RZ Mask – Camouflaged & Scentless

Update: I reviewed the RZ Mask a few weeks ago, see below, and have since been sent a Youth size mask to try. The youth mask is a much better fit for my face and jaw-line. If you have a  smaller face or narrow jaw, the youth model may be the way to go with this product.

 

I have been spending quite some time testing out the RZ Mask. When I received it, the package declared “camouflaged & scentless - Give yourself the advantage of complete sight and scent concealment” That sounds like it would be ideal for not only tree-stand, but spot and stalk hunting.

RZ Mask - Camo / Scentless

At first sight the mask appeared to be durable and well constructed. It is designed to cover the mouth and nose and has an adjustable metal bridge to secure it in place over your nose.

  • It comes with two scentless carbon activated filters which filter your scent as you breathe out resulting in ”clean air” out the vent holes. No scent means the animals have a lesser chance of winding you while you are hunting.
  • It comes in a 3D camo pattern ideal for concealment. (The mask comes in 20 patterns and colors.)
  • It is hand washable. Those of us who have hunted in masks know how important that is because of what the inside of a mask can smell like after a day of sniffling and sneezing from spring pollens let alone an entire hunting season.

The topic of Spring Pollen brings me to another claim from the mask. The mask is designed with their “N99 activated charcoal filter”. The filters are said to ”keep out 99.9% of the pollen, dust, allergens, diesel particulate matter and other solid things that don’t belong in the lungs or nasal passages.” The downfall for me is that the mask is large for my face and leaves a gap below my chin where dust and dirt sneak in. The mask is a one size fits most so I wore it and adjusted it and wore it some more.

I snugged the mask up as much as I could so I would be able to test out the vent holes. The way it fit best was over my ponytail where it could be snug. The fastening system is velcro which was unfortunate during turkey hunting. I was way to noisy trying to adjust and keep it in place. As I sat in the brush contemplating the mask I came up with what purpose it would be good for.

For me, this mask would work perfectly under my helmet.

The next morning I donned the mask and then my helmet. I rode the 4 wheeler to the hunting lease and it was 23 degrees. The mask was wonderful. It kept my face warm. The air filtered freely through the vent holes and I could breathe easy. I had no frost or condensation inside the mask. The neoprene design was perfect for the cold temperatures. I also tested it out under my snowmobile helmet. It was perfect on a powder day. My face was protected and the mask remained secure in my helmet over bumps, jumps and climbs without obstructing my view.

As far as testing the scent filtration, I am certain the filters work well. For me the mask worked much better for motor sports than for hunting. The fit was not good for me making the mask difficult to hold in place while hiking and hunting, or even sitting in the brush. The mask is also available in extra-arge and youth size. I feel the youth may have been a better fit for me.

The RZ Mask is available at an MSRP of $29.95 at www.RZMask.com. Their web-sight recommends the mask for motorsports as well. They do offer a “no-hassle money back guarantee”.

…..

Don’t forget to read about Mia & the Little Gal’s adventures at the Women’s Outdoor News

Visit Prois Hunting for hunting and field apparel for women.

Visit TenPoint Crossbows for “the mark of perfection” in crossbows

Categories: hunting, Ladies camo | 1 Comment

A new Mia & the Little Gal post at the WON

Women's Outdoor News

Head over to the Women’s Outdoor News and see what the Little Gal and I have been up to. I am so fortunate, and thankful, to give her these opportunities.

Mia & the Little Gal: Bow fishing with an Olympian

Posted: 23 May 2012 07:01 AM PDT

As many of you know, I am doing my best to raise my Little Gal with a great respect and appreciation of the outdoors, shooting, hunting and the like. Part of this includes me including her in outdoor…
Visit The WON for more info! http://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2012/05/mia-the-little-gal-bow-fishing-with-an-olympian/

…..

Don’t forget to read about Mia & the Little Gal’s adventures at the Women’s Outdoor News

Visit Prois Hunting for hunting and field apparel for women.

