Efforts to protect America’s gray wolf population have sparked debate for years — and soon those plans may face another obstacle. On Dec. 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species list.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, would “remove protections for the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act.” The bill would also prevent judges from reviewing and blocking the delisting.

History of the Gray Wolf

In an effort to protect livestock, the U.S. government helped to virtually eradicate the gray wolf from the Lower 48 states through the 1950s.

With the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the gray wolf became a protected species. In the 1990s, Yellowstone National Park and U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFW) began an innovative program to reintroduce the gray wolf to the American West.

Some have opposed these plans and protections out of concern for livestock, while others view reintroduction of the predator as an essential part of keeping ecosystems healthy.

The last 2 decades have seen a significant back-and-forth, where the gray wolf has been delisted — and then relisted — multiple times.

The Bill and the Response

Last month, 25 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to USFW requesting that the organization delist the gray wolf. The USFW did not delist wolves, but did end up halting the nationwide recovery plan for the animal, giving states and tribes more power over managing the species.

This legislation was a renewed effort to accomplish the delisting. Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Tom Tiffany (R-WI) sponsored the bill, and it passed essentially on party lines, with 211 Republicans voting for the legislation and 204 Democrats against it.

In a press release, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) explained why he supported the bill: “For folks in the Upper Peninsula, this issue is not theoretical — it is part of everyday life,” he said. 

“Hunters, farmers, and families across the U.P. have watched deer numbers decline, livestock losses increase, and pets threatened, all while bureaucrats in Washington and activist judges across the country continued to ignore the science and the voices of local residents,” Bergman said.

It’s also a hot topic in Montana, where Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) said that residents should be able to safeguard their herds without fearing legal consequences.

Some conservation nonprofits have already pushed back against the bill. In a news release, Bradley Williams, Sierra Club’s deputy legislative director for wildlife and lands protection, stated, “Anti-wildlife lawmakers are once again attacking the Endangered Species Act, this time by targeting gray wolves.”

“The science is clear: wolves still need federal protections to recover across their historic range, and stripping them now would put this iconic species at risk,” Williams added. “Blocking judicial review only adds to the recklessness of this bill.”

The Humane World Action Fund also issued a statement calling the bill “meritless” and asked the Senate to reject it. “This is a shameless attempt to sideline science and hand wolf management over to special interests,” said Sara Amundson, the Humane World Action Fund’s president.

“The Endangered Species Act has worked for decades because decisions are made by scientists, not politicians,” Amundson said. “Congress shouldn’t override expert agencies and the courts just to fast-track wolf hunts, and it certainly shouldn’t ignore how deeply Americans care about wolves.”

The bill will next head to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to pass. Congress is currently on leave for the holidays and will reconvene in January.

Another Reintroduced Wolf Dies in Colorado, Marking Sixth Death

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Presented by Ram Trucks

In my hunting crew, we have a varied set of individuals who come from different backgrounds with wildly different experiences. We have friends who spend all year hunting, and others who do more fishing than hunting, but they also go out on annual big game trips.

Despite their differences, they have core commonalities: they are avid outdoorsmen with a deep connection to working hard to fill the freezer, and boy howdy — do they love to argue.

They don’t argue in anger; they argue because there are always different perspectives, and I like to think that my crew values the perspectives of others. We learn something from those opinions. Then again, sometimes I know we argue just to poke and prod and tease each other. Maybe we aren’t that magnanimous, after all.

In honor of my crew’s love of the debate, I started a fire at camp, threw some tunes on, and hopped up on my tailgate to hear some opinions, have some laughs, and do a little teasing. For the purposes of this article, and to protect the (mostly) innocent, I’ll call these guys by some loving nicknames: Artist, Guide, Builder, Captain, Explorer. These five guys are my favorite people to spend time with in the woods. Let’s see what they have to say.

Unspoken Rules Everyone Breaks

Hunting has some unwritten rules that we never admit to breaking, but let’s be honest, we all do. What are the unspoken rules that you, or our crew, find ourselves guilty of breaking?

Artist

The thing we are all guilty of doing at hunt camp is talking up a big game and then having to deliver the next morning. Some are able to rally in the morning, while for others, it can take a few days to get the hang of it.

Our crew is pretty good at backing up our big talk around the campfire, but it’s always funny to see how we universally say one thing around the fire, and then do another thing the next morning.

Guide

This is tough because I’m usually trying not to break the unwritten rules — I spend so much time in the field — and have found that I experience more success when I do things right. The one that comes to mind, though, and I’m always reminding myself, is not to skyline when you are hunting. Don’t make yourself this big flag on the visual skyline.

