Savory Sunday's - #55

Roasting a Wild Turkey:

The traditional farm raised turkey is nothing like the turkeys our forefathers had for Thanksgiving. Their oversized breasts are so large that they can't even naturally reproduce and most come frozen from the grocery store with artificial chemicals to make them juicy.

Cooking a wild turkey is quite different from on of these "man-made" turkeys.

With Wildlife Forever's successes at increasing the populations of wild turkeys across America, more and more hunters are giving wild turkey hunting a try.

The purpose of this lens is to help new and veteran wild turkey hunters get the most from their hard won bird.

Tips For Preparing Wild Turkey

Wild turkey tends to be drier than a farm raised turkey because they are much leaner and also because they do not come with the added chemicals and water. So it is a good idea to take a few extra steps prior to roasting to help your wild bird turn out nice a juicy.

1. Brining Your Bird

Many cooks are familiar with brining and have used this process on traditional turkeys and on chickens. For wild turkey, it is basically the same process and any good brining recipe will do. Here is one yoou might like:

Brine:
5 quarts water
1/2 C. salt
1/4 C. brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp soy sauce

Mix brine ingredients. In a large, clean bucket (or any clean, non-reactive container you have), immerse turkey in brining mixture for 24 hours. Drain and dry very thoroughly. Set out one additional hour to dry completely.

2. Inject Your Bird

Another common technique that also works well on wild turkey is to inject a basting sauce into the wild turkey with a large needle. Your favorite sauce for farm raised birds will also work well for a wild turkey.

3. Cooking directions for domestic turkeys apply to wild turkeys. These are some good estimates on cooking times.

If the weight is 8 pounds, unstuffed will take 2.5 hours and stuffed will be about 2.75 hours.
If the weight is 10 pounds, unstuffed will take 2.75 hours and stuffed will be about 3 hoours.
If the weight is 12 pounds, unstuffed will take 3 hours and stuffed will be about 3.5 hours.
If the weight is 14 pounds, unstuffed will take 3.5 hours and stuffed will be about 4 hours.

Are Air Guns powerful enough for Deer Hunting?

I was contacted by a friend Paul Wald from "Salt Creek Life" and he was telling me about a article he had read about deer hunting with an air gun. Ya you heard me correctly an air gun. He thought that might make a good post and I have to say I agree with him. I have never heard of a air gun be powerful enough to kill a deer.

During my research I came across this story which I would like to share a part of it with you.

Missouri Deer Hunt
By: Jim Chapman

I’d been in the blind for about a half hour when a doe came marching down the hillside and stopped about 35 yards to browse. A second deer walked in behind and I saw a flash of antler, but he was behind the doe and I could get a good look. Then the doe drifted away and I brought the gun to shoulder and lined up the scope …… crap, only three points to a side! The doe had moved out to my left and was reaching up to nibble from a small tree at about 60 yards, and I sat with the gun poking through the recently vented mesh window and the crosshairs resting right where I imagined the heart. I was having a mental debate whether to take the shot or not, then reasoned I wanted something for the freezer. I squeezed off the shot and the doe flinched, walked 10 yards and dropped down dead.



The Missouri laws allow the use of airguns for deer hunting. Guns must be at least .40 caliber and must be filled from an external air source. Ken Cox lead the effort to change the laws, and those in the MO books are the best!



I had my gun tuned by Bob Marino, a tuner based in Brentwood New York, to deliver a 200 grain bullet at approximately 300 fpe. Filling the gun to 3000 psi, the first shot tends to be a little high and to the right, but achieves a sweet spot for the next three, On all groups I've shot using the BHD bullets at 55 yards, the heart of a deer would have been hit. Four shots at 300 fpe going exactly where I aim makes this a great hunting set up IMO!

Read the complete story:

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Quality Time with my son and a .22 Rifle

I have been thinking about this for quite some time. I have wanted to get a .22 rifle for a few reasons. For one it is a lot of fun to shoot targets and it is a small enough caliber that family members can shoot it too such as my wife Heidi although I don't think I could even get her to touch it.

Then there is Tyler, he is the biggest reason why I got it. Tyler is at a good idea I think to start teaching him about guns, gun safety, shooting and hunting with a gun and how to clean and take care of something. I like to think I can look into the future and see me and Tyler going out deer hunting together or going for a walk in the woods looking for small game. So I want to try and do everything I can to see if that will happen, that is if he still feels the way I do.

I made a phone call to the a gun dealer that I will be using when I start product testing for BPI and he had two .22 rifles that fit into my price range that were used but in good condition. So before work I left home early so I could stop to look at them.

You can see in the back ground a picture Tyler had drew for my deer den that I framed and hung up.

The gun is a Marlin Glenfield model 60 .22 caliber which takes 22LF rounds only. It came with a scope.
You can tell it is obviously a used rifle but it looks like it has character which means a lot to me, that and of course if it shoots which I will try as soon as I can. I am going to Cabela's this weekend so I will pick up some ammunition for it.

