KUIU ~ Ultralight Hunting

http://kuiu.com/

Give these guys a look.  At first glance KUIU appears have everything I want in layering, outerwear, and pack-frame technology.  I will give a full review of the pack system as soon as it arrives.

Bryce

Huntin Fool May 2011 Review (Arizona, Idaho, Washington)

Gear Review: G. Loomis, Solitude Reel Co., Rio Fly Lines



I wanted to take a moment to give thanks to all of the great equipment we used on our recent Steelhead outing to the Methow and Grande Ronde River:

Our fly rods performed flawlessly. Nymphing the cold waters of Washington State in February for steelhead can require heavy flies and sizable strike indicators. The G. Loomis Classic GLX 10’ 8wt (2-Piece) fly rod easily roll-cast everything we threw at it. The rods medium-stiff action also mended line well and had enough

Iced Eyelets? Loon Outdoors Might Have the Answer

I am eager to try Stanley's Ice Off Paste by Loon Outdoors.  We had a heck of a time keeping the ice out of our guides in the cold temps of Southeast Washington.  This might be the answer to more pleasurable winter steelhead fishing.

Gear Review: Carter RX1 Release

(by Tate Bare)

You would think that if the release is good enough for the legendary Randy Ulmer it would be far superior to anything a low-life hunter like myself needs. …So I thought as my brother suggested the product and as I stood in the sporting goods store staring at the price tag. And down goes another victim of marketing.

The trouble I have had with the Carter RX1 release is attraction and accumulation of fine metals to the releases magnet. Perhaps I am inordinately harsh on my archery equipment or live and hunt in an area high levels of metal in the soil. I don’t know, but it has caused my release to operate poorly and is very difficult to clean/remove metals.

It should be known that I am continuing to use the release with the aid of an air compressor for frequent cleaning. I just hope this issue doesn’t arise in the field at that split second when the buck’s head is down for a drink and it is time to draw.

Update:  Reply from Carter Enterprises -
"Hi Bryce, Unfortunately with the magnet return system it is necessary to blow the magnet and jaw area out with compressed air to keep if free of debris. This should probably be done about once a month to keep it in good working order. I have heard of a couple isolated incidents and it may be due to iron content in the soil.  Please let me know if I can assist you further."

Thanks, Forrest Carter

Despite my issues I really appreciate this kind of customer service.  It took them no more than 2 hours to respond to my concerns via email.  I will continue to be a loyal Carter Enterprises customer.

Danner Jackal Boots

Danner Jackals

(by Tate Bare)
Where to start with the Jackals?... I guess I should start by saying, “So far, so good”. I generally approach my satisfaction with new boots with some cynicisms. Boots can go from great to $hit in no time.

B.R.O. Contributor, Tate Bare, Goes Native for His New Hoyt Maxxis

Tate recently picked up his new all black Hoyt Maxxis. And he is stoked.!!! Because he is left handed and wanted an all black bow he had to wait two weeks for Hoyt to build the bow. It was worth the wait! This is one of the best looking and best shooting bows any archer would be lucky enough to draw.

Tate's new setup includes:

Hoyt Maxxis 35
http://www.hoyt.com/compound_bows/details/maxxis+35
Trophy Taker Xtreme FC Angled Slot
http://www.trophytaker.com/xtremefc_as.aspx
Axcel ArmorTech HD Seven Pin Sight
http://www.axcelsights.com/
Winner's Choice Strings
http://www.winnerschoicestrings.com/
Fuse Arrow Quiver
http://www.fusearchery.com/quivers/
Easton Axis 400 Arrows
http://www.eastonarchery.com/products/product/6
Carter Rx1 Release
http://www.carterenterprises.com/products/rx1.htm
12" Stabilizer with quick disconnect
Trophy Taker - Shuttle T-Lock 100 grain Broadhead
http://www.trophytaker.com/shuttle_t_lock.aspx
3/16" Peep Sight

DLC Covert II Assassin (Scouting Camera)

I was lucky enough to recieve a new trail camera for my birthday a few months back.  I finally got it out in the woods for a test run.  The camera is the tiny DLC Covert II Assassin; measuring in at a meager 5.5" tall and 3.5" wide.  Finally, a small and lightweight camera that appears to take good

The Velbon Sherpa 600RF

If you have an extra $949.98 you might take a look at the Outdoorsmans lightweight tripod (tall) and pan head.  The few that I have had the pleasure of handling seemed sturdy and smooth operating.  Unfortunately, the price is far out of my reach, and probably out of reach for most people.
Knowing the importance of a good tripod and head, I searched high and low for an affordable setup. I could only spend a couple hundred dollars, but wanted something reasonably light, sturdy, and smooth

J. Ryall Fly Reels

I found my first J. Ryall fly reel while nosing around in a small fly shop in Maryland.  At the time I had planned on taking a break from chasing small stripers on Chesapeake Bay and heading inland to sample some of Virginia's trout.  I needed a four weight reel, with a reliable drag and lightweight but durable construction.  I was suprised to find in the fly shop's glass case a classicly designed reel, named Julianne.  It fit all of my criteria, and I can say after ten years and hundreds of fish the reel continues to perform flawlessly.
The reel has been fished hard all over the country in the past 10 years and the drag is still smooth and all