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Clothing
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  • When wil the new scent suit from Cabela's be available and what will it cost?
    Mitchell from MN asks:
    Hi I was wondering how much your suit will cost from cabelas? When will it be coming out? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Mitchell, We are working for a release in time for the fall catalogs. I think they have it slated to first come out with the Archery catalog. I am not sure of the cost just year. I am not sure on the cost yet. It should be reasonably affordable, that was our goal when we started talking about it. We are still in the stages of fine-tuning it. Happy New Year. (12-31-11)
  • Can you tell me more about the suit you are working on with Cabela's?
    Jason from WI asks:
    In some recent blogs you mentioned the suit you are working on for Cabela's. Is that going to include outerwear? If so pants specifically and will they have Tall sizes available.
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, It is outerwear, a coverall product designed to hold the odor in with sealed openings and a membrane that odor can't go through (think hunting in a plastic bag, but more breathable). It better have tall sizes because I am 6'5" and will definitely need it too. Hope that helps. Good luck. Happy New Year (12-31-11)
  • Being tall, how do you find clothing large enough to fit you?
    Brian from OH asks:
    Hi Bill, love the show and keep doing what you're doing because it's very informative and great to watch. Ok, I'm a tall guy like yourself. I'm 6'6" and trying to find hunting clothes are sometimes painful. Where do you get yours at? Right now I'm wearing Scent Blocker in size 3XL jacket only because the sleeves are the right length and a 2XL pant beacause those are the longest inseams. But I've checked Cabelas and Bass Pro and the stuff they offer in tall doesn't seem to hold up and there is very little to choose from. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, Brian
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Thanks. I don't wear a lot of camo from manufacturer's unfortunately. I wear a coverall suit I worked on with Cabela's back in 2004 that is 2X tall and it works well. I wear Cabela's tall size long underwear and that fits pretty well. Otherwise, I often have someone sew longer cuffs on my pants or even wear jeans under my camo so that they are long enough (the jeans stick out the bottom). I have done that for so many years, I don't even think about it anymore. Good luck. Happy New Year (12-28-11)
  • Can you tell me more about the scent suit you are working on with Cabela's?
    Aaron from MN asks:
    Mr. Winke, I am very interested about the scent containment suit that you developed with Cabelas. I was wondering if there has been any tests to determine its effectiveness for containing human odor? What changes have you made to it vs. the first one? And when will it be available at Cabelas? Love the website, thanks. Aaron
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, We are still working on the design. It will be a coverall and the memberane we will use will actually be more breathable. I understand Cabela's will have it in the 2012 Archery Catalog and the fall catalogs next year. Not sure when it will be on the website. It will work well. Thanks for the support. Merry Christmas. (12-20-11)
  • Can you tell me more about the scent suit you are working on with Cabela's?
    Steve from PA asks:
    Bill, You have mentioned the suit that you are working with Cabelas on. I am very interested, as I am about due for some new hunting attire. Will we get some pre-catalog info here at Midwest Whitetail? Price? Is it insulated? Waterproof? Sounds great so far just looking for more info. Thanks again for all you do, and the advice you give, I believe you have truly helped make me a better hunter. Thanks Steve
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, I am sure you will get to see the prototypes as we develop them. I hunted in the latest prototype when I killed the G5 Buck back in early November. That was the first and only day I have been able to wear the suit this past year. What a way to break it in! Cabela's tells me it won't in the catalog until the Archery Catalog next year. Not sure when that comes out, but if you figure on being able to get them before the season, you will be about on track. It won't be insulated, but will be windproof making it feel much warmer. Should be waterproof unless something changes in our concept over the next few prototypes (which I doubt). I appreciate your support. Good luck. Merry Christmas. (12-16-11)
  • Do you wear Jersey gloves while shooting in order to reduce bow hand torque?
    Ron from MO asks:
    Bill, I noticed you always shoot with gloves,looks like jersey gloves. Do you find those to be better for bow torque and does the release strap set better with strap over glove or setting behind it.Im always looking to better myself on shot execution,just wanted your imput. Thanks and God Bless.
