Dressing for the cold weather Hunt

I am one of those guys who teters on the cold/warm thinking when it comes to hunting, I always where to much or not enough. I was thinking of this while looking at the nightly lows on the wether report so I thought I would toss a couple ideas out.

Some of this info came from eHow:

If cold weather doesn't deter the prey, it shouldn't deter the hunter. Cold-weather hunting can actually be superior to warm-weather hunting in several ways. For one, the hunting lands are less crowded when the weather is unfavorable, so even the usually crowded public-hunting lands can be solitary and rewarding. Also, many animals that don't usually brave the dangers of the outside world emerge in winter to look for food. Cold-weather hunting is great as long as you are prepared for it.

1.) Purchase better fabrics if you can afford them, like fleece, wool or fur. They will keep you warm and ensure that your hunting experience won't be ruined because of the cold.

If you see some of the old timer (no offense intended) they wear colored wool, color really does not matter. I know 20 years ago when I started hunting my Mom made me some wool socks and you know I still use them today.

2.) Start getting dressed with something like long underwear, which will form the first line of protection from chilling wind while also helping to seal your body heat to your body.

Long underwear is a very good idea and another is to get yourself a union suit which is one of those one piece items. The only hard thing is when you have to go you know where.

3.) Layer your clothes. After long underwear, put your regular hunting clothes right on top. With layering, you have perfect control over exactly how warm or cold you are.

Perfectly so, which gets back to a comment I made in the beginning. You can never have to much, if you find your self getting to heated you can always take a piece of clothing off.

4.) Dress yourself next in large, wind-breaking overclothes, including pants and a jacket. They should be camouflaged specifically for your cold-weather conditions. They can be purchased at any hunting supply store or at websites like Cabelas.com.

The wind, I really don't like that word because for the fact it makes it harder for you to get close to the deer without them picking up your scent. It also seems to find it's way through you if you are not dressed for it.

5.) Remember to give your hands and feet the same treatment your body receives by using glove and boot liners. Blood is what keeps you warm, and your fingers and toes--with the smallest vessels--often get cold the fastest.

Very true I know. I finally found the proper boots that I feel will keep my feet warm and dry so remember to choose wisely. Also, I tend to use a lot of handwarmer ( Product review coming soon ) which help to keep the hands and fingers warm enough.

New Trail Markers for your Outdoor/Hunting Gear

After my latest experience in the deer woods with all my new trail markers that I put out coming up missing I thought this could get expensive if it happens again. That really was a bit of money I lost because of someone's ignorance but, it gave me an idea.

Before I go farther I have to give credit where credit is due. A friend of mine "Terminator" from an old forum had sent me these at one time to try and to be quite honest I forgot I had them. He actually had the same thing happen so he decided to make his own which was a lot less expensive than if he went out to buy some.

What I would like to know is what do you all think of this idea? 

I am going to add these to my PAGE up top with a new name of "Antler Art +" , the price is TBD. I really wanted to get some input on what kind of interest there is out there. Everyone needs a few trail markers sooner or later, especially at night when all your land marks can't be seen like they are during the day.

Beer, Wine and Three lost Deer

Now this is something you would not normally see in a package store.



Nice to know that neither one of the 3 deer appeared to be injured. They were just in the wrong place and wanted out.

Connecticut's Shotgun/Rifle "A" season sadly ends.

I gotta tell you it has been a rough year for me so far. Two weeks ago I went out and marked a trail into this new area I got stuck with because of a mistake I made on a permit application. I had excepted my mistake and realized what to do next time so it doesn't happen again but I took the most of what I had and did my scouting periodically through the year.

A couple days before the opening morning I started to feel not 100% and sure enough I had come down with Brinchitus. Day after day and I was still sitting on the couch sick as a proverbial dog. Finally that had started to clear up but then I came down with another problem due to the fact my immune system was shot.

What is that saying about bad luck?  !!@@#$$%^^&&**())

Anyway, yesterday was the last day for this particular season so I opted to forgo the fact I feel like crap and went out for just about 3 hours. First I noticed that someone had stole all but 3 of my trail markers so I suppose it was a good thing I waited until mid morning to go out otherwise I probably would have gotten a little bewildered in the dark if you know what I mean.

I did manage to get to where I wanted to originally sit and I could see that in the two weeks I had not been out but, the bucks had been because there was nothing but buck rubs every where I turned. I sat in the sparatic showers of a cold rain until I had enough and slowly worked my way out, at least I can say I did go out.

