The Field & Stream Tips Blog

Add a Wind Checker to Your Gun

Before I head out hunting, I always tie a piece of string or dental floss to the end of my gun barrel. This way I can tell which way the wind is blowing at all times.
Jack Kline, Superior, Wis.

Fashion a Rifle Rest From Your Levi's

I recently came up with a way to get use out of an old pair of blue jeans. I cut one leg off and thoroughly stuffed it with plastic bags from the grocery store. Then I secured the ends with string. (Zip-ties will also work.) I now use it as a padded rest when I zero my rifle.
Paul VanLeuven, Ephrata, Pa.

Keep Your Butt Plate from Sliding

On rifles or shotguns that have a hard butt plate, I like to attach a stripe of Velcro (the sticky side, not the hook strip) to the butt plate. Doing this prevents the plate from slipping down my shoulder when I mount the gun, and it gives me better control. Apply the strip between the two screws on the butt plate, so you can still remove the plate without disturbing the Velcro.
George Murphy, Jacksonville, Ill.

A SCUBA Solution to Foggy Scopes

To make sure your scope does not fog up due to temperature change, stop by your local outdoor sports shop and purchase a small bottle of SCUBA mask anti-fogger. Put a couple of drops on each scope lens and then wipe the lenses clean. You will never get fog on your lens, even if you breathe lightly on it on the coldest morning.
--Darrin Paxton, Curtis Bay, Md.