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, It has to do with bowhand torque. The release fits better too, but the main reason is to make my hand as slippery as possible on the grip so that it doesn't grab and cause torque. You will notice right away that you can't manhandle the bow with jersey gloves on. Your hand and wrist have to be in the right place or the bow will slip around. Good luck. (12-6-11)
  • I am done with rubber boots. Any suggestions?
    Jeremy from MI asks:
    Hey Bill. I am done with rubber boots. I haul and hang my sets every time I hunt, so my feet are soaked by the time I get in my stand. Is leather a better option? I was thinking of getting a light boot and using boot covers if my feet got cold. Any suggestions?
    Winke Responds:
    Jeremy, I have not used rubber boots for more than ten years. Right now I use the Whitetail Extreme boots from Cabela's. They are reasonably warm, good for walking and if you leave them in open air (not bottled into a tub or plastic bag) they air out pretty well and are not loaded with scent. When it gets really cold I wear the Saskatchewan Pac boot from Cabela's. I have used that boot for three years and it is amazingly warm. I only wear the boots when hunting and not even when driving around, only when actually hunting. When scouting or placing stands I wear other boots and wear Elimitrax overboots on top of them until I get to the tree I want to hang in and then I take them off until it is time to walk back out. The system works well. Most of what the deer smell when they detect where we walk is the places where our pants brush up against low vegetation, not the actual scent on the ground. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • I hope the suit you are working on will fit me being 6'5".
    Curtis from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, I'm sure you know my pain with being 6'5 and trying to find clothes that fit. I plan on buying your new suit. I'm hoping you will have a XL tall size or bigger. Also, I'm sure the blogs are a lot of work but what a great tool for us Iowa hunters.
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, There better be one that fits you because if there isn't it won't fit me either. I guess that is your best guarantee ever of having one that fits. Thanks for the support. (11-30-11)
  • Does your hat with the ear flaps affect your anchor point? What do you recommend; I can't seem to find a solid anchor when wearing a hat with long ear flaps?
    Bill from PA asks:
    I notice that you hunt in cold weather with a hat with ear muffs. Does the extra material on your ears create a dufferent anchoring point than if you do not have your ears covered? I recently got back from a 10 day hunt in Wisconsin. On 35 degree days I wore a thin head cover but when it went to 20 and windy and had a heavier fleece hood. The anchor point with the hood on was "sketchy" so I took it off and froze. How about you? Do you practice with multiples sets of clothing on?
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, The hat doesn't affect my anchor but a facemask does. I anchor fairly low for a reason (not necessarily this reason, but it helps here too). I will get into my anchor point during and off-season show. My facemask is thin, but I still always take a few shots with it on each year just to make sure I am comfortable with it. A thick facemask will absolutely change an anchor point and even affect arrow flight because you end up pushing the release and arrow nock into your face harder when aiming. You should practice a lot when wearing a thick facemask before hunting. Good luck. (11-30-11)
  • What do you wear for base layers?
    Chase from KS asks:
    Hey there Bill I have been wanting to ask you what kind of base layer do you wear? because I hunt in kansas and I cant seem to find anything that works. I am hoping that you could tell me what works for you. I know you hunt in very cold weather and all through the late season. Thanks for your time.
    Winke Responds:
    Chase, This year I am wearing stuff from Cabela's. It is very good. The best I have worn. I wore Under Armour in the past but it never fit quite right. I use their multi-fabric system underneath and then the expedition weight over that followed by a vest. Over that I wear the scent suit I designed back in 2003 (that Cabela's is coming back out with next year). That really cuts the wind and eliminates cold spots. That is pretty much it. Good luck. (11-8-11)
  • How do you use your Elimitrax boots?
