Dear Santa: I Want It All
Your Outdoor Gear Guide for the Christmas Crunch
Q: Do you think knee pads are a good tool to keep in your hunting vest or do they just take up needed space? Thank you!
— Dana Siekawitch, Yakima, Wash.
A: For knee pads to be a useful addition to your hunting vest, it depends on how you plan to use them. If you plan to use the knee pads as an aid to crawling closer to turkeys, then I'd say you don't need them. Crawling toward turkeys is a very bad idea because other hunters may mistake you for a turkey, and you'll probably scare the turkeys away. It is much better and much safer to remain still and patiently call the turkeys into shooting range. However, if you bowhunt for turkeys, you may need to kneel for long periods of time waiting for the perfect time to draw your bow. It that case, knee pads could be a very valuable addition to your gear.
— Tom Hughes, NWTF director of research and outreach
Q: I have a really hard time keeping my feet warm in rubber boots. Can you offer some suggestions for types of socks that would help wick perspiration away from my skin and provide for cushioning and warmth? What would be a good substitute for wearing rubber boots while deer hunting? I am interested in not leaving a scent trail, and haven't seen many suggestions as to alternatives. Rubber boots don't give much ankle support and they haven't been keeping my feet warm when it gets cold. At what temperature could I switch to a warmer, more supportive type of boot?
— Ted Schenck, Johnston, S.C.
Ted, the best warm rubber boots I have found are Muck Boots. Some styles cost less than $100 and they are really warm and comfortable to walk in. I have had cold feet all my life until I borrowed a pair of Muck Boots while moose hunting in Wyoming four years ago. It was a week full of rain and snow, low temperatures of 28 degrees and walking three to six miles a day. My feet stayed warm and dry through it all. They are the best, warmest and most comfortable rubber boots I have ever worn. I wear cotton socks against my skin with wool socks over the cotton socks and my feet stay warm and dry.
— Robert Abernethy, NWTF assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs
Q: What is a ThermaCell? It cannot work as well as advertised.
A: ThermaCells are even better than advertised! They are small, portable, cordless appliances that use scented cartridges to repel mosquitoes and eliminate the need for you to apply harsh insect repellents to your skin. They are one of the greatest inventions of mankind - right up there with the thermos that keeps hot foods hot and cold foods cold. I know because I have tested ThermaCells in swamps in South Carolina and North Carolina, and the mosquitoes disappear after five minutes. Do not leave home without one!
— Robert Abernethy, NWTF assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs
Q: What is the best aluminum climbing stand considering durability, weight and the ability to set up quietly? Cost is a minor factor.
— Warren Dunn, Macon, Ga.
A: Tree stands are very tough to rate. The problem is that every hunter is built differently and the situation you are hunting in will affect your choice in climbing stands. What works for one hunter will not always work for another. The stand you choose will depend on your body frame, height, weight, etc. Will this stand be used after an easy walk from your car or a 5-mile hike into public lands? Are you hunting among softer pines or mostly hardwoods? Some stands will hold a tree easily with the pressure of a cable, while others rely on the bite of welded teeth to dig into the bark. Also, are you hunting with a bow or rifle? Some stands are designed to give you a solid shooting rest while others are more open to allow good movement and unrestricted draw space for the bow.
The best way to find a stand that works for you is to try different climbing stands that your friends may own. I've noted that bigger guys prefer cast aluminum stands over the welded aluminum stands. While they are heavier and more expensive, the cast aluminum stands seem more durable, quieter and more comfortable when set up. Good stands are adjustable to your size; don't bend when you are loading up on a climb; have solid foot stirrups to hold on to your feet; have a system to tie in the foot platform to the seat/climber; tie in solidly into the tree; are quiet; and feel solid when locked in for the hunt.
Be sure to wear a good safety/climbing harness when you hunt. I've had three friends fall out of tree stands. One lost his leg, one spent months in recovery, and the most recent one is going through a third painful surgery to reconstruct his leg. He has more bolts in his body than Frankenstein!
— P.J. Perea, senior editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: Has anyone on your staff tried the Klymit Kinetic Vest? I have heard rave reviews on it! I wonder about the gas having a scent? I like the looks of it because it fits close and leaves arms totally free. I know they make a hunting version.
— Jeanene Arrington, Tampa, Fla.
A: I haven't tried this vest, but from what I can read about it looks like a great advancement in clothing technology. Noble gasses like argon do not have any color or scent associated with them, so I would not worry about deer smelling your vest.
— P.J. Perea, senior editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: What is the best hunting vest to use when you have back problems? I already use a hunting seat with folding legs and I want to improve my overall comfort when sitting for a long time.
— Jeff Leideritz, Muskego, Wis.
A: As a fellow back pain sufferer, the only vests that feel comfortable to me are the ones with the built-in stadium seats with the adjustable tension straps. Bass Pro Shops makes a version with a stadium seat built in to the vest. It's called a RedHead Highback Turkey Lounger. If you like using a seat, try pairing it up with a Tree Tamer backrest, so you don't have to endure the pain of a tree digging into your back. Check it out in Turkey Shoppe.
