Venom Boots for the Family

5 05 2014

lacrosse_logoKeep your youth hunter safe from snake bites, as they follow in your footsteps. LaCrosse makes their Venom line of snake boots in a variety of sizes to accommodate the entire family, while keeping them dry, comfortable and safe.

When your child follows in your foot steps, keep them safe with boots from LaCrosse. Photo: Diane Hassinger

When your child follows in your foot steps, keep them safe with boots from LaCrosse.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

Both the youth line and the adult line of Venom are made with protection in mind. They are waterproof and scent-free, by use of the Dry-Core barrier, which not only prevents water from getting into the boot, but helps transfer moisture away from your foot. They are lightweight, flexible and rugged enough to keep up with your hunting adventures. Snake protection is provided by the 360º Snake Guard which is 12″ high on the youth model and a full 18″ high on the adult version. The reinforced abrasion resistant toe cap protects the boot while you are trail blazing. The boots are also attractive looking, with camo trimmed with leather.

Even on steep hills, the multi-directional low profile lugs dug in.  Photo: Shannon Brandon

Even on steep hills, the multi- directional low profile lugs dug in.
Photo: Shannon Brandon

While scouting for turkey, Sarah and I both wore our Venom boots. Traction was not an issue, with the multi-directional low profile lugs. We hiked through the dead leaves of last fall, and the newer downed limbs from the prolonged winter, all great snake habitat. We often had to cross small creeks or marshy areas, and our feet stayed dry and comfortable. Climbing the steep hills of western Pennsylvania was not problem, or at least not much of one.

The boots did great, but the hills are sometimes steeper then they look. While we did not encounter any snakes, of which I was quite happy, the boots performed wonderfully. The side zip is a great addition to these boots! You can leave the boot laces tied where it is comfortable, and simply unzip to take the boots off. Even better, when we get up in the morning, we don’t have to fuss with the laces, just quickly zip on and head out for our hunts! Other brands of snake boots I have owned have rubbed my ankles raw, and had no flexibility; they will now be going into the dumpster.

If you hunt in an area frequented by poisonous snakes, protect yourself and your youth hunter with the Venom Snake Boots from LaCrosse. The Youth Venom Boots come in sizes 1-6 and have a MSRP of $120.00, while the adult

The Venom are attractive as well as protective! Photo: LaCrosse Stock Photo

The Venom are attractive as well as protective!
Photo: LaCrosse Stock Photo

Venom Boots are available in sizes from 5 to 14 including half sizes. They have a MSRP of $170.00. You can shop for these and all LaCrosse boots at http://www.lacrossefootwear.com, or search for a local dealer.

LaCrosse logo is the sole property of it’s rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

 

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/05/05/venom-boots-for-the-family-diane-hassinger/





Fish On! Books for Kids

5 05 2014

fish on books

Sarah enjoying book 1 "A Whirlwind Opener". Photo: Diane Hassinger

Sarah enjoying book 1 “A Whirlwind Opener”.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

Fish On Kids Books brings you a series of wholesome, action filled adventures of Gus Roberts written by K. J. Houtman. Gus loves the outdoors, especially camping and fishing! Life doesn’t always go exactly as planned though! A Whirlwind Opener is book 1 in the series of 5 stories. Gus flies with his Grandfather to meet up with the rest of his family at the cabin. Due to some unforeseen problems, Gus’s simple trip turns into quite the adventure for this 5th grader. The rest of the series follows Gus as he deals with bullies, camps, fishes, hunts, hikes, travels with his family and even competes in his first fishing competition.

These paper back books are approximately 80 pages each. They are written with many twists, while keeping good morality. Gus works hard to come through in each problem that is presented, and sometimes learns from his mistakes. They also include some good information, in the form

One of Gus's Journal Notes from the books. Photo: Diane Hassinger

One of Gus’s Journal Notes from the books.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

of Gus’ Journal Notes, on fishing to help your children learn good techniques, while they are enjoying the stories. The fiction books are geared toward the middle school reader, but are really appropriate for grades 2 through 6.

Sarah, at age 11, truly enjoyed the “action and lots of adventures”. While I was sent books 1 and 5 for review, she refused to read book 5 until she has read books 2, 3 and 4. Thankfully, we were able to download the Kindle versions immediately! She told me that the books really held her attention, and she wanted to know more about Gus. She is already wanting a book 6, so K. J. Houtman you need to get busy!

