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When shopping for hunting dog owners, do you buy for the handler or the dog? We’ve found that the best approach in this gift-giving realm is to shop for the sport they both participate in and love. While most sporting dogs will have overlap in gear, focus on the individuals and what they need or want in that season.
For the hunters who seem to have it all already, ask them if there are any things in particular they need to replace or something fun they’ve been wanting, whether it's the splurge-worthy Gunner kennel or a neoprene hunting dog vest for the waterfowl season. Another classic choice for hunters and their dogs is to buy something they can never have too much of, like dog treats or training dummies. Below, we’ve rounded up all the best gifts for hunting dog owners (and their hunting dogs) you can give this year.
Gunner Homestead Dog Bed
I recently had the chance to test out Gunner's newest dog bed. Or rather, my German Shepherd, Lily, did. And both she and I can attest that this bed is a winner. She hopped on it the moment I unpacked it, which speaks volumes about how comfortable it is (she's a picky one!). Available in both small and large sizes, it has a antimicrobial, water-resistant cover that keeps it dry and fresh, along with a bolstered rim for comfier curling up. I like the no-frills design, which actually looks good in our living room, and she likes that the low-profile build is easy for her 8-year-old self to climb onto.
Duck Camp Pointer Hat
Anyone who owns a bird dog will be thrilled to don this Duck Camp cap. The soft polyester hat features an embroidered German short-haired pointer and a retro silhouette, while the adjustable snapback design will comfortably fit any head shape and size.
Ruff Land Chow Box
The Ruff Land Chow Box is a must-have for feeding your pup on the go. The travel-ready container—which comes in both 15- and 30-pound sizes—is made of uber-rugged polyethylene that withstands accidental drops and bumpy truck rides, and it features an airtight seal to keep food fresh for longer and prevent any spills along the way. It even has a built-in bowl rest for mess-free meals and comes with a measuring scoop for doling out the goodies.
MoMarsh VersaVest
The big sell of the MoMarsh Neoprene Hunting Dog Vest is that it is tested and guaranteed to fit all sporting dogs. The design provides a secure fit for dogs weighing 35-100+ pounds with adjustable hooks and loops to ensure a perfect fit for the duration of your dog’s life. The outside panels are interchangeable and can be swapped out to fit the type of hunting and needs for visibility or camouflage. The materials are incredibly durable, and the vest is designed with a rubberized chest panel for added protection for the pup. Another functional feature we love is the stow-aways handle and leash anchor. This is one vest that you can trust they can use season after season.
Garmin Alpha 300 GPS Dog Collar Bundle
Help them keep track of their four-legged companion with the Garmin Alpha 300. The handheld device has a large, easy-to-read screen, and it can pair with as many as 20 dog collars and store their information, so you don’t have to add or change dogs each time you hunt. Along with all of the mapping features Garmin typically offers, the Alpha 300 also shows the dog’s location and direction of movement. The collar receiver can track up to 9 miles away and is water resistant up to 10 meters. The Alpha 300 holds a charge for up to 20 hours, and the rechargeable collar has 80-hour battery life.
MoMarsh Adjustable Dog Platform
For all the waterfowl hunters in your life, invest in a MoMarsh Stand. Great for retrievers, the versatile stand has telescoping legs and stable, pivoting mud feet that allow you to set it up in various settings. The materials are designed to be used outdoors for either training or hunting, whether you're in dry fields, swamps, flooded fields, or any shallow water up to 30 inches deep. This platform is lightweight and packable, so it isn’t hard to carry to the hunting location, and the soft DuraMesh material drains quickly and is comfortable for your dog. Pair the stand with other MoMarsh accessories, like the Invisi Lab Hunting Blind, if you want to gift a complete setup.
Gunner G1 Kennel
We've tested quite a few hunting dog kennels, and the Gunner G1 reigns supreme. It's the safest, the sturdiest, the most comfortable for your pup, and even the most attractive. The only rotomolded double-walled crate on the market, it's made with a heavy-duty aluminum frame that's impact-resistant and 5-star crash test certified. The G1 offers plenty of ventilation for your dog, along with thoughtful features like a reversible door, safety latches, and built-on stainless steel tie-down pins.
Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Treats of any kind are a perfect gift for the hunter that already has everything they need for their four-legged companion. The dogs will love them, and higher-value treats like Stewart’s freeze-dried treats are excellent for training sessions. While they have a variety of flavors, a fan favorite among my dogs is the freeze-dried beef liver. It is made with pure beef liver, so you can trust that the dogs are only eating simple, fresh ingredients with no dangerous preservatives or additives. Choose from the different sizes to fit the number of hunting dogs they have.
Kong Dog Training Bumper
If you’re shopping for training tools for the hunting dog owner in your life and they have a waterfowl dog of any kind, get them some training bumpers. This floating foam dummy from Kong is easy to throw and can be used on water or on land to teach a soft-mouth carry. It comes in large and extra large sizes, both in a hi-vis orange color.
Over Under Water Dog Collar
Personalized gifts are the best gifts. Both your giftee and their pup will love this custom collar from Over Under. The up-and-coming brand is famous for its durable high-end hunting gear and this waterproof collar is no different. Available in multiple sizes and a bevy of colors from teal to alpine green to duck camo, it can be customized with their dog’s name and phone number in case they ever get separated.
Garmin Alpha LTE Dog Tracker
Peace of mind is priceless—but you can help by snagging this cellular dog tracker. The Garmin Alpha LTE will keep track of a hunting dog within cell range and prevent them from getting lost. For folks who run their dogs in more remote areas, the device can attach onto a standard GPS collar to provide an extra layer of tracking in the case of getting separated from your dog.
Gunner Dog Bowl
Gunner might be best known for its kennels, but the brand's dog bowls are equally great. I have one for our German shepherd and she loves it (as do I!). It's lightweight yet heavy-duty, with non-slip rubber feet and a spill-proof lid that makes it ideal for taking food or water on the go. The bowls are also American-made in Nashville and can be personalized with your dog's name.
Dokken Dead Fowl Trainer
Help them mix up their training tools with a Dokken Dead Fowl Trainer. These trainers are durable and long-lasting as long as they are used as a retrieval tool, not a chew or tug toy. Available in a few different sizes and colors, these pair well with waterfowl scents to further help young dogs be exposed to the smells of working in the field. They are as easy to throw as other bumpers mentioned in the gift guide, but they provide the dog with a different experience they’re sure to love.
OnX Hunt Subscription
OnX Hunt gives the user all the benefits of a handheld GPS device (and then some) on their smartphone. Keeping things all in one place and often on a more user-friendly device can allow for a better experience overall. Some benefits of an OnX Hunt subscription include clear public and private land boundaries, offline maps, and the capability to mark waypoints, tracks, and area shapes. There is a one-week free trial that allows you to see if a membership is suitable or not. Then, choose between a premium and elite membership. OnX Hunt Premium ($34.99/year) gives you access to all features within one state. OnX Hunt Elite ($99.99/year) provides nationwide coverage, all standard features, and expert resources.
SportDog Training Whistle
A training whistle is a tool that most hunting dog owners will already have, but if you are shopping for a new hunting dog owner or know they need a new one, then whistles are a cheap yet thoughtful gift option. The SportDog Whistle is easy to blow and has a convenient key ring connector. The hand-crafted whistle design provides long-range sound control even in windy or wet conditions. Unlike standard whistles, this whistle also moves the sound away from the handler’s ears.
Mouthful of Feathers Book
I love getting books about hunting and fishing as gifts and suspect others do, too. For the upland hunter in your life, consider this collection of 18 essays about hunting wild places over bird dogs from some of America’s greatest gun dog writers today.
Gunner Food Crate
A premium container to store dog food makes for a practical gift—and as with the brand’s kennels, Gunner makes a great option. The brand’s food crate is made with rotomolded construction and a airtight seal, preserving dog food and keeping it secure from pests and naughty hunting dogs. You can even add-on a custom-engraved nameplate.
