It never ceases to amaze me how many new outdoor products show up at the local sporting goods store and in various hunting catalogs each fall. What’s even more astounding is the vast array of improved, revamped, and upgraded gear on sale. Why, I’ll bet it takes about a truckload of pulp to supply the paper that keeps my mailbox crammed with a steady flow of more than a hundred wish books each year. Despite an extensive and diverse assortment of hunting gear and fishing equipment accumulated over the years, I have a yen, if not the room, for a couple of new items every autumn.

In my defense, and any of you outdoorsmen are welcome to use this explanation, it behooves a sportsman to properly equip himself to assure the highest level of success, safety, and personal satisfaction during each outing. Let me warn you right now that this closing argument works about twice a season. My wife has it pretty much memorized and has been known to mimic me word for word, followed by a very jaundiced stare, ominous head-shaking, and under-the-breath mumbling. Generally, this brings an end to my annual autumn orders for the season.

I have managed to add a few essential items to my gunning gear before the window of opportunity recently slammed shut. Thankful not to have had any extraneous body parts jammed in that window, I’ve spent some time out of the house field testing this new equipment. Let me fill you in on some of these new products, and I’ll bet you find at least one that’s sure to improve the results and enjoyment of your favorite fall forays.

Loose goose

Trying to outsmart keen-eyed and ever-cautious Canada geese just might be my favorite autumn challenge, and an endeavor that becomes tougher with every passing day the birds are hunted. Flagging and calling to attract an approaching flock of cagey, gun-shy honkers works up to a point, but when a dozen pair of vigilant eyes close in, it’s the decoys that will make or break each opportunity.

Over the years I’ve tried silhouettes with actual photos of geese imprinted on the side, inflatable models with fine detail imprints, and of course, full-body decoys that offer true size, shape, and color realism. The problem with life-size or larger magnum full bodies is how much space they require during transport. In each and every decoy spread scenario, by adding some sort of motion to the fake birds, the gunning results improved dramatically. But until now most motion decoys were too expensive, too undependable, or too much trouble to set up, take down, and lug around. Higdon Decoy Co. has overcome all of these stumbling blocks by inventing and marketing the Tim Grounds Ultimate Motion Goose Decoy.

With no motorized, mechanical, or human assistance, the Ultimate Motion Decoy’s body swivels left or right, while the feeding-position head also moves independently of the body. The neck and head swivel, bob, swing, and wobble just like a live bird would while feeding among the flock. Only the slightest breeze sets the decoy in motion, and when the wind picks up, movements become even more animated, but never unrealistic thanks to a concealed restraint system that keeps movement within lifelike limits.

For a more natural look, each decoy has a flocked head and feather-detailed paint scheme, and they quickly and simply assemble and disassemble for stacking and more compact carrying. A set of four Ultimate Motion decoys retails for $99 and will do the work of a dozen stationary models. For greater variety, add a few original Higdon Motion Decoys. These don’t have the moving head but do feature several other great qualities. They balance on a 1/4-inch steel stake which allow rotation and tipping motions and are completely stackable despite being cut to look like a full-body bird. Head positions include sentry, relaxed sentry, resting, preening, semi-feeder, and feeder, which offer unbelievable realism when in motion at only $99 per half-dozen.

Both models of Higdon motion decoys will improve the effectiveness of any goose spread while requiring far fewer decoys and less work setting up and picking up. Go on line at www.higdondecoys.com to see what I think are the best motion goose decoys for the money on the market today, or call 270-443-8739 with questions. To inspect these dekes in person and see how simple they assemble and operate, visit your local sporting goods store.

Candid camera

Most hunters who consistently tag trophy bear, deer, or moose stress the importance of scouting. Since most sportsmen are everyday working stiffs like you and I and have limited free time to preseason scout, it’s imperative to make the most of every opportunity. Big-game seasons are relatively short and even if a few vacation days are used during the season, time is of the essence. This is where a top-rate trail camera comes into play: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these woods-watching marvels are scouting when you can’t be.

Once a likely hunting area is pinpointed from obvious trails, tracks, rubs, scrapes, droppings, and other sign, it’s a simple task to mount a camera on a tree overlooking a likely run and then wait for the results. Information captured in photos can save a sportsman valuable time. For example, the animals may all be traveling after dark or perhaps they’re too small to warrant hunting that particular region. For several years I have used a 35 mm-style film trail camera, but this season I got a Leaf River digital unit, and now I’m so spoiled I don’t even want to bother with my old outfit. Leaf River’s model DC-2BU digital game camera offers a lot more useful features at a moderate price, and best of all, you don’t need a Ph.D. to set up and use it.

