Since September of 2011, I seem to be cursed when it comes to weather. I hunted Southeast Alaska for Moose, and it rained for seven days straight. I hunted waterfowl in Northern California’s Central Valley on 3 different occasions, and each one turned out to be a “bluebird day”.

When the Junior Turkey Season approached this Spring, I was hopeful I could get my 13 year old Son an opportunity at his first gobbler. Unfortunately, I only had one day to get it done.

The evening before our hunt, I made a drive out to the property where we were planning to go. After glassing for a while, I located a big flock of birds feeding on Pasture land across the road from the parcel we had permission to go on. The weather was sketchy; it had rained earlier in the day, and the evening sky was socked in with clouds. I needed two things: I needed the weather to hold, and I needed those birds to cross the road.

After about an hour stakeout, I got one of my wishes; the birds all moved to a ridgeline above the road, and took flight across the road into a group of digger pines down the canyon. So far so good!

I woke up the next morning to the sound of constant rain pattering on our metal rooftop. I opted to wait an hour or two after daybreak, to see if the storm would let up. As you can see from the video, it did not!

We were able to locate the birds, and after a quick setup with our SLIP Systems, we got the flock within 80 yards by challenging the lead hen. Unfortunately, we were set up on the wrong side of a ravine, and we couldn’t get the flock to cross.

After returning from a family vacation two weeks later, I had another opportunity to hunt on a Friday before the North State Sportsman Expo. Once again, I was a victim of a seemingly endless storm that included the special bonus of occasional snow and sleet.

My SLIP System with the Turkey Decoy Cover kept my dry throughout the day, and also provided me with a quick decoy setup on several occasions. I was even able to film a successful stalk on 4 blacktails just after the 4 PM shooting time, by using the Turkey Decoy as a shield.

A Typical Decoy Setup with Elk Mountain Gear

Even though I was unsuccessful, I was able to get out and enjoy the entire day, without having soaked clothing. Just another bonus you receive when you are the owner of an Elk Mountain SLIP System.

Back when I was growing up here in Northern California, predators such as bears, lions, and bobcats were run with dogs on a regular basis.  Seeing a bear in the woods was rare, and it was almost unheard of to see a mountain lion.   The deer herd was flourishing, and all was right with the World.

Nowadays, it seems I can’t go anywhere without seeing a bear, seeing a legal buck has become the rarity.  And I have personally encountered several lions in the last few years.  Bears and lions are showing up in urban areas, near Schools and Parks, etc. There have been quite a few documented attacks in the last few years, and a couple of fatalities.

Just when it becomes apparent we are failing in our attempt to secure the future of deer hunting in California, in steps the Humane Society, in an attempt to put another nail in the coffin.  Please read the following message quoted from Mike Faw, Director of Communications for U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance.  I urge you to take action against this imminent threat to our hunting heritage, by following the links at the bottom of the message.

Bill to Ban Hunting Introduced in California

Fresh off their failed attempt to play politics with the California Fish and Game Commission, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has now teamed up with California State Senator Ted Lieu (D-Redondo Beach) to target the states bear and bobcat hunters.

Senate Bill 1221, introduced by Senator Lieu, originally dealt with air pollution.  Instead, the senator is proposing an amendment to ban hound hunting for bears and bobcats at the behest of the nation’s largest animal rights organization, HSUS.  The bill will likely be referred to the Senate Natural Resources Committee next week where it will be heard possibly as soon as April 10th.

In addition to an attack on hunters, the bill is also an attack on public safety as California black bear numbers have more than doubled over the past 30 years.  Coupled with California’s dramatic increases in population and urbanization, it is increasingly important that state wildlife officials have every tool necessary to control populations.  Hunting with hounds is an accepted, effective, challenging and humane method of hunting.   Twenty-nine states have a huntable population of black bears, 17 of which permit hunting with hounds.

“Anti-hunters have tried several times to ban hunting with dogs in California, but all hunters realize this is all part of their agenda to ban hunting one step at a time,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA director of state services. “That’s why it is so important that all California hunters contact their state senator to oppose SB 1221.”

USSA is working with the Masters of Foxhounds Association,  California Houndsmen for Conservation, the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance,  and others to defeat SB 1221.

Take Action!   California sportsmen must speak out today and prevent anti-hunters from driving this debate.  Call your state senator and tell them to oppose SB 1221.  To find your senators contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

Follow the links to your local Representatives, and call or e-mail them immediately in response to this important issue.

Hunting predators can be the most challenging feat a hunter can take on.  Blessed with superior senses, predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, bears, and bobcats will repeatedly detect the slightest movement, scent, or sound.  Predator hunting success can be hard earned.

Wolves in the lower 48 States can take predator hunting to a whole new level!

