Go Hunting with Foxfire Outdoors, You won't Regret it

I recently came in contact with Jeff Schlack from Foxfire Outdoors. I met him on Camospace.com and after talking to him I went and viewed his website and watched a portion of a video he and his team members made. See according to Jeff they started filming their hunts 3 years ago but didn't really start taking it seriously until this past year. So let me begin my telling you a bit about them.



Jeff Schlack

I am 24 years old from Hopewell Pa. I can remember sitting in the stand with my father at the age of 9, and ever since then I was hooked. I live for it! I prefer archery equipment over everything, but I still enjoy gun hunting. In the fall you will find me in a tree, and fishing in the summer.




Josh Magnone

I am 25 years old from Hopewell PA. I started hunting at the age of 12,thanks to my stepfather Ed. I hunt with guns, but I put archery hunting with my Foxfire bro's at the top of my list of favorite things to do.



Anthony Colalella

I am 24 years old from Aliquippa Pa. I like anything outdoors from fishing to hunting. I prefer archery hunting the most, but I love all the seasons. I have a 2 year old son and I cant wait to introduce him into the outdoors.





Here is a video clip of what these guys can do. This is an October Archery hunt on 2008 and I got to say it sure made me wish I was bowhunting again.

Video is property of Foxfire Outdoors:




Being that I am basically a self taught whitetail deer hunter I tend to rely on certain things to better myself in my pursuits for the whitetail deer. For one I go on the word of people I trust, that is partly what has given me an edge during my last 19 years of deer hunting. Another thing that has helped me immensely is reading, you can always find me with my nose in a deer book or browsing the net reading about deer and deer hunting and to continue my passion for deer hunting was watching video's.

I have what I think is quite the selection of deer hunting video's/dvd's. I tend to watch them year round and there always seems to be something I missed from the last time I watched. Getting to the point at hand, I have seen a lot of video's and let's be real some have it and some don't. There is more to a video than just the kill. These video/dvd's that people buy are the ones that will keep a consumers attention. These video/dvd's that people purchase are the ones that not only show you the step by step events of the hunt but they also tend to take time to explain what they are doing and why (how do you think I learned half of what I know) by watching video/dvd's.

Jeff, Josh & Anthony to me have what I look for in a video/dvd and I want to state that I highly recommend purchasing their dvd.

Keystone Madness DVD

Join Team Foxfire as they take you through the woods of Western Pennsylvania, to bring you there first production Keystone Madness. This DVD showcases 13 100% fair chase hunts filmed on public and private land!

Another item that caught my attention and some of you who know me will agree and that is 100% Fairchase. If I believe in anything it is that and the three guys do that.

I don't endorse/recommend people,products or events easily because if I do I am putting my name on it so if you want to add a good dvd to your collection and better yet follow their progress than I would bookmark Foxfire Outdoors website to your favorites, I know I did. Join me in following their pursuits in the new year. Other than actually going out and hunting there is nothing better than sitting down putting your feet up, grabbing a cold one or a hot one and watching an excellant hunting dvd.

Happy New Year to all my Friends

Well another year has come and gone and as I look back I see a lot of great memories which by far out weigh the bad. This is the time every year where we all tend to look back and look forward so I am going to share a few moments in time and a few plans for the future.

This past year was a little tough but the highlight of the year and top of the list is the doe I tagged with my muzzleloader which just happened to be in the first substantial snow fall for Connecticut this year. Next memory for this past year was the morning I went out and caught for the first time my limit of trout. Then in August I celebrated my one year anniversary of the day I started this blog which has become a huge part of my life and the source for so many new friends I can happily say I have. of course I can't forget my wedding anniversary which happened to be #24 this year. Who would have thought 24 years ago I would be married with two son's to pass on my name. Life has a way of directing you on different paths and I like this path. I guess I better start planning to do something special for next years 25th.

I suppose the last thing I would say about this past year was all the new friends I made in the blogosphere. I can honestly I made more new friends blogging than I have growing up.

