Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 2

Choosing a Manufacturer:

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

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

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

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

Word from Albert

I received an email over the night from Albert of "Rasch Outdoor Chronicles". Some of us were wonders how he was doing since he headed over to that god forsaken part of the world, well here is what he had to say.

I'm fine and having oh so much fun! The dust here is enough to choke you, and when the sand/dust storms hit, you can barely breath. We get hit by rockets pretty regularly, but after a week you barely notice unless it's inside of 100 meters of your location. Mostly the rockets are low yield, but every so often, they send in a good one that really rocks. I'm based out of Bagram, but I've been in Kandahar a couple of weeks now. Slipped into Tarin Kowt for a day too. Just as dusty as any other place in this God foresaken place. When we do the Bagram to Kabul run we get geared up like nobodies business. Body armor and enough guns and ammo to fight a running battle if need be. So far nothing has even happened, and I hope it stays that way! Actually I'm more concerned with the 60 to 90 MPH we do on these shitty roads!

I am real glad to hear he is ok and doing fine. Albert has become a good friend and a real good blogger. If I hear any more I will let you all know.

Savory Sunday's - #42

Toasted Turkey & Pepper Jack Sandwich:

Ingredients

2 slices of turkey
1 tablespoon of mayonaise
1 tea spoon of mustard
1 thick slice of pepper jack cheese
2 slices of red onion
5 round slices of sweet pickles
2 slices of whole grain bread

Directions

Lightly toast bread
Spread mayo on one bread
Spread mustard on same bread
Cut onion slices into small pieces and place on same bread
Place Turkey
Place cheese
Microwave for 30 seconds
Place pickles
Place cap bread which hasn't been microwaved.

Thoughts of another passing Shotgun Season

Here it is Saturday the 28th. My shotgun deer season ended yesterday and I find myself with nothing for the freezer. I am not complaining and I thought I would share why.

To spend time in the outdoors where the air is fresh and the chill in the air feels so purifying and the sounds of nature are soothing to my ears are so memorable that it is almost unexplainable.

It was a short time it seems like that i was out there but not an uneventful one. I physically saw a total of 7 deer including the 14 pointer 3 days before the season opened and had by an educated guess approximately 4 more deer walk up on me before daylight which was pretty neat and surprising that they didn't pick up my scent being as close as they were.

Then there was the time I had a hawk swoop down and having it look like it was going to land on my head only making me duck for cover made the old ticker race a bit. I was in a new area that I had never been in before which was an exciting change and even though I knew there was other hunters around I never saw one person so it was like I had this whole are to myself.

I saw deer everytime I went out which was very worth it and now that the shotgun season is over I am finding myself contemplating a plan of attack for muzzleloader season which is only 11 days away. This break inbetween is going to give me a chance to do a little investigating. There is a spot about 100 yards away at a higher elevation with a break in a stone wall that I have seen no less than 4 of those deer I saw go through. I am thinking of moving slightly and positioning myself near that break in the wall that I think will be a crucial location during muzzleloader season. I plan to take a walk on Sunday when hunting is not allowed so I can look closer to the top of this ridge, I think there is more there than meets the eye.

Anyway is was a quick tagless season but one that I still enjoyed and also came away with plan for the next season which is coming fast. I always believe in having a positive attitude, it seems to help.

Slug Guns - Are they for You?

I'm on a mission, it seems Gary from "Base Camp Legends" want to learn for about slug guns and what they can offer a deer hunter who hunts in the brush compared to long range hunting. I will say I originally started out bowhunting for deer 19 years ago and 17 years ago I bought my first shotgun, otherwise known as a slug gun.



A Maverick 88 pump 12 gauge made by Mossberg. It came with a 24" smooth bore slug barrel which I change to a 28" turkey barrel w/full choke in the spring for turkey hunting. Now with age my eye sight has decided to head south so to speak and I started having trouble seeing the iron sights so I now scope all my guns.



My slug gun is mounted with a B-Square shotgun scope mount with Weaver Bases/Rings and for a scope it is your basic 4 x 32 Simmons which is in my opinion all you need for shooting 100 yards or less.



Now I do need to mention that if you are shooting a smooth bore barrel for a slug gun you need to shoot rifled slugs. This is what I shoot out of mine and they work great although what works for me and my slug gun might not work for you and yours.