Visit TenPoint Crossbows for “the mark of perfection” in crossbows

Categories: hunting | 1 Comment

Draw results posted for ELK Colorado – 2012

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. Elk hunt, bear hunt, mule deer hunt, turkey hunt, New Mexiico, ColoradoWolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. Hey you all! Colorado 2012 draw results are posted for ELK. Head over and see if you were successful. Let us know so we can firm up your spot!!!

  • Remember, if you didn’t draw your Colorado Elk tag, we have New Mexico land owner tags available. You can choose and five consecutive days between October 1 and December 31, 2012 for your New Mexico Elk hunt.

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/DrawResultsAndPrefPoints/Pages/DrawResults_PreferencePoints.aspx

Elk Hunt - Colorado

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc., WCO, offers private land Elk hunts in Southwest Colorado.

The five day elk hunts are guided. We provide one guide per hunter. Our guides are experienced and are essential to your deer hunt. Hunt spot and stalk, horse back or stand.  We strive to make your hunt a successful one.

Licensing information: Please make yourself familiar with the regulations and licensing requirements with the Department of Wildlife CO: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/

Contract, Deposit & Payment information WCO requires all clients to enter a contract when reserving hunt dates.  A 50% deposit is required.  The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.  We accept Visa, Master & Discover Card. Note: Hunt dates are available on a first come first serve basis. A hunt is not reserved until deposit and signed contract are received.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured CO license# 2757   NM outfitter# 4735 Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. is an equal opportunity service provider.

Categories: Archery, elk hunting, hunting, Women in the outdoors | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Draw results posted for MULE DEER Colorado – 2012

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. Elk hunt, bear hunt, mule deer hunt, turkey hunt, New Mexiico, ColoradoWolf Creek Outfitters, Inc.

Hey you all! Colorado 2012 draw results are posted for MULE DEER. Head over and see if you were successful. Let us know so we can firm up your spot!!! http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/DrawResultsAndPrefPoints/Pages/DrawResults_PreferencePoints.aspx

Mule Deer - Colorado

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc., WCO, offers private land Mule Deer hunts in Southwest Colorado.

The five day mule deer hunts are guided. We provide one guide per hunter. Our guides are experienced and are essential to your deer hunt. Hunt spot and stalk, horse back or stand.  We strive to make your hunt a successful one.

Licensing information: Please make yourself familiar with the regulations and licensing requirements with the Department of Wildlife CO: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/

Contract, Deposit & Payment information WCO requires all clients to enter a contract when reserving hunt dates.  A 50% deposit is required.  The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.  We accept Visa, Master & Discover Card. Note: Hunt dates are available on a first come first serve basis. A hunt is not reserved until deposit and signed contract are received.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured
CO license# 2757   NM outfitter# 4735
Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. is an equal opportunity service provider.

Categories: Archery, hunting, Mule Deer Hunting | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Draw results posted for BEAR Colorado – 2012

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. Elk hunt, bear hunt, mule deer hunt, turkey hunt, New Mexiico, ColoradoWolf Creek Outfitters, Inc.

Hey you all! Colorado 2012 draw results are posted for BEAR. Head over and see if you were successful. Let us know so we can firm up your spot!!! http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/DrawResultsAndPrefPoints/Pages/DrawResults_PreferencePoints.aspx

Black Bear – Colorado

Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc., WCO, offers private land Black Bear hunts in Southwest Colorado. The areas available to hunt include, rolling hills, ponds and lush vegetation. Numerous berries and acorns offer ideal bear habitat. Join us for your black bear hunt.

The five day black bear hunts are guided. We provide one guide per hunter. Our guides are experienced and are essential to your black bear hunt. Colorado does not allow baiting of animals or the use of hounds. Hunt from a tree-stand, blind or spot and stalk.  We strive to make your hunt a successful one.

Licensing information: Please make yourself familiar with the regulations and licensing requirements with the Department of Wildlife CO: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/

Contract, Deposit & Payment information WCO requires all clients to enter a contract when reserving hunt dates.  A 50% deposit is required.  The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.  We accept Visa, Master & Discover Card. Note: Hunt dates are available on a first come first serve basis. A hunt is not reserved until deposit and signed contract are received.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured
CO license# 2757   NM outfitter# 4735
Wolf Creek Outfitters, Inc. is an equal opportunity service provider.

