High Country Bowhunter

KUIU's Tiburon System For Warmer Hunts

2013-05-21T06:51:00.000-06:00

Recently, like just last week, KUIU annouced the release of their warm weather hunting system called Tiburon. I had the opportunity to read the latest release and read more about it on the KUIU blog and I must say, I'm excited for this system.

To me this sounds like a great set of camo that would work great for antelope season in August, elk season in September, and even as a layer into the late season. It gets very warm hunting for antelope and elk spot and stalk style in August and September. I'll admit it too, I sweat very easily. So when KUIU introduced a warm weather hunting system claiming that it allows for maximum breathability, of course it perked my interest.

First off, the system is a Zip-T and Pant which are constructed from a unique Toray fabric advancement called Dot Air. One of the most important things to consider is the fabric of your camo. You want something that is durable, breathable, and quiet. This is where I think KUIU has exceeded expectations with the Tiburon system.

"Dot Air is constructed with micro-openings in the fabric designed to maximize breathability, allowing even the slightest breeze to pass through the fabric, keeping you cool in the warmest temperatures while still protecting you from the elements. The Tiburon system is 100% polyester, treated with Toray’s Kudos DWR for water repellency, quick drying, and most importantly quiet. Designed for versatility, both pieces can be worn next to skin, or over additional base layers in cooler temperatures."

Looking at the close up picture, you can see how is almost like a mesh type fabric only this fabric is a lot more durable than a pair of gym shorts. I would have to say that from the pictures and my reading, the Tiburon system is very versatile, breathable, and durable, KUIU has nailed it for a warm hunting system.

Weather in Idaho shifts so much just like many places. In August we will wake up to chilly temperatures in the morning and be up to 80-90 degree weather in the afternoon. So layering this system up next to my skin on those August antelope hunts would come in very handy. The versatility of using it like a base layer and then shedding the jacket to hunt in just the Tiburon system for the afternoon is very appealing.

“The Tiburon Zip-T and Pant are one of my favorite developments because it solves the problem of the wide temperature changes we face during summer and early fall hunts,” explains Jason Hariston, founder of KUIU. “I have tested the Tiburon on the coastal range in California during the summer in 100 degree heat and layered up underneath in 10 degree hunts in November. I love the versatility of Tiburon.”

The Tiburon Zip-T and Pant comes in the Vias or Verde Camo pattern. The Zip-T weighs in at only 8.5 ounces while the Pants are only 12.5 ounces. A warm weather hunting system providing breathability, durability, and water repelling power at only 21 ounces is pretty outstanding. So what's the price for this system? The top comes in at $99.99 and the pant comes in at $139.99. While the price definitely isn't the cheapest around, the fact that they bypass the retail stores and sell directly to the consumer allows them to keep the price of the high quality clothing lower than if you were to buy it from a retail store.

So be sure to check them out and this is a brand new product so it currently isn't on the site yet, but you can preorder the Tiburon System by contacting KUIU. All around this looks like a great set up and I believe it will be a success for all the warm weather hunters out there looking for high quality camo.

Make sure you subscribe to the KUIU blog for updates on new KUIU products coming out and also make sure you go give KUIU a follow on Twitter at @KUIU and like the KUIU Facebook Page .

ABOUT KUIU: Based in Dixon, California, KUIU was founded in 2011 to provide customers with the world’s most advanced hunting layering system and equipment on the market. KUIU provides remarkable apparel and equipment that is light, packable, and dependable. By eliminating retailers and selling their products exclusively online, KUIU drives the ultimate shopping experience. They provide superior customer service, lower pricing, and the highest product quality. For additional information visit www.KUIU.com or call 1-855-367-5848 Monday-Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM PST.

Smart Optix SM Field Guide - Gear Review

2013-04-30T13:20:00.003-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to test out the SM Field Guide from Smart Optix which is a useful digiscoping adapter. With the hunting world booming on social media, tools like the SM Field Guide help hunters and outdoor enthusiasts share their experiences quickly and easily. Who doesn't want to snap some pictures with their smartphone and share them with their friends or family? This is where a digiscope adapter comes in handy. Here is a little story of the company and the initial product from President and Co-Founder Ross Varner:

“Our initial product was a cardboard and duct tape contraption that allowed my brother to capture and share what he saw with his friends and family. In that moment, Smart Optix was born. Since that time, we’ve focused on developing an innovative solution that would work for everyone, in both function and cost.”

Specs:

Weight: 12 oz.

Material: Polycarbonate ABS Blend

Max Eye Piece: 2.25″

Min Eye Piece: 1.0″

They sure have come a long way from cardboard and duct tape. The SM Field Guide digiscope adapter is packed full of benefits. Here are some of the easy adjustments that make this digiscope adapter stand out from the rest.

Adaptable to Any Scope

It easily adapts to any type of spotting scope. So if you ever switch spotting scopes or even if you're on a trip with some friends and they want to give it a try it easily adapts to any spotting scope.

Locking Adjustments

The adjustments lock in place as well. Once you make your adjustments to where your phone has the best field of view, you can lock the adjustment in place to ensure the exact same position the next time you pull it out of your pack.

Universal for Any Phone/Cover

This digiscope adapter easily adjust to any phone with or without a cover. It doesn't matter what phone or optics you are using, the adapter adjusts easily to either one. You can see in the picture that my phone is secured and there is plenty of room to the right for adjustments. Again no matter the size of your phone or even if it has the case attached, you can easily adjust the Field Guide to fit.

I then put on an Otterbox cover on my phone and again it was easy to adjust and I was able to get my phone attached to start using the spotting scope. The SM Field Guide was quick and easy to use and a breeze to get use to. It made it that much more fun to look through a spotting scope.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone who has wanted to get into digiscoping but have been worried about changing phones, using a case, or changing spotting scopes. The price is very reasonable considering the longevity of the product knowing that you will be able to use this with any phone and any scope.

