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ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Sketch Your Way To Becoming A Better Hunter

altaidev on November 26, 2019

Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Tracking animals and landing a kill requires a creative mindset, but 78% of workers feel they lack creative abilities. One way to improve your hunting is by honing this skill, so consider combining the hunt with a creative activity like drawing. You may already impose certain obstacles, such as limiting your weapons, to make the hobby even more fulfilling, but by adding the act of drawing into your hunting trip, you can increase your performance. Here’s how sketching can take your enjoyment of hunting to the next level.

Calming Your Pre-Hunt Nerves

When you’re sketching your environment, you’re forced to take the time to examine it more closely. This is actually a form of mindfulness meditation. You are becoming more present and in tune with the world around you, leaving you feeling calm. Hunters can be negatively affected by feelings of anxiety or anger, so using drawing as a form of meditation can calm your nerves and increase your chances of landing a kill. It doesn’t matter how good your drawings are. This part of the sketching process is more about observation than creating art. Rather than trying to draw what you think something looks like, closely observe the subject and draw what it really looks like. You will then be able to feel a sense of focus and calm so that you can respond quickly and effectively when there is something to hunt.

Forming Deeper Bonds With Nature

Many people hunt because they love being out in the wild and feeling like a part of the ecosystem. However, as humans it’s easy to feel disconnected from all that. Spending time drawing the plants and animals you find helps you to feel more connected to them. By being in tune with wildlife, your prey becomes more predictable, and you will be more likely to land a kill. If you’re not a confident artist, begin with basic shape outlines of birds or animals before adding the detail. If you’re drawing a bird then you’ll have to make yourself still and quiet so as not to scare it off while you add the finer details. Ordinarily, the bird would be alerted to your presence and would flee, allowing you no opportunity for connection. With a sketch pad in hand, you will get to know wildlife more closely through observation. More importantly, however, you are becoming more efficient at stalking and tracking your prey without them noticing.

Enhance Cognitive Capabilities

There is another benefit to performing creative tasks while out hunting. Drawing or sketching will actually improve your performance in this sport. This is because it keeps your mind stimulated so that your cognitive performance improves, and you can bring home more impressive kills. Firstly, sketching requires patience and focus, which are both essential to a successful hunt. Secondly, it is creative so it uses a different part of the brain to solve problems. This means that when you head out into the woods, you will be able to come up with more original and effective hunting techniques.

Hunting and sketching may not be an obvious combination, but it makes sense when you think about it. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside, so why not capture it? Doing so will help you to become a better hunter by calming down nerves or anger, while also being less likely to disturb prey and improving your cognitive performance. Creative hunters have more original techniques, along with the focus required for a successful hunt.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Choosing The Right Socks

altaidev on November 21, 2019

Behind every great pair of boots, is a great pair of socks. We’ve all experienced a horrible mismatch between the two: too hot, too ‘slippery,’ blistery, the list goes on. Finding the right match between which socks to wear with your boots can mean a world of difference while you’re on your feet for extended periods of time.

Some sock materials will be better for certain temperatures, wetness, or sometimes just come down to personal preferences. Here’s a general guide to the typical socks materials to consider:

Synthetic Fabrics: There are a huge array of synthetic fabric socks. From cooling polyester fibers for the summer, to fabrics that “trap in” heat, without the bulkiness of thicker materials.

Wool: Known for its incredible insulating abilities, wool is one of the most popular types of socks for many adventurers. Synthetic blends of wool or merino may be preferable, since wool can be considered scratchy for some.

Cotton: Although the most common sock material, cotton socks are not recommended for hikes or long excursions. Cotton is extremely absorbent (imagine foot sweat!) and tends to dry very slowly.

Silk/Wicking Materials: Other kinds of socks, like silk, can be used as a liner inside your sock. These materials can help wick away moisture, keeping your “main sock” comfortable and dry.

Among these sock options, you will also want to consider whether your adventure will require lightweight, middle-weight, or mountaineering socks. Choose based on the temperature, dry/wet environment, and weather you will be facing. And it’s never a bad idea to have a back-up pair, for the unexpected.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: A Clean Hunt

altaidev on November 14, 2019

Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Keeping Your Hunting Gear Clean And Bacteria-Free

With the recent warning from the CDC that a hunter may have contracted tuberculosis from a deer, many hunters are paying particular attention to their health and hygiene practices this season. An important part of hunting safety is keeping your clothing and equipment clean, and part of preparing for a hunt is making sure your equipment is cleaned from your previous hunt. Moreover, since many people, including hunters, are growing increasingly concerned about the way their leisure activities might be impacting the environment, it’s important to know how to keep clothing, game bags, and boots clean and free from disease in an environmentally-friendly way.

