Muck Boot Company - Women's Pursuit Stealth Boots - Product Review

By Andrea Haas

One of the most important items a hunter should have is a good, quality pair of boots. I can think of a few times that not having the right pair of boots for the hunting conditions sent me home early from a hunt, or at least caused a lot of unnecessary discomfort. Rain, snow, wind, and temperature are all things that we cannot control, but having the right pair of boots can help us deal with these elements and stay in the field longer and more comfortably. 

This turkey season I tried the new Women's Pursuit Stealth Boots by Muck Boot Company. I have always been a big fan of Muck Boots and was excited to put these to the test this spring. Below are my results.

Performance In The Field

-WATERPROOF-

Spring is known for being wet and rainy and this turkey season was no different. The Pursuit Stealth boots are 100% waterproof and kept my feet nice and dry. 

-TRACTION-

The outsole features "agressive gripping" and I could not agree more with those terms. While walking through the woods trying to sneak up on birds, the last thing I need is to slip and fall. I will say, this does happen to me a lot due to the amount of flat shelf rocks we have on our property, and possibly because I'm a little less than graceful. Add some rain into the mix and those rocks can get extremely slick. Thankfully this was not a problem for me this spring.

"Aggressive Gripping" Outsole

-COMFORT-

They fit great and were very comfortable. The angled topline and flexible notches (highlighted in pink) make them easy to move in, which is perfect for spot-and-stalk turkey hunting. I had to crawl on my stomach a couple times to sneak up on a group of turkeys without being seen and these got a big thumbs up from me! 

-TEMPERATURE REGULATION-

The Pursuit Stealth boots have a lining of Neoprene and fleece to keep your feet warm during cold hunts, but I found they worked great to keep my feet cool in the warmer weather too, thanks to the ETC Sockliner that reduces heat buildup. 

Features 

• Insulation: 5mm of Neoprene with Fleece Lining

• Upper: Spandura® with Optimal Flex Points highlighted in Pink

• Camo: Realtree® APG

• Outsole: Aggressive Gripping

• Insole: Etc® Sockliner

• Height 12”

• Weight 4 lbs

Sizing & Fit

In my every day shoes I normally wear a 6.5 to 7. In my other Muck Boots I have always worn a 7 and that is what I ordered in the Pursuit Stealth boots. They fit great and I actually preferred how these boots fit compared to my other Muck Boots, the Woody Max. While I love my Woody Max boots as well, I liked the fit of the Pursuit Stealth boots better because they were not as tight on the tops of my feet, making them more comfortable and easy to move in. 

Price and Options

The Pursuit Stealth boots retail for $209.99 and are available in women's sizes 5 to 11.

They are available in Realtree APG and Realtree APC (pink)

Overall I was very happy with how well these boots performed. They were comfortable, easy to move in, and had great traction and thermal regulation, which is exactly what I needed for spring turkey hunting. They are engineered for warmth as well, which will be great for deer hunting this fall and winter. I highly recommend the Pursuit Stealth boots to any female hunter, as they were a game changer for me. Like I said before, we can't control the elements, but having the right hunting gear can help us withstand them.

For more information, head to www.MuckBootCompany.com 

Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Soap - Product Review

By Andrea Haas

Throughout the 2015 whitetail season and the 2016 spring turkey season, I washed all of my camo and hunting apparel using Eco Nuts Soap Nuts and Organic Laundry Detergent, both of which provided great results. In my opinion, being as scent free as possible in the field is crucial, especially when hunting mature whitetails. Eco Nuts worked well for me so I'd love to share the results with everyone.

What Are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts are a berry shell that naturally contains soap. The Eco Nuts Soap Nuts are wild-grown organically in the Himalayas, and then carefully sorted before being packaged in the US. They are gentle on both your clothes and on your skin, making them a great option for those with allergies and sensitive skin as well. 

How To Use:

-Eco Nuts Soap Nuts

Eco Nuts Soap Nuts

To use these, all you need to do is add 4-5 nuts into one of the bags that's included with purchase (2 bags included). Tie the bag, throw it in the washer with your clothes, and begin the wash cycle. When your wash cycle begins and starts spinning, the soap berry shells will release Saponin, which is a natural soap. These can be re-used up to 10 loads! 

-Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Detergent

This detergent is a liquid form: Organic Soapberry Liquid Extract, with no added fragrances or dyes. To use it you just put 3 pumps in for HE Cycle and 6 pumps for Regular Cycle.

Results

Overall, I was very happy with the results. My clothes always came out feeling soft and just having a natural, clean smell to them. I did find that I preferred to use the Soap Nuts for warm and hot water washes and the liquid Organic Laundry Detergent for cold washes.