I plan to now concentrate my attention on muzzleloader season which is really what I have been waiting for all year long. Blackpowder is by far the most fun I have as far as what type of weapon to use and to be honest my muzzleloaders are more accurate than anything else I have. Recently I had posted some nice pictures of where I will be muzzleloader hunting and I plan to make one more trip out to check my camera before that season starts which is December 8th.

I would like to say to whomever took my trail markers I hope they worked well for you at my expense. There is a saying I firmly believe in and that is "What goes around Comes around"

There is another saying that I have altered slightly and that is "It's not over until the fat lady sings", I changed that and now it is "It's not over until the Buck grunts" so stick around, I plan to hopefully have something to show on or after December 8th. It takes a lot for me to give up, it's not in my vocabulary.

Venison Meatball Stew, How can you go wrong.

I also want to mention how I came across this awesome recipe. Leon Pantenburg has been keeping in touch with me and offering all these great tips that I periodically have been posting. He has a very good site which I think everyone should bookmark to their favorites.

Venison Meatball Stew

1 egg
1 lb. ground venison
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp each of garlic powder, basil, oregano, pepper
1 Tbs vegetable oil
2 Tbs flour
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, beat egg.
Mix in ground venison, salt pepper and the 1/4 tsp each of basil, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into 2-inch balls. Heat oil in a 12-inch shallow Dutch oven and add meatballs. Cook untilwell breowned; remove from pot and keep warm.
Remove grease for Dutch oven. Into the Dutch oven, add tomatoes, vegetables, basil, oregano and meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

I want to include the creator of this most awesome recipe and urge everyone to stop by and browsefurther.

Linda Stephenson of La Pine, OR,  grew up in Central Oregon, hunting with her Dad in the high desert.  At age 12, Linda began preparing the evening meals at hunting camp, often using  the wild game they had brought home. While camping the woods, Linda perfected her cooking skills over a campfire.
Linda is currently chapter president of the Central Oregon Dutch Oven Society, one of the largest International Dutch Oven Society clubs in the nation, and is  a former IDOS regional director. Linda is a two-time finalist in the IDOS World Championship cookoff, and is also active as a Dutch oven teacher, judge and cookoff promoter. She is the author of several cookbooks. For more Dutch oven recipes, or to purchase additional cookbooks, visit Linda at: www.Dutchovenstuff.com.

A Very Important Tip to Remember

I saw this in a Buckmasters email I received and I felt I should convey because of it's importance.I personally have learned from this lesson in the past and I think it is something that we all need to try and remember to do while hunting deer.

Stop, Look and Listen After the Shot

We all put a lot of preparation into having our equipment sighted in and ready. As a community, hunters have done a great job of educating one another about the importance of making a good, clean shot. Many of us in the outdoors media have been so focused on that issue that we've forgotten the second part of each successful deer hunting story: what happens after the shot.

While your heart might be pumping and your adrenaline roaring through your body, try to keep focused on what happens right after you shoot. Bow or gun, use your eyes. What did the deer do when you shot? Did it stumble or jump? Was it running crouched low or bounding upright? How about the tail: high and flagging or tucked?

Next, take careful note of the deer's path. Watch it as long as you can and pick out a tree or rock where you last saw it to use as a marker when you climb down from your stand or begin tracking.

For bowhunters especially: Listen. Many deer given up for lost are found following a hunter saying, "Well, I thought I heard some crashing over there, but it wasn't the way the deer was headed so I didn't think much of it." You can often tell if a deer falls down just by listening...Read More

http://www.buckmasters.com/

Thanksgiving thoughts from the deer Woods

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

From all of us here at Whitetail Woods may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, try not to eat to much turkey and good luck if you are still out to fill that deer tag.

Picture of the Week

I was asked to keep this location quiet so I will, I'm not even going to use his username that he goes by because I am sure it would be recognized. 

I will say GOOD LUCK!

Yes, I'm still Kicking just not so High

I'm sure some of you have noticed that my posting has been less than normal lately and it certainly is not like me. Recently I had mentioned about being out a few days due to Bronchitis well, you see there was not known to me but another reoccurring problem that would be showing up time

I don't want to bore you with all the details but I will say a tick bite has sense changed what I can do and how I can do it

For someone who loves the outdoors and deer hunting as much as I do it really !@#$% and it is really frustrating because when it starts up I not only loose time from work but I loose time from the woods. So far my shotgun season started last Wednesday and I have yet to go out and it ends the day after Thanksgiving and I just don't know. I might just save what's left and rest of for Muzzleloader season in December.

