When I got this in my e-mail I almost chucked it. But then I remembered I DO have three pair of Superfeet in Running shoes and Hiking boots. I can say they have helped me in my conditioning and my ability to hike all day, day after day.

The firm, contoured, shape of the Superfeet Performance Insole provides support, balance, and comfort that softer insoles can not achieve. Once properly alligned, your feet will hold up and balance the bodies weight better than before, taking the stress off of your joints and muscles, preventing soreness and pain. When your feet are sore, your whole body feels sore. Guaranteed to improve the fit and performance of any boot, you won’t believe how much better your feet will feel at the end of a long day of hiking in rugged terrain. TRY A PAIR OF SUPERFEET TODAY! Warning! Wearing Superfeet Insoles can create comfort that is addicting. Customers that become addicted to wearing Superfeet Performance Insoles have been known to purchase several pairs.

You can get Superfeet at Running Stores such as Fleet Feet, Outdoor Stores such as REI, and Online at Kenetrek Boots.

While in Nevada, I was having trouble spotting deer while Cal and Jerome were picking out the tan patches before me regularly. When I expressed my frustration, Jerome asked me what power optics I was using. I replied “8×42’s”.

Just then Cal handed me his 10x 42’s and the deer I couldn’t find was clear as a bell. After I had determined that it was a buck (3×4) and that he had eyeguards, I examined the binos in more detail. The glasses were a dark green roof prism style that screamed “European Glass” . But I was surprised that there was not a silver hawk on the body of the binocular anywhere. Instead the words “VORTEX RAZOR” greeted me.

I was sold instantly. When I returned to civilization, one of the first things I did was log on to http://www.elknut.com and follow the links to Paul Medel’s Web store , and order my own pair. They arrived today, and I have to say they are a pleasure to look through.

The price tag was not as painful as European brands and the VIP warranty never expires, and Vortex will repair or replace the binoculars regardless of the owner, or age.  (Of course deliberate damage, loss, theft and other things aren’t covered under warranty.) Pretty much everything  you get with a European optic, plus a better warranty. 

PLUS, on purchases until October 31st, 2009 you can get up to $150 rebate on your Vortex Razors.  All of a sudden top quality glass, just became a little more affordable!

SPOT is a satellite relayed way to transmit position and a preprogrammed message to friends and family. In the case of emergency a signal can be sent to local search and rescue to come to your aid.

With only 3 buttons you can let friends and family track your position via Google Earth. 

 You can let them know you are safe with a pre programmed e-mail or text message.   you might pre program it to say  ”Hi guys, all is well”

If you need assistance you can have a pre programmed message that states just that.   If you are on an elk hunt and Need to pack meat out your message might read “Bull down, bring pack horses.  See you at last camp…” If you are doing a point to point backpacking trip your message that you program might read  ”We reached our pickup spot.  Need a ride as soon possible” 

 In case of emergency the closest 911 search and rescue response is summoned. 

ALERT 9-1-1: Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.

SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then updated with your last known location.

Because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works virtually anywhere. All it needs is a clear view of the sky.

In each case your coordinates are sent with the message.

For a limited time SPOT is Giving a FREE Spot Unit with a subsciption for one year of basic messaging and tracking

So if you are looking for a way to let family and friends know you are safe while in the wilderness, SPOT could be your answer.

Those of you who have been following my training know I’ve had good results with the Wilderness Athlete line of supplements, Gels and Drink mixes.   In studying the product line, I see a scientific approach to the ingredients used, not a least cost formulation.  I’ve used the 10 day hunt packs in concert with a daily multivitamin and this year for the first time, I tried the Hy-Altitude advantage, and bought a 10 day pack for my 67 year old father.  Both of us really felt that the products helped us hunt better, and I managed to kill a good bull at 9500 feet elevation (9450 feet higher than my home.)

So when I got word from the folks at Wilderness Athlete that there was going to be a sale, I thought I would pass it along to my fellow hunters:

For a limited time, you can get most of the Wilderness Athlete products for only a buck per piece! That’s right, A BUCK PER PIECE! We’ve got plenty of Mistletoe hanging around the office, because with this special, we KNOW you’ll want to kiss the boss!

