Over the next few months, I plan to be writing specifically about some of the products and changes in the industry that I learned about at the 2009 SHOT Show. In the meantime, here are a few more “unusual” odds and ends I got a look at down on the floor.
Most waterfowl and predator hunters are aware of Mojo Outdoors, makers of motion decoys for everything from waterfowl to wildcats. It’s nearly impossible to pass Mojo’s booth at the show because there are so many spinning wings and flipping, furry things that your eye gets pulled right in. And hey, that’s exactly what their products are designed for.
So I was looking around at the dazzling display when I saw this thing on a shelf. The Bug Shot isn’t a decoy or a lure. It doesn’t spin, or wiggle, or hop. It just kind of hangs there. I tend to notice the thing that stands out, so I walked over and picked it up.
Turns out, the Bug Shot is an insect killer, designed for use in enclosed blinds, tree stands, or even hunting camps and cabins. Inside the super-sized shotshell replica is a “wick” that exudes an insecticide for up to four months.
The device is supposed to be effective on spiders, mosquitos, wasps, and other creepy crawlies that can make it miserable to sit in a stand. It’s not really a new idea, of course, but it’s a nice presentation and marketed to the right audience.
Here’s one from the realm of the unreal. 
It’s the new “fur camo” suit from Columbia Sportswear. OK, so this is another one that would have been suitable for the Mojo display… it’s a decoy to get your attention, of course. But nevertheless, it generated some fun and interesting conversations as passersby stopped to discuss it. Some thought it was for real, others thought it was crazy, and almost
The most fun I had was when I found out that Jack Link’s beef jerky had a booth just around the corner. Remember that Jack Link’s advertising campaign about messing with Sasquatch? I could picture a lot of fun interaction between these two booths, but I guess I was the only one left with the energy to have a sense of humor at that point.
Oh, I did ask… and “Ma Boyle” apparently did approve this outfit!
Finally, one more of the good ones.
Buck Knives have been around a long, long time. One of my first hunting knives carried the Buck brand, and I bet the same goes for a lot of you folks too. They’re well-made, affordable, and everywhere!
It was a big deal a couple of years ago when the company announced it was pulling stakes from San Diego. It looked like production of the beloved, American-made (mostly) knives was goign to be moved overseas and a lot of faithful owners reconsidered their loyalties.
Buck has settled into a new facility in Post Falls, ID, and is making many of their knives there, including this new beauty, the Avid Model 497. It’s a big blade, with an unusual ergonomic design. It’s actually cast for right-handed users, so there’s a factor for southpaws out there, but it sure felt nice to me. I like my small, handy blades for most game, but when it comes to big stuff like Elk or big hogs, a big blade can sure help things along. The legendary strength of the Buck blades is also useful for heavy work, like quartering and getting through heavy joints.
There are a couple of models, including a basic model with an integrated zipper blade (gut hook). I’ve never really cared much for the integrated zipper myself, and Buck has addressed that with a separate zipper blade that fits into its own pocket on the front of the 497′s sheath (unfortunately, I failed to capture that in the photo). It’s a really nice knife, and it sounds like the price is going to be right too. I don’t need another knife right now, but I have a feeling this one will make its way into my gear box soon.
Whoo boy! That’s a purrty lookin’ knife! The furry camo? Not so purrty. I do like you sense of humor though with the sasquatch…I would have laughed.