Printable View
I've seen lots of posts regarding beloved hunting gear, but how about a buyers remorse thread!
What item do you cringe whenever you see it in your storage, and wonder what you were thinking when you bought it.
The funnier the better!
Mine would have to be that crappy Canada goose call i got from crappy tire for $10. What was i thinking!
A crappy electronic caller. Has deer calls elk moose and predator. Also from crappy tire it's doesn't even sound real lol
For years I wasted money on scent killer products and cover scents. I would religiously spray everything every time I went out. Last three years I stopped using it and my success rate is actually better as I now focus much more on playing the wind. Last fall I has an 8 point buck at 6 yards with no gimmicks except playing the wind.
Probably add most camo clothes to that list as well. Last few years I just hunt in my brown work king coveralls and it works just as well. Only exception to this is when I walk and stalk with the bow - in this case I wear a ghillie suit and it does seem to give me an advantage.
Another one is the special mineral licks (rack stacker, rock etc.). Water softener salt at $4.29 for 20kgs seems to work just as well and is a whole lot cheaper.
Anything that is stretchy nylon and supposed to go around the buttstock of a rifle. I've had the nylon shell holder which ended up costing far more than it was worth in lost shells. Also once tried the "comb raiser" which was a combination of foam pads and stretchy nylon designed to raise the comb height for better scope/eye alignment. They just don't stay where they're supposed to.
So many, many gimmicks out there in the hunting market.
Anything that says "Redhead" on it:)
I too tried the 10 $ goose call from CT
I returned it =)
What a pos!
I bought a cheap orange vest before the controlled hunt last year from CT for 10 or 15 bucks. Then i decided to wear it the first morning out. Ended up with little orange "hairs" all over my gun and all over my scope. Had to completely strip and clean the rifle after the day. Not a huge deal more an annoyance than anything but got rid of the vest and back to my old one in a hurry.
My uncle can get that pos to honk.. And cluck..Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzz Killington
I have fallen for a lot of stuff, like camo. I have shot more deer wearing a blue coverall,(including my first) in them. I looked in my closet and found pants, shirts etc all in camo. Then theres the boots. $350 for my first pair of hunting boots. Lasted one season. Went to take them back, but store was out of business. Went back to my boots supplied by Her Majesty. Wool socks and a sole insert, comfy warm and dry. (Long since wore out about 25 years ago)
A lot of garbage sold to hunters out there, and bad ideas. Like being quiet in the woods, that spooks deer more than anything...
Bought this CO thingy to blow out muzzleloader load from the gun at legal shooting time(so no need to discharge or push out the charge)Never worked,used 2 cans of CO on one charge(of course I bought a full bag of spare cans of comporessed CO with the kit)the charge moved like 1"up in the barrel.And I had the proper adapter with it too.
Spent like 50$,and could not return it.............Maybe it was just a lemon.....,but a sour one.
We were told last fall that my fiancee cannot have the same boots for hunting as for ice fishing. He said that the smell of fishing will cause you to not have any big deer come around. I stopped and said to him, do you not think that the smell of your store would have any effect? What about the smell of your body? Maybe the smell of your house? What about the dog?Quote:
Originally Posted by Species8472
Wind is what you need to watch, I am glad that people are realizing that.
Camo helps to keep you from being spotted when you move a little, but you can hunt in anything as well.
My biggest regret was a small digital video camera for hunting / fishing trips. The thing was con clearance and such garbage that it never made it out on a trip.
Marlin 44 mag.About 3 years ago I bought a new one even though I heard the horror stories of the new REMLIN curse.With the iron sights it would do no better than 15 in from center at 50 yards.Ok no problem I thought so I put a skinner on it and played around a bit but could not get closer than 10 in to center of target at 50 yards.And yes I played with differen't ammo.Turns out the barrel was not mounted center to the receiver.
I did not want to scope it even if it would solve the problem as it was to be used as a 50-75 yard bush gun.So I could of sent it to remlin or a gunsmith to try and fix it but I said shove it.I traded it along with another gun and purchased a new Ruger #1 in 45-70,I love this rifle and will never ever part with it.She shoots great with the irons and has gorgeous wood,some folks have even asked if the wood was upgraded.
Other than that small stuff like scent killers,deer pee and camo.
