Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #31

Protecting yourself from Ticks

With spring time here we are all starting to venture out more but what we need to remember is the Deer Tick because it is out there to. Trust me when I say that you do not want Lyme Disease which comes from the Deer Tick. I have it and a lot of complications that come from it will never get better and will never go away.

Here are a few tips that will help:

• If you are in the woods, walk in the center of the trail and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into your socks.
  
  
• Wear boots or closed shoes and a hat.
  
  
• Spray repellent containing permethrin on clothes and apply compounds with DEET on exposed skin. Follow directions and take caution with these products.
  
  
• After being outdoors, wash all clothing (ticks show up better on light colors). Then inspect your body carefully, particularly hairy areas.

If you spot a tick, here's what to do:

• Tug gently but firmly with blunt tweezers near the "head" of the tick until it releases its hold on the skin.
  
  
• Do not crush the tick's body or handle it with your bare hands.
  
  
• Swab the bite area with an antiseptic.

This is what was recommended to me by my Lyme Disease Specialist. It can be purchased at Cabela's for just $6.00. It's main ingredient is permethrin.

Product Review - The Badger from Puma Knife Company - USA

I have certain tools for certain jobs like most people do and knives are no different. I have a specific knife that I use for cutting the pelt open and a specific knife that I use for actually field dressing my harvest. I needed a good all around pocket knife for general purpose but I wanted quality with of course a price that would not make my wallet echo with emptiness.

So I went on the search and "Puma Knife Company USA" was where I ended up. I saw what I like and wanted to know a bit more. I had the opportunity to chat with over the phone the Vice President- Marketing and Operations Mr. Chris Lalik who was very pleasant to talk to and seemed genuinely happy that I was interested in their products.


Let me give you a brief history if I may. Johann Wilhelm Lauterjung writes down his trademark in the knife makers role of Solingen in 1769 - the PUMA history started.

They have a wide variety of hunting, fishing, outdoor, sporting & trekking knives that you have just got to look at. I still don't think I have seen them all.

My search was pretty basic so Chris new right off what I might be interested in using and this is what he came up with .

The name for this little gem is called a Badger and let me tell you I fell in love with this handy little pocket knife as soon as I took it out of the package.

I like the weight of it, it felt like it had something to it instead of it feeling like it lacked something. I am told that this specific knife used to be called a Weasel but has since gone through a name change which is why it is referred to as a Badger and in my opinion the name fits the knife. This is one tough pocket companion for sure.

Knife specs are as follows,

• blade length: 3"
• blade thickness: 2.5 mm
  
• length closed: 3 5/8"
• knife weight: 80 grams
• handle: "staghorn"
• steel/hardness: 440c / 57-60 HRC
• design: Puma IP

about Puma IP:

retail according to Puma's website is 66.00 euro currency

Guest Blogger - Albert Rasch of "The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles"

Albert from "The Rasch Outdoors Chronicles" is as good as his word. I just received a guest post that he told me he would do and I wanted to get it on here as soon as I could so you all could read it.




As many of you undoubtedly remember, Rick graciously wrote an eloquent guest post on "The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles", It was so called "A Proud American Hunter". I thought I might return the favor with one of my own.

The genesis of this idea was Rick's veiled reference that he was going to do a review and tutorial on handloading. Then Deer Passion put a little more impetus on it by penning “5 Good Reasons to Reload Your Ammunition.” And five good reasons they are! Times being what they are, we could all use a little extra savings.

It is rather odd, how politics plays havoc with supply. I’ve been calling and getting in touch with various manufacturers of reloading components, mostly people I met at the SHOT Show. Without an exception, they are running at capacity. Many of the bullet manufacturers are really Mom and Pop operations, with extended family helping out. This is particularly true of cast bullet manufacturers. What started out as a rush to get semi automatics in case the O’bama administration went loopy, has evolved into an avalanche of orders for all things firearms related. Right or wrong, the American People have spoken with their wallets, even in a time of economic travails.

In a conversation with Rick, he mentioned that he was ready to start his explorations in handloading except for one thing: a lack of some components. None of his local sporting emporiums have the necessary parts in stock. I can attest to that myself. My local gunshop has taken to having customer lists for different components, ammo, firearms etc.

The majority of readers are Outdoor Bloggers Summit members, and it occurred to me that many of us have things that we might not need or want, and may want to trade.

What we need is a forum or site where the members of OBS can post those odds and ends that accumulate and may not be of any use to you any more. Now I’m not saying anything but ... Kristine!!!

In the meantime, we can create a gadget in our blogs with what we have that we want to trade. You might even want to create one with your needs. I’m going to fool around on The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and see what I can come up with, and how it looks.

Best Regards,
Albert
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical
Proud Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit

Savory Sunday's - #8

Teriyaki Deer Snack Sticks

Now this sounds so good that I want to make some of these as soon a I restock my freezer.

Make up a batch of these and they're sure to go fast. You can use a commercially prepared, bottled teriyaki sauce, or make up some homemade teriyaki sauce using the recipe from down below. Here's how it's done...

• 2 pounds ground deer meat
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon canning salt
• 1 teaspoon Tender Quick® Curing Mix
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Combine the venison, chicken, salt and Tender Quick®, mixing completely. Rest in the refrigerator two days, mixing again two times each day. Add the remaining ingredients before mixing for the last time. After a good, thorough mixing, let the ground venison rest another hour or so before forming and dehydrating.

For complete instructions, visit Making Deer Snack Sticks , where you'll find helpful snack stick information about combining the ingredients, forming the sticks, and drying the snacks. And after you've tried the Teriyaki Deer Snack Sticks, you can find more venison snack stick recipes on the following pages.

• Italian Style Deer Sticks Recipe
• More Deer Snack Sticks Recipes
• Cherry Deer Sticks
• Venison Hot Sticks

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

To make teriyaki sauce, combine...

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or saki
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

Combine the cornstarch with the soy sauce. Add this to the remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reduce heat, and cook until slightly thickened. Stir occassionally as the sauce is simmering. Remove ginger and garlic slices, then cool and store in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator.