I want to quote a saying from a movie and I am sure a lot of you will recognize it,

"Life is like a box of Chocolates, You just never know what your Gonna get".

Friendly Reminder to Look out for Deer Crossings

With the whitetail rut fast approaching and in some area's maybe already hear we should all be reminded to keep an extra eye out for deer crossings our well traveled roadways.

Car verses deer = pain,injury and damage to property + possible death.

 I myself had accidentally hit a deer back in 2007 and other than maybe a stiff neck it cost me well actually it cost the insurance company $2.200.00 which was a significant amount of cash and on top of that my truck was really never the same.

So please if you could just dial it down a notch on the speed and pay more attention to the sides of the road as well as the road itself. You never know when they will pop out in front of you.

This is Why I have always wanted to Deer Hunt in Kentucky

I'm awfully glad to mention that one of my blogging friends "Kentuckyfarmgirl" from "My Country Blog of This and That"  has scored on a very nice buck so I wanted to share her story with you all and if you could don't forget to stop by her blog and say Hi and congratulations.

He's not the BIG guy on my camera but I'm proud of him!  He's a 7 point.  I saw him at first light this morning chasing does with two smaller bucks.  I never got a clear shot then he disappeared.  I waited him out and he showed up again this afternoon at 2:30. I saw him cross a fence and head my way then he went into some brush.  A doe ran out about 50 yards in front of me with a fawn.  He came to the edge of the bushes behind her and scrubbed his antler on a low hanging limb for awhile and then walked out broadsided.  I dropped him right where he stood. 

Darla

Weaver's new Buck Commander Scopes

I saw this in a newsletter that I get on a regular basis and these seem to be a very nice scope.

What do you think of the new Buck Commander?

The first edition of Buck Commander scopes is available in 2010. Designed by Weaver® engineers with the help of Willie Robertson and the deer hunting fanatic Buck Commanders, these scopes feature four times magnification range and super fast focusing power. Select models feature Weaver's proprietary Command-X ballistic drop correction reticle. Perfectly matched for Fusion® ammo and deadly with other big game rounds this reticle guides bullets to the sweet spot.

• First edition of Buck Commander Scopes
• Each scope comes with four times zoom range
• Easy to use reset-to-zero, finger adjustable turrets
• Select models feature Weaver's Command-X ballistic drop correction reticle
• Fogproof / shockproof / waterproof
• Fully multi-coated lenses

Model	Description
94571	2.5-10x42mm; Command-X reticle
94572	2.5-10x42mm; Dual-X
94573	3-12x50mm; Command-X
94574	3-12x50mm; Dual-X reticle
94575	4-16x42mm; SF Command-X reticle
94576	4-16x42mm; SF Dual-X

Tips For Gun Safety While Hunting

I know we have heard it over and over again but you can never hear it enough and it is better being safe than sorry. With Connecticut's Shotgun/Rifle season opening today I thought it wise to post this.

 There are many reasons that a hunter would get seriously injured, but the leading cause is improper gun handling. Unfortunately, too many hunters ignore vital safety precautions when hunting and do not take good care of their weapon. Hunting injuries or fatalities are becoming all too common in the world of hunting and many people do not seem too concerned about the fatal realities of these incidents. The logical hunter, however, takes careful note of all of the safety precautions involving his or her weapon and learns the basics of gun safety for hunters.

One of the first fundamental laws of hunting safety is to always treat the gun as if it is loaded. This is a universal guideline for gun safety as it does not refer to any actual type of gun. In terms of having a gun in general, one should never assume that it is unloaded. One should never be flippant with a gun or wave it around, point it at others or work carelessly with it. There is always the off chance that something could occur as a result of any gun powder residue or other possibilities, giving the odds of a dangerous incident more ground than necessary. Instead, simply treat the gun as if it is always loaded and err on the side of caution.

In relationship to the aforementioned law of gun safety, it is important to be responsible and keep the gun unloaded until it is ready for use on the hunting grounds. This avoids any injury or death due to the gun accidentally going off due to careless use or due to improper storage. Many a story has been told about gun injuries relating to guns going off in truck compartments and shooting through truck seating, relating to the notion that the gun was not only properly stored but that the improperly stored gun was loaded. For reasons such as these, always store the gun as unloaded.

