Gifts for Deer Hunters That Aren't More Camo

The best gifts for deer hunters who already have their gear are the ones for after the hunt: a European mount of a buck that mattered, a good wild game cookbook, his trail-camera photos printed and framed, or something for deer camp, like a set of glasses with a real archery arrow for the stem. The gifts that miss are scents, calls and clothing chosen without knowing how he hunts.

Deer hunters build their kit over years. The stand, the bow or rifle, the layers and the calls are all chosen on purpose. So skip the gear and give him something for the stories.

Quick picks

• A European mount. A clean skull mount for a buck he is proud of.
• A wild game cookbook. For the venison in the freezer.
• Trail-cam photos, printed. His best night shots, framed.
• A meat processing gift card. Useful every season.
• A deer camp upgrade. A cast-iron skillet, a good lantern.
• Glasses with a real arrow for the stem. Our pick, below.

Gifts for deer hunters that aren't gear

A European mount

A full shoulder mount is expensive and takes up a wall. A European, or skull, mount is simpler and costs less, and it still honors a buck he is proud of. If he has a skull from last season in the garage, a local taxidermist can finish it. Ask first, since some hunters like to do their own.

A wild game cookbook

Most deer hunters end the season with a full freezer and the same three recipes. A good wild game cookbook gives him new ways to cook venison, and you get to eat the results.

His trail-cam photos, framed

Trail cameras catch some remarkable shots: a big buck at dawn, a doe and fawns, a once-a-season visitor. Pick his best two or three, print them, and frame them together. It is personal, and it costs little.

A processing gift card

If he takes his deer to a processor, a gift card toward next season's bill is practical and always used.

A deer camp upgrade

A seasoned cast-iron skillet, a good lantern or a heavy wool blanket makes deer camp better, and none of it depends on knowing his hunting setup.

Our pick: glasses with a real arrow for the stem

This is the one we make. ArcherVitre crystal glasses use a real archery arrow, fletching and all, as the stem, under a hand-finished crystal bowl. For a bowhunter it is instantly recognizable, and for any deer hunter it belongs at the camp table after a long sit. They come as a set of 2, one for him and one for his hunting partner.

Each set is $109, in wine, martini or champagne glasses, with red or green fletching. Shipping is free in the U.S., they arrive gift-ready, and they are hand wash only.

See the ArcherVitre collection

What to skip

• Scents and attractants. Hunters have strong opinions, and most are brand-specific.
• Calls and decoys. They depend on where and how he hunts.
• Camo clothing. Pattern, fit and warmth are personal, and he likely has plenty.
• Arrows, broadheads and ammunition. These are matched to his bow or rifle.

Timing

For Christmas, order glasses by December 15 for delivery before the holiday. Taxidermists get busy right after the season, so ask early if you want a mount finished in time.

Questions people ask

What do you get a deer hunter who has everything?

Give him something for after the hunt: a European mount, a wild game cookbook, framed trail-cam photos or a set of arrow-stem glasses for deer camp.

Are the ArcherVitre glasses made with a real arrow?

Yes. Each stem is a real archery arrow with its fletching, set under a crystal bowl.

Are they dishwasher safe?

No. They are hand wash only, which protects the arrow and the crystal.

For more ideas, see gifts for bowhunters and archers, gifts for a dad who hunts, and our guide to wine with venison.