The price of the Green SM Field Guide like the one seen is $59.99 and they also have them in camo as well. Considering that you'll probably upgrade your phone about every 2 years, you'll be happy that you don't have to spend anymore money to use your spotting scope adapter.

So head over and see check out what they have to offer on their website www.SmartOptix.com.
Also be sure to go follow them on Twitter @SmartOptix and head over and give them a like on the Smart Optix Facebook Page.

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the SM Field Guide free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Smart Optix and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Upcoming 3-D Archery Shoot

2013-04-17T23:06:00.000-06:00

My Sister-in-Law Sarah at the Shoot Last Year

I am part of the Upper Snake River Bowmen Club and they have a couple shoots in the near future. By near future I mean this weekend for starters. If you are in the area or want to make the trip, both of these shoots are great ones for you to take part in.

Annual Beaver Dick Shoot

Saturday April 20, 2013

Membership Drive

New Members Shoot Free

2 Ranges of 3-D Animal Targets

Registration Begins 8 AM

Last Flight at 3 PM

Chicks and Cubs Shoot with Parents

Or Special Kids Range

Costs: Buy a Membership and Shoot for Free

Members $10 Non Members $15

Youth $8 Youth $12

Family $25 Family $35

Youth 12-17 years old

Membership Fees: Family $45 Single $30

BREAKFAST/LUNCH AVAILABLE

RAFFLE

Workday for set up Friday April 19 Noon to Completion

Here is a Map to the Park.
Just take Rexburg Exit 333 and head West on Highway 33

View Larger Map

The Benefits of Shooting 3-D Archery

2013-03-20T11:52:00.000-06:00

As you can probably tell, I am getting a little anxious to get out and start hunting again. I am in the down season where predator hunting is the only season open right now and I’m looking forward to the summer/fall to cure this itch that I have. While this time of year is a point where not very much is open to hunt, I am taking advantage of practicing and participating in the many upcoming 3-D archery shoots. There are some big ones around here that are worth going to like The Bogus Challenge over in Boise Idaho or Bowcast at the Bird down in Utah where you get to scale the mountain to shoot realistic situations.

There is so much you can learn and grow from as a bowhunter by shooting 3-D targets. I’m not saying that shooting a block target is bad or that you should only shoot 3-D targets. When you get the chance to shoot at a life-sized deer, elk, turkey, or any animal you are pursuing, you gain that experience that you otherwise can't from just a block target. I wanted to share some of the benefits that I have gained.

Shot Placement

Sure the vitals on a deer are all in the same place, just as every elk has their vitals in the same place. But what happens when you get an animal just slightly quartering towards you or away from you? What about if they are bedded down? There are so many different possible situations that you could encounter while hunting that you couldn't possibly prepare for everyone, but you can prepare for a lot of them by shooting at life-size targets. Being able to set up a quartering shot, long distance shot, or even a kneeling shot will help prepare you for those situations better. You can also quickly walk up and analyze the shot placement, make any adjustments and try again.

Realistic Situations

You can see different situations and scenarios in this picture

You spot your animal and you notice that there will be just this one little opening for a possible shot, should you take it or let it pass? Setting up a realistic situation is very easy to do and great practice. Set up your target with some brush in the way so you have to adjust a little, or even set it up at odd distances instead of at the regular 20,30, or 40 yards. sometimes those shots that are 36 or 43 are just enough to get you to over-think your shot. The two shoots I mentioned in the beginning are great examples of this as they are set up on a mountain and you scale the mountain to take your shot on different animals in different situations.

Pure Enjoyment

Teaching my boy while he's young

When I shoot either at the 3-D range or at a local shoot, I am usually with friends or family when I go. Being able to have great company and friendly competition always adds to the level of enjoyment. Let's be honest, it is much more fun to shoot at something that resembles the animal you will be pursuing rather than a cube. Having friends or family share in the archery experience is priceless. My wife actually owns a bow but has made it very clear she does not want to shoot a live animal, but she loves getting out and shooting 3-D targets.

Fynch and his Bear

Smiles all around!

These are just some of the many benefits of shooting 3-D. Look up your local archery club or local archery shop and see what kind of shoots are happening in your area. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and experience shooting 3-D. Here is a video of the last shoot a couple weekends ago. It was a blast and there are plenty more on the horizon.

True Shot Coach from Don't Choke Archery

2013-02-28T07:29:00.002-07:00

No matter what your skill level as an archer, you are constantly trying to improve. One of the most common but overlooked factors of shooting a bow is having the proper grip. Most beginners start out by wrapping your fingers around the grip and holding firmly. This causes your forearm to twist and sit more in line with the bowstring and when you shoot you’ll be left with a nice red slap mark from your string on your arm.

The biggest problem with wrapping your fingers and gripping firmly is the torque you put on your bow. When you have a firm grip on your bow, it places the riser of the bow out of square with the arrow rest. The result of bow torque is a high percentage of left or right misses. If you are constantly missing left or right, you may want to study the way you are gripping your bow.

Proper grip is one of the most overlooked aspects of improving your accuracy, yet it is easily corrected. Whether you are an expert or a beginner there is always some room for improvement. I had the opportunity to review the True Shot Coach from Don’t Choke Archery and I have to say, I was impressed. I am by no means an expert but felt confident in my form. I thought I’d give this shot coach a chance but not expecting any improvement.

I then shot two rounds of six with the True Shot Coach. When I first shot with the True Shot Coach the tool actually corrected the torque and made it easier to notice where I was lacking. I was surprised by how taking out a little bit of torque helped improve my arrow grouping. So whether you are an expert or a beginner you will benefit from the True Shot Coach. You can pick one up for $16.95 and it does help correct your grip.

Go check out their website www.DontChokeArchery.com to see the different True Shot Coach products that will help you eliminate bow torque.