From: Free Venison Recipe's.com

My search for Reloading Supplies continues!

I can completely understand but I am also amazed at the same time on how so many retailers of reloading supplies are either out of stock or are having problems getting re-stocked.

Recently I gave a hint about a product review that I was going to start on as soon as I got supplies well, I haven't been able to get any as of yet. The product in question is a reloader which is suppose to be good for the shooter who is new to the trade and does not plane to reload in bulk quantities like myself.

The items that are basically holding me up from doing this review is powder, primers & bullets. Wouldn't you know it the most important pieces. Now I just found a place not to far away that can has plenty of powder and can get the bullets in the grain I want but has to order them but primers are a different story. He is still waiting.

All I have heard from everyone is they all have had trouble getting and re-getting supplies since the presidential election. Now I am not trying to stir up any hornets nest again, I am just stating a facts that were told directly to me by at least two retailers and one of them happens to be Cabela's in East Hartford. That means good revenue for them but bad for the beginner reloader such as myself.

So for the time being I have another review I can share with you, the only thing is you have to come back on Monday to read it. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Story of the Double Brow Tine with a Hole in it.

This is a shed I found a few years ago that I thought I would share with you.

It starts off what seems like ages ago but a few years back I was part of the local fire department. I at the time was a Lieutenant for station 220 of the Ashford Fire Department and I had responded to a brush fire at the other end of town that was high on a ridge top.

At first glance I thought that this was really going to !@#$ because the only way to get to it was straight up a steep cliff. Now the ridge was not that high but high enough and when your dragging gear with you it is even tougher. Bare in mind of course this was when i was younger and I didn't have lyme disease or what comes with it.

It took a bit but my crew and I made it to the top and started working the outer edge as quick as we could because it was heading for a small stand of hemlocks which was not a good thing. Plugging along a buddy on the hose line nozzle yelled back for me to look over to my left. Of course I did and to my surprise this is what I saw.

At the time I didn't think much because I was a bit busy but I did grab it and hook it in my belt and continue on. I sure got a few chuckles out of that let me tell you.

I held onto that for probably another hour at least before I got called of the ridge to go to rehab for a checkup.

Before I did that though I stopped at the rig I was in to put the antler in the cab so as not to lose it. I took a minute to look it over and became very happy I had grabbed it.

The little bit of charring it received from the fire alone makes the story I think. As I was looking at it though i turned it over and saw a hole it which I think also gives it character. It is big enough you could stick a pencil in it.

It also has a double brow tine which I thought was real cool. I sure would have like to find the other side but it wasn't me. I heard later on the a landowner down the road that was helping at the fire found the other side, and rumor has it that the other side had a double brow on that on as well.

I sure would have loved to see this big guy strolling through the woods if not to harvest but at least to admire. I have many pieces that I have come across in one way or another through the years but I think this one is still my best piece and love to show it to who ever comes over to visit.

I did make it to the rank of Captain but have since left but am still considered a social member. This is a great department and a lot of great people who take a lot of their personal time and put to helping the community and that is in my opinion what makes all of them special.

A Mindless Day!

This is no excuse but I have been sick again for the last two days and haven't been able to sleep much. I missed a union steward training day yesterday which I wanted to attend and then I went to get a new prescription at the pharmacy this morning and my doctor had never called it in which was suppose to have been done 3 days ago.

Now on top of that I have been stumbling to pull a post out of my head for today since I turned the computer on this morning and it just is not there.

So me venting in this post will have to do, I'm back to work tonight so that means I should sleep better (from exhaustion) so maybe tomarrow I will have something better.

Winchester announces a new Bonded Bullet for Whitetails

WINCHESTER SUPER-X POWER MAX BONDED A NEW BONDED BULLET FOR WHITETAIL
Winchester® Ammunition introduces its new 2009 line of centerfire rifle ammunition. Super-X® Power Max Bonded™ is specifically designed for the whitetail deer hunter and takes the time-proven jacketed bullet design to a new level of performance at an affordable price. Winchester’s proprietary bonding process welds lead to a copper alloy jacket where the two act together during expansion for improved penetration and retained weight. “The bonding technology improves bullet performance with increased retained weight and deeper penetration, while still providing a quick and lethal knock-down,” said Glen Weeks, Centerfire Product Manager for Winchester Ammunition. “For any whitetail hunter who is interested in bullet strength and penetration, the new Power Max Bonded is it.” Key features of the Super-X bullet include: Protected hollow point PHP design Lead core bonded to jacket with proprietary process Massive frontal area of mushroom is more than double original diameter Lead remains bonded to jacket after impact Super-X Power Max Bonded will be offered in the following calibers and bullet weights, with expected store delivery set for June of 2009: Cartridge Grain Muzzle Velocity Symbol .270 Win 130 PHP 3060 X2705BP .270 WSM 130 PHP 3275 X270SBP .30-30 Win 150 PHP 2390 X30306BP .308 Win 150 PHP 2820 X3085BP .30-06 Sprg 150 PHP 2700 X30061BP .300 WSM 150 PHP 2970 X300SBP .300 Win Mag 150 PHP 2960 X30WM1BP PHP = Protected Hollow Point For more information about this Winchester product, visit Power Max information page. Winchester Ammunition prides itself being a leader in conservation efforts. The company is involved with numerous partnerships at local, state and national levels. For more than 12 years Winchester has been a proud sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited. During this partnership Winchester has contributed funding to support P.O.L.I.T.E (Permission of Landowner in Order to Enter) and Chronic Wasting Disease projects. In addition, the Winchester Library is housed at Whitetails Unlimited headquarters and Winchester supports many local and state Whitetails Unlimited chapters. For more information about Whitetails Unlimited, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

This should not be allowed to happen!

