Whitetail Woods

Take a minute to Reflect

2009-12-17T08:57:00.003-05:00

I received this from Tipper at the "Blind Pig and the Acorn" and wanted to share this because it really makes you think what are country men & women are going through, especially this time of year.

Fr. Rich Erikson celebrating Mass for troops in Iraq.

This really brings home the meaning of freedom and what it costs.

Check out this link

Merry Christmas

- Release Date: 12/10/09 07:36:00

Blog Spotlight - Blind Pig & the Acorn

2009-12-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

This time I want to focus on a blogger that not only has become a friend but is so down to earth I feel like I am at home when I read her blog. Tipper from "Blind Pig and the Acorn" is a joy to visit and I highly recommend it.

I am Tipper a mother, wife, daughter, sister , artist, and hopefully a friend to many. I consider myself a mountain girl (even though my husband, The Deer Hunter, likes to remind me the mountains here are not nearly as big as the ones he came from a whole three counties away).
A common theme that arises when thinking of past times is a longing for a simpler lifestyle. An unhurried time when families pulled together because hard times demanded they do so. A time filled with joys and bittersweet memories. For me there is something more. I believe part of the longing is related to the fragility of life-to those loved ones who have long gone on. Another part is a primal instinct instilled in each by the Creator passed along to each generation to learn the ways of old as a direct map to our future.

I have always had a love for history, antiques, vintage finds,-basically anything old. As long as I can remember I have craved a connection with my heritage and the creativity that abounds in it. My hope is that through this blog I can begin to understand how the love for the past can be woven into a hope for the future as well as an appreciation for the present.

Features of the Blind Pig & The Acorn

Some of the best Pickin & Grinnin you ever heard comes from this blog. From Paul & Pap you can listen some real good down to earth kick your heels up and clap your hands music. Just click on the picture and you can even purchase a CD. I did and absolutely enjoy it.

The unique name of this site comes from an old saying "Even a blind pig can find an acorn every once in a while." When I first started out in early spring of 2008 the saying behind the name was often in my thoughts-as I didn't really know if I could accomplish what I wanted too-but I sincerely hope like the blind pig-I'll find the acorn.

Interests

*folk art *music-bluegrass, old time *appalachian heritage *blogs *gardening *cooking *canning/preserving *clogging *contra dancing *listening to chitter and chatter

LetterKenny Army Depot and the Wounded Warrior Program teamup

2009-12-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

I have heard about the Wounded Warrior Project but to be honest I don't know a lot about it. I think it is something everyone should know about for sure.

Success! Sgt. Caleb English got his doe, then 10 minutes later got his buck during Letterkenny Army Depot’s Wounded Warrior hunt Saturday. (Russell Nye/For Public Opinion)

By: Keith Paradise/Staff Writer

Public Opinion Online.com

Jason Letterman of Marshfield, Mo. was making plans with an area taxidermist Saturday for the two deer he landed that afternoon.

The heads will be mounted and the meat harvested and taken home from the 100-pound doe and 134-pound buck

And he felled both of them from a wheelchair.

Letterman and a handful of disabled veterans got the opportunity Saturday to trade in a hospital room for a day of hunting. The Letterkenny Army Depot and the U.S. Army's Wounded Warrior Program held its annual hunting program for the fourth straight year. Seven men were driven to the depot from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. for the day to hunt whitetail deer on 800-acres of private land.

"When you're in a wheelchair trying to go hunting, you have to have people to help you out. It says a lot about the people around here," Letterman said.

The hunting day started as a way to get soldiers out of the medical center for the day and to show them they can enjoy everyday activities. The soldiers are housed in 6- x 8-foot heated blinds with an escort who assists them with the hunt. After a morning of hunting the soldiers have lunch with the depot's commander, Col. Cheri Provancha.

Read the Complete story:

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #68

2009-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Practice Shooting before season:

Most of us will shoot periodically all year long whether it be with bow & arrow or shotgun or rifle with almost one thing in mind, hitting the target so when deer season comes around you are confident that that shot will be right on.

What I want to touch on is practice shooting in hunting situations. Again whether it is gun or bow you need to practice in as much a hunting scenario as possible because situations will change. If your a tree stand hunter than it is advisable to practice shooting from a tree stand, elevation and angles can mess up a shot even with a firearm.

Another important item to take into account is practice shooting with the clothes that you will be hunting in. The last thing you want to happen is pulling up that bow or gun to take a shot and getting it caught on your clothing because of a drawstring or something.

