First time in Two Months

For the first time in two month's I actually saw some deer, it was so cool. The two pictures are not the best quality but you can clearly tell there is a bedded deer and it was no more than 50 yards off the side of the road.

In this picture there is another one to the right bedded and another one standing to the left but you can't see either except the one in the center of the pic.

This one is actually the other that was bedded to the right. I couldn't fit all three in the same picture because of the tree's.

The funny thin is about 150 yards up the road from this spot we saw three more eating under a bird feeder in somebodies front yard. Those first three were about25 yards from the road. It was awesome to see them.

American made, Swiss made or German made, A few test will Tell

50 caliber Springfield Hawken

Now when my shooting does start up again which can't be soon enough if you ask me I will be trying out some different powder. Not to long ago I had aquired a tradional caplock muzzleloader called a Springfield Hawken and who I got it from was shooting Swiss powder out of it with very good success, so when I received the rifle I received the powder two.

Made in Switzerland and is as funny as it sounds is Swiss Black Powder.

This granulation of Swiss Black Powder is great for use in a wide variety of black powder cartridge rifles, muzzleloaders and 45 caliber and larger pistol calibers. Founded in 1853, Aubonne SA manufactures the finest black powder known in the world. Swiss Black Powder is the preferred powder of both National and International competitors because of its quality and lot-to-lot consistencies. There is a reason their motto is "Supreme Black Powder".

Made in Germany where is by the way I have ancestors from is Schuetzen Black powder. 

This granulation of Schuetzen Black Powder is good for use in .45 caliber and larger muzzleloader and cartridge guns. Schuetzen Black Powder is designed specifically for the U.S market where quality is essential and economical. Made from Alder charcoal, Schuetzen Black Powder is powerful enough for the largest game animal and accurate enough for the most competitive marksman. Wano Schwarzpulver GmbH continues its tradition of quality since 1682. 



Now the Swiss powder came with the Springfield Hawken but the Schuetzen I made a trade for. It seems my friend from Colorado is have a hard time getting BH209 when I can get just by visiting the closest Cabela's so, I said sure I'll trade. I would like to see the difference between Swiss, German & American made blackpowder. Just as so I can I plan to do just that.

Where did all the Deer go ?

I know what your going to say, Rick you should know this winter is a rough season and they tend to yard of for quite a few of them. Yes, that is true but it is also odd that I have not seen a deer since muzzleloader season which was early December.

I know there are a lot of factors that go into deer movement but I went searching for info and found some that was rather interesting and it even comes with graphs. The website I found is T.R. Michels. They had a lot of information on deer movement so let me show you just a little and you can see the rest by visiting the site.

T.R. Michels' Trinity Mountain Outdoors

How The Weather Affects Deer Activity 

Several different meteorological conditions affect the comfort of deer including: 1. The Relative Temperature, such as the temperature, wind speed and direction, thermal currents, windchill, humidity, dew point, heat index and type and amount of precipitation that determine whether the deer feels comfortable, or to too hot or cold. 2. Wind Speed and Thermal Currents, and 3. The amount and type of Precipitation - such as rain, sleet, hail and snow. 

I found this graph to be interesting. To me it looks like when everything goes up they move more.

purple is wind chill, maroon is Dew Point, yellow is Temp., bottom scale is Degree's, side scale is number

Dewpoint
The combination of humidity and temperature is known as dewpoint. During his study Kammermeyer found that deer activity was correlated with dewpoint. During my study deer were sighted most often when the dewpoint factors were between 5 and 55 degrees, with most deer sightings in the middle range (15 to 40 degrees); deer sightings peaked at 25 degrees. After the deer grew their winter coats there were very few deer sightings occurred when the dewpoint was above 45 degrees. There were also minor peaks in deer sightings at 55 and 5 degrees. The deer sightings at 55 degrees occurred in September, before the deer had grown their winter coats. The sightings at 5 degrees often occurred after it had been cold for a period of days, when the deer were seen most often seen in the afternoon.

Wind Speed
Wind speed can affect the comfort of the deer by its cooling affect when the temperatures are high, and by making it feel colder when the temperatures are low. When it was hot I often sighted the deer on hills open to the wind; in shaded or wet areas; or under trees with few lower branches, where the deer could lay in the shade and be cooled by the wind. When it was cold I often sighted the deer on the downwind side of hills and woods or in low-lying areas where the wind speed was lower. 

During my studies deer sightings increased as wind speeds increased to 10 miles per hour. But, once the wind speed reached 10 miles per hour deer sightings decreased; and as with cold temperatures, the deer were found in heavy cover, in low lying areas, or on the down wind side of hills and wooded areas - out of the wind. Deer sightings in open areas dropped significantly when wind speeds exceeded 15 miles per hour, and deer sightings in open areas were almost nonexistent when wind speeds exceeded 20 miles per hour. 

Like I said this page was full of information and quite a bit of time was put into it. maybe some of this is why I haven't seen any deer/ I don't know but what I do know is the deer have literally disappeared. Like I said earlier I haven't see one since early December and that is odd. 

What is the weather like in your area and are you seeing deer?

This is unbelievable!

See if you Like this one better

I guess the video from yesterday wasn't a big hit because I didn't get one comment so listen to this one, I think you'll like it. I really do because it describes my wife Heidi to a tee just like it describes Steve's wife.

Another favorite from Steve Lee

Needs no explanation! Enjoy.........

Tip's on Fishing Gear Cleanliness

You know one of the things I wanted to pay more attention to this year is taking better care of my fishing equipment. I do have to say that if I took as good a care with my fishing equipment as i do with my firearms than maybe I would be doing this post a bit differently. Anyway with my trout fishing interest getting higher and my son Tyler's interest peaking I want to make sure I teach him the proper way to take care of his outdoor gear.