The rifling of the bullet gives it the spin it needs out of a smooth bore. An average price for this type of slug is approximately $4.99 for a box of 5. Not a bad price I think.


Now if you go with a rifled barrel for a slug gun you will need to shoot a saboted slug. The reason is the slug is not rifled, it sits in a plastic sabot the follows the rifling of the barrel which gives the slug it's spin as it leaves the muzzle.

I have never shot these but I hear they can be quite accurate if you can match the right slug with the right barrel. Now these are a bit more expensive on average of $13.99 +/- for a box of 5 depending on where you go and what brand you purchase. When it comes to that it really is a matter of preferance.

Here are a couple examples of what a slug gun can do, I'm sure these might look familiar to some of you.

10 yard shot

30 yard shot

Because this is a subject with a wide variety of avenues to go down I think I will turn this into a small series of posts. I will be pulling info from all around to give you ideas and options to think about with links for future reference.

I have showed you my setup and as I stated before it happens to work for me but it might be different for you. Only trial and error will tell that. Shotguns have been around for many years and have served in a lot of different purposes between civilian self defense, law enforcement and even in the military so that right there tells you it has a long history.

This is only my opinion but long range shooting is fine for say targets and competition and the military but when it comes to big game hunting to get the full effect of what your weapon can do and why you are there and what you had to achieve to get there than try slug gun hunting. To get within 100 yards or less of an adult whitetail and be able to take a shot through brush and obstacles is an achievement in itself. There is no better satisfaction than that, of course that is only my opinion.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and keep you eye out for,
Part 2 of "Slug Guns - Are they for You?

Thanksgiving Day!

Sorry! No posting on Thursday due to the fact that I will be to busy eating turkey.

From the Whitetail Woods family to your family!

Trivia Challenge

This weeks trivia challenge is about the whitetail deer antler. We all know that they fall off every late winter/early spring and then grow back in time for autumn. Here is some basic information for you to read,

Photo source: Buckmanager.com

As is the case with most deer species, the whitetail buck grows a new set of antlers every year, and the antlers will typically re-grow bigger every year until it passes its prime at about 5-7 years of age. Bucks under two years usually sport small, spiked antlers, although the size of a buck’s antlers is not a determinant factor of its age. Some bucks never grow antlers bigger than about 3 inches. These bucks are sometimes called “button” or “spiked” bucks. Button bucks with very small antlers, which are sometimes hidden in the hair, are often mistaken for does. It is interesting to note that the opposite can also be true, as one in about ten thousand female whitetail deer also grows antlers. This is usually the result of an abnormally high level of testosterone.

Question: How fast does a Whitetail Deer antler grow?

Mini Series comes to Whitetail Woods

Slug Guns - Are they for You?

I just wanted to leave a quick note about a mini series starting Friday November 27th. This idea came in a round about way from Gary at "Base Camp Legends" who is interested in hunting with a slug gun and asked if I could help in some way.

I will touch on a few areas such as brands of slug guns, types of slug barrels, types of slugs, pump verses automatics. So I hope some of you will find this interesting and helpful.

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #65

Watch your Body Temperature:

I know this is a odd title but lately I have noticed how heated up I get while walking in to my stand location in the morning. For example, opening morning I suited up and headed in and half way there I started getting hot. Now when I left is was 30 degrees out which is cold, by the time I got to where I was going to sit I literally was soaking wet and that is not a good thing for more than one reason.

1. you can get sick after cooling off from the sweat and cold air
2. the deer will be able to smell you more easily
3. you are just plain uncomfortable

My tip is to walk in with out the heavy clothing on you might be cold at first but even if you start to heat up at least you won't be getting all sweaty. What I do is wrap and tie the upper part of my insulated coveralls around my waste. I also don't where my knit hat until I get ot where I am going. This will eliminate your body getting to hot on a very cold day.

The last thing you want to do is miss part of your deer hunting season because you came down with Pneumonia, been there and done that.

Shooting Range extends it's hours to accomadate Hunter's

I have used this range in the past. It is open to the public and it is free but is only open on Saturday's & Sunday's plus it is first come first served.

