Another Muzzleloader Record for Ohio

Could the Ohio State Muzzleloader Recored be toppled again? You will have to be the judge.

The Stephens buck, shot Nov. 30 in Highland County, officially scored 232 5/8 on January 30, making it the largest nontypical whitetail in Ohio history. Or so we thought.

That was before Tom Luschek of Hillsboro came forward with the buck he took in January 1994. Luschek had the buck scored at the Columbus Deer and Turkey Expo in March by Gary Trent, president of the Buckeye Big Buck Club, official keepers of Ohio’s whitetail record book.










Less than two months after Brian Stephens’ 18-point buck officially claimed the Ohio muzzleloader record, a remarkable challenger has emerged to knock the new champion out of the top spot in the state record books. This 27-pointer shot 16 years ago in the same county is poised to unseat the Stephens buck as Ohio’s No. 1 muzzleloader nontypical.








This is one very impressive whitetail so to read the complete story and view all nineteen pictures from the photo gallery of Steven Hall just click here.

Looking for a Muzzleloader Scope, try Trophy XLT w/DOA

Today I want to touch on Scopes. With the new CVA Optima I have I needed a scope for it and for a few reasons I didn't have one so I took the muzzleloader scope off the CVA Wolf that I purchased a few years ago. So, now I need one for the other and I am starting to shop. I don't want to be cheap but I can't afford to spend all outdoors either.

Now there are different scopes, some are for small calibers like .22 rifles and some are for shotgun's where the distance can be within a 100 yards or high powered rifles for great distances. There are even scopes designed for muzzleloaders which is what I am looking at.

Part of the scope that I think is important is the crosshairs or reticles as they are also called.

There are many variations of reticles, the most basic one is a simple reticle: crosshairs.

Crosshairs are most commonly represented as intersecting lines in the shape of a cross, "+". That is where the term crosshairs comes from.

Typically I usually use the Duplex crosshair but with the accuracy of todays muzzleloaders especially CVA's muzzleloaders I want to be able to stretch the envelope so to speak especially for me who normally doesn't shoot past 75 to 80 yards.

I started browsing and was looking at Bushnell's site. I like Bushnell scopes, at least the one I have now which is very good.




What I found was this, DOA Riflescopes.

No holdover guesswork. No ground shrinkage. No excuses.

Dramatically extend your effective range and judge a buck’s trophy quality in record time with new Dead On Accurate™ (DOA) reticle technology featuring the Rack Bracket. Its extended-yardage aiming points enable you to shoot with lethal precision out to 600 yards with a centerfire rifle (DOA 600) or 250 yards with a muzzleloader (DOA 250).

A must see video clearly describes what I am looking for so you can bet this has moved up on my wish list, just click the Trophy XLT image, then click the video tab.

I certainly plan on doing a review with this item just as soon as I can.

Addition to Cleaning/Mounting the DuraSight System

In my earlier post about Cleaning/Mounting the DuraSight Rail System I had stated that the only problem I had was some threaded holes that I had to retap for fear I would strip a screw.

Since that post I am happy to say that I have received an email about my concerns and that a quality control check was done on what was in the warehouse. All of what they had checked appeared to be fine and what they thought might have been happening was some leftover powder coat from the painting process.

That makes perfect sense as it would not take much to clog threads but being cautious as I was I did not want to take a chance.

To me that quick of a response says a lot about "Connecticut Valley Arms" , "DuraSight" and "Blackpowder Products Inc" . To go to that much trouble to check about what I had found just goes to show how these companies are willing to stand behind their products.

edited by Rick on 3/30/10

Cleaning/Mounting the Durasight Rail Base System

I finally had the opportunity to clean the brand new CVA Optima I received last week. The feel of this rifle and how it slides right up to my shoulder was very nice. It sports the new QRBP "Quick Release Breech Plug" system which I am sure will make a difference.





This first picture shows it resting on a hand-made holder that I use to load my blackpowder revolver. It seem to work fine in this instance.