A wolf pack is the ultimate killing machine!  They will work as an effective team, to isolate and hamstring big game.  Their superior senses make it near impossible to get them into position for a shot, especially if the pack has lost a few members to hunters.  To kill a wolf, you have to take your game to the next level!

The SLIP System from Elk Mountain Gear, besides providing a sturdy trekking pole and a rainproof umbrella all-in-one unit, can be fitted with the Timber Elk Slip, to provide wolves with an irresistable situation to move in for the kill.   Outfitted with the rifle adaptor accessory that comes standard with each System,  the Timber Elk decoy quickly becomes a death trap for wolves!

It is not a surprise that the most effective call for wolves is the cow and calf elk call; elk are the main source of food for wolves in the lower 48 and many parts of Canada.  The superior scenting ability of wolves create a big challenge for the predator hunter.  Personally, I like to apply Trophy Blend Elk Scent stick directly to my decoy cover, when I’m elk hunting.  I apply it to the inside of the umbrella also; I believe that the blind helps somewhat catch and “filter” human scent in the case of swirling winds.

I have read a lot of frustrated accounts of predator hunters, who could clearly locate and hear wolves in big timber country, and could get a response with elk calls, but failed to get the wolves to clear the timber for an effective shot.  The SLIP System can help hunters seal the deal, and do their part to help preserve our elk herds for generations to come!

You can help us get our Products into WalMart.

We are one of 4000 entries in their “Get on the Shelf” Contest, video entries are submitted, and the top ten entries will be decided by public vote, on April 3rd.

The easiest way to vote, is to text “5191″ to 383838  

You can vote once daily, until the voting is closed.

You can also vote using facebook, by accessing our video entry at the following link:   the SLIP System

Winning the Contest gets the winner valuable marketing support from WalMart, and opens up the possiblity of getting the Products on the Shelf for Consumers.  You can imagine how the demand for our Products would rise, if we actually won, or placed highly in the Contest.

We truly appreciate your vote!

Best Wishes,

Jeff Ervin, CEO, Elk Mountain Gear

Having had a great Show last Season in Medford, we decided to exhibit again.

Thanks to Joe Pate for accomodating us, we had a great time again, and we talked to a lot of Southern Oregon hunters.  The Medford Show seems to have a lot of hunters per capita coming through; rightly so, since it is located in the heart of some of the best Blacktail and Roosevelt Elk country in the U.S.! As it was last year, people brought in their Trophies for the Southern Oregon Head and Horns Competition.  Here are the results of that contest:

We did a decent amount of sales; the Timber Elk decoy Slip was by far our biggest seller; the life size Roosevelt Elk Butt is the bomb for hunting the Pacific Northwest in heavily timbered conditions, allowing the hunter total concealment when calling and moving in and around elk herds. The area is also rich in turkeys, and I stressed to many turkey hunters, the beauty of spot and stalk turkey hunting using our Timber Buck and Open Country Buck decoys.  The “buck in a sneak” decoy is a great way to encroach on turkeys; they are sensitive to movement, but not to the movement of deer.  It can get you close enough to get the job done, and, you do not have to worry about getting shot using a deer decoy as a shield during turkey season!  Best of all, you can have the rifle rest attachment on top of the unit when you are moving in, so all you have to do is stake the blind down, take a rest, and it’s bye-bye gobbler!

"Corkscrew Buck" from Grant County Oregon

Hunting blacktails from tree stands is another favorite tactic in the Pacific Northwest, and the ability of the SLIP System to be used as a treestand cover AND camera mount simultaneously, was very appealing to many hunters. I was fortunate to interview Rob Smollack, CEO and founder of ASAT Camo.  Rob had some great gear at the Show, and we talked about some of the plans he has for future gear, some very cool ideas!  Keep your eyes on ASAT Camo in the coming year! Next on the list, the NorCal Boat, Sport, and RV Show…here in our home territory near Redding, CA.   Stay tuned!

I first met Mark Mason from Trophy Blend in 2010, at the Western Classic Trail Shoot, a National 3D Archery Shooting event which includes the marked 3D National Championships,  in Redding, California. Immediately, we found a mutual appreciation for eachother’s Products, and since then, I have hunted with Mark several times, and we manage to stay in touch on a regular basis.

When Mark asked if we had a booth at the 2012 NABA Show, I told him, “no, but would it be possible for me to have some of our brochures in your booth”? Mark said “yes” with no hesitation, and I plan on repaying the favor by having literature from Trophy Blend  in our booth at the Medford Sportmen’s Show next week.

Mark has teamed up with Jeff Breedlove, to create a new line of liquid scents to add to his arsenal;  Hard on the Trail is a well established scent Company, that Mark and Jeff acquired in 2o11;  and they have definitely taken the Products to the next level, and added some great new Products to the line.