This is an interesting engraving into the stock that caught my eye as well. If you can see it is a squirrel.

So I now have another goal but one that I can see myself completing. I think there is nothing better than quality time with your kids

I think I got a good deal at $95.00 + tax

What do you think?

A Veterinarian with an odd house guest

I received this from a friend Ron Anderson in an email and loved it so much that I just had to share it with you all. I am so amazed had how this deer has adapted.

Dillie the deer acts just like a house-trained dog as she walks up the stairs and lounges around on her owner's bed.

Living with vet Melanie Butera, in Canal Fulton, Ohio, four-year-old Dillie is so spoiled she is served linguine in bed.

She has even managed to work out where a deer that lives in a house should go to do her business.

House trained: Dillie the deer polishes off a plate of linguine in her owners' master bedroom


Taking full advantage of Melanie and her husband Steve's generous hospitality, Dillie even gets to enjoy their swimming pool and five acres of property on which to run around on.

Living with the Buteras since she was three days old, Dillie now knows how to turn lights on and off and how to take ice from the dispenser in the fridge.

'We took a call from a local farmer at 3 am one wintry night,' said Melanie, 48. 'Dillie's mother was not taking to her and he asked if we wanted to try to nurse her back to health.

'We put her on an IV drip because she weighed four pounds and got her back up and running after around two weeks.

'We then realised that she couldn't go back to the farm and live with the other deer and she couldn't live with our horses because they scared her too much.'

Deer's best friend: Dillie plays around with Lady, the dog of the house

Leaving her in the capable hands of her eight-year-old poodle Lady, Melanie decided that Dillie was going to become the Butera household's latest pet.

'She developed cataracts and this meant that she had to be cared for in a sensitive manner,' explained Melanie.

'She would hang around Lady and she very quickly learned to act like a dog.

'This became apparent to us when we came home one day and couldn't find her downstairs.

'We walked upstairs and found her standing on our bed with Lady. She had obviously learned a few tricks from the old dog

Family: Dr Melanie Butera and her husband Steve Heathman share their bed in their home in Canal Fulton , Ohio , with Dillie and Lady

Dillie slept for the first few years at the Buteras' home in their bed with Lady.

'I suppose it was quite a cute get together, said Melanie. 'Me, my husband, Dillie and Lady all sharing the same bed.

'My husband Steve always liked the way that Dillie would warm his feet up when she lied on them.'

Fully house-trained, Dillie now wears a GPS collar due to a frightening runaway incident last year.

'She went missing because a gate was left open on our property when she was out roaming,' said Melanie.

'So we got this collar fitted to her to keep our minds at ease.'

Enjoying a wide variety of meals, Dillie's favourite is ice cream and coffee, topped with frozen ice shavings.

Stairway to heaven: Dillie has the run of the house, and has even learned how to use the toilet

Who trained who, what do you think?

Backyard treasures can pop up at anytime.

Picture of the Day!

photo from: My Maine Backyard Treasures

What is the Purpose of a Deer's Dew Claw?

I had asked myself this question the other day and while I was looking for the answer I had gotten sidetracked. Well today I am back trying to find the answer and quite frankly I am not getting very far. I always wondered about the dew claws of a whitetail deer. The question is simple and easy to ask but not so easy to find.

Does the Dew Claws of a Whitetail Deer have a Purpose and if so what is that Purpose?

I have to say I am used to researching topics but this one has got me puzzled I'm embarrassed to say. The only thing I can really find is that there is a scent gland between the toe's and the dew claws which I already knew about but nothing to say that there is a specific purpose for the dew claw.

I do know that the Native American Indians make rattles and choker/necklaces with them. You can also purchase them by the piece for less than a dollar for your own.

Anyway I sent an email to a guy I know Matt Ross who just happens to be a wildlife Biologist and works with the "Quality Deer Management Association"and he replied with an email that had this to say.

I fee this does clarify things bit and is an interesting thing to think about.

Richard

Dewclaws appear on many animals, not just deer. Mammals, birds and even some reptiles have them. Its a vestigial digit (meaning it has lost function through evolution) in most, including deer. So no, they do not have a purpose.

If you are truly interested in learning more about dewclaws, specifically in whitetails, deer are part of the Cervidae family, which is a subset or the Order Artiodactyla - which literally means "even-fingered ones". The main hoof of animals in the Cervidae family is considered their "cannon bone", which are fused metacarpals 3 and 4 in the skeleton. The dewclaws are metacarpals 2 and 5, and are no longer used.

Google a bunch of these terms, including the word "evolution", and you'll come up with a bunch of material to research for your blog.

Hope this helps
Matt


Matthew D. Ross

Certification Programs Manager - CWB, LF
Quality Deer Management Association
802-753-7614 (office)
603-978-7427 (mobile)
mross@QDMA.com

This Year's approach to Spring Turkey Season

This is going to be my 3rd. season trying to tag my first spring gobbler and I am gonna go into it with a positive outlook. I will be hunting the same area as the last two seasons but, I think I am going to try a different spot. It is the same area but not typically where I usually sit.