I have had it happen before and you tend to learn quick when all you can do is stand there while your target is running away from being spooked.

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 4

2009-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Choosing a Rifled Slug or a Saboted Slug:

Foster slugs are commonly referred to as rifled slugs

Brenneke slugs have greater sectional density and penetrate deeper than foster slugs.
Brenneke and Foster-style slugs may be fired in rifled and smoothbore shotgun barrels

Sabot slugs are intended for rifled barrels only, as they will not properly stabilize in smoothbore shotgun barrels.

Here are a couple example of each. I do shoot the Winchester Super X slugs with very good accuracy and I will say I have shot the Remington Copper Solid Sabot Slugs before out of a rifles barrel which were very accurate but the choice is up to you.

Rifled Slugs:

Winchester Super X Power-Point Rifled Slugs

For superior slug performance, you can't beat the stopping power of Winchester Super-X® slugs. This is the fastest, flattest shooting 12-gauge, 2-3/4" rifled slug Winchester has ever made. Ultrahigh 1,700 fps velocity. Designed for smooth-bore barrels. Per 5 rounds.

Remington Slugger Managed-Recoil Rifled Slugs

Slugger Managed-Recoil Rifled Slugs offer remarkably effective performance but with 45% less felt recoil than full velocity Sluggers. With effective energy out to 80 yards, these 1-ounce slugs easily handle the majority of shotgun deer hunting ranges. Less recoil means sighting-in at the range becomes a more comfortable, fun experience. And since the shooter is able to recover the target more quickly after firing, the accuracy and speed of the second shots is greatly improved. Per 5 rounds.

Saboted Slugs:

Federal Premium Barnes Expander Sabot Slugs

Expansive hollow point design
150% greater expansion
Capable of 2" groups or better at 100 yards

The expansive hollow point of the Barnes Expander Sabot Slugs delivers expansion that's 150% greater than other slugs. It's capable of 2" groups or better at 100 yards with rifled shotgun barrels. Per five rounds.

Remingtom Premier Copper Solid Sabot Slugs

Since the advent of the deer slug, hunters have been looking for ways to reduce the felt recoil. The Copper Solid™ Sabot Slug combines the angled petal score design of the Copper Solid™ Muzzleloader bullet with the ballistic coefficient of a deep penetrating slug round. It delivers maximum performance with 100% weight retention, 2X controlled expansion and super accuracy. It produces groups of 2-1/2" or less from Remington's® fully-rifled slug barrels. Per 5 rounds.

Is it going to be a Cold Winter?

2009-12-13T10:45:00.006-05:00

I just wanted to drop a quick note. I processed my doe yesterday with the help of my wife Heidi and we got a lot of meat for the freezer but what I wanted to mention was the amount of fat I found on her.

My apologises for the color of the picture I was having technical difficulties (no many buttons on the camera)

As you can see from the picture of this backstrap I had one big long piece of fat that was on average a 1/4" thick. Both back straps were like.

The hind quarters were even thicker, I mean they were 1" thick in spots with a 1/2" on average. I think she was trying to tell me it's going to be a COLD WINTER.

30-point buck is a state record

2009-12-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

This just in and let me tell you tese are some impressive numbers and one very happy bowhunter.

Wayne Schumacher’s “lucky buck” holds the new state record as the largest non-typical buck shot with a bow in Wisconsin history.

Wayne Schumacher of Fond du Lac displays the rack of the deer he killed Sept. 20 while hunting with his bow. He registered the buck at Dutch's Trading Post in Fond du Lac. (The Reporter photo by Patrick Flood)

The 30-point rack was measured Saturday by a team of certified scorers, earning the record-breaking score of 243 6/8 inches.

“It’s going to be known as the Wayne Schumacher state record,” said the 52-year-old City of Fond du Lac employee.

“It hasn’t sunk yet. It’s unreal,’ he said.

Schumacher’s buck beats out the record set last year by Bob Decker of Eau Claire and his 16-pointer, officially measured at 233 2/8 inches.

The elusive 30-point buck was harvested with a bow the night of Sept. 20 in an area west of Fond du Lac, toward Rosendale. Schumacher was hunting with his older brother, Pete.

Scoring had to wait for a 60-day drying period.

It took two teams of certified scorers three hours to measure the rack, using steel cable and flexible steel tape measures, said scorer Mark Miller of Fond du Lac. He was joined by Steve Ashley of Glenwood City, head of Wisconsin Buck and Bear Club, official big game records keeper for the state of Wisconsin, along with Brian Neitzel of Randolph and Brian Tessman of Waukesha.