When on the hunting field, it is important to remember hunting safety techniques. Always keep the fingers in indexed positions until ready to fire. This avoids any accidental firing which can obviously result in serious injury. Instead, the fingers should be somewhat folded and away from the trigger if possible. If the fingers are more apt to be near the gun's trigger, keep them folded and away from any notches until the prey is well within scope range. One false move with a finger too close to the trigger could result in accidental firing resulting in injury or death.

Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This, of course, means that the gun should never be pointed at another person. Many a story has been told of guns pointed at hunting companions in jest, only for the gun to accidentally go off and injure or kill the unfortunate companion. For this reason and for reasons involving common sense, keep the gun pointed somewhere safe and away from yourself and people at all times. This rule applies whether the gun is loaded or not.

Never look down the barrel of the gun to see if it is loaded. This is simply something that should not be done under any circumstances. As a reference to the aforementioned rules, one of the fundamental foundations of gun safety is expecting the unexpected. If one is looking down the gun barrel, there is no predictable way to ensure that the gun will not accidentally fire from powder residue or any other elements that could be lodged in the gun. Keep the face away from the gun barrel at all times.

Make sure that the gun is never dropped. This can result in accidental firing, which can send a bullet or powder in a very chaotic and unpredictable direction. Instead, always hold the gun with both hands and treat it as carefully as possible.

Never let a person who is intoxicated in any way handle a gun. Alcohol and drugs slow the reason factor on people, resulting in a lapse of reason and better judgment. An intoxicated person may improperly operate a firearm, leading to injury or possible death.

All in all, these fundamental rules should be followed if one wants to ensure a safe and happy hunting trip. Without paying attention to safety regulations, the risk factor of the average hunting trip more than doubles and injury is almost inevitable. Be safe when hunting or handling a gun of any kind.

Guest Post from a Good Friend

Guest Post: All Charged Up!

Don't Leave That Powder In Your Rifle

Albert A Rasch of The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

With hunting season in full swing in many parts of the United States, it is a good time to remind everyone about Black Powder safety.

Many years ago I was at my neighborhood gun shop. Knowing my interest in all things firearms related, the proprietor showed me a percussion rifle that was brought in to him.

I gasped when he laid it on the counter. The breechplug's tang was bent, the threaded part of the breech plug aiming straight up. The barrel, what was left of it, was banana peeled forward, with large chunks missing. I asked where the lock was as it was missing, and was told that it had been blown completely off. The trigger guard was still attached, albeit loosely, but the trigger was gone. The wood around the breech was splintered and the top edges scorched.

I immediately surmised that smokeless powder was the culprit. Smokeless powder develops upwards of 50000 pound per square inch, whereas black powder and its modern equivalents like Goex, Pyrodex, and 777 rarely exceed 20000 PSI.

My gunsmith friend quickly corrected me. The problem was black powder that had been left in the chamber for an extended period of time!

Closer examination of the charge area of the breech revealed extensive pitting, so much so that it actually looked like it would have been an egg shaped cavity before it let loose.

The owner of the percussion rifle said that it had been left loaded throughout the muzzleloader season, and when hunting season was over, he attempted to discharge it. The first two caps did not fire the weapon, but upon touching off the third one, the rifle blew up between his hands! He was fortunate, said the gunsmith, to only suffer some powder burns, and a shallow gash across the top of his hand.

The long and the short of it is,

Do Not Leave Your Muzzleloader Charged!

Pull the ball at the end of the day, and dispose of the powder safely.

If you buy a used blackpowder firearm, make sure you carefully inspect the chamber area for pitting and possible enlargement. You never know how the owner may have conducted his loading affairs!

Related Posts:
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Fall Protection Harness Safety


Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Taking a last minute Hike though the new Area

Here it is Tuesday and the Connecticut Shotgun/Rifle season opens tomarrow, boy am I really excited and really don't know if my patience can hold out or not. I have waited a whole year for this and even though I goofed on my permit application I will make this new and different area work some how.

Being state land and really unfamiliar with the surroundings I plan to make a last minute hike through the area. I have a idea of where I want to be but the area is real nasty to get to unless you know where your going which I do not. That is why I am making this last minute hike through. It does get really think in places but the deer are there, I have seen the signs.

