Sorry for the lapse in writing; I’ve missed you. However, conditions with my
Things Aren't Improving; A New Hospital May Help
brother have gotten worse … with no improvement in sight.
The most worrying thing is that my mother is 86 years of age and she has to discuss everything with the doctor because she is ‘next-of-kin. ‘ It is taking quite a toll on her.
My brother will be transferred to a new hospital soon; we pray for some change.
Marylouise
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Lunch is often a quick meal because campers are busy with other activities. Here are a few quick tips!
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Food just tastes better while camping! Maybe it is because camp cooking takes longer and we are ravenous by the time it’s ready!
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This is a very simple recipe! It serves 6 to 10.
Mix Bisquick-type mix according to recipe directions on the box. DO NOT OVER-STIR THE MIX!
1) Put the hot coals outside of the fire pit. Oil a large Dutch oven inside thoroughly.
2) Set the Dutch oven on the coals to heat for about 10 minutes.
3) Spoon the mixture into the Dutch oven and cover with the lid.
4) Shovel hot coals onto the Dutch oven’s lid. Cook for 20 -30 minutes, depending on how hot the coals are.
5) After 20 minutes, check the biscuits. They are ready when they are lightly browned.
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‘Secret Lake‘ – used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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This article is the second 1/2 of the Life Cycle of a Moose. The first part was: ’And Another Thing about Moose Cows & Calves …‘ *
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Moose are magnificent animals that live in the colder regions of Alaska, Canada and northern-most US states.
Mother Moose is constantly teaching her babies during that first winter. If the calf does not learn enough, it will die in the first year of life.
Nature also has a hand in the life of a moose calf. Depending on the region and food available, calves may die in the first year for other reasons: accidents, disease, malnutrition, drowning and being attacked by predators.
If the moose mother gets pregnant in the fall after his birth, the calf will face a staggering shock in early spring. After being constant companions for many months, the calf’s mother will suddenly chase him away!
The calf cannot understand the change. He may try to follow her for days … or even weeks. Those yearlings born with a sibling are the lucky ones; they have a traveling companion.
Singleton yearlings may try to join an adult bull. The adult may allow this for a while. However, at rutting time, he will not want the competition and will drive him away.
If a yearling tries to join a different mother moose and her calf, she will not tolerate it.
Occasionally, a mother moose does not become pregnant during the next rutting season. In this case, the yearling gets to stay with his mother for a while.
During the next mating season, either the mother or the bull will drive him away, fearing he is a sexual rival.
There are only 2 events of moose socialization: the close relationship between a cow and her calf and the short period of mating. The rest of the time, moose are solitary wanderers.
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* The original article in this Moose series is: ’Moose: Giants of the North‘
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Coming Soon: Moose Mating!
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‘October Moose‘ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Some states frown on rear window graphics for the back window of a vehicle. However, there’s a new wrinkle ….
Are you aware that most rear window graphics are convertible into a graphic for the back of your truck (or other vehicle)?
Essentially, a rear window graphic is a piece of vinyl that is 50% vinyl and 50% holes. It makes it possible to see out of the back window (for safety); yet the person standing outside of the vehicle can’t see inside.
Good reasons for adding a rear window graphic: It reduces heat inside the vehicle, protects the upholstery from fading and offers privacy and safety (a single woman might feel safer where it isn’t obvious that she’s the only person riding in the car/truck).
It is easy to find your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, because it is different … not exactly like the dozens of other cars of the same color, make and model.
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Rear Window Graphics set your vehicle apart from the rest! Take your vehicle out of the 'wall-flower' class!
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These graphics do NOT go on the back window because they are solid vinyl. They are laminated for long-wear.
Installation is like that of the rear window graphic and should last more than 5 years. Easily removed from your car or truck, the vinyl won’t mar the paint finish.
In fact, having a tailgate graphic actually protects your paint job from minor wear-and-tear.
Whether your graphic is for the tailgate or the back window, there are some rules for protecting your investment.
1) Avoid running the graphic through a car wash for at least a week. This gives the adhesives time to firmly bond to the vehicle.
2) Commercial car washes are fine. If you are using a do-it-yourself car wash, do not hold the wash wand closer than ten inches to the graphic’s surface.
I’ll cover this next weekend. In the meantime, if you are interested, drop a line to my email (marylouise @ greatghilliesandgraphics.com) and I’ll get a price for you and email it back!
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“Glowing Dust” – used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Monday: Rest of the Life Cycle of the Moose!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Enemies of the Moose include: Black, Brown and Grizzly Bears, Wolves and Coyotes. However, man is the moose's greatest enemy: We keep encroaching on his habitat.
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After the fall mating season for the moose, the cows search for a secure spot to have their young. She usually looks for a place that offers three things: security, food and water.
Typically, the cow chooses an island or peninsula near a pond, river or lake. The gestation period is about 240 days (or 8 months) and the calf or calves are born in May or June.
After a labor of about 1 hour, the cow has her offspring lying down. She immediately starts to bond with her baby by licking the calf and nuzzling against the babes.
Mother provides milk soon after the birth, while both are still lying down. After a few days, the calf can easily reach it’s standing mother to nurse. Within a week of birth, the babe can easily outrun any human who wants to run along!
Unlike some of her cousins, moose moms take their children wherever they go. This is different from deer, that tend to hide their babies while seeking food.
Moose moms feel assured that they can defend their calves from any predators. In fact, they are some of the most protective parents in the wild kingdom!
Mothers who have lost their youngsters are some of the most dangerous animals on earth! They will stop at nothing to get their babes back.
Don’t ever get between a moose mom and her calf/calves. It’s just not a very healthy place to be!
At birth, the calf is about 3 feet long and 3 feet tall, and weighs 25 – 30 lbs. During the first month, the calf gains about 2 lbs. per day! Calves start foraging full-time and stop taking its mother’s milk at about 5 months of age.
Mother Moose is constantly teaching her babies during that first winter. If the calf does not learn enough, it will die in the first year of life.
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Soon: As soon as the Moose Mom is ready to have a new calf, something fascinating and awful happens. Find out what … next time!
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‘Northwoods Moose’ is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Outdoor cooking can be a challenge! Here are a few tips.
These tips are tried-and-true … hope they help you!
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This recipe is for breakfast, lunch or a trail snack. They are nutritious and very tasty. Bake some to take on your next outing.
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Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
2/3 cup water
2 and 1/4 cups complete pancake or baking mix (Bisquick-type)
1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts: walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup raisins
Mix all dry ingredients together (pancake mix, oats, sugar, cinnamon, nuts, raisins) completely.
Add liquid ingredients together (water, butter or margarine) and add to dry mixture.
Continue mixing until everything is well-moistened.
Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until light golden brown.
Makes about 12 delicious biscuits.
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‘Evening Call’ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Despite their looks, Moose are usually rather timid. The 2 exceptions are: a rutting bull and a mother Moose with her calf.
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Other Cervids include: axis deer, the North American elk, whitetail deer, caribou, reindeer and mule deer.
A typical example of a Canadian moose is over 7 feet at the shoulders, weighs around 1400 lbs., is 10 feet from nose to tail and has about a 40 inch long leg! However, the Alaskan moose is larger!
Almost 1 million moose range over a huge territory:
As ruminants, moose chew their cud, like domestic cows. They eat leaves and twig ends of many trees, fibrous forbs (like: bunchberry), plus seeds of grasses and sedge, ferns and fungi.
During warm weather, they eat about 50 lbs. of matter each day; in winter, they average about 35 lbs. each day.
During the mating season, the bull moose is at his most ornery and difficult to anticipate.
If you are following bulls too closely, you may need to climb a tree to get out of his way! It’s best to give bulls plenty of room.
You will know you are in trouble if the bull moose lowers his head, showing off his full rack of antlers. Then it is likely that he will swing his antlers to-and-fro, so you get the message — that he’s not kidding.
If he’s really aggravated, he may pitch his head up into a bugling posture (similar to his cousin, the elk). When he wants to “up the ante” in his challenge of another bull (or people), he grunts.
It’s surprising how few interactions between people and moose there are, considering their numbers. Other than traffic accidents, there have been only a few incidents between humans and moose.
In 2 separate incidents, moose have stomped 2 people to death! Oddly enough, these occurred in suburban regions of Alaska — not in the wilds of our largest state!
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‘Showdown‘ Moose Graphic is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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More Moose Moments: coming soon!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Fixed Blade for Strength!
I stopped selling knives a while back. However, this has been one of the most popular articles on this site. The photos are not clickable.
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Folding and fixed blade knives each have unique capabilities and weaknesses. Only you can decide which best fits your situation. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
The first consideration is: What do you want/need this knife to do? How will it be used? Once this is clear in your mind, it is easier to evaluate the knives available.
Fixed Knife: Pros and Cons
The advantages of these knives are clear: They can be made in very large sizes, their design is simple – yet they are known for their potential strength. Because the blade is all one piece, from handle to blade tip, there are no moving parts and the knife is sturdy and long-lasting. They are also easy to keep clean.
Generally speaking, a fixed blade is twice the length of a folder (folded blade knife). Most fixed blade knives are sheathed (covered), for safety. Some fixed blades now come with an interchangeable blade!
In many cities, states and countries, fixed blades are banned (with or without a sheath). In certain locales, mores dictate that fixed blades are “socially unacceptable” (Only farm workers are exempted from this ban)!
Folding Knives: Pros and Cons
Folders are more discrete, the blade folds into the handle when not in use. Most of these tools are known as “pocket knives” – indicating their mode of transport. Urbanites prefer these; the general population is unaware that ‘you’re carrying.’
Folders must be well-constructed to be as tough as fixed blades. The most vulnerable parts of any folder are – the blade pivot (axis pin) and the lock spring. Quality tells here; this is where most folding knives fail.
The lock spring must keep the knife in an an open position, as long as you need it, and then release the blade to return into its holder. The longer bladed knives are more likely to have a problem – there’s more leverage on the axis pin, especially if using the flat side of the blade.
Thus, there’s a limit to the length of a blade. The longer the blade, the longer the handle must be to accommodate it.
Folding Knife = Convenience!
One other problem, rarely mentioned: Pocket knives are a bit harder to clean. Fur, wood slivers, whatever are more likely to gather inside the handle and need to be removed.
Back to Our Question
Fixed blades are long-lasting, easy to clean, tough and strong. Folding blades are convenient, discrete and versatile.
You will probably finish your shopping expedition with one of each – one for the big jobs (fixed) and another in your pocket – for 1001 little jobs each day!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Well, the one sentence answer to this is: There are different blade shapes because of all the jobs knives are called upon to do. Some blade shapes are suitable for a number of tasks while others are the best for a single job.
The Clip Point Knife
The Most Famous Clip Point!
The Bowie Knife is the most famous of the clip point knives. Even though it is a very old design, it is still one of the most popular blades for just about anything done outdoors.
Only one side of the blade is sharpened and it can be called the ‘belly’. On the upper side (spine) of the knife, a portion is ‘clipped’ from the blade.
Generally, the part that is removed causes the tip to be slightly lower than the spine. This gives more control of the blade when using it to skin an animal or when using the point.
Although the photo shows an upper edge that looks as sharp as the lower one, it is probably a ‘swedge’ – the upper edge is beveled but not sharpened.
Gut Hook Blade
An Example of a Gut Hook Knife
This is definitely a specialty knife — this unusual-shaped skinner helps any hunter field dress large game with ease.
Like the Bowie, the blade is a modified drop point (minor curving of blade, so the tip drops a little to meet the sharpened edge – very popular). The kicker is the sharpened “U” or “V.”
The beauty (a term I use loosely in relation to this knife) of this knife is that, after making an incision in a carcass, the blade is pulled backwards (along the spine of the knife) under the skin. You are literally unzipping the skin from the meat and entrails.
This is an incredibly useful tool, even if it is one of the ugliest knives I’ve ever seen!
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This is # 4 in a series:
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NOTICE: I no longer sell Gerber knives and Leatherman tools. I left this article up as educational information.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
"A Hunting He Will Go...."
1) MDH* is constantly honing his skills – “talking” to ducks, turkeys and deer – with his callers! The kids have learned to “quack” their needs – for a quicker response from their father. I think our family is turning into a bunch of cracked quackers!
2) Whenever I want to go on vacation, MDH reminds me we need to wait until ”__whatever__ season is over.” He neglects to mention that something is always “in season.”
3) In order to get the grass cut, I use “hunting” psychology. “Why don’t you go hunt up your lawnmower and stalk the deer grass? Be sure you take your knife, to field dress any varmints or game you might find. When you get back, we’ll have some venison stew.” When he’s going through ‘hunting withdrawal,’ this works well!
4) He couldn’t care less what he wears to work. However, tell him his hunting threads aren’t ready and watch him howl!
I don’t have the courage to tell him I accidently washed his new camo hunting jacket in regular soap (thus delivering a deadly dose of UV Brightener to that garment). I’m probably safe until a deer calls, “You hoooooo, Richard, I SEE you.”
5) My husband issues a monthly calendar with all his hunting activities “pre-marked for our convenience.”
6) Jake, my husband’s Labrador Retriever, lives a life of leisure and ease. MDH worries more over Jake’s health than that of his own kids. His point: “Jake is a better retriever than the kids.”
7) MDH can carry on a 15 minute conversation about great hunting spots — with a wrong number!
8) By way of letting me in on “the thrill of hunting,” MDH allows me to carry his deer parts to the deer processor. Talk about excitement! And if I’m really “good,” he lets me pick up the packaged meat a few weeks later. (This is what I dreamed of as a child; picking up and delivering deer carcasses in heavy Igloo’s.)
9) A “little hunting trip” requires an F350 truck and a goose-neck trailer.
10) Our resident hunter loves Halloween; our kids hate it! Richard makes them dress up as “duck decoys.” He says it helps get him revved up for the season!
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Do any of these sound familiar? Welcome to the “Hapless Homebodies” Club! We have levels of membership: “Fall Deer Hunting Widows,” “Widows of Bird-Brained Husbands Who Hunt” and ”Widows of Husbands Who Hunt Year Round.”
There’s considerable support for organizing a group ‘hunting trip’ to “Le Bare* in Houston. The feeling is that these guys could help devert a widow’s mind from her (temporary) grief.
*Le Bare is a ‘gentlewoman’s club’ with incredibly muscled male dancers. They did not get those muscles packing a deer out of a glen!)
* MDH = My Deer Husband. Also known as: “He who likes to be obeyed … but rarely is.”
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Whitetailed Deer
MDH* brought this fascinating article to my attention today.
Unfortunately, it is several thousand words long. I would call it a “white paper” from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Division. (1)
They did their research at Texas A & M University’s Kerr Wildlife Management Area. Why this is significant is that this facility has over 20 generations of deer.
Cut to the Chase
For those folks who read the last page of a mystery before starting the book, here’s the answer: “Yes, by harvesting spikes early-on, it improves the antler quality of the remaining herd.” However, the story of why this is true is what is so interesting.
What is a ‘Spike?’
So that everyone is on the same page, let’s define a ‘spike.’ Texas Parks sees it as “any deer at least a year old that has two hardened antlers that do not branch or fork.” They are NOT referring to young fawns with “skin covered knobs” called a “nubbin buck.”
They go on to say that, “Buck fawns occasionally have a protrusion of chalky white bone tissue through the skin up to 1/2 inch long, but this is rare and we don’t call them spikes.”
What Hunters Think
There’s controversy about this subject. Many hunters don’t want to kill spikes because they think that poor nutrition is the reason a year-old has no rack. (In other words, their suggestion is – to paraphrase an angler – ‘Throw ‘em back and let ‘em grow up a bit.”)
Another idea is to shoot older spikes, because genetically, they’ve proved that they are not capable of developing antlers. Their reasoning continues: ‘Save the young spikes, poor nutrition is the reason youngsters didn’t produce a rack this year.’
Texas Park’s Advice on Spikes
This is a direct quote: “If two spikes walk out in front of you in a 2-buck county, shoot the smallest one first and don’t let the second get away.” I was so surprised, I had to read this three times!
Before I go into the “Ten Commandments of Texas Parks Regarding Spikes (my words, not theirs),” let me assure my ambivalent readers that studies in Louisiana have confirmed these findings. Therefore, either the deer in two states are crazy or these findings can be replicated across America — or at least the South.
A Little Thing Called, “Genetic Potential”
(1) “Antler development is genetically based. Not all deer have the same genetic potential.” (conclusions drawn by Texas Parks & Wildlife biologists) Nutrition AND ‘genetic potential’ are necessary for antler development. If either one of these elements is missing, antlers don’t grow. They proved this by allowing spikes to breed with does in pens. There was nutritious food, vitamins, water, etc., yet a high percentage of the offspring were spikes!
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Come back soon: Commandments #2 thru 7, next time!
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(1) The report I’m referring to is available online, as a pdf document at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_0247.pdf (It is 6 pages long.)
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* MDH = My Deer Husband, Richard 
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Whitetailed Deer in Spring
{This is a continuation of (what I call): “The 10 Commandments of Spike Management” from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Please note: The intro and Commandment #1 are in Part 1. These are their conclusions about ‘spike management’ – after considerable study.}
(2) “Nutrition does affect antler growth.” So, no matter what the deer’s ‘genetic potential,’ if there isn’t sufficient nutrition for the deer, antler growth will be affected.
(3) “Early or late birth does not affect antler development if deer receive adequate nutrition.” Essentially, a spike is a spike. Earlier birthing did not turn a spike into an antlered deer. The only relation between the lateness of birth and antler production seems to be: If the deer is born late in the season, it may be nutritionally deprived because there is less forage. What nutrition is available is diverted to maintain and grow muscles — not antlers.
(4) “The majority of yearling spike bucks will produce smaller antlers and fewer points in following years than will fork-antlered deer.” Basically, they have proven that “what you see is what you’re gunna’ get.” Spikes seem to be a genetic trait that doesn’t improve over the years.
(5) “You can improve a herd by selectively removing inferior antlered deer and allowing the deer with good antlers to breed.” They asked the question: Could they remove the spikes and let the antlered deer reproduce? What would be the result?
By selectively reproducing with more-desirable traited (antlered) deer, something called “heritability” comes into play. The more desirable a trait is – the less likely there will be improvement. Obviously, fully-antlered deer are highly desirable – therefore, removing the spikes will not cause all of the new deer to have antlers. Production of antlers traits are passed from one generation to another, however.
(6) “Does provide half of the genetic potential for antler development.” Since scientists don’t know if a doe carries genes for antlers or spikes, they cannot “select-out” deer with spike genes.
(7) “Average yearling bucks on good range should have six points.” According to their research, with good nutrition, most bucks attain this desirable point. Even poor habitats produce antlered deer. By killing spikes, it allows the antlered deer to reproduce. However, most hunters prefer to haul home deer ‘with racks.’
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This Series:
Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White-Tailed Deer? (intro & item #1)
Part 2: Why Don’t We Just Let That Little Spike Grow Up? (items #2 thru #7)
Part 3: What About Spikes While White-tail Deer Hunting? (Commandments 8 thru 10, conclusions)
Part 4: “This Spike is Better Lookin’ than Any Ol’ 6 Point Deer! Sure it is.” (Conclusions)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Whitetailed Deer
Just a reminder: This is third in a series of postings about hunting spikes while whitetail deer hunting. The conclusions highlighted in orange are from the Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Texas A&M University’s Kerr Deer Management Facility was part of this study. The facility has deer from 20 generations, to watch the effects of variables on the evolution of the herd. These same results were repeated in a Louisiana university study.
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(8) “Even when most bucks are spikes, removing them will not endanger the breeding potential.” Texas Parks and Wildlife researchers have proven that massive removal of spikes does not affect deer production. They’ve shown that a single buck can breed with as many as 40 does in a season.
(9) “Antler development improves with age up to a point.” Amazingly, you can expect antler production to improve until about the age of 6 1/2. After that time, the deer’s teeth deteriorate and older deer don’t intake sufficient nutrition (even in nutrition-rich climes) to develop large racks.
The deer with the best – most dense – antlers are usually between 4 1/2 – 6 1/2 years old.
(10) The best time to manage for genetic improvement is during periods of nutritional stress. With less food available, it is important to feed breeding deer first – and best. Watch for young antlered bucks and make them your future breeding stock.
~~~What Does This Mean to the Hunter & Landowner?~~~
Harvesting spikes is good for herd development. In fact, they state clearly: “Consistently removing spikes from the herd will eventually improve the antler quality if the range is in good condition.”
A balance must be maintained between numbers of deer and food available. The best way to do that is through harvesting. By selecting young deer with poor antlers, you are allowing deer with more genetically desirable traits (full antlers) to become the breeding stock.
An Interesting Aside -
According to Texas Parks statistics, hunters snag over 60% of the yearling bucks each year. Of those, about 60% are ‘fork-antlered deer.’
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Come back for the “Conclusion of the Conclusions.” If Texas Parks & Wildlife’s recommendations had any teeth (were law) there would be a howl of protest from hunters.
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This Series:
Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White-Tailed Deer? (intro & item #1)
Part 2: Why Don’t We Just Let That Little Spike Grow Up? (items #2 thru #7)
Part 3: What About Spikes While White-tail Deer Hunting? (Commandments 8 thru 10, conclusions)
Part 4: “This Spike is Better Lookin’ than Any Ol’ 6 Point Deer! Sure it is.” (Conclusions)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Generally: No Rack = No Want!
This is the final entry in this series: Shooting spikes while hunting whitetail deer.
What’s Most Important – Nutrition, Genetics or Age?
This is like asking which is more important: the digestive, circulatory or respiratory system? All three are critical to the life of a human. Life cannot be maintained without any one of these processes.
Deer need good genetics, good nutrition and to be of sufficient age to reach their potential. Since ‘a spike is a spike,’ he isn’t going to turn into a 16 point deer with good nutrition and age.
Texas Parks uses a term – “improper harvest.’ In this category, they include “over-harvest of older age class males.” By making yearling spikes the main goal of a hunter’s aim, it takes pressure off of the older, fully-antlered bucks.
Texas Parks maintains that “by shifting hunting pressure to the bottom segment of the herd, age as well as antler quality can be improved.”
Where the Does Fit in this Plan
Unfortunately, does do not have “I carry spike genes” or “I carry antlered genes” stamped on their foreheads. Besides targeting spike yearlings, Texas P&W suggests, older does should be removed from the gene pool.
By removing these mature does, the balance between food availability and herd size would be stabilized. With more nutrition, there would be fewer fawns – with greater chance of survival.
Deer Management = Quality Deer
Males, because they mate with many does, have more influence on the gentetics of a herd. By removing the young spikes, potentially, more antlered deer join the gene pool. Since the older does (more likely to carry ‘spike genes’) are removed, eventually, the herd will have more antlered deer.
Final Word
Every hunter’s group will have someone tell about the ‘Spike that Grew a Huge Rack.’ They do happen; however, it can take years, and he still carries the spike genes.
Texas P&W says that hunters, by targeting antlered deer, are inadvertently creating more spikes. Why? If the spikes are allowed to grow, they – not the fork-antlered deer – are the breeding stock. ”If you protect fork-antlered yearlings from harvest long enough to allow them to mature, you can improve antler quality in the herd….”
If Texas P&W had their way (laws), I think there would be howls of protest from hunters in Texas. MDH* opines “it ain’t gunna’ happen.”
What do you think? If your state made these rules binding in your state (for x number of years), how would you feel about it?
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This Series:
Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White-Tailed Deer? (intro & item #1)
Part 2: Why Don’t We Just Let That Little Spike Grow Up? (items #2 thru #7)
Part 3: What About Spikes While White-tail Deer Hunting? (Commandments 8 thru 10, conclusions)
Part 4: “This Spike is Better Lookin’ than Any Ol’ 6 Point Deer! Sure it is.” (Conclusions)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Golden Rules for Knives
This topic is serious, the way I state it is not. I hope no one is offended.
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And the Lord gave unto Abraham 10 Mighty Rules of Knives.
(First) “Thou shalt not let thy blade go dull.” A dull blade is a dangerous blade. It takes more pressure to use a dull blade, and accidents often happen when your hand slips or you lose control of the blade.
(2nd) “Thou shalt not hand thy knife to another – blade first.” If it is a folding knife, pass it on in a folded position. Hold a fixed blade by it’s spine (top, unsharpened edge) with the blade away from you, allowing the receiver to take the knife by its handle.
(3rd) “Thou shalt not use a knife’s weakest point (the tip) as a pry-bar.” Buy a small ‘chisel point rescue’ for daily use, and keep your knife intact.
(4th) “Thou shalt take thy time to sharpen thy knife blade.” Use the sharpening system as instructed by the directions that came with it. More knife blades are damaged by poor honing than use!
(5th) “Thou shalt keep thy knife as clean as thyself.” Most of the time, knives traspass where our hands don’t want to go – acids, oils, dirt, etc. Three things that knives come most into contact with are – salt, blood and sweat. They are corrosive and damaging to the blade.
Wash a knife in mild soap, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Always wash blades before food preparation. To avoid contamination with bacteria, knives should be washed after working with meat, and before using it on other foods.
(6th) “Thou shalt not leave thy knife in water or exposed to heat/sunlight for long periods of time.” As water is the universal solvent, it can unglue the handle, or other parts. Excessive heat can warp the knife.
(7th) ”Thou shalt not throw thy knife – even in fun.” More knife tips are broken by careless handling than people can imagine. If you are playing a knife throwing game, get one specifically for it – don’t take a chance on your prized knife(s).
(8th) “Thou shalt not oil thy leather sheath.” The oil discolors the leather and sometimes causes thread failure. Best practices: saddle soap for cleaning and dubbing (a water-resistant shoe wax) to protect your investment.
(9th) “Thou shalt protect thy blades during temporary storage.” Use a light touch when adding a coat of wax to the blade. High carbon blades may need a bit more – a thin layer of petroleum jelly before storage.
(10) “Thou shalt be tender in preparing thy knives for long-term storage.” Knives and sheaths should be placed in plastic bags separately. Use a vapor-protector (desiccant – think little bags placed in shoe boxes to protect leather) in the bag.
And Abraham took these Golden Rules for Knives down to the multitudes. And all was good.
MDH,* who advises God regularly 
has an 11th – Thou shalt not use metal on metal (don’t cut meat in the frying pan – use a cutting board).
This one isn’t nearly as catchy as the first 10. But ‘He who wants to be obeyed – and rarely is’ asked me to add this one.
** This posting was inspired by: Knives: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives for Fighting, Hunting and Survival. Pat Farey; 2003; $24.95)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
While trolling thru some of my favorite forums, I found this. Prairie State Outdoors forums are active and interesting.
Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!
“This buck was taken by a 14 year old Amish boy near Dalton WI. He used a hand-made long bow and made the killing shot by stalking the huge buck using corn shocks for cover. The boy’s family would not allow him to pose with the trophy animal for pictures so a nearby neighbor, Willie Flacid posed and is also acting as spokesman for the Amish boy.
According to Flacid, the Amish family has already received several offers from outdoor sporting companies to purchase the trophy. No dollar amount has been announced yet, but according to Flacid, ‘the amount of money being offered is enough that no one would ever be hard up again.’
Bresquire (The person who posted the photo and story)
Here’s the URL – http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/index.php?/forums/viewthread/430/
Further down the page, this was added: “That buck came from adams county, ohio. i just happen to live there so i know for sure. 36 scoreable points. that deer has brought alot of hunters in from all over.”
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** Update on 10/10/2010:
Snopes has an interesting story about the photo(s). It seems the Amish community (and a few other hunters) were aware there was a huge deer in Adams County, Ohio.
John Schmucker, an Amish adult, killed the deer on the first day of bow hunting season. This deer is the largest ever taken by a crossbow in Ohio and the 2nd largest in the state — ever.
When measured, the final Boone & Crockett score was 291 and2/8 from a gross score of 300 and 6/8.
Click on the underlined Snopes for the whole story.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Round 1
Fall Excitement!
The Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a study citing their concern that hunting bullets (containing lead) break up inside a deer and pose a lead poisoning risk in humans eating the venison.
Although they labeled the report as “preliminary,” they were quick to spread the word. This reaction came from finding some lead in packaged game – donated to food banks in North Dakota, Minnesota and a few other mid-western states.
On the basis of this report, some states collected all of the donated venison and had it destroyed. (Many hunters have the deer they shoot processed/packaged and donate the meat to foodbanks across America.)
Round 2
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms, hunting and recreational shooting industry – released a long report that said, essentially -”there is no credible, peer-reviewed scientific evidence that using traditional hunting ammunition creates a human health risk.”
As part of their report they highlighted the state of Iowa, which has been randomly testing children (500,000+) and adults (25,000+) for lead contamination for 15 years. They did not toss the food because they could find no connection between lead ammunition used and heightened lead contamination in humans.
NSSF also indicated that CDC (Centers for Disease & Prevention) was conducting tests regarding this issue.
Round 3
The CDC did not find a connection between ammunition used and lead contamination in humans. The short summary is in a box on this page – http://www.nssf.org/news/PR_idx.cfm?PRloc=share/PR/&PR=110708.cfm&CFID=3197794&CFTOKEN=9bbbf4263d2b5d79-F4AECCFA-0A2C-208F-D227DDCAC8E9983F&jsessionid=f03087e0b5d1f57e886c7f4e334d626b4155 You can read the full 31 page report: http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/ND_report.pdf
Now the Story Gets Interesting
“The baseless claim that caused concern about consuming venison harvested with lead ammunition was born out of the anti-hunting movement. The story started when a dermatologist with ties to the Peregrine Fund–an organization dedicated to eliminating the use of lead ammunition for hunting–claimed to have collected packages of venison from food banks that contained lead fragments.
Out of fear and an overabundance of caution, health officials (who never conducted their own study) accepted the dermatologist’s findings and ordered all food banks to discard their venison.” (from the report issued by FSSN: “Firearms Industry Statement on Results of CDC Blood Lead Levels in Hunter’s Study”).
It turns out that the dermatologist is a board member of the Peregrine Fund, not “the independent actions of a concerned hunter, as he claimed.” According to FSSN, this group is dedicated to more than taking the lead out of ammo. They are an anti-hunting group trying to ban hunting.
My Interpretation
I don’t know anything about this group. From a quick reading on Google, they seem to be a group of tree huggers and savers of birds. I’m not into conspiracy theories or worries that everyone is trying to kill the sport of hunting. If the statements about the dermatologist are true (his ties to Peregrine and their mission), I’m angry.
The dermatologist has a license to practice medicine, not his moral agenda. Look at the waste of food and the money spent testing!
When do we start to make people responsible for their actions when they are knowingly dishonest? He used his status as a physician to cry, “Wolf.” Why isn’t he liable for his actions?
He isn’t the only miscreant in this fiasco. Have the state agencies that simply took the word of a single doctor – did no testing of their own – cleaned house yet? If not, why not?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I don’t sell knives any more. However, this series has proven so popular, I’ve left the info on this site. Therefore, the photos are not clickable.
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This is a series on knife blade types that appears occasionally. Today, the Tanto, Drop Point and Sheepsfoot Blades are up for discussion.
Tanto Blade
The Tanto is based on an old Japanese Samurai design. It has a shallow grind on both sides of the single edge. The American Tanto is fairly angular and has a chisel grind on one side of the edge.
Generally, the edge is parallel to the spine until it sharply angles about 45 degrees to a point.
Example of Tanto Blade
That leaves the point thick and incredibly strong. This makes for great control in piercing and penetration.
It doesn’t hurt that the design LOOKS lethal and is very marketable because of its tactical persona. The military uses this design for some applications, bolstering its ‘Rambo’ looks.
Originally, the tanto was created to pierce armor. The main negative of this style of knife is that the cutting edge is secondary to the powerful thrust of the knife point.
Drop Point Blade
Example of Drop Point Knife
Most of MDH’s knives are drop points. It is one of the most popular styles because it does so many things well.
A shallow, convex curve lowers the point of the knife from the unsharpened spine. The deep belly, which takes and keeps a sharp edge, rises up to meet the point. This increases tip strength.
The lowered point provides more control over the blade. This style is at home doing fine skinning, field dressing wild game, slicing and even jointing.
Sheepsfoot Blade
Modified Sheepsfoot Blade
Slicing is the forte of the sheepsfoot blade. It is considered to be a better slicer than a clip point (Bowie knife).
This knife got its name from its likeness to the hoof of a sheep (Go figure). The point is rounded and the blade is fairly straight. This specialized tool seems to slice best on a flat cutting area.
In recent years, this blade has become a favorite of first responders and emergency personnel. The beauty of this folding knife is that it can be used to slice away a seat belt, without harming the injured.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Day at the Office!
Perhaps you have just joined this merry band of blog readers and haven’t checked my archives. Well, I’d like to tell you about this month’s hottest!
Most Hits This Month
Hands down, the most popular article this month was: The 10 Commandments of Knife Use and Maintenance. It received hundreds more hits than any other offering in November!
Going to Other Sites for Amazing Photos
Lots of you are into “Amazing Stories.” This one has gotten a lot of attention: ‘Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!’
More ‘Lead Poisoning in Venison’ Info
The second salvo in this on going ‘war of words’ emerged this month with: ‘Remember the Lead-in-Venison Controversy? Here’s an Update!’
Stay tuned, later this week, I will report on the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) findings on this issue (that just won’t go away).
Getting Some Reaction
Finally, I’ve been able to prove that someone reads my blog besides my mother. The 4 part report on ‘Shoot or Don’t Shoot Spikes‘ has brought readers out of the woods (pun intended) long enough to comment.
What’s On Tap for December?
Besides the CDC report on lead poisoning in deer, I’ve just completed a 2 parter on ‘Multi-tools.’ Included are some tips on what to look for in a useful-to-you-tool.
Please join me!
There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription button for feeds, Click on RSS Feeds (top of right column) or Subscription link to get my postings via email, click on Sign Me Up!
Although these postings/articles are PRICELESS, I’m making them available to YOU for nada (also known as: zip, zilch, zero). Can you really afford to miss out on this opportunity?
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* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Knife salesmen/women love to fling around the jargon of their trade. It immediately puts THEM in the expert class — not you. Today just might be a good day to level-the-playing-field a bit. Our sub-title could be:
More Than You May Want to Know About a Knife
We’ll examine a fixed-blade knife today.
Anatomy of a Fixed Blade Knife!
1 – The Blade – The ‘business end’ of a knife.
2 – Handle – How you grip a knife. The issue of a tang comes in here but I will save most of this discussion for later. One of the tang’s most important jobs is to give balance to a knife.
3 – Point or Tip of the knife. Its main function is to pierce or create a point of entry.
4 – The Edge – The cutting area of a knife that extends from the point to the blade heel.
5 - The Grind – Where the blade starts to get thinner. The area across the blade that starts at the thinning of the spine and ends at the blade edge.
6 – Spine – The top of the knife, opposite of the blade edge. It is usually thicker than the edge.
7 – The Fuller – An indentation on many knives that reduces the weight of the knife. The fuller does not reduce the structural integrity of the knife, however.
8 – The Ricasso – The thick part of the blade that has no edge; where the handle and blade meet.
9 - The Guard – This metal barrier protects the hand from injury.
10 - The Butt – The end of the knife.
11 - Hole for the Lanyard – A method for keeping the knife attached to the wrist, belt, etc.
The advantage of a fixed blade is that it is strong (single weapon from point to butt of knife). It has no moving parts and is easy to make.
In the 2nd entry, I mentioned the ‘tang.’ The tang is the part of the knife not usually seen. It is covered by the wood, plastic or other material of the handle.
To me, the tang is how I determine the value of the knife. A full tang indicates that the blade metal completely fills the handle (and can usually be seen above and below the handle material – as in the photo below). The full tang is indicated below by the first red dot, on the top edge of the handle. The other dots are not significant for this discussion.
Full Tang Knife!
Knives with partial tangs (the metal of the blade extending part way into the handle and held in place by rivets or pins), may also be an excellent knife.
Of the partial tangs, I feel the ‘rat tail’ tang to be the weakest (the knife blade narrows in the handle, to look like a rat tail comb).
The ‘push tang’ is the one you do not want. The tang end extends less than 1/2 the way into the handle. The tang has been pushed in and rivets used to hold it in place.
The next time the salesperson throws a little jargon your way, you can throw a little back!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Stir Up Some Flavor Tonight!
This recipe calls for marinating the meat in these spices for 24 hours. During that time, the deer meat REALLY absorbs the mixture.
I usually use light soy sauce (~50% less salt than regular product). This is a personal choice, because MDH and I don’t need the salt. Just want you to know that you have some options.
Deer Jerky
5 lbs. sliced deer meat
1 Tbsp. fine black pepper
3 Tbsp. coarse black pepper (often called ‘restaurant-style’)
1 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. Accent tenderizer
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/2 cup soy sauce
to taste – crushed red pepper
Marinate 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Smoke 2 to 4 hours.
Dry in oven @140 degrees F., or in a hydrator.
Well, that’s the recipe. Here’s a bit more info if you are new to drying meat:
Dry – do not bake – in the 140 degree oven (or use a hydrator). If the oven is too hot, leave door ajar slightly. Drying time will vary depending on the humidity, thickness of the slices and fat content of the meat.
When removed from the oven, cool and store jerky in an open container to allow drying to continue. Seal container to prevent further drying. Refrigerate for long storage.
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There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription for feeds, click on RSS Feeds (top of right column) and (2) Subscription link to get my postings via email, click on Sign Me Up!
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Be careful: This offer may be withdrawn at any time!
~
* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Yummy Boar Bites!
Everyone should have a boar recipe in their collection! Actually, here’s one of each: Boar & Venison.
Black Forest Boar
from the April 1978 issue of American Rifleman
Coat 2 lbs. boar, cut into 2 inch cubes, in 1/4 cup flour mixed with 1 tsp. salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste).
Brown meat in 3 Tbsp. bacon fat; add 1 cut-up onion, 1 clove diced garlic, cook 5 minutes longer. Add 4 cups water, 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary, 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes.
Cook covered, 1 to 2 hours – until tender. Add 4 potatoes, 4 carrots and 4 small onions (all 12 veggies chopped). Cook additional 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
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This recipe has been in my collection so long, I have no idea where it came from or who gave it. One thing for sure — this recipe pre-dates our concern about cholesterol!
Dr. Pulley’s Famous Venison Stew
2 lbs. boneless venison roast
1 cup bacon drippings
2 onions, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
4 carrots, cubed
2 potatoes, cubed
1 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat bacon drippings in large, cast-iron pot and sear all surfaces of roast until golden brown in color. Transfer roast to a pot just large enough to hold it; reserve drippings.
Add water just to cover venison, season with salt & pepper (to taste) and simmer ~2 hours, or until tender. When ready, remove roast to platter, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Reserve broth. In same broth venison was cooked in, boil veggies until tender – about 20 minutes.
Reheat the reserved bacon drippings in cast-iron pot. Add flour and stir constantly over medium low heat until flour is a rich brown color. When flour is browned, pour in 1 cup cold water. Stir well and add cooked veggies and their broth.
Cube the venison and add to the vegetables. Taste for seasonings and bring to a simmer to reheat. Serves 4 to 6.
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Directions for slow cooker: I make Dr. Pulley’s Stew a little differently because I use a slow cooker.
Sear the cubed meat in olive oil, put in slow cooker. Saute onions & celery lightly in pan and add to slow cooker. De-glaze pan with a little water & scrape bits into cooker.
Add veggies, then meat, add 2 – 3 cups of water. Cook 6 – 8 hours in cooker. Use some of cooking water to make gravy in a saucepan and return it to cooker. Adjust seasonings. Serve.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
In South Texas, we refer to these ugly little pigs as ‘javelina’s.’ However, they have plenty of other names/nicknames:
2 Things You Will Notice Immediately: They're UGLY and They STINK!
As adults, these peccaries are about 36 to 51 inches long (90 to 130 centimeters) and weigh in at 44 to 88 lbs (20 to 40 kilograms).
Javelinas are the only pig-like creatures native to North America! Wild hogs, razorbacks or feral pigs, are all descendants of the European pigs/hogs imported to the Americas long ago. Thus, ‘feral pigs’ and ‘javelinas’ are completely different species.
Javelinas are native to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, Mexico, Central and South America.
One of the most important distinctions between javelinas and their cousins is:
Once upon a time, these brush pigs were hunted for sport, their meat and their hides. After tanning, peccary hides became:
Now, however, no javelina parts may be sold.
As with most game hunting, it is important to know their habits in order to hunt for them successfully. There are some important differences in hunting javelina vs. wild hogs.
Both species are omnivores. Their favorite foods: cacti (!), grasses, roots and tubers.
One thing you need above all others when javelina hunting is — a paid-up insurance policy! Make sure you have this little stinker ‘dead to rights’ before shooting.
These are ‘mean mama’s’ when injured. Javelinas are totally devoid of a sense of humor. Maybe it’s all that cactus they eat!
* There will be more about the collared peccary’s awful smell in Part 2!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
So Why A Truck Tent?
Tent makers have listened for years to complaints about regular tents.
You know what they are: Uncomfortable sleeping on rocks and debris; worry over getting wet during a rain shower; the aggravation of tent poles that never seem to fit together; concern about leaving the truck in one place and camping elsewhere, concern about critters joining sleepers in the tent . . . .
What is a Truck Tent?
Tent designers decided to turn the idea of a tent on its ear!
Camping in a Standard Truck!
Incorporating the best points of grounded tents, they created new solutions for camping challenges. Truck tents are self-contained units that offer rain protection, excellent ventilation and easy set-up. The poles are color-coded and tents can be operational in 15 minutes, or less.
Sizes to Fit Most Trucks
Along with clever features and ease-of-use, truck tents are available to fit most trucks! Whether your truck has compact short bed, a full size step-side, a Dakota Quad Cab with 5.5′ bed, full size long or short bed, or most any other configuration, there’s a truck tent for you.
Things to Look For in a Truck Tent
Creature comforts are emphasized in tents that are attached to trucks. Check the height of the tent – they can vary widely. If you have a slider window, you may want access into the cab. Some models have this feature.
How is the tent held into place on your truck? Will the hooks used be
A Tent Design for a Compact Truck!
kind to the finish on your truck?
Check for gear pockets and hooking systems that can be used to hang clothes or for lamp placement. It’s helpful to have reflective zipper pulls for use at night.
Tents that are light (in color) on top offer more interior light in the tent. Conversely, dark topped tents are darker inside the tent – day and night.
What’s Next?
Next time, I’ll show the latest in camping style for folks with an SUV or other vehicle! This will show the Lexus of camping! ~~~ Need a Camping Checklist? ~~~
I’m just getting started writing! If you want to be ‘in the know’ first – sign up for a FREE update on items – as I post them!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
When designers decided to turn the concept of a tent upside down, they didn’t stop with trucks. They reasoned that if a truck could contain a tent, so could an SUV, minivan or hatchback!
Talk About Unique!
Many of the SUV, minivan and hatchback designs allow the tent to be separate or attached to the vehicle. Therefore, you have the convenience of being able to leave the tent in place, while using the vehicle elsewhere.
How Do I Get the Tent Back Into This Tiny Bag?
Sportz SUV 83000 Tent with Screen Room
One of the biggest complaints from campers is that the tent never fits back into the original storage bag. Designers were listening and have created unique ways to help people with two left hands successfully navigate the tent back into the bag.
Yeah, But Will it Fit My Vehicle?
Most of these new-generation tents are very specific about the size and model of the vehicles that fit a particular design.
If the information tag includes: “Fits most hatchbacks” — keep looking. That company is not attending enough to the needs of the customer. Great info tags specify exactly the models and years that fit any given tent.
Other Things to Watch
The standard height for SUV tents seems to be between 7 and 8 feet. This height is great for tall campers and creates a sense of spaciousness inside the tent. Don’t shortchange yourself!
Check what the flooring is made of before purchasing. I think the floor takes the most abuse and it should have ‘rip stop’ fabric or some similar treatment to ensure good looks and long lasting comfort.
Warranties are a must with these tents. One-year is the minimum time a tent should be under warranty. Ninety days simply isn’t enough time to check for manufacturer’s defects.
Dome-to-Go Tents!
Keep in mind: Generally, tents are water-resistant, not water-proof.
Check the fabric carefully. I think cotton and canvas are poor choices because of the issues of mildew and condensation. One of the quickest ways to ruin a tent is to put it away wet. Even Polyester/Titanium fabric (one of the best) is no match for storing a wet tent.
Some Cautions
Remember that your SUV/Truck tents are situated near the fuel source and exhaust pipe of your vehicle. This calls for some extra precautions.
Do not use fuel-powered lanterns or heaters inside these tents. Candles, matches and open flames should not be used inside.
While the tent is installed in/on your vehicle, the vehicle cannot be moved.
These new generation tents attached to vehicles are making camping converts far and wide. Perhaps they are just what you need for your next camping or hunting trip.
Santa, are you listening?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Chili for Chilly Weather!
This is a tried-and-true recipe for chili-heads. Actually it won the 1988 Chili Cook-Off in Potsdam, East Germany, sponsored by the US Military Liaison in Berlin.
“Brazos River Bottom Killed-on-the-Road Texas Chili” – is a fairly unlikely title but was concocted by two brothers, Richard and Mark Beto of Brazos County.
The good news is that it is not necessary for your venison to be ‘road kill’ for this to taste GREAT! Enclosed are 3 ways of cooking; we enjoy the third — but 30 hours cooking isn’t always reasonable.
Brazos River Bottom Killed-on-the-Road Texas Chili
3 lbs. venison AND 1 lb. pork, coarsely ground or cubed
2 large white onions, chopped
8 garlic cloves, chopped, not pressed
2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (10 oz.) cans of water
1 cup chili powder (yes, 1 cup)
4 tsp. paprika
5 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 cup masa harina (Mexican corn flour)
Place meat, onions and garlic in a large pot or skillet and cook until the meat is browned. Drain, if necessary.
Add the rest of the ingredients (EXCEPT the masa harina) and cook 1 and 1/2 hours. Mix masa harina with 1/2 cup HOT water and stir. Add this mixture to the pot and let it cook until the sauce thickens.
Add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve.
Slow Cooker Directions: After searing meat, onions and garlic, add to slow cooker. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT masa harina. Cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Add hot water mixed with masa harina and cook until thickened.
Richard’s Slow Cooker Directions: After searing meat, onions and garlic, add to slow cooker. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT masa harina. Cook on low for 30 hours (yes, thirty) hours. Add hot water mixed with masa harina and cook until thickened.
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While LBJ was president, Lady Bird Johnson gave this recipe to the newspapers – LBJ’s favorite chili recipe!
LBJ’S PERDERNALES RIVER CHILI
3 lbs. venison AND 1 lb. pork – cubed or coarsely ground
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp. oregano, crushed
1 tsp. cumin
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 cans ROTEL canned tomatoes and green chilies (Hot, Original or Mild - your choice)
2 cups water
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Sear meat in large, dry skillet until lightly browned. Add onion and garlic and saute.
Add seasonings, tomatoes, water and hot pepper. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 1 hour. Skim off any fat that accumulates. Serves 8 – 10.
Slow Cooker Directions: After browning meat, garlic and onion, put all ingredients EXCEPT seasonings (oregano , cumin, chili powder, cayenne powder) into pot. Cook on high 4 or 5 hours; low temperature = 8 hours. Add seasonings during the last 30 minutes.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
You Tube has an excellent video: Comparing a fully automatic assault rifle with a semi automatic rifle with a semi automatic rifle for sportsmen and women.
It is just under 11 minutes and well worth your time. The instructor is Officer Leroy Pyle of the San Jose, California Police Dept. I like his low-key style in talking about an emotionally laden topic.
Getting Ready for Hunting Season!
He explains how the weapons are alike and how they are different. He, and others make several interesting points. One point is: during the collection of 50,000 + weapons, California has NEVER collected a semi automatic gun that has been re-configured into an assault weapon. Therefore, the contention that every drug lord has an arsenal of fully automatic assault weapons is incorrect. The location of the video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysf8x477c30
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Do you “tweet”? For the latest, when it is published, follow my twitter reports @ http://twitter.com/marylouise22.com Click on “Home” and it will take you to my latest tweets! My last tweet was: Latest: Deer Chili in a Slow Cooker posted at http://marylouise22.wordpress.com… Chili for Chilly Weather!
Expensive Racks!
Since gun-running and drug smuggling have gotten so dicey – thieves have a new ploy — ‘wild deer smuggling.’ Wonder if it’s worth it? A breeding whitetailed buck with the ‘right genetics’ auctions for $500,000!
Who Buys Smuggled Whitetails?
Brian Becker, owner of a deer breeding facility in Minnesota was caught delivering 8 wild deer to a posh hunter’s spread called Circle E Ranch, in Grimes County (TX), between Navasota and Huntsville.
Circle E Ranch offers a wide range of game – from addax to wildebeest and zebra. Accommodations are $250/day, with a 3 day minimum. There’s also a fee for each animal shot – a zebra, including field dressing, costs $6,500.
Follow the Money
Becker was willing to take the gamble — he’d earned $300,000 from the owner of Circle E Ranch, Robert L. Eichenour, over the past 4 years! He’d driven these whitetails over 1000 miles (I hope gas was extra).
It’s hard to say just how prevalent this practice is in America. The US Fish & Wildlife Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife avow that the practice is profitable and common. Others (land owners and ranch managers) don’t see it that way.
Why It’s Illegal
Texas is a closed state, meaning that deer cannot be imported from other states. Why? Because many states are battling “bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease, a devastating condition likened to mad-cow disease but spread among deer, elk and moose.”
This is serious: Minnesota, where the deer lived, has spent $30 million trying to eradicate the disease in their wild deer. Texas, which has no such infestation, has banned the importation of wild or domesticated deer, to protect their herds.
A Hefty Price on Their Whitetailed Heads
Because of the ban, deer with large racks, are in high demand. Deer with antler racks scoring between 140 and 149 on the Boone and Crockett Scale, are very popular. Trophy deer in this class can easily cost the hunter between $2,500 and $15,000 (for each animal shot). Mounting extra, of course.
A Hefty Price When You Get Caught
Brian Becker, on probation for smuggling deer into Oklahoma in 2005, earned a 33 month sentence by a federal court in Plano. Wealthy Houston-area businessman, Robert L Eichenour, got 18 months in jail and a $50,000 fine.
Both men had pleaded guilty. Some Grimes County citizens were surprised by the jail-time. ”We see murderers and rapists given probation, but bring a whitetail deer to Texas, and you do federal time,” Constable Dale Schaper said.
Grimes County Judge Gene Stapleton said the 18-month sentence “totally ruins [Eichenour’s] life. If you are going to ruin someone’s life, ruin a drug dealer’s life.”
Not-So-Warm-And-Fuzzy-Words from Other Deer Breeders
On the other side of the fence were the deer breeders. ”I am outraged,” said Mike Lamb, a West Texas whitetail deer breeder and rancher.
“I’ve spent a lot of money proving my deer are tested and healthy. An outbreak from smuggled deer would totally wipe me out. Nothing is worth the risk, and to have people exposing the wildlife population to make a few thousand is just ridiculous.”
The whole story is here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/1078126.html
From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, article by Barry Schlachter
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Magnificent Mounts!
Don’t be Singing the ‘Taxidermy Blues’
If you’ve been hoping to add a handsome trophy to your wall, a few cautions could ensure your trip to the taxidermist to be successful.
There’s nothing worse than being told that you ruined your beautiful specimen while field dressing your game. What are some of the basic do’s and don’ts?
Some Do’s
Some Don’ts
Helpful Tips
I hope these tips lead to a great mounted beauty on your wall!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If you’ve scanned my blogroll, you may have noticed that I list 
“Rantings of an Outdoorsman.”
All this time, I’ve been waiting for Darrell, site guru and hunter extraordinaire, to start “ranting” (as his site name seems to promise). However, after seeing his photos over the past few days, I know the REAL STORY.
Tiptoe Through the Photos
A couple of days ago, I suggested my readers go check out his photos (and great story), dated 27 November 2008. ”BBD! My Nice Whitetail Buck from Opening Day of 2008 Missouri Firearms Season.”
Was he satisfied when we drooled all over his photos? Of course not.
To heap on the grief, he just happens to have a few pictures of his Iowa hunt, dated 17 December 2008!
And Now — The “Awful” Truth
“Rantings of an Outdoorsman” has nothing to do with Darrell. “Rantings” has everything to do with those of us who read his blog!
I used to think Darrell was one of the luckiest hunters ever. Over the past months, I’ve come to realize that luck is really overrated. He must have considerable talent (but please don’t tell him I said that). ;)
Be Careful
If you have a fragile psyche (and have not shot a deer this season), Darrell’s blog may send you to the anti-depressant aisle of your local drug store.
However, those of you with a sturdier constitution (and a freezer full of deer), will undoubtedly enjoy http://www.AlphaTrilogy.com
Two Questions
Does Darrell’s diet include venison 21 meals/week? *
I can get a group therapy rate for “deer envy;” anybody interested?
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* Perhaps he can market a new craze – “Darrell’s Deer Diet!” I can hear the ca-chings already!
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Yes, I’m still feeling awful (and the photos on www.AlphaTrilogy.com don’t help a bit) {you know I’m kidding, right?}. Monday, I’ll get back to serious writing. Have a great weekend!
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Thought for the day: Do something good for your mental health this weekend — stay out of the stores! Go hunting instead!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Chili Tonite & Hot Tamale!
It must be obvious to you by now that I gravitate towards chili recipes with colorful names.
Today is no exception; Buzzard’s Breath Chili is a fun name for a great bowl of red!
This recipe is unique for another reason. If you worry about the spices you add to chili, this one explains some spice uses – and this info carries over to other cooking. Enjoy!
Buzzard’s Breath Chili
8 lbs. venison or 6 lbs. venison and 2 lbs. chili grind pork
3 small cans tomato sauce (8 ounces each)
2 large onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
2 jalapeno peppers
Chili powder – about twice the label amount (I use between 1 & 2 Tbsp.)
Cumin – 2 tsp.
Oregano – 1/2 tsp.
Salt – to taste
Paprika – 1 to 2 tsp.
Cayenne Pepper – to taste
Masa harina- as needed
Beef stock – 1 quart
Chop venison into 3/8″ cubes, removing all gristle/visible fat. Add chili grind pork. Brown in an iron skillet – about 2 lbs. at a time, until gray in color.
Place all seared meat into a large cast iron chili pot, adding tomato sauce and equal amounts of water. Add chopped onion, garlic, jalapeno peppers (wrapped in cheese cloth), and chili powder.
Simmer 20 minutes, then add ground cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne pepper to taste. As moisture is required, add homemade beef stock until the quart is used, then add water.
Simmer covered until meat is tender (approximately two hours), stirring occasionally, then add masa harina, to achieve desired thickness.
If needed, add paprika for color. Cook 10 more minutes, correct seasoning to taste, discard jalapenos and serve. Small amount of cumin enhances aroma when added in the last 10 minutes. Makes 12 servings.
Notes:
Addendum: To make the original Buzzard’s Breath Chili, the creator advocates the addition of dried red ants to enhance the flavor, plus cigar ashes to achieve the proper thickness (yep, you read correctly – ants and cigar ashes. I just copy; I don’t create).
He also said that his chili should be prepared over an open cow-chip fire; however, local ordinances and EPA regulations often prohibit this.
What the creator didn’t mention: Add ~ 1/3 masa harina to ~ 1/2 cup hot water. Stir until it starts to expand, add to chili. Stir into chili. If you need more thickening, do it again.
Slow Cooker Directions: Sear meat and add to large cooker, adding tomato sauce and equal amounts of water. Add chopped onion, garlic, jalapeno peppers (wrapped in cheese cloth).
Cook ~ 6 to 8 hours. One-half hour before finished, add all remaining spices to pot. Add masa harina, as specified above. Let simmer for half hour and remove jalapeno peppers (in cheese cloth) and serve.
(Copied from the Houston Chronicle, at least 15 years ago.)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here's The Whole Enchilada!
These recipes have been spread out over so many months, you may have missed some.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Boil That Bird!
** I’ve updated this article recently. It was posted: How & Why Do I Use a Duck Carcass?
This question keeps coming up – people insert these words into a search engine and they get my site. I’ve never really answered this question directly and now would be a good time to do so.
The answer is going to be the same whether you have a chicken, hen, duck, goose, turkey or other “largish” fowl – domestic or wild.
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What’s So Great About a Fowl Carcass?
There are three basic reasons I would boil a poultry carcass:
1) The comparison between a quart of chicken/fowl stock versus a quart of water and bouillon versus purchased chicken/fowl stock is non-existent.
They aren’t even in the same zip code! Stock that has been simmered has so much more flavor!
2) In these tough economic times, it doesn’t make sense to toss the carcass without deriving its goodness for your table.
3) Scientists have proven that the “old wive’s tale” of giving chicken soup to an invalid is NOT an old wive’s tale. There is scientific proof that the nutrients leached from the carcass during cooking are needed by the body to help it recover – from whatever ails them!
The nutrients derived in this way are easier for the elderly to assimilate into their bodies.
All This Sounds Like a Lot of Trouble
Put the fowl carcass into a slow cooker, cover with water, add some onion, 1 tsp. sea salt, garlic (got celery and carrots? add them), and turn it on (low or high) as you go to bed. How much trouble is that?
In the morning, take the liner out of the cooker, let it cool and put it into the refrigerator (with the lid on) just before you leave.
In the evening, you can skim off the fat (or not, your choice) and pour the juice (strain out the veggies and carcass – discard them) into containers and freeze. If there are tidbits of the meat left from the bones, I add it to the broth.
Now What?
Any soup, stew, gravy — whatever you make from this stock will be 100% more valuable to your body than the purchased, the bullion or the plain water.
I can think of dozens of uses for this stock. Save it for colds season and make soup. Use it as a base for black bean soup (or any other dried beans/legumes).
Use it as the base for a chicken stew (toss into a slow cooker: onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, celery, leftover chicken, whatever you have). Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, adjust seasonings, enjoy!
Finally
Our forefathers and fore mothers never wasted anything. Creating their own fish or chicken or beef stock is one of the ways they stayed healthy.
BTW, I always add a teaspoon of sea salt to any stock I’m creating from a carcass. Salt helps leach more nutrients out of the bones.
Do I use quail or doves for this? No, they are too small.
Hopes this helps someone!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com Do you “tweet”? For the latest, when it is published, follow my twitter reports @ http://twitter.com/marylouise22.com
What UV Brighteners?
This is a fascinating topic – that won’t go away. Why? A clever company has found a way to capitalize on a glitch in the hunter’s clothing market.
Is this a Serious Problem?
I don’t know; it depends on who is doing the talking. Some folks swear by “UV-Killer” and some swear at it.
So far, I’ve been unable to determine if there’s another way to remove UV brighteners, once they’ve been added to hunting garments.
MDH doesn’t have a single garment that does not have UV brighteners (in other words, everything he wears has the brighteners, which is supposed to be the ‘kiss of death’ for hunters).
Yet, Richard hauls home at least one deer or elk every year. He seems unfazed by the problem. Is it because he’s always in a blind (thus deer cannot see his clothing)? No, he stalks game too.
I hear from others who wouldn’t dream of setting foot in a hunting situation without all clothing being carefully cleaned of UV brighteners.
Anyway, the issue is as intriguing as it has always been. Here are the articles relating to this issue, for your reading pleasure.
The UV Brightener Issue
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Bow Hunters Need Special Suits
At one point, I thought I was an “expert” on ghillie suits. Hah!
Changes and innovation are happening so rapidly that it is now hard just to stay up with Ghillie gear!
This Year’s Articles:
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
At one time, I sold Gerber & Leatherman tools and did a series of informational articles about knives. I was going to erase the group, however, they are read so often, I just left them up for my readers.
These articles are not about Gerber specifically, although I often use Gerber knives to illustrate the post.
For about 5 weeks, I was carrying around a large (picture) book* of knives – ancient and modern. I had no idea how popular knives are!
I nearly dropped my teeth, however, when women would walk up to me and talk about their knife collections!
Maybe it’s just a Texas thing.
* The name of the book is in one or more of the articles. I borrowed it from the Houston Public Library.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Lead-in-Venison Controversy!
States played leap-frog over each other to see who could raise the alarm loudest. The only thing they forgot to do — test even one package of venison!
This is another of those ‘much-ado-about-nothing’ stories. Watch the progression (your taxes being wasted) here.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Deer Watching You!
There’s lots of controversy over whether to shoot a spike. Drawing on a ‘white paper’ from the Texas Parks & Wildlife, I explained the reasoning behind their stance on this issue. I’m sure this will not satisfy all hunters, but they do provide a great deal of evidence to prove their hypothesis. If you are trying to improve your deer herd, this is some worthwhile reading!
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1) Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White-tail?
2) Why Don’t We Just Let that Little Spike Grow Up?
3) What About Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting?
4) This Spike is Better Lookin’ Than Any….
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
What a Rack! 30 Points of "Oh, My Goodness!"
Yep, I hate to admit it. Others have produced some really great posts. Some were outrageously funny, some are just outrageous! All of these are worth your time….
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Most Important Choice
Probably the ‘YouTube’ show, “What’s the Difference Between Assault Weapons & Sporting Rifles?” Leroy Pyle does more to dispel the emotion from these words than anyone else I’ve seen to date.
This video lasts less than 12 minutes and demonstrates the items under discussion. His language is clear and low-key; just what is needed.
Most Useful
Without a doubt, learning how to clean a duck from a master hunter is wonderful. Don’t be put off by the fact this series (of 5 short videos) was produced with young hunters in mind.
Oh My Gosh!
Eat Your Heart Out: Amazing New MS State Archery Record! is another jaw-dropper! Congrats to Michael Burkley!
Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! ** Update on 10/10/2010:
Snopes has an interesting story about the photo(s). It seems the Amish community (and a few other hunters) were aware there was a huge deer in Adams County, Ohio.
John Schmucker, an Amish adult, killed the deer on the first day of bow hunting season. This deer is the largest ever taken by a crossbow in Ohio and the 2nd largest in the state — ever.
When measured, the final Boone & Crockett score was 291 and2/8 from a gross score of 300 and 6/8.
Click on the underlined Snopes for the whole story.
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The Year Isn’t Over
“Well, it ain’t over till it’s over,” sums up this latest story – just noticed it a few minutes ago on Rocky Mountain News.
Randy Goodman of Sedalia, Mo., reminds us all why Missouri is the “Show Me” State. He went to collect the 240 lb. deer he’d just shot – twice.
Getting ready to pack his – obviously dead – 9 pointer back to camp, Goodman made a small mistake. He forgot to make sure the deer was completely dead.
The deer took offense,* jumped up and attacked the veteran hunter with his antlers and bulk. The rest of the story is at: http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/081202-ap-deer-attack.html or @ http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/dec/02/wounded-deer-attacks-hunter-who-shot-him/
A Sadder & Wiser Good Man!
* The deer seems to have been offended that Mr. Goodman didn’t “SHOW ME I’M DEAD!’ (Even the deer are into the “show me” mindset!) Sheesh!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Incredible!
The Latest from MDH*
This is a Piebald Buck – nabbed by a hunter in WI.
What a Magnificent Beast!
He sent these photos around to folks & the owner of Cabella’s paid him $13,000 for the head and hide. A calico buck like this one is rarer than an albino.
Astonishing!
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*MDH = My Deer Husband
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Update of 10/10/2010: Snopes has the story. It was shot on private land in East Texas. Click on “snopes” for more. They state the photos are real but the description is wrong.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Protect Your Investment with Proper Handling!
Essentially, there are two major times your handling of the meat affects the deer’s taste: just after the deer is killed and just before you cook the venison.
When I Know the Venison Will Be Awful
When I see proud hunters, with deer draped over the truck top or hanging out of the back of a truck while they are driving, I shudder. They certainly weren’t in it for the meat!
That meat is going to be “gamy” – if not outright spoiled. What are they thinking? Driving down I-45 on a day like today (temperature was 72), just how long would you expect a piece of beef to remain edible, on the top of a truck?
Critical Timing
The few hours after slaying the deer are critical! Quick field dressing (more on this next time) is essential. Some folks, shooting a deer about dark, leave the body in the snow, to dress it in the am. This is a fatal error!
Another item critical to the taste of the venison meat is — washing out the carcass with water ASAP after field dressing.
Your knife must be sharp and your hand swift and sure. Entrails not carefully removed will affect taste.
Where’s the Ice?
Deer, after death, are still warm. It is critical to get everything iced ASAP. Sometimes, it is not possible to have the deer under ice within the 2 hour window. At least have bags of ice in the body cavity by that time.
MDH* disagrees with the paragraph above & he has valid points: Putting precious ice in a warm body is a waste. He opens the body cavity to cool down, while he does other parts of processing (depending on the temperature, he may be skinning the deer, also to cool the carcass).
Skinning may be a great plan in 40 degree weather (or less). However, when it is warmer, the best plan may be to quarter the animal and get it into coolers.
He also disagrees with the idea that a deer must be under ice within 2 hours. It’s a great goal, but not always practical, especially if you’ve shot the deer miles from homebase.
A Lifelong Deer Processor Says …
1) “Get it Clean
2) Get it Cold
3) Get it Cut”
Dave and Ruth, of http://www.best-venison.com have a wonderful site. They show so much info that is helpful to a hunter: “venison cuts charts, visual aids and estimating your yield.”
The PRICELESS CATEGORY, however, is: “Venison Value.” Show this to your wife next time she tells you hunting costs too much. (Of course this is based on the assumption that you have shot a deer!)
Did You Know?
Venison does not freeze until it cools down below 28 degrees.
Next Time
January 1, I’ll finish this article with other ways to reduce ‘gamy taste’ in venison.
Have a wonderful New Year!
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*MDH = My Deer Husband, or “He who likes to be obeyed.” (but rarely is)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Reduce 'Gamy Taste' with These Tips!
Where Does ‘Gamy’ Come From?
Generally, experts agree that that “gamy” taste is a by-product of improper handling of the game, after bringing the game down OR before cooking.
What are some examples?
Dave Adds
As an experienced deer processor, Dave (of http://www.best-venison.com) has seen it all and has the photos to prove it. Look around his site for other info on reducing gamy taste.
The Big Question
Essentially, the real question you should always be asking yourself is, “If this were beef from the grocers, how would I handle this piece of meat?”
Taming “Gamy” Before Cooking
Check out this site: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07333/837468-34.stm Steve Loder, author of 3 wild game cookbooks, gives an interesting explanation of venison’s fat being the source of much of it’s ‘gaminess.’
His theory and solutions are too lengthy to cover here, but he has the credentials to know his subject and give great advice.
Methods to Reduce Gaminess
There are many ways to remove the wild taste. At eHow, http://www.ehow.com/how_2067752_get-wild-taste-out-of-deer.html -check out the idea there.
To Tenderize & Remove the Wild Taste
Try venison in tomato-based dishes, such as meatballs and spaghetti sauce, lasagna, chili, etc. The tomato masks (or removes, I’m not sure which) the wild taste.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Have a Devil of a Great Time Tonite!
(Folks: Obviously, an engineer wrote this, in spite of the title! You will see why in a minute!)
An engineer dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks his dossier and says, “Ah, you’re an engineer — you’re assigned to hell.”
So the engineer reports to the gates of hell and is let in. Pretty soon, the engineer gets dissatisfied with the level of accommodations and starts designing and building improvements.
After awhile, they’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators and — the engineer is a pretty popular guy.
One day, God calls Satan on the telephone, and says with a lordly air, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?”
Satan replies, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators. There’s no telling what what our engineer is going to come up with next!”
God replies, “What??? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake — he should have never gotten down there; send him back immediately!
Satan says, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him!”
God says, “Send him back up here or I’ll sue!”
Satan laughs uproariously and answers: “Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?”
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As always, “Thanks” to Dorothy139!
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Here’s hoping you and yours have a wonderful and safe NEW YEAR!
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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
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Targeting a New Sport!
This question, asked on this site earlier last week, has required some thought. Traditionally, relatives have taken youngsters under their wing by ‘showing them the ropes’ and taking them on hunts and fishing expeditions.
With single parent homes, this tradition has fallen away. Fewer than 3% of hunters and anglers are now under 17 years of age. (For more info on this, see my earlier articles: Where Have All the Hunters Gone? parts 1 & 2, and Why Should You Get Your Kids Interested in Hunting?
A Generation of Non-Hunters & Anglers
I’m surprised to read how many people are trying to get started hunting and/or fishing. This is a wonderful sign, but it must be difficult for newcomers. How does an adult experience something he/she didn’t learn earlier?
Here’s the list, then I’ll explain.
Find a mentor/friend.
Would-be hunters need to take a Hunter Education class.
For anglers, take Boater Education class. (or like-named course)
Get proper license(s).
Start target practice, sighting in gun, with help of friend or mentor.
Go on a fishing or hunting trip (or 2 or 3) with mentor/friend (possibly using his/her extra equipment).
Now, go purchase gun and/or fishing equipment.
Getting Started
Finding a mentor will simplify the task greatly. You’ve probably heard hunters and anglers talking about their latest trip. Take someone you feel friendly toward aside and ask if you might join him/her.
Contact your state “parks and wildlife” department for info about hunter and/or boater education classes. These courses discuss archery, as well as conventional firearms.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Internet site is: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us and their telephone # is: 800-792-1112. They can direct you to info about your state.
Bear in mind, even learners must have a license to fish or hunt. Most sporting stores, gun shops and Wal-Mart have the annual issued by your state on this year’s hunting and fishing regulations.
Pick up a copy and read it carefully. Ignorance to the law isn’t considered a valid excuse for breaking a game law. A ticket can really dim your enjoyment of the sport!
Archery, Guns, Equipment
Most sporting newbies want to hit the gun shops first. However, you lack the skill or experience to make a great choice. By borrowing or renting equipment, you have an opportunity to ‘test drive’ before you buy.
Finally
In my experience, hunters & anglers are a very generous group. Just letting others know you are interested is enough to get you started – in most instances.
But remember, once you are an experienced hunter/angler, share your knowledge with others! I’ll bet there’s a youngster in your family who would love to join you! Pass it on!
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Did I leave something out? Share your knowledge with others! Leave a comment!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Avoiding Gamy Taste in Ducks and other Fowl! *
Re-reading the two posts regarding “gamy taste” in wild game, the tone of the pieces seem to be focused on venison. Perhaps a few words on wild ducks, wild geese, wild turkey, wild fowl, would be appropriate.
Why Wild Duck Tastes Different
In truth, wild duck, goose, turkey, etc., have a different taste than domesticated (the ones you can buy in the frozen meat cases). Wild game has not been ‘fattened up’ for the market, nor has it been fed special foods - and diet truly does affect a bird’s taste.
A Step on the Dry Side
The ‘wild ones’ symbolize “what-you-see-is-what-you-get.” And that is the beauty of wild game – no hormones were added – it is just natural food. Because wild game has not been fed a diet of fats and things you cannot pronounce, it tastes dry.
