Waterproof Nubuck leather and tough Cordura® nylon upper. Breathable GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane lining. 600-gram Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation adds warmth. Removable full-cushion insole. Compression molded EVA foam midsole with fabric wrap. Wolverine® Rubber Lug outsole. Cement construction. Lightweight nylon shank fights fatigue.

On Target - First off it’s a women’s boot and no I’m not wearing them. I have been hearing a lot in the outdoor industry about women not getting any love. There are a few new companies out there starting to develop womens hunting apparel and I thought I should have my wife test out a pair of womens hunting boots. We began looking for a good hunting boot that kept her feet dry and comfortable. We came across the Women’s Ridge-line High from Wolverine. This turkey season my wife has gotten to put them to the test. I drug her everywhere and made her walk places she wouldn’t of normally. Guys, not one gripe. She didn’t complain a bit. Now, I don’t know if it solely was the boots or just my country charm but I’ll definitely make sure she’s wearing her Wolverine boots next time we head to the woods.

While we hunted this season I asked her to evaluate the boots. I would ask her for her thoughts once turkey season was over. Here is what i got and I quote; “They’re a lot better than the big kid boots you had me in last year. Finally, I move up the list enough to get a nice pair of hunting boots. They’re comfortable, my feet stayed dry, and they fit right.”

Off Target- I asked her what she didn’t like about the boot and here’s what i got and I quote; They’re a little pricey but in the end I think they’re worth it. The high back part of the boot was really hard and rubbed the back of my leg at first but once the boot got worn in they felt great.”

There you have it. A review for the women. Hope it helps some of you women out that are serious about hunting. Check out the complete womens line of hunting boots at www.wolverine.com

The Phantom Pro-Series Wireless Calling System offers many fine features to help all your calling needs. The Phantom Pro-Series Wireless System operates on 4 AA batteries in the remote receiver and 4 AA in the transmitter allowing for longer battery life up to 16 hours at maximum volume. This model has an on/off button with a light on/off indicator, low battery light, mute button and a volume control. An ABS all weather 15 watt speaker is plugged into the top and clipped on the back of the receiver unit, making this a compact system with the capability to place the sound away from you up to 200 yards, depending on the terrain, distancing yourself from the center of sound to ensure you remain safely undetected from your ground blind or tree stand, therefore enhancing your calling success.

There are 7 different sound modules available, Whitetail, Predator, Gobbler, Moose, Elk, Bear, Honker with future plans for more modules to be available. With each sound module you purchase there is a faceplate for that particular sound module. No guesswork to what sounds you’ll be making. Our unique feature is to double the same sound or combine 2 different sounds at the same time, this can give your calling environment a more life like setting. It is recommended that you check with your local DNR for legal use of electronic wildlife calls.

On Target- First off let me say that my first field test with this unit was a success. I lured in 3 coyotes to within 50 yards of my blind, one taking a snow nap. This is my first experience with electronic calls and l have to also say that I really think there a must for coyote hunting. It sure give the lips a break. Not having to deal with long wires was nice and the ability to make numerous distress sounds at one time really makes your calling sequence sound realistic. I think if your a big predator hunter I would sure have one of these in my pack.

Off Target- I think the 200 yards is stretching it. I had it setting in the middle of a frozen lake with no terrain changes at 70 yards and I had problems with it turning on and off. Not to say it doesn’t work at 200 yards but from my experience it seemed to have difficulties working at long distances.

Calling all predator hunters! Check out the great Electronic calling line-up at: www.phantomcalls.com

The BackPack Blind was designed for maximum concealment. Hunters no longer have to carry in a separate blind. The Blind is incorporated on the BackPack and NOT in the BackPack, so it does not take away any space from the backpack. Once attached to the shooting rail, it’s very user friendly. “Less than 2 minutes to set up and 2 minutes to take down”.

• Light weight and quiet.
• 2200 cubic inches of capacity with the blind folded and put away.
• Durable construction, waterproof shell and blind.
• Mesh Pockets that store your gear are at arms length, once the blind is fully opened. H2O Compatible.
• Strategically placed zipper atop the backpack gives you access to the main compartment without having to reach over the shooting rail.
• Fits all fixed, climbers, ladder stands and tri-pod stands (With Shooting Rail)

On Target - First off let me just say thank you to the guys behind this great product. You are true innovators and outdoorsmen. I do a lot of hunting and I seem to always have my pack with me. I don’t always carry a pop-up blind or take the time to cut branches and build a man made blind. With this product I have the best of both worlds. The blind is always with me whether I need it or not. It’s no extra weight, I still have all the room in my pack as I did before, and it’s a dependable, durable pack. I would recommend this pack to anyone. Great Pack guys!

Off Target - There weren’t any real problems with the pack. I did notice some improvements I would recommend though. 1. Add some sort of comfortable strap that snaps around the waist area for long hikes. 2. I would add more durable waterproof zippers all around.

