MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT L BY PATRICK MEITIN PDP Arrow Tuning Kit ing momentum. PDP Arrow Tuning Kits resulted. In very basic terms, PDP’s Arrow Tuning Kit allows adding 75 to 475 grains of forward weight to carbon or aluminum arrows in mix-and-match fashion while seeking optimal tip weight and F.O.C. balance to produce the best possible arrow flight, accuracy and terminal performance on big game. Kits are available for .204-, .2445-, and .246-inch inside carbon arrow diameters, and most aluminum options. Each Tuning Kit includes 75-, 85-, 100-, 125-, 150-, 175-, 200-, 225-, 250- and 300-grain field points; one each standard weight aluminum and 50-grain ike most compound shooters, I’ve long relied on the adjustment capabilities of a modern arrow rest to create clean arrow flight and consistent impact while shooting broadheads. Yet my traditional passions have demonstrated how arrow dynamics affect arrow flight and accuracy. Hand in hand, a more ideal F.O.C. balance can also be used to improve the penetration potential and lethality of any hunting arrow. Precision Design Products’ owner Keith Jabben is a hard-core traditional shooter who also understands how well-balanced arrows can boost compound accuracy and deliver game-killbrass screw-in inserts; Weight Adaptor, 10- and/or 30-grain Stackable Weights and 5-grain Finishing Weight (these thread into insert rears and each other); and two universal 5-grain brass field point weight collars. Starting with a bare shaft in an appropriate spine, the aluminum insert is installed and points auditioned lightest to heaviest from 10 to 15 yards, seeking clean flight. If more starting weight is desired, the 50-grain brass insert can be installed and the process repeated. Further tuning can be conducted by adding Stackable Weights, the 20-grain adaptor first, and then the 5- 10- or 30-grain stacking op-
WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com. tions. PDP’s Weight Wrench (sold separately) makes this easy. Finer tuning can be applied by adding 5-grain brass weight washers. The system allows finding that justright arrow dynamic that works in perfect harmony with a fine-tuned bow, which likely falls outside the standard 100-grain field point/aluminum insert setup. The system also makes boosting F.O.C. simple, which automatically improves forgiveness around light deflections, minimizes wind drift, and increases penetration potential on game (high F.O.C. literally drags trailing arrows through wound channels, especially when smashing through bone). The system also allows archers to employ a tougher/heavier stiffer-spined arrow by increasing tip weight to impart more paradox flex during launch with an accustomed draw weight. I see this approach particularly intriguing to boost F.O.C. and increase lethality of low-energy bows, whether that be youth or women outfits, those with physical limitations or traditional gear. Too, when I begin planning my visit to Australia to bowhunt massive water buffalo, I will certainly be putting this kit’s F.O.C.-boosting properties to work. That said, the Arrow Tuning Kit can benefit any bowhunter, no matter their draw weight or length, by helping take a fine-tuned bow to the next level—providing improved efficiency and flatter trajectories through cleaner arrow flight at longer ranges. Learn more by visiting pdparchery.com. IA
54 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 T rail cameras have become an essential tool for a huge segment of the hunting public, especially those living in whitetail habitats. I can remember my first trail camera. It was huge, ran on a giant 6-volt battery, and captured images at maybe 2MG. Others probably remember trail cameras that required developing film. Today, images and video can be texted to our smartphones automatically. To say the least, trail cameras have come a long way in a short period of time. By Jack Borcherding
JULY 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 55 On the other hand, food plot seed itself has largely remained unchanged, but seed manufacturers every year find new ways to blend and market food plot seed to all outdoorsmen to meet specific goals. The combination of trail cameras and food plot seed is only fitting to the hunter’s goals. Let’s take a look at some of the top trail cameras and food plot seeds on the market today. Trail Cameras - Capture Models Browning n Browning has been making trail cameras awhile, and the Strike Force Pro DCL is the most feature rich trail camera in the Strike Force lineup. DCL stands for Dual Camera Lens and this technology designates a lens for daytime images or nighttime images. This helps to ensure crystal clear results no matter what time of day it is. The Radiant 6 Infrared Illumination system provides best-quality nighttime images. The Strike Force Pro DCL includes an ultra-fast 0.15-second trigger speed and the motion detection range of this camera is 100 feet. Capturing 26MP im-
56 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 ages, 1920x1080 HD video, and sporting a 1.5-inch viewing screen, this trail camera is perfect for the whitetail woods. The Strike Force Pro DCL comes with an all-steel adjustable tree mounting bracket and tree strap. Learn more at browningtrailcameras.com. Moultrie n The most compact trail camera of this lineup is Moultrie’s Micro-42i which measures 3.25-by-3.5- by-2.625 inches. Although the Micro42i is small in stature it lacks nothing when it comes to features. The Micro42i camera features a 42MP camera with invisible flash technology, so it will capture crisp, bright, clear images without alerting game. The Micro-42i has a 0.4- second trigger speed, a detection range of 70 feet, a flash range of 80 feet, and multiple camera modes between video and photo. Being smaller in size, battery capacity is a question, but the four AA