Tips With Quail
Before freezing, quail may be skinned or plucked. For more moisture and flavor, pluck, rather than skin. Quail can be kept in the freezer (at 0 degrees) for 9 – 10 months – if placed in vapor/moisture proof containers or wrapping.
Fried Quail
4 quail, 1/4 cup flour, salt and pepper
After dredging quail in flour mixture, fry in hot fat. Brown on both sides. Cover skillet and reduce heat. Cook slowly until tender, ~ 20 minutes, turning once to brown evenly. Serves 4.
Ideas for Marinating Ducks & Birds
If your ducks are fish-eating animals, it is best to marinate in wine, buttermilk or vinegar. If the game is an older goose or duck, marinating your animal in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 hours will improve flavor.
These older birds respond well to 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. vinegar per quart of water. This mixture will improve flavor and tenderize the flesh.
Dining on Duck
Wild duck, which is a dark meat, is most flavorful when served rare. I’ve found that roasting a duck in a closed pan – after adding a few strips of bacon (across the carcass) – really makes a difference with large and less-tender birds.
The only way I cook ducks is with bacon (strips) and/or in gravy. They need the moisture provided by these, plus a closed pan.
Wild Goose
Young wild goose is wonderful: little waste, the meat is rich, dark and lean. Unfortunately, older geese don’t seem to get better in moist heat. Given a choice, tell your hunter to aim for the youngster.
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One thing I forgot to include with the venison info: Venison does not freeze until it cools down below 28 degrees.
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* Reflections of Autumn used with permission of Vantage Point Graphics
This series includes:
#1 of 3: Can You Take the Wild Taste Out of Venison?
# 2 of 3: Removing the “Gamy” from Wild Game!
# 3 of 3: Getting the “Gamy” Taste out of Wild Ducks, Fowl, Etc.
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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
Submachines & Kids - A Deadly Combo!
Christopher Bizilj (bah-SEAL’) of Ashford, Conn., and his father, Charles, were on their way to Westfield Sportsman’s Club.
A Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo
Pelham Police Chief Edward Fleury owns the COP Firearms & Training, which was sponsoring the Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo.
The show sounded like fun: An advertisement said it would include machine gun demonstrations and rentals and free handgun lessons.
“It’s all legal & fun — No permits or licenses required!!!!” reads the ad.
“You will be accompanied to the firing line with a Certified Instructor to guide you. But You Are In Control — “FULL AUTO ROCK & ROLL,” the ad said.
Hundreds Came to the Show
The machine gun shoot drew hundreds of people to the sporting club. Charles Bizilj said his son had experience firing handguns and rifles but the gun show was going to be his first time with an automatic weapon.
With his father 10 feet behind him, reaching for a camera, Christopher took the Uzi in hand and fired.
Chritopher lost control of the 9mm micro submachine gun as it recoiled while he was firing at a pumpkin. He shot himself in the head.
Legal Outcome
Police Chief Edward Fleury was indicted on involuntary manslaughter, as were Carl Guiffre of Hartford, Conn., and Domenico Spano, of New Milford, Conn.
The latter two men brought the submachine gun to the show after assurances from Fleury that it was legal under Massachusetts law, District Attorney William Bennett said.
Mr. Bennett has a different spin on the issue: ”A Micro Uzi is made by and for the Israeli Special Forces. This weapon has a rate of fire of 1,700 rounds per minute. It is not a hunting weapon.”
Fleury and the club also were indicted on four counts each of furnishing a machine gun to minors. The club faces a fine of up to $10,000 for each violation.
The Real Tragedy
The “Instructor” who was with Bizilj was a 15 year old who was neither “certified” nor “licensed.”
How does a 15 year-old live with this tragedy for the rest of his life? How do Christopher’s parents reconcile themselves to his loss?
Why Bring This Up Now?
Granted, this is old news; it happened at the end of October. However, we are heading into “Gun Show season” soon.
These extravaganzas are great fun and good learning experiences. However ….
Ask questions about the set-up, before handing a weapon to a youngster. Ask yourself a question – or two. Is your child mature enough to handle a gun that shoots live ammo? Can he/she adjust to the recoil?
Safety takes seconds! Grief like this can last a lifetime!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Say, where's the Pepto-Bismol?
Actually, you can substitute ground beef in this chili recipe, if you like. Recipes like this are for folks who like to eat their chili with the fire department’s phone number on speed-dial!
Curl Your Toes Hot Venison Chili
2 lbs. lean venison stew meat, diced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 3/4 cups chopped onion
1 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, crushed
3 cups water
3 (14 1/2 oz.) cans no-salt-added tomatoes, undrained & diced
2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp. dried whole thyme
1/4 tsp. dried whole oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1 (14 1/2 – 16 oz.) can no-salt-added kidney beans, undrained, optional
Brown venison in hot oil in a dutch oven, stirring until it crumbles. Stir in onion, celery & garlic; cook until tender. Add water and next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add beans and cook 30 minutes more. Adjust seasonings and enjoy.
Slow Cooker Directions: Brown venison in hot oil in a dutch oven. When it is almost cooked thru, add onion, celery & garlic; cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, adding water, tomatoes and tomatoes with chiles.
Cook 6 to 8 hours. Add spices, Worcestershire Sauce and beans (if desired). Cook 30 minutes more on low. Adjust seasonings and enjoy.
Note: Adding spices to a slow cooker at the beginning, just cooks the flavor out of those spices. I do not add them until the last 30 minutes.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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One Wild Turkey! *
This has been such a beautiful day, can spring be far behind?’ Today, I’m going to begin a series on hunting turkey. However, I’d like to share a few words about the remarkable restoration of the turkey in the US.
In 1959, the total turkey estimate (in the US) was: 465,809. By 1990, the number of these graceful birds had risen to 3.5 million! According to Wikipedia, current turkey totals are over 7 million!
This revitalization of the wild turkey has come about because of hunters! Through their licenses, fees and excise taxes, turkeys have been trapped and released to new areas by state wildlife departments.
Turkeys are available for hunting in every state except Alaska! These beautiful fowl are available in at least 10 new states – places they did not originally live.
The Latin name is ‘Meleagris gallopavo’ and they have been in North America for thousands of years. The turkey has learned to thrive in a variety of habitats.
Originally, they lived out their lives in and around timber regions. However, they have learned to adapt to agricultural and even plains areas.
Eastern turkey – has the largest numbers. They are available along the eastern coast from Maine to northern Florida, and as far west as Oklahoma.
Merriams – live in the western US.
Osceola – live only in Florida.
Rio Grande – reside mostly in Texas, but range as far north as Kansas and as far south as Mexico.
Gould’s Wild Turkey – lives mostly in central Mexico and some reside in New Mexico. BTW, each has unique characteristics that call for specific hunting techniques.
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UPCOMING:
Turkey Behavior You Need to Understand; Preseason Ideas for the Turkey Hunter; and more!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
~~~
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When You're Hot, You're HOT!
There must be some serious chili-heads out there! The first edition of hot venison chili has been the most popular posting this month.
Please have your “Directive to My Physician” and your “Last Will & Testament” in an obvious place, before you start on this recipe. The EMT won’t have a lot of time to hunt for your last wishes! ;)
A HOT BOWL OF RED
20 dried chili peppers*
4 lbs. venison – chili grind (can use beef)
1 tsp. oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin
1 can tomato sauce
3/4 cup water
2 to 3 Tbsp. masa flour
Salt & pepper, to taste
Remove stems and seeds from chili pods. Wash and put into a large pan; cover with water. Simmer until tender. Drain. Place peppers in food processor or blender and puree. Set aside.
Brown meat in oil. Add onion and garlic; simmer 10 minutes. Then add oregano & cumin.
Add chili peppers to meat; add tomato sauce and an equal amount of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 to 4 hours. More water may be added during cooking.
When almost done, thicken by adding hot water to masa flour. Stir until it thickens; add to chili. Adjust seasonings. Serves 8 to 10.
Directions for Slow Cooker: Remove stems and seeds from chili pods. Wash and put into a large pan; cover with water. Simmer until tender. Drain. Place peppers in food processor or blender and puree. Set aside.
Brown meat in oil. Add onion and cook ~10 minutes. Add pepper puree and meat mixture to slow cooker. Add tomato sauce and an equal amount of water. Cook for 6 to 8 hours. Add water, as needed.
About 30 minutes prior to turning cooker off, add garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.
Then thicken by adding hot water to masa flour. Stir until it thickens; add to chili. Adjust seasonings. Serve.
* I’ve never had the courage to use 20 pods at a time. They are referring to the large red pods sold dried – often in plastic bags.
Note: Adding spices before cooking (for several hours), boils the flavor out of these ingredients. I add them 30 minutes before finishing, for that reason. However, this is a personal decision, not law.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Look at beard hanging from chest!
To be successful, hunters need to understand the behavior of the wild turkey.
Don’t let this bird out-psyche you! Remember, he has a brain the size of a walnut.
Maybe, with lots of repetition, you might even start to believe it!
Talkin’ Turkey
These fine feathered fowl don’t have a morsel of curiosity in their entire beings! If they become concerned about a sound, they leave — immediately.
Turkeys have sharp eyes and big mouths. It’s the big mouth that usually lands him/her on your dinner table.
I believe turkeys were the ones that created “Twitter” — they are very social and want everyone to know what they are doing.
Turkey Calls
Our fine friends make a variety of noises that are understood by their companions. Let’s talk about a few of the basic ones.
Yelp – An important sound, especially during spring turkey hunts. Both gobblers and hens yelp; in the spring, hens use the yelp to attract the guys.
Tree Yelp or Call – This call comes from the hen while she’s still roosted. Hunters use this call early in the morning. It is not really different from the regular yelp; however, it is a softer call.
Kee-Kee – This is a favorite of the juveniles and is also known as a whistle. Although mostly heard in the fall, hunters often use it successfully to lure a ‘big boy’ in the spring!
Clucks – All turkeys cluck; they just vary the tone and loudness. This is known as social chit-chat and a great way to call another turkey.
Cackle – Hens are the masters of this call and they use it while flying up and down from a roost. This is a difficult one to do well; most hunters learn the cutt call instead. Hens use this call when they are on the ground
All turkeys purr. The sound is soft and shows contentment.
Alarm Putt – At the first sign of danger, this is the call a turkey uses to warn others.
Lend Me Your Ears!
I didn’t waste time describing the sounds of each of these because I have something better. The National Wild Turkey Federation has a site complete – with sound effects. Take a listen here: http://www.nwtf.org/special_events/calling_contest_turkey_calls.html
Finally
Come back for more exciting revelations about this beautiful, sneaky bird!
Coming up: Mating Behaviors, Things a Hunter can do Preseason, Jakes and Hens: Should You or Shouldn’t You Shoot Them?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
New Photos from MDH* – He says this must have happened in Montana, because of the State Trooper’s badge.
Ram Jumps into the Path of a Chevy!
This Ram Made Quite an Impression on this Chevy!
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MDH* = My Deer Husband
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Anxious Gobbler Looking for a Hen!
During the dark days of fall, gobblers tend to flock together. But as the longer days arrive, gobblers separate, jakes leave the hens and hens start dreaming of new poults in their nests.
Thus, the increased sunlight of spring summons the turkey’s mating ritual.
Getting Ready for the Mating Dance
Over time, the gobblers establish a pecking order within their group. The dominant bird does the breeding. Since he isn’t into nappies and raising the young, he constantly scurries off to find (yet) another mate.
Wildlife departments schedule spring hunting season during this time that turkeys breed.
The same bird that “doesn’t do nappies,” also expects the females to come to him. Spring hunters call gobblers, hoping the male will do the opposite of what happens in nature — the gobbler going to the hen-sounding hunter.
Peak Gobbling Periods
The two times turkeys “gobble-obble” most are – during spring mating season and when the hens start their nesting. Most of the breeding is finished by the nesting, but big gobblers become more aggressive and try to find the remaining receptive females.
Gobbling starts as soon as daylight starts to appear, while turkeys are still in their roosts. Once the gobblers hit the ground, they start calling hens in earnest. This calling continues until the warmest hours of the day.
Just before it is time for the evening roost , males start some serious calling. They may have been looking “in all the wrong places,” but “at closing time,” all the hens start to look beautiful.
They don’t want to roost alone, so they may start their strut. The strut is actually the way most turkeys are shown (see photo): chests out, wings down and tail feathers in full array.
Finally
Biologists believe that the midmorning hours are when most mating occurs. Weeks before this takes place, hens start looking for a nesting place (usually on the ground). They prepare the spot and start to roost nearby.
It takes the hens 10 to 15 days to lay the whole clutch (group) of eggs. She feeds before and after laying.
If, while she is feeding, the nest is attacked and destroyed, she will breed again while creating a nest in another location.
It takes about 26 to 28 days for the poults to emerge.
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Come back for further adventures with our hens, poults and gobblers! They walk, they talk, they gobble!
Will the little poults survive? Will their fathers care? Stay tuned.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
18 February 2009: Jan found these photos on the following site: http://www.naturetours.com.tr/approches/approches.htm These photos are real – but the ‘big boy’ was killed in Turkey.
Jan says: “I don’t think they’re doctored (being in graphics for a long time). They’re shot at angles that make the boar appear bigger.” Thanks again, Jan!
13 Febuary 2009: Dr. Dave notified me that these photos have been doctored. Keeping with my promise to keep stuff up, even if it showed me to be in error (as long as it did not harm others), here are the photos.
You can read the comments below and decide for yourself!
1800 Pounds of Ugly!
Get a load of what was running wild in Turkey! (error: said North Louisiana!)
I Doubt a Mom Could Love THAT Face!
Why the glum faces, guys? You got him before he could run off all the tourists!
This guy brings new meaning to the word, “Porky!”
If you saw more than 1,800 lb. of wild boar coming at you, what would you do?
Run for dear life?
Climb a tree?
or
Become a muddy splat in the road?
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This is the poster boy for ‘saying your prayers’ at night!
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MDH sent this a few minutes ago. Thanks!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Stuffed Wild Goose, On the Wing!
For best taste, field dress a goose immediately. There’s a super site that demonstrates the best way to clean a variety of fowl.
I suggest you try this: Delta President Rob Olson Demonstrates Techniques to Prepare Ducks for the Table.
Getting Ready to Cook
Young goose is a rare delicacy, with a minimum of waste. The meat is: dark, lean, and oh-so-rich.
Before your hunter leaves for the day, put your order in for a YOUNG goose. Old birds don’t take to most tenderizing methods.
The Marinade
Ducks or geese can be marinated in vinegar, wine or buttermilk. A quick way to get buttermilk is – just add a teaspoon vinegar to each cup of milk, stir and use.
Another marinate: add 1 tsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. vinegar per quart cold water. Immerse the fowl in this solution (in the refrigerator) for 4 – 12 hours, to improve flavor and tenderize.
STUFFED WILD GOOSE
1 young goose, 6-8 months, ready to cook (already marinated)
juice of one lemon
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped tart apple
1 cup chopped dried apricots
3 cups soft bread crumbs
4 to 6 slices bacon
Melted bacon fat
Sprinkle goose inside and out with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan. Add onion and cook until tender. Stir in apple, apricots, bread crumbs, salt & pepper.
Spoon stuffing lightly into cavity. Truss bird. Cover breast with bacon slices and cheesecloth soaked in melted bacon fat.
Place goose, breast side up, on rack in roasting pan. Roast @ 325 degrees (20 to 25 minutes/pound), or until tender, basting frequently with bacon fat and drippings in pan.
If age of goose is uncertain, add 1 cup water into pan and cover last hour of cooking. (I’d suggest you ask a goose’s age before shooting him/her.)
Remove cheesecloth, skewers and string. Serves 6 to 8.
A word about the cheesecloth: Wild goose has very little fat. Bacon fat and basting — are two things that moisturize the meat, and keep it from drying out.
To that end, cheesecloth is a convenient way to keep a layer of fat on the bird during cooking.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Come back tomorrow and vote in my poll: What do you want to read about on my blog?
Just to prove that we work 24/7 to satisfy the insatiable
Working like a dog to find the answers!
curiosity of our readers, here’s the answer.
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ther·mos (thûr’məs) — Pronunciation Key
n. plural = ther·mos·es
A vacuum bottle used to keep beverages hot or cold.
[Originally a trademark.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
~~~
I know, I know…. now you want the question. (Some of you have been watching “Jeopardy” too long!)
WordPress has a nifty tool that tells us how people find our site. Believe it or not, someone was searching for the plural of “thermos.”
Back, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I wrote an article joking about the plural of ‘thermos.’ I said I thought it should be ‘thermi.’
Based on this obscure reference, a search engine send some poor student of the English language to my site. The least I can do is set the record straight!
Probably, it’s too late for that person, but I’ve made it my personal goal to seek and report the right answer.
Now I can take a rest! Whew! This ice is cold!!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Great for Hunting in Snow!
This has been a hard week. Since Friday has FINALLY arrived, let the silliness begin!
As I have mentioned before, WordPress has a nifty tool that tells us how people find our site. Usually, seekers enter words into the search engine, and Google, or others, try to find a page with info to help.
Real Ghillie Suit
I certainly hope the seeker does not find a real ghillie suit. About 30 years ago, MDH Richard brought dozens of burlap bags to me and asked if I’d make him a ghillie suit.
Obviously, I wasn’t in my right mind when I said, “Sure!” So I started to cut, stitch and itch! The burlap bags reeked; the stray fibers filled my sewing machine and lungs.
When I finished, I took a much-needed rest cure in a German sanitorium for folks who have taken in more dust particles than brain cells.
Actually, I learned that the original isn’t always the best. Those suits were hot, itchy and stank! It didn’t take long before manufacturers changed to lighter, washable fabrics …. And, I learned they were well worth the price!
Hunting Clothes for 7 year-olds
This is the second WordPress item of interest. Even though there are fewer kids out hunting, they are dressed better than ever before!
Until this past holiday season, I didn’t even try to carry kids’ ghillie suits. Why?
No one could keep ‘kids hunting wear’ in stock! I don’t think manufacturers had an inkling how hot (popular) these suits would be!
If you are planning to get one of these suits for your junior hunter this fall, buy it out-of-season.
Ok, so today won’t be a total loss, here’s a hunting joke. I found it @ http://huntingjokes.thejokeindex.com
Today’s Joke: He Walks on Water
An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his find, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him.
He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, the eternal complainer who refused to be impressed with anything. This, surely, would impress him. He invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.
As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. They fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water.
The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet.
This continued all day long. The complainer watched carefully, saw everything, but did not say a single word.
On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?”
“I sure did,” responded the complainer. “He can’t swim.”
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
He doesn't like to be dusted!
There are 2 answers for this question. First: How important is it to still be married when you finish this cleaning process?
A Difference of Opinion
Therein lies your problem — husbands have a different perspective on “mounted deer cleaning.” My idea of cleaning is: Get all the dust-bunnies to take-a-hike and tear down the lovely spider webs spread between the antlers.
My husband’s view of this “deer cleaning” is: “Make this buck look like the day I brought it home from the taxidermist’s. His eyes should shine brightly — without any spider webs looped between his eyelashes.
When I look at him, I want to be able to relive the exciting first few seconds — when I zeroed in on this deer!”
My Reaction
I understand that it is impossible to yawn and roll both eyes at the same time. So, I don’t try. However, I do let my eyes glaze over.
How can this man turn cleaning (a dead deer, pinned to a wall) into an emotional activity? Does he let my birthday become an emotional activity? Not on your life!
A Cleaned Deer Must be ‘A Guy Thing!’
In graduate school, we didn’t study this phenomena in either Advanced Sociology or Abnormal Psychology.
When I can’t find evidence in either of these texts, I chalk it up to — “It’s a Guy Thing!” It’s safer that way!
Solution #1
If you have all your insurance paid up, you might try vacuuming the floor & running up the wall and catching that dirty deer napping. Zip around his antlers carefully & try not to bunch up his fur.
This solution isn’t for everybody – like folks that have no where to go when ordered out of the house! The next solution is strictly for the “sissy-set.”
Solution #2
Use a feather duster to get the webs to loosen their grip on the antlers. A soft, round makeup brush is great for dusting the eyelashes, whiskers and the base of the antlers.
If I have all day, I use the same brush to stroke the fur (downward only), pausing often to clean the brush in a damp cloth. (This is a GREAT technique to use while your husband is watching. He will be SO impressed!)
If I don’t have all day, I use a can of compressed air. Spraying with the hair (not against the hair growth), it is a fairly quick operation.
Two Warnings
1) I don’t “do eyes.” I know they are only glass marbles, but I don’t touch them. Others, much braver than myself, spray windex on a Q-tip and gently clean them.
2) Our mule deer really likes it when I take the makeup brush to his inner ears. However, once you start this, he will nag you constantly for another ear cleaning.
Finally
After a few years of mounted whitetail deer/mule deer/squirrel/mongoose cleaning, be careful, they start to talk to you …. Maybe that should be the 3rd warning!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Quail: Quick & Delicious!
For best taste, field dress quail as soon as possible. Because of their small size, quail are easy to do. For a video refresher course, see Rob Olson’s site.
Skin or Pluck?
Quail can be plucked or skinned. However, more flavor and moisture are retained in the meat if you leave the skin on the bird.
Freeze the meat immediately if you don’t plan to serve the quail the next day. Using quality vapor & moisture-proof wrapping or containers means the food may be stored in the freezer for 9 to 10 months (at 0 degrees, or lower).
Two More Tips
1) A friend (with freezer space) opens 1/2 gallon paper milk cartons, adds the birds (a meal’s worth), adds water to reach the 3/4 mark — and freezes the closed cartons. With this freezing system, he never has freezer-burned birds!
2) Thaw frozen quail in container or package — in the refrigerator — for 12 to 24 hours. Our county extension nutritionist says this is a great way to tenderize the meat.
Roasted Quail with Mushrooms
4 quail
4 slices bacon
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 cup hot water
1 small can of mushrooms, drained
Wipe quail inside and out. Wrap a slice of bacon around each quail. Put birds into a buttered pan and roast at 350 degrees, basting occasionally — about 30 minutes, or until tender.
Remove birds and add butter or margarine, water and lemon juice to the drippings in the pan, stirring to make a gravy. Add mushrooms.
Serve the birds on toast with gravy poured over them.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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I notify my followers of new articles — as they are posted. Be the first person on your block with a “tweet” from a Twitterer!
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Unbranched Antlers
According to the dictionary, a spike is an unbranched antler of a young deer. Therefore, a spike deer is one that has unbranched antlers.
Before you get dewy eyed about this cute creature, please be aware that it is not what you want in your deer herd, if you are trying to manage for better deer yields.
Same Song, A Different Verse
If you are interested in learning about this issue, I’ve written a series of 4 articles about ‘when to take (harvest) spike deer.’
Don’t take my word for it: Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas A & M University have done extensive testing to prove their claims. My articles rephrase and explain their hypothesis.
1) Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting Whitetail?
2) Why Don’t We Just Let that Little Spike Grow Up?
3) What About Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting?
4) “This Spike is Better Lookin’ Than Any Ol’
6 Point Deer!”
In a Nutshell
For those who just read the last page of a book: Spikes do not carry the genes for gorgeous racks. Culling them from the herd, before they can breed with the does, reduces their numbers – eventually.
This leaves antlered deer to breed and pass on their genes for full racks.
Does have an important role in all of this and TP&W also offers advice in this area. From what I’ve read, managers who have taken their advice have noticed improved yields from their lands.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Turkeys Travel Together Until Mating Season!
Ben Franklin wanted the Wild Turkey to be America’s symbol to the world. Considering the way we toss around the word “turkey” (“Boy, that movie was a turkey!”), it’s just as well Ben didn’t get his wish!
The Mating Ritual Begins
As days get longer, this signals the beginning of the turkey mating season. Generally, the season takes place in March and April.
The tranquil lives of these birds suddenly starts to change. Gobblers (mature males) that have travelled together all winter, separate. Jakes (young males) leave the hens and the hens start dreaming of new youngsters (poults).
These birds begin to act more aggressively (against their own gender) and the talking increases. Gobbling, generally, has two very active phases.
As sexual excitement starts to build, the gobbling increases. Gobblers are calling to females, expecting them to come to the male’s call.
Hunting Season Comes During Mating Season
There’s a major season of mating and then a shorter, later season, when females are starting to nest. At this point, males are more insistent and aggressive.
Lots of turkey hunters think that gobblers get sloppy during this later season — and are easier to catch off-guard.
Game wardens set turkey season during this time of increased activity. The birds are paying more attention to each other — rather than to hunters.
The Male Turkeys
All males operate through a rigid pecking order. The dominant male mates the most.
Since males are not worrying about taking care of any newborns, they have plenty of time to preen, strut and spit (the spit sounds like a sharp -’fsssst’).
Uninterrupted, the large birds take only seconds to mate. After a male finishes mating with one hen, he immediately looks for another.
Mating Season for the Hen
A few weeks before breeding, hens are looking for a nesting area, away from their winter roosting area. She builds the nest on the ground, concealed in dead tree debris, in dense grass, etc.
After mating, she tends to lay ~ an egg/day. Over the span of 10 – 15 days, she lays ~ a dozen eggs.
Before and after laying, she will feed and and rest in the near vicinity of her nest. Once incubation begins, she begins to talk and turn over her eggs. Incubation lasts between 26 and 28 days.
The dozen, or so, poults are born over the span of 18 hours, using an “egg tooth” to chip his way out of the egg. Amazingly, the chipping is in a fairly straight line around the wider edge of the egg.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Round-Up of the Best!
Perhaps you have just joined this brilliant band of blogites and have only read a few posts. Well, I’d like to tell you about this month’s hottest!
Most Hits This Month Hands down, the most popular article this month was: “Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!” Over 2100 people viewed this photo in the last 30 days.
“Amazing Photos” – Most Popular Category
Lots of you are into “Amazing Stories.” This month, I posted three photos from Louisiana (thanks to MDH*):
“Great Photos: That Wild Boar was Where?” This has been the most active posting of an item presented this month!
“Removing the Gamy Taste” Blogs Are Popular
The set of 4 ‘Removing the Gamy Taste‘ blogs really struck a chord with readers. The daily readership (of one or more of the articles) has been great!
On the recipes front, ‘Deer Chili in a Slow Cooker‘ has been very popular this month. With all the cold weather we’ve had, lots of folks have fired up their slow cookers!
“Turkey Hunting” Series
This series is moving right along. I’m writing about a season that doesn’t start for a more than a couple of months because I’ve learned that the hunters who prepare for the season are more successful than the average hunter.
I was surprised to find out how much there is to learn about turkey hunting. I’m learning as I write; biologists have really broadened our understanding of these big birds in the last few years.
Turkeys may not be the brightest boys on the block, but they are noble adversaries — wily and shrewd are two words that come to mind. As a hunter, the more you know about them, the better your chances are of feasting on one of these great birds! Thanks for reading. I love writing!
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* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Turkeys Can Travel 1 to 2 Miles/Day!
Pull out your hankies! This is going to be sad news.
Biologists Have Been Counting
As I mentioned recently, biologists have added greatly to our store of knowledge about turkeys and their habits.
Who would have thought it? Biologists claim that turkeys can travel between 1 and 2 miles per day.
That general statement, however, doesn’t take into consideration the terrain the gobbler is on or which of the 5 types of turkeys we’re discussing. If the area these ‘big bird’ herds are in will not support many birds, they range further.
A Recap – 5 Types
Eastern turkey – has the largest numbers. They are available along the eastern coast from Maine to northern Florida, and as far west as Oklahoma.
Merriam’s- live in the western US.
Osceola – live only in Florida.
Rio Grande - reside mostly in Texas, but range as far north as Kansas and as far south as Mexico.
Gould’s Wild Turkey - lives mostly in central Mexico and some reside in New Mexico.
Back to Our Original Question
Taking into consideration variances in terrain and types of turkey, the picture changes! Under these circumstances, turkeys range from 50 acres to 5 miles!
The only good news in all of this is that turkeys don’t migrate. They seem to acclimatize to an area and stay close — unless something scares them away or the land will no longer support them.
How Fast Can Gobblers Move?
Turkeys can run as fast as 15 mph – on the ground!
They can fly up to 55 mph!
Thanks for the Question
I probably wouldn’t have written about how much land is needed to hunt for turkeys, had a reader not asked the question. You’re keeping me on my toes!
Next time: Survival Techniques Turkeys Use to Stay Off Your Table
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Mama Hen's New Recruits!
As a spin on the age-old question, we pose a new one – Which poult hatches first? Is it the first egg laid by the mother hen, or the last?
Answer: No one knows!
Another Puzzle
No one understands how the poult can peck his way out of his egg with an ‘egg tooth’ that chips a nearly perfect line around the upper edge of the larger end of the egg.
In fact, that is how one can immediately surmise the outcome of the nest: If the eggs are smashed, a predator got to the eggs before birth. Otherwise, the eggs have clean pecks around the edge, as if the poults were unzipping themselves from their cocoon.
Early Lessons
If you recall high school biology, ‘imprinting’ is the process by which a baby learns to recognize her mother, her voice, her commands.
This bonding takes place in the first 24 hours; sometime before hen and poults leave the nest. Once born, the nest becomes a liability for the hatchlings and mom.
The hen needs to feed the youngsters and predators abound. For the first couple of weeks, the chicks and mom are ground-bound.
Life of the Average Poult
Although the poult can fly at the end of the first week of life, the hatchling spends all his time preening, feeding, peeping. He relies on ‘dear old mom’ for warmth and security.
Between Day 14 and 20, the poult is able to move to the tree roost with his/her mom. The determining factor seems to be the weather; if the weather’s too cool, the poults would rather stay snuggled up to Mom – on the ground.
The constant stream of chatter is actually school-time for the youngsters. By the time they can roost in trees, they have developed quite a vocabulary.
They have also started to find their place in the family’s pecking order. Interestingly enough, the pecking order can change over time.
“Feed Me! I’m Yours!”
Poults need high protein meals at first: Bugs and grasshoppers. The wider the chicks range for food, the more likely he is to be attacked by hawks, and other predators. Generally, being in open, exposed areas makes attack more likely. As months pass, turkey chicks learn to thrive in their habitat.
By the first leaves of fall, the poults have merged into young turks. Their diet has changed from bugs and leaves to acorns and other foods on the forest floor.
However, they may find themselves in the cross-hairs of a hunter’s gun, if they learn to raid corn from his deer feeders.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Turkey Survival Tricks 101 *
Turkeys have brains the size of a walnut. But don’t let that fool you — they use every trick they can to survive a meeting with a hunter.
The group provides warnings of danger for its members. The good news is that there are lots of ’false alarms.’
Ultimately, each gobbler is responsible for his own safety. When an alarm sounds, everyone pauses and checks the nature of the danger.
If the bird does not see any danger, he returns to feeding. The bad news is that turkeys lack a single gene of curiosity! If the noise concerns him, the gobbler leaves.
The sense of smell in a turkey is about the same as ours. Their hearing is not much better than ours. However, their eyesight is another matter.
Because of the particular placement of their eyes, their peripheral vision is excellent.
Frankly, I hate to open this can of worms again. Deer and turkeys see colors. They are adept at seeing the UV-Brighteners in hunter’s clothing.
If you want to learn the full story on UV-Brighteners, please refer to these articles:
Hunting News: Why You Just Might Not Get a Turkey or Deer this Year
A Few More Facts About Deer Hunting (actually covers deer and turkey issues)
Anyone Out There? Questions for My Reader(s)!
UV Brighteners: We’ve Got the News
In those articles, I’ve protested that someone is making a wonderful income by preying on hunter’s fears.
(In the last article, I name names — there are companies that produce laundry products that do not add UV Brighteners to hunter’s clothing. They are available on your grocer’s shelves.)
Biologists have proven that turkeys are not startled by bright colors — ONLY COLORS THAT MOVE!
They’ve placed bright objects in front of these big birds. In one test, they put bright orange hats on turkey decoys. Turkeys strolled amongst them with no concern — unless the orange hats moved!
Biologists theorize that bright colors abound in nature. Turkeys are used to random brights and darks in their habitat. They are only troubled by movement — not the colors.
There’s scads more to talk about, but UV-Brightener discussions wear me out.
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There’s one resource that I’ve used extensively in this series: The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting, by John Trout, Jr.; 2000, The Lion’s Press.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
He's Never Had a Bite He Didn't Like!
TEXAS HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men’s used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns &Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim,
I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in a few minutes or so. Don’t mess with the pit bulls — they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad.
I don’t think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.
PS – I locked all four of ‘em in the house. Better wait outside.
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As always: Thanks to Dorothy139
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There was a time when one could learn the names of 6 or 10 knives, and be set for life. Over the next 40+ years, you would not expect much to change in the knife world.
If you have looked around lately, you realize those days are long gone.
All those ‘Rambo’ Wanna-Be Knives
Drop Point Skinning Blade
Remember when we drooled over the “cool” factor of Rambo-styled knives? Now, emergency medical technicians, the military and police routinely use those knives because they offer job-specific tools, such as seat-belt cutters, safety blade tips and wire cutters.
It seems that “if you can dream it, you can make it” in the world of knives. Individual craftsmen keep pushing the envelope of invention and technology continues to provide more techniques and materials.
Hunting Knives
The era of specialization has hit hunting knives, as well as most other types of knives. MDH’s* favorite pocket knife looks like an arcane memento from the past.
Although made of stainless steel, his knife wouldn’t know what a knife lock was! It was made in the day when honing one’s knife was a ritual that a man passed on to his son.
Now we have hunting knives specific to each task: gut-hook knives for field dressing and small, sharp knives for caping deer - as well as other close work.
Specific AND Generalized Knives
Actually, you can have knives both ways: very specific tools or generalized instruments. Some knives labeled hunting and camping knives can do everything from food preparation to skinning and butchering wild game.
Most of the hunters I know have about a dozen knives – but tend to use 2 or 3 faves. Once folks find a tool that feels good and works well, they tend to find more uses for that tool.
Safety Has Become More Important
Twenty years ago, blades had slip joints or basic locking mechanisms. Now, most knives come with high-tech locks, plus other safety features to avoid lock failure.
Who would have ever thought we would have knives with replaceable blades? Or locking sheaths? Or knives that keep their edge for years?
The Future of Knives
The future looks very rosy. Sportsmen and women are willing to pay for innovation. The prices charged for knives as collectibles seem to increase every week.
With knives, people have learned that “you get what you pay for.” As more people try crafting their own knives, they have come to appreciate the craftsmanship of both the very old and the very new.
Knives and You
If you have thought about collecting knives, prices will probably never be lower. Jump in soon!
Because of the ever increasing improvements in today’s knives, you may be shocked by the huge variety of knives available to hunters and anglers.
My problem is that I’m afraid to buy today for fear that tomorrow they will improve it so much, I’ll have to have that one too. Maybe that is the definition of a “knife collector.” Hmmmm.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Taking Aim at Turkey Season!
Bringing down a wild turkey is one of the great highs in hunting. Your adversary is cunning and fast.
In order to be successful, often you must convince a gobbler that you are a hen, pining to mate with him. Practicing your turkey calls is an important pre-season activity.
In many situations, your turkey calling expertise will mean the difference between failure and success.
There are lots of tools available to help you perfect a range of calling patterns. Pre-season (now) is a perfect time to be honing your calling skills.
Although it is true that it is legal in some states to use a center-fire rifle, most hunters prefer to use a shotgun. Although gun makers offer a variety of shotguns specifically for turkeys, you may have one that will work fine.
The goal in using a particular shotgun is to get a tight spray pattern up to 40 yards. Generally, your old, full-choke shotgun can do this well.
So we are all on the same page, do you know where to aim your gun? Unless you shoot a gobbler at less than 20 yards, a body shot will probably only cripple the animal.
Remember, a turkey’s feathers can absorb a lot of shot. It is better to shoot at the gobbler’s head and neck; a tight pattern will strike the vital organs and fell the animal immediately.
If you are not getting that tight pattern with a full choke, you may be able to change out the choke tubes to an “extra-full choke.” Remember, the goal is to kill the bird quickly, not injure or cripple him.
Which shotgun do you prefer? Gobblers “take their own sweet time” coming into view. While you are waiting for “just the right shot,” a heavier gun can quickly become a liability.
According to some hunting experts, today’s favorite turkey hunting shotgun is ”a 12-gauge with a three-inch chamber.” *
Come back tomorrow; this subject is too broad for a single posting.
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* This is the conclusion of John Trout, Jr., in The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting, 2000, The Lyons Press.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
"This Bad-Boy's Body Can Absorb/Repel Puny Shot!"
On 9 February, I wrote the following: ’The goal in using a particular shotgun is to get a tight spray pattern up to 40 yards.’
Getting that tight spray (to kill the turkey – in the head, not the body), requires your shotgun and ammo to work together.
The pellets in the load must be large enough, and powerful enough, to fell the turkey immediately. A body shot is not optimal; turkey feathers can absorb/repell. Take a look at a gobbler – he’s well-padded.
According to MDH, * Lead Shot #4′s or 6′s seem to do the job well. (Remember, the smaller the #, the bigger the pellets are – in the load).
To clarify my meaning –
– — – — – — – — – — – — The # of pellets in a load — – — – — – — – — – — –
Lead Shot 1 oz. load 1.78 oz. load 2 oz. load 2.25 oz. load
Size
# 4 135 253 270 304
# 6 225 422 450 450
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* This graph is from The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting, by John Trout, Jr. 2000, The Lyon’s Press, p. 46.
The same load in two same gauge shotguns may produce very different shot patterns. The best way to be sure of shot placement is to practice – until you get the shot scatter you need.
However, MDH says most hunters (he knows) go in for on-the-job testing. In other words, many hunters assume it works (or have enough experience to know what works) and don’t really practice.
If you shoot turkeys at less than 50 yards, you probably won’t need a telescopic sight. They may be helpful for seeing turkeys in dim light or while trying to find the big birds in the brush.
Another group that finds a low-powered scope to be helpful are those hunters with poor eyesight.
Generally, MDH’s friends use an open sight.
Are you still practicing your turkey calls? Unless you plan to wait for turkeys to cross your path, you’d best invest in some turkey callers — and start practicing.
Gobblers spend so much time strutting, spitting and preening, they aren’t usually in a rush to find a hunter. Unless you are good at calling, you may have a long wait before the “big boys” take a stroll past your hiding place!
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* MDH = My Dear Husband or “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” ….But Rarely is!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These are 6 clothing tips for turkey hunters.
Hunter's Face Veil
Found some camo wear in the “Clearance” section of your store? BEWARE! Some of those ’3-D camo’ and ‘movable leaves’ wear that you will find on clearance racks are a bad investment. Why?
If they move on a still morning, turkeys don’t wait to see why they moved. They quickly make tracks — in a different direction!
Shiny new clothes may be great for church, but are a poor idea when hunting turkeys. Why? Turkeys have sharp eyes. A shiny watch strap, glittery watch and reflections off of clothing are dead give-aways!
Keep in mind: Turkeys that survive the first weeks of hunting learn about shiny objects and hunters. They get smarter as the season wears on.
I’ve already written lots about what to use when washing your hunting wear. Mosey on over to UV Brighteners: We’ve Got the News, where I name names of the products that will not add UV Brighteners to your clothing.
If your hunting clothing meets all of these criteria, your clothing will not impede your ability to snag a turkey: comfortable, safe (nothing to hang up on branches, gun barrels, etc.), and silent (no noise, no matter how slight).
As a test: Rub your clothing (pants legs or sleeves) together. Well-washed cotton garments generally are silent. However, some garments with lots of polyester can sound very loud!
Some guides suggest “mix-and-match” – green camo over brown camo (pants). In other words, they are suggesting you wear the same pattern, with differing colors. There’s a lot of controversy about this idea.
I’m going to side-step it and suggest coveralls. They are versatile; on hot days, wear a single layer cotton coverall.
On cold days, wear underlayers (of wool, cotton, whatever) for extra insulation.
Another reason I like coveralls, is that they seem to have an endless supply of pockets — deep and roomy — to carry the endless list of “must-haves:” gloves, turkey tags, shells, calls, etc.
A few years ago, everyone wore black face makeup – to reduce face shine. Now, however, the trend is towards face veils or face nets.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Plan to Take Your Ammo!
It has already started…
Ammunition Accountability Legislation
Remember how Obama said that he wasn’t going to take your guns? Well, it seems that his allies in the anti-gun world have no problem with taking your ammo!
The bill that is being pushed in 18 states (including Illinois and Indiana) requires all ammunition to be encoded by the manufacturer into a data base of all ammunition sales. So they will know how much you buy and what calibers.
Any privately held uncoded ammunition must be destroyed by July 1, 2011. (Including hand loaded ammo.)
They will also
charge a .05 cent tax on every round so every box of ammo you buy will go up at least $1.00 or more, a brick of 22′s will go
up enormously!
Send to your friends in these states AND fight to dissolve this BILL!!
To find more about the anti-gun group that is sponsoring this legislation and the
specific legislation for each state, go to:
http://ammunitionaccountability.org/Legislation.htm
“We cannot expect the Americans to jump from capitalism to Communism, but we can
assist their elected leaders in giving Americans small doses of socialism until they suddenly
awake to find they have Communism.”
- Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev, 1959
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I could not believe this was true and checked with Snopes; Snopes.com says this is “undetermined.”
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“Thanks” to Dorothy139 for letting me know about this issue!
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These Guys Have the Lay-of-the-Land Down Pat!
If you have access to the land you will be using for turkey hunting, now is the time to “get the lay of the land.”
Spend Some Quality Time
Knowing where the turkey roosts are – before the season begins – is an incredible advantage. Getting your searching done, without gun and all the other “stuff’ you take hunting, will make the task easier.
In fall and winter, the turkeys (males and females) travel in large bunches. In early spring, just before mating season, the bird groups separate. They each have important things to do.
The males work out their dominance “issues” between the young jakes and other – more seasoned – gobblers.
The girls are out scouting for safe nesting areas, for the new “youngsters to come.”
Favorite Areas
As mentioned in a previous post, turkeys seem to favor agricultural areas, bottomlands and the woods.
Since turkeys have been introduced to new areas,* they have adjusted to their new environments — even the edge of desert regions!
Gobblers seem to need to chatter; so listen for their gobbling. Gobblers talk year-round, with a huge increase before and during mating season.
Once the two genders separate, their roosts can be a long distance from each other. The boys tend to give their location away through their (increased and noisier) gobbling.
Once you have found turkeys, sit and watch for awhile. Listen to the calling and gobbling. What is the reaction of the other birds? When do they gobble? When do they “kee-kee?” Do you hear any “lost” yelps?
What’s the Pay-Off for Advanced Scouting?
By doing this searching now, when the season starts, you can move in, take your limit and go home.
As the turkey season progresses, it gets harder to snare a gobbler. Turkeys are not stupid.
Remember their ‘fatal flaw’ (in a hunter’s view): Turkeys are not curious critters. They live to see another day by following one rule: ‘If I cannot locate/recognize the source of a noise, LEAVE immediately.’
* Turkey numbers dropped to ~ 40,000 in the 1930′s. Wildlife departments of many states worked to rebuild the herds by introducing them to locales where they had never lived before. Herds are now over 8 million — and growing!
Remember: Your fathers and grandfathers paid for the re-population of this mighty bird, through the excise taxes on guns, ammo, licenses, etc.!
The truth is that hunters are conservationists, too! Without hunters, turkeys would be extinct!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Anatomy of a Shotgun Shell
The choke on your shotgun and the shotgun shells you use determine the spray pattern. (Yes, I know wind velocity and other things have an effect.)
If you are a Newbie, it is important to understand that the shells used in one gun may create a completely different pattern in another gun.
Firing a few shells will give you the opportunity to determine if that particular brand is going to give you the ‘tight pattern’ you want for hunting.
Basically, there are two things you want to
Check the Shotgun Pattern
know. (1) Do most of the pellets fall within the 30 inch circle? If they don’t, can you modify your choke to concentrate the shot or spread out the pattern?
(2) In looking at the pattern created, are there ‘holes?’ Holes are areas (inside the 30″ ring) with no pellet shots. Depending on the size of the blank areas, it may indicate that if an animal was standing in that spot, it would escape being your supper. Will a different brand do better?
Each shot size is effective for certain game.*
Game Lead/Tungsten Steel Shot
Pheasant 4 to 6 2 to 3
Turkey 4 to 6 2 to 3
Quail, dove 7 1/2 to 8
Rabbit 6 to 7 1/2
Squirrel 6
Ducks, low 4 to 6 2 to 3
Ducks, high 2 to 4 BB to 2
* This graph and the picture of the shotgun shell were extracted from Wikipedia, “Shotgun Shells”
BTW, US law requires the use of non-toxic (steel, bismuth. tungsten, etc.) shot while hunting waterfowl.
Lead is heavier; it flattens and deforms on impact. Lead tends to create a wider pattern and carries farther.
Steel is lighter and does not deform on impact. It creates a narrower pattern, but does not carry as far as lead.
Ammunition requires careful handling. I am not referring to locking it up separate from weapons — to protect kids.
Certain things can be dangerous to ammo: excessive heat, contact with sharp objects or high impact. Be sure to check the condition of your ammo before loading.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Loner Needs Special Attention
While hunting, you have to take the turkeys as they come. Two distinctly different types are: loner gobblers and small groups of 2 or 3 youngish males. Their behaviors are quite different and call for unique actions by the hunter.
Generally, loner males are older than the small groups of jakes or young turkeys. Having considerable success with ‘the girls,’ these dominant loners are are used to hens coming to them.
They didn’t get to their age by taking foolish chances. They require special techniques to entice them to your shotgun or bow and arrow.
These youngsters are usually two-year olds with little breeding experience. They are usually eager to respond to any calls from the hens.
Sometimes, a group may have one mature gobbler; the 2 or 3 are buddies — and roost together — throughout the mating season. (If you recall, I mentioned that turkeys travelled together through the fall and winter months, but break up {along gender lines} at the time of mating. This is one unusual grouping that does not separate in the spring.)
These small groups of youngish males tend to interrupt each other and respond whenever the mood strikes. As the day wears on, these bachelors tend to increase their chatter.
This is the opposite of the mature loner; he gobbles less than the younger males. As the day advances, the loner tends to decrease his chattering more. He’s more cautious than the youngsters.
It almost seems as if the younger gobblers are trying to outdo each other. They seem to respond best to aggressive calling — loud yelps. Toss in a few cutts for good measure.
The bachelors also respond to gobblers. If you use a turkey tube, you may entice them to you.
Keep in mind: Gobbling is dangerous — unless you are hunting alone, you may attract another hunter.
The dominant loner isn’t buying any of these behaviors. You are most likely to catch him unawares by discovering his “strutting zone.” Daily, as the boys are “strutting their stuff,” they expect the hens to come watch the show.
The mature gobblers come to rely on the “strutting zone” as a great way to find an eager female, especially when many of the hens have started nesting.
This is getting long. I’ll finish this and talk about “setting up for a turkey hunt” next time.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The Majestic Turkey! *
The loners tend to respond better to soft, soothing calls. The exception to this is — a good hen fight. If you can call gobblers – indicating that a fight is on, even dominant males will move toward these sounds. Everyone loves to watch hens fight!
There are three other strategies to try on the experienced gobblers. Moving from one location to another, between calls — sometimes works.
These older birds have experience with hunters. Most hunters stay in one spot, once they start hunting. They are afraid of being spotted. By moving around, you are not like other hunters.
Also remember, dominant males expect hens come to them — obviously, they haven’t heard of “hen’s lib.” They are used to moving forward just so far — and no more.
When they call the hen and she doesn’t come, he is suspicious. Because he doesn’t believe in curiosity, he will move on if he doesn’t see or hear something tangible from the hen.
This might be a great time to scratch around in the leaves. This tells the male that the hen has stopped off for a tasty morsel, and is scratching for a bit more.
He may expect her to come to him, but he’s aware that she may take “her own sweet time about getting there.” This is a reasonable solution to his unanswered call.
Patience is necessary; gobblers often move in silence. Don’t be caught unprepared by letting a turkey sneak up on you!
Finally, you have to play the scene as it comes. Generally, dominant males don’t chatter as much as the other birds. If you do too much calling, he may leave.
If he calls back after each of your calls: Does he want more? Less? If he responds each time, this may be the time to get more aggressive and a bit louder.
If he’s not moving toward you and still waiting, this may be the time to get quiet. You might want to continue with a bit of scratching and cluck to yourself — seeming to ignore him. This may prompt him to move closer.
As you can see, catching a seasoned turkey is much harder than snaring one of the two year-olds.
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* ‘Woodland Splendor’ is shown by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A knife is a very personal purchase. It’s something I would never buy for another person.
Form Follows Function in Knives
If well-chosen, it becomes part of a person. However, a poor knife choice soon joins others in the “junk drawer” – never to see daylight again.
Before making your first decision — avoid making a knife choice on its “cute-ability” factor. Impulse purchases, based on eye-appeal, are usually poor choices in the long-term.
Remember, that’s why manufacturers create so many styles and looks. If you choose by looks, you have eliminated choosing by function (what you need the knife to do). Function is the basic reason you have decided to buy a knife.
You may need a knife for several reasons. Make a list and decide which is the most important. For example: You may need a knife many times a day to help you repair things or cut twine, rope, etc. In another example, you might want a knife when you are fishing — to cut line or fillet fish.
In the first example, you will probably want a pocket knife, because you need it available constantly. In the second example, a fixed-blade knife in your fishing toolbox may meet your needs.
By zeroing in on your most critical need, it helps you determine …
This is a significant decision — and not just because it eliminates looking at about 1/2 of the knives in a store. What are you most comfortable with — something sheathed and attached to your belt or a smaller tool in your pocket?
Pick out several. Try walking and sitting down with samples of each type. If the sheath is uncomfortable, move it on the belt and/or try another style.
Does the pocket knife feel comfortable? Is it easy to use? Does it feel like a large rock in your pocket? How about one of the newer clips that attach the knife to a front or back pocket?
I believe selecting a knife has gotten much harder in the last couple of decades. We have literally gotten to the point where there are too many choices.
There are so many gorgeous items (attractive to the eye), that I have a hard time remembering why I’m looking at knives. Maybe you have that problem too?
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
As mentioned previously, there are 5 subspecies of the North American wild turkey. Generally, they have some distinctive differences that a hunter should be aware of before setting out to do battle with the “big birds.”
Eastern turkey – has the largest numbers. They are available along the eastern coast from Maine to northern Florida, and as far west as Oklahoma.
They roost in pine or hemlock trees, along the top of a ridge. When it gets fairly warm, they move on to treed areas around open fields.
Near their roosts, they select a “strut zone.” During the opening days of mating season, they may not use the strut zones at all. However, in the waning days of the season — when the number of hens starts to drop (hens have moved to their nests for incubation), the boys may get started strutting right after coming down from their roosts.
Merriam's: Note the White Tips on the Lower Back & Tail Feathers!
Merriams – live in the western US. They prefer ponderosa pines, along creek beds or on the sides of canyons. In the eastern part of their range, there are no pines and they use hardwood trees.
Merriam’s are ‘travelin’ turkeys.’ They like to move around and seem to find a new roost each night. The turkeys tend to travel in mixed groups (gobblers, jakes and hens).
The hens like to use Gambel oaks (in mountain areas) for eating the acorns and for nesting.
Osceola - live only in Florida. These turkeys like to roost over water in cypress trees. They fly to the closest dry land to strut.
It’s easy to hunt for these birds, but hard to take one home because of their unique roosting habits.
Rio Grande – reside mostly in Texas, but range as far north as Kansas and as far south as Mexico.
Oak trees are the preferred roost for these turkeys. However, there are few of these in this arid region, so they roost where they can: sycamores, cottonwoods and hackberry trees.
Strut zones can be anywhere; once they leave their roosts (in the am), they may travel for miles. Food is scarce in these areas, and they have to travel to eat.
Gould’s Wild Turkey
Gould’s Wild Turkey – lives mostly in central Mexico and some reside in New Mexico. These birds have similar habits to the Merriam’s.
Some hunters comment that they seem wilder than the Merriam turkeys. Their habitat is drier than the Merriam’s live in – however they often are larger than their Merriam cousins.
Wild turkeys could live as long as their domesticated cousins, but few do. According to biologists, the wild ones rarely live past 5 years, while the domestic version can live into their teens!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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My Favorite Part of Night Fishing: Peace!
Night fishing isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re like me, there are oodles of great things about night fishing. I’d like to share 3 of them today.
When the sun sinks below the horizon, there’s something wonderful about the quiet that takes hold. I find night fishing more restful and serene than fishing during daylight hours.
Although there can be more dangers with reduced light, there seem to be many pluses — it’s a chance to tune into the night noises, the firebugs dance and sway and the stars wink down from the night sky.
Without elbow-to-elbow fishing that often occurs during the daylight hours, fish don’t have so many choices for a meal. Biologists say that fish seem to increase their feeding behaviors just after the sun goes down and around dawn.
Whether out on a boat or on shore, I like to go out when the moon is full. The water tends to be slick (as glass) after sundown, and the moonlight is sufficient light to keep an eye on any rippling in the water.
By using top water lures, I’m able to throw my line out where the top feeding fish are dining on the mosquitoes and bugs that are skimming along the water.
Well, those bugs out on the water tend to smell fresh meat (a fisherman). Tired of being a fish’s meal, they decide to dine on night anglers. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray for a night trip.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Not a Fake!
Faking knives in America really started in the 1950′s, as the idea of knife collecting started to take off in the US! In case you think you’ve never seen any — there are table-fulls of fakes at gun shows, swaps and flea markets!
Show sponsors can’t figure out how to stop the practice. All you can do is protect yourself by learning as much as you can on the subject!
The most important thing you can do is: avoid buying a knife until you learn how to spot a fake.
Fakes are rarely made in the country of the original. The Germans and Japanese produce fakes of old American knives. You need to know what the “American style” of knife making is so you can tell when you are seeing a German or Japanese copy.
Fakes have a long history. London brands were copied by Sheffield knife makers in the 1600 and 1700′s. By the 1800′s, Germans created pseudo-British knives for sale in America.
Now, German companies manufacture fakes of American knives; Italians make fakes for German and American companies!
Japanese offers fake collectibles because, world-wide, there is a demand for them. Pakistani companies copy the Japanese fakes and the Chinese copy everyone!
To top this all off, everyone copies the Swiss Army knives! How can person catch fakes? It seems almost impossible! It sounds as if there are more faked knives than real ones!
There are a few things to watch. (1) Look at workmanship. If things do not work smoothly, if parts do not fit together well (Are there any gaps or parts that do not fit together smoothly?), then it is most likely a fake.
(2) Does it work as a knife? Unbelievably, sellers offer collectable knives that don’t work! Keep in mind, knives – even collectibles — were ALWAYS constructed for use!
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Next time: There are 3 types of faked knives: counterfeits, re-worked knives and fantasy knives! Learn about each type!
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Full Disclosure: I no longer sell Gerber knives and multi-tools on my site. I’ve left these articles up because they have been popular and informational.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There are 3 types of faked knives: counterfeits, re-worked knives and fantasy knives!
Bowie needed an extra horse to carry all the knives he's 'said' to have owned!
These are created by consciously copying quality knife brands for gain. Usually, they use the original’s name on the knock-off knife.
Counterfeiting shows in (1) the quality of the materials used. Obviously, the idea is to use cheap materials and sell it for the high prices the originals command.
(2) The quality of the workmanship. If there are gaps or gapes in the way the knife is constructed, it is probably a fake.
(3) Pay particular attention to the markings. If you know a knife is made in the US and the knife states it was made in Taiwan, Korea or India, it is probably a fake!
Sometimes a genuine old knife has been reworked. It might be as small as replacing a rivet or a bigger change — replacing a broken blade.
This may be an acceptable change if: the restored or replaced part is using authentic parts or using parts from that era and the seller reveals the change.
If the seller does not mention any changes made – this is outright fraud!
A much more troublesome area is when a cheap brand name is ground off and the knife is re-stamped with a more expensive brand name.
It’s important to study the evolution of lettering styles over the years in knives. If the lettering does not fit the era of its construction, it’s probably a fake!
These are knives for the gullible! They can’t be called counterfeits because the knife never existed!
These are knives that someone has created with the intention of tying it to a historical event or era.
Here’s an example. A seller might offer a knife from the doomed ship, Arizona, from World War II (Pearl Harbor bombing by the Japanese).
Unless you know that the US government issued a knife with “Arizona” on its case to the sailors of this ship, pass this “treasure” by and don’t buy the story!
You really need to know your history before buying artifacts and knives from someone you don’t know.
Remember, if the knife does not work (and never did work) — it’s a fake. Before knives became collectibles, they were used by their purchasers.
This may seem hard-nosed, but I assume all knives are fakes until proven otherwise!
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Next Time: An interesting story about “fantasy knives” that still fools some buyers!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Old Weapons
During the Third Reich, millions of fancy dress daggers were ordered and distributed to the party faithful.
Coming in a variety of patterns, with various motifs and designs, these daggers have become popular collector’s items.
By the way, there are lots of dagger fakes around! However, that is not my story today.
Nazi Knives
If you attend many gun shows, swap meets or weapon extravaganzas, you are sure to see a variety of Nazi pocket knives. Some have swastikas, Third Reich emblems, the Nazi eagle – or even Hitler’s likeness and/or autograph!
The only problem is that the Nazi’s never ordered pocket knives! Someone decided that if there was a market for fancy Nazi daggers, surely there would be those who would want to collect Nazi pocket knives!
This is a twist on the ‘fantasy knife’ idea I mentioned yesterday. Instead of the knife being a total fabrication, pocket folders were created as companions to the “real” Nazi daggers.
These fantasy pocket knives were created in the 1970′s for the swap
Nazi Knife
meet trade. This should give you some idea of the care you need to take at swap meets!
Most of these fantasy pocket knives were produced by Parker Cutlery of Tennessee.
These pocket knives are now available at estate sales and in antique stores. This is why it is so hard to eliminate fantasy knives; if the pros in antique stores are fooled (or turn a blind-eye to them), what chance do you or I have?
If you don’t know your knife seller, know your history — before you buy a commemorative knife!
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* Before I get into trouble: I’m not implying that all pocket knives from this era are fakes. Individuals may have produced Nazi knives – to fit in or to show their admiration for Hitler.
However, if a seller has several similar pocket knives and says they were produced for the Nazi’s, it didn’t happen.
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Full Disclosure: I don’t sell knives any more. Because they have been popular, I left these articles online.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Confucius Say:
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Man who run in
front of car get tired.
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Man who run behind
car get exhausted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man with one
chopstick go hungry.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man who scratch behind
should not bite fingernails.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man who eat many
prunes get good run for money.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
War does not
determine who is right, war determine who is
left.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Wife who put
husband in doghouse soon find him in cathouse.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man who drive like
hell, bound to get there.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man who stand on
toilet is high on pot.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As always, “thanks” to Dorothy139
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
My Rezimay
Deer Sur,
I waunt to apply for the secritary job I seen in the
paper. I can type real kwik wit one finggar and do
sum Acounting 2.
I think I am good on the fone and I am a pepole
person. Pepole really seam to respond good to me.
Im lookin for a jobb as a secritary but it kant be 2
complikaited
My spelling is not 2 good but find that I awfin get a
job Bcuz of my persinalety..
My salerery is open so we can discus wat you want
to pay me and wat you think that I am wurth,
I can start imeditely. Thank you in advanse 4 yore
anser.
Hopifuly I M Yore best aplicant so phar.
Sinseerly,
Peggy May McBiggins
PS : I half includeded a
pickture of me B low.
Peggy May: Aplikant
~~~~~
Dear Peggy May:
Start on Monday,
we have spell check.
~~~
What would I do without Dorothy139? “Thanks again!”
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If you recall, in Turkey Hunting: Outsmarting Loners & Small Gobbler Groups, I mentioned how much easier it was to snare the young, talkative gobblers than the silent loners.
Instead of telling you how hard they are to catch, it would be more useful to make some suggestions about how to handle “the quiet ones.”
Experienced hunters know that toms can be silenced by the threat of a storm or when a cold front rolls into an area. Thus, just because you don’t hear turkeys, doesn’t mean that all turkeys have vamoosed!
Most of the wild turkeys harvested each year are 2 year old “chatterers.” Perhaps those that survive that first season learn to subdue their gobbling.
When selecting a set-up site, it is important to find an area that has less-rather-than-more underbrush. With too much cover, the silent toms can sneak up and spy on you long before you see them!
While scoping out a spot, find one that is fairly level. Without a doubt, the tom will pop up where you don’t expect him. If there’s a rise for him to come over and startle you — he will.
You’ve found a likely spot, gotten everything settled — now let things get quiet. After a few minutes, softly call to a tom – just a short series.
If all remains quiet, try again in 15 minutes, or so. Toms are often slow to respond, so don’t rush things. Plan to sit there, calling softly every 15 minutes, or so — for the next hour.
Otherwise, stay absolutely silent and still.
After the issue of UV Brighteners came up a few years ago, considerable time and money was spent studying how turkeys and deer see.
The topic is way too complicated for a quick explanation, you can refer to the following articles for more info:
What we learned is that turkeys aren’t notified of your presence by the “blue blob” of your UV brightened clothes, but by the UV brightened clothes MOVING!
From that we know that stillness and silence are critical in hunting turkeys.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Before we get started, a priceless quip:
If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style.
- Quentin Crisp
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After an hour, or so, of soft calls (every 15-20 minutes) with no response – now it’s time to make a decision.
Outsmarting the Silent Gobbler!
If the tom heard any noise that he couldn’t connect with a hen, he probably has “left the building” (a la Elvis)!
It may be best to move to another location and try again.
Gobblers are notorious for being sneaky! They also have an uncanny ability to arrive where you least expect.
Let’s say you hear a responding call or leaf rustling behind you; this is no time to turn around!
Remember, we learned from the study of what and how (both) deer and turkeys see, that they are watching for movement.
If you stay frozen in place until you have a chance at a shot, you have a tiny chance of getting the gobbler. You are part of the scenery – until you shoot.
Hopefully, he will have to move around a tree trunk/brush/whatever, which will give you a chance to raise your gun and shoot.
If you move and prove that you are neither a hen nor part of the scenery, you have no chance of taking home that big bird.
When things get tough, remember that his brain is the size of a walnut! Give yourself time — you can out-fox him — if he cooperates by making a mistake!
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There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription button for feeds (top of right column) or Subscription link to get my postings via email (The “Sign Me Up” box, on the upper,right column).
Although these postings/articles are PRICELESS, I’m making them available to YOU for nada (also known as: zip, zilch, zero). Can you really afford to miss out on this opportunity?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Largemouth Bass! *
One of the most popular warm water game fish in America is the black bass.
Native to North America, these scrappy fish have spread from the waters of the Mississippi River & tributaries to water-ways around the world!
Largemouth Bass - largest species; grows larger as species goes further south. In Florida, they can reach 25 lbs.!
Smallmouth Bass – great scrappy, fighting fish and now distributed world-wide
Spotted Bass – small species of fish, they grow to between small and largemouth bass size
Redeye Bass- colorful fish that only grows in the streams of some southern states, small in size
Largemouth Bass - He prefers to hide in warm, weedy shallow areas. Found in almost all US states and most Canadian provinces, he’s dark green (on the top), with the color washing out to an off-white stomach.
This fish likes to hide in the cover of leaves and weeds, waiting for a meal: minnows, frogs, tiny sunfish. This fish is notorious for being able to wrap lines around weeds, stumps and other submerged objects, while he moseys elsewhere!
This freshwater fish seems to prefer weedless spoons with pork rind or plastic worms. At dawn and dusk, however, he seems to have a yen for poppers, bugs and surface plugs.
If you use live bait, these fish seem to respond to frogs, minnows and worms. Largemouth can take the heat — they like water 85 degrees and above!
The Smallmouth Bass is a finicky eater. This minnow-muncher will eat an occasional frog or crawfish.
He prefers water no warmer than 60-65 degrees. Because he’s a cool-water enthusiast, he stays in rocky, deep water locales most of the year. In early spring and late fall, he will come to the surface, until things get too hot.
Also known as a ‘bronzeback,’ smallmouths offer a real fight to anglers! This species takes “we try harder” to heart! He may be smaller in size than the largemouth, but he offers a lot more fight.
During the spring spawning season, these fish like surface bugs. As things get warmer (and they are heading deeper), try small plugs and fly-and-spinner combinations.
Once they are in deeper, cooler waters, they seem to respond to diving plugs, wobbling spoons and bait (night crawlers, minnows and very small frogs).
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last session, the topic was largemouth and smallmouth bass. Today, we will cover spotted bass and redeye bass.
Bass Beauties! *
Until 1927, this bass was thought to be a cross between the two larger species – large and smallmouth. After the 1927 studies, it was recognized as a separate species.
Now, biologists have come to the conclusion that this may be the ancestor of all the bass species!
These spotted bass are mostly found in northern Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky — particularly the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) reservoirs.
Like the largemouth bass, the spotteds are bottle-green. However, their spots drift down below the line across their sides. Also like the largemouths, they breed in shallow water.
However, the spotteds are caught in deep, cold water. In the TVA reservoirs, they are caught at depths of 100 feet!
Use the same bait and lures as you would use for the smallmouth. The spotteds prefer colder waters; they seem to respond to diving plugs, wobbling spoons and bait (night crawlers, minnows and very small frogs).
The different bass types have favorite locales in rivers: The spotted bass will be in large, deep pools of water with a swift current; the largemouth will hide in the shallows, amongst the weeds and submerged vegetation and the smallmouths will hide out in the rocky regions.
A small group of fish in this family, they live almost exclusively in fast-running streams. Their habitats are from northern Alabama to Tennessee, and from northwestern Georgia to Florida.
The redeye bass live where the brook trout would — if they could stand the summer heat! Biologists say that this fish acts like a brook trout, except they live where the brook trout can’t.
The redeyes look like the smallmouth with the following exception: Where the smallmouths have orange fins and an orange-y eyes, the redeye’s fins and eyes are (gasp) red!
These fish can only spawn in running water. They feed on insects and minnows. When fishing for these, their preferred bait includes: worms, grasshoppers and minnows. Using lures? Then try wet and streamer flies.
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Bass are US natives. They have been transferred throughout the US by the efforts of volunteers and game and fish depts. Bass were placed in buckets and moved around the US via trains!
The bass adapted to their new homes so well, that it emboldened people to transfer these fish — worldwide! They are extremely popular in Europe, especially England.
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The reason America has huge numbers of wild turkeys and bass is: Your fathers and grandfathers (through their payment of excise taxes, fees and licenses) paid for ALL these improvements!
Remember: Hunters and Anglers must — first be conservationists! Our children will be able to hunt and fish because we have provided for the future!
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*Bass Beauties used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Wild Turkey Cooking is Different!
Question: I roasted a wild turkey with the recipe we use for a regular turkey. It was so tough that we couldn’t eat it. What happened?
Answer: Domesticated turkeys are different from those in the wild, as you found out. Wild turkeys are muscular and very lean.
Since they lack a ‘fat layer’ — wild turkeys must be regularly basted with butter, margarine, salad oil or a cooking additive – such as broth or wine.
Another way to keep the wine/broth/oil/butter/margarine next to the lean meat of the wild turkey is to wrap the bird in damp cheesecloth — and then add the broth/oil/butter/whatever to the cheesecloth.
The whole point of the cheesecloth is to keep moisture in constant contact with the dry, lean meat of the turkey during cooking.
Although you cook the turkey at the same temperature (325 degrees, F), it is important to reduce the cooking time by 20%. Don’t overcook!
Your wild turkey is ready when you pierce the meat (between the breast and the thigh) with a fork and the juices run clear.
Another way to ensure a great meal is to roast the turkey breast separately, because it cooks much faster than the legs and thighs!
Allow the turkey to rest for 15-25 minutes, after removing from the oven.
Called 'Sunshine Bass' in Southern States!
As someone with more experience going saltwater fishing rather than fresh, I was surprised when a reader mentioned sunshine bass or hybrid bass. I can’t find any in my zip code!
Obviously, I’m missing out because these are rather fiesty fish, that make sure you know they are on your line!
These striped bass hybrids are a cross between a white bass and a striped bass. In southern states, they’re called ‘sunshine bass.’
Fishing for these hybrids starts in early spring and continues into early fall. August seems to be their most active period.
Averaging between 5 and 10 lbs., these fish seem to like the deeper areas of lakes – between 12 and 18 feet – during the summer months. In winter, they move towards the bottom of the lake/reservoir.
These striped bass will eat at any time of the day or night. However, they seem to be more active in early morning and a couple of hours before sunset.
Around dark, listen for water roiling noises; striped bass are known for attacking and creating a feeding-frenzy in schools of surfacing alewife herring.
Have any leftover venison? Winter ice anglers in New Jersey have reported getting a good response from striped bass using jigs (at the lowest depths), with a piece of venison meat on the tip of the jig!
Other anglers report that these hybrids bite anything that doesn’t bite first. They make the point that bass will bite just about anything — live, dead, plastic, rubber, whatever.
However, they admonish readers to be flexible — if you aren’t getting bites, try a different type/style.
It's Good I'm Not the Jealous Type!
Bass respond to night crawlers or chicken livers from shore-bound anglers – fishing on the bottom. Yum!
These striped bass hit a line hard and run with it! Anglers really like the action the sunshine bass offers.
Other popular ways of following bass are: anchoring or boat drifting while using herring or shiners; trolling while using minnow look-alike crank baits or herring; or casting your crank baits into night feeding areas.
Just in case I haven’t ruined your day yet, take a look at the photo on the right and — eat your heart out!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Texas Greedy Gut!
It’s always “open season” for squirrels on our property. It’s fortunate that the state of Texas concurs – since that is where we live.
Forty years ago, when we moved to this house and property, MDH* decided to create a pecan forest. During the bone-chilling times and the sweltering summers, Richard was out nurturing, grafting and pruning his baby trees.
We live on the coastal plain close to Galveston; squirrels were missing from our environment — in the early days. Salt, sand and clay soils were hardly what these varmints want when scoping out new digs.
Richard will tell you that “tree rats” come from hell. Once his trees started to develop pecans, 24-hour-eating-machines took up residence in Richard’s pecan orchard.
I know, you’re looking at that cute chipmunk/squirrel/tree rat above and have decided that we are greedy monsters, unwilling to share our bounty with these little frisky imps.
Hah! These little vultures try to eat their weight in Richard’s pecans. They do not understand the concept of “portion control.” The photo above proves my point!
Squirrels were moving into our trees at such a rapid rate that MDH decided serious action was needed. He called our three dogs (a Lab, a Chow and a Basset Hound) and promised a yummy meal for each squirrel they escorted to the next life.
The race was on! The squirrels started eating more nuts to keep up their strength to evade the dogs below. As the trees grew to full size, the tree rats started showing our dogs what great tree jumpers and gliders they could be!
