4-Star

The newest line of Bad Ass, Fully Functional, and Uniquely Versatile bow accessories on the market are now being offered to you by X TAG (Extreme Tactical Archery Gear.) X TAG offers a variety of tactical gear including bi-pods, cameras, handgrips, and lasers which all mount to their hardcore stabilizers. Each stabilizer is equipped with four Polymer Picatinny Rails allowing you to mount any tactical rail mounted accessory to your bow of choice.
We recently had the opportunity to test out X TAG’s ”Black Ops Edition TS3-HD Taculizer”. The 4 inch Harmonic Stabilizer weighs 8 ounces, is made out of 6061 Aluminum and has four harmonic Dampers. If you purchase this product and you find that 8 ounces is more than you need, simply remove the 3 ounce Harmonic Stabilizer and replace it with the included aluminum bushing. This is a great feature considering you will more than likely be adding one or more of the many accessories available for this product.
After getting over the WOW effect when I first opened the package I couldn’t wait to get the Taculizer on my bow. Not only does it look awesome, it completely balanced my bow out. Let’s face it, a lot of things look cool but the true test came when I began shooting with it. Along with stabilizing my bow which allowed me to shoot straighter; it eliminated most of the vibration after the release as well. I was a little out of practice at the time but with each shot I found myself shooting tighter groups and experiencing less and less vibration.
Now for a little fun! The Polymer Picatinny Rail System can be found on any tactical weapon you may come across. The purpose of these rails is to quickly and easily attach accessories that you may need in the field. Are you a hog or frog hunter? Quickly attach any rail mounted light to one of the four rails on the Taculizer. Tired of laying your bow down in a blind? The bi-pod is a great addition to keep your expensive equipment out of the dirt. X TAG offers a “REEL SEAT” which allows you to attach your bow fishing reel right to the stabilizer. Other options such as tactical cameras to catch that kill on film, hand grips to easily carry your bow, and laser sights to eliminate the guess work on your shots; are all available through the makers at X TAG!
A lot of time, effort and quality went into the design of these stabilizers. We believe you’ll agree that this is the accessory that your bow is missing!