You might think, Oh, if I hike up the top of the ridge, I can see both sides. But that also means everything on both sides can see you, too.

Builder

Sleeping in. We used to be so hardcore about shooting time in the morning, but this year, we were so whooped from dragging out, we ended up sleeping in most mornings.

Captain

Being scent-conscious. We find ourselves washing gear in unscented detergent, wearing scent-masking deodorant, and then, oh my God, that camping stove comes out, and we’re all sitting on the side of a hill, eating chicken teriyaki ramen. The camping stove has no rules when it comes to scent protocol.

Explorer

Dumping our garbage in the state park garbage can. Those should be open so the dispersed campers in the area (on public lands, by the way) can drop garbage there.

Gear You Actually Use

We all have our core loadout, or packout, in the truck. What is the gear for a great hunt camp, or a great day in the field that you can’t live without? What is starting to find its way onto your list, but maybe you don’t want to admit? What gear did you start using as you (ahem) got a little older — I mean, more experienced?

Artist

When I was a kid, I was fascinated with the little nesting dolls — a thing could live within another thing yet be smaller and smaller, all of which retain the same qualities. Then, as a teenager, I always thought how great it would be to have a real bag of holding, not just in my Dungeons and Dragons game.

Now, when I pack out, I try to combine those ideas and get perfectly nested items for my pack. By the third day in the backcountry, even with the same gear, my pack is always better than the last couple of days.

Guide

Binos, baby. If you are hunting the west, there is no way to hunt without optics. If I’m out there looking for critters for three hours, I’m probably spending two of those hours behind glass. But more recently, I’ve leaned into battery-powered heated clothing.

If I’m on a still hunt where you are sitting for hours, those heated vests, socks, and hand warmers are a lifesaver. If you are uncomfortably cold, you’ll start moving, and that’s the last thing you want to do in a blind.

Builder

Waterproof boots. I had to suffer through the subpar boots as a young man until I could afford quality boots. It was always work boots, blue jeans, and a flannel shirt when I started. It wasn’t until later that I could buy waterproof gear. It’s made a world of difference.

Captain

Look, you need clean underwear and socks every day. Well-fitted and technical, breathable materials, if you can. I mean, what else is there to say?

Explorer

Quiet clothing, that’s everything. I don’t care if it’s not waterproof, and I’m going to get soaked to the bone; it’s gotta be quiet.

Hot soup thermos was a big one this year, especially if you get cold with that not-waterproof gear. I’m not usually as warm or dry as I’d like to be, because of my old, quiet gear. The soup can really make or break the day.

Camp Luxuries

OK, guys, we’re not spring chickens anymore. Camp luxuries have become increasingly prevalent at our hunt camps. How much do you hold yourself to the core roughing-it ideal? Or do you embrace camp luxuries like cots, pop-up showers, an easy-to-light propane fire pit, and OMG, satellite internet?

Artist

Pack it all; just make sure it’s a secure load. It’s all about how you travel with your camp. We’ve had the topper on past trucks, but right now, we are into the open truck bed. I secretly love the idea of the puzzle pack every time we do it. Each time, better than the last. Accounting for every spare cubic inch.

Seek the perfect aerodynamic draft, heavy in the front, and then well-covered with a blue tarp, vinyl truck bed cover, and spider net. This makes sure we can bring all the camp luxuries and still get rained on or snowed on during our travels.

Guide

Take advantage of as many luxuries as you can in the woods. I often sleep in my truck because it’s easy and I don’t have to set anything up. But man, a cot and a wood stove in the tent — you’ll sleep better every night. The more rested you are, the better you’ll be the next day. Sure, learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable, but also take advantage of the luxuries when you can.

Builder

The luxury is a furnace, a bed, a bathroom, a hot shower. Yes, we indulge. We don’t need to rough it. If you want to, go right ahead. I’ll have the RV all toasty warm for you, just in case.

On the other hand, I’m not a fan of satellite internet. I love not having cellphone reception at hunt camp. It’s a great disconnect. It gives everyone a chance to hang out around the fire, without their noses buried in their phones.

Captain

I’ll take all that good stuff. Anything to make camp more comfortable. I’ve roughed it enough. Every time I take a shower in my RV, I sing the “I’m taking a shower in my tent” song. It never gets old.

Explorer

I’ll do both if it’s going to put me in a good area, it doesn’t matter. But if given the choice, come on, you take the luxuries. You’re beat up after a day of hunting.

