In this episode of THE SETUP, Will Cooper breaks down an unforgettable elk-hunting grind in the Colorado high country alongside U.S. Army World Class Athlete and World Elk Calling Champion, Jermaine Hodge. What started as a tough over-the-counter rifle tag quickly became a masterclass in reading terrain, adapting to pressure, and capitalizing on narrow windows of opportunity. Plus, check out these OTC rifle elk hunting tactics.
Some people enjoy deer hunting. But Brian Murphy dedicated his life to whitetails. In this episode, Will Cooper and Josh Dahlke sit down with one of the most influential figures in modern deer management to unpack the story of a man whose passion for whitetails turned into a lifelong mission. Brian Murphy — HuntStand’s Head Wildlife Biologist and formerly the CEO of QDMA — has spent decades fighting for healthier deer herds, better habitat, and a brighter future for hunters.
From childhood fascination to global conservation work, Brian’s journey is anything but ordinary. He shares how a single obsession with understanding whitetails pushed him into wildlife biology, led him around the world studying deer species, and eventually put him at the helm of an organization that reshaped how Americans think about herd health and ethical hunting.
Throughout the conversation, Brian opens up about the early sparks that ignited his love for deer, the scientific mindset that has guided every step of his career, and the pivotal moments that defined his leadership at QDMA. He reflects on decades of research, countless hours in the field, and a lifetime spent trying to understand the animals that shaped his purpose.
This episode isn’t just about deer management — it’s about a man whose dedication helped influence an entire generation of hunters. It’s the story of someone who devoted everything to understanding, protecting, and elevating the whitetail experience for everyone who steps into the woods.
In this Geared for the Hunt episode, Josh Dahlke breaks down the exact treestand kit he trusts for fast, efficient hang-n-hunt missions. He walks through his full mobile setup — from the stand and sticks he won’t leave home without to the small accessories that keep him quiet, safe, and deadly when slipping into a fresh tree.
If you’re looking to fine-tune your mobile game or build a streamlined setup from scratch, Josh lays out what actually matters when every sound and every second count. A simple, honest, field-tested look at gear that works. Check out the best treestands for hang-n-hunts.
In this episode of “Geared for the Hunt,” Will and Josh sit down with Eric Miller, Product Manager for Federal Ammunition. They break down one of the most exciting new rifle cartridges to hit the hunting world. It’s Federal’s 7mm Backcountry.
Eric pulls back the curtain on the innovation, engineering, and real-world testing that went into building this cartridge. It’s designed specifically for modern backcountry hunters. From long-range performance and terminal ballistics to recoil balance, bullet design, and field application, we get into why this round isn’t just another chambering. It’s a purpose-built tool for hunters who demand precision without compromise.
Are you a Western big-game addict? A whitetail nut looking for a new edge? Or someone who just loves geeking out on cutting-edge ballistics? If so, this episode is packed with insights straight from the source about Federal’s 7mm Backcountry.
Tune in and get the full story behind Federal’s next breakthrough.
Check out the 7MM Backcountry here.
Treestands are attuned to specific needs. What are yours?
Every deer hunter in America wants one thing — more deer hunting gear. Whether treating yourself, or buying for a loved one, elevate Christmas, and the special hunter in your life, this season. Check out the top saddle and treestand kits for different styles of deer hunting.
Find your best adventures via saddle hunting.
Highly Mobile Saddle Hunting
Saddle hunting is newer to the landscape than treestand hunting. Even so, it’s quickly taken the industry by storm. A significant number of DIY deer hunters are implementing this new way of hunting whitetails. Hawk provides excellent options for those interested in this manner of hunting.
The Hawk Helium Hammock Saddle is the ideal selection for those implementing the saddle hunting route. It includes the saddle, removable padded seat, reclining belt, climbing grade aluminum carabiners, rope grabber, tether rope with prusik, climbing rope with prusik, and more. The entire kit fits into an 8-inch-by-8-inch-by-10-inch carrying bag. It weighs less than 4 pounds and fits those with sizes 28-40 inches. The weight rating is 300 pounds. It features the Chaos camo pattern.
