LAS VEGAS — SHOT Show, the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry’s largest trade show was held Feb. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year was a banner year for the show, smashing records in its 30th year, posting new highs in attendance, exhibition space, exhibiting companies and media turnout. Anybody who had any type of relationship with hunting, shooting, outdoors, and tactical equipment was probably there.

The show comprised 715,000 square feet of exhibit space, a gain of nearly 60,000 over last year, with 1,950 exhibiting companies, up from last year’s 1,870.

With a total registered attendance of 58,769, the show eclipsed last year’s attendance record of 42,216. The show attracted 30,686 buyers, 1,725 members of the press, 25,854 exhibiting personnel and 504 guests.

For some of you who didn’t attend here are a couple photos:

Before the closing bell had rung, exhibitors had already booked 700,000 square feet of exhibit space for next year’s show in Orlando , Fla.

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

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

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

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