uplandokie
New member
Season is winding down. Today is last day for pheasant season here. We do have a couple weeks of quail season left though. I might go 1 more time. Here's my thoughts on some gear that worked and didn't work. How'd your gear treat you?
Pros
Dog boxes--had a diamond plated double with vents and lockable top storage compartment given to me Real nice. Also bought a easyloader triple that will fit under bed cover and only ways 30 something lbs.
Dog collars--added a garmin alpha300 and 3 tt25 dollars. Expensive but great for old dogs that hunt lots of cover and young dogs that get lost.
Guns--started with a new ethos field 20/26. Decided I wanted higher rib and sold ethos to friend. I bought a 20/28 ethos supersport. I'm very pleased.
Ammo--mid season I tried some Migra 6/8 stacked loads. I expected overpriced gimmicky shells. They really work well on mixed bag hunts.
Land access/hunts--about 20 days in the field. Killed birds in 7 counties in 2 states on private, public and walkin land. Picked up limited access(with landowner or only a couple times/year) to a couple thousand acres of good upland ground.
Cons
Boots--I really like the comfort and support of Keen targhee high but they stitching coming loose after about 20 hunts. Glue broke down on soles after 1 season on the last pair.
Vest--I like vests with zippered vertical shell pockets. I've been using a gamehide for a couple years. It is fine but I lost about 20 lbs and wanted a tighter fitting vest. Ordered a amazon special for about $40. It lasted 4 hunts and zippers failed. They sent me a new one and I've tried to not overload pockets. Game pocket is hard to access than gamehide.
Other
Dogs get an A+. 10.5 F gsp, 2.5 F gsp, .5 M gsp, 4 M lab. Old dog still gritty and young dogs improving. No injuries and no plans to change roster.
Truck--thinking about switching from diesel back to gas. Don't love the emissions stuff but haven't any issues other than a DEF tank heater replacement on a SD trip in 2024.
Pros
Dog boxes--had a diamond plated double with vents and lockable top storage compartment given to me Real nice. Also bought a easyloader triple that will fit under bed cover and only ways 30 something lbs.
Dog collars--added a garmin alpha300 and 3 tt25 dollars. Expensive but great for old dogs that hunt lots of cover and young dogs that get lost.
Guns--started with a new ethos field 20/26. Decided I wanted higher rib and sold ethos to friend. I bought a 20/28 ethos supersport. I'm very pleased.
Ammo--mid season I tried some Migra 6/8 stacked loads. I expected overpriced gimmicky shells. They really work well on mixed bag hunts.
Land access/hunts--about 20 days in the field. Killed birds in 7 counties in 2 states on private, public and walkin land. Picked up limited access(with landowner or only a couple times/year) to a couple thousand acres of good upland ground.
Cons
Boots--I really like the comfort and support of Keen targhee high but they stitching coming loose after about 20 hunts. Glue broke down on soles after 1 season on the last pair.
Vest--I like vests with zippered vertical shell pockets. I've been using a gamehide for a couple years. It is fine but I lost about 20 lbs and wanted a tighter fitting vest. Ordered a amazon special for about $40. It lasted 4 hunts and zippers failed. They sent me a new one and I've tried to not overload pockets. Game pocket is hard to access than gamehide.
Other
Dogs get an A+. 10.5 F gsp, 2.5 F gsp, .5 M gsp, 4 M lab. Old dog still gritty and young dogs improving. No injuries and no plans to change roster.
Truck--thinking about switching from diesel back to gas. Don't love the emissions stuff but haven't any issues other than a DEF tank heater replacement on a SD trip in 2024.