The Hawk Helium Hammock Apex Platform is another big part of the saddle system. Pair it with the Hawk Helium Sticks and Helium Hammock Saddle. Its Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting. The Silent Attachment attaches with one silent, pull-tight strap.
The Hawk Helium HSP Platform is also a potential piece of the saddle hunting puzzle. Use it with the Helium Hammock Saddle. Implement the Rock Solid Attachment — the platform mounts to helium stick with two quick-set snap pins. The Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting.
Being mobile can get you into places where the biggest bucks live.
Ultra-Mobile Treestand Hunting
A significant percentage of modern deer hunters are into the highly mobile element of deer hunting. While some prefer saddles, others favor ultra-mobile treestand hunting. Hawk offers multiple solutions.
The Helium Ultra Lite is the premiere option for the hang-and-hunt enthusiast. This stand weighs only 11 pounds, is compatible with the Hawk Cruzr Bracket, has an adjustable seat, comes with a pressure-relieving memory foam set, and more. The stand platform is 20 inches wide by 24 inches deep. It attaches to the tree with one silent, pull-tight strap and one ratchet strap. It has a 300-pound rating.
Want a slightly larger stand that’s still mobile? Try the Helium XL Hang-On. It comes with a spacious 24-inch-by-30-inch platform with grips and heavy-duty cables. It’s crafted with premium, powder-coated metal. All said, it still only weighs 12 pounds. The seat height is 20 inches. Additional features include the Ultra Plush Memory Foam, over-molded attachment tree hooks (for fast, quiet setup), Tree Digger teeth (to ensure wobble-free performance), and more. Its one-piece platform design prevents squeaks from ruining the hunt.
Regardless of which stand you select, consider pairing it with the Helium 20-Inch Climbing Stick Gen 2. Offered in singles or a pack of four, The Silent Stack nesting system ensures quiet storage and transport. The sticks are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with weight-saving cut-outs, so it’s strong and lightweight. For improved safety, dual-sided, traction-grabbing steps provide added stability. Finally, the over-molded tree attachment hooks limit noise during setup. Sticks are 20 inches long and have a 10-inch step width. These weigh just 2.5 pounds. and have a 300-pound weight capacity.
The CRUZR Tree Bracket is an easy and safe tool for treestand hanging and removal. The post and socket receiver is very convenient and allows for quick stand setup. A 1.5-inch ratchet strap and TreeDigger Teeth provide unmatched grip and stability, so your stand stays rock solid and quiet. Use multiple brackets for multiple stand locations.
Comfort matters, especially for longer sits.
Very Comfortable Treestand Hunting
A portion of hunters aren’t worried about mobility. They prioritize comfort in the stand. They need a quality stand system that optimizes usability and makes long sits easier to muster.
The Kickback LVL Hang-On checks that box. It offers a lounge-chair feel. The mesh seat is super comfortable and does not absorb moisture, ensuring a dry seat. A matching back rest makes all-day sits a breeze. It’s paired with a large Kickback footrest that extends out from the platform at the perfect angle. Plus, it features a 24-inch-by-30-inch platform that’s welded at all contact points to create a rock-solid, one-piece design. The oversized, heavy-duty platform cables and Tree Digger teeth provide an added level of security and stability. It sports silent, over-molded attachment hooks and premium Teflon washers for no-noise performance.
The Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On is over 35% lighter than the original Kickback. It’s the aluminum version of the ever-popular hang-on stand, and it’s designed to be the most spacious and comfortable hang-on stand available. It features the Ultimate Kickback Footrest and MeshComfort Textiline seat with a contoured backrest. Hawk utilizes self-lubricating Dupont Teflon bushings/washers and welds every point of the oversized, mesh platform, so you can hunt with confidence. It’s compatible with the Hawk Cruzr Bracket. The platform size is 26 inches wide by 31.5 inches deep. The seat size is 21 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 15 inches tall. The stand weighs 20 pounds and has a 300-pound weight rating.