Glastonbury Shooting Range Extends Operating Hours for Deer Hunters Reservations Not Required

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that weekend shooting hours have been extended at the Glastonbury Shooting Range, Glastonbury to accommodate Connecticut’s deer hunters as they prepare for the opening of the general firearms deer hunting season on November 18, 2009.

The range, which is located off Toll Gate Road in the Meshomasic State Forest, is normally open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The new hours will extend supervised shooting to 4:00 PM each weekend day, with the 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM time period reserved specifically for deer hunters who have a valid 2009 firearms deer hunting permit. No advance reservations will be required or taken.

The range will continue to be staffed by certified Range Safety Officers through November 29, who will assign shooting positions to deer hunters on a first-come, first- serve and walk-in basis starting at 2:00 PM.

"This is a timely change that should be welcomed by those deer hunters who need to make some final adjustments on their hunting firearms," stated Mark Clavette, Range Supervisor and Administrator of the DEP’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program. "Finding a safe place to sight in a firearm is often difficult for the average hunter who doesn’t belong to a private club with an established range," said Clavette.

The Glastonbury Shooting Range has been in operation since 1980 and was originally developed as a site for sportsmen to practice and sight in their hunting firearms. Over the years, the site has been improved with extensive renovations and now accommodates a wider variety of recreational shooters.

All operational costs at the range are funded through a special allocation of federal funds derived from excise taxes paid on the purchase of sporting arms and equipment. Under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program (commonly called the Pittman-Robertson Act), Connecticut receives a dedicated allocation of funds that can be used for the development, operations, and maintenance of public shooting ranges.

For more information, including range rules, what to bring, and driving directions, visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/hunting. From the Hunting and Trapping menu, click on "Trap and Target Shooting" and select the link under "Glastonbury Shooting Range."

Trivia Challenge - #3A

When I was searching for trivia Q & A's I had found the question for #3Q

Question - What animal has the highest blood pressure known to exist in any mammal?

Answer - The Giraffe!

They have the highest known blood pressure of any mammal in the world – up to 280/180mm Hg when prone at heart level (approximately twice that of an average human)

Information From: Terra Naturals.com

Saturday's deer hunt was close but not close enough

Just thought I would touch base with you all on my trial of the "Doe in Estrus" scent and Saturday's events, how little they were.

I got up at 4:30 and got dressed and headed out. It didn't take long to get to my area (it's only 10 min.) where I park my car. I popped the trunk and proceded to dawn all my apparel as I stared at the sky noticing that it was not as clear as it was opening morning. There was no frost to speak of but still fairly quiet to move in if your careful.

All suited up I grabbed my 12ga. Maverick which is made by Mossberg, I have had this gun for17 years now and it has never failed me. I walked in slowly and when I got to about the half way mark I started to dribble the doe in estrus. I would dribble here and there periodically as I went. Why I am doing it this way is because I have had success with another brand doing it this exact way.

I finally made it to where I sat opning morning but had already decided to move about 30 yards over. This is where the 3 deer busted me on opening morning because they saw me before I saw them plus it would give me better visibility on the other side of what I think is an important knoll.

I found my new spot and cleared the leaves away so I can move freely without making any noise and then i went to set out the 2 bottles of doe in estrus I had. Dribbling here and there I then took the empty bottles and stuck them upside down in a small branch 4 to 5 feet above the ground. One at about 20 yards behind me and the other about 30 yards forward and to my left.

Well day break came and the sporadic sounds of shotgun shots rang out from close to far as I sit there diligently looking for my hope at filling a tag. Finally around 8:30 I saw one to my right casually circling around this small clump of deadfall. I was thinking that if it would have to way to go after that. Either to the left into a large patch of laurels where it would be lost from my site or take a right which would bring it write up behind me and into my crosshairs.

I guess I don't have to tell you which direction it chose to go (left) as I stand there try to grunt to get it's attention. I got it to stop once but I did not feel comfortable with the shot so I let it go. That is one thing I pride myself on is I won't squeeze the trigger unless I an comfortable and confident with the shot.

I sat all morning not seeing anything else but that one deer and a few gray squirrels. I am not disappointed because I have seen deer everytime I have been out in this area and I am confident that it's only a matter of time. None the less it turned out to be a beautiful morning although it could have been a touch colder.

Oh ya, before I forget. the doe in estrus scent I feel does show potential so I will be trying it again the next time I head out.