In the past I have always seem to be on the back side of where they hang out so this year I am going to try and get ahead of them which might give me more daylight to work with. Nothing is a guarantee but if they do what they have done numerous times in the past I think than I just might get closer.

One advantage I feel I will have is this year I am using a ground blind for the first time. I bought this at Cabela's last year.

Trekker T-100 Blind

The ultimate in transportable camouflage concealment and weather protection. 150-denier polyester shell comes in a realistic Autumn Leaf camo pattern and is UV treated. Windows on each side of the blind prevent game from sneaking in behind you. See-through and shoot-through screens allow you several different setup options. Black interior helps hide inside movements. Carry bag and tie-down stakes included. Imported.
Weight: 10 lbs.
Dimensions: 68"L x 68"W x 78"H.

Transportable camouflage concealment Lightweight and perfect for one hunter 150-denier polyester shell Autumn Leaf camo pattern and UV treated Windows on each side of the blind Shoot-through screens

I am also gonna use decoys which I used last year but not in conjunction with a blind. I know I had them talking back to me but they never seem to commit and that might have been because they saw me. That is where the blind comes in. I might have called to much but which could have been a problem as well.



I am sure as season gets closer I will be adding to my list of tricks and and things to cover. Preparing I think is half the fun so let's have some fun. There is 63 days left to go before I am out there.

Deer Drives - Can they be used?

2/23/10 post correction: It appears I was incorrect in my statement that deer drives are illegal in CT. I am told that is legal,

Deer drives are not illegal in CT, however everyone participating must have valid permits as they are participating in the hunt. Cooperative drives for turkeys are illegal in CT.

If a deer goes down on property other than the property that you have written permission to hunt on, you need permission from the property owner to retrieve the deer. If they property owner says NO, there is nothing that can force them to release the dead deer to you. If the property owner is out of state, you would need to contact them first. We get calls all the time regarding this, however, we can't force a property owner to release the deer to you.
__________________
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police
Captain Raul Camejo raul.camejo@ct.gov


I know deer season is over and I probably should have touched on this earlier during the season but, to be quite honest I never thought about it and I will tell you why. See this technique can work just about anytime but the best time is when hunting pressure has them deer hunkered down in the thick cover. Now if you do a drive properly it can work to your advantage and if not well, you'll go home empty handed. I do want to mention that you should check laws and regulations in your area first because it might not be allowed. That is why I never thought about this post during season, it is illegal in the state of Connecticut to drive deer.

Here is a basic example of a deer drive that I want to show you.

Driving deer can work almost anytime, but it's especially useful when deer won't budge from thick cover. When staging a drive, a group (or a pair) of hunters splits into two groups: drivers and posters. The drivers walk through holding cover, trying to push deer toward the posters, who sit still waiting to ambush driven deer.

The key lies in choosing the right area to drive. First, you need patch of cover that holds deer, such as a daytime bedding area. Second, the area must not be too large for your group to effectively push. Third, the area should offers some predictability as to where the deer will go when driven.

Drivers need to stay close enough together to keep deer from slipping through the gaps (the thicker the cover, the closer together they should be). Posters should sit downwind of drivers in an area (preferably elevated) that offers clear shooting lanes. For safety's sake, drives should be carefully planned; everyone should wear hunter-orange clothing and always be aware of each other's positions.

Whitetail Woods endorses another Outdoors Production Team

I want to share a preview of a new hunting DVD coming out in March of 2010. This DVD is from a team of people that seem to be as passionate as I am about what they do. Let me introduce the CEO & Founder of "Honey Creek Outdoors and Productions" Brandon Vileta. Not only does he have a great website but a great blog as well, "Honey Creek Outdoors Blog".



This team could use all the support it can get in it's endeavors into the hunting world and I for one would be more than happy to help. I feel one of the best ways to learn about what we are passionate about besides actually doing it is to watch video's. I mean very good video's, and not some of these cheaply made video's or some of these that are filmed where it is not under FairChase conditions.

I like video's, if you saw my library you would believe me. I am very picky in what I watch because of how I feel about fairchase hunting and the passion and excitement that is honestly put into it so for me to endorse a team such as Honey Creek Outdoors is saying a whole lot if you ask me.



Honey Creek Outdoors is the second team that I have endorsed and am proud to say that if new and up and coming hunters watch these video's and learn the passion, excitement, caring, traditions and heritage that go into these videos than our hunting traditions will be in good shape for the future.

Savory Sunday's - #54

Green Bean and Turkey Casserole:

1 1/2 to 2 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
1 (14.5-oz.) can Green Giant Cut Green Beans, drained
1 (10 3/4-oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup milk
4 oz. (1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese
6 servings Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes (prepared as directed on package)
1/2 (2.8-oz.) can french fried onions

Heat oven to 375°F. In medium saucepan, combine turkey, green beans, soup and milk; mix well. Cook over medium heat until mixture is hot, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Top with prepared mashed potatoes.

Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with onions; bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and onions are warm.

6 servings

Shed Hunter in Training

Mokie, the Shed Hunter!

photo was found on camospace:

What Spring means to a Wild Turkey Gobbler

The other day my friend Nate had told me he was seeing turkey's and actually had one gobbling back at him after using a turkey call. Now I know I am still kinda new to turkey hunting but I thought they only gobbled in the spring, until I read this part of an article from the West Virginia DNR.

Courtship of wild turkeys generally begins in March and April, although gobblers may start gobbling in late January or February. Spring courtship peaks in April with gobblers trying to attract hens. Gobblers like to gobble from high points and ridgetops and are different from songbirds that defend a territory. Instead, the gobbler attempts to dominate other gobblers. This means they have the ability to recognize other individuals. Through threats and fighting, gobblers establish a pecking order, a hierarchy where one bird dominates or pecks those of lesser social rank. The dominant birds are usually older birds and do most of the mating. The hen visits or comes to the gobbler, but gobblers also travel over an area looking for hens if they are not in the immediate vicinity. Juvenile gobblers, called jakes, appear to move more than adults just as juvenile hens appear to move farther from their winter range than adult hens. This widespread movement of juvenile birds in the spring and fall partly explains how the birds move into unoccupied range.

You can read more of this very informative article by visiting "Life History of the Wild Turkey".

Click the link's to listen to the audio sounds.

Morning in the Turkey Woods:

Gobbling:

Cluck & Purr:

Kee Kee Run:

I know I am looking forward to trying my luck at a spring gobbler again. I feel every year I learn just a little bit more than the year before. I will be out using my handmade calls from my good friend Ed Blankinship of Gobbler's End Turkey Call's. It is not to late to order one so give him a shout and tell him where you heard his name.

Indian Legends, Ghost of the White Deer

Sitting here in front of the computer this morning looking for an answer to a question I had asked myself I realized that I was no longer looking for an answer but, what I was doing was reading about the Native American Indians and I happen to find this Indian legend titled "Ghost of the White Deer". Being I am an American history buff so to speak and a small part indian I found this quite interesting.

A Chickasaw Legend

A brave, young warrior for the Chickasaw Nation fell in love with the daughter of a chief. The chief did not like the young man, who was called Blue Jay. So the chief invented a price for the bride that he was sure that Blue Jay could not pay.

"Bring me the hide of the White Deer." said the chief. The Chickasaws believed that animals that were all white were magical. "The price for my daughter is one white deer." Then the chief laughed. The chief knew that an all white deer, an albino, was very rare and would be very hard to find. White deerskin was the best material to use in a wedding dress, and the best white deer skin came from the albino deer.

Blue Jay went to his beloved, whose name was Bright Moon. "I will return with your bride price in one moon, and we will be married. This I promise you." Taking his best bow and his sharpest arrows Blue Jay began to hunt.

Three weeks went by, and Blue Jay was often hungry, lonely, and scratched by briars. Then, one night during a full moon, Blue Jay saw a white deer that seemed to drift through the moonlight. When the deer was very close to where Blue Jay hid, he shot his sharpest arrow. The arrow sank deep into the deer's heart. But instead of sinking to his knees to die, the deer began to run. And instead of running away, the deer began to run toward Blue Jay, his red eyes glowing, his horns sharp and menacing.

A month passed and Blue Jay did not return as he had promised Bright Moon. As the months dragged by, the tribe decided that he would never return.

But Bright Moon never took any other young man as a husband, for she had a secret. When the moon was shinning as brightly as her name, Bright Moon would often see the white deer in the smoke of the campfire, running, with an arrow in his heart. She lived hoping the deer would finally fall, and Blue Jay would return.

To this day the white deer is sacred to the Chickasaw People, and the white deerskin is still the favorite material for the wedding dress.

Shooting the Replica Colt Army 44, you can almost feel the Nostalgia

I went over to my good friend Nate's on Monday and went out back to shoot a few rounds out of my replica 1860 Colt Army 44 caliber. Know I bought this quite a few years ago after discovering some family history. It seems I had a great great great grandfather who joined the was with the Union Cavalry during the battle of Gettysburg and was fortunate enough to survive the battle. This revolver was one of the main pieces that officers and cavalry men used during the civil war.

The stand that the revolver is sitting in is a loading/display stand that can be purchased but I made mine.

This is basically a standard 6 shot black powder revolver that take 25 grains of powder per cylinder (manufacturers recommendation), a pre-lubed wad and a solid round .440 lead ball.

As now just like back then they are not as accurate as today's but as with any shooting and practice a certain amount of target aquired shots can be accomplished.

By looking at the picture to the right you can see that the cylinders are loaded.

To do that it is basically a three step process.

