For many hunters and anglers, the first memories in the field come from moments shared with their fathers – the pre-dawn wake-up nudge, breakfast sandwiches in the car, instructions whispered to nervous ears, and photographs that freeze time and capture memories before becoming cherished family heirlooms.
Looking back, the take from the field wasn’t nearly as important as the takeaway—that you were blessed to have a father who introduced you to the outdoor life. For most sportsmen and women who savor time outdoors, it’s hard to imagine a life without hunting and fishing. The treasure of time spent together in the field is a gift from our fathers that we can never repay, but once a year we get to try.
Dick Cabela, the founder of the famous outdoor retail chain, once told me, “We don’t sell a lot of things that people just have to have…but boy do we sell a lot of things they really want.” On Father’s Day, it’s not about need as much as it is want. To get in the right frame of mind, ask yourself: What is it that Dad has wanted but wouldn’t buy for himself?
Maybe—just maybe—some of those wants are contained in this list, and nothing says I love you to dear old Dad like remembering the time he said: I sure wish I had a…
Winchester SX4 Hybrid Hunter
No name is more synonymous with memorable outdoor adventure than Winchester, the gun that won the West. And no firearm has been passed from fathers to sons more than this iconic brand. From GI’s returning from World War II to the famed Rifleman TV series, anyone who fancied himself a hunter or marksman aspired to own a Winchester—and they still do.
For Dads who love the shotgun sports, Winchester Repeating Arms took a proven winner and made it even better with the SX4 Hybrid Hunter. As the successor to Winchester’s beloved SX3 autoloader, the SX4 comes with improved ergonomics, being slimmer and lighter with a slightly forward balance point for fluid swinging and follow through. Larger operating controls (bolt handle and bolt release) and a larger trigger guard allow for quick and safe operation. The SX4 also comes with a special finish to resist the elements and reduce glare that might spook keen-eyed birds.
Winchester King Buck Canvas Training Dummies 2- Pack
If your Dad were given the choice of taking you or his favorite gun dog (actually, better that you don’t give him that choice) Dad would surely refuse and take you both. In honor of the special place in Dad’s heart occupied by his favorite gun dog, Winchester has launched a new line of pet products. The Winchester Series and premium brand, King Buck (named for the only dog to ever appear on a federal duck stamp—if you’re looking to win a bar bet), include a wide variety of collars, leashes, bowls, vests, beds, and training tools. The King Buck Canvas Training Dummies are a great training tool for retrievers to build their competence. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the canvas training dummies are both durable and reliable.
SecureIt Agile Model 52 Pro
One company that is creating a great deal of buzz in the firearm category is SecureIt, the brand that is upending the traditional gun safe market. They are transforming the industry by allowing gun owners easy access to their firearms while at the same time keeping them away from those who shouldn’t have them.
Their Agile Model 52 Pro can hold six long guns, and the CradleGrid system offers unlimited customization with accessories, storage bins, storage shelves and trays, and a door organizer. The six-button keypad also includes a fingerprint scanner for fast access, ensuring that the firearms are quickly accessible to the owner, and never available to anyone else.
Walther Arms WMP Pistol
What better handgun to carry than James Bond’s favorite piece—the famous Walther. Since 1886, the brand has staked its reputation on making the highest quality handguns on the market. Now, for Dads who want to carry a reliable firearm while in the outdoors, the unique Walther Magnum Pistol (WMP) .22 is an ideal choice. Whether it’s for fun and recreation or the security of being prepared for a life-threatening situation, the WMP is a high-quality, lightweight, easy-to-shoot, and affordable pistol tailored for shooters who always want to be ready when enjoying their active outdoor lifestyle.
Umarex Komplete NCR
If you hadn’t noticed, modern airguns share little resemblance to air rifles of yesteryear. Thanks to technological breakthroughs, today’s models shoot with lightning speed and premium precision. Umarex isn’t just delivering the best airguns on the market, they’re revolutionizing the entire category. One example of this transformation is the Komplete NCR. There’s no stiff break barrel to cock, and no compressor or external tanks are needed. Simply attach a NitroAir cartridge to the Komplete, load the magazine, and start shooting. Dad can get at least 45 full-power shots from the 3,600 PSI cartridge and deliver small-game stopping power with each one.