The Helium 30-Inch Climbing Stick Gen 2 pairs quite well with the above treestand options. Get it in singles or packs of three. This stick comes with an angled footpeg for easier and more efficient climbing. It features the innovative Hawk Button with a lightweight Helium Rope for secure, quick attachment. The Silent Stack nesting system ensures quiet storage and transport, while the lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction enhances portability. Equipped with Silent Lock Technology, the steps quietly snap together thanks to the new suction cup design, preventing unwanted noise. The silent-use versa button prevents noise during packing and installation. Tree-Digger Teeth grip the bark for superior stability, ensuring a firm hold. The stick measures 30 inches in length with a 10-inch step width, weighs 2.9 pounds, and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Sometimes, you need a good hang-on to get deep in the timber.
Permanent Stands for Bowhunters
A percentage of deer hunters — specifically those who carry a bow — choose to leave stands up for the entire season. They hang these in summer and pull them in winter. Thus, some stands are optimized to support the requirements of this style of hunting.
The Boss treestand boasts a cushioned, flip-up Flex-Tek seat, spacious 24-inch-wide by x 30-inch-deep platform, and rugged steel construction. Silent straps ensure no metal-on-metal contact or related noise. It weighs 17 pounds and is rated for 300 pounds.
Likewise, the Boss XL features a flip-back 20-inch-wide by 15-inch deep Flex-Tek seat, large 25-inch-wide by 34-inch deep steel platform, a fixed footrest, and more. It’s packable with compatible Muddy climbing systems (not included). The stand weighs 19 pounds. It’s rated for 300 pounds.
For either of the above stands, check out the Stagger Steps by Muddy. Available in one- and three-section models, these steel steps adapt to your setup — delivering rock-solid performance when scaling crooked trees, and full, enclosed steps for added stability. And, at just 4 pounds apiece, they pack and store easily. The total height is 12.25 feet with three sections and 18 inches between sections. The height per section is 31 inches, step width is 9 inches, and weight per section is 4 pounds. The weight rating is 300 pounds. Tree size is a minimum of 9 inches in diameter.
Even lone deer hunters like the benefits of a ladder stand with railing.
Permanent Ladder Stands with Rails for Gun Hunters
Most gun hunters prefer a ladder stand with gun rests. These offer increased comfort for long sits, added safety and security, and a sturdy rest for taking that long-awaited-shot opportunity.
The Odyssey XTL boasts a powder-coated steel construction with textured Fiber-Guard coating to ensure a no-slip grip and Silencer Technology throughout. Obviously, it is one tough stand. The Hercules Cross Grip Safety System prevents sliding. It comes cushioned and supportive. The stand is rated for up to 350 pounds. As for specs, the height is 20 feet, foot platform is 18 inches wide by 26 inches deep, and seat is 22 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 19 inches tall (and flips back). The stand weighs 75 pounds.
Another excellent choice, the 20-FT 1.5-Man BigHorn Ladder Stand by Hawk is built with durability and comfort in mind. The roomy mesh seat, larger platform, and strong construction provide the hunter a comfortable solid platform to hunt from. Other features, like the adjustable gun rest, allow you to make that long distance shot. Or move it out of the way for bowhunting. The platform size is 23.5 inches wide by 30 inches deep. The seat size is 25 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 16 inches tall. The stand weighs 82 pounds. The weight capacity is 300 pounds.
Most hunters prefer a good shooting rail and footrest.
Best Ladder Treestands for Multiple Hunters
Most deer hunters just want to hunt with their family and friends. For a treestand hunter, there’s no better way to do that than from a ladder stand. Being able to put two hunters in the same tree is the way to go.
The Stronghold 2.5 XTL comes with the Hercules Cross Grip Safety System, which keeps this stand secure. Pair that with a supportive Flex-Tek seat, backrest, and padded armrests, as well as 50-inch-wide-by-17-inch-deep platform, a 24-inch-wide-by-17-inch-deep-by-27-inch-tall seat, and you’re sitting pretty. It features ample accessory hooks. The stand is 18 feet tall, is rated for up to 500 pounds. It weighs 106 pounds.
