Product reviews coming in the next month!

Watson Air Bag, Outback Fire pit, Outback Microwave, MB Ranch Kings Shooting Bench, MB Ranch Kings Shooters Rest, Paxrite UTV bed Rack, and Wasatch Percision arms carbon rifle are some of the product reviews to come out in the next month.

 

Watson Air Lock Bags! Bags for the concerned sportsman.

Outback large Fire pit and barbecue

Outback tailgater, portable fire pit and barbecue

Outback Microwave Oven

Outbacks gravity flow protein feeder.  Wildlife feeders for the concerned outdoorsman.

MB Ranch Kings Shooters Bench. This is a dream bench for people who shoot a ton.

MB Ranch Kings ground to bench shooters rest! For those of us who like to shoot prone.

Paxrite’s UTV cargo carrier!  organize your gear.

Wasatch Precision Arms Carbon Rifle! Is Carbon your new barrel?

Mule Deer Country gets a new Sponsor!

PAXRITE Is the latest sponsor to join the Mule Deer Country team!

Paxrite a local UTV cargo rack builder is the latest to join the Mule Deer Country team.  Located in New Plymouth, Idaho this innovative new company is soon to be a leader in the UTV cargo rack business. A full review of this company and its great line of products will be here on mule deer country in the next few weeks.  Until then, here are few pictures to show you some of their awesome work!

This rack carries everything you will need for an extended stay in the hills

Built at Bear Mountain Manufacturing in New Plymouth this racks are as professional as you will see.  Spectacular welding, innovative designs and with a durable powder coat finish will take  years of abuse .

Fold in and out tables on either side for the things you want to keep off the ground come in very handy for coolers and water jugs!

The cooler rack folds down to complete the enclosure for a dog cage.  Perfect for those hound hunters.

I can’t wait to hit the hills and really try this thing out during the scouting season!

KUIU, now shipping!

KUIU is a company committed to developing the finest technical hunting gear on the planet. Founded by Jason Hairston,the former founder and CEO of Sitka, KUIU is a brand that refuses to compromise on quality or performance.  ”All of our products are designed to excel in the most challenging backcountry hunting conditions possible. That is our commitment and our guarantee,” according to Jason.

The open pattern of this camo really breaks up the silloute of the human body!  The pattern is not the only thing that makes this camo awesome, more important is the material they use.

Can you say Kyrgystan?  Yes, it has been tested there!

The innovative new hunting clothing line of Kuiu is now taking orders!  You must pre-register on their web-site to get in line to purchase this highly sought after line of high adventure clothing! Due to the high demand of this product, Jason Hairston of Kuiu says “the 2011 inventory of Kuiu will probably sell out before it even hits the public markets” He goes on to say ” I am totally shocked by the overwhelming response that this line of gear has generated in the last year”.  Kuiu Clothing is a high end adventure clothing line that will work from the highest peaks in Alaska to the Valley floors of the Tiburon Island of Mexico.  This can be seen on their web-site. You can check out this unbelievable line of gear at KUIU.com.  There are some great reads on their site taking you through the whole process that this new company has endured over the last year. Check it out! KUIU.com

My order has been placed and I will let you know my take on this highly sought after product. You can still register online at Kuiu.com and hopefully get a shopping date to pick yourself up some of this revolutionary new hunting apparel.

Here are some of their products that they will be offering online. Check out their site for more products! THIS IS NOT A PAID ADD! I just believe I should share these awesome products with you my faithful readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 17.75 ounce Guide Jacket is made with a 274 g/m2 Toray Primeflex Softshell, a 100% polyester stretch woven face fabric, bonded to a high performance micro-fleece backer fabric. DWR treated at the yarn level with Toray’s patented & industry leading Kudos DWR, the guide jacket gives you an unmatched weather protection for a non-laminated softshell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 18.75 ounce Attack pant is made with a 225 g/m2 Toray Primeflex Double Weave fabric. The Attack pant weighs 40% less than comparable pants using a same weight non-Toray fabric. Primeflex fabrics utilize a patented spiral yarn technology allowing the fabric to stretch and recover without elastic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason says “I created the KUIU model to develop and produce products like the patent pending Icon frame; the worlds first carbon fiber backpack frame.  At a mere 13oz the Icon frame is the foundation to supporting heavy loads while still remaining comfortable to hunt in all day.”

The final Prototypes of the packs are here.   As many of you may notice, the pack volumes have increased.  The 3000 weight increased with some design improvements through development and re-measuring. The new volume measurements are 2998 cubic inches & 6003 cubic inches. These packs are designed to cover a 1 to 6 day bivy hunts with the 3000 and 7 to 14 day sheep hunts in the 6000.