Drake Waterfowl Guardian Elite HND Front Zip Wader
Drake Waterfowl’s premium gear has become standard issue for serious duck hunters. No company better understands the needs of waterfowlers because no company is made up of more serious duck hunters. If Dad is part of the marshwalker tribe, get him ready for waterfowl season with his new favorite wader from Drake.
The Guardian Elite Front Zip Wader lets hunters take on the outdoor elements with confidence, with a more comfortable fit and all the features needed for the hunt. Constructed with 100 percent waterproof, windproof, breathable 4-layer upper body and 5-layer lower body, this wader is built for unmatched protection, comfort, and durability.
Sightmark Solitude 10×42 XD Binoculars
Some of today’s optics run as much as my first car, but Sightmark is dedicated to delivering high quality optics at affordable prices. The Sightmark Solitude 10×42 XD Binoculars feature cutting-edge optical technology for stunning sharpness and contrast. With a rubber-armored, nitrogen-filled, and O-ring sealed body, these binoculars are waterproof, fog-proof, and dust-proof. The prisms and lenses are fully broadband multi-coated, improving efficiency at the entire range of the visible spectrum. These field-tested binoculars are tough and provide an incredibly clear image.
Negrini Cast & Blast Travel Case
Have Negrini, will travel. This Italian company crafts the next generation of rod and gun cases that are as lightweight as a briefcase but as tough as nails, delivering classic Italian craftsmanship and unmatched durability. The Cast and Blast travel case is my favorite and is handmade using only the finest materials.
It will fit fly rods, reels, and gear on one side, plus your favorite take-down over-under or side-by-side shotgun with accessories on the other. The two halves of the case are separated with a canvas-upholstered divider wall. The Cast and Blast lightweight travel case is the ultimate solution to organize, protect, and secure all your wing shooting and fishing gear whether traveling by auto or plane. Thus, if Dad is both a shotgunner and fly angler, it’s hard to beat the Cast & Blast option.
Sea Run Larko Classic
Nothing says living the dream as an angler like showing up with a signature Sea Run rod case that has become the fishing world’s aspirational brand from trout bums to global travelers. And if you want your father to be the coolest fishing Dad ever, check out the epitome of style and protection with the Sea Run Artisan Series by Andrea Larko – Norfork Classic Expedition Case.
Infused with Andrea’s captivating artwork, this case is a true collector’s piece for avid fly anglers. The Norfork Classic Expedition features best-in-class Italian leather hand finishings, versatile interiors, and the elegance of Andrea’s designs. Elevate Dad’s fly-fishing experience with a case that seamlessly blends functionality and artistic expression.
Sporting Classics Magazine Subscription
Let Dad dream and scheme on his next big hunting or fishing trip by sharing a gift of adventure that’s delivered eight times a year. For the last 40 years, Sporting Classics magazine has been a handsome page-turner that delivers fascinating reading, stunning photography, and all the latest news and gear to keep you current in the sporting life.
Sporting Classics is the leading magazine for discovering the best in hunting and fishing worldwide. Written for active sportsmen who love to read, each issue is a big, thick volume packed with stories on all the things Dad loves: guns, knives, adventures, art, gundogs, collectibles, along with biographies of talented writers, craftsmen, painters, and more.
Madison Creek Beaver Creek Vest
Put on a Madison Creek jacket or vest and you feel like you’re ready to step on the set of Yellowstone. This American brand delivers beautiful designs that look as good as they feel. Thus, if you want to give your Dad the gift of style, check out the Beaver Creek vest from Madison Creek Outfitters.
Madison Creek’s collections are a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to the outdoors. The hand-crafted Beaver Creek vest represents the epitome of rugged refinement, and the unique waxed finish of the goat suede enhances the natural beauty of the skin while providing an extra layer of protection. Featuring a removable shearling collar and bib that provide additional warmth, the authentic design of the vest makes it ideal for both outdoor adventures and evenings out.