Quality outdoor products still made in USA

From XTRATUF boots to Utica Cutlery, outdoor enthusiasts can find quality products made in America.

It’s a fact of life that many of our everyday items are no longer made in the USA. This is not going to be a discussion about the complex economic issues, but it is nice to point out that some businesses are thriving. We often review quality, useful, or innovative products. So, it is good that we can suggest some things that we personally like, and also find that they are made in the USA.

I am fussy about my footwear and want to share my thoughts about XTRATUF boots. This year, I was unable to attend the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, so I amrelying on my fellow writer and good friend Steve Zahurak for his report on some of the highlights of products in today’s column and in the future.

XTRATUF Boots: If you have been to Alaska, or have read much about life in Alaska, you will know that one thing that nearly all Alaskans have in common is love of XTRATUF boots. I could not help but notice that while I was there, and recently I was reading a story by one of my favorite authors, Nick Jans, who was discussing dressing for adventure in Alaska. Jans made the point about dressing in appropriate layers, etc. for rugged Alaskan conditions and often inhospitable weather. He said that it didn’t matter what brand his clothing was but that he insisted on wearing XTRATUF boots.

In fact they are nicknamed “the Alaskan sneaker” by the people who insist on them. They are an icon in that region, and some specialty stores even advertise their products with special decorative designs added for style. Originally they were manufactured by a tire company and intended for commercial fishermen, but now they are an independent company that makes a variety of related footwear here in America.

I have always had problems with my feet, including fallen arches, yet I have always put a lot of miles on while hunting, fishing or working. Thus I always insisted on quality footwear. Some time ago I figured that if these boots were good enough for Alaskans, I would certainly give them a try. I have

never regretted that decision.

It is the original 100 percent waterproof boot that Alaskan fishermen have depended on for over 50 years. These Legacy style boots are engineered to withstand the world’s toughest conditions and protect those who fish the Bering Sea. You are not likely to face the same conditions that these rugged commercial fishermen endure, but the toughness, quality, nonslip soles, and comfort are something that we can all appreciate.

In addition to their iconic Legacy boots, they also now make a variety of men’s and women’s foot wear. These include shorter deck boots, ankle deck boots, slip- ons, watersport boots and other apparel for sport fishermen, watersport paddlers, and all-around use. Check out their line of products at www. XTRATUF.com.

Las Vegas SHOT Show Special report by Steve Zahurak

On Monday buses took us to the Boulder City Pistol and Rifle range about half an hour southeast of Las Vegas for Industry Day at the Range. It is an allday event where 1,600 members of the media meet with 170 manufacturers and check out the hottest new products of the year by shooting and testing on the range in a true hands- on experience.

The Shot Show was held Tuesday through Friday at the Sands Convention Center, where 1,600 manufacturers and exhibitors displayed their products for the next year. There were 65,000 attendees and 1,600 representatives of various media. One characterization of it stated, “It is the Super Bowl, Christmas and Mardi Gras all rolled into one.”

While Duxbak is no longer in Utica, I did find a quality manufacturer who has been in Utica since 1910. I had an enlightening conversation with Mike Mathews at the display booth. Utica Cutlery has earned an international reputation for the quality of its knives. Skilled craftspeople using the finest quality materials are producing knives for every use in the outdoors, at home or as pocket knives. To celebrate more than a century of manufacturing in upstate New York, they are making available a distinctive line of pocket cutlery, UTK Survival Series. The knives are manufactured in much the same manner as they were in the 20’s and 30’s incorporating craftsmanship and pride.

Walls Clothing booth had celebrity Bruce Mitchell, the Alligator Man of the hit show “Swamp People,” in attendance. Bruce discussed alligator hunting, autographed pictures, and posed for photos. Walls introduced its new camo clothing system, HID3. The concealment system uses small and large patterns to disrupt the human outline while blending into the surroundings. It utilizes technical quiet fabrics with soft-snap buttons to fight against unwanted sounds along with HID3 Scent. It is a two-step system to capture and control 99 percent of odor- causing human bacteria and remarkably regenerates without washing. The three-piece layered system uses an Outfitter jacket and pants, along with a grid fleece interior for next to skin comfort.

Otis Technology introduced a product that really caught my eye, Metal Defense Bore Stick. Insert it into the muzzle and it seals off the muzzle, protecting the bore of your firearms from rust and corrosion, no matter how long or short your off-season is. I am also looking forward to using their MC-10 High Performance cleaner and lubricant, which will have your firearms running cleaner than ever. Otis is a local company from Lyons Falls that is noted for high quality and innovative products. We will have more information on other Otis developments in the near future.

SHORT CASTS

NYS Parks Pass Discount: An Empire Pass provides all season enjoyment at NYS Parks. It provides unlimited day use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by NYS Parks and DEC, including forests, beaches, trails, and more. Purchase your Empire Pass Card for $65 now at a discount from now through March 31. The regular cost is $80.

The new wallet sized Empire Pass card can be shared among household members, car givers, and more. It is not assigned to a specific vehicle. Purchase your Empire Pass now at a state park near you, or purchase it online at www.shop.parks.ny.gov/store/passes/.

Crossbow Coalition Urges Action: The Crossbow Coalition urges sportsmen to take action now to help secure he same rights and recognition for crossbows as other bow hunters now enjoy. The NYS Senate has included Senator Gallivan’s bill S 1386 A in their 2018 budget proposal S7508B. They urge you to call the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Flanigan (518- 455-2071) and Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heaster (518- 4553791) and ask that they support language of the Senate Budget Bill.

They also say that it is important to contact Senate EnCon Chairman Tom O’Mara (518- 4552091) and Assembly EnCon Chairman Steve Englebright (518- 455- 4804) in addition to asking your local representatives. There are only two weeks to act.

You can bet that New York Bowhunters, Inc. are mounting a campaign to defeat this measure, because they want no competition in “their woods” for what they consider “their deer.” They forget that it was gun hunters and those of us “veterans” who fought for their season and bowhunting privilege several decades ago.

Pistol Permit Course: There will be a basic pistol course at Vernon National Shooting Preserve on Thursday, April 5, starting at 5 p.m. Cost is $50 per person, payable the day of the course. Contact Art Coriale at artcoriale@roadrunner.com, or (315) 225-3245 for pre-registration.

NFCT Summer Paddling Trips For Children: Registration in underway for Northern Forest Canoe Trail Explorer Trips. Experienced outfitters offer fun overnight paddling adventures for kids 9 – 15 along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail route. There are various adventure trips for kids in the Long Lake – Raquette River area of the Adirondacks. The trips range from 4 – 6 days and offer children the opportunity to develop paddling, camping, and outdoor leadership skills. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. For more information call 802- 496-2285.