battery power bank promises up to 13,000 images. The Micro-42i is finished in Mossy Oak Bottomlands and includes a heavy-duty strap for installation. Learn more at moultriefeeders.com. Trail Cameras - Remote Access Bushnell n Bushnell is a consumer favorite with a reputation for cutting-edge technologies. With the introduction of the Bushnell Cellucore LIVE, Bushnell adds the ability to tune into your trail camera at any time or anywhere with the push of a button. This camera’s live function is perfect for managing deer herds, or routine property surveillance. Featuring Dual SIM Technology, the camera connects to AT&T or Verizon, allowing it to take advantage of the best signal, so customers always have optimal connectivity. This model features a 32MP camera for stunning photos and shoots video at 1920x1080 HD resolution. Pair all these features with the Bushnell App, which helps manage hunting spots with smart image shooting and soonto-come photo recognition. Users can control all functions on a smartphone via the app. The unit is powered by 12 AA batteries, with the option for plug-in solar power. These features allow leaving this camera out for long periods without visiting the site. Learn more at bushnell.com Covert Scouting Cameras n The Covert Scouting Camera WC32 is available for network providers Verizon or AT&T. The WC32 cell cam features a 32MP camera and captures video in 1080p resolution. Thumbnails and 720p video are transferred from the camera with 40 percent better transmission due to hardware updates. Trigger speed is 0.2 seconds, so customers won’t miss that perfect picture. Its 48 Infrared No-Glow LEDs deliver a 100-foot flash range for even illumination and exceptional media quality, no matter conditions. Turbo Shot Burst Mode allows one to 10 shots, and Maximum Silence Image Capture prevents spooking game. The 2.4-inch color viewing screen makes setting the camera up a breeze. Changing options is accomplished through the Covert App. Powered by 12 AA batteries and starting with affordable plans, the Covert WC32 is a camera designed to fit any hunter’s budget. Learn more at feradyne.com Cuddeback n Cuddeback’s CuddeLink is not Wi-Fi or cellular, but a private wireless network allowing up to 23 cameras to link and send images to a central home unit. Camera-to-camera range is generally ¼ mile in forested areas, but expands in open terrains. To further increase range, CuddeLink cameras daisy-chain from camera to camera to transmit images 2 miles or more. With CuddeLink, customers can collect images on a single SD card or have them delivered via LTE. The CuddeLink system is particularly useful in areas with poor cell coverage, as customers need only one site (a ridge or elevated stand) with LTE service to transmit data. The system involves a CuddeLink camera capturing images and saving them to an SD card. CuddeLink then sends those images wirelessly to a central Cell Home unit. If a CuddeLink camera is too far from the Cell Home, it will Muddy Matrix Covert Scouting Camera WC32 Moultrie Micro-42i Cuddeback CuddeLink Bushnell Cellucore LIVE Browning Strike Force Pro DCL
57 JULY 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM link to a closer camera and relay it to the Cell Home. CuddeLink cameras can daisy chain images for up to 10 links, extending range for miles. Finally, the Cell Home unit delivers images from all linked CuddeLink cameras via LTE. This allows paying for one $10 a month cell plan instead of many (the system works with up to 24 cameras), eliminating escalading cell fees. CuddeLink allows controlling all linked cameras at the camera, from a desktop, or a mobile phone. Using Cuddeback’s CAMP website or mobile app, allows changing all settings, including on/off, delay, time lapse modes, clearing SD cards and more, with daily SD card and battery updates provided. Images can be accessed four ways; via email, text, website viewing, or the mobile app. Power is provided by D-cell batteries, which relinquish eight times more power capacity than AA batteries and at a lower overall cost. CuddeLink units are also compatible with Cuddeback Solar Power Banks. CuddeLink L-Series cameras are Cuddeback’s newest offerings, and include three flash systems to serve individual customer’s needs. The CuddeLink L-Series IR holds low glow LEDs to provide long reach and excellent image quality; the Black Flash Model low glow LEDs that prove completely invisible; and the Strobe white flash that allows capturing color images day or night. L-Series cameras are compatible with all older CuddeLink cameras, including G, J, & K series. They include Cuddeback’s 0.25-second trigger speed and exceptional image quality. The CuddeLink L-Series Cell Home unit is at the heart of the system, receiving data from up to 24 CuddeLink cameras. The system allows starting with one or two cameras and adding additional units as they are needed, without increasing LTE data costs. Cell Home does not include a camera, as it serves only to collect images from CuddeLink cameras and pass them on. CuddeLink Cell Home Camera G-5109 or G-5147 do include cameras. Learn more at cuddeback.com. Muddy Outdoors n Muddy’s Matrix cellular camera is one of the most affordable units on this list. That affordability comes without sacrificing features. The Muddy Matrix features a 36MP camera with an impressive 0.4 second trigger speed with quick recovery time. The Muddy Matrix features on-demand functions to see what is frequenting your secret hunting spot anytime. The Stealth Cam Command App controls all features from any location. The Matrix captures 1080HD videos up to 30 seconds long, and includes an 80- foot detection/flash range. Matrix RUB decoration provides a finish allowing this camera to blend with natural backdrops and remain unseen by animals or potential camera thieves. Learn more at shop.gomuddy.com.
