Scenes from Winter Sports Show 2011

19th Annual Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show
St. Paul, Minnesota
December 2nd - 4th 2011
The Largest Ice Fishing Show in the United States

Best In Show Award Announcement:
The Reverend Fowl™ BlogSpot/Blogger
has awarded it’s Best In Show Award to:
Swish-Rod™

~for~

classic, in-line reel & rod combos.

http://www.swishrod.com/

HT Hi-Tech Fishing

Wisconsin, USA

Stomper Tech ATRV

 

Swish-Rod™

by Handishop Industries, Inc.

Wisconsin, USA

 

The Arctic Fisherman
Beaver Dam Tip-Up

The original design
survived more than 45 years

Wisconsin, USA

Cribbage Board Tip-Up

Wall of Fish
tractor-trailer

Minnesota Darkhouse

& Angling Association

Spears

Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association
Decoys for Spearing

Ice Tech Fishing Systems

Antler Ice Rods

Gasoline & Propane Augers

Snobear
Fargo, ND

Decoy Weights from Blackwing Advancements

New “Duck Egg” Decoy Weights and Anchors may be the most versatile system for managing individually rigged decoys.

"Although I enjoy waterfowl hunting, I consider the setting and retrieval of decoys an unpleasant chore, especially in deep water. Waterfowl decoys are usually set predawn in placid water and retrieved later in the day when it is often windy, making the water choppy. Sometimes I just want to go home, especially after an unsuccessful hunt. Blackwing Advancements offers the most logical solution I have seen for managing individually rigged decoys." -TRF

Bill of Fair
After surveying the retail offering of individually rigged decoy systems; it becomes obvious there are not that many choices. The “Texas Rig” is a specialized innovation only applicable to very shallow water and is useless to hunters in deeper, natural water areas. Another noticeable development for decoy rigging, is adding a stretchable component to decoy line terminals for keeping the line taut and weights secured during transportation and storage.

The Egg
The Duck Egg decoy weight/anchor from Blackwing Advancements works with all types of individually rigged decoy systems including sliding weight rigs like The Texas Rig. The Duck Egg includes a heavy-duty shock cord or bungee that stretches over any part of a decoy.  

Weight
The Duck Egg comes in both 4 and 8 ounce sizes. The Duck Egg has a thoughtful shape that is both angled to prevent drag and rounded to protect decoy bodies and paint. The Duck Egg features a balanced center of gravity/mass which means there is none of the torque that causes other types of weights to break or be lost.

Speed
Decoys rigged with the Duck Egg are fast to set and retrieve. This is especially important under harsh conditions.

Pricing
Duck Egg Decoy Weights from Blackwing Advancements start at $29.99 per dozen ($2.50 each) with immediate volume discounts beginning with the second dozen. Special pricing is also available.

Made In The USA

Blackwing Advancements Website: 

http://www.blackwinghunting.com/index.html

I responded to an open invitation to independently test, review and give opinion for Duck Egg Decoy Weights. I utilized advertised samples for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Blackwing Advancements LLC and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Blackwing Advancements LLC.

Decoy Rigging: The Minnesota Rig

How to

Minnesota Rig

Decoys

The

Minnesota Rig

The chief characteristic of the Minnesota Rig is the use of inexpensive Metal Shower Curtain Rings.

Benefit 

Adding Rings to the ends of decoy lines allows the lines to be attached or detached as needed. 

Economy & Use

$1.99 is the average price for a package of 12 Rings.

A Ring will allow an unanchored decoy to be attached to an anchored decoy, reducing the amount of anchor weights needed.  

Spectra Shot™ A Workhorse Waterfowl Load That Includes Color Finished Pellets

Manufactured in the U.S.A.

Introduction
The new Spectra Shot brand is launching a streamlined waterfowl load.