Anyone one can toot their own horn, however Jason has a proven track record with Sitka.  I’m guessing his new line will be even better than the old!  Thats going to be a tough feat, but I’m  sure Jason and crew are up to the task.  As soon as I get my goodies I will let you know what I think of this new line of high tech outdoor gear.  We will be trying out the Attack pant, the Guide jacket, the Zip T under shirt, and the 3000 icon pack with carbon frame.  I will keep you updated on everything from working with the company, the product, service, shipping, and most important to me, the comfort of their product!  Chat with you soon!

 

Best Regards

 

Steve

 

T.A.G. GAME BAGS

TAG Game Bags.  Are these the best game bags on the market?

TAG  (Technologically Advanced Game Bags) are the best game bag that I have ever had the privilege to fill with wild game meat.  From the first email that I sent out with the inquiries about these game bags, to dropping off the meat at the butcher,  I have nothing but great praises about this company and the products they sale.  Larry, the owner of Pristine Ventures was very prompt in returning my e-mail and phone call.   Within four days I had my TAG bags and was headed to the hills.

TAG bags are light weight and compact, weighting in at just over one pound for all five bags.

Trust me when I tell you, TAG game bags aren’t your average cheap bags.   At first glance I could tell these bags were the most durable bags that I have ever had in my pack.  Durable and light weight, weighting

TAG bags kept all the dirt and grass off the meat.

in at just over one pound for 5 bags. The size and wiehgt of these bags wasn’t at all noticeable when placed in my pack.  The material that these bags are made out of are highly breathable material that is six times lighter than cotton. It protects your meat from flies,wasps, and all mother nature can throw at them, including Bacteria.  Besides loving the light

The larger bags are perfect for larger game like elk and moose quarters.

We used the smaller bags on the boned out deer meat.

weight aspect, I also like the idea that these Game bags are washable and reusable. As you can see these bags got nasty looking with meat in them.  After a quick rinse in the washing machine and these bags were packed back into the little orange carrying case the came in. One elk and two deer later these bags are back on the self ready for work next

We only used 3 small bags for a boned out deer.   You’ll need 4 bags to quarter a deer out!

year. Bright white and good as new and trust me I had my doubts how something this light weight and bright white would look after the hunting was over.  Good as new!  I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.  Oh yea, by the way, these are arguable the best game bags on the market.

Pros: Light weight, durable, compact, washable, breathable, and a great price for what you are actually getting.

Cons: I didn’t come up with this idea for a game bag is the only con I can think of.

Company: Best small company that I have worked with to date.

Product: TAG Game Bags. By far the best game bag I have ever used.  You need these game bags in you truck, pack,  and or atvs.

TC Northwest Explorer

The new TC Explorer should be your muzzleloader of choice!

by Steve Alderman

Thompson Center Arms comes to the Northwest with its newest line of muzzleloaders, The Northwest Explorer.

The Northwest Explorer fresh out of the box!

In recent years, the northwest has put some heavy restrictions on muzzleloader hunters.  Until recently, muzzleloader hunters in Idaho, Washington and Oregon were limited to only a hand full of sub-par  muzzleloading rifles.  TC Arms has added what I think is one of the better muzzleloaders on the market.  With its open ignition, open sights and number 11 percussion cap as the ignition, it meets the Northwest’s unwarranted demands for muzzleloaders and muzzleloader hunters.

You got to love a job like this!  Testing all the latest gear has to be done by someone I guess!

Thompson Center Arms took some of their already popular guns and molded them into the Northwest Explorer.  A drop away breech, similar to the Omega, allows the hunter easy access to the breech plug for priming.   With a weather shield Barrel and the camo synthetic stock this gun is built for the harsh conditions the northwest can dish out. What is  TC’s weather shield barrel?  It’s a coating that is very similar to a teflon coated barrel.  It repels moister and cleans very easily.  TC also added QLA muzzle system for fast accurate loading of the gun. With a full size, 14 inch, monte carlo stock and ventilated rubber recoil pad, this gun feels great on the cheek.

I received this gun to do a review I was commissioned to write for a national publication.  After one day at the range, I knew I had to add this gun to my collection.  Granted it wasn’t the most accurate gun in the review of muzzleloaders, as it actually came in second in accuracy. However, it came in first in every other category.  When I say it came in second it still had a 1/2″ MOA at 50 yards with open sights.  Yes, I did say 1/2 inch groups. Try and get that with your muzzleloader and open sights.  It came in first place with fit and feel, ease of loading, ease of priming, and ease of cleaning. It also came in first at the bench, with speeds reaching a 200 feet per second faster than the competition. Granted, the barrel is 28 inches long which is up to 4 inches longer than some of the other guns tested.