Another great option is the 18-FT Big Denali 2-Man Ladder Stand. It comes with two Padded MeshComfort Seats that are 24 inches wide with a 23-inch-high contoured backrest. It also features an extremely spacious 51-inch-by-17-inch platform that ensures the ultimate in security for you and your hunting partner. Heavy-duty oval tubing, bolted sections, and an exclusive tensioning system make this stand rock-solid, too. It includes an integrated footrest, flip-back shooting rail, and centered arm rest.
The 18′ Sasquatch 2-Man Ladder Stand is a third route. It has a platform large enough for extra security. The XXL MeshComfort Seats define comfort, too, and flip-up with Silent Teflon Washers so hunters can make full use of the oversized platform. It’s built with XL M-Series Tubing and HAWK’s patented Safe-Tread Ladder Steps. This unit comes with the Comfort Footrest, flip-back shooting rail, wide stance feet, and an exclusive cross tensioning system. The stand height is 18 feet, platform size is 51 inches by 36 inches, and seat size is 26 inches by 19 inches by 24 inches. The stand weighs 127 pounds and has a 500-pound weight rating.
Two-person stands are perfect for youth hunters.
Great Ladder Treestands for Youth Hunters
Youth hunters are still learning, and by most state laws, must remain close to an adult hunter. Thus, two-man ladder stands, often referred to as “buddy stands,” are excellent choices for introducing young and new hunters to the outdoors.
The Maxim is lightweight but sturdy with an all-steel construction that reaches 17 feet high with a supportive 38-inch-wide-by-18-inch-deep Flex-Tek bench seat and 38-wide-by-17-inch-deep platform. It has a padded shooting rail for stability. For safety, it includes a support bar, ratchet straps, two stabilizer straps, and two harnesses. The stand is 17 feet tall. This ladder stand is perfect for use on trees with a minimum 9-inch diameter.
Another excellent pick, The Partner is a spacious 17-foot-high steel stand. It features an extra-large, waterproof Flex-Tek seat and a 40-inch-wide-by-33-inch-deep platform with expanded D-Force metal grates and no-slip, Fiber-Guard surface that easily supports up to 500 pounds. The seat size is 37 inches by 18 inches by 20 inches. The backrest is 37 inches wide by 18 inches tall. It comes with a shooting rail with silent epic camo padded covering, no noise while shifting or setting up, and that flips-back quietly for full platform use. The footrest flips back silently, too. The minimum tree size is 9 inches in diameter. It includes ratchet straps and two harnesses.
The Rebel 2.5 is another 17-foot-tall stand that boasts cushioned Flex-Tek, flip-up seats, backrests, padded armrests, shooting rail, and more. It has a spacious 45-inch-wide-by-30-inch-deep platform. The seat measures 21 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 27 inches tall. Its strong DXT oval tubing construction provides a sure grip. The stand weighs 101 pounds. It’s rated for 500.
Always use a safety harness and lifeline.
Treestand Safety
Lastly, don’t forget about treestand safety. Always prioritize the smart use of safety harnesses, lifelines, and remain safely tethered while climbing up, in the stand, and climbing back down. Always be safely tethered to the lifeline when feet are off the ground.
Elevate the Hunt With HuntStand Ultimate. Visit the HuntStand Gear Store.
Like any of the above gear? Want to see more? Can’t wait to get your hands on some of that sweet, sweet whitetail swag? Head over to the HuntStand Gear Store for major discounts on incredibly effective gear.
HuntStand app users now have access to great deals on awesome hunting gear in the HuntStand Gear Store.
A worn-down, scarred-up buck pushes one last estrus doe down the trail. He does the dance one final time for the season, and next spring, a wide-eyed fawn will be born because of it. Of course, much of that work was done during the primary peak rut phase, but a slight percentage always occurs during the second rut. For many hunters, the time to see this last wave of rut activity is now. For others, it soon will be.