True to his promise, Richard pulled out his pellet gun, after the dogs treed one of the fluffy tails, and helped the varmint to an early grave.
Everyone seemed happy … and then ….
Last September 13, the hurricane came across our property and tore out the tops and centers of the pecan trees. In spite of the devastation, there was a silver lining — there was no longer a full canopy overhead!
Squirrels got the shock of their lives when they started to fly across to the next tree — and the branches were gone!
Unfortunately, they quickly adjusted to the new reality!
* MDH = My Deer Husband
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Rodent by Any Other Name ....
The squirrels that reside on our property seem to know a ‘new math.’ Every time one of these tree rats bites the dust, two more seem to arrive to join the game!
I hate to admit it but we seem to be losing the race to control our pecan trees & yard. Most of the time, the squirrels run around our yard in fearless glee!
I’m afraid they’ve found out about the “gutless wonder” that resides within. It’s so unfair….
As an excellent shot, Richard goes out (when the dogs signal) and helps the squirrels to “a better place.”
However, from late September to early March, Richard is running marathons around the state of Texas. That means that he is not assisting the dogs to thin out the rodent ranks in our yard.
The dogs get so caught up in their chase that they call to me (in true desperation) — to hurry out with the pellet gun.
I have no problem bringing out the gun, I just have a problem loading and shooting it!
One day, I was so tired of hearing the 3 dogs bark, bark, barking for the pellet gun that I went outside with pellets and gun – in tow. After several minutes of trying to figure out why the pellet wouldn’t fit into the proper place, I called Richard at work.
He groaned. A lot. After giving me minute directions, that didn’t seem to make sense, MDH*suggested I wait till he got home. I told him I’d happily wait but I didn’t think the squirrel would (wait around). I was right!
The good news is that I finally wedged the pellet in the gun. The bad news is that was not in the right place and it took MDH about 20 minutes to extract the pellet from the unfortunate spot where I’d placed it.
Through no fault of mine, the gun still works.
The other half of the problem is that the gun has to be pumped – a lot. Actually, I think someone wanting to develop their biceps would be wise to take up pumping one of these things.
I can do the first one. Period. I really struggle with the second one.
But you know what really hurts? The squirrel I want to shoot stops and watches me. I think he’s laughing!
* MDH = My Dear Husband
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
From personal experience, I know that squirrels come from far and wide to hang their “Home, Sweet Home” sign in trees with nuts.
When Hurricane Ike blew through here last September,
MDH’s* pecan crop lay littered over the ground. Would the squirrels eat them?
Nope, they wanted fresh ones – and stripped the trees of the remaining pecans.
I think we are sending a confused message about these rodents. Where we live, squirrels can be shot year round. However, in Houston (a mere 35 miles away), squirrels are protected!
If you are trying to help a youngster get started hunting, squirrels might be just the right target. The skills a young person develops hunting these creatures carries over to larger game.
For example, squirrels are wary and have sharp ears and eyes. Learning to travel in the woods, searching for these tree rats is great training for hunting wild turkeys, etc.
There are an incredible 63 species in this group, from mini-chipmunks to huge marmots (up to 20 lbs.). Today and tomorrow, I’ll offer info about some of the most common tree squirrels, what they eat, etc.; then come back and discuss hunting methods with kids.
Probably the most common ‘shade tail’ in America, they live wherever nuts are grown. Grays also love corn and can decimate cornfields throughout the growing season!
Everyone knows the ‘old wives’ tale’ that squirrels remember where they bury their nuts. Not so, say biologists. Instead, they use their incredible sense of smell to find them when food is scarce.
Where winters are harsh, grays move into holes (created by disease or woodpeckers). When the weather warms, they tend to build nests in the crooks/forks of limbs.
When there is enough food, grays prefer to eat in early am and late afternoon. In times of want, they must feed all day to get enough. What is less known is that these animals like to feed on tree buds in the moonlight (during the spring season).
Grays range over the largest area – Manitoba, all of the eastern states, Iowa, and eastern North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
They also live in the widest range of habitats: swamps, hardwood forests, piney woods, and cleared areas with thin tree stands along rivers, thickets and urban areas.
Next: Other tree squirrels: fox squirrels, Abert’s squirrels, red squirrel and the northern and southern flying squirrels.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These early risers are larger than the grays – often 2 lbs. They like the
A Fox Squirrel (sciurus_niger)
same habitat as the grays: cypress swamps, hardwoods, urban areas, thin tree stands near rivers or streams.
The fox squirrels eat a wider range of things: nuts, bird eggs,Long, Lean & Mean! berries, seeds, fungi, buds and the inner bark of maple trees.
Like the grays, they love corn and are the bane of cornfields. Because they are large, they must spend more time feeding and rove a larger area from their nests.
Interestingly, they travel on the ground, more than in the trees.
This popular hunting squirrel lives in Washington through California, usually in redwood or hardwood forests. Their nests are made of shredded bark, up high in trees.
In the winter, they do as their cousins, find a tree cavity or hole. Feasting on bird eggs, insects, acorns, pine nuts, fungi and fruits, this squirrel has a notably sharper sense of smell.
He also had an excellent memory and he does remember where he buried the nuts! This variety sticks to inland forests.
Abert’s calls the isolated mountainous regions of Arizona, Colorado,
There are 9 Subspecies of this Rare Squirrel!
Utah and New Mexico – home. He builds his nests in the ponderosa forests (in the crotches of trees) with leaves and shredded bark. Abert’s eat pine seeds, pinion nuts, fungi, berries, dropped antlers and weedy plants. There is a sub-species of Abert’s, called the Kaibab Squirrel. It lives only on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon and is considered ENDANGERED.
These are all names for the same tree rat, that inhabits hardwood and mixed forests and conifer forest areas. They range from Alaska, Canada, along the Appalachian & Rocky Mountain areas, to as far south as Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio.
BTW, the Douglas Squirrel is a twin of the red. The only thing different about this rodent is that this one has a wide range of calls.
He seems to use all of them when hunters are about – looking for other game. He’s not a hunter’s friend!
Douglas squirrels live on pine seeds and the rest of the tree rat diet and hang out in British Columbia, and the western states of Washington, Oregon and California.
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Next Time: Finish the northern and southern flying squirrels and on to hunting squirrels with kids.
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These are photos from the Wikimedia Commons
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The southern flying squirrels are strictly night eaters (of berries, insects, nuts, fungi).
Betcha can't eat just one!
Terribly shy, they reside in tree holes in hardwood forests. They glide, rather than fly.
They range in all of the eastern US (except New England and the lower tip of Florida), as far west as Minnesota, eastern Kansas and Texas.
Ditto for the northern flying squirrel, except that they live in Alaska, Canada, California, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and spreading to the east as far as New England and the Appalachians.
Flying squirrels have an average lifespan of about 6 years in the wild; in captivity, they last more than twice as long!
Unfortunately, a variety of predators feast on these rare squirrels (rare in comparison to the other subspecies of squirrels). Coyotes, snakes, night owls, raccoons, and even the domestic cat prey on these small animals.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
In the Fall, Squirrels Move to Trees With Nuts!
Now that we know the diet and range of squirrels, let’s go hunting! The fourmain things I think kids learn from squirrel hunting are:
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You will find that you really enjoy teaching youngsters how to hunt squirrels (or anything else). It’s an opportunity to continue an American tradition.
I can’t tell you how many reluctant “hunting-lore teachers” dread the experience (before the fact) and beam with pleasure after the experience.
It’s your opportunity to share your love of hunting with the next generation.
If kids learn these skills before the day of the hunt, it will be more enjoyable for all.
There are skills you can share that will help them to trick squirrels – who have excellent hearing and seeing abilities –
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Next time: 3 types of squirrel hunting; equipment needed and more!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Over the course of this series of articles, I’m going to discuss 3 types of squirrel hunting. Only you can decide which method fits the age and experience level of the youngster you are mentoring.
Of course, weather and hunting conditions will also affect your choice.
A Douglas Squirrel
Stalking is the most common type of squirrel hunting. If your pupil has learned the basic parts of keeping silent, moving slowly and learning to watch for squirrels (see Part 1 for more info), then this type of hunting puts all of that into practice.
Because kids have a hard time staying still, stalking helps them work off their extra energy.
Discussing the type of ground that you will walk over will be important. Few kids understand the difficulty of traveling quietly over dry, crisp leaves.
If the area you are hunting is parched dry, sitting down and waiting for squirrels may be the best idea.
If you have an opportunity to “scope out” the area before the day you will be hunting, it helps to find places where squirrels have been feeding.
Then you can find likely hiding places or sitting positions. By clearing noise producers (dry leaves and twigs) out of your hiding/sitting places, it will make things easier when you are trying to move around in the dark before dawn.
Squirrels are like kids — they like to be out on calm days. They don’t seem to be troubled by sun, clouds or light rain.
However, windy days or turbulent weather helps squirrels decide to hunker-down in their nests or tree holes.
Stalking is more difficult when the leaves are on the ground. Squirrels are noted for their keen eyesight. With no leaves to hide you, squirrels will probably see you long before you catch sight of them.
Each state sets its own dates for hunting squirrel. Unlike turkey hunting season, squirrel season has nothing to do with breeding. This is because squirrels reproduce throughout the year, rather than in one season.
Some states have spring and fall squirrel season, some have just hunting in the fall and a few states have year-round hunting.
Next time: Hunting squirrels on water … and more!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Squirrel Close-Up
Hunting tree rats from a boat is a great idea! Squirrels like to live and eat near water.
If there is a body of water in the place you plan to hunt, this may be an option. Floating down a stream can be silent.
Taking a canoe, Jon-boat or even a large inner tube will help you to travel over a large area in record time.
(On second thought, adults in large inner tubes might be a better idea than kids in them. Having their attention diverted in too many directions [protecting their gun from water, staying balanced in the tube, watching for squirrels, etc.] might be a bad idea for youngsters.)
The advantage to having two in a boat is fairly obvious. One tends to the boat while another watches for squirrels.
Often, the two take turns navigating the boat; after one shot, that person guides the boat and the other person has a shot.
This is a logical choice; if you recall when discussing squirrel varieties, I mentioned that tree rats prefer to live in and around forests — close to water.
Another reason this is a great choice, depending on the age of the youngster with you, he/she may get tired of stalking fairly early.
Fighting off starvation any way he can!
When I read about this style, I was stunned by the cleverness of it! I’ve made a big to-do about dry, crisp leaves and childrens’ difficulty traveling over them.
In my travels over the South during the past couple of years, I’ve been shocked by the arid, desert-like conditions. Georgia and Texas have been particularly hit by drought.
In The Ultimate Guide to Small Game and Varmint Hunting, by H. Lea Lawrence, he suggests that you use a topographical map to find any railroad tracks (in your hunt area)!
The railroad companies keep their track easements clear. It is much easier to travel on tracks than on ground littered with twigs and brush.
Mr. Lawrence makes a point about abandoned tracks, too. Generally, these are also cleared and would make good trails through woods.
As soon as you see a likely spot, veer off the tracks and get started stalking or sitting.
Next part: In a few days,when I return to this subject, I’ll give a list of things to consider taking on your next squirrel hunting trip.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Doves the Easy Way!
12 medium doves, cleaned
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 cup water, divided
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
Cooked wild rice
Do not wash doves unless necessary and then very quickly. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or paper towels.
Place doves in a large iron skillet. Combine salt and pepper & sprinkle over doves. Pour 1/2 cup water into skillet; cover tightly, and team over medium heat 20 minutes. Remove lid and continue cooking until all water is gone.
Add butter and lemon juice to skillet. Continue cooking until doves are brown on all sides, turning occasionally; remove doves from skillet and place in a casserole.
Add flour to drippings in skillet, stirring until smooth; cook over low heat until lightly browned. Add remaining 1/2 cup water; cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Pour gravy over doves; serve with wild rice. Yield: 6 servings.
~
One of my favorite joke sites online is:
http://miteshasher.blogspot.com/search/label/Office%20humor%20jokes
Here’s one of his priceless pieces!
A man seeking to join a border state Sheriff’s Department is being interviewed.
The Sergeant doing the interview says: “Your qualifications all look good, but there is an attitude suitability test that you must take before you can be accepted.”
Then, sliding a service pistol across the desk, he says: “Take this pistol and go out and shoot six illegal aliens, six meth dealers, six extremists, and a rabbit.”
“Why the rabbit?”
“Great attitude,” says the Sergeant. “When can you start?”
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This article is written on the premise that you are hunting on public lands.
It’s a given that public lands will be busy on opening day of turkey season –particularly if the season starts on a weekend.
Avoid Shooting Gobblers In or Near Their Roosts!
If you are on public lands, you need to outsmart turkeys and other hunters! This requires planning before the opening hours of turkey season.
Generally, topographical maps are available for national forests and other public lands. This is an important ally in your quest for a gobbler.
Before hunting season starts, you need to know where water is located and scout the trails on this land. Young turks like to have their roosts near water.
Listen for gobbling, look for roosts (in trees) and the strutting zones of gobblers. (There’s more info in Turkey Hunting : Pre-Season Work for Hunters).
MDH* recommends shooting a turkey no closer than 200 yards to where he roosts! Watch where gobblers go after they jump down from their roosts and set-up in a likely spot for him to travel past you.
Remember, avoid shooting turkeys at or in their roosts! Why? Turkeys will move elsewhere – permanently!
“Hunting pressure” is an odd phrase but it is important to understand how turkeys respond to hunting pressure.
When there are lots of hunters trying their luck in a particular place, this ‘hunting pressure’ causes turkeys to become hard to kill. When turkeys have lots of exposure to hunters in a short period of time, they learn from those encounters.
Lots of hunters come to public hunting places in the early morning and are gone by 7:30 or so. By letting the turkeys settle back down for a couple of hours, many hunters are successful at 10 am (late morning)!
For more info, go to Not Bagging Your Turkey Limit? Maybe You Need to Sleep Later!”
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* MDH = My Dear Husband
~~
My “new” favorite bumper sticker:
(I love subtle digs!)
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There’s been considerable interest in this 1800 lb. feral pig shot in Turkey (See my previous story: “Great Photos: That Wild Boar was Where?”)
~~~
However, I just want to make you aware that we have plenty in Texas. If you need one, come on by!
Now in Piggy Heaven!
~~~
This is a recent article in a local paper about the damage that can be done when pigs go — ah — hog wild!
Mr. Rollins front yard!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
TEXAS CITY — Irvin Rollins has a big problem with his yard. Make that a pig problem.
Irvin Rollins is upset by the damage feral pigs have caused to the front yard of his Texas City home.
The west Texas City resident claims that at least one very large feral hog has turned his yard into, well, a pigpen. His grass has been replaced by huge divots from the latest attack.
“I’m frustrated,” Rollins said. “I’ve called animal control, and they’ve told me they ain’t in the business of getting rid of hogs. I’m at my wit’s end.”
Rollins said he called the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and got little help. He called the police, who referred him to animal control.
After the second dinner rush on his lawn, Rollins bought feed for the hogs, but tainted it with stuff he thought would scare them away.
They came back for more.
“I’ve gone to feed stores figuring they would know somebody to call to get rid of the hog and they called back and told me if I ever find out how to get rid of them to let them know,” he said.
Rollins isn’t sure whether his yard was attacked by one hog or a herd. He has been unable to see his nemesis up close ….
Feral hogs are a problem not just in west Texas City, but practically everywhere in the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials estimate the state’s feral hog population tops 2 million.
“The increase in population and distribution is due in part to intentional releases, improved habitat, increased wildlife management and improved animal husbandry such as disease eradication, limited natural predators and high reproductive potential,” Texas wildlife biologist Rick Taylor wrote in a 2003 report on the feral hog problem.
Taylor describes feral hogs as opportunistic feeders, meaning their diet is based on availability. They eat everything from grass to insects. They will eat live mammals and birds if the opportunity arises.
Apparently, Rollins’ yard on Williams Drive has become a buffet of sorts. Three times in the past couple of months, in the early morning, a hog or group of hogs dined on what is in and under his lawn. The late-night dinner visits are a recent happening for Rollins, who has lived in his house for 35 years. Until two months ago, he had never had a hog problem.
While there are 10 more houses on Rollins’ block, the hogs seem interested only in his yard ….
George Fuller, the head of Texas City’s office of community development, has had some experience in dealing with feral hogs. When hogs were tearing up the Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery on Interstate 45 last year, Fuller put together a hog eradication team and “fixed the problem.”
Taylor’s report suggests trapping the animal. However, biologists do not suggest taking them someplace to roam free.
“Feral hogs are prolific breeders and can cause considerable damage,” Taylor wrote in his report. “They can destroy habitat, and compete directly or indirectly with all other species of wildlife.”
A search of Web sites found that many “experts” suggest the only good feral hog is a dead one.
Dead or alive, Rollins doesn’t care. He just wants his yard back and the hogs gone.
~~~
And you thought YOU had lawn problems!
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This Threesome is Checking out the Neighborhood! *
Unless you enjoy picking pellets out of your downed turkey’s body, aim for the head/ neck area.
However, gobblers are a challenge — their brains (and your goal) — are the size of a walnut.
Good point. I asked MDH* and he says he lets the bird pass him by and takes a shot at the bird (a) in flight or (b) from behind.
(a) The advantage here is that the bird has his wings out of the way and you may be able to get a head or body shot. You want the wing feathers out of the way because they are dense enough to repel (really!) or absorb the pellets –and walk away!
(b) This is even harder than (a) because turkeys are sharp-eyed. It is very difficult to remain absolutely still while a gobbler saunters past your hiding spot.
Remember, they are watching for movement. For more info, go to Survival Skills Turkeys Use to Stay Out of Your Oven .
Welcome to the joy of turkey hunting! I consider them to be ‘noble adversaries’ because of this skill. Please refer to a previous post — Tips on Nabbing a Silent Gobbler!
This article has info on adapting to the surprising antics of turkeys.
Don’t plan to out-run any gobbler you are hunting. Turkeys can run as fast as 15 mph on the ground! They can fly up to 55 mph!
Wild turkeys could live as long as their domesticated cousins, but few do. According to biologists, the wild ones rarely live past 5 years, while the domestic version can live into their teens!
The short answer is 2′s – 4′s or 6′s. Of these, the 6′s give you the most pellets and the 2′s offer the largest pellets. This is really a personal decision, based on your shotgun and your preference.
There’s a lot more to this issue and I’m nearly at 400 words. Therefore, go to Shotgun Shell Patterning.
~
* MDH = My Dear Husband
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
***
***
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Here are some amazing products from a man who used his time wisely!
Enjoy!
This info is wrong!
{I went to http://www.sambarcroft.com but could not find this site!
However, I Googled his name, Sam Barcroft and found:
http://www.dastank.com/Wooden-VW-Bug.htm
It says:
“Sam Barcroft from Italy made everything out of wood.”}
~*~
The Following Info is Correct!
The Artist is Livio De Marchi
Click on his name to read his biography and see other work he’s done!
~
A native of Venice, Livio De Marchi is well-known in Europe and Other Parts of the World!
~
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Thought for the Day:
~~~~~
It’s Friday – Let’s Pun a Little!
Did you know …
When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds!
That those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end!
When an actress saw her first strands of gray hear, she thought she’d dye!
A plateau is a high form of flattery!
A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat!
A lot of money is tainted! It taint yours and it taint mine.
The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered!
A short fortuneteller who had escaped from prison was a small medium at large!
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis!
A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion!
~~~~~
Have a great weekend!
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The "Kill Zone" on a Turkey is Very Small!
Although the wild turkey is North America’s largest game bird, the best “kill zone” is rather small. The best place to kill a young turk is in the head-neck region. Why?
Because one well placed #4 or #6 pellet in the turkey’s brain or neck will kill him instantly. He will not suffer and there will be no loss in food-value.
Actually, you can shoot a young turk wherever you want. However, that doesn’t mean he will keel over. Gobblers have some interesting ways to frustrate your plan — of taking a ‘wild one’ home to eat.
Obviously, a gobbler uses his wings to fly (for example: to and from his roost). However, the wings and feathers are very dense and can repel or deflect pellets. With turkeys, you rarely get a second shot.
Lots of hunters aim for the wattle; however, it is recommended that you shoot when you see the turkey’s head in the cross-hairs. By aiming higher, you are less likely to spoil the meat. Remember that a breast shot does not necessarily kill your prey.
Until recently, I was unfamiliar with using a scope while hunting gobblers. Some hunters seem to value using a 1.5 to 2.0 power scope. Why?
First, a scope helps hunters zero in on that vital head and neck region. Second, a low powered scope is a useful ally for those with poor eyesight.
Third, it allows a hunter to get a shot at a gobbler from a greater distance, which can be an important consideration in the waning weeks of turkey season.
Those turkeys that avoid a hunter’s aim in the opening days of the season are a whole bunch smarter by the end of the season. They are even more skittish than in the opening days and are harder to stalk.
~
I’ll be back soon with more tips on hunting turkeys!
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
It’s very important to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House.
This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009.
Even gun shop owners didn’t know about this because it is flying under the radar.
To find out about this – go to any government website and type in “HR 45” or Google – HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009.
You will get all the information.
Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm – any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless:
-It is registered
-You are fingerprinted
-You supply a current Driver’s License
-You supply your Social Security #
-You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing
-Each update – change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25
-Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
-There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18.
The Government would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.
If you think this is a joke – go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this…
http://www.opencong ress.org/ bill/111- h45/text
It is long. Help more people become aware of this …. Pass the word along.
Any hunters in your family – pass this along.
The best way to fight this is to tell all your friends about it and “spring into action”.
Consider joining a pro-gun group like the Colorado Rifle Association, hunting associations, gun clubs and especially the NRA.
This is just a “termite” approach to complete confiscation of guns and disarming of our society to the point we have no defense – chip away a little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes it.
This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.
The Second Amendment…America’s original Homeland Security
~~~~~
I’ve printed this because I have absolutely no faith in our government. However, there is a more balanced view of this to be read here:
A few months ago, I warned about this problem, trickling its way through the state legislatures. Here’s the article, shortened.
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Ammunition Accountability Legislation
Trouble Afoot!
This bill is being pushed in 18 states & requires all ammunition to be encoded by the manufacturer into a data base of all ammunition sales. They will know how much you buy and what calibers.
Any privately held uncoded ammunition must be destroyed by July 1, 2011.
To find more about the anti-gun group that is sponsoring this legislation and the specific legislation for each state, go to:
~~~
Today, I found this info @ National Association for Guns Rights
(http://www.nationalgunrights.org/ammoaccountability.shtml)
I’ve been wondering if these bills had gotten anywhere in the states where they were proposed. Again, this is a shortened version. You can go to the site for more info.
~~~
The Real Story
Ammo Accountability group has patents on technology used to enforce legislation they sponsor
The Ammunition Accountability Act and corresponding website are run by a company that developed the technology necessary to enforce the same legislation they lobby for. In other words, the founders of the Ammunition Accountability Act are pushing legislation which will have a direct and substantial financial benefit to them.
The legislation calls for each individual piece of ammunition produced to be etched or stamped with a unique serial number. This patented technology was developed by Russ Ford and his business partners (of Seattle, Washington).
Ford and his associates were unable to convince any ammunition manufacturers to use their technology, so they hired a lobbyist to push for state-level ammo tagging legislation.
Ostensibly Ford and company are billing this legislation as a way to stop violent crime by tracking handgun and “assault weapon” ammunition.
However, the sample text of their legislation — provided on their website — would outlaw the ownership of all non-tagged ammo of any caliber.
Not only does the legislation directly aim to financial benefit Ford and his business partners, but it will push most ammunition manufactures out of business, and make home reloading ammunition illegal.
Their legislation has been introduced in 18 states, however none of introduced pieces of legislation have gotten beyond committee hearings in any state. All the introduced bills died on their respective calendars when each state legislative session adjourned sine die.
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Sounds like your legislators heard you screaming!
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Easy to Prepare!
12 doves, cleaned, washed, dried
1 box Uncle Ben’s wild rice
1 1/2 cups red cooking wine
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
Saute doves in roasting pan with 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine until brown on all sides. Sprinkle seasoning from Uncle Ben’s wild rice over birds. Add cooking wine and water.
For best results: Birds should be breast down in liquid.
Make a nest in the middle and add the rice. Bake @ 300 degrees for 1 and 1/2 hours.
Talk about easy and flavorful! This is it!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here’s a new site I’ve discovered and think you will enjoy! Go to: http://www.onthegroundoutdoors.com/
Their photos & stories (of turkeys and 
turkey hunts across the states) are informative and interesting. Some areas are providing great gobbler action, while some locales are surrendering few of the big birds.
They are encouraging hunters to post their photos and stories.
If you are a budding author — now’s your chance to see your name in print! Believe it or not, others want to hear about your experiences in the world of hunting!
Take a look soon!
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Watch out for Mom!
Brian invited his mother over for dinner. During the course of the meal,
Brian’s mother couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Brian’s roommate,
Jennifer, was.
Brian’s Mom had long been suspicious of the platonic relationship between Brian and Jennifer, and this had only made her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she
started to wonder if there was more between Brian and Jennifer than met the eye.
Reading his mom’s thoughts, Brian volunteered, ‘I know what you must be
thinking, but I assure you Jennifer and I are just roommates.’
About a week later, Jennifer came to Brian saying, ‘Ever since your
mother came to dinner, I’ve been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy
ladle. You don’t suppose she took it, do you?’
Brian said, ‘Well, I doubt it, but I’ll send her an e-mail just to be
sure. So he sat down and wrote:
__________________________________________________________
Dear Mom,
I’m not saying that you ‘did’ take the gravy ladle from the house, I’m not
saying that you ‘did not’ take the gravy ladle. But the fact remains that
one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner.
Love, Brian
________________________________________________________
Several days later, Brian received an email back from his mother that
read:
____________________________________________________
Dear Son,
I’m not saying that you ‘do’ sleep with Jennifer, I’m not saying that you
‘do not’ sleep with Jennifer. But the fact remains that if Jennifer is
sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now.
Love, Mom
LESSON OF THE DAY – NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER
~
Thanks again to Dorothy139!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If you want to become an accomplished angler, these are some basic problems to avoid.
Successful anglers pay attention to the weather, wind direction, water conditions, etc. One of the best ways to do this is to keep a log of your fishing expeditions. This doesn’t have to take much time; just check off a few items on a page. I’ll provide you with a sample soon.
Fishing line has a limited lifetime. It gets snagged, stretched and crimped through use. You will have no problem understanding this the next time you lose a lunker, because the line snapped while you were hauling it in!
One lure cannot be successful with every species of fish — and in every situation. One of the ways anglers improve their chances of success is by trying different types, sizes, colors and shapes.
One way to increase your success ratio is to try different spots – from ponds to oceans. I’ll offer specific tips for different bodies of water: tank/pond, creek, streams, rivers, lakes, etc. Stay tuned!
If you only fish in a boat, how about trying shore fishing, trolling, bait casting, fly fishing, etc? I plan to provide some tips for each type.
~~~
As you can see, I’m ready to get busy with fishing tips. In the next week, I will offer a “Fishing Log” sample. You will be surprised how quickly you become an accomplished angler by keeping a few notes!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Successful Fishing!
Name ___________________________
Date____________________________
Location: ________________________
Water: (circle one)
Tank/Pond Creek Stream River Lake Reservoir Ocean
Season: (circle one) Spring Summer Fall Winter
Time of Day: Early Morning Mid-morn. Afternoon Evening Night
Time Started _______________ Ending Time _______________
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Water Conditions: (circle one in each row)
* Appearance – Dirty Clear Muddy
* Surface – Smooth/Calm Rough Choppy Some Ripples
* Currents – None Slow Average/Moderate Fast
~*~
Weather Conditions (circle one in each row)
* Air Temperature – Cold Cool Average Hot
* The Sky – Foggy Overcast Partly Cloudy Clear/Sunny
* Wind – None Light Moderate Strong
* Wind Direction — N S E W NE NW SE SW
* Any Variables – Cold Front Approaching or Cold Front Leaving
or Other ______________________
* Barometer – Falling Rising Steady
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Type of Fishing Today: Bait Casting Fly Fishing Trolling
Boat Fishing Ice Fishing Shore Fishing
Other __________________
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Comments: _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Successful Fishing!
Name _____Marylouise_____________
Date_____6/13/2009______________
Location: ______Brenham, TX_______
Water: (circle one)
Creek Stream River Lake Reservoir Ocean Tank/Pond
Season: (circle one) Spring Fall Winter Summer
Time of Day: Early Morning Mid-morn. Afternoon Evening Night
Time Started _____5:55 pm___ Ending Time ____8:3o pm_______
~*~
Water Conditions: (circle one in each row)
* Appearance – Dirty Clear Muddy
* Surface – Rough Choppy Some Ripples Smooth/Calm
* Currents – Slow Average/Moderate Fast None
~*~
Weather Conditions (circle one in each row)
* Air Temperature – Cold Cool Average Hot
* The Sky – Foggy Overcast Partly Cloudy Clear/Sunny
* Wind – None Moderate Strong Light
* Wind Direction — N S E W NE NW SW SE
* Any Variables – Cold Front Approaching or Cold Front Leaving
or Other ___________none___________
* Barometer – Falling Rising Steady
~*~
Type of Fishing Today: Bait Casting Fly Fishing Trolling
Boat Fishing Ice Fishing Shore Fishing
Other __________________
~*~
Comments: _After several very hot days, the water level seems too low in the front pond. It hasn’t rained in about 3 weeks. Nothing is biting in spite of using live bait (grasshoppers and worms) and several lures.
~*~
By making notes about the conditions, date and time, etc., I’m creating a knowledge-base to increase my chances of being a successful angler.
I’m not trying to rely on my memory. By spending 5 minutes on a pre-printed form, I can look back and learn from my experiences.
This is a rather puny example; however …. When conditions are very dry & very hot (and the pond is muddy), it doesn’t matter what I offer, the fish don’t bite in this particular pond.
~*~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Marine Biologists Make Great Anglers!
Some years ago, it suddenly became the rage to watch anglers on TV — showing us how to catch fish. At that time, I was a high school counselor, helping teens make decisions about their future careers.
Droves of kids wanted to be “TV fishermen.” They wanted to be ‘the next Jimmy Houston’ — hauling in fish and buckets of money.
The students’ assumption was that all they needed was the ‘gift of gab’ and some fishing skill.
They were stunned to find out that these folks, who were so successful at fishing, (generally) had degrees in marine biology!
In other words, the reason these anglers could repeatedly find and land trophy-winning specimens while millions of viewers watched, was because they had learned everything they could about their prey.
Today, I’m going to start a new series on fishing. These are basic things that are critical to your fishing success.
Generally, fish have 4 senses and you have 5. However, fish use their four senses SO effectively that WE seem to be at a disadvantage. Some would say that it is hardly a fair fight!
Fish have a great sense of sight, they have an incredible sense of smell, they can hear you thousands of feet away and they anticipate your moves through their sense of vibrations.
Without an understanding of your adversary’s skills, you will have a difficult time trying to out-smart them on their home turf!
Like us, fish have the sense of sight. However, It is probably their weakest sense! On average, they can see about 50 feet.
Most fish are very near-sighted, which means that you must cast a tasty morsel close to their location — for them to see it. (They may find your bait through their other senses, but we are talking about the sense of sight now.)
Some fish, like trout, bass and walleye, have eyes that are poised to the front of their head, which increases their depth perception. This means that they can see things in 3-D — like you can.
However, there are other fish with their eyes located on the sides of their head, which means that their range of vision is wider than average. Examples of this type of fish include minnows and crappie.
Next time: Fish Senses & How They Use Them
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Biologists have proved that fish can see 4 colors: red, blue, yellow and green. Their ability to see clearly is determined by certain factors: Is the water clear or muddy? How deep are the objects/colors?
Most of the light rays shining down into the water are lost by the depth of 25 feet. Thus, below 25 feet, most objects appear dark or black to fish.
At any depth, however, fish have learned to recognize the shapes of things that are important to them — say — anything in their food chain!
Fish can smell you coming; they can smell odors hundreds of yards away. Another way of looking at this: they can smell an odor that is only one part in 80 million parts of water!
There are certain odors that drive fish away: gasoline, nicotine, oils, human scent, etc. Thus, it is important to wear a ‘good scent’ or use fish soap that covers your scent.
Some fish use their sense of smell more than others. For example, predator fish (bass, muskie, pike, and others) rely on their sense of sight when searching for food.
However, the scavenger class of fishes (lake trout, carp catfish, etc.) rely more on their sense of smell to forage for a meal.
Fish do not have external ears like we do; however, their sense of hearing extends thousands of feet! Their hearing is located in the bones of their skull.
Note the lateral line on the drawing of the fish above. These are sensory cells that run the length of the fish’s body on both sides.
Amazingly, these cells process low-frequency vibrations. In other words, these cells serve a hearing function that is much more sensitive than ours!
They can feel vibrations and/or hear sounds that occur in the water (up to ~ 100 feet away).
Fish can hear sounds/vibrations caused by anglers walking near water! They can also detect a boat on the water through its vibrations.
The only good news about this is — fish cannot hear the sound vibrations carried by airwaves, that do not pass into the ground or the water.
Thus, fish don’t hear quiet talking above the water, but they are “tuned in” to noise and movement in a boat.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Atmospheric Pressure Affects Fishing!
Some anglers swear by barometric pressure readings — to foretell changes in the weather. Simply stated, a falling barometric pressure tells us that there is going to be a major change in the weather — a rain storm, perhaps.
When the barometric pressure is rising, or holding steady, weather conditions will be pleasant.
Old time fishermen know that (generally) fish behavior is affected by barometric pressure. For example: Fishing isn’t particularly good while the barometric pressure is falling (This signifies a major weather change).
Anglers like rising barometric pressure because the best fishing occurs during these readings. Fish seem to be more active during periods of slowly rising barometric pressure.
Another school of though with anglers centers around the steady atmospheric pressure score. This group doesn’t care if the pressure is falling or rising — just so it remains steady!
Does this mean that all fishing enthusiasts should get a degree in meteorology? Of course not. Barometric pressure is only one part of the ‘weather picture.’
We cannot control or manufacture the weather. Barometric pressure readings, generally, can help us determine whether it is worth our while to hang out our “Gone Fishin’” sign.
I always thought my grandfather was nuts when he wanted to go fishing while it was raining*. Marine biologists have proved him right!
Rain and wind knock insects into the water. Fish that eat insects take advantage of this free food by being more active — just under the water’s surface!
During this time, fish cannot see you as well – rain droplets break up the water’s surface!
Another great time for fishing is just before a cold front blows into an area. You and the fish will enjoy a cold front that breaks up hot, humid weather.
During the “lazy days of summer,” it takes more to tempt a fish from his cool spot. This is the time to use a larger bait, lure, whatever.
It is also important to slow down your reeling in of the bait (on your line). Slow-and-easy is better than jerky-and-fast. Fish are sluggish in warmer water (in hot, humid conditions).
~~~
* I’m not referring to a storm with lightening or thunder. Fishing during a serious storm is foolhardy because lightening can strike you, your boat, your rod, etc. I’m sure you get the picture.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Name ____________________ Date _______________________
Location __________________ GPS Info ____________________
INFO Fish #1 Fish #2 Fish #3 Fish #4
Species ______ ______ ______ ______
=============================================
Time Caught ______ ______ ______ ______
Weight ______ ______ ______ ______
Length ______ ______ ______ ______
BAIT USED =====================================
Lures (which) ______ ______ ______ ______
Size ______ ______ ______ ______
Live Bait (kind)_____ ______ ______ ______
Live Bait (size)______ ______ ______ ______
FISHING DEPTH =================================
in feet ______ ______ ______ ______
WHERE ======================================
Open water ______ ______ ______ ______
Creek ______ ______ ______ ______
River ______ ______ ______ ______
Lake ______ ______ ______ ______
Pond ______ ______ ______ ______
Weeds ______ ______ ______ ______
Rocks ______ ______ ______ ______
On Bottom ______ ______ ______ ______
With Bobber______ ______ ______ ______
Dock/Pier ______ ______ ______ ______
In Boat ______ ______ ______ ______
Other ______ ______ ______ ______
Other ______ ______ ______ ______
TYPE OF FISHING =============================
Bait Casting ______ ______ ______ ______
Fly Fishing ______ ______ ______ ______
Spinning ______ ______ ______ ______
Still Fishing ______ ______ ______ ______
Trolling ______ ______ ______ ______
SPEED ======================================
Slow Reel. ______ ______ ______ ______
Med. Reel. ______ ______ ______ ______
Fast Reel. ______ ______ ______ ______
==========================================
Name __Marylouise_________ Date ____6/1/2009___________
Location _Brenham, TX_______ GPS Info ____________________
INFO Fish #1 Fish #2 Fish #3 Fish #4
Species perch_ crappie ______ ______
============================================
Time Caught _7:53 am 8:35 am ______ ______
Weight 10.5 ozs _13 ozs ______ ______
Length _8″ ___ _9.25_ ______ ______
BAIT USED ====================================
Lures (which) ______ ______ ______ ______
Size ______ ______ ______ ______
Live Bait (kind)minnow minnow ______ ______
Live Bait (size) _1″___ __2″__ ______ ______
FISHING DEPTH ================================
in feet __3′__ ___5′__ ______ ______
WHERE ======================================
Open water ______ ______ ______ ______
Creek ___x__ ___x__ ______ ______
River ______ ______ ______ ______
Lake ______ ______ ______ ______
Pond ______ ______ ______ ______
Weeds ______ ___x__ ______ ______
Rocks ______ ______ ______ ______
On Bottom ___x__ ______ ______ ______
With Bobber______ ______ ______ ______
Dock/Pier ______ ______ ______ ______
In Boat ______ ______ ______ ______
Other ______ ______ ______ ______
Other ______ ______ ______ ______
TYPE OF FISHING ==============================
Bait Casting __x___ __x___ ______ ______
Fly Fishing ______ ______ ______ ______
Spinning ______ ______ ______ ______
Still Fishing __x___ ______ ______ ______
Trolling ______ ______ ______ ______
SPEED =====================================
Slow Reel. ______ ______ ______ ______
Med. Reel. ___x__ ___x__ ______ ______
Fast Reel. ______ ______ ______ ______
==========================================
Don’t rely on your memory; it’s plays tricks on you! We tend to remember our failures and forget our successes.
By keeping a log, you can try a variety of things and know which of your new ideas work — and when you need to go back to the tried-and-true!
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
What is the Origin of the Name 'Crappie?' Answer at Article's End
Crappie, like bluegill and bass, are members of the sunfish family. Crappie have a variety of other names: papermouths, timber perch, calico bass, speckled bass, strawberry bass and silver bass.
The average life span for crappie is 4 to 5 years. At maturity, they are about 8 -10 inches long. Crappie usually are in the 1 lb. range (although tournament- winners can weigh up to 5 lbs.).
Lakes and streams are their preferred habitats. They usually feed on insects and smaller fish. Oddly enough, they particularly enjoy eating the young of the larger fish that feed on them! This includes northern pike and walleye.*
Crappie and bass are two of the most popular fish that anglers persue. Why? Three reasons: They are plentiful (in the lower 48 states); once hooked, they put up a good fight and they taste g-r-e-a-t!
Crappie come in 2 flavors: black and white. For beginners, it’s not really important to be able to tell them apart.
The quick-and-dirty answer is that, besides being darker than the white, the black crappie have more dorsal spines (fins on top of the fish) than the white.
White crappie are less finicky about water than blacks. Black crappies prefer clearer water than whites.
When I first heard the name of this fish, I thought someone was making a comment about the fish (and what he/she thought of the species). Since this is such a fun fish to wrangle on the other end of your rod, I couldn’t believe anyone could be so negative.
The name “crappie” (pronounced ‘CROP ee’) comes from the French Canadian phrase “crapet-soleil,” which means “sunfish.”
* This bit of info comes from Wikipedia.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Originally, I wrote this just after the holidays, when folks were wondering how they could use left-over bird or fowl carcasses. This particular post still gets lots of hits, even in the heat of summer.
While thinking about this, I remembered another way to cook — with even more benefit to diners! I added it to the end of this article!
For Chicken, Hen, Duck, Goose, Turkey - Domestic or Wild!
~*~
What’s So Great About a Fowl Carcass?
There are three basic reasons I would boil a poultry carcass:
1) The comparison between a quart of chicken/fowl stock versus a quart of water and bouillon versus purchased chicken/fowl stock is non-existent. They aren’t even in the same zip code! Stock that has been simmered has so much more flavor and nutrients!
2) In these tough economic times, it doesn’t make sense to toss the carcass without deriving its goodness for your table.
3) Scientists have proved that the “old wive’s tale” of giving chicken soup to an invalid is NOT an old wive’s tale.
There is scientific proof that the nutrients leached from the carcass during cooking are needed by the body to help it recover – from whatever ails them! The nutrients derived in this way are easier for the elderly to assimilate into their bodies.
Put the fowl carcass into a slow cooker (you may need to snap the bones, to fit it into the cooker), add 3 or 4 cups water, add some onion, 1 tsp. sea salt, garlic (Got celery and carrots? Add them), and turn it on (low or high) as you go to bed.
How much trouble is that? In the morning, take the liner out of the cooker, let it cool and put it into the refrigerator (with the lid on) just before you leave.
In the evening, you can skim off the fat (or not, your choice) and pour the juice (strain out the veggies and carcass – discard them) into containers and freeze. If there are tidbits of the meat left from the bones, I add it to the broth.
Soup, stew, gravy — whatever you make from this stock will be 100% more valuable to your body than the purchased, the bullion or the plain water.
I can think of dozens of uses for this stock. Save it for colds season and make soup. Use it as a base for black bean soup (or any other dried beans/legumes).
Use it as the base for a chicken stew (toss into a slow cooker: onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, celery, leftover chicken, whatever you have). Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, adjust seasonings, enjoy!
Finally
Our forefathers and fore mothers never wasted anything. Creating their own fish or chicken or beef stock was one of the ways they stayed healthy.
BTW, I always add a teaspoon of sea salt to any stock I’m creating from a carcass. Salt helps leach more nutrients out of the bones.
Do I use quail or doves for this? No, they are too small.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Not everyone has a slow cooker/crock pot. If you have a large cast iron pot (with lid), such as a “dutch oven,” this is a great way to use it.
Use the same recipe as above, except cover the carcass with water. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 1 or 2 hours. Then use the broth as indicated above.
During cooking, liquids slowly leach iron from the cast iron into the broth! This is a great way to add iron to the diet. In fact, acidic foods leach iron faster (think: tomatoes, vinegar, etc.).
Iron is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells. Up to 30% of Americans do not get enough iron. This is a safe, cheap way to add to your family’s health!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Fishing for Crappie!
Black vs. White Crappie Habitats
Besides preferring clear water, black crappie hang out in reedy, weedy waters. Blacks want hard bottoms, while white thrive in silted waters with muddy bottoms.
From July to September, you can find crappie in water between 3 and 20 feet. Your line needs to hit the shallows: weed beds, stumps, any area where branches and brush collect. They respond to 1.5 to 2.5″ live minnows, jigs, spinners and small crank-baits.
Crappie are still situated between 3 and 20 feet. During October and November, they tend to hide out under man-made structures (docks), weeds and brushwood. Try your hand with feathered jigs, curly tails, live bait and bobber rigs. Toss them near rock piles and submerged wood.
Crappie are still in the 3 – 20 foot water range during the months of December through February. They may move a bit deeper, so look for them around dropoffs, down deeper in brush piles or under submerged timber. They will respond to the same bait as in the fall: feathered jigs, curly tails, live bait and bobber rigs.
After spring rains or the snow melts, watch for newly submerged land (that is normally dry). During the months of March and April, crappie don’t hang around the deep end. They usually stay in waters from 3 to 15 feet. They spend more time in shallow creeks, weed beds, around stumps and logs. At this time, try a variety of lures: spinners, minnow rigs, jigs and bobber rigs.
Crappie are at most active during the spring months. If you plan to fish in the shallows, your rig can be basic: A bobber is set with 6 to 36″ of line. At the bottom, use a jig, either plain or gussied up with a minnow, etc. For deeper fishing, you will need: a 1/2 oz. sinker, some #6 to #8 Gold Aberdeen hooks and 2 – 4 lb. test line. At 12″ and 24″ above the bell sinker, add dropper lines with gold Aberdeen hooks.
Jigs are the most popular type of artificial bait used today. Jigs are literally a hook with a weight. They are used “as is” or gussied up with live bait or other artificial additions, such as feathers. Here are some that are particularly good for crappie.
Flipping & Stand-Up Jigs – They are slow to sink and are great for pulling through weed beds.
Arrowhead Jigs - In rocky regions, these are great because they sink quickly.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Hope you are enjoying the holiday as much as I am! My friend, Dorothy139, sent some jokes. Because they are so long, I’ll divide them into 3 parts. Enjoy!
Anniversary Gift!
I asked my wife, “Where do you want to go for our anniversary?”
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
“Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time!” she said.
So I suggested, “How about the kitchen?”
And that’s when the fight started…..
~
My wife and I were watching ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ while we
were in bed.
I turned to her and said, “Do you want to have sex?” “No,” she answered.
I then said, “Is that your final answer?”
She didn’t even look at me this time, simply saying “Yes.”
So I said, “Then I’d like to phone a friend..”
And that’s when the fight started….
~
Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch,
grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage.
I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into
a torrential downpour.
The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage,
turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.
I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into
bed.
I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation,
and whispered, ‘The weather out there is terrible.’
My loving wife of 10 years replied, ‘Can you believe my stupid
husband is out fishing in that?’
And then the fight started …
~
A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies. Suddenly, at 3 o’clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside.
The woman, bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man
‘Holy Shit. That must be my husband!’
So the man jumped out of the bed; scared and naked – jumped out the
window. He smashed himself on the ground, ran through a thorn bush and to his car as fast as he could go.
A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed at the woman, ‘I AM your husband!’
The woman yelled back, ‘Yeah, then why were you running?’
And then the fight started……
~
Keep smilin’!
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here's to a Guy who Doesn't Understand Women!
Well, the holiday is almost over! My friend, Dorothy139, sent some jokes. Because they are so long, I’ve divided them into 3 parts. This is Part 2.
I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95.
I told her the beer would make her look better at night than the cold cream.
And then the fight started….
~
A woman was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She was not happy with what she saw and said to her husband, ‘I feel
horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.’
The husband replies, ‘Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.’
And then the fight started……
~
I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my
order first.
“I’ll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.”
He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?”"
Nah, she can order for herself.”
And then the fight started…
~
My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and
I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a
nearby table.
My wife asked, ‘Do you know her?’
‘Yes,’ I sighed, ‘She’s my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn’t
been sober since.’
‘My God!’ said my wife, ‘who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?’
And then the fight started…
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Some Place Expensive!
Today is the final day that we look in on the “couple from hell!”
When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace
expensive…
So, I took her to a gas station.
And then the fight started…
~
My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said, ‘I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3
seconds.’
I bought her a scale.
And then the fight started…
~
My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, ‘What’s on TV?’
I said, ‘Dust.’
And then the fight started…
~
After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security.
The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver’s license to verify my age.
I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.
The woman said, ‘Unbutton your shirt.’
So I opened my shirt, revealing my curly silver hair.
She said, ‘That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me.’ And she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the
Social Security office.
She said, ‘You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten
disability, too.’
And then the fight started…
~
Let’s talk about fishing tomorrow!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Amazingly, only about 2% of the trout spawned in any given year reach their first birthday. In order for you to get your share, you need to know about the trout’s habits.
Trout cannot survive in water that is consistently hotter than 75 degrees!** Most stream trout prefer the water between 50 and 60 degrees.
A Handsome Rainbow Trout in Clear Water! *
Lake and brook trout prefer water at the lower numbers (low 50′s), while brown trout like their water warmer (high 50′s to low 60′s).
Trout are to be found in deeper waters during winter and mid-summer, because the water temperature is more consistent there.
Fishing for trout? Fish in deeper waters during very cool and very warm weather.
Trout like to dine in the early morning or late evening hours. Actually, trout are opportunistic eaters (they eat when food is available), but they prowl for food at times when there is less light.
In a river or stream, trout are most likely to be close to or under rocks, near the edges of water and on ledges – where the land drops away under water.
If these options are not available, trout are likely to move to deeper water.
During insect-hatching times, trout are there in the shallows, snapping up the young insects. During the seasons in which worms, flies, flying ants and grasshoppers are available, the trout are happy to eat them.
Much of the year, trout eat small minnows, but trout have been found to eat fish that are as big as 1/3 their own size!
The answer depends on the stream; if the water is fast-moving, drop your line along the edges of the fast-moving water.
Trout can hold their own in water with a strong current, but they usually look for food along the edges. This is because minnows cannot handle swiftly-moving waters. Therefore, the minnows are along the edges and trout are there, hoping to dine on the minnows.
After a hard rain, trout will troll along the banks, hoping to catch the earthworms, insects and grubs the rain has brought their way.
Other times they tend to feed in the shallows (and quiet places): when the water level is high or the water becomes muddy.
~~~
* “ClearVue Graphics” logo runs through this image because it is their copyrighted photo. I use it with permission.
** When water is warmer than 75 degrees, trout move to deep parts to survive. If there are no deep pools, they die. (Info added to clarify statement).
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There are unique problems to fishing in small streams. These tips will also work in larger streams.
A Large Trout in a Small Stream
In “Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2,” I mentioned that fish can hear an angler’s heavy tread. Fish can also see anglers. It is important to stay back from the bank and use short casts and generally — be sneaky!
Noise, talking, heavy walking, the sound of a boat motor — all of these spook fish. However, how much fish are spooked – lies in direct relationship to the fish’s experience with anglers. Fish experienced with anglers know they should stay gone, and usually do.
Fish in out-of-the-way places may be momentarily spooked, but generally will return. There’s less for them to eat in a small stream.
As a general rule, anglers should do their fishing in an upstream direction. Why? Facing into the current is the way trout breathe easiest.
Another tip: In small streams, it is difficult to catch multiple fish in quick succession. It usually requires a wait between castings.
Anglers with experience seem to have no problem understanding what the “water is telling them.” They know that trout prefer the shade of overhanging branches, tree stumps in the water, rocks or weedy banks.
If you are near a waterfall or rapids, cast your line into the deep water pockets below these natural features. Also, look for water that appears darker than the rest of the water. They often signify a deep pool.
What if a stream offers none of these conditions? Look for places where there is a natural “V” in the water. Trout often lie directly behind these places.
Learning and using these tips are all a part of experience. By fishing a stream multiple times, you learn to understand what the water is telling you.
Remember, the trout in “small streams do not have as much food available as in large areas. If you are quiet, stay out of direct site and offer an interesting morsel, you are likely to see some action!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Today, let’s talk about the 3 main freshwater trout types in the US. Each has slightly differing habits.
This fish is the only trout that is native to the US. We have to worry about
Brook Trout - Beautiful and In Danger *
the continuation of this species because of the brook trout’s: need for “clear waters of high purity and a narrow pH range in lakes, rivers, and streams, being sensitive to poor oxygenation, pollution, and changes in pH caused by environmental effects such as acid rain.”1
Smaller than either the brown or rainbow trout, the “brookie” lives comfortably in water too shallow for the other trout. They use the green vegetation as hiding areas.
“Brookies” are aggressive and fairly easy to catch. If you catch a 14 inch ‘brookie’ — it’s a genuine trophy game fish.
Brown Trout - A Gorgeous Import! *
These fish were imported from Europe; now they are abundant and average between 14 and 18 inches.
Smart and wary, your shadow on the water will warn them away for a couple of hours! Catching browns requires patience and luck.
The browns “hang out” under fallen branches and in deep pools. They only come to the shallows to eat in the early morning and late afternoon. Favorite treats are mayflies and caddis flies.
A Rainbow Trout is Poetry in Motion!*
Rainbows once lived only in west coast waters. Their habitat is very different from the browns and brookies.
Rainbows call fast waters their ‘home.’ If you’ve ever seen a rainbow ‘tail-walking,’ you have seen one of the wonders of nature!
Keep in mind that trout always have a “Plan B.” When upset or hooked, they rush to a pile of underground rocks or a mass of brush or submerged logs. Often, they leave your hook and line in the rocks or brush as they run away.
Remember that trout are very heat-cold sensitive. If it is 90 degrees above the water, they have moved into the deep pools (that are a cool 55 degrees).
If you are shivering while you fish (the outside air is a chilly 45 degrees), then the trout are down in the deep pools, where the water is a warm 55 degrees.
Trout are opportunistic feeders. What is available to them when you are fishing? If it is spring, there are lots of hatching mayflies, caddisflies and stone-flies. Your best bet is using an artificial fly that looks like these foods.
If you are ice fishing, then the trout are looking for minnows. That’s what you need for bait.
1 Wikipedia, “Brook Trout”
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* These 3 Trout Portraits are from the Wild Wing Collection of Vantage Point Graphics. Used by permission. (Images are click-able)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Can there be anything more fun than floating down a river in a tube? I don’t think so …..
The danger of snakes
Things you need to take
Choosing the right water for tubing
Repairing a Tube — ‘on-the-fly’
Tubing is a wonderful way to spend time; however, it requires some planning
One of Summer's Great Joys: Riding Down a River on a Tube!
& preparation. Here are a few safety tips to help get you on the water in record time!
An ideal tubing locale is a shallow, warm body of water with no obstructions. The idea is for the water to be moving quickly enough to offer a “moving experience,” but slow enough to keep the tuber safe.
That combination is a difficult one to achieve. First, a tuber has no control over the tube. Using a paddle usually only causes the tube to spin around.
Second, most rivers have parts that are not navigable. It is important for tubers to know where those places are. Contact the state’s “fish & game” office for a map.
A pair of tennis shoes – to protect feet from sharp rocks, etc.
Sunburn protection – plan to reapply it often
Sunglasses and/or eyeglasses - to be strapped or tied on
Jeans – cut-offs to full length – for sun protection and to protect your backside from obstructions poking up from the river bed
Rope – 5′ to 8′ long for emergencies, plus knowledge of some quick-release knots
A Hat – Some use a crash helmet (bike riders’ helmets, for example) or at least a baseball cap (for sunburn protection for the head)
Tubing items: a knife, duct tape (temporary tube repairs), patch kit, a small air pump, a valve core remover, extra valve cores and stem caps.
Personal items: set of dry clothes, waterproof matches, a first-aid/snake-bite kit, food and drinks, extra water (Don’t plan on drinking river water; most waterways have some pollution), personal flotation device (also known as a ”Mae West”) and insect repellent.
Possibles: If the water is below 60 degrees, you may want to have a diver’s wet suit ready to protect you from hypothermia (a potentially lethal condition, when the cold water chills the body below a tolerable temperature).
** Added ‘head gear’ info
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If you see every snake in the US as a potential killer, you’d best confine your tubing adventures to a swimming pool!
Snakes tend to hang out in warm waters; however, they tend to be mostly non-poisonous.*
Suggestions to limit your meeting these “fanged foe.”
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Snake — This is the only poisonous American water snake; usually found in southeast parts of the US.
According to Wikipedia, Cottonmouths are ” the world’s only semi-aquatic viper, usually found in or near water, particularly in slow-moving and shallow lakes and streams.”
Cottonmouth - olive, black, brown skin with fangs he's eager to show off!
Most snakes are as afraid of you as you are of them. Not so with the cottonmouth! He usually stands his ground and even likes to show the white lining of his mouth — just so you know who should run first!
Being bitten by a cottonmouth is going to ruin your day, believe me. You can avoid this meanie by staying in the middle of rivers and by avoiding banks with shallow water.
Diamond-backed with an Evil Eye!
Rattlesnakes — These snakes are available from Canada to Mexico. They provide more trips to the hospital and unplanned deaths than any other American snake!
Fortunately, they give an intruder advanced warning of their strike — with the rattling sound.
The Eastern Diamondback has more venom in a single bite than any other snake. Caution!
Copperheads have no sense of humor!
Copperheads – This snakes venom is potentially lethal. Need I say more? Oddly enough, he is copper colored!
~~~
Coral Snake - Absolutely lethal! Remember the rhyme, “Red and yellow kill a fellow …..” Watch for the banded yellow, black and red snake. Others, with similar bands (but not in this order) are non-lethal.
'Red and Yellow Kill a Fellow ...'
The good news is that this snake is not looking to cause trouble.
* I used to think that non-poisonous snakes did not bite and poisonous snakes would. That is incorrect; any snake can — and will — bite, if provoked. The venom in non-poisonous snakes just won’t kill you!
~
All snake photos are courtesy of Wikipedia!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The Joy of River Tubing!
The goal of river tubing, as practiced by most Americans, is to hop on a tube and float down a meandering river, enjoying the scenery.
Unfortunately, some consider this too tame a pursuit — and search for whitewater adventures. River tubing and whitewater don’t mix well.
Tubers watch groups of folks in canoes and kayaks having fun in rivers and think they can too. There are a couple of problems with this idea.
First, the folks in canoes and kayaks work the river together. They watch out for each other and assist, as needed.
Tubers, in contrast, cannot usually come to another person’s assistance because they have absolutely no control over their tube! If they have a paddle, it usually only causes the tube to spin around. Often the tube tips over.
The body of the watercraft protects the adventurers inside. You only have to see the mangled body of a tuber that has been separated from his tube or raft — to understand the difference.
When a river tubist is thrown from his tube, there is nothing between his body and the hard rocks that he’s likely to “meet” on the way down the rapids — or over a waterfall! Finding a person alive after such a beating in whitewater is the exception, not the rule!
Verne Huser, author of River Running (Henry Regnery Co., Chicago, 1977), urges all tubers to use a personal flotation device in any waters.
“Many river drownings occur because someone in the water … catches a foot or leg in an underwater crack or beneath a … log or something that holds the person down while the river continues to play against the person. It may be impossible for the person to hold his head above water against the force of the water.”
Another protection can be a wet suit. Many rivers have deep pools or are fed by springs. The water temperature can range between 45 and 50 degrees.
The body loses heat so rapidly that hypothermia takes over and a person can die. Cold rivers call for a wet suit for each tuber!
Water Loss of Ability to Loss of Expect to
Temp Perform Useful Work Consciousness__Survive___
50 degr. *under 15 mins. under 60 mins. 1-3 hours
40 degr. under 7.5 mins. under 30 mins. 30-90 mins
32 degr. under 5 mins. under 5 mins. 15-45 mins.
This graph was adapted from p. 13, Tubing, by Whit Perry (Greatlakes Living Press, Matteson, Il., 1977).
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When I was a kid, back before dinosaurs strolled the earth, goin’ tubin’ meant finding an old, used inner tube. Since cars, trucks and tractors still used inner tubes, finding one was easy!
Keeping an inner tube from summer-to-summer wasn’t so easy. I never seemed to remember that an inflated inner tube left in the hot sun deteriorated quickly.
I didn’t worry about cracks in my recreational tube, after all – inner tubes were cheap and they were everywhere!
1 Person Towable
Finding any large inner tube today for river tubing isn’t so easy.
Generally, most folks have started buying “towables” — clever float-ables that can move one or more people at the same time.
However, this post is about keeping and repairing a large inner tube.
Yep, duct tape will make quick, temporary repairs. However, duct tape must be applied to a dry tube.
Learning to repair an inner tube was a ‘rite of passage’ when I was a kid. Here’s the process of a “cold” patch repair:
Other hints:
I still remember how much a “cold patch kit” cost (when I was a kid) — 29 cents!
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Fish weigh more and are in better shape just prior to spawning. Fish can lose lots of weight during the spawning process, especially those that travel great distances to spawn.
The Best Part of Fishing!
According to fish authorities, eastern trout spawn in the fall and western trout breed during spring months. Some fish species spawn spring and fall; one way nature provides for the continuation of the species.
Season Species
spring rainbow trout, cutthroat trout
summer mountain trout
late sum. to early brook trout, bull trout fall
fall brown trout, lake trout
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Most trout feed in the deeper regions of rivers and lakes. However, during spawning they head upstream to areas of highly oxygenated waters (generally, VERY clear water) with gravel bottoms. These areas tend to be in streams and inlets.
During the time that eggs are being released, many fish avoid eating. However, just prior to the beginning of the spawning season, males become more active and protective of females.
They tend to strike at things they ignore at other times: flashy lures, streamer flies, etc. This isn’t the time to worry about what is hatching (generally, anglers use artificial lures of whatever insect is hatching at that time); pull out the flashy/red/hot-orange lure!
During the spawning season, fish become more difficult to see. From above, female backs are exactly the same shade as nest gravel. Even males are well-disguised from the top, although their sides remain colorful.
Females swish their tails to hollow out a spot in the gravel. While they are making their nests, males are gathering around.
Males often fight and it isn’t unusual to see males with chewed-off tails, missing eyes or body punctures! Some die of their wounds.
During spawning, the hens drop low in their nests and eject eggs. Meanwhile, the male sprays milt (sperm). The eggs that drop into the nest are fertilized.
The hen quickly swishes gravel over the eggs, to hide them from predators. This may be repeated several times, eggs stacking in layers with gravel.
With small trout, the spawning may only take a day or two; for larger trout, about 5 days is the norm.
Females produce about 400 eggs per pound of their weight (for example: an 8 ounce female would produce a total of about 200 eggs during spawning season).
After about 3 months, the tiny fish leave the nest and strike out on their own. Fortunately, during every spawning season enough new fish are born to continue the wonderful sport we know as fishing!
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If you ever get a chance to go fly fishing, DO IT! Without a doubt, it is the most elegant and graceful fishing around.
The good news is that it doesn’t require very much equipment to get started.
The easiest way to get started may be to buy a beginner’s kit, but I’ve never been one to take the easy way. I find collecting my own equipment to be more satisfying.
The purpose of fly fishing is to use an artificial lure with a fly rod and line. It is best to go fly fishing with someone and use their equipment for the first time or two. By having some experience, you will make better purchases.
Once you have the main equipment, there are a few other things that will make your fishing more pleasant.
It is critical to get equipment specifically make for fly fishing. The line, specifically is heavier than used for casting reels.
Most of the action is in the wrist. As the angler flips his wrist, the line starts its move. When the arm action stops, the line is unfurled and creates a loop or an arc before striking the water.
Fly fishing was created to catch trout and salmon. However, over the years, anglers have broadened their range of fish. Some anglers spend their time trying to catch an ever-expanding number of fish species, using their fly fishing skills.
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Live worm fishing is a tried-and-true way to get a fish. Here are a few tips to help you find worms and make the most of your worms in the water.
Brook trout and largemouth bass are particularly fond of worms and tend to strike quickly. However, as fish become more-experienced, they tend to pay attention to ‘what looks natural.’
Largemouth Bass Lookin' for Lunch*
Most experienced anglers have created their own way of attaching a worm to the hook. The most important idea is to make sure that both ends of the worm are free to wiggle.
It is important to replace a worm that looks worn out (chewed up or seriously torn) or appears dead. Fish are looking for wiggling worms.
The small pink garden-variety worm is best for small bodies of water where fish aren’t expected to reach a huge size. Larger fish prefer the dark red wiggler or night crawler.
The three best places to find worms are: vacant lots, garden areas and along river beds. From personal experience, I can add — in compost piles.
Don’t waste your time looking for worms anywhere commercial fertilizer is used, such as golf courses. Worms can’t stand the chemicals.
One of the best ways to collect lots of worms quickly is to wait until after a rain storm. They come out of the ground and collect on sidewalks and driveways.
Folks wonder why worms do this and the short answer is: It’s a good time to look for a mate. Generally, above ground is too hot and dry for worms to spend much time there (although they prefer to mate above ground).
Thus, after a rain storm, the air is moist and cool. They can take advantage of the situation – to find a mate – by traveling faster above ground.
Collecting worms at night? Make sure your flashlight has a diffused beam (red or yellow cover). Bright, clear light sends worms back into the ground.
I learned a neat trick recently. Do you use the treble hook? Cut off the 3rd hook and use the other two to hook your bait. That way, as your bait trails along, it is less likely to snag on weeds, etc.
Tomorrow: Part 2 (of 2)
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* Used by permission of Vantage Point Concepts. This image is part of the Wild Wings Artwork Collection.
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Now You See Why the Wiggle is So Important in Fishing!
Live worm fishing is a tried-and-true way to catch fish. Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your worms in the water.
Fish do not learn as humans (their brains are tiny), but they recognize when something is not “right.” Since the length of their lives depends on their recognition and movement away from danger, they are wary by nature.
Before a fish strikes at a morsel of food, he has already determined “Plan B.” If the morsel isn’t an innocent, free meal, the fish already has a place to run and hide.
You see evidence of this when a fish drags your line into submerged tree branches, under rocks, etc. Once the fish bites, he heads to Plan B and we (often) get to cut our line.
The worm must look natural for a fish to bite. It’s best to cast your worm upstream and let it tumble along the bottom past a fish’s hole – naturally.
When a trout decides to eat your bait, he will start nibbling at the worm. After a few nibbles, he generally takes the worm to his hiding place, so he can finish off the worm in peace.
Otherwise, he risks losing his lunch to a larger fish. At the point where he is moving away with the bait, you need to set the hook with a sharp tug of the rod.
You can fish with worms using a casting, fly, spinning or cane pole. The size of the creek, river or lake will determine your tackle.
A fly rod or spinning gear will meet your needs in a small creek or streams. Larger rivers or lakes would call for spinning or casting gear.
Casting gear requires adding weight to the line. Use the lightest weight possible. A fish will drop a worm that feels too heavy!
While fishing, using sizes 6, 8 and 10 will meet most needs. If you are using a night crawler (worm), you may want to use a worm ‘gang’ (2 or more hooks – a few inches apart – on a single leader).
Essentially, you are hooking the crawler with 2 hooks (leaving the tails to wiggle). If you do “catch-and- release” fishing, do not use a worm gang. This style causes too much damage. The fish often swallows both hooks, making for a messy removal.
Next Time: Rainbow Trout
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Rainbow trout are probably one of the most beautiful fish available to anglers.
Rainbows are native to waters in the west coast. They are genetically more like the Pacific salmon than the brown trout.
Poetry in Motion! *
Because rainbow trout do not reproduce in local waters, they are grown in fisheries and restocked by state wildlife and fisheries departments.
In nature, they have a narrow band of red from cheek to tail.
Rainbows occur naturally in the Pacific Northwest and travel to-and-from the sea. In these areas, the fish is called a “steelhead” and is silvery in color. Steelheads are a whole-other-game-fish and outside of our discussion today.
The thrill of catching a rainbow is partly due to the impressive display they put on when caught. They leap! They fly! They fight!
Look for rainbows in faster-moving waters (than the other trout-types). They are also found in shoreline fishing, in rip-rap, deep holes and in underwater structures.
Generally, look for splashy water around boulders and rapids.
Most successful anglers start with flies – wet and dry, and nymphs — with fly fishing tackle. You can also try live bait — worms, salmon eggs & insects with fly fishing and spinning tackle.
Rainbows have also been known to fancy corn, marshmallows, cheese and bread! Go figure!
In the artificial class, you can use light spinning tackle with spoons and spinners.
In early spring, rainbows are lethargic and usually are bottom feeders. During this season, make sure you are fishing on bottom too.
They can be prepared by barbecuing, broiling, baking, frying or smoking.
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* This image is used by permission of Vantage Point Concepts.
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Aggressive and Fun to Catch!
Brook trout are not really trout, but members of the char family. An easy way to determine “what you have” is to look at the underside of your fish. The beginning dorsal fins of ‘brookies’ are always white.
Next comes a line of black. the rest of the brookie’s fin is usually orange.
This fish is the only trout that is native to the US. We have to worry about the continuation of this species because of the brook trout’s: need for “clear waters of high purity and a narrow pH range in lakes, rivers, and streams, being sensitive to poor oxygenation, pollution, and changes in pH caused by environmental effects such as acid rain.” 1
Smaller than either the brown or rainbow trout, the “brookie” lives comfortably in water too shallow for the other trout. They use the green vegetation as hiding areas.
Spawning season is from late summer to early autumn and at this time, they are their most colorful. They prefer waters between 47 and 67 degrees.
Like his cousins, the rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, brookie’s prefer deep pools. This is where the termperature is most stable.
“Brookies” are aggressive and fairly easy to catch. If you catch a 14 inch ‘brookie’ — it’s a genuine trophy game fish — and it is about 5 years of age (they generally live ~6 years).
If you are hoping for a “lunker,” you might want to use live minnows. As the trout grows, he spends more time chasing small fish for a meal, and less eating insects.
Fly fishermen indicate that these are the most successful lures for catching trout: spawn egg imitation patterns (ex: single egg patterns ro egg sucking leech), crustaceans (freshwater scud patterns).
Of the streamers, anglers are successful with leech , wooly bugger and bait fish imitation patterns. These wet flies are faves with fly fishermen: Quil Gordan, Adams, Black Gnat, LeadwingCoachman, Butcher, Blue Zulu and McGinty.
Of the dry flies, these are favorites: Adams, Black Gnat, Black Midge, Cahill, and the Poly Quil Spinner. Nymphs: Prince Nymph, Peeking Caddis, Sparkle Larva and Zug Bug. Hook sizes should range from #10 to #20.
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*This brook trout is shown by permission of Vantage Point — part of their Wild Wings Art Collection.
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To Catch Brownies Takes Patience -- And A Lot of Luck! *
These fish were imported from Europe in 1883; now they are abundant and average between 14 and 18 inches (in length). Lunker brown trout reach 38 lbs., – or more.
These trout are found throughout the US, but call the cooler waters of the Great Lakes and northern sections of the country ‘home.’
Smart and wary, your shadow on the water will warn them away for a couple of hours! Catching browns requires patience and luck.
The browns “hang out” under fallen branches and in deep pools. They only come to the shallows to eat in the early morning and late afternoon. Favorite treats are mayflies and caddis flies.
Brown trout can be caught year-round. However, they are most active in water temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees.
Anglers catch brownies using bait casting, fly-fishing and spinning gear. They seem to respond best to spinners, spoons and wobbling plugs.
If you are fly fishing, use wet flies, nymph patterns or streamers. These resemble their natural food sources: aquatic and terrestrial insects.
If you will be using live bait, opt for cut baits, alewives, smelt and spawn sacs.
When I think of brown trout fishing, I think of wading and fly fishing in a river or stream. Other great places to try are spinning or fishing with live bait, along river banks or streams.
Trolling in larger rivers or the Great Lakes can be very rewarding.
If you are going brownie fishing, this is not the species to take your kids for their first lessons on fishing. Perch fishing is a better choice for kids.
Brownies are skittish and very suspicious of noise. This is another one of those fish that prove the adage: If you can see them, they can see you!
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*This brown trout is shown by permission of Vantage Point – provider of rear window graphics. This is part of their Wild Wings Art Collection.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Note the Band of Bright Color from One Gill to the Other! *
The unusual name “cutthroat” comes from the splash of color along the throat.
