Hunting is a pursuit that requires not only skill and patience but the right tools and equipment in order to facilitate success. While bows, guns, and ammunition can be deemed “critical equipment” for any hunter, there are numerous high-ticket items that can enhance their hunting experience. From advanced optics to specialized gear, here are some products you may want to consider if you don’t already have them on your shelves.
Premium Optics One of the most crucial aspects of hunting is having a clear and accurate view of potential game and surroundings. High-quality binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes and laser rangefinders can greatly enhance a hunter's ability to scout for game, spot movement and, more and more these days, measure exact shooting distances while also calculating true shooting distance up and down steep slopes with the push of a button. With advanced features like ultra-high light transmission, image stabilization and low-light capabilities, premium optics can make all the difference in the field. They should also be an easy upsell. Retail Price: $300 to $3,000
Thermal Imaging Devices
Thermal imaging has come a long way from only being seen in action movies as a pair of goggles a special forces team member flips down to be able to attack the bad guys at night. Today’s consumer market features scopes, binoculars, monoculars and even handheld sensors for many uses.
For hunters who prefer to track their quarry at night or in dense cover, thermal imaging devices have become an invaluable tool. These cutting-edge optics allow hunters to detect heat signatures and even the footprints of their prey, making it easier to locate game even in the darkest of conditions. With their ability to reveal hidden animals or to assist in tracking wounded prey, thermal imaging devices are a game-changer for serious hunters. Retail Price: $1,000 to $7,500
Handheld GPS Mapping Systems
Navigating unfamiliar terrain can be a challenging task for hunters, and getting lost in the woods can quickly go from a bit uncomfortable to a life-threatening situation. A high-quality GPS device can help them mark important locations, track routes and avoid getting lost. These devices often come with preloaded maps, weather updates and hunting-specific features like wind speed and direction, making them an indispensable tool for any avid hunter. The newest technologies available have made GPS devices more accurate, offer longer battery life and are often rechargeable, and provide numerous features like two-way communication and emergency rescue services at the push of a button.
Retail Price: $150 and up
Tree Stands and Blinds For hunters who prefer a more stationary (and comfortable) approach, tree stands, ground blinds and semi-permanent elevated platforms are indispensable tools. These elevated platforms and concealment structures provide hunters with a superior vantage point, helping them blend into their surroundings and remain undetected by game. Many also minimize the effects of weather on a hunt by providing shade, rain and snow protection, and blocking wind, often allowing for the hunter to both wear and carry less in the field. Investing in sturdy, comfortable and well-designed tree stands and blinds can significantly increase the chances of a successful hunt. Retail Price: $100 to $3,000
Quality Game Calls The art of effectively imitating animal sounds has been an almost-required skill for hunters for over a thousand years. Investing in top-notch game calls with instrument-quality pitch and tone can significantly increase a hunter’s chances of success. Whether it's mimicking the distress call of a wounded animal like a dying rabbit when hunting predators or the mating call of a potential target such as an elk or turkey, well-crafted game calls can lure a hunter’s target game animal closer, providing them with better opportunities for a successful hunt. The key here is quality. Custom acrylic duck or goose calls easily sell in the $150 to $300 range. Electronic game calls with a long range and high-quality components such as FoxPro’s XWAVE system exceed $600.00. Retail Price: $100 to $800
Advanced Trail Cameras Trail cameras have revolutionized the way hunters scout and monitor game. When they first came to market, they used batteries and film that had to be taken and processed, including all of the pictures of songbirds and other non-game animals. With features like infra-red capabilities, high-resolution images, fast trigger speeds and even cellular and/or wireless connectivity, advanced trail cameras provide valuable insights into game patterns, behavior and the overall health of the game in an area. These cameras offer hunters a way to monitor game activity 24/7, giving them a strategic advantage by being present when other factors prevent them from doing so. Retail Price: $100 to $300-plus
Field Dressing/ Meat Processing Kits After a successful hunt, properly dressing and processing the game for consumption is not just being responsible and of benefit to its table fairness — in many states it is the law. The good news is that now it’s easier than ever. A comprehensive field dressing and processing kit can simplify this process, providing hunters with the necessary tools to efficiently and cleanly prepare their harvest. From skinning knives and bone saws to meat grinders, dehydrators, vacuum-sealers, game bags and gloves, these kits are designed to make field dressing and meat processing more manageable and hygienic. Retail Price: $50.00 to $500-plus
Quality Backpacks and Gear Bags
Hunting requires carrying various essentials, from food and water to extra clothing, shelter and equipment. Investing in a high-quality backpack or gear bag designed specifically for hunters can make a world of difference in the comfort and duration of a hunt. Look for gear made from durable, waterproof materials, that have ergonomic designs and include plenty of storage options to ensure that all necessary gear is organized and easily accessible during both travel and hunting expeditions. Additionally, quality bags, backpacks and travel bags last for many years, ultimately saving money over the cost of replacing cheaper bags. Retail Price: $100 to $600-plus
Hunting Optic Accessories
Besides binoculars, spotting scopes and riflescopes, there are other optics accessories that can significantly enhance both a hunter's efficiency and experience in the field. These include accessories such as lens filters to reduce glare, lens cleaning kits to keep optics in pristine condition, harnesses designed to keep optics handy, protect them from the elements and reduce fatigue while carrying them, and bipod/tripod mounts for stability during long hours of glassing. These accessories both complement the optics’ innate ability to bring things into closer focus and contribute to a better overall hunting experience by reducing things like fatigue and eye strain. Some of the newest products to the market even allow a hunter to mount their cell phone to their binocular, spotting scope and even their riflescope in order to both view and photograph game from a distance without the need to carry an additional camera with a large zoom lens.
Retail Price: $50 to $1,000
Performance Hunting Clothing Hunting often involves spending long hours in what can be less than ideal to downright dangerous weather conditions. Durable, weather-resistant and comfortable hunting clothing is a must. It wasn’t that long ago that the average hunter put on a pair of brown coveralls or a heavy canvas or wool plaid jacket and went out the door to pursue game and fish for the entire day. Stories of being cold and miserable were a rite of passage for many. The advent of more modern materials and waterproof/breathable fabrics were a game-changer when they were modified from serious adventure gear and adopted by the hunting crowd. High-performance gear made with advanced materials such as Gore-Tex, waterproof down and other technical fabrics and insulations can provide warmth, breathability and moisture protection, ensuring that hunters stay dry and comfortable during their adventures. For the more adventurous hunter that travels far from the road and trail, the right apparel can even mean the difference between life and death. Retail Price: $150 to $1,000
Bottom Line
In the sales, marketing and business world, it’s often said that “diversity is security.” Seasons change, products come in and out of favor, inventories sell out, and hundreds of other variables that are beyond your control affect your business.
While bows, guns and ammunition are essential for hunting and should be a large part of your product assortment, there are other high-ticket items that can aid in a hunter’s experience and success. By carefully selecting an assortment of these top-notch products in your business, you can both increase your bottom line and increase customer satisfaction.
