Gearing Up For Bucks - Footwear

We whitetail hunters are always looking for the best hunting gear. That gear often consumes much of our hunting budget, while some very important "stuff" is often neglected -- like clothing and boots.

A warm jacket and good pair of boots will keep you in the field long enough to give you the opportunity to use all the other gear that you so meticulously selected and purchased. Spend 10 days in the mountains with inferior boots, though, and I promise you'll gladly want to trade your $1,000 weapon for some new ones!

Clothing and boots will keep you warm, dry and mobile and they'll conceal you with camouflage patterns to match the terrain. Here's a rundown of the latest, greatest gear that will help you in countless ways next time you go out to look for Mr. Big!

Cabela's Speed Hunter

Footwear

Cabela's has re-engineered its popular Speed Hunter boots into the Speed Hunter II. Lined with Dry-Plus and ScentEliminator, these boots keep your feet dry and bacteria-free. The outsole is a scent-free design combining athletic shoe performance with the support of a hunting boot. Call (800) 237-4444 or visit www.cabelas.com.

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Danner Pronghorn Side Zip GTX

The popular Danner Pronghorns have a new look for 2007. The new Pronghorn Side Zip GTX boots, with 200 grams of Thinsulate, feature a zipper to make it easier to get them on and off. They come in Mossy Oak Obsession, while the 1,200-gram version is in Realtree AP. Call (800) 671-2668 or visit www.danner.com.

Elimitrax Over-Boot

Getting in and out of your hunting area undetected by deer is possible with the Elimitrax Over-Boot system. This special boot/legging system goes over your boots and eliminates the scent you leave behind when walking in. The company has an exciting new boot in the works for 2008. Call (334) 677-7501 or visit www.elimitrax.com.

Guide Gear Sentinel II

The Guide Gear Sentinel II boots are all leather and are armed against the cold with 2,000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for ultimate warmth. The Guide Dry System makes these boots waterproof and the 11-inch height gives outstanding ankle support. Call (800) 587-9023 or visit www.sportsmansguide.com.

Irish Setter Mountain Claw

Irish Setter's new Mountain Claw series boots are quite innovative. In addition to being available in insulation packages from 600 to 1,000 grams of Thinsulate, these boots incorporate a special scent system. Just slip a scent packet into a mesh pocket and let the boots leave a scent trail. Call (800) 733-9464 or visit www.irishsetterboots.com.

LaCrosse Rackmaster

LaCrosse Footwear offers the new Rackmaster series of boots that combine a sporting boot with a "pac" boot. They come in both 7-inch and 8-inch styles with varying amounts of Ultra Thinsulate insulation. An EZ pull-on style is also available for those on the run. Call (800) 671-2668 or visit www.lacrossefootwear.com.

L.L. Bean Bison Boot

L.L. Bean's unique Bison Boots are constructed with supple Bison leather that molds to the shape of your feet. They're insulated with 400 grams of Thinsulate, a Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry and gel inserts in the sole cushion your feet. Call (800) 809-7057 or visit www.llbean.com.

Muck Boot "Woody" Sport

The Original Muck Boot Company has taken its popular Woody boot to the third generation with the new Woody Sport. The aggressive Speed Tracker rubber outsole gives you the support you need while maintaining traction and retaining flexibility. And it's still very lightweight. Call (877) 438-6825 or visit www.muckbootcompany.com.

Redhead's Bone Dry Side-Zip

If you've ever struggled with ankle-fit rubber boots, you'll love RedHead's new Bone Dry Side-Zip boots. A full-length gusseted zipper gets you in and out easy. Waterproof, and lined with 800 grams of Thinsulate, these ankle-fit boots will keep your trail odor free and your feet dry and warm. Call (800) 227-7776 or visit www.basspro.com.

Rocky Boots Stalker

Rocky Boots was thinking of the stalking hunter when they created the new Stalker series, a lightweight, form-fitting boot lined with their new D-TEC waterproof and silver compound scent eliminating system. These boots come in five and eight-inch styles, as well as rubber versions, and three camo styles. Call (740) 753-1951 or visit www.rockyboots.com.

Scentblocker Dream Season Boot

The Dream Season Boot from ScentBlocker is packed with great hunting features. A removable Carbon Gaiter adsorbs odors while Fusion Gel keeps your feet comfortable. The boots, sole and toe protect your legs and feet. They're waterproof and designed for climbing. Call (800) 397-1827 or visit www.scentblocker.com.

Wolverine Ridgeline XTreme

Wolverine's Ridgeline XTreme boots are just what the cold weather whitetail hunter is looking for. With 1,000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation and a breathable GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, these boots will keep you warm and dry. The Ridgeline is also available in a seven-inch style with 400 grams of Thinsulate. Call (800) 545-2425 or visit www.wolverine.com.