Best New Products for Hunters from SHOT Show 2015
Andy and Tami McDaniels 02.06.15
SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world, with every major hunting manufacturer in attendance showcasing what’s new for 2015. If it’s a cool, new hunting product, you can see it at SHOT. These are my top picks for hunters from this year’s show.
1. Smith & Wesson Model 460XVR Bone Collector Limited Edition
The new Smith & Wesson 460 XVR revolver, with its two-tone finish, 7.5-inch barrel and five-round capacity cylinder, is capable of harvesting any big-game animal in North America. The new Model 460XVR is engraved with the Bone Collector logo on the frame and is shipped with a gun rug and sling. This is a limited run of 1500 pistols, and they are sure to appeal to all big game hunters.
2. Liberty Safes HDX-250 Handgun Safe
Protecting our firearms from theft and keeping them secure is important to us all. Not all safes are the same, I was shocked after watching this video. The HDX-250 has been designed to safely store your firearms until you need them. The heavy duty 14 gauge steel vault has a reinforced latch system that is specifically built to resist prying and other attempts to gain entry.
3. Muck Boots Pursuit Shadow Boot Collection
Muck Books calls the Pursuit Shadow the lightest hunting boot on the market—when you pick one up and try it on it’s hard to argue with them. They come in an ankle, mid, and a tall boot, and they fit remarkably well. All of the Pursuit Shadow line of lace up boots are easy to get on and off of your feet and can be rolled up and tucked into you pack taking up very little space. The new Pursuit Shadow comes in Realtree Xtra, so they look as good as they feel.
4. Spypoint Xcel Stream camera
Finally a camera made for the hunter! The new Spypoint Xcel Stream camera is just that, perfect for mounting to your bow, scope, or forehead so you can replay, enjoy, and share every moment of your hunt with 160-degree wide angle video. The Xcel Stream is compatible with a wide range of accessories designed for hunting and filming in the outdoors. Hunters will love this camera, it provides exceptional video quality and ease of operation.
5. Esky series coolers
Made for the outdoorsman, the new Esky cooler is both innovative and durable. The Esky cooler comes standard with anti-microbial protection, integrated cutting board, catch-free rubber latches, and dual drains. This cooler is packed with features you will not find on other coolers.
6. AttackPAK
Over 30 years in the making, the AttackPAK’s patented design is a game changer for the backcountry hunter or any hunter who carries heavy game and equipment over rough terrain. This pack has an innovative load-bearing system that distributes weight off the shoulders and onto the hips so you can carry more and not strain your back. The entire range of AttackPAK belts, packs, and frames are completely interchangeable. If you hunt rough country, this is the pack for you.
7. Kershaw Tinder Personal Ax
The perfect tool to have in your pack when hunting or going into the outdoors, the new Kershaw Tinder is compact, lightweight, and tough enough to remove limbs for your treestand or cut tinder for a fire. The back of the tool is a combination hammer, bottle opener, and nail remover with a built-in pry point. It’s the perfect size to add to your gear bag or backpack—it’s 10 inches long and weighs just 15 ounces.
8. Hevi Shot Lead series
Hevi-Shot has done it again with their Hevi-Lead series of shotgun shells. They are competitively priced and offer the dependability hunters have come to expect from Hevi-Shot.
9. Hi-Viz-TriViz front and rear vent rib shotgun sight set
The TriViz is a front and rear combination sight set with green Hi-Viz LitePipes, which utilize a triangular shape to accentuate the sites on your Shotgun. The TriViz fits most front and rear sites of most ribbed shotguns and replaces your shotguns front bead with a durable LitePipe system that draws in light even in low lighting conditions so frequently encountered when hunting.
10. Sure Shot Game Calls Yentzen ONE
The new Yentzen ONE takes the original Yentzen design and brings it into the twenty-first century. You will not believe how great this call sounds, it’s truly remarkable even when it’s wet. The Yentzen ONE has a patented screw lock design, inset customizable band, and a proprietary CNC body.
11. Olympia EX100 headlamp
The EX100 headlamp puts out 100 lumens in high mode and has some really cool features, including four lighting modes, focus control, and hands-free operation. An excellent choice for the hunter, the EX100 is water-resistant and the focus control allows you to illuminate one particular area or a cast a wider beam when more light is needed. The hands-free feature is a great when setting out decoys or climbing a treestand, you just wave your hand in front of the light and the white LED will turn on or off.
12. Realtree 30/25 Performance Dog Food
Besides being our best friend, the hunter’s dog is an integral part of the hunting team. They work hard and play hard and need energy for optimal performance both in the field and off. Realtree Performance Dog Food gives hunting dogs the perfect balance of nutrition they need to be at their best.
13. 5.11 Tactical Rapid Response Quarter-zip in Realtree X-TRA
One of the great things about SHOT Show is the chance to view some great crossover items. An excellent example is 5.11 Tactical’s Rapid Response Quarter-zip in Realtree X-TRA, inspired by their popular Rapid Assault Combat Shirt. The Rapid Response Quarter-zip is both rugged and comfortable. The shirt wicks away perspiration and provides maximum base layer comfort, and the bi-stretch woven sleeves provide durability without sacrificing range of motion. It’s perfect for the hunter.
What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.
Andy McDaniels is the Sportsmen’s Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise Campaign. Andy works with hunters, anglers, outdoor media and the hunting and fishing industry throughout the United States. Andy also serves as the Conservation Director of Pro-Staff for Hardcore Decoys and Huntducks.com. He believes that conservation is the cornerstone of hunting and fishing, and he has committed himself to educating hunters and fishermen about the conservation issues that will affect our children and grandchildren. His effort on behalf of conservation and his outreach to hunters, anglers, congressional members, political groups, and citizen action organizations has been monumental. In 2003 and 2004 Andy was recognized for his work on State Wildlife Grants by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. His efforts on the Farm Bill garnered him the esteemed Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award from the National Wildlife Federation in May 2008.
Tami is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a certified English teacher and freelance writer. She has published numerous articles on a variety of outdoor topics. Her most recent articles on outdoor subjects include 10 Indicators of a Quality Guide, The Anatomy of a Hunting Guide Website, Hunting Guides along the Corridor, and First Steps to Get Kids Hunting and Back into the Outdoors. In addition, she is the web content administrator for three websites. Her volunteer work includes managing web and social media sites, writing grants, organizing fundraising activities, and planning community events.