• Buy a box of WA Buck Fever Reliever for a Buck a Bottle – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Buck Fever Reliever (regular price is $39.48)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKBFR

 

• Buy a box of WA Performance Bars (any flavor) for a Buck a Bar – that’s 15 Bucks for a 15 count box of Bars (regular price is $41.85)! Coupon Code: BIGBUCKBAR15 (Limit 8 – 15 count boxes per order, any combination of flavors)

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy Gels (any flavor) for a Buck a Gel – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Gels (regular price is $17.88)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKGELS

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy & Focus Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 20 Bucks for a 20 count box of Energy & Focus Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $29.80)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKE&F

 

• Buy a box of WA Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 24 Bucks for a 24 count box of Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $30.96)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKH&R

All you have to do to take advantage of this CRAZY Holiday Special is:

1) Go online to our website at www.wildernessathlete.com,
2) Add a product from the above list to your shopping cart,
3) If you would like to order 2 or more of the product, change the quantity in front of the product to the quantity you would like to order, then click on the “Recalculate” button,
4) Type the corresponding coupon code for the product you are ordering in the coupon code space provided,
5) Click on the “Apply” button (you will see a green confirmation appear when the code has been accepted),
6) Click on the “Continue Shopping” button to add more products to your shopping cart,
7) Repeat steps 1 through 6 until you have entered all the products you wish to order,
Click on the “Checkout” button when you are ready to pay for your order.

This special won’t last long, so you have to hurry to take advantage of the WA Big Buck Holiday Bonanza! The coupon code is only good from 12:00 am EST December 10, 2008 through 11:59 pm EST December 31, 2008.

This special can not be applied to any orders made prior to the start time of the special, nor to any orders made after the end time of the special. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You may order any combination of the products listed above, however, there is a limit of 8 boxes of the 15 count Bars ordered at the special pricing per order. These coupon codes are not to be used with any other specials, coupon codes, or discounts.

Wishing you a Spectacular WA Holiday Season!

The Wilderness Athlete Elves
Wilderness Athlete

Thanks to my Skinny Moose buddy Jason Hendricks over at the Adventurist.  He alerted me to a HUGE discount sale at the Altrec Outlet.  Much of the products for sale there would be well suited for us Western Hunters.  Names like Mountain Hardware, Kelty and Marmot, are all veterans of high peaks and mountain climbing expeditions. 

So check out Jasons page as well as the deals at Altrec.  I think you will be glad you did on both counts..

John is in Wyoming chasing Elk.  But he thought that his readers might enjoy this new gear from Badlands.

Salt Lake City, Utah –The new Badlands Bino system is in a class of its own. The patent pending ZipNo™ technology uses a system of magnets sewn completely around all openings on the case, eliminating the need for zippers (and we know that zippers can be a hunter’s worse nightmare). Only the ZipNo™ closure, allows you to open and close the case with one hand and protect your glass from the unpredictable elements of the outdoors and the rugged activities of a hunter. The practically water tight seal allows your binos to be fully functional and protected, all without the use of zippers or buckles. Here are some of the other features the new Bino system has to offer.

-Built in 35 oz Hydration System on the harness
-Side straps allowing you to attach Range Finder, GPS, or Two Way Radio.
-Work station with pocks for all your game calls, maps or snacks
-Can be mounted to pack using the sternum strap
-Bow Hook, allowing you to use both hands for your glass and not having to set your bow on the ground
-OUR UNCONDITIONAL LIFETIME WARRANTY

Available from Badlands pack dealers including Sage Creek Outfitters. 

Normally I’m a button down collar kind of guy.  But when I’m out on the weekend I’ll put on a t-shirt.  Now my general theory on T-shirts is that I don’t have to buy them.  I’ve never seen any company that I wanted to support and pay to advertise for them…UNTIL NOW.

Chad Robvold, of Field Dress has put together a line of classy active wear t-shirts that pay homage to the progression of our outdoor heritage since their beginnings.  You can find designs for hunting, with rifle or bow, as well as fishing, big game and upland game t-shirts. 

Field Dressed, a name easily recognized within the outdoor community, creates highly professional designs, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to demonstrate their particular passion for the outdoors in a classier manner. Field Dress focuses on the rich history of gun hunting, archery hunting, and fishing by portraying the trademarked terms “field dress”, “load-up”, “nock-up”, and “hook-up” and established dates of each sport. Founder, Chad Rodvold, has been a member of the hunting and fishing community for over twenty-five years. Originally from North Dakota and raised in the retail clothing environment, he saw a need for more quality designed outdoor apparel after realizing he has never owned casual clothing demonstrating his passion for the outdoors. “In deciding what I really wanted to do with my life, I realized my passion was being in the outdoors hunting and fishing. I took my son to Bass Pro and after noticing all the shirts, I then realized I had never owned a shirt demonstrating how much I love to hunt. I came home and spent the next several weeks coming up with what is now Field Dress.”

 Stop by his Web store and take advantage of his $4 t-shirt sale. The Special Close-Out Pricing will continue as supplies last, but Field Dress promises to continue to put out the very best designs and prices on the web. New designs are being completed and in the coming months, Field Dress hopes to put out hats, long sleeve shirts, and tees for the holiday season so come back often and see what is next for Field Dress.