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the True Shot Coach free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Don't Choke Archery and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Hunting Optics From Minox

2013-02-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

With any type of hunting one of the top items that every hunter should carry are a nice pair of binoculars. Enter MINOX. These guys offer a wide array of optics that are ideal for any type of hunting. MINOX is a German company and offers a great lifetime, no questions asked warranty on their products.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake this last weekend and met up with Tim Ostrander from MINOX USA to discuss and talk about the great line up of optics they have to offer. Tim showed me a binocular from the HG Line that is ideal for the bowhunter, the HG 8x33.

Technical Data MINOX Binoculars APO HG 8x43

The quality, clarity, and just the overall feel of the binocular made them hard to put down. I've put up with some other name brand binoculars in the past but didn't know what I was missing until I tried the MINOX binoculars. These are some pretty sweet binoculars and are very compact. When I caught up with Tim at the show I asked him to give me the run down on these babies.

Be sure to check out their full line of HG Binoculars at www.minox.com and other great hunting optics that they have to offer and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Go give them a follow on Twitter: @MinoxUSAhunting

Give them a Like on Facebook: MINOX North America Hunting

Core4Element DownTek Technology

2013-02-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

So I had the opportunity to meet with Jon from Core4Element last month to check out what they have to offer. The number 1 thing that I noticed about the gear that they offer is the weight. Seriously this stuff is very light weight and can be easily packed. Core4Element has a new down jacket coming out that uses DownTek Technology which is wicked cool. Each one of the down plumes have been treated and repels water. I know it is hard to explain in words so check out this video from Jon:

Be sure to keep an eye out for their 2013 line which will offer some of the DownTek technology in some of their gear. I am going to be headed down to the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake and will be stopping by the Core4Element booth for sure and will be sharing what I see down there.

They offer some great gear which is extremely light weight so be sure to check them out! Give them a follow on Twitter @Core4Element or give them a like over on the Core4Element Facebook Page.

Real Bullet Bottle Opener from Cobrabraid

2013-02-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

I did a review a while back about a paracord bracelet from Cobrabraid which I enjoyed. They make great stuff out of paracord, but now they are doing something a little different. They are using real decommissioned bullets and making them into keychains, necklaces, and bottle openers. They graciously sent me one to review and in all seriousness, this thing is pretty sweet. This is a .50 caliber decommissioned round that has been cut to be a functional bottle opener.

As you can see, it's a bottle opener. But it is definitely a head turner as you pull out a 50 caliber round and crack open your drink. Of course it is a 50 caliber rounds so carrying it in your pocket might be a little difficult but keeping it in your truck, pack, camper, tackle box, etc. is much more logical for me. Overall this is a pretty awesome bottle opener that will sure be the most talked about bottle opener at camp.

Cobrabraid also offers different calibers as well so be sure to check them out at www.Cobrabraid.com and also on the Cobrabraid Facebook Page.

Well here is your chance to win one for yourself. Below is the Rafflecopter. The contest is open to the continental United States. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the Real Bullet 50 Caliber Bottle Opener free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Cobrabraid and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

How I Cope With the Offseason

2013-02-08T06:57:00.004-07:00

My Latest Post on the PSE Blog:

There is that moment that comes around every year that every hunter dreads, the last day of the season. You dread the fact that you no longer are able to get out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. When the sun finally sets on that day you come home, kick off your boots, and think about the long wait that you are going to have until the next season. You ponder about the close encounters, missed opportunities, and start planning on how you can change to seal the deal next season. That is if you had a season like mine. If you were successful you think about the things you did right and why the worked. But even if you were successful there is always room for improvement.

A Big Ole Coyote Walking Down the Deer Trail

During the off season there are several things that I do to keep honing my skills. One of my favorites is to hunt coyotes. This is not only a great way to keep hunting but it also helps the deer population. Now hunting coyotes is a challenge with a rifle, so being successful with a bow is even more of a challenge. A challenge which I have yet to accomplish so far but definitely something I have been shooting for.

Keep reading over on the PSE Blog

Teton Sports Escape 4300 Pack Review - Giveaway

2013-01-31T16:40:00.001-07:00

When I first received the Teton Sports Escape 4300 pack on my doorstep, my first thoughts were "Do I have enough stuff to pack in there?" Seriously this is a large pack and for the weight I was astonished. This entire pack weighs in under 5 pounds. For an internal frame pack that is 4300 cubic inches weighing in at 4.75 pounds that's an impressive achievement. Here are the specs of the pack from the Teton Sports website:

Specs

Dimensions: 33" x 17" x 12"

Shell: 420D 2MM Double line Ripstop / 600D PU / 900D PU

Hydration Capacity: 70–Ounce (2 Liter), Not Included

Capacity: 4300 Cubic Inches / 70 Liters

Color: Leaf Green

Pack Weight: 4.75 lbs

Waist Belt: 28" – 45"

Torso Length: 17" – 21"

The pack is very large and can hold a lot of gear. I wanted to load it as full as I could just to see how well it carried the load. So I started gathering as much large stuff as I could just to fill the interior of the pack so I grabbed my Carhart insulated bib coveralls and coat, Geigerrig Hydration Bladder, SOG Fasthawk, backpacking stove with propane tank, knife, rain poncho, gloves, hat, and strapped on my tent.

I was able to easily store all of this and still had plenty of room for more. I put my hydration bladder in before stuffing my coveralls and coat in and I noticed after I had slid it down that the velcro strap that held the bladder had pulled the top of the pack down. This wasn't a big deal but it was something that I had to be aware of and ensured that my bladder was held in place as I slid my gear down into the pack.

That is where the bladder is pulling down on the pack.
Easily fixed by pulling the bladder back up.