This next picture shows a shot looking at the muzzle where you can clearly see where the bullet get's seated.


In this shot you'll see the DuraSight Z2 Alloy Rail Base System w/Rings. My first impressive out of the bag was in one word "Solid", they felt like they could handle and jarring or vibration or pounding that a muzzleloader could dish out. I was very impressed except for one small detail. The threaded holes were so tight that I had to run through them with a tap. I felt if I hadn't I could have took the chance to strip screw threads.


Here is the finished project for a Sunday afternoon. I cleaned my new CVA Optima and installed the DuraSight Rail Base System and got the scope mounted.She is now ready to load and see what she can do.


Here's a close-up, Stay Tuned for further Postings:

Savory Sunday's - #59

Stuffed Trout:

Ingredients:

2 lbs of whole trout, cleaned.
½ cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced.
¼ cup of green onions, chopped.
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Preparation Instructions:

In a suitably sized bowl, combine the sliced mushrooms, chopped onions and Parmesan.

Spoon the mixture into cavity of each trout; then season with salt and pepper.

Close the cavities with skewers to secure the stuffing.

Place on lightly greased broiler pan and broil about 4 inches from heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the trout flakes easily.

Connecticut's Forest Fire Danger Report

I was out cleaning the yard today and realized as I had the outdoor fireplace going that some of what I was burning was rather dry. I realized that in my neck of the woods that things can get very dry this time of year.

I know that if we do our own part and help prevent fires than we all will have a forest to live in, around & enjoy.

Spring Fire Season: Normally mid-March to mid-May

After the snow melts in the northeastern part of the U.S. we enter into a traditional spring fire season. This is the time of the year when deciduous trees are bare and the warm spring sun heats up the forest fuels. Forest fuels are made up of anything that burns; typically grasses, leaves, twigs, branches and decaying material in the soil. As the days grow longer and sun gets hotter, the fuels that are most exposed dry out very fast. Grasses, twigs, and very small branches are called '1-hour fuels'. That is, they can take on atmospheric conditions within an hour. Consequently we can receive precipitation and if the sun comes out and a breeze picks up, the fine fuels can be available for burning within an hour. Larger fuels take longer to dry out. Typically fires that start this time of the year burn just the surface leaves and can spread very fast. Generally they cause little, long term damage to the forest.

During the spring, the Spread Index usually drives the fire danger. Wind is most critical.

Forest Fire Danger Rating

The DEP Division of Forestry issues Forest Fire Danger Ratings for Connecticut. A National Fire Danger Rating system that utilizes two indexes is used in Connecticut. The "spread" of a fire is predicted with the Spread Index, which is a numeric rating that corresponds with how fast a fire travels in 'Chains per Hour' (a chain is 66'). For example, if a prediction is made that the Spread Index will be 19, it means the fire is predicted to spread 1254 feet (19 x 66') in an hour.

Connecticut also uses a Build Up index that measures drought. It is a relative scale that is based upon past precipitation.

The 5 Forest Fire Danger Ratings or Class Days are:

Rating or Class Days	Spread Index	Build Up Index
LOW	0-10	0-22
MODERATE	11-15	23-44
HIGH	16-29	45-59
VERY HIGH	30-39	60-74
EXTREME	> 40	> 75

Daily forest fire danger report for Connecticut is posted on website by 1:00 PM and is announced by 7:00 AM

As Smokey Bear says "Only you can prevent wildfires!"