I was at Walmart the other day doing some grocery shopping for my wife because she still is not able to get around and of course I could not resist to go through the sporting goods department. I found these reflector strips that just clip on to low lying branches and will light up when a flash light hits them so I bought a couple of packages. I figure I can lay those out on today's hike and tomarrow when I go in the dark I will be able to find where I wanted to sit.

I figured I had to try something seeing as I am not all that familiar with the area even though I have been in there quite a few times. The only thing is I hope 2 packages will be enough.

Fees and Credits for Connecticut's Fishing and Hunting Licenses

Fees and Credits for Fishing and Hunting
Licenses, Permits and Tags

 

During the 2010 session of the General Assembly, legislation was approved and signed into law in April reducing many of the fees for sportsmen’s licenses and permits. This was followed in June by legislation authorizing a credit to be applied against the fee for any 2011 sportsmen’s license, permit or tag when purchase of a license, permit or tag had been made at the higher prices in place between October 1, 2009 and April 14, 2010.  The credit amount will be the difference between the higher amount paid during that time period and the amount set by the new fee structure established April 14, 2010.

 

To obtain a credit, you must purchase your 2011 license, permit or tag by mail or in person at one of the following locations:

(NOTE:  2011 licenses/permits/tags will be available starting December 1, 2010.)

 

Locations to purchase 2011 license, permit or tag and redeem credit(Credit redemption is not available from Town Clerks, Retail Vendors or Online Sportsmen Licensing System)
DEP Field Offices:	Hours	Phone
Marine Headquarters, Old Lyme	M-F 8:00 am-4:00 pm	860-434-6043
Eastern District, Marlborough	M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm	860-295-9523
Western District, Harwinton	M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm	860-485-0226
Franklin WMA, Franklin	M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm	860-642-7239
Sessions Woods WMA, Burlington	M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm	860-675-8130
DEP Main Office 79 Elm St, Hartford
License & Revenue Office	M-F 9:00 am-4:00 pm	860-424-3105
DEP Store	M-F 9:00 am-3:30 pm	860-424-3555

 

Mail in option

 

A form to purchase your license, permit or tags by mail when redeeming a credit will be available on line at www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmensfeereduction after December 1, 2010.

Countdown to Shotgun Season

If you count today I have 4 more days until my Shotgun No-Lottery Deer season begins and I CAN HARDLY SIT STILL.

Unfortunately had had goof when applying for this season and ended up here instead of where i usually am but that is ok. I will make the best of it. I know there is deer there it is just a bit thicker than I am used to hunting in.

So this weekend besides all the projects I am working on around the house I will be checking out my gear and determining what I am going to use and making sure it is packed up and ready to go. Monday or Tuesday I will take one final browse up through this area and lay a reflector line so I have something to follow in the dark. I have been here before but never in the dark and we all know who the landscape changes after dark.

This particular season goes from the 17th. to the 26th. which with my schedule will give me to hunt 7 mornings and 2 full days, sounds easy enough don't it. I sure hope so but you never know, I am going to give it the old college try so they say and either way I am going to enjoy it.

Wish me luck!

Time to Smell the Air and ask Why

I go through this everytime every year. It is like the call of the wild or something but, I can't sleep, I can't rest and I sure can't concentrate. The smell alone of a cool crisp day with a slight breeze that is carrying the smell of a well lit fireplace is enough to make my mind wander.

 Ok, before you ask that is not me but a good likeness hahaha. But, really out of 365 days in one year I hunt only about 3 1/2 weeks so I don't have the luxury of getting to picky of what I harvest. Normally the first adult deer that comes into view is the one that fills my tag.

The best part about it all I would say is just being out in the woods. The woods in autumn is the best place for me to go relax, get away from the day to day crap that always seems to turn up and to listen to the silence of the woods. The honk of a squadron of Canadian Geese flying overhead while your sitting in a tree stand. The bark of a Gray Squirrel after he notices you sitting there watching him or the chitter chatter of a chipmunk that is running up and down the stonewall that is close by.

That is just the wildlife, what about the nip of a frosty morning on your cheeks and the smell of woods burning in a fireplace just over the ridge. The smell of the leaves, the smell of the corn being harvested by the local farmer. How about the sight and sounds of firewood being cut down and split. It almost seems like autumn brings a lot of hustle and bustle for the preparation of a coming winter and maybe so but to me it is when I find peace. It is when I head for the whitetail woods in pursuit of a adult deer that will fill my freezer and it's when I go to rest my mind from month's past.