The bottom compartment was extremely useful. I used it to store all the smaller stuff like my cooker, hatchet, knife, gloves, and hat. It has a zipper that separates the main compartment from this compartment so you can have more space in the main compartment if you want. The pack also has a built in rain fly in the very bottom of the pack which will come in handy. I didn't get a picture but you can see it in the video at the bottom of the review. My brother and dad joked around and said it was a parachute so I told them to go ahead and give it a try.

I took out my gloves and my hat

Putting the pack on was the true test. Loading down a pack like this and carrying it is one of the make or break factors of a hiking pack. The Escape 4300 is extremely comfortable. The shoulder straps are ergonomically shaped and are thickly padded. The pack of the pack is also thickly padded but the material on both the shoulder straps and the back pad are breathable which means it won't be extremely hot as you hike (in warmer weather I'm sure this will be nice).

You can also see in the above picture the dual wishbone waist band. This helps relieve the pain on your hip bones as you have a heavy load. One of the best features that I like about the pack is all of the adjust-ability You can adjust the each side of the waist belt, top and bottom, independently. The shoulder straps are adjustable to fit you better, there is the sliding torso adjustment to accommodate those who are a taller or shorter, multiple load adjustments, and all of these adjustments can be made while wearing the pack. Also the chest clip is also a whistle, in case you are hurt, lost, or just want to annoy some of your friends as you hike.

Here is a quick video of the pack:

Overall this is a great pack and I am excited to keep putting it to the test. The minor things I found were just with the water bladder. It was really minor but it is something to keep in mind as you are loading the pack. This is a workhorse and can be picked up for around $90. Be sure to check their website out www.TetonSports.com and give them a follow on Twitter at @TETONsports and make sure to go give them a like on their Facebook page too: Teton Sports. There are monthly contests on their Facebook page for free Teton Sports products!

Now for some good news..... The good people over at Teton Sports has been gracious enough to let me give one of these packs away to one of you! I have included the Rafflecopter below but there are some things to keep in mind.

You must like them on Facebook. Plus they do monthly giveaways on their page.

The contest is only open to the lower 48 US States.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:
As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion. I received the Teton Sports Escape 4300 Pack and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by nor associated with Teton Sports and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Free Country Granite Soft Shell Jacket Review

2013-01-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

A while ago the random number generator over on the Outdoor Blogger Network was kind enough to pick me for an opportunity to review the Granite Soft Shell Jacket from Free Country. I was excited to have this opportunity for this review so as soon as I received the jacket I started wearing it and knew right away that it was going to be a great jacket.

Overall the jacket has a great feel and has a fleece interior lining which is very warm. I also noticed that the outer fabric had some stretch to it which makes it easier to layer. There are 4 external zipper pockets with two near the waist, one on the left chest, and another on the left arm. For being just a shell, this jacket does have plenty of pockets to hold your stuff. There is also an interior pocket that secures with velcro on the inner left chest as well.

I have worn this jacket quiet a bit throughout the cold months here in Idaho and here I am in January with temps dipping below zero. This jacket helps take the bite from the cold breeze and is ideal when layering. The only issue that I have and it is more than likely user error is that sometimes I end up unzipping the chest pocket thinking I'm unzipping the jacket. This has happened several times but again more than likely it is just me and it wouldn't deter me from wearing the jacket.

Here is a link to the this exact jacket which is currently on sale for $40. Can't beat that for the quality you're getting. The jacket is wind resistant and machine washable too. Definitely worth looking at if you are considering a new jacket.

Disclaimer:
As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion. I received the Free Country Granite Shoftshell Jacket and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by nor associated with Free Country and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

#ElkTour 2012 Trailer Released!

2012-12-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

If you recall from some of my previous posts, Rudy over at Huntography (who has been going around filming some great people deer hunting) decided to give it a try with a group of elk hunters. I was privileged to be a part of it and Rudy has been doing some serious work putting this together. He traveled to Colorado and filmed Troy (@G2GExtreme) and Emily (@FromtheDraw) husband and wife, then brothers Eric (@DIYbowhunter) and Nate in Colorado, and finished up in Idaho with my brother Kevin (@Kevin26Jones), my dad Mike, and myself.

Well the time is coming. Rudy put together the trailer for #ElkTour 2012 and needless to say I am excited to see the finished project. Here is the trailer.....

The DVD is going to be released in 2013 and Rudy's goal is to submit the DVD to the Full Draw Film Tour. Rudy will also be offering it for free during the limited release, so if you are wanting to be in on the scoop make sure you head over and sign up to know when it is available to get your copy! And if you aren't following this guy you better go follow Rudy @Huntography!

Again I felt very fortunate to be able to be a part of this group. A big thanks to Rudy and all his hard work! looking forward to the entire DVD!

CRKT Free Range Hunter Giveaway Winner

2012-12-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

The moment everyone has been waiting for is here. As much as I hate to see this knife go it's time to announce the winner of the CRKT Free Range Hunter knife. Drumroll please................

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Steven Gendreau! You are the winner! Send me an email via the contact page with your shipping address and I'll get the knife sent out to you this week.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Hope each and everyone of you have a safe and Merry Christmas!

CRKT Knife Review and Giveaway

2012-12-11T22:48:00.002-07:00

CRKT Free Range Hunter

Recently I was given the opportunity to review the Free Range Hunter fixed blade from CRKT and couldn't refuse. I have been trying hard to shoot a deer to give this knife something to cut but as of today I still have my tag in my pocket. I'm hoping this weekend I'll arrow myself a deer and if I do I'll let the Free Range Hunter do some work and give an update on how well it cuts, but from what I can tell it would have no problem with any animal.