Check them out when you get a chance: www.beyondbackpacks.com

Scent Stalker© is a patented all inclusive scent system that allows you, the hunter, to dispense, collect and store your favorite liquid scents and attractants.

On Target- Scent Stalker has taken the use of scents to a new level. With the new innovative system I’m able to snap on the thermal leg pouch, adjust the amount of scent I want laid down and walk to my stand with ease. No more pulling a drag line out of a zip lock bag and reapplying scent to it every 50 yards as I walk to my stand.

And that’s not all I get with the Scent Stalker system. It acts as a scent bomb once I get to the stand and it comes with the tools needed to extract my own scent from a hot doe I’ve taken.

Off Target-  When opening my Scent Stalker System I thought to myself “You’ve got to be kidding me”. I’m pretty good about pulling a new surround sound system from a box and setting it up with no instructions but this was going to need a couple forum posts, watching the instructional DVD, and a little trial and error. At first it seems tough but it’s really not. I suggest watching the instructional DVD first. It would be nice to have some written instructions for us hunters who don’t carry a DVD player along on some of our hunts.

I think it’s a great system and with the new additions and adjustments 2008 should be a great year for Scent Stalker. Read more about the Scent Stalker System at www.scentstalker.com

Each strip is engineered for optimal performance in every condition. Individual holes within every strip make sure they’ll stay put when you stick them on twigs or small branches. Along with the unbeatable portability and scent quality, they’re made with environmentally friendly material so you don’t have to go and bring them in like traditional scented wicks.

On Target- Many questions come up when talking about scents and scent dispensers. Do they work; are they easy to use; do they leave a stinky mess all over your hands; and I’m sure there’s a couple more I’m leaving out. There are a lot of brands out on the market and from my experiences they’re not all the same. Some work great, some do nothing, and some tend to scare deer away.

This fall I was able to try out a couple different brands and the EZ Scent Strip was one that past the test. First off, I used the fresh earth cover scent strips along with the Hot doe strips. The hot doe strips proved to be worthy when I had a young buck appear to be wiping his face with the strip. After rubbing his nose in the strip which was hanging on a branch he then paced from right to left several times winding the scent and wondering where his true love had gone. Knowing that the product doesn’t scare deer and that it is doing its job along with being easy to tote around and quick an easy to put out is a huge plus in the deer attractant category for me.

Off Target- What problems can I come up with when a product does its job. Well, let me start by saying your going to get the scent on your hands or gloves if your wearing them. You basically tear the package open and pull out the paper strip. From there you place it on a branch or on your hunting blind. The paper is saturated with the scent of your choice and in my case was the Hot doe fragrance which I could smell when wiping my runny nose. Other than that, the product is simple and not to overly priced.

Do your own review, check out the EZ Scent Strips from Madky. www.madky.com

Ladder stands, although sturdy and easily positioned at most any location, are not only bulky and heavy, but more importantly often recognized and avoided by mature bucks. Climbing stands eliminate this recognition hurdle, but these heavy, awkward and noisy stands force hunters to set up on perfectly smooth trees, which may or may not be in prime locations. To truly capture trophy bucks, today’s hunters need a stand which offers the benefits of both without the downfalls of either. It’s time for a change… It’s time for The New Millennium.

On Target- I’m sure you’ve come across a product or feature on a product and thought to yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that.” Well, the Millennium M-100 treestand comes with a lot of those features. I recently got to try out a Millennium stand and although not the cheapest on the market their definitely worth every penny. Their patented Cam-Lock Receiver makes hanging a breeze, the sling seat is one of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in, and the coolest thing is the bungee straps that keep the stand folded securely while transporting and hanging. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

I am not bias on any products I critique. I treat them all the same. But, I do sometimes come across a product that stands out. This stand is one of those products that stand out. It’s all you want in a stand: Quite, easy, lightweight, and comfortable.

Off Target- OK, what I don’t get is this, You put tons of great innovative work in the stand and forgot about the most important part, the chain. I mean this is what keeps my stand from falling as well as the ugly guy sitting in it. First looking at the chain I see it being short. I’m not going to get this stand in any really big trees. Second, I would of like to see it have a rubber coating to somewhat dampen the clanging chain noise, and third is the small snap hook. Now, I’m not a big man but I still would like to see a more manly snap hook securing me to the tree. Other than that the stand is rock solid and will make many trips with me. I do recommend throwing a ratchet strap around the gig just for reinforcement.

If comfortable is a major concern of yours than I suggest you pack a Millennium on your back. Check them out at: www.huntingsolutionsusa.com

The Gunslinger Corral is simply the safest and most effective way to carry your rifle and shotgun. Constructed out of mild 14 gauge rubber coated steel and ballistic nylon, the Gunslinger is fully adjustable to fit most rifles and shotguns. By redistributing the rifle weight to your hips, the Gunslinger eliminates stress on your shoulder, frees up your hands and allows total mobility. Gunslinger is compact and lightweight. Gunslinger versatility allows rear, side, and front carry.