If you have children that enjoy the outdoors, take a look at these Fish On Kids Books to provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment for them.

The MSRP of these books is between $10-$11 and they can be purchased at http://www.fishonkidsbooks.com/ChapterBooksKidsFishHunt.html. They are also available for the Kindle E-Readers at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D2823&field-keywords=K.+J.+Houtman&rh=n%3A2823%2Ck%3AK.+J.+Houtman.

 

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/04/30/fish-on-books-for-kids-diane-hassinger/

 





HSS Lil’ Treestalker, Keeping Lil’ Hunters Safe

5 05 2014

hss logoIf your child goes hunting in a tree stand, they need to be protected with a safety harness. Hunter Safety Systems has the Lil’ Treestalker harness made specifically for our youth, to keep them safe with the same type of quality you expect from the adult versions.

The durable vest design contains the heavy-duty strap harness with quick snap buckles that connect hss lil treestalkeraround the waist, legs and chest. New smart fabrics in the Realtree® X-Tra™ Camouflage keep your child cool, dry and comfortable all during the season. The new accordion folded 1 1/4″ tether absorbs more shock than before, with each section breaking away to lessen the stop of a fall. The patented HSS design has also eliminated the dangling straps that could become dangerous. This harness is lightweight, 2.25 pounds, and so comfortable your child could forget they are wearing it. There is a wide range of adjustments so that it can fit over the bulky winter weather clothing needed to keep your youth in the stand longer. This harness is rated to fit children in the 50 to 100 pound range, with a torso measurement of 24″-33″. There are two large pockets located at the waist, perfect for keeping the deer drag strap in. This strap can do double duty; hands free dragging of a deer, and a life-saving suspension relief strap. When you couple this harness with the HSS Lifeline, your child will be safe from the ground up!

Keep your youth hunter safe and comfortable in the tree stand with the Treestalker Safety Harness. Photo: Diane Hassinger

Keep your youth hunter safe and comfortable in the tree stand with the Treestalker Safety Harness.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

I often hunt with my grandchildren. They are experienced hunters at a very young age, but I still feel a great need to protect them from the unexpected. They wear the HSS Lil’ Treestalker Safety Harnesses, because I have complete confidence in these vests. The weather in Western Pennsylvania has experienced a true winter this year, so the adjustability of the harnesses was really tested out. Even dressed as a Pillsbury Doughboy in winter clothing, the harnesses kept them secure, and the HSS Lifeline kept them safe, even on the slippery ladder rungs. When you don’t have to stress about safety issues, the hunting is a lot more enjoyable.

All the safety measures in the world will not help, if you do not teach your child proper tree stand safety, and adult supervision is required anytime anyone under the age of 16 uses a HSS Harness. Like the adult counterpart, the Lil’ Treestalker is tested to TMA standards.The MSRP of the Lil’ Treestalker is $84.95. This harness can be purchased at http://www.huntersafetysystem.com/hss-lil-treestalker/, and many sporting goods stores.

Read more about the HSS Lifeline in a review by Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2013/12

The Treestalker lets your youth hunter focus on their perfect shot, while staying safe. Photo: Diane Hassinger

The Treestalker lets your youth hunter focus on their perfect shot, while staying safe.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

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Hunter Safety System and HSS name and logo are the sole property of its rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

 

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/04/23/hss-lil-treestalker-diane-hassinger/





Explore Bowhunting

5 05 2014

explore bowhunting logoThe Archery Trade Association (ATA) has created a program, Explore Bowhunting, for ages 11-17. They

Explore Bowhunting's Student Handbook, The Total Set-Up and the Gut's of It: Anatomy Flip Book. Photo: Diane Hassinger

Explore Bowhunting’s Student Handbook, The Total Set-Up and the Gut’s of It: Anatomy Flip Book.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

have designed this program to “spark an interest and passion for bowhunting in today’s youth.” (http://www.archerytrade.org/grow-archery/explore-bowhunting). Well let me tell you, they succeeded! I will try not to gush about this program, but it will not happen. This is the greatest beginning bowhunting program I have seen! While I am more interested in the content, which is top-notch, the presentation and quality of the handbooks is also excellent!

This program is designed to be used by schools, outdoor education centers, recreation programs,scouts, 4-H, summer camps, events or anyone who is interested in teaching youth to bowhunt or just get close to wildlife. This program teaches fundamental skill, awards skill achievement, makes activities fun, exciting and challenging, and has options to go to the next step. Their lesson plans were created to be used at intro to bowhunting events, 1 day or 1 week camps, or as a 6 week class. Birthday parties are also a great venue to utilize this fantastic program.