1. Take your powder measure and fill to the 25 grain mark then dump into each cylinder. I personally like do one at a time.
2. The place a pre-lubed wad just inside the above the powder.
3. Place a ball on top, bring the loading arm down until it sits firmly and evenly with the ball. The press down firmly to seats the ball.

After all that you just need a #10 primer cap to be place on each nipple and your ready to go.

Just a word of caution, you need to make sure that the caps are seated firmly on the nipples because if you don't after fired they may become dislodged and get jammed between the cylinder and the back wall under the hammer.

A problem that I am sure has happened in the past.

Here I am shooting at a target from 20 yards

My friend Nate taking a shot at it (no pun intended)

Here is the targets I was using. The distance was at 20 yards.

The first few shots were at the left target. Pretty consistant as far as elevation. Windage was off a bit partly due to the fact that it was pretty breezy and downright frigid when I was shooting.

The last couple shot were on the right target and which to me felt the best. the wind had died down and I had a good stance and was steady with my aiming.



I was able to recover a couple of the rounds balls to inspect and they were not as damaged as I thought they would be. Granted I was shooting through an old shot up piece of plywood that was resting against an old oak stump but still I expected them to be flatter than they were.

How do Deer Survive the Cold Winter Months?

I saw this article at Deer & Deer Hunting and it tells all about how deer build up fat which helps them handle the cold frigid temps of winter. In the picture below you will see that there was a lot of fat on this back strap. The picture is from the doe I shot with muzzle loader back on December 9th. of 2009

Deer Fat 101 from Deer & Deer Hunting:

Deer fat. That's the wax-like substance that lines the roof of your mouth after eating poorly prepared, half-cold venison steak or roast. But deer fat possesses great attributes when on a live deer. It is especially valuable in the northern portions of the whitetails range.

Photo property of Whitetail Woods:

Here, where winters are long, often brutally cold and the snow deep, deer need lots of calories to survive. Some of these calories they obtain from winter browse,
but most come from the deer's fat reserves. The layer of fat on a deer's body also has fine insulating qualities. Fat reserves start building up on deer
in the late summer months. The feeding done in spring and early summer is utilized for building up body losses resulting from the hardships of the previous winter.

The bearing does also need this feed for the birthing and feeding of their fawns. Nutritional demands of new-born fawns are great, yet the doe meet them. Fawns of adult does who wintered well weigh about seven pounds at birth. If the doe is in good condition and on good feed, the fawn will double its weight in two weeks, and triple it within a month.

Read the complete article:

Savory Sunday's - #53

Now I found this recipe and it sounds good for a cold winters day, I do happen to love dumplings too. I really shouldn't work on these types of posts when I haven't eaten yet.

Venison Stew with Potato Dumplings:

1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef broth, undiluted
5 c. water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 med. onion, sliced
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
3 lbs. venison stew meat, cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 c. Burgundy (optional)
2 lbs. potatoes, peeled
4 slices white bread
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. grated onion
1 tsp. parsley flakes
2 eggs, well beaten
All-purpose flour

Melt shortening in a large Dutch oven over low heat; add flour, stirring until roux is the color of caramel. Add salt and next 6 ingredients; boil 5 minutes. Add venison; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours. Add Burgundy, if desired.

Shred potatoes; drain well. Remove crust from bread, and discard; tear bread into 1-inch pieces. Combine bread, potatoes, and next 4 ingredients. Shape into 2-inch balls. Roll lightly in flour.

Drop dumplings into simmering stew. Cover and cook over low heat 20 minutes or until dumplings are done. Remove bay leaf before serving. Yield: 8 servings.

A Whitetail's Menu - Special of the Day

Here is another very good tip from Buckmaster's that I want to share with you. It is so important to learn what they will eat and when so as to help in our pursuit of them.

Identify Food Sources

One of the indisputable facts about deer hunting is that deer have to eat in order to survive. Because of this, it's critical that you know what food sources are prevalent in your part of the country. When you go to the woods, for example, know what a white oak acorn looks like. Know what the white oak bark and leaves look like, because you'll be scouting before or after the season when acorns are hard to find.

Most deer hunters are not botanists, but you need to learn favorite food sources wherever you hunt. You can start by contacting landowners or outfitters with whom you hunt. These guys should know what their deer are eating.

If you hunt public land, call state, forest service, and soil-conservation-service biologists in your hunting area. It's their job to know what wildlife eats. You can also go to a bookstore or go online and find regional plant identification books. "Finally, check with your state game department, as many publish books or pamphlets that identify important plants.

The Milkhouse Buck - A New State Record for Vermont

While viewing the "Northeast Big Buck Club" website the other day I also came across this which ironically came from Vermont, a state that has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Straight from the "Vermont Big Game Trophy Club" is this awesome rack.

"The Milkhouse Buck"

For the second time in the past fourteen months the Vermont Big Game Trophy Club’s nontypical whitetail deer record has been broken by a monster buck from Vermont’s past.