A Hunter’s Laundry

Taking an eco-friendly approach to your laundry is particularly advantageous to a hunter. Often, the finishes applied to camouflage gear contain UV brighteners for aesthetic reasons, but animals can see the brighteners, as well as smelling the fragrances in laundry detergents, which alerts them to the hunter’s presence. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use detergents that are fragrance-free and don’t contain UV brighteners. Most detergents that are labeled ‘eco-friendly’ don’t contain these, but some do, so check the label before you buy. Additionally, some commercial detergents contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can be absorbed into the bloodstream through contact with your skin, and can cause health problems; most eco-friendly detergents are free of this chemical. Adding a cup of baking soda to the wash can eliminate odors without the need for chemical fragrance, and will also help remove harmful bacteria. Make sure your clothing is washed after every hunt to prevent bacteria build-up, and once it is completely dry, store it in a sealed bag to prevent it from picking up odors.

Cleaning Your Game Bags

A clean game bag is important for ensuring that your catch is safe to eat, and should be free of bacteria before each hunting trip. While being eco-friendly is important, in this instance, using a safe laundry bleach is wise. Rinse the bags after a hunt to remove solid debris, and then wash them thoroughly using an unscented detergent. Add a mild solution of laundry bleach and very hot water during the rinse cycle, and then allow the bags to air dry. If the bags are heavily stained, it may be necessary to soak them in hot water and fabric bleach overnight before washing. Ensure they are thoroughly dry before putting them away, as this will ensure the safest storage of meat for your next hunt.

Cleaning Your Hunting Boots

Cleaning your boots is important for removing harmful bacteria, but it will also keep them in good shape for as long as possible. The good news is that ALTAI™ waterproof hunting boots are particularly easy to clean. Remove solid debris with a brush or a soft, damp cloth, using a toothbrush for the lace hooks. While it’s tempting to clean only the outside of the boots, bacteria can thrive inside the boot, so an occasional deep clean is advisable: use warm water and baking soda, and brush around the inside of the boot with a nylon brush. As well as removing any bacteria present, the baking soda will help remove odors naturally. Allow your boots to air dry completely before putting them away, but be aware that this could take several hours if you’ve also cleaned the inside. Store your boots in a bag with some tea bags or bags of baking soda to absorb any moisture and prevent further bacteria or odor from developing.

Cleaning your gear thoroughly is an important part of the hunt to ensure safety and prevent potential diseases from spreading. By taking an eco-friendly approach as far as possible, the bonus is that you can also up the chances of a good hunt by minimizing artificial smells that alert animals to your presence.

ALTAI™ and Donut Boy: National Boot Giveaway

altaidev on November 7, 2019

“12-year-old Florida native is traveling the country to show appreciation to the men and women of Law Enforcement.”

Tyler Carach, aka: “The Donut Boy,” has been on a cross country mission to thank Law Enforcement for their service since August 1, 2016. He has thanked Officers in all 50 states and served them over 90,000 donuts, aka “Power Rings.”

Recently, Tyler, with the assistance of Minnesota based company, ALTAIgear™, hosted a National Boot Giveaway contest. Law Enforcement teams from across the nation competed to win Police Department approved boots for their agency. The winning team, collecting 1000 public votes first, was Princeton, MN Police Department/Shorewood Hills, WI Police Department.

“The ALTAI™ team would like to thank Tyler for his commitment to his mission and we are proud to have been a part of this journey with Tyler,” -ALTAI™.

This weekend, November 9-10, Tyler, along with representatives of ALTAIgear™, will personally deliver the boots to the winning team members, just in time for a Northern winter.

November 9, 5:30 PM Princeton PD: 305 21st Ave. South Princeton, MN
November 10, 9 AM Shorewood Hills PD: 810 Shorewood Blvd. Madison, WI

Attending: Tyler Carach and Mother, ALTAIgear™ Representatives, Representatives from Princeton Police Department/Shorewood Hills Police Department, City Officials from Princeton MN/Shorewood Hills WI

About “I DONUT Need A Reason To Thank A Cop Inc.” Tyler is an amazing 12-year-old boy who loves cops. He developed a program called “I DONUT need a reason to thank a cop” in August 2016 after meeting 4 officers in a local store and asking if he could buy them donuts with his own money. After seeing how happy the Officers were and learning that Police across the nation were having a hard time, he decided he wanted to thank every Officer in America and give them each their favorite treat… A DONUT! To date, he has visited and thanked Officers in all 50 states and served over 90,000 donuts and thanks. He has raised money to purchase a K9 vest, held multiple free raffles for Law Enforcement, worked to raise support for Police, and partnered with multiple organizations to show appreciation to Officers. To learn more about Tyler’s mission and accomplishments follow him on Facebook I DONUT Need A Reason To Thank A Cop, Twitter @donut_boy07, and Instagram @tyler_donutboy.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: What You Need To Know About Winter Camping

altaidev on November 4, 2019

Winter is a special season to enjoy the Great Outdoors, especially if you go camping. Most people have given up on braving the cold, snow, and wind, so serenity and isolation are at their peak. Here are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe, enjoyable time during this magical season.

