Good Times at Schnee’s Elk Calling Seminar with Chad Schearer

If you happened to be walking around downtown Bozeman Thursday evening, it may have sounded like some of the local wildlife wandered too close to town! Chad Schearer, host of Shoot Straight TV and multi-award winning elk caller, was filling the air with chirps, mews and bugles while passing along some important calling tips to the crowd during a great elk calling presentation Thursday at Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters.

Nearly 50 guests crowded around as Chad covered some key points on calling and how to become more successful at calling in the field. With over 20 years of experience calling and guiding hunters in the woods, Chad elaborated on how and when to use calling to your advantage in different types of hunting scenarios. One practice in particular that Chad stressed the importance of was that of “aggressive patience”. According to Chad, this means “patiently waiting until the time is right is to be aggressive”, learning to be aggressively patient is a valuable tool for anyone that would like to become more successful during the elk season.

During the seminar Chad did a great job of answering questions and he even hung around afterwards to help those who had even more questions about specific types of calls and gear for the hunt. Chad, his wife Marsha and there two boys are very passionate about hunting and the outdoors as well as preserving the outdoor heritage. If you would like to see more of Chad and his family and continue to pick up his tips, tune into The Sportsman Channel 9PM MST Tuesday, 6AM MST Friday or 4:30PM MST Sunday afternoon for Shoot Straight with Chad Schearer.

Thank you to all that attended this fun and informative event and thank you to Chad and his family for coming down and putting on a great show!

Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters Pre-Season Hunting Event

Hunting season is almost here in Montana and Schnee’s & Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters have everything that you need to prepare for success this season.  Visit us online or stop by our Bozeman retail stores to get setup with the finest in outdoor footwear, clothing, gear and accessories.

Beginning Thursday August 25^th, Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters in historic downtown Bozeman will be kicking off a 4-Day Pre-Hunting Season Event. The excitement starts Thursday night with a fun filled evening of elk calling with World Champion elk caller and TV Personality Chad Schearer. Chad will be passing along his knowledge and time-honed skills in-store from 6:30-8 PM for this family friendly event. Chad will be sharing tips and fist hand experience to help make calling a more successful part of your hunt, you do not want to miss this event! During this event Schnee’s will be offering some exclusive in-store specials on all of their premium outdoor footwear with plenty of Schnee’s expert boot-fitters on hand to answer questions and properly fit you into your next hunting boot!

Chad Schearer with a Montana Mule Deer

Aside from being a licensed Montana Outfitter & Guide, multi-award winning elk caller and hosting his popular television show Shoot Straight with Chad Schearer with his family on The Sportsman’s Channel, Chad is also a highly sought after outdoor speaker and lecturer. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn from the best during this exclusive workshop brought to you by Chad Schearer and Schnee’s.

On Friday and Saturday, Sitka Gear Tech Rep Ron Thomas will be in-store to answer questions and offer his extensive hunting clothing product knowledge. Sitka Gear is the leading innovator in technical outdoor hunting apparel and gear and all of their fine products are available in-store and online at www.schnees.com. Saturday will also bring local Bozemanite Mark Matheny (founder of UDAP) to the Powder Horn to talk with customers about Bear Safety and answer questions about UDAP’s full-line of Pepper Power defense sprays.

Don’t miss this exciting 4-day event! Stop by and visit us at the Powder Horn for exclusive in-store specials, prize drawings and more! We hope to see you there!

They’re coming…

Been a tough winter, but Spring is coming...

With the month of March drawing to a close, we’re seeing more deer and elk emerge seemingly daily.  We have had a pretty tough winter in Montana this year, and we will be hoping winter kill figures are not too severe.  On the other hand, our snowpack is good and water levels should be too, which in general is positive for our fish and wildlife populations.  Here are a few elk in winter range, the snowy photo and the herd bedded are the same herd in basically the same spot on the same day, snow fall in the morning and mostly burned off by the evening.