— P.J. Perea, senior editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: There are so many options to choose from when looking at hand-held GPS units, ranging in price from under $100 to several hundred dollars. What is the best value for my hard-earned money?
— Gerald Shaffer, Perkasie, Pa.
A: The perfect GPS for you for the money will depend on your activities. If you simply use a GPS to find your way from your treestand/camping spot back to your truck, the Bushnell Backtrack is a bargain for about $60. If you like to mark waypoints such as fishing hotspots, tree stands, morel- and berry-picking spots, scenic vistas, geocaches, etc., you'll want a GPS with built-in or expandable memory and a data port like the Garmin eTrex.
The expensive devices give you touch screens, color LCD, MP3 players, walkie-talkies, built-in altimeters, barometers, temperature gauges and blue tooth/wireless access — mostly things you don't really need unless you have $500 burning a hole in your pocket and an endless supply of batteries.
For under $100, get a GPS enabled with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), which enhances the accuracy of GPS navigation. Buy one that can hold at least 50 to 100 waypoints, doesn't burn through batteries and has an easy-to-use interface to navigate screens, allows you to input coordinates and does the basic job of getting you from point A to point B. I'm sure you have a few friends that can lend you theirs so you can decide which one is for you.
— P.J. Perea, senior editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: I'm desperately seeking women's hunting gear. I can only find men's camouflage and men's insulated gear. What are recommended brands for women and where can I purchase them? Thanks!
— Kelly Monroe, Medina, Ohio
A: Kelly, it's time to take your search online or take a road trip to your closest Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's store. Bass Pro carries camouflage clothing for women, including the women-exclusive brands Prois, SHE Outdoor Apparel and Bass Pro's own RedHead For Her. Cabela's also carries SHE Outdoor Apparel and their Cabela's Women line. You can choose from the full line of SHE Outdoor Apparel, much of which is made to keep you warm. Women in the Outdoors sponsor Foxy Huntress has some camouflage items, as well. And don't be afraid to mix solid color performance base layers from companies like Under Armour and SportHill to get the insulation you need. Just stick to blacks, browns and greens.
— Karen Lee, editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: I am wondering if there are any decent gloves on the market that are both warm and tailored to a woman's hand size? Men's gloves in small sizes are okay but can be a bit bulky and do not always stay in place. It is important to have a decent pair of gloves that fit well when you have a bird in sight and prepare to take the shot.
Tracey Czechan, Pewaukee, Wis.
A: I have small hands and can often wear youth gloves in extra-large. If you're in the same boat, try RedHead Gobbler Turkey Gloves for Youth from Bass Pro Shops. But that won't work if you have long fingers. You also can try convertible gloves or glomitts, which give your fingers the dexterity they need when the action heats up, but warmth when you're waiting. Or, if you value the right fit over a camouflage pattern, just wear solid-color shooting or outdoor performance gloves from companies like Manzella (www.manzella.com). Manzella has black gloves in women's sizes for all types of weather conditions.
— Karen Lee, editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: What companies make turkey vests for ladies? A lot of women turkey hunt! We need products that fit us properly. I hunt in a man's size small turkey vest and it hangs off of me! Also, is there anyone else that makes smaller diaphragm calls besides Primos' Sonic Dome?
— Elise Fernstrom, Pomfret Center, Conn.
A: A turkey vest made just for women? To my knowledge there's no such animal. The trick is to find the style and size that matches your body type. I'm 5'1" and can pull off an extra-large youth vest. The NWTF's Turkey Shoppe sells a JAKES Turkey Vest that may fit smaller-framed women. Ol' Tom sells a Time & Motion Essentials Vest that comes in small. That's the one I use, and it fits nicely. Primos' Strap Turkey Vest also comes in extra-small/small. The key to a vest that fits is one with adjustable straps, both over the shoulders and around the torso. I suggest spending time at larger outdoors stores like Bass Pro and Cabela's trying on a variety of styles to find one that works with your body type.
Mouth calls... try:
- Mini A-Frame by Primos
- Premium Flex Small Frame-Youth Diaphragm Calls by Hunter's Specialties
- Ballistic tk Charmer (2-reed) or Stunner (3-reed) by Knight & Hale
— Karen Lee, editor, Turkey Country magazine
Q: Yes, I am thinking about buying the CVA Electra muzzleloader. Do you have any pros or cons on this muzzleloader, and do you have a better brand that you might suggest? Thanks for you good work that you and the NWTF continue to do!
— Rickey Ellenburg, Easley, S.C.
A: The CVA Electra is an innovative muzzleloader, using battery ignition rather than primers or caps to ignite the powder charge. Benefits are quick ignition, less fouling, and less fumbling with priming. Possible disadvantages include complexity, battery failure, fouling issues, and not being legal to use in some states during muzzleloading seasons. CVA offers several choices that cost about the same as the Electra without some of the safety/technical/legal issues. Thompson/Center and Traditions also make high quality muzzleloaders.