Sarah working on different types of broadheads and shot placement.  Photo: Shannon Best

Sarah working on different types of broadheads and shot placement.
Photo: Shannon Best

These professionally developed educational tools include; The Explore Bowhunting Curriculum Book, The Total Set-Up Equipment Booklet, Curriculum Media Pack (DVD’s and maps), a White’s Tale board game and the Student Handbook. It is apparent as soon as you open the student handbook, how much thought went into this program. It covers topics such as; tracking and animal sign, bowhunting equipment, tree stands and blinds, camouflage, hunting the wind, shot opportunity and placement, judging distance, spot and stalking, what to look for after the shot, trailing and even skinning and gutting. There is much more too, but pretty much if you can think of it being involved with bow hunting, it is in there. Pretty much like Ragu: It’s in there! The Total Set-Up Equipment Booklet is as jam-packed of helpful information. Read about archery terminology, parts of a compound bow, crossbow and recurve bow, with details on what each part does and how it works. The Explore Bowhunting Curriculum Book teaches the instructor how to teach the program, and follows along with the Student Handbook. There are also many fun activities to help teach, but make the learning fun!

We started using this program with my 2 grandchildren. Ryan at age 9 is technically younger than what the curriculum is designed for, but with his background in hunting since age 4, he followed along and understood the information. For both of them, this course was a reinforcement of what we have been teaching them already. The information is presented in such a way that it makes it easy for the kids to understand the hows and whys. They knew we hunted the wind, but didn’t fully understand everything about it until now, they just knew to do it! If you have youth in your family, church, neighborhood or schools, that are just getting started with bowhunting, this program should be a must to do! Sure you could try to teach everything on your own, but this program makes sure everything is included and in an easy to follow along presentation.

Contact your state’s wildlife agency to locate and register for a workshop of Explore Bowhunting near you. For more information about the Explore Bowhunting program, contact Emily Beach at  emilybeach@archerytrade.org; or Kelly Kelly at kellykelly@archerytrade.org.

Download the Explore Bowhunting brochure at http://www.archerytrade.org/uploads/documents/ExploreBowhunting_Brochure.pdf

Download the Explore Bowhunting Table of Contents and 2 Sample Activities at http://www.archerytrade.org/uploads/documents/SampleActivities_ExploreBowhunting2.pdf

Download the Student Handbook sample at http://www.archerytrade.org/uploads/documents/SH_Sample.pdf

ATA/Explore Bowhunting logo is the sole property of it’s rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

 

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/04/22/explore-bowhuntingdiane-hassinger/





Bow Hunter Action Figures for our Bow Hunting Youths

5 05 2014

hunter dan logo

Bow Hunter Dan and Ann shooting their Mathew's Bows in their Ameristep tree stands. Photo: Hunter Dan Co.

Bow Hunter Dan and Ann shooting their Mathew’s Bows in their Ameristep tree stands.
Photo: Hunter Dan Co.

Make learning fun with Bow Hunter Dan and Bow Hunter Ann! Both 8” fully poseable action figures made by the Hunter Dan Company. There is a complete line of accessories available for them, and they come complete with lots of great hunting gear, all names we, as adults, have come to trust. They both wear Rocky Hunting Boots, Deer Hides pants and shirts, a Hunter Safety System safety harness and store this in their Scent-Loc style storage bag. They shoot Mathew’s bows, climb into an Ameristep Tree Stand, glass with their Nikon binoculars, range with their Nikon rangefinder, call with the Quaker Boy Shooter Deer Cal, and use Renzo’s Deer Decoys and rattle using their rattling antlers. These figurines are very well equipped!

Hunter Dan urges the kids to wear a safety harness whenever they leave the ground! Photo: Hunter Dan Co.

Hunter Dan urges the kids to wear a safety harness whenever they leave the ground!
Photo: Hunter Dan Co.

Accessories available include Pop-up Blind, Camp Tent and a quad called The Beast. They are hunting for big game such as Whitetail Deer, Pronghorn, Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear and Wild Turkey. They are assisted by their faithful Labrador Retriever. Our youth are only limited by their imaginations where their hunts could take place.