Savory Sunday's - #41

Grill Roasted Turkey:

Try this method and you'll never use your oven again. The turkey cooks in half the time recommended for oven roasting, and it remains moist and juicy with just one basting. But stifle the impulse to open the grill lid for a peek -- the heat in the grill will drop significantly and slow your cooking.

Yield: 18 to 20 servings (with plenty left over for turkey sandwiches)

• 18- to 20-pound turkey (not self-basting)
• Olive oil spray or 1/2 cup olive or canola oil
• Salt and pepper

Thanksgiving Day:
Preheat gas grill for 10 minutes with all burners on low heat (400 degrees F). Rinse turkey and pat dry. Stuff turkey with Herb Stuffing (see recipe). Coat skin of turkey with olive oil spray or brush skin with oil. Season skin with salt and pepper. Place turkey in a disposable aluminum foil roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Create a tent of aluminum foil over the turkey and seal tightly. Place pan on the grill rack and close lid. Cook 3 hours (for a 20-pound turkey) or until popper is exposed or turkey leg can be pulled away from the body. Remove tenting. Baste turkey with drippings (remove 3 tablespoons drippings for gravy). Close grill lid, raise heat to medium, and cook 15 minutes more or until bird is golden brown. Remove turkey from grill. Allow bird to sit 10 minutes. Remove dressing to an ovenproof bowl and place it in a warm oven until serving. Carve turkey, place on a large platter, and serve.

Corn Bread Stuffing:

This quantity will stuff a 15-18 pound turkey. Cornbread stuffing is good for chicken too.

• 3 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
• 3 cups stale white bread, crumbled
• 1/2 pound butter
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• I apple, cored, peeled, and chopped
• 3 sprigs parsley, minced
• 1 bay leaf, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• salt and black pepper to taste
• giblets of the bird (or 1/2 pound sausage meat)

Crumble the breads into a large bowl. Chop the giblets (or take the sausage meat) and cook with the vegetables in part of the butter until lightly browned. Melt the rest of the butter and add, with the vegetables, apple, herbs, and seasonings, to the bread. Stir to blend well and stuff into the bird just before roasting.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (side dish):

• 1 large head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt & pepper
• Step Two: Mashed potatoes
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 stick of butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut head of garlic in half across the top, drizzle with olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper. Wrap in aluminum foil and roast for about one hour until garlic is tender. Remove garlic by squeezing each clove. Set aside. Put potatoes in saucepan, cover with water, season with salt and pepper and boil 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender. Drain. Add salt, pepper, butter, heavy cream and roasted garlic. Use mixer until desired consistency.

Review of "Doe in Estrus", Does it work?

I have always had a Like or Dislike opinion when it comes to hunting scents. Some times they work and some times they don't but, I always try to keep an open mind such as in this case.

Now I went to Walmart after work last night and originally was going to get some Tink's but all I saw was empty hooks.

Wildlife Research Center had some still there called "Doe in Estrus". I heard a lot about them but honestly have not tried any of their products.





This is what they say on their website,

• Natural Doe Urine with Estrus Secretions.
• Carefully collected from whitetail does.
• Triggers the sexual attraction instinct of Whitetail Bucks.
• Brings in bucks aroused.

I figure what the heck I might as well try it. There has been other hunters in this area so I need to better my odds how ever I can to bring in a deer. Today is Saturday and I am out hunting and using the "Doe in Estrus". I hope to have good news for you later on.

Trivia Challenge - #3Q

Here we are with another trivia challenge question that will hopefully get you thinking. So post what you think is the answer in the comments section. Don't forget there are no stupid answers so put what ever you think.

Question #3

What animal has the highest blood pressure known to exist in any mammal?







If you want to put me to work than email your trivia questions and I will track down an answer for you.

Blog Spotlight - Hannibal's Animals

It is that time of month where I feature a new blog, where I put a blog in the spotlight. Well, this time I have a blog that caught my eye literally because she is a photographer and a pretty good one in my opinion. Peggy (Hannibal) from "Hannibal's Animals" has a beautiful site where she enjoys sharing what she see's.

Here is the picture that caught my eye, isn't it just beautiful.
Here is what she had to say which I read from her site. I think it pretty much explains things.

Welcome!

