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The Outdoor Critic

Paul Biggs is “The Critic”
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Gunslinger Corral Gun Holster

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

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Mossy Oak’s Lite-Trek Series

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

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The Power Scope Adjuster

“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

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Pronghorn Productions “The Big Game DVD”

This video was taped primarily in the ‘05/’06 season,it includes 2 black bear hunts from northern WI. A couple of turkey hunts from south western WI. and some whitetails also sw WI. Keeping in mind it’s our first attempt and a little rough around the edges……….but it’s 100% Fair chase and 100% real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Target- First off, I like the effort. It’s tough for the average Joe to produce a full length DVD and market it while trying to compete with the big dogs. (REALTREE, PRIMOS) Not everyone has the big sponsors and budgets to put the necessary dollars into a top notch production.

The DVD is an over the shoulder look at normal guys hunting, self taught camera work, and basic editing. Nothing fancy here. It is always nice to see a natural hunt without all the flashy graphics and overwhelming music.

Off Target- Again, I hate critiquing newcomers to the industry. I think Pronghorn hits the nail on the head when they say “Keep in mind it’s our first attempt and a little rough around the edges”. Hey, you have to start somewhere.

I think on their future DVD’s I would like to see a shorter open and not show every animal that is in the DVD. Also, I would work on the camera work and get it a little steadier. A few hunts I thought I was going to need some Dramamine for the motion sickness.

If your looking for something a little more real and not so much Hollywood check out Pronghorn Productions DVD’s. www.pronghornproduction.com

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Nikon’s Dream Season 10×36 Binoculars

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

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Mathews new DRENALIN

If your pulse is pounding, it’s a DRENALIN, the new ‘SlimLimb’ bow from Mathews! DRENALIN’s next-generation SE3 composite ‘SlimLimbs’ are thinner, lighter and tougher.

Thinner - The SE3 Composite Limbs on the Drenalin measure just 1 1/8′ wide.
Tougher - The SE3 Composite Limbs are tough. In fact, cycling tests prove SlimLimbs last over twice as long as typical lifetime-guaranteed limbs.
Lighter - The Drenalin weights in at 3.85 lbs.
Faster - 320 fps IBO
Quieter - The Drenalin features Harmonic Dampers, Roller Guard, Perimeter-weighted cam, string suppressors and parallel-limbs to help reduce vibration and noise.
COOLER - The Drenalin feature Realtree All Purpose Repeat camo.

On Target- Mathews makes great bows. Ok, I said it, like everyone didn’t already know that.

I have started the 2007 season with the Drenalin and so far it has proven itself worthy of making my “Best bows ever list”. The one thing I notice right off the bat was that I wouldn’t have to load it up with limbsavers, silencers, etc. The thing is quiet enough. Along with that the thing is ultra smooth. Sometimes I ask myself did I just shoot an arrow. Mathews isn’t telling you it’s something it’s not. It’s a lightweight, small, quiet, fast, and good-looking bow that with a little practice will have you miraculously shooting 180’s. Well, will know Mathews is really good when they can guarantee that. It makes you wonder what’s next.

Off Target- I know you can probably pick apart a post-it note and find ways to make them better. I tend to not dig to deep on products I critique but I do throw a couple disappointments to the public. You gotta love it though.

I have never been a big fan of the wooden grip. I find that you feel the shock of the bow a tad more than with the rubber grip. I would also say that there is not much difference than it an the Switchback XT. On paper there are differences but shooting them side -by-side there is very little. Has Mathews peaked on their performance and bow specs?

I say go to your local retailer and test one. Most likely you’ll be pulling out the plastic. www.mathewsinc.com

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Crimson Talon XT broadheads

The world’s most accurate and most lethal broadhead incorporates Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology which spin-stabilizes arrows from the front. Three rigid airfoils on the blades achieve high-speed spin keeping the arrow flying true. These airfoils also make the arrow screw through the target, much like a drywall screw, producing the Spiral Wound Channel. Massive hemorrhaging and unmistakable blood trails result.

On Target- You have all heard the saying “The proof is in the pudding”. Well let me just say “The proof is in the blood” and lots of it. I have been hunting turkeys with a bow for a couple of years now and have stuck a few but never have I heard or seen a gobbler bleed like mine did this year. At 30 yards I placed a Talon right into the longbeards beauty shop and as of now he is out of business.

