Muck Boot Company - Girls With Guns Arctic Hunter Boot

By Andrea Haas

It's a new season, and with that, comes new hunting products & apparel for me to test and review for our followers!  This dove season I tried the new Girls With Guns Arctic Hunter Boots by Muck Boot Company. I have always been a big fan of Muck Boots and was excited to put these boots to the test. Below are my results.

Performance In The Field

-WATERPROOF-

Early morning hunts usually involve a lot of dewy grass that can soak through your boots and pants in no time. The Arctic Hunter boots are 100% waterproof and kept my feet nice and dry on dewy mornings and when crossing creeks.

-TRACTION-

The Arctic Hunter Boots have a "slip-resistant rugged outsole", which performed great on our rugged terrain. If you read my previous Muck Boots product review, you've probably learned by now that I am not a very graceful person, so I need all the help I can get in this department, especially with as many flat shelf rocks we have here in the Ozark Mountains. 
 

-COMFORT-

They fit great and were easy to move in. They were extremely comfortable and the insoles were nice and soft, which would make them a great option for spot and stalk hunting. In fact, I think the insoles and comfort level were my favorite feature on these boots and what will probably make them my new favorite pair of Muck's.

-TEMPERATURE REGULATION-

The Arctic Hunter boots have a lining of Neoprene and fleece to keep your feet warm during cold hunts. Their insulation package is rated to -40 degrees. I found they were very warm and I have no doubt they will be my go-to boots this fall and winter once the temperature really starts to drop.

Features 

• 5mm CR Flex-Foam

• Warm Fleece Lining

• Extended Rubber Exterior

• Comfort Insole

• Slip-Resistant Rugged Outsole
•  
• Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern

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 Girls With Guns Arctic boots. They fit great, are easy to move in, and the insole was very comfortable and wasn't too tight on my feet, even with thicker socks on.

They are available in women's sizes 5 to 11.

Price and Options

You have the option to order a Tall boot for $184.99 or the Mid boot for $174.99. I ordered the Tall.

 

I was very happy with how well these boots performed for me this dove season. They were comfortable, easy to move in, and had great traction control. They are engineered for warmth, with a temperature rating of -40, which will be great for hunting this winter. I highly recommend the Arctic Hunter Boots to any serious female hunter looking to extend her time in the field this season.

For more information, head to www.MuckBootCompany.com 

Girls with Guns Clothing – Huntress, Non-Insulated Mossy Oak Hunting Boots

By Lora Gene Young

GWG Huntress Boots – Spike camping on a beach in Northern Territory Australia

These are an awesome boot I am really enjoying wearing around the Australian Outback. Long, hot days need a light weight boot that keeps my feet comfortable and cool even in the scorching sun. This boot is mid-height which provides ample ankle support but is not tall enough to be hot and chafe my ankles or calves. The boot is water proof for getting through wet, muddy areas or for washing up heads, but still breaths to help keep my hot, sweaty feet comfortable and dry.

Unfortunately, there are no easy aide pull on tabs to help with putting them on in the morning. Also, if you are against pink in your hunting wardrobe, there is some pink on these boots. The pink is limited to the logo, laces and a bit near the sole. Most of this gets dirty and covered very quickly! They are a great Mossy Oak pattern for the rest of the boot.

Overall, the Girls with Guns Huntress Boot is a great boot for hot weather and moderate terrain. I love them for use in Australia and would recommend them for Texas and similar hunting environments

Favorite Products of 2015

The 2015 season has been great for the Huntress View team! Although we believe hard work, practice and determination play the biggest role in harvesting an animal, the products included on this list played a huge part in our success in the field as well. We aren't trying to push these products on you, but just wanted to share with other women hunters what has worked well for us this season! Here they are, in no particular order. 

 ----- SCENT CONTROL PRODUCTS-----

NOSE JAMMER

"I use this every time I hunt and have yet to have a deer smell me this season! I am very particular about being scent free and Nose Jammer gives me the extra coverage to be 100% confident bow hunting no matter the wind direction" - Cara Holland, HV team member

SOUTHERN RACKS

"Absolutely LOVE this scent free shampoo, conditioner, and body wash! I have tried several different kinds and I am shocked at how AMAZING this product is! My hair in the picture is after using Southern Racks (of course I wouldn't curl my hair and nonsense to go in the woods ) This stuff doesn't dry out my hair and I don't have to use a boat load of conditioner to get a comb through my hair. It leaves my hair still heathy and soft! And FRIZZ FREE!!!!!!!! Not trying to sell the product.. Just being honest,, I was shocked myself! LOVE it! A little goes a long way!" - Britini Dunham, HV team member

----- BROADHEADS -----

AFFLICTOR HYBRID-EXT

"First time using the Afflictor broadheads and I couldn't be happier with the results! These babies did some major damage tonight dropping my deer about 70 yards from where I shot it, not to mention how true they fly to a field tip! These 2 blade steel broad heads are rear deploying and are extremely effective with bleeder blades leaving a 1.5" hole! Afflictor blades are super advanced arnd are a fixed and mechanical blade in one! Try out these Hybrid EXT's!" -Kinsey Edmunds, HV team member