John
17 June 1994...the day I got married...buyers remorse...lol
LOL , Hope she doesn't read that.Quote:
Originally Posted by line052
Way to many to mention. I'm sure you all feel the same way as I do. Most of the stuff out there today is crap if you don't spend $$ to get a better brand. I will never again buy a job-mate product from Home Depot. Tried to save some $$ and bought a cordless drill and a gas powered grass trimmer. The drills motor burnt out the first day. The grass trimmer would not stay going. Brought it to a small engine guy. Couldn't fix it without spending hundreds of $$ on new parts. Considering I live in the country and the nearest place to pick up stuff is 20 mins away. I'm tired of having to return things due to missing parts, not working, or breaks. I think I should be reimbursed for my time and gas for them selling a crappy product. I bought a DVD cabinet a few years ago from Walmart. Brought it home. Parts missing. Had to resurrect components from other boxes to bet a complete product. I continued to shop and then watched the clerk package up the box I just returned with missing parts, and he then proceeded to put it back on the shelf for some other poor critter to buy. Definitely no accountability with products. I also hear those Coleman generators are crap as well. They call them weekend generators at home. They only work successfully on the first weekend then they crap out. Beds and furniture from ikea. Crap. Just ranting here this morning.
hmmmmmmmm
I cant say ive got a lot of stuff I regret buying. Ive never spent a dime on cover scents, calls, etc. Any camo ive bought has been as much for its waterproof/warmth as much as the camo, so thats not an issue. I sold one gun, but that was more because I found a gun I liked better (there was noting wrong with it). I had a pair of Acton rubber boots which were absolte garbage, but those were purchased for work 1st and hunting second.
Oh, heres one thing; a crappy overpriced headlight by Gerber. Lights for half the price are better.
Butt Hole Tool.
Yup, there is a plastic gadget that you shove up the arse to pull out the anus (you can almost hear the cheesy announcer from KTel on this one).
So, there we are standing there after having shoved it up the arse of this large critter, turned it once as per the instructions and pulled it out. Hmmm...managed to get a lot of dung but pretty much nothing else. Now I am standing there with a large plastic dildo covered in animal fecus and no further ahead.
Now the two of us are scrambling cause neither one of use thought to bring string as a back up. Finally I gave up a part of my boot lace to tie off the arse so we didn't end up with a bunch of 'crap' all over the inside of the meat. Clearly my friend bought the wrong size or the critter in question was using the arse for something other than a dump.
Advice? just cut the arse out with a sharp knife and tie it...
one of those turkey vest with a seat. I know some people like them and they are useful, but i can stand looking at in my closet. I just use a little chair now, because i believe the comfier you are, the less you move. Works great for all my hunts, and cost less then the vest.
I love that tool....mostly for its hilarious factor and jaw drops when I pull it out at camp and ramer right up the arse of a deer. If you put it in too far or turn it too much it turns into a anus shredder rather then puller lol I have had good luck with it and just use a zip tie to tie it off ( maybe your deer just had a flappy arse to begin with and ye needed a tool the size of a mason jar lmao)
My worse was prob one of those big giant goose chairs that flip open...like really what gd goose is going to fly in when you have one decoy out in the spread the size of a tanker truck and the rest dinky toys. and if they did the damn thing wouldnt stay open and I almost blew the tail off the one time I maybe used it. Layouts is my go to now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DGearyFTE
Iris Setter boots, worked great for two years but turned into spaghetti strainers.
All hunting clothes I ever bought at Canadian Tire. If those guys want to call themselves a hunting store, they really need to step it up. Not a little, but an awful lot.
Really, in my deer camp we use those butt out's regularly, and a lot. Never had a problem and it always worked as advertised and never looked back since I got the first one the day they came out. Then again I bought it at Bass Pro in the US, maybe they send the rejected ones to Canadian Tire.
could be wrong but i am gonna go out on a limb here and say your not a big fan of crappy tire!! lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawtree Hunter
boots bought at Canadian Tire. camo neoprene/rubber boots on sale for $60 half off. they lasted all of 4 months with regular use, and I found out they weren't waterproof on a goose hunt in a flooded field with -14 temps and 60km winds. that was a long cold day.
any cotton camo hoodies. they always fade to the point that they probably scare any game that sees them, only after a few washes (yes I use sport wash). I just got a UA polyester hoodie for $50 at gander mountain in Florida, cant beat that deal and its a great product from what I hear and hopefully will last a few washes. And yes I wash my camo gear (I know some people don't), since I sweat like a pig and often have to sit in the car with buddies before and after hunts and go in public etc....
I've spent a lot of money trying to find a truly waterproof outfit that didn't sweat up. No luck so far. One outfit (I won't name names) got me so wet inside after a few hours that I might as well have been naked. Maybe I sweat too much?! Another outfit just deteriorated into a cheesy-like substance.
