Four Quick Fishing Tips

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.

Curing the Slippery Feel of Fish

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.

Making Fish Release Their Scales

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.

Three Critical Fishing Tools You Probably DON’T CARRY

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.

One Tool You May Need to Swipe From a Golfer

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2 of Hiding Spots for Sneaky Fish!

This Post is for Beginning Anglers

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.’

Fish Hide Because …

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!

Some of the Places Fish Hide

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 Truth About Freshwater Fish: They’re Sneaky!

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.

The Truth About Fish

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. )

When Fish Can See You

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!

Before You Get too Depressed …

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.

Trees As Hiding Places

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

Quick Fishing Tips for Trout

Today, let’s talk about the 3 main freshwater trout types in the US. Each has slightly differing habits.

Brook Trout

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

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.

Rainbow Trout

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!

Trout Tips

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 nice, 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.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

A Great Hunting Forum: TalkHunting.com **

With All the Tips & Hints Flying Around on TalkHunting.com, These Turkeys Should Be Shaking in their Shoes!

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.

TalkHunting.com

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.

Forums for Various Types of Hunting

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.

Free Hunting Products Given Away Monthly

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!

Why I Like This Site

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.

** Minor word changes for clarity of reading.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Using the ‘Tending Grunt’ to Call Deer

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.

The Tending Grunt

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.

Applying this to Hunting

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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Next Time (that I’m writing about deer):  The Trailing Grunt & the Simple Buck Grunt

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

New Series: What Deer Are Saying!

Deer Make Sounds That Mean Something to Other Deer

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.

Cohesive Sounds From Deer

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.

Non-Cohesive Sounds of 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.

Getting Started With Deer Vocalizations

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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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Clash of the Antlers & Deer Dominance

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.

Summer

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.

August

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!

Whitetail Bucks & the Pecking Order

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 Deer’s Decisions

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.

Pre-Rut Behaviors

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 think about now!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Deer Hunting by the Moon!

Deer Are More Active During Certain Moon Phases; Hunters Should Be Too!

The American Indians gave us the phrases “hunter’s moon,” and “harvest moon” and “rutting moon.”  Since their very survival was dependent upon their hunting skills and knowledge, they learned what things could affect their hunting — weather, terrain and moon phases.

The Harvest Moon

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.

The Rutting Moon

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.’)

A Full Moon During the Rut

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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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Salt-Water Fishing: Part 2

This article is a carry-over from last time.  We are talking about learning the ropes while on a boat charter.

Questions to Ask

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!

Ways to Hear of Different Fishing Venues

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.

Lady Anglers — or Wannabe’s

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).

Do You Know …

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 @ EasyOnlineOrdering.com

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Which one is Best – a Fixed-Blade or a Folding Knife? (Knives #5)

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.

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 is # 5 in a series:

Why Can’t Guys Just Have One Knife for Everything?: Part 1**

Why Are Knives Made of Such Weird Sounding Stuff? (Knives – Part 2)

What do You Know About Knife Blades & the Rockwell Scale?** (Knives – Part 3)

Why are There So Many Blade Shapes? (Knives – Part 4)

More are planned!

Also See: The 10 Commandments of Knife Care & Maintenance

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This blog is a companion to my website, EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Why are There So Many Blade Shapes? (Knives #4)**

This series will be offered from-time-to-time, as the mood strikes me.

–marylouise

~~~Why are There So Many Blade Shapes?~~~

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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Coming Attractions

Well, that’s all for today. Next time, I’ll either cover:

• the Tanto Knife (and another  blade), or
• Pros and Cons of Fixed and Folding Blades, or
• Maintenance Rules for Knives, or
• What to do When You Can’t Sharpen Your Old Knife Any More

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This is # 4 in a series:

Why Can’t Guys Just Have One Knife for Everything?: Part 1**

Why Are Knives Made of Such Weird Sounding Stuff? (Knives – Part 2)

What do You Know About Knife Blades & the Rockwell Scale?** (Knives – Part 3)

Why are There So Many Blade Shapes? (Knives – Part 4)

More are planned!

Also See: The 10 Commandments of Knife Care & Maintenance

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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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Please join me!

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10 Reasons I Know I’m Married to a Hunter

"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!

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.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!

Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White-tailed Deer? **(Part 1)

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!

Finally

Come back soon for another exciting installment of  ”Managing Spikes for Fun and Profit.” We’ll be dishing up Commandments #2 thru 7, next time!

In the meantime, have a great weekend!

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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 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: “Sure, this Spike is Better Lookin’ than Any Ol’ 16 Point Deer! Sure.” (Conclusions)

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This blog is part of my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Why Don’t We Just Let That Little Spike Grow Up? (Part 2)

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’ 16 Point Deer! Sure it is.” (Conclusions)

What About Those Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting? (Part 3)

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.

The first two parts of this series were written on previous pages of this blog.

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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.’

~

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.