I recently read a article that just down right disturbed me. The article which is posted by Sheboyganpress.com was titled "Captive Hunting ought to be Banned". In the article it talks about a place in Michigan called "Sunrise Acres" where at a fee you can go and hunt just about any animal you want and your gauranteed a kill. Why you ask, well I'll tell you they are all captive.

I don't know where to begin because I am so outraged about this. I have only been hunting for 19 years but I can honestly say it has been under one rule that I follow and that is I only hunt under 100% wild 100% fair chase conditions, I only hunt for food also. I don't kill anymore than I and my family can eat. It is true that I collect and admire every piece of antler I can get my hands on but in all reality (you can't eat bone) so if a doe happens to show up before a buck than that is what is going to fill my tag.

I don't believe in caging animals for the purpose of shooting them. I think it is immoral and should be stopped. I wonder if some of these people would like it if they were caged up for the purpose of being someone's wall mount, I don't think so.

In this article Jill Fritz from Minneapolis Minnesota had this to say, "Hunters and non-hunters alike revile captive hunts. Michigan should protect captive and wild animals by outlawing these unethical, unfair private shooting ranches".

I have to say that I totally agree with her on that statement. And I would also like to state that anybody that hunts like that is a coward and should grow a pair and do it like everybody else and their ancestors had done for hundreds of years.

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's #30

Scouting with Pictures

When I go scouting or spring turkey hunting or even shed hunting I like to carry a camera with me. Why you ask well I like to take pictures of area's that I come across while I am out in the whitetail woods that I feel might be beneficial to study later on in the comforts of my Deer Den at home.

Pictures can tell a lot about an area if you had the time to study them. For instance you are out scouting but you are pressed for time due to prior commitments so you snap off a half dozen pictures and when your home relaxing you can study them and a lot of times you will pick out stuff that you didn't see with the naked eye.

Here are a couple pictures of a swamp I like to hunt,

Being Prepared is not just for the Boy Scouts

Yesterday I went over to my friend/neighbor who has a tackle shop in his garage. You the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has it so you can purchase licenses and permits right online now. Back in mid January I had him set me up with this year's Firearm's Hunting & Fishing combo license.

Now I was able to get the rest of my permits done because I am one of those guys who doesn't like to wait until the last minute so I get everything as soon as I can. So Now I have my license and my spring turkey state land permit, my private land shotgun/rifle permit, my private land muzzleloader as well as my state land muzzleloader permits. The only thing I am waiting to hear about is the state land shotgun lottery permit which I might not hear about much before July because that is a drawing hence the word lottery.

I like to be prepared and no I wasn't a boy scout although my big brother made it all the way to eagle scout. No, I just like getting everything thing done ahead of time. Why wait to do something if you have the time and/or money right now. This way while others are running around trying to buy new gear or trying to get their guns sighted in or worst case they are running around the woods trying to find a place to set up I am the one sitting back and relaxing and confident that I am all set go.

The more I get done now the better because even though I try to be prepared there is always something that I forgot to get or forgot to do, never fails. In the beginning my wife Heidi always had to ask why are you doing that now or can't you wait to get that later but, now she doesn't say that anymore. I figured it is because she either realized it is better to be prepared or she figure why ask because she is only going to get the same answer as last year. You'll have to ask her that one because I'm to afraid to (hahaha).

Either way I am borrowing the Boy Scouts motto about "Be Prepared"

Savory Sunday's #7

Grilled Venison Tenderloin Medallions

A Bacon Wrapped Delicacy

Venison tenderloin is the highest quality cut of meat from the deer. Grilled venison tenderloin just cannot be beat for its flavor and texture. The results of this recipe are tender, juicy, and flavorful bacon-wrapped venison tenderloin medallions. Venison tenderloin grilled over charcoal...it doesn't get any better than this!

To make this recipe, very few ingredients are required. Basic seasonings, bacon, the venison tenderloin and butter (not margarine) are all that you need.

Slice the venison tenderloin into one inch sections. Wrap each one, around the edge, with a strip of bacon. Use thin sliced bacon, and toothpick it into place. Season the venison medallions with a bit of cracked black pepper and salt.

Cook quickly over hot charcoal until medium rare to medium. After two minutes on each side, check the internal temperature. Medium rare is 145 degrees Fahrenheit... medium is 160F. Remove the grilled tenderloin medallions from the grill and serve immediately.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Here it is Sunday morning and I have the shopping hangovers from yesterday. Heidi and I and Tyler literally spent the whole day going from one place to the other trying to fill a shopping list that we have had prepared for quite some time.

What this caption should say is unless I get to go to Cabela's, please please please.

We were able to do just about everything we had set out to do. I was able to go to Cabela's although it was the last stop of the day.

I specifically went there looking for reloading supplies for my next product review (hint hint) but, they did not have the powder or the primers I was looking for. What a BUMMER!

The guy that was helping me said they have had trouble keeping those items and others in stock since the presidential election. I then stated that I completely understood but that it still does not help me out.

I will have to unfortunately go some where else to find the components that I need, oh well.

I am off and running again but this time is is to do some errands so I will be back later. Enjoy the rest of your weekend every one.

It's going to be one of those Days

Today's post is a simple post and what I mean by simple is no pictures, no good news, no bad news, no tips or technigues, just a vision if you want to call it that.

Did you ever wake up and feel that today is just going to be one of those perfect days?

It does not happen to often but I woke up and my wife Heidi had the coffee pot cranking for me even though she doesn't drink coffee herself and my son Tyler was looking forward to our daily ritual of him and dad chasing the sugar bugs away (helping with brushing his teeth), we seem to have fun doing it.

Then after getting Tyler on the school bus which we almost missed Heidi and I went for our morning walk around the lake. It was beautiful to say the least. Clear skies and plenty of sun with a springtime nip in the air. The birds were singing and chirping so loud it was almost hard to get a word in. The squirrels were running back and forth like they got into our cat's catnip which was pretty hilarious to watch.

Then stopping at my friends bait shop and talking shop and general BS which was a very nice visit. Him and I like to gang up and pick on my Heidi just enough to get her wound up (all in fun of course).

