Successfulhunting.com – Page 12 – Follow along hunting adventures

Optic SHOT Show Report

I just got this report from Camera Land NY on their report of this years SHOT show. There is a lot of neat information about new products and deals for hunters hunting for optics.

Camera Land’s SHOT Show Report

It has been a crazy busy week trying to get everything in. Meeting after meeting and aisle after aisle I did my best to see what I could see. Here’s what I have to share:

I am going to do this in what will appear to be a very scattered & random order, however, it is the order of my meetings and by doing it this way I will make sure to not miss anything.

Swarovski:
I met with the folks from Swarovski and found out that the 10×50 & 12×50 Swarovision EL’s are on the way. A 12×50 is something new for them and for Western Hunters I think this is a great new addition.
To my disappointment there is no Laser Rangefinder binocular coming in the near or expected future nor an update on the Laser Guide.
They are, however, very excited about the Anniversary Sale going on with the ATM/STM 65, ATM/STS 65 HD, ATM/STM 80 & ATM/STM 80 HD Spotting Scopes as well as the Z3 3-9×36, Z3 3-10×42 & Z3 4-12×50 riflescopes and their entire line of Z6 & Z6 i (illuminated) Riflescopes. We too are excited about this as it brings these scopes down to a starting price of $749.00 which is a price we have not seen on a new Swarovski riflescope in a looooong time. It is a wonderful opportunity.

My next stop was over at Bushnell to see about the close-outs on 3200 and 4200 riflescopes. They are indeed closed out and also sold out. My rep did not give me a heads up on this and we missed out. I can’t really say I blame him as we are far from a big Bushnell dealer, so fair is fair.
While I was there they were showing this new BackTrack D Tour GPS kinda thing. I was walked thru it’s operations and it is way cool and will sell for only $99.99. They expect it in in the next couple of months.
*Track Course Taken
*Length of Trip
*Speed of Trip
*Elevation Along Trip
*Temperature During Trip
*Keep Track of Repeated Exercise Paths
(It will also keep this info on the water for you fisherman.) After you return you can plug this into your computer and easy upload & save the information to your PC via a free application. Great little item that for the money I think will be a big hit.

I then hiked to what seemed like the other end of the universe to meet with Leica (I really need to wait for the SHOT Show floor plan map to come next year before I set up appointments. It would really be nice to not run all over the place to make it to the next meeting). I took a look at their new CRF-1000 which has the newest lens coatings, and also the new Leica CRF Tripod Adapter (which, IMO, is way over due). This unique adapter is designed to allow safe and secure mounting of any CRF rangefinder to any tripod or window mount with a 1/4×20 or 3/8×16 pan-head stud. Whether you have the CRF 800, 900, 1000, 1200, or the new 1600 this tripod adapter will fit your rangefinder. It is $99.99.
We were able to arrange to purchase some of the display units from the show (Including CRF-1600’s) so I was pretty pleased about that.
We will also (This is us, not Leica) extend the $400.00 trade in program we are offering on your old scope to purchase a Certified Pre-Owned, as new, show demo riflescope (that has never been mounted).

My last meeting of the day was with Pentax. To be quite honest I was meeting with them more out of personal relationships with some of their customer service people than excitement over what they had to offer (SHOT is that once a year time I get to see lots of folks I spend the year speaking with on the phone. Gives that "Big party reunion" kinda thing going on) as I did not expect much from them. I was happily surprised….
They showed a new binocular and I may be wrong about this so please do not attack me, but I think it is a unique sized binocular…..9×32 DCF BC and 9×42 DCF BR.
*Waterproof & Nitrogen Filled
*Phase Coated
*Open Bridge Design (Did everyone steal this from Swarovski)
*Plus all the standard features that you’d want from a quality binocular
The 9×32 sells for $299.00 and the 9×42 @ $349.00 So they are affordable and IMO, priced below their value in order to get them out into the market place to get some attention and use.
Next interesting release is their new line of 30mm tube Gameseeker Riflescopes. Priced from $179.00 – $209.00 I think these are an interesting line of scopes with great power ranges and priced low for these size options with a 30mm tube:
*3-10x40mm
*4-16x50mm
*6-24x50mm
*8.5-32x50mm
To their existing 1" line of Gameseeker Riflescopes they have added:
*2-7x32mm Plex @ $99.00
*3-10x50mm LPP @ $149.00 (Illuminated Reticle)
IMO, these are good additions to already established line of riflescopes.

Day 2

I was excited about my first meeting of the day as I was meeting with Vortex who every year it seems introduces so many new products that it creates excitement. I was not disappointed….
First of all, and what everyone has been waiting to hear….The PST scopes are finally going to be shipping on a regular basis and in not too long all backorders will be filled and we’ll have these in stock in all sizes.
New in their riflescopes is the Viper HS line of scopes which should be available by late Spring or early Summer…Hopefully. These are 30mm tube scopes with nice ranges and all priced below $550.00:
*4-16x50mm
*4-16x44mm
*2.5-10x44mm
*1-4x24mm
These scopes are a hybrid between a hunting scope and the Viper PST’s. It was designed for long distance shooting. Features include:
*Hashmarked BDC reticles
*Uncapped PST Style Elevation Turrets with 1/2 MOA Clicks for precise, rapid adjustments at ranges to 600 yards and beyond.