FLYING ARROW ARCHERY - TOXIC BROADHEADS

"These Broadheads are amazing it leaves an amazing blood trail the hole you see in the packaging is literally the exact cut that you'll see after you shoot your animal with it" -Liz Adams, HV team member

----- APPAREL -----

FIRST LITE LARKSPUR BOTTOMS & LUPINE CREW BASE LAYERS

"The First Lite Women’s Base Layers have played a crucial role in my hunting success this season. I’ve been able to hunt more comfortably in both the cold and the heat, and have even noticed a big decrease in the amount of times I have been winded by deer thanks to the merino wool’s natural resistance to odor. I highly recommend these for any female hunter looking to extend their time in the field!" - Andrea Haas, HV Founder

PROIS HIGH PLAINS BRUSH PANTS

"The Prois Brush Pants played a huge part in my upland hunting success over the last couple of years. They are extremely comfortable and easy to move in and they do an excellent job at keeping the burrs & stickers off!" -Andrea Haas, HV Founder

FIRST LITE TALON FINGERLESS GLOVES

"The gloves have open fingers, which I prefer for bow hunting, and have worked great for me all season long. In late season when it gets colder, I recommend either a full glove, or adding a hand muff for added warmth." -Andrea Haas, HV Founder

----- DECOYS -----

AVIAN X TURKEY DECOYS

 "I love our Avian X turkey decoys. They worked amazing and are available in several different options. They look so realistic" -Heidi Swonger, HV team member

----- ARROWS -----

BLACK EAGLE OUTLAWS WITH LIGHTED NOCKS

"Black Eagle Outlaw Arrows with Nock Out lighted nocks! I have never had a better flying shaft.. So true to the definition on their site, great for any Hunter!! These lighted nocks allow me to practice without activating the light and losing battery. A simple ring on the nock will allow the nock to be off for practice or active for when you want it to light up when you let lose on any game! Then simply pulling up on the nock will turn the light off after you retrieve your arrow" -Britni Dunham, HV team member

----- ACCESSORIES -----

FIREFIELD FACE PAINT

"I've tried out a couple different brands now of face paint, all which have worked but what I really like about FireField face paint was how easy it was to apply and how well it stayed on my face! I had no problems with it breaking me out or irritating my skin. Each color comes in its own stick, making it easy to apply as much or as little of once color as you want!" -Kinsey Edmunds, HV Team Member

LAKE OF THE WOODS HANDWARMER BY BEMIDJI WOOLEN MILLS

"I have always had a hard time keeping my fingers warm while hunting but combined with my First Lite Talus gloves, Hot Hands hand warmers, this handwarmer from Bemidji Woolen Mills has done a great job this season!" -Andrea Haas, HV Founder

Dove Hunting Gear & Apparel List for Women

By Andrea Haas

Dove season is one of my favorite hunting seasons. It marks the beginning of deer season here in Missouri, and around much of the U.S. It's a bit more relaxed than deer or turkey hunting, which I feel is much needed after months of being so serious in the woods. Not only that, hunting doves is one of the best ways to sharpen your shooting skills.

I put together a head to toe gear & apparel list with what I feel are great options for women dove hunters, as well as a list of some hunting equipment that may come in handy on your hunt.

Uninsulated Hunting Clothing

Prois Ultra Short Sleeve Shirt

• This shirt is lightweight & easy to move in. It's made of 100% polyester, which wicks moisture away to keep you dry. It does have an athletic cut, which makes it a tad shorter than most shirts, so I recommend going up a size or 2. Still, it fits great & is very comfortable! 
• Available for $39.60 at EvoOutdoors 

Prois Pro-Edition Pants

• Made of 100% Polyester Tricot, these pants have the "4 S's" - soft, sturdy, silent & snag resistant. 
• Knee pleats added for enhanced movement and comfort while sitting, squatting or stalking
• Available for $152.10 at EvoOutdoors

Hearing Protection

Howard Leight Women's Super Leight Earplugs

• I personally prefer earplugs over earmuffs due to the comfort. Plus dove season is usually warmer & earmuffs tend to make you sweat more.
• These earplugs by Howard Leight offer a better fit for women who are smaller framed, like me, & come in a pack of 14 for $4.49 at Cabelas

Hunting Boots

Women's Pursuit Stealth Boots by Muck Boot Company

• These boots have 5mm of Neoprene with a fleece lining that is actually very breathable in warmer temperatures and during active hunts
• Check out my full Product Review
• Available for $209 in women's sizes 5 to 11

Shooting Vest

Prois Competitor Shooter's Vest

Front

Back

• You may or may not want to wear the whole vest while dove hunting. If you do, it has bilateral shoulder padding, for both left and right handed shooters. This vest is also great for those who enjoy shooting sporting clays, skeet, trap, etc. 
• If you choose not to wear the whole vest, just unzip it at the waist and it converts into a shooting apron. It has a rear mesh pouch to hold spent shells and large front pockets that will each easily hold a box of shotgun shells.