“Basically, we measure every point on the deer and every inch of horn,” Miller said.

Schumacher said he will have replicas made of the antlers and sell them. The original rack will be held somewhere in safekeeping.

He said it was the largest deer he’d ever seen in 36 years of bow hunting. The deer walked under his stand.

Story By: Sharon Roznik FDLReporter

Savory Sunday's - #44

2009-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Venison Tenderloin:

SERVES 3 , 1 tenderloin (change servings and units)

Ingredients

1 lb venison tenderloin (medallions)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3 medium onions (thinly sliced)
1 garlic clove (mashed and diced)
3 tablespoons butter
4 ounces mushrooms (fresh, sliced)
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups water
salt

Directions

Lightly sprinkle tenderloins with pepper and set aside.
Sauté onions in 1 tablespoon butter.
Add garlic and cook another 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms, sautéing another 10 minutes.
When done, remove vegetables and add the rest of the butter.
Sauté venison 2-3 minutes per side.
When done, place on platter and return vegetables to pan.
Add flour stirring until it becomes a thick brown paste.
Add water, continuing to stir, until gravy is of desired consistency, adding more water if you wish.
Correct seasoning and pour over tenderloins.
Serve.

Oh so tender! Last night it was venison steak, tonight it is venison tenderloin. Thanks again Scott--and thank you Phillip! (another dear deer man!)

Recipe by: Sweetiebarbara

A New Blog with Potential to take today's Hunter even further.

2009-12-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

I have to start by apologizing to Brandon Vileta. He had asked me awhile ago if I would do a write-up about his new blog and of course I said I would and sorry to say I'm just getting to it now. Things have been pretty hectic lately but that's no excuse so sorry Brandon.

From Brandon's about me section this is what he has to say,
Brandon has become very busy since he and his family started their own business. Brandon is CEO of Honey Creek Outdoors, his mother Lisa is the coordinator,and Bob provides his trusty taxidermy business. Brandon recently has came up with a new design of camera arms that will revolutionize the art of capturing hunts on tape. Check the blog frequently so you can check out his new ideas, and the adventures of being a 20 year-old entrepreneur.

Brandon is the founder of Honey Creek Outdoors
and Productions. He brings his love and
enthusiasm of hunting and his passions of wildlife
with each and every outdoor experience. Brandon
started Bow hunting when he was 10 years of age
and bagged his first Trophy White Tail Deer at age
11, scoring out at 150 Pope and Young. Along with
being the founder, Brandon's talent in capturing
wildlife and memories on tape has been his
driving force to share his love of the outdoors with
you. He also offers personalized footage of your
hunts as well, with years of experience in the
guiding field. Along with being our Archery
Specialist and Guide he will be happy to assist you in any questions, or any specialized needs you may have.

Have you ever thought about video taping your hunts but didn't have a camera man.

If you have, then you have taken into consideration that two people in the same tree makes playing the wind much more difficult since there is now twice the amount of human scent and the chances of a deer seeing movement has been greatly increased. Although with all the risks you take while having a another person in the stand, a camera man is probably one of the best ways to tape. Just because you have a camera man still does not guarantee good footage. We at Honey Creek Outdoors have had the same problems over the years. So we searched for
the best camera arm on the market and found that our options were either buy a cheap (plastic) camera arm or spend upwards of $250 dollars for a camera arm that doesn't have both the vertical & horizontal adjustments. After many new designs and field testing we have come out with an affordable, light weight, durable, easy to use, quiet camera arm. So whether you hunt alone and want to take it to the next level by video taping yourself, or have a camera man, the HCO 180 ° Camera Arm will fit all your needs.

Trivia Challenge - Answer

2009-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

So you would like to know,

What is the average lifespan of a Whitetail Deer?

Answer is:

Whitetails have an average life span of 8 to 11 years.

source: Ezinearticles.com

New this year for Reporting your kills

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Another first to this years successful hunt was not having to check in my deer. In the past what we had to do was go to a check station and get it weighed and tagged. Now except for say the first 4 days of shotgun/rifle when you have to check it in the rest of the time you can either do it over the phone, over the internet or mail in your kill tag which you fill out yourself.

What you see below is what you'll find if you report your kill online. What I did was call the toll free number which is 1-877-337-4868 and it is just a matter of answering an automated question or pushing on a specific key.