I went browsing the net and found this site with some good info on it that I'd like to share. The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species has come up with some good tips.

Tips For Careful Cleaning

    Everyone who fishes needs to be a Clean Angler, one who makes Inspect, Clean & Dry an automatic part of every trip. Many fishermen understand how important this is and are taking these simple actions. The three steps of Inspect, Clean & Dry are self-descriptive. Just from these three words, people understand what they are to do and the actions they produce are what we need. 

    If you want more detailed information about how to clean, The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species has these suggestions for cleaning fishing gear, boats and trailers. 

Cleaning Fishing Gear

   Waders must be cleaned very carefully!
  •    Separate all individual components such as insoles, socks, booties, ankle guards, and laces. Then wash everything - inside and out with water.
  •    Make sure you remove all dirt, plants and other visible substances. Be sure the treads, seams and any creases or crevasses are completely clean. Use a small brush if needed.
  •    If possible, thoroughly dry everything before you reassemble the waders.

   Other Equipment- Reels, nets, lines, gear bags etc.
  •    Thoroughly wash them to remove dirt, plants and other visible substances. Completely dry them, ideally in the sun on a hot day.

   Heat and cold can kill many invasives that might be hitchhiking on your equipment. These treatments can be used to supplement careful inspection and cleaning. However, these methods do not kill all invaders. So realize that they help but are not perfect.
  •    Heat - Soak in a bucket or tub of the hottest water available. Be aware that many hot water heaters to not produce water hot enough to kill AIS. Available research studies suggest soaking for a minimum of 140° F for 15 minutes is necessary. Remove and dry.
  •    Cold – Store your gear in a freezer to kill many invasives. After overnight freezing remove, thaw and dry. Freezing might be the only good option if you are on a traveling fishing trip with no time to dry between waters. Some motels have freezer space if you ask nicely. Remember, freezing will kill many but not all of the aquatic invasive species (AIS) we are concerned about.

   Drying kills most invasives.  High temperatures and low humidity are deadly to most AIS. Do everything possible to expose your equipment to hot and dry conditions for as long as possible. It’s best to dry gear in the sun. If possible, after cleaning, allow the gear to air-dry for at least 7 days. Longer is better. 

   Where to Clean is just as important as how you clean. It's important to clean in the right location. If possible, clean your gear on-site at the end of your trip. If you wash off any invasives at the water you have been fishing on that day, you will just be leaving them where you got them. Don't let them hitchhike away from the site.

    If you are not able to clean before you leave the site, make sure to clean in a place where there is no possibility of anything removed getting into another water source. Be aware that runoff from your driveway could lead to surface water and some species are tough enough to survive the journey from your driveway to a nearby water. So, if you are cleaning at home, do it on the lawn and make sure that the wash water is all absorbed into the ground.

    Never clean at the launch point for a new trip. That would be like intentionally introducing a species. Always clean before you visit a river or lake. Most self-serve car washes are good places to clean but make sure that any water goes down the drain in the middle of the floor.

    Chemicals are not recommended! AIS can be a variety of different types of living organisms; plant, animal or microbe and there is no known chemical treatment that is effective at killing all of the potential AIS without being harmful to the environment. There are specific chemicals that are effective for controlling single species but they fail to guard against other species. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of chemicals ever.

    There are a lot of different recommendations regarding the use of chemicals that have been, and are still being, provided by agencies and others It is common to hear these misinterpreted and passed on to others as advice that is just plain wrong. If you are advised to use chemicals make sure that you understand why and based on what. If the recommendation is from an agency ask what the specific species is that they are trying to fight. Never think that the use of any chemical takes care of your basic Clean Angling responsibilities of Inspect, Clean & Dry. If you've been told that bleach, Formula 409, salt, one of the commercial products or any other chemical rids your gear of all AIS, it is not true.

    Pets can spread invasives!  If you take your dog fishing remember that it may have been exposed to invasive species. Inspect and clean its paws and carefully wash away any visible mud or foreign matter. At home, give your dog a good bath and combing it to remove any remaining invasives. Be sure to properly dispose of any weed seeds or other material.

The Top 50 Deer Hunting Blogs

I had posted this earlier today but thought there was a problem with the link so I deleted it but thanks a friend Ron found me the correct link so I reposted it. It seems I have made it into the Top 50 blogs, I really was quite surprised.

f you live in the United States and go hunting, chances are deer is your subject. With different varieties all across the country, it can be difficult to prepare for that next hunt. Those embarking on their first can also experience loads of trouble. Walk a few steps in the boots of hunters who have already done it with a trip to the internet. Below, we have collected the top 50 deer hunting blogs that can help everyone from the beginner to hunters with decades of experience. They are authored by professional hunters, those with varying hunting styles, and even a few ladies chime in.

You should take a look at the full list you might see your name there, I know i saw a few familiar names.

Bringing home a Buck: The Top 50 deer Hunting Blogs

First Shed Hunting trip for 2011

I couldn't wait any longer. I just had to get into the woods before I turned into a couch potato or something so this past Sunday after taking my son to work I made a detour on the way home and checked out my new favorite hunting spot.

I don't know what I was thinking but when I got out there I very quickly realized that there is still A LOT of snow. I knew there was going to be some but not a minimum of 2 feet +. It made for some tough going here and there and but I still headed out. I didn't see very many track if any which I expected because they usually yard up this time of year especially when we have been getting a lot of snow. I had hopes of spotting something though.

I made my way up to the ridge where I had been seeing deer the past couple of seasons and saw a few old tracks but nothing new. I wanted to skirt the edges of the laurel thickets as I have had good luck doing that before but it was real rough going and opted to back out because of the way my hip and knee have been acting up.