Cooking at Camp: Group vs. Individual Cooks

Is the best approach with a group hunt camp to combine efforts and cook communal meals? If so, do you designate nights to each hunter? Or just bring together what everyone brought and serve family-style? Or are you tired of waiting for other people’s cooking, especially if they are cooking late into the evening, and you’re hungry?

Artist

Nothing can compare to a communal meal — having everyone eat together around the fire. That’s where it all begins, and ends, at camp. Practically speaking, group meals can work really well with a little pre-planning and foresight, for everyone’s benefit.

Often, we find that it’s a couple of people who take charge of the communal meals, and the rest of the time, it’s fend for yourself. We team up when we are all looking for those magic moments, celebrating a successful hunt, coming together to cook it up proper. This is the time to bring out all that great stuff you have in the freezer — these are the guys who will appreciate it the most.

Guide

It’s designated cook, and everyone else cleans up. Same person every night, and everyone else does the fire, cleans the dishes, does all the other camp chores. I mean, I’m usually the camp cook, and I don’t want anyone messing with my system.

I do all the planning and shopping for it, too. If I left it up to my buddies, they would pre-make chili, and then expect to eat their chili for 4 days.

Builder

It’s a team effort. We tried something different this year, where we all went grocery shopping together, and then took turns cooking. Then, to split up the work, the rest of the crew should clean up. It’s not only a shared meal but also a shared experience.

Explorer

Ideally, you want to eat together. The best situation is when the Artist is in camp, and you can defer to him.

Captain

When I go to hunting camp, I find out how many people are there, and if I’m planning a meal, I buy enough to feed everybody. I love the group cook. We have pretty good experiences with food at camp, unless the Explorer cooks. We only let him cook breakfast, and he can barely do that.

Fair enough, Captain — I love it when a plan comes together.

There you have it, folks; that’s my crew. They hunt hard and love to commiserate over a shared meal at camp. They’re not shy about taking advantage of the luxuries, but have limits on how connected they like to be to the real world out at hunt camp. They always have a good time.  Get out there, find your crew, find your hunt, and make memories.

©2025 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ram is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

If you ask him, James Nash says he’s just a normal American guy with an abnormally organized truckbed, thanks to DECKED’s drawer systems.

He grew up on an Oregon ranch, trapping gophers and working as a pack horse hunting guide in high school. He also wrestled so well that he moved to Norway for a year to train professionally. 

His career choices varied after that. He earned a college scholarship for riding rodeo broncos, and paid the rest of his tuition by working as a wildland firefighter in the summer. He rappelled from helicopters deep in the wilderness to fight fires with a rake rather than water. 

Later, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and deployed to Afghanistan to command a tank platoon. He used a 76-ton tank as his daily driver. Now, he favors a pick-up with DECKED drawers a-plenty. Where better to keep his scopes and ammo than in a Mossy Oak Honcho case?

While deployed, he earned two Purple Heart medals after a mortar explosion injured several of his platoon and himself, and killed one other Marine. He’s now healing through hunting, fishing, and sharing those experiences with people.

His next adventures? Spear fishing and hosting a podcast featuring “stories from folks with calloused hands.”  

The folks at DECKED say he is “without a doubt the most badass, coolest nerd we know.”

That’s high praise for anyone, but it rings sincerely true for James; he’s too busy to blush, though. He has truck bed drawers to organize for his next hunt, fence fix, and fishing trip.

Presented by Ram Trucks

Full disclosure — this is a love letter to my truck. It has been a constant, reliable friend for many, many overland adventures. Clocking in at over 115K miles, my Ram truck is still going strong. My truck has brought me paddling, skiing, fishing, backpacking, camping, climbing, and to countless post-hike vittles. Most importantly, the Ram 1500 in my driveway is my hunting buddy.

When I say this, you must understand — my truck and I learned to hunt together. We learned to tow an RV to hunt camp together. I bought my truck and then a small travel trailer, so I could withstand the cold, wet nights at hunt camp.

I didn’t know how to tow an RV and was so very proud of myself when I was able to use the back-up camera¹ to line up the hitch and the ball. I’ll admit, it took a couple of tries. The feeling of finally having the rig hitched up? Unforgettable. 

Once the truck and RV were hitched together, we hit the road. We traveled all over the state, from coast to mountain. Rainforest to plains. This truck has brought my travel house all over, seeking food sources.

It’s backed the trailer down a logging road after coming upon a big tree blocking our path. It’s hauled coolers, smokers, and bins of hunting gear. It’s the way into the hunting grounds, and the way home. 

My Ram truck doesn’t stop hunting.

