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Just-Twittered!
Just-Posted!
- Moon Shine, LP Licenses with Treelimb Products
- Big Green Targets Showcases New Look On Targets
- Carbon Express Takes First U.S. Archery Gold Recurve Win with NEW Nano-Pro Xtreme Arrow
- Meat Eaters R’ Us
- Carbon Express® Introduces the PileDriver® Pass Thru Extreme™
NRA Blog!
- NRA Field Reps head to Colorado for summer meetingsFriends of NRA reviews banquet season progress and prepares for second half of 2013 Fairfax, Virginia - The Friends of NRA program is a large family of individuals dedicated to preserving our country's shooting sports heritage. This past week we finished highlighting the Volunteers of the Year; the best of the best among the thousands who donate their t […]
- South Dakota puts finishing touches on Deer Season, starts on Antelope SeasonFrom the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission - Deer Hunting Seasons Finalized, South Dakota Antelope Hunting Season Proposed DEER HUNTING SEASONS FINALIZED Pierre, South Dakota - The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has finalized all 2013 South Dakota deer hunting seasons. The online application process for the hunting seasons will open in mid-June. […]
- Arkansas teens finish rifle, safety and sporting clay stage at State ChampionshipsNRA's Arkansas Youth Hunter Education Challenge championships come down to rabbits and safety trail We've been following the progress of Benton County's 4-H team at the 2013 Arkansas State YHEC Championships. With his final report on the action, here is Benton County Coach Stuart Sage. Little Rock, Arkansas - The final days of Arkansas' N […]
- Colt .38 Special made for Army, Bankers and Postal Workers1920s era snubnose, Colt Banker's Special, available in three calibers Fairfax, Virginia - Sometimes you get caught on a tangent. Listen to nothing but Nirvana, playing Angry Birds non-stop or a week-long pizza binge. It can happen in any facet of life. If you're a gun collector, for example, you might start focusing on a particular make or model. […]
- Get your summertime Conceal Carry solutions at NRAstore.comHolster options when the weather turns warm and the clothing become lighter NRA Store's Dirk Grove returns from Father's Day weekend with three solutions for those summertime conceal carry issues Fairfax, Virginia - The warmest days of the year are approaching. And that means some creative thinking is in order, if you’re going to carry a concealed […]
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- elkmtngear on HAVA On-Target at Shooting Industry Masters
- Rita Cowart on Alpen Optics Owner and POMA Member Vickie Gardner Wins Prestigous Volunteer Award!
- Dan Martinez on ThermaCELL Starts Their Appliance-A-Day Giveaway!
- Dan Martinez on Alpen Optics Owner and POMA Member Vickie Gardner Wins Prestigous Volunteer Award!
Apr 30thMoon Shine, LP Licenses with Treelimb Products
Moon Shine, LP Authorizes Use of Muddy Girl® to Treelimb Products
BEAVERTOWN, PA – Moon Shine, LP designer of Moon Shine Attitude Attire, announces that they have partnered with Treelimb Products. Treelimb Products now offers the Muddy Girl camouflage pattern for both their Standard and Premium Series Quivers.
“This is the first quiver manufacturer we have licensed our patterns to, and we are pleased to finally be able to accommodate all the accessory needs to match Muddy Girl bows,” stated Moon Shine LP President Travis Mattern. “Treelimb Products are innovative and sleek and are now going to be covered in attitude. We are honored to make this possible and to work with such a great company.”
“We finally have an awesome pattern for those people looking for a Treelimb Quiver in pink camo,” says Treelimb Products’ president Rodney Notestine. “The Muddy Girl camo is as good as it gets!”
Treelimb Products offer quivers in 3 or 5 arrow configurations, a riser mounting bracket that is adaptable to left or right handed bows, and the new ridged lock block mounting system.
This partnership further grows the Moon Shine Camo family and now allows you to outfit your Muddy Girl bow with all the matching accessories.
About Moon Shine, LP:
Moon Shine, LP is a cutting edge designer of quality brand name apparel that conveys the attitude and traditional values of every generation. From the hunters and farmers who live off our lands to the soldiers and patriots who protect it, Moon Shine Attitude Attire® honors the essence of the American Legacy. For more information, visit www.shineattire.com or call 1.800.4.MOON.SHINE (800-466-6674).
