Manufacturers Spotlight
SmartWool Hunt Classic Edition
Over the Calf Socks
By Chloe Clowdis
With the SmartWool Hunt Classic Edition’s Achilles strap for enhanced protection, plus their undeniable warmth, the SmartWool Hunt Classic Edition Socks are the perfect addition to your next hunting expedition. These SmartWool Classic Edition over-the-calf socks come with extra cushioning for prolonged wear while moving through the forest.
The SmartWool Hunt Classic Edition socks are crafted from a blend of ethically farmed Merino wool and nylon, providing enhanced breathability, comfort, and long-lasting durability. These first-class hunting socks are also equipped with SmartWool’s Indestructawool technology to ensure superior durability for any occasion.
Combined with a virtually seamless toe and the Four Degree Elite Fit System, these socks are remarkable for staying in place while hunting. The SmartWool Hunt Classic Socks make walking outdoors feel effortless, offering a comfortable yet firm feel.
Most brands of socks I use wear out almost instantly because of poor design and quality, but the SmartWool Hunt Classic Edition Socks are made to last. For more information, visit www.smartwool.com.
Irish Setter VaprTrek Hunting Boots
By Bruce Ingram
As a huge fan of Irish Setter hunting boots, I was thrilled to try out Style #3943 in the company’s new VaprTrek line. I find the Irish Setter 2831 (an older VaprTrek model) leather boot so comfortable that I even wear it to school, and my Irish Setter MudTrek rubber boot is a standard part of my early bow season and spring gobbler gear lineup.
This particular Irish Setter product is an 8-inch brown leather boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation and UltraDry waterproof protection. That amount of insulation makes cool late-October and November mornings much more pleasant when staying on stand all or most of the day.
Other plusses include the four-way stretch nylon collar, which provides relief and flexibility while walking, and the internal padded waffle mesh that maintains premium comfort. This design allows for less break-in bite on the calf and Achilles. As someone who hunts primarily in the mountains, I also appreciate the leather and abrasion-resistant fabric uppers, which allow the boot to flex easily. As a deer hunter, I value the ScentBan scent-control feature that helps eliminate odor.
Another welcome quality is the Rubber Hex Lite outsole with multi-directional lugs, making trekking over challenging terrain far more manageable. The ArmaTec TPU heel and rubber sole wrap-up help ensure the boots will wear well for many years, while the cushioned midsole provides added comfort. For more information, visit www.irishsetterboots.com or https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hunting-boots/shop-by-family/vaprtrek/.
Hi Mountain Seasoning
By Hank Tassitano
Hi Mountain Seasoning from Wyoming has been producing high-quality products and seasonings for more than thirty years. Their seasonings are trusted by hunters, wild game processors, and home cooks who enjoy making their own homemade foods. The blends are crafted from pure spices with a distinct Western flair.
Hi Mountain’s kits allow you to make jerky, snack sticks, smoked meats, and a wide variety of sausages. Their seasonings help create delicious meals from fish, wild game, and domestic meats, making them a versatile option for any kitchen.
With wild game processors becoming less common, it is increasingly important to learn how to make sausages, snack sticks, and jerky at home. Hi Mountain kits include clear instructions and everything you need—just add the meat.
Hi Mountain also offers instructional videos that show how easy it is to stuff casings using a grinder and stuffing tube for sausage and snack sticks. Making these products yourself is much simpler than many people expect. If you harvest a few deer each season, doing your own processing can save money and provide a truly rewarding experience.
Tikka T3X
By Brad Stephenson
The Tikka T3X is fast becoming Virginia’s new deer rifle. While the Remington 700 long held that claim to fame, Remington’s product and availability troubles eventually culminated in the company’s bankruptcy and sale. As a result, Virginia hunters needed an alternative that was accurate, reliable, and reasonably priced—and they have found it in the Tikka T3X.
Lightweight, equipped with an excellent trigger, and highly accurate, the Tikka T3X delivers consistent 1 MOA precision right out of the box, with starting prices under $1,000. Tikka also offers a broad caliber selection, covering all popular choices along with several less common options.
The T3X is available in numerous stock and barrel configurations, ranging from traditional walnut stocks to lightweight synthetics, chassis setups, tactical versions, and even a ranch model with iron sights. Select models are also available for left-handed shooters.
The T3X Lite alone is offered in more than 300 variations, with the black synthetic “basic” version being the best-selling model. Camo and Roughtech versions are also popular and feature upgrades such as a fluted bolt, enlarged bolt handle, improved barrel, and muzzle brake. Visit the store or shop the Tikka rifle selection at www.GreenTop.com.