We get up early — so often, too early. Get our packs loaded — optics, rangefinder, safety gear, first-aid kit, field dressing supplies — throw the pack into the back of the truck. Don’t forget the snacks — this gal likes her snacks in the field.

My hunting partner hops in the cab with you. It’s quiet. It’s dark out as you make the drive to the country where you’ll be hiking in, with high hopes of filling the freezer today.

That drive, it’s magical. You share a cup of coffee with a trusted friend. You catch up on life; share the stories now so you are quiet once you get out of the truck. All your conversations are edged with the possibilities of the day ahead. It adds an air of anticipation and eagerness.

You’re glad to be together to experience it. Before a day in the cold, hard field, the truck is warm, safe, and comforting.

Finally, you pull into the parking area. Oooh, that great feeling when your truck is the only one there. Check the light — can we hike out yet to get into position? OK, it’s time to load out.

There’s a fine layer of snow on your packs in the back. Layer up. Lace the boots tight. Chamber your round, safety on. In this moment, you couldn’t lose. You’re here to feed your family, and it’s go time.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been hunting, your hunting style, or location — the odds are usually against you. Most of my hunts are not successful. I have hiked miles and miles all day without seeing a single thing. I have stalked whitetail deer for miles, just to come around a bend and lose all tracks, the deer nowhere to be seen.

There have been more days I returned to the truck with mushrooms I foraged along the way than days I returned with an animal. I’ve broken in new boots, feet painful with blisters, biting back tears by the time I get back to the truck. Disappointment after disappointment, one thing that never fails is being happy to see my truck. 

As soon as I round the last bend, or crest that last ridge, and get sight of my truck, I know I can let the load down. I’ve made it back, and ahead of me is a heated seat², a dry shelter, some time off my legs, and snacks.

I smile, I thank the universe for leading me back to the truck, and I get a little extra pep in my step all the way to the tailgate. Throw my things down, warm up the heated seats², eat some lunch — I’ve made it back.

Here’s the crazy thing about hunting — no matter how hard it is, how many times you fail, what you give up to spend that time in the field — the connection to our food, to the wild lands we live in; it keeps you going back.

We are linked to this rugged country we call home, and it draws us back in. After every failure, I’m just more motivated to work harder, hunt smarter, and be better. Be wilder, more connected to the hunt. So I do it again.

The truck brings me back to camp, and I fall into bed exhausted, swearing I’ll never go back out in the morning. A mere few hours later, I find myself grabbing my truck keys and my pack, and getting after it again.

The bold and pure commitment to the hunt, it does eventually pay off. And everything you’ve been through, the lessons, the failures, the time, the pain — it’s all worth it when you finally fill your tag. I thought it was great seeing the truck at the top of that last ridge, but it is so much better when you see the truck and you’re dragging out.

You make it to the truck, and once you have your animal in the truck bed, you shamelessly happy dance like a little kid (or at least, I do). You did it. You’re filling the freezer this year.

It only gets better when you arrive at camp, drop the tailgate, and show the rest of the crew how well you did. Recounting the day and the laughter echoing through the woods. That night, sitting around the fire, eating a meal from your harvest, you know you’ll be back next year.

Me and my Ram truck, we’re not stopping. See you at hunt camp.

Ram 1500

Built to deliver upon the legacy of the Ram Trucks that came before it, the 2026 Ram 1500 is roaring in with a redesigned exterior, a luxury interior, a bold new powertrain under the hood, and technology at nearly every turn.

This post is sponsored by Ram Trucks.

Disclaimers:

1 Available feature. Always check entire surroundings visually before proceeding.

2 Available feature.

©2025 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ram is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Dude Perfect turned backyard stunts into an international YouTube sensation. The brand’s newest move, Dude Perfect Outdoors, shifts the focus to hunting, fishing, and time outside.

The first video of this new standalone vertical launched over the weekend, a product of careful thought and planning by the creators.

“We launched the first video for our newest vertical: Dude Perfect Outdoors. This has been a passion project for a select few; almost three years in the making, and the last six months of grinding to get it over the line,” producer Chad Terrell said in announcing the project.

Though it’s not the brand’s first foray into outdoor storytelling, the team confirmed Dude Perfect Outdoors will be a venture with purpose, and target families who want something healthier and more grounded than another night of scrolling.

Get Folks Outside: Channel With a Mission

Dude Perfect Outdoors fits into a pattern that’s been developing for years. The brand first stepped into outdoor storytelling through collaborations, including a multiseason partnership with Columbia Sportswear that pushed filming into weather and terrain that can’t be controlled.

