“As soon as we arrived at the Minneapolis Convention Center and set up our booth, I saw a great product right across the aisle. Banded Products was still setting up their booth, and the Fieldquench Dog Bowl Bottle immediately caught my eye. They had a big display, but I knew they’d sell out so I bought one for my pups immediately. You know carrying enough water in the field is always a challenge and this product puts more water in the dog’s mouth and less wasted on the ground.
Ran into Joe Swanky from the Bird Camp Podcast and he was gracious enough to do a reading of our newest conservation book for children, Ringo’s Playground.
Pheasant Fest is and always has been family friendly with lots of things to do. Multiple organizations showed up to help educate with demonstrations and hands-on projects for youth. Fly tying is an intricate but wonderful activity, teaching both patience and reinforcing the precepts of conservation. The always popular decoy carving was packed full, with kids building their own foam bufflehead decoys. Falconry practitioners were on site with their regal birds, explaining this royal sport and the birds who make it possible.
I caught up with Shawn Burkowksi and Kate Ahnstrom from Caesar Guerini , Fabarm, and Syren. We talked about the new models of fine Italian shotguns being offered by their brands. Kate was a featured speaker for the Women on the Wing Lounge Seminar focusing on Upland hunting: From Buying to Bagging.
The folks from Federal, Remington and HeviShot ammunition were on hand showcasing their new and innovative products. The shotgun shell mad scientist from Remington sat down with me for a lengthy delve into ammo performance, while Federal showed off their new All-American line and field offerings. HeviShot has launched several new products in the non-tox realm of shotshells which are vastly improving performance for hunters in those areas where lead ammo is prohibited.
Who doesn’t need another duck call, specially when it bears a label from one of our favorite beers. Brent Pike walked my through his newest innovation for the upland hunter, the Hells Canyon Upland vest.