Nice to see a pretty respectable population in this area again this spring, as wolves have just recently arrived in this particular region and, as we all know, they will begin to take their toll on this herd, as with any, if the wolves are not properly managed.

Late Season Nevada Elk Hunt Play-by-Play

This great letter came to us from long time Schnee’s customer Larry R. in Nevada. Thanks Larry, it sounds like this was a pretty intense hunt! We were happy to hear that your Schnee’s boots were there to keep you going on this memorable hunt!

“To the good people at Schnee’s:

My son Brad and I were on a cow elk hunt in eastern Nevada. A freak snow storm hit the area, but the elk were there. After an ugly encounter with snow covered rocks, the four wheel drive on my expeditions failed.

 30 Dec 10 –    0700, calf deep snow, 0 degrees, we press on.

                           1100, knee deep snow, 5 degrees, no elk sign

                           1230, thigh deep snow, 5 degrees, elk tracks!

                           1300, fresh bedding/feeding area, the hunt is on!

                           1400, long shot missed, in hot pursuit. Waist deep snow, -5 degrees.

                           1430, large cow elk down, sun setting, -10 degrees.

                           1600, elk butchered, ready for transport to vehicle, 4 miles, sun gone,    

                                  -15 degrees. Fighting snow, plummeting temps & heavy packs,  

                                  we press on. The temperature drops to -22. Canteens frozen,

                                  food frozen, meat on our backs frozen. Our bodies begin to chill. 

                                  Cold hands, cold face, cold legs, cold everything. Except our feet,

                                 thanks to Schnee’s Hunter II pack boots. Feet? Warm, dry, 

                                 comfortable.      

 31 Dec 10 – 0100, arrive at vehicle. Thank you Schnee’s.”

Larry R.

Nevada

Get Ready for the Hunting Season with Schnee’s

With the General Big Game season underway here in Montana and much of the west, thousands of residents and non-residents are heading into the mountains in hopes of filling a tag or two. Whether you plan on heading out into the mountains on your own or with the service of a qualified outfitter, be sure to visit Schnee’s for all of the backcountry essentials before your next hunt!

Traversing the Rockies in search of big game requires footwear that will provide the proper amount of support, traction and protection to tackle the rugged terrain found across the western US. This may include side-hilling on slippery shale, crossing mountain streams or post-holing through thigh deep snow to get to where your quarry is. Schnee’s Hunter II series of boots have been the go-to choice of boots for outfitters, guides and sportsmen taking to the mountains every fall for over 23 years. Designed for comfort and built to last, the Hunter II is available in 10”, 13” and 16” heights and features Schnee’s exclusive Advantage™ rubber outsole for maximum traction in any condition.

Schnee's Hunter II

During your hunt, stay comfortable whether you are in the saddle, around camp or on the mountain with the Schnee’s Rifleman’s Shirt™. Introduced into the Schnee’s line last Fall, the Rifleman’s Shirt™ has quickly become a favorite among western sportsmen. Combining the fit, feel and warmth of fine wool with the wicking and drying properties of a synthetic, the Rifleman’s Shirt is sure to become your favorite. Available in 4 heathered colors and beautifully trimmed with a genuine leather collar stand and leather button holes on the front pockets, the Rifleman’s Shirt™ also features a generous bi-swing back for a comfortable range of motion.

Schnee’s Rifleman’s Shirts

Finally, don’t forget the little things. Schnee’s carries a wide assortment of invaluable accessories for your hunting season. From premium leather conditioner, canvas quarter bags and binocular suspenders to custom made hunting knives, Schnee’s has you covered.

Hunting Essentials

Before you set out on your next hunting hunting adventure, let the experts at Schnee’s help you prepare for the hunt of a lifetime. All of these great products can be found by visiting our retail stores in historic downtown Bozeman or online at www.schnees.com.

Schnee’s Pac Boots – 23 Years in the Making

For over 23 years, Schnee’s has been manufacturing their legendary line of Schnee’s Pac Boots right here in the mountains of Montana. Created out of necessity for a product that just didn’t exist, the Schnee Pac has become the boot of choice for sportsmen, ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts from the Rocky Mountains to the Adirondacks.

