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April 29, 2010

How to Use a Spotting Scope

Filed under: Hunting Accessories — Tags: , , — Esther @ 3:48 pm

Use a tripod to steady the spotting scope.

Use a tripod to steady the spotting scope.

Spotting scopes are perfect for scouting game, watching wildlife, and seeing objects at greater distances than binoculars will allow. Using a scope is a bit different than using a pair of binoculars, however. Here are a few tips to help you figure out how to use your spotting scope.

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  1. Choose a good spotting location where you can get a good view of your surroundings. Make sure the view is unobstructed in the direction you will be looking.
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  3. Set up the tripod and scope on as level ground as possible. Adjust the tripod legs as needed. The use of a tripod is necessary because of the high magnification settings of a scope. Binoculars you can hold steady in your hand, but with the higher magnification power of a scope, you will need a stable base (tripod) in order to view a steady, focused image through the eyepiece. With a spotting scope, even small movements (such as the barely noticeable shakiness in your hands) will cause you to lose the focus on your target.
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  5. Adjust the magnification power to the power you need. Generally, you want to start at the lowest power setting to locate your target and then increase the magnification as needed. The lower the magnification setting, the larger your field of view will be.
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  7. Locate your target through the scope. Use binoculars to help you find your target, if needed. Once you have zeroed in on your target, make any fine tune adjustments to the scope to see the image clearly and at the correct magnification.
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  9. Rest your eyes often. Looking through the eyepiece of the scope for long periods of time can quickly tire out your eyes. Take regular breaks from looking through the scope to give your eyes a rest.

April 27, 2010

Ground Blind Reviews

Take your pick from any of these well-recommended ground blinds: Turret XL, 2 Person Chair Blind, Pop Up, and Layout. See what other customers had to say about these blinds below.

Turret XL Hub Blind with Zero Detect camo

Turret XL Hub Blind with Zero Detect camo


Turret XL Blind

“Couldn’t be more please with my purchase. Forget the instructions, watch the online video…and it is as easy to put up as the guys show. Very study, water repellent just enough room for two people. Shooting through the screens works like they say. Doesn’t affect your arrow trajectory. Also impressed with shipping and tracking info that is emailed to me at every step of the way.”
- Jim A., Colorado

“This is the first blind that I have owned and I could not be happier. This blind is so easy to set up that it took me all of 60 seconds out of the box on the first try. The inside is very roomy and fit me and my two boys 17 and 15. I think the construction is of great quality and will stand up to many years of hunting. Opening morning we had 3 bucks 6 does, one coyote and a turkey walk right by us. You could not beat the price for this blind based on the size and quality. If you are looking for a high quality blind do not hesitate purchasing this one.”
- J. Ryan

“We were very pleased with the blind. We ordered it for our son for Christmas and then ordered another for my husband after seeing the first one.”
- C. Randall

2 Person Chair Blind

2 Shooter Chair Blind

2 Shooter Chair Blind

“Grandson and I used this blind. We sat for a couple hours through a thunder storm and it had only a few slow leaks. I had to reinforce the stitching on the “chair leg holders”, because it was not quite strong enough and coated outside cover with a water repellent spray. I like the versatility of this stand good color pattern, and quite comfortable, I may add. Well worth the money I paid for it. They just need to put more or use heaver stitching.”
- Aenon, Georgia

Pop Up Blind

“Great blind for the price. It is light so it may need staked down. Plenty of room and easy to set up. Velcro on the windows are loud.”
- S. Mishler

“Great product–fits my turkey and deer hunting blind needs!! Like the light weight-14 lbs.
- Roger S.

Layout Blind

“Had problem with push buttons on head rest and a fiber connector snapping in extreme cold. Customer service was pleasant and responsive and replaced with new blind. Would recommend.”
- D. Jones

“It is a good product. It works like they say it does and does the job. The only thing is its not made for healthy people. By that I mean us more rotund fat boys. I can barely close the flaps all the way and be comfortable. Other than that no complaints at all.”
- Chance Burnett

April 22, 2010

Are Ground Blinds Waterproof?

Filed under: Ground Blinds — Tags: , , — Esther @ 10:09 am

This pop up ground blind has a water repellent finish.

This pop up ground blind has a water repellent finish.

One of the best parts of using a ground blind is the protection from the rain, wind, and other elements. Just how waterproof is a ground blind? Most quality hunting blinds are water repellent or water resistant, which means that in a light rain, no water should leak into the blind. If it starts to pour, though, water may seep through in some spots.

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So why don’t ground blind manufacturers add a rain fly, like on camping tents? The problem with a rain fly is that it will flap in the wind and spook game from coming anywhere near the blind. This defeats the purpose of the blind in the first place.

If you really want to make your blind watertight, you might want to try using a seam sealer or waterproofing spray. Keep in the mind that any sealant product you use will leave behind an odor. To get rid of this odor, let the blind sit outside for a few days until the smell is gone.

If you leave your ground blind out overnight, use tie-downs to keep the sides taut and prevent water from pooling in pockets on the roof or other places. If enough water builds up on your tent, it can cause damage to the tent material or poles.

April 19, 2010

Coupon Code for KillZone Ghillie Suits

Ghillie Suit Coupon

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For a limited time only, KillZone is offering a discount coupon for all ghillie suits, sniper BDUs, and ponchos. You can get an extra $15 off any ghillie suit in our store! Simply add the item you want to your shopping cart and enter the code KZG153 in the Discount Codes section before proceeding to the checkout page.

Check out our ghillie suits to shop now!

To take advantage of this great deal, enter the above coupon code in the DISCOUNT CODES box on the shopping cart page.

To take advantage of this great deal, enter the above coupon code in the DISCOUNT CODES box on the shopping cart page.

