At right: The Simmons Rifle Scope.

In consideration of space I will forgo the normal introduction but will say that I have thoroughly enjoyed testing the following gear and feel that anyone with a love for the outdoors will enjoying using it as well. Let us remember what Christmas is really about. Merry Christmas.

Rifle Scope
Simmons has a Master Series scopeline that includes a ProHunter model 3-9Xx40WA not long on the market that is just incredible. The best feature on the scope in my opinion has got to be the “TrueZero” system. The TrueZero is just what it says it is. Sparing you the scientific details I will say that no longer does changing the magnification from 9X where you sighted in down to 3X change your point of impact. Also, when you make a click that equates to ¼ of an inch at 100 yards you get a real ¼ inch of movement in the strike of the bullet. Before you had to pay a significant amount of money to get a quality scope that could deliver that promise every time you made a change in the scope. Other great features include a full eye relief no matter the magnification. This means that you no longer have to creep up on the scope at some magnifications to see properly and then get whacked in the eyelid from the recoil. And finally, the scope is coated with a rubber coating on moving surfaces meaning you can keep those warm gloves on to make changes. I love this scope and was so envious as I put it on my wife’s rifle this season. It really did adjust with precision as stated. I had her rifle sighted in with six shots right out of the box. Consider me picky because it was dead on in three shots. I put three more downrange before I was a believer. I love shooting her rifle now that it has quality optics on it. Retails for $150-$200. That is hundreds less than other quality optics that you can count on.

Remington Hunting Clothes
Remington had two things in their licensed lineup of clothing that I really was impressed with. Some of the larger retailers carry their line and they can be ordered online or by phone. The 6 in 1 parka in the Stalker Hide series is waterproof, has large pockets, a zip out liner, handwarmer pockets, adjustable waist, a hood, adjustable cuffs and comes in Mossy Oak Breakup and Realtree Hardwoods. This is a nice parka made for hunting and cold weather. The pockets are really nice and it is warm. A set of bibs goes very well with this parka. They have the same Silent Hide material that is quiet. The side zippers are probably the only drawback in my opinion as they only go up to the knee but the bibs are made to last. The bibs have adjustable, elastic shoulder straps with quick-release buckles, are breathable and windproof, have side entry cargo pockets, two way zipper and a storm flap, 6 oz. of polyester. I see these two products as a nice hunting outfit. They also come in boys sizes.
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Do you want to come home each and every trip without falling out of your stand? Well, take it from me this product is for you. I ashamedly admit that I rarely used a safety harness while in a stand because I hated the hassle. I hated trying to figure out the complicated straps, particularly in the dark. On windy days I rarely ventured into space above ground because I knew better but I was stuck. I knew that slippery, wet or icy conditions were bad and that cut into my hunting as I had to choose between staying safe or risking it. Well, no more! The Tree Stand Safety Harness is so easy to use and well worth the money in my book. The harness comes in various models and sizes to include a reversible blaze orange and Mossy Oak. The straps are sewn into a wearable vest that goes over clothes and can be adjusted. It even comes with a deer drag. It is comfortable to wear and can be easily snapped into place in seconds. Check it out at their website. I think every treestand should come with one.

I plan on getting one for my wife and close friends too. I have already had a few close calls and so has one of my friends. This is the best safety product I have ever reviewed.

Tatoos Plugs
If you love wooden plugs and love casting to big fish you have to visit this website. This company is headquartered in Rhode Island where anglers love to fish around jetties and inshore for large rockfish in the surf. I hope to try it on fish feeding on the surface in the Chesapeake area as well. The Swimmer series and the Sea Pup are impressive hand creations that have my attention. This family owned business will likely grow as the word gets out about their great product. For northern readers you might want to stock up now and get in on the action before you have to wait until the spring. There will be more info to come on these great plugs after we try them out.

Summit Disc
If your spouse is looking for a great product to go with the ATV that will make food plot prep a quick task then take a look at this website. The Summit Plot Mule Flip Disc is a very sturdy implement that I have used for more than six months. I have used the disc to break up skid rows, trails and small plots full of sticks and even stones. The Flip Disc is so easy to use. It trailers behind the truck or ATV to where you need it then can be flipped over to begin breaking ground. I used it to plant all my seed from PlotSpike to include a dove plot, Forage oats, and some of their deer blends. This year is the second year I have seen results and a definite increase in deer on my property. I owe it all to the Summit Flip Disc, the PlotSpike seeds and the Polaris Sportsman ATV that I used. (see review in Chesapeake Angler on ATV) The Plot Mule comes in many configurations. While the unit may seem pricey consider that it will last for many years and figure how many hunting seasons you will see improved by its use.