Then heading home and making another awesome cup of hot coffee and having her bug me about making sure I take my medication so I can move around without cringing. She is relentless when it comes to that, she doesn't forget. Then calling the bank to find out if our tax return was there and getting the good news that it was (now we can pay some extra bills) finally.

All that so far and it's Friday to boot. I feel the day can only get better. I like to keep a positive attitude toward everything, it helps keep perspective. So onward I go, nothing can stop me now except one to many cups of coffee. I hope all of you have as nice of a day as I seem to be having and a better weekend to go with it.

The Magical site of a Albino Whitetail Deer

I have never seen a true albino whitetail even though I have heard of them in my area. Just this past season it was my first experience with seeing a piebald deer which I thought was pretty awesome.

Kenny from Kenny's great Outdoors had emailed me this post with the pictures which as he thought was very much appreciated so I decided to share it with you all. The original story came from Espn Outdoors and this photo came from Tim Roeschlein.

Guess I should have been taking better notes when my college professor went over genetics, especially after reader Tim Roeschlein sent in this photo:

Dear ESPN,
According to www.backwoodswisconsin.com, the odds of seeing three albino deer at the same time is 1 in 79 billion.
I took this photo of four albino deer at the Father Hennipen State Park in Isle Minnesota.

Any idea what the odds of my photo are?

Thanks, Tim Roeschlein

Seems for several years, Tim and wife Karrie have had twin albino deer, a doe and buck, coming to feed at their back porch in Wahkon, Minn. — pop. 314, sal-ute!
The local ABC news crew came to their home and shot this video.

Tim says he's now seen at least seven albino deer in the area. Others, like Linda Arent, have also seen and photographed the "white ghosts" in the area. Linda was so kind to send along numerous images of the albino deer at Father Hennepin State Park. (See them, Tim's and some other albino deer here).
Google albino plus the park and you get 509 results. Apparently the park has a herd of breeding albinos.

Read the complete story:

The OBS - Supporters of the Great American Outdoors

The more and more I think about it the more I felt I wanted to do something, even if it was to just voice my opinion for what ever it's worth.

When I started blogging I was with a organization that I felt would help me get started because let's face it I had no clue what to do and how to do it when it came to blogging. They did just what I felt they would do and I appreciate that. I have to say though after a year there was just something missing and I could never really put my finger on it. I did come to realize that I was not in it for the money. I didn't really care if I made anything from my blog. I did realize that it was a way for me to express myself and my beliefs and dis-beliefs.

The thing I figured out the most was control. I had no control over what I wanted to do or what I wanted to put on my personal space (blog) without having to get it approved. I felt I was always under pressure to make money and help the organization make money. I have to say that money does not make every one happy. So I left, I decided to branch out on my own so to speak.

I found blogger and started my own blog where I could put what I wanted and where I wanted it and you know what I thrived, I grew and I'm very happy with what I have created. Along the way though I found another organization that was quite different and very very supportive. so much so that I consider a lot of them friends now, go figure that one from somebody who grew up as a loner. They are called the OBS or "Outdoor Bloggers Summit".



Here is their mission statement which is posted at the beginning of their blog.

The Outdoor Bloggers Summit will do the following:

Support conservation efforts and positively portray the value of outdoor pursuits

Encourage and support the efforts of existing outdoor bloggers

Offer incentive and support for new bloggers who might wish to blog about the outdoors

Unite the voices of bloggers so we can speak as one about critical issues that affect outdoor pursuits.

Provide a clearinghouse for information about outdoor pursuits

Not once to they say or refer to any sort of monetary substance but what they do mention quite often is support, conservation,outdoors, bloggers, unite and the list could go on. They have been nothing but all those for me and others so if your looking to belong to something then I would check us out. I say us because I am proud to say I belong. They made me feel welcome as a blogger without question and I would be happy to return the favor any time.

Hunting antlers a year-round hobby for brothers

I could only imagine being as successful as these three brothers are at shed hunting but then maybe if I spent as much time as they do than I actually might find a few.

By Michael Pearce - McClatchy Newspapers

photo by: Michael Pearce

MCT - Scott, left, Nick and Matt White posed on a rooftop with their collection of shed deer antlers, which they spend hundreds of hours searching for every spring.

This year, White has found 64 antlers shed by bucks. His brothers, Nick and Scott, have collected about 20 each this year. The men in their mid-20s have collected about 1,000 shed antlers in their lives.

Much of their lives revolves around whitetail deer. Through the summer, they use trail cameras and binoculars to check the antler-growing progress of bucks where they hunt.

Last fall, Matt and Nick White bow-killed bucks that could score high in the Pope & Young record book. On Oct. 27, Scott White bow-killed a buck that grossed slightly more than 200 inches of antler.

Their minds turn toward finding shed antlers once the deer seasons end.

"I start in early January, glassing wheat fields (with binoculars)," Matt White said. "I know that's really too early but I can't help it. By late January, I'll start walking the edges of fields."

From then on, they're ready to walk any particular area if the time seems right.

Looking for shed deer antlers is one way they keep an inventory on the growth of bucks in their area.

By looking at particular antler's characteristics they can identify certain bucks.

Read the complete story:

Custom made Turkey Box Call

I have mentioned before that I am getting ready for Connecticut's spring turkey season. This will be my second season trying this. I also mentioned that it is a good way to keep tabs on the deer in my area which is most important, at least for me. I am though taking turkey hunting very seriously.

Now being new to this I am at a bit of a disadvantage but let me point out some one to you that I have to say makes some of the most awesome turkey calls I have seen in my most minimum experience.

Ed Blankinship from "Gobbler's End Turkey Calls" made and sold me a Scratch Box Call last year that sounded so authentic that I actually had turkeys answering it. Sadly my inexperience scared them away, haha.

Now this year I am a little smarter (little being the key phrase) haha again. I am going into this season a bit more prepared and a bit more confident.