April 16, 2010

Hub-Style Ground Blind Comparison

Filed under: Ground Blinds — Tags: , — Esther @ 1:49 pm

Check out this side by side comparison of the KillZone Turret XL Hunting Blind, the Ameristep Brickhouse, and the Primos Ground Max Eclipse.

Specifications KillZone Hunting Ameristep Primos
Model Turret XL Blind Brickhouse Ground Max Eclipse
Price $99.00 – $104.99 $129.99 (varies) $129.99 (varies)
Shipping Free (lower 48 states) Additional charge Additional charge
Center Height 66 inches 66 inches 67 inches
Interior Width 72″ x 72″ 75″ x 75″ 77″ x 77″
Camo Pattern Autumn Wooded Oak or Zero Detect Realtree AP HD Realtree Hardwoods HD Grey
Number of Windows 11 10 12
Window Closures Silent loop closures Silent loop closures Zippers
Removable Shoot Through Mesh Yes Yes Yes
Gun Ports Yes Yes Yes
Roof Hatch Yes Not listed Yes
Scent Protection Yes Yes Yes
Water Repellent Yes Yes Yes
Stakes and Tie Downs Yes Yes Yes
Frame Lightweight steel hubs, fiberglass poles Fiberglass poles Not listed
Interior Blackout Blackout Blackout
Backpack Case Yes Yes Yes
Backpack Dimensions 42″ x 6″ x 6″ 46″ x 12″ Not listed
Weight 14 lbs 18 lbs 14 lbs
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Note: All specifications are based on the manufacturer’s stated price and product description at time of posting. Prices and specifications are subject to change.

April 13, 2010

Hunting Blinds with Carbon Scent Elimination

Filed under: Deer Hunting,Ground Blinds — Tags: , , — Esther @ 10:22 am

Hunting Blind with Carbon Scent Elimination

Hunting Blind with Carbon Scent Elimination

Any hunter knows that eliminating scent is important if you want to keep game oblivious to your presence. Not only do you need to block odor from your body and clothing but you also need to be aware of any odors on your gear, especially your hunting blind.

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If you hunt from a blind, the fabric walls of the blind will naturally block much of your scent, but the odors on the blind itself will be picked up by the breeze and carried right under the deer’s nose.

To keep your blind’s scent from giving you away, most manufacturers are now using carbon scent protection in the material of the blind. Activated carbon works by absorbing odor rather than merely covering it up.

Unlike spray-on odor elimination, carbon protection won’t wash off or wear off in the field. It’s designed to work effectively in harsh conditions over a long period of time.

All KillZone Hunting Blinds are designed with scent-blocking carbon protection to eliminate odor and increase your chances of hunting success. With odor-absorbing carbon protection on your hunting blind, you won’t need to fret about shifting winds, and the protection of the hunting blind from the breeze will also help block any lingering odor from your sweat or your clothes.

April 6, 2010

Rifle Case Buying Guide

Filed under: Gun Storage and Gun Cases — Tags: , , — Esther @ 12:20 pm

There are plenty of rifle cases out there, both soft side and hard side. How do you know which one to buy? Before you make your purchase, here are a few questions to consider:

    This soft rifle case includes extra storage pockets on the outside.

    This soft rifle case includes extra storage pockets on the outside.

  1. Hard or soft rifle case?
  2. What type of case do you need? Hard cases offer more heavy duty protection, but soft rifle cases are lighter to carry and generally less expensive. Soft cases are easier to manage and the material is quieter than hard cases.

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  3. How many guns can it fit?
  4. Some cases can only hold a single rifle. Other cases can fit multiple rifles. Single cases are smaller and lighter. Multi-rifle cases are bigger and more bulky, but if you need to carry more than one rifle, they offer more convenience.

  5. Can it fit a scoped rifle?
  6. If you have a scope mounted on your rifle, make sure the case is large enough to accommodate the scope.

  7. How long does the rifle case need to be? Will the case stretch to fit?
  8. Measure the full length of your gun. This is the minimum length required to fit the case. Rifle cases are not designed to stretch, so if your gun is a half inch too long, don’t expect to be able to squeeze your gun into the case.

  9. Is it waterproof?
  10. A waterproof rifle case will prevent rain, snow, and other water or moisture damage. If you want the ultimate protection, choose a waterproof case instead of just a water-resistant case.

  11. Can you lock it?
  12. Almost any case can be locked. For soft rifle cases, use a small padlock to secure the zipper. Hard cases often come with locks included.

    A shoulder strap makes for convenient, hands-free carrying.

    A shoulder strap makes for convenient, hands-free carrying.

  13. What are the options for carrying it?
  14. A sling or shoulder strap is the most popular way to carry your rifle case. A shoulder strap is convenient and keeps your hands free. Some gun cases also have the option to transport the case with one hand, using the dual carry handles.

  15. How much storage does it offer?
  16. Is there room for ammunition and any other accessories you need to carry with you? Storage pockets on the outside of the case give you extra room to store stuff without taking up space inside the case.

  17. Does it come with a warranty?
  18. If the gun case comes with a warranty, you know you’ve got your back covered. If something goes wrong with the case, you can always get it fixed or replaced.

April 1, 2010

New KillZone Rewards Email Today!

Filed under: KillZone Hunting News — Tags: , — Esther @ 4:47 pm

Look for the new KillZone Rewards email in your inbox today! These special offers from KillZone Hunting are only available to our email subscribers. If you have not signed up yet for our Rewards program, stop by the KillZoneHunting.com homepage today and join our mailing list!

Look for the Newsletter signup box on the KillZone homepage, in the lower righthand column.

Click, scroll down, and enter your email to join KillZone Rewards today!

Click, scroll down, and enter your email to join KillZone Rewards today!