58 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 Reconyx n Reconyx has been a longtime favorite among outdoorsmen and the Hyperfire 2 Cellular Covert IR Camera is the epitome of what Reconyx represents. The Hyperfire 2 Cellular Covert IR Camera is an extension of their bestselling Hyperfire 2 camera but adds cellular connectivity to that proven model. Choose between carriers and plans, starting at only $5 per month. This made in the USA trail camera features an impressive 0.2 second trigger speed and an industry leading 150-foot NoGlow infrared flash range. Learn more at reconyx.com. StealthCam n Stealth Cam is a longtime favorite of many hunters. With the introduction of the StealthCam Deceptor, the company has outdone themselves once again. The Deceptor merges two network carriers—AT&T and Verizon— into a single unit by including pre-installed SIM cards for both carriers. This unit includes an auto-detect feature that senses the best available signal and selects it to maintain network communication. The Deceptor’s On Demand function can be triggered through the company’s Command Pro App, which sends near real-time pictures and video directly to the phone. Image quality is top notch, and users can choose resolutions from 4MP to 40MP, one of the highest top-end megapixel trail cameras on our list. It also captures highresolution QHD 1440p video with audio. The 36-piece 940nm NoGlo LED array offers a detection and flash range of 80 feet. With that detection distance, a 0.4-second trigger speed, and a selectable 5-second to 180-second recovery time, the Deceptor ensures customers don’t miss seeing their target buck. Learn more at stealthcam.com. Spartan n Spartan’s GoLive 4G/LTE is a cell camera with a plethora of features, but one of the most important is the ability to live stream with the push of a StealthCam Deceptor Spartan GoLive 4G/LTE Reconyx Hyperfire 2 Cellular Covert IR
JULY 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM button. In addition to live streaming, the user can also capture images and videos on demand. With the Spartan Camera Management App, customers can control the GoLive camera anywhere and at any time. Integrated anti-theft technology provides peace of mind no matter where a camera is placed. Battery life can be extended via the GoLive Solar kit. The Spartan GoLive is available in three different finishes: Spartan Areus, Realtree, and Mossy Oak Break Up. Learn more at go.spartancamera.com. Spypoint n The Spypoint FLEX and FLEX-S are the newest cameras in the company’s lineup. With 36MP images, 1080p video with sound, 0.3-second trigger speed, and 100-foot flash detection range, this cell trail camera is ready for action. The FLEX-S has the same features as the FLEX but holds an added solar panel and onboard lithium battery, so doesn’t require replaceable batteries, which saves lots of cash in the long term. All pictures and videos are transmitted to the Spypoint App for easy viewing. One of the most useful features is the integrated Patented Buck Tracker Detection, helping users sort doe from buck images. In addition to those features, customers will never have to worry about connectivity, as the FLEXS automatically connects to the service that has the best coverage in any given area—a scouting camera that will truly never let customers down. Learn more at spypoint.com. Wildgame Innovations (WGI) n Wildgame Innovations’ Encounter 2.0 shares photos of game when customers need them most. The 26MP cellular camera delivers high-definition images and 720p HD video (without audio) to the downloadable app for easy viewing. This trail camera captures subjects as far as 80 feet away with the help of four 850nm infrared LEDs and includes a less than 0.5 second trigger speed. All photos can be managed with the HuntSmart App’s AIM system or Artificial Intelligence Management system. The camera is powered by eight AA batAntler King Booner Buffet Black Gate R4G LITE Spypoint FLEX-S Wildgame Innovations Encounter 2.0 Tactacam Reveal X-Pro Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Winter-Greens
60 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 teries and the unit is compatible with WGI optional solar panels. Choose between AT&T or Verizon models. Learn more at wildgameinnovations.com. Black Gate n The Black Gate R4G LITE Trail Camera is the newest model from the company. Black Gate’s main goal is to help hunters get closer to the game with the utilization of their hunting products. The R4G LITE is built with the top-of-theline 4G/LTE technology and has a trigger speed of less than 0.4 seconds. This camera features Dual Lens/Dual Sensor Technology to help capture the best image, no matter if it is day or night. The photo capable camera sends pictures directly to the company’s app to view, and all the