At the bench the gun handled very well.  After a few hours of shooting, I found my gun preformed the best with 105 grains (by volume) of Triple Seven FFg powder and a Thompson 370 grain maxi-ball.  The lead conical by Power Belt in a 425 grain weight came in second with just over 3/4 inch groups at 50 yards.  I currently have the Explorer at a gun smiths to get it drilled and tapped for a scope.  I will hit the bench a couple more times to try and figure out the best load for the gun.  A scope definitely helps take human error out of the equation when compared to using open sights.  I can always sweeten up my loads when I use a scope.  It helps me find the perfect load for each gun that I shoot.

1/2 Group at 50 yards with open sights

Before actually hunting with this gun, I’m going to change a couple of things   There will be a new Simms recoil pad and some better sights added to the gun.  Not that either one of them are all that bad, they just could be better.  I personally like a small front bead on my guns.  Aim small , hit small is one of my favorite sayings. The gun definitely needs a smaller front sight for precision shooting.

Some of the essentials used in testing this gun!

After shooting this gun I can  see why Thompson Center Arms is the leader in muzzleloading. From their fine line of Omegas and Pro Hunters, to this new line of semi-traditional guns made for the northwest, Thompson Center Arms can take care of all of your muzzleloader needs. I will be hunting with the Northwest Explorer this year.  How big of a buck will it bring home on its maiden mission? Only time will tell.

• PROS: By far the best shooting muzzy right out of the box,  at least with the TC Maxi Balls.  Other bullets like powerbelts and sabots don’t fly well through this gun.  It’s a gun made specifically for me and the rest of northwest.
• CONS: Front sight is too large to be precise with your shots past 75 yards. The barrel doesn’t come in stainless steal.
• PRODUCT: High Rating…Very good product….All the components of this gun are as solid as any TC gun.  Shot the TC maxi balls like no other gun.  It must be that 1/48 twist barrel.
• COMPANY:  High Rating….I like to talk to somebody when I call a company, not a machine.  When you call TC, you could be on hold for a while or you can leave a message and they usually get back with you within one business day.  Their gunsmith is as good and knowledgeable as anybody in the business.  All of the staff is very helpful and friendly.

Kenetrek Safari

Kenetrek Safari Boots

by Steve Alderman

The new Kenetrek Mountain Safari is the perfect boot for use in the desert mountains, whether located in Arizona’s Kofa Mountain Range or the Zambezi Escarpent in Africa.  They are specially designed for support and comfort in warm temperatures.   The non-insulated Mountain Safari is lined with perforated calf skin to enhance breathability and wicking of perspiration.  It is also an ideal boot for the warm, early seasons in the West.   For a boot with this kind of support, the Mountain Safari is incredibly light weight weighing only 3.7 pounds per pair.  They are made in Italy.  Suggested retail is $305.00

Update 7-24-09

The new Safari by Kenetrek should arrive today or tomorrow (7-24-09) in the mail.  I’m very excited to try these new boots out.   Review should be completed in the next couple of weeks.  Thanks for your patience.

Updated  8-11-2010

I’ve  received a few e-mails wondering where the review was for Kenetreks Safari boot that I promised last year.  Yes, I wanted to try these boots out before writing the review.  I just didn’t think it would be a years worth of wear.

The Safari is the summer boot in Kenetreks line of great footweaar.  The Safari is an awesome light weight boot that was built for the riggers of warm weather.  Over the last year I have used this boot for scouting, hunting and even some work here on the property.   Kenetrek has cut out the water proofing and used perforated calf skin for the liner. which is lightweight and built to breathe.  Like I said in the last Kenetrek review my feet sweat in socks, so I was a little hesitant that these boots would keep my feet dry.  I was right, my feet did sweat, but it took a lot longer for my feet to start sweating compared to other boots I have used in the past 20 years.

I wore the crud out of these boots last year. We filmed 6 deer hunts and I had the opportunity to stick a great 8×8 bull with my Hoyt wearing these boots. All in all, I have put over 100 days of rocks, dirt, brush, and even the occasional creek crossing to work in these boots.  The Kenetrek Safari’s have pulled through it all with flying colors.  With 2 coats of Kwik wax the boots kept my feet dry from any water entering the boot.  The one down fall to the wax is that is hinders the boot from breathing as well as it was designed to.  If I was to get another pair of the Safaris (which I will really soon) I would choose not to put the wax on the boot to see how well they breathe without it.

One of he great bucks we field being harvested in September 2009 using the Kenetrek Safari.

