Polaris Ranger XP 900 ((John Linn, Adventure Studios 2014))
Weekend hunting excursions don’t have to be all about long hikes on deserted trails and turkey calls at 5 a.m. This gear is designed to make your trip easier. You can pack up your gear for easier transport in the woods, text your hunting party even from a secluded deer stand and ride back to the campsite in style.
1. Blackout SS Compound Bow
Price: $600
The technology alone in this compound bow will make you want to hunt more often. At just 3.5 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day, yet the bow has unusual power – arrows launch at 335 feet per second. The camo bow lets you adjust from 26.5 to 30.5-inch draw length, and there’s a new single-cam design to transfer power quickly when you strike.
2. Tenzing TC SP14 Shooter Pack
Price: $250
This hunting pack big selling point is its rear rifle holder and pouch. Compression straps and the large cavity in the back can also accommodate a crossbow. For hunters into technology, there are nine compartments (two of them are zipped to hold expensive gear) for a smartphone, binoculars and a rangefinder.
3. Kyocera Brigadier
Price: $99 with Verizon contract
This smartphone is military-grade rugged, meaning you can drop it or even step on it a few times, and it can withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt, fog, and humidity. Its screen is scratchproof and extra durable, and – as a bonus – it works on Verizon, which has the best coverage even in remote areas. Just remember to put it on mute when you go deer hunting.
4. Seek Thermal Camera
Price: TBD
This camera, which plugs into the power port of a smartphone, enables you to see wild game in total darkness just by using an app on your Android phone or Apple iPhone. Thermal imaging cameras can cost thousands and add bulk to your hunting pack. The company behind the camera has not announced pricing or availability, but it’s one to “keep an eye on” for now. (According to this Fox Business report, the case will cost under $250.)
5. Jetboil Flash Cooking System Camo
Price: $100
You’ll want this camouflaged cooking system when the hunt is over. It has a 1-liter insulated cup that attaches directly to the burner. Push a button to ignite, and you can boil water in just two minutes. There’s a strainer at the top, so you can drink coffee or soup. Three small legs on the fuel canister pop out for stability.
6. 2015 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS Hunter Deluxe Edition
Price: $20,799
Polaris went all-out this year with its hunting utility terrain vehicle (UTV). There are two rear gun scabbards (holders) for easy access from the left and right sides. And you don’t have to be an expert all-terrain driver, because the XP 900 has power steering and engine braking (it slows automatically when you let go of the gas pedal). And its 68-horsepower engine helps you get to your deer stand or turkey call location faster.
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