Now doesn't this look Peaceful!

photo by Red Pine Mountain blog

Savory Friday's at Whitetail Woods

I was browseing for a good recipe because I hadn't posted one in awhile and saw this that just made my mouth water so her it is and I hope you like it.

FROM:

Teriyaki Deer Snack Sticks

Bits of minced garlic and fresh ginger root make these teriyaki deer snack sticks something special. And when you add the homemade teriyaki sauce, it gets even better!

What is Teriyaki

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique. Meat, chicken or fish is marinated in a sweet soy sauce based marinade, and then grilled or broiled. Teriyaki sauce can be purchased ready to use, or it can easily be made from scratch.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

To make teriyaki sauce, combine...

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

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

Teriyaki Deer Snack Sticks

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

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

Combine the venison, chicken, salt and Tender Quick®, mixing completely. Rest in the refrigerator two days, mixing again two times each day. Add the remaining ingredients before mixing for the last time. After a good, thorough mixing, let the ground venison rest another hour or so before forming and dehydrating.
For complete instructions, visit Making Deer Snack Sticks , where you'll find helpful snack stick information about combining the ingredients, forming the sticks, and drying the snacks. And after you've tried the Teriyaki Deer Snack Sticks, you can find more venison snack stick recipes on the following pages.

Magnetic Compass, A good item to Have

With hunting season just about in full swing in most places and people heading out into the unknown it never hearts to have a good magnetic compass with you and know how to use it. Here is a great article that you might find very interesting.

Selecting a Magnetic Compass

Posted on July 7th, 2010 by Leon in Blake Miller: GPS

A quality compass should be part of your Ten Essentials and included in every urban and wilderness survival kit. In this article, navigation expert Blake Miller shows you how to pick a good, usable one.

By Blake Miller

I felt fortunate to have been invited to attend a presentation on compass navigation by a senior Boy Scout troop leader.  It was a quick overview on the key components of a compass and its use in land navigation.  The troop leader quickly touched on purchasing a compass.  His overview made me consider just what an outdoors person should look for in a good compass.
My experience has been that most sales clerks in the large box stores and major retail outlets have no experience in the use of a compass.  Their assistance is generally along the line of “…they are on aisle 12, half way down on the right;” and their knowledge isn’t that great.  The folks at REI are generally dialed in and best of all, their selection is better.  With a little research you will find a nice selection available at REI, Cabelas, and most of your outdoor stores that specialize in hiking and backpacking.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a good quality compass.  Consider the following when looking for a compass:

Read the Complete Article:

Cleaning & Storing your Blackpowder Gun, A must do for continued Success!

I wanted to touch briefly on storing your blackpowder rifle or handgun and maybe find out how others do it. As most of you are aware these days the blackpowder on the market can be great to use but can also be very corrosive to your firearm. If you do a poor job cleaning it will surely come back to get you, I know that from experience.

Now I know everyone has their own way of doing it and what they use to do it which is great. If what you do works for you than great. Click the link ahead to see some basic instructions from eHow about cleaning a modern in-line muzzleloader, you might find it useful.

My biggest concern was storing my blackpowder guns while they are not being used. Temperature change and humidity place a big role as well as cleaning how your rifle or revolver will fair the down time. I have had rifle clean as a whistle or so I thought only to take them out . run a patch down to remove the protective coat only to see a patch that was white and it down a dark rusty brown color.

I am trying something new right now and that is after taking the whole gun apart and  cleaning as best as I think I ca get it using what I think is good cleaning accessories then to help keep the inside of the barrel away form what could harm it I cover the muzzle with a piece of saran wrap and then place an elastic around it so it stays. I started doing this a couple months ago.  If the gun is closed and the breech plug some what out of the open air and saran wrap is over the muzzle then it is less likely to corrode from blackpowder residue than a gun that was just cleaned and leaned in the cabinet.

You can even do this when you are hunting in foul weather. Last December on opening morning of Connecticut's muzzleloader season we had a nasty snow storm that dumped 12+ inches in our state. That morning I am sitting under a tree on the edge of a laurel thicket and I used this method to keep the snow out of the barrel. When I had a doe pop out I was able to get a nice broadside shot and fired right through the saran wrap. The mounting pressure from the charge and the bullet was not effected.

Butch's Blackpowder Bore Shine

 This is not quite a new product but it is what I am going to start trying from the bore shine cleaner, gun oil to their patchs.

