The Hunting Files

Floating Sunglasses!

A pair of my sunglasses fell off my head and into the water while reeling in a walleye last summer. Watching expensive sunglasses sink to the bottom of a river and swept away is sickening. A few months later a friend of mine lost his sunglasses in the lake while we were duck hunting. But, I just found a company that makes a solution to this problem: FISHGILLZ FLOATING SUNGLASSES!

FishGillz sunglasses have sleek, fashionable frames that float! The lightweight, polarized glasses also come with a floating, padded case and micro-fiber lens cloth. Many styles are available. The Santa Barbara style (pictured) feature tortoise shell frames, bronze lens, and orange tips. FishGillz floating sunglasses are a great idea that can ultimately save you money.

www.fishgillz.com

(760) 771-9145

By: JJ Reich

www.kampptales.com

My M.E.L....Minimum equipment list for hunting

I have been a  pilot for 30+ years,and  flying professionally for 24. I have flown dozens of different Airline and Corporate aircraft. Large, sophisticated jets have redundant systems, meaning if one system fails, the other(s) will back it up.  Each of these aircraft have what is called a Minimum Equipment List or "M.E.L." The M.E.L. tells the pilot the minimum amount of equipment  needed on that aircraft to safely complete a flight.
 
Well I have the same M.E.L. for when I go hunting.  Items that I consider the "minimum" to go hunting with, for a safe, enjoyable experience in the outdoors. My Back/Fanny pack always contains the following items:

Binoculars
Range finder
Scent Killer
Multi-tool
Gutting/Skinning Knife
Safety Harness
Nylon Cord
Cell Phone/Signaling Device
Water/Sports Drink
Compass/Gps
Matches/Lighter
Flashlight
Gardening Tool

Now before you say I am a walking advertisement for the Cabala's Catalog...let me explain.

-Binoculars..I started to see more deer and wildlife after breaking down and buying a GOOD pair of binoculars. They help me see better (and clearer) at dusk/ dawn.

-Scent Killer....what they can't smell, they can't detect...if you are like me...I am usually sweating by the time I reach my stand....I need all the help I can get !!

-Range finder...especially important when hunting a new area....don't risk wounding an animal because of misjudging a distance.

-Multi-tool...to many uses to cover here! Worth every penny. I use mine everyday at work, play, hunting, fishing, etc. A must for every Outdoorsman.

-As great as the Multi-tool is.....gutting/skinning calls for a "knife" !

-Safety Harness...Need I say more?

-Nylon Cord...from pulling your gun/pack up into your stand, to emergency repairs,first aid, drag line, etc...handy, handy, handy.

-Cell Phone/Signaling Device...You never know when it might save your bacon.

-Water/Sports Drink...keep yourself hydrated.

-Compass/GPS...Even on your Uncle Lee's Farm....you can get turned around tracking a wounded animal on a dark, rainy night.

-Matches/Lighter...For that warm fire (or signaling) when you forget to take your compass on Uncle Lee's Farm!

-Flashlight...next to the Multi-tool...a must.  Spend the extra $$ and get a REAL flashlight...it is worth it.

-Gardening Tool...I know, sounds funny, but I love to make mock scrapes, plus it gives you a place to relieve that Sports Drink (which is a whole other Blog).

There, that's my M.E. L. ...Yours  may vary slightly...develop your own and see if helps make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.

www.sportsmanscondo.com

Check Out These New Cold-Weather Boots!

LaCrosse Footwear’s Alpha Iceman

These10-inch, cold-weather boots features a soft-shell rubber bottom that is 100-percent waterproof and lightweight. The leather, stretch nylon and neoprene materials that make up the rest of the boot provide flexible comfort, and the removable, thick wool-felt liner makes these boots ultra warm.

The boots are so comfortable it feels like I am wearing big, warm slippers! Don’t get me wrong, these boots are durable and tough; but the comfort and fit from the soft-rubber, bottom shell and the stretch nylon is second to none. www.lacrossefootwear.com.