I had contacted Ed about going from a scratch box call to a box call and he stated that he could make a real nice one for me out of poplar and even scribe my nickname (ct swamphunter) in it for me which I thought was cool. so I said let's do it and sent him a check. Here is what I just received in the mail and let me just say it sounds just as good as the scratch box call and maybe even better.





His prices in my opinion are well worth the time and personal attention he put into these magnificent calls. I recommend to any to stop by his site and check out what he can do for you. I know I am very eager to get out and see what happens with my new call.

Tuesday's Tip's & Techniques's - #29

Checking your Brass after Shooting:

Now being fairly new to rifle shooting because I have been hunting with shotgun for so many years that I am trying to pay extra attention to all aspects of rifles and shooting to learn as much as possible.

Over the weekend I went to the rifle range to try out a gun rest which I posted as a product review yesterday. Now when I was finished shooting I was picking up all my shell casings because that is one of the things you as a member of this club have to do. Plus, I am interested in getting into hand loading so I was examining the casings when I found quite a few that were split.

Now you can surely see the split and I know that is not normal and happened to be talking via email with Albert Rasch from "Rasch Outdoor Chronicles" over the weekend and he had this to say,
It could be a couple of things. If the brass is really old, it could split due to the brass becoming brittle. The chamber could be oversized by a few mils and some of the brass is bursting there. If its near the shoulder or neck, it could be the above two, plus the possibility of excessive headspace.

I happen to be using up half a box that a friend had givin me and showed him the shell. He had stated that the shells did have a bit of age to them so I am beginning to think Albert is correct in what he had told me.

So the moral to the story sort of is if you don't have to don't trust ammunition from somebody else. You don't know how old it is and you don't know if it had been reloaded and maybe reloaded one to many times. I want to thank Albert for his input and answering my question as rapidly as he did. I am quite sure I will have many more questions as I plan to delve into rifles and reloading more.

Product Review - Little Sure Shot Gun Rests

Continuing my mission to try and better myself during the off season with the added bonus of doing product reviews I figure I can give you an update of some products as well as keep you all informed.

One day not long ago I sent out a email to thunderboltcustoms.com makers of the "Little Sure Shot Gun Rests". I saw this product and thought to myself that it might be good for me to have one of those especially being that I am not as steady as I use to be and with spring turkey season right around the corner I don't need to be unsteady anymore than necessary. I put in the email that I would like to do a product review on this item and post my findings on my site.

I received a response from my request by Chip Stockdale of Thunderbolt Customs and it said (sure, give him a call) so I did. He was very pleasant to talk to and very helpful. What he did was send me a little Sure Shot Gun Rest called the "Big Mouth" and he also included a CD and pamphlet which was very informative.

It came within a three days like he said and it was very well packaged and protected.

Now I really plan to use this during spring turkey season which comes in May so by getting this now allows me time to play around and see how this is going to work. So off to the range I go.

I was really looking forward to seeing how this handy little item was going to work for me so when my son and I got there we found a nice little sapling that was begging to have a gun rest put on it.

It did take a little getting used to because I always shot with both hands on the gun but, with a bit of practice and a few rounds through my 30-30 I was becoming very satisfied of the results.

Trying to shoot free handed without nothing to stabilize the shot has always been a problem for me. Just by taking the "Little Sure Shot Gun Rest" and mounting it on a sapling that I cut from near by gave me the added stability I needed.

The rest itself is made of a very solid molded plastic best that I can tell and the knob to turn and tighten the devise is a good size to fit in your hand to tighten. The whole rest does not take up any more room than let's say a box of five shotgun shells so it is easy able to fit in a coat pocket. The cushion on it where the gun would rest is very thick,soft and will not mar any fini

Retail value for this gem of a gun rest is only $19.99 and in my opinion it is well worth the cost. I am looking forward to using this during our spring turkey season and feel that it will only enhance my chances for a safe and steady shot.

Tonight's Dinner is cooking.

I know this is Savory Sunday's so I just wanted to show what was in the crock pot for tonights dinner.

Venison Crock pot Soup:

I took out 3 packages of venison steaks only because i did not have any stew meat left and my wife Heidi cut into smaller piece's which she browned in a frying pan on low heat.

She then added it to a crock pot diced carrots and celery, onions, garlic, potato's and a seasoned soup mix that we got from the local supermarket.

We have had this many times before and it is so easy and quick to put together. Then the crock pot does the rest while we go to work or run errands for the day. So try this one if you want, it is a s basic a recipe as you can get and sometimes the basic ones are the best tasting.

Here is my wife Heidi stirring it up before she runs off to work and I start on my honey do list.

Oh ya, please ignore the wall paint in our kitchen it clearly is a poor choice in color and not my choice to begin with, I needed to point that out.

Savory Sunday's - #6

Venison Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds venison stew meat
• 3 onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 cups water
• 7 small potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 pound carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a skillet, deeply brown the meat in oil. Add onions, garlic. Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and water. Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender.
2. Add potatoes and carrots; cook until tender.
3. Combine flour and water. Stir into the stew. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Recipe from: All Recipe

Spring Turkey hunting is coming soon.

Being March that means I only have a little over a month to get ready for spring turkey hunting season which starts May 6th. here in Connecticut. Just a little past history to start and that is this will be my second season turkey hunting. I didn't start until last year.

It really is a lot of fun to go out and try to call in a turkey within shotgun range and I have to say that my first season last year went tagless which I expected but it also made me more interested in persuing it.

I will say that I really like turkey hunting because I am actually keep tabs on the deer in the area while I am doing it. It gives me a added satisfaction of sitting out there and just watching the deer browse on by with out knowing I am there and being able to watch how they act and react to sounds in the forest.

Now I am taking it a bit more serious this year partly because I learned a few things that I didn't know from last year. Like I purchased a ground blind The Trekker 100 because I think the reason why I could not get a turkey to commit coming in last year was because they saw me moving. That is why I bought the blind. I also purchased a Thermacell to keep the mosquito's away, I spent to much time and movement swatting at them last year. I have purchased a few turkey calls that I like from the ones I borrowed last year which I am practicing with.