Other than the bright orange-red color from gill-to-gill, this game fish comes in an amazingly broad range of colors — from yellow to green to gray. The coloration depends on the waters he lives in and his history.
Like the rainbow trout, this is a Pacific-area freshwater fish, related to the salmon family.
Generally, this is a prized game fish in many parts of the US. In others, especially Colorado and Yellowstone Park, the remaining subspecies of the cutthroats are either endangered or state fish departments are trying to get them added to the endangered list.
There are reasons for the dropping numbers of cutthroats. First, is the loss of habitat — pollution is taking its toll. These fish were protected for thousands of years by living in isolated watersheds and river basins.
As man has moved into the further reaches of America, he has disturbed the balance that has protected cutthroats for so many years. When non-native fish have been introduced to a cutthroat trout area, they have often been more aggressive than the cutthroats.
Brown and brook trout tend to replace cutthroats in regions were they have been introduced. Because of their slow reproduction rate, cutthroats are very sensitive to over-harvesting.
Cutthroats freely breed with rainbows to create a “cutbow.” They also easily breed with Apache trout and Gila trout. Thus, there are fewer cutthroats each year.
Many of the cutthroats migrate to sea (Pacific Ocean) if they can and are then called sea trout. They can reach 20 lbs. However, most of these trout say in freshwater and stay in the 1-2 lb. range.
* This photo is used by permission of Vantage Point Concepts. This image is part of the Wild Wings Artwork Collection.
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This handsome boy is always hungry! ***
Depending on where you fish, it’s possible to get a crack at the sea trout that have moved back into fresh water. Generally, it takes a few years for the fish to mature before they return to spawn. The adult cutthroats feed and spawn from fall through spring. They prefer water between 55 and 62 degrees.
These fish, even after years in salt water, have no problem finding their home waters. They spawn in the months of April through June.
By July, the first of the young cutthroats are leaving the gravel nests of their birth. Always hungry, cutthroats seem to bite everything: lures, flies and live bait!
This branch of the trout family eats lots of insects; fly fishing is a great way to enjoy successful angling. In Alaska, these fish are the most common trout species in the state.
Younger cutthroats, spend their days in lakes, hiding in and around submerged logs and vegetation. They rush from their hiding places to snag insects and small fish (they’ve been known to eat other fish, up to 1/4 th their size)!
By the time they reach 14″ in length, they give up this slow process to a meal and turn into predators of smaller fish.
Here are some of the most common ways to catch cutthroats:
Remember that cutthroats prefer the deeper pools of water; they don’t like extreme water temperature changes (deeper waters remain a more constant temperature).
When fishing deeply, remember that light only penetrates so far down. Use larger lures or bait — so the fish have an easy time finding them.
Please fish responsibly! These beautiful creatures are endangered in some areas. Check their status in the waters where you plan to fish!
* According to the Alaska Dept of Fish & Game
** Muddler minnows are artificial flies that are very popular.
*** Used by permission of Vantage Point Concepts. This image is part of the Wild Wings Artwork Collection.
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It’s time to recap the most interesting, unique or ‘most read’ articles of this blog for July 2009.
Who would have thought that photos would be so popular? Since publishing these 2 items, they have topped each month’s “most hits” list.
First Place: ‘Great Photos: That Wild Boar was Where?’
Second Place: ‘Another “Oh, My” Story: A Piebald Buck!’
This copperhead will ruin your day!
Third Place: ‘Snake Dangers & River Tubing‘ – There is considerable interest in snakes now (probably because of all the problems folks are having with snakes due to the hot, dry weather).
The series on river tubing has been very popular. In case you missed any, they are:
1) Snake Dangers & River Tubing
3) Choosing the Right Water for River Tubing
4) River Tubing: Repairing a Recreational Inner Tube
‘Barometric Pressure and Fishing,’ has been so popular that I plan to do a series of articles on weather and fishing.
It has taken less than a year to pass 50,000 hits! During July, we hit this milestone. Thank you so much!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Rain Creates Huge Changes in Fish!
Over 400 people are struck by lightening each year in the US. I’m not suggesting ANYone fish during a lightening storm!
During rain, fish tend to feed near the surface, to take advantage of the food being depositied by the rain.
Because many fish are trying to nab their share of the new food available, they increase the frantic nature of the feeding.
During rain storms, predators come out of hiding (from deep pools or out of weed beds) and wait close to the water’s surface.
Obviously, a heavy downpour brings big changes to fish and their habitat. As the rain pelts down, it stirs up sediment from below. Included in this sediment is food.
Suddenly, the fish have a hard time seeing, but are surrounded by food. This is the time to use bright, shiny and large lures.
Because fish have moved higher, to take advantage of the increased oxygen of the water, this is no time to be fishing on the bottom.
Another condition you can use during rain, is the lack of light. Dark skies encourage fish to forage more. Because they have no eyelids, they avoid looking for food during daylight hours.
When it starts to rain, worms come out of their burrows – to avoid being drowned. So this is a good time for you to place an imitation worm or slug into the edges of the streams.
Marine biologists recommend doing the opposite of what most anglers do during rain. If it has rained enough to spread over land not usually under water, most anglers cast their bait to the open water.
Biologists explain that this is a great time to step into the water and cast your hook to areas parallel to the new edges of the water.
Fish tend to rush to the newly swamped areas, to feast on the food trapped there.
Next Time: Wave Action and Fishing
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The Wind Affects Fishing!
In a previous article (Barometric Pressure and Fishing, posted 6/22/09), we discussed the idea that areas with high barometric pressure have fine weather and that low barometric pressure creates rain and wind.
Wind is the result of trying to create a balance between low and high barometric pressure. Air is always moving from areas of high barometric pressure to areas with low pressure.
As light air rises, heavy, cool air moves in below the rising air. The greater the difference between the high and low pressures, the higher the winds.
If you remember your science, winds generally move from west to east. Also, as the barometric pressure rises, bodies of water absorb more oxygen from the air.
The opposite is also true: As the pressure falls, water releases oxygen into the air. If you recall from yesterday’s post (Fishing in the Rain, posted 8/9/09), having more or less oxygen in a body of water has important effects on fish and fishing!
Marine biologists have discovered that some fish species are more active during high winds. High winds bring millions of insects, grasshoppers and invertebrates to bodies of water.
Few of these insects, etc., can escape the surface film of the water. Thus, high winds create feeding bonanzas!
If the prowling fish do not eat this food immediately, it is pushed toward the leeward shore, where it collects. Therefore, when winds increase, fish move to the leeward shore to feed.
Higher winds create larger waves. These waves increase the amount of oxygen in the water, thus increasing the fish’s activity.
Another effect of high winds is that much of the food/plankton/insects blow into shallow areas. Fish move from holes to partake of the fresh food.
This brings larger fish to the shallows, to eat the smaller fish. Thus, strong winds cause fish to move to more shallow areas of a body of water.
From this discussion, we can see that wind and waves have strong effects on the movement and actions of fish. High winds create new opportunities for successful fishing!
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If we want to keep part of America in its natural state, we need to teach the next generation about the value of nature and wilderness.
Kids Learning to Value Nature by Fishing!
One of the easiest ways to do this is to take kids hunting and fishing. The beauty of taking kids fishing is that you can start this at a fairly young age.
There is something very satisfying about seeing a child’s face light up when they catch their first fish — even if it turns out to be in the minnow class!
A successful fishing trip is actually a juggling act! The trick is to teach youngsters the safety they need to know while engaging them in the fun of fishing. This isn’t nearly as easy as it sounds!
First, decide what young anglers need to know. Most kids look at the waters of a lake or stream as “wet land.” They think they know a lot more than they do. Kids want to get started; adults know that certain cautions should be observed.
My father killed the joy of fishing by lining the 5 of us kids up on a pier and droning on for more than an hour about the dangers of fishing. It was a long time before any of us wanted to go fishing again!
The next time we went, with an uncle, it was a wonderful experience! He told us the cautions while having fun fishing.
Decide beforehand if flotation vests are required — and by whom. Then stick with that decision! Kids will try to whine their way out of wearing vests.
After teaching kids how to bait their hook and cast, talk about the effects of weather and winds on fishing. Anglers usually have one eye on their lines and the other on the weather.
They need to understand the dangers of lightning and how their rods can conduct electricity to their bodies! Explain when you decide to stop fishing — is it at the beginning of a rainstorm or when the thunder starts to rumble?
If there are power lines around, explain how to avoid danger if they use long rods or fancy fly-fishing casting.
When I go fishing with kids, I learn as much as I teach! It’s a great way to communicate with kids on a different level.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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As always, “Thanks” to Dorothy139
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Recently, we covered safety issues with kids and fishing. Now, let’s talk about the “how” of fishing with kids.
Remember that the goal is to get a life-long fishing buddy! Making sure the first few trips are “all about them” will ensure their continued participation.
You will need to show patience while you are untangling lines and baiting hooks. If it is hard for you to split your time between your fishing and theirs, this may be the time to leave your rod at home.
Limit fishing time; kids are not going to enjoy fishing for a whole weekend (at first).
Choose a place that is easy to get to, safe and offers other diversions. A fishing spot near a park is ideal; if the fish aren’t biting – kids will enjoy a swing ride or two — and then return when the fish get hungry.
Choose a place with plenty of action. Kids would prefer to catch lots of little fish versus a couple of large ones. If possible, use live bait. Children find this much more fun than lures, spoons, etc.
What if the kids decide to toss stones or chase around? Remember that this is their outing and take it in stride. The idea is that fishing is fun!
Fishing Can Be Fun for All Ages!
Use simple tackle: a hook, split shot, night-crawler and bobber.
Alternately, use an old rig (in working order) from the back of the garage. You will feel better about losing this rather than watching your child accidentally drop your new graphite rod in the water.
Another choice is to buy a “kid’s sized” tackle set. It’s the right size and fairly inexpensive.
Teach conservation: Show the fish’s eyes, explain how they see. Let them feel the layer of “slime” (that protects them from bacteria).
Teach them only to catch what they can eat. Also, teach ’catch and release.’ Explain that releasing this fish today will allow the fish to reproduce many more for the future.
Besides tackle and bait, be sure to bring some snacks, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent and some basic items of first aid.
Even with you hooking their bait and helping them cast, kids will make mistakes. Leave your temper at home! Calmly explain why it is wrong and how to do it correctly.
Lavish praise and take photos!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is what I love about the Internet. I posted this article and photos on 15 August 2009. It took less than a month for someone (William, to be exact), to advise me of my error!
William, I appreciate your comments! I was particularly touched by your last sentence: ‘Now, we need to remember those there that day; but we must do it truthfully or we dishonor that memory.’
I couldn’t have said nearly so well; thank you. I’m going to leave the photos online for their historical value. However, I’m attaching this “mea culpa” to the beginning.
Now future readers will understand that these are historically accurate, but the info about being from one man’s camera is not possible.
If I had followed my own policy of checking with Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/pearlharbor.asp), I would know that the story attached to these photos (‘Fantastic photos taken 68 years ago — sent from Ted Cowen in Arizona.’) is bogus.
Snopes makes the point that Mr. Cowen would have had to have been in an airplane, as well as all over Pearl Harbor, to have gotten so many photos.
Thanks again, William!
– Marylouise
“Fantastic photos taken 68 years ago — sent from Ted Cowen in Arizona
Some of you will have to go to a museum to see what a Brownie camera looked like.
These photos are absolutely incredible….Read below the first picture and at the end…
Thought you might find these photos very interesting — what quality from 1941!
Pearl Harbor photos found in an old Brownie stored in a foot locker and just recently developed.
THESE PHOTOS ARE FROM A SAILOR WHO WAS ON THE USS QUAPAW ATF-11O.
Photos Taken: PEARL HARBOR December 7th, 1941
On Sunday, December 7th, 1941 the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor , Hawaii By planning his attack on a Sunday, the Japanese commander Admiral Nagumo, hoped to catch the entire fleet in port. As luck would have it, the Aircraft Carriers and one of the Battleships were not in port. (The USS Enterprise was returning from Wake Island , where it had just delivered some aircraft. The USS Lexington was ferrying aircraft to Midway, and the USS Saratoga and USS Colorado were undergoing repairs in the United States .)
In spite of the latest intelligence reports about the missing aircraft carriers (his most important targets), Admiral Nagumo decided to continue the attack with his force of six carriers and 423 aircraft. At a range of 230 miles north of Oahu , he launched the first wave of a two-wave attack. Beginning at 0600 hours his first wave consisted of 183 fighters and torpedo bombers which st ruck at the fleet in Pearl Harbor and the airfields in Hickam, Kaneohe and Ewa. The second strike, launched at 0715 hours, consisted of 167 aircraft, which again struck at the same targets.
At 075 3 hours the first wave consisting of 40 Nakajima B5N2 ‘Kate’ torpedo bombers, 51 Aichi D3A1 ‘Val’ dive bombers, 50 high altitude bombers and 43 Zeros struck airfields and Pearl Harbor Within the next hour, the second wave arrived and continued the attack.
When it was over, the U.S. Losses were:
Casualties
US Army: 218 KIA, 364 WIA.
US Navy: 2,008 KIA, 710 WIA.
US MarineCorp: 109 KIA, 69 WIA.
Civilians: 68 KIA, 35 WIA.
TOTAL: 2,403 KIA, 1,178 WIA.
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Battleships
USS Arizona (BB-39) – total loss when a bomb hit her magazine.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) – Total loss when she capsized and sunk in the harbor.
USS California (BB-4 4) – Sunk at her berth. Later raised and repaired.
USS West Virginia (BB-48) – Sunk at her berth. Later raised and repaired.
USS Nevada – (BB-36) Beached to prevent sinking. Later repaired.
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) – Light damage.
USS Maryland (BB-46) – Light damage.
USS Tennessee (BB-43) Light damage.
USS Utah (AG-16) – (former battleship used as a target) – Sunk.
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Cruisers
USS New Orleans (CA-32) – Light Damage..
USS San Francisco (CA-38) – Light Damage.
USS Detroit (CL-8) – Light Damage.
USS Raleigh (CL-7) – Heavily damaged but repaired.
USS Helena (CL-50) – Light Damage.
USS Honolulu (CL-48) – Light Damage..
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Destroyers
USS Downes (DD-375) – Destroyed. Parts salvaged.
USS Cassin – (DD -3 7 2) Destroyed. Parts salvaged.
USS Shaw (DD-373) – Very heavy damage.
USS Helm (DD-388) – Light Damage.
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Minelayer
USS Ogala (CM-4) – Sunk but later raised and repaired.
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Seaplane Tender
USS Curtiss (AV-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired.
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Repair Ship
USS Vestal (AR-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired.
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Harbor Tug
USS Sotoyomo (YT-9) – Sunk but later raised and repaired.
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Aircraft
188 Aircraft destroyed (92 USN and 92 U.S. Army Air Corps.)”
From BJ Cassady
in Guthrie, Oklahoma
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I think the photos are in reverse; the bombing started while things were still dark. If I’m wrong, please advise! – Marylouise
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Taking Advantage of Turbid Water!
Sediment (fine particles of sand or grit) in the water changes how fish see. Generally, it makes it much more difficult for fish.
Predatory fish (pike, for instance), move into these waters and take advantage of the situation. Light changes the fish’s view under water. Fish can see in their immediate area – but not whatever moves at a short distance.
Turbid water helps fish feel safer; however, predators know that cloudy water is the best time to prey on smaller fish.
Predators (for example: largemouth bass and northern pike), use their sight and prefer to feed in clear waters.
However, they have learned that turbid waters bring increased fish movement and lie in wait. Although they cannot see the fish, they use their lateral line (refer to the article: ‘Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2,‘ posted 6/20/2009 — for more information about fish lateral lines) to sense on-coming fish.
For anyone fishing in turbid waters, use a larger plug (also known as a “minnow style bait).” Make sure the one you select can vibrate or waggle – and move it slowly through the cloudy water.
An excellent example of this is a plug that has a jointed body and that wobbles through the water, as you reel it in.
Tomorrow: Fishing in Cloudy Water
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Murky Water Can Be Prime Fishing Time!
Marine biologists tell us that fish are more likely to feed in turbid (cloudy) waters. There are two main reasons for this.
As sunlight shines down into cloudy water, there is a sharp contrast between the look of the fish (the predator wants to eat) and whatever surrounds it.
Therefore, the predator (eater) feels more confident that he will be able to see or sense whatever live food that comes his way!
On the other hand, the small fish (the predator is looking for) thinks that the murky water will protect him from ‘the big, bad fish.’ Therefore, he is more likely to scurry around, looking for insects, worms and other morsels to eat.
Therefore, both the eater (predator fish) and the eatee (smaller fish) think they are both in a better position than their enemy. They are both suffering from delusional thinking (also called “stinkin’ thinkin’).
Water that becomes cloudy (through storm or flooding) offers anglers great opportunities for snagging fish!
Is a fish’s sense of smell affected by cloudy water? No, not at all.
The predators that need their eyes to “see” small fish, must now rely on their sense of smell to lead them to fish! Thus, this is an excellent time to pull out the stinky baits!
Start by fishing with scented/stinky/smelly bait near the surface of the water. If you get no bites on the surface, keep moving your “stinkers” lower (in the water) until fish start to bite.
This is a great time to use metallic-headed lures or lures with shiny threads. Since fish have a harder time seeing, their eyes are attracted to shinier objects.
This is also a great time to imitate the slower-moving fish species – by twitching and pulling flies along slowly.
Another idea is to cut open your freshly-caught fish — to see what is in the stomach. If there are lots of flies and insects, this is what you should be using for bait — real or artificial (your choice).
Tomorrow: Making Your Own Stinky Baits!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There are lots of recipes for baits available. You may already have one. However, here’s one you might like to try.
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup white (clear) Karo syrup
3 heaping Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
Cotton!
2/3 cup water
In a small pot, combine and heat the water, peanut butter and syrup, using a low flame. Separately, mix the dry cornmeal and dry flour in a bowl. Slowly add the flour mixture into the pan, while stirring constantly.
Continue cooking until either the water is gone or until it is too thick to stir. After the dough cools, you can mix in some cotton ball** fibers or cattail fuzz to help hold the balls on the hooks. Add scent (strong spices and/or extracts).
Form your dough into round gum-ball size treats. Allow them to harden in the refrigerator.
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Use the same recipe as above with the following changes: Instead of the 2/3 cup of water, Use 2/3 cup of fruit-flavored soda (NOT a diet soft drink) and add several drops of anise oil, while heating the liquids in the pan.
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This idea is for keeping your soft treats (blood, cheese, dough) from falling off the hook.
If you want to use blood bait, saturate the blood in cotton balls** overnight. The soaked cotton balls will keep the blood scent longer and the cotton will stay on the hook longer.
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**BTW, I have only used cotton fibers, most of the puff balls available today are not cotton.
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Keep Your Bait Alive and Frisky!
Put a few pieces of broken terra cotta clay pots (common garden variety) into your bait bucket. If you drop some every couple of hours, your baits will stay alive and frisky!
Why? The oxygen escaping from the clay pot pieces will aerate your bait bucket for hours!
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This trick is super simple! Place some dried red onion skins in the water with your plain shiners. In a few hours, or overnight, they will turn into golden shiners! The water and fish will change colors!
Why do this? One, it does not harm the fish. Two, golden shiners are more attractive to the fish you are trying to catch!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
OK, you are out fishing and it starts to rain. Could you have anticipated it? Here are some tips to be more aware of conditions leading to a rain storm.
What Effect Will Rain & Lightning Have on Fishing?
Watch animals in your area. Are sea birds moving to shore and staying put? In our area, thousands of seagulls leave the coast and gather on an old (closed) Walmart parking lot.
Marine biologists believe fish have evolved to the point where they sense rain — or at least weather changes!
As humidity rises, the chance of rain increases. Watch airplanes as they pass overhead. Those with a vapor trail indicate high levels of moisture in the air.
The longer the vapor lasts, the higher the humidity and the closer rain is. If there is no vapor cloud after a jet, or it disappears quickly, then the moisture/humidity level is low and the weather is stable.
Use the stars to predict rain! The more the stars seem to twinkle, the higher the moisture content in the air!
Science Daily indicates that lightning requires ice! It’s so hot where I live, how on earth can there be ice in the atmosphere?
The ice they are talking about is VERY high up in the atmosphere. These pieces of ice can be positively (+) or negatively (-) charged. When these -’s and +’s collide, they build up a charge. Lightning is the release of the charge!
Since we cannot see how much ice is in the atmosphere when it is raining, it’s tough to be the angler-meteorologist (weather person) to decide, “Will lightning start soon? Should we go? or Can we stay?”
There are lots of factors in your decision. Are you in a boat, far from shore? Are you in a high, flat area, with no place to hide? Are you surrounded by trees? All of these are good reasons to go home.
Unfortunately, a rod is an excellent conductor of electricity.You do not want to be holding it during a rain storm that turns to lightning!
Remember, smart anglers fish with one eye on their line and the other on the weather!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Guaranteed Stress Reducer: Fishing!
It is hard to make generalizations about seasonal fishing. Some areas have heavy ice in winter, while others have no ice at all.
During this time, fish are slow moving, eat less and are more likely to be in deep holes — where the temperature is more stable.
This is a great time to pull out your larger lures and bait, while fishing closer to deep holes. Move your bait slowly.
Cold temperature causes a fish’s metabolism to drop and reduces his energy level and needs.
Think about the fish that need fast-moving waters. Since they need to reduce their energy needs during cold weather, they move deeper into the recesses behind submerged rocks.
They gather in deep pools, especially under bridges or under tree branches. During cold weather, fish are less likely to come to you – you need to use light tackle and cover more area, while moving towards them!
The idea is to cast upstream and allow the bait to fall over the shallow water and rocks and into streams.
It’s important to get a map of any new area where you are planning to fish. Although you know fish hide in deep pools during this time, where are those deep holes?
The surprising thing is that they aren’t necessarily in the center of a body of water. In fact, there may very well be deep pockets near the shore, so you do not need a boat to cast to them.
During winter, most fish are hiding in deep areas. But what happens when frigid ice takes over these pools? The fish must move and it’s a great time to try fishing around the margins where water is still flowing.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Beautiful Art for Your Back Glass!
Actually, rear window graphics aren’t just Hot — they are Very Cool!
Whether they are called rear window graphics, see-thru glass capes or back glass designs, they are referring to decorated vinyl for the back window of your vehicle.
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Feel the Heat Firefighters Endure!
Some folks like to display scenes from their occupation:
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Lab Pups that are Hyan Dry!
Others like to show off their pets:
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Graphics are popular because they are easy to apply. The graphic: 50% holes and 50% vinyl.
The most useful tool needed for application of the graphic is an extra pair of hands. The graphic comes with a peel-off backing. The image is centered and the excess is removed.
Looking from the outside, the image looks solid (your eye is tricked into not seeing the holes). From the inside, you see a clear view through the back glass (your eyes are tricked into not seeing the black vinyl).
Harley Davidson is Always in Style!
One of the amazing facts about vehicle rear graphics is that they give you privacy while making your vehicle easier to see!
Privacy is increased because others cannot see thru the back glass.
The graphics add an element of safety because the designs make the vehicle more noticeable – thus easier to see.
They come in an astonishing array of images: dogs, wildlife, military, horses, camouflage, specialty (scuba, other country Flags, etc.), patriotic, birds, fishing, firefighters, Cowboy Up/Cowgirl Up ©, etc.
Unique Art: 'Night Mares'
These full color images are the work of some of America’s most award winning illustrators, photographers and artists!
The full window decals block half of the UV rays coming through the window. This protects the vehicle’s upholstery and reduces heat inside the cab. Thus, the vehicle is cooler while the interior is protected from fading.
One Gorgeous Fish!
Upon arrival, the graphic will be rolled up and will look bland.
Once the backing has been removed from the graphic, the image will become vivid and clear.
American Symbols: Eagle in Flight on Flag
Change your vehicle — from ‘wallflower’ to ‘very cool’ — by adding a beautiful, rear window graphic! What a great way to add sizzle to your ride!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Guns and Government -- An Ugly Combination!
As the days shorten and the heat gives way to balmier weather, can gun legislation be far behind? These are issues making their way around the Internet.
Emails: It seems that citizens and states are getting nervous about the federal government’s encroachment into their perceived domain, especially regarding guns.
The Truth: Oklahoma passed a resolution in April of 2009, demanding that the federal government “cease and desist” mandates beyond those outlined in the Constitution.
The 10th Amendment of the US Constitution is cited as the relevant document that states the federal government’s rights and obligations. (Of course, no one mentions that US presidents have been ignoring the 10th Amendment since the days of FDR!)
This declaration was a resolution, not a law, and therefore is a symbolic act which has no legal effect.” (direct quote from www.snopes.com, http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/pending/oklahoma.asp).
Emails: This state went a step (or two) further. The emails flying around indicate that Montana has defied the federal government in relation to gun ownership.
The belief of these organizers is that the federal government wants to confiscate all firearms (a non-surprise). Essentially, the emails indicate that Montana has the right to defy the federal claims of having the right to control arms.
The Truth: (Again from Snopes.com, http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/montana.asp) In April 2009, Montana passed the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.
Essentially it throws down the gauntlet to the federal government: “A personal firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Montana and remains in the borders of Montana is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of congress to regulate interstate commerce.”
This fancy bit of wording means that Montana says that the federal government has no right to regulate the firearms owned in Montana.
They are saying that: Just because the federals have the right to regulate commerce (between states, etc.), that does not give them the right to regulate firearms that have nothing to do with interstate commerce.
The only problem with this feisty law is that states do not have the right to nullify federal laws. The Supreme Court is likely to shoot Montana’s law down (pun intended).
Lest you think that is all that our legislators in LaLa Land are up to, come back tomorrow. If you have “anger management issues,” it would be best to skip tomorrow’s posting!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here’s some more fun from LaLa Land (also known as ‘congress’)
Guns and Congress - An Unhealthy Combination!
Emails: Essentially they all claim that the US Congress has a bill before them that would require all handgun owners to list their handguns on their federal tax forms.
Senate Bill 2099 would require all guns be listed on the 2009 tax forms and a $50 tax/gun be paid.
If you like to watch your blood pressure reach the top of the charts, don’t miss reading: http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/taxreturns.asp
The Truth : The truth is much less sinister; SB-2099 was before Congress in 2000, not the year 2009 (old news). It went no-where in Congress.
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Haven’t we heard of this bill before? Yep! This bill was first submitted in 2007. More info: http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/blairholt.asp
Emails:: There’s a list of things that would change in relation to guns. In a phrase: no license = no gun.
This bill also addresses any semiautomatic firearm (that can accept any detachable ammunition-feeding device). Same idea: no license = no gun.
The bill directs the Attorney General to set up and run a federal record of sales system. It would be a criminal act not to register as the owner of a firearm.
The emails go on to itemize other requirements:
- all guns be sold through a licensed dealer,
- a driver’s license #,
- your Social Security Number,
- fingerprinting of the applicant,
- a physical and mental evaluation
- $25 fee each time a gun is sold; sale must be registered
- failure to abide by above provision = loss of right to own gun + 1 year in jail!
- All firearms must be locked and unavailable to folks under the age of 18.
- The govt. would have the right to come in and inspect if guns are locked and unavailable to those under 18.
- If owners do not have the gun thus described (safe, locked), the fine is 5 years in jail!
The Truth : The application has 10 parts for an applicant –
1) Provide a clear, passport-type photo with a clear likeness
2) Name, address, Date of Birth,
3) Any other names this person has ever used or by which this applicant has ever been known.
4) A clear thumb print
5) A statement from state and federal govt. that this person is not barred from owning a firearm.
6) Certification by the applicant that he/she will not store guns where those under 18 can get to them.
7) Certificate of written firearms examination, relating to –
* safe storage of guns, particularly away from those under 18 years
* safe handling of firearms
* use of guns in the home and dangers of their use
* legal responsibilities of owner in relation to federal, state and local laws
* any other subjects the Attorney General may deem necessary
8 Authorization for release of any/all mental health records of applicant to Attorney General
9) Date of application.
10) Signature of applicant.
The good news is that there is no one willing to co-sponsor this bill. Most representatives think this is an issue they don’t want to lose their seat over; and that says volumes!
For this nonsense, we pay those folks big bucks (& unbelievable health care)!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Although we are not hearing ‘pandemic’ in the news yet, folks are concerned. Thus, the CDC and Health Depts. across the nation are trying to help folks decide if they have the dreaded ’swine flu.‘
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This is the Very LATEST FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT!
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Thanks again to Dorothy139!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
On 31 August 2009, I wrote about Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act. Tom Remington (Black Bear Blog) has an update that ‘tells it like it is!’
Title of Posting: CNN Covers Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act
Dated: September 8, 2009
URL: http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/2009/09/08/cnn-covers-montanas-firearms-freedom-act/#comment-145194
State's Rights vs. Federal Rights
Added Benefits: He has audio and a You-Tube Video on the subject (on the site)! Check it out!
This will be fascinating to watch! Essentially, Montana has thrown down the gauntlet to the federal government. The problem: The fed’s intrusion into the lawful ownership of guns.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Droughts are long periods of reduced rain (and/or other participation) and alter fishing opportunities.
Droughts Affect Fish & Fishing!
When a river’s waters recede, fish become stressed. Their area of habitat shrinks in relation to the reduced water.
In the US, most droughts occur in July and August. Because scientists tell us that we are in the midst of climate change, drought stresses in fish are expected to increase.
If you want to catch the largest fish available, it is important that you have your tackle in the water at the beginning of a drought. Why?
During times of stress, fish become more aggressive and will attack brighter, larger baits. However, this great fishing will only last a while.
Fish, like other creatures, live in hierarchies. When food is sparse, competition for that food becomes intense. Hierarchies change because the fish must be able to adjust to changing conditions.
As conditions worsen, the largest fish start to lose weight, while the adapting fish tend to increase in size. Over time, the fish start to equalize in size.
Therefore, fishing at the beginning of a drought is the best time to fish, before the larger fish have dropped so much weight.
Droughts change the dynamic in a pool (any body) of water. Predatory birds and mammals find the pickings to be very easy. Predatory fish (pike, for example), tend to be of good size, because they have so much food available.
Drought conditions are great times to introduce newbies to the sport of fishing. Why?
- Fish are hungry and less food is available. Thus, they will bite at a wide variety of baits.
- It is even more important to keep out of sight while fishing during a drought! Remember: If you can see them, they can see you!
- Wear dull colors and avoid the color — bright yellow (while fishing)!
- Have you spooked the fish where you are dropping your line? It is usually better to move to another area and be more careful. During drought conditions, it takes fish a long time to settle down again.
Next Time: How Does Severe Flooding Change Fishing?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The numbers off young fish (called ‘fry’) that die off during a severe flood is staggering! Because we are in a period of changing weather (according to scientists), the numbers of young fry dying in flooding conditions will increase.
Flooding Affects Fishing!
Generally, trees and vegetation along water’s banks protect them from gravel and debris scouring the bottom of the body of water during a flood.
Spring flooding often causes water to overflow onto land without tearing up the waterways and killing so many fish!
However, in winter, when less vegetation is available and snow covers and collects along river beds, it causes the debris in water to scour and erode riverbeds and waterways (the weight of the snow/water digs deeper into the ‘floor’ of the riverbed/waterway).
As water rushes along carrying debris and rocks, fish are killed by virtue of being in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time.’
The value of trees and bank vegetation is significant year-round. However in winter, those trees and vegetation do not allow the snow to compact around the edges of the water.
Thus, water is able to spill out over the banks, instead of allowing the increased weight of the water from digging deeper into the riverbeds and waterways.
Young fry usually live just under the water’s surface – along the water’s margins. As water rises in a flood, the upper layer of water and fry are washed over the banks, to be stranded and then to die.
In my experience, people experiencing a flood are unlikely to ponder the possibilities of fishing.
They are too busy trying to save their property — and themselves! This is just as well, because fishing during these times is usually less than spectacular!
Fishing is affected by many variables, including barometric pressure, wind, water currents, etc. Therefore, it is impossible to say, ‘Fishing is a waste of time just after a flood.’
However, scientists tell us that fish have evolved to the point where they can sense atmospheric changes and major weather pattern shifts.
During times of unrest, fish are most likely to move to deep pools and “hunker-down” until they sense the danger is over.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The following is a list of the recommended ways to carry your weapon (in these cases a long gun, such as rifle or shotgun) — while hunting.
Your gun is carried in a relaxed position on your shoulder. It’s best to use this position when other hunters are in front or walking by your side.
Carrying a Weapon in the Crook of Your Elbow!
This position is excellent when others are walking behind you or on your opposite side.
(This looks as if you are carrying a baby in one arm.) This position is valuable when others are in front and in back of you. Your gun can also be cradled in this way when someone is walking on your side – opposite of the weapon.
However, never use this position if others are walking on both sides of you.
This is a good way to carry your gun when others are in front or behind you. This position should never be used when other hunters are walking on both sides of you, but may be used when the gun is pointed away from a person walking on your opposite side.
(The gun is carried via a strap, on your back shoulder.) This is a great way to carry your weapon while hiking to-and-from your hunting area. Keep the barrel pointed up or even pointed down.
(The weapon is carried with your hand on the for-end with the muzzle pointing forward.) This position is a good way to carry a weapon when others are behind you and/or walking by your side(s).
1) When climbing, always unload your weapon and use the sling carry!
2) When you need to lift your gun to your position in a tree, tripod or elevated stand, unload the weapon and use a “hand line.” The gun is lifted by cord. rope, etc., up to your position.
Always remember to make your weapon safe by sight, with such things as opening the bolt (on bolt action rifles), opening the lever (on lever action rifles), or by breaking open your double or single barrel shotgun.
Do NOT depend on the safety doing its job. Old timers can tell of many near misses or fatal accidents caused by “empty” guns.
Remember that “safety” is the most important thing you take with you on any hunting expedition!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Getting Your Gun Ready for Hunting Season!
A) Newbies should have an experienced person show them how to use and maintain their weapon.
B) Before sighting in your gun, you should be able to assemble, clean and take your gun apart with confidence.
C) Figure Out Which is Your Dominant Eye!
(1) Decide on an object that is about 10 feet ( ~ 3 meters) away from you.
(2) Extend your arms in front of your body.
(3) Overlap your hands so a small triangle forms between your thumbs and index fingers.
(4) Look through the triangle with both eyes open – at that object.
(5) Focus your eyes on the object you can see through the triangle.
(6) Now start to bring the triangle closer to your eyes — while keeping the object in sight all the time.
(7) To keep the object in sight, the triangle will move toward your dominant eye.
MDH* prefers this way to determine the dominant eye. Do as instructed for steps 1 -5. Then ….
(6a) Close your left eye and look with your right eye through the triangle.
(7a) Now close your right eye and look with your left eye through the triangle.
(8a) With which eye do you see the object in the same position? That is your dominant eye. The other eye requires you to move your hands, in order to continue to see the object.
Just a hint: Most right-handed folks are also right eyed. I’m left-handed and also left eyed. However, this is NOT written in stone!
D) Always keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction!
* MDH = My Deer Husband
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Next Time: How to Carry Your Weapon in the Field
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Folks new to the sport of hunting rarely see the pros and cons of shooting positions. They tend to think that one size fits all.
However, there are important considerations when choosing a hunting stance.
Newbies tend to think that all hunters stand when taking a shot. However, when shooting game, this is rarely the best position.
The strength of the standing position is that it is good for short-range shots. The longer the shot, however, the poorer this position becomes.
The Prone Position Helps Accuracy!
Sometimes, you will only be able to get off one shot before the game moves away. This is the best position when you need accuracy.
On the downside, it takes time to get yourself into place to take advantage of a prone position. Another drawback to this stance is: The low angle could limit your view.
In the sitting position, you brace your elbow on your knee (sitting Indian-style). The kneeling position also uses the elbow on the knee; one leg rests under you on the ground and the other is perpendicular to the ground, with your weapon resting in your hand.
By taking the time to set up this shot and using your knee as a way to hold your weapon steady, you will be able to get a longer, more accurate shot.
Another advantage of either of these two stances is that you will have greater visibility than if you used the prone position.
By using a pair of shooting sticks, you can increase your chances of holding your weapon steady and hitting your mark.
Essentially, it is setting up a bi-pod, by crossing two sticks (and securing the crossed twigs with cord) and placing your weapon on the top of the X created.
A tripod (using three sticks lashed together – tepee fashion) might be an even more stable option.
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In the coming days, I will address the issue of UV-Brighteners and Hunter’s Clothing
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Deer Hunting Tips! *
Before deer hunting season begins, it is important to find the places where deer feed and bed down. Usually, they use trails to get from bedding locations to feeding areas.
After awhile, you will begin to notice the difference between primary and secondary trails. Primary trails are more worn and have more tracks than less important ones.
Situate your stand as far away from the trail as possible while staying within the shooting range limit of your firearm or bow.
Don’t forget to check wind directions and place your stand downwind of the trail.
Before each hunt, check your tree stand for safety. Remember that winds and weather can cause damage or shifting.
Do you have a rope or string attached to the stand so you can pull up your bow or other weapon (unloaded, of course) when you are situated in your stand?
Safe hunters use a safety belt or harness — to make sure they are secure in the tree!
Deer = cagey, sneaky and exasperating! But you already know that. How else can you find deer?
If the rut is on, check trees for scrapes and rubbings. This indicates that whitetails are active in the area.
Bucks generally visit these areas daily just before and during the rut. Look for fresh scrapings. Look particularly along old trails and near cover.
If you are looking for a place to locate your stand, try an area near fresh scrapings. Remember, during the rut, bucks visit these areas at any and all hours!
During hunting season, the woods are most active between 10 am and 2 pm — for the hunters. While hunters are moving in and out of the forest/hunting areas, they cause the deer to move. You should be in your stand.
Come back tomorrow to find out how to take advantage of all this mid-day movement!
~~~
* “Dream Team – One-on-One” – from the Wild Wings collection of Vantage Point Graphics. Used with their permission.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Visualizing Antlers
Probably there’s little more controversy around a campfire than discussing the “yea” or “nay” of shooting yearling spike deer. I’ve researched both sides and agree with the view of Texas Parks & Wildlife
[ I know the folks of Texas P&W* are sleeping better tonight knowing I agree with them!].
What I like about their view is that they have tested their ideas over many years at the Texas A & M University’s Kerr Wildlife Management Area, where they have over 20 generations of deer.
Some folks want the answer first! So, here it is: By harvesting spikes early on, it improves the antler quality of the remaining herd.
Let’s define a ‘spike.’ Texas Parks sees it as “any deer at least a year old that has two hardened antlers that do not branch or fork.”
They are NOT referring to young fawns with “skin covered knobs” called a “nubbin buck.”
They go on to say that, “Buck fawns occasionally have a protrusion of chalky white bone tissue through the skin up to 1/2 inch long, but this is rare and we don’t call them spikes.”
Why is there so much disagreement about spike deer? Many hunters don’t want to kill spikes because they think that poor nutrition is the reason a year-old has no rack. (In other words, they suggest — in angler-speak — ‘Throw ‘em back and let ‘em grow up a bit.”)
And here’s another view of the problem: ‘Let’s shoot older spikes, because genetically, they’ve proved that they are not capable of developing antlers.’
Their reasoning continues: ‘Save the young spikes, poor nutrition is the reason youngsters didn’t produce a rack this year.’
The Big Boys Weigh In On this Issue
This is a direct quote from TP&W*: “If two spikes walk out in front of you in a 2-buck county, shoot the smallest one first and don’t let the second get away.”
I was so surprised, I had to read this three times! Come back tomorrow to read their reasoning.
* TexasP&W = TP&W = Texas Parks & Wildlife
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This blog is part of my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Lookin' for Antlers in all the Wrong Places!
FYI: The results outlined below have been carefully documented and studies in Louisiana have confirmed these findings.
Therefore, either the deer in two states are crazy or these findings can be repeated with other herds.
(1) “Antler development is genetically based. Not all deer have the same genetic potential.” (conclusions drawn by Texas Parks & Wildlife biologists) Nutrition AND ‘genetic potential’ are necessary for antler development.
If either one of these elements is missing, antlers don’t grow. They proved this by allowing spikes to breed with does in pens. There was nutritious food, vitamins, water, etc., yet a high percentage of the offspring were spikes!
(2) “Nutrition does affect antler growth.” So, no matter what the deer’s ‘genetic potential,’ if there isn’t sufficient nutrition for the deer, antler growth will be affected.
(3) “Early or late birth does not affect antler development if deer receive adequate nutrition.” Essentially, a spike is a spike. Earlier birthing did not turn a spike into an antlered deer.
The only relation between the lateness of birth and antler production seems to be: If the deer is born late in the season, it may be nutritionally deprived because there is less forage.
What nutrition is available is diverted to maintain and grow muscles — not antlers.
(4) “The majority of yearling spike bucks will produce smaller antlers and fewer points in following years than will fork-antlered deer.” Basically, they have proven that “what you see is what you’re gunna’ get.” Spikes seem to be a genetic trait that doesn’t improve over the years.
(5) “You can improve a herd by selectively removing inferior antlered deer and allowing the deer with good antlers to breed.” They asked the question: Could they remove the spikes and let the antlered deer reproduce? What would be the result?
By selectively reproducing with more-desirable traited (antlered) deer, something called “heritability” comes into play. The more desirable a trait is – the less likely there will be improvement.
Obviously, fully-antlered deer are highly desirable – therefore, removing the spikes will not cause all of the new deer to have antlers. Production of antlers traits are passed from one generation to another, however.
~~~
Next Time: Continue the 10 Commandments of Spikes
~~~
(1) The report I’m referring to is available online, as a pdf document at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_0247.pdf (It is 6 pages long.)
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
In a Perfect World -- No Spikes! (Clickable)
This is third in a series of postings about hunting spikes while whitetail deer hunting. The conclusions highlighted in orange are from the Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Texas A&M University’s Kerr Deer Management Facility was part of this study. The facility has deer from 20 generations, to watch the effects of variables on the evolution of the herd. These same results were repeated in a Louisiana university study.
The first two parts of this series were written on previous pages of this blog.
~~~
(6) “Does provide half of the genetic potential for antler development.” Since scientists don’t know if a doe carries genes for antlers or spikes, they cannot “select-out” deer with spike genes.
(7) “Average yearling bucks on good range should have six points.” According to their research, with good nutrition, most bucks attain this desirable point.
Even poor habitats produce antlered deer. By killing spikes, it allows the antlered deer to reproduce. However, most hunters prefer to haul home deer ‘with racks.’
(8) “Even when most bucks are spikes, removing them will not endanger the breeding potential.” Texas Parks and Wildlife researchers have proven that massive removal of spikes does not affect deer production. They’ve shown that a single buck can breed with as many as 40 does in a season.
(9) “Antler development improves with age up to a point.” Amazingly, you can expect antler production to improve until about the age of 6 1/2. After that time, the deer’s teeth deteriorate and older deer don’t intake sufficient nutrition (even in nutrition-rich climes) to develop large racks.
The deer with the best – most dense – antlers are usually between 4 1/2 – 6 1/2 years old.
~
Come back for the “Conclusion of the Conclusions.” If Texas Parks & Wildlife’s recommendations had any teeth (were law) there would be a howl of protest from hunters.
~~~
Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike Deer?
Part 2: 10 Commandments of Spike Management
Part 3: The ‘Yea’ or ‘Nay’ of Shooting Spikes
Part 4: Conclusion of 10 Commandments of Spike Management
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(1) The report I’m referring to is available online, as a pdf document at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_0247.pdf (It is 6 pages long.)
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Shooting Spikes During Whitetail Hunting!
This is the last in a series of postings about hunting spikes while whitetail deer hunting.
The conclusions highlighted in orange are from the Texas Parks & Wildlife. Texas A&M University’s Kerr Deer Management Facility was part of this study.
The facility has deer from 20 generations, to watch the effects of variables on the evolution of the herd. These same results were repeated in a Louisiana university study.
~~~
10) The best time to manage for genetic improvement is during periods of nutritional stress. With less food available, it is important to feed breeding deer first – and best. Watch for young antlered bucks and make them your future breeding stock.
~~~What Does This Mean to the Hunter & Landowner?~~~
Harvesting spikes is good for herd development. In fact, they state clearly: “Consistently removing spikes from the herd will eventually improve the antler quality if the range is in good condition.”
A balance must be maintained between numbers of deer and food available. The best way to do that is through harvesting.
By selecting young deer with poor antlers, you are allowing deer with more genetically desirable traits (full antlers) to become the breeding stock.
Remember – This series is derived from a monograph that is available online: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_0247.pdf (It is 6 pages long.)
~~~
According to Texas Parks statistics, hunters snag over 60% of the yearling bucks each year. Of those, about 60% are ‘fork-antlered deer.’
~
Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike Deer?
Part 2: 10 Commandments of Spike Management
Part 3: The ‘Yea’ or ‘Nay’ of Shooting Spikes
Part 4: Conclusion of 10 Commandments of Spike Management
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I’ve gotten a bit gun-shy about running ‘Amazing Photos.’ However, I’ve checked www.Snopes.com about this story’s urban-legend status. It is not on Snopes’ radar. *
~
We now know that a cell phone had nothing to do with this particular wreck! As part of my promise not to remove info that did not harm others (on my “Blog Policy” Page, I’m leaving this blog as-is.
~
~~~
Everyone Died Instantly!
The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling ~ 85 mph.
The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the motorcycle.
The rider’s reaction time was not sufficient enough to avoid this accident. The car had two passengers — and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them.
The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact and landed 20 feet from where the collision took place.
All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) died instantly.
Pass this on to car drivers or ‘soon to be’ new drivers, or new motorcycle owners.
~
Wake up people!
Stop talking on your cell phones and texting while trying to drive.
Put your cell phone in the back seat !!!
~~~
Although I did not write this, I couldn’t agree more!
~~~
* It took a couple of hours, but I found the source of this story. It happened in Sweden, in 2003!
27 May 2010: Snopes says this is a mostly true story. Click on “Snopes” for the details.
“The graphic display … was placed at the Stockholm Motorcycle Fair by the Swedish Police and Road Safety Department. The sign above the display noted that the rider had only recently obtained his license.”
~
When I first posted this (10/13/09), I checked with Snopes and they had no info at all.
** This article was updated 10/10/2010
~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last year, I spent several weeks studying this issue for my readers. This problem is complex and is not going to go away soon.
Can You Get the UV Brighteners Out of Your Clothing?
For the next few days, we will be discussing UV Brighteners and the use of special soaps on hunting clothes.
In 1993, researchers at the University of Georgia conducted a study that literally shook the world of deer and turkey hunting. *
I could go into a long explanation: ‘The difference in our eyes versus that of the deer and turkey.’ However, most folks don’t want the full 50 cent sermon; they just want to know how it will affect them and their hunting.
1) Deer and human eyes are the same – in that both use rods and cones. Rods = are light sensitive and cones = see colors.
Deer have more rods and can see better in low light. Humans have more cones, which means that we can see colors better than deer.
2) Human eyes have a protective layer that protects them from up to 99% of UV rays, but deer do not. This means that we can see details better than deer.
3) Human eyes see light in the “visible spectrum” – including violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Beyond violet, there is something called the ”ultraviolet spectrum.”
Deer can see this “ultraviolet spectrum” naturally. We can see this range of color only when we use a black light.
During the past generation, the changes in textile manufacturing have been staggering!
In the beginning, everyone wore cotton. As a way to sell more white and light colored cottons, some bright bulb created ‘UV Brighteners.’
By adding these UV Brighteners, white (and brightly colored) fabrics stayed light and bright through many washings.
These additives were not in hunting clothing while American companies manufactured the clothes we wear.
Over the years, China increased their market-share of the manufacture and construction of clothing world-wide.
However, no one advised the Chinese that UV Brighteners were not used in hunting clothes. Before long, most clothing sold in America had these brighteners.
Next time, we will learn about some mighty unhappy hunters!
~
* The eyes of turkeys were also studied, and I’ll discuss this later.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
To Recap: By the time of the 1993 study,* China’s take-over of the textile industry was in full-swing. These two unrelated things turned the world of the hunter upside-down!
Looking for Clothes Without UV Brighteners!
Suddenly, hunters were hearing that deer could see UV light. However, just about all new clothing available in the stores was full of the stuff (UV brighteners)!
What should a hunter do?
The simplest thing I could tell you to do is: Watch the outdoor TV shows and buy the hunting clothes they sell (guaranteed free of UV brighteners), even though they are very expensive.
Then spend lots of money purchasing washing products that will keep your hunting clothes UV free.
But I’m ‘Old School.’ That isn’t a service to my readers — that’s the path-of-least-resistance.
I’m going to make suggestions along the way that will leave money in your wallet. If I don’t make a convincing argument for doing what I do, there are plenty of companies ready to take your money.
I have no axe to grind; no profit motive. I don’t sell any of the products I will mention!
The University of Georgia study had some other interesting conclusions, of interest to hunters.
1) Deer lack the ability to distinguish the color of red. Thus, hunters can wear red and orange (so hunters can see each other), without warning deer.
2) Deer see blue and green. However, they cannot tell green from red, blue from red, or red from orange.
Blue is a poor color choice for camo — deer see this color. But red, orange and green are safe colors for camo.
3) Deer can see UV dyes/brighteners in clothes. HOWEVER, seeing UV brighteners IS ONLY A FACTOR IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS.
The “bummer” is: Deer are more active in low light conditions.
The justification for adding brighteners to hunting clothes was: These brighteners help the fabrics accept the dyes better AND colors stay longer in clothes. Thus, your camo pattern won’t fade as fast.
In other words: Longer lasting clothes = value to the customer.
Boy did they miss the point here! Hunters are still ‘hot-and-bothered!’
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Come Back Tomorrow: What’s a Hunter to Do?
~
* The University of Georgia learned “how deer see.” Their studies were verified by other universities in America.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This discussion will be for folks who need new hunting garments. Next, I’ ll make suggestions for hunters who already have hunting clothes/camo wear.
Finally, I’ll talk about — Is this all “much-ado about nothing?”
1) Get a black light flashlight! You will need it when you go shopping
Be Sure to Sit and Stretch to Make Sure Hunting Clothes have Enough Room!
for new hunting clothes.
Sources online offer them between $20 and $75! You cannot use an ordinary flashlight.
2) Shop wisely! You will be searching for hunting camo without UV brighteners. You will need to use a dark-ish room.
Turn on the flashlight (in a darkended room); if the clothing glows, it has the dreaded brighteners.
Hunting togs without brighteners may cost more. Keep in mind that you need to scan over all of the clothing.
You may find that only the hip pockets glow.* Will that be a problem for you? Can you cover the area?
Are you a ‘clearance table’ hound, like me? Be careful. The reason items may be on sale or on the clearance rack is that they were rejected by last year’s hunters. Use your blacklight here too.
Also, rub two parts of the garment together. Is there any noise? Both deer and turkey have much better hearing than hunters.
If you can hear the ‘swish’ — so can they. That’s why cotton and wool have always been so popular with hunters; they are quiet!
Do these garments have a sheen; they must be matte! Often, a washing or two will cure the shine problem. Ask the salesperson or someone who would know.
The trick is to keep your hunting clothes UV free! This is no time to use the ‘wrong’ detergent and forever add UV brighteners to your pristine clothes!
Yep! It’s no joke. Using the wrong detergent — even once — will permanently add UV brighteners to your clothes!
There are a couple of enterprising companies that have created business empires by convincing hunters that anything on the grocer’s shelves will doom them (and their clothes) to UV brighteners’ hell.
Tomorrow: The List of Grocery Products Without Brighteners
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* UV brighteners are added to fabrics before they become garments. Sometimes, the manufacturer is not careful about checking the origin of all of the cloth.
** A Reminder: I don’t sell any products I mention in this series. This is strictly educational information.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last time, I shared with you the brand names of the detergents that do not add UV brighteners to your hunting clothes.
Taking Care of Your Hunting Clothes!
Is for those of you who have clothing purchased with UV brighteners in them or you have washed your hunting clothes in the wrong detergents.
I hate to admit it, but I haven’t found any product — or washing process — that will remove UV brighteners except Atsko’s UV Killer. *
Believe me, I’ve tried everything: multiple washings with concocted brews and a variety of products. Repeated washings will not remove the brighteners, once added.
If you have brighteners in your hunting togs, there’s only one way to remove them.
However, after removing the UV brighteners, save some money by using the products mentioned in the last posting (Part 4*: Approved Detergents for Hunting Clothes).
These will not replace the UV brighteners in your hunting goods:
Country Save
Bold Powder
Cheer Liquid (all versions)
Cheer Powder (all versions)
All Powder (all versions)
Surf Powder (all versions)
Woolite (all versions)
20 Mule-Team Borax (although not a detergent in the normal sense, this product has had the same ingredients for over 100 years.)
baking soda (same reason)
- Lots of hunters put their hunting clothes in plastic bags with leaves, conifer cones, etc., from the area they plan to hunt. The clothes absorb the odors of the plant material.
– Wash yourself with non-scented soaps.
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages before hunting.
- Some hunters clean the clothes washer before washing their hunting things by washing a short wash with baking soda (as the detergent). This cleans the tub of all detergents, so no trace of UV brighteners will stain their clothing.
- Some hunters swear by “earth scented” dryer sheets. Others dry their clothing outside. I tend to err on the side of caution and avoid the dryer, if possible. If there can be detergent residue in the wash tub, can’t there also be softener residue in the dryer?
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Next Time: More Tips and Washing Soda/ Baking Soda as Washing Products
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics
Four Separate Pieces to Cover the Entire Hunter!
Nothing was said last time about buying hunting clothes that have UV Brighteners. This will be addressed in the next section — Having Clothes With UV Brighteners.
Hunters aren’t the only group who want to avoid UV brighteners. The military and law enforcement have been avoiding these dyes for decades.
These directions are from two excellent sites: 4MilitaryFamilies.com and rangerjoes.com. Important notes:
1) Are you using a generic or house brand of washing detergent? Then look on the label to see ‘compare to [brand]‘.
For example: If your favorite grocery store chain detergent says on the label, “Compare this product with XYZ National Brand.” The store brand has the same ingredients as the national brand XYZ.
Look at our list. If the brand is listed as “approved” then the generic is approved too.
2)Detergent brands are NOT going to list “UV Brighteners” as an ingredient. The two sites mentioned above and I have called detergent companies and asked questions.
Country Save** ** 4MilitaryFamilies.com Approved!
Bold Powder
Cheer Liquid (all versions)
Cheer Powder (all versions)
All Powder (all versions)
Surf Powder (all versions)
Woolite (all versions)
Two Others I’d like to add: *
20 Mule-Team Borax (although not a detergent in the normal sense, this product has had the same ingredients for over 100 years.)
baking soda (same reason)
Rangerjoes.com offers excellent instructions (for the newbie-hunters). Special ‘thanks’ go to A. Hammond, 3rd IBCT RFG Assistant 10th Mtn Div, for compiling this info.
1) ”Before washing, close hook and loop fasteners to prevent snagging.
2) Washing: Machine wash in cold water using Permanent Press Cycle or hand wash using a mild detergent that DOES NOT contain optical brighteners or fabric softeners. DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH. Rinse completely. DO NOT WRING OR TWIST.
3) Drying: Hang dry or machine dry on low to medium setting …. Remove from dryer immediately.
To drip dry, remove from water and place on rust-proof hanger.
DO NOT STARCH or COMMERCIALLY HOT PRESS.
4) NOTE: Turning the uniform inside-out while laundering prevents the hook and loop from attaching to other items and prolongs the usefulness of the hook and loop.” (from Rangerjoe’s site)
Turning the garment inside-out — your clothes will last longer & there’s less wear on the pattern.
~
Next time — For the Hunter with Everything, Including UV Brighteners!
* More on these items later.
** Disclaimer: I don’t sell any products I will mention in this series. This is strictly educational information.
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This just might be “pure genius in a bottle!” Because of the hydrogen peroxide, I’d put this on par with Oxi-Clean — for a lot less money!
Place 2 cups of water in an empty spray bottle. Add 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Stir in 1 oz. of unscented shampoo and place the top back on the spray bottle. Shake the bottle and then spray your hunting clothes down with the mixture.
Passing the 'Sniff' Test!
This will freshen up the clothing and take away any odor the hunting clothes have. This will keep animals from smelling you and give you a better chance of catching one.
Use this formula on hunting clothes that you’ve already washed with residue-free detergent.
–from Alicia Bodine, eHow (source of this recipe)
- Both products are natural and have been used as washing products for more than 100 years!
- There are no additives — they are pure products (there are no UV brighteners).
- They are economical.
~~~
Hunters use a variety of ways to mask their scent while hunting. Some buy every jim-crack and ge-haw available. And that’s OK, if you have a gushing oil well in your back yard.
These additional tips are for hunters interested in having a good time, without over-spending….
- Unscented Arm & Hammer deodorant uses baking soda to absorb your scent – for a lot less money than the fancy hunter’s brands.
- Shampooing before going out on a hunt? Be sure to leave the tooti-fruiti smelling shampoos on the shelf and use an unscented brand.
- Some hunters are so serious about de-scenting themselves that they wash their bedding, towels and sleeping bags in unscented detergents.
- Other hunters don’t want house smells to contaminate their clothing/bedding/etc. They leave these items outside – at all times.
- Instead of storing hunting clothes with pine boughs, etc., some hunters store theirs in sealed tubs or plastic bags with charcoal in the containers. They state that they do not remove their clothing from the bags/sealed tubs until they are ready to hunt.
- One of the most unusual ideas: Avoid wearing your hunting boots and clothing in a cafe or to a gas station!
~~~
Disclaimer: I don’t sell any products I mention in this series. This is strictly educational information.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Few are Sitting on the Fence About this Issue!
During my convalescence from shoulder surgery, I’ve had the time to read a variety of views expressed (via Internet) on the issue of UV brighteners and masking one’s scent from deer and turkey.
One thing I’ve learned is that few people are on the fence regarding brighteners and scent masking! Everyone seems to have an opinion.
I find that I hold the same opinion as a minority of others - mainly, that this may be “Much Ado About Nothing.” (My English teacher should be proud of me for managing to insert William Shakespeare into a hunting discussion!)
The landmark study by the University of Georgia generated several recommendations and insights. During daytime, deer sight is only ‘average.’
They see the issue of camouflage as more important than the deer’s eyesight (whose color vision is also average during daylight hours). In general, large areas of unbroken color are not recommended.
As long as the hunter’s clothing blends in with the terrain, the hunter is “OK.” Thus, this study recommended using camouflaged clothing.
The study recommends both camo and orange (for safety – so other hunters can see you). Some states still do not allow hunters to wear this combo, however.
Another issue: Do not wear plastic or vinyl. Why? These two reflect light. So, the same reason you wear a face veil — to decrease the light your face reflects — is the reason for avoiding plastic and vinyl.
The issue of “UV brighteners” comes into play only during low light conditions! They are talking about early morning and late evening.
In these conditions, deer see UV brighteners. You and I know that, unfortunately, deer tend to be active during these times.
~~
* The study I’m referring to is the cooperative effort between the University of Georgia and the University of Wisconsin. This group of scientists proved that deer see only two colors — yellow and blue.
Disclaimer: I don’t sell any products I mention in this series. This is strictly educational information.
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I believe that a hunter’s site of ”up wind” versus “downwind” is more important than the soap used! Developing an understanding of the terrain, winds and wind thermals seem more important to me.
In fact, I’ve read that the number 1 rule of success during a deer hunt is scouting the land before-hand! Having knowledge of deer trails, checking spore and knowing where water lies, are important to success.
Deer are much more sensitive to scent — and they can detect scent from greater distances. There are some products that promise to remove scent from the hunter.
I wonder if they work? Could it be that deer notice when there is no scent, as well as when there is too much human smell?
You might want to take note of some of the interesting suggestions hunters offer to handle human scent (See: For the Hunter with Everything, Including UV Brighteners! and More Tips to Hide Your Scent).
I think a hunter’s movement is another important consideration.
Only you can decide how important this issue is to you. Perhaps the UV brightener-killer is right for your needs. However, I read something from R. Henshaw (on a forum).
He suggested purchasing a large box of 20 Mule Team Borax. “Wash your hunting clothes in that, do not use fabric softeners, do not use dryer sheets. ”
I’ve decided that ‘it’s a plan.’ Before I try the high-priced solutions, I’m going to keep it simple.
Another idea I’m considering: Repair MDH’s (my deer husband’s) old hunting clothes, languishing in the back of a closet!
Until recently, when textile manufacturing moved to China, this was a non-issue, no problem. I’m also planning to check out thrift stores in our area for camo not bearing the tag, “Made in China.”
One company is touting their wool hunting garments as an alternative to the ‘glowing goods’ that seem to be everwhere in the stores today.
However, I think there is something close to ‘undue concern’ about the glowing hunting goods, to the exclusion of issues that just might matter more.
**For more info about the amount of borax to use, go to article, “Words of Wisdom & A Bit of Humor” and look at the bottom paragraphs.
Remember: Scent and movement are more important (they can be seen/smelled further away) than the color of your clothing or whether it has UV brighteners.
~
*’Early Snowfall’ used through the courtesy of Vantage Point Graphics
~~~
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Info from Yesterday’s posting:
Locating Your Tree Stand
Safety & Your Tree Stand
Finding Active Feeding Areas
Pinch Me! *
Now let’s return to mid-day hunting from your tree stand.
Hunters are most active between 10 am and 2 pm (not that you are hunting them). You can take advantage of this mid-day movement! While deer are on the move avoiding the hunters, they try to stay away from the open.
If you have placed your tree stand in the woods, you will be able to watch the deer move quietly from one wooded area to another, staying in the shadows.
Locating your tree stand near water might be a great idea. There are some factors that will affect your choice.
In dry areas, where there are few watering holes, setting up your tree stand nearby may be a super idea. Before deciding on a spot, however, make sure there are fresh tracks around the water.
If there are few fresh tracks, the whitetails are spending most of their time elsewhere. You have the best chance of success where watering holes are far apart.
If there are lots of gathering places for water, the deer have too many choices and this decreases your chances of catching sight of a deer in the crosshairs of your gun.
Whitetails are skittish near water — they are vulnerable. It is critical that you avoid movement or noise.
Deer do most of their feeding in dim light. They usually drink water in late afternoon, before traveling to feeding areas. In the morning, before heading to their beds, they also take water.
Ever watchful, if whitetails see or smell something unusual, they turn tail and run. They don’t wait around to see if they’ve over-reacted!
Did you know that arrow or gun shots that enter game’s body at a high angle and exit at a low angle leave a better blood trail? This helps you recover your game!
Two last tips: Keep your tree stand in the shadows of the tree. This is no time to give your location away!
In a tree stand, the animal’s vitals are at a different angle. Aim your rifle or arrow a bit lower to get the vital organs.
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* This image is ”Pinch Me” and is used by permission from ClearVue Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
'Thank You' for Keeping Our Skies Safe! *
Before starting today’s article, I’d like to thank all veterans for the sacrifices they have made for us!
I cannot fathom the grief of the mothers and fathers who lost their adult sons and daughters in the tragedy at Fort Hood! Just as they were thinking how great it was to have their children safe in the US, they had to face such unspeakable and shocking grief.
'Thank You!' to each Member of our Army!
America doesn’t just have heroes on foreign soil! Fort Hood reminds us that heroes are everywhere!
If you see a serviceman or woman today — in a restaurant, a coffee shop or convenience store -- how about picking up the tab for their meal, coffee, newspaper or coke?
We Thank the Folks who Protect our Shores! *
Here’s a list of the most common situations that cause hunting accidents:
2 Words That Say it All: 'Semper Fi!" *
Our Navy -- Protecting Us on the Seas! *
Before you shoot, be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.
Have your weapon pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Every gun is loaded UNTIL you check it yourself!
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot!
Shooting from a vehicle is against the law (in most states) and unethical!
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These military rear window graphics are used by permission of ClearVue Graphics! (click-able)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Guess Who's Watching for YOU! *
At least once in our lives, most of us get the opportunity to hunt deer in a new locale. Here are some tips for finding deer in a variety of locations — from deserts to hardwood forests!
Because forage is hard to come by in a desert region, deer tend to travel greater distances in search of food. The best plan here is to find a place where you can see lots of land at the same time (in a rocky area, near the top of a canyon, etc.).
With binoculars or a spotting scope, you can see movement in large areas. Remember, if you can see the deer, he can see you! Slow movement is called for in this situation.
We call a place a ‘desert’ because of the scarcity of water and food. Use this fact to your advantage!
Hunt close to water holes, especially if the weather has been dry. This works best when watering holes are fairly far apart (so the deer don’t have so many choices).
By the time a buck has reached the age of 4 or 5, he knows about hunters. These deer are very savvy and tend to look for land with difficult access. The harder it is for you to get to him, the easier he can breathe!
Look for rocky ridges (Stay off the ridge line, however. You’ll be busted quickly by alert, watching deer). Other difficult terrain to try includes deep canyons.
Essentially, you are looking for places deer are sure you won’t want to bother with in your pursuit of them. Get out of your vehicle and walk as far as you can — to avoid other hunters.
Will be back soon with another exciting article about deer hunting!
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* “Break in the Storm” – from the Wild Wings collection of Vantage Point Graphics. Used with their permission.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If your hunting area is near agricultural fields, count your lucky stars! Deer head for farmer’s fields in the late afternoons and start their exit during the early morning hours.
Deer Move to Heavy Cover As Daylight Begins! *
Because a farmer’s agricultural lands are favorite eating places, deer generally spend their non-feeding hours (daylight) in heavy cover, near those fields.
If you can locate the deers’ bedding and feeding areas, you will want to set up a tree stand or deer blind. This way, you can watch for deer moving from the fields where they feed to their bedding areas.
You will see the most activity in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Since you know that deer generally hide during daylight hours, you should use a different strategy. You and a partner can stir up some action by walking parallel to each other through thickets.
With luck, you two can push deer out of their hiding places. Deer on-the-move are easier to shoot than deer that are hunkered-down until dark.
Deer like to eat and hide in dense vegetation. This is another area where you can use the “drive” technique with other hunters.
You will need hunters to act as ‘standers’ or ‘blockers.’ Standers are located where deer are likely to bolt and run. Where? On frequently used trails and along saddles.
Drivers carefully work an area. It’s a good idea to have the drivers zigzagging through the brush, as a means of confusing the deer.
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Next time: More hunting tips – for forest regions!
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* “When Color is King” – from the Wild Wings collection of Vantage Point Graphics. Used with their permission.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Heading for Higher Ground! **
Deer may hide in evergreen forests, but they don’t feed there. Why? There’s little sunlight in these forests to allow the deer’s favorite foods to grow.
Deer often use heavy forests to hide in during the day, but they travel to better feeding areas in the late afternoon and evening.
The food that deer prefer to eat is brush — which happens to grow in open areas. You can use this info to find a great hunting spot.
Set up a ground blind near potential feeding areas. You will need good visibility (to see the deer as they are coming towards you).
Plan to stay there until the shooting light merges into dark. This is the time that deer are moving around, looking for a quiet meal.
If you thought evergreen areas were bad, hardwood forests are no better for the hunter. About the best you can do here is scout around for signs that deer have been in the area.
You are looking for recently used trails (is the scat fresh?), scrapes and rubs on tree branches or trunks. If you find a likely spot, with good visibility (remember, you want to shoot a deer, not a fellow hunter), select an area where you can watch fresh trails or fresh rubbing on trees.
Sometimes, as hard as you try to avoid them, other hunters are using the same patch of land. If those hunters are on the move, they may drive game to you.
If not, try ‘still hunting.’ Move v–e–r–y slowly, stop, look around and listen for movement or sound. * ALWAYS keep the wind in your face. This is no time to let game catch your scent!
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* Before you take aim, make sure you are watching a 4 legged creature and not one with 2 legs — and a weapon!
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** This image is “Higher Ground” and is used by permission from ClearVue Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Fire is One of the Great Joys of Being Outdoors!
With the cooler weather coming our way, now is a great time to review how to build an open fire — safely!
Tinder – pine cones, leaves, dry grasses, dried pine leaves, etc.
Kindling - small tree or brush branches, twigs, etc.
Fuel - larger tree branches, logs, etc.
When we start a fire, we are accepting the responsibility of protecting the animals and their habitat on the land we are using.
Make sure your fire is out before leaving.
Take your trash with you. Leave your campsite in as-good-as or better condition than when you found it!
Remember, thousands of acres of land are burned each year — by carelessness. When land burns … animals die!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
For the next few posts, I’m going to talk about strategies for helping yourself when “all goes wrong” while camping, hiking or hunting. The items included here could help you survive getting lost in the wilderness.
You will note that no cell phone is included. I believe they give a camper/hiker/hunter a false sense of security. In my experience, they rarely work in mountainous or sparsely inhabited regions.
A Map: Have a map of the area you are hunting in or hiking through/to and be able to read it. Understand the land features the map is illustrating — before you set out.
“Back Trail:” Look back often, to get a feel for what the way back will look like.
Landmarks: As you are walking, make note of land features or oddities that will help you make your way back. Make notes, if necessary, so you can remember the landmarks in the right order.
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Tomorrow: Dangers in the Wilderness & What to Do When You Meet a Mountain Lion, etc.
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Info on How to Avoid a Mountain Lion Attack is Below! *
Drowning: Major danger
Sliding & Falls: Biggest danger in the wilderness!
Rockfalls, Avalanches, Landslides: Rare danger
Lightening Strikes: Rare danger
Freezing, Cold Winds: Major cause of problems
Sun & Heat: Major cause of problems and distress
Wildfire: Extremely rare
Wildlife: Very rare
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With all we hear about the dangers of wild animals, it is hard to imagine that interactions are rare. What if you meet a (card-carrying) member of the wildlife community?
Deer
You might be amused to see ‘deer’ included in dangerous wildlife. However, they can be extremely dangerous.
See my previous story: “Amazing Info of 2008: Published by (Gasp) Others!” Read about Randy Goodman (bottom half of the article), who learned about “UN-dead” deer the hard way!
Be cautious around a deer that is down. Make sure he is really dead. After making various other tests … the gold standard is: If you can touch a deer’s eye, he’s dead.
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Next week: We will take on bears, snakes and other wildlife!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Most of us look at hiking, camping and hunting in the woods as “a walk in the park.” However, if you run into a hungry bear or angry snake, you need to know how to handle yourself!
Bears don’t require engraved invitations to cause you grief! Bears have learned that man travels with many things that will satisfy the bears’ love of sweets & natural curiosity.
If you are a hunter, hiker or camper in bear country, avoid putting out the “welcome mat” by:
* Take a look at a great article – “Hanging Food & Bear Camping Tips”
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Any snake worth his venom would rather run than bite!
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** Try my “snake finding” test: “Be Careful – Surprise in the Leaves!“
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
No, I’m not referring to being lost in the holiday rush!
In most wilderness areas, a compass is more useful than a cell phone! *
This posting is about getting lost — in the wilderness – or being separated from your group while skiing – or when stranded in your vehicle, far from help.
