Whitetail Woods

Let's all Welcome a New Outdoor Blog

2009-11-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

I want to introduce a new blog to the outdoors community. Ryan Hurd from "The Buffalo Digest" had contacted me with a couple of questions so I visited his blog and suggested a couple of things, not that I am an expert or anything like that.

The Buffalo Digest

A Celebration of the Harvest

Here is what Ryan had to say,

The Buffalo Digest is about celebrating the harvest, whether that harvest is grown or hunted. I live in Alabama and am an avid deer hunter, fly fisherman, and enjoy organic gardening. I like to focus my writing on the contemplative aspects of hunting, fishing, and growing. The Buffalo Digest is a blog dedicated to exploring relationships between people, land, and game. In the end, it is about exploring what it means to be a hunter, fisher, grower, and American. I hope to include some how-to's and recipes in the future, but those things are probably best left to others who know them much better than I do. I also have a few guest bloggers that are going to be posting on their experiences and also a guest photographer. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone in the outdoor blogosphere, and mostly just excited about getting my thoughts down in one place because it is personally gratifying.

A little more about me: I am 23 years old, originally from Michigan, and I just graduated from college and work for a new Biodiesel company in Montgomery, Alabama. I hunt in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and am very excited about duck season. I am also a songwriter, but that is neither here nor there.

So, if you all had some time maybe you could swing by and say hello.

Trivia Challenge - #2Q

2009-11-11T00:01:00.004-05:00

Well Nate aka "Crack Shot Hunter" has asked a question for the next challenge. Does anyone have a clue?

Question - What is the largest (heaviest) whitetail ever taken on record?

Check back in a few days for the answer....................

One week left to place your Vote

2009-11-10T02:09:00.003-05:00

I wanted to drop a reminder to you all about the Sportsman Channel's viewer-generated awards which only have 1 week left so please stop by and place your votes, I did.

Viewer-Generated Sportsman Choice Award Voting Begins Today!

10/12/2009

First 500 Voters to Receive Free Gift; All Voters Eligible for $1000 Prize Pack

New Berlin, Wis. October 12, 2009 — The way Sportsman Channel sees it, the ultimate judges of hunt, shoot and fish programming are the viewers who make those activities the foundations of their lifestyle. And beginning today, those viewers will begin the process of deciding which shows and hosts will take home top honors in the 2009 Sportsman Choice Awards. All shows and show hosts airing on the network in 2009 are eligible for voting by viewers at www.votesportsman.com. The categories are: Best Hunt Show, Best Shoot Show, Best Fish Show, Best Combination (hunting and fishing) Show and Best Show Host(s).

The first voting round runs through November 19, when the top five vote-getters in each category will qualify for a final round of viewer voting. The winners in all Sportsman Choice Award categories will be crowned in January during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

“There’s no better academy than our viewers, the American sportsmen, to choose the finest in award-winning hunt, shoot, fish programming,” said Todd D. Hansen, Sr. Vice President Sportsman Channel.

As an added bonus, the first 500 voters will receive a Sportsman Channel hat, and all voters will be entered to win a $1000 prize pack, which includes a $500 Cabela’s gift card and merchandise from Sportsman Channel and Cabela’s.

Last year’s highest vote-getters included the network’s first female show host winner: Haley Heath of “Family Traditions with Haley Heath” received Viewer Favorite Personality. Heath said she hopes to duplicate it again this year. “I was thrilled when they called my name for the award last year and it’s great knowing your fans are behind you 100 percent. I am feeling really good going into this year’s nominations,” said Heath.

About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering the most educational and entertaining hunting, shooting and fishing programming. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel is now a part of the nation's largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com.

CONTACT: Michelle Scheuermann, Director of Communications, Sportsman Channel 262.432.9100 ex 111; mscheuermann@thesportsmanchannel.com

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #63

2009-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Gun Safety:

Today I want to touch on Gun Safety. With gun seasons opening up now or soon through out the United States I am sure a lot of hunter's & huntress's are planning or doing the same thing that I just did and that is sighting in your firearms.

Whether you do it at a licensed range or at you friends house you should follow some basic safety rules. Here is what the NRA says,

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.

2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:

Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used.
A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.
Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.

