The short answer: for the field, pick individually wrapped sticks you can pocket one at a time. Our top pick is Buffalo Bills Ole' Smokies: a full 9 inch beef stick, about 7 to 10 grams of protein, sealed in its own wrapper so it rides in a jacket for a week without a cooler. Plan on 2 to 3 sticks per person per day, and bring one flavor you know you like plus one you want to try.
Why beef sticks work in the field
- Shelf stable: sealed meat sticks do not need a cooler, so they ride in a jacket, pack or truck console through heat and cold.
- Real protein: most of our sticks carry about 7 to 10 grams of protein each, which keeps you going longer than chips or candy.
- Quiet and clean: no crinkly bag to rustle in the stand, and individually wrapped sticks keep hands and gear clean.
- One handed: you can eat a stick without putting down a rod, a call or binoculars.
Our picks for hunters and anglers
- The all rounder: Buffalo Bills Assorted Hot and Mild Ole' Smokies, a 15 count cup with a mix of flavors, so everyone in camp finds one they like.
- For heat: Buffalo Bills Spicy Ole' Smokies, 10 grams of protein and enough kick to wake you up on a cold morning.
- For the hunter who has everything: Buffalo Bills Exotic Game Sticks, made with elk, venison and wild boar. The Bourbon Black Pepper Elk is the favorite.
- Something more filling: Trail's Best meat and cheese twin packs, a stick and a cheese stick in one wrapper.
- Camp cooler bulk: Buffalo Bills Short Shots, about 120 bite size sticks in a 30 oz bag for the cabin table. Keep the bag at camp, not in your pocket.
Browse everything individually wrapped or shop all Buffalo Bills.
How many sticks to bring
A working rule: 2 sticks per person for a half day, 3 to 4 for a full day in the field, plus a few extra for the drive. For a weekend camp of four people, a 24 count cup plus a 15 count cup covers it with sticks to spare. For a week long trip, go to a 2 lb saddlebag per two people.
Hunting season overlaps with the holidays, so many customers order a cup for the stand and a gift box for the people back home in the same cart. Orders of $59 or more (after discounts) ship free to the lower 48.
Packing tips
- Keep sticks in the original wrapper until you eat them. Pre peeling a few in a baggie is fine for a day, not a week.
- In a tree stand, open the wrapper slowly at the notch; it is quieter than tearing.
- Pack out wrappers. They are small and light, and a sandwich bag in a side pocket keeps them together.
- In hot weather, sticks soften but stay safe sealed. In freezing weather they firm up; a minute in a pocket brings them back.
- Dogs love them too. Keep the pack zipped.
Not sure which flavor to start with? Try our Help Me Choose quiz, or grab the Surprise Box for an assortment picked by us.
FAQ
Do beef sticks need a cooler on a hunting trip?
No. Sealed beef sticks are shelf stable and do not need refrigeration. Keep them out of direct sun when you can; heat will not spoil a sealed stick but can soften it.
How long can beef sticks sit in a pack or truck?
Sealed sticks are good until the best by date on the package, typically months. Once a stick is opened, eat it that day.
What are the best beef sticks for a long hike or backpacking?
Individually wrapped 9 inch sticks like Buffalo Bills Ole' Smokies give the most protein per ounce of pack weight and produce only a small wrapper to carry out. Turkey sticks are a leaner option.