Pack Down Sleeping/Tent Area

Before setting up tent like one would normally do in the other three seasons, pack down the snow on which you plan to set up your tent. Snowfall can be deceptively uneven so setting up your tent before packing down snow will result in lumpy, uncomfortable ground; not to mention the risk of damage to the foot of your tent.

Consider An Insulated, Closed Cell Sleeping Pad

An appropriate sleeping pad is the key to a good night’s sleep and important for retaining warmth. The usual inflatable sleeping pad can actually transfer the cold easily to your sleeping bag and a sleeping bag is only as good as it is warm. With the proper sleeping pad, you can minimize loss of body heat.

Pack Extra Hats And Gloves

You never know when a hat or gloves will get soaked for one reason or another. Bring a back up for your warm clothing so you have something comfortable to wear while drying out your wet stuff. Waterproof camping gear is always a plus and helps avoid having to dry everything too often.

Leave The Water Filter At Home

One big benefit of winter camping in the snow is not having to lug around your usual water filtration system. Just use your cooking equipment to boil snow for drinkable, usable water. Make sure to bring the water to a full boil as snow is not sterile.

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ALTAI™ Adventures: Winter Training For Bowhunters

altaidev on October 29, 2019

Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Start The Hunting Season At The Top Of Your Game

Two of the most common areas of the body injured by bowhunters are the rotator cuff and the forearm due to the actions required in bowhunting. During the off-season, many hunters neglect to train these areas, which can cause strain and the increased likelihood of injury when it’s time to pick up the bow again. In order to minimize the risk of putting yourself out of action during hunting season, focus on maintaining cardio fitness and strengthening both the upper and lower body in preparation for your next hunt.

Crank Up The Cardio

When it’s cold and dark outside, it’s tempting to neglect cardio training, but in order to perform at your best come hunting-season, it’s important to maintain your fitness and stamina. You could find yourself walking long distances to find the perfect treestand, and even scouting your catch can take you miles. The most efficient way to maintain your cardio fitness is to practice High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) which will increase your lung capacity and improve your heart rate. The principle behind HIIT is to alternate quick bursts of high intensity exercise with periods of moderate intensity activity. If the weather’s on your side, you can do this by running outdoors and increasing your speed for short bursts, but during the winter, you may need to consider indoor workouts. A treadmill is the perfect companion for HIIT – simply adjust the speed of the treadmill so that you can alternate bursts of high and moderate intensity training. For variation, follow HIIT videos online, which will coach you through a range of aerobic exercises.

Work On Your Upper Body Strength

The best way to prevent an injury to the rotator cuff when you’re shooting is to ensure that you maintain your upper body strength. Drawing a bow relies on the muscles in your shoulders, as well as those in your back and stomach. Whether you’re training at home or in the gym, focus your upper body strength training on your shoulders. Bent-over rows are particularly valuable to archers because they target the same muscles you use to draw your bow and ensure full rotation and flexibility. Use cable machines and resistance bands to practice the motions used in drawing your bow and holding a steady shot. Pay attention to strengthening your forearms too by using dumbbells or practicing pull ups.

In addition to regular gym activity, try to find time during the off-season to practice your archery skills. As well as training your upper body, this will help you stay on your game in terms of precision and accuracy, so you’ll be more likely to step into the hunting season at the top of your game. If you don’t have a shooting range nearby, a simulation bow is a good investment.

Don’t Forget Your Lower Body

While upper body strength is the most essential to bowhunting, it’s important to maintain lower body strength too. Your hunt will often involve steep climbs, and having your lower body strength in tip-top shape will make these easier during a hunt. Train your quads and glutes by working squats into your training program, and maintain your mobility and stability by practicing lunges. In the gym, do deadlifts to train all major muscle groups so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to lace up your hunting boots.

It’s tempting to hibernate indoors and wait for the winter to pass, but to ensure you’re at the top of your game when it’s time to pick up your bow again, make sure you train regularly during the off-season. You’ll reduce the risk of sustaining an injury when the season rolls around, and you’ll maximize your chances of a satisfying hunt.

ALTAI™ Fall Specials: Step Into Fall With Your Best Boot Forward

altaidev on October 23, 2019

It’s fall and it will be gone in the blink of an eye. So gear up now, while we have these incredible seasonal deals.

ALTAI™ 40 for 40 Sale

Take 40% off any style with code ‘autumndeal’ at checkout when you buy a pair of our boots on online on our website. Hurry, offer ends November 5th.

ALTAI™ Surplus Sale

Do you wear a size 9.5-11.5? You are in luck! We have a surplus of MFT100 models in sizes 9.5 through 11.5, so we’re offering 50% off on these boots. Just use discount code ‘surplus2019’ at checkout.