Remember: These rules apply to any firearm whether it is a handgun, shotgun, rifle or even a muzzleloader so please read the rules, pay attention while shooting and have a safe good time.

Guns are sighted in and ready to go

2009-11-09T00:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a very fun afternoon and I have to give thanks to my friend Nate aka "crack shot hunter" who was kind enough again to allow me to shoot at his place and get my guns sighted in. I have to say it was a lot of fun, what a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

While I was there and before we started shooting he showed me his current project, a WALK IN COOLER in his basement. It is still in construction but I have to say he has the makings for quite the butcher shop and once he is done with the cooler he'll be ready to rock & roll. I asked for pictures so I could share with you all so Nate if you are reading this DON"T FORGET!. :)

That right,

days
to go!
The guns are ready and I'm ready.

Trivia Challenge - 1A

2009-11-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is my answer to "What was the Greatest Whitetail Buck ever taken by a hunter" according to what I had discovered during my research.

THE TONY FULTON BUCK
The Greatest White-tail Deer
Ever Taken by a Hunter

On January 5, 1995, Tony Fulton of Winston County, Mississippi (approximately 80 miles north west of the capitol city of Jackson) was glad that he listened to his wife, Rhonda, when she talked him into going hunting. Since time was short, Tony went to a treehouse that he had built for his son that overlooked a small greenfield. Tony admits that he had not seen a deer on this small field but things were about to change in his life forever.

After sitting for a while, Tony saw a doe as she entered the field but she ran away almost immediately. Shortly thereafter a large buck appeared on the edge of the opening looking for the doe. He was very spooked; however he ran into the field and stopped only 50 yards from Tony. Tony fired one shot with his .30-06 but the buck quickly escaped to the nearby woods.

Tony was aware that this buck had a big rack but only when he found the buck by following the buck's trail by flashlight did he begin to realize just how big..! With an outside spread of 30" and with 48 measurable points, this was some special deer.

When Buckmaster's scored this buck, the wisdom behind the Buckmaster's Full Credit Scoring System came to the forefront. This system, which gives a buck credit for all of the antler grown, does not try to set a man made criteria on what a buck's antlers "should" look like. After a marathon session that lasted 6 1/2 hours, Buckmasters declared the Fulton Buck as the record hunter taken white-tail. The final Buckmaster's score is 321 7/8.

Location of Content:

Don't forget, if you have a trivia question that you would like me to find an answer to I would be happy to post it with your name and link to it.

Bowhunter from Sheboygan Falls scores big

2009-11-08T10:21:00.005-05:00

Another reason why I love this time of year is when I can post about the success of other hunters. This time in no different, enjoy.

Michael Gregoire of Sheboygan Falls has been bowhunting for 14 years, but never had he encountered a buck like the one he pierced with an arrow from 20 yards on Thursday afternoon.

"I saw it once two weeks ago and it was 85 yards away, the closest it would come," he said Saturday. "I could tell it was big, but I didn't think we would get over 200 inches."

A tool-and-die foreman at Wisconsin Tool & Design in Plymouth, the 38-year-old harvested the whitetail deer on his brother's 160-acre farm on the west side of Sheboygan Falls.

The 12-point buck weighed 240 pounds and taped out at 217 5/8 inches, according to an unofficial gross score tallied on Friday. Gregoire said the inches are calculated by measuring the inside spread, the length of each tine, around the base of each horn and around the main beam. A 60-day drying period must first pass before an official score, typical or non-typical, is granted.

Read the complete story:

Savory Sunday's - #39

2009-11-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Venison Casserole:

From Elizabeth Guy

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
25g/1oz butter
2 onions, diced
4 fresh garlic cloves
4 rashers smoked bacon
500g/1Ib 2oz mushrooms
2.5kg/5½lb haunch or shoulder of venison, diced
½ bottle red wine
400ml/14fl oz water
2 beef stock cubes, crumbled
3 tbsp redcurrant jelly
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
50g/2oz cornflour
punnet redcurrants, to decorate
6 sprigs rosemary or thyme, to decorate
To serve
new potatoes
wilted spinach

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2.

2. On the hob, heat the olive oil and butter in a large lidded casserole dish. Add the onions and cook until softened, but not browned.

3. Add the garlic, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further minute.

4. In a frying pan, brown the venison a handful at a time and add to the casserole. When all the meat is browned, add the red wine, water, stock cubes, redcurrant jelly and salt and pepper.

