With all of my hunting experience being on the east coast, I’m trying to figure out what to do with with the critters I shoot out here in the west. More specifically, where do I put ’em after they’re down? In the past, we wore a blaze orange vest that had a compartment intergrated into the back. Shoot the bird, slip it into that slot and keep going. It was easy! But here, with our reliance on binos and rangefinders and smoke bottles, it seems like a chest harness is the way to go. Even though I’m hunting bunnies and birds, I like to have the above mentioned items on hand because I want to scout for potential coyote and deer spots while I’m out. Plus it can get warm humping up and down these hills, having a vest on doesn’t seem to make sense. So what do yo do? Thanks for reading.
Where do you put ‘em?
- Thread starter Bruiser
- Start date
Fieldline Game/Shell Belt | Big 5 Sporting Goods
This Fieldline Game/Shell Belt is 61 in length with 2 shell pockets and snap closures.
I run one of these when doing upland hunts..I also have a camo vest that is pretty light and has a back pouch like you mentioned..even in 100°+ weather it wouldn't be uncomfortable since it's mostly made up of mesh
I found the belt at my local Big 5..the vest I won it at a Turkey tune up so couldn't tell you where to get it but they're out there..
Snake Charmer
Happiness is a warm gut pile
Those are great suggestions, thanks guys! This is really an awesome community. That vest looks way cooler and lighter than the ones I used to use.
X2. My Filson vest is about 10 years old now and running strong. Bunnies and birds go in the back pouch no problem. It's a bit hot and overkill for dove hunting though.. I wear a shooting belt for that.
I use Filson bags during the first season and a Tenzing upland gamebag/backpack with hydration the second season.
From what I could tell, everything by Filson is the type of stuff that you can leave to your grandchildren. Buy once, cry once. I’ll save that for when I start chasing Chukars though. For this season, I opted for a mesh vest by Browning. It looked solid enough, has the game pouch in the rear. Should do the trick. For this year, I invested in a bino harness, range finder compartment and a dedicated pouch for my Rhino by FHF Gear. Their stuff looks really solid as well and Made in USA to boot!
When we are dove hunting I just use the bags but when we quail or pheasant hunt we put alot of miles in so having a pack makes more sense for me. I carry water for my dog and me, shells, energy snacks, tape for the dog if he is wearing boots and I also have a scabbard for my shotgun when hiking into and out of a hunting area.
The one I run is only $110, a deal by Filson prices. I don't run a dog though, so I only have to pack a bottle of water and a few shells. Classic style.
Tin Cloth Game Bag
A rugged hunting vest with rear game bag and oversized shell pockets.
www.filson.com
Snake Charmer
Happiness is a warm gut pile
Tenzing is IMO a bit more inclusive as far as needs go but the filson would work. Last time I went to south AZ to hunt Mearns I used the Filson game belt along with a Eberlestock mini me and it was fine. I think the Tenzing makes the best idea of both. I know a few others that use Tenzing and are happy especially if you are old and have no hips to hang your game belt on. Never underestimate Filson as it is heritage stuff you will keep forever.
Good stuff for sure..
You will pass it on to your children in the future.
Good stuff for sure..
You will pass it on to your children in the future.
Yeah, very reasonable. Thanks! I put myself on the waiting list. Like most things these days, it’s either currently unavailable or coming soon...The one I run is only $110, a deal by Filson prices. I don't run a dog though, so I only have to pack a bottle of water and a few shells. Classic style.
Tin Cloth Game Bag
A rugged hunting vest with rear game bag and oversized shell pockets.
Magazine dump pouch (they roll up if not being used) or just make a game bird holder out of paracord from walmart. Can just be slipknots attached to a carabineer and you slip them around their feet or head. This also has the plus side of letting air circulate around the birds more, they get less squished against each other than in a bag or vest, and look great for a pic when you are holding up a limit of quail in one fist or hanging from a fence post.
I hate vests for a few reasons. They are hot. If I need water I'm bringing a pack that can carry much more.
Oh and they cost quite a bit and make you look like a hunt nerd.
I hate vests for a few reasons. They are hot. If I need water I'm bringing a pack that can carry much more.
Oh and they cost quite a bit and make you look like a hunt nerd.
Tenzig make a nice upland game vest although a little pricey.
I have a Browning Bird N Light upland game vest.
It has a huge game pocket.
I've held 6 jackrabbits in it.
Although it was a little stuffed.
Lots of pockets and very adjustable.
You're able to carry over a gallon of water in it for those hot ass days in the desert.
About 100 dollars.
I have a Browning Bird N Light upland game vest.
It has a huge game pocket.
I've held 6 jackrabbits in it.
Although it was a little stuffed.
Lots of pockets and very adjustable.
You're able to carry over a gallon of water in it for those hot ass days in the desert.
About 100 dollars.
Magazine dump pouch. Brilliant! I didn’t even know that existed. I can see them being useful in a lot of ways, thanks for the tip! I had a leather game bird holder like you described back in Canada. I liked the concept, but I found that having the birds dangling off my waist while crashing through the brush was a pain in the ass. Maybe out here in the west it would work better. Quayle are quite a bit smaller than ruffed grouse and the terrain is more open.