~~~

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’ 16 Point Deer! Sure it is….” (Concluding the Conclusions)

# 4: “This Spike is Better Lookin’ than Any Ol’ 6 Point Deer! (Sure it is.)”

Generally: No Rack = No Want!

This is the final entry in a series: Shooting spikes while hunting whitetail deer. The ideas/conclusions highlighted in orange are from the Texas Parks & Wildlife.

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 is the companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

~~~

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)

The 10 Commandments of Knife Use & Maintenance**

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. (If you read Rumpole, you understand the allusion).

** This posting was inspired by: Knives: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives for Fighting, Hunting and Survival. Pat Farey; 2003; $24.95)

See you soon!

~~~

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!

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.”

Round 3: CDC Weighs in on Lead-Poison-in-Deer Issue

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?

Knives #6: the Tanto, Drop Point & Sheepsfoot Blades

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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Join us again, to wander through the amazing facts of knives – slicing and dicing our way to new knowledge.

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Mosey On Over to this Month’s Highlights: Did You Miss Any?

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.” Two of these that have gotten lots of air play are: ‘Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!’ and ‘The Most Expensive Deer Hunt Ever!’

MDH* sent a copy of the (grisly) photos and story on the “most expensive” but I couldn’t copy the photos onto my site. Not wanting to let you miss such yucky photos, I searched online for someone who DID have the photos and routed you to him.

If you will notice, you can’t remove or copy his, either. Stealing content and photos (and not giving credit to the person who created such) has gotten to be a real problem online.

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.

Also, there will be another couple of installments about knives: blade types and their uses and ‘What to do When You Can’t Sharpen Your Old Knife Any More.’

Please join me!

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 (Click area is near “Top Posts”).

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?

See you soon!

~~~

* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Recipes #8: 2 Ways with Venison

Outsmarting Deer = Venison on the Table!

It has been more than 2 weeks since I shared a recipe with you. I have 2 venison recipes; let’s see if I have room for both today.

From Cooking for Your Man, by Yolanda Banks and Melissa Clark (2006, Broadway Books, ISBN = 0767921925; $17.95)

Pecan-Crusted Venison

The pecan crust adds crunch, while the oregano and marjoram add Italian flavor. Boiled or new potatoes are great as an accompaniment.

1 cup finely ground pecans

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbsp. roasted garlic paste*

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried marjoram

Kosher or sea salt

freshly ground pepper

1 (3 to 5 lb) boneless venison roast, trimmed and tied with butcher twine

* Garlic paste is made by cutting the top 1/3 of a large garlic bulb off, sprinkling olive oil in the openings, sealing the bulb in foil and roasting in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. Allow to cool and mash the paste from the cloves. This is a milder product than using garlic directly.

6 Servings; preheat oven to 425 degrees

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In a small bowl, stir together the pecans, crumbs, oil, parsley, garlic paste, oregano, marjoram, salt and pepper. Season the venison generously with salt and pepper. Coat the venison with the nut mixture on all sides, pressing on the crust to help it adhere. Transfer the roast to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.

Roast until a meat thermometer registers at least 123 degrees F (8 to 12 minutes per pound), depending on desired doneness. Set the pan aside to rest for  10 minutes. Remove the twine, slice the meat and serve.

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Tex-Mex Venison with Spicy Cranberry Sauce

Venison is a meat that will hold up to as much spice as you want to add.  The cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance, so the flavors can meld. Makes 6 servings.

For the Spicy Cranberry Sauce:

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1Tbsp. finely chopped shallot

1 Tbsp. roasted garlic paste (see note above)

1 tsp. minced serrano chile pepper

1/2 cup port wine

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1 Tbsp. honey

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

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1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. ancho chile powder**

6 (4 to 6 oz. ) bone-in venison rib chops

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

** Ancho peppers are dried poblano peppers, triangular shaped, blue-black

Cranberry Sauce: In a small pan, over medium heat, melt butter. Add the shallot, garlic paste and serrano pepper. Saute until softened, about 5 mins. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the port, bring to a boil, & simmer until the liquid is reduced to 2 Tbsp., about 5 mins.

Add the broth, cranberry juice and honey to the pan, and continue to simmer until the sauce is reduced by 1/3, about 7 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve, return it to the pan and set the pan over low heat. Add the dried cranberries and cook until they soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Venison: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander and chili powder. Season the venison chops on both sides with salt, pepper and the spice mixture. Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and saute the venison for 3 minutes per side. Serve with the cranberry sauce.

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Please join me!

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 (Click area is near “Top Posts”).

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?

See you soon!