Columbia framed those projects as “epic adventures,” which gave a clean starting foundation for what the crew’s now doing on its own channel. But the launch of Dude Perfect Outdoors isn’t just an offshoot of previous efforts. It reflects the crew’s own history.

Matt Deimund, who works on strategy for Dude Perfect, explained the roots of the project in a launch post.

“I grew up hunting and fishing in western Oklahoma with my dad and brothers, and few things in life are as meaningful or as memorable as that time we all spent together,” he said in the post.

Deimund went on to explain how the new channel aims to help families build that same kind of time outside, with less noise and fewer screens.

Already a Hit

The first video on the brand’s new YouTube channel went up over the weekend, and audience numbers took off fast.

“This launched yesterday morning and already has 55k subscribers. The first video has over 250k views in less than 24 hours,” Scott Winkler said in a LinkedIn post about the launch.

The debut episode, “Dude Perfect Takes Intern on First Hunt,” leans into something that feels distinctly different than what many might expect from the brand. Instead of trick shots and cool camera angles, the first video carries a familiar outdoor hunting and fishing show feel, complete with a hunt, banter, and time spent around the campfire.

So, Is It Any Good?

I’ll admit I had a moment of hesitation when a stunt-driven entertainment brand stepped into hunting and fishing. Outdoor work deserves a tone that respects the resource. It can’t lean on slapstick or shock value (that’s coming from someone who has a hard time taking anything very seriously).

So far, Dude Perfect Outdoors seems to understand that. The content carries far less chaos than the main channel and leans into steady, respectful field time instead of gags.

If the vertical keeps that tone, it may bring new viewers into the outdoors without dragging in the noise that usually comes with internet fame. Hopefully, it’ll get a few more kids off their tablets and into the real world.

And if stunt shots come into play, I’ll be the first to cry fowl. For now, I’ll keep my optimism cautious, but hopeful.

Field & Stream Tries to Reel in Viewers With Television Network

The brand will partner with Outdoor America to distribute original content and shows. Read more…

Montana Knife Company is stepping into Damascus for the first time, and doing it with help from bladesmith Will Stelter. The Damascus Blackfoot ($1,000) drops as a limited run on Dec. 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. MST.

This new release from MKC is built from Stelter’s forged woodgrain Damascus and finished with desert ironwood burl scales. The result is a Blackfoot that looks more like a true collaboration piece than the typical collab knives we’re used to seeing from MKC.

A Damascus Collab With a Serious Bladesmith at the Center

MKC did not source off-the-shelf Damascus for this release. Stelter forged the steel specifically for the project using 1080 and 15N20 high-carbon steels.

The layered pattern he built into the billet gives each blade a distinct personality, and because of the way Damascus forms, no two knives match.

Fewer than 500 were made, and this exact setup will not return, according to the brand. Stelter’s fingerprints, metaphorically speaking, are all over this knife, and that carries weight with collectors who follow his work and the work of MKC.

A Look at the Knife

The Blackfoot geometry stays familiar, but it takes on a different presence with the Damascus. It reads less like a standard hunting knife and more like a display-worthy tool that still wants to work for a living.

Stelter’s steel gives it depth, while the ironwood burl scales add a classic finish that fits the elevated nature of the release. Since the blade is carbon steel, MKC recommends routine waxing and regular care to stay ahead of rust.

Specs at a Glance

• Blade steel: Woodgrain Damascus (1080 and 15N20)
• Construction: Full tang
• Overall length: 7.5 in.
• Blade length: 3.375 in.
• Blade thickness: 0.110 in.
• Weight: 3.08 oz.
• Finish: Etched
• Handle: Desert ironwood burl
• Origin: Made in the USA and hand-finished in Montana

Teton Leather Sheath

MKC turned to Teton Leather Company for the sheath, which was the right call. The shop is run by Francesca Ritchie, who has built a serious reputation for leatherwork.

Her shop created each ostrich leather sheath specifically for the Damascus Blackfoot, shaping and stitching it to match the knife rather than forcing a generic pattern to fit.

Price and Availability

Like almost all MKC drops, these are likely to sell out. Even with the Damascus Blackfoot coming in at $1,000, with fewer than 500 knives available, I imagine it’ll be a battle to get hands on one. It goes live on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. MST, so you’re gonna need to get in the digital line early to get yours.

The Best Hunting Knives of 2025

A hunting knife has a single purpose: processing meat after a kill. We did the research to help you find the best hunting knife for your needs and budget. Read more…

Buck has been a stalwart of the hunting knife world since at least the 1960s. Known for no-nonsense functionality, it has legions of fans. With modern steel and a higher price range, the new Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite gives brand loyalists a top-shelf choice that rivals the best.

