I suggest you follow Team Bighorn as they travel America in search of heart pounding adventures to fit any outdoorsman’s budget. You’ll learn how to bow hunt bull elk in Colorado for under $800 and hunt huge whitetail in Ohio with just a $111 over-the-counter tag.  Plus, they provide some of the most exciting angling ever caught on video. Their tips and techniques will inspire you to expand your outdoor adventures. Team Bighorn’s productions air three times a week on The Men’s Channel.  Check it out.

On target- I really like Bighorn Outdoors direction.  They appeal to the average sportsman, showing how to hunt affordably and proving you don’t have to spend $2500 to $6500 on a fully guided private land hunt.  They also seem pretty down to earth; not like some of the big shots you see on some shows that need to loosen their hat bands to accommodate their big heads.

Off target- After watching a couple Bighorn Outdoor shows I came up with a couple of things I questioned.  First, while I was watching and getting into an intense hunt, all of the sudden I was serenaded by the Soggy Bottom Boys. I lost the feeling of being right there with the stalking hunter. I like the fact that Bighorn is doing something different with their music selection, but I’m not sure about the placement.  Second, was the over use of online bought jumpbacks from Digital Juice, which are already-made graphics used for editing purposes. Over use of them cheapen the production. Some original graphics would make a world of difference.

For more info on Bighhorn Outdoors and hunt swapping check out their site at: www.bighornoutdoors.com

Tom Ware is an accomplished hunter with a true understanding and appreciation for the Whitetail Deer. But what makes Tom a successful outfitter and guide can also be attributed to his upbringing. His father always told him, “If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it the right way.” He has carried that thought into his outfitting business and is very passionate and detailed about hunting mature whitetails. This is why many customers return to Bucks BeWare year after year.

A couple of seasons ago, I was provided the opportunity to surprise two guys with an all-expense paid trip to Bucks BeWare Outfitters. Meeting Tom and seeing how he ran his business was a hunters dream. Tom had every detail planned out. All a hunter needed to worry about was pulling their bow back during crunch time. There were stands for every wind direction, game photos of the bucks in the area, awesome food and a beautiful log cabin where we could relax and kick our feet up. I was very impressed with the entire experience.

The two lucky guys who were picked by Big Time Outdoors to go on this dream trip were beside themselves. They’d never had the opportunity to experience such a well-run outfit and may never again. They now know why so many people set out for Illinois to harvest trophy bucks.

Thank you Tom for giving us the chance to come hunt and hang out in your camp. I know Tony Vanzant and Joey King had the time of their lives and will remember it forever. I hope to one day come back and hunt myself, but until then, I wish the best to you and your future guests.

www.bucksbeware.com

Tom Ware, Owner and operator

(217)-473-3025

Made of durable plastic, the Stink Stick can withstand the harshest elements hunters endure. The replaceable fiberglass wick ensures extended usage season after season and the tarred hanging line withstands dry rot and mold. A tapered thread on the top and bottom keeps scent fresh and inside were it belongs.

Fiberglass wick will not deteriorate nor stiffen up like cotton or felt wicks, making fiberglass wicks the best wicking material on the market.

On target- Where have these things been my entire hunting career? I know there are a lot of you out there using zip lock bags to store your wicks or maybe you’re just pouring them on the ground to never be used again. With Stink Stick I never have to worry about spilling and getting scents on my hands. It makes using scents easy. Check out their website, stinkstick.com. They offer an assortment of colors and even a glow-in-the dark version.

Off target- Sliding in new wicks is a little tricky. It’s a good thing you don’t have to do it often. I have to say the product is pretty simple and flawless. Maybe after this season I’ll have a more in-depth review. Until then, pick yourself up a Stink Stick and enjoy the pleasures of hunting with scents.

www.stinkstick.com

Actual bear in Michigan investigating the Stink Stick.

Backland Outdoors wants you to come join in the fun and excitement that has brought American hunters to the edge of their seats, made them laugh and gasp all in the same half hour show. Backland Experiences is a professional production of the real hunt. It showcases the real story as it unfolds and stars real men and women who are proud to bring you one of the best darn hunting shows to hit the airwaves.

On target- I felt like the show flew by. There were no slow moments. The show is full of likable guys who love having a good time and throwing in practical jokes. It’s shot in a Primo’s style format where everything is mostly real and cutaways are minimal. I recommend you find time to watch Backland Experiences on the Men’s Channel.

Off target- Now for the part everyone loves. When watching shows I try not to sit there and look for ways to make it better. I try to enjoy them and watch with an open mind. But I wouldn’t be the critic if I didn’t find something to critique.

I will start off with the most obvious. While watching a turkey hunt, I was overwhelmed by the volume of the music. I don’t mind music, but I do mind if it drowns out the natural sounds, which create the feeling of actually being there. And I know it’s only a 30-minute show and it’s not easy to fit everything in, but there were really no lead in’s to the hunts. The reality of actually finding the birds was missing.

www.backlandoutdoors.com

Windage is a scent free powder used to determine wind direction. A camouflage rubberized plastic container is simply squeezed, releasing a powder that floats to indicate the slightest wind direction. Fitting in the palm of a hand and including a carabiner clip for easy transport on a belt or back-pack, this device is a must-have for hunters who want to stay downwind of their prey at all times.