    Dan from OH asks:
    Bill- 1st let me say how much I enjoy your site & how much I have learned.I have elimintrax and use them but the thing I have an issue with is the the Shoes included. For me they are awkward, & noisy. Do you use them or simply the leggings & if so, how do you use them? Thanks for your time, Dan
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, I don't like the sandals either but I do wear them. I wear good stable boot inside and that helps, but they are slippery on frosty ground. I have fallen a few times in them. I guess I just use them and put up with the awkward part. Good luck.
  • I heading to Kansas around Nov. 7, can you recommend some good raingear?
    ricky from LA asks:
    Every year we travel to Kansas, around Nov. 7, we always get rained on. What is the best raingear I can obtain.
    Winke Responds:
    Ricky, Raingear is always a bit noisy, but you can find some good products in the Cabela's catalog. I looked in there and found about four or five pages of good looking, not too expensive waterproof gear. That is where I would start. I have used their MT050 gear on tough hunts in places like Newfoundland, so I can vouch for its effectiveness. Good luck in KS.
  • Do you think that Elimitrax boots are effective?
    Jacob from MI asks:
    I have noticed you wear elimitrax, was thinking about getting a pair. How do you like them? and do you believe they are truely effective?
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, I think they work great and recommend them. I would buy them if I were you. Good luck.
  • How can I tell if a piece of hunting clothing will be quiet without actually trying it on?
    Cody K from WI asks:
    I am currently in the process of buying new bow hunting clothing for the cold season of the Wisconsin hunt. I want something warm with a scent lok or similar type of material, however want it to be a quiet. I have read reviews on outfits being too noisy, but it seems every review I come across has atleast a few ppl saying that particular type is noisy. How can I find good hunting camo that I can be sure is quiet in the stand? (This is online shopping) Moreover, what type of clothing would you advise that is price friendly and a good investment ? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, You can almost always trust fleece garments to be quiet. Other products are always a bit noisier especially if the cloth is laminated to a membrane to keep it waterproof. Wool or fleece are probably your best choice. Good luck.
  • Will I ever be able to buy one of your scent containment suits again? If so, where?
    Chase from TX asks:
    Will I ever be able to get one of your scent containment suits again or is there still somewhere that I can purchase one? I have been hard pressed to find a suit with no luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Chase, Cabela's is coming out with the suit again in the spring. Should be in their Archery Catalog. I have two left and they are all tattered. I wear mine every day of the season and the cameraman wears that other one. Have a great day.
  • Let us know when the Cabela's garment you are woking on becomes available.
    cody from MN asks:
    When the camo design your doing with Cabela's comes out can you write a blog or something so us viewers can check it out. I'm interested in seeing how its different and appreciate you keeping it real and not just saying stuff to sell products. I haven't noticed any difference in the cheap walmart camo i have versus the expensive carbon suits. It's all preperation.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, They are supposed to come out next spring. I am sure we will have a few to test this fall so if you see me hunting in some kind of funky new get-up, that will be the story. It works. If you can keep it clean, the deer will have a hard time smelling you because the scent doesn't get out. I will talk alot about how they work when the time comes. Good luck.
  • I see you often in the videos not wearing a camo sweatshirt; can you get by without camo or do you need it?
    Cody from WI asks:
    Heyy Bill, I got another question, in all of your videos that show you out hunting, you never wear a camo sweatshirt, or jacket, why is that? Like if i where to wear a black Under Armour pullover, would the deer notice it? or is camo the best bet when hunting? Thanks Bill! And also, wish the best luck this season!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, I pull my top up (camo) after I cool down. Those interviews that you see are just after I get to my afternoon stand. I usually wait until I start to feel a bit chilled before pulling the coverall top on to prevent sweating after finishing up my walk. You can get away with a lot if you aren't moving, but camouflage is definitely going to help you stay hidden from their eyes. Good luck.
  • What do you think of the camo pattern that Sitka is using on their clothing?