The Journey of Life

My hunting season had a positive outlook in the beginning, a Montana elk and deer tag were in my pack, I had trail camera pictures of some really nice bucks in South Dakota. It was looking to be another great hunting season. The year before I had a hunting season to remember, I had shot an elk, an antelope, and a 201 inch whitetail. I thought I was on top of my game so this year would be no different, with a positive outlook and hard work one can create some of their own luck. Then without warning my hunting year started to unravel like a deer shot in the guts, the deer was going to die, but the tracking job was going to be tough.
Sometimes you have to wonder what God’s plans for you are, the unraveling started in August with my mother being diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She did not know how bad it was, and if it was bad, she had been contemplating if she would have chemo or not. Thank God it was not all over her body, she started chemo and hopefully that will send the cancer into remission. I decided then, that I could always go to Montana but I only had one mother, so I would try to spend a little more time hunting near their home. My Mom is great and would want me to hunt, but the time out of the stand I could spend talking to her. My October and November had a plan. I did hunt in Montana on a shorter four day hunt with little success.
Then in October a good thing happened to me I was offered a full time position at Triggers Pro Shop. I had been working part-time at Triggers since the doors had opened, it is a hunting store that caters to archery and rifle hunters with a little fishing thrown in. A place where I get to talk about hunting almost all the time. This was a one of the bright lights that had come this season; I accepted the position and started work in mid October. Then without warning once again, I was shot in the guts again, my wife told me she was divorcing me. I admit it was not all her I am to blame for the break up also, I am not a perfect person but that was a tough thing to handle. I try to be very positive with my outlook on life but it felt like I was being wounded at every turn.
I am not going to go in depth about my situation, but I was depressed and had felt why me lord. Then after a few weeks reality came to roost at my doorstep, I was alone. What did I do to deserve this God, were the questions that kept racing through my mind. Then I decided to search for the answers, I made an appointment with a counselor, and at work, Pastor Kelly Lovelace walked in he is a fellow hunter and I trusted him, so he began to help me with my spiritual questions. I will have to admit, I cried on a lot of shoulders and thanks go out to all my friends and family who listened and cared, thanks a ton. I have always believed that we as hunters go on more spiritual adventures because if we are climbing into a treestand or hiking up a mountain we are getting closer to God. Sitting in the wilds of wherever we are we can contemplate the path to take and ask for help in pointing us in the direction that will help us be happy and maybe better people. Questioning now the path that I would take, I talked to the counselor and Pastor Lovelace they both said sometimes healing begins when you help other people. Then like a sign from God I had a customer walk in that told me his daughter Ashley had broken up with her boyfriend and had double doe tags. As we talked I found out that it was in a county near my parents, and I had access to actually a lot of hunting land. I told him that I would facebook her and show her who I was, and he could assure her I was no stalker. At the end of the day her dad had called Ashley and we set up the hunt. After listening to Bobby Bowden in the video series Getting Coached, I realized that this was my calling, I am good at hunting and this is how I can give back.
The day before the hunt I went back to scout and hunt myself. Getting to my parents about an hour before daylight, I had breakfast with them then went hunting getting a nice buck within an hour of getting there. This gave me hope for the weekend. I took care of my buck then went scouting because I wanted Ashley to have a great time with opportunities to shoot a doe. Seeing where the deer were I started formulating my plan for the morning hunt.
Ashley arrived late in the evening she had forgotten her tags and realized it about fifty miles down the road and turned around and went back and got them. Since she got there so late we packed her things into the house, I showed her the room she would be staying in, discussed when we would get up, then went to our rooms and got some needed rest.
Waking up with the central South Dakota wind blowing, I knew it was going to be a frigid morning, but the deer should be active longer. With the colder weather expectations and anticipation were running high. We had breakfast as the vehicle was warming up which also gave me opportunity to get to know Ashley a little better. I had only really talked on the phone with her a short time, so with breakfast in our bellies, winter clothes on and her rifle in hand we were off to my first destination. As I drove into the place I wanted to park, I spotted some does by a dam, plus some deer farther out in the corn stubble. At least we were seeing the deer I had scouted and now it was time to sneak in and get a shot.
Using the combined corn stubble and the roll of the land as cover, we carefully stumbled through the frozen stubble. The deer that had been at the dam had moved out of range by the time we had gotten to it, but there were other deer that we could try to get into range on. Ashley and I looked over the situation and once again started to make our stalk on the other deer. Hunched over then crawling through the stubble we got ourselves into position the deer were walking towards us, excitement was building as a 135 inch buck was closing the distance. This was the first time I had a buck almost bust a hunt but the doe finally presented a shot. Ashley settled her scope on the doe and fired missing the doe cleanly, but the deer did not really react to the shot and actually moved to a better position for a shot. With the doe standing broadside presenting a great shot, Ashley showing great poise and not being rattled by the miss aimed at the doe and fired putting the doe down where it stood. I told her great shot and was proud of her, others might have panicked from the miss but Ashley was like a rock, focused on the task at hand. After pictures and congratulating her some more we loaded up the deer.
With one doe down we started searching for another one. As we drove from hunting spot to hunting spot we talked about hunting, growing up in the country and life in general. Talking to Ashley, I realized what I had been told, giving back would help and it was. Then we glassed a buck, we hoped that there would be some does around, so once again we were stumbling and sneaking through the cornfield the stalks almost felt like they were grabbing at our feet. Closing the distance I was getting confident that Ashley would have her second doe, but to our right a buck busted us. Although he did not spook off very far, so Ashley and I walked back to my Xterra and moved to a new location. Once again we were after some deer this group of deer had more bucks then does but we were sure we could get a shot at one of the doe’s. Crawling through the field we finally got a good setup on a doe. With seven bucks around Ashley had to be patient for the deer to move for a good shot. With her rifle on the shooting sticks and a doe in front of her she shot, the shot was a little far back. The deer scattered but we could see her doe. Trailing, the doe it would not give us a good shot until it laid down by a rock pile. Then sneaking around to where the deer was bedded, we saw the doe and Ashley quickly and calmly put the doe down for the count. Once again I told her I was proud of her and she had made a quick decision and a great shot.
The next day I boned out Ashley’s does, and then Ashley started home. Boning out my deer I was thinking to myself how this had started the healing process and how giving is sometimes better than receiving. I thank God and Ashley for giving me this opportunity to heal my soul. There is something about being in the outdoors that helps the mind and soul but being able to also achieve goals of shooting two does and creating new friendships was the start of my spiritual journey.