Nick LeFort, one of our regular knife contributors, mailed me the Buck Alpha Hunter Elite ($260) with a note that basically said, “You should be the one to test this.” Turns out, he might have been right.

Two days after it arrived, I was kneeling down, bow next to me in the grass, over a whitetail buck that gave me the chance to put this knife through the kind of work it was designed for.

The Alpha Hunter Elite sits in the premium price bracket, although it doesn’t have the overly embellished look of many expensive knives. It looks like a tool you would keep in a pack pocket, not display on a shelf.

In short: The Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite handled a full deer without sharpening and earned a permanent spot in my rotation. With MagnaCut steel and a G-10 handle, it offers premium ingredients at a price that may sting, particularly from a knife brand known for its affordability. But if your wallet can handle it, you won’t regret adding this one to your belt.

Shopping for a hunting knife? You need to check out our buyer’s guide.

Buck Alpha Hunter Elite Knife Review

Check Price at Buck Knives

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Steel: MagnaCut
• Weight: 5.2 oz.
• Blade length: 3.75"
• Overall length: 8.125"

Pros

• Confident, non-slip grip
• Strong edge retention through heavy field use
• Solid hand feel and weight balance

Cons

• Higher price point
• Heavier than minimalist hunting knives

Rachelle Schrute

First Impressions and All the Specs

The 664 Alpha Hunter Elite is a simple, no-frills fixed blade built around a 3.75-inch MagnaCut blade and full tang construction. The textured G-10 scales feel solid the moment you pick it up, and the 0.140-inch blade stock gives it a sturdy profile without looking oversized.

It weighs 5.2 ounces and comes in a molded Kydex sheath. Nothing about it looks fancy or decorative. It is a straightforward hunting knife with a premium price tag and the kind of build that suggests it was made for real work.

Testing: It’ll Hunt

The Alpha Hunter Elite made its first cut minutes after I recovered the deer, which was just minutes after I let my arrow go. Fortunately, he died quickly and only about 15 yards from where he had stood when I shot.

After a quick gut-in drag to get him to the spot I wanted to field dress him, I got to work. The handle locked into my hand with enough texture to ignore blood, hide, and my admittedly clumsy grip. It never shifted or rolled, even when I worked with wet gloves. The weight felt balanced and steady, which mattered once I started those blind cuts in the upper cavity.

Field Dressing

For field dressing, the 3.75-inch blade length feels ideal. That compact length gives a sense of control when you’re doing things like reaching up through the diaphragm to free the windpipe.

The Alpha Hunter Elite has a decent heft to the blade, which lets me separate the pelvis without forcing me to overexert or worry about blade bend. The jimping on the spine gave my thumb steady purchase when I needed fine control. The blade tracked straight through fascia and muscle without chatter or drag. It was smooth.

I really appreciate the extra-deep choil. It helps make the knife feel particularly secure without worrying about adding my blood to the pool.

Skinning

To be transparent, I prefer a disposable blade knife when it comes to skinning, particularly a fresh animal. Yes, a freshly sharpened blade is great, but nothing cuts quite like a fresh scalpel. But, for an animal that’s cold and stiff, I love a hardy skinning knife that gives both precision and a bit of power.

This was a fresh animal and a hardy knife, but when I test knives, I want to know how much they’re capable of before I have to take them to the stone.

Once I had the deer hung up, skinning showed the same level of performance as dressing. The knife slipped under the hide cleanly and stayed shockingly sharp as I worked my way down. It had the nimbleness needed to skin out the legs cleanly, which says something since it also had the heft needed to lop off the lower part of those legs not an hour earlier.

Edge retention held up through almost the entire animal. I only felt a slight slowdown once I reached the final stretch near the head. Even then, it did just fine. I just noticed that I had to put a bit more oomph into my touches to the fascia. I’d expect that for any knife working through an entire deer. I never stopped to sharpen because I didn’t need to. The knife stayed workable until the last pull of the hide.

Processing

Yeah. I even went there. Granted, I’m a slack and whack kind of processor, and this buck went almost exclusively to my burger stash, but again, without sharpening, I decided to use it for the bulk (not all) of my processing.

This is where the knife went from winning my favor to moving its way into my dang heart. I love the feel of the knife. The rounded spine that follows all the way down through the handle gives it this almost gliding feel, even when you’re using it as a literal utility knife. By the end of processing, it needed a good sharpen (which I’m admittedly yet to do).