~~~

* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.

~~~

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

~~~ Anatomy of a Fixed-Blade Knife ~~~

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!

Have a great weekend!

Recipes # 9: Deer Jerky

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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* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.

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Recipes #10: When You’re Bored with Venison, Try Boar

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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There’s more to hunting than deer and rabbits! As soon as I find my notes, I’ll share the excitement and the drama of Javelina hunting! Fortunately, they taste better than they smell … check back later in the week! Learn fascinating trivia about these little stinkers! Peccaries have looks “only a mother could love!”

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Part 1 of 2: On the Trail of a Javelina!

A ‘Javelina’ By Any Other Name … Still Stinks! *

In South Texas, we refer to these ugly little pigs as ‘javelina’s.’  However, they have plenty of other names/nicknames:

• collared peccary (Tayassu Tajacu),
  

  2 Things You Will Notice Immediately: They're UGLY and They STINK!

• brush pig,
• musk pig,
• Mexican pig,
• desert pig

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).

Comparing ‘Javelinas’ to ‘Feral Hogs’

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:

• wild pigs can be domesticated,
• javelinas are forever wild!

Historical Uses of Javelinas and Wild Hogs

Once upon a time, these brush pigs were hunted for sport, their meat and their hides.  After tanning, peccary hides became:

• gloves,
• bags and purses,
• the upper portion of shoes, and
• their bristles were turned into brushes.

Now, however, no javelina parts may be sold.

Hunting for the Collared Peccary or the Wild Hog

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.

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A Quick Look at Tomorrow’s Entry ….

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!

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* There will be more about the collared peccary’s awful smell in Part 2!

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What’s So Great About a Truck Tent?

Recently, I received an email from someone who expressed ’shock’ at seeing her first truck tents  – she’d never heard of them.  I realized that perhaps there were others who hadn’t seen the latest innovations in tents.

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?

Uses Tailgate for Added Room!

Tent designers decided to turn the idea of a  tent on its ear!

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

Camo 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 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!  

Subscription button for feeds for my postings (top of right column) and (2) Subscription link to get my postings via email (Click area is near “Top Posts”).

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~~~

I’d like to remind my readers that I sell truck tents on my site. However, the purpose of this posting  (and the next one) is education — not selling. Consumers with knowledge make better decisions.

All I Want for Christmas is … a Tent for my SUV!

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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Need a Camping Checklist?

Recipes #11: Deer Chili in a Slow Cooker

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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What’s the Difference Between Assault Weapons and Sporting Rifles?

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.

Do You Tweet?

It is just under 11 minutes and well worth your time. The instructor is Officer Leroy Pyle of the San Jose, California Police Dept.

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=ysf8×477c30

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EasyOnline Latest: Recipes #11: Deer Chili in a Slow Cooker posted at http://marylouise22.wordpress.com… Chili for Chilly Weather!

Deer Smuggling: Don’t Try This At Home

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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Tips to Make Sure Your Game is ‘Taxidermy Ready!’

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

• Bring a camera and take lots of photos.  Taxidermists will tell you that your animal is as individual as you are. Photos help him/her recreate your treasure!
• Going bird hunting? Get your wife to donate her old nylon pantyhose/stockings. Your birds may look funny in the hose, but that protects the bird’s feathers until you get to the taxidermist.
• Want a shoulder mount of your trophy deer? Go to: http://www.foresttaxidermy.com/quality_mount.htm for some great visuals — where and how to cut your animal.
• After field dressing, make sure your animal’s skin stays dry and cool. The skin should be iced immediately; but make sure it stays dry in the cooler. It should be  kept cool all the way to  the taxidermist’s shop.
• Have a bighorn sheep or antelope to mount? Pay particular attention to blood stains on the skin/fur. Remove immediately because the blood will stain!

