New Mexico General Gear List

Binos

Maven B.2 11x45 and Maven B.5 18x56: The Maven brand optics are top-notch and offer a similar warranty to Vortex. I also use the Vortex Razor HD 12x50 binos. All are great binos. Of course, I recommend buying the best that you can afford as optics are one of the most instrumental pieces of equipment in your gear list while western hunting. I do not like using the single eyepiece of spotting scopes and do not like the fixed variable of the swaro btw. At some point, my goal is to upgrade to a double-spotting scope setup. The reason I have chosen the optics I have currently is because of my budget as well as quality. A lot of the areas I hunt are open expanses that a person is able to see for miles. So clarity and the ability to glass for hours without fatigue are very important!

Maven B.2 11x45 Binoculars

Maven B.5 18x56 Binoculars

RAZOR® HD 12x50

Spotting Scopes

I do not have much experience with spotting scopes. Although I know they can be an invaluable tool. I do not like to look through a singular eyepiece as it strains my eyes. The goal for me is to acquire a dual spotting scope setup.

Tripods

If budget is no problem I would recommend the Outdoorsman or Swarovski carbon fiber tripods. I currently run the Slik Pro CF-634SHV with the SVH 501 Head. It is a fantastic setup for the price.

SLIK PRO 634CF-SVH Carbon Fiber Tripod with SVH-501 Compact Fluid Video Head

Swarovski Optik PCT Professional Carbon Tripod

Range Finder

I have used a few range finders but I am currently using the Vortex Razor 4000.

RAZOR™ HD 4000

Backpacks

I recommend three different backpacks; the Kuiu frame pack system, Mystery Ranch Metcalf, and the Horn Hunter Full Curl System. The Kuiu Pack gets my first recommendation because it is the lightest with the greatest modularity. So I can change the backpack to fit all of my hunting needs whether it is a backcountry hunt or a day hunt. The Metcalf gets my second recommendation because of its weight and strength. The Full Curl System gets my third because it is much heavier than the other two but is very durable and has great modularity.

Kuiu Pro Hunting Pack Kit

Metcalf

Horn Hunter Full Curl System

Knives

Outdoor Edge RazorLite and Havalon Piranta. I have exclusively switched to replaceable blade systems. They are light and incredibly sharp which is what you want when the time comes to start cleaning game. Most hunters have been there trying to field dress an animal with a dull knife, and when an hour job takes several you'll realize how invaluable these assets are in a hunter's pack.

RazorLite™

Havalon Piranta-Edge Knife

Accessories

Different accessories are applicable for all different game and hunt styles. Here are some of my favorites.

SCENT-A-WAY® MAX ULTIMATE HUNTING KIT - ODORLESS

The Bale Blind

DS4K Ultimate

This camera takes great pictures and is easy to set up with a long battery life.

Calls

Phelps Game Calls AMP Grey Elk Diaphragm

This call is for elk.

Bill Saunders REX Crane Call

This call is used for cranes.

Predator Quest Ruffidawg Call

This call is used specifically for predators.

Flambeau Big River Stuttgart Megaphone - Duck

Baselayers

Kuiu Gila SS Crew

Kuiu Gila LS Crew

Insulation/ Midlayers

Kuiu Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket

Outerwear

Kuiu Guide DCS Jacket

Kuiu Axis Hybrid Hooded Jacket

Pants

Kuiu Talus Hybrid Pant

Kuiu Attack Pant

Raingear

Kuiu Yukon Rain Jacket

Kuiu Yukon Rain Pant

Footwear

OUTFITTER BOOT GTX® RR

Kuiu Strongwool Hybrid Crew Sock

Accessories

Kuiu Pendelton 97 Fleece Neck Gaiter

Kuiu Gild Airmesh Boonie

Kuiu Guide X Glove

Archery Equipment

The gear I have was at the time some of the top of the line gear at the time. I am very accurate with my archery set up out to 110 yards target shooting.

PSE X-Force Dream Season DNA

Optimizer Lite X - Right Hand

Scott Archery Little Goose II

Slick Trick Broadhead 1 1/16 ViperTrick-3pk- Stnlss STL

Gold Tip Hunter XT Arrows

Rifle Equipment

If you can save to have your own custom rifle made I highly suggest it! It is custom to you, the cartridge you choose, and the style of hunting you do. As for OTC rifles, there are still some great options and cartridges available that I use alongside my custom. Like always weight and accuracy are very important. My favorite cartridges are the 28 Nosler, 300 win mag, 25-06, 6.5 PRC, 6mm Remington, 30-30, and 223. Remember to always choose the correct cartridge, weight grain, and scope for your game, application, abilities, and the possibility of shots you may take. As for the optics I use to complement the open country that I and my clients are usually hunting. I almost only use First Focal Plane scopes. We do hunt wildlife refugees. So on top of all my bullet choices working excellently the full copper bullets give you the option of hunting wildlife refuges.

Rifles

Tikka T3X Superlite

Ruger M77

Winchester Model 94 Short Lever Action Rifle

Rifle Scopes

Maven RS.3 Riflescope

Maven RS.2 Riflescope

Helos BTR GEN2 4-20x50

Ammunition

Berger EOL Bullets

https://bergerbullets.com/information/lines-and-designs/extreme-outer-limits-eol-elite-hunter-bullets/

Barnes Tipped TSX Bullets

Hornady ELD-X Bullets

Hornady CX Copper Allow Expanding Bullets

Shooting Sticks/ Bipods

Spartan Javelin Lite Bipod

Magpul Bipod

Pole Cat Tall Bipod Shooting Stick

Pelican Vault V800 Multi-Purpose Wide Hard Case with Foam

Shotgun Equipment

There are tons of options out there but I'm old school.

Shotguns

Winchester Model 12

Remington 870 Fieldmaster Pump-Action Shotgun

Winchester Super-X