|
Some of the many deer hunting scents and human scent reduction products on the market make for excellent holiday stocking stuffers. This includes products from Wildlife Research Center, Buck Stop, Code Blue and Pete Rickard. |
ONCE AGAIN the
Open your hearts and wallets. Start stimulating the economy with these recommendations.
TRACER NOCKS
Experienced local bowhunters tell me lighted arrow nocks are the way to go. Several products are on the market, among them Tracer Nocks from Easton (eastonarchery.com).
Magnetic trigger on the bow limb turns on the bright fluorescent orange or fluorescent green LED at the shot, enabling the archer to follow the arrow's flight and better recover it. Beyond helping ascertain the shot placement, lost arrows with razor sharp broadheads can be dangerous. Practice nocks are included with each pack. They come in packs of two ($19) or four ($38).
Personal First Aid Kits
Some of the newest offerings in prepackaged kits come from Adventure Medical Kits (adventuremedical kits.com). The 3.9-ounce Pocket Survival Pak ($33) includes a rescue whistle, signal mirror, waterproof fire starting material, spark-generating lighter and compass. Also included is duct tape, lightweight wire, heavy duty nylon thread, scalpel blade, fishhooks, heavy sewing needle and more.
The S.O.L (Survive Outdoors Longer) 3 package adds a survival blanket, LED headlamp, heavy duty aluminum foil, cable ties, EMT shears, latex gloves, wound care items and medications for treating allergies and pain. Iodine drops for water purification are also included. About $50. Both kits have waterproof survival and first aid instructions.
Rescue Tape
For first aid of another type, consider Rescue Tape (rescue-tape.com), a self-fusing silicone tape designed for emergencies and all-purpose repairs. It's touted as having tested at more than 920 PSI break strength.
The manufacturers hail its ability to seal busted radiator hoses right over oil, grease and dirt, and withstand heat to 500 degrees and electrical resistance to 8,000 volts per layer. It can be used to repair electronics such as VHF radios, fish finders and navigation equipment, onboard electrical wiring, and can waterproof electrical connections and protect battery cables and terminals.
It quickly begins curing into one piece of silicone, creating an airtight, watertight seal resistant to salt water, fuels, oils, acids, solvents and UV rays. Two 12-foot rolls, 1-inch wide and 20 milimeters thick, cost $24.95.
LIQUA-BAIT LOCKER
Many of today's simulated live baits, such as Berkley Gulp!, are great at catching fish, but they can also be a tad oily and aromatic if spilled. Plano's new Liqua-Bait Locker System (planomolding.com) is designed to contain liquids and odors while ensuring the bait's freshness.
Made from see-through plastic with Dri-Loc O-ring seals to keep components leak-proof and airtight. The product is designed in varying depths on the footprint of a 3700 StowAway Utility box, which allows them to fit into tackle bags with similarly matched boxes. It was named a best new product at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) last summer. $20.
BUSHNELL TROPHY CAM
Trail cameras are wonderful tools, but most are big and heavy. Bushnell's new Trophy Cam (bushnell.com) is just 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Two models are available: standard and one with a built-in color viewer. The viewer, though, is almost too small to discern much image detail.
Both cameras have the same photo capture features, including digital night vision, 3- to 5-megapixel full color (daytime) resolution, video burst capability, and ability to take 1 or 3 still frames per trigger. Requires SD card and 8 AA batteries. Expected battery life is 220 days. $200.
ZIPVAC FOOD SEALER
We've vacuum sealed fish and game for years using a FoodSaver countertop appliance. Lately, we've been using the ZipVac portable vacuum-packaging tool and their freezable, microwavable, boilable ZipVac bags.
The system includes a handheld rechargeable vacuum pump that plugs into 110-volt outlets and a handheld manual pump. Simply attach the pump to a valve on the bag and suck out the air. Bags come in quart, gallon, filet and jumbo sizes. The gear is light, small and travels well, making it useful at hunting and fishing camp. See zip-vac.com. Look for sale prices to $25.
HOBIE'S MIRAGE PRO ANGLER
Hobie's new lightweight boat (hobiecat.com/fishing) was voted by buyers and media as the most innovative new product in two categories at ICAST 2009. If prepared to spend big on a gift for the small-boat fishing fan, check it out.
The Pro Angler uses the patented MirageDrive pedal system, which is connected to two underwater flippers. The 13-foot, 8-inch Pro Angler is built for stability. Most anglers can actually stand and cast from it. Although weighing only 138 pounds fully rigged, it can carry 600 pounds. There are too many features to cover here. $2,199.
ELIMINATOR CARGO BLIND
This new waterfowl blind from Final Approach (fa brand.com) is built on a lightweight, collapsible aluminum frame. Attach the wheels, fill it with decoys and gear, then roll it to your hunting location.
It helps eliminate multiple trips from vehicles. Can carry up to a dozen full-body decoys, four dozen silhouettes or more than 200 rag decoys, plus gun and other gear. Constructed with waterproof-coated 600-denier poly fabric with the base employing -inch closed cell foam to insulate against wet and cold. Features a double lid system for fast shooting access and Stubble Straps for attaching natural cover. Available in three camo patterns. About $250.
SUPER TALKER DEER CALL
The original Hunter's Specialties (hunterspec.com) True Talker Deer Call is my favorite deer call. The new Super Talker keeps original features, such as the flexible fingering membrane, which allows hunters to play the call like an instrument and reproduce deer sounds from fawn bleats to guttural buck grunts. It also features increased volume, enhanced guttural and distinct clicking sounds. $15.
Finally, Support Virginia's conservation efforts with a Virginia Wildlife $12.95 subscription and $10 calendar purchase. The monthly magazine is ad free. The $10 calendar has sunrise-sunset and moon phase listings and gorgeous photos. To order, call 800/710-9369.
Ken Perrotte can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, by fax at 373-8455 or e-mail
Email: outdoors@freelancestar.com.
