Hunting Season Gift Guide

By: Kevin Estela

Most shopping guides pop up around major holidays, covering everyone from kids to grandparents. But hunters rarely get a guide written with them in mind. This one is for the outdoorsman (or woman) in your life—share it with a not-so-subtle hint.

Illumination

Daylight never lasts as long as hunters want, and good lighting is essential after dark. A reliable flashlight helps track downed game or find trailheads, while headlamps free up both hands. Streamlight flashlights are an excellent option with equal balance in both quality and cost. Focus on brightness (lumens) and throw distance (candela). Don’t overlook hardware store headlamps—sometimes they outperform pricier versions. You can never have too much light.

Warm Layers

Cold weather can ruin a hunt fast. Gifts like gloves, neck gaiters, wool caps, face masks, and quality socks are always welcome. Stick with camouflage when possible and avoid cotton. If in doubt, double up on gear you already know they use—warmth is always appreciated. Kryptek is a great option that features high quality and long-lasting durability.

Coolers

Hunters need to keep both meals and meat stored properly. They might already own a large cooler for quartered cuts, but not a smaller one for lunches. A compact hard cooler from Grizzly Coolers or a soft-sided option with reusable ice packs is practical and lightweight. For the opposite effect, a Thermos filled with hot coffee, cocoa, or soup is always a win.

Quality Cutlery

Knives and multi-tools make excellent gifts if you choose carefully. Many hunters are loyal to particular brands, and it’s worth asking what they prefer. You can’t go wrong with a Swiss Army Knife or a quality Benchmade knife, both easy to order online. For those who enjoy the field-to-table process, game-processing knives or a dedicated hunting knife for the belt or pocket are also solid picks.

Add-Ons

Small extras round out any gift. Spare batteries keep those flashlights running. Hand warmers slip into gloves or pockets. Spices, marinades, or dry rubs add variety to wild game meals. Snacks like jerky, trail mix, energy bars from Range Meal Bars, or ready-to-eat meals from Essential Provisions are great options. And for a post-hunt celebration? A small bottle of the fermented-corn, brown variety fits the bill—enjoy responsibly.

Bags and Pouches

Hunters never have enough storage. Organizing bags work well for first-aid kits, electronics, butchering tools, or firearm maintenance supplies. Larger bags can hold camouflage, sleeping gear, or decoys. Consider chest pouches, fanny packs, field bags, or firearm storage bags in their favorite camo or hunter orange. Tuff Possum Gear is a great option that is a heavy-duty, durable and made in the U.S.A.

Skills Course Certificates/Vouchers

Gear only goes so far—skills matter more. Practical rifle courses sharpen accuracy. Bushcraft or survival classes improve fieldcraft. Land navigation training ensures they won’t lose their way. Butchering, processing, canning, and jarring classes prepare hunters for the table. Many programs offer vouchers and certificates for future use.

Eye Protection

The backcountry isn’t just hard on the legs—it’s tough on the eyes. Bright light and UV rays can wear hunters down quickly. Wiley X provides protection and comfort with options ranging from full wraparound to wire frames, interchangeable lenses to prescription-ready designs, polymer to metal tips. Hunting isn’t just about pressing the trigger—most of it is looking and listening. Wiley X can’t help with hearing, but it will keep your eyes sharp.