I had the great opportunity to get down south and see a unique side of Arizona with my good friend Dave Brown. Dave run Dave Brown Outfitters and spends his summers in Canada guiding fly fishing and upland hunting trips for Hungarian patridges while in the winter he beelines it for Arizona and guides for Mearns quail in Southern Arizona. (I look forward to doing a full writeup on his operation in a few weeks but his official site can be found here with many of his photos also posted here.)
Mearns Country
Last year was an extremely tough year for Mearns in Arizona and this year was only slightly better, but having spent all of my time in the field chasing Gambel’s, Dave’s offer to come hunt Mearns was very enticing. We met early and hunted late and as hard as we worked, the dogs worked even harder. We moved a couple of birds first thing in the morning, but they gave us the slip and left us empty handed. In the eleventh hour, good ol’ Sammy boy slammed on point with his tail as up, straight as an arrow. As we walked up to cover, a bird jumped up and both of us fired as one more flushed and scurried over the ridge. You know you’re dealing with a good guy when he tells you that the bird was all yours. I know better and realize we both probably put lead into him, but I was very happy to be holding a beautiful Mearns rooster. Dave Brown is a class act and his love and pride in his pups is evident with how hard they work for him.
Shooting a stickbow requires a great many things like practice and patience. One of the greatest requirements for being successful while hunting with traditional archery equipment is stealth. Stalking through the desert in a pair of hard-soled boots can be a loud and crunchy ordeal when trying to get close to the prey. My hunting partner introduced me Crooked Horn Outfitters Safari Sneakers on our javelina hunt last year, and these Safari Sneakers will always be in my pack.
Crooked Horn Outfitters Safari Sneakers
First impressions:
Well Constructed – The Crooked Horn Outfitters Safari Sneakers are made with a very soft fuzzy sole on the bottom and of a soft fleece upper that is ultimately tightened with a velcro. I know several hunters who have been wearing theirs for years, none the worse for wear.
Made in America – Tough to find much of anything made in America anymore, but the Safari Sneakers are built right here in U.S.A.
Crooked Horn Outfitters Safari Sneakers
Field Use:
The Crooked Horn Safari Sneakers have a special place in my pack and I have used them extensively during javelina season. Slipping the Safari Sneaker on allows the hunter to move very quietly over crunching rocks and snapping twigs. The soft padded bottoms are similar to the fur padded feet of a bear or mountain line and the wideness of the pad allows for weight to be distributed. The Safari Sneakers helped me to get in real close on a couple of herds of javelina and last year I was successful at taking at pig at 13 yards. A couple of my hunting buddies swear by these booties and have closed the distance on deer and antelope alike.
Bottom of the Safari Sneakers after walking in the desert
One thing I noticed about the Safari Sneakers is they pick up just about everything in the desert. As annoying as this is, I don’t think that it impacts how quiet they are in any serious way. As a precautionary measure, I only where them on a stalk, and at the end of the season, I take an hour or two and try and clean them up as best as I can before storing them for the next hunting season.
I have also heard and read of other hunters using their Safari Sneakers as a layer over their boots for warmth while on stand. Although never having personally done this, I imagine if it was cold enough, these might help out a bit.
Pros:
Ultra Quiet
Ultra light
Well constructed
Made in the USA
Reasonable Price
Cons:
Bottoms pick up everything
Crooked Horn Outfitters Safari Sneakers
Prognosis: The Crooked Horn Safari Sneakers will always have a place in my pack for those spot and stalk hunts. I love these things.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Crooked Horn Outfitter Safari Sneakers were provided to Arizona Wanderings for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no 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.
Too tired to write. More to follow on my Mearns hunt with Dave Brown down South. Many thanks to Dave for a great day in the field with him and his fine pups.