Tagging and Reporting
Deer and Turkey Kills

Immediately upon making your kill, complete a Deer/Turkey Kill Tag (pdf). The Kill Tag must be kept with your deer or turkey until it is processed for consumption. While transporting your kill, you may keep the Kill Tag in your pocket or wallet. However, if you leave the kill, the completed Kill Tag must remain with the animal.

All deer taken from Nov. 18 through Nov. 21, even those taken by bow, must be brought to a check station. A listing of deer check stations is available on the DEP's website and at DEP offices. However, deer taken under a Landowner Permit do not have to be brought to a check station.

All turkeys and deer taken during other periods must be reported within 24 hours via the DEP's website or by telephone at the toll-free number, 1-877-337-4868 (1-877-DEP-HUNT).

If you report your kill by telephone, you will need to know the 3-digit number code of the town in which the animal was killed. A table on page 36 of the Hunting and Trapping Guide lists Connecticut’s 169 towns and their identifying number codes. The Town Number Code Table (pdf) is also available on the DEP's website.

After reporting your kill via the internet or by telephone, you will be given a confirmation number to write on your kill tag. This confirmation number will serve as proof that you have legally reported your kill.

At any time, you can log on to Connecticut's Online Hunter Harvest Reporting System to review the kill reports you have previously submitted.

Trivia Challenge - Question

2009-12-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

I hope you all are enjoying these trivia questions because I am and actually truth be told I have learned a few new things that I didn't know.

Question:

What is the average life span of Whitetail Deer?

A Muzzleloading hunt to Remember

2009-12-09T14:22:00.006-05:00

Today was the opening day for the 2009 Connecticut Muzzleloader season and it just happen to be the first significant snow storm of the year. Last night I had left work early to get some extra sleep and I had taken today off so I could possibly hunt all day no matter what the weather was going to dish out. I awoke at 4:30 AM to approximately 4" of snow and it still was snowing. I grabbed my gear and loaded the car and headed out.

I got to where I was hunting and suited up, the whole time wondering if this was the right thing to do. The reason why I don't normally hunt when the weather is this foul outside but something told me to be out there. I am pretty far in so it took a bit to get where I had a spot cleared (being state land I didn't want to leave a tree stand out) for a ground position. I set up my tripod stool and put a primer on my CVA Wolf 50 caliber which was loaded with 100 grains of Triple Seven pellets and a 240 grain Hornady HP/XTP.

I had sat for a good hour and the snow was piling up on the ground and me. Thinking I was dressed pretty good for the weather I periodically would just lightly shake and the snow would just slide right off my rain gear.

At 7:00 AM I slowly looked around and didn't see anything so I took my estrous doe can call and flipped it 3 times. It couldn't have been more than a couple minutes and I saw movement directly out in front of me. Oh my god I thought to myself it was a deer and they are coming straight at me. I flipped the scope covers and turned to my right slightly and as I brought the scope up I noticed it was an adult doe with another behind it. They started to pick up the pace and I didn't want to take a moving shot so when they got broadside I bleated with my mouth and the first doe which happened to be the biggest stopped. I quickly place the crosshairs right behind her shoulder and squeezed off the shot. Through the smoke I saw her hind legs kick up like a mule and knew I had a good shot.

I quickly reloaded and waited a minute while I caught my composer. Because it was snowing really hard by then I didn't want to wait to long and knowing I had a good hit i slowly started to pick up the track.

I found where she had stopped and ran off immediately starting to see some blood although it wasn't as much as I was hoping for I started following the tracks.

I didn't go more than say 40 yards when I saw her laying on the other side of a stonewall. I cautiously crept up and check her by poking the backside of her and she was confirmed down.

I immediately called Heidi to tell her the good news and she woke up my older son Adam. I left to pick Adam up and went back taking my deer cart with me.

While field dressing the doe I had looked and found the heart which happened to have a nice hole in it. Normally I wouldn't make a big deal out of it but I usually get lung shots so getting a heart shot was a first for me.

Speaking of firsts this was the first deer I got on opening day of muzzleloader season, the first time I got to use my new deer cart which I feel paid for itself this morning, the first deer I shot in a snow storm, the first time I got to used a new pelvic saw made by Gerber.

It took a couple of hours to get her out (that includes stopping to takes numerous brakes) and in the car (trunk) then once I got home and Heidi took a few pictures Adam and I rinsed her out good and got her hung. Wouldn't you know it we had to shovel snow after that which ended up being about 8".

