LAS VEGAS – The Deer & Deer Hunting crew is in attendance at the annual SHOT Show this week, looking for new products and story ideas. Check back frequently for updates, new stories and Deer Talk Now segments from the show.
Hunter Safety System has introduced the HSS-Elite Series vest, a newly engineered treestand safety harness that perfectly fuses the elements of form and function in a high-performance zippered vest.
The Elite bucks the notion that, in order to save your life, safety vests have to be bulky, uncomfortable and seriously lacking in the fashion department. Weighing less than three pounds, the fully featured Elite is surely destined to become a favorite for all-season hunting.
Starting with the patented HSS system harness that eliminates dangling straps and weave-through buckles, the Hunters Safety System engineers gave the Elite a newly designed tether strap that is lighter yet provides more shock absorption than previous model tethers. Then, they wrapped the harness in a combination of high-performance smart fabrics that are durable and silent.
The Elite design provides an easy-out, two-way zipper that protects the waist buckle and eliminates the possibility of binoculars or other accessories knocking against it. Its lightweight, brushed micro-tricot shell is deadly quiet, weather resistant and provides just the right amount of warmth when the temperature drops. The stretchable material in the Right-Fit zone is designed to keep the Elite snug and smooth, no matter your size, and the shoulders feature a unique silicone print that keeps backpacks and slings from slipping while walking in the field. The Elite is lined with HSS’s own Comfort Cool fabric that wicks moisture when the heat is on.
The exclusive Six-Plus-Two pocket design features two large bellows pockets with magnetic closures, two divider pockets to keep gear separated and quiet, and two quick-access pockets provide instant access to items like cell phones or mouth calls. The unique “plus-two” zippered pockets in the upper portion of the vest house removable binocular/accessory straps, or they can serve as another set of easy-access security pockets.
Donning the Elite is incredibly easy. Simply put the Elite on as you would any other vest, connect the waist buckle, route the leg straps between the legs, connect the Power Lock buckles on the leg straps, and then zip it up. Attach the tether to the Prussic knot on a LifeLine, and you’re ready to climb.
Hunter Safety system is proud to offer the new HSS-ELITE in Realtree Xtra, one of the most innovative patterns available today. MSRP: $159.99.
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Seat-Of-The-Pants Gets A Redesign
The 2013 SOP line-up consists of three models of the Summit Tactical Series harnesses: STS Fastback, STS Pro and STS Deluxe.
All three models include these great features: bungee tether, elastic bandoleer shoulder strap piece, bungee dummy line (to attach range finder, trimmers, etc), ammunition holder, silent cloth D-rings, bow holder on harness belt, safety rope with Prussic knot and extra clip.
The STS Pro also has an integrated storage pouch for the harness. The pouch is sewn onto the back side of the belt. The pouch is very handy if you have a long walk to your treestand and don’t want to wear your harness through the brush.
The STS Deluxe has an integrated side pouch on both sides of the harness. They are big enough to store your safety rope and clip, a grunt call or a small rangefinder, yet are not too bulky to get in your way. The STS Deluxe also has a binocular slide holder that allows you to keep your binoculars within easy reach at all times.
MSRP’s for the new STS series are:
STS Fastback-$99.99
STS Pro-$129.99
STS Deluxe-$149.99
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Summit Cobra SD
The Summit Cobra SD climbing treestand will be the diehard bow hunters’ stand of choice for 2013.
This open front climber weighs in at a mere 18 [pimds and allows bow hunters the choice of either shooting from a seated or a standing position. It features state-of-the-art Dead Metal Sound Dampening Technology to reduce unwanted noises.
The foundation for the Cobra SD is strong, high-tech aluminum designed with Summitlokt joints that are then welded together. It has a full-sized five-channel platform to give the hunter plenty for foot room. The padded arm rests and sling style seat feature Realtree AP camouflage for the ultimate concealment.
Specs: 18 pounds, padded armrest in Realtree AP, Rapid Climb stirrups, QuickDraw, back pack straps, bungee “umbilical cord,” 300-pound max weight limit. MSRP: $259.99
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Moultrie Panoramic 150
Moultrie Products once again revolutionizes game scouting with its first panoramic game camera, the Panoramic 150.
The innovative design uses three infrared motion sensors and a silently moving lens to 
cover a super-wide, 150-degree detection area – three times the area of a typical game camera! The 8.0 megapixel Panoramic 150 offers unprecedented coverage. With three different motion sensors, each covering a 50-degree detection zone, the camera’s Silent-Slide lens rotates to take photos or videos in the zone where motion is detected.
The Panoramic 150 offers the choice of two capture modes. In Panoramic Mode, the camera captures three photos from each 50-degree zone and assembles them into a single, 48:9 extra-wide image; providing 150-degree coverage. In Single Mode, the camera detects game and then silently rotates the lens to capture individual 16:9 widescreen photos and videos from the area where motion is detected. The single image or video will provide a 50-degree field of view.
Additionally, the Panoramic 150 provides extraordinary picture clarity. Featuring Moultrie’s Illumi-Night sensor, this camera’s low glow infrared flash reaches up to 100 feet at night. Motion Freeze reduces nighttime blur, leaving no question how many points are on that trophy buck. Plus, video is captured in 720p high definition for clear footage.
The Panoramic 150 also features time-lapse and multi-shot modes. New Moultrie camouflage will keep the camera undetected, and integrated mounting brackets can accommodate a Python cable for added security. Capture up to 9,000 images on a single set of 6 C-cell batteries and expand memory up to 32GB with an SD card.
Moultrie’s Panoramic 150 retails for $249.99 and will be available early 2013.