These boots fit a little differently from the other boots by Kenetrek. They still fit perfectly in length but are a touch wider than the Hard Scrabble and Mountain Extreme.  The lack of WindTex (Gortex like liner) and the thinner calf skin liner, built on the same platform as the Scrabble and Mountain Extreme leave a little extra room on the sides of the boots.  At first I thought this would be an issue, however, these boots quickly became my favorite despite my reservations.

The soles of these boots are in great shape,  By now my Danners would be missing over half of their Bobs

I use the Safaris two to three days a week.  On the farm or in the hills, these boots flat out perform.  If you are looking for a light weight boot with the spectacular Kenetrek sole, the phenomenal support of the steel shank and the unparalleled comfort on rocks and all terrain, you much get a pair of these boots.  Trust me when I say to you “YOU WILL THANK ME LATER”.

These boots look great for having over 100 days in the field logged on them

HUNTING GPS MAPS

Huntinggpsmaps.com is a website for the hunter that is sick off all those big bulky maps cluttering the dash of the truck and taking up much needed space in the back pack.  These  fine folks finally came out with what I have been asking for for the last 5 years.  A gps and computer downloadable version of the Bureau of Land Management surface maps.

These maps are either downloadable or you can get the sd card for your computer or the chip for your Garmin.  Than its plug and play,  No need for the computer or the downloadable version.  The one good thing about the downloadable version is the free updates that you get as they are available.  They have some pretty cool things like the BLM overlay for Google Earth.  I can’t wait to try some of this new gear  out in the field over the next couple weeks.  We will have a full review of this product in the next two to three weeks.  I suggest you don’t wait and order a copy for your hunting area as soon as you can.  Here is a link to their site:

Hunitnggpsmaps.com

All right, well I got the chance to use this product on two different occasions.  All I can say is throw away your paper maps!  This little program is everything you need in one handy little hand held GPS.  It tells you exactly where you are in accordance to the land you are supposed to be on.  If it is state land  that color is blue if it is private land that color is white.  It is a land surface map gone digital. It is the same colors, same scale , same features and same topos lines you have come to rely on from the BLM paper maps.

On a number of occasions, while out looking for elk this past week, I was wondering how close I was getting to some of the private property. You know me, I’m not looking to make anybody angry at me.  So I pulled out the garmin and took a peak.  Just where I thought I was.  This awesome  new program from Hunting GPS Maps can really put your mind at rest when you are unsure.

As you can see by the cursor I’m right on the edge of the state land.  You can zoom in and out on your garmin to really pin point, within feet, where you are standing and for me that is where this program is worth its weight in gold. No more guess work, you know exactly where you are at.

There are a couple land owners in an area that I frequent that are really hard nosed and don’t allow people  on their property posted or not. Even when you are on public they confront you and tell you that you are on private.  Before this product came out you had to get the coordinates off you gps and over lay them over the paper map to prove them wrong.  Now it is as simple as showing them on the gps.  In Idaho there needs to be either cultivated field or a fence with orange on the fence post to keep people from trespassing.   However, more times then not, there is not a fence or the fence you are looking at is not posted.  In Idaho you can hunt unposted, uncultivated property, however in a number of other states including Colorado you must have permission to hunt any private property, regardless if it is posted or not, that is where this mapping system really shines.

Like I mentioned earlier, you can get this program by a download which is how I recomend you do it, if you own a PC, Mac users are out of luck for now! If you are a Mac geek you will have to buy the small card that fits into your gps unit.  If you purchase the downloadable version you get free upgrades of your area when they are availible.  Since product review started three weeks ago, I have recieved one free update. It seems to me that this company is constantly working to improve this system and make it better for you, the end user. This product is worth every penny.

Which one would you rather pack around?  The duffle full of maps and the gps or just a gps with the maps programed into it.

Best Regards

Steve

BROADHEADS

Trophy Takers Shuttle T-lock

The most important part of all archery equipment is arguably the broadhead. Achieving success while archery hunting requires a fast, strong, accurate, quiet broadhead that cuts a big wound channel.   The Shuttle T-Lock by Trophy Taker is my broadhead of choice.

Over the last four years my archery equipment has gone through many changes.  However two things have stayed constant with my gear, my Hoyt bows and the Shuttle T-Lock broadheads.  When you find something that works, stick with it.  I have never had a T-lock broadhead fail me. From their thick non-vented, stainless steal blades to their patented T- Locking blades, they are guaranteed not to fail. These broadheads are bullet proof and fly as true as field points.

From the smallest of big game to the largest, these blades cut wide wound channels and get 4 to 6 inches deeper penetration than expandable broadheads.  When it comes to the fast bows of today, the shuttle T-lock is the perfect fit.  They have a smaller over all blade diameter with thicker shuttle cut blades and they slice thought the air with ease when shot through the high speed bows of today.