Pre-Season Trout Stocking underway

Opening Day of trout season is Saturday, April 17^th

Trout Management Areas offer pre-season angling opportunities

Over 200 truckloads of trout will be distributed throughout the state in preparation for Opening Day. These trout will be released into 103 lakes and ponds and 200 rivers and streams throughout Connecticut. The following species & sizes will be stocked for Opening Day:

63,600		brook trout	(10-11 inch)
194,300		brown trout	(10-11 inch)
6,900		brown trout	(12 inch)
8,000		tiger trout	(10-12 inch brook/brown hybrid)
94,200		rainbow trout	(10-12 inch)
19,500		rainbow trout	(12-14 inch)
2,800		surplus broodstock	(3-10 pound trout)

Trout anglers looking for an early start to the fishing season can visit one of the state’s sixteen Trout Management Areas (TMA). All these popular areas are open for pre-season catch-and-release fishing. The TMA’s on the Mill River (Fairfield), Saugatuck River, Pequabuck River (including Coppermine Brook), Hammonasset River, Hockanum River, Mill River (Hamden), Naugatuck River, Farmington River, Mianus River, Willimantic River, Moosup River, Yantic River, and Salmon River have already been stocked. There are also plenty of large holdover trout in the TMA’s located on the West Branch Farmington River and the Housatonic River (Housatonic River TMA in Cornwall/Sharon).

This year, ten of these TMA’s will be stocked again in April prior to Opening Day. Class I Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA) are also open year-round for catch-and-release fishing, and are located on Deep Brook, Eightmile River, Hawleys Brook, Beaver Brook/Merrick Brook, Macedonia Brook, Mill River (in Easton), Quinnipiac River, Tankerhoosen River, and Wachocastinook (Riga) Brook.

Another Picture of the Day

As I was going through Google Reader trying to catch up on blogs that I follow I came across another picture that Rob from "Rob's Hunting Journal" that just jumped right out of the computer at me. So, I wanted to highlight it today.

Now this is a conversation piece!

Deadline to have your Trophy scored before the Banquet

Time is just flying by and before you know it yearly events are upon us so I wanted to toss this reminder out with special thanks to Marty at the "Frontier Muzzleloading" forum.

2010 Northeast Big Buck Club Award's Ceremony

All entries must be scored by May 1st 2010 to be eligible for this year’s banquet.

At the banquet, awards will be given to the largest typical and non-typical bucks harvested in the previous year with a bow, gun and muzzleloader, from MA, CT, VT, RI, ME, NH, NY and PA.

These are the best of the best! With over 100 of the northeast's best heads on display, many scoring over 170".

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm TO 8:00 pm

• Mulit-course sit-down dinner
• State-of-the-art computer generated and
  full narrated awards ceremony
• Many incredible hunts auctioned and raffled
• Wildlife art auctions
• Door prizes
• Awards for ladies, teens and seniors

$35.00 per person. No tickets sold at the door.

Please note that any deer that is entered into the NBBC record book from May 1, 2009, until May 1, 2010 are eligible to receive a beautiful 7 x 9 inch laser-engraved plaque recognizing your trophy. These are not the laser-engraved plaques that we give to award winners, but one that will still give all the details of your buck and will be an eye-catching memento to hang on the wall next to your trophy. These solid-wood plaques, a $35 value, will be handed out, FREE OF CHARGE, at the Awards Ceremony*. Please contact Paul Chapdelaine at deerrunacres@comcast.net for more information.

Click Here To Download Ticket Order Form

Click Here To Download Plaque Order Form

Photo from previous year

I have gone every year since I became a member and I gotta say it's a good time and a great way to spend a Saurday.

Even if you are not entering a trophy or receiving a plaque you should still go.

Soon to be Testing the CVA Optima Muzzleloader

This is one of two new muzzleloaders that I am expecting from CVA, "Connecticut Valley Arms". I received it today via the United Parcel Service in very good condition I might add given their reputation of be animals with packages, that is from my experiences.



This is my first rifle I received since I took on the position as Tester. I am trying to make sure I get the most out of this so I can relate the most information to all who follow my posts. I have been doing some research as far as testing and even though I have thought about doing this for so long I realize I might be a little behind compared to what others have done.



Let me just give you a brief overview of this awesome weapon. Straight from the CVA website this is what you see in the pictures above.