Vortex has TOTALLY revamped their binocular line with their new Razor HD Series, Viper HD Series & Talon HD Series. These are improved versions of the existing Razor and Viper Series binoculars that have enjoyed tremendous success.
*The Razor HD’s are a slimmer design as well as slightly lighter than the Razor they have replaced. It features a magnesium body, improved optics, new coatings as well as a new prism. All around a new worthwhile binocular.
*The Viper HD is a better version of the existing Viper series. Compared to the existing Vipers these will be superior in color rendition and resolution.
*The new Talon HD is a sub $450.00 optic that will deliver performance and optical quality of current $600.00 + options.

Then I looked at their new Viper Spotting Scopes….NICE. Under $1000.00 – Rubber Skinned – Lighter than the Skyline Series that it is replacing – Optically Superior to the Skyline Series as well. I did not have the opportunity at the show to compare it to my highest regarded Asian Spotter (IMO, the Pentax PF-80ED has been a best option vs spending big $$$ for the Euros), however, the boys from Vortex assure me that when I do a side by side I will be impressed as theirs is as good and is only $799.99 for the 20-60x80mm HD version and $699.99 for the non-HD…$549.99 for the 15-45×65 HD and $100.00 less for the non-HD. (Personally for the $100.00 difference I would not bother with the non-HD version. I’d spend the extra $100.00 and get the optically superior version).

OK, Back upstairs and to the other end of the convention to the German Pavilion and Minox. Happily we were able to work it out to receive their SHOT Show display units as well as some other samples. Their entire line of riflescopes are now in stock and IMO, their ZA-5 1.5-8×32 Riflescope is a homerun. It fills that gap left when Zeiss stopped making their Conquest 1.8-5.5×38 and 2.5-8×32 and at below $500.00 for a new one it is priced right.
Their German HG line of binoculars are also an excellent value while delivering more quality than the price suggests.
As a side note, I met Greg from Minox who Neil and I have only met on the phone. We spoke at the show and he joined us for dinner. All I can say is that he is a genuinely nice guy that when Neil & I have called upon him for customer service issues he has always stepped up. After meeting him I can say that he is the way he is when we call him because that is his personality, not because it’s his job. If you ever have a need to speak with someone at Minox ask for Greg. You’ll be pleased that you did

Right next store to Minox is Schmidt & Bender. I remembered to make that my next appointment as they are historically both located in the German Pavilion.
I checked out their new 1-8×24 Zenith. This has a CC mode that permits a parallax-free use of the scope as a red-dot sight with a magnification (or actually lack of magnification) of 1x. The reticle and flashdot are in the second focal plane.
I also liked their new 3-20×50 PM II:
*34mm Tube
*Illuminated reticle in the first or second focal plane
*Elevation adjustment with MTC, double turn and tactical plane
*Elevation and windage turrets with locking function
*Zero Click:tactile click of the windage zero position
*Parallax compensation from 25 m to infinity
Thinking ahead I ordered a bunch of these in different reticles as S&B scopes normally take a little bit to arrive and this way we’ll have them in stock.
I also spoke with them about a demo list of product which we will have next week. They do not have the quantity of demos as we normally get from some of the other bigger mfg’s, however, saving some $$$ on a S&B is a great thing. Once I have that list I will post it on this thread.

Nikon was next. We had a great meeting where we arranged for lots of demo goods in binoculars and spotting scopes and I had the opportunity to check out the new EDG Series (available in 7×42, 8×42, 10×42, 8×32 & 10×32) as well as their new ProStaff 7 Series ATB Binoculars (available in 8×42, 10×42 and 10×42 Camo)
I think the EDG is improved in it’s construction as well as material used on the body. At around $2000.00 I think it has some tough competition from the big three Euros. IMO, the way perception comes into play as much as reality, no company will sell lots of $2000.00 binoculars unless it comes with "Pride of Ownership" bragging rights. This, again IMO, is locked up by Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss. If you are the type of person with an open mind and knowledge of optics then I suggest you consider an EDG as the optics really are high quality.
The new Prostaff 7 series, on the other had, is priced at $189.99 for the 8×42 and $199.99 for the 10×42. It features a nice feeling rubber armor, phase coated prisms, lots of eye relief, is waterproof and accepts a tripod. For the $200.00 price category options it for sure is one to consider.