"I learned of Spectra Shot while searching for a new waterfowl load. I needed ammunition I could feel comfortable shooting. My search for a better waterfowl load began after I was frightened and discouraged by ultra-high velocity ammunition. I had somehow forgotten that ammunition needn’t be complicated or excessive to be effective." –TRF

Timeless Feel
A noticeable phenomena among different brands of waterfowl loads, is that each load seems to have its own folk following. For this, here is some useful information to consider about Spectra Shot:

Although the Spectra Shot brand is new and based in Lafayette Louisiana, Spectra Shot’s research, development and manufacturing occurs at Polywad, Inc. Polywad is the same facility that has assisted Hevi-Shot®, Hastings®, Polyshock™, Precision Ammunition, Brenneke®, Federal Premium® and others.

The Spectra Shot brand began making inroads after a summer feature in WILDFOWL magazine, which included off-label testing of Spectra Shot as a heavy field load.

Velocity | Recoil
At 1400 fps, Spectra Shot™ Waterfowl is faster than the normal velocity averages of many similar loads by other manufactures. Spectra Shot™ Waterfowl is a good choice for those who have experienced uneasiness or erratic results with ultra-high velocity ammunition. Spectra Shot was very comfortable to shoot while testing with very low felt recoil. Spectra Shot Waterfowl was not hot, jerky or jumpy when fired, but instead, had a steady, solid feel to it.

Pellet Size

Initially, Spectra Shot Waterfowl ammunition will be mostly available in No.2 size shot. No.2 shot may be the most accessible, versatile and effective pellet for waterfowl hunting. Many hunters use both duck and goose decoys together and proceed to call both. In Minnesota, this practice would necessitate No.2 shot size because Minnesota’s Regulation Hand book lists No. 2 shot as the minimum size for all Geese. Maryland also does this. Missouri lists No.2 shot for ducks and geese. Finally, Montana lists No.2 shot for ranges beyond 30 yards. Shot larger than this, has more weight but also more drag and is increasingly blunt, limiting penetration.

Pellet Quality
Spectra Shot packaging states U.S. made, polished steel shot.
A close inspection of these pellets reveals an extremely smooth and uniform roundness. There were no outcroppings or raised defects. Only a few pellets were found to have a single, shallow, pin-point size indentation, but this had been improved by the finish and coating.

 

 

Pellet Colors
Colored pellets were developed for improved visibility, identification and removal when processing game. Different colors were developed for claiming game when hunting in a party or group. Even more colors were developed for training, practice, nighttime, special events and custom orders. Spectra Shot’s color finish is hard, permanently fixed and nontoxic.

Value | Performance
Spectra Shot’s mission states a commitment to top quality components. Spectra Shot has made several changes recently to improve affordability, including a change from clear overshot cards and roll-crimping, to the popular factory fold crimping. Individual shells loaded, chambered, fired, cycled and ejected smoothly. Recovered shot-cup wads from range testing, had survived the different steel shot choke types, including extended, extra-full and heavily ported chokes. Spectra Shot Waterfowl offers the same water resistance and weatherproofing as the majority of waterfowl load manufactures.

Accuracy | Pattern
Carefully opened shells contained 156 pellets each of No.2 shot.

Because hunting ammunition is banned or prohibited at non-rifle gun clubs, Spectra Shot™ Waterfowl was tested at an outdoor rifle range.

Although pattern testing is customarily performed at a 40 yard distance, this testing was performed at 50 yards because a 40 yard range that allows hunting ammunition could not be found.

While testing occurred at the outer limits of effective range, the pattern and accuracy results were excellent. Windage and drop calculations were used when testing Spectra Shot, to reveal precise and sturdy shot patterns. This is the type of shot performance experienced hunters strive to pull together. 

 

Availability
Spectra Shot Waterfowl is brand new and only beginning to set up retail outlets.

















Spectra Shot™ Website: http://www.spectrashot.com/index.html 

About:
I requested the opportunity to independently test, review & give opinion for Spectra Shot™ Steel Waterfowl Load. I utilized donated products for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Spectra Shot LLC and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Spectra Shot LLC.

