Recent content by Clovis

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    When to add a second dog?

    I have experience with German versatile dogs used for both bird hunting and blood tracking with no major issues with running deer. It does add a degree of complication in that you can't just condition them to keep their attention off deer, period, but they figure it out with the right...
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    Big Agnes wedgie bag extender

    Since you're not getting much traction on the Big Agnes extender, I'll throw in my experience w/ an extender. I have the Western Mountaineering version and it made all the difference in comfort on a couple of their lighter/tighter mummy bags for me. I guess you can buy one and try it and if it...
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    Want a canoe, know nothing about them

    You just can't beat a used royalex prospector from Mad River or Old Town in 16-17 foot range for what you describe. There is a learning curve, but you can portage it and put it on and off your car/truck by yourself and a far more versatile craft than a sit on top kayak that may have the...
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    Canoe vs Kayaks for Fishing/General Use

    I am not up on the latest in dedicated fishing kayaks but there is a lot to like in a 16-18 foot Royalex canoe for comfort, durability, versatility, portaging and value for the money. Look for an Old Town or Mad River (or Blue Hole down where you are) "prospector style" canoe on...
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    Rental car limiting your hunt?

    It is a factor--read the contract from your rental car company and it probably has limits on where you can drive, some of which are surprisingly restrictive about dirt roads. Also probably doesn't matter much unless/until you get in a pickle where you aren't supposed to be driving it. I've...
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    Mid-size SUV or wagon options

    OP has already rejected the idea, but for everyone else reading this thread another vote for the Crosstrek. My Tacoma just got the frame replacement and while that was all in prep and under way I was driving our kids' Crosstrek through the fall hunting seasons. A lot of time it was just the...
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    Your Favorite budget-ish fly rod

    Redington Classic Trout rods are a great rod for the $, particularly if you like more of a medium action rod I also agree that the less expensive Lamson reels are a good value. I have a TFO Pro 4 piece 6 weight that has served me well for at least 20 years so can't help but like that one too...
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    Let’s see your bird vests.

    There is a lot to recommend this approach for longer days where you cover some miles. I use a strap vest but it has been on my mind to have a way to pack out an injured dog too in those circumstances and I don't right now. Someone posted up a link a while ago to some spendy Scandinavian packs...
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    Looking for some Upland Dog Vests

    Lion Country Supply makes a good one--well made and robust without being too heavy. My only negative for it is that the orange isn't as bright as it could be. Otherwise an excellent product.
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    Truck camping stove question

    In that case, why not start with a single burner white gas stove and see if that is all you need? I don't have one, but Coleman makes a single burner white gas stove with a built in tank for about $100. That seems handy and less fooling with the fuel than where the tank is separate. I have...
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    Truck camping stove question

    It is hard to beat the convenience and cleanliness of propane for either a single or double burner and most of the modern versions of a base camp stove tend to burn it or some other canister fuel. If you are working at low temperatures, hate not knowing how much propane is in a bottle or making...
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    Non-canvas family tent

    For what you describe, I have had great success with the REI Kingdom 6. Looks like it is discontinued and replaced by the Wonderland 6--maybe give that a look.
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    Wading boot recommendation

    Simms has a Flyweight Access boot that uses a softer rubber compound in the sole than its other rubber-sole boots. It is the best-gripping rubber sole boot that I have used, but the trade-off seems to be that the soles will wear down faster than some other options. I can live with that...
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    Back Country Wading

    I have done it a few different ways and what works for you depends on a few factors, including how cold the water is, wading conditions, how far you are hiking in, etc. I will sometimes hike in with everything in a backpack wearing trail runners and then change into standard waders and wading...
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    Training to retrieve fur?

    Retrieving a fox over an obstacle and on a drag, and a rabbit on a drag through the forest is a part of the German testing system for a few German versatile breeds so you may want to look for JGHV resources or look on pages for those breeds. I found that getting the dog fired up with a shot or...
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