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Lowa Boots Lineup
New models from Lowa, one of the most respected hiking boot brands on the market, are designed with hunters in mind for tough work while offering support and comfort
Tibet GTX Hi: The Tibet GTX Hi is a new version of LOWA’s top-of-line Tibet GTX backpacking boot with another hook’s worth of height for added support and stability in rough terrain. The boot is ideal for carrying a large pack while hunting in any weather condition and over rugged off-trail terrain. It utilizes a one-piece, water-repellent Nubuck leather upper with a slightly tall shaft for maximum ankle support and a rubber rand for durability and abrasion resistance. The GORE-TEX lining provides waterproofness and breathability. The Tibet combines a Vibram Masai outsole that is crampon and snow spike compatible with a PU midsole package. LOWA’s patent-pending FlexFit/Tongue Stud, Balance Insole, Climate Control System, C4 Comfort Tongue System, AWP (Asymmetric Walking Position), and Spring Lace Hook System complete the package. Available for men and women. Offered in medium and wide widths for men. MSRP $380
Khumbu ll GTX, Khumbu ll GTX Lady: Designed for lightweight trekking and hunting. This mid-cut trail boot is constructed of split leather and fabric covered with TPU mesh windows that keep the boot ventilated on warm days. GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry. Vibram Apptrail outsoles and SPS/PU midsoles provide stability and support. Protective toe and heel caps help thwart abrasion in rocky environments. Tongue stud, C4 Tongue and Climate Control complete the package. The women’s model features lower Comfort Cuffs, Comfort Spoilers, notched Achilles/ankle-area padded tongues and a special last. MSRP: $250
Hunter GTX EVO Extreme: Considered “Best in Class” by above-treeline big game 
hunters, the 2012 Hunter GTX returns incarnated as the Hunter GTX EVO Extreme. The new crampon- and spike-compatible Masia outsole is combined with a new PU midsole package. Added to this are new hardware, X-Lacing and a shaped rubber rand for durability and abrasion resistance. The boot is constructed with a Nubuck leather upper and a GORE-TEX liner for waterproofness and breathability. PrimaLoft insulation provides additional comfort and warmth. A tall shaft offers maximum ankle stability. Other design elements include Climate Control System, C4 Comfort Tongue System, AWP (Asymmetric Walking Position) and Spring Lace Hook System. Available in medium and wide widths. MSRP $435
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Tenzing Carbon Frame, Hunting Pack
Tenzing product engineers are at again, but this time instead of thinking outside of the box they are thinking outside of the frame.
Proof comes in the form of the new Tenzing TZ CF13 Carbon Fiber Frame System. The frame is constructed with 100 percent carbon fiber; it contains no fiberglass fillers.
The frame’s form-fitting rigid shape and fully adjustable suspension system are all about wearer comfort and hauling big loads. It has been designed to flex with
movement of the hips, yet remain rigid so the load stays secure and tight against the body.
The TZ CF13 offers so many loading options with its amazing suspension system that it’s virtually impossible to calculate a maximum cubic inches capacity. Its bottom Dyneema shelf includes a hunter orange pullout for safety when packing horns. Horizontal and vertical compression straps provide more versatility to add to the load.
The entire TZ CF13 system weighs just under six pounds. Or only the frame and suspension system can be used, and together they weigh little more than three pounds. The Tenzing Carbon Fiber Frame System has been field tested to carry more than 300 pounds.
The new TZ 4000 falls perfectly into the high tech, lightweight Tenzing hunting pack lineup between the award-winning TZ 2220 daypack and the carry-it-all TZ 5000 excursion pack.
The truly unique feature of the Tenzing TZ 4000 is the way the size adjusts from a small and tight daypack, to a mid-size daypack, to a full-blown daypack … all with an expandable meat-hauling pocket at the ready. The transformation is accomplished quickly and easily by way of an innovative zipper system. And regardless of the size and load, the TZ 4000 performs perfectly because Tenzing understand how much better a pack performs when it fits tight against the back and they’ve designed it to do just that.
Like all packs in the Tenzing bloodline, the TZ 4000 features advanced strength panels reinforced with Dyneema®, an incredibly light fiber that is considered the world’s strongest, for unmatched protection against rips, punctures and failures in the pack’s places that need it most.
Two fluted internal aluminum frame stays provide the lightweight, rigid structure for the pack’s compact vertical design. The pack’s back pad is channeled for air-cooling flow, and there are lots of storage options throughout for strategic organization of contents.
In all, the pack has 21 specially designed compartments and pockets. Yellow-coded zippers and pulls identify the main compartment access points, and all zippers are high quality and super quiet. Roomy zippered pockets on each side of the hip belt provide quick and easy access to trail necessities. There is an expandable, breathable mesh compartment for carrying game meat.
The TZ 4000 is available in Realtree Xtra and Max-1 camo patterns, as well as in the new Loden Green option.
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Realtree Xtra Camo
Realtree has developed the industry’s most realistic pattern ever with its new camo pattern, Realtree Xtra, also available in Realtree Xtra Green.
The breakthrough in camo pattern realism comes from a combination of design and printing technology that delivers three distinct fields within one pattern: a foreground, mid-ground, and background.
“New Realtree Xtra and Xtra Green truly live up to their names, giving hunters extra effectiveness in the field,” said Realtree Designer and President Bill Jordan.
“All throughout the development process, we focused on creating incredible depth, visual confusion and 3D effects in the pattern mid-grounds and backgrounds while still retaining total sharpness and detail in the foreground elements. The result is as close to nature as we’ve ever gotten.”
The Realtree Xtra and Realtree Xtra Green camo designs feature 12 warm, natural colors-one with more green. The new designs provide all-season utility.
Their subtle shadows, highlights, and textures blend with more terrain and lighting conditions than any other camo pattern available and make Realtree Xtra the most versatile camo on the market.