On target- I know there are a lot of wind direction devices out there, but this device is small, easy to squeeze, and best of all comes with clip. Now I don’t have to go fumbling through my pockets or backpack for my wind checker.

Off target- Be easy on the squeeze cause this thing works and works well. You’ll want to make sure you have it pointed in a safe direction.

www.bowloco.com

Therm-a-rest’s new Hunt mattresses deliver unprecedented comfort. They’re warmer and more comfortable than air mattresses, cots and closed-cell pads.  Whether you’re after waterfowl, big game or anything in between, the noise-reducing brushed fabrics and premium camo patterns ensure you go undetected.  The Elk Camp Mattresses is their thickest, warmest and most comfortable base-camp hunting mattress.  It is designed for use in big-game base camps and lodges.

On target- Have you ever been on that camping trip where you wish you had that extra comfort underneath you? The sleeping bag just wasn’t enough to get that good night sleep you needed for your all-day hunt.  Hunters, this pad is made for us. It’s rough, tough and best of all, its camo. Plus, the tough outer shell makes it great for lying in that cut cornfield waiting on those big honkers.

Off target- These mattresses may encourage you to sleep more when you’re supposed to be hunting.  Along with that, they’re not something you can just throw in your backpack.

www.thermarest.com

A life-long sportsman, Ted Nugent is passionate about the values that hunting instills in our youths.  He aims to promote family values through father/son (or daughter) interaction in the outdoors.

On Target- Nugent’s passionate, informative and entertaining delivery kept me tuned in. You can sense the love he has for the sport and preserving its existence.  It is comforting to see someone out there who is truly behind protecting our rights and our sport.

Off target- Sorry Nuge, but when you start talking about the “Mystical flight of the arrow” I want to hit fast forward on my Tivo and get to the next hunt. Tone it down on the elaborate spiritual talk.  I don’t know if my arrows are mystical, but I do know they’re 310 fps of direct carbon killer speed.

www.tednugent.com

The Realtree Team has set the bar even higher with this latest edition of the most popular turkey hunting videos ever offered. All-Stars of Spring XIII packs all the action you’ve come to expect and more into 27 exciting hunts.

Watch as Bill Jordan, Michael Waddell, David Blanton and friends use old tactics and new tricks to score big on toms across seven states in North America.

On target- The Realtree crew does it again. They are almost perfect in every aspect when it comes to providing the viewer with great hunts, close up action and solid camera work. The video was very well done. I like how they pumped up the natural sounds and didn’t add any unnecessary music. I really felt like I was right there with them.

Off target- Finding flaws in Realtree’s work is always tough but not tough enough. I had already seen Waddell’s hunts on his own show. Also, Jordan and Blanton’s boys had no excitement in them, and the bows were hardly brought out. I like the hunters to act as if they really enjoy the sport and I’d like to see the videos broken up with bow kills.

www.realtree.com

Sportsman Camo Covers specializes in camouflage seat covers to protect your factory truck seats from damage and fading. These seat covers are made from 500 Denier Cordura and are custom fit for your factory truck seat. All are padded and quilted for the best possible look, and double stitched for a stronger hold and to cover any raw edges.

On target- Sportsman Camo Covers offers quality removable custom seat covers for many makes and models of trucks. I received mine about a year ago and they still look brand new. Mr. Andrews, the owner, was a pleasure to talk to and he sent my order right out to me. He really aims to please the customer and hopes in return they will spread the word about his great product.

Sportsman Camo Covers have protected my new truck seats from duck dogs, wet waders and many other things. All outdoorsman who want to prolong the life of their interior should consider giving Sportsman Camo Covers a call.

Off target- The seat covers are water resistant, which helps tremendously, but it would be nice if they were 100% waterproof.

www.camotruckseats.com

Paul Newsom’s Great Outdoors is one of the longest running outdoor shows on TV today. Each week, Paul takes viewers all across North America on exciting “Real Life Adventures,” featuring “Wild things in Wild Places.”

Paul is an eleven-time national award-winning outdoor writer and producer and an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA).
Follow the famed professional outdoorsman, record book hunter, guide, game calling champion, award-winning outdoor writer and producer Paul Newsom as he uses over 40 years of experience to honor our great hunting heritage.

On target- Paul is a true outdoorsman and has always stuck to his guns in the outdoor industry. He shares a great knowledge and passion for his work and has never fallen short of tradition. His show appeals to a little older audience and I think there is a place for that. There should be a show out there for everyone.

Off target- The show hasn’t changed its intro in the last two years. I think a show should update its opens and closes annually. This small touch gives a fresh new feeling to the production.

Having worked with Paul in the past, I have come to know him and his family well. He is an extraordinary person who knows the outdoor industry in and out. I’ve learned a lot from him and thank him for allowing me the opportunity to work with him.

www.paulsoutdoors.com