— Ted Schenck, USDA Forest Service national "Making Tracks" coordinator
Q: What kind of leafy camo do you suggest for turkey hunting?
— Jami Stone, Effingham, Ill.
A: No flat piece of fabric, regardless of the pattern printed on it, presents the same depth, shadows and realism as the 3-D versions with leaves and fringes. I've used the same "leafy" suit for more than 10 years and had wild turkeys almost step on me. Mossy Oak and Realtree both make excellent spring and fall turkey patterns. I would take a close look at the habitat where you'll be hunting (is it brushy, hardwoods, grassy, green, brown or gray) and buy the color scheme that most closely resembles that area. Both companies are now making patterns that pretty much blend in anywhere you can hunt.
— Scott Vance, NWTF assistant vice president of conservation programs administration
Q: I am always looking for the perfect pair of lightweight gloves that are waterproof. Do you have any suggestions?
— Kell McInnis, Baton Rouge, La.
A: I've been using the Under Armour Key Pocket ColdGear Gloves and I love them. Lightweight, very waterproof and lots of finger dexterity.
— Scott Vance, NWTF assistant vice president of conservation programs administration
Q: Are stuffed hen and jake decoys worth the extra expense and are they durable enough to be transported through the woods? If so, which brands do you recommend?
— John Ulmer, Paron, Ark.
A: It's hard to beat a real stuffed bird for realism. I mean it is, after all, REAL! I've had pretty phenomenal luck with the Hazel Creek Real Hen Decoy. One tip: don't leave them out in the rain!
— Scott Vance, NWTF assistant vice president of conservation programs administration
Q: Should I invest extra money in a scope? Why does one 3x9 scope cost $45 and another costs $250? What — besides the name — makes the difference?
— Michael Cambareri, Lacona, N.Y.
A: That's a question for the ages. Actually, there are big differences between economy scopes and quality scopes. The quality of the glass and the type of lens coatings are important to render a sharp image, reduce glare, enhance contrast, etc. Being able to discern details at a distance such as whether the deer is a button buck or a doe is vital to ethical hunting and management. Good quality scopes also gather more light, giving you a few extra minutes either at dawn or dusk.
Most high-end scopes also come with lifetime repair/replacement warranties. Sure, you can buy a $40 scope and replace it five times over your hunting career, or buy a $200 scope once. It's a personal decision that should be based on what you can economically justify and what your needs are in the field. By the way, the $250 scopes are mid-level scopes; high-end scopes run more than $1,000. Personally, I have a mix of economy and mid-level scopes on my firearms and all serve their purposes well.
— Matt Lindler, editor, JAKES Magazine and NWTF photography director
Q: What is the hottest 12-gauge gun, sight and camouflage for turkey hunting?
— Jerry LeBlanc, Baton Rouge, La.
A: The hottest gun on the market right now is the Benelli Vinci, which retails for about $1,400. The revolutionary design of the firearm makes it easier to clean and maintain and seriously reduces recoil with high-velocity, heavy-hitting turkey loads. More inline with my price range is the new Remington 887, which sports a more modern pump design and features such as a soft recoil and ArmorLokt rust-preventative coating. This gun is easier on the wallet at between $300 and $500.
Fiber optic sights are always a hit in the turkey woods, giving hunters a few extra minutes of shooting light early or late in the hunt. Tru-Glo has the market share for turkey hunters, and you can even buy them in the NWTF's Turkey Shoppe online. Scopes with illuminated reticles or red dots can magnify as well as provide an easy-to-see alternative to a standard scope reticle, but require batteries and have a wonderful habit of dying at the wrong time.
But if you use a battery-free, non-electronic scope such as a Leupold NWTF Shotgun Scope, you won't have to worry about batteries dying when the moment of truth comes. You can guarantee that all of the camouflage companies will hit the market hard with new offerings being unveiled at the SHOT (Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show in Las Vegas this January. No secrets have been leaked, so we're all still waiting to see what new and innovative camo patters will appear (or disappear) this spring.
— Matt Lindler, editor, JAKES Magazine and NWTF photography director
Q: Do you recommend any camouflage hats for someone who has to wear glasses while hunting?
— Hugh Chatham, San Rafael, Calif.
A: As a hunter who wears glasses, all I can say is ... Contacts! Actually, a hat doesn't cause as many problems as a face mask, which causes the moisture from our breath to filter up through the mask then right onto our glasses. Tilting the brim of your hat back slightly and pulling your glasses down on your nose helps cool, ambient air to circulate around the lenses to help clear them up. Treating your classes with Fog X, just like you'd use on your truck windows, works great, too. Using face paint, instead of a face mask, will reduce fogging, too. As for a great camouflaged hat, any that say "Team NWTF" will not only improve your chances of killing a turkey, it will also drive the women wild.
— Matt Lindler, editor, JAKES Magazine and NWTF photography director