This has been a day to remember. A lot of firsts and I could not be any more excited and exhausted than I am right now.

Oh ya, not good at guessing but my son and I figure she dressed between 160 - 180

Trivia Challenge - Answer

2009-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

How do Whitetail Deer shed their Antlers?

And the answer is,

By the end of August and early September the antlers begin to die and the fuzzy velvet starts to dry up and the antlers harden. This is the time when bucks begin to casually rub there antlers against saplings and also begin to engage in light sparing. For the next few months bucks testosterone levels will increase as the rut approaches. Rubbing and fighting will take there toll on many racks which will result in broken tines injured opponents. This will continue until late winter when a huge drop in hormones will cause the base of the antlers to soften. The shedding of antlers is also linked with the length of daylight. The process of shedding the antlers only takes about 3 weeks.

Info source: PA Wildlife Photographer

I also wanted to include an answer which helps clarify a bit. It was emailed to me by Sherry who has been an active participant since I started the Trivia Challenge.

Antlers are shed when a thin layer of tissue destruction, called the
abscission layer, forms between the antler and the pedicle. This layer
forms as a result of the decrease in testosterone. As the connective
tissue is dissolved, the antler loosens and is either broken free, or
falls off on its own.

They are not shed until after the mating season is completed.

Thanks again Sherry!

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #67

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Muzzleloading in the Rain:

If you don't already know I absolutely hate hunting in the rain. I have not had good luck in the past hunting in the rain and tend to stay home when it rains. The problem with that is you are not going to tag a deer sitting at home.

Today is Tuesday the 8th. and tomarrow is opening day for Connecticut's Muzzleloader season and that is what made me come up with this post. You see they are calling for rain on opening day and quite frankly even though I saw deer every day I went out during shotgun season I never filled a tag so black powder is my last chance to fill a tag. I plan to go out as long as it's not a pouring rain.

Black powder and rain DO NOT mix well together so you have to take some extra precautions when hunting with black powder on a rainy day.

So you are going out muzzleloading in the rain, this is what I do to try and keep my powder dry and make sure that cap goes off when I need it to.

Before I even leave the house I will load the barrel and then take a piece of saran wrap and place it over the muzzle and wrap a elastic around it to make sure no rain or moisture get's down the barrel. You can shoot through the saran wrap without any change to your shooting accuracy so don't worry. (Now in Connecticut you can have a charge in the barrel but as long as you do not have a cap on the nipple it is not considered loaded). It might vary from state to state.
Once I get in the woods I try to protect the breech area. When I first started I had a percussion side lock where the nipple was open to the elements so I used these "rubbers" for the muzzle and these rubber sleeves that fit over the nipple. These are from Traditions which you can get at The Sportsman's Guide for a very reasonable price.
I shoot an inline now so the breech plug and nipple are better protected but I still don't take any chances. What I will do is I have a camo sleeve from an old long sleeve shirt and all I do is take that and wrap it around the receiver area. If need be it can be unwrapped or slid down out of the way if you need to make a shot, otherwise it will cover and help keep moisture out.
Something I really didn't think about to be honest and is something I just recently read is you can also change the primer cap every hour with a warm dry one to be extra cautious.

I hope some of this will help you and i also hope to have a story to tell after tomarrow. I have been watching the weather forcasts and it doesn't look to change any time soon, so it looks like I am going to get wet. But, when it comes to deer hunting I will do what I have to do to fill a tag.

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 3

2009-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Difference between Smooth Bore or Rifled Barrel:

What I want to attempt is to show you the difference and give you the opportunity to decide for yourself what might be good for you. There is pro's & con's to both.

Understanding a Smooth Bore Barrel

Shotguns are highly accurate for shorter distances. Most people relate a smooth bore barrel for shot shells as used in bird hunting but they can also be used for deer hunting as long as you used a rifled slug. (slugs will be discussed in the next post in this series). Below is a very good example of a smooth bore barrel.

Understanding a Rifled Barrel

Definition: Rifling is nothing more than a series of evenly-spaced spiral grooves cut into the bore (inside) of a gun's barrel. The raised portions between the grooves are called lands, and they impart spin to the bullet, which increases accuracy.

Rifling may have any number of lands and grooves, may twist to the right or left (clockwise or counter-clockwise), and comes in many different rates of twist.