About Treelimb Products:
Treelimb Products is a small company located in Northwest Ohio that is working to bring innovative products into the hunting industry. They take great pride in the products we have created, and will continue to move forward and help generations to come. For more information on Treelimb Products, visit www.treelimbproducts.com or call (419) 658-2010.
by kevinrApr 30thBig Green Targets Showcases New Look On Targets
Full Color High Definition DuraShotTM No-Tear Faces Now Available
Contact: Glenn Walker
715-442-2078
glenn@providencemarketinggroup.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lamar, MO – Big Green Targets, the leading manufacturer of archery targets made from 100% recycled materials unveils a new look for their targets in 2013. Full Color High Definition DuraShotTM No-Tear Faces will be available on their popular target models.
Both the front and back target faces will be using the full color high definition DuraShotTM target faces, which provide remarkably sharp and crystal clear graphics. The 100% waterproof no-tear faces are extremely long lasting and can be replaced easily with a variety of designs. The multitude of shooting images and spots on Big Green targets provide for hours of shooting fun while honing your shooting skills. In addition, the shooting image locations are designed to help extend target life. The new DuraShotTM Faces are available on three of their most popular targets, the Big Green Magnum Pro, Gamer, and Crossbow Pro.
BG-MP
Big Green Magnum Pro Target
- 24” X 24” X 13” 35 lbs
- Field Point Only
- 2 sided shooting
- All Weather
- Full Color No-Tear DuraShotTM Faces
- Crossbow Rated to 350 FPS
The size of this target makes it a great target for long range practice. The target features a variety of high resolution screen printed target images, spots and crosshairs that allow you to hone your shooting skills from short range or long range. The propriety design consisting of a recycled foam outer core with recycled fabric inner core stops arrows and bolts from today’s fastest bows and carbon arrows. Easy one handed arrow removal. Crossbow Rated to 350 FPS. Made from 100% Recycled materials. Made in USA.
BG-GM
Big Green Gamer Target
- 20” X 20” X 13” 28 lbs
- Field Point Only
- 2 sided shooting
- All Weather
- Full Color No-Tear DuraShotTM Faces
- Crossbow Rated to 350 FPS
A high definition screen-print on both front and back provides remarkably sharp and crystal clear graphics. The front face of the target has variable shooting spots that highlight different point values along with a deer skull allowing archers to create exciting competitive games. The back side of the target has full color dartboard that offers shooters the opportunity for endless hours of fun playing games such as Cricket or 501. The propriety design of recycled foam outer core with recycled fabric inner core stops arrows and bolts from today’s fastest bows and carbon arrows. Easy one handed arrow removal. Crossbow Rated to 350 FPS. Made from 100% Recycled materials. Made in USA.
BG-CBP
Big Green Crossbow Pro
- 24” X 24” X 13” 33 lbs
- Field Point Only
- 2 sided shooting
- All Weather
- Full Color No-Tear DuraShotTM Faces
- Crossbow Rated to 400 FPS
The hottest target for the industry’s hottest Crossbows. Not only will this target stop bolts from crossbows up to 400 FPS, but arrow removal is an easy one handed pull. This is virtually unheard of in the crossbow target industry. The target has a full color deer image with realistic vitals on the front and a crosshair type target with multiple shooting spots on back that allow you to see from a variety of distances. Made from 100% Recycled materials. Made in USA.
About Big Green Targets
Big Green Targets, a division of Poly-Green Foam, LLC is the premier supplier of recycled foam archery targets. For more information on Big Green Targets or the products they offer call (888) 390-5548 or visit biggreentargets.com.
by kevinrDec 14thCarbon Express® Introduces the PileDriver® Pass Thru Extreme™
Small Diameter Shaft with Proven PileDriver® Penetration
Contact: Jeff Bergmann
715.442.2078
jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net
Flushing, Michigan – Carbon Express® introduces the all-new PileDriver® Pass Thru Extreme “Small Diameter” arrow.
The superior PileDriver Pass Thru Extreme small diameter arrow is paired with the innovative Carbon Express PTX Half-Out Insert. Constructed using carbon steel, the PTX Half-Out Inserts are 3 times stronger than traditional aluminum inserts. This increased strength ensures broadheads stay securely in place upon impact. With industry standard 32TPI (Threads Per Inch) thread size, the PTX will work with any standard fixed and mechanical broadhead and field point. The PTX insert weighs 44 grains and delivers 4 times more kinetic energy than traditional aluminum inserts and 2 times more kinetic energy than traditional micro-diameter inserts. Finally, the PTX insert moves the weight forward on the arrow to increase arrow front of center (FOC) to aid in downrange accuracy.