CVA has completely redesigned the OPTIMA® – keeping all of the best features of the original while adding or improving many others. In fact, you’ll find features on the new OPTIMA that are only found on other manufacturers’ most expensive guns. CVA’s new OPTIMA includes our QRBP (Quick Release Breech Plug) – the only truly “tool-free removal” breech plug on the market today. Even after 20 or more shots, the QRBP comes out with just a twist of the fingers – try that with any other “speed breech” system.

All OPTIMA rifles feature fluted barrels made of 416 grade stainless steel – and that’s REAL STAINLESS STEEL, not some nickel plating or spray-on paint. Real stainless steel protects against corrosion on the outside and the inside of the barrel. The new OPTIMA also has the same trigger design as our most expensive guns. This “zero center of gravity” design concept provides an incredibly light and smooth trigger pull with virtually no creep. The breech opens easily with just a touch of the breeching lever, which is located in the front of the trigger guard. The OPTIMA is available in both standard and thumbhole stock designs. Both are 100% ambidextrous, and available in either black or Realtree® Hardwoods Green camo. On the standard stock model, the barrel is set up with all metal DuraSight® Fiber Optic sights. The thumbhole model stock is ergonomically designed for scope shooters with DuraSight® integral scope mounts included as standard equipment.

It also came with a DuraSight Z2 Alloy Dead-On One Piece Rail Base/Ring System which I think will be a important part of it's accuracy do to the one-piece base. I can either transfer the scope that is on my CVA Wolf or buy another, that is a tough decision but I think I am going to try and get another.

I look forward to experimenting, there is a lot of fun and history behind a muzzleloader and one that never get's bored shooting these is me.

I can't stay away for long

I am happy to say I am back at it thanks to my supervisor who gave me a extra lap top he had.


My desktop is still in the shop and is probably going to have to stay there for a couple of weeks.

I'm going to try and get ahead on blog stuff this afternoon seeing as I have tonight off because I got shots in my neck this morning because of the arthritis.
It's all good though, I should be able to announce the results of my promotion interview from the other day.

Savory Sunday - #58

Baked Trout Fillets:

Prep Time:
10 Min

Cook Time:
20 Min

Ready In:
30 Min

Servings

US Metric

Original Recipe Yields 4

• 1 pound trout fillets
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Paprika

Directions

1. Place fish in a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, onion and salt; spread over fish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Out Sick with a Computer Virus

I am posting this to let you know you probably won't see or hear from me for a few days. It seems my computer caught a real nasty virus (possibly from going on to Facebook I'm told) so I had to drop it off to get cleaned and whatever they have to do to fix it. According to the computer people there has been a lot of infected computers with the same virus which has been linked to sites like Facebook so you might want to be careful.

If you are wondering how I posted this I typed it during my supper break at work last night.

I will be back and better than ever real soon.................

Mossy Oak Pro-Staff member does Q&A Interview

Here are just a few question and answers from a Pro Staffer at Mossy Oak about turkey hunting.


Michael Leslie of Southbridge, Massachusetts is the Mossy Oak Turkey/Whitetail Regional Pro Staff Manager for the New England States.

Mike is a competitive archer with a number of wins in N.F.A.A., N.A.A., and I.B.O. tournaments, among others. In 2006 he was a member of the United States Archery All-Academic Team. In the 2009 Northeast I.B.O. tournament, Mike was the 3-D champion in the Men’s Bowhunter Open.

Mike’s accomplishments have led to sponsorships by AEP Stabilizers, Bear Archery, Brunton Optics, C.C. Porter Release Aids, True Spot Scopes, Mossy Oak and Vaportrail Custom String & Cables.

Mike graduated from Unity Environmental College with a major in Conservation Law Enforcement and a minor in Wildlife. Mike enjoys competing in archery tournaments, hunting whitetail deer and wild turkey with archery equipment, and bass fishing.

Michael's Turkey Hunting Tips

Q: Can you give me a few general tips on how I can be more successful this spring?

