ELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle Scope

ELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle Scope

ELCAN Optical Technologies has a rifle scope equipped with camera and video capabilities that photographs or videos automatically when you pull the trigger! In addition, the digital scope can be used to take a picture or video of whatever it is you are looking through your scope without pulling the trigger. Today, we are specifically talking about the:

DigitalHunter DayNight Digital Riflescope by ELCAN Optical Technologies.

We all know the effort it takes to video our own rifle hunts. It’s not easy! But what if you could easily and efficiently record exactly what you see? That’s what this scope can do for you – it records while you shoot so you can review shot placement and document the harvest in general.

ELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle ScopeELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle ScopeELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle Scope Continue reading “ELCAN Digital Hunter Rifle Scope”

Winchester Model 70 Returns

Winchester has released a press release announcing the return of the Model 70 bolt action rifle for 2008. The news is so fresh, in fact, that Winchester’s website has yet to be updated and still refers to the Model 70 as a historic firearm:

“We are often asked when the great historic products such as the Model 70, Model 94, Model 1300 and others will be reintroduced into the marketplace. At this time there are no definite plans or announcements.”

Winchester Model 70 Returns

Winchester had ceased production of the Model 70 bolt-action and the Model 94 lever-action in 2006, putting an end to two legendary American rifle designs. The Model 70 had fallen out of favor with American shooters after a 1964 redesign that was regarded as cheapening the quality of the guns. The quality of Model 94s had similarly been degraded.

The re-born Model 70 will be made in America, will feature a new trigger, pre-’64 style controlled-round feed, and an improved version of Winchester’s great 3-position safety. All indications are that the re-born Model 70 should be a great rifle, offered in 4 different grades in a variety of calibers yet to be specified.

There’s currently no word on any plans for a Model 94 re-birth.

Digital Game Camera Options

Digital Game Camera Options

Ok, so you have decided to get a digital game camera to scout deer in your area. There are lots of camera options, so here we go. A big factor to consider in determining which trail camera to buy is battery type/requirements. It’s seems obvious, but choose a camera that works with rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries will save you a bundle of of cash in the long run and you can use that money to buy another game camera. I know folks who keep their cameras out for months at a time by simply rotating 2 sets of rechargeable batteries and swapping memory cards. Many cameras also have ports for the attachment of solar charger. This is even easier!

Next, let’s talk about image capabilities. As far as picture options, you’ve got infrared (IR) or color photos. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. IR cameras are usually priced higher than color cameras and IR pictures will not be as detailed as the full color photos. However, the IR models have the advantage of not needing a flash, which some hunters fear may spook deer and cause them to avoid the area where the camera is placed out. I have not seen any evidence showing that flash impacts deer. Of course, if you go with IR technology it’s not even a consideration. Continue reading “Digital Game Camera Options”

Tips for Choosing a New Rifle Scope

If you hunt white-tailed deer, or any other big game animal for that matter, at some point you will need a quality rifle scope. This article is intended to give you a few suggestions and tips to keep in mind when making your final selection. First, find a quality scope that fits in your budget. And I suggest buying the best you can afford. Unless you are in the habitat of buying guns every year (then I want your job), you will probably only buy a handful of scopes throughout your hunting life. With that said, you will never go wrong buying the best YOU can afford.

First, an important aspect of rifle scopes is light gathering quality of the scope. To check this out, look at the large end of the scope. The diameter of the scope lense will be measured in millimeters (mm). The larger the objective lens the more light it will ultimately gather. If you are hunting early morning or late evening, and who isn’t, you need to gather as much light as possible. Continue reading “Tips for Choosing a New Rifle Scope”

Magellan Introduces the eXplorist 500 LE

Magellan has finally announced the Magellan eXplorist 500 LE, a new GPS receiver for hikers, kayakers, fisherman, and other outdoor enthusiasts. What is unique about the eXplorist 500 LE is that you can choose between triple-A batteries or a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. The new Magellan 500 LE comes with a 14 channel parallel receiver which is WAAS enabled.

The eXplorist 500 LE is waterproof and weighs less than four ounces. Maps are displayed on a 2.3 inch color, backlit display. You can store additional maps on SD cards.

Packages are offered to bundle the Magellan eXplorist 500 LE with certain maps for different activities. The bundles offer 25% off the original map cost.

Hikers can use the 500 LE to calculate area, perimeter, as well as view vertical profiles of trails. Kayakers and fishermen are offered tools to view hunting and fishing times as well as a sun and moon calculator. The MapSend Lake maps display shorelines, water depth charts, vegetation, bottom composition, and locations of boat ramps.

Geocachers can use the Magellan eXplorist 500 LE for paperless caching by downloading geocache data directly to the 500 LE. Purists can also directly enter coordinates into the GPS.