PileDriver® arrows feature lightweight performance 2” NRG-2 vanes for maximum arrow velocity and greater accuracy. The high polished finish ensures a quiet draw on the arrow rest and is easily removed from the target. It also features the Carbon Express® exclusive TCX nock for consistent arrow release.
Every 6 and 12 pack of Pass Thru Extreme™ arrows is sorted and matched by weight for best-in- class consistency. The weight sorting tolerance is +/- 2.0 grains and every arrow shaft is laser checked for straightness to a remarkable +/-0.004” as a maximum measurement, not an average.
The PileDriver® Pass Thru Extreme small diameter is designed for the archer who wants maximum penetration in a small diameter arrow design and demands Carbon Express® precision manufacturing for greater accuracy.
About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors,Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high performance carbon hunting and target arrows and arrow components for hunters and target shooters. For more information or customer service, visit www.carbonexpressarrows.com or call 800.241.4833.
by kevinrDec 13thCarbon Express® Contains “The Enemy of Accuracy” with MAXIMA® RED™
Contact: Jeff Bergmann
715-442-2078
jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net
Flushing, Michigan – Carbon Express®, the leader in arrow technology, innovation and precision is again revolutionizing the arrow industry with the introduction of a patented new arrow sure to excite hunters – The Maxima® RED™.
The enemy of superior, consistent accuracy is Dynamic Spine, the “Flexing” of an arrow in flight. Broadheads can make this flexing even worse. The new, hi-tech carbon Maxima® RED™ is engineered with stiffer ends to contain and control Dynamic Spine to the center of the arrow, or the “RED ZONE”™. The result is a breakthrough in broadhead accuracy and simply the best hunting arrow ever created.
No one does a better job of managing arrow flight than Carbon Express®. The introduction of Maxima® RED™ reinforces this point with broadheads shooting tighter groups and providing overall improved hunting performance. The Maxima® RED™ allows hunters to “Contain the enemy of accuracy”.
Key Maxima® RED™ features include:
- Matched Set: All Maxima® RED™ 6- and 12- pack sets are sorted and matched by weight and spine for best-in-class consistency. Spine selection sorting tolerance is +/- 0.0025”. Weight sorting tolerance is +/- 1.0 grains.
- Real Straightness: Every Maxima® RED™ arrow is laser checked for straightness to a remarkable 1/10,000 of an inch. Maxima® RED™ straightness of +/-0.0025” is a maximum measurement, not an average.
- LAUNCHPAD™ Precision Nock: Standard on all Maxima® RED™ arrows and shafts to deliver a controlled arrow release, better shaft alignment and more consistent accuracy shot after shot.
- Best Timing Arrow Ever: The Maxima® RED™ manages dynamic spine so well it only takes two spine sizes to cover 40-92 lbs. bows.
When you are searching for the most accurate hunting arrow with a broadhead, contain the enemy of accuracy with Carbon Express® Maxima® RED™.
About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors,Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high-performance carbon hunting and target arrows and arrow components for hunters and target shooters. For more information or customer service, visit www.carbonexpressarrows.com or call 800.241.4833.
by kevinrDec 6thCarbon Express® Mutiny® Slasher™ Brings Speed and Performance to Hunting
Lightweight, Strong and Durable
Contact: Jeff Bergman
715.442.2078
jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net
Flushing, Michigan – Carbon Express® builds on the success of its Mutiny® brand with the introduction of the Mutiny® Slasher™. The Mutiny® Slasher™ series delivers exceptional shooting performance through the use of lightweight carbon materials, generating greater slashing speeds and tighter pin gaps from 10 to 50 yards. Because the Mutiny® Slasher™ is designed to generate speed, this arrow also produces a better trajectory and increases overall accuracy. Its high polish finish allows for a quiet draw on the arrow rest and easy removal from the target.
The Mutiny® Slasher™ series 6- and 12-pack sets are sorted and matched by weight for best-in-class consistency; sorting tolerance is +/- 2.0 grains. What’s more, every Mutiny® Slasher™ series shaft is laser checked for straightness to a remarkable 1/10,000 of an inch. The shafts are checked to a straightness of +/-0.003” as a maximum, not an average.