Now plans for the coming year of 2010. Of course what I am about to mention as plans for the coming year are all "subject to change" LOL. I like to keep my options open, hehe. These are in no particular order,

• do more Scouting for deer season
• put more emphasis on tagging my first spring turkey
  
• do better at saving my time at work (depends on health issues) so I can take time off for deer hunting
  
• get more projects around my house done
  
• spend more time with the family
• do more family oriented outings (depends on economy) like day trips
• keep up with the vehicle maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, etc.
• do more trout fishing with Tyler
• spend more time with Mom
• finish the deer puzzle I started what seems like months ago before the cat destroys it

I think that is basically it although if I thought about it more I could add to the list but, I will stop so I don't get to carried away.

Anyway 2009 is over and 2010 is just beginning so from my family and I at Whitetail Woods we just want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Do you Like Guns?

As I was browsing through my Google Reader trying to catch up on some reading I came across Russ's Hunting / Shooting blog and he had a link to this Youtube video which I thought was pretty cool so I wanted to post it.



As I was watching it I thought to myself that sounds like me. Although I don't have nearly as many guns as he has I Still Like Guns.

Trivia Challenge - Answer

This is one of those trivia questions that I myself did not know so it was nice to learn something new. The question to this answer was,

Question: What organ does a Whitetail Deer not have that a domestic animals does have?


The answer is - Deer do not have a gall bladder on their livers. This allows them to eat vegetation that would kill domestic animals.

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #70

After Season Scouting:

After season scouting can benefit you in many ways which I just want to briefly touch on. In the last 19 deer seasons if there is one thing I have learned is the best way to learn about whitetail deer is to be on their home court so to speak.

Even though my season is over I am making rough plans for the next season which I will fine tune later. I like to go on hikes, slow quiet hikes in and around areas where I will be hunting. I try to take a camera with me so I can either photograph deer I see or specific area and landmarks to help in the fall. Winter time is the best time to get around and also the best time for excellant visibility, don't forget though that you can see better so that means the deer can see better. That is why I where camo and I try to be in stealth mode so as not to make a lot of noise.

This deer season which is over for me has opened up a whole new area. One I have wanted to check out for some time but (no excuses) I was always to busy. I got lazy the past couple of years because of health issues but I am not going to let it keep me from doing what I love, I just will be doing it a lot slower than in the past.

Anyway this new area I finally went in this season and I saw deer everyday I went out, even a 14 pointer that lucky for me walked by within 10 yards of me and gave me the chance to shoot , with a camera unfortunately.

Now this parcel of state land is very big and I have only touched part of it. So this year I plan to scout as much as possible. It is kinda like starting over. The other area I hunted I got to know because I hunted it for 18 years. This new area I have only been in one season which happen to be very good season.

When shed hunting starts up I really hope to find some antlers, especially from this 14 pointer. Now those would be a beautiful find for sure. Anyway I think I babbled a bit. try getting out every now and then with a camera and maybe even a notepad to jot down notes. Look for the active trails, look for the heavy security and even those food sources that the deer will visit.

Get to know their area and it will better your chances of filling that tag and that freezer next season.

Amazing pair of Locked Antlers could be worth a lot of money

Browsing through Camospace yesterday I came across this picture which I have to say is one of the best locked racks I have ever seen. The pic was on this guy's profile page, his name is John and his username is greenhead_hunter. I just had to contact John and ask permission to post the picture and I also asked if there was any story behind the pic. This is what John had to say,

They were found actually by my uncle. and he was out hunting morel mushrooms and seen them from a distance and just thought it was one set but when he got closer he knew he had found a very rare thing, he has been offered 5000 for them 3 yrs ago and turned it down, but he is hurtin for money right now so Im pretty sure they are for sale, I would love to have em but I cant afford nuthin like that, But they are a truly amzing find, the 196 is a 13 pointer with a drop tine off the left side, and the 168 is a 9 pointer with unreal mass and long tines, they cannot be pulled apart thatsd for sure, it was truly a fight to the death.