In regards to scent control for hunting, I admit that I was skeptical at first on how effective these would be. I didn't make any changes in how I normally hunt. I used the same scent control body and hair products as before and hunted stands only when the wind was right. I didn't notice a difference in the amount of times I got busted by whitetail when using Eco Nuts vs using a scent control detergent made specifically for hunting, so in my opinion Eco Nuts works just as well. These get a big thumbs up from me!

The Eco Nuts Soap Nuts also work as a natural fabric softener, and I have noticed a big difference in the softness and fluffiness of my towels when washed in the Soap Nuts vs regular laundry detergent. Check out the difference! The orange towels were washed using Eco Nuts Soap Nuts, the white ones were washed using Gain liquid detergent.  

Towels washed with Eco Nuts (left) VS with Gain liquid detergent (right)

Cost

Before I used Primos CONTROL FREAK detergent. It came in a 32 oz bottle for about $15. Between my husband and I, we probably would go through at least 1 bottle per deer season, sometimes 2. Four to five Eco Nuts Soap Nuts, as mentioned above, can be re-used up to 10 loads. You have several options when purchasing. You can buy just a 10-load amount for $3.99, 100 loads for $9.99, or 360 loads for $29.99. With the liquid detergent, you can buy a Trial size (1 load) for $1.50, 60 loads for $15.99, or 600 loads for $69.99. 

After using Eco Nuts, I feel it is the better option for me in regards to my hunting needs as far as cost and effectiveness. Eco Nuts has earned a permanent spot as one of my hunting staples! 

For more information or to purchase, go to http://econutssoap.com/ 

Cold Weather Layering and Hunting Apparel for Women

A women's hunting apparel guide for when the temps start to plummet! All of the apparel listed here is what works for me when I'm sitting in my deer stand for long hours at a time and what I recommend for long, non-active hunts during the winter months.  -Andrea Haas

1.) Prois Sherpa Beanie

• I love the fit of this beanie. It's long enough to cover my ears perfectly and doesn't allow cold air/wind in.
• Available at www.EvoOutdoors.com and www.ProisHunting.com

Prois Sherpa Beanie

2.) Prois Sherpa Fleece Neck Gaitor

• This is great for extra warmth or added camo coverage. I carry this piece into my spring turkey hunting season as well for the added camo coverage.
• Available at www.ProisHunting.com

Prois Sherpa Neck Gaitor

3.) Base Layers

• The key to staying warm in cold temps starts with your base layers. You want your base layers to help wick moisture, that way if you sweat while walking to your stand, you won't freeze later on when it starts to evaporate. Merino Wool is great for wicking moisture and isn't itchy.
• I recommend The Women's Expedition Crew top and Bottoms by Minus33, available at www.EvoOutdoors.com

Expedition Top and Bottoms by Minus33

4.) Mid Layers

• The Turas Long Sleeve Shirt by Prois is one of my favorite shirts to keep in my hunting gear bag year round. I add this top over my base layer for some extra warmth that's not bulky at all and is extremely easy to move in. It's available at www.ProisHunting.com

Prois Turas Shirt

• In extremely cold temps, I like to add a fleece mid-layer as well and have found this is a really great way to add some extra warmth; and if you find the right layers, you won't add bulkiness along with it.
• Polartec fleece is my favorite, available at www.cabelas.com 

Polartec Fleece Top and Bottoms

5.) Prois Xtreme Pants and Jacket

• I absolutely love the Prois Xtreme Pants and Jacket for cold weather hunting. The wind stops here, ladies! They do an excellent job at stopping the wind and also helps to keep you dry while hunting in rain, snow, sleet and drizzle. Plus, the jacket has an added "duck tail" feature to extend the length and help keep you even dryer. 
• Available at www.EvoOutdoors and www.ProisHunting.com

Prois Xtreme Pants and Jacket

6.) Gloves

• For bow hunting my personal favorite are the Women's Bow Ranger by Manzella. They are fleece with a 4-way stretch fabric for a great fit, which also makes them easy to get on and off. They also have a bow-release collar, making them a great choice for bow hunting.
• Available at www.EvoOutdoors.com

Bow Ranger Glove by Manzella

7.) Socks

• A good pair of moisture wicking socks is imperative in order to keep your feet dry and warm. When walking to the stand my feet often start to sweat, which is a bad thing once the sweat starts to evaporate. Merino Wool is known for its moisture-wicking abilities and helps keep my feet dry and warm.
• The Day Hiker Sock by Minus33 are my favorite. Available at www.EvoOutdoors.com

Day Hiker Sock by Minus33

8.) ThermaCELL Heated Insoles

• If my feet do start to get cold in the stand, I love these rechargable heated insoles by ThermaCELL. Just replace the insole to your boots with these (you can also cut these to make them fit better). You can adjust the temperature to high or medium with a small remote that easily fits in your pocket. 
• Available at www.BassPro.com

ThermaCELL Heated Insoles

9.) Women's Muck Woody Max Boots

• These have a 100% waterproof rubber outsole, and are fleece lined on the inside. These fit close to your fit to keep cold air from getting in.
• Available at www.cabelas.com

Muck Woody Max Boot

-Andrea Haas

Preparing To Sit On Stand During The Rut

Preparing To Sit On Stand During The Rut

By: Allison B. O’Nan

Field Reporter

　
It’s no surprise that hunting during the rut is one of the best times to be in your stand. Unlike when the deer are on their early season and late season feeding patterns, they are completely unpredictable creatures at this time. There is no rhyme to their movement, only reason: to breed. Hunting the rut can be very rewarding but also challenging. The rut is typically at its peak mid November. Weather conditions and cold temperatures can be near unbearable this time of year.

