October 18, 2022 | By Rachelle Schrute
Melissa Bachman has made a career out of the traditions passed down from her parents.
Being successful as a woman in the hunting industry isn’t an easy road, and that’s something Melissa Bachman will certainly attest to. She spent years trying to break into the world of professional hunting and though that path was met with many detours and roadblocks, she’s made her place known and then some.
You can find her on the Sportsman Channel, where she hosts Winchester Deadly Passion, on Instagram, or on YouTube, where she shares her hunts, successes, and a small peek into her life.
Her best piece of advice on how to become a success in the field?
“The best hunters are those who will outwork everyone else and those who can adapt on the fly,” Bachman said.
When it comes to her hunts, what gear does she trust to get the job done?
Let’s take a look.
Editor’s note: As with most professionals and experts in their field, many of the products on this list are likely connected via endorsement, sponsorship, or ambassadorship. Though it does not negate the value of the product, it is absolutely worth noting.
Last year, Melissa shot Winchester’s new XPR in a 350 Legend ($750). This year, she’ll transition back to something a bit more familiar with the Winchester XPR 330 Win Mag ($570), which should come as no surprise to those who follow her. With a show called “Winchester Deadly Passion,” it really only makes sense.
Both rifles have more than enough pep for her to successfully harvest the whitetail she’s known for chasing.
The XPR Rifles from Winchester are available in the following calibers and lengths:
Check 350 Legend Price at Bass ProCheck .330 WinMag Price at Sportsman’s Warehouse
When it comes to bowhunting, Melissa shoots a Mathews Prima ($990) with her signature pink touches. This bow has become a favorite for female hunters and those with a smaller stature. It’s compact, lightweight, and known to be quick and quiet.
The Cold Steel Click N Cut ($29) is one of the most budget-friendly, interchangeable knives on the market, and people really do seem to love it. The reviews are awesome, with many people touting it as better than the more expensive competition. It’s what you’ll find if you dump out Melissa Bachman’s pack — so it seems she’d agree.
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Blade HQ
Alaska Game Bags ($23) are a roll-on style of bag that really does help to keep your meat clean. The tight fit ensures that insects don’t get to the wild game and that dirt is kept at bay. And it eliminates some of the bunching and sagging you get with other styles of bags.
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ
The Swarovski EL Series ($2,199) of binos are one of the top-rated binoculars on the market, and for good reason. The clarity of Swarovski is fairly undisputed, and if you have the budget, no amount of money can buy better glass.
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The Outdoor Vision Ridgetop 2.0 Binoculars Harness ($110) is an update to the original Ridgetop. This one is a bit more streamlined and secure, with additional features like MOLLE attachment points on the bottom. If you’re going to invest in quality optics life Bachman’s Swarovskis, it’s important to keep them safe, secure, and easy to access.
Check Price at BlackOvisCheck Price at Outdoor Vision
DSG has built a huge following with its dedicated women’s hunting line, and its boots are one of the big sellers. The DSG Women’s Rubber Hunting Boot 2.0 ($170) has awesome reviews and is quickly becoming a favorite boot for women who love a classic rubber boot that will also keep their feet warm.
Check Price at BlackOvisCheck Price at DSG Outwear
The Kylie 4.0 3-in-1 Hunting Jacket ($199) is a versatile jacket that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. The inner fleece adds an additional layer when you need it, is removable when you don’t, and can be worn on its own for a day-to-day jacket.
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
HuntStand ($30-70 per year) has a few membership options to fit your needs. When it comes to knowing where property boundaries are, and who property owners are, it’s a solid choice. If you’ve been curious about who owns that farmland across the way, this might be the answer.
The BOG Grave Digger Ground Blind ($330) is roomy enough to move about and tall enough to stand, which isn’t very common with most ground blinds. If you spend a ton of time hunting from a blind, this might be just the investment you need to make for a comfortable season. It seems to be working quite well for Bachman in both archery and rifle season.
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Mountain House Beef Stroganoff ($11) is one of the best backpacking meals there is. Fight me about it. You’ll lose.
Bachman agrees. It’s her go-to meal in the field. Sure, there are a lot of freeze-dried meals on the market these days, but Mountain House is the OG. There’s something comforting about the no-frills meals we all grew up with.
What about quick snacks and hydration?
For Melissa, it’s Pop-Tarts and Mountain Dew … obviously.
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
When asked if there was any other important piece of gear she has to have in the field, she didn’t hesitate.
“I always keep a bottle of Scent Killer Gold ($25) in my pack to spray down myself and gear.”
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
If you’re interested in what some of the other experts are taking into the field this year, check out Randy Newberg’s Expert Kit.
As a fifth-generation Montanan, Rachelle Schrute comes from a long line of western hunters and anglers. Born in western Montana, she spent countless days chasing mountain elk and mountain trout with her family. She is heavily involved in Montana's conservation and wildlife management practices and has served in leadership roles within multiple conservation organizations. Rachelle is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and often spends her summers as a Wilderness Guide in Yellowstone National Park. When not gear testing or writing, you can likely find her hunting, hiking, fishing, and cooking wild game with her two children.
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