functions are customizable from a smartphone. Preinstalled SIM cards and monthly plans starting at just $3 per month means customers can start using the unit anytime they are ready. Learn more at blackgatehunting.com. Tactacam n Another cell camera on our list is the Tactacam Reveal X-Pro. The Reveal X-Pro is a top-of-the-line cell camera that sends pictures and video directly to a smartphone through the company’s Reveal Mobile App. The builtin LCD screen allows easy setup while dual carrier technology ensures customers will never need to worry about connectivity again. Stunning image quality and videos are par with the Reveal X-Pro, making it an important tool in any hunter’s repertoire. Learn more at revealcellcam.com. Food Plot Seed Antler King n Booner Buffet by Antler King is a high tonnage perennial alfalfa and clover mix featuring two multi-leaf alfalfa varieties known for their huge protein-packed leaves and minimal stalk, along with clover, chicory and rape. This food plot mix is designed speRackology Plot 365 Feeding Zone Ani-Logics Crush The Perfect 10
JULY 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM cifically to produce the tonnage necessary to keep deer on your property and to grow massive antlers. Booner Buffet is cold-weather tolerant and drought resistant so it will last through the rut. This high protein mix will be your deer’s favorite food source, as it is readily available from spring through early winter. The multi-leaf alfalfa varieties are designed to take heavy grazing yet keep on growing, while remaining green through the rut. This blend thrives well from north to south. Learn more at antlerking.com. Whitetail Institute of North America n Imperial Whitetail Winter-Greens is an unsurpassed late season food plot mix designed to attract deer to leafy greens when they need to recover from the rut and prepare for winter. Winter-Greens is an annual seed blend of cool season WINA brassicas. This mix is highly drought-resistant, and able to withstand extremely cold temperatures. Fortified with a small amount of Whitetail Institute’s Tall Tine Turnip, it grows tall when all other greens die or get blocked out. The Winter-Greens 3-pound bag covers a ½ acre. Learn more at whitetailinstitute.com. Ani-Logics n Lee and Tiffany Lakosky are known for growing and harvesting some of the biggest deer in the country year after year. Ani-Logics and the Lakoskys teamed up to offer a line of great seed blends to help hunters manage deer just like the famous outdoor couple. Crush the Perfect 10 is Ani-Logic’s top food plot solution, combining 10 of the most preferred forages for whitetail deer. This blend contains forage winter wheat, rye, forage oats, winter peas, crimson clover, Ani-Crush radish, forage collards, Ani-Crush turnip, AniCrush sugar beets, and rape. It is available in a 10- and 20-pound bags, which plant a ¼- and ½-acre, respectively. Learn more at anilogics.com. Rackology n Rackology’s Plot 365 Feeding Zone is a premium food plot blend that contains the highest quality red
62 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 and white clover and chicory seed for exceptional germination and establishment. These legumes are rich in antler building protein and energy, and provide other key nutrients deer need and crave. A single planting can last up to five years while tolerating heavy grazing pressure. This blend is extremely heat, drought and disease tolerant and performs well on a wide range of soil pH types. The blend is made to plant in the spring or fall to hold deer year-round. Plot 365 Feeding Zone makes a great stand-alone food plot or as a supplement to a small grain plot. The blend is highly attractive to pollinating insects, and beneficial for other game such as turkeys or quail. Shredding or mowing the first year will help eliminate competing weeds and create a thicker stand. Learn more at rackology.org. Evolved n Evolved has been creating seed blends for hunters for decades, and now they have introduced ProGro Seed Coating. ProGro helps yield larger plants and more forage per acre. The ProGro Biostimulant Seed Coating enhances palatability, adds additional nutrition and overall helps any deer herd get as much nutrition as possible. ProGlo is made available through several of the company’s seed mixes, such as Mean Bean Pro. Mean Bean Pro is a seed blend of Lablab, cowpeas and forage soybeans. The 10-pound bag of Mean Bean Pro covers a ¼ acre. Learn more at evolved.com. Killer Food Plots (KFP) n Killer Food Plots recently introduced Carnage Brassicas, a brassica blend developed to provide maximum tonnage, high carbs and protein, and essential building blocks that aid in the recovery of whitetail deer during and after the rut. The seed variety includes KFP rape, KFP turnips, purple top turnips, KFP radishes, and