Insulated Knee-Boots | Build Your Own

Create your own Insulated Knee-Boots by adding insoles and liners to inexpensive Rubber Boots

 

Rubber Boots

Rubber Boots are widely available and can be purchased for as little as $10. Some of the different names for Rubber Boots are: Rain Boots, Chore Boots, Barn Boots, Tractor Boots, Slush Boots, Billy Boots and Swampers. Rubber Boots are generally scent-free and are superior to vinyl boots for traction, flexibility and durability.

A handsome pair of Swampers

Sources for Boots
The best sources for Rubber Boots are online rubber boot outlets, Safety Equipment Suppliers, Farm/Fleet Stores, Tractor Supplies and Sporting Goods Stores.


Boot Selection
You must select a larger boot, 3-4 sizes larger and wider than you normally wear. Only an oversized boot will allow an added insole, liner and thermal socks. If you have a large, wide foot or have trouble getting boots off, you should select an Overboot. Choose boots with dull, ecological colors for hunting, fishing or hiking. Make sure boots are labeled for sale as “Waterproof”. 

Boot Liners | The Felt Store

• Style 826BB 
• 12” Height
• 8mm Pressed Wool
• Reinforced Heel

I chose Boot Liners from The Felt Store because they have Boot Liners that are specific for “Barn Boots” or tall, Rubber Boots. Furthermore, after contacting numerous Boot Liner outlets, only The Felt Store replied with personal, detailed advice.

The Felt Store is a US and Canadian company that offers felt, wool, quilted, metallic faced and even Thinsulate™ Boot Liners for cold weather and most types of boot styles. The Felt Store also has insoles and Thermal Socks.

Reinforced Heel

The Felt Store is a technical, industrial supplier as well as a gentle purveyor of felt and woolen items.

  

Contact The Felt Store:

tfs / The Felt Store

Thermal Insoles

I certainly wanted to include “Thinsulate” for these project boots. Thinsulate™ is a thin, airy, microfiber material that insulates and manages moisture. I contacted 3M™ and requested an opportunity to evaluate the new 3M™ Thinsulate™ Thermal Insoles because these insoles have a strong presence and accessibility in stores and online.

Thinsulate™ Thermal Insoles have 4 separate layers. The top layer is a tough, moisture moving, antimicrobial fabric. The middle layers are conforming foam and Thinsulate™ insulation. The bottom layer is an energetic and shock absorbing foam that is also antimicrobial and drying.

The Thinsulate™ soles fit easily, feel really good, and are a convenient way to improve the performance of any boot or shoe during cold weather.  

Visit the 3M™ website for information and retail outlets:

3M™ Thinsulate™Thermal Insoles

Here is a link for a very useful hand-out from 3M™ with advice for staying warm:

Hand-Out/PDF

Socks

Nowadays, two pairs of socks are recommended for outdoor activities; a thin, liner sock and a thick, outer sock. I wear a thin soccer sock that reaches my knees and provides comfortable compression. Over these, I wear thermal boot socks rated for below freezing.

Snow and Gravel Guards

I picked up some “Gravel/Snow Guards” at a clearance sale. These are made from Neoprene and wrap around boots with Velcro.  

Pac | Pack Boots

Pack Boot is a term used to describe boots with removable linings. The main purpose of this type of boot is so that all the different parts of the boot can be removed, separated and dried between uses. Drying boots is very important during severe, cold weather.     

Update | My Favorite Boot

Because I have very wide feet, Overboots are now my preferred boots. Overboots are much wider than other styles of boots. I purchased an inexpensive pair of overboots that were on sale from Milwaukee’s Billy Boots/Pro Safety Co./slipfreeshoes.com. These boots came with aggravating buckles that are easily cut off with diagonal cutters. Buckles can then be replaced with split rings and laces for an awesome pair of boots.

About:

I requested the opportunity to independently test, review and give opinion for 3M™ Thinsulate™ Thermal Insoles. I utilized donated products for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with 3M™ and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from 3M™.

I requested the opportunity to independently test, review and give opinion for The Felt Store’s Boot Liners. I received a very small discount coupon for this. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with The Felt Store and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from The Felt Store.

