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Gear Of The Year (part 3)
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Power Wings
 Duck
hunters who rely on motorized decoys to add movement to their
spreads will be interested in Power Wings (U.S.$159), the only
motor-driven decoy on the market with a changeable body. The
standard outer shell is a G & H model K10-4 decoy that can
be replaced with any other decoy in this line. The decoy sits
atop a steel pole, attached by a thumbscrew that allows you
to rotate it when the wind changes direction—without the
hassle of having to pull up the stake. Portable and easy to
store, the all-aluminum Power Wings will operate for up to 20
hours on a six-volt battery.
Power Wings, 115 East Ross Street,
Palmyra, Missouri 63461; (217) 222-1789; www.powerwings.com |
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 Sporting
Dog First Aid Kit
Your canine hunting companion is exposed to as many dangers
afield as you are, but hunters are seldom prepared when their
dogs suffer cuts, abrasions or other ailments. The folks at
Creative Pet Products have put together the Sporting Dog First
Aid Kit (U.S.$38.50) for just such occasions. This veterinarian-approved
kit contains all you’ll need for common injuries, with
everything from an assortment of bandages to a skin staple gun
to a first-aid book for dogs.
Creative Pet Products, 4090 County
Road #44, Minnetrista, Minnesota 55364; (715) 778-5826 |
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All-Terrain Umbrella Blind
If you’re looking for an ultra-portable, all-purpose hunting
blind, the new All-Terrain Umbrella Blind (U.S.$69.99) is just
the answer. As the name suggests, the blind is designed like
an umbrella. Opened, it measures 72 inches wide by 52 inches
high, and the handle can be positioned to adapt to any hunting
scenario. The All-Terrain Umbrella Blind features two windows
that can be opened or closed, a treestand mounting bracket,
and a choice of six camouflage patterns, including Advantage
and Mossy Oak Break Up.
Umbrella Blind Company, P.O. Box 2195,
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia 30742; (706) 375-3208; www.umbrellablind.com |
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Sport Dog Remote Training System
 For
hunters who rely on remote training collars when working with
their dogs, the new Sport Dog Remote Training System (U.S.$449)
overcomes the traditional failings of electronic collars with
its superior range and waterproof transmitter and receiver.
While ill-suited for inexperienced handlers, the Sport Dog Remote
Training System is designed to help knowledgeable handlers reinforce
lessons in the field. Powered by three nine-volt batteries,
the system features a two-mile range (500 yards without the
antenna), six levels of stimulation tailored to one of four
intensity levels, a deluxe waterproof carrying case and a lifetime
warranty.
Pet Safe Training Systems, 10427 Electric
Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37932; 1-800-732-2677; www.petsafe.net |
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 Ace
Decoy Anchors
Wrapping up decoy weights and lines can be a real nuisance.
Besides getting tangled up, they tend to chip the paint around
the necks and heads of your blocks, and they can be difficult
to handle in cold weather when you’re wearing gloves. Ace
Decoy Anchors (U.S.$17.95/dozen) have solved these problems
with a stretchable decoy strap that attaches to the end of your
decoy line. Affixed to the strap is an L-shaped weight designed
to secure the anchor to the keel of your decoy. A pull cord
that releases the weight only adds to the convenience. Ace Decoy
Anchors are available in four- or eight-ounce models.
Ace Hunting Supply, P.O. Box 214,
Holcomb, Mississippi 38940; (622) 227-1250; www.ace-decoy-anchors.com |
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Sawvivor
Trail Blazer has taken portable hunting saws to new heights
with the introduction of the Sawvivor ($29.95). With a frame
constructed of durable anodized aluminum, this new tool weighs
just 9-1/2 ounces and folds into an easy-to-stow, three-by-five-inch
package. There’s a convenient storage space built into
the handle for replacement blades, and the foam-cushioned handles
make cutting bone or wood easy on the hands. The Sawvivor also
comes with a lifetime warranty.
Trail Blazer Quality Outdoor Products,
100 Ilsley Avenue, Unit G, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1L3; 1-800-565-6564;
www.trailblazerproducts.com |
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SealSkinz
 Why
is it that hunters always seem to get wet feet when they’re
least prepared? To help avoid such surprises is a new line of
waterproof socks called SealSkinz ($36.99 to $59.99). A vast
improvement over waterproof socks of the past, SealSkinz are
seamless and made of a stretch-to-fit fabric that provides a
good fit every time and won’t cause blisters. They’re
guaranteed to be 100 per cent waterproof, yet allow perspiration
out so feet don’t overheat while staying dry. SealSkinz
come in a variety of sizes.
Kolder Canada, 21 Grandview Crescent,
RR2, Bradford, Ontario L3R 2A5; 1-800-881-7535; www.danalco.com |
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 Master
Hunter II DISC Rifle
Muzzleloaders have traditionally been utilitarian with few of
the frills and upgrades available on other firearms. Knight
Rifles is changing that with its first high-end offering, the
new Master Hunter II DISC Rifle (U.S.$999.99). Like all of Knight’s
DISC rifles, the Master Hunter is designed to take advantage
of #209 shotgun primers for the fastest, hottest ignition possible.
The Master Hunter comes with two thumbhole stocks: a two-tone
laminate showpiece stock and a black composite stock designed
for tough field use. Other high-grade components include a 26-inch,
stainless-steel fluted barrel (finished in brushed satin, with
1:28-inch twist rifling). A match-grade adjustable trigger,
engraved trigger guard, Schnabel fore end, palm-swell grip and
fibre-optic sights are all standard. The Master Hunter comes
in .50 calibre only and weighs 7.7 pounds.
Knight Rifles, P.O. Box 130, 21852
Highway J46, Centerville, Iowa 52544; (641) 856-2626; www.knightrifles.com
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| Read
more on the best gear of 2001: |
| Part
1 | Part 2 | Part
3 | Part 4 |
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