Like I said earlier, I have shot Shuttle T’s for a number of years and have been blessed to harvest some quality animals.  Even when the shot was a marginal hit, the blade did its job and the game was recovered.  My 2006 elk was quartering to me as I shot at 20 yards.  The bull ran 40 yards and fell over dead.  When I approached the elk, I was shocked to see a five inch wide cut into the front shoulder.

Idaho Archery elk 325 inches, 20 yard quartering to shot

My Alberta mule deer was my first mule deer with a bow.  It was a sixty yard shot.  The broadhead went clean through the front shoulder and stuck in the off side shoulder.  The buck ran 70 yards and expired in the cattails.   When we open the deer, I found myself shocked to see that the shuttle T  went through the shoulder blade and both sides of the rib cage before lodging in the offside shoulder and that was at sixty yards!  My arrow should have been 6 inches further back, but the broadhead still did its job.  Pretty impressive for a marginal shot!

The Alberta #2 Pope and Young mule deer,  195 4/8 net inches. (hard horned).

Trophy Takers Shuttle T-lock broadheads

• Pro’s- Toughest, quietest, most accurate broadhead I have shot.  The proof is in the pictures.
• Con’s- Shooting the vanes off of my arrows at 80 yards.  Who would have thought a broadhead could be this accurate.
• Company- Great people.  I have spoken with Jerrod Lile on the phone on a number of occasions.  We got along like two old college buddies.

A cool Texas double dropper white tailed deer harvested with the Hoyt and A Shuttle T-Lock.

A Pope and Young black bear from forty yards with the Hoyt and a Shuttle T-lock broad head

Good Friend, Dan Morrow, with his #2 Oregon Non-Typical Elk.  Harvested w/ a Hoyt and the Shuttle T broadhead.

I can’t wait to try out the new Terminal T-lock broadheads by Trophy Taker, due out this summer!  They look like one wicked little broadhead.

Steve Alderman

Founder, Muledeercountry.com

Muzzleloaders

Thompson Center Arms

Endeavor 50 Cal. Muzzleloader

When I started this web site, it was for the easy money. Why not be techie?  How hard could it be to make millions on-line? Well, after several months my focus has changed from the millions of dollars, which never showed up, to just plain old enjoying writing about what we experience in the great outdoors. Pretty cool job, huh? I think so! However, I am still waiting for the Wells Fargo truck to show up at the front door with a pile of money, but I’m not holding my breath.

When Thompson Center Arms sent me their new Endeavor to put through the ringer, I was shocked.  So I won’t make millions, but I get to try out some pretty neat gear!  I’m all for that.  Who wouldn’t be?

Right out of the box this gun has all the bells and whistles with a  Flex tech Stock, Speed Breach XT, Energy Burners, Power Rod, and the QLA Quick Load Accurizor.  But can it shoot?  It sure looks pretty but I had my doubts. I’m a simple guy  who likes simple things.  The more simple the better when it comes to muzzleloaders has always been my motto.  However, the older I get it seems that easier  just might be better. Easier, like the Speed Breech XT.  It doesn’t get any easier than this.  No need for tools, just a 90 degree turn with your fingers and your breech plug is out.  The QLA eliminates the need for a ball starter because the bullet starts with ease.  The  new ergonomic power rod provides a more comfortable and less painful grip when seating the bullet.  No more sore palms at the range.  The Flex Tech Stock with Energy Burners is a shoulder saver.  It takes over 50 percent of the felt recoil away from your shoulder and dampens the sound by up to 20 percent.  We all know muzzleloaders kick harder then modern rifles and the new technology in this stock keeps us at the range longer and helps dramatically with shooters pull (flinch). But, can it shoot?

AT THE RANGE

Right off the UPS truck I headed to Cabelas to purchase the recommended shooting supplies.  TC recommends a sabot through their fast twist barrel.  So I went with the TC Shock Waves in the 300 grain weight and triple seven FFG loose powder. I drove out to the property and began to shoot.  Initially I set the target at 100 yards for the first three shots to gauge the guns accuracy.  To my amazement the first shot hit 2 1/2 inches high of the bulls eye.  Beginners luck, I mean right out of the box and the gun is sighted in? Second shot 1 inch high of bulls eye and the third shot touched the first shot.  Ok maybe this gun with all this fancy new stuff can shoot and right out of the box. Needless to say, I stuck around till dark shooting my new Endeavor just enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells that come with hunting and shooting a front stuffer. This gun is a shooter!!!!