Studying HuntStand’s Whitetail Rut Map, each county in the whitetail’s range exhibits five phases of the rut. These include the pre-rut, peak rut, waning rut, pre-second rut, and second rut. The dates of which these rut phases occur vary from one location to the next. That said, in each respective location, they occur at the same time each year. For example, in southeastern Ohio, the rut phase dates are October 24 to November 3 (pre-rut), November 3-17 (peak rut), November 17-27 (waning rut), November 27 to December 4 (pre-second rut), and December 4-14 (second rut). To determine when the rut occurs where you hunt, subscribe to HuntStand Ultimate. Then, load up on the best deer hunting gear, of which you might need for the hunt. So, head over to the HuntStand Gear Store. It’s an all-new feature available in the HuntStand app for users.
Muddy Trifecta 180
Muddy’s Trifecta 180 Cellular Trail Camera offers the equivalent to three cameras worth of coverage in a single device for unparalleled visibility in the field, both day and night. It comes with 180-degree motion detection, 0.4-second trigger speed, and an 80-ft. detection and flash range. It captures and delivers broad panoramic-style photos and videos of its surroundings by utilizing three independent PIR sensors to break the area into three distinct zones. When triggered, the camera quickly rotates its lens, so it’s situated in the zone where the movement was detected and then sends the resulting high-quality images and videos directly to any mobile device via the Command Pro app. Run the Trifecta 180 in one of two setting options, including the single-zone or 180-zone capture settings. The three unique zones make it ideal for use on fence lines, field edges, transition areas, and more. Since cellular reception can be problematic in the most remote areas, this trail cam comes with the Automatic Network Coverage feature, which is ready to go, thanks to two pre-installed SIM cards. Once activated, the camera selects the strongest cellular signal, Verizon or AT&T, and connects automatically.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Post your Muddy 180 along quality late-rut hotspots. Places include benches, ridge lines, connecting ridges, inside field corners, scrapes, and more.
Stealth Cam Revolver Pro 360 Cellular Trail Camera
The Stealth Cam Revolver Pro 2.0 360-degree is a dual-core processing cellular trail camera with the equivalent of six cameras worth of coverage in one device. This allows the camera to simultaneously take and send single-zone, 180-zone, and 360-zone images to mobile devices through the Command Pro app. The app also provides users with access to the all-new On Demand Live Stream functionality. Send a command to the Revolver Pro 2.0, prompting the camera to capture and instantly share photos or up to 5 minutes of live video footage with just the push of a button. Also new is a redesigned exterior housing and complimentary 32GB of integrated internal memory for enhanced stability and performance — no SD card required. The camera’s four power LEDs, 0.4-second trigger speed, burst mode, and timelapse capabilities provide reliable updates.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Like the Muddy Trifecta 180, the Stealth Cam 360 is excellent for catching those running bucks that are moving quickly. Post these on trails, intersecting trails, food plots, and other areas that tend to see bucks moving rather quickly.
Muddy Pro 1500 Pack
Muddy’s Pro 1500 Pack provides 1,500 cubic inches (24 liters) of storage space. It has a large main compartment with multiple interior mesh pockets for organizing gear. It also has a zipper-less lid design that provides quiet access to it all. Add to that two fabric and mesh side pockets, a two-piece adjustable waist-belt with two silent-zippered pockets, and an expandable exterior pocket that secures your gun or bow with wrap-around compression straps, and you can rest assured it’ll get any job done. A structured polyethylene frame sheet with adjustable chest and waist straps improves support. Its rugged and all-but-silent polyester brushed fabric construction in Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage features an integrated rain cover for protection.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Things can happen quickly when you’re acting ready. Memorize your pack components and where they are located to be able to grab gear quickly. For example, know where that grunt tube is for when that buck cruises through just out of range.