In early August, I posted a review on the Swarovski Binocular Tripod Adapter which I had believed was the only quick clip bino-tripod adapter on the market. A couple of my good friends owned the Swarovski Adapter, and having used it for a couple of seasons, I swore by it, with the only complaint being that the binoculars would work loose and fall off the tripod if I was not being attentive. In the comments on that post, someone mentioned that a superior tripod adapter was created and sold right here in Arizona at the Outdoorsman. The folks over at the Outdoorsman have a full lineup of essential gear for the western hunter and their Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is the perfect example of their dedication to functional quality products.
Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter
VS.
Swarovski Binocular Adapter
First impressions:
Simple – To release the binoculars from the Outdoorsman Bino-Tripod Adapter, simply depress the top button and pull the binoculars free.
Outdoorsman Binocular Stud
Strong fit- I hooked the adapter up to my tripod and fit the adapter together. Once I had the binoculars all set up, I then tried to wiggle them apart. Typically on my Swarovski model, the binoculars could be worked free which usually resulted in my nice optics falling on the ground, but the Outdoorsman adapter held the binoculars firmly in place. The reason for the strong connection is the small groove seen in the above picture. When the button on top is depressed, it allows for the stud to fit right into the tripod adapter.
Button Depressed
Then when the button is released, it allows a small piece of metal to slide up into that groove, thereby locking the binoculars firmly into place.
Button released. You can see the small strip of metal that would lock the male end of the adapter into place.
Once the binoculars are fitted into the adapter, the top button (shown above) can actually be screwed down so there is no chance of bumping the adapter and the binoculars slipping out.
Price – The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is priced around $90 dollars which, in comparison to $130 for the Swarovski Adapter, is a pretty decent deal.
Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter
Field Use:
I carried the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter on several scouting trips and hunts. It truly is a functional tool, and it is obvious that it was built by a western hunter. The adapter provides a rock solid connection for my optics, which is vital for glassing on those long days in the field.
The quick release button is easy to use with no hassle when I needed to get things packed up quick. The one feature that I did like is that I could tighten the button down and it would lock the binoculars in place. From there I could pack the tripod in my pack with the binoculars still attached, something I would never do with the Swarovski adapter.
One quick note, make sure that when you are first installing the stud on to your binoculars that you take the time to really tighten the little screw with an Allen wrench. It was my own fault, but when I got back to the truck I realized that the binocular stud was gone and had fallen out as I was walking. The instant I made it home I ordered another stud for $16 and remedied my problem by firmly securing that small but vital screw.
Outdoorsman Binocular-Tripod Adapter
Pros:
Well thought out design
Rock solid connection
Ability to lock the binoculars in place by screwing down the top button
Price in comparison to competitors
Local Business
Cons:
Price (although I think its well spent money)
Make sure to firmly Allen wrench down the screw that holds the binocular stud to your binoculars
Prognosis: For the western hunter, the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is a must have. Compare them for yourself, but I am a believer that the Outdoorsman far outshines the Swarovski Binocular Adapter
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter was provided to Arizona Wanderings for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no 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.
The new Blood Knot issue is out, and if you flip your way towards the center, you will see my contribution there about smack dab in the middle of the magazine. I want to say a very warm thank you to the kind folks over at Blood Knot for picking up my article on Arizona fly fishing titled “The Plight of a Desert Fly Fisherman.” Check out this fantastic e-zine and my brief contribution by clicking the picture below.
A couple weeks ago, I received an email from Doug Burt over at Arizona Game and Fish Department explaining how he had found the site and was interested in me coming out to a HAHWG meeting. I thought a bit about the offer knowing full well that it was going to put the kibosh on my last weekend of hunting javelina, but after he gave me the rundown of what HAHWG actually was all about, I could not help but accept.
HAWHG stands for Hunting and Angling Heritage Workgroup whose written purpose is “to gather leaders in the industry, conservation groups, youth groups and wildlife management professionals to synergistically preserve the hunting angling tradition.” There’s some pretty big words in that statement but what I found when I showed up, was a group of outdoorsman who were passionate about preserving the traditions of hunting and fishing, which in this day in age, face many increasingly powerful and numerous enemies. Many in the HAWHG group have dedicated their lives and fortunes to the goal of increasing participation not just hunting and angling, but in all outdoor activities.