    Brandon from OK asks:
    LOVE the show & your true and passion of the sport!!! Can I get your opinion of the Sitka clothing line and the camouflage they use? I am more interested in the camo pattern that they use and what they claim deer's reaction is. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, I have not tried it, but it does look pretty good in photos. I can't vouch for how it will work in the field. The number one thing with deer is to cut glare and don't move when they are looking. They are really good at detecting motion. Also, I like to hunt on the back of the tree from where I expect the deer to come so I tend to hide behind the tree most of the time too. Add in a few branches at stand height and you have a pretty good chance of being undetected with just about any camo pattern. I apologize that I couldn't be of more help. Good luck.
  • I bought a pair of black boots, do you think the deer will see them in the tree?
    Brent from MI asks:
    Bill, i purchased a pair of "all black" Muck-hunting boots for bow hunting. do you think i will have any problems with the deer picking me off in the tree?
    Winke Responds:
    Brent, I doubt they will register the boots as danger when they see them. I would do all the normal things like hunting at an elevation above their peripheral vision (at 1east 15 feet), using natural cover like branches and leaves to help you hide in the tree, setting your stand on the back of the tree away from the direction you expect the deer to approach (you will need to stand more of the time, but that will definitely cut down on deer seeing you). As long as you taking measures to keep from being skylined and hidden, I would not worry a bit about the black boots. Good luck.
  • What is the vest the Carolina Boys were using in the last episode? I want one.
    Tom from MD asks:
    The boys hunting in the South South Caralina the hunting vest he wore ,Just what Ive been looking for one with a built in seat.Counld I get the brand name, and store it was bought? Thanks Tom ,, PS Great show from day one.
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, I am not sure 100% on what they had, but I know of the Bucklick Creek Turkey Lounger. It may be a Bass Pro product. It does the same thing. Search under Bucklick Creek Turkey Vest and you'll find it.
  • Likes to wear Mechanix Wear gloves for hunting.
    JK from DE asks:
    I saw a question posted by one of your readers about which glove to wear. I have been using Mechcanix Wear gloves for several seasons. The same ones used by Nascar pit crews. A multitude of colors, including camo, great sensitivity, durable and only about 20 bucks. The only gloves I wear from early season until January.
    Winke Responds:
    JK, Interesting. I have never tried those. I have always just worn those cheap throw-away jerseys so I can wash them often and have a fresh clean pair each time I go out. I have about 30 pairs of them now. The grip slips around in the palm nicely which helps me to keep from torquing the bow. Thanks for the information. I'll take a look.
  • Should I wear camo pants or will my black pants work? Should I spray just my outer layer of clothing or all layers?
    mohammad ali from MI asks:
    hey bill im sure you remember me,im sure you wont mind if i ask one more. when i hunt i wear a camo jacket but my pants are black, should i get camo pants too? also should i spray the scent sprays only on my outer clothes or should i spray it with my inner clothes too? Thank you bill so much I've really learned alot form you.
    Winke Responds:
    Mohammad, I remember you alright. I am happy to help. You seem to have really taken to this bowhunting stuff. You should spray it on each layer, actually. Those sprays contain some kind of agent (depending on the company) that either bonds with organic materials (like the odor that is produced from bacteria feeding on sweat) to keep it from going into the air or they actually prevent the bacteria from spreading by neutralizing the sweat. Either way, it is a good idea to spray all layers. Camo pants are good, for sure, but the most important thing is staying very still. Deer's eyes are designed to key on movement. They are not as good at picking out specific shapes, but movement - they get that right away. Good luck.
  • Do you wear rubber boots to and from the tree stand? Which kinds of boots do you wear?
    Shane from AR asks:
    Hey Bill Love your show and the web site. I was just wondering do you wear rubber boots when you hunt, or what type of boot do you wear. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Shane, Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. The main thing is to keep the boots very clean and away from any human odors. Mine are always sitting in a tub in the back of my truck. I only wear them to and from the stand - never even in the truck. I use a combination of rubber (sometimes) and Cordura boots from Cabela's and Scent Blocker. They all work fine as long as you get them clean and stick to the use rules. Taking care of the boots make a differenc, but it is not usually the boots that deer smell when they pick up human odors, but rather the places where your pants rub again low vegetation. They can also smell where scent pumps out of the top of the boots as you walk and falls to the ground. Keep the tops of the boots tight so they don't pump out odors. Good luck.