Tenzing Bino Harness
The Tenzing Bino Harness is made from 300D Honeycomb Poly Oxford fabric, ensuring top-tier durability. It features an enclosed magnetic closure for secure access, batwing construction for easy attachment of accessories, and a rangefinder pocket with a tether. Elastic straps provide flexibility to stretch over extra layers without adjustments. It includes a front zipper pocket, a side stretch pocket, and a large back zippered pocket. The micro fleece lining ensures silent operation, and webbing straps with rings keep your binoculars secure. The harness also has a breathable mesh back and yoke for added comfort, and Molle webbing on the sides and bottom for additional accessories. Get it in small (8-10x) and medium (10x12x).
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Bino harnesses are obviously for your binos. However, you can stash that rangefinder here, too. Sometimes, you need fast access to the latter when deer run in and out of range.
Halo Optics K2000 10X42 LRF
Halo delivers a fully multi-coated and highly intelligent optic that pulls double-duty — serving as both a laser rangefinder and binocular in a single, high-powered tool. The K2000 10×42 LRF Binoculars boast fully multi-coated lenses for optimal viewing clarity and have a maximum reflective distance of up to 2,000 yards, allowing hunters to locate animals with precise readings and map routes to bring them within shooting range. Intuitive angle intelligence calculates true horizontal distances between you and targets at various elevations, while scan mode locks in multiple targets, regardless of yardage. Its IPX7 waterproof/fog-proof rating and ergonomic, no-slip design ensure a solid hold, even in wet or windy conditions. A durable magnesium chassis withstands trips and tumbles, season after season.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Things can happen quickly when deer are acting rutty. Pre-range areas where you expect to receive shot opportunities.
Halo Optics XLR 2000 Rangefinder
Hunters who push deep into the woods need the ultimate tools. The XLR2000 provides ranging capabilities up to a staggering 2,000 yards with the ability to instantaneously range between multiple targets for accurate readings up to +/- 1 yard. The interior of the XLR2000 is upgraded with a red OLED and premium glass optical lenses, protected by a water-resistant housing meticulously designed for a comfortable grip. It feels good in your hand and functions even better. This hunting rangefinder simply can’t be beat.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Keep your rangefinder on your chest via lanyard or bino harness. You need to be able to reach and grab it in less than a couple seconds.
Muddy Pro Bow Sling
Muddy’s Pro Bow Sling with included carry bag boasts a water-resistant, brushed tricot construction that offers reliable protection during transport, cushioning the cams of bows measuring up to 34 inches axle-to-axle, while also delivering maximum durability thanks to rugged Cordura fabric ends that stand up to years of repeated use. Plus, the carry case ensures your string stays free from dust and sheltered from rain through every outing, even providing an adjustable shoulder strap with an easy-release tightening system to ensure a personalized fit that won’t sag, bump around, or get tangled while you trek.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: It’s the second rut, and both you and the whitetails are tired. Furthermore, it sometimes requires long tracks in and out. Thus, a bow slang to simplify toting your bow. It also frees up another hand for additional gear such as a decor. Plus, this late in the game, you can’t afford a damaged bow, and a bow sling helps protect it.
Hawk Helium Ultra Lite
Those planning to hunt mobile should consider the Hawk Helium Ultra Lite. With lightweight aluminum construction, this one comes with a more than manageable 11 pounds. It’s compatible with the Hawk Cruzr Bracket. It also includes the adjustable Pressure Relieving Memory Foam Seat, which is good for all-day comfort. Then platform size is 20 inches wide by 24 inches deep. It attaches with a silent strap and ratchet strap. It sports a 300-pound weight capacity.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: The late-rut is the perfect time for conducting hang-and-hunts. To do that you need a lightweight treestand that doesn’t require a lot of energy to tote. Implement a compact and lightweight system.
Hawk Helium Hammock Saddle
The Hawk Helium Hammock Saddle is the ideal selection for those implementing the saddle hunting route. It includes the saddle, removable padded seat, reclining belt, climbing grade aluminum carabiners, climbing grade rope grabber, climbing grade tether rope with prusik, climbing grade climbing rope with prusik, and an ultra-durable carry bag. The entire kit fits into an 8-inch-by-8-inch-by-10-inch carrying bag. The entire kit weighs less than 4 lbs. It fits those with sizes 28-40 inches. The weight rating is 300 lbs. It features the Chaos camo pattern.