Categories: bear hunting, hunting | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments

RZ Mask – Camouflaged & Scentless

I have been spending quite some time testing out the RZ Mask. When I received it, the package declared “camouflaged & scentless - Give yourself the advantage of complete sight and scent concealment” That sounds like it would be ideal for not only tree-stand, but spot and stalk hunting.

RZ Mask - Camo / Scentless

At first sight the mask appeared to be durable and well constructed. It is designed to cover the mouth and nose and has an adjustable metal bridge to secure it in place over your nose.

  • It comes with two scentless carbon activated filters which filter your scent as you breathe out resulting in ”clean air” out the vent holes. No scent means the animals have a lesser chance of winding you while you are hunting.
  • It comes in a 3D camo pattern ideal for concealment. (The mask comes in 20 patterns and colors.)
  • It is hand washable. Those of us who have hunted in masks know how important that is because of what the inside of a mask can smell like after a day of sniffling and sneezing from spring pollens let alone an entire hunting season.

The topic of Spring Pollen brings me to another claim from the mask. The mask is designed with their “N99 activated charcoal filter”. The filters are said to ”keep out 99.9% of the pollen, dust, allergens, diesel particulate matter and other solid things that don’t belong in the lungs or nasal passages.” The downfall for me is that the mask is large for my face and leaves a gap below my chin where dust and dirt sneak in. The mask is a one size fits most so I wore it and adjusted it and wore it some more.

I snugged the mask up as much as I could so I would be able to test out the vent holes. The way it fit best was over my ponytail where it could be snug. The fastening system is velcro which was unfortunate during turkey hunting. I was way to noisy trying to adjust and keep it in place. As I sat in the brush contemplating the mask I came up with what purpose it would be good for.

For me, this mask would work perfectly under my helmet.

The next morning I donned the mask and then my helmet. I rode the 4 wheeler to the hunting lease and it was 23 degrees. The mask was wonderful. It kept my face warm. The air filtered freely through the vent holes and I could breathe easy. I had no frost or condensation inside the mask. The neoprene design was perfect for the cold temperatures. I also tested it out under my snowmobile helmet. It was perfect on a powder day. My face was protected and the mask remained secure in my helmet over bumps, jumps and climbs without obstructing my view.

As far as testing the scent filtration, I am certain the filters work well. For me the mask worked much better for motor sports than for hunting. The fit was not good for me making the mask difficult to hold in place while hiking and hunting, or even sitting in the brush. The mask is also available in extra-arge and youth size. I feel the youth may have been a better fit for me.

The RZ Mask is available at an MSRP of $29.95 at www.RZMask.com. Their web-sight recommends the mask for motorsports as well. They do offer a “no-hassle money back guarantee”.

…..

Don’t forget to read about Mia & the Little Gal’s adventures at the Women’s Outdoor News

Visit Prois Hunting for hunting and field apparel for women.

Visit TenPoint Crossbows for “the mark of perfection” in crossbows

Categories: hunting, Ladies camo | 4 Comments

ReVO 26 Pro Ears youth hearing protection

Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectatorFrom the fundamental rules of safe gun handling by NRA

When we are shooting at the range it is always important to wear eye and hearing protection. You all know I have my Little Gal and her sight and hearing are important. We’re about to begin a lot of shooting this summer and since she’s a little smaller I received a set of youth ear muffs for her to try out. The neon green Pro Ears by Altus brands are just her size.The Little Gal shooting a Beretta .40 cal. Wearing Altus Brands ReVO ProEars.

The height adjustment is simple with a snapping interlock that holds in place very well. It adjusts to fit a small childs head up to an adult head and has a narrow circumference so they stay snug to the head. She wore them to the range for a day and I wore them to the range for a day. With the narrow circumference, I thought I may end up with the muff head ache that tends to happen as the squeeze tight to your head. This did not happen. The muffs held snug, but not so tight as to cause a head ache.

