Using a Bow Doesn’t Have to Mean Breaking the Bank
If you can't afford to splurge on bowhunting equipment, check out our choices that will leave you some money left over for that trophy mount.
SPLURGE
LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT & CLIMB COMBO
Lone Wolf stands are masterpieces of function and engineering, and the Sit & Climb is no exception. At 18 pounds, it’ll compete with any climber for portability. And it’s unmatched for ease of use and silence. lonewolfstands.com
$359
SCENTBLOCKER DREAM SEASON XLT JACKET & PANTS
The ScentBlocker folks have expanded the popular Dream Season line with the XLT (Xtreme Lightweight Technology) version. Along with the scent-inhibiting features, you get a safety-harness slit, a built-in adjustable armguard, and plenty of pockets. This is a serious suit. robinsonoutdoors.com
$310
CUDDEBACK NOFLASH INFRARED
Cuddeback’s trail cameras have a reputation for fast trigger time; you don’t miss a photo of a critter walking quickly through the sensor beam. Add the no-flash infrared and the ability to adjust the heat-in-motion sensor, and this model will keep Cuddy at the top of many wish lists. cuddebackdigital.com
$350
SCHAFER SILVERTIP RECURVE
I’ve owned a Silvertip, crafted by bowyer Dave Windauer, for years, and I shoot it better than any recurve I’ve ever had. It’s gorgeous, and it doesn’t even have the fancy woods and ornamentation that are on the takedown model shown. These bows are tough to beat. schafersilvertipbows.com
$1,300
SAVE
GORILLA KING KONG LOUNGER XLS
I own a number of Gorillas because they’re safe, tough, and affordable’which is why I like this one. The Lounger bites into a tree and stays there, and the leveling system lets you fit into some funky trees. gorillatreestands.com
$139
CABELA’S MICROTEX JACKET & PANTS
Microtex is a wonder fabric, even if other materials receive more hype. Quiet and almost burr-proof, Microtex is also tough and wind-resistant. It dries in a good breeze. There isn’t a lick of carbon in the stuff, but it shouldn’t matter if you stay upwind of game. The line includes a number of different styles. 800-237-4444; cabelas.com
$140
STEALTH CAM I590
The I590 proves how far trail cameras have advanced. It is programmable to shoot one to nine consecutive images, or video clips; has 32MB of built-in memory; and stamps time, date, temp, and moon phase on every image. The Stealth Cam defines high-tech affordability. Better yet, even idiots like me can program it. stealthcam.net
$120
MARTIN BENGAL
A fast-shooting (315 fps) but affordable bow, the Bengal can pitch arrows with the big boys. More important (to me, anyway) is that the Bengal is forgiving, thanks to a 7-inch brace height and almost-parallel limbs, and extremely quiet. martinarchery.com
$450