Kenneth Piper Jr.

Hot-weather bowhunting brings challenges that go well beyond sweating in the stand. From hydration and insects to scent control, recovery and meat care, a little preparation can make early-season hunts safer, more comfortable and more successful.

LaCrosse is taking its Alphaburly rubber boot line in a lighter, more athletic direction with the new Alphaburly Aero. Debuting in Fall 2026, the boot adds AeroForm cushioning, a new traction system and multiple Solarcore insulated options.

The SPYPOINT FORCE-4K skips cellular connectivity for easy setup, 48MP photos, 4K video with sound and a $99.99 price. Here’s how it performed in the field.

Modern crossbows can make arrow removal from foam targets downright miserable. We compare foam and specialized high-speed targets, explain why arrows stick, and test practical fixes—including arrow lube—to help you choose the right target for the way you shoot.

Trail cameras use PIR sensors to detect animals, infrared flash to photograph them at night and local storage or cellular networks to deliver the images. Here’s how the features that matter most affect performance in the field.

Side-by-sides may dominate the off-road market, but the 2027 Yamaha Grizzly EPS XT-R makes a strong case for the traditional ATV. With a 686cc engine, selectable 4WD, a factory winch and 1,300-pound towing capacity, it packs serious utility into a compact footprint.

Remington and Original Grain have given retired rifle stocks a second life in the Hunt Club watch collection. Three of the four launch models incorporate American walnut from Remington buttstocks, including stocks used on ammunition-testing rifles.

Standing on flat ground and shooting a block target at 20 yards has its place, but real deer rarely follow that script. Here’s how to make your bowhunting practice more realistic before opening day.

The Leupold VX-4HD 3-12x50 pairs a clean Duplex reticle with a locking elevation dial that lets hunters range, dial and aim without clutter. We tested its optics, zeroing system and repeatability at the range.

Soft plastics may have drawn much of the attention at ICAST 2026, but lure makers also unveiled an impressive collection of new hard baits. Here are nine crankbaits, topwaters, swimbaits and other hard-bodied lures that caught the attention of Hook & Barrel.

Tactacam’s new REVEAL 4.0 cellular trail cameras promise twice the battery life, interchangeable FlexPack power and improved image quality. Here’s what hunters need to know about the REVEAL X 4.0 and Pro 4.0, including prices, specifications and early impressions.

Urchin baits generated much of the buzz at ICAST 2026, but they weren’t the only new soft plastics worth watching. These 10 introductions include finesse worms, swimbaits, forage imitators and designs built specifically for forward-facing sonar.

Urchin baits have been in use across the Pacific for the best part of two decades, but in 2026 they truly arrived on these shores.

Folds of Honor has launched a limited-edition America 250 apparel collection, with proceeds supporting scholarships for families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

A million-dollar rack, missing sticker points and DNA testing. The General sheds are now part of one of the strangest whitetail mysteries ever to surface.

From real skulls and camo dips to replica kits and adjustable brackets, today’s options make European mounts as fun and interesting as shoulder mounts.

Federal Ammunition is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with five limited-edition loads featuring collectible packaging and proven performance.

Need a Father’s Day gift Dad will actually use? Browse Hook & Barrel’s guide to outdoor-ready gear, everyday essentials and fun picks built for weekends outside.

Here’s how digital tools, smarter training and realistic practice can help you finally make a dream hunt happen - no matter your age.