I finished out Day 2 at ZEISS. I knew ahead of time that the only new thing that I was going to see was their Dialyt 18-45×65 Field Spotter which they claim will be in stock in the next few weeks and will sell for $1299.99. It has a nice robust feel to it, armor coated, easy to focus, high quality ZEISS optics, only 15.5" long and about 2.5 pounds. It has a built on tripod mount with good position for balance. I think it is a winner and it was nice to see it not priced close to $2000.00 as one would expect.
We were able to arrange to purchase many sample riflescopes and binoculars from their booth. As soon as we receive them we will post a list on this thread.

After the first two days I was worn out and decided to make only a couple of appointments for Day 3.

The first two appointments were exploratory and I will not state who they were with, however, I will say that I am glad I went as it gave me a better appreciation of the quality optics in the under $500.00 category that we already carry. There really is some awful optics with cheesy construction out there and some people can look you in the eye and state how great it is. Where is the quality control police when you need them? Live and learn. I wasted a couple of hours of my life that I can never get back and for that I am sorry.

After that wasted part of the morning (and I had to get up early for that waste of time too) I was rewarded with a couple of hours well spent at Steiner. I was very impressed with their new Predator XTreme binoculars which are rugged, feature winged eye cups, are waterproof and as all Steiners are…Made in Germany. Very impressive to hold and look thru and then I found out that they are only $399.99 for the 8×42’s I did a double take and checked them out again. This may be our new top selling, under $500.00 binocular.
I was then treated to their new line of Nighthunter XP binoculars (8×42, 10×42, 8×56 and 10×56). These are a bit pricier at $849.99 – $1049.99 but back up the price with quality and features. They seem to be able to add light to the image you are looking at. I’ve used binoculars before that when you are looking thru them it appears brighter than the image appears without the binocular and these fall into that arena. They are construted to feel like an extention of your hand when you’re holding them. Nicely done Steiner.

I then was introduced to their head of Military Optics who showed me their line of 34mm tube riflescopes:
4-16x50mm
3-12x56mm
3-12x50mm
Front Focal Plane G2 MilDot reticle 19.5 mils of elevation and 5 mils of windage adjustment, lighted reticle & side mounted parallax/focus adjustment. These seem to be looking to replace S&B in the higher end of quality tactical scope. From the comments I heard while there I would say that most that looked at them felt the same as I did….Steiner is turning out some quality options.

I then went on another blind meeting to Carson Optical, not knowing what to expect. I expected to see yet another "me too" line of binoculars and riflescopes, and some of them were, however, they have some stuff worth looking at and I requested that they send in the sales rep for my area so I can take some of their product outside to truly evaluate it. I think you’ll be hearing more about Carson Optics in the not so distant future.

I have once again met with Trijicon and it looks like we will be moving forward with becoming an authorized dealer.

All in all it was a great week seeing some new products, visiting with folks I only see once a year or have never met before and eliminating a few perspective lines that I had been wanting to check out.

Doug @ Camera Land
1-866-9optics
http://www.cameralandny.com
212-753-5128

Sponsor a Vegetarian

I saw this article and laughed very hard. Now we have a chance to sponsor a vegitarian and actually make them responsible for an increase in meat intake. For every animal your vegetarian does not eat, pledge to eat 3, therefore nullifying their quest. Read on:

taken from:http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=sponsor

*edited*

Ever get the feeling that vegetarians consider themselves morally superior to you? Like they think that not eating meat makes them so special that their s*** doesn’t stink? As if when someone stops eating meat, they suddenly become holy and dignified and it excuses them for the years of inconvenience and frustration they inevitably inflict upon their friends, family and co-workers who just want to go to a restaurant and order a damn steak without constantly being reminded that they’re going to hell for eating an animal that spends most of its life shitting in a field. There are those of us who don’t have a hyperactive sense of guilt and we don’t give a s*** about your mixed up self-righteous moral vegetarian agenda.

"I can’t eat meat." The four worst words to hear when you’re going to a restuarant with someone. I literally cringe every time I hear those words because I know it means that we have to drive around the city for 2 hours looking for some restuarant that serves "friendly" burgers, which ironically look and taste exactly like hamburgers–which vegetarians object to eating because it’s either A) gross or B) murder. If it’s so gross, then why go out of your way to eat something exactly like it, asshole? It’s funny how vegetarians suddenly stop bitching about murder as soon as you point out their fancy leather belt or shoes, or that they drive a car and use electricity which contributes to polluting the earth and contaminating everything including the precious animals that they refuse to eat.