I have yet to try them on any big game but intend to do so come fall. After shooting them numerous times into my broadhead target I found that they fly pretty true and smooth and the bonus broadhead helps the last minute decision making when trying to decide what broadhead to go with.

Off Target- Last I checked I would not be able to hunt with a Crimson Talon in Colorado. Because of some game laws I won’t go into Colorado prohibits the use of a broadhead this lethal. (This leaves me scratching my head) If you have any updated information on this ordeal fill free to let us know.
Also, I found that at further distances I was losing my tight grouping. I am not 100% on this but what I found was if my vanes were not running with the spiral channel of the broadhead they would drift a touch outside. So if you stay under 100 yards you should be good.

Check out Crimson Talons complete new line of redesigned broadheads at: www.spintite.com

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Flambeau’s Deluxe Single Bow Case

Flambeau’s Soft Compound Bow Case gives protection until your next shot.

• Fully padded and lined
• Main Compartment for bow storage
• Secondary Compartment holds up to 12
arrows and includes zippered mesh pockets
for organization of other accessories

On Target- I have used the hard cases for years and they are hard to beat. They are great for flying, traveling with the bow case in the back of a truck, and not having to worry about something bumping your sights. I still rely on my hard case especially for the way I am with bows. After taking a look at the soft case from Flambeau and actually trying one out I’ve started to appreciate them. It doesn’t take up the room as my hard case, a lot easier to carry around, and extra storage pockets are a great plus. I’ll stick with my hard case for flying otherwise the bow will be in the soft case.

Off Target- I just picked up a Mathews Drenalin and dad gumit if it doesn’t fit the straps in the bow case. Before it I shot a Darton Maurader and dad gumit if it didn’t fit the straps in the bow case. Are these cases made for specific bows cause I wasn’t given that option? One other thing that brought questioning to my mind was the fact that when you have an arrow with a broadhead exposed you might want to cover it. I’d hate for that broadhead to cut the inside fabric while your carrying your bow around.

Check out Flambeau’s bow cases along with their complete line of other archery accessories at www.flambeauoutdoors.com

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Silver Scent - Scent Elimination Products

SilverScent is a revolutionary scent-eliminating formula that utilizes patented silver nano-particles to fight odor at the molecular level. Human odor is caused by the ammonia produced by odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.

SilverScent kills bacteria on contact, eliminates odor so you can hunt with confidence all day. SilverScent is organic, natural, safe on skin, and will NOT stain or fade clothing.

On Target - I have tried it all. Meaning all the cover scent clothing and sprays. Three weeks ago my buddies and I tried a new product, to us, and it was Silver Scent Products. We went to film some hog hunts and were told that there noses were as good as any. Well needless to say, we never found out. As the wind swirled in every direction we seemed to stay undetected from any approaching game. Whether it was deer or hogs, they were all over us. I tend to stick with products that don’t give me any problems and Silver Scent made the team. It’s a clean, reliable product that I would recommend to other fellow hunters.

Off Target - The product seems to work great. The real test will come this deer season. I will put the off target on me. I haven’t been able to really put the product to much testing. My bad on that and I will assure you that I will have a better synopsis on Silver Scent Products come the end of January.

If your looking for something new and reliable try Silver Scent Products. Check them out at: www.silverscentproducts.com

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Full Moon Productions “The Ride”

Take another ride with the FMP team as they are put on a mission. With twenty five thousand dollars on the table, they’ll have to enter the Utah high country and harvest the illusive mule deer. One ultimate goal, out smart the opponent. Man’s mind against Animal’s. With many exciting mule deer hunts, a moose harvest and bonus footage of a single coyote taking down a young buck, just feet from the hunter and cameraman.

On Target - Have you ever watched a movie where you’re following a characters life and all the sudden you bounce to the characters past and then back to the present? This is sort of the pattern FMP is taking in their outdoor filming meets the cinema production style. I like the fact that they are doing something different and thinking outside the box. Not to many outdoor productions do this. I think they did a good job on giving you that big screen movie feel.

Off Target - I’m not one to harp on someone trying to go outside the norm. Personally, that’s what I strive to do. I will say this though. I was a little disappointed in that when you start watching the video it feels like a movie but when they go to a hunt it is filmed just like any hunt is filmed on the Outdoor Channel. I would of thought they could of given the hunts more of a movie feel. It felt like I was switching the channel from a mobster movie to a Sunday afternoon hunting show.

If your looking for something a little different check it out at: www.fmpfullmoonproductions.com

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