Specialty &
Comfort
Copyright © 1998 - 2005 Roger
W. Raisch * Nadine Adele, all rights reserved
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There are so many
specialty items for turkey hunters that it took me all day just to make the list.
Manufacturers are constantly thinking up new widgets that we need. I'll cover a few
of the ones I find to be especially helpful.
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Early in my turkey hunting career I felt
that seat cushions were not very manly. After all, anyone should be able to sit on
the ground for a few minutes. However, I learned quickly that
to have consistent success on turkeys, I was having to sit for long periods of time--up to
a couple of hours in the same spot. The old parable that
"The mind can only absorb what the butt can endure", is an apt one when
it comes to turkey hunting. Frozen or wet ground can make for very uncomfortable
sitting. And the ground is so hard too! Trees seem to have the ability to
shoot out new roots in a matter of minutes just to pester your butt. One of the
favorite hiding places for grapefruit-size roots is directly under a turkey hunter.
After 15 minutes or so, they will make an appearance and stubbornly refuse to budge.
I decided to fight back. I searched high and low for the best seat
cushion I could find. I settled on the Therma A Rest Self-Inflating
Cushion about 20 years ago and haven't found anything
better in a light, easy-to-carry cushion that really works. Don't feel like
you're a creme-puff because you carry one to the woods....you're using your head to stay
comfortable and patient. And...Patience
is one of the most important SECRETS
to turkey hunting. I never go to the woods without one
of these cushions.
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If you want to carry something a little
more substantial to the woods, there are Specialty Turkey Hunting Seats
that provide back support and work well when you can't find a suitable tree to sit down
against. These are so comfortable, with padded neck and back
support that you'll be taking a nap in no time! I have developed my turkey hunting
skills to the point where I can take a nap with a call in my mouth, be fully asleep, and
awake instantly when a turkey gobbles, a hen calls, or a turkey is walking in the
leaves---how about that?
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A good pair of
Ratchet-Cut Pruning Shears is a necessity. They will quietly, and quickly cut
away any roots, brush, or saplings where you plan to sit as well as remove any brush that
will interfere with the swinging and sighting of your gun. An example of these
shears are shown here in Advantage
Camo, Yellow, or Black handled models.
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With all of the gear a turkey hunter takes
to the woods....gun, vest, decoys, pack, camera, etc., it's no wonder that it's hard to
get around in the brush in early morning or evening darkness without poking an eye out,
stumbling, falling down, or spooking turkeys with all that noise. If we only had a
few more hands. A Convertible Hands-Free Flashlight can be worn around your head when your hands are occupied, or converts to
a normal hand-held flashlight for regular use. With one
of these, I can carry even more stuff to the woods!
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To stay out all
morning and hunt effectively, most hunters need to drink at least a quart of fluids.
I used to carry my water in a canteen, then I tried a bota, then plastic water
bottles. None of these were satisfactory because they made noise, took up too much
room, and were too heavy. A Flexi Flask is an innovative new product that has solved all of those problems,
and it's even camouflaged! It also will handle hot liquids like soup. On a
cold day I warm up with a little soup when the turkeys won't cooperate. I can stay
out all day in more comfort now.
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A gun sling is a
necessity for a turkey hunter. It not only carries the gun, but also doubles
as a turkey tote after a bird is bagged. Slip one end of the sling around the
turkey's head and the other around both legs. You will need a couple pieces of short
cord to tie the ends securely. Carry the sling over your shoulder with the turkey
under your arm. This is the most comfortable way to transport your bird.
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Make your hunt as
comfortable as possible....we're trying to have some fun out there.....not make it work! |
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God Bless America
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MARCH
2010
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