Well I’m tired of it. So what I’ve decided to do is It’s easy and spiteful, and we all know how much fun spiting people is! I’ll explain. It means that you have to find someone in your life who’s a really big pain in everyone’s a** every time you want to go out to eat, and then you commit yourself to eating THREE times the amount of meat you’d normally consume to make up for all the meat that your vegetarian buddy isn’t eating. It’s that simple! That way, you can reverse the guilt trip that they’ve been laying on us for years by not only neutralizing their cause, but making it actually worse by eating more animals than would have ever been eaten had they not chosen to become vegetarians! I’ve thought about that already. All you have to do is exercise. I know it goes against the being lazy rule that I advocate so much, but this is so spiteful that it more than makes up for the exercise you’ll have to do–which means that if you choose the 3 to 1 plan and sponsor a vegetarian, you’re being so spiteful that you can’t lose! If you have a choice, eat three separate types of animal to maximize your efficiency! Only offered beef? No problem: visit the zoo and eat a monkey! The best part of it is that this plan is bullet proof. Finally those of us who don’t have our heads firmly planted up our asses (with respect to vegetarianism, don’t get me wrong, most people still need a crowbar up side the head) have a tool to combat these moral elitists! Note: many people have asked me permission to make shirts using the image at the top of this page. As a convenience to you, I’ve made some of my own to help you out with this campaign, check them out here:

http://store.theworstpageintheuniverse.com/

Big Alberta Grizzly

This email has been circulating around lately. Seems like a huge bear. Anybody know more details or what the skull size was?

Big Bear shot Saddle Hills Alberta, Sept 20/2010

These two gents were calling elk in the Saddle Hills south of Woking (approx 45 miles north of Grande Prairie, AB) when this big guy slipped in on the caller the

shooter spotted the bear 8 yards from the caller and dropped him with 5 shots out of his 338 Rem Mag.. Farmers in

the area knew about the Bear but weren’t able to track after it had killed 3 horses, 5 cows, 13 sheep and a pen full of chickens on several

different homesteads in the area.

Fish and wildlife had bear traps set up in the area but notice on surveillance video that when ever a he would enter his hump would hit

The top of the culvert trap slowing him enough that the trap door would wack him on the head before he was all the way in check out the

Scar tissue on his face…..

Bear weighed in just under 1300 pounds and would have stood 11 ¾ feet tall on its hind legs…..

Boxing Week Optic Sale

Camera Land’s Year End Sale

This is our Year End, Pre-SHOT Show Clearance, Pre-Inventory (I hate counting boxes for inventory), If you didn’t get everything you wanted for Christmas Sale.

If you order these items directly from our web site, and the price is higher on the web site, just type "Year End Sale" in the note area and we will refund the difference back to your payment method. If you don’t like that method just call the order in to us.

To make it a bit simpler, I am doing this by mfg. in alphabetical order….

Columbia by Kruger Optical

Timberline Series:

#52006 8×42 Timberline only $79.99 reduced from $199.95

#52007 10×42 Timberine only $89.99 reduced from $219.95

#52008 10×56 Timberline only $139.99 reduced from $319.95

Leica

Leica CRF-800’s @ only $399.99

We are still offering a $400.00 trade in allowance on any scope towards the purchase of a Leica Show Sample (never mounted) Riflescope. This gets you a Leica 2.5-10x42mm Riflescope in your choice of Plex, 4A, #1 or CDD (Fine Plex) @ $1049.99 or the Ballistic @ $1099.99 Leica 3.5-14x42mm Riflescope in your choice of Plex, 4A, #1 or CDD (Fine Plex) @ $1149.99 or the Ballistic @ $1249.99

Minox Open Box Specials

Minox Open Box Riflescope Deal – These have not been mounted and come with the full warranty

#66000 ZA-3 3-9x40mm Plex @ $289.99 reduced from $399.00

#66001 ZA-3 3-9x40mm BDC @ $299.99 reduced from $419.00

#66010 ZA-5 2-10x40mm Plex @ $349.99 reduced from $479.00

#66021 ZA-5 3-15x42mm BDC @ $399.99 reduced from $529.00

#66030 ZA-5 4-20x50mm Plex @ $549.99 reduced from $699.00 or the #66031 ZA-5 4-20x50mm BDC @ $579.99 reduced from $729.00

Minox Spotting Scopes: – Complete with caps and cases

We have the following spotting scopes from a few trade shows. It looks like this product was brought to the shows and not even opened. This is a great opportunity.

#62210 MD-62 Straight with Minox #62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece usually $848.00

#62211 MD-62 Angled with Minox #62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece usually $898.00.

*****Your choice only $399.99*****

#62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece for $119.99 reduced from $199.00 new

#62225 MD 50W Angled Spotting Scope only $189.99 reduced from $349.00

#62226 MD 50 Straight only $189.99 reduced from $349.00

Minox Open Box Binocular Sale
The prices here are for open box goods. A few of these are new last years models (the ones with *). These are also available new at deep discounts, please see product page for pricing.