Unfortunately the only way I'll be getting back out is with snow shoes which I mention I don't have but would not min getting so for know I have to wait for it to melt a bit more.

Picture of the week

This photo was taken by Leon in his back yard and wanted to share it with you all. There is not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the mule deer and the whitetail deer.

8point Mule Deer - photo taken by Leon from Survival Common Sense blog.

A What and How about Blackpowder

If this makes sense a answer was tossed to me when I had not even asked a question and so I thought it would make an interesting post for some about this answer but for I'll ask the question, a two part question..

What is Blackpowder? and How was it Made? 

Information is from Wikipedia:

Photo is Black powder for muzzleloading rifles and pistols in FFFG granulation size. Coin (diameter 24 mm) for comparison.

Gunpowder, also known since the late 19th century as black powder, is a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. Gunpowder can be made just using potassium nitrate and charcoal (or alternatively without charcoal), but without the sulfur (or coal), the powder is not as strong. It burns rapidly, producing a volume of hot gas made up of carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, and a solid residue of potassium sulfide.^[1] Because of its burning properties and the amount of heat and gas volume that it generates, gunpowder has been widely used as a propellant in firearms and as a pyrotechnic composition in fireworks. The term gunpowder also refers broadly to any propellant powder. Modern firearms do not use the traditional gunpowder (black powder) described in this article, but instead use smokeless powder. Antique firearms or replicas of antique firearms are often used with black powder substitute.
Gunpowder is classified as a low explosive because of its relatively slow decomposition rate and consequently low brisance. Low explosives deflagrate at subsonic speeds. High explosives detonate, producing a supersonic wave. Ignition of the powder packed behind a bullet must generate enough pressure to force it from the muzzle at high speed, but not enough to rupture the gun barrel. Gunpowder is thus less suitable for shattering rock or fortifications, where high explosives such as TNT are preferred.

Black powder is a granular mixture of

• a nitrate, typically potassium nitrate (KNO₃), which supplies oxygen for the reaction;
• charcoal, which provides carbon and other fuel for the reaction, simplified as carbon (C);
• sulfur (S), which, while also serving as a fuel, lowers the temperature required to ignite the mixture, thereby increasing the rate of combustion.

Interesting German Folk Tale

A common German folk-tale is of the German priest/monk named Berthold Schwarz who independently invented gunpowder, thus earning it the German name Schwarzpulver or in English Schwarz's powder. Schwarz is also German for black so this folk-tale, while likely containing elements of truth, is considered problematic

For more information click here:

WINCHESTER EXPANDS POWER MAX BONDED LINE-UP

EXPANDED POWER MAX BONDED LINE-UP 

12/1/2010

The Winchester® Ammunition Power Max Bonded® line, designed specifically for the whitetail deer hunter, continues the tradition of legendary excellence by offering hunters more calibers to choose from in 223 Rem., 325 WSM and 338 Win Mag.

Power Max Bonded ammunition is a jacketed bullet with a proprietary bonding process that delivers massive expansion long-range accuracy, and maximum knock-down power.

The bonding process welds lead to a copper alloy jacket where the two act together during expansion for improved penetration and retained weight.

“Power Max Bonded ammunition has proven to be lethal on whitetails all over North America, as well as other big game animals since we launched the product in 2009,” said Brett Flaugher, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition.  “For any whitetail hunter who is interested in bullet construction, accuracy and penetration, Power Max Bonded is it.”

Key features of the Power Max Bonded bullet include:

• Protected hollow point PHP design
• Lead core bonded to jacket with proprietary process
• Massive frontal area of bullet expansion is more than double original diameter 
• Lead remains bonded to jacket after impact                           

Power Max Bonded will be offered in the following calibers and bullet weights:

VIEW DEMO

Cartridge	Grain	Muzzle Velocity	Symbol
223 Rem	64 PHP	3020	X223R2BP
243 Win Power	100 PHP	2960	X2432BP
270 Win Mag	130 PHP	3060	X2705BP
270 WSM	130 PHP	3275	X270SBP
30-06 Sprg	180 PHP	2700	X30064BP
30-06 Sprg	150 PHP	2920	X30061BP
30-30 Win Mag	150 PHP	2390	X30306BP
300 Win Mag	180 PHP	2960	X30WM2BP
300 Win Mag	150 PHP	3290	X30WM1BP
300 WSM	180 PHP	2970	X300WSMBP
300 WSM	150 PHP	3270	X300SBP
325 WSM	220 PHP	2840	X325WSMBP
308 Win Mag	150 PHP	2820	X3085BP
338 Win Mag	200 PHP	2960	X3381BP
7mm Rem Mag	150 PHP	3090	X7MMR1BP
7mm WSM	150 PHP	3200	X7MMWSMBP

PHP = Protected Hollow Point


For more information about Winchester Ammunition and its complete line of products visit www.winchester.com.

Free Winchester® Ammunition Ballistics Calculator Available on the iPhone
iPhone users can now download the Winchester® Ammunition award-winning Ballistics Calculator for free. Winchester has taken all of the features and functionality from its Web site version of the Ballistics Calculator and developed a user-friendly interface for the iPhone.

The iPhone version of Winchester’s Ballistics Calculator will allow users to choose their type of ammunition and compare up to three different Winchester products with easy-to-read, high-tech ballistic charts and graphs. You can customize shooting conditions by entering wind speed and outside temperature, and adjust zero marks for sighting in.

The Web based calculator is also live at www.winchester.com/ballistics.

I'm Legal for another Year

I couldn't wait any longer so I went online and purchased my Firearms Hunting / Fishing license for 2011 and with that I purchased my State Land Muzzleloader permit, my Private land Shotgun/Rifle permit and my Private Land Muzzleloader permit. I don't have any private land as of right now but there is a lot of time before season so who knows maybe I'll get lucky and someone will say yes.