Some Don’ts

• Don’t even THINK about dragging your game; carrying or packing your game is important. Dragging an animal ruins the hair. I don’t think you will want a cute bow covering the raw spot on the deer’s hide!
• Some hunters don’t know when to quit — with the knife. Repeat after me: “I will never cut the animal’s throat or front quarter, if I want to mount my specimen.”
• Go back to the visual drawings listed above for directions on cutting animals.
• Don’t salt your cape. Why? Do you want a bald spot(s) on your animal? A cape that is salted before the meat, etc., are removed – runs the chance of the salt not penetrating the hide/fur and losing the fur.  Leave the salting to the taxidermy staff.
• Want to  mount a coyote, bird, fox, or other small mammal? DO NOT SKIN the animal. Bring the whole animal to the taxidermist – packed in ice and dry.
• Got a skin to take to the taxidermist? Put it in a plastic bag and keep it cool. Bagged skin without ice is a bacteria-generating machine that can lead to fur loss.
• Get your specimen to the taxidermy shop quickly. If you store the skin in a “frost free freezer’  for long periods of time, you could develop freezer burn. Why? ‘Frost free’ stays that way by drawing moisture out of the meat and freezer.

Helpful Tips

I hope these tips lead to a great mounted beauty on your wall!

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I’m feeling under the weather today, with a terrible head cold. I hope this is complete. If I’ve left something out, let me know in the comments section!

I Hope You Don’t Think I’m Jealous, Darrell!

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!

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

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Recipes #12: Deer Chili – Slow Cooker or Not

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:

• Make chili as hot as preferred by varying cayenne pepper.
• Too much oregano will deaden chili, use sparingly.
• A thick, rich sauce is the secret of good chili; a good homemade beef stock guarantees the sauce.
• Any personal additions to chili, such as beans, cheese, green onions, corn chips or crackers should be served separately, allowing each person his choice.
• Any good chili powder should make this chili, but the best are those brands using California or New Mexico chilies.

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.)

My Recipe Collection for 2008

Here's The Whole Enchilada!

These recipes have been spread out over so many months, you may  have missed some.

(Recipes #1) Turn Wild Birds into Gourmet Fare (1 of 2) – Fried                                 Doves and Smothered Doves

(Recipes #2) Turn Wild Birds into Gourmet Fare (2 of 2) – Dove                                and Sausage Gumbo and Sherry Ducks

(Recipes #3) Turning Wild Birds into Fine Dining - General Wild                                Duck Info, Wild Geese Info, Holly Gravy Ducks

(Recipes #4) Just Ducky – Wild Duck – Chesapeake Barbecued                                          Duck and Roasted Wild Duck

(Recipes #5) Cooking Up a Wild Game Marinade - Marinade For                                  for venison, duck, goose, fresh pork or lamb roast

(Recipes #6) Tex-Mex Duckling - Tex-Mex Duckling

(Recipes #7) Wild Game in the Slow Cooker - Venison Stew with                                  Mushrooms

Recipes #8: 2 Ways with Venison – Pecan-Crusted Venison, Tex-                                    Mex Venison

Recipes # 9: Deer Jerky – How to make Deer Jerky

Recipes #10: When You’re Bored with Venison, Try Boar – Black Forest Boar & Dr. Pulley’s Venison Stew

Recipes #11: Deer Chili in a Slow Cooker – “Brazos River Bottom                                     Killed-on-the-Road Texas Chili” and LBJ’s River Chili

Recipes #12: Deer Chili – Slow Cooker or Not – Buzzard’s Breath                                     Venison Chili

Recipe Idea: What Can I do with a Duck Carcass After                                                    Cleaning?

2008’s Jokes from EasyOnlineOrdering.com Weblog

Writing Your Own Blog

Everyone Needs a Laugh!

Everyone has an idea about what it takes to be a successful blogger.   Being wildly enthusiastic about your topic isn’t enough – writer’s block and “dry spells” are a fact of life.

I’ve found that blogs that get “a lot of buzz” generally use the humor angle regularly.  Heaven knows, with these anxious times, everyone is looking for a chuckle or two.

Playing the “Humor” Card

However, it is not necessary to be funny. It is more important to have fun-loving friends!  Case-in-point: I can’t tell a joke, but my friends send a steady stream of sight-jokes, slap-stick humor and silly photos.

“Dorothy139″ is my hero(ine)! She’s the driving force behind the best jokes on this site. Where does she get them from? Her friends!

Hey, I may not be able to write a joke — but I know how to push the “print” key on any photocopier!  All I’m saying is – in the blogging business – it isn’t what you know, but who you know!