A: Hunting in the spring is one of my most favorite times of the year. There's nothing like the first "gobble" in the morning as the sun is just creeping over the mountain peeks, hearing Mr. Tom talking from the tree top. The most successful tip that I can give is to scout, scout, and scout. Find the birds, and put them to sleep. Back out of there with no noise and set up 2 hours before day break within 50 yards from where you watched them roost the night before.

Q: How much scouting should I do before the season?

A: As much as you can without pushing them out of your area. Find groups of birds in a few locations. Nothing is worse than going to your public grounds on opening morning and finding a truck already parked in your spot. The hard work before the season will pay off when the time comes and you know you have a few sets and different possibilities.

Q: Is there a best call to use?

A: I have a few favorites but if I had to only bring one call, I would choose my go-to call. For me it's my "Penn Woods Waterproof Wizard." It works as a locator call, but also, it has a very nice raspy sound. This call does it all and is very easy to use from beginners all the way up to the die-hard. With this call there is no need for chalk and it can be used in all weather conditions. My close second to use is my "Enticer Raspy Classic." This call has unbelievable sounds and will purr like no other. As for mouth calls, I stay close to Primos Signature Series. It's very easy to use and great sounding.

Q: Do I need to learn to use several different calls?

A: Need? No, a simple box call kills more birds than any other call. But, it's always handy to pull out another call when you have a bird hung up at 50 yards and is very hesitant to come any closer. This is when your time practicing with other calls will help you seal the deal.

Q: What do you do to take care of your calls?

A: All of my mouth calls stay in a Primos call case and I use reed separators after each use. Keep your box calls chalked up and your strikers cleaned.

Q: What is a common mistake that turkey hunters make?

A: One of the biggest mistakes that we make is leaving our set too soon. Wait it out. A lot of my birds have stayed quiet the whole time. Just because they're not responding does not mean they're not there. Blend into your environment. Don't wear your deer hunting camo; wear mid-light colors with lots of bright green like Mossy Oak Obsession. This pattern is the ideal pattern for the spring season. Also, don't forget that decoy!

Q: Do you use decoys? If so, how?

A: Yes, decoys are one of the most important tools I use. It takes the turkey's eyes off you and onto your decoy. This allows you to draw your bow or settle in for your shot. I like to set up one strutting tom and one hen in the ground. This setup has worked the best for me.

Q: What should I do if I go out and don't hear any gobbling?

A: Try different calls, stay quiet and relax. Some of the best birds come in very quiet. These birds are smart and may have been tricked before. Stay on them and don't give up. If you know they are there in the area, they will come.

Q: If I can hunt all day, is there a best time to hunt?

A: I still like the mornings. It's very peaceful and there are no distractions. The worst is to be working a bird and then somebody drives by and sees birds in your field and slows down, scaring them away. Get to them early and slap a tag on him. Pattern that gun with different types of ammo. Continue to shoot that bow and practice often. Hard work will pay off. Have a safe and happy hunting season. Good Luck!

Saying Hello to Dad

Yesterday was a somber day. It was the 4th. anniversary of when my Dad died. It was also a harder day because I had a doctors visit early in the morning and found out all the tests I went through about 3 years ago I have to do again.

So between blood work up and pulmonary test, stress tests and possible another angiogram I was a little beside my self and telling my wife I had to do it all over again made her worried to know end.

After that mess I went to the florist and picked out a nice bouquet of flowers and then met my Mom, sister and brother for lunch at the local diner. Talked about dad and family events of the past and then headed up the road a little ways to the cemetery.

Stopped at Dad's grave and cleaned off old flowers and placed new ones, it was nice. My wife and I were able to purchase the plot next to him last year which made me happy.

Near the end I didn't spend much time with dad because of a couple of reasons. One was I was coming to the end of my working test period for my state job and even though I told them that my dad wasn't going to last much longer they recommended I try and stay if I could or they would have to extend and it would not look good. I said ok. My very last night of probation I drove home and walked in the door and the phone started ringing. I picked it up and I am sure you can guess who it was. The nursing home had just told me my Dad had died.