And talk about features. Mutiny® Slasher™ arrows and shafts come standard with LAUNCHPAD™ precision nocks, which deliver a controlled arrow release, better shaft alignment and more consistent accuracy shot after shot. They also come with Carbon Express® exclusive NRG-2 compact low-profile performance vanes for maximum arrow velocity and greater accuracy.
“We are very excited about the lightweight speed that the Mutiny® Slasher™ brings to our lineup,” says Rob Reents, Brand Communications Manager at Carbon Express®. “The Mutiny Slasher provides exceptional shooting performance at a great price.”
So, if you are looking for a lightweight, strong and durable arrow, consider the Mutiny® Slasher™. Like all Carbon Express® products, the Mutiny® Slasher™ will allow you to Shoot Better™.
About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors,Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high performance carbon hunting and target arrows and arrow components for hunters and target shooters. For more information or customer service, visit www.carbonexpressarrows.com or call 800.241.4833.
by kevinrNov 22ndThe Cold HEARD Truth about WildEar!
Bowhunter’s hearing amplification with shooting sports protection!
By Kevin Reese
As a tinnitus sufferer, compliments of the U.S. Marine Corps, and avid hunter, hearing has been a significant hindrance to my success in the field. While many count on hearing, sight and smell on the hunt, I have lost much of the second most critical sense we carry into the woods.
So, what’s a frustrated hunter to do? I had heard great things about the quality and customer service at WildEar so I picked up the phone and ordered the Master Series Hearing Enhancement System (HES). What a Godsend! Brad Esson sent me an information and fitting instruction kit and I scheduled an appointment with my local audiologist. I left the audiologist’s office with impressions in hand and mailed them back to WildEar. Within two weeks I had a package waiting at my front door.
What’s in the Box?
Upon opening the shipping box I found a beautifully crafted wood box with my name carved into the lid; I was immediately impressed! Opening the box I found every component neatly displayed including my WildEar Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED), a WildEar adjustable lanyard, extra plugs, a cleaning brush, identification card, extra size 13 batteries, instruction manual and an extremely nice leather carrying pouch.
After a quick read through the instructions and becoming familiar with button locations, I was ready to give my new “WildEars” a whirl. After installing the battery in the first device I immediately inserted it in my ear and continued installing the battery in the other device; while I did so, the left device cycled through a series of tones confirming that I had inserted the battery correctly and the unit was now active. After installing the battery in the second unit and firmly inserting it into my ear canal I heard the same tone; both units were active and appeared to be working properly. Once the units were powered on amplification of sounds was immediate and because the HED was created from personal impressions the fit was incredibly comfortable.
Success, One Ear at a Time!
A major benefit to WildEar’s HES is adjustability. This is the first system I’ve had the pleasure of using that incorporates comprehensive adjustability. WildEar HED’s offer four presets and numerous volume levels to optimize hearing FOR EACH EAR! Using the various presets and volume levels I quickly achieved optimum hearing; in fact, after customizing the settings and recording them on a piece of paper (I now keep folded in the leather pouch for reference) the variance in hearing from one ear to the other I had experienced for years became negligible.
From Every Direction or the Right Direction?
Another benefit was the ability to discern noise direction. Experimenting with other devices I noticed difficulty in ascertaining which direction noises were coming from. Using WildEar’s HED’s I had no problem identifying the source direction of various sounds; a critical element to hearing in the woods! In a matter of minutes I had leveled my outdoor playing field with a keen hearing ability I presume rivals that of my prey.
Hearing to Hearing Protection: From A – Z!
My Master Series HED’s were designed for a diverse range of outdoor activities including both firearm shooting and bowhunting. When rifle or pistol hunting, or during a day on the shooting range, I simply insert the vent plugs into the vent holes. The plugs seal the vent holes preventing outside noise from entering the devices. Noise is suppressed when it reaches a potentially dangerous level. My HED’s only suppressed the firearm blast then returned to hearing amplification.
While bowhunting I remove the plugs. The open vent holes allow for natural noise and air to infiltrate, eliminating any semblance of feeling “plugged up”. It’s worth noting that at any time you transition from bowhunting to shooting a firearm you must remember to install the vent plugs!
The Cold HEARD Truth!
I never realized how much I was missing the field. WildEar HED’s gave me a new lease on my bowhunting life. Now I used them for more than outdoor pursuits. Late in the evening you can now find me watching a couple of my favorite television shows… without subtitles!