Hawk Helium Hammock Apex Platform
The Hawk Helium Hammock Apex Platform is another big part of the saddle system. Pair it with the Hawk Helium Sticks and Helium Hammock Saddle. Its Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting. The Silent Attachment attaches with one silent pull tight strap.
Hawk Helium HSP Platform
The Hawk Helium HSP Platform is also a potential piece of the saddle hunting puzzle. Use it with the Helium Hammock Saddle. Implement the Rock Solid Attachment — the platform mounts to helium stick w/ two quick-set snap pins. The Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: What’s lighter than a lightweight treestand? A lightweight saddle system. Use this as your mobile hunting setup to reduce the load and size of your climbing system.
Cyclops Poseidon
The Cyclops Poseidon has a powerful 20-watt CREE XHP5.02 LED that’s capable of delivering up to 2,000 lumens when operated at 100%. Select from multiple modes, including 100%, 40%, 15% and 3% power, as well as strobe lighting. Its long-reaching 200-meter range lasts up to 5 hours. Plus, the rugged, anodized housing has a durable IPX4 weather-resistant rating.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Deer have been seeing hunters come and go all season long. Therefore, if you can safely walk to the stand without your light on all the way, that can be a smart tactical play. That said, keep your headlamp on your head in case you need to turn the light on briefly to navigate challenging to rain, cross logs, traverse creeks, and when climbing into and out of the stand.
Hunters Specialties Command Grip Dual Blade Folding Bone & Wood Saw
The Hunters Specialties Command Grip Knives and Tools offer soft, non-slip Command Grip handles for maximum control. These knives and tools are the most comfortable and solid tools available, providing extreme control when it matters most. Knives feature ergonomically enhanced thumb pads that provide comfortable leverage points when more strength is needed to get the job done, with a specially designed grip pad on top of the handle for your pointer finger when precision cutting is critical. Each item in the Command Grip family comes with a convenient carry nylon sheath to protect the tool and keep it close at hand while not in use. Knives feature 5CR15 razor sharp stainless steel blades for processing game, while the Dual Blade Folding Bone and Wood Saw features 3cr13 stainless steel blades to easily cut through limbs.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Perhaps the best option for hunting the second rut is being mobile. Oftentimes, this requires cutting shooting lanes for each new set up. Keep a good saw on hand to clear for shot opportunities.
Hunters Specialties Scent-a-Way Max Antiperspirant
Use the Scent-A-Way Max Antiperspirant to control bacterial odors while absorbing and reducing moisture. It’s odorless and contains no added fragrances. It weighs 2.25 oz.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Rutting bucks have never smelled worse, but deer hunters on the go can stink it up, too. Keep those pits in check with a good antiperspirant.
HME 3-Color Camo Face Paint with “Mess Free” Application Stick
This small compact unit is perfect for deer hunters. It packs easily and is ready on demand. Featuring the most popular colors for effective camouflage — black, brown, and dark green. Use the design to enjoy overall easy application within a compact case.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Is it really even a deer hunt without some more paint? Mark it up. Plus, deer are spookier than ever. Keep that face concealed.
Buck Bomb 180 Day Estrus Liquid w Wicks
Deploy the Buck Bomb 180 Day Estrus, which is an all-natural estrus blend formula. 180 Day Estrus is effective throughout the entire hunting season, all the way from pre-rut through post-rut. Use 180 Day Estrus in mock scrapes (and post cell cams) to take inventory of remaining second-rut bucks. It boosts drawing power of mock scrapes from pre-rut through second rut. The 2-oz bottle includes two wicks, and 4-oz bottle includes four wicks.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Use some estrus scent outside of each edge of your scent cone. This can help keep cruising bucks from entering your scent stream. Hopefully, they’ll smell that estrus scent and parallel the edge of your scent cone into range.