#62026 8×42 Arctic Hunter only $119.99 reduced from $319.00

*#62122 BD 8×32 BR ASPH only $199.99 reduced from $450.00

*#62151 BD 10×44 BP only $199.99 reduced from $599.00

#62188 German HG 8×33 BR only $599.99 reduced from $1295.00

*New – Discontinued #62155 HG 8.5×43 BR ASPH only $449.99 reduced from $899.00

#62189 – Minox German HG 8×43 BR only $649.99, reduced from $1345.00

*New – Discontinued #62157 HG 10×43 BR ASPH only $499.99 reduced from $949.00

#62190 – Minox German HG 10×43 BR only $649.99, reduced from $1395.00

*New – Discontinued #62159 HG 8.5×52 BR ASPH only $499.99 reduced from $1049.00

*New – Discontinued #62161 HG 10×52 BR ASPH only $599.99 reduced from $1099.00

#62192 – Minox German HG 10×52 BR only $699.99, reduced from $1595.00

#62193 – Minox German APO-HG 8×43 BR only $1099.99, reduced from $1849.99

#62194 – Minox German APO-HG 10×43 BR only $1099.99, reduced from $1899.99

These four BF series binoculars are new units that are being closed out. They are great optics at unbeatable prices, while supplies last:

#62033 BF 8×25 BR only $79.99 reduce from $149.00

#62032 BF 10×25 BR only $79.99 reduced from $159.00

#62034 BF 8×42 BR only $139.99 reduced from $289.00

#62173 BF 10×42 BR only $139.99 reduced from $299.00

Newest Models – Open Box

#62029 BV II 10×42 BR only $219.99 reduced from $299.00

#62036 BL 15×56 BR only $599.99reduced from $899.00

Nikon

#8221 Nikon Trailblazer 10×50 ATB Demo only $99.99 reduced from $179.99

Nikon Buckmaster 10×36 #7420 only $99.99 reduced from $199.99

Pentax

These two items are unopened "Show Samples"

6.5×21 Papillio only $69.99 reduced from $129.00

10×50 DCF SP only $369.99 reduced from $799.00

Promaster

Only $249.99 for your choice of the Promaster Infinity Elite ELX 8×42 ED Binocular, Part# 1187 (normally $499.99) or the Promaster Infinity Elite ELX 10×42 ED Binocular, Part# 1194 (normally $549.99)

Swarovski

8×30 SLC’s only $849.99 while supply lasts. These are brand new

Vortex

Vortex Razor 8.5×50 Binocular only $479.99 reduced from $829.99

Vortex Razor 12×50 Binocular only $499.99 reduced from $869.99

Vortex Viper 6×32 Binocular only $329.99 reduced from $509.99

Vortex Viper 8×32 Binocular only $339.99 reduced from $519.99

Vortex Viper 10×32 Binocular only $339.99 reduced from $529.99

Vortex Viper 12×42 Binocular only $349.99 reduced from $559.99

Vortex Viper 8.5×50 Binocular only $374.99 reduced from $589.99

Vortex Viper 10×50 Binocular only $389.99 reduced from $599.99

Vortex Viper 15×50 Binocular only $399.99 reduced from $619.99

Vortex Viper 2-7x32mm riflescope for only $174.99 in your choice of BDC, C3 or V-Plex reticle (Includes a set of Vortex rings)

Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Plex riflescope for only $249.99

Vortex Viper 3.5-10x50mm riflescope with V-Plex reticle for only $249.99 (Includes a set of Vortex rings)

Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm PA riflescope for only $249.99 in your choice of Plex or Target Dot reticle

Vortex Fury 10x32mm Binocular for only $174.99

Vortex Fury 8x32mm Binocular for only $174.99

Vortex Fury 6.5x32mm Binocular for only $169.99

Remember, with any Vortex Binocular purchase you can add their Vortex Binocular Harness Strap for only $10.00.

Vortex Impact RA 70mm Spotting Scope for only $179.99

*****20% off any Skyline Spotting Scope inluding both Regular or ED in either Straight or Angled*****

Vortex Solo R/T 8×36 Tactical Monocular Part #RT836S on Sale for $79.99 reduced from $119.99

Zeiss Conquest refurb Riflescopes:

6.5-20X50 AO CONQUEST #20 RET REFURB – 5 available @ $699.99

6.5-20X50 AO CONQUEST #43 RET REFURB – 2 available @ $699.99

3-12X56 CONQUEST #8 RET REFURB – 2 available @ $699.99

3-9×40 CONQUEST #20 RET REFURB – 5 available @ $349.99

4.5-14X44 CONQUEST #20 RET Demo – 1 Available @ $599.99

6.5-20×50 CONQUST H #43 RET REFURB – 1 available @ $699.99

3.5-10X44 CONQUEST #71 RET REFURB – 2 available @ $549.99

6.5-20X50 CONQUEST #73 RET REFURB – 4 available @ $789.99

4.5-14×50 CONQUEST H #43 RET REFURB – 1 available @ $649.99

3-9×50 CONQUEST #71 RET REFURB – 1 available @ $474.99

3.5-10X50 CONQUEST #20 RET REFURB – 3 available @ $539.99

All the best to everyone for a happy and healthy new year. Please feel free to call Doug or Neil @ 212-753-5128 with any questions.