There are so many items to get that I have to do a lot of research because I don't want to buy more than I need, at least for now.

Who knows, I might actually be able to tag a turkey but at least I can enjoy the outdoors and keep track of the deer in that area. Last spring I saw quite a few deer while I was turkey hunting so when the fall came and deer seasons opened for shotgun I set up at the very same spot and wouldn't you know it I saw deer. Unfortunately the only shot I had was off do to a sapling I didn't see. I'll be ready this year though.

One of the biggest and most famous bucks of all time!

Now this is something that I just had to post. I saw this on "Deer Hunting Big Bucks" site. I thought I had seen everything but this one caught me by surprise. Something like that being found just does not happen everyday. I guess that is what makes a whitetail buck so majestic. They really are treasures of the Great American Outdoors.



I really do hope you enjoy the video as much as I did and I want to thank Deer Hunting Big bucks for posting it as well.

Passion for Hunting leads to Television Show

Now this is a couple that I really envy I will admit. Not only do they travel together and hunt together but they are able to show their passion for deer hunting so we all can enjoy.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky parlayed a passion for hunting into a TV career.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky have the world by the tail.

A whitetail.

The couple, who grew up in the Twin Cities and now live on a farm in southeastern Iowa, have become superstars in the world of TV deer hunting shows. They spun their passion for deer hunting -- and each other -- into fame, if not fortune.

And a lifestyle that pays them to hunt virtually every day six months a year, and live on lands where monster bucks roam.

"We're so, so lucky and grateful to be where we're at," Tiffany said. "We never anticipated this. It's unbelievable."

Their show, "Getting Close with Lee and Tiffany,'' is among the top-watched programs on the Outdoor Channel. Renamed this year to "The Crush with Lee and Tiffany,'' the couple run their TV production company from their farm, employ eight, endorse and advertise for an assortment of hunting gear manufacturers and make celebrity appearances at sports shows, such as the Minnesota Deer Classic, where they will appear this weekend.

How popular are they?

"We can't even walk through a sports show, we need security guards," Tiffany said, because they draw a crowd. "It's kind of weird."

The good life

It's an unlikely path for a former flight attendant and a former chemical engineer, both of whom grew up in Columbia Heights.

But what sets them apart from other TV buck slayers is that they are a young couple, articulate and photogenic. Lee credits three main reasons for their success.

"I have just a huge passion for whitetail hunting, I'm just nuts about it," he said. "The farm we have produces great deer every year. We get whitetail footage that no one else gets."

And Lee says he's a perfectionist. "I want every show perfect. There's no 'That's good enough.'"

Also, he says, it's his wife. Having a woman -- particularly such an attractive one -- starring in a hunting show broke ground.

Read the complete story:

Original story from The Star Tribune:

Do you want to Hunt really Big Game?

Now I know what your going to say AFRICA? but, this is a whitetail deer hunting site. I was contacted by Jerome Philippe, Founder of Africa Hunting .com. He had asked about me maybe doing a little write up about his site. Now I will say that I have been pretty fortunate about having a lot of you other bloggers out there helping me by linking so I felt I should be able to do the same, after all it is about the outdoors/hunting.

Welcome to Africa Hunting .com, a beneficial site made to empower hunters through our hunting directory, hunting forum and hunting community. You can find over 2,700 listings in our hunting directory from hunting outfitters to hunting equipment and hunting gear with ratings and reviews from hunters like you. You can interact with other users in our hunting forum, ask questions, share experiences, hunting stories and pictures. Find everything you need to know for an African hunting safari. This is a place for seasoned African hunters and those of you who dream of someday hunting in Africa.

So if you are interested or do travel to far off lands and hunt BIG Game than please stop by and see what Mr. Philippe can do for you. He sure does have quite a bit of information readily available.

Never hurts to try something New

This is going to be a brief post today party because I have to go in early to work, I try to take the OT when it's offered depending on how I feel.

This is really a lull in the action for me usually because the weather is usually so unpredictable and I can't get out as much as I would like.

Not to long ago I had a chance to do a product review on some Pineapple Jerky and I got to thinking that this might be a good time to try out new products and post my finding, it could help and it certainly couldn't hurt.

SO, I started to make inquiries either by phone or email to different companies asking if they would be interested in letting me do some product reviews for them. I figure it helps get visibility for their product as well as help me to inform you all.

I have to say some are not interested and that is ok and some are more than willing to help out. I have lined up a couple of items so far, one is a gun rest which I plan to try out in the next few days and the other I am expecting to be delivered today and that is a tool for hand loading my own shells. That might take a little bit because I have never hand loaded before but I have always wanted to try it.

I will be looking into doing more figuring that it is a good filler for those days when my brain isn't functioning all that well. I would be lying if I said I didn't like getting these gadgets to try out but if it helps me in my passion for deer hunting than I am willing to try and inform you a well.

Stay tuned, I hope to have a post for you soon.

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #28

Spring time Scouting

This is something that I am sure we all do. I know I combine all my scouting trips with shed hunting which is also done around this time. If you are like me and my wife can attest to this is that I tend to lose track of time when I am out in the whitetail woods. I don't necessarily do it on purpose, it just happens even when I have a watch of some sort with me.

The purpose for this post though it to help make you aware that storm front this time of year can pop up when you least expect it at least in the north where I am. I tend to try and either take a fanny pack or a backpack with me with a few essentials just in case if I am caught unawares of the weather. It never hurts to be to prepared. I have a back pack that I throw a few items in for emergencies.

• foldable raincoat
• jug of water
• knife
• matches
• cell phone
• gloves
• knit hat
• sweatshirt
• snacks
• gps (if I don't know the area)

One other thing I do is always let someone know where I am going, at least the general area. For me it is my wife Heidi. She always knows the area that I am going to be in and god forbid if anything happens she has a list of people to contact.

I know it sounds like I'm preparing to be somewhere that humans have never been before or something like that but a lot can happen out in the woods and you really don't have to be far from home either.