Humor at its Best

Today’s Joke:  Redneck Tube Top ___Posted ____21 August 2008

Hunting Joke: Be Quiet                                                ____6 Sept. 2008

Joke for the Day: The Truck Stop                               ___29 Sept. 2008

Be Careful What You Wish For …                             ____4 Oct. 2008

A Wild Game Marinade with a Little Humor ____5 Nov. 2008

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What Can I do with a Duck Carcass After Cleaning?**

Boil That Bird!

** I’ve updated this article recently. It was posted 21 June 2009, Part 2: 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.

~~~

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com~~~

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!

2008 Collection: Hunting Clothes & UV Brighteners

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 perusal.

Why’s That Nasty ‘Ol UV Stuff Hangin’ ‘Round My Huntin’ Clothes?

Hunting News: Why You Just Might Not        posted__ 1 October 2008                      Get a Turkey or a Deer this Year!

A Few More Facts About Deer Hunting     _________ 3 October 2008

Anyone Out There? Questions for My Readers!    ____ 8 October 2008

Words of Wisdom & A Bit of Humor ______________21 October 2008

Answers to Questions from Recent  Articles _______  27 Oct. 2008

UV Brighteners: We’ve Got the News ____________    3 Nov. 2008

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2008 Round-Up: Ghillie Suit Info!

Bow Hunters Need Special Suits

At one point, I thought I was an “expert” on ghillie suits. Hah!

Innovation is happening so rapidly that it is now hard just to stay up with Ghillie gear!

This Year’s Articles:

A Few Tips on Buying a Ghillie Suit       posted 6 November 2008

More Tips about Ghillie or Camo Wear                    10 November 2008

Matching Your Ghillie Wear to Your Hunting      11 November 2008

What Your Mama Taught You about Hunting      12 November 2008

2008 Round-Up: The Many Facets of Knives

Knives#1: Why Can’t Guys Just Have One        posted 23 October ‘08                              Knife for Everything?

Knives#2: Why are Knives Made of Such                         28 Oct. 2008                                Weird Sounding Stuff?

Knives: #3: What do You Know About Knife                   29 Oct. 2008                               Blades & the Rockwell Scale?

Knives: #4: Why are There So Many Blade Shapes?      20 Nov. ‘08

Knives #5: Which is Best – Fixed Blade or a                      25 Nov. 2008                                  Folding Knife?

Knives #6: The Tanto, Drop Point and Sheepsfoot Blades  9 Dec. 2008

The 10 Commandments of Knife Use &  Maintenance             22 Nov. ‘08

Anatomy of a Fixed-Blade Knife                                                     5 Dec. 2008

2008 At a Glance: Lead-in-Venison Controversy

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.

Report on Lead-in-Venison & Lead Poisoning   posted___ 14 Oct. ‘08

Remember the Lead-in-Venison Controversy?                          _3 Nov ‘08                   Here’s an Update!

Round 3: CDC Weighs in on Lead-Poison-in-Deer Issue          _2 Dec. ‘08

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

2008 Collection: Articles About Shooting Spike Deer

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-  posted 21 Nov. ‘08

2) Why Don’t We Just Let that Little Spike Grow Up?          24 Nov. ‘08

3) What About Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting?        26 Nov. ‘08

4) “This Spike is Better Lookin’ Than Any Ol’                           28 Nov. ‘08                                     6 Point Deer!”

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Amazing Info of 2008: Published by (Gasp) Others!

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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Guess What I Found? Duck Cleaning Video  Posted __21 Oct. 2008 Online!

Eat Your Heart Out: Amazing New MS State     ______22 Oct. 2008                      Archery Record!

The Most Expensive Deer Hunt Ever!                 ______ 18 Nov. 2008

Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Hand-  ____22 Nov. 2008                      made Long Bow!

What’s the Difference Between Assault Weapons ____15 Dec. 2008                      and Sporting Rifles?

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!

I think the remaining 3 items fit this category to a ‘T.’  I still have a hard time believing the photography of The Most Expensive Deer Hunt Ever! The word is that this is real!

Eat Your Heart Out: Amazing New MS State Archery Record! is another jaw-dropper!  Congrats to Michael Burkley!

The last time I checked UrbanLegends.com – they still hadn’t decided if this was a spoof or a real story — Good Grief! A 30 Point Deer! Shot with a Handmade Long Bow!  Never the less, it’s a great photo!

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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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Another “Oh, My” Story: A Piebald Buck!

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

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

#1 of 3: Can You Take the Wild Taste Out of Venison?**

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)

** Indicates some info was added after publishing. Added “Did You Know?” info. Changed title slightly.

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#2 of 3: Removing the “Gamy” from Wild Game!

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?

• Leaving an animal in the snow (dusk shot), to field dress in am
• Not field dressing animal ASAP
• Not completely removing entrails
• Not rinsing cavity with clean water, soon after field dressing
• Not getting animal on ice as quickly as possible
• Not processing the animal within a day or two of harvest
• Not rinsing carcass after skinning; hair, etc., creates off-flavors
• Your deer’s diet – from wooded acreage, probably has more gamy taste
• Deer on agricultural & suburban areas – better diet = better taste
• Hauling game home exposed – in/on the truck/vehicle

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.

• Dave indicates that leaving bone-in the venison contributes to the gamy taste.
• He believes “aging” deer can add gamy taste. See his suggestions.
• He also indicates anything less than “double wrapping venison” for the freezer is a bad idea.

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

• Before we fry the backstrap of the deer, we marinate the meat in milk for ~24 hours.
