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Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner Outfitter • Hamilton, Montana
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner Outfitter • Hamilton, Montana

Montana General Season Gear List

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Born and raised in northern Montana and working as a professional guide for 26 years on the east and west side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex has taught me a lot. I hunt Whitetails on the prairie, Muley's, and elk up in the mountains. Strong winds are usually a factor on the eastern slope and deeper snow on the western side of the CDT Requires good gear that is very versatile. Staying dry is essential as well as gear that breaks the wind but yet you can move freely in. Having emergency gear in your pack to start fires, get communication as well as navigation in new country can save your life as well as your clients.

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

Optics cover

I like Zeiss for my optics. I do have mismatched gear because it's just what was available at the time. I love my tripod and my bino harness. They all work together for me.

Binos

VICTORY RF 10x54
VICTORY RF 10x54
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics

Bino Harness

GUIDE BINOPACK
GUIDE BINOPACK
Vortex Optics

Spotting Scope

DIAMONDBACK® HD 20-60x85 (STRAIGHT)
DIAMONDBACK® HD 20-60x85 (STRAIGHT)
Vortex Optics

Tripod

SUMMIT™ CARBON II TRIPOD + PAN HEAD
SUMMIT™ CARBON II TRIPOD + PAN HEAD
Vortex Optics

Backpacks & Gear

Backpacks & Gear cover

Backpack/ Pack Frame

Pop Up 28
Pop Up 28
MYSTERY RANCH
I finally broke down and bought a good pack. It's changed things drastically for me. I went with Mystery Ranch Pop up 28. It's a great pack for day hunting. It packs meat and hold all I need for a day hunt.

Knives

I love Montana Knife Company. I have a Scapegoat for caping and a drop point for gutting and skinning.

Montana Knife Company Magnacut Speedgoat Fixed Blade
Montana Knife Company Magnacut Speedgoat Fixed Blade
Montana Knife Company Super Cub - Drop Point Hunter
Montana Knife Company Super Cub - Drop Point Hunter

Hydration

CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack 70oz
CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack 70oz

Headlamp/Flashlight

Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Petzl NOCTILIGHT
Petzl NOCTILIGHT

GPS

Elite Hunt Membership
Elite Hunt Membership
onX Hunt & onX Fish

Satellite Messengers

Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Mini 2

Safety/ First Aid

I run a homemade kit that I put together.

Game Bags

I'm not picky on these, I use whatever is available.

Game Bags
Game Bags
MYSTERY RANCH

Gear - Accessories

I don't hunt with stands or decoys. I spot and stock only. So sitting and hiking are both my style of hunting. I'm pretty old school with my gear.

Calls

I carry a simple cow call on my pack. And a reed with a tube.

Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Reeds
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Reeds
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bugle Tube
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bugle Tube
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls The Temptress Open Reed Cow Call
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls The Temptress Open Reed Cow Call

Miscellaneous Safety Items

I always carry pitch wood for fire starter. and some duct tape around a water bottle for hot spots.

Pitch Wood Fire Starter
Pitch Wood Fire Starter
3M Basic Duct Tape
3M Basic Duct Tape

Camping Equipment

Camping Equipment cover

I hunt out of a big camps usually. Wall tents and cots. I don't usually spike out so a Mantie Tarp around a 25 year old sleeping bag gets me through the night.

Premium 12 oz. Canvas Wall Tent
Premium 12 oz. Canvas Wall Tent
Montana Canvas
TOUGH COT
TOUGH COT
Slumberjack
Manti Tarp
Manti Tarp
Montana Canvas
REDWOOD -25°
REDWOOD -25°
ALPS OutdoorZ

Clothing

Clothing cover

I've always used wool. But Sitka is my go to for all my base layer clothing. Layers are a must with an old Woolrich coat over the top when I'm riding. Army navy wool pants for cold weather. Woolrich coat of mine is 26 years old and still the best.

Baselayers

SITKA Gear Men's Core Lightweight Crew Long Sleeve Hunting Shirt
SITKA Gear Men's Core Lightweight Crew Long Sleeve Hunting Shirt
SITKA Gear Men's Core Lightweight Hunting Base Layer Bottom
SITKA Gear Men's Core Lightweight Hunting Base Layer Bottom

Pants

SITKA Gear Men's Timberline Pant
SITKA Gear Men's Timberline Pant

Footwear

MOUNTAIN EXTREME 1000
MOUNTAIN EXTREME 1000
Kenetrek Boots
Crispi Wyoming II GTX
Crispi Wyoming II GTX
Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion
Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion

Other

I use some cheap boots for sailing in the mornings or any driving I might do. Then change into my good boots for hunting

Clothing - Accessories

Gloves

I use synthetic gloves for hiking and a pair of Montana sheepskin mittens for sitting.

SITKA Gear Traverse Glove
SITKA Gear Traverse Glove
Sheepskin Mittens
Sheepskin Mittens

Hats/ Beanies

I have a wool beanie over a baseball hat.

MERIWOOL Merino Wool Beanie
MERIWOOL Merino Wool Beanie

Other

I use a silk scarf or wildrag.

Firearms

Firearms cover

Archery Equipment

I guide bow hunters. I haven't had much of a chance to hunt myself.

Rifle Equipment

I've shot numerous elk with my old Remington 6mm. But lately I acquired a Parker Hale 30-06.

Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner Outfitter • Hamilton, Montana
Outfitter
*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!