Archive for the 'Hunting Gear Reviews' Category

BowCamTreeCam Review

kevin May 31st, 2010

It wasn’t so long ago that the only hunts you’d ever see filmed were on your favorite Sunday morning hunting show. Bow Camera Mount Review - Bow Cam Tree Cam

My how things have changed.

Thanks to the introduction of more compact and affordable home video equipment for the everyday Joe, and the ever-growing use of websites like YouTube which allow sportsmen to share their video hunting experiences online, the practice of filming wildlife hunts has exploded in popularity.

Today, tons of video camera accessories for compound bows have flooded the hunting market. Some tiny digital cameras made specifically for bows have started to creep onto shelves too. However, unless you like poor sound quality and grainy video, the most practical innovation is still in the form of bow camera mounts.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Most mounts I’ve used for my compound bow are so heavy and bulky, it is distracting when aiming at a target, not to mention hard to hold a tight shot — even with a small, light weight camera attached.

However, there is a new bow camera mount on the market and it’s one of the best designs I’ve seen so far. It’s called the BowCamTreeCam, and it offers several advantages over other bow camera mounts.

Come inside the Arkansas Hunting Forum for the full BowCamTreeCam review.

Arkansas Turkey Hunting – Turkey Choke Review

ducktape April 9th, 2010

Alot of our visitors have asked, “What kind of choke do I need to use for turkey hunting in Arkansas?”. Well we will clear the air and give first hand experience on the choke, shells, and gun we will be using this year. Our good friends at killer kallz also make some of the best chokes on the market, more specifically designed to shoot today’s modern heavy turkey loads.

Angle Porting is the name of the company, and they have been making chokes a lot longer than duck calls. We could discuss several more products they offer but for the sake of information we will stick to the Extreme Range Turkey Choke. I took several pictures while patterning this turkey choke, gun, and shells, but unfortunately I dropped the camera in the bar ditch right after I was done.

The gun I am using is a Remington 887 waterfowl edition, with 26 inch barrel, the Extreme Range Turkey Choke from Angle Porting, and the Federal Premium Mag Shok Hi Velocity Flitecontrol Turkey Loads, because as one review about the shells put it: “it kills everything: DEAD”.

Tests were done a couple weeks ago, temp was about 60 degrees, a light breeze out of the south at 2-3 mph, and it was 8:00 in the morning. We tried to keep it similar to a hunting situation except we were on a levee in a rice field. We patterned at 30, 40, and 50 yards, with only the 887 and the Fed Premium shells.
Read the rest of the review in the Arkansas Turkey Hunting Forum

Outdoor Gift Guide 2009: Duck Hunting

kevin November 11th, 2009

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about what gift you’ll give the outdoor fanatic in your family. If his or her favorite spot in the world is a duck blind, take a close look at this list of top 5 gifts for waterfowl hunters.

Black Cloud Ammo - Black Cloud Ammo’s catch phrase is “they make it rain ducks.” Sure, ok, nice advertising. But let’s look past all the marketing hyperbole and get to the real truth about Black Cloud. Plain and simple, they make it rain ducks. Seriously. Featuring extended range, superb knockdown power and superior pattern tightening technology, Black Clouds are THE shell to use this season.

Avery Boaters Dog Parka - Probably the only thing the hunter in your family likes more than limiting out on ducks is his/her trusty companion. Give them something they’ll both like with the Avery Dog Parka from Macks PW. Afterall, you’re not the only one that gets cold on those freezing late November mornings.

Drake Floating Gun Case - There are lots of gun cases on the market, many of which cost well over $100. Don’t pay it. For $30.00, this Drake case is all you need and more to keep your shotgun safe and dry. It’s moisture-absorbing nylon denier material and outer pocket (for extra choke, calls, etc.) are a just a couple of it’s best features.

For more duck hunting gift ideas (including a plug for Binelli’s Super Black Eagle II) check out the Arkansas Duck Hunting Forum.

Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Gear and Gadgets

kevin November 6th, 2009

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about what gift you’ll give the outdoor fanatic in your family. Over the next several days, we’ll bring you the low-down on the best hunting and fishing gear on the market, from comfortable camo boots to duck hunting decoys to fishing rods and reels. Today, let’s take a look at the best hunting/fishing field gear of 2009:

#1 - Nikon Action Binoculars - Super light-weight and featuring the clarity you come to expect from Nikon, the Nikon Action binoculars are owned by yours truly, and I wouldn’t trade them for any other pair. Just a slight turn of the dial and these guys focus perfectly. No need to find “just the right spot” like your old pair of binoculars.

Holiday Outdoor gift guide for fishermen and hunters.

#2 - Bushnell BackTrack GPS - GPS devices are great for every hunter. However, many on the market are extremely difficult for hunters to operate, especially us older guys. But with the BackTrack, you simply mark your beginning location and navigate back whenever you’re ready – it’s that easy.



Find the rest of the first edition of the 2009 Outdoor Gift Guide in the Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Forum.

Holiday Outdoor Gift Guide: Field Gear

kevin December 12th, 2008

To finish up the 2008 Arkansas Outdoors Online Gift Guide and hunting gear reviews, have a gander at these must-have Arkansas hunting tools to use all year-long, no matter the hunting season. We hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s Arkansas hunting gift guide.


Nikon ProStaff 550 Laser Rangefinder

range finder outdoor gear reviewWhen it comes to optics, Nikon is king. The Nikon ProStaff 550 Laser Rangefinder is no exception. It’s the perfect size for almost any Arkansas hunting adventure and features 6x magnification. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and boasts fast and accurate ranging in 1/2 yard increments to 99.5 yards and in 1 yard increments to 550 yards.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Buck Knives Folding Omni Hunter 12Pt

best hunting knives

Compact and Heavy Duty with a Sharp, Thick Stainless Steel Blade. Guaranteed not to let you down. Now that’s a Buck Knife.

The Omni Hunter 12 Pt gut hook will slice through the toughest game, and the ergonomical, DynaFlex thermoplastic handle won’t sting your hand on those cold Arkansas hunting days. 4 inch blade. 7.3 oz. weight.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Lowrance iFinder H20 GPS

Lowrance iFinder hunting gear review

The Lowrance iFinder H20 is not the most sophisticated GPS you can buy, but it certainly gets the job done when mapping your favorite lake, river or hunting spot … at about half the price.

The iFinder is fast at picking up satellites (and even comes with an external antenna port for even better signal), it’s totally waterproof, making it perfect for taking out on the water or hunting inclement weather, and it features a 3 inch back-lit screen for use after the sun goes down.

The iFinder earns a perfect 5 star rating for its ease-of-use and its affordability.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Smart Scouter™ Wireless Digital Game Camera

Trying to find a reliable game camera is a crapshoot. One brand is better than the other brand, depending on who you ask. And reliablity is never guaranteed, even on the most expensive brands. But, there’s a new kid on the game camera block, and its one of the coolest items of the year.

The Smart Scouter takes pictures just like any other game cam, with one exception. No other game cam allows you to view those pictures on the computer, no matter how many miles you are away from the camera.

Yeah it is expensive and requires a subscription, but for most of us, it’s still cheaper than what it costs in gas to go check cams everyday. Rest-assured, it’ll be a holiday bonus put to good use.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:

Holiday Outdoor Gift Guide: Fishing

kevin December 10th, 2008

Redington® Crosswater Fly Rod and Reel Outfit

fly rod outdoor gear reviewRedington is known around the globe as one of THE premier crafters of fly rods and reels. Begginers. Intermediates. Experienced Professionals. No matter your fly fishing class, Redington can hook you up.

Beginners, try your hand at the Redington Crosswater Fly Rod Combo. It’s affordable, lightweight, and best of all, incredibly easy to cast.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Bass Pro Shops® Tourney Special® Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo

bass pro outdoor gear reviewsFor hundreds of dollars less than the Johnny Morris’ and Daiwa’s of the fishing retail world, you can score a rod and reel combo that’ll bring in the bass with the best of ‘em.

