Lion Country Supply: Hunting Dog Supplies Review

SportHunter 1225 by SportDog

Reviewed by:  Randy Carlson, LCS General Manager

The SportHunter 1225 from SportDog is their newest unit and represents cutting edge technology.  The first thing I noticed, and liked, out of the box is the compact size.  The overall length of the transmitter, including the antenna is 7″ (including length of the antenna) and the width is 2″.  It easily fits into the palm of your hand or in a pocket and can be secured with the lanyard that is supplied with the unit.  It offers momentary and continuous stimulation, along with a tone feature that is activated with a separate button on the side of the transmitter.  You are also able to choose from electronic stimulation or vibration correction.

An important feature with this transmitter design  is the roller wheel that allows you to select the level of stimulation.  We love that you can have the transmitter in your hand, find the wheel with your thumb, and change the stimulation levels without looking at the transmitter.  Each number has a distinct setting that you can feel as you move through the levels - this allows you to adjust the stimulation level with one hand without taking your eyes of your dog!  This is particularly important  to me when hunting and Ihave a shotgun in one hand or when training a very fast dog that can get out of sight in
a few quick seconds.

Next the receiver.   Just over 3″ long and 1 3/8″ wide.  It is shaped to better fit your dogs neck and has a unique design that allows the collar strap to ride recessed in the receiver eliminating sharp corners and thin points in the construction that might easily break.  The receiver has a two hour quick-charge feature that is provided through the charger cradle that is included with your purchase.  A cradle for charging is nice versus a plug-in receptacle that can clog with mud and debris and be a real pain.

The unit offers a feature that is really cool and unique to the SportHunter 1225 and 1825.  Each collar can be set within one of three stimulation ranges - low, medium, and high.  Within each range there are 8 levels of stimulation.  As a result, if you have one dog that is “soft”, the receiver can be set to the low range that provides a lesser amount of stimulation.  Then, if the second dog is “stubborn”, the receiver can be set to the high range that provides an increased amount of stimulation. Again, within each of these ranges you still have 8 levels of stimulation as selected by the roller dial.

Overall, I think this is a technologically advanced unit.  It expands to three dogs, has a 3/4 mile range, and is completely waterproof.  We back it with our LCS 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, and SportDog offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

SportHunter 1825 by SportDog

Group Review by LCS Staff Members

The SportHunter 1825 was introduced in the fall of 2009 and many of us at LCS have used this system extensively.  Everyone has been ecstatic with the 1825’s features and reliability.  It utilizes the newest technology resulting in what we feel is a superior unit. SportDog conservatively states the range is 1 mile, but in line of sight testing by LCS staff members using GPS technology, we got just over 2 miles of range!

The 1825 transmitter measures 7 3/8″ long (including length of the antenna) and 2 1/4″ wide, and is very compact and comfortable in the hand.  There are separate buttons for momentary and continuous stimulation, and a tone button on the side.   An important feature on the 1825 is the toggle switch on the transmitter that instantly allow you to switch from “Dog 1″ to “Dog 2″.  Convenient and it allows the switchover to occur without changing the function of the various buttons.  As a result, this unit can be completely operated with one hand totally by feel, without having to take your eyes off your dog! Another unique feature is the choice of electronic stimulation or vibration correction, while still maintaining the tone option.

As on the 1225, each collar can be set within one of three ranges - low, medium, and high.  Within each range there are 8 levels of stimulation.  As a result, if you have one dog that is “soft”, the receiver can be set to the low range that provides a reduced amount of stimulation.  Then, if the second dog is a “stubborn” critter, the receiver can be set to the high range that provides an increased amount of stimulation. Again, within each of these ranges you still have 8 levels of stimulation as selected by the roller dial.

The 1825 is the one of our absolute favorites at LCS, as it offers tremendous features at a fair price.

Nelson Water Bucket Heater

Reviewed by:  Andy Purnell, LCS Telephone Specialist

Do you ever get tired of repeatedly breaking ice so your dogs can get a drink?  I did, until I purchased a couple of Nelson Water Bucket Heaters.  They are extremely easy to use and will work for any type of bucket with at least 7 1/2 inches across the bottom, and they will keep of bucket with up to a five gallon capacity clear of ice.  They come in two varieties , the simple bucket heater if you only have a couple of dogs, and another model for kennels with multiple dogs.  I highly recommend these to not only keep  your dog supplied with fresh water, but also having to save you a lot of time and hassle as well.