• Cut up a pineapple – mix pressed pineapple slices, pulp, juice with meat chunks (or slices), cover, place in refrigerator for a couple of days, then use. If you are using a large piece of meat, increase the amount of fresh pineapple.
• Buttermilk is another popular marinating liquid

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.

Do any of you cooks have any other ways to reduce the gaminess in venison or other game?

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Last Joke of the Year: An Engineer Goes to Hell

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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How to Take Up Hunting; How do I Start Hunting?

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

#3 of 3: Getting the “Gamy” Taste out of Wild Ducks, Fowl, Etc.**

"American Wigeon in Flight"*

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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* The photo is click-able. “ClearVue Graphics” logo runs through this image because it is their copyrighted photo. I use it with permission, because I’m a distributor of this product.

** Altered title slightly.

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

The Story of an 8 year-old & an Uzi

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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Do You Like Your Venison Chili HOT?

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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I’d be honored if you joined me!

Turkey #1: Let’s Talk Turkey — Hunting the Wild Ones!

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.

Turkey 101

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 Skinny on Turkeys

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.

There are 5 Subspecies

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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* Photo from Wikipedia!

UPCOMING:

Turkey Behavior You Need to Understand; Preseason Ideas for the Turkey Hunter; and more!

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Part 2: HOT Venison Chili

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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Tomorrow: Back to ‘talkin’ turkey’

Talkin’ Turkey 2: Typical Behaviors

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Wild Photos: A Ram Stops A Chevy In its Tracks!

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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Turkey #3: Mating Ritual in the Spring

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

The Answers to: How Do I Sharpen My Knives?

Visually Stunning Damascus Knives!

Almost every day, someone asks about sharpening knives. Some are concerned about serrated knife sharpening, while others are looking to hone a pair of scissors correctly.

Everyone knows it is easier to learn by seeing, rather than reading an explanation. To that end, I have found a series of excellent videos on these issues:

How to Sharpen Serrated Knives

Sharpening Specialty Knives: Pocket, Combat, Custom

Common Knife Sharpening Devices

Knife Sharpening Techniques for Steel

Knife Sharpening Angles

And a couple of other titles!

Videos @ Expert Village

The videos are done by Thomas Stuckey:  Thomas Stuckey of Knife Sharpest has been sharpening knives for 20 years. He also designs and crafts custom knives.

These videos are quick and easy; take a look!  Go to: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/118271_how-sharpen-serrated-knives.htm

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Great Photos: That Wild Boar was Where? **

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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** Indicates changes were made after this item was published. See notes under headline.

Recipe: Stuffed Wild Goose

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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The Plural of “Thermos”

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.

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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!!

It’s Friday. Some Absolutely Worthless Info!

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 20 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!” At that time, ghillie suits had just become available to hunters. The price tag was way outside our budget.

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.

As they carried me off, I yelled to Richard, “I’m sure it looks great. As soon as my eyes stop oozing and my face shrinks back to its normal size, I’ll take a look! Have fun hunting.”

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 Wordopress 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.”

How Can I Clean the Animals Mounted on my Walls?

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!

Recipe: Roasted Quail with Mushrooms

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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What is the Definition of a ‘Spike’ Deer?

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 White- posted  21 Nov. ‘08

2) Why Don’t We Just Let that Little Spike Grow Up?      24 Nov. ‘08

3) What About Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting?     26 Nov. ‘08

4) “This Spike is Better Lookin’ Than Any Ol’                      28 Nov. ‘08
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 posting is in response to a question asked online recently.

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Turkey #4: Just How Long Do Wild Turkeys Take to Breed?

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.

Next time: The life of a Poult! Sheer Excitement!

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In case you’re wondering, this article is offered in response to a question asked recently.

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Mosey On Over to January’s Highlights: Did You Miss Any?**

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, ‘Recipes #11: 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!

My Website

Massive changes are coming to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com Everything will change – color-scheme, and all.  Bear with me; I hope everything will be finished  by the second week in February.

This month I’ve spent more time answering questions than in the past.  It will take a bit more time to see if this is meaningful to most of my readers.

“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!

