Gadgets Galore
If you’re wondering what kind of new sporting products you’ll find on store shelves this year, ESPN is your inside source for the next four days with coverage of the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show in Orlando.
I have to admit; I’m sometimes a sucker for the latest and greatest technology for hunting. Whether or not it actually helps or improves my chances and my experience outdoors is often questionable though. Often times I find simplicity is still the best bet, but it’s still fun to see what’s new.
This event is specifically geared toward industry pros and media to showcase and unveil companies’ new products. Referred to as “the world’s largest toy store” for the hunter or shooter by National Shooting Sports Foundation spokesman Steve Wagner, the show offers 653,000 square feet of exhibits from nearly 1,900 companies. It includes everything from new scents, lights, stealth apparel, and cold-weather clothing to the latest firearms.
While I take particular interest in new scents and clothing among a few other things, the new gadgets are what I have mixed feelings over. As I said earlier, I find simplicity the best route to go often times. I’ve fallen victim to the newest gadgets for the hunter many times only to find that they make hunting less enjoyable while you try to figure them out or to get them to work correctly, if they do at all.
So, as I keep track of all the latest and greatest the next few days, I’ll also be keeping in mind that new doesn’t always mean better. If I can, it’ll keep more money in my pocket for the serious stuff instead of a backpack loaded with useless items that take away from my hunting experience.
hunting, ESPN, gadgets, gear, new, technology, show
January 12th, 2007 at 12:11 am
As far as gadgets go, what would you recommend as a gift for a *very* advid deer hunter in the $30-50 price range? I’m looking for something for my dad, but we all set a limit in my family for how much we can spend on gifts, so it’s hard to find something neat for his birthday!
January 12th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Allison, for myself, I’m very picky on most of my hunting gear and items, so it’s hard to say what I think someone else would like because I figure they are the same way. My first thought would be a gift certificate for Bass Pro Shop, Cabelas, The Sportman’s Guide, or some other appropriate store. If that is too impersonal, warm clothing, fold-up hunters saw for limb cutting, or maybe even a knife sharpener could be possible items. Depending on how well you know your father’s preferences, you may be able to think of more items. Sorry if this didn’t help much, but like I said, I am so picky on my own items that even my wife is hesitant about buying me something for hunting.