Too true. Don't know why people get so excited about Bass Pro when they mostly sell crap.Quote:
Originally Posted by skeeter1
Anything that says "Gerber" on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
Im a fan my Gerber Gator knife. Its seen me through about 15 years and holds a decent edge. The handle is very secure in the hand even when soaked with blood.Quote:
Originally Posted by welsh
I wear the same insulated, $40 pair of rubber boots for fishing in winter, ATV and deer hunting. They probably smell like fish, exhaust, loon and city, but the deer don't seem to care. Like you said, play the wind...Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
My biggest regret was/is the Chinese quad my wife bought me. She paid $3000 for it new. I have had it six years and have spent at eats $1000 in parts on it with another $1000-1500 to bring it back to original shape. Right now I am looking for a rear brake drum since last September. Can't find one anywhere, including the local parts distributed who deals only with Chinese bikes, quads and power equipment. I ended up buying my father-in-laws 500 Honda that is a year older for $2500 with a plow. He has spent about $200 on it and most of that was for oil changes.
I also regret buying my '99 Johnson 25hp outboard. Second year I had it, I had to change the water pump impeller. I have changed that part about every two to three years since. Plus don't forget the oil injector pump ($600 plus labour), temperature switch, thermostat, thermostat housing, kill switch, CDI box and optical sensor ($800 +labour). Still runs like crap. Next spring, I'm dumping it on a dealer and trading in for a Yamaha or Honda 4stroke.
Too funny.....:D Queer deer! I guess the 8 pointer I got last fall was still a virgin as the tool worked flawlessly..:moose:Quote:
Originally Posted by DGearyFTE
My worst purchase was a Hyundai generator purchased at Wal-Mart. Refused to start without pulling on the string a 100 times. Exchanged it and the second one was even worse. Returned it as well. I got a Champion from Costco and been happy ever since!
Ditto on all the above, years ago I spent $400 on a full goretex suit and hardly use it. The $20 old down jacket I got at the thrift shop gets used more.Quote:
Originally Posted by Species8472
Sounds like you were using it on a moose! They work great in my books either the original and the improved model with the stopper, they only come in one size that I know of. Have used or seen them used on a couple of dozen deer from small to large and they work great.Quote:
Originally Posted by DGearyFTE
Remington 597 VTR .22. I've never seen a gun jam so much in my entire life. I don't remember ever even putting 1 magazine through it without it jamming at least once, but more often 3 times. What a POS!
I traded it in for a much cheaper savage model 64, that gun has never jammed even once and it's seen a lot of rounds. It has the rare distinction of "Made in Canada" stamped on the barrel, probably why it actually works.
On a side note, the butt out worked well on all the deer we've cleaned.
Oh my god I've got tears coming out lol. I've often wondered if they work.Quote:
Originally Posted by DGearyFTE
Grabbed a cheap trail camera this year. It will never see a tree again. Foggy daytime pics and a 6" reach at night. The only nighttime picture that actually shows anything is a moose antler as he was walking by.
Two words moose crack
You see alot of those up for sale or trade, guess thats why.Quote:
Originally Posted by sickofitall
The absolute funniest example that I've ever read, was a post by "Johnny no Thumb" on his experience with the Wyoming Knife. I've used one, once, to dress a deer, and it will work, but you'd better pay attention.
On my personal list are 12 gauge shot shells with steel shot BBB's, WTF are they good for. When I went to #2, the geese started to fall.
Next has to be a reloader for 410, what a fiddly gauge to load for, I now gladly pay the price for factory loads.
I could add a few more, but I'm too ashamed to admit my lack of good judgment for those poor choices. Although a 8mm Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag probably should get an honorable mention.
My only "major money" purchase that even comes to close to qualifying was my Winchester Model 70 in 270WSM. The gun was accurate and killed game just fine, but I just didnt like the cartridge. Expensive and semi difficult to find. I bought a 308 and my 270WSM sat in the safe for three years and didnt get use. I then transformed it via trade into a .223, which I again transformed into a .44mag rifle that I absolutely adore. So in the end it was a "great" purchase.
You are right. Once I used it on a smaller animal it worked just fine. But the first outing had us looking at one another scratching our heads. I was really wanting to tell the funny side of the story.Quote:
Originally Posted by jlmorgan
Blasted...I hear you on the issue of WSMs. Even if you reload they are hard to support since it is difficult to find brass to feed them. Add to that the extra powder you need to spill into them. I have never been able to see the advantage of the short mags. I have tested a 300 WSM side by side with my 30-06. The extra cost is in no way supported by the additional speed. If I want a heavier bullet to go faster I would simply go up in caliber to the next common cartridge. There is a growing belief that the Cinderella period for the short mags is at an end.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
To be clear, they get the job done and within the context of their use they do perform. They simply cost more, are harder to get and take up more space in a magazine.
BUTHOLE TOOL it works great! I actually made a holster for mine. I carry it around during the hunt at all times. When someone starts getting lippy i just pull it out of the holster and say oh yea!!!
