Bushnell’s new Yardage Pro Scout laser rangefinder is a handful — and only just that. At 1.5x4x2.75 inches and 6.8 ounces, this is one of the smallest rangefinders on the market. And, of course, if it didn’t perform well, small wouldn’t mean anything. This little package, however, came through in a big way. Accurately ranging targets close to the specifications as advertised, the unit worked well from as close as 10 yards, on out to the 300-yard mark on game-size animals. Highly reflective targets were accurately gauged well past 600 yards. And as anyone who has used any of this type of rangefinder in the past knows, atmospheric and other factors can degrade performance somewhat, so all figures are relative to each hunter's immediate conditions.

This sub-sized unit features a 6-power magnification in a size that can fit into your pocket, as well as replace the need for you to carry along an additional small pair of binoculars to spy around with. It comes with a cordura case that has both belt loop and swivel snap to attach to your pack or clothing.

Unlike other rangefinders, the Bushnell Yardage Pro Scout is held vertically in the palm of your hand and is button activated by your index (pointer) finger. Point on target, click and release, and a single, accurate distance is displayed after a microsecond pause. The button used to change modes is recessed in the unit’s side and makes accidental mode change almost nonexistent. Only two modes are offered on this model. Scan mode will allow you to hold down the activation button and the screen will update yardage as you move it (scan) across your field of vision. +150 mode only displays distances over 150 yards and is great when your field of view is cluttered with grass and limbs between you and a target image beyond that distance.

With the minimum scanning display at 10 yards, this is a great rangefinder for bowhunters. For tree standers wanting to make sure of the target distance when shooting at a difficult tangent from up high, this is the unit to buy.

The Hurricane trigger bow release by TruFire was brought to the archery market earlier this year. Having resisted the need to utilize a mechanical release until just last year, I still had reservations about how well they fit into my world as a bowhunter. When the Hurricane was sent to me this spring, I resisted the urge to casually categorize it along with every other release on the market. I gave it a long, hard look, and a thorough testing on the range and in the field. Simply surprising! Saying that shooting with the Hurricane is a pleasure is understating it.

The Hurricane release has auto-closing jaws and locks onto the bowstring with a pull and release of the trigger to open and close the jaws. For archers using a string loop, this trigger will work well also. Both the distances from head to trigger, and trigger to saddlecloth strap are adjustable. The release body can be rotated securely out of the way for pulling arrows, driving to your hunt, or climbing to your stand, and won’t unexpectedly flop back in your way. Behind the trigger, the release rotates a full 360 degrees for archers who cant their arms during pull, or hold. Trigger release tension is also fully adjustable.

The self-centering steel roller system is the breakthrough that makes this release stand out in its field. The trigger is crisp, yet with a subtle smoothness that is instantly apparent the first time you shoot it. My arrow group size shrank on the target when using this release, and blew open when I went back to the other releases utilized for the test standard. This is a mechanical release that has a solid "feel" to it, without noticing any feel at all. And when you are staring down your arrow at a big buck or monster elk, isn’t thinking about your release the last thing you want on your mind? The Hurricane by Trufire is a handful of pleasure. Find this excellent product at your local archery shop or by contacting TruFire at (920) 923-6866.

ArcticShield, Inc. has taken the technology utilized in producing their accessory apparel for workers who spend their days scampering about in the –40 temperatures of huge food freezing plants in the Midwest, and developed a product line specifically for the hunter who needs industrial protection from the cold.

ArcticShield socks, boot covers, gloves, mittens and neck warmers are made with an inner liner of Reflek-Tek material, which reflects back into the appropriate part of your body, up to 97% of the heat that would normally be lost by traditional insulation. Rather than simply slowing down heat loss, this newly utilized material keeps it from leaving in the first place. This equates to a longer, more comfortable time spent on your stand or in your blind.

In testing the socks and boot covers I found them to be exactly as offered. Although I did not test the gloves and neck warmer so won’t verify their qualities, one could generously assume that these products would share the same traits due to the material involved. However, no recommendation on the gloves or neck warmer is given here, only the knowledge that they MAY be useful also.

The ArcticShield socks are a high-calf, black fleece sock with the Reflek-Tek material sewn in-between layers of the sole and over-the-toe areas. They fit well into the boot or wader and have been wearing well during the tests. Comfort from retained body heat was very apparent. My normally cold toes on one foot, from nerve damage received years ago, found an added bonus during the testing. ( I now use a pair on my formerly cold feet in the evening when the old ice cubes are normally hanging from those toes). For those hunters with feet over size 10, the extra-large size is definitely what you want to order, as Reflek-Tek does not appear to stretch.

The water-resistant ArticShield boot covers, like the socks, are very thin compared to other manufacturers' products attempting the same effect. These covers are not made for walking in the woods. There are designed to be rolled up compactly to fit in coat pocket or daypack and then be easily placed over your hiking boots and secured with Velcro straps once you are in your stand or at a place where you wish to stop and wait for game. A choice of outer fabric in Mossy Oak Break-up, Realtree Hardwood, Advantage or Advantage Timber is offered. A real upside to this warmth system is that it allows you to wear a much more compact pair of hiking boots while still-hunting. This equates to a more silent walk than would be had if you were wearing a heavy pair of boots that you would need for warmth once you made it to your stand. These boot covers performed well and get a recommendation for all hunters who have ever suffered from the rapid onset of frigid toes, which can easily ruin a hunt. Contact ArcticShield, Inc. at 1-877-9SHIELD (974-4353).

THINK A GOOD THOUGHT!

Frank Medicine Wolf Springer