I had hear good reports so I am going to see for my self.

What I want to put forth to my readers is a request to add how you store yours when not in use. This will give others a possible better way to clean and store their muzzleloaders.

Whitetail Woods get's Featured at Outdoor Blogger Network

Recently I posted about becoming a member of the "Outdoor Blogger Network" and to my surprise I received this last night.

Rick ~
I wanted to let you know that your blog has been chosen as one of our Featured Outdoor Bloggers of the week on the Outdoor Blogger Network.
Your RSS feed is now live on the main front page and the announcement post will be up within the hour.
Congrats on keeping such a great blog!

Rebecca and Joe

It is sure a honor to be chosen and featured on this awesome site which I hope everyone has visited since I originally had mentioned it with my last post "Be a Part of something - Sign up with the Outdoor Blogger Network"

I want to say thank you to Rebecca and Joe and I urge everyone to at least stop by the OBN and think about signing up. 

First Pics from my Wildview Xtreme Series Cam

I just finished down loading the pictures off the SD memory card on my new "Wildview Xtreme Series" camera. These pics you will see are the very first ones off this camera since I received it. Of course with any camera there were some that did not come out good quality wise but I think that is normal with any unit.

Out of a total of 216 pics I narrowed it down to about 110 keepers. I can't show you all but I will pic a few you might like. Oh ya if you notice the year is wrong on these pics. I forgot when you change batteries that you have too edit the time and date stamp. Fortunately the year is the only thing that was affected by the battery change. I have already gone back to fix when I replaced the SD card.

6 pointer - 1 beam not visible on left side

very nice adult doe

I believe this one to be a  9 pointer

at least a 5 pointer +

This guy looks to be a 4 pointer

All in all I am very pleased with the "Wildview Xtreme Series" camera. There were a few pics that were messed up with no apparent answers as to why but I ended up with more than less and the quality of the pictures themselves were very nice. I do have to say I love the case is sealed and waterproof with very nice swing snap closures. The whole unit is small and some what compact which is also a plus. The infrared motion sensor works so well that even a squirrel can set it off.

110 pictures in 3 1/2 weeks, I can't wait until the next batch.

Happy 25th!

I know this is Saturday and Our 25th. wedding anniversary was Tuesday but I just wanted to drop a line real quick before I leave with the family to go visit my brother for a few hours.

It has been a long and hard 25 and I will attest to that but you have overcome and adapted and surprisingly you have shown a lot of persistance. You have earned the coveted title of "Hunter's Widow" according to Mom and you have certainly proved a lot tougher than most would think so without blabbering on any further.

Happy 25th. Wedding Anniversary To my Wife Heidi, may we have many many more.

Love, Rick

BPI's plan to meet Supply and Demand

Hot off the Presses from Dudley McGarity of "Blackpowder Products Inc." As of the 1st. of the new year they and their other companies will be moving to a much larger facility where they have plans of handling better the ever increasing want and demand for products from CVA, Bergera Barrels, Quake Industries, Powerbelt Bullets and Durasight,

BPI Moves to New Office and Distribution Facility

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blackpowder Products Incorporated (BPI) announced that it will be moving its office and warehouse operations to a new facility in Duluth, Georgia – a suburb 15 miles northeast of Atlanta – effective January 1^st, 2011.  This new location for BPI and its family of brands, including CVA, Bergara Barrels, DuraSight, Quake, and PowerBelt Bullets, is just 6 miles from its current home in Norcross, Georgia. BPI’s new facility will boast a new state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System which will further automate and streamline the company’s order fulfillment process.     

Nate Treadaway, the President and Chief Operating Officer of BPI, said the move will be good for BPI on many levels.  “We knew we needed to upgrade our distribution capabilities in order to keep pace with the complex requirements of our customers, but simply could not find a feasible way to accomplish this in our existing building.  This new facility allows us to accomplish this objective, with minimal down time, while also preparing us for our future needs in terms of location, size, and design,” Treadaway explained.

BPI will officially close the current Norcross facility on December 16^th and will resume operations from the new facility on January 3^rd. 

The new corporate address of BPI is given below.  All phone numbers will remain the same.

Blackpowder Products, Inc.