So there might not be millions of dollars in the web-site business, but the fringe benefits are worth a million dollars to me. Now, if only I could turn this into a full time gig!

Making the TC Endeavor Legal in Idaho’s muzzleloader hunts

What a challenge this turned out to be.  In Idaho you can only use a muzzleloader in a muzzleloader hunt that meets the following requirements;

• Loaded with loose powder.  The Endeavor can be loaded with loose powder.
• Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of bore diameter.  The Endeavor will accept this projectile.
• Must use round ball or lead conical.  100% lead, non-jacketed.  Can the Endeavor handle shooting a conical?
• Equipped only with a musket or percussion cap! The Endeavor does not use either.
• The cap must be exposed or visible to the elements when cocked.  The Endeavors breech is not exposed.
• Open or Peep sights only. The Endeavor has open sights.

Off to the gun smith

“ The Thompson Center Arms alteration I am posting is purely experimental with INSUFFICIENT TESTING data to determine “no risk of injury” to the end user. Therefore in the interest of SAFETY and liability, please be informed that if you construct and use any altered guns or parts,  you do so at your own risk and responsibility, and I assume no liability or responsibility should injury or death occur in their use.”

To get the Endeavor to shoot a number 11 percussion caps, the Endeavors breech plug will have to be drilled, tapped and re-milled.  Drilled and tapped to accept the number 11 nipple, then re-milled so the cap is exposed to the elements.  In the picture below, the left breech plug is an original and the right breech plug is after the gun smith worked it. (NOTE….  Thompson Center Arms does not recommend altering their breech plugs or firing pins.)  I just wish that Thompson Center Arms would offer this breech and firing pin as an option to the Endeavor.  The gun would then be legal to use in Idaho, Oregon and Washington right out of the box.

After drilling, tapping, and re-milling it was time to focus on the firing pin.  It need to be altered so that it would fire number 11 percussion caps.  The firing pin needed to have a 1/4 inch flat striking surface instead of a normal firing pin that comes with the Endeavor.  Again the gun smith got to work on the Endeavor.  A couple of days and a number of firing pins (strikers) later and the gun smith had my new and now legal in Idaho Endeavor firing 100% of the time. The cost for this procedure is around $200.00 to $250.00 dollars.  After all of this time and money would my new gun even shoot a lead conical consistently?

The new breech shown in place, the cap is now exposed!

Back to the Range!

The big question now was is this gun going to shoot lead through it?  For me patch and round ball is out of the question.   I want a muzzleloader that will preform out to 100 yards and beyond.  Round balls lose way to much kinetic energy and their foot pounds of impact down range and are not, in my opinion, sufficient enough to ethically harvest an animal out to 100 yards.  Most patch and round balls should never be shot at  large game animals any farther than 50 – 70 yards, so my choice was going to be a conical.  Power belt lead conical to be exact.  Powerbelt Bullets are a local company here in Idaho that I have had great luck with in the past.  Before I new it, I was off to the range with some 348 grain all lead power belt conicals, my triple seven FFG, and some CCI number  11 percussion caps.

The excitement was in the air and I was eager to see if my new gun would perform.  All the  muzzleloader forums on the net said that it was very unlikely that the Thompson would shoot a conical with consistency.  This time I set the target out at 75 yards to see if I could punch the target with the Power Belt.  For the load, I dropped the powder charge from 120 grains down to 90 grains.  I knew I was going to have to slow the bullet down to get consistent flight out of a fast twist barrel.

The first time I pulled the trigger it was a misfire. I guess when I last cleaned the gun I didn’t clean the breech plug very thoroughly.  Thank goodness it’s the Speed Breech XT and with one quick turn the breech plug was out to be picked and cleaned.  The gun fired on the next shot.  Now was the moment of truth.  Where did my conical hit?  It was 3 inches high of center which is not too bad, but I wasn’t out off the woods yet.  I’m looking for consistency out of my new gun.  My second shot went off without a hitch,  but were did I hit?  As I looked through the spotting scope my heart sank.  I couldn’t have missed but the paper showed no sign of being punched.  I was now coming to the realization that I had just spent a ton of money making a gun legal in Idaho that wasn’t going to work for me.  I should have listened to the naysayers.  Reluctantly, I reloaded the gun for what could have been my last shot with a conical through the bore of the TC.  I sat at the bench, squeezed the trigger and the smoke flew.  Looking through the spotting scope I could see the hit was 1 inch low of the first shot.  Ok, now where did that second shot hit?  I walked down to the target for a further inspection.   To my amazement, my second bullet punched the paper right through the same hole as the first conical. It looked like I was back in the saddle.  I fired four more shots though the TC and walked away with a pretty good group.  See, the Thompson Endeavor can shoot lead conicals just fine!  Try it and see for yourself.  For all you naysayers out there, with a little tweak of the powder and the right bullet combination it is possible.  The proof is on the paper.

