Heath Wood
A new year also marks a new season of hunting industry trade shows. One of my favorite shows is the ATA (Archery Trade Association) show, which was held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. During this time of the year, hunting seasons have concluded, making the ATA show a great place to visit with friends and partners throughout the industry. The ATA show is also the place in which a new hunting season is starting to take shape. There is an abundance of new releases during the three days of the show that will be featured later in the fall when seasons begin again.
The technology and ideas at the ATA show that are premiering to the world of hunting are mind-blowing. Many companies are coming up with ways to make the hunting experience more enjoyable and successful with new and innovative ideas. One of the things that I love about hunting is that no matter how many new ideas and new technologies are available, hunters continue to keep a tight grip on their roots and the traditions that have made up what hunting is today. For example, while making my away around the showroom and visiting with vendors, I encountered a vast amount of new products featuring the classic favorite camouflage pattern of many hunters, Mossy Oak Bottomland.
As I strolled the showroom floor, I couldn’t help but notice the popularity of throwbacks that filled the booths showcasing what is going to be available in fall 2020. One of my favorite camouflage patterns throughout my entire life of hunting has always been Mossy Oak Bottomland. When I see the pattern today on new products, it somehow takes me back to when I began hunting, and it reminds me of how much of a passion I have always had for the outdoors. I think the same goes for many hunters, and this is why there is a trend of vintage camo patterns such as Bottomland that keep showing up year after year. Below are five products that I came across while at the 2020 ATA Show that seem to be #betterinbottomland.
Danner Recurve Boots
As we talked about a trend of tradition in the world of hunting, it seemed like the new Danner Recurve boot had to be on the list. The Recurve is inspired by traditional style hunting boots while drawing design and technology cues from Danner’s best-selling hiking boots. The boot can be worn during any hunting excursion. The Danner Recurve features a Vibram SPE midsole and TPU heel clip to ensure comfort while pre-season scouting and also during those long treks while hunting. The boot boasts seven inches of height for ankle support and options available with Danner Dry waterproofing and Thinsulate insulation and, of course, the available pattern featuring Mossy Oak Bottomland camo.
MSRP: $190.00- $220.00
For more information, visit www.danner.com.
Primos Foggy Bottom Turkey Box Call
When one thinks of Bottomland camouflage and turkey hunting, the word Primos typically comes to mind. The relationship between Primos and Mossy Oak is one that has been thriving for many years, and that is what I thought of when I picked up the New Foggy Bottom box call while in the Primos booth at the ATA show. The Foggy Bottom box call is a double-sided box call that gives the hunter the ability to sound like two different hens. This call is great to duplicate yelps, cuts, clucks, and even purrs, all while featuring Mossy Oak Bottomland on the lid of the call. This unique box call is an addition to the already popular Foggy Bottom series that already consist of pot calls and a snuff tube call. Primos even advertises that this is the perfect call for all the Mossy Oak Bottomland fanatics.
MSRP: $44.99
For more information, visit www.primos.com.
Alps OutdoorZ NWTF Deception Ground Blind
A couple of years ago, I got to experience the unique design of the Alps OutdoorZ NWTF Deception Ground Blind. It is the only hub-style ground blind of its kind on the market. What sets the Deception Ground Blind apart from other hub-style blinds is the low-profile design of only 46 inches. It is a lightweight ground blind that pairs perfectly with Alps low profile chairs and their popular NWTF Grand Slam turkey vest. When paired together, they create the perfect vantage point for the turkey hunter. The small footprint and unique 4-hub design make for a smooth and quiet set-up. The aluminum hubs are constructed with engineered tips and pins, and the frame uses strong, flexible fiberglass poles. The exterior of the blind is a durable polyester fabric that is available this spring in Mossy Oak Bottomland. The Deception also features a 270-degree SILENT-Trac window system for limitless window positions. My favorite feature of the Deception blind is that it easily folds up and fits in the back of my NWTF Grand Slam Turkey Vest that also is available in Bottomland.
MSRP: $149.99
For more information, visit www.alpsbrands.com.
Obsession Bows Evolution 7
Another exciting release at the 2020 ATA show were the several options of new bows from Obsession that are available in Mossy Oak Bottomland. The one bow that caught my eye was the Evolution 7. Whether one is hunting whitetail or target shooting, the Evolution 7 is designed with those who demand accuracy and speed. The Evolution 7 is outfitted with Obsession’s all-new OB Adjustable 4-track Cam System that provides easy tuning and superior arrow flight.
- Brace Height: 7”
- IBO Rating: up to 330 FPS
- Axle to Axle: 33.5”
- Draw Lengths: 25.5” – 31”
- Available in Mossy Oak Bottomland
- MSRP: $999.99
For more information, visit www.obsessionbows.com.
Hunter Safety System Mossy Oak Pro Series Vest with Elimishield
One of the trends that I have seen a lot is that of already successful products responding to the demand and popularity of Mossy Oak Bottomland. For example, HSS has reintroduced the Pro Series safety harness in Bottomland. The Pro Series is a safety harness that features the latest technology in tree stand safety with the classic features that made the Pro Series a fan favorite. The Pro Series harness is treated with ElimiShield Hunt Scent Control Technology, killing human odor before it forms for the entire life of the harness. This harness is 40-percent lighter, thanks to the lightweight fabrics and ventilating mesh. The new Pro Series still features binocular straps and eight pockets to hold all your gear, adjustable tree strap, suspension relief strap/deer drag, and economy lineman’s climbing strap. Plus, the Pro Series now has a Charging USB port that is compatible with any USB battery pack so that the hunter can charge their devices anywhere. (Battery pack is not included.)
MSRP: $139.95
For more information, visit www.huntersafetysystem.com.