The quality of workmanship was readily apparent and proven through use. WildEar accounted for every minute detail. The presentation of the product in the customized box seemed to demonstrate just how much WildEar focuses on satisfying customers; I felt like I was important to them. WIldEar has earned my trust, endorsement and recommendation. Well done, WildEar, well done!
The only con I observed is the inability to power off the devices without removing the batteries. A power button on each device would be a great addition; handling batteries while 20 feet up in a treestand can be frustrating. Considering that minor inconvenience, WildEar still earns top honors with me. I expect my WildEar HED’s will be an important part of my outdoor gear for years to come!
Many thanks to WildEar for offering premium, dependable and diverse HED’s at prices most bowhunters who take their hearing seriously can afford!
Check out WildEar’s array of premium hearing enhancement and suppression products at www.WildEar.com.
Hunt hard, hunt often.
by kevinrNov 8thSpyPoint’s Tiny-W2 Trail Camera
Gimmick or Game Changer?
By Kevin Reese
www.just-hunt.com
I high-stepped slowly, taking care to keep the briars underfoot while dodging brittle twigs and branches threatening to signal the alarm to certain nearby critters. It was quite a long trek, I remember, especially in complete darkness. It was 4:30 a.m.; the frost-laden cloak of blacks and grays would not succumb to the golden hues of a rising sun for a couple of hours. Wind direction was perfect, hunting over the super-highway 20 yards in front of my ground blind was going to make for an easy hunt.
Another hundred yards through the briars and blood weeds brought me into a familiar clearing. I headed around the side of the clearing and edged back into the opposite tree line where I had carefully tucked my ground blind and brushed it in. As I neared the blind area cut back limbs and bare ground emerged. Only the branches and foliage I had used to conceal my setup remained. Someone had stolen my ground blind!
Why do we feel that electrical charge course through our veins the moment we realize we’ve become the victim of a crime? What causes that empty shutter in the pit of your stomach as you start processing the crime scene? I could feel my heart pounding and hear it in my ears. My stomach turned the feeling there was hollow right down to the pit. When were they here? I made my way over to a nearby tree to grab my trail camera and realized my horrible morning had become a nightmare they had stolen my trail camera as well – no blind, no camera and no photos of the perpetrators. Call them what you will, criminals, thieves, trespassers – they were all of the above!
What I wanted more than anything was to put another camera up but what would that accomplish? Sure, if they returned I would get another photo but likely lose another camera I even considered using a climbing stand but in the end conceded that the ridiculous amount of effort to check the camera would be excessive there was no guarantee the perpetrators would return. It seemed as though I had a dilemma… until I found out about SpyPoint’s Tiny-W camera. The first generation Tiny-W was incredible… and incredibly innovative. My only concern was the inability to hide the remote black box further away from the camera (50-foot transmission range). Well, SpyPoint promised an improvement and boy did they ever deliver!
Upon capturing an image, SpyPoint’s second generation of this model, the Tiny-W2 immediately transmits a copy to the black box receiver nearly 100 yards away, at least five times further than the original Tiny-W! Imagine yourself in a trespasser, thief or poacher’s shoes. Your photo has just been taken. You break or steal the camera or steal the SD card to eliminate incriminating evidence. Imagine your surprise the following day when 8-megapixel images of your face are plastered all over the community. Now imagine law enforcement officers cuffing you as they advise you of your rights. How on earth did they catch you? With SpyPoint’s Tiny-W2!
The Tiny-W2 levels the criminal surveillance playing field at home and in the woods while offering game-changing scouting opportunities. Gone are the days of disturbing your setup to check your images place your receiver anywhere within 250 feet of the camera and simply pull images from the receiver.
Still images are taken at interval options between 10 seconds and one hour in single shot or multi-shot mode multi-shot mode captures six images per triggering. Three sensors create seven zones of detection resulting in blazing fast trigger speed. Did I say blazing fast? How about ZERO SECONDS compared to the industry standard of a 1 – 1.2-second trigger speed! The two side-sensors sense motion and wake the camera up to capture the image. When the subject passes in front of the center sensor, the trigger is instant. Images are captured in daytime color or nighttime infrared black and white and include date, time, moon phase and temperature information. The Tiny-W2 also captures 10 – 90-second video clips, in daytime color and nighttime infrared black and white at 640×480 resolution, perfect for YouTube and other video-feed platforms!