The rate of rifling twist is denoted as "1 in x," where x represents the distance a projectile would travel in the bore in order to make one full 360-degree revolution. Different sizes and weights of bullets require different rates of twist to produce the best accuracy.

Source of Info: Hunterexam.com

Savory Sunday's - #43

2009-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Maine Venison Stew:

We have been having a lot of wet cold & damp weather it seems like lately so here is a recipe I found that looks like it can warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

2 pounds venison stew meat
8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 medium onions, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
8 large carrots, peeled and diced
3 cubes beef bouillon
2 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth
2 tablespoons browning and seasoning sauce
2 cups frozen green peas (optional)
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

Directions

Combine the venison, potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, bouillon, broth, and seasoning sauce in a slow cooker. Pour in just enough water to cover. Turn to High and cook until the stew comes to a boil. Reduce heat to Low and continue cooking until the venison is tender, about 8 to 10 hours.
Ladle off any fat which has collected on the surface, then stir in the peas and mushrooms if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk together the cornstarch and water. Stir this into the stew, increase heat to High, and cook until the stew has thickened and the peas have warmed through.

Footnotes

To remove as much fat as possible, try the following
Rather than ladling the fat off before you add the peas, mushrooms, and cornstarch, allow the stew to cool, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, the fat will have hardened on top and can be easily removed. Proceed by adding the remaining ingredients, and cooking until thickened.

By: Shann

"A slow cooked easy recipe, all ingredients are diced and thrown into the crock pot with no pre-cooking prep work. A hearty tasting stew that is not 'gamey', it would work just as well with beef."

Ho Ho Ho, We have our Christmas Tree

2009-12-05T14:04:00.008-05:00

Today were suppose to get like 3 to 6 inches of snow so this morning was busy for me. The family decided we wanted to get our x-mas tree now before the snow so that is what we did. Across from where I am hunting there is a sign that there was x-mas trees for sale so we all piled into my car and went over there.

I met the owner in the driveway which was so long into the woods that I almost thought we took the wrong road. He was a very nice gentleman who greeted us and handed me a saw and said just follow the trail and take your pick.

We followed a short trail to the edge of this field that was full of x-mas trees but what do I see at the entrance to the field but this awesome buck rub.

The base of that tree is so big that I could not wrap my hand around it. Not far from that was another one on tree about the same size. After I took this picture Heidi said come on, we are here for a tree and not to scout for deer.

Ok, let's go..................

We looked around for a bit and to be quite frank we could not decide. This place had so many nice trees that it was hard to choose. We had seen the sign trees for sale before but never really thought to stop until this year. I don't know if me hunting across the road has anything to do with that but I am glad we stopped.

Tyler said this is the tree for us and he was dead set on it. For sure he says, this is our tree. So I look at mom and she says ok so I cut it down.

He was so happy as you can tell my the smile on his face that it just made my day. He helped me drag that tree all the way to the car. I couldn't have been any prouder.

Now, this is the first Christmas in years with out a truck so I had to tie it to the top of the car. I am not going to say to much but, if you could only have been there you would have laughed. I got the tree tied to the car by going through the windows and around the center posts but forgot one important thing.

How do I get in the car? I had to climb through the window.

Sometimes you act like a Nut and sometimes you don't!

Advantages to Scouting on a Rainy day

2009-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Rainy days!

I don't think to many people like rainy days, I know I don't. I actually dislike rain very much. The thing is a rainy day can be very helpful I have found.

Some of my best scouting has been done on a rainy day and why you ask.

For one thing you can move around very easily without making a lot of noise which is always a problem trying to keep things quiet.

For two is helps keep you scent to a very low minimum. The last thing you want to do is leave your scent all over the place when your scouting for new spots to hunt.

For three it always seems to me that deer move a lot when it is rainy. Not a heavy rain mind you but a basic regular shower rainy day. So that is an added advantage to maybe spotting some.

For example this buck. I was scouting just before shotgun season on a rainy morning and I have to spot him coming up out of this valley and with a light wind in my favor he walked past me at 10 yards and didn't even know I was there.

Anyway I think I proved my point, if it is rainy (not a down pour) instead of sitting in that recliner grab a camera and head for your favorite hunting area. You never know what your going to see roaming around.

What brings me Joy in my Life!

2009-12-04T11:59:00.007-05:00

I heard about this contest from "Blessed" and clicked over to check it out. The blog is called "Barking Mad" which I have to say is a catchy title. To enter the contest all you had to do was write a post about "What brings you Joy in your life". Well let's give it a whirl.