LCS Upland Classic Grade IV S/S by Ugartechea

Reviewed by Brian Parsons - LCS Telephone Specialist

I special ordered a Ugartechea Grade IV 28 gauge this past summer. This was the first time the grade IV’s were available in that gauge. I ordered the gun with custom stock dimensions, 29 inch barrels, choked SK1/M, and with upgraded wood and hand rubbed oil finish. I shot skeet this summer to get myself used to the new side-by-side shotgun and in no time was able to hit consistently.  I have carried it this season for grouse and pheasant and have been pleased with the quickness I can point at the bird. This gun is on a 28-gauge frame and is a pleasure to carry all day in the thickest coverts.

Duranon Tick Repellent

Reviewed by: Andy Purnell - LCS Product Specialist

If you are hunting in areas with heavy tick infestation, you owe it to
yourself to keep them off. I have been having great luck with the Duranon
Tick Repellent. I spray all my outer clothing as well as my boots, let it
dry and I am good to go.  I have noticed it working as long as a month after
application, but I do reapply after washing or heavy rain. Be careful not to
use it on your dog  or on your skin.  You will be amazed by the results.

Saturn Sunburst Lighted Collar

Reviewed by: Andy Purnell, LCS Product Specialist

I do a lot of hunting at night with my coonhounds, and I am always worried about where they are, what they are doing and if they may be close to a road. I checked around for a lighted collar that would hold up to the abuse a hard running hound will dish out. I purchased a couple of the Sunburst Saturn lighted collars here at LCS. I could not be happier with my choice, offered, the Red and Orange are the brightest. They are tough - I have had mine 4 years, and they are still going strong. I have seen cars actually slow down when they spot the collar in a field or in woods near a road. They are also very nice as you can see what your hound is actually up to when he is out of your light. I have also used them on my beagles when we run at night, usually in the summer when it is too hot to run during the day.

LCS Premium Blank Pistol

Reviewed by Andy Purnell, LCS Staff Member

If you are looking for a quality blank pistol for a great price, look no
farther. The LCS premium Blank pistol is what you need! This pistol is a
heavy duty piece of equipment, The cylinder swing out locks in place, so you can expect it to fire every time you pull the trigger. The trigger has a
nice easy pull that can be used either single action(cock the hammer)or
double action (pull trigger/hammer cocks). The trigger guard is also big enough
to use with gloves.

With the nice nickel finish the pistol not only looks good, you can tell
when it is in need of cleaning (the finish is rust resistant.)  The pistol fires all the .22 blank ammo we offer, from the small crimps to Winchester black powder.

LCS Kennel Odor Eliminator

Reviewed by: Gary Laskowsky - LCS Telephone Specialist

Being a kennel owner and having several dog’s, I found using the
Kennel Odor Eliminator very effective in keeping odor down. These hot
summer day’s, as you may know, can result in a a “less than pleasant” odor around your kennel.Thisproduct has a pleasant smell making the area spell  more pleasant. I also dilute this and spray it around the kennel area for odor control.

LCS Retreiver Blind

Reviewed by: Gary Laskowsky, LCS Telephone Specialist

I often use the Better LCS Retriever Blind for training and hunting here
in Central Pa. I feel we have a quality blind for the price.  But, I prefer using
the standard blind stakes, as the ground in our area can be very rocky and the folding poles just don’t hold up in stomping them into are hard soil, in soft soil
I use this blind and recommend it.

LCS Universal Bird Launcher

Reviewed by: Gary Laskowsky, LCS Telephone Specialist

I have been working  at Lion Country for nearly 10 years.  During this time I have had the opportunity to test many launchers in the field, and I feel WE HAVE A EXCEPTIONAL launch system here.

I’ve seen a lot of remote launchers come and go.  LCS designed a unique bird launcher, being the only launcher capable of working with Innotek, DT Systems, Dogtra and Tri-Tronics remote release electronics.  Also, we recently added a safety pin to prevent accidental launches and an adjustable launch height feature that allows you to have a softer and quieter throw for puppies or young dog, or  adjust the tension for older experienced dogs when you need a good strong launch.

I use and highly recommend the LCS Universal Bird Launcher- it is a great value.