• Available for $215.10 at EvoOutdoors

Stools/Chairs

Dove Shooter by AlpsOutdoorz

• You could easily tuck this chair into the edge of a woodline, in a blind, etc. 
• Includes an easy-carry shoulder strap, has a cooler underneath the seat, and 2 large front pockets to store your ammo or a few dove decoys!
• At AlpsOutdoorz for only $54.99

Concealment

2 Piece Shotgun Cover Kit by Beartooth Outdoors

• I don't have a camo shotgun so when dove hunting, I prefer to cover up my shiny shotgun with the 2 Piece Shotgun Cover Kit by Beartooth Outdoors
• It protects my shotgun from the elements and has a few slots to hold your shotgun shells
• Available for just $34.95 at www.beartooth-products.com   

 

Decoys

Lucky Duck Clip-On Dove Decoys, 4 Pack

• We purchased a couple packs of these decoys last year & they seemed to work well for bringing doves in closer. My husband made a "tree" out of re-bar and put it in the field where we dove hunt. We attached the doves to this "tree" using their steel clothes-pin style clips and they stayed attached to it well. 

• Available for $14.99 at Cabelas

Hunter's Edge Dove Feeding Frenzy

• We also purchased this rotating decoy system last year and it seemed to work good as well for bringing the doves in
• It rotates the doves around in a realistic motion and seems to catch their eye better than the non-moving decoys.
• It's also available at Cabelas, for $79.99

Turkey Hunting Gear & Apparel for Women

By Andrea Haas
Revised 3/01/16

Photo of Huntress View team member Samantha Andrews

Turkey season is fast approaching so if you haven't begun shopping for your turkey hunting gear, now's a great time! The following is gear & apparel that I have used & recommend for spring turkey hunting. I don't feel you need to run out & buy each item on this list, but at the very least I recommend a turkey vest, something to cover your face (whether it be paint or a face mask), and some camo pants & top so you don't get busted!


1) Headwear

-Prois Cap-

-Elastic Hairbands-

by EvoOutdoors 

These work great as headbands to keep your hair out of your face, or can double as a hair-tie to pull your hair back into a ponytail. I carry these in my hunting pack year round.

2) Face Paint

-Fire-Field Face Paint-

Easy to apply, easy to remove and NO glare. It's a great alternative to a face mask, that tends to just get in the way.

Photo courtesy of Hunters Crate

3) Shirts & Jackets

-Prois Ultra Backcountry Long Sleeve Shirt-

Made of polyester wicking fabric & has pockets on the back of the shirt across the lumbar 

region that are perfect for holding calls, gloves & other hunting gear!

               

Front

Back

-Prois Galleann Rain Jacket-

It always rains on me in turkey season. Never fails! The new Galleann Rain gear from Prois is waterproof, breathable AND it packs down into its own pack, so it's very easy to haul it around with you in case it rains. Below is a picture of the jacket, but they also have Galleann Rain Pants. 

4) Vest

-RedHead For Her Camo Turkey Vest-

available at Bass Pro

This vest fits me perfectly & has all the same features as a men's turkey vest. There's lots of pockets & compartment space to hold a variety of calls. It has a fold-out seat built into it. Just fold the seat out & use the back of the vest as support for your back. 

The back has plenty of room to carry your decoys.

Front

Back

5) Pants

-Prois Pro-Edition Pants-

Light weight & easy to move in. Knee pleats added to enhance movement & comfort while sitting, squatting or stalking. 

Waistline has elastic stretch to the sides & also includes beling & tab buckles so you get a perfect fit.

6) Footwear

-Mountain Athlete Crew Sock by FirstLite-

available at EvoOutdoors 

Midweight

Made of Merino Wool, featuring nylon/spandex on the outside

-SHE Outdoor Avila Mid Rubber Hunting Boot-

available at Bass Pro $79.99

100% Waterproof with vulcanized rubber construction

These boots are very comfortable & easy to move in. I've found them great for active hunts.

7) Turkey Calls

-Huntress View Pink Laminate Pot Call-

by Solo Mountain Game Calls

Slate Over Glass

or

Glass Over Glass

Glass Over Glass

Slate Over Glass

-Push Button Cedar Box Call-
by Adventure Game Calls

If you're looking for a call that's easy to master, you have found it right here! It's so easy to use & it sounds great. The design allows it to easily be mounted to any shotgun, which is great to minimize movement. 

Photo courtesy of Hunters Crate

8) Decoys

-Avian X LCD Decoys-

available at Bass Pro

We highly recommend any of the Avian Decoys. They are the most realistic looking decoy, in my opinion. They body of the decoys collapse so they are easy to carry in your vest, but are also easy to re-inflate quickly to set them up. Team member Heidi Swonger had great luck with them this past spring!