May 15, 2023
By NAW Staff
June is a welcome sight for hardcore deer hunters. The distraction of turkey season is over, food plots have been planted and backyard archery targets are starting to look like pincushions. June also brings one of the greatest days of the year for proud hunters everywhere — Father's Day. It's the one day of the year dads are allowed to kick back and do whatever they want — at least for the most part.
Editor in Chief, Haynes Shelton with his Dad on a Father/Son hunt from years past. No matter what your Father's Day tradition is, one thing is for sure — there's always more the whitetail-addicted dad needs. So, for the father on your list, check out this year’s roundup of the best whitetail gear for this Father's Day.
Browning X-Bolt Hunter Tired of Dad toting around the ‘ole “Ought-Six” that’s been passed down from generation to generation? Get him ready for deer season with the Browning X-Bolt Hunter. This bolt-action rifle has a walnut stock, matte blue barrel and action, adjustable trigger and detachable magazine. Available in an array of popular calibers from .223 up to .375 H&H, this rifle can go anywhere and do everything.
Sig Sauer Whiskey6 3-18x44 You know what goes good with a brand-new rifle? This Sig Sauer scope. It would fit nicely on top of his deer gun and ensure Dad doesn’t have any more excuses come deer season! The Whiskey6 3-18x44 is the perfect solution for any deer hunter. Weighing just over a pound and a half, this scope has a 30mm main-tube diameter, with a 44mm objective lens diameter to bring in a ton of light for those early and late movement timeframes. Available with two different reticle selections, this is sure to help Dad knock down meat for the freezer.
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Hornady Outfitter Ammunition Does your dad need a few extra boxes of ammo before this upcoming deer season? Check out the Outfitter line of ammunition from Hornady . This ammo features corrosion resistant nickel-plated cases, sealed watertight. Topped with the deadly accurate and rugged CX bullet, Outfitter ammo has an incredible range of cartridge selections designed to perform in any conditions. They’ll definitely have just the right load for your old man’s favorite deer rifle.
Lacuesa Bifold Does Dad need a new bifold? This 6 card typical bifold is a beautifully deerskin grain pattern, are thin but incredibly strong which allows for a sturdy wallet. They truly tell the story of an animal's life. LACUESA's custom tanned wallets are the perfect back pocket carry.
OnX Hunt Membership Has Dad been having trouble finding his way to the tree stand? How about just being able to drop him a pin and telling him: “Hunt here!” The OnX Hunt app makes it easy by showing property boundaries, laying out different pins for stands, the truck and just about any other marker you’d need in the woods. Trust me, your dad would have wished he had this back in his younger years; he probably wouldn’t have forgotten where he saw that perfect transition area he seemed to never be able find again. Help him out this year with a subscription to OnX.
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Browning Dark Ops Full HD Does it seem Dad is always needing just one more trail camera to check that new “hotspot” he found for this coming season? The Dark Ops Full HD camera from Browning produces 1080p Full HD videos, has the Radiant 4 Night IR Illumination, which is completely undetected by animals or humans, and features a lightning-fast adjustable trigger speed. This trail camera takes 22 MP photos and has a flash range of 90 feet, just in case the perfect spot is just a tad off where they’re crossing.
Ozonics Micro3 Have you noticed that every time you jump in Dad’s pickup it smells like he forgot his gym bag in there? The Micro3 from Ozonics is the perfect solution for removing any of those offensive, unwanted odors from any vehicles. This little powerful unit can help sanitize Dad’s truck’s interior and surfaces by safely producing ozone molecules that attack bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It fits right into any auxiliary power outlet and automatically shuts off after 20 minutes.
Buck Forage Oats Is your dad the camp “Dr. Deer” when it comes to food plots? Well, this season, let him use what Dr. Deer does and order him a bag of Buck Forage Oats. This food plot seed is truly the backbone of any planting program. With over 25 years of testing to create the highest quality forage, it can withstand heavy grazing pressure and make Dad look like a genius when everyone in camp is praising his plots.
Hunt Monkey Stealth Hunt Dry-Tec Ever notice that Dad complains about hands getting cold as the season goes on? The Stealth Hunt Dry-Tec gloves from Hunt Monkey could help remedy that situation. These 100% waterproof constructed gloves will not only keep his hands bone dry, but they’re also feather-light and comfortable. With 40g of Thinsulate Insulation, they’re sure to help “cut the cold,” but still thin enough to keep the feel and dexterity you need.
Excalibur Micro Extreme Is Dad ready to make the switch from a vertical bow to a crossbow? The new Micro Extreme from Excalibur is ultra-compact and lightweight for any hunting scenario. With the minimal draw effort of only 15 pounds required, it still pushes bolts at 360 fps. Excalibur’s legendary design and technology produce the most reliable crossbows and best-in-class trigger system to mirror the feel of shooting a match-grade rifle.
Easton 9MM Bolt Dad’s going to need the best bolts on the market to shoot with that Excalibur crossbow, so why not get him some? The 9MM Bolt is designed using Easton’s seamless carbon to draw more speed out of today’s crossbows while still offering incredible accuracy. They come in two different lengths (20 and 22 inches), weighing 8.9 grains per inch. These bolts are sure to be speedy and lethal when that buck walks out this season.
Old Trapper Beef Jerky Have you noticed lately that Dad is always getting out of his tree stand earlier than expected, because he forgets to grab snacks for himself? Pick him up a bag of Old Trapper beef jerky. Available in original, teriyaki or peppered, this is one satisfying snack he’s sure to keep handy.
Alps Outdoorz Motive Is Dad always trying to figure out how he’s going to get all his trail cams, SD cards and batteries around in the woods when he’s putting them out? Alps’ Motive pack is designed to be the ultimate trail camera pack. With adjustable, padded dividers, the Motive can safely organize up to eight cameras. Another added touch is the SD card slots, which are designed to keep your cards safe and organized in the field.
Wildtree Dr. Deer Pear tree Now available in packs of two, Wildtree’s Dr. Deer Pear tree is designed for fruit production and wildlife attractiveness. Discovered by Dr. James C. Kroll, or “Dr. Deer,” this pear tree is great for providing late-fall fruit when little else is available. It can grow golf ball-sized pears that deer love in just three seasons! With all trees descending from one Mother Tree on Dr. Kroll’s Institute for White-tailed Deer Management & Research in Texas, you can expect research-backed results.
Redneck Blinds Portable Hunting Chair Has Dad been using that old office chair in his blinds, and every time you move it sounds like a horror movie door opening? Check out the Portable Hunting Chair from Redneck Blinds. No matter if he puts it in a box blind, ground blind or using it for the opener of dove season, this chair will keep him comfortable in any pursuit. The seat swivels independently as you rotate into shooting position and has a 350-pound weight limit. It’s quiet, comfortable and very functional.
Browning Early Season ¾ Zip Shirt Does Dad need a new early season shirt for archery season? This long sleeve, featuring a lightweight polyester fabric with mesh panels along the back and under the arms, will help him stay comfortable during those warm-season hunts. Available in OVIX camo, a solid brown or carbon color, it’s the perfect ¾ zip.