Just a friendly reminder to be safe and prepared so we all can enjoy the great outdoors for many times to come.

My Views on the Proposed rate increase in Hunting Fees

Recently I was contacted by a local paper "Reminder News" about doing a story on deer hunting in northeast Connecticut and the proposed rate increase of all hunting fees. Here is the published story.

Gov. proposes hike in hunting fees

On a Web site for hunters in Connecticut, www.cthuntingnshooting .com, many local hunters expressed their concerns about Governor Jodi Rell’s proposal to increase the hunting license fees.

Rich Kratzke, a deer hunter in Ashford.
Photo & story by:
Yerina Ranjit/Reminder News

“She better not do this. It will make me angry,” responded one of the members to the online conversation. The bill proposes the hunting license fee hike from $28 to $56, firearm license from $14 to $28 and archery license from $14 to $28, for both state and private land hunting.

“The governor’s proposal essentially doubles the fees,” said Dennis Schain, spokesperson of the Department of Environmental Protection of the Governor’s Bill 6371. “As you could understand, people are concerned about the increase,” said Schain. This proposal is indeed making Connecticut hunters more than just concerned . Some worry that they’ll not be able to afford hunting in the coming season, and some say that there may be a rise in criminal activities because not everyone will not want to comply with the increase.

“It’s going to hurt a lot of people,” said Andy Swatik of Willington, the creator of the Web site. The 63-year-old hunter, who lives on disability funds, said that he hunts for meat for his family to last him for a year. “It’s going to take a chunk out of my pocket.” Swatik, who buys permits for two rifles, a muzzleloader , and archery, says that he spends about a $100 each season just for licenses and permits.

Another hunter, Rich Kratzke of Ashford, says that he hunts only for food. “That’s how I feed my family in winter,” said Kratzke, “If I’m able to tag even one deer, it gives me stew meat, steak, roasts and tenderloins.” Kratzke, who lives with his wife and two sons, says a deer a year lasts his family throughout the year. Although he says he buys other meat from stores, it saves him a lot of money.

Read the complete story:

Blog Spotlight - Women's Hunting Journal

First I want to say I hope you all visited Albert Rasch's site "The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles" who has been featured in "Whitetail Woods Blog Spotlight" for the past month. I truly do look forward to reading his posts.

Now, my next blog I would like to spotlight is the "Women's Hunting Journal" with Terry Scoville who is truly and outdoors person /huntress. Her interests range from hunting big game to flyfishing to hunting dogs to bird hunting and even has time to build custom wood working which is also a hobby of mine.

If you haven't visit her site yet than please take this link and go spend some time, you won't be sorry you did.

Women's Hunting Journal:

Savory Sunday's - #5

I am calling this Mrs. B’s Crock Pot Venison Roast because I got the recipe from my son’s kindergarten teacher.

Crock pot Venison Roast

2 - 4 lb. venison roast

1 pkg. onion soup mix

2 carrots

3 potatos

1 onion

brown all sides of roast then place in crock pot with potato’s, carrots, onions and onion soup mix with 1 1/2 cups of water.
Turn on low for approximately 6 hours occasionally sprinkle with your favorite seasoning

Well known Drop-Tine Whitetail Dies of Old Age

I guess age creeps up on all things and well known almost legendary whitetail bucks are no different.

Matt Semling watched this buck for three years on his farm in Houston County and was among many hunters who tried to cross paths with him during deer season. No one ever connected with ''TD,'' as the locals called him, and the giant buck died of natural causes near one of Semlings's barns. Submitted photo/Post-Bulletin

The legendary trophy buck that has Houston County residents talking these days is "TD," a triple-drop-tine brute that some residents knew quite well.

He didn't fall to a hunter. No, this 8 1/2-year-old buck died of natural causes and was found by Matt Semling on his farm near Houston on Feb. 7. For the past five years, TD has been observed, studied and hunted by hundreds of locals and a few people who traveled from as far as Florida to take a chance at bagging this rare specimen.

Local residents noticed TD due to the single drop tine he sported at the age of 3-1/2. At 5-1/2 years old he grew a second drop tine, and finally, at the age of 7-1/2 added a third, making him a standout not only for his age and size, but for his unique set of antlers.

The rack scored 181 inches on the Boone and Crockett scoring charts. Conservation Officer Scott Fritz has come across triple drop tines before, but never ones with such mass and length.

"I have a tendency to believe that maybe early in that deer's life sometime it was injured," Fritz said. "A lot of times when an animal is injured, the opposite side will show deformity."

Semling, a Winona State graduate, is not originally from the area but decided to move here after falling in love with the landscape and the abundant wildlife during college. It was after the move into his new home three years ago he first saw the impressive buck. Living in TD's territory gave him and his wife, Tricia, front-row seats to what became a local tourist attraction.

"Any day out of the summer, starting right away in June when I was on my way home from work, I would always know when he was in my food plot because there would be between five and 15 vehicles pulled over on the road," said Semling. "He'd show himself all the time when not being hunted."

Soon, it was not only curious locals lining the roadsides but professional camera crews from Matthews TV and Wild Outdoors to catch footage of the impressive buck.

During the summer TD made no effort to shy away from the spotlight, but the wise old buck proved too smart to make that mistake in the fall.

Read the complete story:

By Greg Schieber

Tink's - #69 Doe-in-Rut® Buck Bomb

Tink’s, the manufacturer of America’s #1 Buck Lure, has teamed up with the makers of The Buck Bomb™ to produce the Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut® Buck Bomb. That’s right, we have combined the best selling buck lure for over 30 years, Tink’s #69 Doe-in-Rut with the revolutionary scent dispersal system of The Buck Bomb. Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Bomb, it’s da bomb!