Thanks for cruizin my site! I travel to many counties, (Grundy, Will, Livingston, Kankakee, LaSalle, Kane, Cook) so I hope my photos represent the north-central part of Illinois. My photography is about sharing a moment with nature, and capturing the natural behavior we don't usually see. I am most happy when I can walk away unnoticed, have the shot waiting to download, and know that I did not disturb natures natural order. I am a conservationist, and some might even say a tree hugger, but I would say I'm not too extreme (yet). I would hope that my agenda for creating this blog is to at least stir up a new appreciation for the environment that we live in.

I have always believed that pictures tell more than words and if you could spend some time looking at Hannibal's pictures than you will get much more than you realized. It is all about the outdoors and that my friends is what I'm talkin about.

Seven deer and no tags filled, yet.

Well, shotgun deer season is finally here. I started out leaving work early last night so I could get some extra sleep which didn't happen, I was awake all night. I got up too early and obviously got to the woods way to early. I got heated up on my way in to where I was going to sit and it was like 30 degrees out so you know why I have a constant chill now.

It sure was a frosty one out there this morning so I could here everything that was moving which started off with 3 deer coming in at 7:00 which I proceeded to get into shooting position. The only problem with that was they saw me before I was ready, there they go 3 fluffed out whitetails over and down the next hill.

For the rest of the morning I sat and listened to gun shots going off all around me some close but most were not. I decided I had enough for opening morning and thought I would go home write this post, take a hot shower and try to get some sleep before work so i can get up and do this again tomarrow morning. As I was heading out I spooked another one that didn't stick around long enough to say !@ #$%^ I messed up again.

Then to top it off I caught 3 crossing the road in front of my car half way home. But, like I always have said just seeing them is worth it and filling a tag is just a bonus. I will try again tomarrow morning, the weather is suppose to be good again.

It wouldn't be called deer hunting if it was easy now would it.

More pics to Admire

Wanted to share some more picks that my friend Tim Roeschlein sent me from his backyard.

ENJOY!

Tuesday's tip's & Technique's - #64

Using Latex for Field Dressing:

I will be the first to admit that field dressing a deer is messy but a job that needs to be done and done as soon as possible so as not to spoil the meat.

Believe it or not I always just used to dig right in and get all messy (bloody) and then have my wife yell at me because my clothes were trashed but then I started wearing latex gloves while field dressing. You can get these in normal length or extra long like right up to the elbow.

For those of you who might be allergic to latex there is a non-latex type. They are called vinyl gloves like you would see food servers wear in restaurants or school lunch rooms.

Once you are done all you have to do is pull them off and place in a zip lock bag for easy disposal. No more wiping messy hands on your favorite camo or sticking your hands in a frozen stream to clean them off.

A Walk-In Cooler that will Pay for itself

As promised my friend Nate sent me pictures of the walk-in cooler he was building in his basement and let me tell you I am as jealous as can be. He and his help has certainly put a lot of time into constructing this and their hard work has paid off. Wait till you see these pictures.

The stainless steel table that he had bought specifically for this. If I remember right he only paid maybe $200 for it, brand new.











A standing back view. The cooler is to the right.













Some awesome cutlery, scale, vacuum sealer and of course a stereo for entertainment.












I know what your thinking. That is a regular wall a/c unit.

How can that keep the cooler at a freezing temperature?

You will see shortly!







A very nice digital thermometer to keep an eye on the temp. As you can see it's COLD.












There you have a very nice table to cut on, a sink to wash up in, all the utensils hanging there on the wall and a couple stools to relax on.











This is what makes the walk-in cooler so special and so cold using just a plain a/c unit.

They call this "The Cool Bot".

The Cool Bot turns any brand of off-the-shelf, window-type air conditioning unit (purchased separately) into a turbo-charged cooling machine. With it, you can transform a highly-insulated room into a walk-in cooler, keeping your vegetables fresh and thermostatically controlled cool down to 32° F!



I want to thank Nate for sharing these pics with me so I can share them with you. I sure hope it pays off for him and I have a feeling it will.

Albino Deer are still a sight to Behold

I want to share an email that I recently received from Tim Roeschlein from Minnesota. I had done a post in the past that had a picture in it from Tim and the post was called "The Magical Sight of a Albino Whitetail Deer"

Anyway Tim sent me some new pictures that I also wanted to show. I never get tired of looking at whitetail deer and especially albino whitetail deer.