Rating: 3.5-Star

Glenns Deer Handle will take the struggle out of dragging your deer back to the truck. With its light and compact design, you won’t even know it’s in your pack. However, when it comes time to drag your game from the woods, you’ll be glad it was!
Scott “ShedFreak” Lawrence

If youre gonna drag a deer, might as well do it with ease. this deer drag is simple, good quality, doesnt take up much space in your pack, easy on the hands, and the handle is big enough to have a buddy help with the work. Nathan “Reaper” Barrett

Alive in Montana

After a kiss goodbye and an I love you to my wife, I am off. Pointing my Xterra west with Montana as its destination, I am going solo on this adventure. Driving down the road I have much anticipation, it is one of those years when you feel things just might come together. With the radio on I hear a song by Kenny Chesney coming through my speakers. I am listening to the song and trying to grasp the message of the song. The song is “I’m Alive” and as I listen, a lyric is sung that probably describes my feeling about hunting as well as the wild lands I hunt. The verse that gets me thinking is “It’s good for the soul when there is not a soul in sight”. Shutting off the radio I think to myself how true it is. Not that I don’t like hunting with friends and family, but when I am alone the wild starts to cleanse my soul of the clutter that builds up with the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
Many miles later I arrive at my hunting area, with maybe an hour before light. I put on my camo, get my GPS to mark my location and with my pack and my bow ready I am off. Climbing a steep peak that has been a good glassing point, the curtains of night start to open and let the morning light enter starting a new day. Resting for a moment I begin glassing the meadow below me. Spotting elk I hope for a nice bull to fill my binoculars, but all I see are a few cows and raghorns so I continue climbing.
Reaching the top of my destination, I glass the surrounding landscape with hopes of a big bull. Once again I glass the meadow wanting a big boy to show but he doesn’t appear with the others. As I keep on glassing my binoculars are filled with a little herd in the distance, a big bull materializes among them. Knowing that I have a lot of ground to cover, I move quickly. After about forty-five minutes I arrive at the area I last saw them. They had moved so I work my way slowly in the direction I thought they had gone. Soon I spot them but now I have a new problem. I have some beef cattle between the elk and myself. Watching I wish that I could somehow fly over the cattle and get closer to the bull, but instead I have to wait patiently as the elk feed into the draw. Looking at every inch of the edge making sure I wouldn’t be seen. Making my way to their last known location, but as elk can often do, they disappeared. Listening for any type of elk sound I sit contemplating what to do next. This is what I love about hunting solo; it’s my decision good or bad. Carefully I walk down the draw looking for sign and watering areas that I may have missed while scouting. Glassing a ridge I see a cow and a six point bull. Surveying the landmarks for my next plan of attack, I plot my landmark points in my head. Running down a creek bottom I come to the hill I need to climb. As I climb it and cross its top, with my plan still working, I think to myself so far so good. Slipping through the forest closing in on the critical distance, with the elk in sight, I carefully raise my rangefinder. Ranging a jack pine of which the elk is moving towards, with the breeze in my favor and a little over confidence, I patiently wait for the bull to cross the opening. The cow passes and stops perfectly in the opening. Now for the bull to do the same, He is approaching meandering and feeding. She gets closer to the opening; I raise my Bowtech Admiral and slightly move my foot stepping on a twig. The bulls ears perk up, all I need is four steps. After a long standoff he turns and leaves me without a shot. I am kicking myself inside but as a bow hunter I am thankful to see the things I see and have a bow in my hand as I hunt these kings of the mountain.
The rest of the day is not as eventful, but as the sun is setting I spot some elk feeding putting their location in my mental GPS. I hike back to camp with the scent of pine and sage filling my nostrils. This has been a great day.
Morning comes early as I eat my oatmeal contemplating my plans for today’s hunt. After I finish my oatmeal I am off. Once again I climb up to my lookout point. The sky is turning to that pre-dawn purple and there is a slight breeze blowing in my face. After a little while of glassing I hear bulls bugling, picking out the best sounding bugle I start moving quickly towards the bull. I bugle once to keep him located. Topping a hill I see him, a nice six point. I sneak to a spruce tree drop my pack and put an arrow on my rest. Ranging a tree and a sage brush I cow call and the bull comes in to my call. I raise my Admiral and draw, my arrow comes off my rest with the bull standing broadside and adrenaline pumping through my veins, I try to flick my arrow back onto my rest cutting my finger on my broad head in the process. With blood dripping like I had been the one shot, I hit my release. The arrow sails away missing the bull low. No excuses, I panicked, I practice every day and shoot 3D’s all summer long. I am confident but I missed. Now I am kicking myself. This is not my first elk hunt but it is feeling like it. With the wind swirling I start for my camp with bruised confidence and bleeding finger.
