Nov.
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Nov.
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Product
Review
November: Hot Month for Hunting Gear By Mark Fike |
|||
| This is the month where many of us take up our camo colored wardrobe and still keep a line open on the fishing scene. Much of the gear I reviewed the last few months was in preparation for hunting so here goes with the best of the gear I used and tested. | |||
| Buck
Bomb Scents The product is essentially two ounces of pure urine in an aerosol spray that can be released in bursts as you walk to your stand or locked down to cover the entire area around your stand and downwind. How far does the scent travel? According to the company it will spread ¼ mile in a 3-mph wind. Unlike other scents this one attaches to everything (twigs and leaves) and is the most natural. I personally liked that it does not spill or stink up my truck or get on my hands like other scents. It also works as a cover scent for those days I am in a huff to get to where I am going and may be emitting “odorous humanous.” Buck Bomb comes in Doe in Estrus, Dominant Buck, Doe P, Young Buck, and Vanilla Curiosity. You might consider shooting it in short bursts as you approach your stand to cover the scent you leave as you go through the brush. Make a “drag” trail with it. If you use the Doe in Estrus and one of the buck scents you could possibly really tick off the big boy and bring him in fast! |
|
||
|
Also, consider using
calls and rattlling with the product. If the wind shifts you can hit
the can for a few seconds to help cover your scent again. Think of the
endless scenarios. The company also makes predator lines and elk lines
of scents that work in a similar manner. I used one of the doe scent
cans and had some deer come in with their nose to the air looking around
for the intruding deer. They were not nervous but very curious which
makes for an easier shot. This product appears to be a real tool to
putting meat in the freezer and maybe a nice rack on the wall. I cannot
wait until muzzleloader season, which is only weeks away as I write
this. The buck scents are going to really get some use from me! |
|||
 “Switch It” Schrade Knife |
Schrade
Knives Just when we thought Schrade might be a thing of the past, the company was purchased by Taylor Brands LLC. I had the opportunity to test their Tough Camo series of knives designed for hunters.  |
|
This folding “Switch It” blade is made of blackened 440 stainless steel that does not rust or reflect light as other blades do. It has a clip to carry at the top of your pocket or on a belt and the handle has a rubberized coating that is camouflaged. There are two models of this great, yet inexpensive knife. My experiences were
great with the knives. I carried one as my exclusive knife on my camping
and float trip in August. It was used for camp work, cutting hot dog
sticks, cleaning fish, and a variety of other chores. Since then I used
it to wire my boat trailer, whittle, pick crabs, and a variety of other
things. I can honestly say that the knife never chipped, got dull or
let me down in any way. The blade held up really well and I really like
the handle coating. It retails for $19.95. A great buy in my book, especially
if you are hard on a knife! |
|
 Hippo Mouth Decoy Bag |
Duck
Decoy Bags Hunters Specialties has a Hippo Mouth Decoy Bag that is approximately 40X24X18. My old decoy bag was tough to stuff dekes in and even tougher to get them out because it was so narrow. This Hippo Mouth is the deal! The wide opening makes for fast, no mess deke removal and fast cleaning up too. The bag has shoulder straps that adjust and a 2 Man Carrying system too. The bag is made of PVC coated mesh making for less tangles with deke line. I have to say that this is the bag I wish I had years ago. The OD color blends in all environments too. The Hippo holds 36 magnum dekes. Hunters Specialties also has a floating decoy bag if you wade to your setup. The 40 X 50 bag has a padded waist belt, 2 man carrying straps and shoulder straps. It is also made of a PVC coated mesh. It holds 30 magnum decoys. Go to www.hunterspec.com |
| Duck
loads Winchester shotshell ammunition has a new load on the market for waterfowl hunters. The Supreme Elite loads are a non-toxic alternative to lead and steel. The loads weigh 55% more than steel shot, pattern very nicely, and are reported to knock down ducks at longer ranges more effectively. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have approved the high-density loads. They penetrate very well for clean kills. I noted that they come in loads ranging from 3-½ inch down to 2 2/4 inches and from sizes 4 up to B in 12 gauge and 3 inch 20 gauge loads as well. |
 Supreme Elite Winchester shotshell |
|
I really felt confident during my testing of the loads and really want to put them to use. The shot is very round making for consistent flight. The patterns are tight and consistent in my trials. The shotshell is just in time to bag a few ducks and maybe geese if you have a good field to hunt over. The 12 ga. loads will have a muzzle velocity of 1450 fps and the 20 ga. loads will have a velocity of 1400 fps. The loads come 10 per box. For more information on Winchester® products, visit their website at www.winchester.com. |
|
 Bushnell Marine 7X50 |
Marine
Binos Finally, I have one more product I wanted to slip in this month. Trophy rockfish will soon be in our waters. One of the best ways to locate these big fish is with a pair of binoculars. Over the past few months I was able to test two pair of binos. One pair was for hunting and the other for marine use. The Bushnell Marine 7X50 binos have a roof prism, center focus system with a 348-foot field of view at 1000 yards. Most importantly they are 100% water and fog proof for those chilly mornings on the bay or the ocean. A floating neck strap comes with the binos just in case you drop them overboard. The strap is bright yellow. |
|
My experience with the binos showed them to be of good quality and well worth having on board. I use to have a cheap pair of binos because I was worried about the saltwater trashing a good pair. I found that there is no worry with the Bushnells and they are so much better and clearer and therefore easier to see birds working. Look for them in your favorite boat or fishing shop. www.bushnell.com. I wish I had more room to tell you about some other neat products but space can get scarce so I gave you the best of the products I used. We at Chesapeake Angler wish you the best for your rockfishing and your hunting this month! |
|