Some of the things that really stood out to me about the get-together was how everyone seemed to have captured the same vision of getting the youth involved in the outdoors. From fishing to small game to large game species, every group seemed to realize that if the American tradition of hunting is going to survive and be passed on to our grandchildren, then getting the next group of outdoorsman into the field is of the utmost importance. Each organization wether focused on fish, turkey, elk, small game or other species, all expressed the desire to stop the fractured movement to self promote and instead present more of a coordinated coalition while working together to promote a safe, controlled, and fun outdoor experience.
It was an unbelievable two day event with some unbelievable food provided by the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, and I was glad that I had planned to camp out. Because of the cold, a large fire was stoked, and I had the esteemed opportunity to talk to some real outdoorsman and hear about their passions for youth and the wonderful times in the field. When it was all said and done, I even had the chance to get out and blow through a couple boxes of shells on their clay pigeon range.
In the future I hope to be able to attend some of these youth hunts, seminars, and banquets and ultimately spotlight what these great folks are doing here in our great state. Arizona has some phenomenal opportunities and resources and, unfortunately, if these are not protected, they may not see too many more generations. Expect to see more about the HAHWG and these different organizations in the future on Arizona Wanderings. Find out more about these great organizations by following the links below.
The Conference RoomThe FireThe good folks over at Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club sure knew what they were doing behind the grillTri-Tip BBQ provided by Yuma Valley Rod and Gun ClubArizona Game and Fish5 Station set upClay PigeonsYour’s Truly breaking some clays
(My sincerest apologies, if I missed a group that was there. Please shoot me over your outfits name and I would love to recognize you on this great list of organizations.)
The Hunting Adventures of Me and Joe by Walt Prothero
I remember being introduced to the writing of Walt Prothero by a good friend and it truly changed my life. I remember waiting for the next copy of Sports Afield and would scour the table of contents page to see if Walt Prothero was being featured. Prothero writes in the most unpretentious manner that it is truly disarming, and before you know it, you feel as if you are sharing a campfire with him while he tells of his favorite hunts.
The Hunting Adventures of Me and Joe is a collection of Prothero’s “best and favorite stories” told in the “me and Joe” style writing that used to fill Field and Stream and Outdoor Life, before the “how-to” and “where-to” articles took over the major publications. All of the stories are from North America and narrate hunting deer, bear, moose, sheep, and many more. If you are an outdoorsman who appreciates the beauty and excitement of big game hunting, Walt Prothero is the author for you.
In all honestly, since I recieved this book last year for Christmas, I have read it twice and I know that it will be read over and over for years to come. Someday, I’m going to grow a gnarly beard like his too. I think it definitely adds to his credentials.
One of the most vital pieces of equipment for the western hunter is the hunting pack. An uncomfortable, poorly constructed pack can be the bane of the outdoorsman’s experience. The name “Eberlestock” is well known in the hunting community as a producer of high quality gear. I had the esteemed opportunity to carry their Eberlestock X2 hunting pack on many journeys into the field and on the water over the past several months.
The Eberlestock X2
First impressions:
Design – The Eberlestock X2 is a top loading pack with a lightweight aluminum frame which makes it capable of comfortably carrying a heavy load in and out of the backcountry. At the same time when it is completely compressed, this pack is a perfect option for a daypack for the bowhunter. When the compression straps are unclipped, the two wings of the pack open up to reveal the main top-loading compartment of the pack. At 1800 cubic inches, I have plenty of room to pack in a sleeping bag and hammock as well as my other necessities for an overnight stay.
The extra long compression straps allow the hunter to utilize the Eberlestock X2’s aluminum frame, and lash a heavy load to the pack in order to get their prize out of the field. I have seen pictures of hunters with a whole elk quarter securely stowed on the X2. Match up the load bearing aluminum frame with a cushy waist belt, and this pack will do some serious hauling.
