By The Editors
Upland seasons are right around the corner, and hunters everywhere are ready for a fresh start. Whether they’re planning to kick things off in the dove fields or by stretching their legs on the grasslands, they’re going to celebrate fresh air and new beginnings like never before. Of course, there’s no better way to launch the season than by breaking in some gear. The following items should serve well from the mountains to the prairies.
WESTLEY RICHARDS DEELEY SHOTGUN SLIP
Fine guns deserve to be carried in fine gun slips, and Westley Richards’ leather workshops produce some of the best. The range of Deeley Shotgun Slips—named for John Deeley, Managing Director of Westley’s from 1872 until 1899—is handcrafted from organic, vegetable-tanned leather and durable-yet-lightweight canvas. Each features an ultra-soft fleece lining, a heavy-duty zipper, brass fittings, an adjustable shoulder strap and a hanging loop. Initialing is available for a fee. Standard length: 50”. Colors: Dark Tan (pictured), Mid Tan, Sand & Mid Tan, Sand & Dark Tan. Price: starting at $745. Westley Richards
BALL AND BUCK FIELD GRADE ACTIVE + SHIRT
Even on the warmest days, the Ball and Buck Field Grade Active + Shirt will keep you cool and comfortable. Made from a durable, breathable 4-way-stretch technical fabric, the shirt is reinforced at wear points like the shoulders and elbows. It features recoil-pad pockets in both shoulders; a fully vented back; and Ball and Buck’s mesh-knit Tech Vent system, which allows for freedom of movement and added moisture control. The shirt is machine washable. Sizes: S through XXL. Colors: Olive with Original Camo and Tan with Blaze Orange. Price: $168. Ball and Buck
L.L. BEAN MAINE WARDEN GORE-TEX PANTS
Hunters anticipating wet weather will want to pack along a pair of L.L. Bean’s Maine Warden Gore-Tex Pants. Designed with input from Maine game wardens, these pants are not only waterproof and breathable but also lightweight. They feature zippered front pockets, articulated knees for freedom of movement, snap cuffs for easy on-off, and Cordura-reinforced hems for durability. An adjustable waist accommodates adding or removing layers, and detachable belt loops allow for attaching a utility belt and tools. Color: Black. Price: $199. L.L. Bean
GRIZZLY COOLERS G60
Hunters heading afield for a long weekend can keep perishable food and drinks cool for the duration in Grizzly Coolers’ G60. This hard-sided, roto-molded, plastic cooler contains polyurethane foam insulation and a rubber gasket that seals in cold air. The 60-quart cooler has a molded-in hinge with stainless-steel pin, Bearclaw latches, a 2” drain plug, non-slip rubber feet, molded-in handles, rope handles with nylon-sleeved rubber outers, lock holes and a dry-goods tray. It is dry-ice compatible and certified bear resistant (for use in national parks). Dimensions: 303/8” (l) x 173/8” (w) x 17¼” (h). Weight: 30 pounds. Colors: Tan (pictured), Olive Drab Green, White, Sandstone, Red, Orange, Lime, Gray, Teal. Price: $350. Grizzly Coolers
LOWA RENEGADE II N GTX HI BOOTS
Lowa’s Renegade II N GTX Hi Boots offer comfort and stability for miles of trekking in the woods or fields. Based on the company’s popular Renegade GTX Mid, these new boots have a taller (8”) shaft, providing extra ankle support and protection from brush. Nubuck leather uppers are lined with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex, and a Monowrap frame offers lateral stability and underfoot support. The Patrol sole features 5mm-deep lugs for extra traction in dirt and mud. Weight: 1 pound 9¾ ounces per pair. Sizes: 7½ to 13, 14, 15, 16. Color: Dark Brown. Price: $285. Lowa Boots
BROWNING WICKED WING FOLDER
For dressing upland birds, waterfowl and just about any small game and even fish, the Wicked Wing Folder from Browning will fill the bill. The trailing point with a thinner blade makes this knife ideal for jobs demanding precise cutting. The knife has flipper-assisted opening, a thumb stud, a pocket clip and a lanyard eyelet.
The satin-finish blade is made of 7Cr17MoV steel, and the handle is machined stainless steel with two-tone scales. Length: 3½” closed, 8¼” open. Color: Amber. Price: $50. Browning
