This versatile tripod has proven itself valuable for various applications, including glassing with spotting scopes and providing a solid platform for shooting with rifles weighing nearly 20 pounds.
Using thermal optics adds a new dimension to hunting. A thermal scope is very different from a traditional rifle scope and night vision scope.
Maintaining the exceptional patented rifle-back scabbard and a robust aluminum frame designed for bearing heavy loads, the Team Elk V2 goes a step further by incorporating an innovative meat-carrying system.
Having used the Dedito Luca boots across continents—Africa, Alaska, the Midwest, and Montana—for eight months, I can vouch for their stellar performance.
Nashville, Tennessee – The recent Safari Club International (SCI) Show held in Nashville, Tennessee, proved to be an unforgettable experience for hunting enthusiasts and conservationists… Read More »A Look Back at the SCI Show in Nashville – The Premier Hunting Event of the Year
The ELD-VT (Extreme Low Drag-Varmint Target) bullet!
At SHOT Show 2024, Warne, known for their exceptional scope mounts and rings, introduced the latest addition to their lineup – the Skyline Lite Bipod. The Skyline Lite is an incredibly sturdy and versatile bipod for its price.
ATN has always been at the forefront of budget-minded night optics and now they have added another option in their catalog of products.
The Gift of Sight If you are looking for a Christmas gift that will impress your outdoor and hunting lover, look no further than the… Read More »The Perfect Christmas Gifts for Every Outdoor and Hunting Adventure
I have used the older Marmot Tungsten 3P tent for nearly 5 years now with nothing but good things to say. When I saw they came out with a lighter-weight version that shaved off nearly 50% of the weight I knew I had to give it a shot.
Welcome to our first look at the Badlands Bino X2 Bino Harness – a must-have accessory for every outdoor enthusiast, hunter, and nature lover!
Discover the thrilling world of backcountry rafting with Kokopelli’s revolutionary inflatable packraft, the Rogue R-Deck.
The game of shooting is mostly mental, but what we practice the most are the physical elements, hoping that our mind goes along for the ride.
The On Glass Spotting Scope Adapter is a versatile and affordable spotting scope phone adapter that is perfect for capturing stunning images
The spotting scope is designed to cater to the needs of weight-wary, backcountry hunters who require premium optics in a compact package.
Full video review of the most advanced digital spotting scope currently available.
Video review of the Elk Mountain Bell Tent including setup.
Brand new from Sightmark is the “budget-friendly” Wraith Mini thermal riflescope. Packed full of features this optic is sure to please at the price point offered
The Really Right Stuff (RRS) Ascend Tripod is the American made standard for a tripod that can be used to shoot or glass from.
This Father’s Day, consider giving your dad the ultimate, with the gift of quality time spent together. You don’t need to buy an expensive gift for it to be a priceless gesture on Father’s Day. With that said, if you are looking for great gift ideas for Father’s Day for the men in your life that love to hunt, I’ve got some suggestions.
What long-range practice does is it makes those 40-yard-and-in-whitetail shots feel like chip shots, and when you head West, and a velvet-racked muley has his face stuffed in a herbaceous plant at 62 yards, you can draw, anchor, and execute properly.
Today, when youth interest is waning in the outdoors it’s even more important to get them outside and involved in the hunting lifestyle early and often.
Built rugged and ready for the field, this Razor did not disappoint.
The rounds of the HammerDown line are what would today be called short-range rounds.
Typically, stick-and-string goers get the first crack at springtime noisemakers in most states. Archery-only seasons give bowhunters a chance to hit the woods, often for several weeks, before loud booms start filling the woods.
There are some companies that are just not given the credit deserved. Take for example, optics manufacturers Meopta.
Having worn an older version for years, I was curious to see if the design and material of Sitka’s new and improved Jetstream Jacket hold’s up to my expectations.
The Freedom Arms line carries guns on a similar level as custom guns.
Too much gun? What does it mean? Simple. It means shooting a firearm, any firearm, that isn’t enjoyable to shoot because it abuses the body in one way or another.
As with everything, choosing a cartridge for suppressed hunting is full of good, better, and best options. 375 Raptor is the cartridge that I would place in the “best” category.