I take my license and permits very seriously and like to get them as soon as possible so I can spend the rest of my time scouting, planning and prepping my gear. That way with any luck there is a less chance of anything slowing me down.

What should you take If?

Another interesting post from Leon at the Survival Common Sense blog that I think is important. Nobody including me want s to think about what if but, sad to say in this day and age you need to and not only that you need to be prepared. There are so many reason why I say that and I won't get into now but you can figure most of it out so why not. Why not be prepared, just in case.

Red Cross “Bug Out” Recommendations On What to Take Along

Posted on February 14th, 2011 by Leon in Leon's Blog

Nobody wants to worry about possibly evacuating your home quickly, or having to just grab a few important items and head out the door.

Most of us live in areas very vulnerable to natural disasters!

But the facts are grim: 91 percent of us live in an area that could be affected by a major natural disaster such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, tsunami, forest fire or mudslide, and you could have to leave very quickly.

That doesn’t even take into account the potential for terrorist activities, pandemics or nuclear attack!
So if you have to leave very quickly – what is important to take along?
Don’t wait until the last minute – get ready now, to minimize the chaos of an emergency evacuation. Here are some suggestions on what to pack from the Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security.

The list is ever so long on what to prepare and this list is only the topics. See the items that go under each topic by clicking here.

•  family documents
• water 
• food
• first-aid
• non prescription drugs
• tools & supplies
• sanitation
• clothing & beding
• specialty items (for family member with special requirements)
• for children
• for adults

Charles Island receives Habitat and Deer Management plan

February 17, 2011

Connecticut DEP to Implement Habitat and Deer Management Plan to Protect Charles Island Natural Area Preserve

Three-Step Plan Includes Invasive Special Control, Habitat Restoration, and Deer Management

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society today announced that as part of an overall management plan to protect one of Connecticut's largest heron and egret breeding colonies (rookeries), the small deer population on Charles Island in Milford will soon be removed. Management of deer on Charles Island is necessary to prevent the loss of nesting habitat used by great and snowy egrets, both state-threatened species, and many other state-listed birds such as the glossy ibis. Since Charles Island is closed to hunting and there are no predators on the island, there is no mechanism to naturally control the deer population, leading to starvation.

"After consulting with experts from the Connecticut Audubon Society, Audubon Connecticut, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, DEP is taking a science-based approach to evaluate and address threats to bird species on Charles Island," said Bill Hyatt, Chief of DEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. "The initial phase of the restoration effort will involve euthanizing the approximately 16 deer currently inhabiting the island. This is necessary to maintain a healthy habitat and prevent the deer from starving. Charles Island is simply not capable of sustaining a deer population."

Charles Island, a 14-acre wooded island off the coast of Milford near Silver Sands State Park, was designated both a Natural Area Preserve in 1999 and a Long Island Sound Stewardship Site in 2006 by the DEP due to its significant wildlife and coastal resources. This land is accessible at low tide, and over time, deer have wandered onto the island but have not found their way back off, despite the absence of adequate fodder for them.

In addition to the problems caused by deer, many of the mature trees found on the island and relied on by the birds for nesting and raising young are being smothered by oriental bittersweet, a non-native invasive plant. The presence of a fungus that attacks the tree roots, coupled with strong winter storm winds, is having a devastating effect on the perpetuation of the rookery. Immediate implementation of a three-step management plan (invasive species control, habitat restoration, and deer removal) is needed to prevent the rookery from being abandoned by the state-listed birds that have called Charles Island home for decades.

"As one of only 27 Important Birds Areas recognized by Audubon Connecticut, hosting one of the largest nesting colonies of state-threatened herons and egrets, it is a particularly sensitive and important ecological area", said Tom Baptist, Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut. "The seemingly common herons and egrets we see dotted along our marshes and river banks are threatened in our state and depend on a small handful of nesting colonies like Charles Island to raise their young."

"This island serves as one of the few remaining breeding colonies of herons and egrets in Connecticut and the overpopulation of white-tailed deer has overbrowsed and destroyed the understory, thus degrading the nesting habitat of these wading birds, hindering the regeneration of native vegetation and reducing themselves to a state of starvation," said Connecticut Audubon Society’s Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation. "We support the DEP’s effort to control the deer population on Charles Island in order to protect biodiversity and restore the critical heronry that exists on this 14-acre Natural Area Preserve."

Bergera Barrels - Direct from CVA

Bergara Barrels® for CVA APEX™ Rifle Available

Direct at CVA.com

  CVA has announced that beginning in January 2011, Bergara Barrels for its popular APEX interchangeable barrel rifle system will be sold exclusively through its CVA website.   This novel approach to the sale of after-market barrels for the APEX will enhance the appeal of the APEX to consumers and retailers alike, according to Dudley McGarity, CEO of Blackpowder Products, Inc., owner of both the CVA and Bergara Barrel brands.

“The APEX is a relatively new entrant to the switch barrel market,” explains McGarity. “Due to its short history, there are just not enough APEX frames in the hands of consumers to justify our dealers stocking of a full line of APEX center-fire and muzzleloading barrels, and this has led to owner’s being frustrated in their efforts to find additional barrels for their APEX rifles.”  By selling the barrels direct to consumers rather than through CVA’s dealer base, McGarity says that CVA will be able to offer APEX owners both ready availability and significantly lower prices than before.  “The intended result,” McGarity concluded, “is a more efficient and economical system for distributing APEX after-market barrels that will make the complete APEX rifles even easier for our dealers to sell versus its main competitor, the T/C Encore -- as they will be a much better long term value.”