Detection settings are between 5 to 50 feet and 38 LED lights capture nighttime images out to 50 feet. Both the camera and receiver run on six AA batteries and include 12-volt jacks both units also are solar panel compatible and use standard SD cards. The Tiny-W2 package includes the Tiny-W2 camera, Blackbox receiver, installation straps, USB and video cables, and a user manual.
I attempted to compile a list of concerns about this camera but there really wasn’t a list to be had. It’s truly a phenomenal camera. Considering improvements to the camera, I might ask for a viewing screen on the Blackbox even if the receive was a little larger or perhaps the ability to transfer images from the Blackbox receiver to another wireless device such as my cellphone or a tablet. This might allow for recovering images at even great distances. Some of SpyPoint’s HD-12 Trail Camera Black LED’s would also be a great addition to the Tiny-W2 if a third generation camera is in the works!
However, the truth is that whether you’re after a giant whitetail buck, bruiser wild boar or the scum of the earth that just victimized you and your family, the Tiny-W2 is the best, most practical, most cost effective answer MSRP for the Tiny-W2 is $299.
Any way you slice it, the Tiny-W2 is definitely a 5-star game changer! With the Tiny-W2 and other phenomenal offerings, SpyPoint has landed on the leading edge of trail and surveillance camera innovation! I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Visit www.SpyPoint.com to browse a diverse range of other innovative products including more trail camera models and great lineup of accessories. SpyPoint.com also offers technical support, contact information, a gallery of trail camera images and a comprehensive list of distributors near you.
Kevin may be reached for questions, comments, product and outfitter reviews via email at Kevinr@just-Hunt.com.
Visit Kevin at Just-Hunt.com
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by kevinrMay 19thBradley Custom Calls Bring the Heat to Turkey Calling!
The resounding differences between mass produced and custom built calls are sound, quality and value!
By Kevin Reese
Few things are better than spending a few spring days tucked into the turkey woods with a bow, crossbow or shotgun. The resonating tumbling gobble of wise toms in every direction mean that whether you harvest a turkey or not, you’re in for a good time! Ask any turkey hunter what their fascination with turkey hunting really is, their constant reply is always the same, it’s interactive. Sure, if everything works as it should and you’ve patterned turkey, identified roosts, etc., you may be able to intercept them on the move and setup an ambush; however, those who choose to experience the real thrill of the hunt lure them in with the clucks, cuts, purrs and yelps of a lonely hen. Successfully calling a turkey into your setup for the endgame is not only gratifying, it’s exilerating!
There are some good calls on the market; even several mass produced calls have a decidedly full tone, but there is no substituting a seasoned call maker’s handmade custom calls. Utilizing years of experience, the feedback of veteran turkey hunters and the desire to improve your hunting experience, custom call maker and owner of Bradley Custom Calls, Rick “Hoot” Bradley, offers a line of exceptional custom calls sure to get you to the endgame.
Here are two Bradley Custom Calls I recently spent some time testing:
White Hot Pot Call with Zebrawood Striker
This is a beautifully crafted call. Cut from exotic zebra wood, each White Hot call is beautiful and different in its own right. The call is topped with an exceptional piece of low maintenance slate, both durable and without defects. I dropped the call several times, once on asphalt as I climbed from my truck, without damage to the slate or internal sound board. The sound board itself is made of cherry wood. No matter what call series I ran on the call the sound was full, rich, even warm, without being excessively loud. Since I do not profess to be a grand champion turkey caller, I do make an occasional bad strike and even those were not bad. The call seemed to do most of the work for me. While hollow, higher pitched sounds are often the hallmark of mass produced calls the problem is nonexistent in White Hot. I found shifting from young to raspy and soft purrs to booming yelp runs on this call quite simple. The matching striker only served to further warm up and enrich the sound. White Hot is an exceptionally built, beautifully toned pot call.
Tom Boatwright Classic Runnin’ Hot Box Call
The Tom Boatwright signature call, Runnin’ Hot, is Bradley’s newest addition to an already great lineup. The Runnin’ Hot offers a beautiful combination of a purple heart lid and mahogany box. Wood quality, box space and radius cut of the lids underside all contribute to the ease of use and rich tones emanating from the call. The lid’s pivot point is spot-on allowing for greater control whether I employ yelp runs, cutting, clucks or purrs. Like White Hot, even shifting gears between young hen and older raspy yelps was quite simple, something often missing from mass produced calls. The truth is, this call offers great diversity in calling yet all runs sounded rich and warm. The call carried well on loud yelp runs without blowing my ear drums out. Like White Hot again, I hollow runs were nonexistent. Consistently rich, real sounding calls were simple to produce and I was able to produce them consistently. Bradley Custom Calls obviously spent considerable time designing this box call. I was impressed through and through.