To find out more about this awesome looking whitetail antler rack and a record breaking one at that just click here.

2010 Sportsmen's Shows and Scoring Events for the NBBC

I was viewing one of my favorite websites the "Northeast Big Buck Club" partly because I belong to the club but I found they had posted a schedule of Sportsman Shows and Scoring Events for the month of February so I wanted to share with you.

Thursday, February 11

Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

Friday, February 12

Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

Saturday, February 13

Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

Hol-Field Rod & Gun Club

Sunday, February 14

Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

Thursday, February 18

Springfield Sportsmen's Show

WhenThu, February 18, 3pm – Sun, February 21, 5pm

Where1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA (map)

Descriptionhttp://www.osegsportsmens.com/ The Big "E" Fairgrounds For more information contact Jeff Brown (508) 757-3150

more details» copy to my calendar

Friday, February 19

Springfield Sportsmen's Show

Saturday, February 20

Springfield Sportsmen's Show

Erie Sports Store

Sunday, February 21

Springfield Sportsmen's Show

WhenThu, February 18, 3pm – Sun, February 21, 5pm

Where1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA (map)

Descriptionhttp://www.osegsportsmens.com/ The Big "E" Fairgrounds For more information contact Jeff Brown (508) 757-3150

more details» copy to my calendar

Thursday, February 25

Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow

Friday, February 26

Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow

Saturday, February 27

Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow

Sunday, February 28

Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow

What is a Deer Yard?

I recently was asked this very question from someone that does not hunt but was curious as to what it meant. As I explained it to her I realized something, that I have not heard this phrase much myself so I thought I would bring it up for some of you.

What is a Deer Yard?, well I wanted to explain it in a way that did not sound like a foreign language so I went browsing the internet and the best description that I could find was from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website. Vermont just happens to be where I was graciously given permission to hunt from Mountain Man & Mountain Woman this fall. They have a wonderful blog called "Red Pine Mountain". It you haven't visited it before I recommend that you do. They are very nice people and I really mean that and not because they gave me deer hunting permission either, LOL. Anyway back to deer yards.

Definition:

White-tailed deer in Vermont live near the northern limit of their range in eastern North America . To cope with Vermont 's severe climatic conditions, deer have developed a survival mechanism that relies upon the use, access, and availability of winter habitat. These habitat areas are known as deer wintering areas, deer winter habitat or, more commonly, 'deer yards'. Deer winter habitat is defined as areas of mature or maturing softwood cover, with aspects tending towards the south, southeast, southwest, or even westerly and easterly facing slopes.

Deer wintering areas vary in size from a few acres to over a hundred acres and provide essential relief to deer from winter conditions. These areas of softwood cover provide protection from deep snow, cold temperatures, and wind. They provide a dense canopy of softwood trees, a favorable slope and aspect (mentioned above), generally moderate elevation, and low levels of human disturbance in winter.

Photo by: Backwoodshutterbug

The softwood species that compose these areas are most commonly hemlock and white pine in the southern part of the state, and white cedar, spruce, and fir in the north. Energy loss by deer inhabiting these sites is minimized, and survival is favored in deer wintering areas. Wintering areas do not change significantly between years and can be used by generations of deer over many decades if appropriate habitat conditions are maintained. Deer annually migrate, often several miles, from fall habitats to wintering areas. A single wintering area often serves deer from large areas of a town and in some cases from surrounding towns as well. Residential, commercial, or industrial development within or adjacent to a deer wintering area decreases the amount of winter habitat available to deer and has an effect on an area's deer population, eventually reducing the number of deer within the area. Without adequate winter habitat, northern populations of deer would be subject to extreme fluctuations due to heightened levels of winter mortality during moderate and severe winters.

Where does the .45 caliber fit in the Hunting World.

I was talking to a fella I met on the "Powerbelt Forum", his name is Marty and he mention his disgust about .45 gear meaning pellets, rifles, bullets etc.. See I believe what Marty is trying to say is that the .45 caliber is being overlooked or should I say over shadowed by the .50 caliber and is not as accessible as the other calibers. I think Marty might have a point and that is why I wanted to do some research on just where it fits.

So, I want to see Where does the .45 caliber fit in the Hunting World.

I am going to start with pieces of an article by Randy Wakeman "Muzzleloading Caliber Hype: .45 verses .50" who undoubtedly leans on the negative side of a .45 caliber muzzleloader being adequate for big game hunting. Click on the article title to read more.

Randy Wakeman: Inline muzzleloading has seemingly fallen prey to the "when all else fails, add a caliber" syndrome that has afflicted centerfire rifle enthusiasts for years. In most cases a .45 caliber, 1:28 twist barreled inline muzzleloader offers no performance advantage at all--and is inferior in quantifiable ways. I'll mention just a few of them.

Fewer choices. The .45 caliber gives you less choice in rifles, bullets, and propellants. And, what is "available" may not be nearly as readily available should you "go .45."

