The time for daydreaming about the upcoming hunting season is over. Now it's time to start getting ready. The early bird, as they say, gets the worm, but in this era of supply shortages, it's particularly important not to dawdle. We've compiled a list of top-grade, field-tested, must-have items to help you get a jump on gearing up. Check out what's hot this year, and stock up on what you need to make your bird season a great one!
FINAL RISE SUMMIT SYSTEM
Hand sewn and constructed of premium-sourced fabrics and components, the 100% American-made Final Rise Summit Vest System is everything a passionate wingshooter could need. Designed and built by a like-minded upland hunter, this fully modular platform delivers a custom-tailored fit that maximizes comfort, function and intuitive use in the field. A serious vest for hunters who won’t cut corners when it comes to their gear. Sizes: S–L. Price: $300–$315.
FIELD SHOP BY HADLEIGH’S JD PERFORMANCE FIELD SHIRT
If you don’t know about Field Shop by Hadleigh’s, the company’s JD Performance Field Shirt is a perfect introduction. This stylish—and we mean stylish—and highly functional shirt has corduroy patches, two button cuffs and pleated back detailing. Breathable, moisture-wicking, stretch performance fabric ensures off-the-charts comfort, and Italian sewing guarantees you’ll be the best dressed in the field and at the lodge. And did we mention that it’s stylish? Sizes: S–XXL. Color: Blue. Price: $395.
TOM BECKBE LEATHER GUN SLEEVE
The Tom Beckbe Leather Gun Sleeve is a masterful rendition of a timeless classic. With its luxurious full-grain American leather, it looks like a million bucks, and, thanks to a padded synthetic-fleece lining, it will protect your firearm like a champ. The 50" sleeve includes an exterior zipped pocket, a D-ring for vertical hanging and an adjustable strap. This is an heirloom product that any gun owner would be proud to own. Colors: Oak (shown) and Chestnut. Price: $549.
HOUND & HARE DOUGLAS WAX FLEECE VEST
Lightweight, water-resistant, breathable, windproof, warm, versatile and sharp-looking, the English-made Hound & Hare Douglas Wax Fleece Vest works perfectly as an outer layer or mid-layer. On the hunt or on the town, you’ll find yourself wearing this go-everywhere, do-everything vest all the time. Sizes: S–XXL. Colors: Dusky Green (shown) and Khaki. Price: $250.
THE BOYT (BY GOKEY)
If you’re in search of the perfect boot for hunting in warm or cool weather, look no further. Gokey’s 10" Boyt Boot weighs 3.3 pounds per pair and features a leather calfskin liner, leather midsole, Stowe self-cleaning sole and removable cushioned insole. It also has the classic good looks and sturdy construction Gokey is famous for. Heights: 8" or 10" (shown). Sizes: whole and half sizes 8–13. Widths: D and EE. Price: $499–$519.
NEGRINI WINGS O/U OR SXS PLX CANVAS UPLANDER ULTRA-COMPACT HUNTING SHOTGUN CASE
Ultra-light, ultra-compact and ultra-tough. An air-travel gun case should be all of these things. The payoff is in reducing the stress associated with flying with firearms. Sound great? Then buy a Negrini case. The company makes dozens of models, including the new WINGS Uplander Hard Case, which fits both over/under and side-by-side flat-ribbed smallbore guns with barrels up to 30" and tips the scales at a mere 5.7 pounds! A TSA-approved locking mechanism and rigid double-wall automotive-crash-test bumper technology along with a variety of other features are part of the package. Color: Khaki/Blaze. Price: $539.
NEW SHOOTING SPORTSMAN LOGO HATS
Finding a good-looking, reliable hat that fits well has somehow become complicated. Everyone wants a stylish, comfortable hat that works just as well in the field as it does running errands around town, and the new line of Shooting Sportsman hats fills that bill. Contemporary styling, adjustable fit and a nifty pheasant icon have made this an instant favorite. Styles: Olive Mesh Back, Rugged Canvas, Blazer. Price: $30.