Being surrounded by shopping malls, gas stations and take-out restaurants, few of us think about how easy it is to die while waiting for rescue!
Believe it or not, admitting that you are lost is an important first step! Why? Think about the last time you were lost, and “somebody” refused to stop to ask for directions.
Until a human admits to being lost, he/she wastes precious energy and resources trying to get ‘UN-lost.’
Once they admit to being lost, the instinct for survival seems to ‘kick in’ and folks are more likely to make better decisions.
Each letter in the word ‘STOP’ stands for some clever tips!
Instead of increasing your problems (and becoming more frightened), these tips will help you to focus your energies into useful actions!
* Since few 4 legged animals ”phone home,” there are precious few cell phone towers ‘in the wild!’
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Folks who are active — in sports, outdoor activities, whatever — are healthier and less likely to be worried about the issue of health.
However, those of us fortunate enough to spend more time on earth, are aging. And with age comes more health concerns.
Now that MDH * and I are moving closer to the shadow of Medicare (because of our ages), we are paying attention to the health care debate.
We are very concerned, but can’t think of any snappy way to respond to the politicians who have decided that anyone over 59 is well, just too damn old….
Sarcastic, sassy Maxine has a message! I wish I could have said it as well!
Senior Health Care Solution
So you’re a senior citizen and the government says “no” health care for you, what do you do?
Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets.
Your are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives.
Of course, this means you will be sent to prison where you will get
And who will be paying for all of this?
The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care.
Oh yes, an added bonus: Because you are now a prisoner, you don’t have to pay income taxes anymore.
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!
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The reason anyone over the age of 59 is expendable is that our senators, representatives and loser-in-chief (most of whom are well over 59 years of age) have already created a WONDERFUL health plan for themselves!
Take a look at the provisions for THEM … it will make you sick!
Your grandparents and my mother aren’t worth keeping alive, but you and I are paying plenty to keep the fat cats (and all their dependents) healthy! ***
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* MDH = My Deer Husband
** Of course this isn’t Maxine; she’s a copyrighted figure. Just imagine this woman with … some sassy, round sunglasses, an attitude and a snarly smile ….
*** Guess when their benefits start? As soon as they are elected!
Guess how long their benefits last? As long as they live! (They don’t have to remain in Congress to keep their benefits!)
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Ready and Waiting for Something New? *
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been updating my site! I’d like to tell you about a few new changes.
The “Wildlife Outdoors Rear Window Graphics” section was getting too large. I moved the
Now, I’ll have plenty of room to add more of these graphics!
Here are 2 of the new items:
Handsome Red Heads are Now in "Bird Hunting!"
Dawn Patrol Has Been Added to 'Bird Hunting'
By moving the birds to a new section, I can now add a wider variety of wildlife here.
I plan to add:
Here are 2 new additions:
October Moose is Now in our Outdoor Wildlife Graphic Section!
This is the First of Our New Bear Rear Window Graphics!
some shameless self-promotion! If you are a regular reader, you know that I only talk about new products 3 or 4 times per year!
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These Rear Window Graphics are shown by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Wild boar Smell Better than Javelina, but Don't Look Much More Attractive!
Wild boar were brought to the Americas from Europe as a domesticated food source many generations ago. Some strayed and became our ‘wild swine.’
In order to adapt to their environment, these ‘wild ones’ grew tusks and stronger snouts. Obviously, pigs fed by man have little need of tusks and digging snouts.
The senses of wild swine are very well developed. However, the javelina is not so lucky. Their sense of smell is excellent; but their sense of hearing is fairly poor and their sense of sight is poor.
Experienced hunters tend to listen for peccaries; table-manners are absent from the DNA of javelinas and, … well … they ‘eat like pigs.’ The noise of the peccary’s eating helps hunters get close enough to shoot.
Make sure you have this little stinker ‘dead to rights’ before shooting. Javelinas are totally devoid of a sense of humor (Maybe it is because of all that cactus they eat!).
It’s an awesome experience to try to outsmart this wily and potentially dangerous creature! Generally, shooting a peccary is not the first choice of a hunter, around here.
However, things happen. When deer are in short supply at a hunting site, javelina make a ‘wild-and-woolly’ second choice. You never know what they will do!
A javelina’s first instinct is to run away. However, they can become dangerous when cornered or once they are wounded. It’s too late, at this point, to check on increasing your life insurance! (; -)
These are ‘mean mama’s’ when injured. They are definitely Old Testament guys with a belief in ‘an eye for an eye.’ Hunting javelina is thrilling and scary!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Decoys Tell Ducks Flying Overhead, "Yum, there's plenty to eat here."
Even if your budget is tight, a few decoys are important to any duck or goose hunter. MDH,* in the early days, had a few realistic decoys for the edges — and filled in the center of his hunting area with newspaper or folded diapers!
My husband encouraged both of our kids graduate to underwear ASAP so he could have their diapers for decoys! When Richard started hunting, painting your own decoys was the standard!
I consider the 3 most important things to learn about the decoys you are considering are:
Most people look at price and the decoy’s looks without considering how easy the decoys are to carry and/or move around. This is a mistake. You will have plenty of time to kick yourself for a poor choice (of heavy, odd-shaped, ineffective decoys)!
Before dropping a wad of money in your sporting goods store, ask around. What types do others feel are worth the money? Is there any place these decoys are ineffective? Must you have a lot of them to have a convincing stand of decoys?
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More Soon: I’m flying today and hope to write more tomorrow!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Concealment is an Important Part of Bird Hunting!
It is a known fact that concealment is an important factor in duck & goose hunting success. But is camouflage – camo clothing – enough? No, not really. Remember that with a goose or duck’s life on the line, he/she tends to watch for hunters rather carefully.
However, to ensure success in hunting ducks and geese, you must control your movement! One of the best way to hide your movements is to use a blind.
There are lots of low-cost solutions to the problem of hiding from duck and geese. You just need to look around you and adapt your idea to your surroundings.
For instance, if you plan to hunt in a cornfield, use corn stalks as your blind. If you find yourself in rushes — make your blind of rushes!
It is important to use natural materials that fit into the environment where you are hunting. Ducks and geese aren’t dumb … and they aren’t about to give up their lives to a dumb stunt like sitting out in a field, hoping the birds won’t notice you.
If you find yourself in a hayfield, gather up the grass into mounds and crawl into the center. If you hunt in the same place each year (lucky you), it helps to prepare your blind early and set it in place, so the ducks get used to seeing it.
Your boat should be camo’d for two reasons. First, birds recognize boats as objects of the enemy.
Second, allowing the sun to glint off any part of your boat is a dead give-away of your presence.
Talking about glinting objects: Is your gun totally matte black? If not, you should acquire some camo patterned matte vinyl material to your gun stock to disguise it from the birds.
No matter how creative or expensive your blind, your movements will scare birds away. All the decoys in the world won’t entice game to come down … if they see a moving figure!
If you can’t sit still, you won’t be a success in bagging your limit of birds.
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Full Disclosure: Although I sell blind materials, I will not mention them in this article. My mission in this blog is to share information.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The suggestions included below will be of most value to beginning hunters.
Binocular glasses are an important tool for hunters. In order to be a successful hunter, you must see the deer (or other game) before they see you!
A good range of power is between seven and eight power. Typical
optic choices are: (7 x 35), (7 x 50), (8 x 30), (8 x 40), (8 x 42) and (8 x 56). The most common choice for hunters is (8 x 40).
But what does this mean? One x = what you can see with the naked eye. Thus, a 7x binocular promises to magnify an image 7 times larger than with the naked eye.
There is a direct relationship between power (size) and the brightness and view of an image. Remember that, in general, lower power optics offer brighter images and a wider field of vision.
(This will be an article on its own. The facts a prospective owner needs to know cannot be covered in 200 words. Thus, I will cover this topic in detail in a future article …. with the exception of the next comment.)
The diameter of your lens determines the binocular’s ability to gather light. When the lens is larger, it lets in more light so you can see things in greater detail.
If you want more light during the hours when deer are most active (dawn and dusk), then 7 x 50 is a great choice.
If you are going to use these binoculars for deer hunting, don’t let anyone talk you into buying high-powered binoculars (10x). Most hunters wear the binoculars around their necks, so they are handy for quick use.
Ten power binoc’s are heavy and they become progressively more uncomfortable – the longer you wear them. ‘Neck strain’ sounds pretty goofy … until you experience it. Ask me how I know!
You will find yourself in too many humid and water-filled situations to trust “water-resistant” glasses. I wouldn’t trust any binoc’s that weren’t waterproof!
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Next Time: More info about Binocular Lens Diameters.
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Full Disclosure: Although I sell binoculars and other optics, I will not mention them in this article. My mission is to share information about using the proper equipment while hunting!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a continuation of last week’s article about binocular features needed by hunters.
Magnification: Makes Objects Appear Closer than They Are!
But what does this mean? One x is what you can see with the naked eye. Thus, a 7x binocular promises to magnify an image 7 times larger than with the naked eye. Another way of looking at this is: A magnification of 7 means that the image you are seeing through your binoculars seems 7 times closer that it really is. Generally, the higher the magnification of a pair of binoculars, the narrower the field of vision. Thus, the closer the image appears, the less you see around that image. If you are focusing on a deer with a pair of 8x binoc’s, you will see much more of the scene around that deer than you would with 10x binoculars.
The diameter of your lens determines the binocular’s ability to gather light. When the lens is larger, it lets in more light so you can see things in greater detail. If you want more light during the hours when deer are most active (dawn and dusk), then 7 x 50 is a great choice. This is because , at lower power, your view will be brighter and you will have a wider range of vision than with stronger binoculars. Objective Diameter: This is the lens at the opposite end of the glasses from the eyepiece; its size is expressed in millimeters. Essentially, it tells you how much light this pair of binoculars can deliver. Understanding the Numbers: With a pair of binoc’s rated at 7 x 42, this is expressing – “7″ is the magnification and “42″ is the objective diameter (amount of light that can be gathered to see an image).
An Example of a Roof Prism
Prisms: In a nutshell, roof prisms are lighter but porro prisms provide a clearer, sharper image. The roof prism can be more compact. With the porro lenses, however, you get more depth perception.
An Example of a Double Porro Prism
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Full Disclosure: Although I sell binoculars and other optics, I will not mention them in this article. My mission is to share information about using the proper equipment while hunting!
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The 2 images showing the two types of prisms in binoculars are from Wikipedia. I am using them through the “Fair Use” Clause. This article is educational.
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This blog is a companion to my website, GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Mom Finally Gets Some Credit!
Most hunters do not realize that “dear ol’ Mom” was their first trainer in the fine skill of hunting. Dads came along later, to take the semi-trained youngster to the woods for further instruction.
Let me show you what I mean.
Your mother cautioned you ‘not to make a spectacle of yourself’ – an important hunting tip. Great hunters stay in the shadows – out of direct sunlight. There’s only one word for hunters who walk along the tops of hills with the sun behind them – busted!
Mama was right when she cautioned you to ‘quit wiggling.’ No matter how well you’ve camouflaged yourself, too much movement will give you away.
Most large game have an acute sense of smell. So, when your Mama told you to take a bath because you smelled, she was offering good advice.
This is not a time to bathe with your new bar of “Obsession” soap. Neutral, non-scented soap is the best idea.
Hunters planning on stalking in pine areas sometimes store their ghillie wear in plastic bags, along with pine leaves. Those hunting in dense woods often put a variety of leaves with their ghillie suits – so they will smell more natural.
Your mother provided excellent hunting training when she chased you to the bus, waving your mittens. Sweet thing that she was, Mama worried you’d catch cold.
Illness is the least of a hunter’s concerns. However, having one’s hands & face (and any other exposed surface) covered is critical because your body reflects light.
When a duck is looking down at a marsh and sees a flash of light, he continues on to a safer place. Deer also have an uncanny knack for seeing a single flash and knowing it’s time to move elsewhere.
If the hunter is relying on his camo and ghillie wear for concealment, he needs to remember Mom’s thoughts on this issue: “Child, go back to your room and take off that ratty shirt.”
She was really explaining that worn or faded camo does you little good. When the contrast (lights vs. shadows) is gone, so is your protection! If your image isn’t broken up by the lights and shadows, you will be seen.
“Don’t be a show-off,” was just your mother’s way of reminding you that shiny objects are seen objects!
Like your face – a thermos, rifle scope, watch – has reflective properties. These items should be removed or concealed – either with contact paper or matte tape or whatever. Remember: Your solution must be matte (flat, no reflection) or it’s no good.
When your mother queried you about “Are you ready?” and said, “Keep quiet when the visitors come,” she was doing her best to explain the importance of preparation for hunting. She was also trying to remind you to check your ‘noise factor.’
To be successful in hunting, preparation is critical. Realizing you need to travel back 100 miles to civilization to buy a can opener is a real bummer.
Oiling squeaks, gathering hunting supplies and food, checking your weapons – all calls for planning. Game relies on noise and movement to save them from your dinner table.
When Mama asked you to look at something “from a different point of view,” she was offering another excellent hunting tip. Hunters are more successful when they are not at eye-level with their quarry.
Be up in a tree (10 -12 feet up), or sitting on the ground with your back to a tree. You want to see the “whites of his eyes” before your target sees yours! Be where he doesn’t expect you.
I could go on, but I think I’ve proven my point that your Mom was your first hunting teacher!
It just goes along with my other hypothesis: Your Mother is Always Right.
– (Signed) Mama
© 2009 by Marylouise of GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
‘Thanks’ to MDH* for this gag!
MDH = My Deer Husband (Better known as: He who likes to be obeyed — but rarely is!)
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Spotting Scope on a Tripod
Hunters who hunt for mule deer often consider a spotting scope to be their best friend. Must you have a spotting scope if you are hunting mule deer (or other large game)? No, but it makes the job a lot easier!
In a recent post, I mentioned that you do not want to carry a 10x pair of binoculars around your neck for any length of time. Well, imagine dragging along something with 20x!
There seems to be a direct relationship between the size of the game and the distance from which you need to spot them. In other words, large game roams over larger areas and are weighed down with clever ways to out-fox the hunter.
If they can smell you or see you … they are GONE! How do you combat this problem? With a spotting scope.
A spotting scope on a tripod will help you see over long distances while hunting in open country. In fact, trophy hunters admit that a spotting scope is one of their most important pieces of gear!
Your spotting scope will get plenty of wear. Unless you only set-up your scope in your front parlor (to admire its looks), you need one that is durable and sturdy. Also, pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty…things happen.
To get a shot at a mule deer, you will probably be shooting from a great distance — as much as 300 yards. Muleys tend to roam over large expanses of open territory. And this is where spotting scopes are at their best.
From the photo with this article, you can see that a scope is really a small telescope. Because of its modest size, this tool is really versatile.
You’ll want all the clarity and brightness your scope can muster while hunting in the pre-dawn and sunset hours. In the store, don’t be afraid of trying out several.
Compare the brightness and clarity of the image on one object (it’s easier to compare when the object is the same) — a trophy buck on the wall, a ceiling fixture, whatever. Also compare the ‘field of view’ — you will want to see a large expanse at one time.
Another thing I’d want in a scope is a carrying case. These are fine instruments and they deserve to be treated well.
Full Disclosure: I sell binoculars and other optics. However, my mission in this article is to share information about using the proper equipment while hunting!
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This blog is a companion to my website, GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a busy day so I’ll share something my husband sent me via email!
A Few Thoughts: Who is minding the store while someone is constructing these?
Another Thought: This person has serious amounts of time on his/her hands!
H-m-m-m-m-m: Who is cutting up all these pencils for the artist to work?
Just Wondering: Is this part of someone’s art therapy?
A Last Word: I’ve already checked Snopes – no info. My husband has no idea who did these. Enjoy!
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This blog is a companion to my website, GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is One Puppy I'd Leave Alone!
If you are camping, hiking, or even out hunting, you should pay close attention to your surroundings. While you are enjoying the scenery or excitement of hunting, keep an eye out for a fellow-traveler … the rattlesnake.
You are probably within 4 – 5 feet of a rattler. This is no time to decide to out-run the reptile. This is the time to freeze-in-place.
If you patiently stay in place, you can out-last the snake and he will slither off.
If you start to run and the snake is ready to strike, there is no way you can move fast enough! Remember that rattlers can leap forward one-half the length of their body.
Rattlesnake bites are very dangerous. Remember how we learned to ‘cut and bleed’ the bite and then apply a tourniquet? Forget it! That is s-o-o ‘old school.’
Within 30 minutes, the bitten area will swell up and turn black & blue. The accepted policy now is to use an ace bandage or soft cloth. Put it between the bite and your heart.
Don’t tie it as tight as a tourniquet — cutting off circulation isn’t the idea. The best plan is to hurry to get medical attention immediately after applying the bandage.
Not everyone who is bitten gets venom in the bite! In about 30% of cases, no venom is transferred during the bite. Your best protection is thick clothing and leather boots.
Another surprising statistic has to do with the location of the bites: About 98% of snake bites are to hands and feet.
Rattlesnakes, or any snake, for that matter, prefer not to bother with you. They would prefer to slither away — in peace. Don’t force them to attack. It will ruin your day!
Don’t let your undies get bunched up over snakes. Remember that we share the earth with snakes, and they were here first! Just use caution and reason. The truth is: Snakes like you less than you like them!
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Jim sent this very interesting comment: “… rattlesnakes don’t always rattle prior to striking. I can’t sight my original source for this information but here is a quote from wikipedia (suppose to be referenced but I could figure out which reference when with what information). “Adult snakes may lose their rattles on occasion, but more appear at each molting. If the rattle absorbs enough water in wet weather, it will not make noise.” Just thought I’d pass it along….”
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This blog is a companion to my website, EasyOnlineOrdering.com
The purpose of this posting is to talk about shot placement when hunting deer.
The aim of every hunter should be to bring a deer down with a quick, certain kill. Whether using a bow or a gun, the aim is to hit a vital area, so the animal does not suffer.
In general, bow hunters aim for the heart region. Thus, if the deer suddenly drops low before running away, your arrow may still hit the lungs.
The average whitetail weighs 150 lbs., and pumps about 8 pints of blood. If you do not kill the animal immediately, then massive hemorrhaging is necessary to bring the deer down.
Biologists estimate that a deer must lose 35% of his blood before he will fall.
A Handsome Buck Watching for Trouble!
Generally, this is a shot for gun owners only. This is because, unless the archer hits the animal dead-center, there’s a good chance that the arrow will deflect off a bone. Head-on, the chest area is a rather small area to hit.
Gun hunters have three vital organ areas available (head-on): in the neck, the lungs and the heart. Striking any one of these areas can cause the deer to drop dead, through shock or destruction of vitals.
A Wonderful Shot for Bow or Gun!
When a deer presents his side to the hunter, a well-aimed shot at the shoulder-blade can often drop the deer quickly.
Bow hunters need to avoid the shoulder-blade shot (arrow can be deflected by major bones) and zero in on the heart and lungs.
Another Good Position for Gun or Bow!
This phrase refers to a deer that turns 1/4 the way towards or away from you (note the photo). This is a great shot for bow hunters. Even if the shot isn’t dead-on, it can angle through the body and still kill the game.
Gun-hunters also consider this a good shot. Most hunters aim to go through the deer to the opposite shoulder.
The folks who use a bow to bring home food are a special breed! Generally, they must:
Yet, they move elegantly and I admire their skill. You have to be a great hunter to down a deer with so many factors against your success!
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Deer Rear Window Graphics used through the courtesy of ClearVue Graphics (# 1) and Vantage Point Graphics (# 2 and # 3)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
SANTA
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As always, “Thank You” to Dorothy!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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If you didn’t wake up looking like this …
You Missed Out on Swine Flu!
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And if You Stayed out of Stores Offering …
Your Kids Will Have to Find Another Way to Drive You Crazy!
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May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And (Best of All) –
Friends that Care!
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“Thank You” for a Wonderful Year …
We Look Forward to 2010
See You Next Year!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Everyone concentrates on the problems we’re having in this country lately:
Send More Tourists, the Last Ones Were Delicious!
Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It’s a win-win situation.
+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border. 
+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
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Are there any other problems that you’d like for me to solve today?
Yes!
Think about this one:
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments
C O W S
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington?
And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 18 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.
T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq . Why don’t we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we’re not using it anymore
T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S
The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:
in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians . . . It creates a hostile work environment.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Since we’ve added more than 50 new designs, I’d like to show a few more!
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Many of my Rear Window categories have been expanded and moved. Now, I offer about 400 different designs of back glass graphics!
As the Moon rises, two Wolves Come Out of Hiding! *
The wolf is an animal of mystery and interest. We have had several requests to add more wolf items.
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Snow Kings Clydsdales
Everyone loves horses and our customers particularly enjoy scenery with horses. We’ve added several new graphics to our Horses Collection.
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Cowboy Up Skull
The phrases “Cowboy Up” and “Cowgirl Up” reflect a state of mind!
Cowgirl Up Scroll
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Wood Ducks - Reflections of Autumn
We moved the grouse, ducks, turkeys, bobwhites, pheasant and mallards into a new category: Bird Hunting … and were able to add many more graphic scenes.
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An Absolutely Gorgeous Elk!
By moving Wolves and Bird Hunting to their own categories, we were able to add more deer, bears, foxes and antelope to our Outdoor Wildlife collection.
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John Rios is an amazing illustrator and artist. He offers such a range of rear window graphics that it is hard to peg his style. Therefore, I’ll just show you ….
This Guy Seems a Bit Tense!
And …
Wild as the Wind Rear Window Graphic!
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Our Rear Window Graphics are now in 14 separate categories! This will make it easier to scan — and find — what you are looking for in a rear window graphic!
FYI:
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Remember: Consider that any weapon is loaded unless you have personally removed the ammo! Never assume anything about a gun …
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Weapons need regular cleaning and maintenance. Hunters taking the time to keep to keep their weapons free of dirt and well-oiled have fewer problems.
During the life of a weapon, things happen that we don’t expect. Here are three problems hunters can have … and some possible solutions.
Weapons Require Regular Care!
This happens when we shoot and the gun does not fire immediately. Generally, there is an empty “click” sound coming from the gun instead of the expected “boom.”
For safety’s sake, it is important to keep the gun aimed downrange for at least one minute.
As children, we would laugh at Porky Pig and his antics while hunting. He never seemed to learn that it wasn’t a healthy move to turn the gun barrel around towards his head — while trying to figure out why the weapon didn’t fire.
Of course, about the time he got the barrel to his eye, the gun suddenly fired, leaving Porky with a fried face. We laugh because we know what a dumb thing Porky is doing.
However, it is no laughing matter when a gun does not discharge. After waiting a decent interval, unload the gun and look for an obvious obstruction or other problem.
If the problem is not obvious, or cannot be easily fixed, it is time to consult a gunsmith.
It is possible to lodge something in the end of your gun by tripping while holding your gun — and plowing your barrel into the ground.
It is important to unload your weapon and take it apart, while keeping the muzzle facing a safe direction. Clean the gun completely.
Never try to remove an obstruction by shooting it out!
While tramping out to your duck blind, it is possible for water, grit or mud to splash up into your barrel. Before loading your gun, be sure that you have checked the gun’s barrel.
MDH * takes along a coil-able wire (the length of the barrel) to remove debris. After he’s sure there nothing ‘foreign’ in the gun barrel, he loads it with ammo.
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MDH = My Deer Husband
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
* Please read the Disclaimer below!
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Maintaining your weapon is the most important thing you can do to make sure of a smooth operating gun. Before you get started, however, remember …
Do you have to clean a gun each-and-every time you use it? Perhaps. It depends on how much gunk remains in the gun after shooting and how fastidious you are.
It is easier to remove the crud in your gun before it ’sets up like concrete!’ Poorly cleaned or dirty firearms are not reliable.
While hunting, we never know who or what we will meet. If you come upon a rattlesnake – about to strike, or a mountain lion – ready to leap towards you, this is no time to have a gun that binds up or refuses to feed or eject a spent casing.
You clean a firearm to
Everything else is window dressing!
Sporting goods stores offer a variety of gun cleaning kits. If you are new to the task, selecting a good cleaning kit may seem like a daunting task.
Most kits have far more “stuff” than you need. Generally speaking, any cleaning kit that has “premium” in its title is probably over-kill.
After reading this summary, you will have a very good idea of the number of products you really need to complete the task of cleaning a gun.
I will describe one way to clean a weapon … it is not the only way. If you have learned the process using a different method … fine!
We have one goal: We want an absolutely reliable gun. How we reach that goal is less important than being sure that we do reach that goal!
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This Series:
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Disclaimer: The author of this information has made a good-faith effort to give accurate directions and advice. However, she makes no guarantees, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information offered here.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Catching Fish by Hook or Crook! Holly Speared a Northern Pike - Her 1st!
Because over 1/2 of the folks who order from my website are female, I thought that it might transfer to my blog. For my women readers: Here’s an interesting site I came upon yesterday.
This is a social networking site for women interested in the outdoors. Some of the categories are: hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, etc.
The 2 site managers, Melissa Ahonen & Joan Kleven, say they have created “a site for women of all outdoor lifestyles and stages to learn, share, and display their outdoor experiences.”
16 year-old Josie Gets her 1st Deer - A "Mega-Muley"
This site offers an incredible array of educational opportunities for those interested in learning outdoors skills.
They have info for each state. As an example, here’s the info offered in Texas (all areas) and Tennessee (bow hunting only).
Besides the photos and state round-up of learning opportunities, this site offers some interesting and informative articles.
Take a look at: Flesh Eating Beetles Did you know that hunters in Europe have a different way to display — and preserve — their trophy heads? It is an interesting article — for folks of either gender!
From product reviews to classified ads, this site has something for everyone. And if you are into the “social” scene, this is a great site to share info, photos and recipes!
Take a look! Enjoy!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Those of you who are regular readers:
You know this blog is on the cutting edge of all that is new!
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I’ve just learned that it is VERY IMPORTANT that you occasionally clean the inside of your monitor. As you might imagine, this is a difficult thing to do.
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With NO thought of the expense and trouble this might be … I have purchased some amazing software!
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As a Valued Reader, You Are Invited to Receive
This free service will not last long!
Get your monitor clean now!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These photos and story come from our son-in-law, a Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper reporter.
Just to be sure, I ran this past Snopes.com
It is not on their radar (no pun intended).
During a private “fly in” fishing excursion in the Alaskan wilderness, the chartered pilot and fishermen left a cooler and bait in the plane.
A bear smelled it. This is what he did to the plane.
The pilot used his radio and had another pilot bring him 2 new tires, 3 cases of duct tape, and a supply of sheet plastic.
He patched the plane together, and FLEW IT HOME!
Our son suggests, “I suspect this would not pass muster with the FAA!”
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Alright, Airplane Buffs: The aircraft’s # is: N9368D
Anyone know the pilot?
Any more to this story?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a quote from Ron Butcher, Clark County Safety Officer:
A Blast in Las Vegas!
“The extensive damage in the images shown below was caused by an acetylene tank that was leaking inside a plumber’s van.
Please ensure that we aren’t storing ANY flammables inside County owned vehicles. Please feel free to share this information with anyone you may know in the trades or who may carry flammables inside their POV.”
The Plumber's Former Van!
Thanks to Mike Shumaker of Parks & Recreation for providing this information!
This is the result of a leaking Acetylene bottle stored in a plumber’s van 10-22-09.
Accidentally ignited by activating a remote door lock device!
'There Goes the Neighborhood!'
Note the Info in the Top Right Corner!
Looking at the Former Van from the Air!
Fascinating Look from the Air!
I Wonder How Much the Plumber's Auto Insurance Rates Went Up!
This is tangible proof that ‘What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!’
While checking the Internet to make sure these are legit photos, I found some interesting comments.
On Fast Freddie’s Fabrications, there was some discussion and then Cory asks, “Well boys and girls what is the moral of this story?”
Idoxlr8 sagely says, “Don’t open a vehicle with a remote unless you are wearing body armor and a helmet.”
These photos are making the rounds of forums dedicated to welders, plumbers, etc. These are graphic reminders of the dangers of mishandling chemicals.
MDH * sent them to me; they were distributed to the workers at the chemical plant where he works!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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* MDH = My Deer Husband or “He Who Likes to be Obeyed … but rarely is.”
The Rut Draws Everyone's Attention! *
Between October and January, male deer start to think of romance. The breeding season is also called “the rut.” The busiest month is in November.
While the deer are thinking about breeding and baby fawns, they are not paying attention to where they are going. Most accidents between vehicles and deer happen during the breeding season.
Another cause of accidents is the fact that this summer’s fawns are starting to stray and may wander too close to roadways.
One or two fawns are born (in May or June) to a doe after a gestation period that ranges between 195 and 212 days.
At birth, these youngsters weigh between 5 and 9 lbs. (or 2.5 to 4 kgs.). They spend their first days hidden in tall grasses or other safe out-of-the-way-spots, while the doe feeds.
Fawns are born reddish-brown with white spots on their backs. They remain this color until the fall of their first year. At that time they take on the coloration of other deer — a gray-brown.
From the age of a few weeks to about 8 months, the fawn is in the constant company of his mother. Although weaned around 8 months of age, the fawn may stay with the doe for more than a year.
A young deer reaches sexual maturity at about 1 and 1/2 years; while the youngster takes 4 to 5 years to reach full physical maturity.
October 21 – January 5 - Most breeding activity takes place
November 12 – Peak of the breeding season
June 29 – Date by which most fawns are born
** from Texas Parks & Wildlife
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* “Dream Team One-on-One” used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Tuesday afternoon, I was driving south along Egret Bay (FM 270) from Clear Lake City to League City, TX. Along the side of the road was a young deer, feeding on grass.
Safety Tips for Driving in a Deer Habitat *
The deer had obviously stepped from the thicket behind him. He didn’t seem to notice the dozens of cars whizzing past.
Unfortunately, dusk was rapidly approaching and the deer was a gray-brown — standing on gray-brown grass, in front of a gray-brown thicket.
No one plans to hit a deer! Because deer weigh between 88 and 275 lbs. (40 – 125 kg.), this is an impediment no one wants to find in the road!
However, striking a deer in the road is an all-too-common type of traffic accident!
The most common month for deer-vehicle accidents is in November. There are two main reasons for this: deer are busy breeding (the “rut”) and the pressure of hunters (causing deer to move more).
However, this is January, not November. Because it has been so bitterly cold here, I’m sure the wildlife has been just as stunned by the cold as we have.
This young deer was out enjoying the warm day and noshing on some patches of grass. Frankly, I wouldn’t have dreamed that this land (so close to Houston, TX) would be a deer habitat. But it was: the thicket was on the south edge of Clear Lake.
There are countless stories of everyone in a car being killed, trying to avoid hitting a deer in the road. The deer almost always dies anyway.
It may seem callous, but the only way to save the humans involved is to keep control of the car.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Woodland Splendor *
Yesterday, I happened upon an article by Dave Richey — ‘Studying Deer Can Teach Valuable Lessons.’
I think he makes a great point about hunters concentrating on the actions of the bucks and discounting — or ignoring — the does and fawns.
My favorite part, however, was in reference to: noticing things about deer that fly in the face of conventional wisdom.
“Sometimes deer do the unexpected. Deer in many Michigan areas move from west to east in the evening, and from east to west in the morning. This flies in the face of what old-time deer hunters have told us when they said that deer always travel into the wind.
That’s just not true. They often travel downwind, and may switch and go crosswind if they wish, and occasionally will travel into the wind. Those that turn and go into the wind are usually suspicious of something. Deer that always travel into the wind may have been shot at or was spooked by a hunter sometime in the past. Deer travel how and where they want if undisturbed by hunters.” (From Dave Richey Outdoors, Dec. 5, 2009)
After reading this, all I can say is, “This man knows deer!”
While reading, I realized this was an articulate man with quite a bit of experience under his belt. However, who was speaking with such authority?
Google soon gave me the answer! Mr. Richey is “a retired staff outdoor writer and photographer from The Detroit News.” Before long, I found his “home” – Dave Richey Outdoors.
Mr. Richey posts regularly about things hunters care about! His photography isn’t too shabby either!
To learn something new, take a look at his blog. His Archives are chock-full of valuable information!
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‘Woodland Splendor’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The easiest blind is one that already occurs in nature; you just step into position and make use of a fortunate placement of fallen logs, a copse of lush grass, whatever.
Concealment for Bow Hunters is Particularly Crucial - They Generally Only Get One Shot!
Of course, the best ones are near rut rubbings or food sources.
Another easy blind is arranging a hiding place near an established trail. As long as you remain part of the background, you have a good chance to take aim at an unsuspecting whitetail.
What do you do when there’s no natural cover or concealment? What can you do on land that is virtually ‘bald prairie?’
This is where the excellent hunter outshines the ‘also rans.’ Look around, what part of the deer’s habitat that you can use?
If you are on ‘bald prairie,’ are there any shrubs, dead stands of corn plants or bales of hay around ? Chopping branches and dragging them into an impromptu blind, may solve your problem.
The lower to the ground you are (so you don’t stand out), the better. Bringing and using a camo blanket might work. The goal is to blend into the deer’s normal surroundings.
Scouting the land where you plan to hunt is always high on my list of “shoulds” before deer season begins. This gives you an opportunity to think about cover that might out-fox your prey.
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
As a native of the Houston-area, I grew up on salt-water fishing. In fact, I was 8 or 10 before I tried landing lunkers from fresh water.
Frankly, it seemed pretty tame in comparison to salt-water fishing. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the slower tempo of freshwater fishing.
In many ways, salt and freshwater fishing are the same: you use a line,
I Wish I had a Dime for Every Hour We Spent on the Galveston Jetties! *
bait, rod, hook and wait patiently. However, the tackle and tactics are different. Generally, the tackle is heavier-duty and rod/reel combinations seem heavier and capable of holding more line. With freshwater fishing, catching a “pounder” is considered great fishing – in most areas. When angling on the salty side of fishing, many species of under-sized fish must be tossed back (to grow up). You can keep the fish that meet minimum length/weight restrictions. Some anglers are surprised to hear there are two kinds of salt-water fishing: offshore (perhaps 15 to 30 miles out in the gulf) and shallow bay fishing. We usually went bay fishing (off a pier, dike or jetty), unless we got lucky and were invited to go offshore on someone’s boat.
It’s best to try salt-water fishing with someone who already knows ‘the ropes;’ this can be a co-worker or an uncle. The idea is to save some time climbing the learning curve! Fishing tackle and equipment for salt-water tends to be more expensive than for freshwater. It’s a good idea to use someone else’s tackle before buying your own. Ask questions about why they use ‘this leader’ or ‘that reel.’ It can save you time and money when selecting your own. Another way to learn good habits from the onset is to go on fishing with an experienced salt-water guide. Ask for recommendations, then call and ask questions.
You will want a guide that can meet your needs as a client. I find that going on a boat charter, although expensive, is a great way to learn. In general, they limit the number in the boat, provide all equipment and even clean the fish!
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‘Ocean Angler’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This article is a carry-over from last time. We are talking about learning the ropes while on a boat charter.
This Tarpon Beauty Feeds Along the Atlantic Coastline! *
If you are not looking to stuff your fish, but want to stuff your face with fish, you may want to keep looking. Watching someone else tussle with a marlin for 2 hours may not be what you want!
Asking for recommendations from your friends and relatives is always a good idea. Another method is — consult the chambers of commerce of cities along the coastline. They will have a list of guides and fishing charters.
You can go online for information; googling “salt-water fishing + Galveston, TX” brought up scads of information. The city of Galveston established some of the sites for fishing enthusiasts, while others were created by individuals trolling for customers.
While researching for this article, I came upon this site: http://texasladyanglers.com The goal of this site is to help women start or increase their salt-water fishing skills.
This organization puts on weekend retreats, headed by Captain Sally Moffett. It’s goal is for women to help women develop their fishing skills.
Sally’s program seems thorough: teaching some basics of biology, the ins-and-outs of saltwater tackle, how to fish with various baits and practice using a variety of angling techniques and tips.
Although the site hasn’t been updated lately, it is 100 strong and looking for more women to join. They offer meetings and seminars, fishing tournaments and are always on the lookout for folks willing to help with event planning.
The site has scheduled one major activity for 2010 — a group trip to Alaska (June 20-26, 2010).
of an Angling Group for women in your region or state? How about sending me a line, so I can share? Direct your info to: marylouise @ GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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* ‘The Strike’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Deer - Always Listening & Watching! *
Biologists have spent considerable time and effort trying to learn and categorize the sounds coming from deer. Two professors and a graduate student from the University of Georgia eventually identified twelve different whitetail deer vocalizations.
Drs. Larry Marchinton and Karl Miller, plus grad-student Tom Atkeson categorized those 12 sounds into cohesive or non-cohesive sounds.
When a deer makes cohesive sounds, he/she is trying to be social. Deer sounds that are maternal, mating and contact calls are cohesive.
An example of maternal calling is when a fawn mews (it sounds just like a cat meow) – trying to get the attention of his mother.
Does bleat to attract the attention of bucks; this is an example of a mating call.
Bucks use a simple grunt to start social contact with another deer.
These sounds are uttered by deer to express their dominance or subordination to other deer. By their nature, they are generally antagonistic.
In other words, they are not trying to be sociable, but are staking their claim to their place in the hierarchy of the deer herd.
If a dominant buck grunts to a lesser deer and the lesser deer does not accept his lesser rank (in relation to the dominant deer), a fight is likely to ensue. That ‘young whipper-snapper’ needs to learn his place.
There is no way to exactly convey the nuances of some of these sounds on paper. It is best to buy a DVD or audio tape of these sounds, so you can learn to imitate them.
Here’s an example of why it is so hard: A doe can bleat in three ways. She can bleat to communicate her dominance over another deer; she can bleat to show her submission to a more dominant deer or she can bleat to attract a buck — as a mating call.
Only by hearing the sounds can the hunter learn to imitate them as an aid to a successful hunt.
This is a natural point to pause for today. When we return to this subject, we’ll learn just how chatty whitetail can be!
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* ‘November Apples’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The American Indians gave us the phrases “hunter’s moon,” and “harvest moon” and “rutting moon.” Since their very survival was dependent
Moon Phases and Deer Hunting! *
upon their hunting skills and knowledge, they learned what things could affect their hunting — weather, terrain and moon phases.
This is a very specific period of time, the first full moon closest to the autumnal equinox (in 2010, the fall equinox will be September 22).
The Indians called it this because the moon was bright enough to allow them to finish their harvesting work. For deer hunting, the harvest moon is a ‘Pre-Rut Moon’ (see Charles Alsheimer’s book, Hunting Whitetail by the Moon).
Mr. Alsheimer stated that all mature does came into a brief 24 to 48 hour estrus cycle during this time. Thus, it can be an incredibly productive time to hunt deer.
This phrase refers to the 2 or 3 days before a full moon and the 2 or 3 days after the full moon phase ends. Bucks are looking for romance in the fall, roughly between October and January.
Thus, bucks are most active during the full moon periods during these months. They are constantly seeking and following does; looking for any doe that is or will soon come into estrus.
Thus, hunters may capitalize on these behaviors by hunting and using deer calls during these periods. (I’m going to come back to deer calling in future postings, in a series on ‘deer vocalizations.’)
Peter Fiduccia, in 101 Deer Hunting Tips, states, ” More fully mature whitetails are taken under a rutting full moon than at any other time — including during the midday hours.” (p. 74)
This master hunter states clearly that during the full moon, bucks will be active day and night. “They can’t waste valuable breeding opportunities with does just because it’s midday!” (p. 74)
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Future Postings
Before talking about the 12 distinct calls/sounds/vocalizations of whitetail deer, I will spend a bit of time on the hierarchy of deer (who is the top deer, and why).
The goal of learning the 12 calls, is for the hunter to learn to imitate those calls for greater success in the field!
Until Next Time!
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‘Howling at the Moon’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
During Breeding, Deer are More Active Day and Night! *
Deer are herding animals. As such, they live according to their hierarchy in their group. By the time breeding begins, the hierarchy (dominance) of the bucks is usually determined.
Generally, the dominant buck is between 4 1/2 and 7 1/2 years old.
Deer are enjoying the hot days of summer by lying about and eating their fill. Their antlers are still covered in velvet, which means that the antlers are still soft and growing.
Although breeding won’t begin for more than a month, things are starting to change. The deer become more agitated. Although the bucks’ antlers may still have velvet on them, the antlers have almost totally ossified (turned to bone).
Each day brings an increase in the bucks’ blood testosterone, which signals the antlers to harden and the velvet to curl up and fall off.
Without a mirror to view his ‘rack,’ bucks start whacking their antlers against small saplings or cedar bushes. They need to learn what they can and can’t do with their head-gear!
Fortunately for hunters, the pecking order of each group is determined while the deer’s antlers are still covered in velvet, which means that they are less likely to fatally gore each other.
This is nature’s way of making sure that the fittest will survive to breed.
However, dominance in the herd is not determined by antler-goring but by deer flailing each other with their front legs, while standing on their back two legs!
Does engage in this behavior too, because they have a distinct place in the group! The flailing continues until one of the combatants yields.
The dominant buck, often called the ‘old monarch,’ is usually wily as well as a good fighter. Generally, he keeps lower ranking animals in their place.
He has little tolerance for a 2 1/2 year old trying to replace him, but may be more cautious in fighting a 4 1/2 year old. The elder animal may be strong enough to challenge his leadership … or even mortally wound him!
Does also give him respect; should a female aggravate him, he can mortally wound her with his impressive rack.
Bucks use the weeks before breeding to develop their neck & shoulder muscles by rubbing their antlers against trees and bushes. Those scrapes also can be territorial markers.
The closer it gets to the breeding season, the fewer buck fights occur. Sometimes, they actually stop. They have more important things to consider!
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‘Midnight Run’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Listening and Waiting! *
This is a continuation of the previous article – ‘What Deer Are Saying!’ Although it is impossible to clearly explain on paper exactly the sounds deer make, the purpose of this article is to explain how these sounds are useful to a deer hunter!
Sporting goods stores have recordings of deer sounds that you can buy. By imitating the various sounds of the deer with your deer caller(s), you may be able to call a deer into range.
During the rut, when a deer sees a doe, he starts following her and signals his intention by grunting in low, rhythmic sounds, called the tending grunt.
It sounds something like a deep burp, burp, burp with a separate clicking noise. New hunters say that it sounds like a pig grunting – at some distance.
How do we apply this to hunting? When using this particular call, nearby bucks know that another buck is close and he’s following a ‘hot’ (ready to breed) doe. With such information, he will be ready to join the chase.
Even better, the dominant buck may hear. Now he’s going to be concerned that there’s an unknown buck chasing his hot doe! Because he’s top buck, he’s sure he can beat any stray deer that wanders into his territory.
Even young bucks will respond to the tending grunt. His thought runs along the idea that he might be larger than the calling buck and he can steal the hot doe.
If it is early in the season, does may respond. She is curious and wants to see the action. She also wants to know which buck is chasing that other doe!
After the peak of the rut, however, does tend to run away from the sound of the tending grunt. This doesn’t say much for the love-making skills of whitetail bucks!
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* “Dream Team Winter’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Although I’ve followed TalkHunting.com through their tweets, I recently spent time on the site and like what I see. If you are into hunting – this is a very friendly place.
With All the Tips & Hints Flying Around on TalkHunting.com, These Turkeys Should Be Shaking in their Shoes!
I’m not sure 400 words is enough room to explain this site! A year ago, they decided to collect wild game recipes for a cookbook and recipes started to arrive. Are you familiar with “Canned Venison/Elk?” I wasn’t.
At the bottom of page one, Captain Dale offers the recipe as a pdf file. Put raw slices of meat with some condiments in canning jars. By the time the pressure cooker has done its job, the meat is cooked and processed.
Although there are areas of general interest (Announcements & Events; Free Classified Ads, etc.), there are separate forums for specific hunting interests: Deer, Turkey, Big Game, Water Fowl & Game Birds, Other Critters (hogs, predators, etc.), and Hunting with Kids.
The thing that impressed me most was hunters helping hunters – with tips and suggestions. An example in the “Turkey Hunter > New Turkey Hunter” Forum: Someone new to hunting turkey asked how to get started. Seasoned hunters welcomed the newcomer and shared useful advice.
An interesting aside to this site is the fact that hunting product sponsors offer a variety of items to be given away each month! TalkHunting.com has devised a great way to distribute those prizes.
Members (yes, you must be a registered member to qualify) must promote the quality of the forum by participating in discussions. You need to offer a minimum number of posts for your name to be added to the pot for the drawings. Additional posts by members mean more chances of winning!
I’m a native Houstonian and our family moved a great deal during my early years. Chatting with a stranger has never come naturally to me. In fact, the entire concept of “social media” leaves me cold.
However, I’ve really enjoyed lurking (reading, but not commenting)* on this site. I’ve learned quite a bit in the time I’ve spent there.
If you are looking for friendly folks, lots of support, interesting stories and photos, this is a great spot. Say … lets lurk together!
On the site, I’m “marylouise22.”
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* Lurking is common for newcomers; you learn how things work, how to comment, etc. Of course, the expectation is that before long, you will want to participate. This is a easy site to get started.
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‘Proud Crowd’ is used by permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This post is for beginning anglers. The best place to go fishing is … where the fish are! In case you haven’t heard, fish are sneaky. However, I have a few hints, learned the hard way.
Trust Me, This Guy Has No Interest In Being Your Dinner!
When my father told me to be quiet because the fish could hear me, I’d roll my eyes and suggest he “pull the other one.” After all, we were salt-water fishing and there was a whole ocean out there. Who was going to hear me?
So it was a shock to actually see fish see me when I went freshwater fishing. They got so frightened, they vanished for hours! (Maybe it was the hair. )
Before I tell you where fish hide, I need to tell you one truism: If you can see the fish — they can see you!
The corollary to that axiom is: They don’t WANT to see you. They will pack their bags and swim to another state to get away from you!
Thus, you need to learn to be sneaky. If you are fishing and the sun casts your shadow on the water, YOU ARE BUSTED! No self-respecting fish is going to hop on your line just to get a chance to share a “Kodak-moment” with you!
I’d best change the subject from telling you how smart fish are to showing you where fish hide out.
The way I see it, the fish hold most of the cards. They know every nook in the water, understand currents, barometric pressure & moon phases, and know what the enemy looks like (pssst, that’s you). The only chance you have is to send a tasty morsel past their hiding places and stay out of sight.
Crappie are very fond of hiding around submerged trees, logs or stumps. Try jig fishing with live bait (such as minnows) close in to the tree parts sticking out of the water.
During the heat of summer days, fish like to stay in the shade of overhanging trees. Aim your hook around the edges of the shade. Make sure you don’t cast a shadow on the water (refer to the “BUSTED” paragraph above). This isn’t as easy as it sounds!
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Next Time: More Fish Hide-Outs
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‘Hang Up’ is part of the Wild Wings Collection of Vantage Point Graphics. Used by permission.
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
This Shows How Fish Like to Make Their Homes in Water-Logged Debris!
Sometimes, a successful angler is someone who is able to look at the commonplace in a new way. All of the hiding places (under discussion today) are in the open. Anglers have learned to see them as the fish do — as great hiding spaces.
These tips will help you get started. None of these suggestions work all of the time. However, they have worked often enough have been written down as ‘truths.’
By nature, fish seem to want to stay hidden. Small fish have to worry about being devoured by larger fish. Thus, they hide. Predator fish hide to surprise their next meal.
With so many fish trying to hide, it’s a miracle to me that we catch any fish when we toss our line out into the water. Maybe we are just catching the ones too dumb to know better and are preserving the gene pool for more worthy fish!
The man-made structures of piers and docks are used by fish too. First, they protect fish from the heat of the day. Some fish see the posts or pilings as areas of deep pockets, from which they might snag their next meal.
The trick here is to do the opposite of what we usually do; toss your line as close to the docks’ pilings as possible! Since you don’t know what the fish below are in the mood to nosh on, try different lures and live bait. Try casting from a variety of angles.
There’s a reason that you often see folks fishing from bridges. Like piers and docks, fish find the bridge supports in the water to be a great place to wait for a passing meal. Water currents move food and debris past the pockets around the bridge supports.
The bridges also serve as great shade for fish during the summer.
The crushed rocks (also called riprap) covering the shorelines of many man-made lakes, ponds and reservoirs are there to control erosion.
Fish, too, have found a use for this riprap. Smallmouth bass and lots of panfish prefer this environment. Give these areas a try!
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Next Time: More Hiding Places for Fish
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‘Going for a Spin’ is part of the Fishing Collection of ClearVue Graphics. Used by permission.
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
The tips included today (and most days) are ideas that have worked for a variety of anglers. Not all tips work all the time, however, they work often enough that I found them in fishing articles or books.
Use Salt When Cleaning Fish!
Cleaning fish seems so yucky because we have to touch fish that are slimy. Cut the slime by placing the fish in a pot of water, with 1 cup of salt dissolved in it.
You can also “get a grip” by adding dry salt to your hands, before you pick up the fish and start to clean.
Before starting to scale small fish, drop them in boiling water for a few seconds. The scales will seem to fall off while using the dull side of a knife or scraper.
The trick to removing scales easily from larger fish is to fill a sink or tub with plenty of water. By keeping the fish under water while scraping, the mess stays in the water, not on you.
Perfect for Fishing Trips
I use these on all fishing trips: 35 mm film containers, paper clips and safety pins. Why? Let me count the ways ….
The 35 mm film containers are an endangered species (with the advent of digital cameras). I use them to store small baits (grubs, mealworms, etc.), small pieces of tackle (snaps, swivels, etc.) and as waterproof storage for my tape (used with a straightened safety-pin – as an emergency rod guide or rod tip).
You may be too much of a newbie to know how to break off the tip of your fishing rod or even how to break off the guides that hold your fishing line along the length of your rod.
Ah, just wait. It will come to you! At about the same time, you will learn to connect long enough strings of cuss words together to make a sailor blush!
I prefer to use a plastic-coated paper clip to hold snaps or swivels. Safety pins are handy to carry hooks; different pins hold different sizes.
The BEST ’fishin’ rag’ in the world is a golfer’s “crying towel.” You know the one: it has a grommet with a hooking clip for belt loops.
The towel is hand towel size. Attached to your jeans, it is always available! Since there are no golfers in our family, I pick them up in thrift stores or garage sales.
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This blog is a companion to my website: www.greatghilliesandgraphics.com
There's a Showdown Looming Between These Two! *
Our Daughter, Andrea
Our Granddaugher, Sofia, Enjoying the Snow in TX
Conversation between our daughter (Andrea, the “Me” entered below) and her daughter, Sofia (aged 2 1/2 yrs):
Sofia was looking at cookie cutters and asked what one shape was.
Me: “It’s a moose.”
Sofia: “A moose?”
Me: “It’s like a cow.”
Sofia: “Oh, a MOOse!”
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* This image is shown thru the courtesy of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
As a beginning angler, I didn’t have the proper respect for the weeds in the rivers, lakes, ponds were we fished. I thought of them as ‘stuff in the way.’
This posting will hopefully help newbies understand how important all that underwater ‘stuff’ is.
In the fish world, there are two roles: eat or be eaten! Larger fish are looking for smaller fish to eat, while tiny fish are looking for plankton or other invertebrates for a meal.
No fish wants to be a larger fish’s meal; thus, they hide in weeds. Large predator fish lurk in the weeds, waiting for an unsuspecting bait fish. Tiny fish feast on the bits of food caught in the sticky tendrils of the weeds.
The Water Around Cabbage Weed is Highly Oxygenated
Cabbage has a thick stock with long, willowy leaves. Bait fish and game fish call these weeds home. Whitefish, walleye, largemouth bass and suckers particularly like to hide in these weeds.
Although bait fish think they are safe, pike and other predators lurk in the shadows, hoping to nab a meal.
Coontail is Important to Ducks, Fishes, Reptiles & Amphibians
If you are a duck hunter, you probably know about coontail weeds. They are excellent food for fish and ducks. As a rootless plant, coontail breaks down and feeds reptiles, amphibians, fish and ducks.
Coontail exists as deep as 6 and 1/2 feet in water (2 meters), and is shade tolerant. Because it is mostly rootless, it can form dense mats in slow-moving streams and bodies of water.
This info is all very good, but how do we use it for fishing? First, use the beds to your advantage. Fish prefer to hide in the weeds – rather than swim around – waiting for a larger fish to eat them!
Fish along the irregular weed edges and above submerged weeds. The deeper you are fishing, the lighter your lure should be.
For example, in deep weeds – where light does not penetrate so well, use light-colored lures: white, yellow, light blue, light green. In the depths, these lures will appear larger and brighter.
If you are fishing 40 feet down, your red lure looks black in the dim light. At the same depth, your orange lure appears dark brown to fish!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Quail or Dove Casserole -- YUM!
It’s been such a long time since I’ve added any recipes. Today seems like a great time to make …
This recipe serves 4.
12 doves
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 cup fresh mushrooms
2 Tablsp. fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup white wine **
1 cup heavy cream
salt pepper
white grapes, split and seeded or artichoke hearts
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wash & dry doves; rub with salt & pepper and saute in butter. Then remove and put doves breast down in a casserole or heavy skillet.
Saute mushrooms, parsley and onion in remaining butter. Add wine, pour over birds and bake 2 hours, basting frequently. Add more wine if necessary.
Add cream. Bring to rapid boil for 3 minutes — or until sauce begins to brown and thicken.
Serve immediately. Garnish with white grapes or artichoke hearts.
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* You may also use Quail in this recipe. Hunters love this recipe!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Frankly, I sick of this cold weather … and have started dreaming of warm sunshine and barbeque ….
12 doves (OR quail)
Milk
6 canned jalapenos
6 slices bacon
Italian salad dressing
Salt and pepper
Marinate doves in milk overnight.* Remove and dry. Place 1/2 jalapeno inside cavity of each dove.
Wrap 1/2 slice bacon around each dove; secure with toothpick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Barbecue over slow fire with generous applications of Italian salad dressing about 30 minutes.
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Remember: Use ceramic, glass or enamel ware when marinating game.
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* This is critical. It reduces the gamey taste and breaks down the muscle fibers, thus increasing tenderness.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Unless you read an upbeat blog like HuntingLife.com – positive news
about hunters and anglers can be in short supply.
The author of this blog shares with his readers the latest-and-greatest news about outdoors, plus news about the individuals and groups who make a difference.
This site has been on my Blogroll for a very long time. In fact, it was one of the first I added because of the incredible range of articles and information.
What I appreciate most is Kevin Paulson’s focus on the people and organizations that make good things happen in the American outdoors.
Anglers and hunters are the conservators of the fish and wild game available in America today. How? Through the fees, taxes and stamp/license purchases, outdoor enthusiasts fund the state fisheries, parks and wildlife sanctuaries across our land.
A lesser-known role of hunters and anglers is the one of land acquisition. Each year, land is donated and/or purchased by individuals and organizations to preserve our sporting heritage for years to come.
HuntingLife.com is at the forefront of naming names and giving credit to the folks who give so much to protect and preserve our outdoor traditions.
Sometimes, HuntingLife evaluates products and reports to the readership. Today’s entry (I’m writing this February 24, 2010) is about “Cold and Dry.”
It’s one of those products you might bypass because it lacks a glamorous name or a big-name endorser. However, after reading HuntingLife’s review, this product is on my list to check out the next time I’m in a sporting goods store.
Just click on the “Reviews” button (left, under the HuntingLife.com logo) to see (an extensive) list of the evaluated products.
Do you have a photo of your last hunting outing? HuntingLife has a photo gallery – and offers to let you share your great moments with the world! Click on the “Gallery” button for instructions to send your hunting photo(s).
This brief article cannot hope to cover everything that is available on the HuntingLife site. However, I found a listing on their site that seems to sum things up.
HuntingLife covers:
Take a look soon!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I live in an area that can usually measure “the days of winter” on one hand! However, we are into the 10th week (!) of freezing night-time temperatures.
After this winter, the idea of “global warming” is laughable. But that’s another story.
Instead, I’d like to think about taking kids fishing. My calendar says spring is coming, but the mess outside my window disagrees. Thus, I’ll just have to dream about…
Kids & Cane Polin'
In my dream, it is early spring. You and I know that the water in small ponds heats up faster than in large bodies of water.
The first fishing trip with a youngster can be an exasperating experience. Thus, I’ve decided to go low-tech and use cane poles.
Our great-grandparents had it right when they invented cane poles. This is equipment a kid can get his hands around – no moving parts and not enough line to create a birds-nest to unravel.
Fish become more active during spawning. The temperature of the water controls the spawning cycle. The smaller the body of water, the sooner the spawning begins.
Another sign of early spring is the emerging plants in the water. Fish are particularly fond of cabbage plants — and they sprout after a few days of warmth.
For a large photo of cabbage weeds growing in water, refer to my previous article, “Why ‘Weeds’ Are Important to Fishing.”
A 16 foot cane (or fiberglass) pole is ideal for fishing in weeds. You only need a few feet of line, a bobber, a hook and some bait. A long-handled net is also important when fishing in this situation.
Baitfish hide in submerged weeds. Predator fish hang around the weeds, hoping for a ‘meal-deal.’
The trick for kids is to learn how to dip their lure or bait into the spaces in lily pads, weedy patches and other hard-to-reach areas.
Lesson # 1: ‘If you can see the fish, he can see you.’
Lesson #2: Fishing is a quiet sport because fish can feel sounds. “They can feel vibrations and/or hear sounds that occur in the water (up to ~ 100 feet away).” *
The beauty of using a cane pole is that kids quickly learn to recognize the feel of fish nibbling and biting their bait. And that expression is priceless!
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* Quote from my previous article: “Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2′
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The goal of most adults in taking youngsters fishing is to get a life-time fishing partner. Frankly, the goal is admirable … the road to that goal is usually rather rocky.
There's a World of Fun Out There - Called Fishing!
In order to keep kids interested in fishing, it is important that they catch fish! The first order of business is to choose a fishing location where kids and fish can spend some quality time together.
Kids don’t care what kind of fish they catch, they just want … action! So taking a newbie angler marlin fishing would probably be a disaster.
The idea of riding in a boat for an hour, or more, to get to the right spot for catching large game fish would be a total turn-off for most kids.
Turning over your new fly-fishing equipment to a new angler is another poor idea. Kids need to learn the ropes with a minimum of equipment.
For a basic fishing set-up, you need go no further than a cane pole and a few basic items. For cane pole fishing, refer to yesterday’s article: ‘A Great Way to Introduce Kids to Fishing.’
Let kids feel important by letting them help with the equipment. They are not going to handle items as carefully as you do; try to be tolerant. Remember your goal: You want a long-term fishing buddy.
A guaranteed day-ruiner: Yelling at kids, barking orders, giving lots of unasked-for advice. Please don’t get upset when kids make mistakes.
Let kids do their own thing! I can’t tell you how many times my brothers would stop fishing, go tinker with something for a while and return to fishing.
Most likely, the place you take the kids fishing is a new area to them. They will want to explore or test limits. Try to be flexible – remember that it is their free day too.
Make a big “to-do” about anything they catch. Please don’t do what my father did with my first big fish. He took it off the line and promptly cut it up into smaller pieces for more bait. I was crushed!
Take breaks; praise kids for their efforts. Try to instill a respect for nature.
The most important suggestion: Quit fishing when kids get tired or lose interest. Remember: Tomorrow’s another day!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Fishing Hook - from Wikipedia
This is another blog for newbies about the fun of fishing (I don’t advise experienced anglers, they usually know more than I do).*
Since I’m 60 years of age, I’ve had enough time to see the gradual decline in fishing hooks. It’s not going to surprise most anglers “of a certain age” that the hooks of our youth were better than newer ones.
In earlier times, fishing hooks became dull with use. Now, many hooks are born dull – meaning they are dull when you buy them. **
If your hook is dull, you are going to lose fish. Also, it’s easy to drag your hook over a rock and grind away the edge.
Look at the photo above. Although it is hard to see, there is an area between the point and the barb that should be beveled. Also, the point AND barb should be sharp.
Fortunately there is a way to correct this problem. Most sporting goods stores sell a hook sharpener.
I found a site with instructions and photos. Go to http://fishing.about.com/od/basicfishinginstruction/ss/Sharpen_Hooks.htm for info on sharpening hooks.
It seems that any quality file will work — the author (above) even suggests taking an emery board fishing for emergency repairs.
In the past few years, catch-and-release has become very popular. If that is your aim, then it is important to use pliers to mash down the barb. That part of the hook is what keeps your fish from sneaking away.
In order to avoid harming the fish, keep your line tight. Bring the fish in, take a photo and let junior go back – a wiser fish!
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* This is a good time to remind readers that this info is MY way of doing things. If it weren’t politically incorrect, I’d say “There’s more than 1 way to skin a cat.” This is my way — not necessarily the best way.
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** Even though sporting goods stores promise that the latest generation of hooks are superior, the truth is that I haven’t bought hooks for some time.
I’m still busy cussing at the ones I have. It would probably be smart to try some of the latest hooks, however — What can I blame my fish loss on if the hooks are good?
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If you are interested in the NEW and Gorgeous, here are some items I added this weekend: Iwo Jima Memorial, Great White Shark of Guadalupe, Harley Davidson Freedom Banner.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Venison Backstrap is one of our family’s favorite meals. The reasons? It’s easy to prepare, delicious and tastes like a zillion calories (but isn’t).
It's Hard to Wait Until the Venison is Fryed!
There’s only one downside to this fabulous meal: It takes advanced planning. I’m not talking about setting out the meat the day before, but long planning.
The backstrap is the oh-so-tender meat on either side of the deer’s spine. My husband removes this area (and packages it for the freezer) before sending the rest of the venison for processing.
The backstrap is a long slender piece of meat. When we are ready to have this for a meal, Richard defrosts the meat. Then he slices down into the meat (across the grain) to create lots of medallion-shaped pieces of raw meat.
backstrap cut into medallion-sized pieces
enough milk to cover
flour, salt and pepper
oil (I use olive oil)
Place the meat pieces in sufficient milk to cover. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours to a maximum of 48 hours.
The milk is used to remove any ‘gamey’ flavor. More importantly, the milk breaks down the meat fibers so the meat is tender.
Remove the meat from the milk. In a plastic bag, place the flour, salt and pepper. Then add the medallions, shake around and lightly dust each off before placing in a frying pan of hot oil.
When they finish frying, they look like tiny chicken-fried steaks.
Richard prefers to eat them with barbecue sauce, while I like ketchup. Food purists would be horrified with both of our choices!
We know of others who dip the meat twice in the milk and twice in the flour. We don’t need the calories of the second layer of flour.
We know of others who make gravy with the remaining flour and pour it over the backstrap pieces.
Venison, because of its extremely small amount of fat, is an excellent protein source. It is also one of the best meat you can eat because it hasn’t been subjected to growth hormones, pesticides, etc.
Next year, be sure to remove the backstrap sections so you can enjoy a memorable meal!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I hope to be back in a couple of days.
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So the day isn’t a total waste, here are a few quick jokes:
Sign seen on a Taxidermist’s window: “We really know our stuff.” 
Anyone who is mistaken for a moose and shot, is probably better off anyway.
Did you hear about the guy who went elephant hunting and ended up in the hospital? He got a hernia carrying the decoys.
A lady came up to me on the street, pointed at my suede jacket and said, “Don’t you know a cow was murdered for that jacket?” I said, “I didn’t know there were any witnesses. Now I’ll have to kill you too.”
Definition of Vegetarian: Old Indian word for bad hunter.
What did the turkey say to the turkey hunter? “Quack! Quack! Quack!”
~!~
For more jokes, try this funny site: Hunter’s Jokes
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There are Many German Speaking People in Texas!
Near Fredericksburg, Texas, where there is a large German-speaking population, a farmer walking down a country road notices a man drinking from his pond with his hand.
The farmer shouted: ‘Trink das Wasser nicht. Die Kuhen haben dah in gesheissen.’ (Which means: ‘Don’t drink the water, the cows have shit in it.’)
The man shouted back: ‘I’m from New York and just down here campaigning for Obama’s health care plan, I can’t understand you. Please speak in English.’
The farmer replied: ‘Use two hands, you’ll get more.
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As always, “Thank You” to Dorothy139!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Across North America, there are 5 subspecies of the turkey (genus Meleagris)
These Guys are 'Thinkin' Spring!'
These turkeys ‘strut their stuff’ from Maine to the northern regions of Florida and west to Oklahoma. This is the largest group of the wild turkey.
This subspecies lives in the western US. Generally, they are somewhat smaller than the eastern types.
This is a small group of turkeys that roam over Florida, and no where else!
This subspecies calls Texas “home” but can range as far north as Kansas and down south into Mexico.
These birds hale from central Mexico but often wander north into New Mexico.
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A Turkey’s Weight – A wild turkey’s habitat determines his weight. They can reach 20 lbs. in the agricultural areas of the Midwest. In other areas, they average somewhat less than 20 lbs.
How Far Do Turkeys Forage? Biologists claim that turkeys can travel between 1 and 2 miles per day.
However, if the birds are living in an area that cannot support a large number, they range further – between 50 acres to 5 miles!
What Causes Turkeys to Move to a New Area? In general, turkeys do not migrate. They tend to acclimatize to the area they are in and stay close within the region. However, they will move out of an area if something scares them away (predators, for example) or the land will no longer support their numbers.
How Fast Can Gobblers Move? Turkeys can run as fast as 15 mph – on the ground! In the air, they can reach 55 mph!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Biologists have been giving us new insights into the habits and habitats of turkeys. Everything we learn can help us out-fox these clever birds.
Yes, Our Boys are Very Busy ... Preening and Strutting!
During the colder months, gobblers (adult turkeys) flock together. As the days grow longer, gobblers start to think about girls (hens and jennys).
In the spring months, the jakes (young males) leave their mothers. As this group of offspring grows older, the mother hens start dreaming of raising new poults (infant turkeys). Things are changing.
The increase in sunlight hours in spring brings about the turkeys’ spring mating ritual. States that have spring turkey seasons set the dates when turkeys are spending their time breeding instead of watching hunters.
By the time breeding begins, the gobblers have established the pecking order within their group. The “biggest, baddest’ gobbler gets to breed with the most females. While “Big Boy” is out romancing one hen, the other gobblers are looking for other receptive females – before “Big Boy” gets back.
Looking at the image above, it is easy to see that gobblers have convinced themselves that they are ‘hot stuff’ and that the hens should come running before the head gobbler tires of the mating game (an unlikely occurence).
In spite of the fact that gobblers don’t do a lick of work towards getting the nests ready, nor do they take a tour of duty during incubation time, nor do they even give a morsel to the new poults, these guys still expect the females to come to them for mating!
As a spring hunter, you will be trying to get the males to come to you. From the above paragraph, you see that this not the way gobblers think: They call the hens to come to them! (Those girls need to unionize!)
While hens are finding and creating safe nests for their young, what are the gobblers doing? Well … preening and strutting, of course!
In the weeks before turkey season begins, you have 2 major jobs. The first one is to get a turkey caller or two — and start practicing.
I found an online site that will give you the sounds you need to learn to copy in the wild. It’s the National Wild Turkey Federation (complete with an explanation and audio of each sound).
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Next Time: the rest of this article.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Turkeys Before Mating Season Begins!
You are probably reading other hunter’s blogs, as I am. There seem to be a lot of confused turkeys in North America. I’m relieved to see I’m not the only one who can’t figure out this weather.
The gist of what I’m reading is that — because of the cold, damp mornings, turkeys are waiting until the warmth of mid-day or early afternoon to breed. How are things in your neck of the woods? Does this hold true in your area?
The hens have found a place to build their nests. It is usually on the ground. After preparing her nest, each hen roosts nearby.
After breeding, she returns to the nest and starts laying a group of eggs over the next 10 to 15 days. If, while she is feeding, the nest is attacked and destroyed, she will breed again while creating a nest in another location.
It takes about 26 to 28 days for the poults to emerge.
The boys have been tuning their voices, dusting off their spurs and arranging their feathers for fullest effect. A guy’s work is never done!
The sound of gobbling fills the air as the males are calling the hens to them for mating. Although the dominant male mates most, the other gobblers scurry around to find receptive females while the dominant male is busy.
As the mating season progresses, the calls get more strident and insistent – as more hens leave for their nests and the incubation period.
Gobbling starts as soon as daylight starts to appear, while turkeys are still in their roosts. Once the gobblers hit the ground, they start calling hens in earnest. This calling continues until the warmest hours of the day.
Just before it is time for the evening roost, gobblers start some serious calling. They may have been looking for love ’in all the wrong places,’ but ‘at closing time,’ all the hens start to look beautiful.
They don’t want to roost alone, so they may strut their stuff. The strut just as we imagine most turkeys (see photo): chests out, wings down and tail feathers in full array.
Finally
Are you practicing your turkey calls? See yesterday’s article for the location of free audio info. The second thing you should be doing pre-season is scouting your proposed turkey hunting area.
More on this subject – next time!
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** Changed a few words and punctuation for clarity.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Hunters who have early access to the land where they will be turkey hunting have an incredible advantage over those who arrive just in time to start hunting.
Doing Pre-Season Work Will Serve You Well During Turkey Hunting!
In pre-season, finding the turkey roosts is the key to a great hunting season. By walking the area early, without gun or trappings, you will have a much easier time of locating roosts and strutting areas.
Turkeys seem to favor agricultural areas, bottom lands and the woods. They also need a source of water.
Turkeys eat a mixture of seeds, nuts and fruits, greens and insects. Around agricultural areas, they eat the waste grains in fields: buckwheat, corn, soybeans, oats, and grain sorghum.
Hens eat about 1/3 pound of food, while gobblers need 1/2 to 1 lb. daily. Turkeys are going to range within an area that will offer the herd enough food and water.
During the fall and winter seasons, male and female turkeys travel in large groups. In early spring however, the bunches separate along gender lines. Each sex has differing tasks.
As you might imagine, the guys are going to argue about who is the “biggest and baddest.” Biologists would say they are working out their dominance issues.
The jakes (young males) have left their mothers and are learning their new roles. They watch the fights for dominance between the more seasoned gobblers (adult males).
The females search for safe nesting areas and prepare their nests for the incubation period after breeding. Given a choice, females often choose the base of a mature tree or stump, in open woods.
Applying What You Have Learned
Once the two sexes separate, their roosts tend to be considerable distances from each other. Gobblers talk year-round, with a huge increase before and during breeding.
Gobblers seem to need to chatter; so listen for their gobbling. Once you have found turkeys, sit and watch for awhile. Listen to the calling and gobbling. How do the other birds react?
Finally
By doing this pre-season work now, when the season starts you can move in, take your limit and go home.
As the turkey season progresses, it gets harder to snare a gobbler. Turkeys are not stupid.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
One of my favorite comments about turkeys is that their brains are the size of a walnut. However, don’t get too cocky, they seem to use every ounce of their brain matter to stay out of your clutches!