This is what Tim had to say,

Sure, I took the photo of the four albinos in the Father Hennipen State Park here in east central Minnesota. It's located about two miles (as the crow flys) from my home.

In that photo of four, the deer in the background is the same buck in the photo I just sent you but, he didn't have his antlers when I took the photo.

There are actually 5 albino whitetails that live in the park. It's legal to shoot albino whitetails in Minnesota.

But with "No Hunting" in any Mn. state park, these deer are protected as long as they stay within the park boundries. This allows them to survive and keep reproducing. As the herd gets bigger, there are always one or two albinos that do leave the park to find new home ranges.

The twin albinos (see photos) that feed in my backyard are not the same deer as the ones in the photo of four. Although they are more than likely offspring from the deer in the state park.

After having the albino twins feed from my backyard for two years, they became so accustomed to my family going in and out of the house that they would just stand there! Not much of a challenge from a hunting perspective but they have been a real joy for my granddaughter to see when she visits.

Even though they're just wild animals, I developed a certain level of trust in those two years and to shoot them... well I just don't think I could feel good about it.

I've heard it's bad luck to shoot an albino. I'm not sure about that but I found that's definately good luck not to!

Go to www.browning.com and look for the "Show Us Your Buckmark" online contest. Click on "View the winners" and you'll see my buckmark deer feeder with the twins.

Good albinos.....gooood albinos!

Best Regards,
Tim

I want to thank Tim for remembering the post I did and sending me these updated pictures, it is very much appreciated.

My first encounter with a 14 Point buck

I just can not wait, the next couple of days are going to drive me absolutely crazy. Why you ask, well I went scouting this morning in an area of state land that I have never been in. It is a good size area according to the map.

I will say that this particular area I am scouting does border some private land but from what I can tell it is marked pretty good.



It rained last night so everything was pretty wet and there was still rain drops falling from the tree's. After walking in a bit I stopped to look around and caught site of movement. It was a deer and it was moving up toward me. I had Heidi's camera with me so I got it ready to snap off a copy shots. Before you really look at the pictures let me tell you it came within 10 yards of me and with the wind to in front of me I was undetected. Now I did see antlers and I originally counted eight points so I concentrated on pictures after that.

What I didn't realize though was when I got home and put the pictures on the computer where I could magnify the pictures I was surprised to count not 8 points but 14 points in all. I wanted to show the magnified pictures but sorry to say I didn't know how to save them to post. It clearly shows 6 points on the left (included was a double brow tine) and 8 points on the right (included was a triple brow tine and a sticker between the G2 & G3).











He never knew I was there. I didn't move for quite awhile as I didn't want him to spook. I picked out two different spots to sit which are close to each other but both are well with in shotgun range of what I think is his trail. I only have one tag for this particular season so I hope he is the first one I see but if not than he lives to rut another day.

Matt got the Job Done

Well my friend Tipper from "The Blind Pig & the Acorn" sent me a picture of her husband Matt who harvested a very nice buck, she thought I might like it and you know me I sure did. As a matter of fact I got permission from her to share it with you all.

Matt's Buck
Harvested in Oglethorpe County Georgia
Congratulations on a job well done!

Savory Sunday's - #40

Citrus Venison Roast:

1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup ocean spray grapefruit/tangerine cocktail
1 tbsp cornstarch
2-3 lb. venison roast
granulated garlic

Place onion in bottom of slow cooker, put the roast in on top. Mix grapefruit juice with cornstarch and pour over roast. Sprinkle with garlic. Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with rice and chopped green onions(optional)

You Shoot it You Eat it!

Time and time again I have heard about deer hunting being related to trophy hunting and when you see a picture it is this buck with a massive rack. It is true that I have a fondness for antlers and have been collecting them for years but you can't eat them.

I consider every deer a trophy from a small doe or a button buck (which was my first deer) to a huge multi pointed adult king of the woods. People and I say people because men and women hunt put to much into bone. We as human beings and hunters and huntresses and stewards of the land should be putting more into what God and nature has provided us no matter the size.

