Scouting a few gadgets for serious hunters
Need a high-tech trail camera based on the ones used by the Department of Homeland Security? Check.
How about a low-tech, low-cost way to mount it? Got that, too. Every year brings more tempting whiz-bang stuff to make hunters’ pursuits easier and more enjoyable. Here is a look at some of the more interesting products.
Quick Set Shooting Rest
$69.95 Advanced Hunting Products, 361-2548800; advanced-hunting.com
This shooting rest is easy to move from one window to another in a blind while still providing stability for glassing with binoculars or aiming rifles and crossbows for everyone from youngsters to experienced hunters.
The rest fits window frames up to 4 inches wide, and the lower support arm adjusts quickly with a wing nut.
It can be used righthanded or lefthanded.
The powder-coated steel rest weighs 5 pounds.
Area retailers can be found on the Victoriabased company’s website, which offers free shipping.
Tactacam
From $199.99 Tactacam, 844-482-2822; tactacam.com
For fans of YouTube videos of folks shooting explosive targets or documenting hunts, this camera may be just the ticket to get in on the action.
One model from the Minnesota company even supports live streaming.
The small camera can be mounted on a rifle, shotgun, compound bow or crossbow. Users just push a button to record and again to stop.
The resolution of various models ranges from 1080p to 4K.
Packages that include firearm and bow mounts, battery, 32 GB SD card and USB cable with charging adapter start at $259.97.
Tactacam also makes a model for anglers that is waterproof and records in a loop to allow filming all day from a head mount, fishing pole or anywhere on the boat.
Scout SC410 Trail Camera
$949, Intelligent Surveillance Corp., 979-323-6900; intelligentsurveillancecorp.com
Sure, the price is up there for a trail camera, but this model is based on the more than 3 million units bought by Homeland Security.
Intelligent Surveillance Corp. was formed more than a decade ago by early companies in the trail camera and surveillance markets.
It sells cameras to military and law enforcement that feature facial recognition and license plate acquisition and database evaluation.
For hunters, the Scout SC410 sports species recognition to filter out unnecessary transmission through 4G cellular carriers, a Sony image sensor that records 12-megapixel photos and 4K videos, and GPS tracking to keep up with camera location.
The 0.2-second trigger speed is super fast.
The housing features military-grade aluminum with a silicon skin.
It is manufactured in the United States.
T-Mate trail camera mount
$26.95, Gunnyart Products, 682-422-6777; tpostmount.com
This simple piece of powder-coated steel makes mounting a trail camera a breeze.
Anywhere you can drive a T-post, you can mount a camera, which can be swiveled for fine tuning.
Forget about bungee cords, nylon straps and baling wire. Just slip the mount over a T-post and latch it in place with a locking pin and carabiner.
A knob with a ¼-inch bolt attaches the camera to the mount. For cameras without a threaded insert, zip ties can be used.
Gunnyart Products is based in Mansfield, and the mount is manufactured in Texas.
An optional T-Shade offers sun and a bit of weather protection.
Gun Magnets
$13.99, GO-Magnets, go-mags.net
This might be the easiest gun mount to use.
Just put the magnet on steel and attach the firearm.
While the mounts are popular with handgun owners, they also can be used with many rifles and shotguns — or magazines, flashlights or anything else with iron content.
The Austin-based company says it uses the strongest magnets available in the world.
The magnet can hold up to 15 pounds and can be used in a gun safe, around the house, in a vehicle or in a blind.
An included metal plate can be screwed to wood or plastic.
The magnets are manufactured in the United States.
Hear Peace Custom & Electronic Ear Protection
$65 & $799, Lainie Ortman, 216-559-4444; hear.peacetexas@gmail.com
Things that go bang can wreak havoc on one’s hearing, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.
Foam ear plugs work well enough if inserted properly.
Ear muffs and electronic muffs work fine, too, but add bulk and sweat.
Hear Peace offers solutions at a wide range of prices.
At the low end is a custom ear plug that is molded to fit each ear. The only hitch is that it has to be made in person at outdoor events.
On the high end is the Shothunt, a universal electronic ear plug that amplifies sounds while protecting against shot noise.
The company does not have a website yet. Use the contact information above for more information.
Big Game Skinner and Mano combo
From $59.99; RaptoRazor, 808-638-8281; raptorazor.com
RaptoRazor inventor and founder Rick Grover says the skinner whacked his field dressing time in half while reducing hand fatigue, because the Thandle makes it like an extension of one’s fingers and increases grip.
The 420 stainless steel blades can be sharpened or replaced using the screwdriver in the handle cap, which also holds extra screws and a compass.
The skinner’s hook cuts from the inside out for field dressing. It also can be spun around a leg to open the hide.
The Mano is a companion to the Big Game Skinner and can allow faster processing of meat and quarters than conventional knives.
The T-handles break down and fit into a slim carrying case along with the knives.
The handles and bodies are made of polymer or aluminum, depending on the model.
RaptoRazor also makes specialty tools and knives for fishing.