I enjoy hunting coats and vests. I probably own ten different ones that I have bought over the years trying to find just the right vest for just the right occasion. I finally found the ultimate hunting vest for my needs. The strap vest from Wing Works is hands down the best vest I’ve ever taken afield. If you like extended day hunts away from the truck like I do, this vest is the ticket.

My needs are fairly simple, I need a vest that can carry a fair amount of water for my dog and me, fit comfortably, not interfere with gun mount at the shoulder, and be able to carry some weight (birds, my lunch and extra layer of clothing). The Wing Works vest fits all these needs.

It carries 64 Oz of water in two water bottles on the sides. (I am not much for sucking through a tube, but if you like the camelbak idea, the vest can easily be fitted with one.) Plus you can carry additional water in the back pouch if needed. The two shell pockets with velcro closure flaps in the front are deep enough to carry plenty of shells, a point-n-shoot camera and a GPS unit. A great feature is the game pouch in the back in divided up with a smaller, but easy to reach mesh pocket for empty shells to keep them separate from your birds. Then it has an additional pouch in the very back large enough for a lunch and a light jacket.

Best of all is that the contoured vest carries all the weight comfortably and with the thin strap, it doesn’t interfere with gun mount. Between the shoulder straps and the padded waist belt and overall contoured fit of the vest it is very comfortable to wear. They also have a pocket and loop to hold a tri-tronics transmitter!

The vests extremely well made here in the US; Idaho in fact. I have no connection with Wing Works, other than I have fallen in love with their product.  Wing Works can be reached at the following website:  http://www.wingworks.biz

In April I had several chances to get out and see sage-grouse on the lek (breeding ground). They are such a unique bird. Their wet-popping/booming sound of the males can be heard from a long ways off. These males are almost comical to watch fight back and forth. They look almost like they are placed on little remote controlled cars that zip back and forth; their legs are such a blur. It was fun to see how things got really animated when a hen would stroll through the puffed up males showing off. As she would pass by a male, she would hunker way over and become interested in the ground and pretend to ignore the males trying so hard to impress her.

If you get the chance, even though it is early in the morning, go out and watch them lekking. What a cool species! I am concerned for their long-term conservation status. I want to show my kids and grandkids lekking sage-grouse.