I also tested the muffs. I wore my earings just to give it a true test. The Super-Sized ProForm™ leather ear cushions are extremely soft and contour around your ears as well as safety glasses and earings. If you have spent a long amount of time at the range wearing a muff, you’ve probably had the problem of your glasses being pressed into your ears. The snug fitting Pro Ears didn’t cause the traditional pain I was testing for. They were soft and comfortable.

The Little Gal shot and I gave reminders and pointers. One thing about these muffs. They are not an electronic version. This was my only disappointment. When helping a child, I feel it is SO important for them to hear every word you say at the line. I would opt for their electronic version. The ReVO 26 Pro Ear muff is said to be adequate during situations where “total situation awareness” is not required. I am in agreement with this claim. The muff is great hearing protection for children shooting smaller caliber firearms. The Little Gal was able to hear adequate commands at close distances with out hollering and shouting.

ReVO 26 Pro Ears are available in various fun patterns, including zebra which is a favorite of the Little Gal and retail at $39.99. However, a child’s hearing is priceless! Take care!

…..

Don’t forget to read about Mia & the Little Gal’s adventures at the Women’s Outdoor News

Visit Prois Hunting for hunting and field apparel for women.

Visit TenPoint Crossbows for “the mark of perfection” in crossbows

Categories: firearm safety, hunting, kids shooting, range safety, shooting safety, The Little Gal | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment

The difference between a Clip and a Magazine

Over the years it has become a pet peeve of mine. It is the use of the term “clip” and “magazine”. I was at a youth class last night and heard it mis-used over and over and it was in the hand outs as well.

I have my ideas as to why people use the words “clip” and “magazine” incorrectly. It may be that they were taught wrong as these children were. Maybe they think “clip” sounds cool. Could it be that “clip” is a shorter word than magazine? Maybe they could just say “mag.” Pretty sure they hear it in movies everyday. Regardless, lots of people, including instructors are using the terms incorrectly. In my opinion there is simply no excuse. Especially when you are teaching a child or a new shooter. Please don’t be lazy. Say the correct term and in your hand outs print the correct term.

So, what is the difference between a “clip” and a “magazine”?

Difference between a clip and magazine

The difference in clips and magazines. Image via www.minutemanreview.com

A clip is used to feed a magazine. A magazine is used to hold rounds.

A clip is a strip or block that rounds or cartriges attach to. The strip or block is then used to feed or fill a magazine. Sometimes you can distinguish a clip that is attached to a gun such as the famous clip fed M1 rifle by the exposed ammunition that is cycling into the gun. The clip is the strip of ammunition exposed from the gun, but it is feeding the magazine which is inside the gun.

Often times someone is shooting a semi-automatic pistol in a movie and you hear them say “I’m out of ammunition. Hand me another clip.” They really mean to say magazine.

A magazine is a device that holds rounds and feeds them into the chamber of the firearm. In a semi-automatic pistol, you insert the magazine in the bottom of the gun and it locks into place. It holds the ammunition until it is cycled into the chamber. They have a spring mechanism that pushes the ammo up into the chamber as the rounds are cycled. Magazines can be box, tubular or drum, but they can also be internal, inside the gun such as with a shotgun or SKS.

If the idea is still not clear for you, here is a link to a video to help clear things up as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF21sihEgOU

Teach them well!

…..

Don’t forget to read about Mia & the Little Gal’s adventures at the Women’s Outdoor News

Visit Prois Hunting for hunting and field apparel for women.

Visit TenPoint Crossbows for “the mark of perfection” in crossbows

Categories: kids shooting | Tags: , , | 6 Comments

Via Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Elk Management Meeting

This just in via Colorado Parks and Wildlife:


ELK MANAGEMENT MEETING IN PAGOSA SPRINGS 


Pagosa Springs, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife big game managers will discuss elk herd management in southwest Colorado at a May 9 meeting in Pagosa Springs.

Terrestrial Biologist Brad Weinmeister will explain current conditions, objectives, the planning process and future proposed management for elk in the area that includes Game Management Units 75, 77, 78, 751 and 771.

The public is invited to participate to ask questions and discuss issues.

