2006 Upland Bird Product Reviews

I would like to look back and reflect on some new products that I used this past year while chasing upland birds in 3 different states. I was really pleased with about 5 new things I used this year, felt so-so on a few and not so thrilled on a few others. I like to stay positive, so I would like to talk about a few I was really pleased with this past Fall/Winter.

The first couple products were more for my best buddy then it was for me but they were products that were new to me this year and really found them valuable in the field especially on multiple day hunts. With my Dog over 7 years old now, The last few years I begun to worry about his stamina for all day hunts and multiple days hunts. He was just not quite as durable/lasting as he was when he was 2-4 years old. This year I was introduced to some products by Filed Staffer Corey Waller called Top Dog and K-9 restart. I gave them a try and was really pleased with the results. I did not see big differences in one day hunts, but the difference in multiple day hunts of 2 or more days in a row was incredible. He still had energy and ability to go and go hard 2-3 days in a row. That was something he was starting to lack on as of late. The Top Dog product is a water based product that is fed or consumed during the hunt. It is much like a slim-jim, but for your K9 buddy. It keeps fueling his system so he has energy to burn. Being that it is water base, unlike many other products out there, it is easy for him to digest during his active day. The other product was K-9 Restart and basically is an additive to your dog(s) water that replenishes the electrolytes that are lost during your dogs physical activity. This product is much like Gatorade or other similar drinks, but designed for DOGS. It is a beef flavored so your dog(s) will love it also. I also spread this powder on top of his food after a hard days work.

After numerous multiple days hunts this fall I give this combination of TOP DOG and K-9 RESTART a thumbs up and will definitely be using it next Fall. CLICK HERE to be taken to Corey Waller’s review and check it out for yourself, along with direct website links to the products mentioned. Better yet, click on it for your favorite hunting buddy, both of you will benefit from it! Thanks again Corey.

The next new product isn’t totally new to me this year, but man did I enjoy it. A few years back I bought myself a pair of Danner Pronghorn boots for Deer hunting and Pheasant hunting. I bought the 1000 gram ones that were awesome for cold days of busting sloughs, cattails, sitting on the field edge waiting for that big buck to appear or anytime where there was some walking involved. However these boots were WAY to warm to wear if it was above 30 degrees. So I purchased a Non Insulated version of the Pronghorns this Summer for those early season Mule deer stalks, spotting, and busting early season birds. I can not say enough about either of these boots. They both have their place and time. They can handle one extreme to another and let me stay out all day. When the day is done my feet are fresh as the morning dew in September. They are durable, dry and keep my feet comfortable all day long and even feel fresh at the end of a hard long day. I rely on my feet to take me to and beyond my limits many times a year in the field and it is critical that I have a combo of boots and socks that allow me to do this. The Pronghorns boots by Danner allow me to do this, teamed up with a good moisture wicking sock. I choose to use the “Ingenious” osck backed by Gore-Tex in varying weights depending on boot, activity level and temperature outside. The Danner boots are Gore-Tex and come in a few different colors/camo shades. If you are looking for a new boot, make sure to take a look at these.

The next new product isn’t totally new to me this year, but man did I enjoy it. A few years back I bought myself a pair of Danner Pronghorn boots for Deer hunting and Pheasant hunting. I bought the 1000 gram ones that were awesome for cold days of busting sloughs, cattails, sitting on the field edge waiting for that big buck to appear or anytime where there was some walking involved. However these boots were WAY to warm to wear if it was above 30 degrees. So I purchased a Non Insulated version of the Pronghorns this Summer for those early season Mule deer stalks, spotting, and busting early season birds. I can not say enough about either of these boots. They both have their place and time. They can handle one extreme to another and let me stay out all day. When the day is done my feet are fresh as the morning dew in September. They are durable, dry and keep my feet comfortable all day long and even feel fresh at the end of a hard long day. I rely on my feet to take me to and beyond my limits many times a year in the field and it is critical that I have a combo of boots and socks that allow me to do this. The Pronghorns boots by Danner allow me to do this, teamed up with a good moisture wicking sock. I choose to use the “Ingenious” osck backed by Gore-Tex in varying weights depending on boot, activity level and temperature outside. The Danner boots are Gore-Tex and come in a few different colors/camo shades. If you are looking for a new boot, make sure to take a look at these.

Another product I have already did a product review on and this can be located by clicking GAMEHIDE’s RUBLINE PRODUCT REVIEW . This is an awesome mild to cold weather jacket that knocks the wind down and keep you warm all day in the field. I wore this jacket from October through this latest cold weather spell we had here in MN during February, chasing ringnecks and white tailed deer. Another great product from the people at GAMEHIDE.