5. Bring to the boil and stir well. Put the lid on the casserole and place in the middle of the oven - cook for 90 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven. Make a paste with the cornflour and two tablespoons of water. Add as much of the paste to the casserole as is needed to thicken the sauce - add a little at a time if you are not sure how much you will need.

7. Transfer the casserole to the hob, and, on a low heat, cook until the gravy has thickened - this will take about five minutes.

8. Serve with new potatoes and wilted spinach. Decorate each plate with a sprig of rosemary or thyme and a bunch of fresh redcurrants.

Still Huntin at the age of 100

2009-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

All I can say is I hope I can still be doing that at his age.

GRAND RAPIDS — Wes Libbey can still remember the first buck he shot at. A big 12-pointer, he recalled.

By: Sam Cook, Duluth News Tribune

Wes Libbey holds a set of antlers and laughs as he relates a deer hunting story Thursday at his home in Grand Rapids. Libbey is 100 years old and has gone deer hunting for the past 84 years. (Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com)

GRAND RAPIDS — Wes Libbey can still remember the first buck he shot at. A big 12-pointer, he recalled.

“I pulled up the trusty .38-55,” Libbey said. “Thirty-five yards. Broadside.”

He missed the buck cleanly, and the Grand Rapids hunter still thinks about it 84 years later.

At 100, Libbey is still hunting deer. He plans to be out there Saturday morning when Minnesota’s firearms deer season opens in Northeastern Minnesota.

Read the complete story:

Handheld GPS Units - Tell me where to go!

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm planning to scout an area of state land that I have never been on before. Right now all I have is a picture from a road map which I think is almost as good as a topographical map. This area is going to be a secondary place for me to hunt if my primary spot is getting hammered with what I call inconsiderate weekend warriors.

Now a couple of years ago I had purchased a GPS unit for a trip I was going to go on which I am sorry to say I never took.

The Garmin Etrex was about as basic a unit as I thought I could find. I didn't want something to difficult to use.

I never tried this in the woods before but, I did try it out on one of my walks around the lake I live on and it seemed to do what it was suppose to. This new area I want to scout should be a good test for it.

I just discovered this little beauty last night while I was thumbing through a subscription I have of "Whitetail Journal" it was in an add so I took the item and googled it and here is where I ended up.

The Bushnell Backtrack, is a GPS personal location finder.

Now this appears to be even easier to use with just the press of either two buttons. Here is what they have to say about.

With the world’s easiest-to-use GPS personal location finder...

Getting back at the end of the day is as easy as pushing a button and following an arrow. Utilizing GPS technology in its most basic format, BackTrack has only two buttons and stores up to three locations – just mark it and forget it until it’s time to return. At the end of the day, select your location and the BackTrack displays direction and distance to travel. Use it to find your car in a crowded parking lot, your treestand or the trailhead, even to rendezvous with your group. It’s extremely compact and stows conveniently in your pocket, pack or purse.

I did find that Cabela's does carry it and it is $64.99. I am really liking this small compact and apparently very easy to use GPS. I just might have to see if Santa can bring me one for x-mas. But, I still plan to use my Garmin when I head out to this new spot which I hope to be soon. I plan to take Heidi's digital camera with me so I can photograph my scouting excursion and share with you all after.

Save money refilling Thermacell Cartridges

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

I first heard about this from a hunting forum at Whitetails.com that I visit often. Apparently there is a way to refill the fuel bottles for a Thermacell bug repellant unit. Now I use the Thermacell a lot especially during spring turkey season so if there is a way to save money on fuel cells than I am all for it.

I found these two videos on Youtube. I haven't tried this but I was thinking of it, what do you think?

How to make a Thermacell Refillable - Part 1

How to make a Thermacell Refillable - Part 2

Trivia Challenge - #1Q

2009-11-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about my blog again (I know, don't be scared :) but, I am always trying to find ways to keep you all coming back for more (I do get lonely ya know, haha). I thought why don't I try some sort of Trivia Challenge. Obviously most of the challenges will consist of deer but I'll be fair and throw in some turkey and trout and maybe even plain old outdoors stuff in there somewhere.

I am going to try and do this every week and see how you all like it.

