I am seldom impressed with new products, but this weekend I was introduced to something that is set to revolutionize video production. The i-Kam Xtreme is truely a product that has excited my video senses. Look for their link on this page and check them out. Also look for video captions to be released here real soon.
Spring is near. The coming of turkey season and the return of green foliage in our forests. In all of the new product developments besides "Strutt'n Tunder" motion decoy there is one product that stands out among the rest. The new Mothwing Apex 3D Camo is an impressive addition to your spring turkey hunting must haves. The material has wicking, quick dry characteristics that will keep you comfortable on long hunts. It is also breathable to keep you cool on those warm spring days. The camo pattern is derived from the mimicry moth and is virtually invisible when backed against the new green foliage that we associate with spring. I know that a lot of you guys also hunt the early teal and goose seasons that come in early fall. The Mothwing Mimicry Apex 3D is perfect for these seasons as well. If you have not seen this pattern I urge you to click on the Mothwings link on this page and become familiar with all they have to offer. Great Stuff!
In Memory of Our Friend
Larry Parker was an integral part in the growth and development of Quest Outdoors. Larry came to work for us in 2004. In the beginning he set the precedence for the quality of products you have come to know from us. He soon was named Head of Production, and continued to share his quality of work through out the rest of the staff.
His friends knew him simply as "Parker". His adopted family had so many Larry's that a simple method of identification was needed and the name "Parker" fit the man. The man that was always there when he was needed. He was the first to tell you when you were wrong but he was also the first to help you correct it.
His trade mark was as you see him here...Red Hat and Short Pants and the ever present suspenders. This picture was taken in North Dakota on our way to Canada in 2007. It was October, cold and rainy. He rarely wore anything else. Even after the hunt, the red hat came back on. His attire on the trip, earned him a new nickname
"The Cracker Jack Kid". 
A hunting trip to Canada was one of Parker's ambitions. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to share it with him. Parker loved to duck hunt and tinker in the shop. He was a veteran in the Coast Guard, a volunteer fireman and a friend to many.
To us ..... he was family.
He will be missed.
Spinning Wing Decoys
Are ducks getting use to spinners on a pole? The answer most hunters will give you is "yes" and I do not disagree. So what do you need to do? My answer is to use motion decoys that mimic the most realistic motion you can find. A duck does not continuously hover over a landing zone. He sits on down. Most spinners on a pole “do not sit down”; however, there is a way to make it appear that they do. Intermittent wing motion is the first step. The second step is to position the spinner as close to the water as you can. When the wings stop, it creates the illusion that the duck has landed. Yet in some cases, this is still not enough. The third step is the deal closer. When the wings stop, you do not want the white side to be visible to the approaching ducks. So, the wings need to be balanced so that “in the stopped position” the black side is up. How do you make this happen?
Small stick-on weights can be strategically placed on the wings to make them stop in the correct position.
The second choice is to purchase a decoy that does this for you. The Aviator 3D and the Mallard Master Pro come with balanced wings. Problem solved. They also come with the timer. Second problem solved. Combining the two, they create the most realistic motion available on the market today. The only thing you have to do is place them in your decoy spread close to the water.
If you want the complete duck killing package, get the Aviator 3D or the Mallard Master Pro.
Another note worthy fact is that when the wings stop and the black side is up, they disappear in your spread. Approaching ducks loose site of the motion, not allowing them to continuously focus on the spinner as they descend. A very deadly combination.
Be as real as you can. These decoys are “As Real As It Gets”.
Missouri Central Zone Openner
Saturday morning, November 1st, was the opener for the Central Zone in Missouri. I ventured out with “Locked Wings and Labs” Guide Service. I report to you that they were holding a record population of ducks for this early in the season. The guys from “Locked Wings and Labs” hosted Buck Gardner along with myself. They showed us one of the best openers that I have been on in recent years. Combining the motion decoys from “Quest Outdoors”, the Champion of Champions calling of Buck Gardner and the set-up provided by Hunter Johnson and the guys, the ducks didn‘t stand a chance. Buck and I were thrilled for the invitation to accompany these guys on this hunt. Special thanks to Hunter Johnson, Robert Watson, Jason Patterson and especially Chaos the wonder dog who diligently retrieved every kill.
If you guys are looking for a hunt of a lifetime, contact Hunter Johnson at “Locked Wings and Labs”. You will find their link on the left side of this webpage. Check out the accommodations they have available. They book on a first come first serve basis. I urge you to reserve your space now.
A special note: the Missouri Waterfowl license is one of the best values in the country. Their one day permit is only eleven dollars.
Thanks guys, I will see you again soon.
Don't miss the Missouri Waterfowl Festival coming up on October 31 & November 1. Let the better half take the spooks Trick or Treating. Bring yourself down and visit with Quest Outdoors along with Chris Akin, Buck Gardner, Christian Curtis, Rick Dunn, Ralph Duran, the MO National Guard and a host of other, who's who, in the waterfowl industry. Other activities scheduled are Duck calling contest, speed retriever contest, rock climbing wall, aerial archery shoot, many seminars and demonstrations and John Fleck will be available to appraise your old duck calls. This is a DON"T MISS event for serious waterfowlers. The festival is being held in Kennett, Missouri at American Legion Fairgrounds. Plenty of parking will be available. For more information you can visit www.missouriwaterfowlfestival.com or call 573-888-5828. See you there.