What brings me Joy in my Life?

That is a number of things really and I'll tell you. These are in no particular order.

Joy is the smile on my wife's face
Joy is hearing my son Tyler say daddy
Joy is being greeted at the door every night by my dog
Joy is the crisp cold air on my cheeks
Joy is sitting in the woods and just watching the deer walk by
Joy is the crackle of a warm camp fire
Joy is watching chipmunks running back and forth on a stonewall
Joy is all the colors of autumn
Joy is snow falling on Christmas morning

Last but not least "Joy is hearing my wife say "I Love You"

Crazy Christmas $300 Target Giftcard Giveaway!

Trivia Challenge - Question

2009-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

This next trivia challenge was spurred on by a comment from "Twisted Fencepost" who wondered,

How do Whitetail Deer Shed their Antlers?

Christmas Ideas for that Favorite Hunter

2009-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

This year my suggestion for ideas on what to get that hunter in your family is a handmade and designed turkey box call. See two years ago I had to figure out what to do when it wasn't deer season so I decided to take up spring turkey hunting (which I scout for deer at the same time) and to do that you need a good turkey call.

I was introduced to Ed Blankinship and after speaking to him and seeing his work I just had to get one. Here is what he has to say from his website,

My name is Ed Blankinship and as a hobby I build turkey callers. My home is in Chewelah, Washington in the great Pacific Northwest. Hunting and other outdoor activities are just moments away from my front door. The area supports whitetail and mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, cougar and turkeys. With an abundance of public land this is an attractive area for outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of my calls are made with Pacific Yew wood which I harvest locally. Also used are standard call woods, such as Osage Orange, Walnut, Mahogany, Cherry, Padauk, Purpleheart and others. All are hand made and seldom are any two the same.

The types of calls are box call, wingbone yelpers and scratch box calls.

I first ordered a scratch box call which I was very impressed with and quite frankly had never even heard of before.

The ease at working it just by the way you hold it and slide the piece of wood across the edge makes an amazing sound.

After being impressed with that I decided to go the next step and get a box call. Not only did I order a box call but he hand burned a full strut turkey into the side and on the top and burned in that it was made for "ctswamphunter" which has been my nickname/username for quite awhile. It definately was an added treat for me and could be an added treat for your hunter as well.

The sound out of this box call was so realistic that the first time I used it I had turkey's answering back.

Trivia Challenge - answer

2009-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well last weeks trivia challenge question was, How fast does a Whitetail Deer antler grow?. I am sure some of you know this but I am hoping that some of you don't only because it is always neat to learn something new especially about our wildlife.

Answer: A whitetail Deer antler grows on average a 1/2 inch a day and some sub-species of whitetail deer can grow antlers up to 1 inch a day.

answer source: Huntonly.com

Tuesday's tip's & Technique's - #66

2009-12-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Preventive Maintenance:

I am sure my are is not the only one but I spent half my shotgun season in the rain, mist, drizzle, cold and dampness. all those things are not good for you or your firearm. So I have a little tip that I like to do that I figured I would pass on.

When I get back home from hunting and the weather has been less than enjoyable what I do after bringing in my gear is make some fresh hot coffee, get out of all my wet and/or damp clothes and take a steamy hot shower. Then through all my camo in the dryer. Fix a cup of coffee and empty my pack.

I like to make sure what ever I had brought out is dry and functioning. If the pack is wet or damp I'll hang it to dry for awhile. The I head for my firearm, coming from cold,damp,wet to dry and warm is not good for a gun. So what I will do is take what I can apart with out touching the scope other than to wipe it dry. I will wipe the entire gun down and let sit for a bit to get accustomed to the warm air than I'll put it back together with a little lube where needed.

The whole point is if you are going to get warmed up and dried off why not to the same to the gun. Rust is a powerful thing to let happen to any weapon.

Photo from: Alternative Firearms Coating

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 2

2009-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Choosing a Manufacturer:

Every one has pretty much already their own favorite manufacturer of firearms and this is in no way telling you to change. I just want to show you the different slug guns that are available from some of the leading gun makers. These are obviously not all of them but just a selected few.