With a new front site on this gun I should be able to make this group twice a tight as it is here.  Currently, the front site is the stock fiber optic one that comes on the TC and at 75 yards it covers up the whole target.  Come on admit it, thats a pretty good group for not even seeing the target while shooting at it.  I believe that the only thing wrong with this gun is the sites because they are very beginner.  I can’t wait for the day when I bust out my scope to really fine tune the load.  I don’t think I am too far off with the load I am using now!  Only time will tell and of course a couple more trips to the range.So if I never get rich, monetarily, at least I’m having fun trying.  Until next time, shoot straight and just remember your in Mule Deer Country!

This is an experiment and is for you’re reading entertainment only…..Do not try this at home.  We accept no liability when altering any gun!

Steve Alderman

Founder, Mule Deer Country

HUNTING PACKS

Large Hunting Packs (2,000 ci to 7,000 ci)

Best pack

• Mystery Ranch  (Crew Cab w/ Day lid and 3 cells )
• Eberlestock Dragonfly
• Eberlestock J-104

Best Pack over $300.00

• Mystery Ranch (Crew Cab w/ Day lid and 3 cells)
• Eberlestock Dragonfly J-107

Best Pack under $300.00

• Eberlestock J-104
• Eberlestock J-105
• Badlands 4,500
• Jannsens Ultimate hard core hunting pack  (have yet to try it, but I hear great things about it, from people I trust).

This list will change as I try more packs.  Pack makers have their work cut out for them when it comes to the best all around pack.  Mystery Ranch is by far my current choice for the best all around pack.  I will explain in a review to follow.  For the money though, you cannot beat an Eberlestock.  I used them for years before I went to the Mystery Ranch. I have had many successful hunts with my Eberlestocks

MYSTERY RANCH (Crew Cab w/ Lid and Cells)

There are too many things that I like about the Mystery Ranch for it not to be on top of my list for the best hunting packs. In this review, I will give you a brief run down on Mystery Ranch Packs. Why I and everyone else who owns one loves them.

Dana Design is where it started, but Mystery Ranch is where its at

Mystery Ranch was founded in 2000 by Dana Gleason and business partner Renee Sippel-Baker as their successor to Dana Design, which they sold to K2 Corporation in 1995. Mystery Ranch creates packs built on the foundation Dana pioneered with Dana Design and that have been made even better with his ongoing innovation and dedication to packs that work for and with the user.

The best pack in Mule Deer Country

What can I say about this  hunting pack but it flat out kicks butt!  From the ergonomics to the placement and size of pockets, there is no pack on the market that can compete with the Crew Cab by MYSTERY RANCH.  For my personal pack I added the  day pack lid which added 900 cubic inches of storage to the already 5000 ci included with the pack. The day lid is separated into two compartments to better organize your gear.  I also added one large cell and two small cells which help keep my gear organized.

Mystery Ranch Crew Cab on an early season filming trip

What I like most about this pack is almost everything, from its size to the way it carries the heaviest of loads.  On any given day I pack 50 to 60 pounds of gear.  Call me crazy, but this is what I feel I need to get my job done.  Whether it being my 55 pounds of gear to film for the day or my 75 pound spike camp, my Crew Cab handles it with ease.  Not only does it handle the load with absolutely no problems, it makes my job as the packer more pleasant than other packs I have used in the past.

Size Matters

Just look at the picture above, this pack is loaded with 55 pounds of gear to film and survive in the desert for one day.  The pack can be compressed down to the size of a day pack or it can be opened up to be the largest of freight haulers.   55 pounds of gear and the pack looks small on my back.  It’s narrower then the other packs on the market which is very important to me.  I like a pack that fits in the middle of my back and doesn’t protrude out both sides.  This pack sits where a pack is intended to, on your lower lumbar area, not your butt.  The Nice frame system is totally adjustable, from the over-sized  belt, to six different adjustments on the shoulders, including the length of your torso.  This pack is made to fit each individual person absolutely perfectly.  There are no more excuses for your pack not fitting correctly!