A Wild Turkey
Over the years, biologists have studied turkeys and have some surprising findings. First, their sense of smell is about as strong as ours.
Their hearing is no better than ours. However, their eyesight is another matter. Because of the particular placement of their eyes, their peripheral vision is excellent.
In a nutshell, turkeys and deer see colors! They can see the UV brighteners in hunter’s clothing. Why are there UV brighteners in those clothes?
When all clothing was made in the US, there was no problem. UV brighteners were not added to hunting clothes. Most textiles are made in China now, and they did not know to keep UV brighteners out of hunting fabrics and clothes.
The solution is obvious: Only buy hunting clothing without UV brighteners! And that’s the problem — even companies that promise they have added no brighteners — parts of the garment (pockets, lapels, etc.), may have been treated before sale to the clothing manufacturer.
1) Use your “old” hunting clothes – that say “Made in the US.” Not too great a solution because: As the camo pattern fades, you are less protected from a turkey (or deer’s) eyesight.
2) Use the product touted to “remove” the UV brighteners from hunting clothes. Most folks say this works, although it is an expensive alternative.
3) Listen to what else the biologists say about (specifically) turkey’s eyesight.
Turkeys and deer see differently than we do and they do see the UV brighteners. It makes the hunter look like a bright blue blob.
Biologists have proven that turkeys are not startled by bright colors — ONLY COLORS THAT MOVE!
They’ve placed bright objects in front of these big birds. In one test, they put bright orange hats on turkey decoys. Turkeys strolled amongst them with no concern — unless the orange hats moved!
Biologists theorize that bright colors abound in nature. Turkeys are used to random brights and darks in their habitat. They are only troubled by movement — not the colors.
Next Time: More on this Issue!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last time, I was talking about the senses of wild turkeys. On the subject of turkey’s eyesight, I mentioned 3 ways to handle the UV brighteners in most hunting clothes.
This guy sees the "blue" in blue jeans clearly!
The issue of UV brighteners has been with us for several years. Take a look at the ground-breaking study of the University of Georgia (see below). He refers to deer, however, wild turkey were found to have the same eyesight abilities.
Folks in the forums have been discussing this issue since the study became common knowledge. And when Atsko came out with products to “remove” UV brighteners from hunting clothes, the discussion became more intense!
Hunters have taken positions on both sides of the aisle. Some talk about the fact that our ancestors did just fine hunting with what they had at hand.
Some hunters are of the mind that they should use every tool at their disposal. If you feel the need to make sure that you have every advantage in a hunting situation (i.e.: removing UV brighteners from your hunting clothes), so be it.
It’s not my place to tell you what to use or do. I can only tell you about my experiences.
The Long View
I’m not planning to burn all of my husband’s hunting clothes, even though they have all been washed in detergents.
I’ve decided to take the long view: Reading the reports by the scientists conducting the tests, I can see there is a problem.
However, the scientists admit that deer and turkeys see this “blue glow” at two distinct times: early morning and late evening. This is during low light conditions.
True, deer seem to be more active during both of these times, while turkeys are active in the early am. During regular daylight hours, the animals’ (deer and wild turkey) eyesight seems to be less acute.
BTW, this study (and others) did comment on wearing blue jeans while hunting deer and turkeys: Don’t. The blue in jeans is very obvious to the eyes of deer and wild turkey!
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Next Time: More on this Issue!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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* ‘A Year in the Life of the White-tailed Deer Through the Eyes of a Deer,‘ by
Karl V. Miller, School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia. This is an excellent overview, in layman’s terms.
In the past few days, I’ve explained that deer and turkeys see colors differently than most other animals. They seem to be red & green color-blind.
Turkeys & Deer See Differently than Other Animals!
That’s why you can wear blaze orange hunting wear without worrying about being seen by deer or turkeys — green, red and orange are non-colors to them.
Biologists have increased our knowledge of ’what makes turkeys tick’ in significant ways. One of their recommendations has to do with camo clothing.
Biologists say that having patterned clothing that blends in with the landscape is more important than its color. The scientists warn hunters about wearing large patches of unbroken color.
Two specific materials are discouraged: vinyl and plastic. Why? Because they reflect light. It is not the color of these two materials that’s important, but the fact that light reflects so readily from them.
Back to the Big Blue Blob of Hunting Clothes
If you are concerned about this issue, there’s a product available that will remove the UV brighteners. It is manufactured by ATSKO (www.atsko.com), the U-V Killer. Once this product eliminates the “glow,” you will need to always use their washing liquid to keep the fabric safe.
Another company is touting their wool hunting garments as an alternative to the ‘glowing goods’ that seem to be rampant in the stores today.
Next time, I will list all of the washing products that I know of that are on grocer’s shelves that will NOT add UV brighteners to your hunting clothes. It’s a surprisingly long list.
My husband and I’ve discussed this issue ‘ad nauseum.’ Should we toss his clothes and get new ones, without UV brighteners, and then use products that won’t add the brighteners to his new clothes?
MDH, Richard, decided to conduct tests regarding this issue. He decided that if he stopped getting his limit of deer and/or turkeys, he would buy new clothes and get serious about UV brighteners.
The results are: In the past 4 years, Richard has gotten his limit each time he’s gone hunting. However, he has friends who worry a great deal about UV brighteners.
Richard’s conclusion is that if you think that the UV brightener issue is important — it is. If you think there are more important issues, other than the brighteners — you’re right too.
Your belief system about this issue is the most important ingredient!
Next Time: Grocery store products that won’t put UV brighteners in your hunting clothes!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Many of the hunting clothes made in the past few years have UV brighteners in them. Most of the laundry products on your grocer’s shelves have UV brighteners. They make clothing look brighter and more attractive.
Unfortunately, turkeys and deer can see those UV brighteners – especially in low light conditions! What’s a hunter to do?
Hunting Wear with UV Brighteners Looks Bright & Blue (& Seems to Glow)! This Suit Does Not Have Brighteners
If you buy hunting camo wear without those pesky UV brighteners, there’s a way to keep them out of your camouflage wear. You can buy an expensive product at a hunter’s supply store or you can use approved laundry detergents from your local grocery store.
It may surprise you to know that law enforcement and military uniforms cannot be washed in products with UV brighteners.
Here are products members of law enforcement and the military consider safe.
Other helpful info: If using a store brand or “generic” product, the label usually states “compare to [brand]” on the front panel. Match that product brand to the list above for ingredient content. ***
Ajax® (all versions)
All® Liquid (all versions)
Arm & Hammer® FabriCare Powder (all versions)
Arm & Hammer® Liquid (all versions)
Arm & Hammer® Super Washing Soda
Arm & Hammer® Fresh ‘n Soft Fabric Softener (all versions)
Colgate-Palmolive laundry products
Delicare® Fine Fabric Wash (all versions)
Dreft® Liquid
Dreft® Powder
Dynamo® (all versions)
Era® Liquid (all versions)
Fab® (all versions)
Gain® Liquids (all versions)
Gain® Powders (all versions)
Ivory Snow® Liquid Ivory Snow® Powder
Rain Drops® Water Softener and Detergent Booster
Suavitel® Fabric Softener (all versions)
Surf® Liquid (all versions)
Tide® Liquids (all versions)
Tide® Powders (all versions)
Tide® Tablets (all versions)
Wisk® (all versions)
Yes® (all versions)
Dial® laundry products including:
20 Mule Team® Detergent (all versions) ****
Purex® Baby™ (all versions)
Purex® Fabric Softener (all versions)
Purex® Liquid (all versions)
Purex® Powder (all versions)
Zout® (all versions)
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* This information comes from Ranger Joe’s
** This extra product comes from 4 Military Families
*** Compiled by A. Hammond, 3rd IBCT RFG Assistant 10th Mtn Div, July 2005
**** More about this next time!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The Newest Generation of Ghillies!
The first Ghillie suits available for hunters were extremely expensive. My husband brought burlap bags and asked me to make a suit for hunting birds & turkeys.
Being tragically gullible, I labored over this task for a couple of weeks. By its nature, burlap is heavy, dank, smelly, itchy and flammable! Let me emphasize — they are really itchy!
By the end of the job, however, we’d saved most of the $300 cost of the suit. The results were impressive, the suit worked well and Richard brought his limit home.
Early suit’s materials were awful. When it rained, Ghillie suits became sodden and smelled worse than before. Drying them out was a challenge.
The suits were heavy and caught on twigs and branches. One good thing about them is that they did not encourage movement, so any hunter inside stayed rather still.
To say that the early Ghillie suits were ‘a pain,’ doesn’t begin to cover the situation.
Very quickly, hunters learned that suits made of real burlap bags weren’t desirable. What else could be used to protect the hunter while not causing him to itch to death?
Manufacturers began experimenting with materials. They used a variety of fabrics, as well as leaf-shaped additions and synthetic blends.
The evolution of the Ghillie suit has been a long one. Some of the fabrics “swished” and were a dead give-away to the animals the hunter was trying to shoot.
Other suits had a sheen that caught an animal’s eye long before a hunter could draw a bead to shoot.
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Next Time: Finish the Info about Washing Products Without UV Brighteners!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a very tongue-in-cheek song! Enjoy!
“…bowl like a retard…” - refers to Mr. Obama’s comments on the Jay Leno show about his poor bowling.
Biologists say that either species could live the same length of time – into their early teens. However, few wild turkeys last that more than 5 years!
Life is tough in the wild; fewer than half of the poults that hatch will survive to see their first birthday!
During the travels of Lewis and Clark, wild turkeys were everywhere! In his journal, Lewis indicated that wild turkey was one of their favorite foods. However, as Americans moved westward, they killed off the beautiful birds and turned their natural habitats into cornfields.
One hundred years ago, there were only 30,000 wild turkeys left. The few that remained lived in extremely inaccessible areas.
By 1920, wild turkeys were extinct in 30 states and only existed in small numbers in 18 states.
The 1950 edition of The Columbia Encyclopedia stated that wild turkey were extinct in the lands north of Pennsylvania and in Canada.
What Poults Learn in the First 4 Days is Critical to Their Survival!
were not successful for a very interesting reason. It took generations of conservationists to discover the problem.
But you and I learned about this critical issue in early weeks of Biology I class! What is it?
In early attempts, conservationists decided to turn domesticated turkeys into wild turkeys. The birds turned loose after breeding in pens either were killed by predators or starved to death.
During the first 96 hours of a poult’s life, he lives on his remaining yolk reserve. All the while, he’s learning to catch protein-rich insects, so he can grow strong.
However, if the poult learns to eat foods supplied by humans, he will never learn to feed himself! You and I know it as “imprinting.”
As of 1998, there were more than 5 million wild turkeys in America! * The largest population in a single state is in Texas, with 600,000.
Idaho is a state that never had a native population. In 1998, there were more than 20,000 – and the numbers increase each year.
The state of New York had few wild turkeys at the end of World War II. Now there are over 200,000.
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* Much of the credit for these fantastic numbers goes to the volunteer group the National Wild Turkey Federation & state departments of game & fishing.
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A Previous Posting (Keeping UV Brighteners Out of Hunting Clothes): I’m waiting for a response from a company; more info soon.
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Coming Up: What turkeys are where; the differences between the 5 sub-species; mistakes hunters make while turkey hunting, ….
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
** Changed wording for clarity; changed color of paragraph headings.
Turkeys are Tough to Kill; Aim for the Head or Neck!
Stalking a Turkey: The gobbler you are stalking may turn out to be another hunter with a gun aimed at you! The reverse may also be true: Another hunter may be watching the turkey you are stalking – and shoot!
‘Driving’ Turkey: “The chances of bagging a turkey by this method are slim, but the chances of becoming involved in a shooting are great. Always call the turkey to you.” *
Aim for the Gobbler’s Head or Neck: Gobblers are big and hard to kill. Shooting anywhere else is either a waste of shot or a waste of meat! **
Wearing Red, White or Blue: Dress like a turkey & you can be shot, instead of the turkey!
Biologists tell us that turkeys (and deer) are color-blind for the colors red & green. That is why you can wear blaze orange and not worry about detection. If turkeys see you in orange, they are seeing your movement, not the color!
Not Knowing Where Other Hunters Are: Hunters that tell me – “Everyone knows I hunt in this spot,” scare me! Things change — owners sell their property to new folks, hunters try new areas, people forget.
Not Knowing What is Beyond the Shot You’re About to Make: While hunting, you are your brother’s keeper! If we don’t watch for each other, we can create a deadly tragedy!
Not Knowing What is Between You and Your Next Shot: Same as the explanation immediately above!
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* A great quote by “Super Member” – deja vu.
** More info on this issue.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Today’s article will tell which subspecies of gobblers are in each state. Next, I’ll share info on each subspecies — including the differences between them.
After that, I’ll discuss some mating and roosting behaviors. Finally, I’ll share what I know about shotguns and computing the density of your shot.
These Turkeys are Thinkin' 'bout Spring!
If you remember the pictures of turkeys plastered on school room windows in the first grade, then you know what the eastern gobbler looks like. This is the largest group of wild turkey in America.
States with ONLY the Eastern Variety: *
Eastern & Osceola: Florida
Eastern & Rio Grande Turkeys: Kansas, Texas
Eastern, Rio Grande & Merriam’s Turkeys: Oklahoma
Rios are slightly smaller than the Eastern species, but have larger, thicker feet than the Easterners. The are fewer Rios than Eastern toms, but more than the Merriam’s or Osceola’s.
States with ONLY Rios (this is not a misprint!): Hawaii
States w Rios & Merriam’s Turkey: California, Nebraska and Oregon
These are often called the Rocky Mountain turkeys because, oddly enough, most live in states around the Rocky Mountains.
States With ONLY Merriam’s:
Next time, I’ll spend time on the Osceola and Gould’s Wild Turkey!
Here are the open turkey seasons by state.
Only Spring Turkey Season:
According to the info I have, all remaining states offer turkey hunting in the spring AND the fall! **
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* and ** The info I’ve shared here may have changed. Biologists are trying to move wild turkeys into new areas all the time. If you have new info about subspecies moving into your state, please let me know so I can correct this.
Likewise, states change hunting seasons for a variety of reasons. If you have different info about turkey season in your state, please let me know: marylouise at GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These Beauties Hang Out with Alligators, Water Moccasins, Mosquitoes and Diamondback Rattlers!
Of all the subspecies these are thought to be the most beautiful. They have more golden and green body feathers. Perhaps because Osceola’s call the Florida swamps ‘home,’ their legs, spurs, tails and beards are longer than average. ‘Pure’ Osceola’s only live in southern Florida. Because Eastern wild turkeys also live in Florida, some biologists consider all the turkeys as hybrids and refer to them as “the Florida subspecies.”
These birds prefer to roost over water in cypress trees. Their habitat includes hardwood swamps, palmetto grass lands and live oaks. When gobblers want to strut their stuff, they fly to dry land near their roosts. Because of the difficult habitat of Osceola’s, non-natives find hunting these beautiful birds difficult, dangerous * and expensive.
We know little about this subspecies other than it is the same species as our
Efforts to Introduce Gould's into Arid Areas of the US Have Been Hampered for 3 Reasons!
domestic turkey. Although the largest of 5 turkey types, Gould’s have the smallest numbers.
These turkeys live mostly in the dry Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. A few are found in extreme southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona.
Biologists tell us that Gould’s habits are more like Merriam’s than any of the others. Because of where they live, Gould’s are viewed as more wild and secretive.
Because the US has large tracts of land too arid for Merriam’s, they have worked with the Mexican government to move more Gould’s into the US. However, this plan has been slow, at best.
First, Gould’s thrive in extremely remote regions of Mexican mountains. Second, there’s the age-old problem of 2 governments working together.
The US requires a quarantine of these birds and captured wild birds do not respond well to quarantine.
Finally, the US government wants to introduce these birds to areas free of other subspecies, so the Gould’s can grow a “pure” population.
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* Dangerous — Osceola’s live amongst alligators, water moccasins, mosquitoes and diamondback rattlers! Under certain conditions, all 4 can be lethal. ;-)
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Next Time: More on the 5 Turkey Subspecies
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Since the Eastern Wild Turkey’s habitat is the largest and they are the bird you are most likely to see, I’ll be comparing the 2 today to the Eastern. Next time, I’ll spend time with tips for hunting the Eastern.
By explaining them in reverse order, this gives the reader an opportunity to scratch their head and say, “What was she thinking?”
Rios are Turkeys for the Desert & Dry, Open Areas!
Looking at a bearded Rio from the side, or above, he looks almost like polished copper. It’s great camouflage for hiding in his habitat — sun-soaked desert areas.
How can you find Rios? They need food, water to drink and live oaks for roosting.
Where there are no live oaks, check out the cottonwoods, sycamores and hackberries.
Their strut zones can be anywhere in the open country where Rios live. One distinctive thing about the Rios has to do with traveling.
After they leave their roost in the morning, they may travel a long distance before settling again. If you recall, in Just How Much Land Do Turkeys Need, I made the point that turkeys are not migratory.
However, in the huge expanses of dry, arid land of Texas, Rios may need to travel larger distances to find sufficient food for the members of the group.
Merriam's are Distinctive: Tipped White Tail Feathers & More Black Feathers Instead of Brown
Often called Rocky Mountain turkeys because of their habitat, these gobblers prefer to roost in ponderosa pines (in canyons), near creek beds. On the eastern edge of their habitat, where there are no pines, the gobblers roost in hardwoods.
Merriam’s prefer acorns, but there are few oaks in their range. If you see, however, a small oak, known as the Gambel — Merriam’s turkeys will try to use these smallish tree for food and roosting.
Merriam’s hens also are drawn to Gambel oaks. They use these trees for nesting areas and food. Since the hens are in the oaks, toms will likely be there too.
Traveling in good-sized, mixed groups (hens, jakes, toms and jennys) is a pattern of the Merriam’s. Unlike the Eastern turkey, these Rocky Mountain turkeys tend to find a new roost each night.
Next Time: the Eastern Wild Turkey Subspecies
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A year ago, I wrote an article addressing the issue of getting your weapon ready for turkey hunting season. You may want to look at it too (clickable words).
Today, I want to talk about …
Turkeys Use Their Wings to Protect Themselves from Your Pellets; Think of Those Wings As Kevlar-Covered Protection!
There are 5 ‘turkey load’ ammo manufacturers: Federal, Remington and Winchester (the big boys), plus Activ and Fiocchi. Most hunters I know recommend #4, #5, #6 or even #7 and 1/2.
However, it isn’t really about the brand or the pellet size. A hunter needs to study the pattern and range of the ammo.
Remember, the turkey has one of the smallest ‘killing zones’ — specifically the brain, head and neck. A turkey’s brain is the size of a walnut!
Thus, you need to make sure that your shotgun blast has an even scatter, with no large holes (blank areas where no shot strikes). If the shot pattern is too widely dispersed, on the other hand, you can lose a turkey if only a pellet or two hits the neck area.
If you are hoping to “wing” a gobbler, forget it. Most pellets bounce off of the wings. The best you can hope for: If you can match his 15 mph running speed, you can hear him curse you as he runs!
Is the Pattern Evenly Dense, or Are There Holes and/or Thin Areas?
You will need 30″ square paper targets (purchased or home-made), a safe place to shoot, your gun and ammo.
Finding a good ammo pattern is largely one of trial-and-error.
One of the smart hunters I know suggests that a hunter place the target out
After getting a satisfactory scatter at that distance, move back 5 yards and repeat.
If the pattern isn’t what you need, try a different shot size or brand.
What if the pattern is OK but the pattern is too low or too far to a side? Correct your aim or you may need to adjust your sighting or scope.
This is starting to sound expensive. Is there a short-cut? If you have turkey hunting friends, ask about their gun and ammo.
The bad news is, even if he/she has the same gun, don’t be surprised if your gun creates a better pattern with another size or brand of ammo. However, this will give you and idea of where to start.
Next time: More about your gun!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last time, I didn’t get around to density patterns, chokes and other excitement.
Besides getting the shot to evenly scatter on a target, there’s an issue of figuring the percentage of shot that hits inside the circle. This is another way of making sure your gun will take down a turkey in one shot.
This huge bird has a very small area in the “kill zone” — a tiny brain and the cervical vertebra (spine). And gobblers won’t wait around for you to reload!
Anatomy of a Shell
If you do not kill the bird outright, he will run away and die elsewhere! This is bad for a couple of reasons.
I hate to see any animal suffer and it is usually a huge expenditure of time to chase a wounded turkey. I might also mention that it is usually wasted time; trying to find a wounded animal/bird is hard work and usually futile.
You need to know how many pellets are in each shell you have fired. The graph below will help. Look on the label of the ammo box for the number of ounces of pellets in each shell.
Shot Size Pellets/Oz.
2 87
4 135
5 170
6 225
7 1/2 350
BB 50
Let’s use one of MDH’s * turkey load shot: Remington Mohawk Long Range #4 Shot (1.25 ozs.). Looking at the scale above, we know that #4 shot has 135 pellets/oz. 135 x 1.25 ozs. = about 169 pellets.
If those #4 Shot Remingtons place 120 pellets in a 20 inch circle at 25 yards, then 70% of the shot were inside the circle, which is an acceptable range. (120 pellets divided by 169 total pellets = about 71%)
Measuring a percentage is a good measure for comparisons. However, a dense, even pattern is more important — when you take a bead on a turkey!
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* MDH = My Deer Husband, Richard
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I know, I know: I promised the low-down on the Eastern Wild Turkey. I got bored after the other 4. I’ll get back to the Eastern soon.
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Disclaimer: I’m the first to admit I don’t know all there is to know about hunting. I offer this info to Newbies — maybe I know a bit more than they do.
As with most activities, there’s more than one way to do things. This is a way that works for me. You may know a better, faster, less expensive way — and that’s great. Share your abilities!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Today, I have a couple of important things to tell you about breeding and how they affect a turkey hunter.
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While the hens are feverishly building nests, laying eggs and breeding, the toms are sharpening their spurs, preening and strutting.
Remember, toms call the hens to them for breeding. Therefore, be cautious about which calls you use … and when.
Here’s a strategy for the closing weeks of turkey hunting season. By that time, most of the hens have mated and are setting.
The guys are hoping for more sex and they are searching for the remaining hens ready to breed. This is a great time to use your caller, imitating a shy hen.
At the beginning of the mating season, toms are noisy — insisting hens come to them. By the end of the season, they are not so picky.
This might be a great time to use decoys. You are looking for ways to distract the males from the fact you are there.
Once hens have bred, they stay fertile up to 8 weeks. So what?
Let’s say a hen has bred in the early weeks of March, incubated and hatched her poults — and lost them due to predators or difficult weather.
During that 8 week window, hens can lay a new clutch of eggs and have another brood of poults by early June!
Of course, when the fun is over and new poults start hatching, the gobblers head for the hills! They want no part of diapers and baby training.
At that point, the males get together and travel in flocks, leaving the hens and youngsters behind.
Jakes Have Longer Tail Feathers in the Center of the Main Fan; All the Tail Feathers of a Mature Tom are the Same Length.
A quick tip here: Are you aware that young jakes have longer primary feathers in the center of their fan-shaped tails?
In fact that is a way to tell a mature tom from a young jake!
Biologists estimate that 1/2 of the young poults die because of predators and bad weather or habitat.
Predators can kill entire nests of eggs and yet the hen can have a second clutch of eggs without re-breeding.
Nature is fascinating!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Dear Readers,
Folks are clicking on a page on my website with a broken link:
“Articles: Rear Window Decals – News You Can Use!>
This article does not exist.”
The article does exist. This is obviously a broken link.
If you have been sent to this page with the error message, will you please tell me what page sent you to this message, so I can fix the link?
email = marylouise at GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
or
add it to a comments box on any page
Thanks in advance,
Marylouise
Earlier today, I happened on a clever site and want to share it with you: AnchorPoint . Use your iPhone to report on your trophy!
“No matter when your trophy was taken, you can add it to Anchorpoint
Another Application to Keep Your iPhone Busy!
anytime with Trophy Score on the iPhone,” according to the site.
I think they have a wonderful take on a person’s success: ”We know you may not have a world record, but if it’s your personal best, then it’s a trophy to us. Trophy Score makes it easy to add your animal and Anchorpoint is the only place where you can see how it sizes up.”
They bill themselves as the world-wide, no minimum trophy room. In the blog, they have clear directions for transferring your info to the Internet.
After reading the instructions, I feel secure that I could upload my info — which is saying something for a ‘new-fangled toy-hater,’ such as myself.
The iPhone even takes away the wear-and-tear on one’s psyche of doing the calculations to garner a score! Let the iPhone do it with: “Calculate My Trophy Score.”
This organization has approved the “Trophy Score” system for reporting successful hunts in:
“Once scored, trophies are synchronized to the world’s only no-minimum record book at AnchorpointOutdoors.com.”
Besides posting your latest success, this site also has a “Top Ten.” You can watch to see how long your hunting skill keeps you in the top ten of each type of game.
This is a clever use of a very expensive telephone. No one has to worry over writing long tales of how they caught the animal. All they want: “Just the facts, ma’am.”
The only downside: they didn’t offer a tree-rat category (AKA squirrels). Wouldn’t you know, the thing I excel in — and nobody wants to hear about it! ;-)
This looks like a young site, with room to grow. Check it out!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Sometimes the best info is that which you can see and hear! Here are some excellent points by someone who has lots of experience (not me).
This video is just under 6 minutes & moves quickly through a lot of hints. Enjoy!
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Remember: If you got a turkey this season, be sure and post your info on AnchorPointOutdoors.com
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If you’ve never heard of Tom Remington, that’s a shame. He’s an articulate writer concentrating on the hunting scene in his home state of Maine.
Articles for the Thinking Hunter!
Tom writes, along with his son, Steve, 4 blogs and the website, US Hunting Today.
Today’s subject is one of their weblogs — Black Bear Blog.
Specifically, I’d like to mention Mr. Remington’s April 28, 2010 article: Maine: Spiraling Toward A Predator Pit
I’ve taken some time to think about the ramifications of this article for other parts of the US. It is not a pretty picture.
What Mr. Remington has to say is important to each of us – regarding animal management for hunting in our own states.
If you’ve never heard this phrase before, it is just as bad as it sounds! Here’s the official definition, taken from the article.
“A predator pit is created when deer populations … have been reduced for various reasons and existing key predators, like coyote, bear and bobcat, can drive those numbers even further into an abyss, perhaps prohibiting a regrowth of the herd.”
Is that possible?
Without beating up on Maine, what can we learn about how a state turns into a “Predator Pit?”
1) Game animal numbers decrease through “weather, hunting, disease, predation, etc.”
2) Mis-management by those responsible,
3) Denial that there is a problem with predatory animals,
4) Numbers of predatory animals increases, and they increase their destruction of game animals,
5) Eventually predatory animals decimate the breeding stock of game animals, so there are insufficient numbers of game animals to recover.
6) The state is a predatory pit — lots of predatory animals, but few game animals left.
Think about your own state. Are you reading news about the numbers of predators increasing and destroying many game animals?
What is your Fish & Game Dept. doing about it? Increasing the number of hunting tags? Denying there is a problem?
What can you do about it? Are other like-minded folks in a group you can join? Remember, he who squeaks loudest — gets oiled first!
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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com
This video is about 9 minutes long and the young man has an easy style and quick way to clean a turkey.
He has accidently shot a young male (jake) and doesn’t want to go to the hassle of cleaning the whole bird because the jake is spindly (these drumsticks are really sticks!) and most of the meat available is in the breast area.
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Notice how well this young man wields his knife … he looks like he’s done this a few dozen times!
Plus, he’s probably the only turkey hunter in America who worries about the left-over turkey feathers, besides my husband!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There’s something magical about making your own fishing tackle. However, I’m all for ‘easy.’
The author shows how to make a lightweight fly for catching stocked
The Author's 'Camden Crunch' is Much More Realistic than These! Take a Look!
trout, which he says aren’t as sharp as their wilder cousins.
What I like: the photos leave nothing to wonder about — the descriptions and photos offer a complete lesson in making clever baits for your next fishing trip.
Try them in a variety of colors!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
As a former teacher, I love to promote kids’ efforts. This was a speech project of a high school senior.
After watching this video, I asked MDH* to give me all his old shotgun shells and his reloader. I told him that I now felt competent to reload his shells.
Richard collapsed in a fit of hysteria. He was excited — just not about letting me prepare the shells he would use.
“Oh Ye, of little faith….”
The Video that Taught Me All I Know About Shotgun Reloading!
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* MDH = My Deer Husband, (also known as) He Who Likes to be Obeyed … but Rarely Is!
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
As the weather warms up, folks start to get nervous about coming up close-and-personal to snakes.
I won’t go so far as to say that ‘snakes are your friends’ but I will point out that snakes do a great job of controlling insects, rats and mice populations.
Few snakes are interested in confronting you. Given the opportunity, most will slither into dark recesses, instead of going toe-to-fang with you.
This Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Usually Warns People Off by Rattling His Tail!
It took me years to understand that there are 4 main groups of venomous snakes … and the others may bite, but they have no venom.
Therefore, let’s talk about the ‘bad boys.’ Most people who are bitten by venomous snakes, get their bites courtesy of rattlesnakes.
Rattlers usually show their readiness to bite you by shaking their tails … however, this is not a guarantee!
Some just lunge and bite! Frankly, this is going to make a mess of your day! My suggestion is to move away quickly when you hear the distinctive rattling sound.
The coral snake can be identified through the rhyme: ”Red and yellow,
A "Red and Yellow" Snake Will Kill a Fellow!
kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack.”
If you are bitten, head to a medical facility immediately. Stay calm and take deep breaths to relax yourself.
Rushing around will only cause the venom to spread faster!
These Guys Don't Play Around!
Water moccasins are in and around water, particularly in the shallows near low-hanging branches.
They don’t leave much to the imagination! A Moccasin shows his fangs freely.
Finally, I want to mention the Copperhead. They are a real problem where I live (Texas).
Even Young Copperheads are Capable of A Dangerous Bite!
We live in open agricultural land and Copperheads seem to like to bask in the sun on cool days.
Generally, they are found in gardening mulch and compost piles and under decaying stumps. Two more places to watch are: under large, flat stones and under decaying stumps.
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All snake photos are courtesy of Wikipedia!
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Next Time: How to Avoid Snakes; What To Do When You Are Bitten
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This article is a follow-up to yesterday’s Would You Recognize a Venomous Snake?
This Mojave Rattlesnake is Ready & Watching!
As the earth warms up in spring, snakes come out of hibernation and reluctantly meet humans.
Given a choice, they would rather never see a human. Perhaps it has something to do with our attitude. Most folks admit that they’ve “…never met a snake they really liked.”
Folks who insist on camping, fishing, hiking and hunting are very likely to run into a slithery serpent. Here are a few tips for preventing snake bites.
If you are walking in an area that is known to have snakes, it is important to wear suitable clothing and leather boots. Monday, I read an interesting blog, Denim May Guard Against Rattlesnake Bites.
The organizers of the study stated, “… denim clothing proved effective at reducing venom injection by both small and large rattlesnakes. Wearing long denim pants as an alternative to shorts may provide a simple, low-cost means of reducing the severity of snakebites.”
It is also advisable to carry a long stick, to test the waters before putting your hand or leg into an unfamiliar area.
Remember that snakes like to hide in logs or under leaves, waiting for supper. These simple hiding spaces are successful; a serpent can find enough mice and lizards (in this way) to stay fed.
Water Moccasins don’t seem to have a sense of humor. They are always looking for a ‘bite’ so it is very important to stay aware when walking in and around water.
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For More Info About the 4 Venomous Types of North America: see Snake Dangers & River Tubing
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Snake photo – courtesy of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is the last of the three articles about snakes:
Just Because You Don't Expect to See a Coral Snake in Water Doesn't Mean he Can't be There!
If you are bitten, there are some things you can do to lessen the effects.
If you are an adventure fan of movies, some of these directions fly in the face of old movies. Do you remember when a hero applied a tourniquet to the hapless victim’s bitten limb?
Or better yet, remember how your face shriveled up looking at the hero cutting the victim’s limb and sucking out the venom?
Well, there was a problem with those solutions.
People spent so much time finding a tourniquet, getting a knife clean, etc., that they delayed getting the bitten person to a hospital. Folks died from the help they got!
These directions urge you to get help from those best able to handle the crisis effectively!
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Well, I’m tired of snakes; on to other subjects!
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Snake photo – courtesy of Wikipedia!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I’m in the midst of moving my website to a new hosting company and needed a good joke (because my abilities in moving a site are tragic)!
A friend sent this over the weekend. Enjoy!
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The burning question: Do dogs go to heaven?
FYI: These two churches face each other across a busy street.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The images used for this blog are often more popular than the words written (sad, but true)! I’m often amazed by the number of downloads.
Because I’m still busy moving my website, I thought this might be a nice change of pace. Today, I’ve decided to offer some photos and art that are royalty-free for your use!
Have fun!
Remembering Bambi!
Standing in Yellowstone Meadow
Our Pecan Trees are in Trouble Now!
What'cha Doin' Up There?
When Pigs Fly!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
It’s Friday and I’m ready for the weekend. Some weeks are just like that!
We’ve all been involved in some less-that-clever moves while fishing. Well, Bill Dance has a great sense of humor and he’s gathered together some of his more memorable “gaffes” to your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Using Ultralight Tackle Means You Probably Need a Heavy-Duty Net!
I picked up a book on ultralight fishing yesterday by Tim Lilley. His opening line is, “You don’t need heavy tackle to catch heavy fish.” O-k-a-y.
Frankly, it will be a hard sell to get me to go to light-duty line. When I go fishing, I want all the help I can get!
Unless Mr. Lilley changes my mind, I think turning in my tackle for the puny line he suggests, will be along the nature of “… prying my cold, dead fingers from ….”
Tim Lilley is specific: no more than 6 lb. test line and using lures weighing no more than 1/4 of an ounce! He uses rods of various lengths, depending on the situation.
The thing I note throughout the book is that Tim Lilley “reads the water.” People who do this well, are great anglers — no matter what they use for tackle.
He is all for returning to the scene of earlier fishing trips. He says that you learn by seeing the same stream/pond/river at differing states of water depth.
Predator fish have scoped out their habitat and found great places to lie in wait for their dinner to stroll by. Lilley asserts: If you catch one fish in a great place, another will take its place. Therefore, cast your line there again.
There are variables that we can’t control; but over time, those same spots where you have been successful, will be successful again.
Like humans, fish find a great spot to get a meal and they return there time and again.
Mr. Lilley makes an excellent point that fish like particular kinds of cover in lakes and ponds: “brush piles, weedlines, flats, bluffs, rocky banks, flooded trees.”
Once you can consistently find these hiding places in the lakes or ponds you regularly fish, you can generalize this knowledge to unknown bodies of water. Why was a fish in that spot?
When you figure out why fish are where they are – in your regular fishing places – you can transfer this knowledge to unknown bodies of water and become a more consistently successful angler.
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From: Ultralight Fishing, Tim Lilley, Creative Publishing, 2005.
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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com
Knowing About Under-ground Structures Helps You Catch More Fish!
This article is a continuation of some interesting points in Tim Lilley’s book, Ultralight Fishing. *
The previous article is here: Catching Fish with Ultralight Tackle
Lilley takes pains to explain the value of having a topographical map of any body of water you plan to fish. Each body of water has unique structures that will affect fishing.
Topographical maps show “the lay of the land” — in this case — underwater. The map will show shallow areas versus sharp drop-offs (into deep pools).
This is important because fish move into deep pools when the shallow water gets too warm and they stay in deep pools during cold weather (because it is a consistent temperature).
Smallmouth Bass are notorious for living in submerged rock piles. If your topographical map indicates a rock formation, it’s an area that you can investigate.
Most fishing books talk about finding predatory fish. Why? If you are going after a predatory fish, he’s larger than his supper, thus a bit higher up the food chain.
Also, since these predators are looking for a “meal deal,” they are hungry and likely to attack an attractive bait or lure.
Your task is to figure out what he’s in the mood to eat – and serve it up on the end of your line.
When you are successful in a day’s fishing, it’s a great idea to use your GPS** to mark any hotspots you find.
Lilley also makes a point that with a GPS device, you are never really lost on a large body of water (or anywhere else).
Lilley’s suggestion for fishing around a deep drop-off is to use a plastic worm. He lets it free fall to the bottom.
Because it only weighs 1/4 ounce, it will take a long time for the worm to drop, thus having the lure in front of fish for the greatest time, while the fish decides how to react!
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Next Time: More about Fishing Around Underground Structures
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* Ultralight Fishing, Tim Lilley, Creative Publishing, 2005.
** GPS = Global Positioning System. A device to mark your good fishing spots. These systems use the space satellites to mark the coordinates of a spot (longitude and latitude). It’s a snap to find them again later.
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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here’s some interesting info on using various colored crankbaits for fishing. The speaker is known as Roger, the ex-bass guide.
In this video, he explains why he uses certain colors of crankbaits, depending on the clarity of the water and the amount of light available at the time of fishing.
Enjoy!
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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com
“Wars are created by governments but fought by ordinary citizens. These warriors go where they’re told to go and fight when they’re told to fight.
Some come home, some do not. Either way, they did their duty. Nothing more could be asked of any man or woman than they did their duty.” *
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A Tribute to Our Troops!
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Let us pause this weekend and thank those who gave everything, so that we might stay “the Land of the Free!”
Remember
Yes, We Remember! ***
* Michael Gravette
** Rearranged for clarity.
*** Displayed through the courtesy of Vantage Point Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a 2-part blog on two slightly different techniques of catching fish. Decades ago, the ‘Carolina Rig’ was created in South Carolina. Locally, it was a popular way of catching fish, especially bass.
In 1991, along came Jim Nolan — to the Texas BASSMASTER Tournament at Sam Rayburn Lake. With this clever technique, he caught a record-breaking 86.6 pounds of fish!
Nolan gave all the credit to his Carolina-rigged lizard.
If a picture is worth a 1000 words, how much is a video worth? This quick video from the “Average Fisherman” makes the concept easier to understand.
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This is a great way to catch bottom feeding fish.
Next time, I’ll explain the adaptation: the Texas Dragging Rig.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Last time I was talking about rigging for fish, I had the “Average Fisherman” show how to do the Carolina Rig
Today, I’d like to show the Texas Rig (in East Texas, it’s called “draggin.’” This is an adaptation of the Carolina Rig.
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This almost 3 minute video leaves out a few things I’d like to mention.
Why a glass bead?
It keeps the sinker from damaging the knot and provides a nice clicking sound.
Why use a lighter leader than the weight of the line?
If the hook gets snagged, you have a better chance of not losing the whole rig.
Keep an eye on the mud/grit/sand/whatever comes up around the top of your bullet sinker. Why?
If your sinker’s hole is bringing up mud, the area is too soft for bass. They prefer a sandy bottom!
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Give them both a try; let me know which one works better for your situation!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The winds of change are swirling around ‘EasyOnlineOrdering.com’ My new website is under construction and will come online soon.
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This is the Only Part That Will Be the Same!
The benefits for my customers will be impressive.
There will be an explosion in the number of graphics I will be able to display and offer.
These rear window graphics will still be from the two manufacturers that I offer now — because I think they are the best on the market!
They are:
Currently, I only offer some their products. (I’ve made each of these clickable, so you can see their entire product lines!)
As soon as my e-Commerce site moves, this blog will follow to the same place.
The only downside of this is the fact that I’ll have to abandon my theme on this page. It won’t be available after the move.
However, if you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you may be ready for a theme change!
Rest assured, the content of my blogs won’t change. Actually, they might change some, because I will be able to see exactly what is popular with my readers.
New info may be a bit sparse for the next few days.
Rest assured, I’m not sipping a mint julep under some palm tree in a remote part of the world. Really.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If there’s anyone left in the US who isn’t a member of
TalkHunting.com, I’m going to give you several reasons to join – NOW!
The “Quick Action Needed” refers to the last 2 headings!
A 3 day party? Where do I sign up? Liberty, MS is the place and the dates are: Friday, July 23 through July 25th. Believe it or not, attendance is free. Just bring a dish or some finger foods!
Saturday morning gets serious with a 3D Archery Shoot! For more details, go to: http://www.talkhuntin.com/index.php?board=296.0
You’ll even find hotel info and telephone numbers, to make your reservations.
Not to be outdone, Pennsylvania will host the Northeastern Anniversary Party. New Stanton is the place and July 30 to August 1, 2010 are the dates.
Mark your calendars for another free party! As above, the folks at TalkHunting.com have already rounded up the hotel reservation info in one place!
Get the details (3D Archery shoot and a .22 shoot are planned) at: http://www.talkhuntin.com/index.php?board=295.0
TalkHunting has begun their sign up for their annual championship! You have between now and July 13 to be part of the fun!
It matters not where you hunt! What matters: You must be a member of TalkHunting.com in good standing (geek-speak for: 50 or more posts*).
The news you can use: http://www.talkhuntin.com/index.php?board=298.0
Get your bunny-suit, toothbrush and rifle ready! TalkHunting has 3 heavily discounted tickets for a deer hunt (dates: December 1 – 5, 2010).
These hunts include lodging and meals (but no bunny-suit). Each ticket is $2000 — instead of the regular $3500. The license and tags are an extra $400.
If you are interested, get a move on! Up-front money is needed to reserve one of the 3 spots. Visit http://www.talkhuntin.com/index.php?topic=18317.0 for more details.
These turkey hunts are heavily discounted and only TalkHunting members are eligible. There are 11 total spots available and are on a first pay, first reserve basis.
This is a great opportunity to hunt in Kansas for a very low price! It’s also a chance to spend some quality time ‘talkin’turkey’ with other TalkHunting members.
If you want to go, act quick because at these prices, it won’t take long to fill these spots! Visit http://www.talkhuntin.com/180.html for more information.
* The beauty of ’50 posts’ is that it also makes you eligible for monthly prize drawings!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Being a strong proponent of ‘reading the water’ to catch fish, I would like to touch on another aspect: reading sun movement on a lake or pond.
Understanding the Effects of Sunlight on Fishing is Important to Fishing Success! *
You will learn the easiest by doing these exercises in a familiar pond or lake. Why? Because you already have some idea of the hotspots where you find fish.
The idea is to watch the effect of the sun, as it moves across the sky, on your favorite fishing spots.
You want to learn:
Once you have mapped these areas on paper, or in your mind, let’s go fishing!
Fish in the spots where the sun strikes first. As soon as that area becomes warmed, fish will either:
Fish spots before morning light hits them. Fish feed most actively just before daylight or as the sun is sinking below the horizon.
Now, you will work in the reverse. Which of your favorite spots have been out of sunlight longest? These are the areas to start your fishing.
Move to your other hotspots only after the sun has moved away from those areas.
In the early part of the year: Because water temperature is still rather low, fish still respond positively to sunlight.
From the end of spawning till Labor Day: (or later, depending on where you live) Reading the sunlight will be an important factor!
Now: If you are fishing during hot weather, concentrate your attention on the shadows. If fish have not moved into deeper water for the daylight hours, they will concentrate in or near structures (submerged logs, rock formations, weed beds, etc.).
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* Used through the courtesy of Vantage Point Graphics.
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Other Helpful Articles:
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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com
The answer in 3 words is: It’s very different!
Fishing in Low Water is More Difficult!
The ugly truth about fishing when the water is at low-level (in a pond, stream or lake) is: You will probably only get one chance at a nice-sized fish.
Going fishing means spooking the fish. Those guys didn’t get to reach their size by hanging around after seeing folk’s shadows on the water or hearing humans talking.
You might not know the truism: If you can see a fish, he can see you!
Here are a couple of past articles that explain this in greater detail (what fish can see and hear, etc.).
If you take (and use) these items, you will be a much smarter (and more successful) angler!
A good topographical map will tell you where the underwater formations and structures are. The water currents have a profound effect on fishing in streams and larger bodies of water.
By knowing how currents swirl around underground structures and submerged rocks, trees, etc., you will be able to make good guesses about where the fish are hiding.
This is a great time to search for submerged structures (dead trees, artificial reefs, outcroppings of rocks, etc.). If available, use a GPS (Global Positioning System) device to pinpoint the structures you find (for future reference).
Last time (The Effects of Sunlight on Fishing), I talked about the effect sunlight has on fish and fishing. When the water level is down, fish will respond faster to sunlight.
Fish are out trying to snag that last morsel before the sun warms the water too much. Conversely, in the evening, they are starting to feed more aggressively as the sun goes behind the horizon. Those are two great times to dip your hook in the water.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
While doing some late spring cleaning, I found this recipe and thought I’d share it. If you like a bit of ZIP with your deer jerky, this is it!
Dreaming of Some Deer Jerky?
5 lbs. sliced deer meat
3 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) coarse-grind black pepper
1 Tbsp. fine-grind black pepper
1 Tbsp. salt
2 teaspoons of Accent tenderizer
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/2 cup of soy sauce
1 teaspoon Tender Quick *
Crushed red pepper, to taste
Mix all spices and sauce together. Marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Smoke for 2 to 4 hours. Dry in oven @ 140 degrees or in a dehydrator.
* I was unable to find this product and left it out.
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This came to us from a German farmer’s stock of well-worn recipes. He and his family have lived (and hunted deer) in the Texas Hill Country for generations.
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On a Personal Note: Everything takes longer than you expect. The postings have slowed while I try to move my blog and its 300+ articles.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
When I dream of camping, it is a Norman Rockwell view, with lots of smiling faces around a warm campfire.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected!
Experience has taught me that taking our family camping and hoping to experience non-stop love, joy & companionship is … mostly a pipe-dream.
Here are 4 hints to make your camping trip more Norman Rockwell and less ‘Rocky Horror Show!’
Even if you have to hire an Eagle Scout, they are an excellent investment for the newbie camper. I refuse to tell you how I know this!
Eagle Scouts seem to understand the concept that it is critical to set up a tent (for the first time) in daylight.
Most of the rest of us enter into the spirit of camping with way too much confidence! What can be so hard about putting up a tent? They even give directions! What more could we need?
It is great to have a topographical map of the area you will explore during your camping trip. It is even more critical to have a camping checklist.
Although there is no such thing as an exhaustive camping checklist, we’ve tried to build one. Feel free to make a copy.
Think about maximizing the use of a minimum of items!
Yes, worse things can happen than your teen daughter break a fingernail! How on earth will your teens fill their hours if their cell phones can’t get a signal?
Have a plan for keeping bears, raccoons and other wildlife out of your food stores while you are sleeping or away from your tent.
What place should everyone plan to meet if separated? Everyone should know basic survival techniques and have some means to call for help.
Have alternate plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate. There’s nothing worse than being stranded with grouchy kids in a confined space — with nothing to do!
I never leave home without it …. It’s my “Save Our Sanity” List. I always have a list of the hotels and restaurants in the area we are visiting.
So far, I’ve never had to use one. But I feel ready for anything Mother Nature decides to throw our way! ;-)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Dave Richey is a retired newspaper reporter who writes a blog about things that matter to him.
I happen to think what he’s written about Friday is important to all of us who appreciate the outdoors.
Who Will Teach Our Children to Fish?
Click on the title above to go to Dave Richey’s article. It is timely advice!
In the past, I’ve written about how the numbers of fishing licenses and hunting licenses are dwindling in many, if not most, states in America.
If we don’t teach our children how to fish as youngsters, who will do it later?
The people who pay for fish replenishment, habitat protection, etc., are the folks you see in the mirrors. If our children do not acquire a passion for fishing (and hunting) now, they are not likely to acquire it later.
Who will protect our streams, rivers, lakes, hunting grounds and public lands in the future? If the children of today do not become the anglers and hunters of tomorrow, who is protecting the future?
I’ve noticed that there are fewer kids standing in line at the bait shops.
Folks are so strapped for time, that I’m more likely to see a guy’s bonding fishing trip, and not an adult-and-kid trip.
Granted, I live in the Houston-Galveston area.
Are you seeing the same thing in your area?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
It may seem as if I have lost interest in my blog. Not true! However, I’m participating in the world’s longest transfer of a website from one hosting company to another!
I’m going to be very happy when everything is finished, however … right now I’m not enjoying the experience!
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Dropping Your Hook as the Sun Goes Down = Some Great Fishing!
Where I live, daytime temperatures are already hovering around 100. I also have very fair skin with lots of freckles.
Night fishing isn’t just cool, it’s healthier for someone like me.
Let’s talk about the least fun prospect of fishing in the nighttime hours: mosquitoes and other aggravations.
Insects are one of the main food groups of fish. (You know that fish cannot be very far up the food chain when they neglect to have ‘chocolate’ as one of their food groups!)
By dark, mosquitoes and other bugs are tired of dancing around to stay out of fishes’ mouths. They can smell you coming and eagerly anticipate eating on you instead of being dinner for some fish.
Therefore, insect repellant is critical … don’t leave home without it!
As the sun sinks behind the horizon, Peace and (his best friend) Quiet take over. I do some of my best thinking while fishing!
Generally, the pace slows and I get to tune into the night-time sights and sounds of nature: the fire flies dance and sway and the stars wink down from the night sky.
Biologists say that fish seem to increase their feeding behaviors just after the sun goes down and around dawn.
Whether out on a boat or on shore, I like to go out when the moon is full. The water tends to calm down and the moonlight is enough light to keep an eye on any rippling in the water.
By fishing near the top, I’m able to throw my line out where the top feeding fish are snacking on those mosquitoes and bugs that are not chewing on me!
This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Saltwater Fishing from Shore *
Shore Saltwater Fishing
You may have the opportunity to fish from a boat. At other times, fishing from shore might be your plan. The following is an excellent overview of factors related to dipping your hook in salty water.
Sea Fishing Tackle: Pointers When Considering Shore Fishing
I really feel that the author’s comments on ‘time of day, water color and tide’ to be valuable information. You will find it about mid-page.
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Just when you thought it was safe…
Cost of Some Hunting, Fishing Permits Headed Up; New Deer Permit Required
This news relates to Florida, but will your state stay behind? I don’t think so….
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
* Image used through the courtesy of ClearVue Graphics
No, I haven’t abandoned this blog, but my heart hasn’t been in it …. The last time I wrote, I mentioned that I was having a new website created.
All Dressed Up With No Place to Go! My Website Fizzled Before It Started!
The truth is that I was fleeced … the “new” website was a dummy – with just enough functionality to get paid. In other words, it was inoperable.
The strange thing is, I wasn’t as upset by the loss of money (although it was a significant sum — for me), it was the loss of faith in my fellow-man.
My new hosting company suggested I use Elance to hire someone to do the work.
Looking over their site, Elance implies that the providers of services are vetted — they are not. It implies you are safe … you are not.
Second, they are powerless to do anything if the company you hire is dishonest. I hired “bc group” from India to do the work … and began a 6 week journey into misery.
By sharing my naive wanderings into the world of website re-do’s, I hope you will never have this experience.
It has taken a week to try to finish my business with Elance and decide what to do. By this time tomorrow, I will have hired a company to create my new website.
By this time tomorrow, I will have moved on … this is just an ugly bump in the road. Tomorrow will be so much better!
Come back tomorrow to see!
A retired news paper journalist, Dave Richey keeps his readers entertained while trying to educate them. Monday’s article was, “Wishing for the Right Shot.”
Dave might be competing with Job for the title, “Most Patient Man on Earth!”
Here’s a bit of what he has to say.” I shoot bucks that are broadside or quartering away, and have learned over many years to wait for one of these shots. If it doesn’t present itself, you wait some more.
More deer are lost because of sloppy shooting and shots taken at a low-percentage angle, and the result is a wounded deer. It’s far better to wait for the shot you want.”
I think that is the value of seasoned hunters sharing their stories. They love the sport and teach us the finer points of hunting.
Watch all the deer! Otherwise, a doe or fawn may move into line just as you fire!
I remember being in a deer blind with my husband and son, many years ago. Chris, our son, wanted to blast whatever came within range. It took some discussion to get Chris to agree that it wasn’t a particularly good shot.
I recall that Chris was surprised that Richard, his father, was so concerned about having a “clean kill” … that the animal dropped dead, and not race around wildly, in pain.
As a youngster, Chris saw the immediate gain; he believed he would never get another shot. Time and experience taught him that this wasn’t true.
Richey admonishes, “Bow hunters with very little experience … : Never take a shot the buck (or doe) offers; wait for the shot you want or don’t shoot. It’s simple advice but many people count on luck rather than skill to put the arrow in the right spot.”
I’m not a bow hunter, but I can imagine that waiting for a long time with the bow set for action is incredibly tiring.
I’d say that an inexperienced bow hunter might have a hard time following his (very good) advice.
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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com
For some time, I’ve realized that the name of our business didn’t, and doesn’t, explain what we sell. In the coming days, you will see changes.
GreatGhilliesandGraphics.comWhen we finish moving and updating our site, we will have a new name: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
Believe it or not, I get calls, “Will you tell me what I bought from you? I see your name on my credit card statement, but I don’t know who or what this is.”
GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com will convey a clearer message.
The only way I can compete with the “big boys” is to offer discounted prices, quick service and personal attention. That’s not going to change!
As soon as the new site is up and running, I will have a massive sale – to
introduce our expanded offerings and goregous new site.
Who will be the first to be invited? You, of course!
Marine biologists are usually fantastic anglers because they have learned how fish use their senses. If you can learn this, you will be more successful too!
Fish Don't Have Ears; The Pores in their Lateral Line Help Them Sense Anglers and Noise!
Most folks enjoy fishing as a pleasant way to spend time. If you don’t get any fish today, you can come back tomorrow!
Now if a fish makes a mistake, he will find himself sizzling in your frying pan! A fish isn’t as smart as you are, but he uses every instinct and sense he has – to avoid being your dinner.
Most days, you will come away thinking the fish has all the luck on his side. Actually, he has had more practice than you have!
He puts his life on the line daily. He lives by the adage: Eat or be eaten!
Generally, fish have 4 senses and we have 5. However, they use those senses so effectively, we usually come out second best!
Fish have a great sense of sight, they have an incredible sense of smell, they can hear you thousands of feet away and they anticipate your moves through their sense of vibrations.
Note the lateral line on the drawing of the fish above. These are sensory cells that run the length of the fish’s body on both sides.
Amazingly, these cells process low-frequency vibrations. In other words, these cells serve a hearing function that is much more sensitive than ours!
They can feel vibrations and/or hear sounds that occur in the water (up to ~ 100 feet away).
Fish can hear sounds/vibrations caused by anglers walking near water! Fish cannot hear sounds that do not pass into the water; quiet talking is OK.
Fish may not hear quiet talking above the water, but they are definitely “tuned in” to noise and movement in a boat. Running, jumping, walking on land notifies fish that you are near.
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Come back for more exciting drama:
How Fish Use Their Other Senses!
(I’ll bet you can hardly wait!)
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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* I’ve been unable to find the owner of this image. I’m using this diagram under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, for educational purposes only.
Fish Use All Their Senses to Stay out of Your Net!
As I mentioned last time, fish have 4 senses to our 5. Unfortunately, they do a great job of staying off your dinner table by using those 4 senses very effectively!
Fish see colors! Biologists have proven that fish see :
Many articles encourage anglers to wear bland, solid colors (think: beige). Now, lots of anglers don’t believe that fish see color. You can read about the pros and cons here.
Did you know that “if you can see fish … they can see you!? Thank goodness, there are some limits to their eyesight.
Light only travels so far into water. The sun’s rays stop brightening the water at about 25 feet. From that point on, objects just seem to be dark shapes.
A fish’s ability to see in water less than 25 feet is affected by various factors. Is the water muddy or clear? How far are the objects away from the fish? Is light reflecting off of the object?
Fish aren’t too far up the food chain but they certainly recognize the shapes and smells of the things on which they feed!
Of all the things I’ve learned about fish and their senses, I think this was the most surprising. Fish have a killer sense of smell!
Fish can smell odors hundreds of yards away. The smells that turn them off the most are:
To put things another way, fish can smell these “stinky” substances if they are only 1 part in 80 million parts of water! That is some serious nose action!
How can you rid yourself of your human scent? Use a ‘good scent’ or a fish soap that removes your smell! In a pinch, you can rub your hands together with sand — it absorbs smells.
Not all fish have the same level of sniffing. Predator fish (muskie, pike, bass, and others) rely on their sense of sight more than their sense of smell — to find a ‘meal deal!’
Scavengers (carp, catfish, trout, …), rely more on their sense of smell, rather than their sight — when checking over the buffet choices!
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** Some word changes made for clarity.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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Commit a random act of kindness: Pass this article along to someone you know!
Thanks!
Bass are rather finicky about their environment! If the water isn’t between 68 and 78 degrees, bass are likely to be moving on to waters within their narrow range of comfort – instead of eating.
This Predator Lies in Wait for a Tasty Morsel! *
When the weather heats up, bass head for cooler waters. Look for deep pools in the body of water in which you are fishing. Bass are very fond of hiding near the drop-off points of deep holes s0 they stay cool while waiting for something smaller than themselves to stroll by.
As the water starts to cool, bass moves back to the shallows (from the deep pools) to do some serious feeding. They must eat enough to carry them through the winter months – no matter how much cold comes their way.
During the early chilly mornings, bass are likely to be lazy and slow-moving. As the sunlight strikes the water and warms it, bass will become more active. Under these circumstances, bass like to live in shallow waters, hiding in grasses and weeds, around submerged stumps, etc.
If you live in an area near water, as we do, the meteorologist adds water conditions to the weathercast: high and low tides, water clarity, water level and water flow.
When you find water at the correct temperature, your task is to figure out what he’s in the mood to eat – and serve it up on the end of your line.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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Commit a random act of kindness: Pass this article along to someone you know!
Thanks!
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* ‘Missed Opportunity’ – displayed through arrangement with Vantage Point Graphics.
Going fishing is a chancy thing, right? You may or may not connect with fish. Is there anything that will increase your chances of finding fish — besides a GPS (Ground Positioning System)?
Finding fish can be a lot like ‘Russian Roulette’ – everything depending on
chance. However, once I learned about the lake maps where I fished, things changed.
There are a variety of maps available, depending on the popularity of the body of water where you want to fish.
The most common ones are available from the local bait or tackle shop. They are also available online (Google: list the name of the body of water + map) from map companies and (often) your state fishing department.
In some areas, you can get them from the local fisheries. I’ve even seen them offered by County Extension Agencies.
Maps offer differing information. A contour map shows the contours of the water where you want to fish. Here’s a simple contour map of Balsam Lake in New York).
This map indicates the shallow edges of the lake, where the water drops to 5 feet and where the deep hole is at 10 feet.
Most bodies of water have a number of deep holes and sand bars and the contour map will indicate them.
This useful map has a wealth of info: game fish available, aquatic vegetation types (their locations and which fish call them home), water quality, and much more.
One of the most useful features might just be the information on the forage fish populations. If the game fish are bass, then knowing which fish they use for food will help you select likely baits and a successful strategy for fishing.
Second to the maps in value, to my mind, is keeping a log of fishing experiences. Things I include in my log:
I’m amazed how quickly I forget important facts. Without my log, I wouldn’t be able to learn nearly as much from my past experiences.
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* If you find that the water level has dropped, most likely the fish have moved to deeper water. If the water level has risen, the fish are likely to have moved to shallow areas.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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Commit a random act of kindness: Pass this article along to someone you know!
Thanks!
The title of this blog has already changed … and my website’s name will change soon, too.
Hot New Arrival! Harley-Davidson Design! *
The short answer to, ”Why are you changing your name?” is EasyOnlineOrdering.com doesn’t say what I sell.
In this day of instant communications, if you don’t say what you mean, folks don’t hang around long enough to figure out what you are about!
Harley Davidson Chrome Eagle Graphic: Dramatic and Gorgeous! *
I usually groan when I see something “new and improved.” It usually hides a price increase and it usually isn’t an improvement.
I believe this WILL be an improvement that you will see rather quickly.
Another New Harley Davidson Design! *
Changes
Lots more rear window graphics will appear on my new website. Currently, I have only about one-half of the graphics showing at any one time.
After the move, we will have over 750 beautiful graphics — all available in one place! We are adding whole new categories:
New Harley-Davidson Graphic # 3: Metal Skull! *
I have 4 new Harley-Davidson designs available for sale. Until my site moves, I cannot show these last two, although they are available for sale. See notes below.
New Harley Davidson Graphic # 4: Girl on a Harley *
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All of these Rear Window Graphics are shown with the permission of Vantage Point Graphics, owner of the copyright.
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1st photo: Harley Davidson Departed Wing in Pink (New #1)
2nd: Harley Davidson Chrome Eagle
3rd: Harley Davidson Angled in Pink (New #2)
4th photo: Harley-Davidson Metal Skull (New #3)
5th: Harley-Davidson Girl on a Harley (New #4)
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
We live near the Gulf of Mexico and our family has done more salt-water fishing than fishing in fresh water.
Of Course, These Aren't Dogfish!
As a child, I always thought dropping my hook in a lake was rather tame compared to going salt-water fishing. The tackle was larger (for salt-water fishing) and the game fish seemed to have a lot more fight in them.
There was nothing more exciting than fighting a dogfish puffer (I’ve never seen any dog that was as ugly as this fish)! It was an absolutely useless fish for eating, but it was a great adversary.
(I’ve been all over the net looking for a photo of this awful looking little runt, to no avail. I don’t think they were members of the shark family.
They were rather fat, short, with pock-marked faces — just generally ugly. Does anyone know to what I’m referring? This must have been a local name for this fish — I can’t find a photo online.)
The great thing about going on a ship fishing, was the size of the fish available 16 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the long rides were a drag.
My father worked for printing firms that often offered fishing trips to their employees (this was in the dark ages, just after the dinosaurs stopped roaming the earth).
After a couple of trips, during which I up-chucked my hastily eaten breakfast, I learned to eat very little, until I got used to the rolling and pitching of the boat on the water.
It took a long time to learn to enjoy the trip out to the oil derricks where we fished. As the eldest of the 4 kids, I understood that the long rides were necessary — to get to the redfish and snapper we were hoping to catch.
After a couple of trips, my brothers decided to bypass these “adventures” for a few more hours in bed.
These fishing trips, although worth a great deal of money, were never as much fun as just driving down the Gulf Freeway to Galveston and dropping our lines off a pier. Why?
Getting in the car to drive to the ship, to ride some more, seemed to take too long. Kids want ACTION!
As kids, we didn’t appreciate the value of those “expensive fishing trips” because it took too long before we could do battle with fish — and (usually) lose!
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
In relation to birds, fish and animals, America is a very different place from the way it was when the Pilgrims arrived.
We have learned a great deal about introducing birds, fish and animals to new habitats and new continentents. Sometimes, the introduction has been good for America and sometimes it has caused disaster.
Sometimes birds and animals followed humans across large land masses — and settled in new areas. At other times, humans accidentally carried animals and/or birds across the seas.
At the time that grackles, crows and starlings came to America, we didn’t understand the consequences of introducing new species to an area.
In other situations, we brought creatures to America because we thought they would solve a problem or provide new hunting opportunities.
In the area of fishes, carp and brown trout were intentionally brought to American waters.
The ring-necked pheasant, axis deer, black buck antelope and fallow deer were thought to be fine additions to the American landscape.
However, time-and-time-again, we have learned that we shouldn’t fool with Mother Nature!
In the 1870′s, some bright fellows brought kudzu to southern America (from Japan) — to help with erosion. It solved that problem — but created others.
Kudzu Over-Runs Local Plants & Costs Millions to Eliminate! Hemingway, SC
Now we know that kudzu over-runs 150,000 acres/year! It is considered to be a pest vine. Millions are spent, trying to curtail this vine’s growth.
Sometimes, a new species does not adapt to a new habitat. At other times, the new species does so well that it over-runs the native species.
Kudzu Growing Over Trees in Atlanta, GA
In other words, sometimes the plants and animals native to an area are pushed out because of the growth (and expansion) of the new species.
I think that one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from the Tea Party is that grass-roots activism is not dead in America.
You and I can make a difference — particularly in wildlife decisions made on the state level. How?
Keep an eye on news reports and online hunting and fishing sites. Study the impact that pending legislation will make in your state.
Attend meetings, join hunting and fishing causes that make sense. Find out who the ‘movers-and-shakers’ are. Be positive and persistent!
When decision makers make decisions that benefit wildlife causes, let them know you appreciate them!
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
* Kudzu photos used through the GNU Free Documentation License & Wikipedia.
When the Wind is Over 15 mph, Call the Coyote Across the Wind!
Coyotes are amazing predators. A hunter once told me that great trophy hunters often cannot successfully call coyotes. But good coyote hunters, he added, can successfully hunt anything!
If you recall in yesterday’s posting, Sometimes it is Best NOT to Fool With Mother Nature, I indicated that man has tinkered with the natural balance in some locations — and caused severe changes to the landscape.
Sometimes the animals that prey on coyotes have been killed off, leaving the coyote to breed and kill at will. In those circumstances, state agencies ask hunters to help thin the number of coyotes in a given area.
It is easiest to understand their senses by comparing them to a turkey’s senses. Like a turkey, a coyote is a master at catching (even faint) motion and knowing that things are out-of-place.
Like turkeys, coyotes have excellent hearing. They can tell where a sound originates. The coyote and turkey share excellent eyesight and hearing.
However, coyotes are predators, while turkey are prey. Hunters call a gobbler by imitating the call of a lovesick hen. When a coyote answers a call, it is to eat!
Unfortunately, a coyote has an excellent sense of smell – most agree that it is better than a deer’s nose. Mr. Coyote also is smarter that a hunting dog.
Think of a coyote as a seasoned athlete with amazing senses and the smarts to use it all to reach his goal.
Coyotes can run about 35 mph! He has great stamina and can accelerate in the blink of an eye.
Are you aware that, unlike a gobbler, a coyote will not voice a response to a call?
Things to know:
Professional coyote hunters say that a hunter must be in place to shoot when he starts calling. A coyote offers no warning of their approach. He can be staring at you in seconds!
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
Some Unique Ways of Snaring a Wild Turkey! **
While trolling around the Internet, I chanced upon this article: “How to Turkey Hunt Effectively – Clever Techniques to Lure Turkeys Into Compromising Situations.”
The title was so interesting, I had to read it.
The author, Bill M Murphy, advocates using the following:
Mr. Murphy is a “Platinum Level” author for Ezine Articles. At the end of his article, he suggests: “If you would like more tips on how to turkey hunt and separate yourself from the usual results obtain by amateur turkey hunters, please visit http://www.howtohuntturkey.com “
After reading the article, I called MDH * at work, and read the article to him. Before I tell you my thoughts, or what MDH said, I’d like to throw the questions out to you:
What do you think about these ideas?
Have you every tried any of these? Results?
Are they legal in your state?
Inquiring minds would like to know! Please comment.
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* MDH = My Dear Husband
** Rear Window Graphic used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Walking can add minutes to your life.
This enables you at 85 years old
To spend an additional 5 months
in a nursing Home at $7000 per month.
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My grandpa started walking
Five miles a day when he was 60.
Now he’s 97 years old
And we don’t know where he is.
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I like long walks,
Especially when they are taken
By people who annoy me.
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The only reason I would take up walking
Is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
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I have to walk early in the morning,
Before my brain figures out what I’m doing.
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I joined a health club last year,
Spent about 400 bucks.
Haven’t lost a pound.
Apparently you have to go there.
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Every time I hear the dirty word ‘exercise’,
I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
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The advantage of exercising every day
Is so when you die, they’ll say,
‘Well, she looks good doesn’t she.’
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If you are going to try cross-country skiing,
Start with a small country.
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I know I got a lot of exercise
The last few years,……
Just getting over the hill.
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We all get heavier as we get older,
Because there’s a lot more information in our heads.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
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AND
Every time I start thinking too much
About how I look, I just find a Happy Hour
And by the time I leave, I look just fine.
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Cheers!
You could run this over to your friends
But just e-mail it to them
If you don’t forward
This to 1 of your friends within
The next 5 minutes your belly
Button will unscrew and your
Backside will fall off.
Really…. It’s true
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Before you question what you’re seeing here, these are real. They are of a very rare melanistic black fawn; in fact, according to Snopes, this is rarer than the animal becoming an albino fawn.
They were shot in Austin TX this year and they appeared on the photographer’s web site.
Note: More info below the photos!
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I don’t blame you! Here’s the scoop from Snopes ….
These black whitetail deer are even more rare than albino whitetails!
These photos come from the website of R.M.Buquoi Photographics. In his response to Snopes questioning him about the photos, he states that the pair of fawns are twins, though only one is the rare black.
For more info, click on the underlined Snopes and website above.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
And to think I assumed that all the “characters” lived in Texas; I stand corrected!
These photos also come from MDH! *
* MDH = My Deer Husband
I checked Snopes and there was nothing online at this time.
These are unique ….
This ol' boy stuck to the 2 lane and gravel roads!
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This cowboy bought the bull in Kansas ...
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And was transporting him to Tulsa, Oklahoma!
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Even Ripley would have trouble believing this one!
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Good thing I didn't see this ...
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I'd probably have had a traffic accident because I was laughing so hard!
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What do you think NHD means? (See the side of the bull)
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I don't want to travel with this cowboy anytime soon!
I have no idea if these photos were photoshopped! They were just too great not to share!
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
An elderly couple were celebrating their sixtieth anniversary. The couple had married as childhood sweethearts and had moved back to
their old neighborhood after they retired.
Holding hands, they walked back to their old school. It was not locked, so they entered, and found the old desk they’d shared, where Andy had carved “I love you, Sally.”
On their way back home, a bag of money fell out of an armored car, practically landing at their feet.
Sally quickly picked it up and, not sure what to do with it, they took it home. There, she counted the money-fifty thousand dollars!
Andy said, “We’ve got to give it back.”
Sally said, “Finders keepers.” She put the money back in the bag and hid it in their attic.
The next day, two police officers were canvassing the neighborhood looking for the money, and knocked on their door.
“Pardon me, did either of you find a bag that fell out of an armored car yesterday?” Sally said, “No”.
Andy said, “She’s lying. She hid it up in the attic.
Sally said, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting senile”
The agents turned to Andy and began to question him.
One said: “Tell us the story from the beginning.”
Andy said, “Well, when Sally and I were walking home from school yesterday ….”
The first police officer turned to his partner and said, “We’re outta here!”
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This is a companion to my website:
The other day I needed to go to the emergency room. Not wanting to sit there for 4 hours, I put on my GREEN HAT that I got from Newsmax when I had subscribed to the magazine.
When I went into the E.R., I noticed that 3/4 of the people got up and left. I guess they decided that they weren’t that sick after all.
Cut at least 3 hours off my waiting time. Here’s the hat. Try it the next time you’re in need of quicker emergency service.
It also works at DMV. It saved me 5 hours.
At the Laundromat, three minutes after entering, I had my choice of any machine, most still running.
Don’t try it at McDonald’s though. The whole crew got up and left and l never got my order.
