the bullet energy graph next.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Energy Ballistic Comparison Graph
Energy = 1/2 × mass × velocity2. Since the 9mm bullet is heavier and faster, it has an advantage over the 380 when it comes to bullet energy. Similarly to the velocity, within 40 yards the 9mm has much more energy, around 140 ft-lbs more. After 40 yards the difference in energy retention remains about the same, with the 9mm having about 100 ft-lbs more energy.
From 0 to 100 yards, the 380 has 172.6 ft-lbs of energy on average whereas the 9mm has 288 ft-lbs, a difference of 115.4 or on average the 9mm is 67% more powerful. For self-defense, this makes a difference.
But if it’s more powerful does it have more recoil? Let’s move on to the recoil graph.
380 vs 9mm Recoil Comparison Graph
Recoil is interesting when it comes to handguns because there are more factors than just the cartridge. For example, in the graph below you will see a Glock 42 (.380) vs a Glock 43X (9mm), these two guns have marginal differences in recoil. This is because of the weight of the two guns (16 oz vs 23 oz). By using a slightly heavier 9mm handgun you can lower the recoil energy and velocity.
I also included a 9mm handgun that is the same weight as the 16 oz 380 for an apples-to-apples comparison. You can see that in an identical handgun (same weight), the 9mm is more than double the recoil energy and has much more recoil velocity than the 380.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Velocity Ballistic Comparison Table
From the table below you can see that the 9mm has more velocity from 0 to 100 yards. It has a 200 fps difference in velocity at the muzzle and a 126 fps difference at 100 yards.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Trajectory Ballistic Comparison Table
From the table below you can see that the 9mm has less bullet drop from 0 to 100 yards even with a heavier bullet. However, there is not much difference in drop until about 100 yards. You’re only having a few inches difference in drop out to 75 yards. Most people don’t need a handgun to shoot 100 yards.
380 vs 9mm Bullet Energy Ballistic Comparison Table
From the table below you can see the 9mm has much more energy than the 380. From 0 to 100 yards, the 380 has 172.6 ft-lbs of energy on average whereas the 9mm has 288 ft-lbs, a difference of 115.4, or the 9mm is 67% more powerful on average.
380 vs 9mm Recoil Comparison Ballistic Table
I would refer to the recoil graph for the best information on recoil in this article. However, you can see in this table how handgun weight affects recoil energy and velocity. You can get a 9mm that recoils similar to a 380 just by increasing the weight of the handgun. It’s up to you to decide the trade-off of weight vs recoil.
380 vs 9mm Final Thoughts
The 9mm is better than the 380 in every way ballistically except recoil. But even then, you might just opt for a heavier 9mm handgun which would make the 9mm feel more like a 380.
There are perks to the smaller 380 rounds. For example, smaller handguns for concealment, ease of use, more bullets in a clip…etc. However, there are great 9mm options that do well in these categories.
It’s up to you to decide if the additional ballistic performance is worth the recoil.
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