“We always encourage participation by hunters and the public to provide us information and to help us evaluate management strategies,” Weinmeister said.

For more information, call Weinmeister at 970-375-6714.
WHAT: Elk management meeting
WHEN: 6-8 p.m., May 10
WHERE: Archuleta County Fairground, CSU extension building, 344 U.S. Highway 84.

For more information about big game hunting in Colorado, see: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Pages/Hunting.aspx.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Categories: elk hunting, hunting | Tags: , | 1 Comment

Close encounters with a Merriam Turkey

After a busy day we made it home, threw on our camo and grabbed the shot-gun and decoys. We still had about three hours of hunting time left. We hiked to our hunting spot, threw the camo netting up and decided since this would be the last day to hunt this mesa, we would “hit them hard”. We would do some aggressive calling and try to make it happen.

Hank with his Cane Creek Pro Custom Aluminum and me with my Primos “Ol’ Betsy” Slate we started our run. He would cluck. I would pur. I would cluck and he would cut me off. We chattered and waited and chattered and waited. We didn’t wait as long as we ordinarily would just due to the amount of time we had. We carried on with our concert for a couple of “sets” of calling.

Hank headed to peek over the hill and see if anything was down in the valley. Suddenly I saw him trotting back. He snatched up my decoys and I knew just what to do. Below were two toms headed our way in full strut. In order to cut the distance we would have to double back so they wouldn’t see us and drop off to get a set up further down the hill. We high tailed it and tried to hide ourselves behind the juniper and sage.

I was braced on the side of the hill ready for the two toms to show themselves. We called and they gobbled around the bend. I knew it wouldn’t be long. Then I heard another gobble. This one was from the “wrong” direction. This one seemed to come from above where us. I signaled to Hank and he gave me a signal back of “Yeah. I heard.”

We paused and waited then called again and then multiple gobbles from atop the mesa where we had just been. I looked back again at Hank and gave him a “What the heck?!” look. He gave me the ”Get ready. Here they come!” look. We were amazed because just days before it had been silent in here. There hadn’t been a single hen cluck much less a gobble or in this case multiple gobbles!

I slid my legs down the hill careful not to knock loose any rocks and rolled over to my belly. The gobblers at the top of the hill were coming faster than the two toms below. I hid myself behind the root of the juniper and knew that Hank was going to be “wide open” if the toms came in from the “back door”.

I lay on my belly and looked at him. That is when I saw it. Two blue heads poked over the top of the ridgeline.

With Hank in between me and them, I signaled. TWO. He held still and steady.

I watched as they made their appearance and started down the very trail Hank and I had come down only moments ago. Then I saw MORE. What?! I made BIG eyes at Hank. He could see nothing of what was going on behind him and remained still. I signaled to him. FOUR! His eyes got big and he mouthed “Can you shoot?” I signaled “NO WAY!” He had no idea but the toms came down not five feet behind him. The two first, then the next two and then four jakes. All came right past him.

I figured if I was going to get a shot I was going to have to wait until they not only passed Hank, but also until they passed me. Once they got to Hank’s left side, the tree I was hiding behind would be obstructing the view. I waited patiently and then when the tree hid me from the tom’s view I drew my knees to my chest. The decoys were directly to my right, and I needed to pivot 180 degrees to be facing their direction again. I waited until the tom was just to the decoys then pushed up on my toes, dug in on the steep hill, pivoted and as he heard the pebbles rolling down the hill he stuck his head up and I shot.

With my toes dug in I was still a little off balance. I nearly sent myself rolling down the hill but caught myself as I watched my tom go cascading. He tumbled to the bottom and Hank jumped up to come and give me a high-five. A high-five for me?! I think he deserved one more than I. He remained so still that those gobblers never even looked his direction. Amazing considering his wife was making BIG EYED expressions of excitement his direction and he couldn’t move a hair.

HAHA! What a hunt! It’s always an adventure!

In my Prois hunting gear with my Merriam tom.
12ga. Benelli Super Black Eagle

Categories: hunting, Ladies camo, Ladies hunting, turkey hunting, Women in the outdoors | Tags: , | 12 Comments

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