The Bradley Custom Calls logo is burned into the wood’s exterior along with a message, John 3:16, that lets you know where Hoot Bradley stands and ensures your hunting buddies know where you stand. That simple message was something I appreciated seeing on these calls.
The MSRP on Bradley Custom Calls are $59.95 for pot calls and $49.95 – 69.95 for box calls. A push button call is also available for $19.95 and strikers are $14.95 each in three wood variations; a three-pack is also available for $29.95. To see these calls and others, or to learn more information about Bradley Custom Calls, visit www.BradleyCustomCalls.com.
by kevinr
Apr 22ndTOP Shooter Targets Cancer for Michael Spellman Benefit
Top Shot’s Chris Reed’s Tactical .308 Masterpiece Shoots for Spellman’s Cure!
By Kevin Reese
Cancer is a monster. I can scarcely count the number of times someone has reminded me that if I don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything. So, out of respect I keep quiet on many fronts; however, cancer is not one of them. Cancer is not good, productive, inspiring, kind, peaceful or respectful. The purest definition is simply “monster”! Cancer is not good; it is counterproductive, frightening, nasty, intrusive and certainly not a respectful of one’s time, resources or physiology. I really didn’t have an opinion on it growing up. It never hit close to home, at least until my pop was diagnosed in March, 2011.
Five months after his diagnosis, we lost him. There were no words left unsaid, for that I felt blessed; however, if wishing upon a star was possible, I would have asked for two; one, to spend more time with him and two, that we could have caught it earlier. Fortunately we were afforded the great blessing our spending our childhood through our young adult years, appreciating his dry wit, coy smiles, booming laughter and occasional look that always told us we were in big trouble! By the time he became ill, we were mature enough to handle the news and progress through the illness from start to finish; many don’t get that time with their loved one. Still, many others do get to experience that when the battle is won here on Earth.
I feel blessed in some small way to have experienced it from the perspective of voice. All too often we feel we have no voice when cast into cancer’s downward spiral, but there is a light at the end of that tunnel! Losing someone close to us to cancer is not the end, it’s the beginning; the beginning of using our voice, our finances and our encouragement to make a difference for others battling their monsters. Michael Spellman is the OTHER I wanted to share with all of you.
Michael Spellman’s storybegan long before I heard about it. While on a recent turkey hunt I took a call from good friend Chris Reed, winner
of History Channel’s Top Shot, Season Two. After venting about a tom I had missed earlier that morning, I asked Chris what he was up to. Chris quieted a bit, “I’m building a rifle for a friend of mine, Michael Spellman. He’s another friend of mine battling cancer with a great wife and kids. I’m building a special one for him. We’re going to raffle it off and donate the proceeds to his fight. We need to keep him here to raise his kids. Can you help get the word out?”
Chris couldn’t see my reaction but I hope he sensed it through the air waves, I was beaming. Here was a chance to give my voice in chorus with so many others to help a good father win his fight and somehow reconcile the loss of my own; make our loss a purposeful, positive blessing for great kids, a strong woman and a remarkable man. Asking how I could help spawned this article. I can help by telling ALL OF YOU that you CAN make a difference!
Chris has pulled all of his tricks out of the bag to build this amazing rifle, and you can own it! A raffle is currently underway for a modest $5 per ticket. All of the proceeds will be donated to Spellman’s fight. Recently Reed’s masterpiece was displayed at the 141st NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits, in St. Louis, Missouri. While those who want to make a difference have purchased raffle tickets in person, tickets may be purchased online at www.MichaelSpellman.org.
What you stand to win…
Beyond the obvious, winning the fight against a monster with Spellman and many others, you may win the masterpiece Reed not only designed but personally assembled!