Fewer places to hunt. In states like Indiana and Illinois, minimum projectile size for whitetail remains .44 caliber. If you want to shoot saboted bullets in your .45 caliber muzzleloader, you are out of luck. In some states, elk hunting with your smokepole is limited to .50 caliber rifles and larger. Again, your .45 can't legally qualify.

There are other reasons that make the .45 caliber less than the ideal "first choice." Inefficient propellants like black powder and Pyrodex need barrel volume to fully burn heavier charges. In a .45 caliber, you necessarily have less of it. Those who enjoy burning the latest in propellants like Hodgdon's "Triple 7" pellets, have been using them in their .50 caliber muzzleloaders for some time now. If you are a .45 caliber shooter, you are still waiting.

Here are a couple of reviews I found that say basically just the opposite. The brand is a Powerbelt 225 grain .45 caliber hollow point

• Frederick Russow of Mechanicsville, VA: This is my favorite ML 45 cal projectile. I use it with a CVA Optima Pro in front of 3-50 gr pellets of 777. I get 1.5" groups at 100 yards and I feel comfortable with 150 yard shots with this load. Last season, I smacked a large doe at 90 yards with it and it dropped in its place.
  

• Dave M. of Forsyth, MT.: These are the best bullets I have found. My CVA magnum muzzleloader will put 3 touching holes at 100 yards on the bench using 777 loose powder. The knockdown power is unreal. Even the big mule deer just buckle under.

You know everything I have read the past few days while researching this is that it all boils down to preference. Some say it has it and some say it don't. I believe in my opinion with the right caliber, the right powder charge, and the right distance to target, and the right person squeezing the trigger than any shot is possible.

Any deer hunter with a certain amount of ethics and responsibility will only take a shot that he feels comfortable with and that he feels will humanely and quickly harvest the animal.

We owe it to ourselves and the animals we hunt to know what we are shooting, to know what our limits are and no matter whether we shoot .45 or .50 or even .54 calibers if it works for you than SHOOT IT.

It does appear that the .45 caliber is being shadowed by the other more popular calibers and I am asking that the manufacturers and shooters alike keep an open mind and not give up on one of the earliest calibers that this land was founded on.

Bigger is Better? I think it is not the size that matters but how you use it.

Sizing the Full Bore Bullet from "Thor Bullets"

It's time to broaden my horizons, open my mind to different options, having a sense of adventure, taking chances or just sizing a new muzzleloader bullet to try. I had you going there for a minute didn't I, sorry that was my sick sense of humor. But, really I sent out for this new bullet to try in my muzzleloader. It is different in a way because it is a full bore diameter bullet, not one that takes a sabot like the Hornady 240 grain HP/XTP that I am currently shooting.

These are called the Thor Bullets. I had never heard of them until I saw them on a forum that I have joined. The forum is called "The Powerbelt Forum" and it is basically for the most part all about muzzleloading. Muzzleloading has always been one of my joys and now that I am going to be product testing for "Blackpowder Products Inc." I need to start venturing out into otherproducts which might work just as good or maybe even better that what I am using now.

I contacted Thor Bullets and because these are full bore they offer 4 different diameters .500, .501, .502, .503 for a 50 caliber.

They sent me a tube with one of each diameter so I can see which one fits the best. The directions said to take out the breech plug which I did and then take the smallest .500 and try that first. If it slid down the barrel go to the next which was .501.

I tried the .500 and it did not slide down so I used the ramrod. It went down without any problem, actually it went down a little easier than the saboted Hornady .44 that I have been shooting. Thinking it might have been not tight enough I tried the .501 and it was so tight I almost could not push it down.

So I decided that the .500 was the size I am going to try. Here is a picture of the bullet with the grooves in it. (picture is not the best quality).


I figured I would order one box of these to try and see how they do. When that happens of course I will let you know how they do.

Taking another look at Nipmuck Location 1

Yesterday I went for another look see at where I am calling Nipmuck Location 1. This time there was more deer tracks than coyote tracks and a lot more sign thanever. I did manage to find location 1 as there was some doubt. The place is pretty think, it does open up here and there but getting there is the problem.

But, I found my spot soon enough and doubled check the tree I wanted to use. Did look around a bit but was getting late and I did want to leave to much scent. Here are a few pictures of what I saw in and around stand location 1 Nipmuck State Forest.


See the trail walking off to the right to the right of this rub, it leads right to the plateau I will be sitting on. This rub and the one underneath it. There were quite a few other rubs scattered in the are but things seem to fit what I was thinking.



Here is a deer bed with a frozen hoof print in it. This and another one were found within 40 yards of where I plan to hang my ladder stand.


This last picture I took kind of caught my eye. A lone Pine Cone in a woods full of wildlife from deer to coyote, fox, rabbit, fisher, bobcat and maybe even bear from reports I have heard and yet this lone Pine Cone hangs in the cold breezy winter air. As I looked at that cone and took a deep breath I could not notice the sense of peace I was feeling and the impatience to wait for next deer season.