  • Where do I get a hat like yours?
    Seth from WI asks:
    Hello, I was watching one of your shows last night and saw you wearing a short brimmed cap. I was wondering where you got it from? It looked handy for cool weather, and having the short bill would be ideal for a bow hunter. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Seth, It is a hat that I designed for Cabela's back in 2004. They don't sell it anymore. Most people laugh at it and they think it is kind of dorky. I like it so that means that I must be kind of dorky too! If we ever get to making them again, I will be sure to make them available to viewers. Have a great day.
  • I think Under Armour should sponsor your show. Have you tried to get them included?
    Bobby from IL asks:
    Bill, I have seen a number of your prostaff, or perhaps even you, wearing various Under Armour gear on the show (gloves, cold gear, hats etc). I wrote to Under Armour about 6 months to a year ago and asked them to make their popular Tackle Twill Fleece hoody with the digital pattern into a camoflouge pattern as well. I recently found out they did this! It is the best sweatshirt around, and I know tons of hunters who own the digital pattern hoody already. The hoody is extremely warm and comfy as well as fashionable for hunters. I am so excited it has been created, and feel in order to help them get the word out, you should ask for a sponsorship of the actual hoody just for the main hosts of each state show to try and promote their new item. I am sure Under Armour will want to promote their item with you guys, and I feel it would be a great way for them to repay you guys for the free sponsorships in the form of gloves or gear used on the show. Also, another sponsor in your show title co
    Winke Responds:
    Bobby, UA gets hammered with sponsorship requests. I tried last year but was turned away. I will try again this year. Each year we grow a bit bigger and our influence grows as well. Eventually even the UAs of the world will have to take notice. I appreciate your thoughts, I only wish it were that easy. Thanks for your support.
  • Rubber boots make my feet sweat too much, what other options do I have for walking through water as I approach my stands?
    chris from IL asks:
    I noticed that in Austin keene's video he walks through some water to get to his stand. It looks like he is wearing a boot and gator system to keep his feet dry. Will this work for shallow creek crossings? What type of gator/boots are these. Rubber boots make my feet sweat too much and I am looking for alternatives but need a waterproof system. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Any kind of Cordura boots with a waterproof membrane will work fine. That is what I use. Like you, my feet sweat too much for rubber boots. The breathable boots work better for me. As long as you keep them away from any outside odors (but where they can still breathe to keep from getting mildew) they will be fine for scent-free stand approaches. I have worn them for years. The bigger issue is what your pants brush against. That is actually what the deer are smelling most of the time. Good luck.
  • I am very tall and am looking for scent clothing, any suggestions?
    Scott Weikart from AL asks:
    I noticed that you are quite tall. I am 6'7''and I'm looking for scent preventing camo.Wy inseam is at least 36" and my sleve length at leat 38" (draw length 33.5)Any suggestions?
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, I am not that tall, around 6'5", but I still have a very hard time finding something that fits. You will likely need to ask Scent-Lok and Scent Blocker if they have tall sizes. I have been wearing a suit I worked on with Cabela's back in 2004. It fits well and still mostly works so I hate to part with it. I am sorry that I have not been in the market buying this stuff in recent years so I don't know what will fit. You will just have to call or e-mail those companies. Good luck.
  • What were your experiments with waders and what material did you use?
    Jason from KS asks:
    What kind of experiments did you do with waders and what were the results? What type of material were the waders made from? Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, I just spent the entire season hunting in them in areas with a lot of deer and watched their reaction - none. I used a simple PVC wader from Cabela's (the Three Forks). The boots were not big enough and feet froze, but otherwise, it worked well. Quite extreme, but it worked!
  • What is the camo coverall that you are wearing in the videos?