Bucks in rut move all day. Covert Scouting Cameras caught this buck chasing a doe in daylight.

Hunting where there is fresh buck sign is a good strategy during the rut.

Preparation is going to be the key to success. If a hunter isn't prepared they likely won’t be able to withstand the elements and sit through an all day hunt. 

I have put together a compilation of tips that have proven to help me over the years to stay comfortable and remain focused.


Foods To Eat

Go nuts! Nuts are a healthy option to help stay warm and full.

Believe it or not the foods you choose to eat play an active role in your body temperature and how your body reacts to cold temperatures. Adding certain foods to your daily diet can make a difference. 

Peanuts and almonds are great snacks to incorporate. A handful can give the body deep warmth that lasts. Seeds such as sesame, pumpkin, and fennel are also great body warmers and help support a healthy digestive system.

Honey is also effective when it comes to warming the body. It’s a natural sweetener and can be added to almost anything.

Of course fruits and vegetables are always a great choice and act as an aid in boosting the immune system and blood flow in the body.
Sitting all day can get tiring. You can easily lose your focus and doze off. You know the saying “you snooze, you lose.” There are a few foods that improve alertness that you can pack with you on your hunt such as coffee, dark chocolate, and walnuts. You also want to make sure that you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.



Keep A Close Eye On The Weather
As hunters, checking the weather and wind direction before a hunt is a must. If the forecast appears less than tolerable consider hunting from a ground blind. On days that the blustery winds were brutal and it was freezing cold with drizzle I have hunted from my ground blind that protected me from these elements and kept me dry. Deer move in all kinds of weather. Be there and be ready!



Bathroom Breaks

Holding off on your bathroom break is a sure fire way to become uncomfortable while hunting. Not to sound crude, but we’ve all been there. By all means DON’T HOLD IT!!

It’s much easier when hunting from a ground blind to ease out. I recommend getting away from your hunting area. Some say human urine doesn’t affect the deer, but why chance it?

In years past it was much more difficult to take a bathroom break from a stand and not disturb the peaceful woods. Thanks to companies, such as Go Girl, for developing devices that can be used in the stand and cause little to no disturbance at all, making our hunts more comfortable than ever before.

Cold Weather Gear & Staying Warm

When keeping warm you want to pay close attention to areas with main arteries; groin, upper torso, under the arms, and the head.

Therma Care back wraps are a great! They can be used on the skin or over clothing. By producing heat for 10-12 hours it will consistently keep the kidney area warm. The kidneys circulate blood throughout the body and is beneficial to keeping warm.

You want to try and trap as much heat from leaving your head as possible. Wear a warm beanie, face mask, and neck gaiter. (I would suggest waiting until you’re in the stand before putting these on to keep perspiration down.) Keeping your face and head warm is the main focus. Your hands and feet will remain at a tolerable temperature if you’re able to do this.
I prefer using a muff for my hands as opposed to gloves. (Gloves tend to make my hands sweat more). Keep hand-warmers in your pocket and use them only when necessary. Refraining from perspiration is the goal. The same applies to the feet.


It’s important to choose a good boot that is insulated. The boot doesn’t need to be so tight on the foot that it restricts blood flow. You will also need socks made of wicking material or wool. I prefer wicking, but both are great.

Recommemded products to keep a hunter prepared and ready for an all day sit

The ideal suit for extreme weather is one that is waterproof and insulated. Refrain from wearing any cotton. Cotton absorbs dampness and will cause the body to lose heat. If your cold weather suit isn’t waterproof you will need to take rain gear as a preventative measure. This will be useful in snowy conditions as well. Keeping your body dry will keep you warmer.
If you plan to sit all day you will need to stand up and move around from time to time to keep the blood flowing. Also, while sitting down you will need to prop your feet up to keep blood from being constricted to your legs. Sitting for long periods of time puts the body more at risk for blood clots as well, so this is very important information to be mindful of while hunting.

My Prois Extreme Gear does a great job of keeping me warm in cold climates.

Hunting in extreme conditions for long periods of time can be stressful on the body. It takes time and preparation to plan for this kind of hunt. I hope these tips are helpful this season.

Being comfortable =confidence, and confidence = success!