Now John had said that he wished he could have them and I have to be honest if I had any money I would certainly pay to have them, notice I said if I had any money. So if any are interested in owning a magnificent amazing pair of locked antlers I would contact John aka "greenhead_hunter" and he can pass along your offer to his uncle.

Savory Sunday's - #46

Christmas Venison

---

Ingredients:
8 pounds tenderloin rubbed with a peeled garlic clove and well-larded
Bunch of fresh thyme

For the Compound Butter:
3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
Grated rind of 1 large orange
1 small garlic clove, peeled and chopped fine
2 teaspoons chopped or crushed fennel seeds
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

---

Procedure:
Whip the butter until fluffy. Add the orange rind, fennel seeds, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Whip together and place on a piece of plastic wrap. Mold into a log and freeze overnight. Bring to room temperature before using. Preheat the oven to 400°. Roast the venison on a rack set on top of the fresh thyme sprigs for a nice aroma. Roast for 10 minutes per pound; remove and let rest for 15 mintues before carving. Slice, season with salt and pepper, arrange on a platter. Put a pat of compound butter on each slice so it will melt into the meat.

By: Bonnie Brea

Search for those after Holiday Specials

Here I find myself watching the Verses channel and working on my blog and thinking how to spend the gift cards I got for Christmas. Being that our finances have been really tight the past few months I tend to think and rethink any purchase I make so as to get the full benefit of what ever the amount I spend.

Cabela's just happenes to be my weak spot, my candy store and I could literally spend hours just looking around when I go. I was fortunate enough to receive a few Cabela's gift cards for Christmas so what would any normal, crazed, passionate, obsessive deer hunter be planning to do and that is to go to cabela's.

Heidi and I are babysitting Heidi's god daughter today so I think we are gonna go tomarrow which is good because it will give me today to do all important shopping research.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I know I did the whole family got together at my sister's for Christmas eve which was a very good time and Mom came to my house for Christmas dinner which was very nice. Mom and I spent a minute at Dad's grave to say our hello's which was memorable so again I hope everyone had a good day and again Merry Christmas.

Trivia Challenge - Question

I found another interesting characteristic of whitetail deer that I'm going to put in another trivia challenge question. I find I am learning more by doing this so I'm enjoying it a lot.



Question: What organ does a Whitetail deer not have that a domestic animal does have.?

Merry Christmas Everyone

Santa Clause has come and now it's time to spend the whole day with my family so we just wanted to say from The Kratzke's (Rick,Heidi,Adam,Tyler & Sampson our dog) to you and your family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Muzzleloader Hunt to Remember" make Top 50 Posts for 2009

I just wanted to mention that Dayne Shuda from "Hunting Business Marketing" has recently did a post called "The Top 50 Posts of 2009 and if you happen to scroll down the list you will see a lot of familal names and post titles. I am thrilled to say my just happenes to be #31.

Dayne stated, In the spirit of giving this Christmas season, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you some links to hunting blog posts…

As 2009 ends, I thought I’d list the Top 50 Hunting Blog Posts from the past year. These posts were all successful in attracting readers and comments while adding value to the online hunting world.

Enjoy.

31| Whitetail Woods

Website: Whitetail Woods

Top 2009 Hunting Blog Post: A Muzzleloading hunt to Remember

Thank You Dayne!

Christmas Eve Festivities

Every year our family gets together to spend time together with all the goodies that come with Christmas celebrations. On Thanksgiving the family picks names out of a hat to see who buys for who. Of course the kids make out the best which is always the right thing to do.

Before dad passed on we always had it at mom & dad's house. Then mom did it for a couple of years with the help from us kids but it still is to much so this year my sister will hold it at her house and christmas day dinner will be at my house.

It's time us kids take over and do all this stuff so mom can sit back and do nothing but enjoy.

I'll be back after Christmas day so I hope everyone enjoys the holiday. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Snowmobile Trail closed due to Traffic Jam

I received these two pictures from my friend Paul from "Salt Creek Life" and thought you might like to take a look. I have been trying to find out more about these pics but no luck yet. When I do though I will let you know.

That sure is a lot of deer!