Beginning with premium hand-selected US leather hides, the boot upper is cut and crafted to provide optimal fit and maximum support surrounding your ankle and calf. Many boot manufacturers us a generic “stove-pipe” upper design which results in poor fit and uncomfortable flexing and bunching, Schnee’s insists upon using a “split” backstay design and signature flex-notches for an improved fit and minimal bunching.

Schnee’s rubber bottoms are crafted from hand-laid pieces of real rubber and vulcanized for rugged, waterproof support.  Our rubber bottoms also feature thermal plastic heel counters as well as steel shanks to provide the fit and support of an all-leather boot as well as a cushioned inner sole for added comfort. Most of our boots are also offered in your choice of a Tire Tread outsole which is great for shedding mud and snow or Schnee’s exclusive air-bob Advantage™ outsole for maximum traction in any condition.

Schnee’s Pac Boots are available in Insulated and Uninsulated models for year-round use. Our insulated boots feature removable quilted liners that utilize a three layer construction for optimum combination of warmth and moisture-wicking comfort. The inside of the liner is made from a durable layer of Cambrelle to help pull moisture away from your feet. The middle layer of the liner holds a layer of 400 gram Thinsulate™ Insulation for significant warmth without any unnecessary bulk. The outer layer of the liner is made from 3mm of wool felt which creates an added layer of warmth and moisture wicking comfort.

Schnee’s Pac Boots are built to withstand the rigor of everyday wear and to fulfill the demands of the hardworking and harder playing customers that wear them. All Schnee’s boots are rebuildable for years (even decades!) of use, and like all Schnee’s products they are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

As the fall air cools and winter begins to slip in, now is a great time to look for that perfect boot. Whether you’re running errands in town, handling chores on the ranch or headed into the mountains in search of that trophy elk, Schnee’s has the right boot to fulfill your needs!

GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest: The Science of Nothing

Sitka Mountain Gear and W.L. Gore & Associates have teamed up again to expand the Sitka Gear clothing lineup as well as introduce a brand new camouflage pattern designed primarily for the tree stand hunter. New for this year, Sitka has introduced three lines of clothing designed with the serious Whitetail Deer hunter in mind and available exclusively in the new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest pattern.  The Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator Series of big game hunting coats and pants are designed to help keep you comfortable and in the stand longer regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way. Sitka will also offer the new OPTIFADE™ Forest pattern in other popular Sitka series such as the Core and 90% line.  

GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest utilizes technology similar to the tried and true OPTIFADE™ Big Game Open Country but focuses more on micro-patterning to increase the effectiveness of the camouflage pattern at closer distances. The technology behind this pattern helps to disrupt the shape of the human body in vertical applications as well as blend in with the forest canopy above helping you to literally disappear within your surroundings. Watch the video below to learn more about how the technology and design of this pattern works!

Sitka has taken this new pattern and matched it with a line-up of clothing designed to maximize comfort and concealment in the woods.  By utilizing technical fabrics such as GORE-TEX® and GORE® WINDSTOPPER® and combining them with premium insulating materials like 100% Natural Goose Down and PrimaLoft®, Sitka Gear’s new line will keep you in the stand hunting comfortably in virtually any conditions. All of the outwear pieces in the Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator series also feature a lightly brushed exterior fabric to reduce noise.

To learn more about the Sitka Mountain Gear and GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest and to see all of the great new items, visit us at www.schnees.com or call us at 1-800-922-1562 and place your order today!

Schnee’s Brings You The Best in Hunting Footwear and Apparel For 2010!

With the fall hunting season approaching fast, Schnee’s has what you need to get prepared for the upcoming season. Whether you are looking for a new hunting jacket or the best hunting boots available, Schnee’s has all of the greatest new clothing and equipment available from Sitka, Prois, Schnee’s, Badlands and more!

