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Best of the Best Awards: The Best Miscellaneous Hunting Gear of 2008
This is possibly the coolest section of Best of the Best. Our testers checked out everything—packs, tents, decoys, gun cases, tree stands, you name it—and ultimately concluded that what you see on this page is really good, practical, smart gear that will help you hunt better this fall. We're betting that you'll find something here that you just can't resist.
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Best of the Best: The Best New Hunting Clothing of 2008
This year's turkey season was cold, wet, and perfect for wearing the type of layering system that has been eclipsed by all-in-one garments in recent years. The dilemma has always been assembling the correct layers—there are just too many choices. One of this year's Best of the Best did the legwork for us. Our other winner took the opposite tack, with softshell technology built into a jacket and pants that claim to be all you need for most hunting.
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Best of the Best Awards: The Best New Hunting Boots of 2008
Boot technology is rapidly evolving, with new materials and designs constantly appearing on the market. This year's winner even incorporates insulation used by NASA. But you'll also find some boots that have traditional styling with below-the-surface improvements.
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Best of the Best Awards: The Best New Hunting ATVs of 2008
On the test crew were Jeff Lampe of Cocoon ATV Bags; Zach Bevins, an engineer, riding enthusiast, and hunter; John Konersmann, an ATV mechanic; and contributing editor and long-time ATV rider Peter Mathiesen.
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Q:
Q: There are crappies in my local lake, but I can only find them in open water during the summer. Where are they in the spring?
-Peter Larr, Eau Claire, Wis.
A:
A: Up in your neck of the woods, they're probably spawning or close to it. Find the warmest water, typically in a northwestern section, and fish around brushy structure 4 to 12 feet deep. Down South, the spawn is probably over already, so you'd want to check the outside edges of shallow coves and emergent weedbeds.
More Q&A's>>
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Best of the Best Awards: The Best Knives of 2008
Deputy editor Dave Petzal bought his first hunting knife in 1952, and his first custom knife—a Randall—in 1957. Since then, he has been acquiring, using, and trading knives—all kinds. He has been an associate member of the Knifemaker's Guild and has worked in the shop of the legendary knifemaker George Herron, who said he should stick to writing.
Best of the Best: The Best New Ammo of 2008
David E. Petzal's pick for the best new rifle cartridge and Phil Bourjaily's pick for the best new shotgun shell of the year.
Best of the Best Awards: The Best Miscellaneous Hunting Gear of 2008
This is possibly the coolest section of Best of the Best. Our testers checked out everything—packs, tents, decoys, gun cases, tree stands, you name it—and ultimately concluded that what you see on this page is really good, practical, smart gear that will help you hunt better this fall. We're betting that you'll find something here that you just can't resist.
Best of the Best Awards: The Best New Shotguns of 2008
Double guns, superlight autoloaders, and innovative offerings on the target side dominated the field this year. Sorting out the best from the rest meant taking these guns out and shooting them.
Best of the Best Awards: The Best New Compound Bows (and Best New Bow Accessory) of 2008
Contributing editor Scott Bestul led a team including Marty Stubstad, a big-game and turkey bowhunter; bow technician Trent Kleeberger; Ted Marum, a former whitetail outfitter; and Mark Stimets, who has bowhunted for big game for 20 years, to test new bows using a variety of methods.
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the Full Gear Archive >> |
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