Let’s Talk About Landing Gear Bird Keeper
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper is a simple but potentially invaluable tool for any bird hunter looking for an organized and convenient way to carry their harvested game. Manufactured by Landing Gear, this accessory promises to keep your birds secure and easily accessible, freeing up your hands for other tasks. I stumbled upon the Landing Gear Bird Keeper while searching for a better way to manage harvested doves during a particularly successful early-season hunt.
I was tired of stuffing birds into game bags that quickly became messy and difficult to manage, especially while navigating thick brush. I also considered using a traditional game strap, but I wanted something that offered more separation and prevented the birds from bunching up and potentially damaging their plumage. The Landing Gear Bird Keeper, with its individual loops, seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon receiving the Landing Gear Bird Keeper, my initial impression was positive. The all-metal hardware felt robust, and the padded rubber grip backing seemed like it would provide a comfortable and secure hold. The handle was a good size and shape for gloved hands. Compared to other game carriers I’ve used, such as basic rope game straps or simple metal gambrels, the Landing Gear Bird Keeper appeared to offer a more refined and user-friendly experience. I was definitely excited to put it to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Landing Gear Bird Keeper to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Landing Gear Bird Keeper was during a late-season pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The conditions were cold and dry, with temperatures hovering around freezing. I spent the day walking through CRP fields, and the Landing Gear Bird Keeper proved to be a very useful addition to my gear.
Attaching the birds to the individual loops was quick and easy, even with gloved hands. The padded, rubber grip backing kept the carrier from slipping on my shoulder. After a few hours of walking and hunting, I didn’t experience any discomfort or fatigue from carrying the birds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Landing Gear Bird Keeper has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to mud, rain, and snow. The all-metal hardware has remained corrosion-free, and the padded rubber grip backing still provides a comfortable and secure grip.
Maintaining the Landing Gear Bird Keeper is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. Compared to my previous game-carrying methods, such as stuffing birds into a game bag, the Landing Gear Bird Keeper is far more convenient and keeps the birds in better condition. I’ve been very pleased with its performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Landing Gear Bird Keeper
Specifications
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper is designed to be a simple, effective tool for carrying harvested birds. It features all metal hardware for durability and 8 bird keeper loops to keep birds separate. The carrier also includes a padded, rubber grip backing for comfort and a heavy duty easy grip handle for secure carrying. Its color is black.
These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the carrier’s functionality and durability. The all-metal hardware ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting, while the 8 bird keeper loops prevent overcrowding and potential damage to the birds. The padded, rubber grip backing and heavy duty easy grip handle enhance user comfort and control.
Performance & Functionality
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper performs its job admirably. It securely holds the birds, keeps them separated, and is comfortable to carry. The only area for potential improvement is the size of the loops; larger birds, like some late-season roosters, can be a tight fit.
The carrier definitely meets my expectations, offering a significant improvement over previous methods I’ve used. It keeps my hands free, and it also keeps my birds in better shape.
Design & Ergonomics
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper features a simple and functional design. The materials used appear to be of good quality. The weight is negligible.
It is generally comfortable in hand, although carrying a full load of birds for extended periods can still cause some fatigue. There is essentially no learning curve; it’s immediately user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Landing Gear Bird Keeper is built to last. The all-metal hardware and durable construction suggest it will withstand years of use. Maintenance is straightforward.
Simply wiping it down after each hunt is sufficient. The materials used appear to be resistant to corrosion and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. Because of the simple design there isn’t much to customize anyway.
It is compatible with most standard hunting vests or game bags. Some users might prefer to add a shoulder strap for even more comfortable carrying, but that would have to be an aftermarket addition.
Pros and Cons of Landing Gear Bird Keeper
Pros
- Keeps birds separated and prevents damage.
- All metal hardware ensures durability.
- Padded, rubber grip backing provides comfortable carrying.
- Easy to use, even with gloved hands.
- Lightweight and doesn’t add bulk to your gear.
Cons
- Loops may be too small for larger birds.
- No included shoulder strap.
Who Should Buy Landing Gear Bird Keeper?
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper is perfect for bird hunters of all experience levels who want a convenient and organized way to carry their harvested game. It is particularly useful for upland bird hunters who frequently walk long distances. It’s also great for dove hunters who often harvest multiple birds in a single hunt.
Hunters who primarily hunt large waterfowl, such as geese, might find the 8 bird keeper loops limiting. Anyone seeking a carrier with integrated storage or specialized features should also look elsewhere. A must-have accessory to complement the Landing Gear Bird Keeper would be a comfortable hunting vest or game bag to distribute the weight of the birds.
Conclusion on Landing Gear Bird Keeper
The Landing Gear Bird Keeper is a simple, affordable, and effective tool that significantly improves the bird hunting experience. For a price of $19.99, the value is definitely justified.
It provides a convenient and organized way to carry harvested birds, keeping them separate and preventing damage. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Landing Gear Bird Keeper to any bird hunter looking for a better way to manage their game. Say goodbye to messy game bags and hello to a more enjoyable and efficient hunting experience – get yours today!