Whitetail hunters need to check out the new line of clothing and accessories by Sitka Gear designed specifically with the treestand hunter in mind. Featuring the all new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest pattern and consisting of the Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator Series, Sitka has optimized this new line for the savvy stand hunter. Sitka has also extended the new Forest camouflage pattern to many of their existing items including the Core and Traverse base layers, ascent packs and the ever popular Sitka 90% Jacket and Pant.

Elk hunters should really enjoy Sitka’s newly redesigned Jetstream Hunting Jacket. This jacket utilizes GORE™ WINDSTOPPER® soft shell technology for those windy days hiking and glassing in the high country and for 2010 Sitka has added pit zips for increased breathability as well as a hood for additional protection from the elements. Combine the Sitka Jetstream Jacket with the Jetstream Beanie and Gloves, Sitka Ascent pants and the Sitka Flash 32 pack and you are just about ready to hit the mountains in search of that trophy, but don’t forget about your footwear!

Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Tough terrain, heavy packs and long days afield require quality, supportive footwear. Schnee’s has just introduced the new Montana Mountain Boot™ series built specifically with the serious hunter in mind. Consisting of the Granite™, Beartooth™ and Wilderness™ models, this may just be the best collection of elk hunting boots ever made! Crafted in Italy, these boots feature eVent® breathable membranes for 100% waterproof protection. Full-length heavy duty midsoles combined with extra-thick premium leather uppers work together to provide the highest level of support and comfort in difficult terrain.

Schnee's Granite Boot

Schnee’s is also proud to offer a great selection of clothing and accessories for all of the women hunters out there as well. Women who are tired of settling for the baggy, generic fit associated with wearing men’s hunting clothes will be ecstatic when they discover Prois hunting apparel for women. This great collection of quality women’s hunting clothing is designed, cut and built to perform for women by women!

Badlands Packs has added a ladies pack option this year as well with the Kali Pack. This 2500 cubic inch pack has plenty of room for a day on the mountain and features contoured shoulder straps and hip belt for a comfortable fit for women as well as excellent weight distribution.

Badlands Kali Pack

Powder Horn Montana TV is Back! Season II Now Airing!

Season 2 of Powder Horn Montana presented by Leica  is back and airing on The Sportsman Channel. Be sure to tune in for another action packed season bringing you the best in fair chase, western big game hunting from Montana, British Columbia and more!

Jason Matzinger - 2009 Montana Elk

Follow host Jason Matzinger and the PHTV crew this season as they pursue trophy Rocky Mountain Elk, Mountain Goat, Black Bear, Turkey and more.  The action is fast and the incredible up-close and personal footage is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

Les Hausauer - Alberta Black Bear

This year, Leica and PHTV will also be teaming up with a group of great sponsors to give away a Dream Hunt Package for a fully guided Elk and Mule Deer hunt right here in Montana! The winner and one guest will BOTH experience an elk/deer combo hunt here in beautiful southwest Montana with our host Jason Matzinger. The winner whose name is drawn will also receive a great gear package from Leica Sport Optics, Schnee’s, Sitka and Montana Canvas!

Hosts Jason Matzinger and Jon Edwards with Jon's British Columbia Mt. Goat

If you would like more information on the contest or want to find out how to enter, tune in to Powder Horn Montana airing at 10:30AM MST on Wednesday’s with additional viewings at 5 PM Saturday, 8:30 AM Sunday and 11 PM Sunday!

Heading to Elk Camp!

This week the Schnee’s Powder Horn Crew will be at it again in Reno, NV for the 26th Annual RMEF Elk Camp and Outdoor Expo! If you are in the Reno area March 4-7th, be sure to stop by and show your support for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and all that they do to help protect the future of wild elk and their habitat.

This years event highlights include the 22nd Annual World Elk Calling™ Championships, the World Record Elk Tour and numerous seminars and workshops to help improve your skills in the field.  Nearly 400 exhibitors have also registered for the event to bring the latest and greatest in gear, art and hunts. Be sure to stop by the Schnee’s Powder Horn Booth #537 to learn more about some exciting new products that we have on the way as well! See you at Elk Camp!