For Archers who are looking for a drop away rest, I can heartily recommend Ripcord Arrow Rests, of Dillon Montana.  I have used the Ripcord rest since 2004, and it has been reliable.  When I ran into timing issues with my new Martin Slayer X, I was able to talk with Keith and Don Dvoronak personally, and they talked me through setting the rest up on my bow.  They shipped me replacement parts fast, and with no questions asked.  Customer Satisfaction is DEFINATELY a priority withthis family business.

I’m proud that this company, here in the heart of the West is making a quality product that I can recommend to my fellow archers. 

Over the years, I’ve developed a few friendships with people across the West.  Since the advent of the Internet I have been able to extend that circle of friends to include other folks I haven’t had a chance to meet in person.  Chance “Lever” Shelton is one of those people I’m glad I got to know.  Chance is the owner and operator of Levergun Leatherworks in Athol, Idaho.  You may have seen his work on television on Best of the West, or Eastmans’ Hunting Journal.  Or perhaps you have had the chance to peruse his work featured on his website: http://www.levergunleather.com .  Either way, his work stands on its own for quality and workmanship, and I thought our readers would like an opportunity to get to know the man behind the leather. 

  ”Lever”, as he is called by his buddies at Sage Creek, is 46 years old TODAY.  (Happy Birthday!)  Living and working out of the small hamlet of Athol, Idaho he makes his living doing custom leatherwork for outdoors and firearms lovers.  His most requested items he makes are buttstock covers, rifle slings, and knife sheaths.  He craves the challenge of a tricky design or artwork , but enjoys all of his custom pieces he creates.  I was amazed to find out that he has been doing leatherwork since he was seven years old.  It wasn’t until the year 2000 that he began getting paid for his work, and in 2004 he quit a special projects engineering job and made it his sole income.  It wasn’t always easy.  Chance tells about when he knew he was meant to do leather as a living.

God called me to do leather work. I know this due to me almost hanging it up to interview for a managerial position at Buck knives. Right before I was to go interview, the position closed, I was sent a notice to attend a church study and that week I booked $1000 worth of work. That month of Sept. 2006 was my all time best month for over a year.

 And the orders just keep on coming in.  Currently, Chance has a wait time of a little over a month, on a first paid, first serve basis.  Below,I asked Chance to tell us about himself.

When you are not working, what do you like to do to relax?

Be outdoors, BBQ, Cook, shoot my guns and my bow, reload, watch cowboy flicks.  Hey one thing I do to relax, one thing that is huge in my life and that is FISHING! I love fishing. I fish for all kinds of fish. Trout, Bass, Blue Gill, Perch, Crappy, etc.

Elk, Deer, Dove, Turkey, grouse.

Most memorable hunt?

My first buck and my third buck.  First buck cause…It was my first buck!  Third buck cause we called it right to us and I dropped him at 10 yards!  But I remember all my hunts like they were yesterday whether I got something or not!  Hunting is much more than just killing animals

Favorite guns?

Grampa’s 1916 Win. Mod 94 30-30, Kimber 1911 45acp, Shiloh Sharps 45-70, all the rest of my leverguns!

 (Now you see why he has the “Levergun” name) 

Favorite authors?

The Bible.  Other than that, I don’t read by authors, never paid attention to that.

 Who has inspired you? 

Future goals, personal and professional?

I don’t know….The most inspiration I can honestly say influenced me is the Holy Spirit.  Human would probably have to be John Wayne.These two are one in the same; I just want to be able to do enough leather work to be able to live here in the mountains, hunt, fish shoot and enjoy all the blessings the good Lord has blessed me with.

 I think in that last statement, Chance has expressed what I consider to be the “American Dream” .  I’m glad he is living his dream, and I’m proud to call him a friend and I’m always happy to refer folks to him.  Here is wishing you a Happy Birthday, and Best Wishes Chance!

As I sat down for dinner with some work collegues a weekend ago, the wife of one of our senior salesmen looked me in the eye, and said “You are that guy who goes hunting alone, aren’t you?”  I sheepishly admitted that I did on occasion go into the wilderness alone, and proceded to get a lecture from her about how I could break a leg where no one could find me.  I admitted that that was always a possibility.  I receive this lecture on a regular basis from members of my family, so I go turtle rather than argue. 

I finally assured her that I would seriously look at a method to get help if I were to run into trouble outside of normal cell phone range.  Satellite phones seem to have spotty reception (although better than Cell service),and they are prohibitively expensive to rent for an extended period.  Personal locator beacons are rather one dimensional, and just as expensive.   I found myself looking at the SPOT Satellite Messenger.

The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world’s first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer’s location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center. SPOT Inc., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:GSAT), provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people unmatched peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT, Inc. is helping users live to tell about it™ – from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes – explore http://www.findmespot.com

So I am actively looking at giving this unit a try.  I’d love to hear feedback from other users.  It would be nice to have an added bit of security to keep my family and friends at ease while I am out in the wilds, ALONE.