What do you all think?

Want to play?

Question #1

What was the greatest whitetail buck ever taken by a hunter?

Answer will be posted next week:

As an added item if you have a trivia challenge question that you would like me to find the answer to then please send it to me in a email. Just as soon as I can answer it I will post it and of course mention who sent it to me.

Countdown to season Opener

2009-11-03T13:01:00.003-05:00

Days
until
Connecticut's
Shotgun/Rifle
Deer Season
Opens

Not that I'm counting! :)

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #62

2009-11-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Having a Sharp Knife:

One of the most important things you can have in your pack whether you are hunting or just plain out for a hike is to have a knife, a SHARP KNIFE to be exact. More times than I care to count I needed a knife for some sort of thing and let me tell you to cut something with a dull knife is like not having a knife at all.

I want to share a couple of sharpeners that I use that will put a nice edge on anything you might have.

GATCO® Edgemate™ Knife
Sharpening System

This comprehensive knife sharpening system offers chefs, handymen, sportsmen, and woodcarvers everything they need to put a professional, razor-sharp edge on all kitchen, sport, and utility cutlery.

I have used this many times and with three stages of stone to use I have to say you can get a real nice edge.

Smith's Knife Sharpener:
Smith's 2 Step Knife Sharpener

Smith's 2 Step Knife Sharpener with carbide and ceramic sharpening options. This Smith's Knife Sharpener has two tungsten carbide cutting heads with pre-set angles to set the edge, and two fine ceramic rods with pre-set angles to provide a smooth finished edge. A lightweight yellow synthetic housing with non-slip rubber feet and a lanyard hole is included with the Smith's 2 Step Knife Sharpener.

This is a very nice small sharpener that fits in your pack and when you need a quick edge to get you by than this is the item to you.

24 Years and still counting

2009-11-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

Today just happens to be our 24th wedding anniversary. I literally can't believe she has put up with me for that long.

All kidding aside, I can still remember the day we met. I was working at a convenience store and was covering for someone when Heidi came walking in. She was dropping off a key for me from the person that I was covering for. Heidi came back a few times after that day and I finally got the courage to ask her out.

We have had are highs as well as our lows but then again who hasn't. I can honestly say if she wasn't here I would definately be lost without her, she is the better half of this team by far.

Deer Shot as it runs through town

2009-11-01T08:37:00.004-05:00

I wanted to post this story because of the events and how they happened. When a deer is injured especially a buck it is very advisable to stay clear. if you have to get close you need to be extra cautious of the antlers. You can be severely injured from them if the buck starts to thrash around.

Lincoln Park Police Cpl. James Fontana (front) shot and killed a deer that ran from Wyandotte into Lincoln Park after being struck by a vehicle. Lincoln Park Animal Control Officers Adam Manchester (left) nd David Horvath carry the deer away as Wyandotte Animal Control Officer Chuck Gillenwater calls into his station. (Larry Caruso/Photo Editor)

By Jason Alley

LINCOLN PARK — A four-point whitetail deer was shot and killed Thursday afternoon in the 600 block of Park.

The buck had been hit by a vehicle in Wyandotte and ran into Lincoln Park, where it was running in front of cars and jumping fences in a residential area near Liberty and Electric.

Read complete article:

Savory Sunday's - #38

2009-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Grilled Stuffed Backstrap:

Recipe from: Camo1959

1 Backstrap -About a pound brown sugar cured bacon

1 pack Philly Cheese

½ to 1pound Fresh Shrimp ( to your liking)

3 medium chop fresh mushrooms

About ½ cup chop onions

About 2 table spoons coped chive

½ teaspoon Cajun spice

Salt and pepper to taste

1.) Take back strap and remove any trash on the meat. Then take a filet knife and butterfly it. Set to side.

2.) Fry 3 slices of bacon and set on paper towel. Save bacon dripping in pan. Will use latter.

3.) Put Philly cheese in medium bowl and place in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to soften,

4.) put the bacon dripping in small wok or medium frying pan and add Shrimp,mushrooms,onions, chives, Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Fry till shrimp turns pink.. ( My brother said if I wanted to add other thing to it I could. I like it just the way it was,)

5.) Pour all the ingredients in the wok into the bowl with the Philly cheese and mix together.