An insert will be included in the box with each APEX rifle that gives the prices and ordering instructions for the APEX barrels. CVA’s direct purchase prices for the APEX barrels will be $219.95 for center-fire barrels and $195.95 for muzzleloading barrels.

My CVA Apex with a .243 barrel

Felt Soled Boots or Waders Prohibited in Some States

Here is a press release that was pointed out by a good friend Albert from "Rasch Outdoor Chronicals" that some might find interesting. I actually heard briefly about this the other day but had not yet looked into it.

Information from fishingwire.com

Use of Felt-Soled Waders and Boots Prohibited

WATERBURY, Vt - Anglers, hunters, trappers and others who wade in Vermont's streams and lakes will be helping to protect our natural resources by paying close attention to their foot gear. The use of felt-soled waders or boots in Vermont waters is prohibited starting April 1, 2011.

The Vermont legislature enacted the new law to help curb the spread of aquatic invasive species such as whirling disease of fish and didymo, a microscopic algae more commonly known as "rock snot."

Originally native to the most northern reaches of Europe, Asia, and North America, didymo has recently been found in many new locations throughout the U.S., Canada and around the world. In some of these new environments, didymo has formed nuisance blooms and dense mats several inches thick that carpet stream bottoms.

"In some cases, didymo can change aquatic insect communities and native algae populations in streams," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department fisheries biologist Shawn Good. "The abundance of certain types of trout food like mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies have been shown, in some instances, to decline dramatically where didymo blooms are found."

A new law to help curb the spread of aquatic invasive species like whirling disease of fish and didymo prohibits the use of felt-soled waders or boots in Vermont waters starting April 1, 2011. Shawn Good photo

Good added that, while research hasn't proven a connection between the presence of didymo and declines in trout numbers, taking steps to prevent the spread of the invasive didymo is important. The same precautions that can prevent the spread of didymo, can also prevent the spread of whirling disease, which can have devastating effects on rainbow trout populations.

Didymo was first found in Vermont in the Connecticut River in 2007. A bloom also occurred in a New York section of the Batten Kill in 2006. Nuisance blooms have since occurred in the Mad, White, East Branch Passumpsic, and Gihon Rivers. The pathogen for whirling disease has been documented in the Batten Kill. The focus of the ban on felt-soled waders and boots is to prevent these and other invasive organisms from spreading to new waters.

Why the focus on felt?
Aquatic invasive species can be spread in a number of ways, but felt-soled boots are a notable contributor to the problem, particularly with microscopic species that spread through cells and spores. Felt is especially problematic because it is difficult to dry, clean or disinfect. Felt's woven fibers create voids that remain damp for long periods of time, and didymo cells and other small material can penetrate and occupy these voids. Recommended treatments have often been found to be ineffective at disinfecting these spaces.

Information on the role of felt-soled waders in the spread of aquatic invasive species can be found on the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species website (http://stopans.org), by clicking on "The Science of Felt" link.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department notes there are alternatives to felt-soled boots available on the market now as well as "homemade" remedies.

Cut the felt soles off the boots and use a studded sole product that straps onto your waders or boots.
Use waders or boots made with studded or high-grip rubber sole material.

Add your own "studs" to a pair of rubber-soled boots or waders, by screwing in ½" hex-head sheet metal screws. This is an inexpensive way of using your current waders and boots after removing the felt soles. Specialized, hardened screws are also commercially available.

The Fish and Wildlife Department recommends taking additional precautions after fishing and especially when moving between waters. Boots and other equipment should be dried, preferably in the sun, or disinfected with dishwashing detergent or bleach solution.

Further details and information can be found on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com/felt.cfm and on the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's website at http://www.vtwaterquality.org/lakes/htm/ans/lp_didymo.htm. 

 

What Does Sustainable Fishing mean to You?

I'm gladly taking on a new challenge, a writing challenge if you will. What am I talking about you ask well let me explain.“This blog entry is my submission for the GreenFish and Outdoor Blogger Network Writing Prompt Giveaway”

This year I am really trying to get more involved in Trout and fishing in general after last season seeing how much my 8 year old son Tyler enjoyed himself when we went out. So I bought him a new fishing pole atthe end of last season and I even am going to try and fly fish for the first time this year. When I visited the Outdoor Blogger Network site and saw the new post and giveaway challenge I just had to give it a try.

This weeks writing prompt is sponsored by
GreenFish ~ Promoting a lifestyle of sustainable fishing

What is Greenfish about? 
GreenFish is the first lifestyle brand established with the sole purpose of spreading the message of sustainable fishing. We are a group of avid anglers dedicated to promoting "catch and release" fishing.
We believe that fishing and conservation should go hand in hand. GreenFish is where the two meet.
Through our partnerships, conservation efforts and branded merchandise, we will spread the word to help build awareness and shift attitudes toward responsible, sustainable fishing. Read More about Greenfish.:

This Weeks Writing Prompt:
What does sustainable fishing mean to you? What fishing practices do you engage in that help fisheries? Any other thoughts you might have on this subject?

As someone who has hunted deer and shot guns most of his outdoor adventures fishing has always taken a back seat so to speak until the last couple of years. With my son showing so much interest and me slowing down in age I figure fishing would be a good way to stay close with my son seeing as we both really do like fishing.  Sustainable fishing to me means making sure there are fish for the future. Making sure I do my part to help preserve for my son and his kids some day to enjoy. Part of the way to do that is catch and release.

You don't have to keep everything you catch these days especially with the barbless hooks you can use which will not hurt the fish that you do catch. It enable you to unhook, revive and release. another chaance to catch on another day spent in the outdoors. I plan to teach my son with the same principal that I follow when I deer hunt and that is you only hunt was you are going to eat in a season where as you only fish for what you can eat in a meal or two. There is no need to hunt or fish for more than you need. The native american indians lived by that and so do I.