Trivia Challenge - Answer

I hope this was another interesting trivia challenge for some of you. The trivia question was,

"How many days is the gestation (pregnancy) period for a whitetail doe?

Answer: A deer's gestation period is 200 to 205 days, most of the fawns being born in the latter part of May or the first part of June.

Information source:

Tuesday's Tip's & Technique's - #69

Storing your unused scents:

After the season is all said and done and you are gradually getting all your gear cleaned and put away you find that you have left over deer scent.

This is a product that I like to use and like this product I have figure out and also been told by other companies that you can store this for up to a year as long as the container cap is tight and you store in a cool and dark place like a basement.

So whatever I have left over or even what I buy at the end of the season due to end of season sales I will take and store down in my basement.

Come next season I am all set and ready to go as far as deer scents are concerned whether they are an attractant, cover scent, buck scent or doe scent.

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 5

Choosing a scope for your Slug Gun:

Choosing the right scope for your shotgun can be just as difficult as finding the animal you are hunting. There are a few things you should take into consideration prior to buying a scope. These steps should assist you with your purchase. I personally use a 4X power scope, I don't see the need to get bigger than that for a slug gun but than you be the judge.

1. Step 1

   Set yourself a budget and stick to it. Scopes can cost thousands of dollars, but if you shop around you will be able to find one that fits into your budget and is just as effective.

2. Step 2

   Decide what you are going to use the scope for. Is it for target practice? Big game or fowl? Once you have decided what you need the scope for, you will narrow your search down dramatically.

3. Step 3

   Consider the light gathering quality of the scope you choose. You can determine this by looking at the large end of the scope where it is measured in millimeters. The larger the number (objective), the more light is gathered. The more light that is gathered, the better you will be able to see your prey early in the mornings or late in the afternoon.

4. Step 4

   Make sure the scope has multiple coated lenses. This means that the numerous coats will allow less light to escape.

5. Step 5

   Find a scope that is sealed. This means it should be waterproof, fog proof, and scratch resistant. Without this protection, you will be replacing your scope regularly.

6. Step 6

   Get a professional to mount your scope on the shotgun for you. You can be sure it is mounted correctly by the professional.

Steps from: Ehow.com

Here are a couple nice choices for shotgun scopes that won't break the bank and will do what they were intended to do.

Truglo 4X Shotgun Scope

A 4X waterproof, fogproof and shock-resistant scope designed for shotgun use with a diamond-pattern reticle and 4 in. of eye relief. Fully coated lenses provide a bright, clear field of view. Fingertip windage and elevation adjustments make getting on target a snap. One-piece aluminum tubes and durable scratch-resistant finishes highlight these compact, lightweight scopes. Weaver-style rings included.

Waterproof, fogproof and shock-resistant 4X power Diamond-pattern reticle for fast target acquisition Includes Weaver-style rings for shotgun

Cabela's gives this product a rating of 4.1 out of 5 and a affordable price of $69.99 - $79.99

This next one I think is new, I haven't seen this one before and sounds pretty good and offers everything a shotgun hunter would need in a scope.

Cabela's Slugger EXT Shotgun Scope

The popularity of the new Hornady slugs makes them an ideal candidate to match with our EXT bullet drop reticle. The Slugger is calibrated to compensate for bullet drop out to 200 yards. Just sight in the main reticle at 100 yards and the other reticle aiming points will match the drop at 150 and 200 yards. The scopes are waterproof, shockproof and fogproof with high-quality, multicoated lenses and 1/4-MOA click-adjustments for windage and elevation. Tubes are rugged, 1" machined aluminum. The extra-long, 3.75" eye-relief facilitates mounting on shotguns.

EXT bullet drop reticle Calibrated out to 200 yards Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof Multicoated lenses and 1⁄4-MOA click-adjustments Rugged 1" machined aluminum tubes Extra-long, 3.75" eye-relief

Cabela's rates this scope a 4.4 out of 5 with an exceptable price of $99.99

Hunting with flintlock rifles is a part of Pennsylvania's history

With my upcoming series on muzzleloaders and muzzleloader hunting I thought this would be a good story to get you more interested.