Mossberg 535 ATS Slugster Pump Action:
The 535's "All Terrain" flexibility is best appreciated in the field. It's chambered to handle 12 gauge, 2 3/4", 3", and even 3 1/2" magnum loads, for maximum stopping power. The Uni-line™ receiver design assists in fast target acquisition. With the Trophy Slugster™ cantilevered scope mount system, barrels can be swapped without disturbing a well-sighted scope. The sleek barrel profile, coupled with a shortened magazine tube, provides a comfortable balance and swing. A wide range of stock and barrel configurations are also available.
Mossberg 930 Slugster Autoloader:
The 930™ handles 12-gauge, 2 3/4" and 3" ammunition with ease, from low brass target loads to non-toxic magnum rounds to the latest in sabot slug ammo. The smooth, contoured design and Mossberg Uni-Line™ receiver deliver instinctive eye/rib alignment for instant target acquisition. And this shotgun feels as good as it fires - each 930™ includes a complete set of specially designed spacers for quick adjustment of the horizontal and vertical angle of the stock, bringing a custom-feel fit to every shooter. A self-regulating gas system cushions the recoil. There's even an EZ-Empty™ magazine button when the day is done.
Remington 870 Express Slug Pump Action:
Perfect for deer hunters wanting rifle-like performance in an affordable, yet dependable, shotgun package, the Model 870 Express Slug Gun utilizes fully rifled, heavy contour barrels to deliver devastating knockdown power with optimal accuracy. Available in both a 12-gauge and 20-gauge version, the added weight of the heavier slug barrel helps reduce the recoil of magnum slug loads while our cantilever system provides a solid scope mount platform that won't lose its zero like other mounts. These pump-action shotguns feature a non-glare matte finish on all exterior metalwork and all-weather black synthetic stocks and fore-ends.
Winchester Super X3 Cantilever Deer Autoloader:
Its rifled 22" barrel is optimized in providing unequalled accuracy with 2 3⁄4" and 3" sabot slugs. The proven Active Valve System on the Super X3 System reduces recoil and cycles fast for incredible follow-up shot speed. The cantilever design makes it easy to attach an electronic red dot or conventional scope to the Weaver-style rail, or allows you to aim with the adjustable rear sight and the TRUGLO® fiber-optic front sight. The Cantilever Deer also features the durable gunmetal gray Perma-Cote™ UT (Ultra Tough) surface finish on the barrel and receiver. The bolt is plated with electroless nickel for reduced friction and extreme corrosion resistance. Dura-Touch® Armor Coating on the composite stock and forearm improves your grip in all conditions. Two length of pull stock spacers, drop and cast adjustment spacers and sling swivel studs are included.
Now 17 years ago when I bought my 12 gauge I asked around a bit and talked to a couple guys that I felt comfortable getting answers from. They had told me for one thing not to get an automatic because they tend to freeze up when it get's real cold and frosty, so I decided on a pump action. They also told me to get one that is lite (not heavy) so I got one with a synthetic stock. They told me to get at least a 12 gauge which is good for deer hunting, so I did.

Back then I usually went with the word of others especially if I felt comfortable with their answers because basically I didn't know what I was doing. Now I am not saying that a wood stock is bad because maybe their not. Maybe they handle the recoil better. I'm not saying that automatics are bad because I honestly have never shot or owned one because maybe I was told the wrong thing but, I am saying that 12 gauges whether they are pump action or auto and whether they are wood or synthetic are the size shell that works for me at least.

The most important thing in my opinion is that you feel confident with the firearm you chose and that you can safely handle the firearm you chose. If you don't than you are not going to shoot to the fullest extent possible whether it is you or the gun.

Whitetail Woods

Take a minute to Reflect

Blog Spotlight - Blind Pig & the Acorn

LetterKenny Army Depot and the Wounded Warrior Program teamup

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #68

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 4

Is it going to be a Cold Winter?

30-point buck is a state record

Savory Sunday's - #44

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Ingredients

Directions

A New Blog with Potential to take today's Hunter even further.

Trivia Challenge - Answer

New this year for Reporting your kills

Tagging and ReportingDeer and Turkey Kills

Trivia Challenge - Question

A Muzzleloading hunt to Remember

Trivia Challenge - Answer

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #67

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 3

Savory Sunday's - #43

Ingredients

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Footnotes

Ho Ho Ho, We have our Christmas Tree

Advantages to Scouting on a Rainy day

What brings me Joy in my Life!

Crazy Christmas $300 Target Giftcard Giveaway!

Trivia Challenge - Question

Christmas Ideas for that Favorite Hunter

Trivia Challenge - answer

Tuesday's tip's & Technique's - #66

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 2

Tagging and Reporting
Deer and Turkey Kills