What I have noticed while going around the popular trout fishing spots the last couple of years is the amount of litter I find. It is unexceptable to me to see our outdoors ruined in a disgusting way as littering. It takes very little effort to take your trash with you and that is what I try to instill in my son and that is Don't Litter, it only hurts you, me and the future of us and the wildlife.

I want to be a part of whatever is available to me so this year I want to join Trout Unlimited and maybe help in a local chapter. I feel it would set a good example to my son and others if more people would volunteer. that is pretty much it in a nut shell so what do you think. Does that sound good? Does that make you want to go for a walk and pick garbage out of your local stream or even show your support.

I Hope So!

Whitetail Woods response to Mr. Barnum's article,

I was reading an article over the weekend that I feel I need to comment on. The article is called "Blackpowder Musings" and it was written by a Shuyler Barnum.

By Schuyler Barnum
 
Black powder is outdated. There is no question about that. It is inefficient, it does not burn cleanly, it makes a lot of smoke, and overall is quite inferior to smokeless powder. However, that does not mean that black powder has no place in modern shooting.
Black powder has the advantage of nostalgia. With a classic rifle like the Thompson/Center Arms Hawken, you can feel like you're a frontiersman in 1805 traveling with Lewis and Clark. Or, with any of the numerous Sharps rifles you can feel like you're with Buffalo Bill, hunting buffalo on the Great Plains. With a Colt 1860 Army you can feel like you're on the streets of Laredo. There's a certain romanticism that comes from a black powder gun.
But, I feel that in today's world, black powder is being pushed beyond its natural limits. It does not, and never will, replicate the abilities of a smokeless powder rifle. If you want an easy to use, fast-flying bullet you shouldn't turn to a black powder rifle, even if it is a supposed "magnum." It simply doesn't have the ability to propel a bullet that fast.
Black powder is made up of roughly 75 percent potassium nitrate, 12.5 percent charcoal and 12.5 percent sulfur. This makes a quick-burning but inefficient agent. Most smokeless powders use nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. These are far more powerful and energetic, with the capability to propel a bullet much faster.
I am not trying to discredit the abilities of sabots and magnum black powder rifles. They are definitely more powerful than a traditional black powder rifle. They also shoot a little flatter. But, in the olden days, hunters' used traditional muzzleloading rifles and did the job pretty well. They didn't have an inline muzzleloader with a sabot and a JHP bullet. Such things didn't exist.
As far as I can tell, there really isn't much point to black powder hunting and shooting beyond nostalgia. So why use these ugly, modern rifles with special ammunition that simply deletes the nostalgia? If you don't want the nostalgia, shoot a smokeless powder rifle.
Don't get me wrong, hunting with a muzzleloading black powder rifle is a fine sport. Even just plinking with a black powder rifle is fun. But, black powder will always remain black powder. It does not, and never will, equal the power of smokeless powder. 

Whitetail Woods response to Mr. Barnum article, 

Mr. Barnum says blackpowder is outdated which I feel it is not. Even with the new blackpowder substitutes that are on the shelves of today it can be just a powerful as smokeless powder. It's efficiency is only matched my the hotter primers caps that are used today


Mr Barnum feels blackpowder is being pushed beyond it's natural limits well maybe he's correct but it is in our nature to strive and get the most out of whatever we do and whatever we use. How else are we going to advance. just because blackpowder was used muchley 100/200 years ago does not mean that it is outdated today.


Yes it is true that with the traditional style of muzzleloaders you can not shoot more than a conical with any good kind of accuracy but with the modern new inlines a good powder charge and any one of the saboted bullets or even full bore bullets of today and you could match shot for shot with smokeless in my opinion out to 200, 250 and maybe 300 yards. 


So is blackpowder outdated, what do you think?

These shots were taken with a CVA Accura V2

Scouting potential Trout Fishing spots

 

Taken from my car window through the railing of a small bridge this to me shows potential. The other side of the bridge has a big pool but the current is slower and it's all froze over.

A Saturday Campfire is what the Doctor Ordered

This past Saturday I dug out the fire pit and made room for a 2 seated bench and a couple of lawn chairs. So, with the fire a few beers it was a good afternoon although My wife Heidi say I smelled like smoke now.

Me and a cold beer!

My best buddy relaxing in the snow.

Dreaming of Big Brown Trout

This video just puts my 2lb. 16" Brown to shame but one of these days you'll see a picture of me with one that is as big as what you are going to see.

Freezing your Trout for Later Consumption

Any fish you are not planning on eating within a few days must be frozen. And properly freezing a fish does not mean tossing it willy-nilly into the icebox. Here's what you need to know to have top-quality fish for months:

• Air is your enemy. Any air that touches your fish will destroy it. It's that simple. So you must prevent air from contacting the fish by vacuum-sealing it, glazing it or wrapping it tightly -- this is in order of preference.
• If you catch a lot of fish or buy lots of fresh fish from the market, buy a vacuum sealer. They're worth every penny.
• If you choose not to do so, you can glaze the fish by dipping them in cold water and putting them on a sheet pan in the freezer. Let that water freeze, then repeat the process several more times to get a 1/4 inch thick ice glaze on the fish. You can then put your glazed fish into a plastic bag for storage.
• You can wrap your fish in plastic wrap, then put them into a plastic bag, but I don't really recommend this for more than a few days. It just is not as effective at preventing moisture loss and freezer burn as the other methods.

Remember that the weather in a freezer is just fine for many fish. What do I mean? Think about cold-water fish such as cod or haddock: They spend their lives in water that is only a few degrees above freezing, so putting them in the freezer will not be as radical a change for the meat as it would be for, say, a steak or a chicken. This means you will get less of a loss in flavor with many frozen fish than you would with frozen terrestrial meats.