Hunting with Float Tubes | Outcast Fins

An underreported, widespread practice, hunting with Float Tubes, offers a modest method for accessing water areas.

A float tube is a type of inflatable, personal watercraft.
These were originally made from vehicle inner tubes and called “Belly Boats”. Newer Float Tubes have an open design, a “U” or “V” shape, which allows easer boarding, disembarking or escape. Newer Float Tubes also have multiple and separate air chambers, bladders, cells, cushions and rests, all capable of providing enough floatation for the operator to survive a puncture or other mishap. Seating and operation varies among different Float Tubes. Some are designed so that the operator sits partially submerged below the water line, and others have seating that allows the operator to sit above the water. Some Float Tubes have oarlocks, oars or paddles, while others are manoeuvrable by kicking.

Compared to other types of watercraft, Float Tubes are very affordable, economical, easy to maintain, transport and store.

Deflated, most Float Tubes fit into a small bag. These take up little room, fit neatly in a small car, apartment, closet, back pack, game cart, or, can be easily hidden in the field at water crossings.

Waterfowl hunting near natural water areas requires either a highly trained dog or a watercraft to safely retrieve shot birds. Watercraft will also allow a hunter to safely set decoys. This is due to the unpredictability of wading in natural water areas. Vast areas of shallow water can have a soft bottom, unexpected drop-offs or holes that someone wading might sink in.

Use a Float Tube to set and retrieve decoys and waterfowl. Float Tubes can also be used to hunt big game on large tracts of public land that are surrounded by private property and can only be accessed or entered upon by water.

If you are going to use a Float Tube for hunting, fishing or any other activity, you are going to need a pair of fins to manoeuvre the Float Tube. Avoid the common mistake of believing you can safely push or paddle a Float Tube without fins.

There are very few offerings for Float Tube Fins and even less that can be effectively used with boots. The best and most affordable of these fins comes from a company called Outcast Sporting Gear.

Outcast Sporting Gear’s product line features Pontoon Boats, Float Tubes and all related accessories. They have an adventurous and romantic catalogue that is technically neat and features breathtakingly beautiful outdoor settings and fishing. 

Outcast Fins are “step-in” fins that you step into or slip on over boots and secure with a single, cinch strap.

The Kicker Keeper

Outcast Fins are made from a very tough, flexible material. These fins also come with a lanyard or tether called the “Kicker Keeper” that straps around your leg to retain the fin if it ever comes loose from your foot. Kicker Keepers are also available separately, for use with other brands or types of fins.

Under the Outcast Fin:

  3 precision Strakes
& a structured tread

Outcast Fins are available from major retail outlets and specialty stores

for approximately $35-$40.

Kicker Keepers

can be purchased alone

for approximately $7-$9.

Visit the Outcast Sporting Gear website:

 

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/

 

Tips for Hunting with Float Tubes

 

Always wear a lifejacket near water.

Inflate a Float Tube as soon as you reach a hunting position and place it in the water. This will allow the air temperature inside the Float Tube to equalize with the water temperature. If the air in the tube shrinks, you can then add more.

You can raise the submerged seat in a Float Tube with one or two boat/floatation cushions. These cushions usually qualify as a U.S. Coast Guard Type IV throwable life saving device.

During the waterfowl hunting season, decoys are usually set predawn in placid water and retrieved later in the day when it is often windy making the water choppy. Make sure you wear quality fins for kicking and thrusting through windy, choppy water. A small anchor and stowable paddle are also a good safety measure.

Dabbling/Puddle Ducks feed in shallow water and Diving Ducks feed in deeper water, however ducks spend time sleeping/roosting, playing/loafing in areas very different from where they are expected to feed, therefore most types of ducks frequent both deep and shallow water.

About:
I requested the opportunity to independently test, review & give opinion for Outcast Fins. I utilized donated products for this purpose. Currently, I am not otherwise affiliated or associated with Outcast Sporting Gear and have not received pecuniary compensation or incentive from Outcast Sporting Gear.