kale. This 4-pound bag of brassica seed will cover a ½ to ¾ of an acre. Learn more at killerfoodplots.com. Buck Bourbon n Known for their intoxicating feed and attractants, Buck Bourbon has spilled over into the food plot seed category with their Top Shelf Food Plot Seed. One of their most popular blends is the Brassica Mix. The Top Shelf Brassica Mix features winter rape, purple top turnip, Hercules brand radish and badger radish. This mixture of seed provides the best nutrition when deer need it most. Unlike other food plot seeds, Top Shelf seed blends are packaged in a biodegradable, easy pour tube with clear viewer top. This helps to make it easier to pour into a seeder or spreader, and when you’re done with the tube you can store your old bourbon in it. No more bags blowing around in the back of your UTV. Learn more at buckbourbon.com.
JULY 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 63 Biologic n Throw it down, grow it up, hunt it hard. This is the tagline for Biologic’s Hot Spot throw and grow seed. This is the perfect option for a poor man food plot or out of the way areas that tractors and larger equip - ment cannot access—or when heavy equipment simply isn’t available. Hot Spot is a scientifically selected blend of wheat, deer radish, rye and rape. This blend is fast germinating and is super easy to plant. It is perfect for smaller “shot plots,” backwoods openings or haul roads, or planting in hard-to-reach places, as this seed is no-till blend that requires only clearing the ground and applying the seed. One bag will cover a ¼ acre. Learn more at plantbiologic.com . Boss Buck n Food plots are an im - portant tool to help manage healthy deer herds. Boss Buck Fatal Funnel Clover + Chicory Seed Blend provides great nourishment when deer need it most. The 4-pound bag covers a ½ acre with three professionally se - lected annual clover types and added chicory seed. This drought tolerant and disease resistant blend keeps deer browsing longer and gives them the energy and nutrients needed to grow higher-scoring racks and im - prove health going into a hard win - ter. Learn more at bossbuck.com . Tecomate n Tecomate’s Monster Mix is a hardy seed mix that works well in many habitats. This ultimate doit-all mix is one of the best and most versatile food plots in the industry. It can be planted in the spring or in the fall. Monster Mix is made up of Tecomate’s own premium clovers and chicory. This mix provides deer and turkeys with the nutrients they need year-round, culminating in a healthier deer herd. This annual mix will remain productive for up to 3 to 5 years, depending on conditions and grazing intensity. Four pounds of Monster Mix covers a ½ acre. Learn more at tecomate.com . IA Tecomate Monster Mix Boss Buck Fatal Funnel Clover + Chicory Seed Blend Biologic Hot Spot Buck Bourbon Top Shelf Brassica Mix Killer Food Plots Carnage Brassicas Evolved ProGro Mean Bean Pro
64 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT B BY PATRICK MEITIN Gateway Feathers WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com. A lot has happened at Gateway Feathers since I moved away from the Southwest 15 years ago. Much of this has to do with improving the quality of already solid products. For example, based on customer feedback, Gateway has implemented base grinds including more consistent width and thickness. They also improved the surface texture—not too smooth, not too rough—to provide a superior adhesion base. Gateway more recently updated their specifications to produce a sweet spot resulting in a slightly thinner grind than past models, which results in significantly more pliability, easier fletching qualities, improved adhesion, and lighter weight. Gateway also began adding extra feathers to every package, so customers receive more feathers than they pay for, leaving some spares in case of mistakes during the fletching process. Gateway also adopted a new technique for applying dye to their barred feathers called Wild Barz, resulting in improved manufacturing efficiency and yielding darker, bolder bars for a more striking look. In short, these new approaches have helped Gateway produce feathers that are more precise, consistent, and reliable from feather to feather and batch to batch. Gateway has long strived to produce the best feathers in the industry. Perhaps Gateway’s most popular product is the Rayzr, a 2-inch feather available in leftor right-wing orientation and engineered to include Whisper Quiet Technology. The shape is different from a traditional shield feather, including an angle cut on the back of the featheing a traditional archer at heart, I still use a lot of feathers to fletch my arrows. For dozens of years I shot and bowhunted with only traditional longbows and recurves, which made me intimately familiar with