The Free Range Hunter series from CRKT is designed by Russ Kommer who has been a commercial hunting guide since 1980. Here is some info about Russ from the CRKT website:

"Russ Kommer started making knives when one of his hunter clients brought a custom knife and dressed an entire moose without sharpening it. He began working with noted Alaskan knifemaker John Shore, who took Russ into his shop and showed him how to grind. He began making his own line of knives in 1997, and his custom catalog shows a range of fixed blade knives, including Bowie and Camp Knives, Fillet Knives, Hunters, Fighters and Boot Knives, all available with a variety of exotic handles and with engraving. He is the designer of the CRKT Bear Claw, Big Eddy, hunting knives including our Pro and Signature Hunters, 30-30, and Surf 'N Turf, plus the Kommer Fulcrum and I.F.B. He says, "I set out to make a quality knife that would perform and be comfortable to handle. I have found knifemaking to be my calling, and would like to thank all the people who have helped me along the way!"

The first thing I noticed about the knife when I took it out of the box was how light weight it was. It weighs in at a mere 3.6 ounces for an overall knife length of 9 inches. Here are the specs on the knife from the CRKT Website:

Dimensions
Overall Length - 9.0625 inches
Weight - 3.6 ounces

Blade
Length - 4.25 inches
Thickness - 0.135 inches
Material - 8Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC - 58-59
Finish - Satin
Grind - Hollow
Style - Clip Point
Edge - Plain

Handle - Double Injection

Carry
Carry System - Sheath
Weight - 3.3 ounces

The knife is very light weight but you can tell that it is very durable and candle a beating. It feels very comfortable in my hand with the finger grooves and it is very evident that the knife won't slip out of my hand because the grip is constructed of both hard and soft polymers, hence the double injection. It is a hard durable handle but has the grip that you need, I feel like I have complete control of the knife while holding it. I even let my wife hold the knife and asked her how it felt in her hand. She mentioned the finger grooves made it comfortable to hold so even in smaller hands it feels comfortable to hold.

The knife is very sharp right out of the box. I have of course yet to cut anything so I can't comment on how well it keeps an edge but from what I have read there have been many positive reviews about how well it does keep it's edge. The best thing about this knife is the value. This is a high quality knife that you can pick up from the CRKT website for only $49. Being able to pick up a knife designed by a professional hunting guide that is sharp right out of the box for that price is hard to beat.

CRKT Free Range Hunter

Overall I really like the Free Range Hunter both for the design and the price. The sheath also has paracord weaved around it and the knife securely snaps into the sheath to prevent it from falling out. I think the overall design of the knife and the quality makes it a steal and would definitely recommend this to my hunting buddies looking for a quality blade at a reasonable price. You will be getting a high quality hunting knife for a very reasonable price in my opinion.

As much as I would love to keep this knife for myself, I am going to be giving this knife away to one of you. I am using Rafflecopter so follow the instructions and good luck!

You must click on the +2 or +1 next to the task in the Rafflecopter in order to be entered to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Benefits of Hunting From a Tree Stand

2012-12-10T20:36:00.004-07:00

View from 25 Feet

Hunting can be done in many different ways. You can set up and do a spot and stalk hunt, set up a ground blind, or even set up a tree stand. Whichever way you choose to hunt the key is to stay out of view. There are many instances where one set up would be preferred over the other but I want to focus on a couple of the benefits of sitting in a tree stand.

One of the major benefits of sitting in a tree stand is obviously being above the animal you are hunting. When you are up in a tree you are able to see further which can help you prepare for your shot. As you watch that animal make its way towards you, you can prepare yourself mentally as well as physically. When I see that deer or elk moving in closer, I start to determine where he will come walking by and where my shot will be. Then as quietly as possible I start to position myself while watching the animal so that I am not getting busted. They still look up in the trees so it is important to make very subtle movements as you are preparing for the shot......

Continue Reading this post over on the PSE Archery Blog

Hogzilla Light Review Part 2

2012-11-17T21:36:00.002-07:00

I posted a while ago about my first thoughts on the Hogzilla LED Flashlight that I had received and I have been waiting for the perfect time and perfect opportunity to review this light. Now the light set up that I received was a the Bow Hog. I haven't put it on my bow yet so I decided to put it on a gun. As I was looking at which gun I was going to put it on, my dad actually showed me his Ruger 10/22 that he decided to deck out with an x-ring barrel from Tactical Solutions. I thought that this was a perfect gun to throw the Hogzilla light on.

Mounting the light to barrel of the rifle was very simple and easy. The clamp attaches to the barrel and the flashlight easily without any tools which makes attaching and removing it very easily. Here are some pictures of the flashlight attached

The Hogzilla on the Ruger 10/22

Ruger 10/22 Tactical with Hogzilla Light

The Hogzilla comes with a pressure switch so you can press it down and it turns the light on momentarily so you don't have to have it on constantly. I love this feature because when you're out hunting coyotes in the dark, you won't give away your location by constantly having a light on.

Momentary Pressure Switch

Green LED Hogzilla Light

Here are some tech specs:

Length: 6 inches
Weight with battery: 6.5 ounces
Material: T6061 aircraft grade aluminum
Battery: Rechargable 3.7 Volt Lithium Ion
Battery Life: 2-3 hours
Momentary Pressure Switch

I haven't been able to get out and hunt coyotes with this yet but just to give you an idea of what the light looks like we took some pictures with it around the house.

The fence post you can see in the picture is about 60-70 yards away. With the Hogzilla light it was very easy to see out to 200 yards with the scope.

The one thing I would suggest and it is a minor thing is some way to attach the pressure switch to your bow or gun. Like I said this is minor and I'm sure there are many people out there that would rig it up the way they want to anyway.

All things considered I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for an LED hunting light. It is very light weight and adding it to a bow would not be a major problem. My deer season ends mid December and then I will be putting this on my bow in hopes of shooting a coyote at night. Overall I was very pleased with this flashlight. If you hunt hogs, predators, or just are able to legally hunt at night this is a must have. It is very easy to attach to your weapon.