Savory Sunday's - #52

Venison Cheese Dip:

This is a recipe that can go with that super bowl game tonight. "Go Colt's"

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 3/4 cup chopped onion, divided
• 3/4 cup chopped green pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili without beans
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Nacho chips

Directions

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the venison, 1/2 cup onion and 1/2 cup green pepper in oil until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the next six ingredients; cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and remaining onion and green pepper. Serve with chips. Yield: 6 cups.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 tablespoons) equals 67 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 17 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 5 g protein.

Where did all the Bloggers Go?

I can not help but think WHERE DID EVERYONE GO? It seems like it has been so quiet Lately. Nobody seems to be commenting like they used to. Is this normal for this time of year? Does the winter weather have everyone in a stuper?. I miss logging on in the morning and seeing my email counter in double digits. I miss spending 2 to 3 hours on the computer just trying to answer everyone's comment or trying to finish a post for the next day.

I feel like a lone deer in a huge empty forest!

If there is anything in particular you would like me to research or if there is any suggestions of content that I might somehow be missing please let me know.

I have a couple posts that are still in draft and I hope to post one of them later today after I take care of some side work and stuff.

Test your Memory about the Muzzleloader - I dare ya!

Ok, I just gave you 5 posts in a series about the Muzzleloader. Let's see if anyone can remember what I wrote about by taking this simple test which is mostly multiple choice.

Anyone want to try?

1. When a muzzleloader is fired, the black powder is ignited. What takes place next?

• It depends on the type of muzzleloader you have.

• You swab out the bore of the firearm.

• Expanding gases force the projectile from the gun.

• The lubricated patch removes pockets of air during firing.

2. What is black powder made of?

• smokeless powder, chemically treated for muzzleloaders

• potassium, saltpeter, and granulated coal

• potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal

• same ingredients as smokeless powder

3. What is fouling?

• the corrosive residue left on a muzzleloading firearm after firing

• the pollutant effect of black powder on the environment

• the degree of degradation in trajectory in a muzzleloader projectile

• the black powder residue left on a shooter’s fingers after firing

4. What determines the grade of black powder, as reflected by the “F” rating shown on the container?

• size

• color

• weight

• shape

5. What is a sabot?

• a lubricated linen patch used with the round ball

• a plastic sleeve enabling a smaller-caliber bullet to be shot from a larger-caliber firearm

• a cover for the pan containing the priming powder

• a mold for casting smaller-caliber bullets

6. The three basic parts of the muzzleloader are the __________.

• cartridge, stock, and barrel.

• lock, stock, and barrel.

• lock, stock, and action.

• lock, chamber, and muzzle.

7. Label the indicated parts of a muzzleloading flintlock rifle.Parts of a muzzleloading flintlock rifle



1. 2. 3. 4.


8. Label the indicated parts of an in-line muzzleloader.




1. 2. 3. 4.


9. The lock of a firearm is made up of parts that _______.

• ignite a charge that causes the projectile to be ejected.

• block the trigger or hammer to prevent accidental firing.

• load, unload, fire, and eject a cartridge or shotshell.

• serve as the handle of the firearm.

10. List five types of muzzleloading firearm locks/actions.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

11. Label the indicated parts on these muzzleloader locks.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 12. When referring to firearms, caliber is ______.

• the length of the barrel of a rifle or handgun.

• used to describe shotgun shells.

• used to describe the size of a rifle bore and the size of cartridges designed for different bores.

• all of the above.

13. The design feature that causes a bullet to spiral, which increases accuracy and distance, is called .

14. What type of sight is not allowed on a firearm during muzzleloader hunting season in many states?

• bead

• open

• peep or aperture

• telescopic

15. Which of the following is true of the safety on a muzzleloader?

• The half-cock notch performs the function of a safety.

• There are no safeties on any muzzleloading firearms.

• The safety is a mechanical device that can fail.

• The safety can keep you safe in the absence of safe firearm handling.

16. What is the best way to make sure a muzzleloader is empty?

• Discharge the firearm.

• Blow down the muzzle.

• Use a rod to see whether the bore is empty, and use a CO2 discharger to clear the barrel.

• Disassemble the firearm, and submerge it in a bucket of water.

17. What should you use to pour powder into the barrel of your firearm?

• a powder measure

• a powder horn

• a powder flask

• the powder’s original container from the factory

18. Why is it important to seat the projectile firmly against the powder charge?

• Poorly seated loads can cause dangerously high pressures when firing.

• If you do not, the shot will not result in a clean kill.

• If you do not, you waste powder.

• It can release toxic pollutants into the environment.

19. What must you do at the end of each day of shooting?

• Clean the firearm.

• Store the firearm with the muzzle pointed up.

• Put the firearm in its original case.

• Record the results of any target shooting.

Test was from: Today's Muzzleloader Hunter in Alaska