How long can you freeze your fish? Never longer than 6 months. After that, you will notice a serious decline in quality. Fatty fish, such as salmon or trout, go down hill even faster: Don't freeze them longer than 3 months.
And some fish should never be frozen. These are the fattiest ones, the bluefish, herring, mackerel and sardines. You can glaze them, but they still decline in quality a lot. If you find youself with a surfeit of bluefish -- this happens a lot -- vacuum-seal them and know that you will be making fish cakes with them down the road; that's all they'll be good for.
When you thaw your frozen fish, do it gradually. Never put them in the microwave to thaw!! Let them thaw in the fridge or in cold water. Thawing at room temperature is also a bad idea.

Filleting a Trout is easy with a How To Video

If or maybe I should say when i catch a 14 pound trout such as what you are going to see I think this is a good way to see how it is filleted. I think my mouth actually started to water looking at it.

Eight Steps to a Happy Fishing Rod

Care and Maintenance has always been something that I was brought up around. A very important trait that my father had taught me.

So often we read or hear about proper care of fishing reels, yet what good is a well maintained fishing reel if you do not have a good fishing rod for that reel to be used with? No matter how much or little you have spent on your fishing rods, you can help your rods have long and productive lives by following some basic maintenance tips.

1. Rinsing your fishing rod is an important part of rod maintenance. This step may seem a bit of a pain, but really only takes a few minutes. Fishing in salt waters is a given, with the salt residue being an issue on your rod. Yet many freshwater fishermen do not realize that algae from the water can also end up harming your rod. By rinsing your rod with fresh, clean water you can remove dirt and residue that can be attached to guides and blanks. If your rod is a little dirtier than a rinse can handle, try using a small soft brush to get the deposits. Don't forget to wipe dry with a cloth.

2. Check your cork handles. It is amazing how many fishermen will treat their guides and blanks with care, while forgetting that essential piece of the rod. Using a mild dishwashing soap and a plastic sponge will keep you cork handle looking good and help stop corrosion due to dirt, water, and other elements.

3. Another way that rods can be damaged is most commonly done when putting in boats or vehicles, yet this can result in the guides being broken off completely or bent. Transporting your rods all bundled up can also see the blanks themselves can being rubbed excessively and they are wide open to other damage like breaks or cuts. Of course the best way to avoid this problem is by carrying your fishing rod in a protective sleeve, case or just carrying them about separately.

4.I must confess that this step has been the hardest for me to follow. Storing a fishing rod with the fishing hook or lure is a wrong method of rod maintenance. The guides can really take a beating from the hooks and have chips, cracks or even breaks.

5. One of the most overlooked ways of caring for your fishing rod comes at the end of your fishing season. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, just when you will be putting your rods away for a long period of time. When this time comes you should slack the reel seat. By releasing this pressure, you can avoid problems with proper fitting of the reel seat and reel foot.

6.Avoid the possibility of developing a permanent bow in the rod, by releasing any tension that the fishing line may be under.

7. Proper storage of your fishing rod is the paramount. After all, if not stored properly your rod will be exposed to many opportunities that could damage or break your rod. It would be best to keep your rods stored in a vertical, upright position. Seek out some sort of rod rack for this. The goal is to support the rods on both ends. Also try to have them up against a solid surface, like a wall or cabinet so they do not have an unnatural "bend" during the time the rods are in storage.

8. Like most materials, your fishing rod is not made to handle hot temperatures. Avoid areas, like your boat or automobiles trunk that have prolonged exposure to the sun. Speaking of heat, I am sure you realize that storing your fishing rod in the sunlight for long periods of time can result in the breaking down or corroding of rod parts. So avoid outdoor walls as an option.

Fishing Rods are an important piece in the fishing equation. More fishing information is available on Fishing Rod Cases or specific angling rods like Salt Water Fishing Rods

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Carl

Three easy Steps to Clean a Trout

I've got trout on the brain this week I guess. I was watching youtube and found what I think is a good video on how to clean a trout so please watch and enjoy.

WARNING: Parts of this video may not be suitable for some to watch

Protect your gear, there is a Shelf Life on Fishing line

During the down time I call it when even though deer season is over but you can't get out to scout and track there is always something to prepare when your an Outdoorsman/Outdoorsperson. You know I was watching a fishing show the other day and they were talking about fishing line and how you store it. I did not realize that there is actually a shelf life on fishing line (who knew) and if not stored properly it could lessen the effectiveness.

Following information was found at the Thundermist Lure Co.

photo by: histackleshopbox.net

In this article, I would like to share with you some great information on monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing lines. These represent the most popular fishing lines being used: the following tips and pointers will benefit you greatly.



Monofilament Line
This is a “High Stretch” line with good absorption factors. It’s relatively inexpensive & readily available. However, it has a shelf life due to the fact that it absorbs sunlight, general light, and water, which makes it susceptible to breaking. It also stretches when under pressure which also weakens your line. If you fish often, you should cut off a minimum of a few yards of your monofilament line each week & re-tie your lures. The first few yards get exposed the most to water & sunlight, thus becoming weaker & susceptible to breakage. For example, your ten-pound test line could be scaled down to a two-pound test line.

Fluorocarbon Line
This is a “Low Stretch” line which is typically abrasion resistant & virtually invisible to fish – a perfect combination for the fisherman. Unlike Monofilament, it does not absorb water & sunlight & therefore does not break down as easily, & has a much longer shelf life. In general though, it is much more expensive than Monofilament line but the trade off is worth it. At a minimum, you should be using a fluorocarbon leader on all your monofilament lines. If you can afford to, then spool up with half monofilament & the other half with fluorocarbon (join your lines using a uni-knot) – or better yet, just spool up with 100% fluorocarbon. It may be more expensive, but in the long run will pay for itself.