My granddaughter, at 11, is an avid hunter, but likes playing with these figures. We make pretend of hunts we are on, shot placements, safety issues and even tracking. Lately she has been “teaching” her 2-year-old cousin all about hunting. Together they have been to the mountains for elk, and to the local woods for black bear. They can travel the USA on their hunts of a lifetime, in their imaginations. My stairwell spindles make the perfect “trees” to set the tree stands in, and chairs create their forests. They are having a lot of fun, while making sure to play at staying safe and making ethical shots. According to Sarah, the only thing missing was a practice target, so that Dan and Ann can practice with their Mathew’s bows!

Sarah shows Ellie when a good shot placement would be on this mule deer. Stairwell spindles make great trees! Photos: Diane Hassinger

Sarah shows Ellie when a good shot placement would be on this mule deer. Stairwell spindles make great trees!
Photos: Diane Hassinger

What I like about these figures are that, Bow Hunter Ann and Dan, like our youth, wear the Hunter Safety Systems harnesses, and shoot Mathew’s bows. Play carries over into real life for us. All the action figures have held up to many hours of hard hunting play! Anything that encourages these kids to learn about hunting, while having fun, is a great addition to our house.

The MSRP for both Bow Hunter Ann and Dan is $19.99, while the accessories range from $4.99 to $21.99. All items are available for purchase at http://hunterdan.com/sort/products/action-figures/

While you are on this website, check out their extras for kids, http://hunterdan.com/extras-for-kids/, which includes downloadable coloring pages and an interactive bow-hunting game. The newest catalog from

Hunter Dan is available for downloading at http://hunterdan.com/catalog

Hunter Ann encourages all of her “HUNTIN’ BUDDIES to attend an approved Hunter Education Course before actually going afield.”

Hunter Dan logo is the sole property of it’s rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

 

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at  http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/04/16/bow-hunter-action-figures-for-our-bow-hunting-youthsdiane-hassinger/





Morrell Baseball Fieldtip Target

5 05 2014

morrell logoDo you often wish there was different way to practice archery with your children? Morrell Targets has a game series line of targets that make shooting your bow fun!

baseball

The Baseball Field Tip Target by Morrell.
Photo: Morrell Targets stock photo

These field tip bag targets feature a Baseball Game on one side off the target, and Bulls-eyes on the other. Measuring a generous 28″X28″X12″, they feature the Internal Frame System with 24 layers of arrow stopping power. The targets are 100% weatherproof, and are considered part of their X-Tended Life Targets. They are perfect for shooting with your child, as the target will stop arrows shot from both adult and youth bows. The baseball target has various sections that declare your shot a hit, home run, double play 2 outs, outs, triple play 3 outs and more. The bullseye side has 5 different bullseye targets to pick from.

These targets stopped all of the arrows within a few inches, and they were still easy to pull! Photo: Diane Hassinger

These targets stopped all of the arrows within a few inches, and they were still easy to pull!
Photo: Diane Hassinger

On a recent snowy weekend, 2 of my grandchildren were lamenting, “we have nothing to do.” That is the wrong thing to say in my presence, I will find something for them to do. Since we couldn’t run around and play baseball for real, we proceeded to get out the bows for a little fun. When I was initially looking at the target, I thought this was going to be easy, a shutout on my part. Then the target taught me there is a lot more than just shooting involved!

As we took turns shooting, I was of course shooting for the home run area. Ginger was taking the “easier” shot on the hits. After 4 shots; 4 difficult home runs for me and 3 hits and a grand slam for Ginger, we were tied up. I should have seen that one coming! There is as much strategy involved with this game as its namesake. Before we realized it, almost 2 hours had passed. We were so intent on our game that the cold didn’t matter, and the foot of snow was not a problem. We were having fun shooting and as a family!

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Hits, Home Runs, Grand Slams; Where will you hit?
Photo: Diane Hassinger

Morrell Targets are so concerned about the future of our youth, that they donate to the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program), by means of money for scholarship and target support. Morrell Targets are also the official target for the NASP state and national tournaments. They have earned the honor of being named a Platinum Medal Level Sponsor!

The Baseball Fieldtip Target has a MSRP of $89.99, and can be purchased at http://morrelltargets.com/products/91/Baseball-Game-Fieldpoint-Target. You can also find a dealer for these at http://morrelltargets.com/dealers/.

Morrell Targest and NASP name and logo are the sole property of its rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

This product review originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/04/14/morrell-baseball-fieldtip-target-diane-hassinger/