Doug @ Camera Land
1-866-9optics
gr8fuldoug@aol.com

http://www.cameralandny.com

Bear Rugs Out of the Freezer

As hunting season comes to a close it becomes time to deal with the trophies you collected over the fall. You know that bear rug you have tucked away in your deep freeze that your wife is telling you to get rid of, well find a taxidermist and get a rug made. Here are some tips on what criteria to look for when choosing a taxidermist:

taken from: http://www.huntingtipsandtricks.com/a/Choosing_A_Taxidermist

Choosing the right taxidermist to ensure that your trophy animal is preserved properly is a very important decision to make. It is true that the skill level of taxidermy depends on the knowledge and expertise of the specific person and the level varies from one end of the spectrum to the other. It ultimately boils down to you, who has to make the right selection of a taxidermist, if you want good results.

There are a number of things that you can do, in order to ensure that you leave your trophy with the appropriate person for the job.

For optimal results, it is advisable to keep the price consideration for the service at the bottom of your priority list especially if it is a once in a lifetime trophy as your objective is not saving money, it is getting the best possible mount. Professional capability should find a place at the top of the list. A good taxidermist should be able to make your trophy appear lifelike after being mounted. With modern advancements in technology, there should be no excuse for your trophy animal not to appear like a living animal. You must therefore try to look at the earlier work done for previous clients. This can be at the taxidermist’s showroom or at the homes of the clients.

Some important questions that you must ask the taxidermist, to ensure that you choose one that is best can be:

Can you give me references to some of your clients, for whom you have done similar work?
Have you undergone any certification program that qualifies you as a certified taxidermist?
Are you a member of any state or national organization of taxidermists?
Do you regularly attend seminars and workshops related to taxidermy?
Do you subscribe to good taxidermy periodicals and magazines?
Do you participate in taxidermy competitions? If you do, have you been awarded any special awards, titles or blue ribbons for work excellence?
Can I see some of your finished mounts?
Do you provide a guarantee against your work?
Do you have insurance cover in case something untoward happens, while my trophy is in your possession?
Does a taxidermist require a license in your state? If yes, do you have a valid license?

Good and bad reputation has an uncanny ability to spread. Ask around about the reputation with respect to the work done by the taxidermist, take time to check on a number of taxidermists to compare their work and other details, before making a final decision in favor of one. After all, you will be staring at the mount on your feature wall for some time. By comparing taxidermists to find what you want, you can be assured of good end results.

Ask to see their portfolio of work and reference library. A good taxidermist will have an immense amount of photographic material on the works he has done along with considerable books and other reference material on taxidermy. The reference material can be from a broad variety that would include wildlife and so also from taxidermy magazines, books related to biology, anatomy, habitat etc, of different animals, photographs on the inside of the mouth, eyes, ears and nostrils, live animals of all sizes and types. Check for different mount options for different animals and those available with him for your trophy.

If money does form an important part of the equation for getting your trophy mounted, one alternative would be to take just the cape or hide to him for tanning. Once tanned, you will be able to store it without suffering damage for a long time, if it is commercially dry tanned. This can let you have your trophy mounted at a later date, when you find your situation financially more congenial. But, before opting for this, make sure you check with the taxidermist. Also check, if he will discount the cost of tanning, when you eventually give the cape for mounting to him.

If you exercise due care and are able to make the right selection, you can be assured that your trophy will really last for a very long time.

……

I hope that article helps you during this off season.

Young Hunter Bags Huge Buck

Talk about beginners luck, most of us spend years before taking a buck of this caliber if ever. Read on for a story that will either infuriate you or inspire you:

Original article: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20101209/SPORTS/12090311

Many hunters have to tramp through the woods for years before downing a trophy-sized buck.

It took 11-year-old Carl Starkey just one hour on the first deer hunt of his life. Carl, who attends Western Reserve Elementary School, hunted with his dad Kermit of Norwalk, and was sitting in a box blind when the deer came out of the woods about 100 yards away. It fed in a field for about 10 minutes, returned to the woods, then came out again following two does.

When it reached 30 yards, young Carl shot it behind the shoulder with a 20 gauge Mossberg Youth Combo. Within 150 yards it was down, a whopping 20-point mosshorn. That might be the deer of a lifetime for this 11 year old beginning hunter.

# Young hunters across Ohio again enjoyed success during the seventh annual Youth Deer-Gun Season Nov. 20 and 21. Hunters age 17 and under harvested 9,024 deer during the special two-day season, compared to 9,331 last year.

Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed were Tuscarawas (434), Knox (416), and Holmes (337). In north central Ohio, our Richland County’s young hunters bagged 96, Crawford’s 95 Ashland took down 196, and Huron bagged 108.

The Division of Wildlife estimates 40,000 young hunters took to the state’s fields and forests during the two-day season.

………

Dick Martin is a retired teacher who has been writing about the great outdoors in north central Ohio for more than 20 years. He can be reached at richmart@neo.rr.com.