Mark and Jeff have every type of scent product imaginable, in any form. And, Mark’s Son Austin, has some very impressive and beautiful hand-crafted game calls, be sure to check them out on his website at A&M Game Calls

Mark Mason from Trophy Blend and Hard on the Trail

In my video walk-through, I was fortunate to run into Dave from Goat Tuff; we were neighbors at our very first Trade Show (ATA 2010). Dave and his Dad were instrumental in giving us tips about how set up an effective booth, and how to sell and market our Products in a Show environment.

Goat Tuff has the go-to products for many Archery Pro Shops around this Country, when it comes to fletching cement, vanes, and other Products.  Goat Tuff adhesives are easy to work with, impact resistant, and tough as nails! They always seem to be coming up with new ideas, and this year was no exception; a “hands free’ bowholder that attaches to your belt, allowing instant access to your bow when you need it.

I was unaware that Mark’s booth was right across from one of our “competitors” in a sense; but the situation allowed me to meet Mark Renner from Bethedecoy, who is a great guy with some kick-ass products; he has a “Speedgoat Hat” that looks just like the head of a buck antelope, that can be worn with a special “antelope shirt”, to allow hunters to stalk pronhgorns “Indian Style”!  He also has a muley hat, and an elk  hat coming out next Year. Mark made a good point, there is no reason why two products such as ours couldn’t be used together when hunting antelope and other big game; it would just make the stalk more effective.  I had several great conversations with Mark.

Just when I thought I was going to escape from the Show, I had a dealer from Idaho checking out our Brochure.  I gave a quick demo, and he immediately wanted to purchase a SLIP System.

Mark from Bethedecoy actually came to me, and offered to run of of my Demo DVDs in his booth for the dealers, so they could watch it!  Actions like these speak volumes about the quality of people you meet in the Archery and Hunting Industry;  they will oftentimes go out of their way to help others, even if it means putting their own ventures on hold.  Mark Renner is no exception, Thanks again, Mark!

When I returned with the order for the Idaho dealer, I found that they had already told another dealer about our Products, and I once again ran through a quick demo of the SLIP System.  My brief stay at NABA made me realize, that we will definitely need to reserve booth Space for 2013!

Two years ago, on our annual elk hunt in the Colorado high country, we were sitting a wallow behind our SLIP blinds with camo covers, hoping for a bull to grace us with his presence.  The elk had been miserably silent due to warm weather conditions, and we were bored beyond belief.

That is when Cory took the trekking pole end of his SLIP System, and started screwing it into a spruce tree.  We were able to reassemble the unit, but it was unstable, because there was nothing to secure the canopy to keep it from twisting.

Cory Gabrielson of Elk Mountain Gear in Colorado, 2010

We were frustrated that we had come so close to a treestand solution for the unit, but, the seed was planted.

The light came on in Cory’s head this week, when he came up with a brilliant, yet simple solution, to adapt the SLIP System securely to any tree, so it could be used in any weather conditions, including moderate wind.  And, as a bonus, you can use the camera adaptor provided with the System, to swivel and lock your video camera in position, so you can simultaneously hunt and film.

This is the procedure:

Tools Required:   SLIP System, camera adaptor, parachute cord or short bungee cord, and a screw-in type tree step.

1.  Start a pilot hole at arm’s reach over your head in the tree trunk using the tree step, and remove it.

2. Remove the trekking pole end from your SLIP System, and screw it securely into the pilot hole.

3. Assemble the unit into a stalking blind, just as you would if you were decoying on the ground, with the canopy overhead, and taking care that the fabric loops on the bottom of the umbrella canopy are facing back toward the tree trunk.

4. Firmly secure the umbrella canopy to the tree trunk with a cord or bungee, using the fabric loops on the canopy.  The canopy will conform to the tree, for maximum overhead weatherproofing.

5. Screw the camera adaptor tightly in place on the exposed threads of the handle piece, and then twist the rubber handle, until the swivel is straight up and down (vertical).  This will give you the maximum angle adjustment for your camera.

6. Secure your video camera to the camera adaptor, and lock it in place using the rounded base plate on the camera adaptor.  You are now ready to hunt and film!

The loops on the umbrella canopy were designed to use with lawn stakes, to secure the blind to the ground in high wind.  It just never dawned on us to use them to secure it to the tree….duh! 

Just another great way to use Elk Mountain Gear!  It is becoming obvious why more and  more hunters, outfitters, and outdoor photographers and videographers are getting on board with the Elk Mountain SLIP System.

On Tuesday evening, January 31st, 2012, we loaded up Cory’s truck, and headed for the Nevada Border.  After making a donation in Reno, we headed South to Las Vegas, for the 2012 Elk Camp Exhibition.

Elk Camp was a great Show, and even though it lacked the huge numbers of attendees we expected, we turned a record number of sales.  The number of hunters per capita seemed to be very high, for a public Show.