~~~

* MDH = My Deer Husband; also known as “He Who Likes to be Obeyed” – sadly he rarely is.

FYI: ** are added when I add info to a posting after it is published.

*** Yes, the photo is clickable. It is a rear window graphic I sell on my site.

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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 (Click area is near “Top Posts”).

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkey #6: Just How Much Land Do You Need for Turkey Hunting?

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

~~~~~

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 (Click area is near “Top Posts”).

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 is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkey #5: Which Baby Turkey (Poult) Hatches First?

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.

Soon: How to Out-Smart a Turkey’s Survival Instincts

Turkey #7: Survival Skills Turkeys Use to Stay Out of Your Oven

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.

Gobblers are Sociable

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 Gobbler’s Senses

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.

Turkeys & UV-Brighteners on Clothes

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:

10/1/2008    Hunting News: Why You Just Might Not Get a Turkey or Deer this Year

10/3/2008    A Few More Facts About Deer Hunting (actually covers deer and turkey issues)

10/8/2008    Anyone Out There? Questions for My Reader(s)!

11/3/2008     UV Brighteners: We’ve Got the News

Why I Don’t Care About UV Brighteners

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.  

* Photo is from Wikipedia!

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Coming Soon: Hunter Strategies to Out-Smart Turkeys

BTW: You  may be wondering how I can speak with such assurance. I read everything I can get about a subject, take notes and  share the most interesting with you.

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.

Today’s Humor: TEXAS HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

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 magazine.

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 is a companion to my website: Easy Online Ordering.com

How Knives Are Changing

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.

Turkey #8: Which Gun Will You Be Using to Shoot Wild Turkeys?

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.

Shotguns and Gobblers

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.

Aiming at a Wild Turkey

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.

The Choke on Your Shotgun

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.

Single, Double, Pump or Side-by-Side?

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.

Next time: Adapting Guns for Women and Children

Soon: Choosing the Right Load for Turkey Hunting

Soon: Archery Equipment for Turkey Hunting

Coming: Turkey Hunting Clothes and Accessories

And Several Other Items ….

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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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkey Hunting #9: Choosing the Right Load for Your Shotgun

"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.

Popular Shot Sizes and Loads

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).

A Useful Graph *

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

_________________________________________________________

* This graph is from The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting, by John Trout, Jr. 2000, The Lyon’s Press, p. 46.

Back to Our Goal

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.

A Sight for Your Shotgun?

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.

Your Homework

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Six Clothing Tips for Turkey Hunters

These are 6 clothing tips for turkey hunters.

Camo Wear Patterns

 

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!

New Clothes Shine

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,” (published here in November 2008), where I name names of the  products that will not add UV Brighteners to your clothing.

Critical Elements of Hunting 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!

Outerwear for Hunting

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.

Pockets

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.

Face Nets vs. Black Make-Up

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

A Call to Action: Ammunition Accountability Legislation

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.

Nobody can sell any ammunition after June 30, 2009 unless the ammunition is coded.

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!

If they can deprive you of ammo they do not need to take your gun!

This legislation is currently pending in 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.

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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Turkey Hunting #10: Pre-Season Work for Hunters

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Shotgun Shell Patterning

(This has nothing to do with shotguns or patterning; it IS very funny.  Don’t freak out about it being a German site; there’s no speaking. Yes, I know it’s poking  fun at women drivers — it’s still priceless! )  http://de.rofl.to/frauen-fahren-auto-compilation

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Anatomy of a Shotgun Shell

A Tight Spray Pattern

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.

A 30 Inch Target

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?

Game and Shot Size

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 vs. Steel Shot Sizes

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.

Shot size Equivalence: Steel vs. Lead

Steel            6-4           2           BB         BBB        T

Lead              6              4            2

Did You Know?

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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Come back next week for more exciting adventures!

This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkey Hunting #11: Outsmarting Loners & Small Gobbler Groups

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.

Loner Gobblers

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.

Young Bachelor Groups

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.

How Are Your Turkey Calls Coming?

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.

Next: Calling the Loner

This is getting long. I’ll finish this and talk about “setting up for a turkey hunt”  next time.

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkey Hunting 12: Getting Sneaky

Calling the Loner

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!

Other Ideas

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!

One Last Try

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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Where did my 400 words go?  It’s already time to go …. see you soon!