Injuries and health issues are a part of life, and I know I’m not the first hunter to suffer an injury less than a month out.
The Grendel has been used for a variety of purposes, including long-range competitions, practical competitions, hunting, and for tactical use.
Sadly, bad things can happen on hunts, especially when roaming the backcountry.
Eberlestock is famous in the special forces world for their backpacks. They’ve recently been breaking into the hunting market with lighter-weight packs, technical clothing, and… Read More »Eberlestock Recon Modular Bino Pack – The New Favorite Reviewed
The coolest thing about this unit is the ability to use it as either a helmet-mounted monocular or scope for your rifle. The versatility is amazing. For those who want a quality thermal rifle scope, but also the ability to hike around hands-free looking through thermal, the NOX18 was made for you. While other dedicated thermal scope options with a larger objective lens would provide more clarity, the NOX18 blends weight, size, and function beautifully.
The Rico MK1 384 thermal riflescope from iRayUSA features a rugged, waterproof, construction with a base 4x magnification making it ideal for long range nighttime hunting. It’s driven by a 12μm sensor with a 50hz refresh rate. It features the new optimized MATRIX III image algorithm software for sharp image resolution.
“A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” Steve Jobs I am a punctual person. From my… Read More »The Smartest Watch for Shooters and Hunters
In my never-ending search for the perfect optic to pair with a lightweight, long-range hunting rifle, Vortex Optics’ Razor HD LHT piqued my interest with its impressive feature set to weight ratio. How well does it perform in the field though? I’ve put the new 4.5-22×50 MOA model through extensive testing and am here to answer that exact question.
In this article, I cover the IRay ZOOM, which offers a unique feature to a thermal scanner.
I’ve been a fan of razor blade knives since the first time I used one. I was excited to see that Liberty Game Calls is making one they call the Switchback
I dropped down onto the other side of the ranch gate and onto the saturated soil. I was hunting private property south of Longview, Texas, in early April 2021, and it had been raining much of the last 24 hours. It had been raining pretty steady for the last three days of my time here in East Texas, which made the fields and pastures even more inviting to the feral hogs that so love to root up the ground.
I’m a bit of a backpack fanatic and I’ve tested piles of them over the years. One of the things I’ve learned is there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each adventure — from the whitetail woods of the Midwest to the elk-rich Rockies — requires a particular pack.
The Bering Optics Hogster Stimulus is no question fantastic for the dollar, if you are on a very limited budget. At $1599, you would be hard pressed to find something that will hang with it as far as capabilities go. But what if you have a little more in the tank? To answer that question, we took a look at the Stimulus side by side with Hogster R-35.
I’m always looking for a better mousetrap. So far, the AZIAK Equipment bino clamp is the best lightweight bino/tripod adapter I’ve seen for hunting and lightweight applications where saving every ounce of weight matters.
That was one of the furthest shots I’ve even made with a thermal optic, at night, on a hog. My guide and fellow hunters were cheering my shot, and I certainly felt good about it. But I also knew the REAP-IR made the shot possible.
If you’re a hunter, the SnipePod can be a crucial piece of gear. It gives you a stable yet flexible base to take sitting shots over brush and grass, and it significantly less than any other sitting bipod on the market (and less than many prone bipods as well). For $145, that’s not a bad deal.
Thermal optics have long been the domain of the, uh, not poor. While some people have a job that can justify the upfront cost, it has not been a realistic option for the masses. Granted, prices have gone down. But not down to the point of accessibility to the masses. Until now.
For many of you reading this and just jumping into the world of thermal optics, do not fret, it is not as complicated as some may suggest. While Thermal scopes are not cheap, they are an absolute game-changer in the world of night hunting. 5 years ago, I would have never believed how powerful of a tool thermal would become in my hunting game.
Thermal optics have been gaining popularity amongst hunters and outdoor enthusiasts over the last decade. Advancements in thermal imaging technology have brought the costs down to a more affordable level.
Ideas for finding the perfect gift for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman.
Ideas for finding the perfect gift for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman.
When you’re traveling halfway around the world for the hunt of a lifetime, you need to consider exactly what rifle to choose, especially when you are planning to hunt a variety of game. I own several rifles in my personal collection, unfortunately, most are not ideal for African plains game
This article is the second of two on thermal optics. In part one I discussed night vision, how I decided to invest in thermal optics, and profiled the iRay MH25 thermal scanner. In this article, I cover the Bering Optics Super Hogster thermal riflescope.