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the Hogzilla LED Flashlight and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Hogzilla Lights and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Bowhunting Practice Techniques

2012-11-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

We have all heard the saying “practice makes perfect.” While I believe this to be true, I feel like there is more to practice than just practice itself. Shooting your bow often will help strengthen the muscles that are being used as well as building the muscle memory. Now don’t get me wrong, this is all good practice but here are a few ways to become a better archery hunter.

Sarah my Sister-In-Law

1. Set Up in Different Scenarios

As nice as it would be to always have an animal come in at 20 yards and stand there broadside with nothing between you or them, let’s be honest, it doesn’t always happen. Set Up several different realistic scenarios in which you think you might get a shot. When I am spot and stalk hunting for deer or elk, I need to use the trees, rocks, or sagebrush for cover. I try and recreate some of these situations by setting up my target and actually trying to sneak up on it and draw while trying to stay covered then slowly peek around and place an accurate shot.

My brother Travis at the 3-D archery shoot

2. Shoot How You’ll Hunt

This is one that I strive to focus a lot of my attention. There are different times of the year that you hunt which requires different clothing. This is why I practice often so as the seasons change, I will know how I shoot with certain layers on. Now building the muscle memory and being consistent in your form won’t change, but you may find that one extra layer could be getting hit by the string as you shoot so you need to add a shooting sleeve over that layer. It will feel different when you have a hunting pack on. There have been plenty of times when hiking in with my pack on I get an opportunity at an animal. By practicing with my pack on I have the confidence knowing I can make that shot.

Continue reading over on the PSE Archery Blog

Documenting the Hunt

2012-11-02T08:42:00.000-06:00

So recently I was asked to be a part of an elk hunting documentary called Elk Tour. This was a great opportunity to spend three days chasing elk in hopes of putting some meat in the freezer as well as capturing it all on film. I was like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning. I had been looking forward to this hunt and was counting down the days.

Day 1
My dad had taken the day before the hunt off and headed up and had set up camp while he patiently waited for my brother and me to meet up there. Once we got there we immediately began to plan what we were going to do the next morning. We finally narrowed it down and went to bed. That next morning we were up and headed out to the top of the ridge in hopes of hearing the elk screaming away. We made the climb and just as we got to the top, we heard a bull bugle off in the distance. My brother and I got all set up and my dad was set up further up the ridge calling. The adrenaline was going and we were all anxious to start seeing some elk. But unfortunately the elk never came into the calls.

We then made it around to our trail cameras we had on a water hole that we had found. We check the pictures to see if the elk were coming in for water and from both cameras we could tell that they were coming in occasionally but not as many elk as we would have liked to have seen. But they were coming into the water in the evenings, so we made a decision that I would sit up on the water hole that evening and my dad was going to sit down below near this meadow. As I sat up on the water hole, there was nothing moving. The elk weren’t talking and the night was closing in so I decided to hunt my way back down to where my dad was sitting.

As I came into the opening I could hear my dad cow calling so I made sure I was in the tree line as I slowly made my way closer. Just as I saw him he started waving to me to hurry over to him and pumping his fist; the universal sign of success......

Continue Reading the Story over on the PSE Archery Blog

A Hunter's First Deer

2012-11-01T10:39:00.001-06:00

As much as I want it to be my turn to put my tag on an animal, I have been fortunate enough to have tagged along on a couple successful hunts this season. Recently a friend of mine came to me and asked me if I could help him go deer hunting and like most of us it takes a lot to get me to go deer hunting (insert sarcasm). So with that being said we sat down and I helped him pick out which tag he would have the best options of shooting a deer.

We headed out to an area that has big deer potential but also to scout the area for elk. He wanted to try and get an elk as well but that didn't open until the following weekend which unfortunately I was going to be out of town for. So we decided that we would head up in this area and scout for elk while we hunted for deer.

Mountain Trail

We did lots of walking but there was nothing better than being out in the woods walking through the beautiful fall weather. My buddy mentioned to me that he probably brought the bad luck because every time he has ever gone deer hunting, he has never seen a deer. This made it even more of a challenge for me to at least get him to see a deer. We pushed on and then not to long after we started hearing something running through the brush so we hustled to an opening and got our rifles ready....

Momma Moose and her Calf

We crossed paths with a cow moose and her calf. This was cool to watch her and her calf stare us down. As we were watching this my buddy said that this was the first time he has seen a moose "in the wild". Even though we live in town, we live close enough to the river that sometimes we get moose wandering through town. So he thought it was pretty cool to see these moose in their natural setting.

With all of our walking and luck in the higher mountain country, we decided to make our way closer to the river and hunt near there. This proved to be a better option. Within about 100 yards of getting into the brush we jumped a whitetail. I motioned to my friend and we slowly started making our way in the deer's direction. We ended up jumping the deer another time but we were pretty close to the river by now and knew it could go very far. We then came out right next to the river and I saw some track headed across the mud onto a finger of the river.

I told my buddy to set up where the tracks were and I was going to push that section and if the deer is there it will come right back across this spot. I knew this because where the deer crossed, it was just a little sliver of land surrounded by the river. I knew that if I walked down that sliver, the deer would circle around behind me and cross right back where it came.

It was pretty thick cover and I made my way down and as I got to the end of the little sliver of land I heard something get up and run behind me. I waited for it and sure enough I heard a shot ring out, then another, and then a third. I ran over to the edge and saw my friend jumping up and down and running across the mud. I made my way over there and he started hollering "I shot a deer! I shot a deer!" You couldn't wipe the grin of of his face.

Spencer's First Deer

The smile on his face says it all! Grinning from ear to ear he kept recounting the story and living in the moment.

I was excited to be able to have been there to help and be a part of this experience. I know that this will be one that I won't forget and I know that he won't either.

He Insisted to carry it out..

When is it my turn?

2012-10-30T11:37:00.001-06:00

It may sound like a pity post but in all honesty I am excited thus far for those around me having success. I posted not to long ago about my dad having a successful elk hunt, well there are others in the family as well as friends that have had success this year so I thought I would post their pictures as well to show them off.