1685 Boggs Road

Suite 300

Duluth, GA  30096

 ___________________________________________________________________________

Blackpowder Products, Inc. markets a wide array of innovative hunting products – all at unmatched values.  The company’s USA headquarters in Duluth, GA handles all distribution.  BPI is an industry leader in muzzleloading rifles and accessories, hunting rifles, hunting and shooting accessories and shooting components.  BPI markets several popular brands, including CVA® Guns, PowerBelt Bullets®, Bergara Barrels®, QuakeÒ Hunting Accessories and DuraSight® Scope Mounting Systems.

# # #

Deer Carts are good for more than one thing

In my younger days dragging a deer out of the woods would not even give me a second thought but the last few years have made me start to rethink that. Basically I can't drag out dead weight anymore like I used to especially since the arthritis started kicking in from the Lyme Disease.

A couple seasons ago I had purchased a deer cart which was suppose to alliviate a lot of the hard work by putting your harvest on a cart and for all intensive purposes rolling it out. Last year I finally broke my cart in and I mean broke it in which just happened to be during a snow storm with at least 12" of snow down on the ground. In my opinion it paid for itself the first time using it.

Alum-i-Lite Game Cart

• Compact for easy storage
• 16" punctureproof solid tires
• Lightweight aluminum frame

Lightweight game cart folds flat for storage and transportation, yet deploys quickly to get your trophy out of the woods. Just strap your animal on with the included straps and go. Durable, stands up to rough in-the-field use. Rolls easily over uneven terrain. 24" wheelbase. Game bag sold separately not included.
Approximate length: 68-1/2".
Width: 20".
Wheelbase: 24".
Weight: 28 lbs.
Max capacity: 250 pounds. 

 

One other important thing that I learned on my very first deer years ago is that if you intend to have a head/shoulder mount done of your deer it is important not to damage the fur on the outside of the neck by dragging it. I had dragged my first deer and when I had it mounted if you look just right you can see the damage from the drag marks on the fur. That is a very important reason to get a cart, it saves your back plus if you are having it mounted you won't be getting yelled at by your local taxidermist.

That is the same cart by the way, I did a spray paint camo job on it that came out pretty good if I say so myself.

Deer Populations in CT are high and so are Vehicle/Deer Collisions

Motorists, Watch for Deer and Moose this Fall

Because fall is the breeding season for both white-tailed deer and moose, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Wildlife Division reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population in the northern part of the state. The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer closely follows the moose breeding season, running from late October through late December.
Be aware and heed "Deer Crossing" signs erected by highway departments. Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively should a deer or moose be spotted on or by the road. Because moose are darker in color and stand much higher than deer, observing reflective eyeshine from headlights is infrequent and, when struck, moose often end up impacting the windshield of vehicles. All moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state, or DEP enforcement officers at (860-424-3333).
"During 2009, approximately 11,400 deer were killed in the state due to collisions with vehicles," said Rick Jacobson, Director of DEP’s Wildlife Division.  "A total of 22 moose-vehicle accidents have been reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2009, with an average of two per year since 2002," continued Jacobson. "Moose-vehicle accidents are expected to increase as the moose population expands."
Most of Connecticut is not considered ideal habitat for moose because the state’s landscape is fragmented, roadways have high traffic volume, and moose have large home ranges (approximately 10-15 square miles). Moose venturing into southern Connecticut, with high population density, road networks, and traffic volumes, pose an increased potential for human fatalities from accidents as compared to deer-vehicle accidents. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEP’s website at www.ct.gov/dep/hunting.

If it is Not one thing Lately it's Another

Yes, I have been gone again for the last week. After my last post I had a slight relaps and this time had to go to see a doctor. The official word if Bronchitis. I was pretty sick for awhile but now that I have some good medication getting in me and sort some rest I can see better skies on the horizon.

I am certainly not going to run any races and sorry to say I think I lost out on some good time in the woods. I know that sounds kinda one sided but I was brought up to believe that nothing waits for no man so I tend to wait for medical help until there is no other choice.

I'm finally starting to feel better but I'm afraid my shotgun season here in CT is not looking to good for me. Yes, I got paid for work even being out sick but I also lost valuable time I was saving . It is going to take a bit to get back on track and I don't think it will be soon enough matter.

But hey, that's hunting. I still have my muzzleloader season in December to look forward to and if I'm real lucky I just might get a couple days with blackpowder up in Vermomt in December as well.

So, bare with me, I may sound like hell and really look like hell but in my heart I am already chasing them whitetails. Untill I have my own hunt to share with you all I invite you to send me a picture and story and I would gladly spotlight it for you.