Gateway Feathers. From as far back as the days when I used to drop into the Douglas, Arizona, facility while bowhunting Coues whitetail deer in the area, I’ve depended on Gateway to provide consistent, high-quality feathers for my fletching needs. er and the fact Rayzrs are cut from the thinnest portion of the full-length feather to provide ultra-quiet flight. This is the feather answer to 2-inch broadhead vanes, only much lighter and quieter. Also relatively new, Batwing feathers offer a unique dual bearing-surface design, which when fletched with an aggressive helical increase arrow spin dramatically by acting like a six or even eight-fletch setup. The added guiding edges create extra stability ideal for fixedblade broadheads. They are also sexy as all get-out. They are offered in 2-, 3 ½- and 4 ½-inch lengths, all in right-wing configuration. Another highlight is Gateway’s beautiful and one-of-a-kind Printz fletchings. They are offered as a 100 percent custom option (which requires a setup fee) and themes such as Fire, Peacock, Tiger, Zebra, Camo styles, and patriotic red, white, and blue combinations, just to name some popular highlights. Of course, standard parabolic and shield-cut feathers are offered in a seemingly endless number of colors. Take in the full spectrum and find your favorite at gatewayfeathers.com. IA
66 INSIDE ARCHERY JULY 2023 Five Questions with .30-06 Outdoors INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 5Q .30-06 Outdoors has been in business since 2006, providing a huge variety of popular archery and outdoor accessories that have made the company a staple with retailers looking to fill their stores with product that moves well and includes excellent profit margins. Inside Archery spoke with .30-06 Outdoors owner Matt Minshall to learn more about the company’s latest developments. the end user, contracts written on finished product sourcing, the packaging and pricing, phase one is complete. How much do you rely on utilizing feedback from your dealers and consumers to help refine .30-06 Outdoors products? ■ A large portion of our unique and proprietary .30-06 Outdoors items have come at the request of our retailers, as well as countless hours in my personal “treestand office.” By that same token, most dealers/consumers will offer suggestions to make products better. You just have to listen. I am an owner who is intimately involved in all facets of the business—opposed to a big corporation “profit is all that matters” mentality. These wonderful suggestions come from people who are living in the archery retail trenches and serving consumers. These suggestions are invaluable. I take them seriously. What measures does .30-06 Outdoors have in place to help its independent dealers thrive? ■ We won’t sell our products to anyone who doesn’t have a physical retail store or warehouse. We don’t dropship our goods for people who just shuffle paper. This is year 17 for us and we are not in this blessed industry just for a quick buck. Any company who just wants to sell, sell, sell at all costs just to turn a quick buck won’t last. You must take care of the people who make you famous, and we will. Learn more about .30-06 Outdoors at 30-06outdoors.com. IA Kit. This top selling product includes a 1-ounce Rail Snot, String Snot and a Bow Snot oiler pen that allows users to lubricate and maintain every part of a crossbow with premium odorless and lightweight protection that won’t heat under friction. We also have a strong selling kit assembled especially for compound shooters. What factors are involved in moving a .30-06 Outdoors product from a concept to prototype form to finished product? ■ Market demand is a big factor. If the new item is a stand-alone product, then it’s tricky to do accurate projections. Prototypes are almost always done regardless of market analysis because seeing the item live verses on paper or CAD program is invaluable. The volatility of the product’s material and where the product will be built, ranks second on my list. Practicality and ease of use is also key. After you get the thumbs up from hat plans do you have for .30-06 Outdoors moving forward, including new products, improved efficiency, or dealer terms? ■ We’re focusing a lot of effort on products that won’t go out of style. It’s obvious the crossbow stigma that hovered over the industry in the ‘90s and part of the 2000s is no longer an issue. In fact, crossbows are now helping sustain sales for all of us. This makes crossbow accessories one of our focus categories. Tell us about some of .30-06 Outdoors’ most popular products and what makes them such hits with dealers and their customers. ■ Our Snot Lubricant Products have gained strong momentum every year since introduced in 2012. We developed a homerun niche with our Crossbow Snot 3-Piece W