My typical gear for filming for one day.  On average 55 pounds

Pockets, cells and straps

Another great feature about this pack is all of your gear is kept in separate compartments.  From the  7 different pockets, to the 4 different cells that you store you gear in, there is never a need to dig through your gear to find anything again.  I keep My 300mm lens in a cell, the camera and stock lens go in the main compartment, spotting scope and hydration system go in the outside pockets.   The first aid kit and miscellaneous other gear go in the extra pocket on the main compartment.  My essentials, such as extra tapes, batteries for the camera, flash light, flash light batteries, knife, satellite phone and misc gear that I need to get to in a hurry goes in the top pocket of the day pack lid.  Rain gear, gloves, stocking hats, and wet wipes go in the other pocket on the lid.  The range finder and Binos go in pouches that I added to the belt.  My tripod straps to the outside with two of the many compression straps.  How many compression straps are there you ask?   I would say somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 which is too many to keep track of.  I like allot of compression straps because it is very important when I have a heavy load on the pack, that the gear stay put and not shift around from side to side.  When I’m tired from walking 10 miles with a 55 pound pack I need all the help I can get to stay on my feet.  I don’t need a pack that is going to shift on me and make me lose my balance and risk injuring myself.

With all of this gear there are still 3 cells unused, one pocket completely unused, and three other pockets that are only half loaded.  However, when I go hunting and plan on staying the night in the field I end up using two more of the cells. One for the light, stove, gas, and water pump, and the other cell for food.

Typical days worth of hunting gear when spending the night on the hill.

Notice that I down sized to the smaller camera, but added the muzzle loader.  I added two more cells for the food and cooking gear.   Cells are individual, weather proof,  compartments that stack together on the inside of your pack.  Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unload your pack and cells, keeping your equipment and food organized, safe form the elements and in one place.  My pack then gets folded up with only the necessary gear for a day hunt.  I keep my cells loaded year round and ready to go, so there is no searching around for my gear or food for the next trip.  Just drop them in the pack and go!

Extra 2 cells loaded and ready to go.  One with food and one with light, water pump and cooking utensils

My average pack for this kind of trip weighs about 65 pounds.  Not shown are the sleeping bag and bivy tent that I attach to the outside of the pack.

Two Free Hands

One of my favorite things about this pack is that there is not a gun scab-board built into the pack.  This allows me to either carry my gun at all times, or as in my case buy a scab-board and attach it to the pack.  This pack is perfect for adding a scab-board to.  You open the pack, to the frame, and lay the scab-board at an angle across the pack.  I then put the pack back together with the gun in the scab-board securely against the frame for protection.   The cool thing about being able to add your own scab-board is that it allows you to angle the gun out either side depending on if you are right or left handed.  One other huge benefit to having the gun at an angle across your back allows you to ride a horse, motorcycle, 4 wheeler, or even just sit down without needing to take you pack off.

Riding the my horse (ha ha) with the gun cased in the scab-board.  The pack cover is made by Shaggie.

The pack cover helps keep the dust off of my video gear.  It also works to take the glare from the sun off the pack and aid in camouflaging me!

How the gun scab-board goes in the pack. Then just close the pack up and compress the straps.

The gun does not move at all when on your back.  Hiking or riding the gun stays in place until you need it.  One quick pull over your shoulder and your gun is uncased and ready to go!

Need I say More?

What more can I say?  Well, I can tell you that this year after a seven mile hike, I harvested a 190 inch mule deer.  We then boned the deer out and headed back to camp hiking six miles. My pack weighed over 90 pounds with my gear, head, and cape.  We made it out just fine.  No complaints, except for the rain.  With other Packs I don’t know that I could say the same.

Bring on this year, I can’t wait to pack out the next big buck!   I’m looking forward to pushing this pack to it’s limits, if it has one.

Steve Alderman

Founder, Mule Deer Country

PRO’s  - The best mountaineering packs morphed into a hunting pack.  It can be used for day hunts or expanded to be the largest of freight haulers for week long trips.       Ergonomics equal comfort. The  heaviest duty pack that I have used to date. Life time warranty means just that, these guys don’t want their packs coming back.  Made completely in the good ole USA.

CON’s – The material used in building the product reflects to much sunlight (that is one of the reason I use a pack cover by Shaggie).  The material is also somewhat loud, but does soften with use. I understand they are going to make some of their hunting packs with a different material to quiet them down.  The cost, hold on to your seat,$490.00 duckets Plus $170.00-$200.00 for accessories.  A small price to pay when hiking the extra mile or staying out an extra day.

COMPANY – Highest rating. Definitely hard core back packers and hunters own and work in this company. They live, eat, and breathe packs.  Great guys, Mark Seacat took me under his wing to help me out with this pack.  He also went out of his way to introduce me to some other fine companies in the hunting industry, such as the great folks at Sitka.  Thanks Mark!

PRODUCT – Highest Rating. It’s my number one pack for a reason.  I use packs and use packs hard.   This pack works!  By the way, I payed full price for my pack,  I do these reviews to save you time and money on your search for the best hunting products.  Save your money and buy a Mystery Ranch Pack.

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