Wow 1 hour of hunting and an eleven year old nails a 20 pointer with a mossberg shotgun.

Bear Meat Recipes

Put some of that bear meat in your freezer to use this holiday season with some great recipes from:

http://www.huntingtipsandtricks.com/a/Bear_Meat_Recipes

Bear Meat Loaf (I)

Ingredients:

Ground bear-meat – 2 lbs

Milk – ½ cup

Eggs – 2

Thyme – ¼ teaspoonful

Oregano – ¼ teaspoonful

Tomato sauce – ¾ cup

Onions (minced) – 1 cup

Dry Mustard – 1 ½ cup

Mushroom – 1 small can

Breadcrumbs – 1 cup

Finely chopped green pepper -½

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Mix all ingredients well and place in a roasting pan. Pre heat oven at 350° and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread ketchup/BBQ sauce over the top. Replace in oven and bake for another 15 minutes till done. Serve warm.

Bear Meat Loaf (2)

Ingredients

Ground bear-meat – 2 lbs

Ground beef – 1 lbs

Breadcrumbs – 1 ½ cup

Eggs – 3

Ketchup – ¼ cup

Mushrooms – 1 8 oz can

French Onion soup – 3 cans

Garlic Powder and black pepper to taste

Method:

Open 2 cans of onion soup and drain the broth in a bowl. Mix the onions from the cans with the other ingredients in a mixing bowl and when mixed well place the mixture in a roasting pan. Pour the broth from the 2 onion soup cans along with the contents of the third can over the top. Pre heat oven at 350° and cook for 2 ½ hours or till done. Ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Black bear stew

Ingredients:

Cubed bear meat – 4 lbs (cut in 1 inch cubes)

Flour – 1 cup

Butter – 4 tbs.

Italian Seasoning – 1 tbs.

Corn oil – 2 tbs.

Bay leaves – 4

Onions (diced) – 1 large size

Small potatoes – 2 lbs.

Mushroom – 1 lbs. (fresh)

Carrots – 5 (sliced)

Turnip – 1 (cubed)

Parsnip – 5 sliced

Beef broth – 1 tin (8 oz)

Method:-

Take a strong plastic bag. Place bear meat, seasonings and flour in the bag and shake till meat is coated. Take a heavy bottomed skillet and add butter and oil. Add meat and cook on medium heat till meat is browned. Drain the grease from the meat while hot. Add 2 ½ to 3 quarts of water in a Dutch oven and cook all ingredients for approx. 2 to 3 hours at 325°. Check every half hour and add water if required. Serve warm with Italian bread or fresh rolls.

taken from: http://www.huntingtipsandtricks.com/a/Bear_Meat_Recipes

Zeiss Conquest Riflescope Blowout

Here is another sweet deal from Cameraland NY!

Camera Land’s Zeiss Conquest Riflescope Blowout

We just received a bunch of boxes from Zeiss filled with Zeiss Holiday Cheer…Conquest Demo/Refurb scopes. These scopes are all in optically and functionally perfect condition and come with a Zeiss Transferable Lifetime Warranty. We have them priced to make you happy. These will not be on our web site as constant updating would be impossible. Please feel free to call me or Neil @ 212-753-5128 to order or discuss any of these scopes.

3-9X50 CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 1 available @ $449.99

4.5-14X50 OONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 3 available @ $599.99

6.5-20X50 AO CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 8 available @ $699.99

6.5-20X50 AO CONQUEST #43 Mildot – 2 available @ $699.99

6.5-20X50 CONQUEST S/S #43 Mildot – 1 available @ $749.99

3-12X56 CONQUEST #8 – 2 available @ $699.99

3-9×40 CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 14 available @ $349.99

3.5-10X44 CONQUEST S/S #20 Z-Plex – 1 available @ $499.99

4.5-14X44 CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 7 available @ $599.99

4.5-14X44 CONQUEST TARGET #43 Mildot – 1 available @ $649.99

4.5-14X50 CONQUEST H #20 Z-Plex – 2 available @ $599.99

6.5-20×50 CONQUEST #75 Rapid-Z Varmint – 3 available @ $789.99

6.5-20×50 CONQUST H #43 Mildot – 1 available @ $699.99

3.5-10X44 CONQUEST #71 Rapid Z-600 – 6 available @ $549.99

6.5-20X50 CONQUEST #73 Rapid Z-1000 – 4 available @ $789.99

4.5-14×44 CONQUEST TARGET #73 Rapid Z-1000 – 3 available @ $599.99

4.5-14×50 CONQUEST #73 Rapid Z-1000 – 1 available @ $649.99

4.5-14×50 CONQUEST H #43 Mildot – 1 available @ $649.99

4.5-14X44 CONQUEST #72 Rapid Z-800 – 13 available @ $599.99

4.5-14X50 CONQUEST H #72 Rapid Z-800 – 1 available @ $649.99

6.5-20X50 S/S #75 Rapid Z-Varmint – 1 available @ $799.99

3.5-10X44 CONQUEST #72 Rapid Z-800 – 1 available @ $549.99

3.5-10X44 CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 1 available @ $499.99