Who It’s For

The Alpha Hunter Elite fits hunters who want a dependable fixed blade built for actual game processing, not lightweight novelty. It suits anyone who prefers a secure, substantial hand feel and wants a knife that performs from field dressing to skinning without stopping for maintenance. If you process your own deer each season or value premium steel that can take abuse, this knife fits well.

Where It Falls Short

The price stings. It’s not surprising, as MagnaCut steel is simply expensive. It’s the premium price you’ll pay for premium knives. Hunters who only process occasional game or who prefer lighter, minimal blades may not need this level of build. It also carries more weight than streamlined backcountry knives. If you prioritize ounces over performance, this may feel heavy.

One note that isn’t specific to this knife, the engraving on the blade represents a weak point that I wish knife builders would pay attention to. Every stainless blade I’ve owned has built a bit of rust around those etched figures. I understand that we need to label the blade, but we need to do better.

In the End …

The Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite showed up clean and was quickly covered in proof that it had done real work. It offered excellent control, strong edge retention, and a grip that never gave me a reason to adjust. I will keep using it. It earned that place.

Hunters who want a reliable, premium fixed blade for actual field dressing and skinning will appreciate how this knife performs once the real work begins.

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Paka is a sustainable Peruvian outdoor apparel brand that crafts natural clothing using fine Royal Alpaca wool and recycled materials. It’s the kind of company that feels cool to conservation-minded folks. But I wondered how the brand’s surprisingly soft thermal base layers would perform when the stakes are high and the abuse is real.

I put these pieces through the wringer during a week at deer camp during the whitetail rut. That meant hasty pre-dawn hikes and cold, all-day sits layered under hunting pants to see if they could manage moisture, keep me warm, and fight the infamous deer camp funk.

In short: If you think merino is itchy, but still want wool’s odor-resistant, warm-even-when-wet performance, alpaca might just be your new best friend. Paka Thermal Baselayers bring all of the warmth without adding any itch factor.

Shopping for hunting-specific base layers? Check out our buyer’s guide to help find the pair that’s right for you.

Paka Thermal Baselayer

check price at paka – Thermal Crewcheck price at paka – Thermal Bottoms

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• PAKA Thermal Crew:
• Material: 40% royal alpaca, 40% merino wool, 20% Tencel
• Construction: 2×2 rib knit
• Care: Machine wash cold (gentle), lay flat to dry, do not wring; cool iron if needed
• Sizes: XS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
• Colors: Silver, magnolia, uva, black, Andean moss, clay
• PAKA Thermal Bottoms:
• Material: 40% royal alpaca, 40% merino, 20% Tencel
• Construction: 2×2 rib knit
• Care: Machine wash cold (gentle), lay flat to dry, do not wring
• Sizes: XS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
• Colors: Clay, magnolia, black

Pros

• Softer and less itchy than 100% merino
• Comfortable flat, overstitched seams
• Slim fit that layers easily
• High warmth-to-weight ratio
• Odor-resistant for multiday hunts
• Available in men’s and women’s sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Not dryer-friendly
• No reinforced panels or added protection in high-abrasion areas

Alice Jones Webb

Paka Thermal Baselayer Review

First Impressions

I’m one of those people with sensitive skin who thinks wool, even merino, feels like wearing a cactus. So I expected the usual itch. But right out of the box, these felt different. The rib knit is soft and smooth, like something I would reach for on a lazy Sunday morning. Pulling them on felt like slipping into comfortable pajamas instead of technical hunting gear.

The rib knit stretches and snaps back clean. Twisting, stretching, and squatting feel natural. The fit leans thin without that stuffed-in-a-sausage squeeze. It’s the kind of profile that slides under hunting pants without bunching or making you feel like the Michelin Man. That alone feels like a small victory.

Before I ever stepped into the woods, I figured these would excel during long, quiet sits where comfort matters more than style points. They felt warm in hand but surprisingly light, which had me wondering how they’d perform once the temperatures dropped and the wind started to bite.

Field Testing During the Whitetail Rut

I ran these base layer pieces through their paces during North Carolina’s whitetail rut. Mornings started with fast pre-dawn hikes that had me pushing hard and breaking a sweat even though the mercury sat in the 20s.

With the wind sometimes playing hardball, those beads of sweat that formed on the trek in became a real gamble, especially since everything slowed down once I was settled in a treestand, where the goal is staying still. My body cooled fast. Blood flow dropped. That early sweat could have wrecked the day if the base layer didn’t manage moisture well.

Some mornings came with a light rain that soaked outer layers and made warmth a moving target. By mid-afternoon, the temperature sometimes swung into the 60s and sometimes low 70s on the hike back to the truck.