Buck Bomb Synthetic Doe ‘N Estrus Bomb
Can’t use real deer pee? Consider the Buck Bomb Synthetic Doe ‘N Estrus for states where the use of natural deer urine is not legal. It’s a great way to lure cruising bucks to your stand, from the pre-rut through the second rut. Use Buck Bomb Synthetic Doe ‘N Estrus while in your stand or blind. The atomized scent is equally effective when used on scent trails, in mock scrapes, or when applied to a decoy to ramp up the enticement level. The simple convenience of Buck Bomb Synthetic Doe in Estrus means the end of fumbling with messy screw-top bottles of attractant scent. The 6.65-ounce can features the NVERTR 180-degree ball valve that allows it to be sprayed in short bursts — even upside down. Or, lock down the valve and empty the contents all at once to unleash a potent cloud of scent that can travel in excess of a quarter mile on a 3 mph breeze.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Given the waning rut timeframe, bucks are certainly hitting scrapes again. Consider juicing up scrapes and mock scrapes with some doe estrus.
Flextone Headhunter
The Headhunter by Flextone is a freeze-proof, soft-bodied call that offers every type of deer vocalization you could need. From social grunts and fawn bawls to doe bleats and even buck snort wheezes, this call does it. The X-Glide sound selection system will give you a huge confidence boost to get there. The easy-gliding slider moves smoothly between buck, doe, and fawn sounds. It comes with Flextone’s innovative soft-body design, which surrounds the reed in rubber to mimic the soft tissue around a deer’s vocal box.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Late-rut whitetails are still vocal. Keep that grunt tube handy in case you need to call to a passing deer. It just might bring that buck back into range.
Hunters Specialties Adult Doe Estrus Bleat
Hunters Specialties can deer calls are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes. This medium-size call produces the sound of an adult doe in estrus. Its ample volume is effective across a long range and works well throughout the rut.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Bucks are used to hearing hunters grunt, snort wheeze, and rattle. They don’t hear estrus bleats as often. Use that to your advantage.
Flextone Battle Bones
Battle Bones do what sheds can’t: recreate an aggressive fight between two mature bucks. Two full racks give you more volume, distance, and realism. Each piece features Antler Mass Technology, which is an innovative mold resembling the bone marrow found in antlers for an extra dose of authenticity. Both racks easily stack together and fit inside most backpacks. The unique hex grip and offset handles make using the racks simple, adding control for better sounds and greater protection and comfort for long-term use.
Red-Hot Rut Tip: Most hunters preferred to rattle during the late pre-rut and throughout the rut. That said, the waning rut, second rut, and post rut can produce results as well. Keep a good set of Battle Bones on hand.
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Like any of the above gear? Want to see more? Can’t wait to get your hands on some of that sweet, sweet whitetail swag? Head over to the HuntStand Gear Store for major discounts on incredibly effective gear.
If you own land for deer hunting, it’s a blank canvas that allows you full freedom to set it up as you please. But setups on a deer lease are usually more akin to hunting public ground. Here are some options. In this episode of “The Renters,” check out these smart hunting setups for a hunting lease, courtesy of Josh Dahlke and crew.
Cellular trail cams are extremely powerful tools for deer hunting … if you use them properly. And cell cams on a deer lease have some especially unique benefits. This episode of “The Renters” covers cell cam strategies and how to combine HuntStand with your cams for a well-rounded digital scouting plan. Check out these cellular trail camera strategies for a deer hunting lease.
This episode of “The Renters” offers tips to help you maximize the potential of your deer lease … while staying within the bounds of your contract. Check out these simple projects to improve your deer hunting lease without breaking contract. Josh Dahlke and company offers great insight.
The “lockdown” phase of the whitetail rut is notoriously one of the most difficult times to kill a mature buck. Josh Honeycutt joins us to recap a thrilling lockdown hunt with his dad, Marty, that resulted in the demise of a big Kentucky buck. You’ll walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the lockdown and how to capitalize while other hunters are struggling. Here are some rut tactics for bucks on lockdown.