On target- Ultimate Comfort and stability in any condition, that pretty much sums up the Gunslinger Corral holster. I’ve often had problems with my sling sliding off my shoulder and having to rotate shoulders when using slings of the past. Recently, I just returned from a rifle hunt in Texas and I put the Gunslinger to the test. “Where have you been all my life?” I’m not a big rifle hunter but I can tell you this; Anytime you see me carrying a rifle, I guarantee you I’ll be using a Gunslinger Corral holster.

Off target- Getting used to the system is probably the one thing that has been an issue. After carrying a normal sling for 20 years and then switching to this has been a change. Overall, its a good change and I think you’ll agree. It’s hard to find problems in something that is safer, easier to use, and more comfortable than the old style gun slings.

If your a big rifle hunter and need a more reliable sling check out www.gunslingercorral.com

The weather can get downright hot during those early-season hunts. Whether you’re archery hunting antelope, chasing late spring gobblers or waiting in the hot sun for doves, being uncomfortably hot can be just as challenging as being too cold. These shirts and pants are made for those warm-weather hunts. Crafted from 100% lightweight, breathable nylon with 100% polyester mesh inside for circulation, and equipped for moisture management, you’ll stay comfortably cool when both hunting action and the temperatures are hot.

On Target- I just recently put the Lite-Trek to the test on an early season Kentucky whitetail hunt. With temperatures above 95 during the day and mornings being somewhat around 85 the Lite-Trek worked awesome. I still managed to sweat and had to basically play the wind as I do on all my hunts but I guarantee you it will be tough to get me in another suit with these extremes. When I did sweat it dried quick and the slightest breeze was felt and appreciated.

Off Target- Basically, it performed well. There was one upgrade I would of liked done to the suit. It would of been nice to have some kind of vented mesh opening under the arms and behind the knees. Other than that, it is a nice suit for the unbearably hot temperatures.

Take a closer look at the Mossy Oak Lite-Trek at:www.mossyoakapparel.com

“Tired of loosing your target while adjusting your scope? Doing the balancing act or just setting it at a distance and hope it is right?
The lightweight Power Scope Adjuster™ attaches to most scopes (YOUR SCOPE) allowing you to zoom in and out at the touch of a button. (Mounted on the forestock)
The Power Scope Adjuster™ allows you to keep your crosshairs on the target using the full range of YOUR scope’s ability. Awkward adjustments are a thing of the past.”

This review was done by a rifle expert of mine.

On Target – This product adjusts my scope as advertised. I could see it fitting a very specific need, like hunting from a box blind in Texas when a whitetail is darting in and around mesquite brush. It could save you missing an open shot by taking your eyes off of the target, if only for a second.

Off Target – The power scope adjuster does make noise when in operation, so I could see it being unfit for some close-up hunting situations. Also, it is not an inexpensive accessory with a price of $169. And lastly, I have some personal reservations concerning gear that could fail due to batteries, weather, etc. When I have the shot of the lifetime, I want it as simple and unsophisticated as possible.

If your a rifle hunter and looking for a gadget to better you accuracy check out the Power Scope Adjuster. www.powerscopeadjuster.com

Nikon Binoculars are proven time and again. The new 36mm lens series provides a lightweight choice for day trips spent glassing or for us bowhunters climbing around in trees. The binoculars deliver phase-correction coated prisms for precise clarity. They’re a well rounded binocular that every outdoorsmen should own.

Features:

*100% waterproof and fogproof

*Ultra-rugged rubber-armor design

*Precision-aligned optics for viewing

*Extended eye relief and center focus

*Fully multicoated lenses for bright, clear images

On Target- Almost any decent binocular will work well when the light is good and the conditions are right, but the true test of quality is under lighting extremes. Last light and early morning will be your major obstacles.

In order to get a good review for Nikon I had to get them in the field. I drug them around on several hunts and they honestly preformed very well. The size, fit, and feel was awesome for a 10-power hunting binocular. Not to mention the sharpness of image, resolution, and lighting were also excellent. The binoculars are just right for an avid bowhunter. I really appreciated the features and will carry a set with me in the upcoming 2007 season.

Overall, under a wide range of conditions the Nikon’s proved their worth and demonstrated the solid performance one would expect from high-quality binocular. Last light, deep shadows, morning fog and harsh bright days - it really didn’t matter the condition, the Nikon’s just worked well and always delivered a crystal clear image.

Off Target- While testing the binoculars I could only come up with two drawbacks. I was really disappointed in the lens covers for one. They’re made of a hard plastic that does not want to work with you. I was either back tracking my steps trying to find them or trying not to break them when it got really cold. The other drawback was dust getting into the adjustable eye cups. I don’t think their supposed to make that grinding sound.

If your looking for a high performance binocular where you get more than you pay for check out a pair of Nikon’s. www.nikonsportoptics.com