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Hope you got a chuckle!
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These photos and story are NOT on Snopes. Since 9-11 is around the corner, I thought I’d share these photos. I got these this pm.
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A Fateful Day in US History!
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Mr. Holmgren calls this “The Rolling Memorial”
I call it “Amazing!”
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a companion to my website:
The magazine, Outdoor Life, has some nifty vintage photos of hunters online. They comment that some of these photos are 100+ years old!
Printed on the photo: 'One Day's Sport at Yellther (maybe Kellther), Minn."
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I wonder how these guys shot a deer each! All I see are suits and hats, and not a lick of de-scenting soap or ghillie suit amongst them!
Maybe deer have gotten smarter over the years … or maybe it is just companies have gotten smarter about convincing us we need all the gear we use while hunting. Hm-m-m-m-m, makes you wonder.
Just click on the underlined words, Outdoor Life Hunting for the rest of the 44 images available to admire.
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Traveling down the interstate and needing to use the restroom, I stopped at a rest area and headed to the restroom.
I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying: “Hi, how are you?”
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I’m not the type to start a conversation in the restroom and I don’t know what got into me,
But I answered, somewhat embarrassed,
“Doin’ just fine!”
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And the other person says: “So what are you up to?”
What kind of question is that? At that point, I’m thinking this is too bizarre so I say: “Uhhh, I’m like you, just traveling!”??
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At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.
“Can I come over?”
Ok ~
“No..I’m a little busy right now!!!”
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Then I hear the person say nervously… “Listen, I’ll have to call you back. There’s an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions.
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~ Cell phones, don’t you just love them! ~
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Tomorrow: A Political Obituary!
You Won’t Believe it Until You See It!
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This is the companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
This was in a recent edition of the Rome (GA) News Tribune.
“Mr. Donald Charles Unsworth, age 78, of Charlton Street, Rome, died Monday evening following a brief illness.
A memorial service will be held Monday, 1 pm, in the Thomas B Griffin Memorial Chapel of the Daniels Funeral Home with Rev. Bert Brooks officiating.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm, at other hours they may be contacted at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requested that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the campaign of who ever (sic) is running against President Barak Obama in 2012.
A complete obituary will be published ….”
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This is the companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
If you have salt water and fresh water fishing equipment, you know that you spent a bundle more on the gear for saltwater fishing!
Salt Water Fishing Calls for Heavier Gear! *
Saltwater fishing rods/reels are larger and tend to hold more (and heavier) line. These rigs are used in less friendly climates: As you fish, surf, spray and humidity are taking a toll on your equipment.
Most rods come with a protective coat, but this wears away in the elements over time.
What we will talk about today are saltwater fishing gear maintenance:
These elements are important for all of your gear, but saltwater fishing equipment requires attention after every outing. Failing to do these simple steps is like tossing money out of a window!
You are washing saltwater gear to remove the salt and chemicals — which are very corrosive to fishing tackle. We line up the rods/reels along an outdoor wall and spray them carefully.
A little dish washing liquid helps cut through the salt and grit. Choose a dish washing liquid without extra, harsh ingredients. If you use a soap with degreasers, etc., and don’t remove all of it, you have created a new problem. Simple is best.
Your reel needs a bit (a tiny bit) of extra tender loving care. Sporting goods stores sell reel lube oil. A little bit goes a long way!
That dab of oil reduces friction in your reel and other moving parts — and keeps your fishing reel smoothly running.
Why is careful storage important? Your gear is probably still wet and it needs to air dry. Placing your reel and rod in a humid, moist area will help rust and mildew form.
Another concern is making sure insects and rodents can’t make a nest in and on your equipment!
Keeping a rod out of the sunlight is another saver. Twenty+ years ago, I sewed parts of an old sheet into a long tube. The rods are still hanging in the garage, safe in that tube!
Even if the fishing line were free, which it is not, it still takes a long time to put new line on your reel.
With saltwater gear, remember: Take a little time now and save money and time later.
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Next Time: Hunting – Finding Your Wounded Deer
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Today is our Anniversary: My husband and I have been married 41 years! Where has the time gone?
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This is the companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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* This rear window graphic is used by permission of ClearVue Graphics.
Disclaimer: This info may help inexperienced hunters. No, one solution is correct for every situation.
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Is there anything worse than losing a buck you know you have shot? Here are some common sense ideas for avoiding that long search.
After shooting and watching a deer fall, most hunters let down their guard. This is when most deer are lost.
While you busy congratulating yourself, a deer that was momentarily stunned (and fell down) may get up and run away. A hunter should be ready to shoot again.
If you see any sign that the deer is still alive — shoot again. This holds true for arrows as well as guns.
If you have hit a deer in the neck, high on the back, or in the head, he might only be stunned. Always make sure the deer is down permanently.
To bring this rule home, here’s a quick story about the awful experience of Randy Goodman, deer hunter. It is a quick read; click on “deer hunter” and scroll to the bottom of the page.
We all want our shot to kill the deer quickly, without suffering. However, that doesn’t always happen.
Watch the wounded deer’s actions. Limping or running on 3 legs, usually means he has a leg or shoulder wound. Some deer instantly sprint away; generally this means this deer has been mortally shot.
A heart shot is usually indicated by the deer jumping and kicking out his hind legs.
I have yet to hear of a wounded deer that left bread crumbs for a hunter to find him! I think trailing one is the worst thing about deer hunting.
Richard P. Smith, in his book, Deer Hunting,** has a lot to say. I’m going to paraphrase some quick helps and return to this issue again soon.
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Next Time: Interpreting Signs to Find Your Wounded Deer
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This is the companion to my website: GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com
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* This rear window graphic is used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
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** Deer Hunting, 3rd Edition, by Richard P Smith, available thru his website.
If you have searched for a previous article, it may not be here — or the links might be broken. Almost 400 articles must be re-linked to my new website. It will take a little time. They WILL be corrected.
ML
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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
When life moved a bit slower, hunters spent lots of time in the woods before hunting season started. It was a great way to get the lay of the land and take notes on animal movements.
This, in turn, helped the hunter decide where to place tree stands or blinds. This was an effective method — but very time-consuming!
Then along came this nifty little time-saver, called a …
The price of surveillance cameras has continued to drop. They are now
Clever Gadget that Watches Game for You!
in the price range of most hunting enthusiasts.
Because they work 24 hours/day and every day of the year, these workhorses can give information about the animals that call your patch of land “home,” as well as the deer — and other game – just passing through.
If you can afford more than one hunting cam, you will need to prioritize your watching. Remember that these tools offer knowledge.
Successful hunters are ones usually the ones who have advanced knowledge of the terrain, deer’s habits, bedding areas, etc.
Like us, deer move according to their routine and habit. As you watch the time-stamped video, you will begin to see patterns.
The most obvious one is that a hunter can place a hunting stand or blind in the most favorable place to intercept the game he/she is seeking.
You will get the bead on locations for morning and evening hunts.
If I have seen the same deer, over time, graze, bed down, etc., I’m going to be more willing to stay in my hiding place, waiting for that deer, even when conditions aren’t much fun (rain, snow, etc.).
Being a successful hunter is all about knowledge, patience and luck. A trail webcam can give knowledge and patience. You have to bring the luck to the party!
Let’s return to our original question. Only you can answer that question.
Determining factors will include:
Remember, with a hunter’s webcam, you can decide before the season starts which animal you want to find in the crosshairs of your gun! ;- )
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Weather Changes Affect Fishing!
Weather has a profound effect on fishing. Today, I want to talk about one aspect of weather: fronts. Naturally, there is a yin and yang: a cold front and a warm front.
I know you don’t want a weather lesson. However, to be able to use the information, you need to understand a bit of weather.
From Wikipedia: ”A warm front is … the leading edge of an advancing mass of warm air; it separates warm air from the colder air ahead.”
A warm front can occur in any season. These 2 factors determine if this front will help you in fishing for bass. If a warm front blows through your fishing area in the winter or early spring, fish will get frisky and eat more.
However, if a warm front comes in during the long summer, fish will move to deeper water and eat less.
Understanding how Weather Affects Bass - and Other Fish - Will Help You Become a More Successful Angler! *
Since bass and other fish like warm conditions, a cold front usually means that the fishing will slow down. However, there are a few exceptions.
After the long, hot summer, the first cold front send fish into a feeding frenzy. Once the live bait starts moving, bass and the other fish follow.
As the water starts to cool, fish instinctively know they must “fatten up” for what might be a very cold winter. Your choice of bait at this time is less important that the fact that you have your hook in the water!
Bass notice shiny things that move rapidly.
During the winter months, it is important to fish before the front strikes the area. Fish increase their eating before the front — and get quiet for a few days after the front blows through the area.
Remember, bass — and other fish — move to deep pools during the winter months. However, you can try an alternative idea: The bass that don’t move to those deep pools bunch together in reedy, grassy areas.
Since the water is cold, fish don’t move very quickly. Make sure you slow down the movement of your bait!
It is going to take a bit of bait “charm” to get bass to move out of their safe spot. The fish won’t bother to move if the bait moves too fast.
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This Bass Rear Window Graphic is Used by Permission of ClearVue Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
What You Do in the Hours After Shooting Wild Game Determines it's 'Gaminess'
I’ve written articles about keeping the gamy taste out of wild game after it is shot and during processing. The three that come to mind are:
Can You Take the Wild Taste Out of Venison?
Removing the “Gamy” from Wild Game!
Getting the “Gamy” Taste out of Wild Ducks, Fowl, Etc.
But sometimes you have a portion of game that is doubtful and you want to make sure you are not disappointed by a ‘gamy’ aftertaste.
Here’s a great recipe!
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1 to 1 1/2 lbs. venison, sliced or cubed
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1 and 1/2 teasp. MSG
1/2 teasp. pepper
Mix all ingredients together and pour over the meat. Refrigerate at least 24 hours. You can marinate as long as 3 or 4 days.
Drain. Broil or barbecue.
Notes:
“Real” soy sauce has wheat and soy beans as ingredients. La-Choy (and other fake soy sauces) use caramel coloring.
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‘Buck Dream’ is used by permission from ClearVue Graphics
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Happy Birthday to our son, Christopher!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Recently, I wrote an article about finding a wounded animal, Finding Your Wounded Deer. There are so many facets to this problem that I want to attack it from a different angle.
Blood Spatters are Important Indicators of the Length of Your Search for a Wounded Animal!
Understanding what you are seeing on the trail may help you in finding a wounded animal. Wild animals are not going to help you; it is up to you to decipher the blood spatters.
The experts I’ve consulted suggest starting where the animal was hit. They recommend using squares of toilet tissue to mark the trail. Alternately, use plastic flags (and remove them later).
Recognizing the exact location the deer/elk/whatever was hit might not be very easy. Before leaving your shooting location, find some landmarks to help you find the correct spot.
Knowing where the animal was shot can be a good indicator as to the distance you will need to travel to find the deer or other animal.
You might need to get down on all fours to search the area. Sometimes, blood and hair strands cling to the sides of grass stems and other foliage.
Generally, knowing what a blood spatter means will tell you how long it will take to find the animal.
For example, that frothy blood sign that indicates a lung shot, will probably be a short search.
Blood with bits of undigested food (a stomach or intestines wound),will usually take a much longer time.
However, bright blood — indicating a muscle shot or heart shot – could be either! (A heart shot won’t take long, but a muscle shot could lead you on for miles!)
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Do you know someone who might find this article useful?
Please pass it on!
Thank you!
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‘Elk’ is a Rear Window Graphic used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here are some tips for bowhunters gathered from a variety of sources: books, magazines and expert bowhunters, I’ve met over the years.
I really admire anyone who uses a bow to hunt. It seems incredibly difficult to master the technique and bring down game!
In order to get a shot at a whitetail (or other large game), it is necessary
A Few Tips for Bowhunters!
for that game to cooperate by moseying across your path.
The idea is to place some scent (that will attract the deer) in one area in front of you, on the opposite side from the one you use to shoot arrows. If an animal heads toward the scent, you will know precisely where it will go.
A left-handed bowhunter should place the scent in an area in front and to the right of his/her site. The scent should be placed to the front and left of a right-handed person’s position.
The idea behind placing the scent in front of you is that the deer will be attending to the scent — and not you.
Successful bowhunters assure me that game usually saunters past when conditions are at their worst — especially during wet and windy times.
Do you practice under those conditions? Since the wind can affect your aim, you need to know how to compensate.
You may find that your release of the arrow feels sloppy when wet weather causes the string to hang up.
Waiting for a good shot in lousy weather isn’t so much fun. Staying out in ugly weather is even less fun when you miss. Practicing in less-than-perfect weather is important for future success!
When you shoot from a tree stand, do you drop your bow arm instead of bending from the waist to aim-and-release? By standing up and lowering the arm, the draw length is shortened.
“With a recurve, this means less energy is available to drive the arrow. The bow gets blamed when our shooting form is the culprit.” *
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* Quote from S F Burke, bowhunting teacher
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This Sunday: I have a program that will show rear window graphics here on my blog (from one of my 21 categories). This week will be fishing decals.
If you are interested, come on by! I don’t plan to announce it on Twitter. On Monday, we will be back to “our regularly scheduled program.”
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These 5 tips come from experienced hunters.
Waiting for Hunting Season to start? So is he! *
After washing your hunting clothes and drying them in open air,* add your boots to a large plastic bag, along with the crushed leaves and other vegetation from your hunting site. Seal it closed and allow to ‘steep.’
The odors will seep into your clothes, making you fit into the smell of the area you plan to hunt.
Don’t wear your hunting clothes or boots when you are adding gasoline (or any other fuel) . Experienced hunters also avoid wearing their clothes/boots in diners or ‘greasy spoons.’
These scents (gasoline, kerosene, cooked food odors) cling to clothing and boots.
Your wrists, like your scalp, lose heat rapidly. Blood flows close to the skin surface in both places, requiring covering to keep you comfortable while hunting.
As you can imagine, keeping your wrists covered is a challenge while shooting or using a bow. Gloves are effective, but they might interfere with your shooting.
Lots of hunters have started using wrist bands (used by athletes, tennis players, etc.) — either without gloves or under gloves and/or mittens.
Every year, several hunters die falling from their tree stand or when their gun discharges while climbing into their stand.
A safety belt: It’s an important piece of gear for anyone using a tree stand. Safety isn’t it’s only value; it also helps steady your aim for distance shots.
A properly adjusted belt will end the fear of falling — thus adding to your enjoyment of the hunt!
When hunting for a suitable hunting spot, look for water! Deer seem to consider water as a barrier to detection. Deer do not hesitate to enter water.
They are known to swim beaver ponds and swamps, as well as wade creeks to escape from hunters and dogs.
When looking for deer, be sure to scan the banks for trails leading out of the water and up the bank. As creatures of habit, they may come for water and/or cross the river or creek at the same place.
This is a great site for a hunting spot!
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* Your dryer has ‘dryer sheet residue’ (complete with fru-fru smells). Hang them out to dry instead.
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If you found this useful, please pass it on to a friend! Thank you!
‘Great Eight’ rear window graphic is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Starting this weekend, I’m going to set my site to show some images of rear window graphics on Sunday.
They will be from a particular group. I have 21 categories — and counting! Monday, I’ll return with regular articles!
This is a particularly handsome fish! I just added it this week.
'About to Strike:' courtesy of Clear Vue Graphics
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Please note: These copyrighted images have watermarks. Purchased rear window graphics do not have these words across the decals!
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This is a very attractive scene of fishing:
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Finally, this is an artist’s rendering of fish of the sea:
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These are just a few of the 30+ images in Fishing Rear Window Graphics. For sharks, and other large fishes, go to the Sea Creatures Graphics section.
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Next Sunday: Wildlife Graphics (Deer, Elk, Moose, etc.)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Choosing the wrong tree for a deer stand can make or break your hunting experience. Here are a few hints for the newbie hunter.
Deer Hunter at Sunset **
There are several advantages to using a tree as your shooting spot, whether you are bowhunting or using a gun.
You have found a likely place to hunt deer. Since you have decided to hunt in a tree, look around your site. Avoid trees that are dead, leaning with a serious tilt, having a wide base (cypress comes to mind), or one having too many low limbs. One experienced hunter told me that the most comfortable tree stand he ever used had a tilt away from the spot he wanted to face. Why? He was able to lean against the tree during long waiting periods in relative comfort.
While scouting for a likely spot, bring an axe (or a small saw) and your stand. If you are like me, the next idea will be the hard part. Imagine yourself in the tree stand. Can you move around as you like? Can you see far enough down the trail, path, whatever — as you need to? Adapting a hunting position is easier now, before you have a gun and other equipment to handle.
As if the previous ideas weren’t enough trouble, here are 3 more to think about while selecting your tree.
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* Remove watches and other bling. Is your gun matte? Sunlight (striking shiny surfaces) will give your location away.
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‘Sunset Stand’ used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
When I meet experienced hunters, I ask questions. Sometimes their tips are priceless! I’ve saved time, money and aggravation because some old hunter took the time to share his experience.
As You Increase Your Knowledge of Deer and Their Habits, You Increase Your Chances of Success!
This tip is so obvious — and yet I would not have thought of it myself! The next time you have finished packing for a hunting trip, take a photo.
Why? Let me count the ways ….
‘Reading what tracks are telling’ is an important skill for a hunter to learn. Here are two tips that may help in your next hunting trip.
However ….
I am personally convinced that some ‘hunting gremlins’ run around announcing the beginning of hunting season.
Thus, taking a last look around just before the season starts is important.
For these reasons, the later you scout the area (before the season starts), the more chances you have of being in the ‘right place at the right time.’
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‘Higher Ground’ used by permission of ClearVueGraphics
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If you found this informative, please pass it on!
Thank you!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Last Sunday, I started a new series. Each Sunday (only), I’ll show some of my rear window graphics. This week is: Outdoors and Wildlife.
'Midnight Run' shown by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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I select these mid-week and schedule them to display around midnight of Sunday morning. I don’t announce these on Twitter.
What an Awful Tragedy if they Get their Racks Entwined! "Moose in Yellowstone" used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Next Sunday: Wolf Rear Window Graphics!
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I’ve turned off the “comments” portion of this blog for a few days. I’ve been spending 2+ hours cleaning out spam and reporting them to the HoneyPot Project (they prosecute spammers)!
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Tomorrow: Back to Hunting or Fishing info!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These suggestions will help reduce or eliminate the ‘gamy’ taste in your wild game.
From the time that you bring the animal down — to the time that you use the meat, there are plenty of opportunities to impair the flavor of your hunted game.
These are a few of the problems that you will need to address — to keep your game tasting fresh.
When I see a hunter carrying his deer on the hood of his vehicle or in the open bed of the truck, I wonder, “What is he thinking?”
Would you leave un-frozen meat out of the refrigerator for 8+ hours — and expect it to taste fresh? Carrying a deer in an open truck is a near-guarantee of off-tasting meat.
Also, an exhaust system of the average truck can heat the truck bed to a temperature that will spoil the meat.
Keep the meat iced down, in large igloos. As an added precaution, the igloos should have layers of insulation between them and the bed of the truck.
Off-flavors can be the result of not trimming the meat carefully. Fat can turn rancid (even in the freezer) and that will affect the taste.
By removing the bone and cutting the animal along large muscle groups (hams and fore legs, for example), you save room in the freezer.
Also, cut off portions where the bullets have damaged the meat (bloodshot) and any area that seems tainted or suspicious. Leaving these portions can produce an off flavor when the meat is used.
When boning the game, leave the meat in meal-sized portions — and leave them whole. The less surface area exposed, the better your meat will taste.
As meat portions are thawing, cut the larger cuts into steaks, etc. (if that is how you want to cook them).
Have you ever wondered why deer processors wrap deer twice (with plastic wrap and then with coated freezer paper)?
The plastic layer seals the meat so there is little dehydration. The combination protects the meat for a year, or more.
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Remember: Deer meat does not freeze until it gets down to 28 degrees! The longer it takes to freeze, the more likely the meat will have an off taste!
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‘Great Eight‘ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Here are a few tips from experienced goose hunters for newbies.
Note: The Geese Stay in the Middle of the Field *
Geese are wily adversaries; they live by their wits. If they make a mistake, they become your supper! Thus, they are wary.
If you are aiming to take home your limit of geese, knowing a few things about these fowl will help you choose a good hiding spot.
Watch geese as they land in a field to feed. They do not land or feed near any obstruction, patch of brush or a fence row. They prefer to stay in open areas, generally near the center of a field.
Don’t bother to set a blind near an obstruction, such as a line of trees or a hedge. Instead, choose the highest spot in the field, staying as close to the center of the field as possible.
Geese use the light of a full moon to do serious night-time noshing. Then, in the morning, they return to hiding spots to rest — and stay away from hunters.
Look for cold, windy days — with a storm front on its way — to hunt for geese. Other good days are ones when there is plenty of fog or mist.
Under these conditions, geese will be moving all day!
On the days mentioned above (cold, windy, foggy or misting), it is often hard to estimate how close the geese are flying.
Experienced hunters say they wait until they can clearly see the geese’s feet or eyes. (I’ll bet you thought I was going to say: Wait until you see the ‘whites of their eyes.’ Gotcha!)
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‘Golden Bounty‘ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Have you ever wondered why deer eat at night and spend most of the day asleep in their bedding areas?
At Alert: He Senses that Hunters are Near!
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This habit certainly has something to do with wanting to avoid hunters, but the grazing and eating habits also have something to do with their 4 chambered stomachs!
Whitetail deer roam from Canada to Peru and from the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains to Florida.
Whitetails are in 45 of the 50 states; they are not in: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Utah and Nevada. However, their cousins, mule deer and black-tailed deer, are in some of these states.
Wikipedia states that the current population of whitetails (in the US) is about 30 million!
Here in Texas, the 4 million we have are:
As you can see, whitetails are adaptable to different habitats. As ‘ruminants,’ these mammals eat plant-based materials. They soften it in the first stomach, regurgitate it, and re-chew it. (Yum!)
This process is helpful to avoid hunters! They graze during the night hours, eating as much as they can find. As light comes over the horizon, whitetails head for their beds, where they doze as their stomachs slowly digest the food.
Depending on where they live, they nosh on seeds, grasses, acorns, corn, berries — and occasionally, folk’s flower beds!
Because these 30 million are running out of room (due to man’s encroaching on their wild lands), whitetails are ‘nuisance animals’ in some areas. When there isn’t enough food to support the deer population; they help themselves to local gardens and suburban plantings, dumpsters, etc.
Whitetails always dress for the season! In the spring and summer, they are reddish-brown. When the weather cools down, they shed their summer colors and put on their heavier buff-gray-brown coat.
Fawns born in spring-summer, have a coat similar to the adults, with one exception — white spots (a la Bambi). These spots fade to nothing by the time the fawn is 4 months of age.
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Next Time: More Whitetail Deer info for inquiring minds!
(Whitetail’s antlers, spike deer and the rut)
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‘Autumn Haze’ shown by permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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A few days ago, I wrote the first part of this article (with the very snappy title) — Interesting Facts About Whitetail Deer.
The White Fur is Obvious on these Deer in this 'Woodland Splendor' Scene! *
Last time, I told you that whitetails are always dressed for the weather: a reddish-brown coat in the spring & summer, and a gray-brown (heavier coat) for the fall and winter.
These coat colors help them hide in plain sight; they are generally the same color as their surroundings.
We call these deer ‘whitetails’ because of the fur on the underside of their tails. When they are ‘on alert,’ deer raise their tails. They show alarm by twitching their tails and racing or bounding away from what scares them.
Whitetails have other white details on their bodies. There is a ring of white fur around their eyes and a line of white hair between the nose and the face.
They also have touches of white fur in their large ears, under their chin and on the throat. Deer have white fur bellies and on the inside of their upper legs.
Deer shed their fur twice per year, but grow new antlers each year. Obviously, good nutrition is critical to do this important work (shedding and growing new fur and antlers).
It is hard to imagine that a buck grows and sheds his antler ‘rack’ each year. The antlers start as two beams upon which tines (or points) grow.
Looking at the buck above, I believe there are 8 points (3 on the left side and 5 on the right rack).
Deer shed their antlers in the winter (after the rut), and regrow them in the spring. Thin skin, called velvet, cover the new, tender tines/points. This velvet is shed before autumn.
Antlers are an important part of buck’s behavior used in the weeks before the rut (deer mating season). Deer are herding animals and dominance is determined by fighting.
By looking at these racks, you can imagine that buck fights can become rough. The winning buck is the dominant animal of the herd and he mates with the most does (when they come into season).
Generally, most states set hunting season around the time of the rut. This helps hunters because most bucks have other things on their minds and are not as careful!
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‘Woodland Splendor‘ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Lately, I’ve been getting requests for wild game recipes – especially squirrel! Here are a couple from the North American Hunting Club Wild Game Cookbook, 1985 and 1990.
How about Some Squirrel Stew?
Serves 4 – 6
Prep Time: 1 hour
3 squirrels, cut up
1 tsp barbecue spices
1 cup melted butter
1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 tsp. paprika
salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp. rosemary
Combine melted butter with other ingredients. Charcoal broil the squirrels as you would chicken over coals basting with butter and spices.
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Serves 3 or 4
Prep time: 1 hour
2 cups squirrel, cooked and diced
2 cups small potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. onion, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
dash of paprika
1/4 stick of butter
Mix squirrel, potatoes, broth and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Dust with paprika. Cook in skillet with the melted butter for about 30 minutes over low heat, stirring often.
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Serves 4
Prep Time: Depends on the age of the squirrel
3 or 4 squirrels, cup in pieces
1 bay leaf
2 large carrots, sliced thin
3 large potatoes, diced into small cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
water
salt and pepper
corn starch or flour
Place meat in pot and cover with cold water. Add the bay leaf and boil until the meat is falling from the bones. Add water while cooking to keep meat covered, if necessary.
Remove meat from broth. Strain broth to remove any bone chips that may have gotten into the broth.
Pour broth back into the pot, add carrots, potatoes, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are about done.
While veggies are cooking, remove meat from the bones. Add the meat to the vegetables and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
Make a white paste from the cornstarch or flour (mixed with water) to thicken. Serve with crackers or bread and butter.
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While thumbing through the North American Hunting Club Wild Game Cookbook, 1989, I almost dropped my teeth at the next 2 recipes. If anyone makes them, please let me know how they tasted!
Roasted Skunk Anyone?
Serves 2
Prep time: 3 1/2 hours
1 skunk
1 bouillon cube
2 carrots, sliced
1 tsp. onion juice
Dissolve bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water. Parboil skunk in salted water 15 minutes. Drain water.
Place meat in fresh water and steam until tender, about 1 hour.
Transfer to roasting pan and bake at 375 degrees. Add bouillon mixture, sliced carrots and onion juice. Cook uncovered 2 hours.
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Serves 2
Prep time: 2 hours
1 skunk
salt and pepper
1 tsp. onion juice
butter
Parboil skunk in salted water 15 minutes. Pour off water, add fresh water. Steam 1 hour with salt, pepper and onion juice.
Brush with butter. Broil 40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Enjoy!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Recently, I started a new series. Each Sunday, I’ll show some of my rear window graphics. This week is: Wolf Rear Window Graphics.
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I select these mid-week and schedule them to display around midnight of Sunday morning. I don’t announce these on Twitter.
'Howling at the Moon' used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
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As you can see, there are a variety of scenes with wolves!
'Sunrise Song' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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'Wolf Song' used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
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A Guy with a Big Toothy Snarl!
'Alpha Gray Wolf' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Monday: We will be back with our ‘regularly scheduled program!’
(that means hunting or fishing news/tips)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Please note: (dated 1/15/11) The manufacturer of the Mossy Oak camo graphics has stopped producing them. However, we still have the RealTree series available.
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Recently, I started a new series. Each Sunday, I show some of my rear window graphics. This week is: Camouflage Rear Window Graphics.
This 'Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity with Archer' Rear Window Graphic used by permission from Vantage Point Graphics!
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If you live in Canada, our Vantage Point line (product code starts with a “V”) is available. Postage is $26.00 anywhere in Canada! Delivery is in about a week – some outer regions are a bit longer!
This high-definition graphic is ' REALTREE Hardwood Greens - HD' and used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This pattern comes in black & gray, brown & tan, plus green & yellow combinations!
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'Mossy Oak Duck Blind Pattern with Mallard Outlines' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
We also have patterns with pheasant outlines, a deer outline and a single pheasant outline.
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We also carry camouflage graphics without extra images in the center — such as this Advantage Max 1, 4, Shadow Grass, Duck Blind, Tree Stand, etc.
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Monday: We will be back with our ‘regularly scheduled program!’
(that means hunting or fishing news/tips)
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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“Nice pigs, sir.”
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The President replied: “These are not pigs. These are
authentic Arkansas Razorback Hogs. I got one for Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, and I got one for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.”
The squared-away Marine again snapped to attention, salutes and said,
“Excellent trade, sir.”
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Hope you enjoy this too!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This Mojave is a mid-sized rattler that rarely grows longer than ~ 39 inches!
If you have no interest in getting bitten by a snake, the best states to inhabit are: Alaska, Maine or Delaware (These states do not have wild rattlesnakes). *
‘Caution’ is the watchword in the states with the highest number of snake bites per capita: North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, West Virginia, Mississippi and Louisiana (in that order).
The likely victim of a bite is determined by: Location, the age and occupation of the victim, plus the time of day.
As America becomes more urban and suburban, conflicts between man and snake decline. Thus, snake bites become less of a problem each year. However, if you are one of those bitten, that statistic is of slight interest!
Most snakes are nocturnal. Rattlers also prefer to slink away, and not strike. However, this brings up the next human reason in the equation: Boys and men are more likely to be aggressive towards snakes. When a snake sees no choice, he strikes.
Males, between the ages of 20 – 30 are the most likely group to be bitten by a rattlesnake. Most snake bites occur in the spring and summer, while snakes are most active.
As one might guess, the hands and feet are the most likely areas to receive bites. This has something to do with the next factor: occupation.
Folks who are in agricultural jobs are the most likely to be victims of a snake.
Here are a few ideas for avoiding a snake bite:
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* There are a few reports of snake bites in Delaware – probably from captive snakes!
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‘Mojave Rattlesnake’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Until I started doing research about snakes, I thought ‘the only good snake was a dead snake!’ However, I found that snakes are important in keeping nature balanced.
The rattler evolved in hot and dry locations and that is where he prefers to stay. Only the Massassauga (Sistrurus catenatus) rattler tolerates moist places.
Rattlesnakes live in desert regions, agricultural fields and they often migrate to high, dry woods for summer.
Their rattle would not function well if the rattlesnake had to swim, burrow or climb. The rattles are of the same substance as your fingernails.
This Image was Used (again) Because it Shows the Pits of the Rattlesnake. Draw an Imaginary Line from the Nose to the Eyes. Just Below the Line are the "Pits."
Rattlers, and their close cousins, are pit vipers. This refers to the pits situated on either side of their faces.
These facial pits are actually sense organs that detect heat. That means that they can detect objects that are warmer than their surroundings — which usually means another animal.
These pits are so sensitive that they can figure out the exact location of their prey by comparing the differences in messages coming to each pit (somewhat like triangulating their prey’s position)!
The rattler’s pits can detect warm and cold-blooded prey! They also help the rattler find the best place to sink their fangs; they rarely miss the chest region of their prey!
The facial pits of rattlers limit their choice of habitat — they would not work well in water, while burrowing into sand or while climbing!
Because of those ‘heat-seeking’ pits, it isn’t surprising that rattlers eat warm-blooded mammals. In fact, about 85% of their dining selections are mammals.
Certainly, what rattlers eat depends on the size of the snake and its situation. It is most likely that the rattler is indifferent to seeking out specific mammals.
Biologists show that rattlers will eat whatever is available — and what will fit in their mouths!
Rattlers control populations of squirrels, rodents, rabbits, hares, ground-nesting birds, lizards and other snakes.
They help farmers by controlling the numbers of rodents and other small animals that would spoil or decimate agricultural products.
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Soon: The Rattlesnake’s Tongue & Jacobson’s Organ
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‘Mojave Rattlesnake’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Tough Way to Cook Your Goose!
This is a occasional focus of this blog: Recipes for Wild Game
Half the fun of catching your own game is preparing it in new ways.
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1 wild turkey breast, skin removed
Buttermilk *
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Remove breast fillets from wild turkey, using a sharp boning knife. Cut fillets in 3/8 inch thick slices, cutting across the grain.
Then cut those slices into 2 inch pieces. Marinate the pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 to 3 hours.
Combine flour, salt and pepper. Drain turkey slices, dredge in seasoned flour and fry in 1/2 inch (depth) of oil for 3 – 5 minutes per side, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
* Note: Buttermilk is a great tenderizer for wild game. We usually marinate our game in buttermilk overnight.
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And Now, a Word from our Sponsor:
“Providence gave me three sons, only about a year and a half apart; and since it was not possible for me to give them what we usually call the advantages of wealth, I made up my mind to do my best by them.
I decided primarily to make them sportsmen, for I have a conviction that to be a sportsman is a mighty long step in the direction of being a man.
I thought also that if a man brings up his sons to be hunters, they will never grow away from him. Rather the passing years will only bring them closer, with a thousand happy memories of the woods and fields.
Again, a hunter never sits around home forlornly, not knowing what in the world to do with his leisure.
His interest in nature will be such that he can delight in every season, and he has resources within himself that will make life always seem worth while.”
– Archibald Rutledge *
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Now, Back to our Regularly Scheduled Program:
2 and 1/2 lbs. boned turkey, cubed
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper (may use green, red, yellow peppers)
olive oil or vegetable oil
1 Tables. salt
1 Tables. chili powder
1 and 1/2 teasp. garlic powder
2 cups water
1/2 cup Wild Turkey bourbon
4 cups tomato puree
2 pounds kidney beans, cooked and drained **
1 (16 oz.) package Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
Saute turkey cubes, onion and green pepper in oil for 5 – 6 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink and onions are softened. Stir in seasonings.
Transfer turkey mixture to stockpot (slow cooker – directions below). Add water, bourbon, tomato puree and beans.
Simmer, covered, for 1 hour or longer. Serve each bowl with grated cheese.
Serves: 10 to 12
Crock pot directions: Saute turkey cubes in oil until turkey is no longer pink (in a skillet).
Add onion and green pepper to slow cooker. Add turkey on top of vegetables. Add water and bourbon, tomato puree and kidney beans to pot. Simmer, covered for 6 to 10 hours.
Add spices during the last 30 minutes in the slow cooker. (Adding spices at the beginning will cook the spices away.)
This usually tastes better on the 2nd day!
** Note: In a hurry? 2 cans of kidney beans works fine, instead of cooking your own.
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* Archibald Rutledge (1883-1973), according to Wikipedia, was a South Carolina poet laureate.
He is remembered as one of America’s best-loved outdoor writers. His short stories appeared in Outdoor Life and Field and Stream, plus he wrote more than 50 books including An American Hunter (1937).
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Tomorrow: What’s So Great About Camouflage?
This Ghillie Suit Jacket is 'Leafy Green' Pattern.
If you have been in a hunting goods store lately, you have seen a dizzying array of camouflage patterns.
Three or 4 years ago, I was sure there were a ridiculous number of camo patterns and that the market was saturated!
Hah! Boy was I wrong! High-definition and other ‘new generation’ camo patterns have really become popular.
Who would have thought?
Camo has become as much a fashion statement as a way to hide from game. If you looked at the vintage photos I ran a few weeks ago, none of those hunters had camo.
Some hunters today, however, seem to think that camo clothing makes them invisible. Thus, today I’m sharing a cautionary tale.
Deer, and other wild game, use their senses to detect trouble (Psst: All hunters = trouble).
They use these 3 senses to stay away from trouble:
Camo helps protect you from game’s prying eyes. By wearing a camo pattern that blends in with your surroundings, you become harder to see — but not invisible!
Blending in is very important! If you are wearing the camo pattern in the photo above while hunting in an area of dead brush and dry river beds, you will not blend in. You might as well be wearing neon!
There’s a second factor in what deer (and other game) are watching for — movement. The more you blend into the background, the more movement you can get away with — without being discovered.
That is where these ‘new generation’ camo patterns are so useful. High-definition (or hi-def) fabrics are much more 3 dimensional than previous patterns.
This RealTree Hardwood Green Pattern Seems to Have Leaves Layered on Top of Twigs & Branches of Trees!
The vertical lines of the branches are like woody areas.
However, the best camo in the world will not protect you from the keen senses of your prey, if you are:
Camo is a wonderful tool; combine its use with good woodsmanship skills for a successful hunt!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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This is my Sunday Series — when I show some of my rear window graphics. This weekend is: Bird, Duck, Turkey Rear Window Graphics.
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'Companions' -- Shown by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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We have a variety of bird, duck and turkey graphics for your vehicle. Both brands are warranted for 3 years!
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Monday: Back to our regularly scheduled program!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Any recipe that includes “crock pot” or “slow cooker” plus wild game is always popular. Perhaps the reason has to do with the “set it and forget it” nature of slow cooking. 
Serves: 6
1 – 2 lbs. venison steak
3 – 4 medium potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 medium to large onion, diced
2 medium to large carrots, sliced
1 can of tomato sauce, 8 ozs.
2 cups beef bouillon
salt & pepper
basil, thyme
Tabasco sauce
margarine or butter
Trim the fat from the meat and cut the steaks into about 1 inch cubes. Brown in butter or margarine, until all sides are seared.
Peel and quarter potatoes. Combine all ingredients in a crock pot — EXCEPT THE SPICES. *
Cook on slow for 8 – 10 hours. Add the spices during the last 30 minutes. See note about gravy.
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* Spices should NOT be added to foods (in the beginning), that will be cooked in slow, moist heat. By the time the food is ready, the power of the spices has been used and the food’s flavor is bland and boring.
Add spices to a dish 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
Note: Sometimes, the beef bouillon is absorbed during cooking and the dish is fine-as-is.
At other times, the liquid is fairly thin by the end of the cooking. If that is the case, I may make a gravy in another pot and add it to the stew before serving. Adjust seasonings before serving.
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Serves: Several
1 lb. ground venison
1 rounded tsp. Morton’s Tender Quick Salt **
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
peppercorns
Mix all the ingredients together. Store in the refrigerator in a covered bowl for 3 days. Mix the ingredients once each day.
On the 4th day, shape into a roll (like a thick log) and bake at 175 degrees for 4 and 1/2 hours.
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** If Morton’s Tender Quick Salt isn’t available where you live, use a seasoned salt mixture instead.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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We’ve had a scare with my 85 year-old mother. It may take a couple of days to get back on track with writing. However, she is better!
When hand-held GPS (global positioning system) devices hit the market, some hunters literally dropped their topographical maps and compasses into trash cans.
Topographical Maps are Usually Color-Coded: Green for Land, Blue for Water, Brown for Landforms, etc.
If you have decided to follow their lead, perhaps you should read further!
These unique maps are helpful to folks who travel cross-country not using roads — such as hunters!
Many of these maps are available from the US Geological Survey (1-800-USA-MAPS).
Note in the photo above, the contour lines show elevation. The map will tell you how much elevation each line is indicating (such as, 40 feet of elevation between lines).
Contour lines do not cross. As the mapped area gets steeper, the contour lines get closer together. Thus, if you are hunting, you may want to avoid a very steep area.
When hunters use their animal knowledge coupled with their topographical maps, they are dramatically increasing their chances of a successful hunt.
If you are hunting elk, you know that they prefer to inhabit a high bench on a north slope — away from trails and traffic.
Looking on your topographical map, you would seek areas with widely spaced contour lines (gentle slopes) with high elevations.
If you find blue lines threading through the area (water, stream, etc.), this is even better! You know that elk like water.
The beauty of one of these maps is that it shows the entire area, generally further than your eye can see. The map and a compass are particularly useful during foggy conditions or where the terrain is difficult.
If you are searching for whitetail in a forested area, the map will show man-made trails that may help you get to the area under question. The map will tell you were the higher and lower elevations of the forest are.
The more info you know — going into a hunting situation — the better the hunting session. Remember, your prey knows all the nooks and crannies of the land.
Since he already knows — it is your business to find out — so you can anticipate your prey.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Article first published as Using Camo and a Blind When the Deer Aren’t on Technorati.
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Used properly, camouflage can significantly improve your chances of getting close enough to a deer to shoot. However, camouflage doesn’t cure all problems — all the time.
Face Paint, Face Veils & Head Coverings Disguise the Human Form!
Whether you use face paint, head veils/coverings or other camouflage materials, they usually do a great job of breaking up your outline.
They also help you blend in with your surroundings, thus forcing deer to use his other senses to find you.
Ground blinds in camo patterns extend your ability to hide while offering you visibility of your surroundings. Here are a few hints about camo and ground blinds:
Safety is your first consideration — for yourself and other hunters. Here are a few tips so you don’t become accidental prey or hurt others!
Remember: Safety takes a few extra seconds, but regret lasts for a very long time!
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Come Back Sunday for a Look at 5 Dynamite Firefighter Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
No matter how well you plan, emergencies arise. Are you ready?
If you remember the rhyme, " ... red & yellow kill a fellow, ...." you know this is not a venomous snake!
If a snake bites someone in your party, the day’s agenda will change! The most important job you have is helping the injured party.
First, let’s dispel a few myths. Rattlesnakes don’t always rattle before striking. They may not rattle if they have just shed their skin.
You don’t have to worry about bites because you have chanced upon a mom snake with her babies. Generally, snakes are live births and the babies strike out on their own rather quickly.
This is a rare occurence in the field — but it does happen. How do you handle this?
Black Widow = Shiny with Hour-Glass Shape on Lower Abdomen; Brown Recluse = Violin-Shaped Mark on Top of Head
Bees and wasps are common pests in the outdoors. Solutions include:
Some folks have an allergic reaction to stings/bites:
THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! Get medical help immediately!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A tree stand in a wonderful invention but wind, weather and time can wreak havoc on the structure.
Tree Stands Can Really Make a Difference! Make Sure They are Placed at Least 10 - 12 feet up - and out of a Deer's Line of Sight!
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Check the color of your tree stand. I knew a hunter who never got within shooting range of a deer until he realized the bottom of his stand was shiny. When he painted the tree stand matte, he solved the problem!
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In dry areas, deer will drink water each day. Before setting up your tree stand near a water source, make sure the tracks are fresh.
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More on this topic soon!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These are such amazing photos, I had to share….
Can you believe a motorcycle killed this HUGE GRIZZLY?
This grizzly was hit by a Harley on Lolo Pass. This is the pass between Lolo, MT and Kooskia, ID.
Lolo Pass, elevation 5,233 feet (1,595 m), is a mountain pass in the northern Rocky Mountains on the border between the U.S. states of Montana and Idaho approximately 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of Missoula, Montana.
It is famous as the location where the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the summit of the Bitteroot Range via the Lolo Trail on their outward and return journeys in 1805–06.
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*MDH = My Deer Husband
** I’ve already consulted snopes.com — but it’s not there!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
In today’s story, a deer flies through the front windshield of a car, strikes the three occupants and continues on its way out through the back windshield!
Lucky to be Alive!
If you missed the grizzly story yesterday … here it is!
Harley Hog and Rider Hit Grizzly; Rider Survives, Harley & Grizzly Don’t!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Watch for Those 2 Legged Varmints; They Can be Brutal at this Time of Year!
Thanksgiving is the Time to Remember That our Cup is Half-Full!
My husband, Richard, is a marathon runner. He received this recently from the Fort Worth Running Company and sent it with me (as an email).
I couldn’t improve on the ideas expressed here … and hope it is meaningful to you too!
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Today is a great time to pause and reflect on our history of this wonderful day we call Thanksgiving.
So let’s take a journey back in time and recollect why Thanksgiving came into being in the first place. Why do we have Thanksgiving?
The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty.
Pilgrims Arrive in New World
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For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of “Land!” was heard.
Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing-place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the “Mayflower Compact” – America’s first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government
After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters.
Pilgrim's Shelter
Just image yourself, arriving in a new land with no provisions; many sick and starving among you, and yet thankful to God to be here, having escaped the religious persecution of the church in England which wouldn’t allow them to worship in the manner that they pleased.
During the first winter, half the pilgrims died because of the harsh elements and lack of food.
Because of their gratefulness, God provided a good harvest that summer and they came into fall with provisions for the winter.
Being grateful to God, the Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. It was America’s first Thanksgiving Festival.
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Pilgrim Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving in these words:
“Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling (bird hunting) so that we might, after special manner, rejoice together after we gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as… served the company almost a week… Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and… their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought…
And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE… FAR FROM WANT.”
But it was actually President Abraham Lincoln who permanently established the fourth Thursday in November as a national holiday.
It should be noted that President Lincoln was so shaken by the Battle at Gettysburg when he saw the graves there and having suffered the loss of his own son, that he committed his life to Christ, therefore forever placing his life in the hands of almighty God.
It is important for us as Americans to remember the same faith that brought our founders and forefathers forward throughout the generations that caused them to pause once a year in a day of prayerful thanks to God almighty.
It is the same faith that causes us to pause on Thanksgiving to remember the God who provides our nation with it’s bountiful harvests each year and will continue to bless us as we remember Him.
So we pause today and we prayerfully ask that God will Bless You and Your Family at Thanksgiving as we pause to give thanks to Him who provides for all of us all year long…..
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Thank you for coming here today … and every day!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is my Sunday Series — when I show some of my rear window graphics. This weekend, in honor of our story about the Harley-Davidson that killed a Grizzly, I’m going to highlight our Harley-Davidson rear window graphics!
How 'Chrome Eagle' Looks on a Truck
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A Great Combination: Harley & Patriotism – ‘Shining Sea’ Window Decal
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Selected mid-week, these graphics are scheduled to be posted @ about midnight Sunday – until midnight Monday am.
Come back tomorrow: For our regularly scheduled program!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
In this very hectic season, I like nothing better than an evening of fishing. However, I might be in the minority; night fishing isn’t for everyone.
When the sun sinks below the horizon, there’s something wonderful about the
Fishing in the Evening is a Great Way to Wind-Down from the Busy-ness of the Daytime Hours!
quiet that takes hold. I find night fishing more restful and serene than fishing during daylight hours.
Although there can be more dangers with reduced light, there seem to be many pluses — it’s a chance to tune into the night noises — frogs and crickets singing and the stars winking down from the night sky.
Without elbow-to-elbow fishing that often occurs during the daylight hours, fish don’t have so many choices for a meal. Biologists say that fish seem to increase their feeding behaviors just after the sun goes down and around dawn.
Whether out on a boat or on shore, I like to go out when the moon is full. The water might be as slick as glass after sundown, and the moonlight is enough light to keep an eye on any rippling in the water.
By using top water lures, I’m able to throw my line out where the top feeding fish are dining on the mosquitoes and bugs that are skimming along the water.
In the southern parts of Texas, we seem to have 10 months of summer, 20 to 30 days of fall, a couple of days of spring and whatever is left over we call “winter.”
At present, it is still fall; our winter is in January. All those mosquitoes that have left colder climes are chewing on us — still. I’m convinced we buy and use more bug spray than any other state in the nation.
Next time you grumble that ‘some folks’ can still fish at night in short sleeves, remember that mosquitoes usually come along for the ride!
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‘Sunset Dream’ Rear Window Graphic is used by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Article first published as Ready for Deer Hunting Season on Technorati.
The Rut Distracts Deer from Their Usually Cautious Behaviors!
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You have done it all: You have watched the deer trails in preseason; studied the topographical maps so you can see the lay of the land in your sleep, and gotten the fix on the prevailing winds of your hunting area. You are ready for deer season!
While you have scoured the catalogs for the latest gear in hunting deer, your foe has been getting ready too. As summer changes to fall, the blood testosterone in the bucks rise, which signals the antlers to harden and the velvet to curl up and fall off.
Without a mirror to view his ‘rack,’ bucks start whacking their antlers against small saplings or cedar bushes. They need to learn what they can and can’t do with their head-gear! This exercise also develops their neck and shoulder muscles.
Before the rut starts, the male deer start sparring with other bucks in the group, honing their skills and determining their hierarchy in the herd. The prize: The dominant buck will mate with the most does.
Surprisingly, dominance is not determined by antler-goring but by deer flailing each other with their front legs, while standing on their back two legs!
If you are lucky enough to witness one of these fights, you will be struck by the awesome and savage majesty of nature!
Fortunately for hunters, as time moves closer to breeding, the bucks lose interest in fighting with each other and start searching for receptive does.
State game wardens generally set deer hunting season during the deer breeding season. This is good timing for hunters because deer, which are usually extremely cautious, wily and nimble, let their guard down for a few weeks.
However, once a hunter zeroes in on a whitetail, the buck literally snaps to attention! The hunter usually only gets one shot because the buck does the impossible: He jumps, he swerves, he soars – and he’s gone!
The reason most hunters return each year is because they love pitting their deer knowledge against the instincts of a beautiful foe.
Deer hunters come out second-best so often because they are fighting for their dinner, while the buck knows he is fighting for his life!
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“Dream Team One-on-One” – used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is my Sunday Series — when I show some of my rear window graphics. This week, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the variety in this category: Western Rear Window Graphics.
This is from the Cowboy Up Collection!
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'Rodeo Cowboy' is a National Geographic Photo!
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'Skull on a Wood Wall' is another National Geographic Photo!
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These 5 Rear Window Graphics are from Vantage Point Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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This comes from
Whew!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These Deer are Alert and Watching!
After bringing your game down, you must decide whether or not to bone. Boning simply means removing all the meat from the bones — usually in the field.
Some folks swear by it while others swear at it! Here are some of the pros and cons of boning.
Why would it be a bad idea to bone out your game?
As you cut the meat away from the bones, it exposes that meat to the air, which dries out the flesh. When you are ready to prepare your game for processing, you may have to throw away overly dried, shriveled meat.
When you are out in the field, sanitation conditions are dicey. The chances of the meat spoiling — or adding that gamey taste — increase the longer the meat is exposed to the elements.
Another issue is the fact that if you are busy boning, you are not hunting! Some hunters see this as a terrible waste of their limited hunting hours.
Finally, nothing else matters if your state requires you to remove game from the field in a certain way, so it can still be identified!
There are a couple of reasons you might want to bone out your animal in the field:
The rule of thumb among seasoned hunters is: Only bone out an animal as a last resort when the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Of course, if your state specifies how an animal is to be transported from the field, all other considerations are immaterial!
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* The state of Texas requires that deer be removed from the field in quarters, so the animal can still be identified.
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‘Early Snowfall’ Rear Window Graphic used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
You know to abandon a fishing trip when lightning starts flashing. However, how do you prepare for lightning when there is only light rain?
In a word: You don’t!
Thunderstorms Can Gather Quickly on Water!
Sometimes, there is no warning … no way to prepare … but a bolt from nowhere can take your life!
Scientists say that a single lightning bolt is between 100,000 and 1 billion volts of electricity! Obviously, this can kill a man.
The following is an interesting story about a guy who did all the right things and still suffered a freak accident.
Dale Nash of Many, Louisiana, was competing in the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash at Sam Rayburn Reservoir with friends about 18 months ago.
Since rain and thunderstorms were forecast, he was ready to either don his rain suit or abandon fishing, depending on the weather.
About 11:30 am, a light rain started. The anglers heard thunder rumbling miles away. After checking the conditions, Mr. Nash put on his 100 mile/hour rated rain suit — and continued to fish in one of the 3 boats.
The last thing he remembers is casting his line. When he awoke, he was lying in a different boat — almost nude — and aching all over!
There was a deafening clap of thunder and the friends watched Nash fly out of his boat. His clothing was flying like confetti.
By the time the closest angler got to him, Nash was lying in the water, about 10 feet from his boat.
Doctors state that Nash’s heart had probably stopped before he hit the water. However, hitting the cool water shocked his heart into beating again!
While the friends were struggling to get Nash into a boat and race him to a hospital, other anglers called 911 to alert authorities.
Dale Nash spent 4 and 1/2 days in a Burn Center with 1st and 2nd degree burns — to his arms, legs and back.
The impact of the bolt of lightning also knocked the fishing rod from another friend’s hands (in a nearby boat).
However, Nash’s boat and fishing equipment took a direct hit. Lightning melted both of Nash’s fish-finders, fried the entire wiring system in the 1 year-old boat and seared holes through the fiberglass.
The lightning strike caused the trolling motor’s control unit to explode, ruined the 300 horsepower outboard motor, popped the glass facings off some of the gauges — and more.
Dale Nash counts himself one lucky man; he survived!
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‘Lightning’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Some of these great photos may have had a bit of help!
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Wisdom from Groucho Marx: Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies!
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This Sunday’s Graphics will be: Horses
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Quick Nibbles are Popular Party Fare!
If you have a freezer full of deer meat and holiday guests coming, you can “wow” your friends and relations with venison tidbits!
Here are 2 easy recipes — that will show that you can shoot and cook! Your crock pot or slow cooker will finish the work and keep things toasty!
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5 lbs. ground venison
1 lb. ground chuck
1 large onion, minced fine
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs * (see Note after this recipe)
2 eggs, beaten
oil for frying (I use olive oil)
1 quart (32 ozs.) catsup
12 ozs. grape jelly
Mix together venison, ground chuck, finely minced onion and beaten eggs. Mix in enough bread crumbs to keep meat together, forming meatballs.
Cook in oil until done.
In a separate container, mix catsup and jelly. Heat until the jelly melts. Put meatballs in crock pot and cover with sauce.
Cook 2 - 3 hours on high temperature.
Meatballs are popular fare on a buffet table because they are bite-size.
Note: Instead of purchasing Italian bread crumbs, make your own. Pulse slices of bread (in a food processor) to = 1 cup crumbs. Mix 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings to the crumbs. Use as directed in recipe.
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2 lbs. ground venison (or moose, or elk)
1/2 cup quick uncooked oats
1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
1 cup beef bouillon
1/2 cup vinegar
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/3 cup green pepper, chopped
Mix the first 8 ingredients and form into small meatballs. Brown in oil and drain well.
Mix brown sugar and cornstarch. Add juice from pineapple, bouillon, vinegar and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until clear and thick. Boil for 1 minute. Stir in pineapple and green pepper.
Add sauce to meatballs and simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Alternate ending (using a slow cooker): After frying, add meatballs to slow cooker. Pour boiling liquid over meatballs and let the meatballs simmer in the crock pot 1 hour. Serve hot.
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Thought for the Day: A penny saved is a government oversight!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Everyone loves to see and watch horses! Here are some of our most popular rear window graphics of horses!
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Note: Watermarks seen here (on some graphics), are not on purchased products!
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Monday: Come back for a new article!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
WHAT DOES SANTA
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A New Thought: Good news is just life’s way of keeping you off-balance!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Keep Your Eyes on This Site!
It’s official, I’ve decided that 2011 will be better than 2010! For me personally, it won’t take much. But that’s a long, boring story. I’d rather share …
Daisy the cow says to her friend Dolly: ”I was artificially inseminated today.”
“I don’t believe you!” says Dolly.
“It’s true,” says Daisy. ”No bull.”
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Since everyone has leftovers at this time, here’s a great soup recipe to use them.
Leftover Game Soup
2 pounds leftover game meat
1 can green beans
1 can V-8 juice – small or 1 can sliced, diced or whole tomatoes
1 pkg. frozen peas
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 small onions, chopped
2 medium potatoes, quartered
1 bay leaf
2 tsp. parsley flakes
Brown meat. Combine 6 cups of water and all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook 4 to 6 hours. Remove bay leaf.* Season to taste. Serve.
Note: You can add any other veggies and spices. Add the additional spices during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking (otherwise, the flavors are cooked out of the food).
For Italian flavored soup, I add 1 to 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning.
For Mexican flavored soup, I add 1 to 2 teaspoons taco seasoning.
* Remove the bay leaf before serving because children and pets have a problem gagging on this.
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‘Monster Eyes – Purple’ shown by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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Tomorrow: Sunday’s Special: Horses Rear Window Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Sorry a new article didn’t arrive on Monday morning! On New Year’s Day, I fell and landed on my left knee & left wrist.
I’m still recovering.
– Marylouise
This Handsome Elk Shown by Permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
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Nothing seems to increase the appetite faster than being active in the outdoors. The beauty of this recipe is that it works outside or inside; heap coals over your Dutch oven or plug-in your slow cooker!
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4 pounds deer or elk
oil
1 – 2 cloves garlic, minced
3 onions, chopped
3 medium potatoes
5 medium carrots
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 can beef consomme
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Directions for Dutch oven outside:
1) In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil and brown garlic lightly. Cut meat into chunks and brown on all sides in hot oil. Take meat out of the pot.
2) Cube the vegetables and spread 2/3 of them evenly over the bottom of the pot. Pour in 1 can consomme. Put meat on top and season with salt and pepper.
3) Place the rest of the veggies around the meat. Add 1 cup of water and the Worcestershire sauce. Cover. Bury the Dutch oven in a pit with coals. Cook for 6 to 8 hours.
4) Adjust seasonings and serve.
Directions for Slow Cooker/ Crock Pot:
1) Same as above. De-glaze the pot (used to cook the meat) with a small amount of water, scraping any bits of garlic into the crock pot.
2) Cube the vegetables and spread them evenly over the bottom of the crock pot. Put meat on top.
3) Mix 1 can of consomme with the Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the mixture in the slow cooker.
4) Cook 6 to 8 hours. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and adjust seasonings.
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Seasonings suggestions: To my mind, the only spice that can stand up to 6 to 8 hours of cooking in a slow cooker is bay leaf. I put 4 or 5 in the pot when it starts cooking. At the end, I remove them because children and pets can gag on the leaves.
If I want this to taste like regular stew, I add the usual stew spices: minced garlic, salt, pepper, basil, marjoram, paprika, etc.
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I hope to resume writing on a regular basis by Saturday, or Monday at the latest. X-rays show that I didn’t break any bones but I’m still nursing my knee and going to physical therapy.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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In the works: A series on camping; plus more about weather’s effect on hunting and fishing!
Stay tuned!
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Thanks to my husband Richard for today’s funny!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
With all the wizardry that modern science offers meteorologists, it still seems impossible to offer accurate long-range forecasts. There are just too many variables involved in weather.
It is one occupational path I’ve never wanted to follow. One has to have a very thick hide to take all the ribbing and griping directed at the weather-man (or woman).
However, to engage in outdoor activities, it is helpful to learn some basic weather facts. If you recall, a few weeks ago, I wrote about a careful angler who was struck by lightning, during light rain with thunder sounding many miles away.
Sometimes, you can rate the weather with these facts — so you can take a
Cumulus Clouds are Fluffy and Aren't High in Altitude
quick hunting, camping or fishing trip (even when weather folks can’t give a clear prediction). Also, these hints may help you decide when to abandon your activity.
Clouds Darken, the Air Feels Saturated with Moisture, Winds Shift & Strengthen
Clouds are important indicators of weather changes. As you see from the two pictures above, as the clouds get larger and thicker, the weather is changing — for the worse.
Watch the speed of the cloud’s movement. As clouds move faster, they are telling you 2 things: the wind is changing and the barometric pressure is changing. This can be an early warning of a storm.
If you are observant, you can maximize your time outdoors. Learning certain truisms of cloud formations and how weather changes, will help you make better camping, hunting and fishing decisions!
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Soon: How Does the Weather Affect Wild Game & Their Terrain?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Weather can change in a matter of minutes. If you want to maximize your time outdoors, you need to learn to read the signs.
Sometimes, it is as simple as looking at the wild life around you!
These Horses are Reacting to the Gathering Storm (Used by Permission of Vantage Point Graphics)
Horses and cattle respond to a storm by gathering together in their own groups. They turn their backs to the storm and lower their heads.
Instinctively, they understand that they should leave the tops of hills — or any place that is elevated and open.
Like their domesticated brethren, wild game move off higher terrain and down into the more protected areas of valleys.
As they sense the passing of a storm, they return to grazing and foraging in the higher regions.
When a hurricane is heading to our shores, sea gulls move inland to local vacant parking lots. They ride out the winds and rain on the ground, patiently waiting for the storm to pass.
Actually, they do this when any large storm heads our way! It is amazing to see thousands and thousands of sea gulls standing silently on acres of empty parking lots.
Biologists theorize that birds (including geese and sea gulls) stay on the ground because a gathering storm causes the air pressure to drop. As this happens, birds find it more difficult to stay aloft on the thinning air currents.
An increase in frog serenading indicates that a storm is on its way! Why? Generally, frogs must stay in water to keep their skin moist.
However, when a storm is approaching, the heavy humidity in the air protects the frog’s skin. Thus, he can sit on the shore and sing!
Want to know when you can avoid flies and mosquitoes? The short answer is: Go fishing 1 hour before the start of a storm!
When flies and mosquitoes sense the coming of a storm, they dash around madly, trying to eat enough to carry them through the storm. Generally, they start this mad noshing about 12 hours before the storm’s start.
However, they spend the last hour before the onset of the storm finding good hiding places!
Biologists measure some of the strangest things! Want to know the outdoor temperature where you are? Count the number of cricket chirps for 14 seconds + add 40. That is the temperature in Farenheit! Try it; it works!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
These are
spectacular and the tepees are so
majestic in the dark!
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However,
check out that thermometer!
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(scroll down)
NORTHERN LIGHTS
YELLOW KNIFE , CANADA
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BELOW IS
A FIRE RAINBOW – THE RAREST
OF ALL
NATURALLY OCCURRING
ATMOSPHERIC
PHENOMENA.
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THE PICTURE WAS CAPTURED
ON THE
IDAHO – WASHINGTON BORDER.
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THE EVENT LASTED ABOUT 1 HOUR.
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CLOUDS HAVE TO BE CIRRUS,
AT LEAST 20K FEET
IN THE AIR,
WITH JUST THE
RIGHT AMOUNT OF ICE CRYSTALS AND
THE SUN HAS TO HIT
THE CLOUDS AT PRECISELY 58 DEGREES.
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Come back tomorrow:
Sunday Only – Sea Creatures Rear Window Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
For 24 hours most Sundays, I show some of the Rear Window Graphics available on my site. Today, come along and see beautiful rear window graphics of sea creatures!
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'Lobster' Shown by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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'Blue Shark' Shown by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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Come Back Tomorrow for a New Article!
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Next Sunday: My Newest Additions – NFL & MLB Team Window Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
American hunters looked across this great land and thought there would always be turkeys to hunt, along with bison (buffalo).
Turkeys are Returning to the Wild - They are Now Available in all States Except Alaska!
The last of the buffalo roamed the Houston, Texas area in 1836. Because they were available, hunters over-harvested … without thinking of the future.
A similar thing happened to turkeys. By 1920, there were no more wild turkeys in 18 of their original 39 home states!
The statistics are staggering: All turkeys were gone from
Hunters and other conservationists realized that America did not have limitless resources and that constant hunting was killing too many animals.
State departments for animal and land management established rules and given the authority to enforce them. Hunters agreed to pay for game innovations through licenses and taxes placed on hunting goods and ammunition.
Since those grim days in the early 1900′s, state departments of wildlife have learned how to work with land owners and members of the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring the turkeys back.
Large companies have also helped by donating money and services.
This is a rather simple explanation, but wildlife departments had to learn certain things:
In some cases, turkeys were moved from one area to another through “trap-and-release” programs. Originally, the transplanted turkeys lived on private lands – to protect them from poachers.
States traded stock when they could – thus keeping the costs down.
At the same time, wildlife departments went into the wild turkey raising business, to get enough stock to start new herds in their states.
The transplanting and creating new herds of turkeys has been so successful that turkey hunting has returned to most states. Here’s the proof:
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‘Threesome’ used by Permission of ClearVue Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Most Sundays, I show a few graphics for the rear windows of vehicles. This week, I’m proud to announce that we have a full line of Professional Team Rear Window Graphics!
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The last time I counted, I had added 32 NFL teams’ graphics to my site. Here are 2 samples.
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By the time I get through, I will have 30 teams’ logos on my site. Here are the two teams that battled it out at the World Series 2010!
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There will be 30 basketball teams’ graphics available, when I finish posting all the decals on my site! Here are 2:
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Each of These Graphics is Shown by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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Monday: Check out a new article on this site!
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Next Sunday: See Some of My 75 New College & University Rear Window Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Women Can Be Just as Tough as Men!
We have women in the military but they don’t put them in the front lines. They don’t know if we can fight, if we can kill. I think we can.
All the general has to do is walk over to the women and say, “You see the enemy over there? They say you look fat in your uniforms.”
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Come back soon for more profound thoughts on the issues of the day!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
All the words you have wondered about — in one place! *
Medical Terms at Your Fingertips!
Antibody: against everyone
Artery: the study of fine paintings
Anally: occurring every year
Bacteria: back door to a cafeteria
Bandages: The Rolling Stones
Barium: what you do when CPR fails
Benign: what you be after you be eight
Cardiology: advanced study of poker playing
Cat Scan: searching for one’s lost kitty
Colic: a sheep dog
Coma: a punctuation mark
Congenital: friendly
D & C: where Washington is
Dilate: to live longer
Enema: not a friend
Enteritis: a penchant for burglary
ER: the things on your head that you hear with
* By the time you have these memorized, I’ll post a few more!
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Tomorrow: Going Camping!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Trying Out a Weapon Before Purchase Isn't Always Easy!
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When shoppers are in the market for a weapon, few gun stores offer opportunities to test before buying. (Actually, this is changing. I plan a future story on a new type of gun store; we have one in League City, TX.)
Thus, folks looking for a gun can learn from a manufacturer’s glowing reports or a salesman’s opinions. The Internet can be real asset to a gun shopper. There are reviews and price comparisons aplenty.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always obvious who is behind these evaluations (gun manufacturers have dozens of ”review & comparison sites” — without admitting that they are providing the info).
There’s a new resource for shoppers — Gun Tests.
MDH* Richard brought this info to my attention today. I’m not selling their product. However, I’m intrigued by the 21 “revelations” they make (they name names) in a brochure.
I thought you might enjoy taking a look some of their evaluations. And I quote ….
1) ”We had so many problems with the EMF .45LC Bisley revolver we’d never consider it, and when we looked at its price, it became totally out of the question.
2) Ruger’s P94DC .40 S&W pistol is rugged and reliable, but the CZ100 does everything the Ruger could at a lower price.
3) Selling for less than $400, the Savage M111F was more accurate than more expensive .30-06 Springfield bolt-actions from Winchester, Remington and Howa.
4) If we wnted a Thanksgiving turkey, we might just buy the Butterball rather than invest in a bolt-action scattergun.
5) In a test of Muzzleloaders, the .50-Cal Knight Revolution II, with its waterproof lock-up and shot-to-shot consistency, make it a good buy even at a higher price.”
I’ll list the last 16 on Monday and/or Tuesday. Take a look and send a comment about your experience with any of these models mentioned.
Why I’m interested is because this evaluation company does not accept any advertising. They buy the guns, test them and write what they think.
Since I’m a confirmed (and long term) Consumer’s Report subscriber, I like their attitude.
I know my writing has been spotty, at best. I’ve been working on my taxes and business reports. Surely, this misery will end soon!
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* MDH = My Deer Husband
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‘Last Light’ is shown by permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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Come Back Sunday: Take a look at Our New Athletic Team Graphics — MBL, NBA & NFL
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
(The fishing danger article is going to take a bit more work; I expect it to be ready soon.)
A neighbor had a new beige truck. Overnight, someone had sprayed it with a can of red spray paint.
Give WD-40 a Try When You Have a Problem!
Another neighbor knew to spray over the new paint with WD-40. It removed all the messy red paint and the truck was beige again! It didn’t harm the original paint!
The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts.
WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a ‘water displacement’ compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.
Fishing and Outdoor Uses
Cars and Vehicle Uses
Home Use
Laundry Uses for WD-40
Unusual Uses
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Frankly, this has been a strange year! On the first day of the year, I fell and injured my knee – badly.
Ten days later, 4 dogs jumped me in my own fenced yard and bit me 3 times!
Currently, I’m hiding out * and getting a little nervous. 
And then, along comes this quiz….
This is just odd. This year we will experience 4 unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11 and 11/11/11.
Now, take the last 2 digits of the year you were born & add that number to the age you will be this year. The total should be… 111
(except for the very young, in which case the number should be 11).
I sure don’t … but it is interesting!
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* I’m waiting for my fortune-teller to tell me it’s OK to venture outside again!
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Don’t Forget: This Sunday, I’ll show off some of my new 75 College Rear Window Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This article is to make my readers aware of a problem with saltwater injuries & undercooked or tainted fish.
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It was just another Galveston Bay fishing trip for 52 year-old Thomas J. Shurley. Fishing alone on this July morning, he scraped his knee as he adjusted his johnboat.
What he didn’t know was that a bacterium named Vibrio vulnificus had entered his body through the scraped area. Like most able-bodied men, Mr. Shurley ignored the abrasion and went on fishing.
A few days later, Shurley died of massive organ failure … even after losing his leg.
‘Vibrio vulnificus’ can be found in warm saltwater around the world. It is one of a group of pathogens that includes cholera.
The simple answer is that these bacteria are harmless to people in good health. The bacteria have a hard time penetrating healthy skin.
However, those with an impaired immune system need to stay aware. As many as 30% of those who delay treatment — die!
Healthy folks exposed to V. vulnificus may notice minor redness or irritation, that quickly disappears.
Symptoms of a problem:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) keeps count on these infections. They note that not all come from a person falling, or cutting, or scraping their body. Some of these infections come from eating undercooked or tainted seafood!
However, incidence is low. CDC reports that 549 Americans contracted the disease in 2007.
They encourage anglers to be cautious while fishing in coastal areas. If you experience a cut, scrape or skin-breaking injury, watch the area. If it turns into a rash-type injury that stays red, head to a doctor or hospital.
Two Houston men suffered serious consequences in 2004. The younger man lost the skin & flesh between his knee and foot because of the bacteria.
His companion, who waited another day for treatment lost both legs and had kidney failure. What happened? He fell on the dock near Port O’Connor!
No one is suggesting that you give up fishing in saltwater. However, watch skin cuts or scrapes and get help when needed!
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‘Ocean Angler’ Shown by Permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Most Sundays, I have selected some rear window graphics to share with my readers. Generally, they are along a theme; this week it is: College Team Graphics.
All the big schools that one would expect are here: Nebraska Huskers, Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns. Let’s take a look at 6 others!
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The University of Wyoming Cowboys
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The University of Kansas Jayhawks
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The University of Wisconsin Badgers
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Marshall University Thundering Herd
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The University of Missouri Tigers
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The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss Rebels
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These graphics used by permission of ClearVue Graphics! ~Come Back Tomorrow:
For a new article on Hunting or Fishing Themes!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Choosing a great campsite isn’t as easy as it sounds. Various factors are important to your choice.
Prepare for Unwelcome Visitors!
High on everyone’s list is choosing a scenic spot. However, high winds and/or damp weather will be more important factors in choosing a site.