Those big swings can turn a lot of base layers into the swampy river bottoms I was hunting, but these Pakas stayed comfy even when damp. The rib knit breathes well enough that I didn’t feel like I needed to peel it off halfway through the walk.

The rut doesn’t leave much time for laundry, so I wore this base layer for a solid week. Sweat happens, and so does camp funk, but these held up better than I expected. By day seven, they still didn’t knock anyone out of the truck cab, and more importantly, they didn’t give a doe any extra reason to blow the hunt.

This setup held its own without feeling heavy or clammy, which is exactly what you want during the rut when you never know how long you’ll be in that stand.

Fit and Comfort

The Thermal Crew fits close enough to stay out of the way but never feels glued on. Thermal pants have a wide waistband that stays put and doesn’t roll or pinch. Everything ran true to size for me. The flatlock seams help the whole system stay comfortable under safety harness straps or when stacked with other layers.

The Tencel component of the fabric blend provides a nice amount of stretch and helps it dry fast when you start cooking on the hike in. It also adds a slight cooling effect. That sounds strange for a cold-weather hunt, but it comes in handy when you’re grinding uphill and doing everything you can to avoid sweating yourself into trouble.

The fabric feels soft at first touch, though it’s not some fantasy silk number. There’s a hint of prickliness in a few spots. I noticed it behind the knees, inside the elbows, and in the armpits, mostly when I moved around. It practically disappeared when I was sitting still. But once I was parked 20 feet up a pine for a 5-hour sit with nothing but squirrels for entertainment, my brain found plenty of time to poke at that tiny itch.

Durability

These base layers held up well over a week of hunting without a wash, which is exactly what you want when the rut doesn’t leave time for laundry. That said, they are not dryer-friendly. You need patience and a flat surface to lay them out and let them dry.

I got careless, mostly because I’m impatient and somewhat irresponsible when it comes to laundry. I like to toss all of my hunting clothes into one load. The trip through the dryer didn’t kill them, but they did stretch out just a bit. It’s not a total deal breaker, and they aren’t destined for the trash can, but it’s disappointing when a high-end base layer starts sagging after a single mistake.

I’m also slightly disappointed with the lack of reinforced panels in high-abrasion areas like the knees, elbows, and between the legs. Sitting in a treestand doesn’t put much stress on those spots. I worry these might not hold up as well on hunts that require crawling over rough terrain or through heavy brush. For stand-hunting, though, they should last plenty long (as long as they avoid the dryer).

Where They Excel

These base layers shine in situations where comfort and warmth matter. Long, motionless sits in a treestand seems to be their jam. The rib knit also stretches and recovers nicely, so they don’t feel restrictive, even during the climb into the stand.

They’re soft against the skin without the pesky itch of traditional wool. While there is the slightest bit of prickliness against soft body parts, it’s still a major win for anyone with sensitive skin. The slim fit is perfect for multi-layers, and they slide under hunting pants without the typical bunching or bulky feel.

Moisture management and breathability were also impressive. Even after a sweaty hike in near-freezing temps, the fabric handled dampness like a champ and kept me cozy even as my body cooled fast in the stand. And they resisted odor for a week straight without a trip through the wash.

In short, if you’re looking for a warm, comfortable base layer that wicks moisture when you’re active and helps regulate body temperature when you’re sitting still for hours in cold weather, these are tough to beat.

Where They Fall Short

These baselayers aren’t perfect. They’re pricey, for starters. They also require a little forethought on wash day. You can’t just move these from the washer to the dryer with your other hunting gear. They need to be dried flat. or you risk losing their shape. I learned the hard way, and while it didn’t ruin the set, I was bummed that they didn’t fit as they did straight out of the package.

Durability in high-abrasion areas, like the knees, elbows, and between the legs, could be a problem on active hunts. Sitting in a treestand doesn’t stress those spots, but if your idea of a good time involves crawling over brush and rocks, these might not be your best option.

In short, they shine for sitting-still comfort but aren’t designed for rugged, high-movement hunts or anyone who prefers ultra-low-maintenance laundry.

Final Thoughts

Paka’s Thermal Baselayer pieces aren’t cheap. But the soft, stretchy material delivers warmth, comfort, and odor control that works on long, cold, motionless sits in a deer stand. You’ll need to remember to treat it right on wash day. These may survive a trip through the dryer, but they won’t fit quite the same. For anyone who’s tired of itchy merino or heavy synthetic layers, alpaca might just be the upgrade your base layer drawer has been itching for.

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