    Steve from IA asks:
    Bill, Your show is without a doubt my favorite. I love the straight foward honesty and how-to segments.I see in your shows that you wear a pair of realtree hardwood camo coveralls, what brand are they and are they insulated? Thanks alot for a great show I hope it never ends. Be safe and good luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Thanks for your support. Those were made by Cabela's, a product I worked with them to design. It features a scent proof membrane that works well to keep odors inside. They are uninsulated. Unfortunately, Cabela's stopped making them but we are discussing the prospects of bringing them back out again.
  • What kind of boots do you wear when hunting?
    Jason from IA asks:
    Bill, What kind of boots do you wear for treestand hunting: rubber, leather, or synthetic? Do you always put on Elimitrax boot covers for the walk to and from your treestand? Thanks, Jason
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, I wear Cordura nylon boots for my hunting. I don't like rubber boots that much because they are uncomfortable to walk in and tend to make my feet sweat. When I do wear rubber I also wear Gore-Tex bootie socks over my regular socks. That helps to keep my feet dryer and warmer. I only wear the Elimitrax when I will be walking through grass that will rub against my lower legs. I don't bother when walking through standing corn, for example, because so much of my upper body clothing will contact the corn anyway. Cordura boots work fine as long as you don't wear them for anything but hunting and leave them in an open tub to air out between hunts. I never wear them in the truck or anywhere else except when going to and from my stands and while hunting.
  • How can I keep my feet warm in cold weather? I have tried everything but my feet still sweat and then they get cold.
    ryan from NY asks:
    hi bill, i go through a bunch of different types and models of boots each year trying to find one that keep my feet warm in the 0* temps but dont allow sweating. the sweating becomes cold and makes my feet numb within the first hour or two of the hunt. do you know any good boots like muck boots that would solve that problem or a type of muck boot with maybe less or more thinsulate, whichever would help. thank you
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, I got this advice straight from a person that works for a boot company. You need to untie your boots as soon as you get to the stand and let your feet air out before they really start to sweat. The sweating comes during and right after the walk in, when you stop moving. So you need to ventilate your boots right away and then they should keep you a lot warmer. Here is another trick that works well. When I used to wear rubber boots a lot, I always wore a Gore-Tex bootie over my socks before sliding my feet into my boots. Gore-Tex works as a result of water vapor being driven from higher temperatures toward lower temperatures. That is why Gore-Tex won't work very well on warm days - nor will any other breathable membrane. Howevever, when the temperature gradient is great (like on a cold day) your feet will really drive the moisture outward where it condenses on the outside of the Gore-Tex bootie keeping your socks much drier and your feet warmer. It really does work. By the way, I wear a really thick boot from Cabela's (can't remember the name) for my late season hunting it and it works well.
  • My fletchings won't stick to my arrows; can you offer any suggestions?
    scott from WI asks:
    Hi Bill great show. I have a fletching issue. I bought arizona ez fletch. The fletching don't stay on. I cleaned the arrow with rubbing alcohol and lightly sand. For glue i used fletching glue,super glue gel. Any help would be great.thank you Scott
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, I would call the company that makes the fletching. They will be able to tell you the method required to make their fletching stick. I also have had some poor luck getting certain brands of fletching to stick to arrows. It has to do with the "mold release" compound they spray into the mold before casting a new flething so the vane will drop out when they open the mold and not stick to the mold. In other words, you probably need to be sure to clean the base of the vane very well before trying to apply to the arrow. Some fletching does better with one type of glue while others required a different type to stick well. Find that out by calling the company that makes the fletching. Sorry, I don't know the right combination for all the fletchings on the market. I use super glue (Gorilla Glue) for my fletching and generally use NAP Quik Spin, but other brands have their magic formula too. Good luck.
  • Do you wear a facemask while hunting?
    cameron from AB asks:
    Hi Bill, I cant wait for the new shows! I noticed on your videos that you dont wear anykind of face mask while hunting, do you ever have any problems with the deer seeing your face?
