Melissa Bachman's Top 8 Hunting Gear Picks for 2024

One of the best parts about spending so much time in the field each year hunting is that I get to really test out gear and see what works. I try tons of different products—some help, some are game changers, and some make me think, "Why didn’t I think of that?" Here is a list of my top 8 products for hunting in the Midwest, things I try to never go home without. Of course, there are many more items, but these are my top 8.‍

1. Wildlife Research Center Golden Rope Scent Rope Kit

I’ve been lucky enough to try out many products before they hit the market, and the Golden Rope Scent Rope Kit was one of them. Last season, I used it in various locations paired with a SpyPoint trail camera, and I was absolutely blown away by the results. In the kit you get three ropes, a bottle of scent concentrate to dip the ends of your rope, cable ties to hang it and a container to mix your scent and store it.  The concept behind this is simple: it gives deer something to do in front of your stand, allowing you more time to make your shot or just watch the deer, and creates something for them to come and check out, bringing them in front of your stand or camera more often.

This rope, paired with the scent included, was a magnet for the deer in our area. I’ve tried hemp ropes in the past, but they take months to start working since they have so many chemicals and scents on them. This rope literally started bringing deer to it within days, and the photos and videos were all I needed to become a believer. After using it for a season, I went back to Wildlife Research Center and told them this was truly a game changer.

2. DSG Outerwear Ladies Lace Up Boots

Having comfortable hunting boots is incredibly important, and for women, this can often be difficult to find. These boots are made by women, for women and are extremely versatile. I've used them in a variety of situations, and they are comfortable straight out of the box. They are also water-resistant, which is helpful when there’s morning dew or light rain to keep your feet dry. The boots feature a gripped sole for excellent traction regardless of the terrain or what kind of stand you’re climbing in and out of. They keep your ankles safe with a higher cut and are offered in whole sizes from 6-11.

3. Winchester Deer Season XP Ammo

When it comes to choosing ammunition, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Winchester has made the process easier by creating specific ammo for specific applications. For example, the Deer Season XP ammunition has been designed specifically for deer hunters and deer hunting applications. The extreme point bullet features an oversized impact diameter, which means more trauma, better energy transfer and larger wound cavities for faster knockdown. This is offered in a wide variety of cartridges and gives deer hunters exactly what they need.

4. SpyPoint Flex Plus Trail Camera

One of the best scouting tools in my arsenal is my SpyPoint trail camera. As much as I would love to be everywhere at once, this isn’t possible. Certain days when I should be scouting or hunting, I may be doing something else. During those times, having a cellular camera in the field is truly some of the best intel that I could ask for. The Flex-Plus is one of my favorite trail cameras because it offers double the battery capacity. This means I can put it out in the field and not come back to it for a long time if needed.

Additionally, everything can be controlled in the SpyPoint app, and this camera boasts a 36-megapixel image, 1080p video with sound, a 100-foot flash detection range, and a 0.3-second trigger speed. The best part is setting up the Flex-Plus is simple, and it features a dual SIM card, so it automatically chooses the strongest wireless signal for your camera based on the location. It also features Instant Mode and on-demand requests. So, if you get a photo of what looks like a big buck or someone on your property who shouldn’t be there, it allows you to request on-demand or high-definition photos and videos instantly via the SpyPoint app. This is a feature I use all the time and absolutely love.

5. BOG Death Grip Realtree Escape

When the Death Grip first came out, I thought it was a great idea for kids. This tripod locks your firearm or crossbow into place with its clamping head and keeps it ready in the perfect position. It has been a huge help for taking kids hunting, but you won’t find me on a hunt without it either. It adjusts from 7-59 inches and sets you up perfectly whether you are prone, standing, or anything in between. Plus, it features Realtree camo to keep you concealed. The Death Grip also helps minimize movement in the field as your gun is already set up. If a deer or turkey is coming into your area, all you have to do is move your shoulder up to the gun and make any fine-tune adjustments with the 25-degree cant adjustment or the 36-degree pan with tension adjustments. This truly is one of the best inventions out there!

6. Muddy Swap 3.5 Replace-a-Blade Knife Blister Pack

Having a sharp hunting knife can save you so much time in the field, plus a sharp knife is safer as you’re not fighting to make cuts. I am not a fan of sharpening knives—I never have been, and never will be. I can’t stand the sound, and replaceable blade knives have been a saving grace for me. The one thing I didn’t like about many of these knives is the difficulty of replacing the blade. Often, I’m doing this with rubber gloves on, and of course, your knife goes dull halfway through and you want to replace it quickly and easily. That’s where the Muddy Swap 3.5 Replace-a-Blade Knife comes in. This is the easiest replacement blade knife I have ever used. The Swap is a lock-back folding knife built on an interchangeable blade system. It’s simple, sturdy, comes with a variety of blades, and works in every setting.

7. Muddy Safe-Line

Safety is a top priority when hunting, especially from a treestand. The most dangerous time is climbing in and out of the stand, and this is usually when falls occur. The Muddy Safe-Line is a great accessory to keep you safe while climbing. Once up, you can stay connected from the moment you leave the ground to the time you return. It’s a fantastic invention and it keeps you from having to fumble around once in your stand to get connected to the tree. It’s super easy to install and is 30 feet long, so it covers almost any stand you may have set. Simply clip in your harness to the prusik knot and slide it up as you go, keeping you safe the entire time.

8. Rage Hypodermic 3-Pack Broadheads

As a bowhunter, many factors can determine your success, but undoubtedly, your choice in broadheads is crucial. With a perfectly placed shot, your broadhead choice isn’t as important, but if something doesn’t go exactly as planned, this is where you’ll see the biggest difference. The Rage Hypodermic broadheads give you a huge cutting diameter, great penetration, and monster blood trails. We all want quick and lethal shots, and Rage helps make that a reality.

While these are eight of my favorites when it comes to hunting gear, I could go on even further talking about even more hunting gear that I trust and use year after year. You can find them all in Fleet Farm’s Fall 2024 Outdoor Catalog, coming later this year. Just look for the Melissa’s Picks crosshair icon throughout the catalog. You can view the entire catalog online, or pick up a printed copy at a Fleet Farm store near you this August.