Like I said before I have no problem shooting a huge buck but if it is a doe that happens along first than so be, I need to put meat in the freezer to feed my family. I am not trying to start some kind of argument or controversy I just want us to sit back for a moment and realize why we are out there. It is different for everyone, I realize that but we all share a common denominator and that is a animal will fall to what we do. Is it going to be wasted for a set of antlers or cut up and packaged to be placed in a freezer for later consumption.

We all have to remember the non hunting community has their eyes on us and it is not a good site when all they see is a carcass on the side of the road with no head. I have seen that twice already and it really is sad to see that some people are like that.

I am proud to say that for 19 years now and numerous deer later I have not wasted anything. I know a lot of people feel the same way but there is a certain amount that don't care and this post is directed to them. I ask that they take a minute to think before the waste another animal over nothing but a set of antlers.

OR OR BOTH!

Trivia Challenge - #2A

Well Nate here is the answer to your question according to my research. I was going to post this next week but it seems everyone is doing their homework on the question. I am happy to see so much participation. Hope to see it continue when the next trivia challenge is posted (coming soon).

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

Answer,
On a cold November day in 1926, Carl Lenander Jr. dropped a monstrous Minnesota buck with a single shot. Field-dressed, the deer weighed 402 pounds. The state Conservation Department calculated its live weight to be 511 pounds. No heavier whitetail deer has ever been recorded.

Information from: Outdoor Life Book of World Records

My Pick's for the 10 Point Award

I was shocked, I was shocked that I was given The 10 Point Award from Marian over at "Marian's Hunting Stories". I am so honored to receive this and by doing so I need to pick 7 others who are deserving in my opinion of this award as well. The nice thing about this is it does not necessarily have to do with just hunting but the outdoors in general. So with out further yacking on my part here are my 7 choices.

Oh ya before I forget, feel free to copy and paste this banner to your blog/website

Blind Pig & the Acorn - This blog owner is Tipper who I consider to be a good friend. Here is what she has to say: A common theme that arises when thinking of past times is a longing for a simpler lifestyle. An unhurried time when families pulled together because hard times demanded they do so. A time filled with joys and bittersweet memories. For me there is something more. I believe part of the longing is related to the fragility of life-to those loved ones who have long gone on. Another part is a primal instinct instilled in each by the Creator passed along to each generation to learn the ways of old as a direct map to our future. I very much enjoy reading her blog and urge everyone to visit her down to earth writings.

The Hunter's Wife - This blog owner is Jody who has been a supporter and follower of me for quite some time. Let me just say if you ever need a laugh than her site is the place to visit. Here is a bit about her: I’m the city girl with painted nails in borrowed camouflage finding humor being married to your all around outdoors guy. This has been an amazing journey I’ve taken since I’ve started blogging. I’ve come in contact with some of the most amazing people. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a pod-cast for Versus Country, interviewing the famous Tred Barta and David Morris. I’ve teamed up with BP and our local boys and girls clubs to bring the joy of fishing to our local youth.

Women's Hunting Journal - This blog owner is Terry who lives in Oregon of all places. What a beautiful state, not that i have been there although I wish to visit some day. Her is a quick note: I'm a life long outdoor enthusiast and huntress. Having hunted waterfowl for over 30 years I've learned a few tricks and continue to do so each season afield. Terry get's in the outdoors so much that I am truly envious of her. Between duck hunting, goose hunting, quail hunting deer hunting, bear hunting and even elk hunting you can sure learn a lot from her. I also want to mention her best frien and partner Jet an English Black Lab that is always with her.

The Henhouse Pottery - This blog owner is also special, her name is Julia and she lives the simple life. In her own words: Thirteen years ago, we started with a tiny apartment garden, a small compost bin, and the vision of a simpler life. An acre and a half, an 8-year old son, a 100-year old house, 20 chickens (one of which is a deeply troubled rooster), 4 turkeys, tens of thousands of bees, a huge compost pile, and a whole load of adventure later, we are now fully embracing the simple life. We used to homestead in the suburbs, annoying our urban neighbors with our chickens, bees, and compost – now we homestead in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. The view is beautiful and the challenges are never-ending. We have three humans, three dogs, a snake, and I dream of goats (yes, I’m weird like that). Who knows what else we’ll pick up along the way?!