And, for some, the only way to hunt

Sunday, December 20, 2009

By Ben Moyer
Photo from:Doyle Dietz

"Every outdoorsman who saw [the movie] 'Jeremiah Johnson' wanted a .50-caliber Hawken gun to hunt with because that's what Jeremiah Johnson carried." -- Flintlock hunter and black powder historian Doyle Dietz

For some hunters, Pennsylvania's flintlock deer season is more than one last chance to tag a whitetail -- it is history relived. To others, it's a way to trim the modern hunter's technological edge down to its essential roots.

Established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1974 on 37 selected state game lands, the unique hunt lured steadily increasing numbers of black powder participants as the season was offered on more game lands tracts, and then expanded statewide in 1979.

The robust initial growth of flintlock hunting in Pennsylvania was neither a random accident nor the result of marketing campaigns to sell a "new" class of firearms.

"There was already this 'underground' of people in Berks, Lehigh, Lancaster and Schuylkill counties who had never stopped making these rifles," said Doyle Dietz, flintlock hunter and black powder historian from Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County. "Even before the craze in the '70s we had Dixon's Muzzleloader Shop in Kempton, Berks County, that supplied these guys and kept the old tradition of Pennsylvania rifles going. You could even go to general stores in Lancaster County and buy locally made flintlock and percussion guns.

The Pennsylvania Federation of Black Powder Shooters was an instrumental part of the flintlock community.

"These guys went to the Game Commission and said they'd like to have the opportunity to enjoy this kind of hunting," said Dietz. "They got the season in '74, just as two other things were happening that got even more people interested -- the gearing up for the bicentennial [in 1976] and the movie 'Jeremiah Johnson' [in 1972]. Every outdoorsman who saw the movie wanted a .50-caliber Hawken gun to hunt with because that's what Jeremiah Johnson carried."

Lots of newcomers to flintlock hunting learned, however, that hunting deer in rain, snow and cold with black powder, after deer had already been chased for months with bows and modern rifles, was no romantic walk into history. Flintlock hunters took just 65 deer in the initial season. By 1979, the first year the flintlock hunt was offered statewide, participants reported killing 2,459 deer of a total reported harvest of 114,794.

Read more:

Savory Sunday's - #45

Abby's Holiday Venison Popovers:

Ingredients

• 4 bacon slices, chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus additional if needed
• 1 large onion, small dice
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds ground venison (sausage can also be substituted, just eliminate the bacon)
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into small dice
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup Asiago cheese grated, divided
• 3/4 cup provolone cheese shredded, divided
• 2 canisters biscuits (recommended brand Grand’s Jumbo)
• 2 mini muffin tins (16 count each)

Yields: 8 servings

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Preparation

Preheat oven 350°F.

Preheat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook till golden brown then remove to a platter using a slotted spoon and reserve, leaving the fat drippings behind in the skillet.

While the bacon is cooking, preheat a medium-size skillet over medium heat with the EVOO. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and caramel in color, about 10 minutes. Season with rosemary, thyme, salt and freshly ground pepper.

While the onions are carmelizing, add the ground venison to the skillet the bacon was cooked in and cook until brown over medium-high heat. If you need to add more fat to the pan, use about 2 to 3 tablespoons EVOO. While the meat is browning, break it up into small pieces so it is easy to fill the holiday popovers. After the meat is browned, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then remove to the same platter along with the bacon and reserve.

Once the onion and garlic are nice and caramel in color, add the pepper, tomatoes, salt and freshly ground black pepper cook until peppers are soft, 5 minutes.

After the onion, pepper, tomato mixture has softened, add in the reserved bacon and browned venison. Sprinkle the mixture with flour then add the stock, let the mixture cook for a 2-3 minutes to cook out the flour taste and thicken up the gravy a bit. Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup Asiago cheese and 1/4 cup provolone.

Remove the biscuits from the canister -- you will have a total of 16 each -- and slice each of them down the middle so you have 2 thin biscuits that are equal in size. Repeat this procedure to all the biscuits so that you have 32 thin biscuit rounds.

