Hunters who bagged a deer, anglers who brought home a steelhead or two, or any sportsmen who keeps wild game in the freezer might want to check out the new GameSaver Turbo vacuum seal system. Made by FoodSaver, the GameSaver has a nylon double-piston pump that is 30 percent faster than the company's original vacuum sealer. It also has a five-level sealing time adjustment -- shorter for dry foods, longer for wet foods -- a built-in safety bag cutter and roll storage, channels to catch overflow liquids, and an accessory port and hose for use with FoodSaver canisters. It comes with five gallon-size and five quart-size bags and two rolls of bag material. The bags can be frozen, then microwaved or boiled when you're ready to eat. In a pinch, you can even use the GameSaver to seal emergency items and even clothing to keep it dry. Suggested retail is $299. For information, visit www.foodsaver.com , e-mail customerservice@jardenstore.com , or call 1-800-777-5452.
Lure of the week
Lure : Thunder Core Scoot 'N Craw.
Company : Storm Lures ( www.stormlures.com )
Lure type : Crankbait.
Sizes and colors : This lure weighs one-half ounce, is four inches long and comes in these colors: smokin' green, smokin' chartreuse, rusty blaze, moltin' blue, smokin' ash purple, and smokin' green/orange.
Target species : Bass, walleyes, and northern pike.
Technique : Cast and retireve over rocky bottoms like you would a regular crankbait. This lure dives to depths of six and seven feet, with a lifelike swimming action and a rattle for attracting fish.
Sugg. retail price : $4.49.
Notable : This is a hybrid lure in that it looks like a hard plastic crankbait -- and it does in fact have a holographic hard body core -- but has a soft plastic outer layer. That soft shell is meant to feel more like a real crayfish so that when a fish bites, it holds on for a split second longer, giving the angler time to set the hook.
Tip of the week
If you're a trapper and you're targeting raccoons in the suburbs or anywhere there's a chance you might also catch someone's pet, consider your bait carefully. Meat- or fish-based baits and gland lures will bring in raccoons, but they'll also bring in dogs and cats. Try using grape jelly, anise oil or peanut butter instead. Those baits all have tremendous appeal to raccoons, but they're not so appealing to the animals you want to avoid.
Recipe of the week
Wild turkey jerky
Ingredients
• 1 pound turkey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
Directions
Cut the turkey into even-sized strips. Mix your salt and remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, then combine the turkey with that marinade. Cover and refrigerate for six to 12 hours.
When it's ready, cover an oven rack with foil, place the turkey on there and bake at 160 degrees for four hours. Turn the turkey and bake for another four hours. (Note: if you use a dehydrator, you can likely reduce your cooking time by almost half). The jerky will be done when the meat becomes stiff, yet will still bend easily.
