LAST UPDATED: May 1st, 2015
The 2015 NWTF Convention is in the books. It was honestly one of the best shows yet. I enjoyed catching up with some old friends, making some new ones, and seeing some cool new products for turkey hunting, bowfishing, predator hunting, and more. Here’s a look at some of my favorites from this year’s show in Nashville, TN.
FOXPRO Turkey and Predator Calls
I had a chance to catch up with Abner Druckenmiller of FOXPRO to see their new line of turkey calls. The company is long known as an industry leader in electronic calls for predator hunting. For 2015, FOXPRO taps into the turkey world with their new Crooked Spur Series line of turkey calls. The lineup includes slate calls, box calls, and mouth calls. I really like their Elite slate calls. They easily mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, but one of the most innovative features is the built-in predator call that comes standard with each striker in this series.
The Rude Snood Box Call from FOXPRO delivers true turkey sounds with incredible volume to reach out on windiest days of chasing turkeys. This unique call features a patent-pending bottom sound port allowing you to cast your sounds better than ever before. While operating most box calls, the source of the sound is distributed towards your face. The opening in the bottom of the Rude Snood allows the sound to exit away from you to locate distant gobblers.
If it’s coyotes you’re after this spring, then you’ll definitely want to check out the FOXPRO FUSION e-caller with tons of great features in a compact package. The dual speaker call comes with 100 quality FOXPRO sounds and can store and access up to 1000 sounds. No matter what critter you pursue, the FUSION caller has you covered.
Turkey Fan
Crawl-behind turkey decoys have been the rage among turkey hunters the last few years. When properly used, in a safe environment, crawling with a turkey fan (also known as “fanning”) can be as intense a hunt as you’ll ever find. The new Turkey Fan from 27:3 Outdoors has made this endeavor a much easier, and successful, experience. As smooth and simple as operating an umbrella, the Turkey Fan is more compact than any other crawl-behind option on the market. The Turkey Fan features a viewing port that allows you to stay hidden instead of having to peak over the top of the fan. One of the coolest features is a camera port and attachment that allows you to film your own hunt with your smart phone or POV style camera. The Turkey Fan is beefed up to take plenty of abuse given out while in the field. The life-like strutting image will no doubt fool the toughest of field turkeys this spring. Check it out at TurkeyFan.com.
Hammock Seat
Sure, most turkey vests include a nice little seat cushion to make your sit in the woods more enjoyable. The problem is, a lot of the places I like to kill turkeys are swamp bottoms where longbeards are left alone. The places are typically wet and soggy. A typical butt cushion won’t cut it here. That’s why the Hammock Seat caught my eye. It keeps you up high, super comfortable, and very dry, whether you’re in pursuit of turkeys, coyotes, or even deer from the ground. I sat down in the Hammock Seat and found it very comfy. But what impressed me nearly as much was the fact that I could easily rotate and maneuver for a shot…something rarely found when sitting down on your rump. With a 350 pound weight limit, the Hammock Seat supports even the biggest turkey hunters in the woods. Check it out at FanaticOutdoors.com.
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The Firminator
The Firminator is the food plot implement for the deer and turkey hunter that wants an all-in-one answer to their food plot needs. Let’s face it. Most of us don’t own big farming equipment and tractors. The Firminator can be used with the smallest of tractors and even an ATV. Manage your properties and provide greater food sources for your game with the Firminator.
See the Firminator at Firminator.com.
Avian- X Feeder Hen
The Feeder Hen from Avian-X is one of the deadliest decoys you’ll find in the woods. This decoy works on so many levels to attract both gobblers and hens to your setup. I’ve never seen hens so calm and relaxed on the approach than when I’ve used this Feeder Hen. The feeding position of this decoy also stirs curiosity within approaching birds. They seem to hustle in to check out the groceries this imposter has found. And at 15% smaller than the originals, the next generation of Avian-X LCD decoys are lighter, easier to pack and less aggressive to real hens. No-flake paint on the quiet, collapsible Dura-Rubber bodies won’t wear off. Folding motion stake helps create movement with the slightest breeze. It includes a drawstring bag and a one-piece collapsible stake. See the complete line of Avian-X decoys at Avian-X.com
Avian-X TV Turkey Season 3 Teaser from ZinkCalls_AvianX on Vimeo.
Archery Camps USA
One group that was at the NWTF Show with a mission to stoke a passion for archery in the lives of young people was Archery Camps USA. These guys (and gals) worked a couple bowfishing tanks designed to give kids the chance to try their hand at bowfishing. Kids of all ages had a hoot flinging arrows from an elevated platform at the “stingrays” submerged in the tank. Archery Camps USA holds their annual kids camp each summer in Indiana.
Visit their site at archerycampsusa.org
Third Kind Blinds
Many turkeys will die this spring by hunters hiding out in the new Third Kind Blind. These blinds are tough, rugged in any weather, and will hide an archer coming to full draw like nothing else. These blinds fall into the permanent blind category, but with super-easy setup, they are nearly portable. The blinds are available in hardside and softside models.
See the blinds at ThirdKindBlinds.com.
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Ricochet Rounds Designs
There was even a little something for the ladies this year with a booth featuring some pretty slick bullet jewelry designed with a little southern charm. The ladies at Ricochet Rounds offer some really cool items that will no doubt keep your lady happy with bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and more. If you’re gonna buy her some bling-bling, you might as well buy her something that fits the lifestyle you love so much. Check out Ricochet Rounds when buying a gift for the lady in your life. RicochetRounds.com
ORCA Coolers
ORCA Coolers are made just down the road from where the NWTF Show is held each year. And unlike other brands, ORCA’s Made in the USA commitment makes this great product even better. ORCA Coolers are roto-molded and sure to take whatever abuse you can dish out. The cooler’s premium insulation keeps your food and drinks on ice longer. Padded carrying handles make it easier to take your cooler wherever you go – boats, blinds and everywhere in between. Check them out at OrcaCoolers.com.