Experienced campers recommend a fairly flat area, with some shelter from gusting winds and damp. Make use of a gully, a clump of bushes or trees, a low wall or even a rain fly — when wind and rain bear down on your site.
In case of rain, make sure that your site is not a low place where rain will settle. Depending on the weather and your cooking plans, do you need to find a locale near wood?
During hot weather, each person will need 6 quarts of water per day. Will you be bringing that with you?
In colder weather, 3 quarts of water per person, per day will suffice. What do you know about the area where you will camp? Is the water there drinkable?
I recently read an article by a ranger who stated that campers should assume any water source available in America is polluted.
That means you will need to have a way to decontaminate the water: iodine, a means to boil water or a filtering system.
Make sure your water bottle is safe; once opened, bacteria and mold grow in bottles of water (I’m referring to using bottled water from the grocers) .
Locate your site some distance from a water source, so you do not contaminate it.
Most animals are happy to scavenge for a free meal. Raccoons love to show you how fast they can open the snaps on any Igloo container!
Leaving food in the camping area is an open invitation to night-time dining guests. Go online for directions on constructing a ‘food cache’ — a way to hang your food up high — between 2 trees — at some distance from your sleeping tents.
If you are camping in bear country, be sure to decide on your ‘escape tree’ — a way for you to get away from an over-friendly (or aggravated) bear!
Still want to go camping?
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Need a Camping Checklist? Use ours!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
With the wild weather outside, today might be a great time to talk about …
You and some friends have had a great day out in the snow! It’s late in the
'Fun in the Sun' Calls for Quality Sunglasses Year Round!
afternoon when suddenly, Jim calls out that his eyes feel like he has grit in them and he is seeing red.
The group soon realizes that Jim is experiencing snowblindness. It will be dark soon; what should you do?
For the conditions outlined here, which of these 3 possibilities is the best solution?
1) Someone offers to stay with Jim while the rest of you go back and get help.
2) Cover Jim’s eyes and lead him back home as quickly as possible.
3) Wait until Jim’s snowblindness passes.
Snowblindness Occurs Most Often on Sunny Days, But Can Happen on Cloudy Days Too!
Jim’s snowblindness is not going to pass as long as he is out in the sun. Therefore, waiting won’t help. So neither 1 or 3 will work.
He needs to get inside quickly; into a darkened room until his eyes recover. Covering his eyes while he travels home is important; his eyes can start to recover because he is no longer looking at the reflected light from the snow and ice.
Use a cool, damp cloth on the eyes. Applying a hot, damp cloth to the eyes only increases the pain!
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Occasionally: I’ll pose another ‘Outdoor Situation’ with Some Tips
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A Possum is a Flat Animal that Sleeps in the Middle of the Road
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There are 10,000 Types of Spiders. All 10,000 of Them Live in Texas, Plus a Couple No One's Seen Before
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If it Grows, it'll Stick Ya. If it Crawls, it'll Bite Cha.
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We Think that the First Day of Deer Season is a National Holiday! **
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The Word 'Jeet' is Actually a Phrase Meaning 'Did You Eat?'
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You Switch from Heat to A/C in the Same Day
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All the Festivals Across the State are Named After a Fruit, Vegetable, Grain, Insect, or Animal
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Going to Wal-Mart is a Favorite Pastime Known as 'Goin' Wal-Martin' or 'Off to Wally World'
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You Carry Jumper Cables in Your Car – for Your OWN Car!
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We Don’t Need no Dang Driver’s Ed. If our Mama Says We Can Drive, We Can Drive, Dag-Nabbit.
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Yes, this is my list of the 28 most important things I’ve learned in Texas!
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* ‘Snake Pit’ is used by permission of ClearVue Graphics
** ‘Dream Team Winter’ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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SUNDAY: Come back and see a whole new category of Rear Window Graphics!
Come see the NRA Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
4 Thankful Springer Pups! *
Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me …
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Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me …
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* ‘Springer Spaniels‘ shown by permission of Vantage Point Graphics!
** ’9 Lives‘ shown by permission of Window Canvass/ClearVue Graphics!
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SUNDAY: Come back and see a whole new category of Rear Window Graphics!
Come see the NRA Graphics!
They are on sale through the month of February!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The tough thing about venturing into a wilderness is that there are no convenience stores handy, if you forget something critical. Thus, planning and making lists are critical.
Things in the Wilderness are Rarely as Easy as This Scene Suggests
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Cell Phones: Although you should make sure that your phone is fully charged & bring along a spare, be aware that getting a signal (to use your phone) is spotty, at best.
The further you are aware from a major highway or urban center, the less likely your cell phone will work.
Safety Through Communication: Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
“Wilderness” implies things that are unknown. It is foolhearty to assume that nothing can happen while you are away from your support system.
Personal Items: Even if you are hiking in winter, take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. If you are wondering why you might need them year-round, refer to yesterday’s article, ‘How Can You Help Someone Suffering from Snowblindness?’
Protect Your Feet: You won’t get very far if you don’t take care of your transportation system – your feet! Take extra socks and a pair of waterproof shoes.
It’s better to use 2 thin pair of socks, not 1 thick pair. Layering your clothing is a smart way to conserve heat, yet release perspiration. This method prepares you for whatever weather arrives.
Packing: Place the heaviest items you are carrying in the middle of the backpack, close to your back. This balances the load.
Basic Equipment: Hikers need a compass and a pocketknife.
Getting Around: A map of the unknown territory where you will hike is important. If you have a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, now’s a great time to use it.
Fire Supplies: You never know when you will need a fire. Be sure to bring a lighter and/or waterproof matches & lint from your clothes dryer.
Keep Everything Safe: Zippered plastic bags are great for hikers. They protect items from water, damp and other mishaps.
Water: Either be ready to bring your own water or bring a method of purification (iodine tablets, a filtering system, etc.).
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I’m aware a hiker needs food, clothing and other necessities. These items are better covered in a more comprehensive list.
Need a Camping Checklist? Use ours!
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‘Morning Glow’ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Most Sundays, I show off some of the products from my store. Today, I want to show you a whole new category: Rear Window Graphics of the NRA!
FYI: These designs are officially licensed by the NRA!
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Monogram 2 & Flag NRA Rear Window Graphic
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For the Month of February
These NRA Graphics are on Sale!
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These graphics used by permission of ClearVue Graphics!
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Come Back Tomorrow:
Let’s Get a Jump on Turkey Hunting Season!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Most Sundays, I show a few decals for the rear windows of vehicles. This week, I’m proud to announce that we have added a new category: Native American Rear Window Graphics!
A Quiet Black Feet Indian Village - Situated Near Mountains
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Three Indians
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* Images 1, 3, 5 provided by Restyler’s Choice Graphics
** Images 2, 4, 6 used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Remember
For the Month of February
My NRA Graphics are on Sale!
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Come Back Tomorrow: for a new article on hunting – fishing!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
We Have 900+ Rear Window Graphics in 26 Categories!
A Personal Note: On Monday, I prefer to have a meaty article to start the week. However, we got a lovely surprise — our son Chris flew in from California and I took Friday & the weekend off.
This is an article I was holding for later in the week.
I’ve started an article on fishing and lures … and I’m too tired to get very far on it. I’ll make every effort to get it to you on Tuesday.
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Sometimes, you see photos and wonder what was going on in the mind of the one in the photo. These are the rest of those images (I showed the first 1/2 on Friday). Enjoy!
I'm Speechless!
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Repeat after me: What's Behind You is Not Important!
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What an Interesting Location for a Home!
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Oops!
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I've Heard of Number Crunching, but this is Ridiculous!
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Not One of this Snake's Smarter Moves!
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Somebody with a Death-Wish?
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Don't Try this at Home! What Happens When Some Smartie Decides to Put the Electric Teapot on a Hot Burner!
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O-K!
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Let Me Guess: This is a Blond Joke?
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The Luck of Some People: If I Were Bathing this Cat, What You Wanna Bet It Would Turn Into an Attack Cat?
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Thanks for Visiting! Come back Soon!
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Don’t Forget: My NRA Rear Window Graphics are on Sale during the month of February!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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We now have 900 + Graphics in 26 Categories!
Disclaimer: There are many ways to fish successfully. This is one of them. There are other ways … but this one works for me. I expect newbie anglers will be my audience.
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Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass have enough differences that we treat them separately. Today– Smallmouth Bass.
Small Mouth Bass are Feisty Fighters and Fun to Catch!
A member of the sunfish family, smallmouths are rather picky about the waters they honor with their presence. The temperature in streams, rivers, lakes, etc., must be rather cool.
In the spring, the females move to spawning flats * when the water temperature heats up between 48 to 55. When the water temperature reaches 60 to 65, smallmouths get frisky and start the spawning process.
Smallmouths are also picky about pollution. They will not live in polluted waters. Even better, they prefer oxygenated waters.
Understanding the paragraphs above will help you catch more bass. First, let’s talk about oxygenated water.
As water splashes against rocks and other barriers, the water mixes with the air. This makes the water more oxygenated.
Thus, you will want to fish for smallmouths wherever water can be re-oxygenated – around boulders, in riffles and under/in underwater structures (weed beds, rock formations, log jams, etc.).
Try smaller lures and hooks in the springtime. Look for water with a gravelly bottom.
When you are thinking about live bait, consider the crayfish. We carefully polled as many smallmouths as we could find and they assured us that they prefer crayfish.
Smallmouths are not interested in the heat of summer. As the water heats up, they move to deep pools (during the day). They only emerge from sundown till sunrise. This is the best time to fish.
They will move into shallow areas, rock piles and in reefs.
Now the water is cooling down and the smallmouth bass prefer the deep pools because the temperature is steady. Again, these bass will come out of the pools to eat at night.
Smallmouths stay in deep pools – where the temperature is constant. They are not very active. Mostly, they chase small bait fish (that are also in these deeper pools) during the cold months.
Crayfish, Mepps spinners, Rebel, jig and pig, Rapalas & spinner baits.
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* Spawning flats have a gravel floor in 8 to 10 feet of water.
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** Smallmouth Bass Tailwalking Profile is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
Most Sundays, I show a few of the products from my website. I may choose the newest additions to an established category (such as today), or show items in a new group (such as last week’s new Native American or First Peoples Window Graphics).
Since opening my website store almost 5 years ago, I have always offered Eagles & Patriotic Graphics. They are a very American way of showing one’s support for our country.
On my site, the first dozen photos or so are images of eagles. The rest of the section is dedicated to patriotic graphics. Here are some of our new decals.
Starry Night is Illustrator John Rios' Interpretation of Francis Scott Key's words "gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." (from 'The Star Spangled Banner' - our national anthem)
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John Rios has also Created 'Liberty Freedom' Rear Window Decal
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John Rios has been Busy Creating Patriotic Window Graphics this Year! This one is 'Eagles Pride.'
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'Eagle Eye' Rear Window Graphic
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Wings of Freedom Back Glass Decal
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The Most Baffling Graphic on my Site -- 'Vengeance Clown.' Anyone Have any Idea About this One?
‘USMC’ is written on the knuckles of the clown. I presume this has something to do with the Marine Corps. However, I’m clueless. Can anyone shed some light on this graphic design?
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The first 3 graphics are used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics.
The last 3 images are used by permission of Restyler’s Choice.
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Come Back Monday: For an exciting article on hunting, fishing or camping.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 950 Rear Window Graphics in 26 Categories!
States have noticed that ‘going camping’ is a dying art. State parks especially, have noticed the down-turn in campsite usage. And some states are doing something about it!
{This article is about Texas parks. I’ll give suggestions: how to see if your state has a program.}
The New Wrinkle in Camping: Your Tent Attached to Your Vehicle!
Chris Holmes, director of the program, Texas Outdoor Family, explains. “We’ve recognized that fewer and fewer people are camping, especially in state parks.
People are becoming more and more disconnected from the environment, and they view the outdoors as a scary place. This new generation of parents never went camping themselves, so they just don’t know how to camp.”
Texas Parks & Wildlife has created a program for folks interested in giving camping a try … but don’t know where to start.
This weekend adventure includes camping equipment, expert help and learning activities. What does the $55 charge include?
After signing up for the adventure, you receive checklists:
Instructors will teach you how to
Everyone learns the basic skills. However, parks offer different amenities. They may include:
Check www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoorfamily for dates, locations.
Call the Texas P&W Reservations Center: 512- 389-8903. Operators answer questions & make reservations.
After registration, a confirmation packet will arrive with directions and more details.
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How about your state?
Google: (your state) programs + family camping
(ie: ) Virginia programs + family camping
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Remember
the Month of February
My NRA Graphics are on Sale!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The Billings Gazette has an unusual video — “Bull Elk battle in the middle of the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park.”
It’s something you don’t see every day! Thanks to the kindness of
DanSchmidtDeer twittering about this video, I’m able to show this to you.
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Remember
For the Month of February
My NRA Graphics are on Sale!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
We Have 1000+ Rear Window Graphics in 27 Categories!
Ever since our son brought home a Siberian Husky, I’ve been fascinated by wolves. I think Huskies are (only) slightly more evolved wolves.
Siberian Huskies are Domesticated Wolves!
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We live in south Texas and one summer we had daily temperatures in the 100+. Akula, our Husky, kept dropping weight and looked awful; I took the fateful step of moving him inside with us.
Akula (Russian for ‘shark’) regained his lost weight and showed us what a ‘sociable’ dog can be. He followed us into the bathroom … peeked at us from under the kitchen table … slept on his floor rug beside our bed.
After Akula died a few years ago (of old age – 12 years-old), he left a huge void in our lives.
My husband and I agreed it is unfair to bring a ‘cold-weather dog’ to such a hot climate.
When I get nostalgic about Akula, I take wolf and husky books out of the library. I thought I’d share with you some of what I’ve learned.
Wolf Howling at a Full Moon
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About 12,000 years ago, man domesticated some wolves. They are the ancestors of all our dog breeds today.
It’s rather hard to see any wolf in a Pomeranian dog but no problem at all when you are looking at a Siberian Husky.
Huskies still have the howling trait of their forefathers, while most dogs bark.
When the 17th century colonists arrived in America, wolves ranged over all of North America from Canada’s Arctic tundra to central Mexico.
The only areas wolves did not inhabit were: the southeast corner of the US and coastal Mexico and California.
The only other mammal that has adapted to such a range of climates and terrains is man!
More tomorrow!
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‘Teamwork’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics.
‘Howling in the Snow’ is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1000 Rear Window Graphics in 27 Categories!
This is a continuation of my reminiscing about our big Siberian Husky, who lived with us for most of his 12 years. We miss him still.
Part 1 is: A Few Words About Siberian Huskies and Wolves
Who Can Forget the Lonely Howl of a Wolf?
Most evenings at dusk, our Husky Akula would start to sing. He would howl with gusto! The other dogs we had then joined in the singing, including our Chow, Wendy.
Wendy has carried on his habit. Every evening about dark, she starts the schorus and our Lab and Bassett Hound chime in!
Akula has been dead for more than 5 years, and still they continue. Neither the Lab nor the Bassett Hound ever met Akula, but they love to sing.
Howling is part of a wolf’s pack behavior. In spite of what humans belive, wolves do not howl at the moon.
To the wolf, their pack is everything. A pack is a group of 8 to 15 wolves; usually they are an extended family. There is the alpha male and alpha female, the pups and assorted subservient wolves.
Food is always an issue. The alpha wolves are often assisted by the lower-level wolves to find enough to keep the pack fed. Other lower-level wolves baby-sit the pups while the alphas are out hunting.
We often hear of the ‘lone wolf’.’ What is that? It is a wolf that is shunned by its pack — perhaps for being a runt or one of the lower-level wolves who tries to take over the pack and survives (the fight).
This wolf can not join another pack but must create his own. He may have to range more than 600 miles to find a mate and create his own pack.
While he is roaming, he is careful to circle around the marked territory of other packs. If he doesn’t, they will kill him because he is not one of them.
Biologist Gordon Haber (of Alaska), compares the death of an alpha wolf to the death of a respected elder of a clan.
“Removing the depository of the group’s knowledge — for wolves the den-sites, trails, hunting strategies and interpack behavior — incapacitates the survivors.” *
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* Excerpt from Wolves, by Daniel Wood. 1994: Whitecap Books, Vancouver, page 13.
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“Howling at the Moon” used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1000 Rear Window Graphics in 27 Categories!
This week, I’ve added a number of new scenery rear window graphics and thought I might share them with you.
'Evening Call' by Vantage Point Grahics
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'Winters Work' by Vantage Point Graphics
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Come Back Monday: For an exciting article on hunting, fishing or camping.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
Why does an inspiring sight like a sunrise always have to take place at such an inconvenient time?
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Bride to new husband: ”There you are, Darling … my first meal cooked just the way you better like it!”
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Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed. Women somehow deteriorate during the night!
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Monday Truth: The repairman will never have seen a model like yours!
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Help stamp out and eradicate superfluous redundancy!
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My favorite oxymorons:
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“Morning Glow” used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Looking for some fierce action on the end of your fishing line? Look to snook!
Snook are almost colorless, often with yellow fins and a black lateral line (along its back). Long and lean, they resemble the northern pike.
Trolling for food in the western Atlantic Ocean, from South Carolina to Texas, snook like to stay in waters that are less than 70 feet deep. Some of the largest snook have been caught off of the Florida coast (44 lbs.).
Although considered a warm saltwater specimen, snook easily transfer into fresh water; they prefer lagoons and estuaries.
The amount of salt in water is not a problem for the sergeant fish, but they are very sensitive to water temperature.
These fish only appear in warm waters … if water dips below 60 degrees (Fahrenheit), their systems go into shock and then they die.
If water turns cold, look for the snook near power plant water discharge areas. Otherwise, they like to hide in underground structures (rock piles, reefs, etc.), waiting for smaller fish to cross their path.
Mullet is a good bait fish; however, snook have a decided preference for live shrimp. Only use enough weight (sinker or split-shot) on your line to get the bait to the bottom.
If you want to use a jig or lure, some favorites are: some Mirrolures or the Red Tailed Hawk jig.
Biologists tell us that the snook are most active feeding from an hour before high tide through the first 3 hours of the falling tide.
Between April and October, snook tend to spawn in the inlets and passes near open waters.
After a few weeks of life, the young robalo move into nearby estuaries – where they stay for the rest of their lives. They do not roam over as large a territory as other fish.
Freshwater anglers sometimes report catching snook when they are fishing for largemouth bass.
Most robalo are caught in the summer months. They are a popular game fish for two reasons: they are fierce fighters and they are taste great!
Once you set the hook in your snook, the race is on! They don’t come in quietly, but put up a great fight.
Getting a snook to take your bait is just the first step. It requires strength and patience to haul in a snook.
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‘Snookered’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Just for a change, this is National Geographic Rear Window Graphic week! However, their graphics aren’t just in one category. They are in many categories — but each has been clearly labeled as “National Geographic Photo!”
Catch the Thrill of the Ride with this National Geographic Photo!
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A Dramatic and Eye-Catching Scene with an F-18
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"What Do You Mean? I AM Smiling!"
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As you can see, National Geographic photos are in most categories! All graphics that are from National Geographic Photo start with V-100xxx.
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All of these Graphics are used by permission of their manufacturer: Vantage Point Graphics
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Come Back Monday: For an exciting article on hunting, fishing or camping.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
You are hiking in an unfamiliar area and are running low on water. You find a meandering stream of water.
You put some sand and charcoal in a sock and allow the river water to seep through the sock — to remove the impurities.
Is it safe to drink now?
Assume all the Water You Find in the Outdoors is Contaminated
No. It must be boiled — or chemically treated.
How long should it boil before you know the water is safe to drink?
Suspect water must be boiled or chemically treated.
The rule of thumb is:
Boil water for 1 minute plus 1 minute for each 1000 feet over sea level.
Thus, if you are 2000 ft. above sea level, you must boil the water for a total of 3 minutes: 1 minute for sea level and 1 minute for each 1000 ft. above sea level!
This is the absolute minimum.
If you have the fuel, boil longer.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
Out-smarting a turkey isn’t as easy as it sounds. You need to make fewer mistakes than your adversary.
That may not seem to be too hard, but you have different things at stake. You may feel bad if you don’t get a turkey, but the turkey will feel badly if you do!
Here are some of the most common errors that hunters make, in no particular order. I also make some suggestions for avoiding these mistakes.
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A Turkey's Brain is the Size of a Walnut; but He Uses Every Neuron to Stay Out of Your Oven!
Right now is the perfect time to practice your turkey calling. Not sure of how your calls should sound? No problem.
The Wild Turkey Federation has a website with samples of the 11 most common calls for your listening-and-learning pleasure. Practice with the best!
You are out in the field and you have done a good job of calling turkeys. Suddenly, you hit a sour note. What do you do?
If you do the wrong thing, turkeys will be startled. A spooked gobbler is a turkey that … ‘has left the building’ (along with Elvis)!
If your performance hits a bad note, keep on calling! It is just one note in many. However, if you stop there, gobblers will be spooked because they will notice the off-key note, since your call ended on that sour note.
Listen to hens, they don’t do a perfect job of calling. They sometimes emit a foul (no pun intended) sound, but they continue. Take a cue from the hens!
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‘Threesome’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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Come back tomorrow for the next thrilling chapter!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
Make no mistake, turkeys are some of the smartest opponents you will ever meet! They may not have much gray matter, but they use every cell that they have.
How many of us can say that?
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These Gobblers are Strutting Their Stuff to Attract Females!
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It has happened to each of us — you simply have to sneeze or cough. Generally, it is a behavior that spooks turkeys. However, the purpose of this blog it to help you with alternate solutions.
If you are in or near woods, be sure to carry your deer grunt tube. Right after sneezing or coughing, use your grunt caller to cover the sound. Turkeys are used to hearing deer in the woods.
If you are not in an area where deer might hide or stay, then use your turkey caller to cover the sound. A cluck or two may persuade a turkey that it is just another turkey making noise.
The gist of this problem is that you must never leave a human sound out there — always follow it with an animal sound.
Turkeys are skittish animals by nature, so it is important to assure them that the noise is a natural part of the area. There are a variety of squeaks and squawks in nature, use them to cover your sound.
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‘Proud Crowd’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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Come back tomorrow for the next thrilling chapter!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
Most Sundays, I show off some of my new graphics. Recently, I’ve been adding to a new section, Sporting Life Window Decals.
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'American Race Fan' - Let Everyone Know Your Interest!
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'Dream Grab' - Shows Some Great Snowboarding Action!
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'Mountain Biker at Sunset' is a National Geographic Photo!
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'Soccer Balls' is a Unique Way to Show What Game You Play!
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All of these Graphics are used by permission of their manufacturers –
1st & 3rd images are used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
2nd, 4th & 5th images are used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Come Back Monday: 3rd Mistake of Turkey Hunters
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In case you haven’t noticed:
My Professional Sport Teams Graphics (MBL, NBA, NFL)
and
College Sport Teams Graphics
are gone until the
Re-Licensing Negotiations are Completed!
Hope to have them back soon!
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Have You Seen These? Previous Sunday Collections
Rear Window Graphics of Fishing
Sunday Special: Birds of a Feather!
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
The following video shows the slow dance of turkey mating. The film is almost 10 minutes. If you advance the picture to 2 minutes, you will be closer to the action.
Note that the gobbler is watchful until he is breeding. That is the time of greatest danger of getting shot.
I get questions about how long it takes for a turkey to breed — I felt this video answered the question. The video is from You Tube.
Next time: We will return to mistakes turkey hunters make!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!
This is an ongoing series on mistakes turkey hunters make — and how to correct them. Today’s is a problem we have all faced at one time or another….
The turkey has one of the smallest ‘killing zones’ — specifically the brain, head and neck. A turkey’s brain is the size of a walnut! Have you checked your shotgun's scatter pattern yet?
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The first inkling that you have that a turkey is close, is his gobble-gobble-gobble. Suddenly, your realize you are about 40 yards from a big tom.
When this close, only give soft purrs. * Rub your shirt against a tree, to copy the sound of a hen brushing against a tree as she is feeding.
Scratch the leaves and ground lightly — to sound like a hen scratching for food.
In this situation, you will want the gobbler to come to you from his roost. Never shoot a turkey out of his roost. The entire herd will immediately vacate the area. They may move miles away.
You can know where the roost is, just don’t shoot into it. Your goal is to get the gobbler out of his roost and on the ground.
This is the time to call aggressively, using the cluck. ** Effective use of the cluck will hopefully bring the tom flying down from his roost, looking for that waiting hen.
If the tom is close and only calling a little, you do the same. Purr softly, scratch the ground, rub against a tree.
If he doesn’t respond in 15 to 20 minutes, try more aggressive behavior. Get some serious clucking going. You want him to think he’s the only one NOT at the party!
Hopefully, curiosity will overcome his natural skittishness, so you can get a shot!
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* Listen to the purr audio on this page, so you can perfect yours!
** Practice the cluck sound (first one in the list), so you can assure the gobbler that you are a hen waiting just for him.
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Next time: Another Mistake Hunters Make While Trying to Snag a Turkey!
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“On the Move” used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I’m about 1/2 way through the ways hunters make mistakes when hunting turkey. This is an ongoing series of suggestions for modified hunter behavior – so you can snag a spring turkey.
Turkeys are quick to jump and run, so it is up to hunters to disguise their actions, so gobblers aren’t spooked.
Only those Gobblers that learn to recognize human movement live to see another day!
Walking is so much a part of us that we don’t think about it. However, gobblers are listening very carefully.
If you take some time to watch turkeys move about (during this period before turkey season), you will learn to avoid the mistakes of many hunters.
Turkeys spend much of their time searching for food. They don’t march from Point A to Point B with a purposeful step, but take their time, scratching for food.
Remember, if you don’t sound like a turkey, you can only sound like a human. And humans are trouble.
Thus, when you are walking, you must make turkey noises, not human noises. Turkeys move erratically. When you are walking, it is important to vary the number of steps and the speed of your walking.
Take two steps, wait, take a step, wait, take 4 steps, wait, etc. Cluck and purr softly while moving. Scratch the leaves with your foot occasionally.
It’s valuable exercise to watch turkeys scratch while they are moving. There is usually a cadence (rhythm) to their scratching. Often it sounds like: scratch; scratch-scratch; scratch.
You may also see contented hens scratching the earth, looking for food. They usually make soft clucking and purring noises as they feed.
If you are walking through a pine tree area, turkeys move more quickly than in a field of acorns and oak trees.
Around acorns, turkeys move slowly because they are looking for food, scratching for insects, etc.
Copy their behaviors for a more successful turkey hunt!
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’1000 Minnesota Turkeys’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is an ongoing series of suggestions for modified hunter behavior – so you can snag a spring turkey. If you spook a gobbler, your chances of hauling him home drop through the floor!
If you are moving through the woods and a turkey spots you, I’ve only found one successful way to react — stand like a statue or a stump. Sometimes, my stony stance and indifferent air will convince him I’m harmless.
If You are Caught "With Your Pants Down" while Hunting, How can You Turn this Disaster into a Successful Hunt?
Since there’s nothing to hide behind, dropping to the ground and blending in with the dust is your best chance.
However, I have a friend who always turkey hunts with a few collapsible Feather Flex decoys. He drags them out of his pack while he’s face-down on the ground.
Slowly, but surely, he slowly moves the hen to a place in front of his face. As he’s putting the hen up in position, he starts to softly purr and cluck.
He also moves the hen’s head in position to be pecking. Gradually, he increases the speed of his clucking so the turkey hen sounds excited with what she’s found on the ground.
According to my friend: More than 75% of the gobblers will watch, instead of bolt immediately. As he gets caught up in the “hen’s behavior,” the gobbler tends to forget the human he just saw. He comes closer to investigate!
If the gobbler sees you in the open field and you don’t have a decoy, the only recourse is to lie flat and hope!
Personally, I don’t have much luck with this trick — but others swear by it.
By lying flat and staying motionless, others promise that most gobblers will be so curious that they will move closer for a look. Then you can get a shot!
This just might be one of those things where you have to believe!
Before buying a bunch of hen decoys, make sure they are legal in your state!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is #6 in a series outlining some of the most common errors that turkey hunters make, in no particular order. I also make suggestions for avoiding these mistakes.
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In a landmark 1993 study, scientists at the University of Georgia conducted a study that literally shook the world of deer and turkey hunting.
I could go into a long explanation: ‘The difference in our eyes versus that of the deer and turkey.’
However, most folks don’t want the full sermon; they just want to know how it will affect them and their hunting.
1) Deer and human eyes are the same – in that both use rods and cones.
Deer and turkeys have more rods and can see better in low light. Humans have more cones, which means that we can see colors better than deer and turkeys.
2) Human eyes have a protective layer that protects them from up to 99% of UV rays, but deer and turkey do not. This means that we can see details better than they do.
3) Human eyes see light in the “visible spectrum” – including violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Beyond violet, there is something called the ”ultraviolet spectrum.”
Deer & turkey can see this “ultraviolet spectrum” naturally. We can see this range of color only when we use a black light.
When most garments were manufactured in the US, there was no problem. However, when the Chinese took over textiles and the manufacture of our clothing, they started doing things differently.
They added UV brighteners to all clothing. Why? Because it made the fabrics look nice longer. Think about your white business shirts; they keep their bright, white color longer. This is all fine and dandy, except for hunters.
Through experiments, scientists proved that turkeys and deer could see those UV brighteners in clothing. Keep in mind, they noted that the animals would notice them most during dawn and dusk hours.
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It has been 17 – 18 years since the public learned of this issue. Is there still a problem? This is an involved concern that I will try to finish tomorrow. Come back then.
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‘Thinkin’ Spring’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
The solution is obvious: Only buy hunting clothing without UV brighteners! Another solution is to wear wool clothing — it does not have added UV brighteners.
This problem has been around long enough for the hunter’s screams to have been heard all the way to China!
No. Essentially, there are 2 parts to this issue: new hunting clothes and the ones you already own.
Even companies that promise they have added no brighteners — fabrics that became parts of the garment — pockets, lapels, etc. — may have been treated before sale to the manufacturer who made the clothes.
If your kids have a black light, you are in business! Black lights will make any clothing with UV brighteners glow in the dark! Use their black light to test your hunting clothes.
If you don’t have access to one, you can order a black light flashlight on the Internet. You can also take it shopping with you; find a dark area and check to make sure the hunting garb doesn’t glow.
Be particularly careful to test hunting clothes on the clearance racks! Guess why they might be there?
This is the ugly part of the story.
If you are like most hunters, you wash your clothes with whatever clothes washing powder or liquid is available. Most of those products add UV brighteners to clothing — permanently.
Once UV brighteners are added to clothing, there’s only one way to remove them. There’s a product sold online that removes it.
I’m not interested in helping them sell more products, so I’m not mentioning their name. I’ll explain more in Does it Matter (tomorrow’s part).
I’ve done research on this issue and have a list of names of regular grocery store products that you can use that will NOT add UV brighteners to your clothes.
The list is extensive — both the good and bad products.
Bear in mind that you must never use the “bad” products on your hunting clothes — even once.
Come back tomorrow for the final part of this article!
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‘Woodland Splendor’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is the real issue! Will having UV brighteners in your hunting clothes really make that much difference?
Unless you are hunting at dusk or dawn, it’s not a big issue.
I’ve run an informal test on the issue over the past years and have decided the following: It matters if you think it does!
Hunters who don’t worry with uv brighteners in their clothing seem to bag as many hunters as those who carefully protect their clothing from the brighteners.
Be Careful; These Birds Are a Whole Lot Smarter Than They Look!
However, where you hunt could be a factor: There might be a difference between hunting on public lands versus hunting on private leases. I haven’t researched this.
What I mean is that hunters on private land may have less competition for turkeys. Thus, the turkeys see fewer hunters — with or without UV brightener-infested clothing.
And turkeys certainly learn from their interactions with hunters. The more hunters there are, the faster turkeys have to respond to stay out of the crosshairs of the hunter’s gun.
So, hunters on public lands may need to be more careful about the issue of UV brightened hunting clothes than others. The more hunting pressure in a place, the more each factor counts.
Deer and turkeys see colors differently than most other animals. They seem to be red & green color-blind. That’s why you can wear blaze orange hunting wear without worrying about being seen by deer or turkeys — green, red and orange are non-colors to them.
Biologists say that having patterned clothing (camo wear) that blends in with the landscape is more important than its color. The scientists warn hunters about wearing large patches of unbroken color.
Specifically, don’t wear two specific materials: vinyl and plastic. Why? Because they reflect light. It is not the color of these two materials that’s important, but the fact that light reflects so readily from them.
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‘Threesome’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Rear Window Graphics
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Have You Missed the Other Parts of this Series?
1) Yet Another Mistake Turkey Hunters Make
2) The Problem with a Turkey Hunter’s Clothing, Part 2
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FYI: This info is just one section of a multi-part series on Mistakes Turkey Hunters Make - it has run here for the past couple of weeks!
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Missed the List of Good/Bad Washing Products for Your Hunting Clothes?
Keeping UV Brighteners Out of Hunting Clothes
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Coastal Florida
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Over the next few week-ends, I’ll show some beautiful graphics of our 5 military branches. Today, I’m displaying Marine Rear Window Graphics.
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'These Colors Never Run' used by permission of Restyler's Choice Graphics
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'Freedom Flight Marines' is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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'Semper Fi' is available in 3 color combinations (Yellow on Red; Yellow on Black; White on Black) - Used by permission of Restyler's Choice Graphics
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'USMC Marine Corps Dog Tags' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics - a John Rios Design
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'Camp Lejeune' used by permission of Restyler's Choice Graphics
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'US Marine Retired' is used by permission of Restyler's Choice Graphics
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Come Back Monday: More Info for Turkey Hunters
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In case you haven’t noticed:
My Professional Sport Teams Graphics (MBL, NBA, NFL)
and
College Sport Teams Graphics
are gone until the
Re-Licensing Negotiations are Completed!
Hope to have them back soon!
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Have You Seen These? Previous Sunday Collections
Rear Window Graphics of First Responders
Harley-Davidson Rear Window Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
One of the most frustrating mistakes turkey hunters make is not taking a shot at a bird. It has happened to all of us: For whatever reason, the turkey or you are not in a good place for a shot.
The gobbler may step behind a tree — just as you take aim. Or you weren’t expecting the turkey to step from behind a very close bush.
If you were scouting around for gobblers before the season started, you are more likely to have a feel for where a gobbler travels during a typical day.
You likely know were the gobblers roost and the area they use for strutting. By spending time watching your quarry, you have a better chance of anticipating their behavior.
If you have not spooked the turkey, you may have a second chance. Let the bird pass you by and let him get out of sight.
If you have done your pre-season work, you have a good idea where the males like to spend their time. Circle around the bird.
Remember how I mentioned in an earlier post that you need to sound like a turkey hen when you are moving about?
They don’t march from Point A to Point B with a purposeful step, but take their time, scratching for food.
Remember, if you don’t sound like a turkey, you can only sound like a human.
Thus, when you are walking, you must make turkey noises, not human noises. Turkeys move erratically. When you are walking, it is important to vary the number of steps and the speed of your walking.
Take two steps, wait, take a step, wait, take 4 steps, wait, etc. Cluck and purr softly while moving. Scratch the leaves with your foot occasionally.
Be cautious and make a large circle around your quarry. Get into a good position and start calling.
If your gobbler came towards you earlier with your calling action, use the same calling pattern.
However, if he’s not responding to those calls now, it is time to try a different call.
Here’s a great site for listening to turkey calls: The National Wild Turkey Federation. They offer 11 different calls (for your listening pleasure)!
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“Proud Crowd” is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If We Quit Voting …
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Well you’ve done it now! You have spooked the tom you were calling.
What do you do?
If you hear a responding call or leaf rustling behind you; this is no time to turn around! Turkeys are watching for movement. If you stay frozen in place until you have a chance at a shot, you have a small chance of getting the gobbler. Remember: You are part of the scenery – until you shoot.
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The sound of a spooked tom is the same as an excited one — beating his wings, fast clucking * and racing around in the leaves.
If you spook a gobbler, cackle at him and call excitedly. Even if you flush your gobbler, cut and cackle to him. Continue your excited sounds.
Even if your intended gobbler abandons you by flying off, other gobblers in the area may misinterpret what is going on with you two.
With the excited calling, they may think the gobbler is flying towards the sounds, not away.
Your goal it to mask the scared sounds with excited sounds so the other gobblers in the area will come toward you and your hiding place!
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* “fast clucking” – This underlined phrase will take you to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s website where you can hear and practice various wild turkey calls.
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‘On the Move’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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You noticed too?
A word about my graphic images. Stealing images has become such a problem online that graphics manufacturers are putting water marks all over their images. These marks are only on images used online; purchased graphics are perfect!
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There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription button for feeds (top of right column) or Subscription link to get my postings via email (The “Sign Me Up” box, on the upper, right column).
Although these postings/articles are PRICELESS, I’m making them available to YOU for nada (also known as: zip, zilch, zero). Can you really afford to miss out on this opportunity?
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
We don’t really realize that we are over calling until a tom comes within 55 or 60 yards and refuses to come closer. How can you salvage the situation?
The two times turkeys “gobble-gobble” most are – during spring mating season and when the hens start their nesting. Most of the breeding is finished by the time the hens start nesting; but big gobblers become more aggressive and try to find the remaining receptive females. Gobbling starts as soon as daylight starts to appear, while turkeys are still in their roosts. Once the gobblers hit the ground, they start calling hens in earnest. This calling continues until the warmest hours of the day. Biologists believe that the midmorning hours are when most mating occurs. Weeks before this takes place, hens start looking for a nesting place (usually on the ground). They prepare the spot and start to roost nearby. It takes the hens 10 to 15 days to lay the clutch (group) of eggs. She feeds before and after laying. If, while she is feeding, the nest is attacked and destroyed, she will breed again while creating a nest in another place. It takes about 26 to 28 days for the poults to emerge.
If the tom can’t see you: Wait until he makes a move so you change your hiding spot and use a different caller.
His reluctance to come closer indicates that you have done something that has put him on alert. If you were using a slate caller, change to a diaphragm or box caller.
If you can’t move: Wait until the tom walks away. Now, make a very large circle and try to get in front of the gobbler again. Try a different caller.
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‘Turkey Dream’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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You noticed too?
A word about my graphic images. Stealing images has become such a problem online that graphics manufacturers are putting water marks all over their images. These marks are only on images used online; purchased graphics are perfect!
~
There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription button for feeds (top of right column) or Subscription link to get my postings via email (The “Sign Me Up” box, on the upper, right column).
Although these postings/articles are PRICELESS, I’m making them available to YOU for nada (also known as: zip, zilch, zero). Can you really afford to miss out on this opportunity?
§
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
He is 7 years old and is valued at $1,000,000.00. *
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A Few of Big Boy’s Friends!
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* Yes, I checked this on Snopes.com. It’s not on their radar.
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
As I’ve been out-of-town for a few days, I haven’t attended to my blog. Now I’m trying to catch up with a few of my favorites. They are from different categories.
I have 3 faves here ….
'Freedom Banner' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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'Flag Flame' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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A one-of-a-kind graphic ….
'Patriotic Flames' used by permission of Restyler's Choice Graphics
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‘Ready & Waiting’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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'Ridge Top Survey' used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
* Have you noticed too?
A word about my graphic images. Stealing images has become such a problem online that graphics manufacturers are putting water marks all over their images. These marks are only on images used online; purchased graphics are perfect!
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Come Back Tomorrow: Turkey Hunting Info & Tips
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There’s nothing worse than needing to scratch or swat at flies.
Gobblers are Always on the Lookout for Movement!
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In earlier posts, I’ve mentioned that turkeys are looking for movement. Biologists have proven that turkeys are not startled by bright colors — ONLY COLORS THAT MOVE!
They’ve placed bright objects in front of these big birds. In one test, they put bright orange hats on turkey decoys. Turkeys strolled among them with no concern — unless the orange hats moved!
Biologists theorize that bright colors abound in a turkey’s world. Turkeys are used to random brights and darks in their habitat. They are only troubled by movement — not the colors.
There comes a time when we need to scratch or chase away flies. Since we know that toms are watching for movement, what is the best way to handle this problem?
Using your whole hand is a dead give-away. Thus, successful hunters tell me that they only use 2 fingers to swat or itch. There is less movement to notice.
Immediately afterwards, brush your shirt sleeve against a tree – to imitate the sound of a turkey’s wings brushing against the side of a tree (as he walks past a tree).
When you make a sound or movement that is unusual, be sure to cover it with a sound or movement that a turkey would use.
When a turkey sees or hears something that is not right — you must allay his fears by making a turkey sound or movement. When he cannot calm his alarm immediately, he leaves!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Don’t let a gobbler’s wings fool you: He isn’t interested in going great distances to find a hen.
A Turkey's Brain is the Size of a Walnut ... and He Uses Every Cell of His Smarts to Stay Alive!
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If he’s grazing on public land (where there are plenty of hunters), gobblers get smart quickly — or some hunter takes him home for dinner! They learn that moving long distances to a calling hen is not a smart plan.
The women’s liberation movement hasn’t taken hold in the turkey kingdom. Yep, toms STILL expect hens to come to them for mating! What an idea!
The boys are tuning their voices, dusting off their spurs and arranging their feathers for fullest effect. A roving Romeo’s work is never done!
The sound of gobbling fills the air as the males are calling the hens to them for mating. Although the dominant male mates most, the other gobblers scurry around to find receptive females while the dominant male is busy.
As the mating season progresses, the calls get more strident and insistent – as more hens leave for their nests and the incubation period (26 to 28 days).
Gobbling starts as soon as daylight starts to appear, while turkeys are still in their roosts. Once the gobblers hit the ground, they start calling hens in earnest. This calling continues until the warmest hours of the day.
Generally, toms aren’t going to travel 150 yards — or more — to breed with a hen. And some of the reasons they will reject the distance may surprise you!
If you have done your preseason work, you know what lies between you and the gobbler you want to call.
Toms often do not want to cross an obstacle — a ditch, some fencing (you can’t see) or even a slow-moving brook.
If you can’t get the gobbler to come to you, you need to go to the tom. Before you start calling the turkey, get about 50 yards away from him.
Use thick vegetation and terrain to hide your movements. Sometimes, it may take as long as 2 or 3 hours to maneuver yourself into a good place to start calling!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
One Amazing Dog!
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Provided by My Deer Husband, Richard
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Return Tomorrow: More on Turkey Hunting
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Robert, an experienced turkey hunter, shared a story that happened a few years ago. He lived in a hilly area and could do a little hunting before going to work.
Keep Telling Yourself that a Turkey's Brain is the Size of a Walnut; After a While, Maybe You Will Even Believe it!
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Around daylight, Robert would often hear the insistent gobbling of a tom; making noise from one side of a nearby hill to the other. By the time Robert joined the hunt, the gobbler had quieted and would not stir.
After a few mornings of calling a little and calling a lot with no response, Robert questioned if there was any turkey at all! He tried circling, setting up near the roost, everything he could think of — but no turkey appeared.
Robert started learning everything he could about his quarry. Eventually, he realized what the turkey was doing.
After the turkey called his hen harem, he flew down into a glade, where he had a clear view of the hillside. If Robert appeared, the turkey saw him and left.
If Robert wasn’t on hand, the gobbler would strut in the clearing and gather his hens for breeding.
A few days later, Robert was in the glade before daylight. He positioned himself about 200 yards from the turkey’s roost and waited.
As the area lightened, Robert gave 3 soft tree yelps. * The wily turkey flew down from his roost into the clearing, looking for the hen that had called him.
And that morning, Robert bagged his turkey!
This story shows just how important it is to learn everything you can about your adversary.
To be successful with this difficult bird, Robert needed to know:
Some hunters think that superb calling skills and snazzy camo wear are all you need to snare a turkey.
Robert’s story explains why understanding gobblers is more important than just about anything else! What you wear and how you call a turkey is only important after you understand your prey!
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PS: Hunters also say that it is important to hunt an experienced turkey in a different way or place. Robert met the turkey where the tom didn’t expect to find him.
* Site of National Wild Turkey Federation; audio of 11 turkey calls.
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‘Woodland Splendor’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud,
unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into the store with
her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.
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I said pleasantly, ‘Good morning and welcome to Wal-Mart.
Nice children you have there. Are they twins?’
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The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say,
‘Hell no, they ain’t twins. The oldest one’s 9, and the other one’s 7.
Why the hell would you think they’re twins? Are you blind, or stupid?’
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So I replied, ‘I’m neither blind nor stupid, Ma’am, I just couldn’t believe
someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at
Wal-Mart..’
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My supervisor said I probably wasn’t cut out for this line of work.
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If You Think This Was Fun: Come Back Sunday for a Quick Look at Some Of My Rear Window Graphics – New, Classic or “Best in Category”♥
This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
A wife asks her husband, an engineer, “Could you please go shopping for me
and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6.”
A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk and the eggs.
The wife asks him, “Why the devil did you buy 6 cartons of milk?” He replied,
“they had eggs.”
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My husband, an engineer, doesn’t understand what’s wrong with the interaction above!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
This is a unique blend of international and group-specific flags.
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The Gadsden Flag: Don't Tread on Me! An Early Flag of the Marines; Now Adopted by the Tea Party Movement!
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The British Union Jack
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John Rios' Rebel Flag; We Have an Alternate Style Without the Word "Rebel"
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For All You Pirates ... or Pirates at Heart: Jolly Roger Flag
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The Proud Flag of Puerto Rico
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International Symbol for Scuba Divers
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Please Note: US Flags are in Eagles & Patriotic Graphics
We Have Others! Take a Look at the Rest of our Specialty Graphics!
As Soon as I Get Part of My Computer Program Fixed, I’ll be Adding More!
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“Jolly Roger” flag is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice
All other flags shown today are used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Come Back Monday: More Excitement with Hunting or Fishing!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Turkeys move into open, agricultural areas to feed and return to the woods to roost!
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Outsmarting a Gobbler
Many hunters enjoy the competition between themselves and the wily turkey. By the time a tom reaches the age of 4 or 5, he’s had many encounters with hunters; and you can tell who won!
A seasoned gobbler has a variety of tricks to try on the poor hunter who thinks hunting turkey is a quick process. The truth is: Shooting a young jake or 2-year-old tom is pretty easy — in comparison to out-foxing a mature tom.
After awhile, some hunters bypass the youngsters and concentrate on the challenge of the older gobbler. What does it take?
Believe it or not, the tom has a daily routine. If you can figure it out, the odds start to tilt your way. (However, nothing is foolproof – or 100% –with a turkey.)
Returning to a theme of an earlier posting, * a hunter needs to know:
where the turkey roosts,
where he travels,
why he is going there,
what he does when he gets there.
If a tom is not pressured or disturbed, he tends to his tasks on a fairly regular time-table.
Morning: He awakens, gobbles a bit and flies down to meet a hen. After mating, he wanders around a bit. Then he heads toward his eating area and tries to get hens to go with him.
Noon-ish: He eats with his hens in a feeding area. Then he starts to strut, drum, dust and breed until it gets too hot. (Biologists say most of the mating takes place mid-morning.)
During the heat of the day, toms enter the woods and rest. By 2 pm, the boys start heading back to the field for food; and they spend more time mating.
Afternoon/Evening: As dark skies take over, the tom flies or walks back to his roost.
When the hunter knows the turkey’s movement patterns, he/she can situate him/herself in a good place along the turkey’s path.
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‘Spring Turkey’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Here are some items that may help you be more successful while hunting turkeys. Before I get to them, however, I need to mention an important fact ….
As the mating season progresses, the gobbler's calls get more strident and insistent – as more hens leave for their nests and the incubation period (26 to 28 days).
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These wily birds stay alive by using their wits. When you are in a life-or-death match with a turkey, my money is on the gobbler!
He’s lasted as long as he has because he learns and adapts to new situations better than humans do. After all, his life is on the line each time he meets a hunter!
Well, it is getting hot out in the field. The tom is full (for now), and he wants to go back into the woods to rest.
Where do you think he will choose to enter the woods? Look for a spot that offers a clear line-of-sight for 50 to 100 yards.
A gobbler isn’t stupid. He will not enter the woods where there is a thick cover; and he cannot keep an eye out for those pesky 2 and 4 legged predators.
Folks, it isn’t going to happen. Trying to call a gobbler to you when he’s just entered a field for feeding — is against his best interest.
It will be a waste of breath to call him. He’s hungry and he’ll stay put until he’s eaten. It’s a better plan to call him after he’s full and looking for a new place to rest or loaf.
When a tom is surrounded by his hen harem, he’s not going to leave them to search for a single hen that is calling him. Why should he disappoint all his girl friends to wander after some shy chick – who is probably some hunter calling him with a few “sweet nothings?”
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FYI: Be Careful Where You Step!
I found a water moccasin in my greenhouse yesterday morning — looking for a way out. Snakes are on-the-move in Texas because of the drouth. They are looking for water! Be extra careful hunting in dry areas.
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“Turkey Dream 2′ is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
You may have heard that turkey hunting is very dangerous; it’s true. The goal of this posting is to remind you of the worst dangers.
Believe it or not, the gobbler has a daily routine. If you can figure it out, you can find a place to take advantage of his routine!
Let me count the ways …. First, hunting on public lands, by its nature is more dangerous than hunting on private lands.
There are more people (probably unknown to each other) holding loaded weapons at the same time, in the same area.
Being dressed in full camo often restricts your line-of-sight.
While concentrating on our quarry, we often lose sight of what is around us.
Stalking a Turkey: The gobbler you are stalking may turn out to be another hunter with a gun aimed at you! Or, another hunter could be watching the turkey you are stalking – and shoot you!
‘Driving’ a Turkey: Turkeys don’t respond well to this kind of pressure; few bag a turkey in this way. However, the chances of becoming involved in a shooting are great. Call the turkey to you.
Aim for the Gobbler’s Head or Neck: Gobblers are big and hard to kill. Know the killing zone of a turkey: the head or neck!
Wearing Red, White or Blue: Dress like a turkey & you could be shot — instead of the turkey!
Biologists tell us that turkeys and deer are color-blind for the colors red & green. That is why you can wear blaze orange and not worry about detection.
If turkeys see you and you are in orange, they are aware of your movement, not the color!
Not Knowing Where Other Hunters Are: Things change — owners sell their property to new folks … hunters try new areas … people forget.
Not Knowing What is Beyond the Shot You’re About to Make: While hunting, you are your brother’s keeper! If we don’t watch for each other, we can create a tragic accident!
Not Knowing What is Between You and Your Next Shot: Same explanation as above!
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Tomorrow: Some Truths About Turkey Hunting
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’1999 Minnesota Turkeys’ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
As the hot days of summer recede into the seasons of fall and winter, gobblers and hens form units that travel and live together through the cold weather.
They spend almost their whole day looking for and eating whatever food they can find.
During Winter, Turkeys Band Together for Safety and to Find Enough for their Group to Survive.
But as the longer days arrive, gobblers separate, jakes leave the hens and hens start dreaming of new poults.
The increased sunlight of spring brings on the turkey’s mating ritual.
Over time, the gobblers set up a pecking order within their group. The dominant bird does the most breeding. The other toms scurry to find receptive females and breed — while the dominant turkey is busy with his hens.
Wildlife departments schedule spring hunting season during the time that turkeys breed. Fortunately, this happens to be the one time all year that turkey toms are distracted.
Weeks before mating starts, hens start looking for a safe nesting place (usually on the ground). She prepares her nest and starts to roost nearby.
It takes the hens 10 to 15 days to lay the clutch (group) of eggs. She feeds before and after laying.
If, while she is feeding, the nest is attacked and destroyed, she will breed again, after creating a new nest in another site.
It takes about 26 to 28 days for the poults to emerge.
Although the poult can fly at the end of the first week of life, the hatchling spends all his time making noise & eating. Mom supplies the warmth, security and food.
Between Day 14 and 20, the poult is able to move to the tree roost with his/her mom.
The constant stream of chatter is actually school-time for the youngsters. By the time they can roost in trees, they understand the various turkey calls.
They have also started to find their place in the family’s pecking order. The pecking order can change over time.
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Tomorrow: The Rest of the Story!
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‘Thinkin’ Spring’ used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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Don’t miss Sunday’s Centerfold Pictures!
4 legged animals in various stages of undress!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Turkey poults are quick to learn! In the first few days of life, the young chicks learn the critical lessons they need to survive.
After 3 or 4 of years, these young poults can teach you new ways to pull out your hair in frustration! Something to look forward to, right?
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Poults need high protein meals at first: Bugs and grasshoppers. The wider the chicks range for food, the more likely he is to be attacked by hawks, and other predators.
Generally, being in open, exposed areas makes attack more likely. As months pass, turkey chicks learn to thrive in their habitat.
By the first leaves of fall, the poults have merged into young turks. Their diet has changed from bugs and leaves to acorns and other foods on the forest floor.
As spring rolls around to their first birthdays, they separate along gender lines. The young jakes travel with the other toms and find their place in the pecking order.
Life goes on.
The younger the turkey, the more he chatters, generally speaking. It isn’t until his first brushes with hunters that he comes to understand that there is danger in responding to a hen’s call.
First year jakes are ‘raw recruits.’ Fresh from the safety of their mother’s wing, these birds must learn to take care of themselves.
If he survives the first couple of years, he becomes more cautious and quiet.
Turkeys have incredible memories. If a tom has been spooked by a hunter in a certain place, he won’t return (to the scene of the near-crime).
If you are a newbie hunter, aim for the younger gobblers. They lack experience and are easier to call and bag.
Both wild and domesticated turkeys could live to the same ripe, old age: their early teens. However, few wild birds last that long.
Life is tough in the wild; fewer than half of the poults that hatch will survive to see their first birthday!
As you grow in hunting skill, you will probably want to try the 4 to 5-year olds. These birds are hunting at its best; they are nimble, wily, cautious and oh-so-sneaky!
Instead of trying to rehash this info, I’m going to send you to 3 good articles.
Happy Hunting!
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Sunday: Picture Day at 3 G’s!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Continuing for the next few weeks, I will show more of the designs we carry for the 5 branches of our military. Today, it is the Air Force‘s turn!
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Freedom Flight Air Force (One Available for Each Branch of the Service)
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Air National Guard
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John Rios Air Force Dog Tags (One Available for Each Branch of the Service)
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Air Force Logo on Flag (Also Available with AF Emblem on Flag)
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Defensor Fortis
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Available in multiple sizes — to fit almost any vehicle on the road today!
Previously Shown: Marine Corps Decals
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Come Back Tomorrow: More Hunting & Fishing News!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Hunters may sit for hours, waiting for the right gobbler. However, there are things that can go wrong — that will turn your sure thing into a miss.
Did you take care of these things?
Some Hunters are more Interested in the size of a Turkeys Beard (note the long tuft of hair coming out of this birds chest) and/or Spurs!
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If you don’t know what kind of pattern your shotgun shoots, you are at a real disadvantage. You need to know the pattern at 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards.
Confidence is an important ingredient in hunting. Only by testing the pattern with each type of shot you plan to use, will you know that you are prepared to shoot at a range of distances.
Need more info? See: Shotgun Shell Patterning
If you haven’t learned to “eyeball” distances when hunting, you are at a severe disadvantage. Successful hunting is the marriage of practice, training, luck and woodcraft.
Practice stepping off distances, so you know if that turkey is within range of your weapon!
If you have a hard time estimating distances like I do, go early and walk off a couple of important distances and set a landmark.
During the excitement of hunting, you will have marked measurements to use for comparison.
It may seem obvious, but a turkey has a small “killing zone.” For more, specific info, go to: Is Your Shotgun Ready?
If you aren’t in a comfortable place, you will not be able to wait the long times sometimes necessary to bag a turkey.
Remember, turkeys are on the lookout for MOVEMENT. If you start fidgeting because you are uncomfortable, some tom will see it and move on to a safer area.
Find a comfortable tree to lean against because you don’t want your muscles to tense, cramp or shake.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Come again!
I’ll return soon with the other half of this article!
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‘Turkey Dream 2′ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
I have a personal belief that insects, flies and other small creatures are in cahoots with turkeys. They jump into action: zeroing in on your nose, eyes
or wandering up your leg at the critical moment.
Ask me how I know.
Go with the non-scented variety of bug spray. The good news is that a turkey’s eyes are more sensitive than his nose.
Just don’t choose some scent that doesn’t occur in his world: old spice, gardenia, vanilla.
Sitting ‘straight on’ narrows your ability to get your turkey. If you are right handed, it is better to sit a quarter to the right of the turkey you are calling. This way, you have a full 180 ° you can turn while getting off a shot.
If you are left-handed, sit a quarter to the left of the turkey you are calling – for the same reason.
Sitting straight-at a turkey narrows your range of firing.
To shoot accurately, it is important to see both the turkey and the bead of your shotgun as you fire. Turkeys are often missed when a hunter forgets this important step.
Remember: The bead isn’t on the shotgun for decoration!
Hunters often miss gobblers because he/she was in a hurry; rushing to take a shot from a poor position. Take your time and let the tom move into place for a good shot — or don’t shoot.
The ‘right camouflage’ means a pattern that fits the terrain where you are hunting. Wear a pattern clear enough to disguise you; old and shiny camo is worthless.
Are you wearing jewelry? Is everything not covered by camo fabric, covered by matte black? Gobblers are looking for movement. Jewelery, skin and shiny weapons reflect light. Turkey eyes are about 5 times sharper than ours.
If you are fully covered in camo, then you will have the confidence to move when you must. You will be assured enough to let the gobbler come in close; you won’t feel the need to take just any shot because you are afraid the tom will see you!
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Darn, I’m going to miss turkeys when the season is over!
Come back for another thrilling episode!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Sometime during a hunt, you get a gobbler almost close enough for a shot. But he will come so far and no further!
You think you might be within range of the tom. If you take the chance, you may only wound the gobbler and your chances of recovering him are poor.
If you only scare the turkey, you will spook him and he won’t hang around for you to try to hunt him later.
Remember, a spooked turkey doesn’t forget a close call. He may not move to a new zip code, but he sure won’t hang around for you to try again!
Turkeys Use Their Wings to Protect Themselves from Your Pellets; Think of Those Wings As Kevlar-Covered Protection!
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Yes, there are.
But before I cover them, please remember one of my favorite sayings about turkey hunting: Nothing is 100% True (100% of the Time) With Turkey Hunting!
If you can change the situation, you might bag the bird without forcing a bad shot or scaring him away.
If you let the gobbler walk away, you might be able to move closer to his new place and call him to you.
Another option is to circle the tom and get in front of him. Then change your calls and try to get him to come to you.
The difference between a hunter and a very successful hunter is understanding turkey behavior.
Some hunters use a variety of methods to call a hen. However, a master hunter understands that hens make a variety of noises and movements.
Turkeys spend most of their day getting enough food. While turkeys are calling for mating partners, they are not wasting time; they are also looking for food.
Turkeys expect to hear more than calls. If he comes close and no further, he is waiting to hear other sounds that assure him that he is really heading towards a hen.
It is critical to add scratching to your calls. But these scratches need to have a cadence (pattern): scratch, scratch, pause, scratch.
What I’m asking you to do is think like a turkey. Assure that hung-up gobbler that a hen is waiting for him, but she’s paused to get another bite of food!
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‘Threesome’ Rear Window Graphic is used by permission of Restyler’s Graphics!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
There are times when something awful happens — You are on one side of a creek/stream/river and the tom is on the other side! Is there any way to salvage the situation?
Yes, there is.
However, you have less than an even chance. Let’s be clear about that.
If there aren't any hens closer, you may convince a tom to fly or swim across water to you!
When the current is too swift for wading or too deep for walking across, you will have your work cut out trying to convince a gobbler to fly or swim across. However it can be done.
The only way I know to convince a tom to come across a moving body of water, is to convince him that he is missing out on a great party! He has to believe that there is more excitement on your side of the water than on his!
A tom may have no interest in flying to your party if there is only one hen. So, using a diaphragm call, a slate call and box caller, just might convince that tom that there are 3 or more hens calling him, wanting to breed.
Change your calls: you will need to do cuts, excited yelps and cackles. *
Remember to make other sounds that gobblers expect to hear from hens. More info about these sounds is at: Bagging the Hung-Up Turkey (look for “Why Might These Work?” - near the bottom of the post).
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*For audio of these calls — clicking on the underlined words will take you to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s site.
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‘Proud Crowd’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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Thanks for stopping by; hope you will join us again soon!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
If fishing ‘rings your chime’ rather than turkey hunting, you might wonder when I plan to let the gobblers get some rest. Spring hunting is winding down in some places, while starting up in others.
Turkey hunting is so much fun because you are matching wits and cunning with worthy adversaries!
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Rest assured that fishing tips are coming soon. BTW, one of the most important skills you can develop while hunting or fishing is …
Toms are usually bagged by the person who will wait –
Left alone, turkeys have a routine. If you can expect what the gobblers will do next, you can get into place to take advantage of their regular patterns of behavior.
Biologists tell us that most of the turkey mating takes place during the mid-morning hours. Turkeys move into agricultural areas (fields) from their hiding places in the woods to:
During the heat of the day, as the sun beats down on the dark feathers of the turkeys, they abandon the fields for the cool shade of the trees & woods.
By knowing this, you can situate yourself in a likely spot to surprise the hot and tired toms.
Turkeys experience the heaviest hunting pressure from daylight until about 9 am. They tend to breed during the mid-morning hours.
Experienced gobblers know that hunters leave hunting by noon. Few hunters are going to sit in the heat without lunch.
Older toms are likely to lower their guard in the heat of the day. Most hunters have left for lunch and the toms are often looking for a hen and a “quickie.”
Surprise the tom by hunting when he doesn’t expect to see you — and you can have turkey for supper!
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* Explanation of “dusting”: …”turkeys routinely dust during the mid to late morning hours. Look for an open area with loose soil where the birds have scratched out a “bowl” of loose dirt they can sit in and kick dust over themselves.
There are usually a lot of tracks, droppings and feathers nearby since they do spend quite a bit of time there during the middle of the day just loafing.
Turkeys are really very clean animals and dusting keeps them free of mites, ticks and lice.” (Quoted from a fine article by Rob Ramsdale. Click on the highlighted words to see the info.)
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‘Thinkin’ Spring’ is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
By the time you read this, I will be on my way back from to a family reunion!
Hope to stop and visit with some fish along the way!
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I’ll be back … & writing again soon!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Wild and domesticated turkeys may have a lot in common. However, just because you nosh on turkey for Easter or Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean you know “jack” about the wild ones!
Note this turkey's beard sticking from his chest!
When choosing a turkey for Thanksgiving, you probably select one between 24 and 28 pounds for a large family gathering. Domesticated turkeys are raised for lots of meat vs. their body size.
Habitat and food availability determine a wild turkey’s weight. They average a bit over 20 lbs. in the agricultural areas of the Midwest. In other areas, they average somewhat less than 20 lbs.
The legs of an adult gobbler are about 2″ longer than a domesticated turkey. Their feet grow to about 4 and 1/2 inches.
A few inches above the feet are bony areas called spurs, with a fingernail-like covering. Colors of the spurs can range from black to white to translucent.
Soon after birth, the spurs begin to grow. General measurements are:
The reason western turkeys do not have spurs as long as their eastern brethren is because of the rough terrain they cover.
Male turkeys have beards – which are modified feathers (not hair). It is not unusual for a male to have more than one beard!
The beard grows 4 to 5 inches each year. A jake’s beard starts to show on his chest at about 6 months of age.
Although turkeys molt and shed feathers, the beard is part of a turkey for life … unless something happens.
Once the beard reaches about 10 inches, it can wear away by dragging, getting caught in fencing, etc. How much beard wearing turkeys experience is an individual thing — depending on the thickness of the beard, height of the bird and the terrain he covers.
One in 20 females has a beard!
Beard and spur lengths are usually more interesting to turkey hunters — rather than their weight!
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‘Turkey Dream 2″ is used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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Next Time: More Fascinating Feather Facts & Caruncle Considerations!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Are you aware that young jakes have longer primary feathers in the center of their fan-shaped
Jakes Have Longer Tail Feathers in the Center of the Main Fan; All the Tail Feathers of a Mature Tom are the Same Length.
tails?
In fact that is a way to tell a mature tom from a young jake. Keep in mind that the only time you will see those longer tail feathers is when a jake struts!
At a distance, hen feathers look dark brown while a tom’s appear black.
Each of the 5 subspecies of wild turkeys has unique characteristics. For an in-depth explanation (with photos), refer to these earlier articles:
Perhaps the reason Ben Franklin wanted to name the turkey as the symbol of the US (instead of the bald eagle), is because a male gobbler’s head color is red, white and blue!
In contrast, a hen’s head color is a rather dull blue-gray.
Also known as wattles, caruncles are the fleshy growths that hang from the turkey’s head and neck. According to Wikipedia, “The wattle is often an ornament for courting potential mates. A large wattle is correlated with high testosterone levels, good nutrition ….” *
An adult gobbler’s caruncle will turn bright red when he is sexually excited. In contrast, a hen has a smaller wattle that is pink. An excited jake will have a wattle that is more pink than red.
In the latter days of the mating season, it may be easier for a hunter to take a tom. He’s still interested in sex but there are fewer hens available for breeding.
As more hens start nesting, gobblers may resort to more strident calling for females. Since he’s more stressed (looking for the few hens remaining to breed), he’s more likely to make a mistake — and move into the crosshairs of a hunter’s gun.
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* Wikipedia, from the page — “Wattle (anatomy)”
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Thanks for stopping by; come again!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Hope you enjoyed this poke at our understanding of the English Language!
Next Time: We’ll get serious!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
Because we live near Galveston, TX, we learned to fish in salt water before we experienced fresh water fishing. In fact, I remember my first experience in fresh water was pretty boring.
Recalling a Peggy Lee song, I sighed, “Is that All There Is?“
Eventually, I did learn to enjoy the charm of the slower pace of fishing in fresh water … but
Going to Battle with the Fishes off a Jetty!
that’s another story!
Today, let’s talk about putting your line out in the bay or ocean.
If you already fish for crappie and catfish, you are familiar with using a bobber, weight and hook to fish in fresh water.
In saltwater, just about everything you use is larger. Instead of a bobber, you use a popping cork. The easiest way to get started is to buy a popping cork assembly: leader, weight with snap swivel. The only things you will need to add are hook and bait.
With this set-up, you are ready to catch reds and trout. Attach to your #6 or #8 treble hooks either live shrimp or small fish, in such a way as to keep the bait alive.
As the angler, smoothly cast your line out on the water. As soon as the cork lands, take up slack in the line and wait a few seconds. As you give the line a quick jerk, the cork pops against the water.
Continue this process every couple of minutes until either you have pulled your line in (to check the status of your bait) or until the cork disappears under the water.
When the cork goes under, give a sharp jerk to the line: this is ‘setting the hook.’ Immediately start reeling in your line.
Lots of folks think that once the fish is hooked, they have only to haul in their catch. Because fish are often larger in bays and the ocean, bringing in a catch can take from a few seconds to hours.
Things can happen between the time the fish sets the hook and the time he is hauled out of the water.
Practice will help you avoid the pitfalls of last-minute losses (the fish wasn’t fully hooked & he got away; you pulled too hard and didn’t let him wear himself out before pulling him in & he broke the line; you didn’t have a net to bring the fish out of the water and he jumped away, etc.)
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Next time: Let’s talk about fishing for bottom feeding fish
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‘Ocean Angler’ used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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“Through the centuries, we have projected onto the wolf the qualities we most despise and fear in ourselves. “
– Barry Lopez, Of Wolves and Men
Gray wolves are the largest animals in the canid family. His extended family includes: jackals, domestic dogs, dingoes, foxes, bush dogs and other wild dogs.
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Man has had a love-hate relationship with wolves for thousands of years. One way to understand the wolf is to learn more about him.
Surprisingly, gray wolves only breed once per year, in the months of January or February. The latitude where the wolves live determines the breeding date.
After a gestation period of 63 days, the pups are born between March and May. A litter is usually 5 or 6 pups.
The average male gray wolf is about 6 feet long (including the tail) and between 70 and 100 lbs. Measuring from 33 to 38 inches at the shoulder, a gray wolf is an awesome sight in the wild!
Females are a bit smaller.
Gray wolves are at their largest in the coldest climates, where they use the extra bulk to conserve their body heat.
Although called ‘gray’ wolves, their color may actually range from white to black – with many other shades included: tan, buff, sandy brown, cream and red.
Wolves live in packs. These packs vary in size from fewer than 7 to a maximum of about 20. The amount of prey helps decide the ideal size of a pack for an area.
The wolf’s main diet consists of moose, deer, rabbits, caribou, bison, beaver and mice.
Once, these creatures roamed over most of North America — except for arid desert and tropical forest regions. Now, however, the Endangered Species Act protects the wolves in the US (except for Alaska, where they are not endangered).
In 47 of the 48 lower states, the wolves are endangered; they are ‘threatened’ in Minnesota.
The federal government has reintroduced the gray wolves back into regions where they have been gone for generations. This has not been met with joy in all areas.
Not everyone is happy about the return of the gray wolf!
Next Time: The Story that Goes with this Photo!
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“Ridgetop Survey” is used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
The second photo was sent (via email) by my husband, Richard
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Know someone who might be interested in reading more about the outdoors, hunting and fishing? Please pass this along!
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Thank You!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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Come Back Tomorrow: See Some of the Most Unusual Rear Window Graphics I Carry in my Store! Have You Seen ‘I’m With Stupid?’ It’s a Hoot!
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This blog is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com
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For the past 2 weekends, I’ve been out-of-town and away from a computer (reunion-izing). Today, let’s have a bit of fun with some unusual rear window graphics!
These graphics are in a variety of categories. The photos are clickable!
Graphics that will make folks take notice ….
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Show Off Your own Gaggle of Geese!
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Jester Eyes - Definitely an Attention-Grabbing Graphic for Your Back Window!
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Colorful & Eye-Catching: You Can Always Find Your Vehicle in a Crowded Parking Lot!
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'Vengeance Clown.' Anyone Know About this One? It has 'USMC' on the Clown's Knuckles, so I Think it is Related to the Marines. Otherwise, I'm clueless!
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'I'm with Stupid' says it all!
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Show Your Appreciation of Art on Your Back Window with this Van Gogh: Starry Night!
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Sci Fi Fans - Introducing 'Dragon Star 2'
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‘Jester Eyes’ — used by permission of Vantage Point Graphics
All others — used by permission of Restyler’s Choice Graphics
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Monday: The Life of a Turkey Poult
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Have You Noticed Too?
A word about my graphic images. Stealing images has become such a problem online that graphics manufacturers are putting water marks all over their images. These marks are only on images used online; purchased graphics are perfect!
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There are two ways to get a FREE subscription: Subscription button for feeds — ‘RSS – Posts‘ — (top of right column) or Subscription link to email — click on the ‘Sign Me Up‘ box — upper, right column).
Although these postings/articles are