6.) Put the Bowl in the fridge just long enough to stiffen. While that is stiffing take and lay your butter flied Back strap on the counter or cutting board open flat to let any water or blood to drain.

7.) Take Philly cheese mixture out of fridge and spoon on the butter flied back strap. Roll together and hold together by tooth picks. Take the strips of Bacon and wrap around the stuffed back strap and use the same toothpick to hold it together

8.) Now place the back strap on grill and cook 10 to 15 minute, longer if you like you meat done well.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T10:08:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE !

Take a child Trick or Treating Tonight & BE SAFE !

My son Tyler with a pumpkin he carved himself (with help from Mom of course).

Day Light Savings time is here again

2009-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year when we turn the clocks back 1 hour and change the batteries in all of our smoke detectors. It looks like I will soon be going to work in the dark and getting out of work in the dark.

Although not used by most of the world's people, daylight saving time is common in high latitudes.

Blue = DST used
Orange = DST no longer used
Red = never used

A Deer mount that is beyond Description

2009-10-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

I want to share this picture with you that I found from Bowhunting.com. These guys are as passionate about deer hunting as I am and they received a picture which they couldn't wait to share as I can't wait to share.

Read more:

Is This the new era of Hunting Rifles?

2009-10-29T18:10:00.000-04:00

Now granted I am by far no expert on hunting rifles after all I didn't own one until last year but, this new style that is gaining wide popularity amongst hunters from what I have heard and read. Modeled after the AR-15 style military rifle that came out during Vietnam and is still used today is this.

Panther LR-243

The LR-243 features a 20” black Tefloned stainless steel barrel that provides ample velocity and accuracy for competition or hunting. The A3 style receiver allows for a wide range of optics or iron sights. Available with a wide range of options, it may be one of the most versatile rifles in the LR series.

Panther LR-308T

Shortly after the LR-308 came onto the scene, law enforcement personnel quickly identified it as an outstanding precision rifle. But many saw more potential than a heavy long range rifle. The LR-308T was designed to be a tactical carbine that would be more maneuverable than a larger rifle, but more powerful and versatile than a lighter, smaller carbine or shotgun. The LR-308T features a 16” heavy barrel for minimum weight and length, while still delivering 20 rounds of 308. The high ride receiver will accept a wide range of optics. That and many other available optics make the LR-308T a true tactical carbine.

Both of these are manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms. They have a bit of history with this style rifle.

DPMS Firearms, LLC, founded over 20 years ago by President Randy Luth, began as a small government contract consulting company. Luth, himself a product of a precision machine shop that manufactured M-16, M-14 and M203 parts for Army contracts. Read more history about DPMS.

It is hard for me to look at this type of rifle and think hunting because of the extensive military history that this style has but I consider myself to be widely open minded about this. Let me remind you that I am no expert on rifles but I am a long time deer hunter who is rapidly shifting interests into the rifle aspect of hunting after shotgunning for so many years it is quite interesting to me.

I certainly hope to touch on this subject more so please keep an eye out for future posts.

Google Reader, Will it help?

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

I have been reading this book that I got from Jody "The Hunter's Wife" and I have to say that it is quite interesting. I will admit that I normally don't read anything unless it has something to do with deer or deer hunting but I have been on a mission lately.

I have been trying to think of ways to increase my blog, meaning I want it to do better than I feel it is already doing. This book Jody gave me is very helpful and even though I loose sight of what I am reading sometimes it still helps.

I recently started up on Google Reader, thinking that it would help in a few different ways. The most important thing for me and the hardest is trying to visit all the sites I follow, I just don't have all the time to do it.

What I am hoping is Google Reader will help by keeping track of all I follow and will let me know what is new as it happens. I still am trying to figure out how it actually is going to work and in the end I might stop using it but I want to give it a chance. On my blog down in the side bar there is a block that shows you what I am saying in comments and where I am saying it.

If any of you notice anything different in like say comments or something please let me know and also Jody, thanks for the book I am trying to improve by reading it.

Click on Google Reader above to see my profile:

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #61

2009-10-27T09:17:00.004-04:00

Keeping your Hunting Clothes scent free:

You all know how important it is to be scent free when you go deer hunting. A whitetails sense of smell is second to know as far as big game goes. This is the time of year that I start to take out what I normally wear and get it prepared.

