I have used Koola brand from Bass Pro on whitetail deer. They work well and are tough, but I wonder if the lighter brands are worth the cost difference.
I'm very satisfied with Leupold's Customer Service. I lost one of the feet on my Alpine tripod. Customer Service is sending a replacement foot at no charge. Thank you Nate at Leupold! The tripod works really well.
I drew a 1st season rifle cow tag as a 1st choice. I figured I would have a better chance at a bull as a 2nd choice and collect another point. Pretty lucky!
I have the 2 person solid. Held up to rain, wind, light snow, and sleet so far. I also bought the carbon fiber poles. They were expensive, but worth it. It pitches fairly easy. Zippers work well. I don't know if a ground sheet is necessary, but I made one from black plastic sheet just to be...