Owned by yours truly, Bass Pro’s Tourney Special is a quality baitcast rod and reel that is light and smooth from start to finish. The rod is fitted with high-grade, multilayer IM-7 graphite blank for greater strength with, plus Fuji® aluminum oxide guides for enhanced line flow in either direction. The reels smooth 4-bearing system includes PowerLock™ Instant Anti-Reverse and an easy-to-adjust precision 6-pin centrifugal brake system.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Fishpond® Gore Range Tech Pack

Designed with the fly fisherman in mind, Fishpond’s Gore Range Tech Pack features lightweight, waterproof fabric, padded shoulder straps, and several large, adjustable straps to give you the perfect fit and 17 convenient pockets for storing everything from the smallest flies to tools and water bottles.

It’s so handy you’ll end up wearing this pack weather you’re on the White River, or fishing your favorite pond.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating:


Mister Twister Electric Fillet Knife Combo

If you’re like me, you fish year-round … and go through fillet knives like toilet paper. The Mister Twister will change that. Believe me, when you need to fillet fish, count on the Mister Twister Electric Fisherman. It’s study and seems to be more “heavy duty” with more cutting power than your standard wal-mart brand. The serrated, double-action blades are extra-sharp stainless steel.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Outdoor Gear Reviews - Deer Grunt

Holiday Outdoor Gift Guide: Apparel & Footwear

kevin December 9th, 2008

If there is one thing Arkansas hunters can never get too much of, it’s camo. From warm-weather jackets and insulated boots to temperature-defying outerwear and scent-controlled base layers, follow the Arkansas hunting apparel guide and you’re sure to see smiles on Christmas morning.


Under Armour® ColdGear® With Capture Scent Technology

under armour outdoor gear reviews

Base Layer: Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Under Armour offers apparel that not only every hunter wants, but every hunter needs. Start with UA’s ColdGear apparel with new Capture Scent Technology. The UA base layers keep you warm and dry by wicking away sweat and help to destroy odor-causing bacteria with its new Scent Technology. Doesn’t earn a perfect 5 star rating because it’s a bit pricey.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Outdoor Gear Reviews - Deer Grunt


Cabelas’s Predator Extreme Pac Boot

hunting boot reviewsFootwear: There’s nothing that drives a hunter out of the woods faster than cold feet. Cabelas’ Predator Extreme Pac Boot is the answer to that problem. Light, warm and built for comfort, these boots boast a removable 9mm Texel® liner that warms your feet and draws moisture away from the surface of the skin. This liner also sports a heat pack pocket under the toe area for the coldest temperatures. 100 % waterproof with a layer of 1,200-gram Thinsulate.

Stocking Stuffer: Columbia Monarch Pass Sock

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Hunting Gear Reviews - Browning A-Bolt




RedHead® StormTex™ Camo Rain Jacket

outdoor gear review - rainwear
Rainwear: The Redhead StormTex line of rain jackets protect you from some of nature’s toughest elements, most notably, wind and rain. The StormTex boasts superb breathability, and for a rain jacket, you won’t be disappointed with how quiet it is. Available in both Mossy Oak Break-Up and Advantage Max-4 HD, at only $49.95, it’s a great bargain.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Outdoor Gear Reviews - Deer Grunt


Rocky® SIQ™ Atomic 10-Pocket Pants

rocky pants hunting gear reviewsWarm-weather: Silent. Comfortable. Scent-free. Lightweight. The Rocky SIQ Atomic 10-Pocket Pants offer everything a warm-weather hunter could want out of a hunting pant. Ten pockets make ideal compartments for all of your spring turkey calls, and the pants can also double as early season archery wear.

The price is great too when compared to other brands—something we always find appealing about Rocky’s line of top-notch apparel.

Matching Top: Rock SIQ Atomic 1/4 Zip Pullover

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Hunting Gear Reviews - Browning A-Bolt


Mossy Oak® DryStalker™ 2 Parka

drystalker 2 jacket gear reviewCold Weather: The best thing about the DryStalker 2 is its warmth, compliments of Torrent, Mossy Oak’s exclusive waterproof, windproof, breathable laminated membrane. The second best thing is its built-in anti-microbrial scent technology—ScentStop.

Oh, and the price? We think you’ll like that too. Mossy Oak DryStalker 2.

Arkansas Outdoors Online Rating: Hunting Gear Reviews - Browning A-Bolt


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