ALTAI™ Adventure: Camping With Your Dog

altaidev on September 25, 2019

Today’s blog is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor enthusiast Katlyn Spade.

Camping With Your Dog: The Do’s, the Don’ts, and What to Bring

37 percent of American campers aged 18 and above take their pets along with them on camping trips, according to the 2017 American Camper Report. Dogs are an important part of people’s lives, and for many, a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without their furry friend. Camping is a great way for your dog to get some exercise, explore nature, and spend some quality time with you. To ensure that you and your pet have a blast on your camping trip, there are some things that you must get right, especially during the planning process.

Find an ideal camping site for you and your dog

First of all, you need to find a campsite that allows dogs. You don’t want to drive hundreds of miles to a campsite, only to find out that your furry friend is not allowed in. A few minutes of research online will help you find many pet-friendly campgrounds in different areas. For instance, the United States Forest Service (USFS) office in your area will have plenty of primitive camping opportunities for you and your dog. If you are going to a private campground, call ahead to confirm that your pet is welcome. Keep in mind that just because a campsite allows dogs does not mean that your dog is allowed. Some campgrounds have limits on the size of dogs allowed or the number of dogs per campsite so always familiarize yourself with their pet policy before you go there.

Bring your dog’s essentials

Just like you, your furry friend likes to have some of the comforts of home at the campsite. You need to bring all the things you need to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable on this trip. Some of the basics you must bring include food, a dog first aid kit, a kennel or dog bed, a poop bag, and any items required by the specific campground you’ll be visiting such as a leash. When considering sleeping arrangements, make sure that you have a tent that is big enough for you and your dog’s bed or kennel. If your dog sleeps outside he will be cold, unsafe, and probably barking the whole night. For extra safety and your peace of mind, you should bring a collar with a tracker to help you trace your dog or one that lights up at night so that you always know where your pup is.

Mind your pup’s health

Some campgrounds might be dangerous to the health of your dog depending on where you go. Before going on your trip make sure you visit your vet to ensure that your dog can handle the new environment and to get any necessary vaccinations. If your dog is taking any medication or supplements, make sure you have enough for the whole trip. You should also have a flea and tick preventative, especially when camping in forests and woodlands where your dog can pick up unwanted parasites. In case of anything, it’s always a good idea to find out where the nearest vet is.

Camping is a great way to spend more time with might your dog. It will require more planning and effort on your part, but if you get it right, it will be a highly rewarding experience for you and your furry friend.

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ALTAI™ Backs the Blue: 5 Easy Ways to Thank A Cop

altaidev on September 17, 2019

This Saturday, September 21st, will be Thank A Police Officer Day. It’s a special day to take extra time to show your appreciation to the men and women in Blue who risk it all to serve and protect. While we like to encourage random acts of kindness for law enforcement any day, any time, here are five ways you can brighten a police officer’s day as a show of respect for their bravery.

Sweet Treats

Tasty rewards are always welcome and can be a relief for any officer, especially on a long shift. Proud Police Wife has some sweet and savory recipes to give you some ideas; check out the Blue Line Oreo Truffle Balls!

Pay For A Meal

The pleasant surprise of having your meal or coffee bought and already paid for would make any police officer’s day. Whether you’re at the drive thru or pay for a meal anonymously, this is a simple way to surprise an officer with a ‘thanks.’

Donations for Organizations

Being a part of law enforcement is more than a job, it also affects the lives of those around them. From PTSD support to spousal communities, you can make a contribution to your favorite law enforcement related organizations.

Support for I Donut Need A Reason To Thank A Cop (aka the Donut Boy)

Be sure to check out our partnership with Tyler, aka the Donut Boy, and his efforts to thank every police officer in the country.

Cards, Gift Baskets, Care Packages

If you have kids, Thank A Police Officer Day is a perfect opportunity for them to also show their appreciation. Make up some Thank You cards and hand deliver them to officers; court houses or local departments are great places to find them. Care packages are always appreciated and they can be tailored to suit a law enforcement officer’s wants.

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ALTAI™ National Boot Giveaway: Mission Accomplished

altaidev on August 28, 2019

ALTAI™ is proud to announce Team 8 exceeded the 1k votes goal and are the ALTAI™ National Boot Giveaway winners! Both Princeton Minnesota and Shorewood Hills Wisconsin Police Departments will be outfitted with our boots!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this event. We couldn’t have done it without you and your support for law enforcement officers. We are truly grateful for folks like you who are willing to help us Back The Blue!

Another big THANK YOU goes out to Tyler, aka the Donut Boy, for spreading the word and continuing his work of bringing cheer to police officers all over the country. Don’t miss Tyler’s adventures, thanking officers one donut at a time.

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