What I like to do is send it all through the wash using baking soda as detergent. Then what I do is air dry it all on the clothes line, if weather is bad I will hang it in the porch which I close up for the summer so it all stays there and is not bothered by all the household smells.

Once dry (still leaving it all hanging in the porch) I spray it down with Scent a Way from Hunter Specialties.

There is a lot of stuff this company sells that will help you eliminate scentslike, wafer, shampoo's, soap, powder and believe it or not tooth paste.

So many times I have been picked up by my scent because of one reason or another. After awhile it really get's to ya.

High School class get's the in's & out's of a Wildlife Management class

2009-10-27T09:06:00.006-04:00

Here is some news about a wildlife class. I think this is a great idea and should be done more in other states. Please read and tell me your views.

Photo by Patrick Dove

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Central High School senior Jared Winger measures the antlers of a deer using the Boone and Crockett scoring method during a Wildlife and Recreation Management class. The students learn about wildlife conservation, land management and careers in wildlife.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Unlike algebra or chemistry courses, many of the students in Wildlife and Recreation Management at Central High School bring years of experience to class, which includes hunter safety and much more.

Jackson Morrow, for one, said he has been hunting and fishing since he was little.

“My mom and dad are big outdoors people, taught me most of what I know,” he said.

Nevertheless, he is taking Ashley Kellermeier’s elective this semester.

“I learned more stuff,” he said. For one, the whitewing dove limit increased from 12 to 15 this hunting season. He also agreed he has learned more about ethics in hunting, such as that tying a fresh kill to the outside of a vehicle can upset some people.

“Not everybody is a hunter,” Kellermeier reminded the 17-year-old. “Wrap it in a tarp.”

Kellermeier said demand is high for the class. More than 20 students are in each of two sections. About a third of the students are girls.

“A lot of them are extremely knowledgeable about hunting,” she said.

Lake View High School, where more of the students might live on property with horses or other animals, offers equine science, while Central offers the wildlife course, Kellermeier said.

One of the course’s attractions is that students can get their hunter education certification, which is required by the state for most hunting licenses.

Read the complete article:

Whitetail Glands and what they can do

2009-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

This was a post I dug up from my old blog that until now had completely forgot about. It is always a good idea to refresh your memory especially when it comes to the most adaptable north american big game like the whitetail deer.

Photo from MDC online:

There are five different glands in the whitetails body and each one does a different thing. By understanding these it will aide you in how they travel and communicate with each other.

1. Forehead Gland

This is located on the forehead just above the eyes. Some documentation has been written that this gland will secrete a oily substance that will darken the fur in this area, it is also said that the darken area is also caused by the type of trees that the bucks will rub. It is said that the secretion acts a indicator of what status that buck is at in the overall hierarchy of the local deer population. I personally believe that this is where the buck will leave is calling card so to speak, letting others know this is his territory.

2. Preorbital Gland

I have not found to much information on this gland other than the fact that it is another way of communicating with other deer as far as age, sex and maybe status. Some have said that it is used for visual communication mostly between doe’s and fawns.

3. Tarsal Gland

Now this is an important gland to pay attention to especially on big adult bucks. Located on the inside of the back legs half way down they will darken depending on how much the buck will urinate and rub them together as well as how old the buck is. Doe’s have been known to rub these glands together but generally it is the buck that does it. The tarsel gland will also send signals of dominance in the deer herd. These glands can also be purchased at sporting good stores to be used as scent drags to your stand. One thing I have done in the past is cut the gland from a adult buck and used that as a drag.

4. Metatarsal Gland

This is another gland that does not have much information about. It is located on the outside of the hind legs down near the hooves. Some researchers have said that it might be used to regulate their body heat and some have said that it leaves an alarm scent when the deer has been spooked. I think the debate can go on for awhile about this gland.

5. Interdigital Gland

This gland is located between the toes and is used for marking trails and locating other deer. It is said that because a fawn does not leave any scent the mother will keep tabs on the fawn by sniffing for this gland but, there is some debate about that. There is one thing that seems to be agreed upon and that is when a deer stomps the ground it is signaling to other deer that something is not right and at the same time it is leaving a scent that says danger to other deer.

Some of this makes a lot of sense to me and if you keep this in the back of your mind it could help you down th road.