Line the muffin tin with 1 biscuit per muffin cup so it makes a little bowl then fill them with 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of filling. Repeat with the remaining muffin cups and sprinkle the remaining Asiago and provolone on top of each popover. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown, and cooked through.

info source: rachaelray show.com

Product Review - Gerber E-Z Saw

First I have to say that for years whenever I was field dressing a deer and I got to the part where I had to split the pelvic bone I would use my knife as like a chisel and my hand like a hammer. Well, with age and arthritis I can not do that anymore so last year I purchased a saw strictly for that purpose and this year I finally got a chance to try it out.

Gerber E-Z Saw

Every hunter's field pack should have one of these handy saws. Co-molded rigid thermoplastic and Softgrip™ handle ensures a safe and sure grip. The sharp 3-1/4" blade is corrosion-resistant surgical stainless steel and is ideal for splitting the pelvic bone on big-game animals. E-Z Saw comes with a durable nylon sheath.

Thermoplastic, Softgrip handle Sharp 3-1/4" blade Corrosion-resistant surgical stainless steel

When I shot my doe with the muzzleloader it gave me a perfect opportunity to try it out and I did. When I had to split the pelvic bone I put the saw in there and before I knew it I had saw right through with no hand pain.

It normally sells for $19.99 but I noticed right now on Cabela's website it is on saw for $9.99. I would recommend getting one of these. It saved me a lot of time and aggravation on a job that should only take a minute to do if that.

Muzzleloaders, Getting back to Basics

My next series which I hope will keep you interested through the cold dreery days of winter. I will be posting the first in the next few days to come.

This I think is my favorite part of shooting firearms. The Muzzleloader, when people here that word they thing of days gone by when Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett walked the land or even Ethan Allen who was the leader of the "Green Mountain boys" (who I am a direct descendant of) and should I also mention the civil war (I had a great great great grandfather who fought with the union Calvary at Gettysburg). The muzzleloader has been around for years and has gone through some changes along the way.

This next series is gonna touch on some of those aspects I mentioned but not all because really I'm not trying to teach a history class I'm just writing about muzzleloading and how it is used in whitetail deer hunting. It would just help a little if you had some history to go with it.

• History of the Muzzleloaders
• Percussion verses In line
• Components used for Muzzleloading
• Iron sights verses Scopes
  
• Maintenance of your Muzzleloader

Photo from: North American Muzzleloader Hunting Assoc.

Trivia Challenge - Question

This could be an easy question for some but I am going to ask anyway and we'll see just how close somebody can get.

Question: How many days is the gestation (pregnancy) period for a whitetail doe?

Take a minute to Reflect

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

Fr. Rich Erikson celebrating Mass for troops in Iraq.

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

Check out this link

Merry Christmas

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

Blog Spotlight - Blind Pig & the Acorn

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

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

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

Features of the Blind Pig & The Acorn

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

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

Interests

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

LetterKenny Army Depot and the Wounded Warrior Program teamup

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


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

By: Keith Paradise/Staff Writer

Public Opinion Online.com

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

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

And he felled both of them from a wheelchair.

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

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

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

Read the Complete story:

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

Practice Shooting before season:

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

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

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

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

Slug Guns - Are they for You? - Part 4

Choosing a Rifled Slug or a Saboted Slug:


Foster slugs are commonly referred to as rifled slugs

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

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

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

Rifled Slugs:

Winchester Super X Power-Point Rifled Slugs

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




Remington Slugger Managed-Recoil Rifled Slugs

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

Saboted Slugs:

Federal Premium Barnes Expander Sabot Slugs

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

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


Remingtom Premier Copper Solid Sabot Slugs

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

Is it going to be a Cold Winter?

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

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

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

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

30-point buck is a state record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Story By: Sharon Roznik FDLReporter

Savory Sunday's - #44

Venison Tenderloin:

SERVES 3 , 1 tenderloin (change servings and units)

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Ingredients

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

Directions

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

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

Recipe by: Sweetiebarbara

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

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

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

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

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

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