The Best Hunting Gifts for Dad (or Any Dudes Who Hunt)

From the weekend recreational hunter to the dedicated lifestyle hunter or expert, you'll find something for every type of hunter, from personalized items to the latest in clothing technology in our curated list. 

So, what should you get your hunting friends, brothers, uncles, or dads as a gift this season? Check out our recommendations below to find the perfect hunting gifts for dad or a dude. 

Practical Gear for the Hunt

Upgrading or adding to a fellow hunter's practical tools and gear set is a win every time.

A New Knife

Knives are arguably the most crucial part of a hunting kit, and a durable, sharp knife is essential for field dressing and a range of other functions.

A decent knife should edge well, fit nicely in the hand, and be sturdy enough to meet the demands of the intended hunt. Montana Knife Company produces some seriously great blades, offering quality fixed-blade knives with every step, from manufacturing to sharpening, in the US. These are blades made by hunters for hunters and make the ultimate gift that, if treated well, can last a lifetime. 

A Rangefinder

A decent rangefinder can help improve shot accuracy for backcountry hunters or those who tackle big game, especially for bowhunters or long-range rifle hunters. I'd focus on optical quality and precision, especially in low-light conditions, and work backward from there — especially when bowhunting — as landing your shot close enough is not good enough. 

A Backpack

For an all-around excellent gift, a decent hunting backpack with compartments for gear, snacks, and extra layers will always be a good choice.

Make sure the coloration aligns with the camouflage requirements of the intended hunting zone and that the function and durability will hold up in the intended hunting terrain.

Remember: bigger is not always better, depending on the hunt. Volume can lead to more weight, which is not always good on a long hike out. Choose a pack that suits your hunting buddy well, depending on what and where they hunt the most.

Gifts For Deer Hunting Dads and Dudes

Here's where we start getting into the specialized equipment for hunters who can be very selective about the gear they take into the field. We're talking deer hunting gifts for dad.

Scent-Control

Essential (but often not thought about as much as they should be) are scent-controlled clothing and sprays to help hunters stay undetected by deer in the field and avoid being winded. Anything with activated carbon or treatments that eliminate bacteria will do the job. 

Our partners at Scentlok have a range of clothing options that help mask scent in the woods. 
Check out their men's hunting clothing (and be sure to use your HuntWise Elite subscriber 40% discount when shopping through their site).

Deer Calls

Deer hunters can never have enough calls and rattling antlers, which are invaluable in attracting bucks during the rut. These make a great gift as they're one of the tools that can be practiced during the off-season, leading to tremendous success in the field.

Check out the Deer Dialect 2.0 from our partners at Rocky Mountain Calls, as a great go-to gift any deer hunter will appreciate. Plus, save some money as an Elite HuntWise subscriber and use your 30% discount through their shop.

A Wireless Trail Cam

To assist with off-season planning, a wireless trail camera makes a great gift. Your dad or hunting buddy can put this to use right away for remote monitoring of deer and other species, helping plan and execute a successful deer hunt in the fall. 

Foot Care

No, we're not suggesting you give your buddy a foot massage.

But you can't go wrong with gifting some decent hunting socks or, for the hunter who's got everything, some heated insoles for next-level comfort during long, cold mornings, especially in stands or blinds. 

Tech and Gadgets 

Hunting tech keeps improving, and when you're stuck for a gift idea, you'll usually find a new gadget that will revolutionize how you hunt.

The Gift of HuntWise

To get started, I'd suggest gifting a HuntWise elite subscription to help track property lines, weather, and hunting spots through cutting-edge mapping overlays and other predictive functions. 

With the ultimate hunting app in the palm of their hands, they'll be thanking you after every successful hunt, season after season. Plus, when you give them the gift of an Elite subscription, they'll also benefit from significant gear discounts to continue building out their hunting kits.

Let There Be Light

Headlamps or tactical flashlights are essential for tracking in low-light conditions, setting up camp before dawn, or performing general camp duties long after the sun has gone down, and the stars just won't cut it. The gift of light is an excellent addition to a hunter's gear set.

A GoPro

Documenting a hunt means your hunting buddy or favorite uncle can not only tell the tale of bringing home that trophy elk but they can also show friends and family every detail of the hunt.

GoPros and action cameras make fantastic gifts as they're the perfect way to capture a hunt from the first-person perspective. 

Concealment and Elevated Gifts For Dads and Dudes Who Hunt

If your buddy is a stealth hunter, you can't go wrong with a portable hunting blind for elite camouflage, protection from the elements, and a versatile option, whether hunting with a rifle or a bow.

For hunters who hunt from above, tree stands or climbing sticks allow the hunter to assume an elevated position quietly, stay out of a deer's line of sight and reduce ground scent exposure. 

Check out the range of climbing sticks and accessories from our partners at Latitude Outdoors (and take advantage of a 10% discount as a HuntWise Pro or Elite subscriber).

You can also shop hang-on tree stands and more from our friends at Novix Outdoors (and enjoy 15% off when shopping as a HuntWise Pro or Elite subscriber).

Clothing Hunting Gifts for Dad or Your Buddy

Whether your dad or buddy is a bowhunter, rifle hunter, or a bit of both, quality hunting clothes and boots will always be appreciated.

Along with my hiking boots, I typically run a pair of quality rubber boots for some late-day fishing or tasks around camp. The Lacrosse Alpha Deck boot is a quality and affordable option that provides much-needed comfort after a long pack out. 

Speaking of comfort, the Duck Camp essential hoodie is an excellent option for a lightweight yet performance-focused top that also offers 30+ UPF, making it super versatile.

Finally, any insulated puffer jacket will make a great gift, especially for a special occasion. We like the one by Beretta, but there are a few different options at various price points.

Camp and Other Essentials 

I know some hunters who are quite particular regarding their hunting gear, so they're hard to buy for. In these instances, I like to go for more camp-based equipment.

Sound

A decent speaker that can stand up to the demands of a hunt is essential for morale and to keep the good times going. The Turtlebox Ranger portable speaker has a few things going for it: it's water, drop, and crush-proof, has all-day battery life, and has a pretty decent Bluetooth range, making it a hard-to-beat option. 

Gear Organization

As a happy Yeti GoBox 60 Gear Case user, I cannot recommend this option enough. The loadout caddies make everything ten times easier, and while many use it more to carry fishing gear, lures, flies, and reels, it also makes an excellent option for carrying hunting gear and camping equipment. 

A Leather Hunting Journal

Consider gifting other hunting men a leather hunting journal for an extra touch and a hunting gift that can also have sentimental value. Hunting and writing tend to go hand in hand, and having an accessible journal to write down quick notes will help you keep track of past hunts, strategies, and memories.  

For the Hunting Gift That Keeps On Giving, Choose HuntWise 

Giving a hunting gift to a dad or dude who hunts is meaningful and could be a gift that keeps on giving, season after season. It's a sign of appreciation and support — and in my book, practical gifts that help support a passion are always the best. 

For the hunter who's got everything on this list (and more), a digital tool like the HuntWise hunting app can enhance their hunting efficiency and success, provide invaluable insights, and help with planning.

With HuntWise, you'll give the gift of better hunts with cutting-edge mapping overlays, winding insights, access to private landowners, and so much more. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

To take advantage of the discounts we mentioned today, make sure you have your own HuntWise Pro or Elite subscription! 
Download it and try it free for your first week. You'll see why it's the best hunting gift for dudes who hunt!