3-9×50 CONQUEST #71 Rapid Z-600 – 2 available @ $474.99

3.5-10X50 CONQUEST #20 Z-Plex – 3 available @ $539.99

View Zeiss Reticles – Click Here

Thank you for your continued support

Doug @ Camera Land
1-866-9optics
http://www.cameralandny.com

Black Friday Optic Deals

Camera Land’s Black Friday / Weekend Deals

We have put together some Black Friday / Weekend deals. These are only available today & tomorrow (11/26 & 11/27) and have to be called in to us in order to get these prices, 212-753-5128.

I worked on this with Joel (he runs the camera side as you may or may not know).

Here are some Camera Deals:

Nikon L110 Special digital camera kit with 4 gig card, case, Nikon 2 year Extended warranty, cleaning kit and LCD protector
Regular price for kit is $390.94, Black Friday Special only $199.99

Casio G1 kit all weather digital camera in either Red Or Black. Black Friday Special only $149.99 with 2 gig card and case. Regular price is $274.97

Promaster T525 Carbon fiber tripod with ball head – 7x Carbon Fiber light weight and durable tripod with a removable ball head
Regular price is $349.99, today and tomorrow only $199.99

Sports Optics Deals – Only Friday and Saturday November 26th & 27th

Buy a new Vortex Skyline or Vortex Skyline ED Spotting Scope and receive a new Vortex Solo R/T 8×36 Tactical Monocular with it at no charge (this is a $119.99 value) as a Black Friday Bonus

Minox #62151 BD 10×44 BR These two days only $174.99 for a new unit

Pentax Gameseeker Essentials Outfit which includes:
Pentax Gameseeker DCF 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular & Pentax Gameseeker 4-12 x 40 Rifle Scope with precision plex reticle, only $99.99

Get a Free Tripod with the purchase of a new or open box Minox BL 15×56 BR Binocular

Minox HG 8.5×52 BR ASPH new for only $479.99, reduced from $1049.00

Buy any Nikon binocular and get a free Nikon Bino-Harness with your purchase.

Added Bonus, while supplies last….German Minox Binocular Open Box Super Sale
Cameraland NY

This is a Holiday Super Special for Newsletter & Forum members. These prices will not be on our web site, so in order to get them you have to do one of two things….

1) Call in the order to Doug or Neil @ 212-753-5128

2) Order from the web site and in the comment area type in Newsletter Holiday Special and when we process the order we will refund the difference between the price you paid from the site and these forum special prices.

These are all in as new condition and come with everything a new unit would. These are new units that went to a recent trade show as display units. These are the latest Made in Germany binoculars.

#62188 – Minox German HG 8×33 BR only $629.99, reduced from $1295.00

#62189 – Minox German HG 8×43 BR only $649.99, reduced from $1345.00

#62190 – Minox German HG 10×43 BR only $679.99, reduced from $1395.00

#62192 – Minox German HG 10×52 BR only $749.99, reduced from $1595.00

#62193 – Minox German APO-HG 8×43 BR only $1099.99, reduced from $1849.99

#62194 – Minox German APO-HG 10×43 BR only $1129.99, reduced from $1899.99

We at Camera Land want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and take this opportunity to thank you for all the support that we receive.

Doug @ Camera Land
1-866-9optics

http://www.cameralandny.com

Killer Deal on Swarovski

Cameraland NY

Swarovski and Camera Land have teamed up to bring you some very exciting opportunities.

The Swarovski SLC line of binoculars have proven themselves to be a truly reliable companion in the field. Now is the time to get a great binocular at an even greater price:

Swarovski 8×30 SLC’s @ $899.99 reduced from $1149.00

Swarovski 10×42 SLC @ $1399.99 reduced from $1599.99

Swarovski 10×50 SLC for $1499.99 reduced from $1929.00

This promotion is unprecedented and an opportunity not to be missed. It is a rare opportunity to purchase Swarovski optics at a discount.

Handy, ergonomic and exceptionally versatile – the SLC binoculars by Swarovski Optik are among the most-used binoculars ever. But the SLC series can now offer a multitude of tangible benefits. SLCnew – this means an innovative design with improved ergonomics – for greater versatility and functionality

To sweeten the deal further every binocular will include an extra gift courtesy of Camera Land and Swarovski. As you know Swarovski Crystal is a highly sought after collectible and we’d like to include a Swarovski Crystal miniature for you to add to your collection. We’ll include either one of their miniature crystal binoculars or a crystal key chain with your order.

Happy Holidays from Swarovski and your Camera Land family.

Doug @ Camera Land
1-866-9optics
http://www.cameralandny.com