The Walk’N’Stalk Game Bar is lightweight, tough and very versatile, with a number of very different uses: from a simple trekking pole to a monopod for glassing and shooting from; as a handle to drag a carcass with to a gambrel and hoist for lifting game to be skinned and dressed.
Walk’N’Stalk was founded by keen Aussie deer hunter Kurt Dillmann of Queensland. His constant aim is to build gear for hardcore hunters. His first product was, as he puts it, “designed to lift your game” and he’s certainly achieved that in more ways than one.
The Game Bar is constructed from advanced materials including Stealth-Tex 10x cross-wrapped carbon-fibre in the extension legs, which is extremely strong. The the three leg extensions provide quick and simple height adjustment when you’re using the Game Bar as a trekking pole. Additionally, the end bumper unscrews and can be replaced with a series of different tips depending on the type of terrain you’re in. There’s even a mud-and-snow basket attachment.
At the top end of the bar, the blank end screw can be replaced with a choice of several other attachments for field use.
These include a V-rest that screws to the top of the bar, stabilising shot placement as you rest your rifle on it. The rest features a soft outer finish to protect your rifle stock, while its generous width and height ensure most stocks will fit comfortably. It also offers added protection to the gun if propped against a hard surface like a tree or rock face.
To change the height when taking a shot you can adjust the legs to suit or simply angle the bar to the desired height.
Alternatively, you can attach a smartphone adaptor for taking photos when you’re on your own. Spike the game bar into the ground or prop it up to take photos with. If you combine a ball head with the phone adaptor you can use the bar as an extension arm for taking selfies or video at arm’s length.
The binocular adaptor is another useful tool. Attach the adaptor to your binoculars, then to the separate ball head on the game bar and you now have a comfortable rest when glassing, with the ability to pan the binoculars in any direction. Lock the ball head and you have a steady rest when seated or standing.
The Game Bar has more surprises in store. What really sold me on it was its game-handling duties — it has three individual field uses. It can be used as an adjustable arm to prop a carcass when skinning, a drag bar to drag a carcass out of the bush, or a hoist to lift game into a tree using minimal effort, even if you’re on your own.
How is all this possible? Read on!
To use as a hands-free prop when working on a carcass, use the V-rest under the back leg and adjust length/height suit for spread. There are several options in the many accessories this kit offers.
As a drag bar, close the Game Bar to its shortest length, attach the two looped end screws to either end of the bar and feed the length of webbing through them. Now you’re ready to attach the web loops to the front or back legs for the drag out. This system is a lot better than trying to grab a leg or antler to haul, as it’s designed to distribute the load evenly across the bar and can be used by one or two people at once to drag a carcass out.
Last but not least, another piece of essential gear is the Game Bar Lift Kit to hoist a carcass into a tree for skinning or dressing. This kit weighs just 350g including the rope, mini shackle and two-piece pulley system. Don’t be fooled by its compact size though, as its designed to pair with the Game Bar and will allow you to lift, hang and process game up to 200kg in weight. The secret to an easy lift is in the mini, dual-pulley system.
When not in use it stashes away in a small mesh bag, compact enough to attach to the outside of your pack or possibly in a pocket.
The Game Bar itself is available in two models, the Carbon and the Carbon+. Both are constructed of the same materials, but the Carbon+ is extendable from 50cm to 170cm in height (weight, 350g) and the Carbon from 42cm to 74cm (weight, 220g). Both offer the same strength and durability, but one is slightly longer than the other once fully extended. I’d suggest the Carbon+ a better option.
There’s also a vinyl wrapped PVC model available but for my money the new Carbon and Carbon+ models guarantee more durability and weight-lifting capability. The Game Bar collection is available as a complete kit that bundles the whole box and dice including all of the above accessories or as individual parts and accessories. Kurt has also put together a series of well-produced how-to videos on YouTube that demonstrate the correct use of the Game Bar and all its accessories.
To find out more about the Game Bar by Walk’N’Stalk, visit the website or check out Walk’N’Stalk on their YouTube channel.
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