Sure Shots
Swiss Crossbow Makers has unveiled their new TWINBOW (R) Crossbow. This innovative new product utilizes high-tech materials along with fine woods to re-invent the crossbow. Their new design uses a simple pincer-shaped two piece carbon fiber stock as the cocking mechanism. It is impossible to cock off center, and promises three second cocking based upon the simple shearing action of the two hinged pincer-stock parts. Further, the TWINBOW (R) four-limb unit can be regulated to deliver arrow speeds up to 300FpS. With a total weight of 8 pounds 6 ounces, a total length of less than thirty one inches and a width under fourteen inches, TWINBOW(R) looks like a gigantic hit. One note of caution: this is a precision engineered, hand-fitted piece of equipment. It comes equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment packed into a beautiful metal case and it is not inexpensive. However, experts examining this new device - including other traditional crossbow manufacturers - say this is among the most exciting new innovations in crossbow design in decades. GRADE: A

Scent dispersant company Pee Willie Wick (we didn't make this up) has introduced a new product called the Skyscrape. This scent dispersal container looks like it just may be the best scent dispersal product since their original Pee Willie Wick Scent Dispenser. Designed for above-ground use, the sealed container can be carried to the hunting field and opened where a screened internal container drops down to release high-quality scrape material. Refillable, lightweight and made of high quality mesh steel, the Skyscrape just might be the best - and last - scent dispenser you'll ever need. With a retail price of approximately thirty dollars - including scrape material - it's getting a great reception. GRADE A.

If you like high-tech materials re-purposed for practical use today, you'll want a Quick Fire Reusable Firestarter. Made from the same heat dispersant material as the tiles on the Space Shuttle, this simple block of ceramic material is "charged" with approximately two ounces of lamp oil, charcoal fire starter, denatured alcohol or citronella. The ceramic material absorbs the fluid, turning it into an easily ignited starter for any sort of home or field fire. When your fire is going, simply pull the Quick Fire from the flames, smother it out and, within minutes, it's cooled and ready to be returned to its plastic container for the next use. Charges last approximately 30 minutes and hikers and climbers say used by itself it provides more than adequate quick heat for taking a break along a trail or climb. Priced around twenty bucks, it's a campsite necessity. Grade A.

Bow Legger is one of those head-slap products (as in "why didn't I think of that"). It's a "motion control system" that's really a simple device to allow the hands-free holding of a bow in the ready position. The bow rests in easy reach via a pocket that attaches to your leg via sturdy hook-and-loop fasteners. The bow is within arm's reach and in an upright ready to shoot position. You can glass, grunt, rattle or warm your hands, knowing you're not going to lose your whitetail because you couldn't get your bow mounted in time. Grade A.

Heard at the Show
Tinks Hunting Corporation is on the block. The current corporate owners are bankrupt and qualified offers for this highly respected (and successful) hunting lure company. Interested parties have until next Tuesday to indicate their intent to bid with Finley-Colmer of Georgia (770 668 0637). Experts say an opening minimum bid will be in the six million dollar range. ...

Bushnell and Browning are partnering for the new Browning Performance Optics line. These high-end products cover the range of optics and promise hunters quality optics backed by the legendary Browning quality. These products are custom-designed for Browning and are not re-labeled standard lines. ...

Taylor Cutlery's Smith & Wesson knives are getting attention. Smartly designed and moderately priced, they range from high-tech tacticals to a limited run of 1,000 Texas Ranger Commemoratives in bowie and folder models. ...

The Archery Hall of Fame and Museum (AHF) has moved from Angola, Indiana to its new home in Springfield, Missouri. The AHF will be located at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in an area designated by for use by the nonprofit Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium. The Bass Pro Shops store is Missouri's number one tourist attraction. AHF Executive Director Donald L. Clark will continue to guide the AHF and the Hall of Fame selection process.