I didn't know what to say but I didn't get to say goodbye. To this day I regret not being able to visit him as much as I should and that is something I will have to live with.

With out being any more morbid than I already have been I just want to say that we should all spend time with family as much as possible because you never know what the future hold and I personally would not want anyone else to live with what I have been living with for the past 4 years.

Dad, I Love you and Miss You. I will see you when I see you.

Trout Park? What's a Trout Park?

Sticking with the trout theme for another day I decided to browse around and found some information on Trout Parks. Now this I have never heard about although I don't follow trout like I do deer so maybe that is why I haven't heard about this. I thought I would mention and see if any of you have heard about it.

Trout Park? What's a Trout Park?

A Trout Park is a pond or stream that will be stocked weekly with trout from the state’s fish hatcheries.

11 water bodies in Connecticut have been designated as Trout Parks. Trout Parks are located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for young anglers and novice anglers as well as for those with mobility challenges. The frequent stockings, generally between Opening Day and Memorial Day, will greatly increase an angler’s chances of catching a fish, making it a more attractive "fishing hole", particularly to children and families.

Although the Trout Parks will have more fish in them, their daily creel limit (the number of trout an angler can keep) has been reduced from five to two fish per day in order to spread the catch among a greater number of anglers.

So round up the family, get over to one of the Trout Parks and start fishing!

Trout Parks that are stocked on Opening Day (These Parks will also be stocked with trout prior to Opening Day) Black Rock State Park, Watertown; Watertown; Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth; Southford Falls State Park, Oxford Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury Wharton Brook State Park, Wallingford Wolfe Park, Monroe Other Trout Parks stocked prior to Opening Day: Day Pond, Colchester Kent Falls State Park, Kent Natchaug River, Eastford Spaulding Pond, Norwich Valley Falls Pond, Vernon

I think this is an excellant idea especially for the kids. It makes it easier to catch trout so it won't be not so frustrating for them. As we all know and have done some days you just come home empty handed, or at least I do.

Connecticut's Trout Season is fast Approaching

I had noticed when I was looking at my countdown counter that I got slightly ahead of myself which means I forgot all about Connecticut's Trout Season Opener. I wouldn't say I am an avid trout fisherman but I do enjoy it from time to time. This year my goal is to get my son Tyler out to do more fishing and hopefully catch his first one plus maybe get mom out as well even if it is just to sit and relax while she reads one of her books,

NOTICE!! Please be aware that as of October 1, 2009, pursuant to the recently adopted state budget, all inland and marine fishing fees have increased. This includes both recreational and commercial fees. Application forms are being updated to reflect the new fees.

As a reminder, the free LIFETIME RESIDENT INLAND FISHING LICENSE-AGE 65+ and LIFETIME RESIDENT FIREARM LICENSE-AGE 65+ became ANNUAL licenses effective October 1, 2009. All age 65+ licenses obtained since October 1, 2009 expired December 31, 2009 must be renewed. All age 65+ licenses obtained in 2010 are set to expire on 12/31/10 and will need to be renewed at no cost each year going forward.

How Much Does Your Fish Weigh?

Fish can be injured when weighed with portable scales. To estimate the weight of your fish, simply take a length and girth measurement (in inches), and use the following formulas. Remember, these are only estimates!

Species of Fish Formula (see explanations below) Striped Bass Length3 2,200 Example: A 30 inch striped bass weighs approximately 12 pounds (30" x 30" x 30")/2,200 = 12.3 pounds Walleye Yellow Perch Length3 2,700 Northern Pike Chain Pickerel Length3 3,500 American Shad Hickory Shad Sunfish Scup Length3 1,200 Large/Smallmouth Bass Black Sea Bass Trout Length x Girth2 700 Weakfish Bluefish Formula Explanations: Length3 = Length x Length x Length Length2 = Length x Length Girth2 = Girth x Girth Girth is the greatest distance around the body A = Length B = Girth