The HEALTHY HUNTER
Turkey season is upon us!
Here are some highlights of the good stuff I found at the #NWTFshow this year. Always enjoy the National Wild Turkey Federation every year. This year we took the camera along to share with you some of the stuff I liked the most in the NWTF 2020 Gear Review!
Below are a few links to the gear featured
Will the 5.11 Apex Pants stand up to the rigors of Circus life? Tim Kennedy did the splits in these so I had to put them to a test myself. Putting the 5.11 Apex Pants to a real tactical challenge. Will they rip when put through a heavy workout or will they bust open when we get in the aerial silks to do some splits. These pants have been great. Plenty of pockets to carry extra magazines, ammo, pacifiers, and snacks depending on what you may face that day. Plus they look nice and fit well!!
Knowing that chasing Elk in the mountains was going to be a tough challenge, the last thing I wanted to leave to chance was my nutrition. Being in the mountains miles from the nearest food source (other than the elk we are hunting) meant that whatever we needed to thrive had to be carried up the mountain in our packs.
Chasing elk up and down mountain-sides at 10,000 feet with everything on my back, I knew that I needed nutrition but did not want excess weight.
In the months leading up to the hunt, I focused on more than shooting my bow. My food, exercise, and even mental practice centered on being ready for the mountain.
Cold showers and studying about Elk helped to prepare me mentally. My training program focused on endurance and work capacity. I cut weight, from 205 down to 195, while maintaining strength. I practiced fasting to make sure I was able to go hours without food. When chasing elk there may not be much time to sit down and start a fire to cook a meal.
By eliminating added sugars and focusing on the main source of my diet coming from fat and protein, I trained my body to be fat adapted. With a ketogenic approach including less than 30 grams of sugars daily, my body was able to run on high-quality fats at an optimal level.
When choosing the foods that I would carry up the mountain I prioritized high-quality fats and protein. With my body being accustomed to running on fats, and since each gram of fat contains 9 calories (energy), I was able to carry more energy in less weight.
Next, I ensured that I had protein to maintain my muscle mass and help repair and rebuild from the physicality of the hunt.
My target was 3000 calories a day while on the mountain. Since I normally consume a little over 3000 calories in a day, I knew that 3000 calories would be the minimal amount I would need with the physical and mental demands that the mountain would provide.
Getting ready for the archery season, and shot right through my old target. So we upgraded tremendously and got a few Morrell Targets.
The Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-450 Plus Archery Target is impressive and provides a great target area. Coming in at over a foot and half wide on each side was really nice especially when getting sighted in at 70 plus yards. It is approved for crossbows, compounds, and airbows touting stopping speeds of 450 FPS and beyond.
I appreciate having 4 sides to shoot with 3 different graphics to aim at. One side is an x-ray type vitals area to hone in our skills for the kill shot. On the opposing side is a dartboard which can be used for some challenges. But the other two sides which I like the best have a cartoon yellow jacket in the middle surrounded by four bullseyes. These two sides present us with five bullseyes. Here we can fling five arrows without ruining an arrow with a “Robin Hood”
Sure a “Robin Hood” is cool but can get expensive. So the 5 different spots to shoot are greatly appreciated.
With 4 sides to shoot, weatherproof, and being freestanding I can see this target lasting for many years and countless arrows to come.
The Yellow Jacket is for field tips. While I am sure that it will stop a broadhead, I am sure it will shorten its life.
The Morrell High Roller 21 is awesome! It stops field tips and all broadheads fixed and mechanical. It has 6 sides that can be shot and will stop arrows up to 450 FPS. It looks just like a die and presents with 21 different bullseyes. Once again I like this feature to decrease the risk of boogering up an arrow or broadhead and hurting my wallet.
Arrows with broadheads and field tips come out easy with the kids being able to easily pull them out.
It is light enough that a 4-year-old can use E-Z tote rope to throw it with ease. This is also a fun way to shoot. Let the kids roll the die and then they get to pick which bullseye to shoot.
And it is weather resistant and tough enough that even after several shots, there is barely a mark on it. Morrell used a new ‘Flex Back’ formula to make this target. And while they show photos and videos of a tractor smashing one and it bouncing back.
So far I am really liking the Morrell High Roller. With 21 spots to shoot just like your standard die and standing up to broadheads and numerous throws and rolls from the kids, I can see this target lasting for years!
We are unboxing and gonna put the NexBelt EDC belt through the wringer.
The Nexbelt has been great! Since putting it on the first time, it is the only belt that I have worn. No matter what I am carrying or the situation, the NexBelt has fit the bill.
I like how there is no need to find a hole or even punch a new hole just to make it fit.
It works great and fits perfect. Plus it looks great in any situation. If dressed up, hunting, a day at the range, or working around the house the NexBelt is great!
And as a bonus, you can keep the same belt if you lose weight. As our health improves and our waist slims down, no need to poke new holes or even get a new belt. Simply trim the NexBelt to your new size and you’re ready to go!
It did take me a minute the first time to figure out how to loosen it, but once I found the switch it has been a cinch!
Check them out at Nexbelt.com