First off my brother and his wife were sitting the tree stands at the same time and both ended up filling their tags. You can read about this hunt on my brother's blog Idaho Pursuit.

My Brother Kevin and his wife Sarah

I tweeted about it earlier in the season but my youngest brother ended up filling his tag and not only that it was his first with archery equipment. He was pretty stoked to say the least.

Brother Travis and his first Archery Deer

Then of course my dad once again fills another tag my taking this young buck during the rifle season. He has had a great year thus far with an elk and now a deer.

Dad and his Whitetail Buck

My brother-in-law Rick had a great season as well and was fortunate enough to take a nice mule deer with his rifle this year. This is on my bucket list as I have yet to harvest a mule deer.

Brother-In-Law Rick with his Mule Deer

I am excited and happy for everyone that has had luck this season..... I am just hoping that my turn will be rolling around now that the late season archery hunt opens up on the first of November. With any luck this guy will be running around near my stand.....

Geigerrig Hydration Bladder Review

2012-10-25T11:12:00.001-06:00

One of the most important pieces of gear that I use and always pack is water. The challenge I have always had is packing enough water without taking up so much space. So I started doing some research and came across the Geigerrig Hydration System. This wasn't like any other hydration bladder. The main difference I saw was the fact that it was pressurized. Yep. It would actually spray water and you didn't have to suck on the bite valve. Here is a quick video of the Geigerrig System.

While I was communicating with Bob Geiger he gave me a little information on how he came up with the idea for the Geigerrig System. While Bob was with the US Marine Corps he noticed some reasons as to why the Marines didn't like the traditional hydration packs. Here is what Bob had to say:

"Yet another reason is that Marines often need water for purposes other than drinking. They need to clean off their feet before changing socks while on a long hike. They need to spray sand out of the magazine that holds their ammo (sand in the magazine often resulted in mis-feeds, jams and malfunctions of the weapon). They need to spray the sweat off of their face and head. They need to spray and clean their body as a matter of field hygiene (foot rot and crotch rot are real game changers for Marines operating in the field). They need to add water to their MREs. They need to clean out a wound. They need to treat a casualty. They need to share their water with a fellow Marine. Etc. Etc. Etc."

"In building the GEIGERRIG product, we did a lot of work to analyze the various views and attitudes that the general consumer had about hydration packs. My experience in the Marine Corps was always in the back of my mind, but I didn’t know how those experiences would translate when it came to civilian, recreation use of a hydration pack. What we found though, was that the general consumer of a hydration pack shared many of the very same feelings and attitudes about their hands free hydration system as Marines did."

The Geigerrig bladder peaked my interest in the fact that I don't have to try and suck the water through the tube. I don't know how many times I have climbed up the top of a ridge and was out of breath trying to suck through the tube to get some water. I felt like it was too much work to get enough water to drink. So obviously not sucking for water was very appealing.

Some of the features that stand out the most for me:

Pressurized so I don't have to suck.
Slide Top and wide mouth to easily fill and clean.
Quick Release valves for the pressure tube and water tube.
Dishwasher safe.
Inline filter capability.

Now the biggest challenge for any water bladder is trying to fit it into your hunting pack. Most hunting packs have places for a hydration bladder, but getting one to fit is sometimes a challenge. I received the 3 Liter bladder to try and fit into my Eberlestock X2 Pack and I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous. I know my pack said it could hold a 3 Liter bladder but it looked like it was going to be a tight fit. Secondly I was nervous how to feed the valve and the bulb through the hydration pocket in my pack.

I quickly found that the bladder fit in the pack very easily. I thought it would have been a tighter fit but it was perfect. Even with the inline water filter it fit perfectly inside the pocket and had plenty of room to spare. I thought that it fit perfectly was curious how it would work once I pressurized the bladder.

You can see the black inline filter in the picture and the bladder is pressurized. There was still some room in the pocket if I needed to put something in. I fed both the water and air tube out the same opening and this worked out very well for me and was very simple. I liked this set up because I was able to have the pressure bulb and the water valve available on the same side.

The inline water filter and the hoses are easily removable with the quick release valves. This allows you to quickly remove the hoses from their position on the bladder which was very helpful when I needed to refill or even clean the bladder. All I had to do was remove the hoses from the bladder, then take the bladder out of the pocket in order to fill it, and then I attached the hoses back up to start using it.

I absolutely enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to suck on the valve to get water. This made it more than just a water bladder for drinking. I used it to fill my pot for boiling water to cook my Mountain House meal for lunch on one of my hunts. You can see the pressure that the bladder has by the stream of water coming through the valve which made it easy to use.

Overall I was very satisfied with the water bladder and the ease of use. The simplicity of cleaning with the slide top, being able to turn it inside out and just throwing it on the top rack of your dishwasher was very beneficial. The inline water filter did slow the stream down slightly but it as you can see in the picture it still had a lot of pressure.

I looked at my pack specs and found that my pack would hold up to a 3 liter bladder and sure enough it fit just fine with no issues. The price for a 3 liter Geigerrig Hydration bladder is $49.00 which isn't too bad. You must buy the filter separately but the filter is rated to filter 50 gallons and removes 99.9% of Cryptospordium and Giardia. This is definitely worth looking into if you are in the market for a hydration bladder.

Overall I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting a hydration pack. I was skeptical of the durability of the bladder until I watched some of the tests that were performed by Geigerrig. Here is one of the videos that shows the durability of the bladder.

I figure if it can withstand a bomb, it would be pretty reliable in my hunting pack. Definitely go and check these hydration bladders. Here is a link to their YouTube channel with all sorts of different tests like dropping the pack out of a vehicle at 100 mph and a dry ice bomb inside the bladder itself!

Watch for the review of the Geigerrig Rig 500 Ballistic Pack shortly!