Eberlestock X2 LoadedFirst clips loosened. I usually have a seat pad or a warm vest clipped in there
Pockets – The Eberlestock X2 an extremely well thought out pocket structure with two easy access pockets on the top roof of the pack. Perfect for storing gear that the outdoorsman needs quickly and quietly. Their are also two roomy pockets on the hip belt which I usually use for my GPS on one side and my digital camera on the other.
The real prize when it comes to pockets are the wing pockets. Unzipping them reveals two hydration compatible pockets complete with hooks to keep the hydration bladder upright and holes to run the hose out and down the shoulder straps. On the inside of these pockets are two open pockets that are plenty big enough to hold a tripod, spotting scope, or, in my case, my safari sneakers. When the compression straps are cinched down, there is no danger of anything tumbling out of these open pockets.
Big side pockets
Water-proof/Quiet – I find it uncommon to find gear that is waterproof and quiet, but Eberlestock builds their packs out of their NT-1 Waterproof Microfleece fabric that is not only waterproof and quiet, but tough as nails.
Javelina Hunting with the Eberlestock X2
Field Use:
I have carried the X2 on many different occasions: fishing small streams, hunting whitetails back east, javelina hunting in and even a couple of days up scouting for Arizona bison. It always takes a little bit of time to organize a new pack and figure out where your essential gear should go, but I was really pleased with how well the pack carried in the field.
Fishing – I wore this on several small stream trips where I was headed back in a little farther than usual. What I noticed on the uneven bed of the stream was that this pack rode very tight and comfortable on my back. Some of these bigger packs have the tendency to ride very bulky and cumbersome, which can make for a long day
Treestand hunting – I am a bit of an over-packer when it comes to hunting in new locations. My philosophy is that I want to take everything I need to the stand so I can sit as long as possible, instead of getting to the stand, freezing my butt off and having to leave early. So, on the hunt back in P.A., I carried the Eberlestock X2 loaded to the brim to the tree and stayed toasty and well fed on those long cold sits in the windy hardwoods.
Eberlestock X2 Hunting Pack
Western Hunting – The Eberlestock X2 pack was built to hunt the West and, although it is extremely versatile to handle many different outdoor scenarios, the X2 really shines in the big sky country of the West. I have strapped the Eberlestock X2 to my back on a couple of different scouting trips and hunts and have been very happy with the performance of the pack. The number one thing I like about the pack is that it rides very flat across my back instead of like many packs which seem to hang on my shoulders and off my back. Another aspect of comfort that Eberlestock built into this pack is the full mesh backing that is separated from the main pack which creates a large air gap. This is essential to hunters in a hot climate or those who spend a good part of their day hiking mountains to find those elusive animals.
Mesh breathable back and thick padded belt
This was the perfect pack to carry while hunting javelina this past season. Depending on the unit that I am hunting, temperatures can start out in the teens and can end up in the 50s and 60s later in the day. Needless to say, a day pack needs to be able to accommodate for plenty of gear, water, and food for a full days hunt, and I felt the X2 meet those needs. I had the opportunity to put a stalk on a herd of javelina and felt great about how the pack rode on my back.
The one negative thing I did notice about this pack is that it does tend to have the slightest creak if the load is not perfectly balanced. Once I took the pack off and readjusted some of the contents, it carried nice and quiet.
Pros:
Comfortable
Waterproof and Quiet
Durable
Aluminum Frame for Heavy Loads
Roomy, well placed pockets
Accommodates Eberlestock’s Bow Buttbucket or Rifle Scabbord
Cons:
Slight creak when not loaded properly
Prognosis: If you are looking for a pack to do it all, the Eberlestock X2 should be at the top of your list. A quality product from a quality company.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Eberlestock X2 was provided to Arizona Wanderings for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no 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.