• Contains 1.5 oz of Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure
• Revolutionary scent dispersal system of The Buck Bomb™
• Produces a strong scent that travels 1/8th of a mile with only a 3-m.p.h. wind
• Scent adheres to everything it comes in contact with
• Fogger is easy to use, cost-effective
• Can be used from the ground or tree stand
• Tink’s original quality controlled formula
• Formulated from 100% natural doe estrous urine


I have been using Tink's products for years so when I heard about this product coming to light it was a pleasant surprise and on product that I defineately want to trey this fall.

Product Review - Pineapple Jerky from Jerky.com

I recently spoke via email to a real nice guy named Doug Iske from Jerky.com who offered me the chance to do a product review. Let me tell you I was a bit skeptical of fruit jerky until I actually tried some. The description from their website is a perfect example of how I would describe this product.

click picture for more info:

Who would have thought that one of the most healthy, flavorful types of jerky comes from a fruit? Straight from the islands of Hawaii comes this one-of-a-kind, mouth-watering, gourmet snack. Jerky.com brand pineapple jerky is 100% natural and made from fresh, sun-ripened pineapples grown on the island of Maui. Each hand-sliced piece of pineapple is dehydrated and lightly glazed with honey to create a sweet and tangy flavor that every jerky lover must try.

I think this is a very good product for when you are out in the field and you need a pick me up of something natural. The taste is everything that you would expect from a piece of pineapple and then some. It is also made in the USA which is very important as far as I am concerned. The packages are individually sealed for freshness which is nice and it also makes it easy to pack for those days out in the whitetail woods and beyond.

Jerky.com also has a wide variety of jerky other than fruit. Just to name a few they have venison, turkey, elk and buffalo as well as beef jerky.


So do yourself a favor and stop by at Jerky.com and see what kind of American made jerky you might be interested in. Either for yourself or as a gift for someone.

Antler Handle Walking Stick

Well I just finished my newest item of antler art. It has been something I wanted to do for quite some time. A walking stick with a antler for a handle.

See when I go on hiking/scouting excursions in the whitetail woods I like to take a walking stick with me for a couple of reasons.

1. It helps me keep my balance in uneven terrain.

2. It acts as support for my now weakens bones and joints.

3. It can also be used to reach for items that are not in my normal reach.

4. It can also be used as a club/weapon for those unruly varmints that might be feeling on the brave side, you never know when you might come in contact with a rabid animal who might be out of their mind from the sickness.

The stick itself is pretty basic, I had a broken rake in the basement with a oak handle so after cutting to the length I required I sanded it down to raw wood. I drilled a whole and inserted a threaded plug. Then I selected a beautiful shed antler of which I never found the other side and cut to the proper length and drilled a hole. I then inserted a threaded stud and epoxied in place.

The marking on the stick itself was from wood burning. I am really fond of wood burning and plan on pursueing that part of it more in the future. I of course chose the title of my blog which seemed fitting. Then I covered with three coats of protective polyeurathane so it had protection from the elements.

Last thing I did was to soak some brand new rawhide so as to make it flexiable and easy to work with, then I wrapped as evenly as possible the joint where the two came together. I am really pleased with the way it turned out and hope to get a lot of use out of it.

Tuesday's Tips & Techniques - #27

Storing Hunting Gear for the Summer:

This past weekend I was going through a lot of my gear from the previous season preparing to put it away for the summer and it made me think that it would make a good post. See if your like me or like I was years ago you would forget a lot of small details so, what I like to do is make myself a checklist of things to do and items to inspect.

I would certainly like to find out about something that needs to be replaced now rather than two weeks before season open if you know what I mean. Granted some of you might have this list in your head already but my memory isn't what it used to be. This list is in no particular order.

• Inspect and wash all camoflauge clothing (place in dry air tight tote)
  
• Inspect boots for rips,tears and seams
• Inspect and clean all game calls
• Inspect & wipe clean all flashlights (remove batteries, add/replace spare bulb)
• Inspect & clean laser range finder and gps unit (removing all batteries for the summer)
• Inspect, clean & sharpen all knives
• Inspect & wash backpacks and/or fanny packs (store out of direct sunlight)
• Store leftover scent attractants in a cool dark place (most are good for another season)
• Inspect, clean & wipe down all firearms/archery equipment (even if still using)
• Inspect and clean optics such as scope & binoculars

These are the basics of what I try to do around this time every year. Not only does it keep you busy when the weather can be so very nasty on days but it can also mean the difference of be prepared for next season or running around at the last minute trying to get ready for hunting.

Added item to my Wish List

I got to thinking as I was putting the finishing touches on my gun cabinet the other day. It is ok now but during the summer months it will be vulnerable to temperature changes and humidity. I would really hate to see my guns go to rust if you know what I mean. So, I started to look around and of course I went to my favorite website for shopping and found this at Cabela's.

Remington's Mini-dehumidifyer

It was given a 4.4 out of 5 rating which is acceptable to me.

Remove moisture in any enclosed space, like your gun cabinet or safe, with Remington's® Mini-Dehumidifier. Uses colorless, odorless nontoxic Water Glass crystals to constantly absorb moisture from the air. Every 30-60 days, the indicator window will turn pink when the unit needs regeneration. Simply plug it in to a standard electrical outlet for 10-12 hours, and the indicator window will turn blue when it's recharged and ready to go again. The average life span is approximately 10 years.

I am definately going to put one of these on my wish list. I know I have seen them before but at the time had no use for one. They really aren't that big and can be placed out of the way. I do plan to pick one up as soon as I can.

Savory Sundays - #4

Venison Bacon Burgers:

This is one of my all time favorites, whenever I go out I order a bacon cheeseburger so when I found this recipe I just had to add it to my list.



INGREDIENTS

• 6 slices bacon, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 pounds ground venison
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten to mix
• 6 hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy. Pour bacon and grease into a heatproof bowl and allow to cool. Heat olive oil in skillet then add garlic and shallots. Cook and stir until softened, about 3 minutes; then add to bacon.
2. Once cool, mix in venison, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg until evenly combined. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
4. Shape the mixture into 6 patties and grill to desired doneness. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

recipe is from: http://allrecipes.com/