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the Geigerrig Hydration System and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Geigerrig and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

How I Started My Archery Season

2012-10-12T10:07:00.001-06:00

Searching for Elk

Every year there is that time of year that every hunter looks forward too. That time of year is magical. The temperature begins to cool down, leaves change color, and the day dreaming begins. I look forward to hunting season and fall in general. It is my favorite time of year. There is just something about all the colors changing and the leaves falling that gets me going. This year though was a little different.

Me and my son Dawson

I was excited for this hunting season just like any other, but there was something that had me even more excited. My wife and I were expecting our second son just before the opening weekend of archery season. There is nothing I enjoy more than being a good father to my kids as well as being a good husband to my wife. That is where the challenge came into play. How was I going to manage my time with my family with a newborn a few days before the archery season? ........

Continue reading this post here:

PSE Archery Blog

My Archery Elk Season Recap

2012-10-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

Trying to find the mighty Wapiti

Elk hunting is a challenge in and of itself. Hunting isn't one of those things that you say, "I think I'll wake up today and go shoot an elk, or a deer, or bear, etc." It takes preparation, scouting, and time spent in the area that you are hunting in order to get your opportunities at shooting an animal. This year I started doing some scouting like I do best, using Google Earth. I found an area that looked very promising. While looking even closer I stumbled upon several ponds and became very excited. I hurried and emailed my dad the location of the ponds and he was just as excited as I was.

My brother Kevin and I made a trip up that way to try and find the ponds that I had found on the computer. We started scouting the area starting around the end of July. We went and set up several trail cameras in hopes of finding and patterning the elk. We only had a few hours available to head up and set trail cameras but once they were set we were like kids waiting for Christmas morning.

About two weeks later my dad and I ventured back in to pick up the trail cameras. We had set them up on several different trails and one was more in their bedding area. We were a little let down on the cameras we set up on the trail. We didn't get very many pictures and those pictures we got were just parts of animals. The bedding area proved to be a success though. We had several pictures of elk with a couple young bulls making an appearance.

This Bull is the one in the videos below

We were very pleased and excited to see this guy as well as several other smaller bulls and spikes showing up. There weren't any state records but seeing elk and knowing that we had set up in a good spot was exactly what we were looking for. We had some good herds come in with cows, spikes, and bulls. There is nothing better than picking up your camera and finding pictures of animals.

Wide 5x5

Eventually my dad and I made it over to one of the ponds that I had found. We had placed our cameras on one of the ponds because some one had already set up a trail camera on the other pond. We loved the activity that we were seeing at the pond and were excited to set up our cameras.

Water Hole

So with them set up we began another long wait to head back up and check trail cameras. Again we were getting some good pictures and decent elk activity. There still weren't any jaw dropping monsters coming in but there was plenty of great elk activity. I found out also that my trail camera was actually taking video along with snapping some pictures. Pretty cool seeing these animals coming in on video. Here's a few that I really liked.

This was promising and a pleasant surprise to find that my trail camera was taking video. I had no idea. We had several hunting trips up in that area and there were several close encounters. But in one of my recent posts I highlighted our Successful Elk Hunt that was accomplished by my dad. Needless to say we had a great archery season for elk. Close encounters, beautiful country, and great company makes hunting elk worth it.

My Dad's Elk

Be sure to read the story about our Successful Elk Hunt to see how my dad got this bull.

An Unforgettable Moment

2012-09-21T08:19:00.001-06:00

My Son and I at his first Archery Shoot

Sharing my love for bowhunting is something that I truly enjoy. When my wife and I were dating, she didn’t know very much about hunting. In fact when she would come over and we would watch old hunting tapes or watch hunting shows, she couldn’t stand watching. I made sure not to force it on her but to share why I enjoy it so much. To show her how much fun it could be, I gave her a bow and we started shooting the 3-D range in the evenings whenever we could. Her comment to me was that she could shoot targets but not a real animal. This was perfectly fine with me. I get to take her out and practice and share my love for archery with my wife.

I get to share it even more now with my son. He just turned 3 and taking him to archery shoots to teach him just as my dad did is an experience that I will never forget.....

You can finish reading this post over on the PSE Archery Blog

A Successful Elk Hunt

2012-09-20T07:38:00.001-06:00

Glassing for Elk

Last week my brother, my dad, and myself headed up to our hunting spot where we met up with Rudy from Huntography. It was our turn to try and get an elk on film for the ElkTour DVD that he was putting together. This was a great opportunity and had a blast all weekend. After hearing the stories from the other groups like Emily and her group as well as Eric and Nate from DIYBowhunter.com, I was a little nervous. I was hoping we could get into the elk like they did.

I had been looking forward to this weekend to get out and go hunting for the fact that I haven't gotten a chance to get out. I don't regret not getting out because I have been spending time with my wife and my two boys. As much as I enjoy hunting, family definitely comes first and we just had our second son two days before the season opener. I was happy to stay home and was happy to get out for a few days.

Needless to say without giving away too much about our portion of the ElkTour, we did have some close calls with some elk. We had a small herd come in but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to draw on any of them. With the fallen timber I wasn't able to get a clear shot. We ended up getting into the elk and had an exciting time chasing them trying to seal the deal. I think we wore Rudy out from walking so much....

Rudy Catching Some ZZZZZ's

Although I never drew on an elk, my dad did and was successful. He shot a nice 4x5 rag horn bull that has some real nice character. This is definitely one of the most unique looking elk I have seen. It was a great way to share the hunt with my family and have Rudy there to capture us on video. Unfortunately we weren't able to get the kill on video, but we did have some back straps for dinner that night around the campfire.

My dad and his Stag Looking Elk

Be sure to check out Huntography for the release of the DVD to pick up all the action. You can also read a little bit about Emily's hunt with Rudy on her blog: From The Draw and be sure you check out my brother's side of the story over at his blog: Idaho Pursuit.