When it comes to hunting gear, there are certain items you can skimp on — look for a deal — take the low-end route. Optics aren’t one of these items. Few gear pieces will make or break your success, especially when hunting the west, like quality optics.
The first of a two part series, this article covers the scanning portion of thermal night hunting with a review of the IrayUSA Mini MH25 thermal scanner.
If you take the time to care for your meat correctly, you’ll have a happy processor, and it will be some of the best-tasting game you’ve ever prepared.
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
changes is the relatively new Vapor 5000. It’s a very minimalist lightweight shell or bag that can be loaded from the top or front.
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
If you’ve got a trip of a lifetime planned, are considering trying your hand at mountain hunting for the first time, or just in the market for an expedition-type pack the go check out Barney’s for some outstanding hunting packs.
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
A few seasons back, my buddy Terron introduced me to the idea of creating my own rubbing post complete with a licking branch. It forever changed the way I hunt.
At only $200, the Fusion costs less than almost any other cellular camera on the market, and monthly upload plans start at $5 for 650 photos and go up to $20 for unlimited photos. Paired with a Stealth Cam solar battery for $70 and a memory card, you can run a self-sustaining camera anywhere on your hunting ground for less than $300.
Leupold & Stevens—long famous for their rock-solid riflescopes—have stepped up their game of late, and their BX-5HD binocular offers an incredible value.
As a hunter and conservationist, harvesting bears is an important aspect of sound wildlife management practices. Having the ability to construct a bait site on public land- where it is legal, is a great way to hunt bears. Below are my top 5 tips for baiting bears on public land that have worked for me.
Last fall, Sitka Gear released a new hunting jacket, the Stratus, in two versions: one in Blaze Orange, the other in Sitka’s Optifade Elevated II camouflage pattern. I have been on some chilly hunts with first-rate results!
If you are a hunter who wants to help your chances, you will want to wear camo. If you want to optimize your camouflage you might consider a ghillie.
If you’re thermal-curious and have the budget, go buy one of these. If you’re a veteran night hunter looking to upgrade your set-up to something more streamlined? Believe the hype. The Pulsar Thermion delivers.
Like many others, I have heard for years about the droves of roosting doves in Argentina and groups shooting thousands of birds a day. To a guy who has sat for hours in an Alabama dove field waiting for enough dove to fill a 15 bird limit, this seems unfathomable – the stuff of legends, hunting folklore if you will.
Shooting Tripods come in many configurations and can become overwhelming to new shooters. You have high-end, purpose built tripods like the
If it is adventure that you seek, then you will find it hunting mountain lion, bobcat or lynx in the winter months. These hunts can be extremely physical and being well-prepared can certainly enhance your experience.
A lot of hunting is waiting. Hunting season in most of the country comes with cold weather. Hunting can be exciting, there is nothing like finding the buck or shooting the duck, but when you have to sit in the cold it can lose some of its luster. Let’s beat the cold and harvest that game.
If you’re a hardcore coyote hunter odds are you don’t just use e-callers. They’re a tried-and-true method for creating awesomely realistic sounds in real-time. You can even mix it up by using e-callers and diaphragm calls together. Interested? Then you should check out MFK Game Calls.
Your feet matter. There’s no reason to go through a hunt miserable from foot pain or to risk infection or injury. Invest in Kenetreks and you’ll not only be a happier hunter but your feet will thank you.
Fixed blade or a folding knife? 5 inch blade or a 10 inch blade? When it comes to choosing a knife to venture outdoors with here some things to consider.
It’s too bad that the waterproofing on the leather and nylon outside your boot wears off so quickly. This is the waterproofing that you need to renew to keep your feet dry.
Bullets have evolved considerably since their first use from homogenous pure lead to homogenous copper and brass. Along the way, velocities have increased from a few hundred feet per second (fps) to a few thousand feet per second. For the most part, hunters have strived for complete penetration on whatever game animal they are pursuing.
This hunt area doesn’t allow any motorized vehicles so you either walk, bike, or horseback it into your area. The area is very much a DIY and muscle power area.