Note: JJ Reich is the Senior Field Test Coordinator for North American Hunter and North American Fisherman magazines. He manages, writes and edits the product review sections for both publications. He also frequently writes gear-related articles for several other publications and is the author of Kampp Tales Outdoor Adventures, which is series of hunt-friendly books for kids (www.kampptales.com).

New and Unique Antler Mount Kit!

Looking for a unique way to show off your trophy buck?

The Iron Buck antler mount from Do-All outdoors is a definite winner!

The distinctive looking antler mount is designed by an iron sculpture artist and allows you to display your antlers with style in just a few minutes. Just put your sawed-off antlers between the two brushed-steel plates and tighten the screws.

I used Iron Buck Antler Mount turned an old 8-point rack that was hanging in my garage into a work of art that is now on display on a wall inside my house. It truly is a unique and handsome way show off a trophy rack for years to come.

The styling and rustic looks of the iron sculpture is very attractive and really compliments the natural look of the antler rack.

However, I like how easy the Iron Buck is to assemble. It took  a mere thirty seconds to a few minutes to have my antlers mounted and hung on the wall.  The included instructions were well explained and simple to follow.

I also liked the versatility of the product because you can quickly swap and change antler racks within the mount, if desired. The optional accessories are cool too. With the shed adapter kit, I can mount two shed antlers that I found in the woods. With the pedestal panel, I can display the Iron Buck on a table.

But what I like most is the ‘european’ mount look and design, without the time-consuming cleaning and bleaching produce. Check it out at www.doalloutdoors.com

FatBoy Seat Cushions

Here's a way to stay comfortable longer while hunting:

Hunt Comfort’s FatBoy seat cushions are manufactured using high-quality materials like a double-thick inside layer of UltraSoft gel, a double-density foam base, and Teflon fabric protection. Both premium and lighter-weight models are available in a variety of camouflage patterns. Hunt Comfort also has a full line of other seat cushion styles and products. ($40-$60)

I must admit the price tag is a bit spendy. But, millions of people buy expensive memory-foam, gel-filled, tempurpedic mattresses and pillows for their bedrooms. Why? Because comfort is everything. The same way of thinking should reign true if you plan to sit on a metal treestand seat all day long. www.huntcomfort.com; (888) 757-3232 - by JJ Reich

Note: JJ Reich is the Senior Field Test Coordinator for North American Hunter and North American Fisherman magazines. He manages, writes and edits the product review sections for both publications. He also frequently writes gear-related articles for several other publications and is the author of Kampp Tales Outdoor Adventures, which is series of hunt-friendly books for kids (www.kampptales.com).

The Game Gourmet System

There is only one thing I like almost as much as being in the field hunting wild game. And that’s cooking, eating, and serving the game I harvest to family and friends.

As my full-time job, I coordinate, write and edit Product Test Review articles on hunting & fishing gear for North American Hunter and North American Fisherman magazines. Every so often, I’ll post a product-related article on THE HUNTING FILES, because I really like it. This time, I’d like to talk about Game Gourmet’s complete cooking systems.

Last week, my Dad came over to visit and I made a pheasant stew for him using the Upland Game recipe from Game Gourmet. Then, last night my cousin came over for a visit and I made the Roasts & Stews recipe with some venison steaks I got last deer season. Both meals turned out awesome. The meat was moist, tender and delicious! My friends and family agreed.

The Game Gourmet system is super easy with NO messy pots or pans to clean up. The bake-in-the-bag products include a simple recipe, all of the spices and a nifty oven cooking bag. You simply add the wild game meat, some vegetables and water to the bag and cook the bag (using a roasting pan) in the oven for 3 hours. The meat comes out moist and tender and without any “wild” taste.

Currently there are four products to choose from: Upland Game, Ducks and Geese, Soups and Stews, and Roasts and Steaks. Each packet offers a basic recipe, plus three additional creative recipes for variety.

I think every hunter should try this product. It’s only 5-10 minutes of prep time and 3 hours in the oven. Plus, the system mess-free, and tastes great.

Contact: Game Gourmet at: (800) 237-7583; www.gamegourmet.com.

Click on Thumbnail photo to see full-sized photo:

By JJ Reich

Outdoor Writer, and Author of Kampp Tales™ Hunting Books for Kids

www.kampptales.com