My brother-in-law were just having this discussion the other day. The thing we agreed on was the use of trailcams. While we haven't become alot more successful, it has change the way we approach hunting.

Blessings.....Pastorjim

Improvement of the quality of calls and becoming an above average caller. This pretains to elk, waterfowl and predator hunting.

The laser rangefinder. Its had a big impact on archery as well as firearm hunting.

The most impact
 

The greater ability of the industry to keep coming out with new products that in total can separate the hunter from a lot of money.

Modern tree stands have that system down pat. Or new updates in bullets that will penetrate the armor worn by deer today. Heck, they never wore that armor thirty years ago.

I will add the ability to wick moisture.I don't tuff it out anymore.All day sits are no longer ordeals.The single best item I've purchased is a simple pair of lifetime socks from Bass Pro.They work great in the cold and warmer weather w/high humidity.

Tree Stand Safety and Trail Cameras

better optics,but then we cant forget all the gizmos and gadgets one must have for that special hunt.

Synthetic stocks and polymer frames.


Great materials for hard working tools.

I would say the inline ML. Until a couple of years ago, I had no interest in the smokepoles. If it would not have been for the inlines, I would have went deerless the last 2 seasons.

Thermacell