Best known for its hunting apparel, Sitka jumps into the emergency shelter market with its new Flash Shelter 8’x10,’ a tarp that packs light but rolls out large enough to provide cover for two people. For the backcountry hunter, the Flash Shelter is made to provide quick concealment, and shelter from rain, wind, and snow.
I was recently on a public land antelope hunt in Colorado. Like most Colorado tags, I had waited several years to draw this tag; five to be exact. I was very excited and enthusiastic about getting out and chasing around some speed goats.
The real genius of the Kestrel is its floating carriage. The frame your binos mount to is suspended on the shock cord that runs through the poles. That means that you can freely slide the binos up and down the pole. The shock cord takes all the weight off the binos so that they feel weightless in your hands.
These are the things I do as a flatlander, it helps make the summer doldrums go by faster and keeps me eagerly awaiting the first hint of fall.
Since we are so limited on the amount of time that we get in the field each year, it is crucial that we get to know an area as well as we can to maximize our chances of being successful. The OnX App can greatly help with that.
Highly recommend this pack for any outdoorsman in need of a tough, well-made pack from a respected manufacturer.
As a gun nut, one of the things I take for granted is the value of a good blade. Because I am also an avid hunter, I am reminded yearly of this very thing. I have spent years of my life testing various blades, and most of them have left me wanting more from a knife. My current opinion is that a person needs many for a variety of applications, outfits, and events. You know, for specific tasks and fashion demands.
Most small game hunters start chasing squirrels only when the leaves fall off the trees and they are easier to locate in the canopy. I too love to chase these fuzzy tailed critters in the winter months, but if you want a challenge and some early season fun, I would suggest you get into the woods when the leaves are still on.
When looking forward to rifle season there are a few decisions that every hunter needs to make. The first decision is to select an appropriate cartridge.
In part three let’s take a detailed look at the remaining essential gear, as well as great backcountry rifle setups. Remember; good quality gear lasts longer, works better, and offers the best chance of keeping you alive when the chips are down.
This is the second article in a three-part series on the gear needed to be a successful wilderness-territory bivy hunter. In it, I’ll detail good gear and techniques for obtaining and purifying water, and carrying and cooking food.
The Mc3 stock by Mcmillan should be a top choice for your next weapon build. The Tradition by Mc3 for Remington 700 BDL models is constructed of a glass filled proprietary polymer.
Few arrows have won the hearts and minds of bowhunters like Easton’s Full Metal Jacket line. Some say it’s the branding. Others note the shaft’s racy look. Not me. I credit Easton innovation.
To bivy hunt effectively, you must have the right gear. It’s got to be good stuff, and most importantly of all, it must be super lightweight because more often than not you’ll be carrying it all on your back.
Ravin’s R29X crossbow may be more accurate at 100 yards than most AK-47’s. The R29X shoots a 400grain arrow at 450 feet per second and makes 3″ groups at 100 yards.
Phone Skope has partnered with Seekar Technologies in order to develop an artificial intelligence program to implement into their app along with augmented reality aspects. With this partnership, they have released Skoped AI, an app that can be downloaded for IOS and Android users.
Accuracy is crucial in a self-defense situation, of course, but the odds are small that you’ll ever need a firearm for self-defense. Hunting, on the other hand, combines the frequency of competition with the ethical import of life and death.
Morakniv has been in the business for almost 130 years producing high-quality knives near the city of Mora, Sweden; in fact, Morakniv means “knives from Mora”.
Maybe you’re new to the game of bowhunting or maybe you’ve been toting a stick-and-string for years. Regardless, there are some things, quick fixes, every bowhunter should be able to do.
If you struck out during the regular early season hunts, these late season antlerless hunts can be a great way to get outdoors and add some meat security till you get another opportunity to hunt the more sought after antlered game. If you start to get nervous when you can see the bottom of your freezer like I do, then this season can be a great safety blanket heading into the spring and summer months, and with the low cost of tags, the risk versus rewards are low.
Hunting the early season for any animal is always exciting. You can often take advantage of animals that have not been hunted since last fall and this can lead them to make mistakes that they are not known to do as the season wears on. On this hunt, I was able to exploit the behavior of early-season geese.