Here are the specs you’ve been waiting for:
Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD
- Caliber.308 Win w/ 20” Heavy Barrel with 5/8-24 Threaded Muzzle
- Accepts AAC and 5/8-24 Threaded Flash Hiders, Muzzle Brakes and Suppressors
- 1 in 10-inch Rate of Twist for increased Bullet Stability
- X-Mark Pro Externally Adjustable Trigger Set at 3 1/2 pounds
- NIGHTFORCE 5.5-22×50 NXS Scope w/ illuminated Reticle and Zero Stop Turrets
- McRee’s Precision Modular Folding TMAG Stock w/ Detachable Box Magazine
- Starlight – Hard Sided, Watertight, Chemical Resistant, Military Grade Gun Case
CNC precision engraving lets you know just how special this rifle really is; engraved on the left side of the receiver is “Outlaw Custom guns by Chris Reed” with serial # 0001 while “SHOOT FOR A CURE” is engraved on the opposite side, reminding you that your help, along with many others, truly makes a difference!
The rifle will be raffled off at Outlaw Sporting Goods grand opening celebration on July 4, in Greenwood, Mississippi. The winner does not need to be present to win. The lucky winner can pick up the Spellman rifle at Outlaw Sporting Goods or have it shipped to the FFL dealer of their choice.
Feel like you haven’t made a difference? This is your chance to make one! Don’t wait. Get your tickets at www.MichaelSpellman.org.
ABOUT MICHAEL
Michael’s Story as published on www.MichaelSpellman.org
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Michael Spellman is a lifetime resident of Mississippi and has spent his entire life in rural Carroll County. The 1994 Graduate of Carroll Academy led his high school football team, as quarterback, to its one and only state championship victory. He has also protected his community as Chief Deputy Sheriff and is the son of Carla Shackelford and retired Game Warden “Big” Mike Spellman, a father of two and friend of many. His fight now is one we all hear about way too often. Michael has been diagnosed with cancer. He has not asked for help nor would he even consider such a gesture, but it is our duty as friends of Michael to help him just as he has helped so many. We are asking for anyone willing to make a donation or to purchase a raffle ticket to do so in his honor. ALL proceeds go directly to Michael and his family to help with medical expenses and to seek out the best treatment they can afford. Michael does not have any insurance to cover these costs and has sold practically everything he owns to keep from burdening others. We ask that you please help in any way you are able; please know your contributions will be treasured. Finally, please take a moment and ask the Lord to look over Michael and his family, and pray that we can help them find peace through this difficult journey, AMEN… and Thank You!
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Apr 8thBowtech Insanity CPX + Ripcord Code Red Arrow Rest + StarrFlight F.O.B.’s = PERFECTION!
Last year, as a result of many hunter and archer questions and a complete lack of anyone willing to step up, Good friend and master archery technician, Jerry Reeves, and me set out to be the first to document the ability to shoot StarrFlight’s controversial Fletching Only Better, also known as F.O.B.’s or FOB’s. We found success quickly. Using my Bowtech Invasion CPX and a Ripcord Code Rest arrow rest, safe travel for my FOB was easy!
This year, we set out to do it again! Many asked and again we appear to be the first, or only, ones to answer the question definitively. “Can you shoot FOB’s through a 2012 Bowtech Insanity CPX? Not only did we accomplish this task, but like last year, we have the first video to prove it!
And, to throw an exclamation point on this success, it’s important to point out that success was achieved using my personal setup, a short draw length, maxed out draw weight and a shorter brace height than the Bowtech Invasion CPX that we used to test the setup last year. My personal bow is comprised of a 27-inch draw length, 70-pound draw weight and 6-inch brace height, shooting 308 feet per second! The shorter brace height, short draw length, max poundage and the increase of 13 feet per second arrow speed over last year’s test mean that we’ve really pushed the envelope on the performance of my Ripcord Code Red Arrow Rest.
I have to attribute our success to the incredibly fast performance of the Ripcord Code Red arrow rest. The rest fell, leaving plenty of time for the FOB to pass through the shelf. Even better was the complete lack of bounce back from the Ripcord. I slowed the video time down exponentially. Unfortunately, even slowing the clip down from less than one second to over 6 minutes, did not demonstrate FOB flight well enough to use; however, I could clearly see that there was absolutely no bounce back. I was definitely impressed with the rest. I’ve used Ripcord arrow rests for years now and love them, but I have to admit I was shocked when I saw just how well it performed. I have also enjoyed shooting StarrFlight’s FOB’s for years so the opportunity to continue shooting them from a setup I was skeptical about was a relief. For now, the Ripcord and the FOB’s will remain an integral part of my bowhunting adventures!
Hunt hard, hunt often!
by kevinr