Braided Line
This is a “No Stretch” line with amazing strength and a long shelf life. The line diameters it comes in are much smaller than that of monofilament or fluorocarbon, giving you a lot more line capacity on your spool. It can be expensive though & generally is more visible to fish, especially in clear water. You should use a fluorocarbon leader on your braided line in order to not spook the fish. You can use a uni-knot and tie both your braided line & fluorocarbon line together, or, use a swivel to connect your lines.
Another very important note: Before you begin spooling up with braided line, your spool will need some sort of backing put on it first. For example, put a piece of tape on your empty spool first, then spool up your braided line overtop of your tape…or, put a couple yards of monofilament on your empty spool first, then continue with the braided line (again, use a uni-knot to tie the two lines together). If you do not use some type of backing on your spool first, your braided line could/will “slip” against the metal spool each time you set the hook – regardless of how tight you have your drag set. Some packages may even come with some sort of backing material.

Good fishing,
Ivo

Three Days of Trout, Can you do it?

Can I have Your Attention Please!

The next three days I will be posting about TROUT, that's right. I will be posting Youtube video's and tips & such about what comes with springtime fever. 

Something to get your mind away from the cold, snow, sleet, freezing rain, stuck vehicles, bad driving conditions, tracking salt into the house and getting yelled at for not brushing your feet (not that I would know about that, LOL), short daylight, shoveling, snow blowing into the wind (again not that I would know about that, LOL x2) and just plain being couped up indoors.

So grab a coffee or your favorite beverage and read a bit , watch a bit and then close your eyes and dream of your favorite stream

Winter Portrait

Photo by: Hannibal's Animals

Maybe if I don't move it won't see me!

A little light Reading for the Winter Time

I tried to get this book on ebay but there was a person who wanted more than I was willing to pay but I still wanted it so I googled the titled of the book "Blackpowder Gunsmithing" and wouldn't you know it I found it on Amazon.com.

BLACK POWDER

GUNSMITHING

BY RALPH T WALKER

REPLICAS OR RELICS

HOW TO BUILD OR RESTORE BLACK POWDER GUNS

I first became interested in this part so to speak of blackpowder shooting when I saw a piece that a friend Johnathon aka "Frontier Gander" from Frontier Muzzleloading forum (which I think is the best and most informative forum around) had redone for someone. It sure shows a lot of pride in what you do and how much you enjoy doing it.

CVA Hawken

Anyway I am eagerly awaiting my book to show up so i can start reading it and so in the mean time I am looking for something to restore.

Connecticut DEP announces near perfect Safety Season

Now this is always nice to see and just goes to show that a lot of hunters are maybe actually paying attention and doing what they are suppose to do.

Way to go Connecticut!

February 3, 2011

 

2010 Connecticut Firearms Deer Season Closes Near Perfect Safety Record

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that with the close of 2010, Connecticut sportsmen enjoyed another safe and productive deer hunting season. More than 64,000 deer hunting permits are issued annually and deer hunters spend nearly 450,000 days afield each year. Two minor incidents were reported, one involving the discharge of a firearm. No firearms-related injuries were reported during the 2008 and 2009 deer hunting seasons.
The archery season, now closed, continued through January on private land only in deer management zones 11 and 12, which comprises Fairfield County and the shoreline towns.
"Connecticut hunters continue to be national leaders in hunting safety, due in large part to a mandatory firearms education regimen which has produced a safety-conscious generation of hunters," stated Rick Jacobson, Director of the Department’s Wildlife Division. "Although we are pleased with our hunting safety record, one mishap is too many and our goal is to reduce such incidents to zero", continued Jacobson.

Since 1982, the Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program has provided hunter safety courses to over 100,000 students taught by a dedicated corps of 328 volunteer instructors. Administration for the program, support staff, and all supplies and materials are funded through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act. Funding for the program is derived from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and equipment, which is distributed to the states for use in hunter education, wildlife research and management, and land acquisition. The required match in non-federal funds is provided by in-kind time donated by the volunteer instructors. Instructors donate nearly 11,000 hours of their time each year conducting firearms, bowhunting, and trapping classes to ensure that students are knowledgeable, responsible and safe in the pursuit of their outdoor activities.

A complete schedule or information about hunting safety courses can be obtained by contacting the DEP Wildlife Division at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area at 860-675-8130 or Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area 860-642-7239. Course listings also are available on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep).

Acrobatic Squirrel empties Feeder

I was standing in my kitchen taking a break from clearing ice from the house and just happen to see this acrobatic squirrel come up with a idea that if he tilt the feeder that he can get what's at the bottom.

I just know there is something left if I can just tilt it.

Not to bad with a cell phone camera huh.

Poor Man's Beer Battered Trout

Here is a recipe that I don't believe I have tried and I don't remember ever putting it on here. I found this on one of my favorite places to get recipes AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup beer, or as needed
• 1 (7 ounce) container shake and pour buttermilk pancake mix
• 2 pounds trout fillets
• 1/2 cup oil for frying

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Pour beer into the pancake mix container in place of the water it calls for. Make the batter as thick or thin as you prefer. Close the lid, give it a few shakes, and boom it's done.
3. Dip fish into the batter using a pair of tongs, or if you want to dirty a dish, pour the batter in a bowl first. If you cut your fish into smaller pieces, you can toss them into the container, close the lid and shake it a couple of times, then carefully remove the coated pieces.
4. Remove the fish from the batter using tongs, and place into the hot oil. Fry the fish until golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side.