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Rocky BobCat

Over a decade ago when I first started turkey hunting, a trusted old-timer told me the number-one priority item that I needed to run out and buy was not a powerful shotgun, a fancy multi-pocketed vest, or even a high-quality turkey call.

"In the morning, you'll probably sit for an hour or two, if you know where some roosted birds are. Otherwise, you'll be off chasing those buggers all over the county. If you hike long enough, you'll eventually locate turkeys and get a kill," he told me. "So the most important thing you need is good boots!"

Rocky makes good boots. One of their newest offerings is called the BobCat. These durable and waterproof boots use GORE-TEX lining for breathable comfort that keeps moisture out, and they're lined with 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation for warmth.

I like the extended ankle guards for support on rough ground, and they have an aggressive outsole tread works great in muddy fields, which keeps me from getting injured (again). Plus, you got to love having warm, dry, comfortable feet on cold, early-spring mornings. But, these boots' style looks good with a pair of jeans after the hunt.

Rocky makes another version of this boot too: the Bobcat Sport. The Sport offers less Thinsulate insulation (200 grams), but it has all the other great features as its warmer counterpart -- including a rubberized, protective guard that extends over the toe.

Over the years, I learned that old-timer had it right. Good boots-and good footwork-are a crucial key to turkey-hunting success.
Prices for Rocky's Bobcats are about $130 for the Sport model or $140 for the warmer version, and they're available in all-brown leather or brown/camouflage. Learn more at:www.rockyboots.com.

JJ Reich is an outdoor writer who contributes product-related articles to several national publications.