Ruff Land Gen II Kennel
Help them keep their hunting companion safe traveling to and from hunting locations with a Ruff Land Kennel. The Gen II dog kennel utilizes a Flex Technology material helping all sides absorb energy if there were to be a crash. Available in several sizes, you can buy a crate that fits your dog. The SureVent walls allow airflow through the kennel, and the raised floor channels keep any dirt, mud, debris, or water away from your dog during transport. This kennel is designed for vehicle transport, making it a safe and comfortable crate option. If they have multiple dogs, the crates are designed to be stackable.
Mud River Crate Cushion
Allow their dog to travel in comfort with the Mud River Crate Cushion. The cushion is made from 1200D nylon, durable, water-resistant, and quick-drying material. Designed with dogs in mind, the cushion has whip stitching to ensure that it stays intact even with dogs that aggressively nest after a long day in the field. While it may not be necessary for short trips, having a crate cushion is ideal for longer treks or older dogs that need more comfort as you drive.
Adventure Dog First Aid Kit
Hopefully, they already carry a first aid kit, so why not get one with all the right things for them and their dog? The Dog Adventure Medical Kit contains all the classic items that we are used to seeing in a backcountry first aid kit, along with an emergency cold pack, a 10 CC irrigation syringe to clean wounds, and a splintering pack to make it easy to remove spikes, splinters, and thorns from a dog’s paws or body. It comes in a convenient carry cast that is compact and relatively lightweight. There is room inside the kit to add any other essentials you may need while hunting.
DogBone Shed Training System
Help them teach their dog a new skill by getting them the DogBone Shed Training System. With this system—which is made in the USA—they will be set up for success since it includes a training manual, antler dummy, and antler scent. The full training system makes it easy to train their dog to be a shed dog with an easy 3-step training process.
Orvis RecoveryZone Lounger Dog Bed
Hunting dogs work hard in the field for their owners—and deserve a comfortable place to rest and recover back home. My girlfriend and I joke that this bed, which has two layers of foam, is more comfortable than our own mattress. Our dog certainly prefers it and even gets grumpy if we have to take it out of his crate to wash the water-resistant polyester liner.
Tom Beckbe Leather Leash
You can’t go wrong by buying the hunting dog owner in your life a primo leather leash. The Tom Beckbe Leather Dog Leash has a simple and classic design: full-grain leather and brass hardware.
Filson Rugged Twill Belt Pouch
Filson’s Rugged Twill Belt Pouch is a versatile and useful gift that any hunting dog owner would appreciate. The pouch is rugged, with a tear resistance of over 1,400 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart. Its two compartments are perfect for storing anything from shotgun shells to dog treats when you’re training or hunting.
Cato Board
Place training is a fundamental part of basically every kind of dog training regime, hunting or otherwise. The gold standard for place boards is a Cato Board, which is made with heavy-duty structural foam for long-lasting durability. The rubber surface helps eager dogs spring free from the board without slipping.
Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Radio
A walkie talkie isn’t traditionally considered required gear for hunting dog owners—but it should be. Rocky Talkie’s rugged, submersible radio will help hunters keep in contact with each other whether they’re running bird dogs or hounds. It’s a great tool they may have never known they needed.
Meindl MFS-Vakuum Hunter Boots
Keeping up with a hunting dog requires good footwear, period. Meindl is historically a European bootmaker, originating in the rugged Bavarian Alps. Recently, the brand has expanded to North America and been gaining serious popularity here, particularly among hunters, who appreciate the waterproof Gore-Tex liners and grippy Vibram outsoles. The MFS-Vakuum Hunter boots have plenty of ankle support and nice full grain leather uppers.
German Shorthaired Pointer Coffee Co. Breakfast Blend
It’s hard to go wrong with gifting someone good coffee. German Shorthair Pointer Coffee Co. makes a bird-dog-themed brew—and donates profits to dog rescues, including ones like Paws to Peaks Rescue, which specialized in hunting dog breeds. The Shiloh House Blend is a medium roast with beans from Central and South America. It’s damn good coffee.
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