Another product I have already did a product review on and this can be located by clicking GAMEHIDE’s RUBLINE PRODUCT REVIEW . This is an awesome mild to cold weather jacket that knocks the wind down and keep you warm all day in the field. I wore this jacket from October through this latest cold weather spell we had here in MN during February, chasing ringnecks and white tailed deer. Another great product from the people at GAMEHIDE.

I’m a big Danner fan also always dry feet!!

I’m a big Danner fan also always dry feet!!

Last, but not least.

This last product I used this Fall, I did not start using until later in the season. What a great little invention by someone. I will be using this for years to come. This will not make or break your day in the field, but it is handy, convenient, easy to use, will help you to stay safe during those little breaks at the truck and also keep your firearm in top condition. This product is called the GUN RACKER . It is a magnetic sheet with a special foam like product attached to it to firmly hold your firearms in a safe manner while at your vehicle (see the picture above). I used to struggle to find a quick and easy spot to put my firearm when I came back to the truck for a break, rest/water the dogs, empty birds from my vest. etc. I used to lay it across the Kennel on the truck, but that meant having the barrel point horizontal and even though it was unloaded, it just never felt SAFE. Or I would do the old lean it against the truck or tire, only to have someone or a dog come by and knock your gun in the mud. I have been there and done it. But, now I do not have to worry about it with the Gun Racker. It takes a mere second to attach to the side of your vehicle with the magnet and another second to put your gun in or remove it. This is available in a 2 or 4 gun model, with custom options available for businesses putting company logos on the Magnet part of the product. CLICK HERE TO VIEW GUNRACKERS WEBSITE.

If you have any questions on the Gun Racker or any of these products shoot me a PM and I will answer your questions myself, point you in the right direction, or to the person that can. I’m already getting an itchy trigger finger to chase some of those Rignecks with my Favorite Lab!

Last, but not least.

This last product I used this Fall, I did not start using until later in the season. What a great little invention by someone. I will be using this for years to come. This will not make or break your day in the field, but it is handy, convenient, easy to use, will help you to stay safe during those little breaks at the truck and also keep your firearm in top condition. This product is called the GUN RACKER . It is a magnetic sheet with a special foam like product attached to it to firmly hold your firearms in a safe manner while at your vehicle (see the picture above). I used to struggle to find a quick and easy spot to put my firearm when I came back to the truck for a break, rest/water the dogs, empty birds from my vest. etc. I used to lay it across the Kennel on the truck, but that meant having the barrel point horizontal and even though it was unloaded, it just never felt SAFE. Or I would do the old lean it against the truck or tire, only to have someone or a dog come by and knock your gun in the mud. I have been there and done it. But, now I do not have to worry about it with the Gun Racker. It takes a mere second to attach to the side of your vehicle with the magnet and another second to put your gun in or remove it. This is available in a 2 or 4 gun model, with custom options available for businesses putting company logos on the Magnet part of the product. CLICK HERE TO VIEW GUNRACKERS WEBSITE.

If you have any questions on the Gun Racker or any of these products shoot me a PM and I will answer your questions myself, point you in the right direction, or to the person that can. I’m already getting an itchy trigger finger to chase some of those Rignecks with my Favorite Lab!

I would be careful of the gun racker in MN. My dad and uncles all got nailed a while ago for uncased guns deer hunting for having their guns leaning against the truck while taking a break.

I would be careful of the gun racker in MN. My dad and uncles all got nailed a while ago for uncased guns deer hunting for having their guns leaning against the truck while taking a break.

Trout Fisher??

Care to explain a little more?

Trout Fisher??

Care to explain a little more?

I guess it was about 15 years ago so it may be different now, but my dad and uncles just finished a drive and leaned their guns against the truck bed.

They were taking a break having a pop and a dnr officer came up checked licences and informed them an uncased gun in contact with the vehicle inside or out is illegal.

I think it was around a $100 fine.

Looks like a great idea though I would get one for sure if I knew I wouldn’t get fined its a pain in the butt sometimes digging for your keys not wanting to set the gun on the ground if its muddy.

I guess it was about 15 years ago so it may be different now, but my dad and uncles just finished a drive and leaned their guns against the truck bed.

They were taking a break having a pop and a dnr officer came up checked licences and informed them an uncased gun in contact with the vehicle inside or out is illegal.

I think it was around a $100 fine.

Looks like a great idea though I would get one for sure if I knew I wouldn’t get fined its a pain in the butt sometimes digging for your keys not wanting to set the gun on the ground if its muddy.

Can any one else shed light on this Law?

Well (I’m not trying to be a smart ), but with the GunRacker your Gun is not directly in touch with the Truck.

I will dig and see what I can come up with.

Thanks T-Fisher

Can any one else shed light on this Law?

Well (I’m not trying to be a smart ), but with the GunRacker your Gun is not directly in touch with the Truck.

I will dig and see what I can come up with.