My bad investment turned out not to be when i bought a turkey mouth call and spent a couple of days over the sinks gagging ,dry heaving etc.. until my son finaly told me " you know dad you can trim them up so they fit better"
I love my HME Drink Holder Ring. Great for holding drink bottle, spittoon, urination bottle, etc...
Mine is the Pro Series. Super Sharp point for easy entry into tree!! Heee Hawww. Got this as a gift!!
Remington 597 is on my list as well. I bought one back in 2009 and every 3rd shot it would be jammed. I think the magazine used to get jammed as well. I was very close a few times to buying one of the 597 VTRs a few years later, but because it was "built on the reliable 597 action" I decided differently.
Remington 887 Nitro mag was another regret. BNIB and the vent rib was warped, and the overall feel of the gun was very bulky. Things wiggled and chimed when you shook it and the action was pretty sloppy. Barrel was replaced free under warranty which was nice, and then it went up for sale. That was my final Remington Arms purchase.
Cheap CDN tire or Walmart duck calls that sound like Kazoos.
Cheap CDN tire hunting clothing, the wind blows right through it and it soaks up water like a sponge.
Cheap CDN tire hunting gloves, waterproof my azz.
Cheap CDN tire mallard decoys, the paint just doesn't hold up.
Cheap CDN tire deer call.
Looks like I just buy a lot of my cheap crap from CDN tire. But I think the older you get the smarter you get, and slowly you stop falling for gimmicks. I don't think I've had a purchase I've regretted for a few years now, mind you I just stopped buying things to "try out" and switched to a "actually need" system.
Canadian Tire is now the worst store to deal with. Once and a while I will let my self buy something on sale at 50% off but only then. Their return policy sucks. They have a lot to learn from the big box stores. It looks like their focus is now kitchen appliances. How do you put tires on that? LolQuote:
Originally Posted by Hawtree Hunter
I can honestly say I don't have any "buyers remorse" I am a stickler for research before pulling the trigger on anything I buy, my wife, the opposite, see, want, buy, be disappointed (kinda like when she ended up with me as a husband lol) but I research the heck out of everything I buy.
Collapsable push pole. I think Avery or Redhead or one of those waterfowling companies. Trying to fiddle with the little pop-up pins, trying to get it to open and close, etc just a pain. My trusty old fiberglass painter's pole has been working fine for 15 years and will keep working just fine.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
7600 Remington, never fit me right from the start but I still bought it!!!! And just don't like a pump action.
My dad has that gun and no issues with it, I couldn't consistently hit the ocean from the wharf with it though, not sure what it is, I just cannot get any consistency with it when I shoot it.Quote:
Originally Posted by seabast
AH! The BUTT OUT!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by DGearyFTE
I wondered if anyone bought one......
......looks like it produces an anus at both ends.....:tongue:
My worst purchase was a Wildview trail camera about 5 years ago. Most useless device I bought from stateside and could not return. Took pictures of me during the setup but lots of false shoots and no wildlife snaps even with bait several feet in front. Totally frustrated and it was a battery eater. Rigged a lead acid battery to it with no better results. Researched some other trailcams and it appears to be hit and miss with some others out there. Haven't bought another once since.
Yukon camo clothing from CT, should have known when it was on sale.
I'm the same.. And even after ive made my decision I still second guess myself..Quote:
Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie
oh I got such a list! the mini phantom digital call, the honky tonk goose call, every bag of those feeds to make antlers grow, I could go on forever!
Gerber products have lost significant quality in the last 20 years. You probably got one of their last "good" knives.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
I can't really have buyer's remorse for two reasons. One - like TR, i research the hell outta anything i'm considering buying. If there's even a hint of questionable reliability or quality, I talk myself out of the purchase. And two, i'm so miserly to begin with that it takes an amazing deal to get me to crack my wallet.
It's hard to complain about things when you're only paying 30%-40% of their usual retail price. lol
I'll second that! Especially Redhead decoys. My first dozen floaters were a "great" price .... if I ignore the time and sealer I had to regularity apply to fix the cracks that developed around the keels :rolleye:. Those cheap decoys are now all retired but still taking up space in the attic. Every time I see them I curse.Quote:
Originally Posted by skeeter1
Ive got one of those as well. Takes 8 D cells and eats them like smarties! The shutter is so slow all I get is scenery without the animal that triggered it. Canadian Tire product Stealthcam Rogue IR. The guy that designed this worked for Energizer batteries.Quote:
Originally Posted by oaknut
I bought a single pole gun rest to keep my Dad's shotgun barrel out of the mud when field hunting. First time I used it the sharp tip stayed buried in about 8" of cold, wet clay. Couldn't return the piece of junk because I bought it at a hunting and fishing show!