Using only three size C and four size D batteries, the camera and oversize flash will operate for weeks and produce top rate color images at a 4-megapixel resolution for those want to print quality photos for display or at 1.3 or 2.1 MP for computer or television viewing. Up to 50 pictures can be stored in the 16 MB internal memory, or a compact flash card can be purchased separately that will hold hundreds of images depending on the size of the card selected. The camera can also be set to record from three to 90 seconds of daytime video clips.

One of this game camera’s greatest assets is a 1.6-inch LCD internal viewing screen that allows the hunter to check images right in the field while the camera is still in place. The screen even has a 1X to 4X digital zoom and panning ability to help hone in on special features – like a trophy set of antlers – and unwanted photos can immediately be deleted to make room for new ones. Video clips can be viewed at home or on a portable TV via the TV-Out connection port and include cable with no need for a computer.

Other operating highlights of the Leaf River camera include a 400-event counter, battery strength indicators, date and time imprint, and an adjustable infrared motion sensor sensitivity control dial. Hunters can make several other adjustments to meet individual need, too.

Mossy Oak Break Up camo adorns the tough outer housing, which is fitted with a waterproof seal that withstands sleet, snow, and rain in any quantity. A steel mounting bracket and security bar which can be padlocked, as well as a mounting strap, are included to make sure your camera stays where you put it. A USB cable, RCA cable, picture editing software, and an instructional DVD came with the unit as well for $279.

More and more people who don’t even hunt are setting up trail cameras to see what animals share their property. Sportsmen who do hunt will be much more efficient time-wise in their scouting and more likely to bag a bragging-size deer, moose, or bear. For more information, check out the Leaf River Web site at www.myleafriver.com or call toll-free 866-775-5351 to tender questions or order the DC-2BU.

Alpha Hunter

Alpha males generally display a trait for dominance, are somewhat aggressive and adventuresome, and frequently take a leadership role, regardless of species. Buck Knives, a much-respected name in outdoor cutlery, especially knives, has just developed a new line of blades they have designated as Buck Alphas. One look at this classic beauty will pique any outdoorsman’s interest, and once you’ve hefted the Alpha Hunter there will be no doubt it possesses all the attributes of its name. Without exaggeration, I own well over a dozen knives in a variety of sizes, shapes, and functions, and now I own another and it just may be my favorite.

Rather than a straight blade, I selected a lock-blade, folding model with a sturdy leather belt case for its compact convenience. At 5 inches when folded, the knife opens to 8 inches with a sturdy 33/4-inch drop-point blade. A solid, well-placed thumb stud allows the blade to be opened or closed easily and safely with one hand. I also chose a blade with a gut hook that Buck refers to as a Zipper due to its ease of field dressing big game with little chance of slicing open or perforating any organs. Every hunter should own at least one game-cleaning knife with a gut hook, and once you’ve tried this innovation you’ll never use a straight blade again.

A number of guides were consulted regarding their preferred features on a hunting knife and the Alpha is a collaboration of these ideas. The blade is formed from high carbon 154 CM stainless steel to assure strength and prolonged edge retention. A contoured palm-fitting handle with grooved finger notches allows deft cutting and fine skinning with complete blade control. Sportsmen can select a set of black, rubber slab grips or a dressy rosewood handle that’s as sharp looking as the blade is sharp cutting. It is possible to purchase both handle sets and change them quickly and easily when desired, and the rosewood grips are resin impregnated to assure a nonslip grip.

Buck’s folding Alpha Hunters sell for approximately $65 in rosewood and $55 with rubber grips from many fish and game catalogs and regional outdoor retail outlets, and the fixed-blade styles cost $80 and $60, respectively. Check out this outdoor tool at www.buckknives.com or call 1-800-326-2825 for information. Most area sporting goods stores will carry this model as well as many more Buck cutlery items – sometimes one knife just isn’t enough.

Now there’s an overview of a trio of new fall products that should include something for every outdoorsman, whether its big-game hunting, waterfowling, camping, or small-game gunning you enjoy. Each and every one of these three pieces of gear will not only increase your productivity and enjoyment this fall, but for many seasons to come. Check them out for yourself, but make it soon. Hunting is at hand.

Outdoor feature writer Bill Graves can be reached via e-mail at bgravesoutdoors@ainop.com