Ben G Outdoors - Here is my next choice for the award. This blog owner is obviously Ben. Ben has been doing some very nice posts lately and he too sure get's in the outdoors. Here is what Ben has to say: I live in central Minnesota. Married with one child, and a gun dog. I didn't exactly grow up hunting and fishing. It was kind of a here and there thing. I started to get in to it when I was living in Sandpoint Idaho with my Dad. We went Elk, and deer hunting for two seasons.We also did a bit of trout fishing in the mountian streams. Even though I never got to shoot anything I was hooked. Ever since I've been hunting as much as I can.

A Blessed Crazy Life - This blogs owner is Jenn and she sure keeps herself busy as well. Besides being a Graphic Designer her is what she has to say: I'm a wife & mother who enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, scrapbooking, cooking, hiking, and a whole bunch of other stuff and I am abundantly blessed and always feel just a smidge crazy. I don't know how she finds the time but, her blog is another great place to grab a coffee and do some reading.

Moose Droppings - This blog I have been following for as long as I can remember. Greetings I’m Moose and I currently live in North Carolina and have lived here for the last 11 years. I grew up in New England and still have many roots tied to that part of the country and try to get back there as much as I can. I miss New England fall days, when the air is crisp and the beauty of the leaves as they turn colors and drop to cover the earth for winter. I miss winter almost as much.

How did I get to love the great outdoors as much as I do? As a boy, I fished a lot but it was not until my college years before I took up hunting. Once I started hunting, I knew that this was for me and I began to learn all I could about hunting and the outdoors. Moose Droppings will be a place that chronicles my journey, I’ll explore new places and ideas I’ll learn new things and I’ll teach the things I’ve learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.

So, there you have it. My 7 choices for the award, they are in no particular order because they are all equally deserving of this award in my opinion. They all bring something special to blogging and the outdoors.

Doe makes Home on Military Base

I saw this and just had to share it.

What's the safest place for a deer to be during hunting season?

GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

Cpl. Doris Doe, as she is known to the soldiers of Garrison Moncton, has decided that the safest place during hunting season is behind a secure fence on an armed forces base.

GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

Doris the Doe is enjoying the protection during hunting season of the personnel of Garrison Moncton.

Doris apparently decided it was a big yard surrounded by a fence in the middle of Moncton's military base.

The female whitetail deer wandered into the grounds of Moncton's 37 Brigade Group compound about a month ago and made herself at home inside a large fenced-in field. The field is about the width of a football field and twice as long, filled with knee-high grass and clover to eat and quite a few puddles of water to drink.

Soldiers at the base like the novelty of having the deer in their midst and someone even posted a hand-made sign on the chain-link fence that reads: "Private Quarters, Cpl. Doris Doe, No Firearms Permitted (or bows)."

Doris seemed to be perfectly content in her private paddock

yesterday, quietly grazing through the grass and clover and raising her head to twitch her big ears at visitors snapping her photo. But she also seems to be a master of camouflage. It takes a keen eye to pick out her brown form when she stands silently in the tall grass.

Capt. Giselle Holland, public affairs office for 37 Brigade Group, said the deer seems very content and comes and goes as she pleases. The deer has been spotted on the road in the middle of the night, leading to concern she might get hit by a car.

The military base is located just off the busy Vaughan Harvey Boulevard and surrounded by residential neighbourhoods in all directions. Doris must have crept around the base security offices to get into the fenced-in field near the parking lot. However, there are large open gates at either end so she is not confined and free to come and go as she pleases. And since she is not causing any trouble or in any apparent danger, officials with the Department of Natural Resources are content to let her stay there, at least until hunting season is over on Nov. 21.

Matt Jones, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources in Fredericton, confirmed the deer has been around the base for a month and there are no immediate plans to move her out.

"If we were to take care of it now, we would have to tranquilize it and tag it before releasing it so that no one who shot it would eat its meat with the chemicals in it, or simply destroy the deer. Not our preferred option. Instead, since the deer isn't causing any problems on the base (it's in a large, open clover field and seems quite content there), we're planning to wait until hunting season is over and at that time and either drive it out of the base gates at a time when traffic is low such as the early morning, tranquilize it and move it out, or if necessary, destroy it."

Jones said the main concern from the base is that Doris' field is an area where the snow plow usually turns around, so the plans could change if there is a large snowfall.

Deer grazing within city limits is rather common in Metro Moncton.

Story from: Times & Transcript