Getting back to camp I know a stitch or two would be good but a little super glue and a band-aid fix me up. Then I shoot my bow without panic and hit the bullseye. After lunch and a little rest I am still a little disheartened. I read an article in a magazine about keeping a positive attitude. I realize that as the song said I am alive and that I will not succeed without a positive attitude. The mishaps only make you stronger. So with a positive thought I get ready to hike back into the area hoping that the evening hunt will be better than the morning’s mishaps and that any blood drawn won’t be my own.
Leaving I know I have a couple of hours before I feel the animals will be moving. Picking up my bow and hiking in watching, the breeze direction and after an hour, I find a tree in a saddle of a hill and decide this is a good place to wait for some action. Taking off my pack, I sit down and lean against the pack, I just took off, sitting there, and I doze off. Thinking I hear something, I open my eyes and to my surprise I see a cow elk feeding not twenty yards from where I lay motionless. Thinking to myself, wind please don’t swirl and the cow spooks taking her friends with her. Looking to the sky I ask the elk gods what are you trying to tell me?
Not sulking, I grab my pack and bow, finding my way down another ridge and begin a calling sequence. Waiting for about a half hour I move, crossing a draw and climbing the other side, I hear a faint bugle. I move fast and try to close the distance. The breeze is working for me perfectly. Bugling to keep him located, he bugles back. I am getting close. He is at the top of the draw and I am now standing in a little jack pine stand. Assessing the situation I drop my pack and put an arrow on my Admiral. It looks like a great situation. I have a trail coming down next to my ambush spot. I cow call once and hear a crash as a cow comes straight up from the draw below me. That was quick I thought. Then the bull comes up from the same spot, I know I am going to shoot him, things are happening very fast. Drawing my bow the bull stops, he is behind a short jack pine and I need two steps. Focusing on where he should be when he clears the obstacle he takes his two steps and stops perfectly. With my twenty yard pin settled on his vitals I release my arrow. The Wac’em tipped arrow disappears into him, he runs along the side of the hill. I start cow calling then run up the hill to glass and see if I can see where the bull might have gone. Glassing the open bottom and the other hillside I see nothing. After about a half hour I decide to side hill back to my pack, then follow the blood trail when I hear air escaping from the bull. I sit another fifteen minutes. Knocking an arrow I sneak around the hill, spotting the bull dead. He had rolled down the hill when he died and got his antlers caught between a tree and some rocks. Elated I walk down to the bull with a big smile on my face. For a moment I hold the kings antlers and thank him for the meat he is about to give. After taking pictures of the bull the work really began. I boned him out and finally finished packing the meat out at about two a.m. The day may have been long but my journey was great, and yes, my soul was energized and yes I was “Alive”

Rick Hanson
wapiti_24@hotmail.com

Rating: 4-Star

Bust-A-Buck offers a wide variety of both liquid and gel scents. Throughout the season I have found that I like certain products in the gel form above the liquid and vice-versa. Nothing has ever brought more bucks in closer during rut than B-A-B’s Doe-N-Estrus Gel. Upon entering the woods I would apply a strip of gel along the outside of my boots as I walked to the stand. I found that once I got to my stand the area I applied the gel was still wet assuring that I left the scent everywhere I walked. Bust-A-Buck has their own deer herd in which their urine comes from so you can be confident that you are getting great quality urine from a specific herd. This season 4 of our Pro Staff Members took great bucks using the Doe-N-Estrus Gel. The gel can also be applied to branches around your stand without worrying about the scent evaporating before your hunts over. Do yourself a favor and apply Doe-N-Estrus during your next Rut Hunt and prepare to see more bucks come in on that hot doe trail than you ever have before. Available online at http://www.whitetailmafia.com/store. All Bust-A-Buck Gels come in a 4oz bottle. Purchase now for only $10.95. Also available in a 2oz amber glass spray bottle.