    Winke Responds:
    Cameron, I do wear one all the time. I just take it off for most of the interviews. It is an important piece of clothing both to keep you from being seen and to keep you warm.
  • What scent control clothing do you use?
    Ralph from MD asks:
    Bill, My hat's off to you and Midwest Whitetail! It alot of fun and have learned alot from the shows that cover deer and how deer live. My question is in regards to your hunting clothing. Do you use carbon clothing and how effective is it? I use scentblocker,and practice good scent control. What brand have you had the best luck with the deer not busting you? Don't want to cause any problems with your sponsor's with these questions.Again, your program is great and will use muddy, keystone products to keep the show rolling! Also do you use any of the spray's? Ralph
    Winke Responds:
    Ralph, I don't use carbon clothing. Back in 2003/2004 I designed a suit that Cabela's sold for a couple of years. The demand was not high enough for them to keep it going so they closed it out. I bought several on close-out and have been wearing those. They are getting a bit ratty so I need to do something out of necessity to get some fresh ones! When I do, I'll make some extras and offer them for sale on the site. I do use the sprays on my boots and my gear that I carry (release aid, bow, arrows, camera gear, etc.) I should probably use it on the suit too, but I have just been keeping it very clean and then hanging it outside between hunts.
  • Should I buy rubber or regular leather boots for deer hunting?
    Jay from MI asks:
    I am debating on whether to buy regular leather hunting boots or rubber hunting boots. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of each?
    Winke Responds:
    Jay, I wear Cordura boots with the Scent-Lok Gore-Tex liner in them. After a few trips to the woods, they have lost all of their new smell. The key is to keep them away from any foreign odors. I keep them in the back of my truck at all times during the season. I don't wear them around when filling my gas tank or when going in and our of the shop, etc. Only to the stand and back. I don't seal them when not in use because I don't any foot odor that does occur to be trapped with the boots. I don't have a big issue with ground scent as long as I am not brushing against a lot of grass and foliage with my pants legs. When I really want to eliminate most (maybe all) of my ground scent when going through grass and weeds, I use Elimitrax boots for those areas.
  • What are some portable, inexpensive climbing sticks? Do you wear performance layers when hunting?
    Trevor from MO asks:
    Hello Bill, I appreciate all of the work going into the show and actually have a lot of fun telling others about the site. We are slowly building up a pretty good crowd of archers here at our school and it is a lot of fun to talk about the show etc. with them during moments of sanity (it's med school). Anyways, I am looking at a couple of things and am having a hard time getting a feel for climbing sticks. I know that muddy makes some great ones and would love to get some later on in life(still a med student), but am needing something that is very portable because I don't want to leave them out on public land but of course, something that is on the bottom end of expense. Also, any ideas on the under armour, arctic shield base layer type of clothing. Do you or others use it? If so, any preferences? Thanks for the time.
    Winke Responds:
    Trevor, Thanks for your support Trevor. It is much appreciated. The Muddy system is very portable. I suppose you can't use screw ins in the public land. If so, they are the most portable and the cheapest. I stick twigs in the holes and then I can put the steps right back into the same holes even in the dark. Otherwise, there really are no low priced options. The Lone Wolf sticks are more expensive yet and the Ameristep Steel Rapid Rails are less expensive but weigh 19 pounds. It is hard to get the coolest best price and pay a low price for it. I wear Duofold, Ulfrotte and Under Armour base layers. I wear thin stuff early season and thick stuff later. The Ulfrotte is the warmest. If you google it you will find some vendors in the states.
  • How do you keep your feet warm in the cold winter?
    todd from IA asks:
    Bill,love the website and will try to catch up with all the past writings and such but I don't believe I have come across anything yet about footware.What do you wear and recommend.Do they keep your feet warm in our cold Iowa temps.Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    I wear a pair of Rocky Extreme boots that are rated for -80 I think. they are pretty good. When it gets really cold (or when I am on stand for long periods) I wear a set of Boot Blankets or Arctic Sheild overboots over the top of these. They may a huge difference. Thanks for your support. I appreciate it.