One of the things we didn’t think of, was the fact that this was the first Year that the RMEF Elk Camp had been in Las Vegas, and also, the first time they had combined it with the International Sportsman’s Exhibition (ISE).  This point was made to us by some seasoned veterans that had the booth next to us.  Also, the Show was running concurrent with the Safari Club exhibition; we saw quite a few exhibitors and SCI members that popped over for the RMEF Show.  Next Year, the Show is scheduled in late February, and should have very little competition.

On Saturday, the finalists in the World Elk Calling Championships cut loose with their most aggressive and awe-inspiring elk sounds, and two of the big winners were Brad Cain and Dustin Howard from Next Level Outdoors, taking 1st and 4th place respectively.  Great job, gentlemen!

Hunters and outfitters were blown away by the versatility and innovation of the SLIP System, and we are strongly hoping to see some great trophy pics from our sales this Season.

As you can see from the video, this was a BIG Show, with over 500 vendors.  Making my rounds with the video camera before the Show opened on day 2, I was blown away by the gear and services offered at the Show!

The Show also hosted the Humphries Archery 3D Popup Challenge  ; I was able to watch a bit of this, and it looks really fun!  Something to think about for next Year.

All in all, we had a great Show, made some awesome contacts in the outdoor industry, and we will strongly consider returning to Vegas for next Year’s Show!

During the RMEF Elk Camp Expo in Las Vegas last weekend, I had the good fortune of meeting Craig Steele, CEO and founder of Outdoorsman’s Resource Guide. More than just another magazine, the Outdoorsman’s Resource Guide is a piece of gear that any Arizona Hunter should not be without this Season!

Craig and his crew have gone above and beyond, to bring hunters the most comprehensive collection of goods and services available throughout the State of Arizona, information that can become invaluable on a DIY or guided hunt.

Examples of the great information available in this annual publication include:

Trophy Field Judging
Rough Score Sheets
Skinning Guides
Meat Care Guides
Weather Information
Lunar & Daylight Tables
Drought Report
ATV Services
Auto Services
Bow Shops
Guides & Outfitters
Gun Stores
Game Processors
Motel Discounts
Taxidermists
and much, much more. With the Guide expanding into Colorado in 2013, Craig will be including DIY hunting stories (oh, please let me have a success story to submit for this Season)!

This is a beautifully laid out, well organized publication, that both Resident and Non-Resident hunters should always keep handy. Craig is an accomplished hunter with both bow and rifle, with several record book animals to his name. His passion for hunting and the outdoors, becomes highly evident in his work, and you can believe he is working day and night, to bring you the highest quality publication in its class.  As a matter of fact, there is nothing in print that currently compares!

You can purchase the ORG at many retailers throughout the State of Arizona, and directly on their website at:   http://shop.outdoorsmansresourceguide.com/

The Outdoorsman’s Resource Guide will soon be available all across the Western U.S., and if you have products or services (especially in Colorado or Arizona), it would be well worth your while to consider advertising your business with Craig and his Company. Keep your eyes open for this one, it’s gonna be big!

Having hunted pheasants with her about a month ago, we found that she was anxious around the larger birds.  She would pin them down, and then she would be afraid to get aggressive.  So, John and Dave of G and G pheasant ranch suggested we try her on Chukar.

Julie easily picked up the scent of the first bird, and then started to act anxious again.  So, I got down on my hands and knees, and crept toward the bird, with Julie watching intently.  I reached out and snatched at the bird with my hand, and up it came.  What happened next was pure luck, I winged the bird, and Julie watched it fall to the ground.  Immediately, she was in hot pursuit, and I was excitedly egging her on to “get the bird”!  After a long chase and standoff, she snatched up the bird, and I blew a long whistle to bring her to me.  She brought the bird to my hand, and I rubbed her excitedly and told her what a good girl she was.  I followed up by giving her a couple of chunks of pepperoni stick for a treat.

After that first bird, Julie required little instruction.  The game was on, and she was having fun!  Julie pointed 15 birds, and retrieved every one of the 11 birds we brought to the ground!  My Son William and I were so happy, we could not ask for more from a 9 month old pup!

My Son also showed that he was becoming a polished wingshooter, he made some great shots on those birds, and passed shots that would have meant danger for me or the dog.  I couldn’t be prouder, and it was one of those days that both of us will always remember!  Having part of it on video made it even better (I was able to fit the camera adaptor into the rubber handle of my SLIP system, so I could walk with it as a trekking pole with the camera mounted on the handle, and simply stab it into the ground when I wanted to film)!

9 month old "Julie", rigid on point!

As you can see in the video, Mark and Jeff from Trophy Blend and Hard on the Trail were also hunting up at G and G, and both of them brought their teenage sons.  Mark and Jeff backed the boys on pheasants, and the boys performed very well, and seemed to be having a great time!

Thanks again to the hardworking crew up at G and G, we will definitely be back up for some pheasants before the Season ends!