Thanks T-Fisher

I was questioned by a CO a few years ago while getting my license checked about the safety of my gun while leaning up against my truck. I said that it was unloaded with the slide open, he thought that it might still be loaded and was just concerned about it falling over and accidentally going off. I would never lean a loaded gun against a truck, just way to many thing could go wrong.
The truck in that picture is mine, so I have used the GunRacker. It is a great thing to use as I know my gun as taking a spill once or twice before.
I will make some calls to a CO and find out more about this.

Ron

I was questioned by a CO a few years ago while getting my license checked about the safety of my gun while leaning up against my truck. I said that it was unloaded with the slide open, he thought that it might still be loaded and was just concerned about it falling over and accidentally going off. I would never lean a loaded gun against a truck, just way to many thing could go wrong.
The truck in that picture is mine, so I have used the GunRacker. It is a great thing to use as I know my gun as taking a spill once or twice before.
I will make some calls to a CO and find out more about this.

Ron

Thanks Slider!

Thanks Slider!

I think the law reads that it can be in the trunk if it unloaded. I would not see a issue if it was unload and leaning on the side of a car or a truck.

I think the law reads that it can be in the trunk if it unloaded. I would not see a issue if it was unload and leaning on the side of a car or a truck.

I would guess they probably had them loaded could be the reason for the tickets.

But now my dad has an old case he lays on the ground and sets his gun on when breaking for lunch. He says he’s not taking any chances.

I would guess they probably had them loaded could be the reason for the tickets.

But now my dad has an old case he lays on the ground and sets his gun on when breaking for lunch. He says he’s not taking any chances.

I too had incredible success using the Top Dog and K-9 Restart products. And my experiance has really mirrored Lip’s on the one day hunts I didnt notice much for a difference but on the 2 and 3 day hunts or if it was a little hot out our dogs nearly doubled the normal energy level on the 2nd and 3rd day of the hunt. I have given out samples to several friends of friends or friends (you get what I mean) and every one has noticed a big difference. The BIG thing you have to remember when giving energy supliments to dogs is that they have to be a soft, water based product or you could end up with a dog that has twisted gut. and that is deadly.Top Dog really fits the bill in that category.As far as hydration goes the K9 restart is a product everyone should take a look at. The beef flavoring has the dogs drinking more and more often and in hot early season weather it is HUGE to keep the dogs watered up.

i would like to keep this thread going so if there is anyone out there who used a new product this year let us know we would like to hear about it.

I too had incredible success using the Top Dog and K-9 Restart products. And my experiance has really mirrored Lip’s on the one day hunts I didnt notice much for a difference but on the 2 and 3 day hunts or if it was a little hot out our dogs nearly doubled the normal energy level on the 2nd and 3rd day of the hunt. I have given out samples to several friends of friends or friends (you get what I mean) and every one has noticed a big difference. The BIG thing you have to remember when giving energy supliments to dogs is that they have to be a soft, water based product or you could end up with a dog that has twisted gut. and that is deadly.Top Dog really fits the bill in that category.As far as hydration goes the K9 restart is a product everyone should take a look at. The beef flavoring has the dogs drinking more and more often and in hot early season weather it is HUGE to keep the dogs watered up.

i would like to keep this thread going so if there is anyone out there who used a new product this year let us know we would like to hear about it.

I was impressed with the top dog product. I used it all year and didnt have to give the dog any honey as there is glucose in it . I was a little disapointed in there supply though. I went to every gander around the cities, only found one that had them. I bought them out and they never restocked. Went to the other place recomended where they say they stock them they had a limited supply and was twice the price. I didnt want to order them off line but didnt know if I would use all of it or not. Just wanted to try a little first to see. Get on there sales dept. and get this product out there. It works but it needs to get in some stores .

I also tried the rehydrade this year and was happy with that too. The dogs really enjoyed it. these too product together I beleive helped the dogs go that extra day and on the one and two day hunts they didnt seem to slow down much.

Two good products in my opionion

I was impressed with the top dog product. I used it all year and didnt have to give the dog any honey as there is glucose in it . I was a little disapointed in there supply though. I went to every gander around the cities, only found one that had them. I bought them out and they never restocked. Went to the other place recomended where they say they stock them they had a limited supply and was twice the price. I didnt want to order them off line but didnt know if I would use all of it or not. Just wanted to try a little first to see. Get on there sales dept. and get this product out there. It works but it needs to get in some stores .

I also tried the rehydrade this year and was happy with that too. The dogs really enjoyed it. these too product together I beleive helped the dogs go that extra day and on the one and two day hunts they didnt seem to slow down much.

Two good products in my opionion

I wanted to try the Top Dog products but was unable to locate any.I did try a similar product I got at Cabelas and as stated before it definately made a difference on the 2nd and third days of a hunt.