~~~

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What are 3 Important Factors in Buying a Knife?

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.

“Cute-Ability” vs. Function

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.

What Do You Need a Knife to Do?

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 …

Fixed-Blade or Pocket Knife?

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?

Finally

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?

Coming Soon:  More Factors in Buying a Knife

There’s lots to learn.  See you soon!

What’s Unique About Each Variety of Wild Turkeys?

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.”

The Eastern Turkey

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

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

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 Wild Turkeys

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.

Did You Know?

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 is the companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

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It may seem that I’m not paying attention to my blog — however, I’m trying to finish my new web site ASAP! It will be gorgeous!

What are 3 Great Things About Night Fishing?

Fishing is Fun!

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.

Peace and Quiet

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.

Fish Aren’t So Picky

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.

Dining on Bugs and Lures

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.

What’s not to love about night fishing?

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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Knives: Can You Spot a Fake?**

This topic may take 2 or 3 posts to cover it adequately.

~~~~~

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.

Where Are Fakes Made?

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!

Things to Watch

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!

~~~~~

Next time: There are 3 types of faked knives: counterfeits, re-worked knives and fantasy knives! Learn about each type! I’ll share as much as I know about spotting these fakes.  — Marylouise

~~~

Full Disclosure: I no longer sell knives and multi-tools on my site.  I’ve left these articles up because they have been popular and informational.

~~~

This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

** This is added to the title when material is added after an article is posted.

Knives: How are Knives Faked?

There are 3 types of faked knives: counterfeits, re-worked knives and fantasy knives!

Counterfeits

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!

Re-works – A Gray Zone

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!

Fantasy Knives

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!

Finally

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Knives: Think it’s Easy to Spot a Fantasy Knife?**

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.

Pocket Knives from the Third Reich

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!

A Fantasy Knife  Example

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.

Where These Knives are Now

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.

** When info is added after the article is posted, I add the ** to show that fact.

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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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Humor: Things Confucius Never Said

Confucius Say:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Man who run in
front of car get tired.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

~~~

I’m out-of-town today — will be back soon!

Humor: How to Apply for a Job!

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!”

~~~

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Turkeys #13a: Tips on Nabbing a Silent Gobbler!

Moving from feeding area to roosts!

If you recall, in Turkey Hunting #11 (Outsmarting Loners & Small Gobbler Groups), I mentioned how much easier it was to snare the young, talkative gobblers than the silent loners.

Today is “Better Advice” Day!

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.

Changing Your Technique

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.

Settling In Position

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.

What We Learned From Studying Turkeys and UV Brighteners

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:

Turkey #7: Survival Skills Turkeys Use to Stay Out of Your Oven, Hunting News: Why You Just Might Not Get a Turkey or Deer this Year and/or UV Brighteners: We’ve Got the News.

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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Part 2: Coming soon!

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Turkeys #13b: Tips on Nabbing a Silent Gobbler!

~~~~~

Before we get started, a priceless quip:

If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style. – Quentin Crisp

~~~~~

After an hour, or so, of soft calls (every 15-20 minutes) with no response – now it’s time to make a decision.

Using Your Gut Instinct

After your best efforts at calling and sitting quietly for about 1 1/2 hours, it’s decision time.  Should you stay or go?

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.

A Tom Walks Up Behind You!

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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Next week: I’m leaving the young turks behind for awhile & going to try my fave – fishing!

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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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Fishing for Black Bass: What You Need to Know!**

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!

4 Major Species

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

Preferred Locale & Food

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).

Next time: Info on the rest of the black bass and a bit about their amazing travels around the world!

** 4th major bass type is — redeye bass (was mislabeled)

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Full Disclosure: I sell rear window graphics on my website.  Occasionally, I use a photo (of something I sell) when it fits the topic. Otherwise, these articles are informational; I’m not trying to sell anything here.

* This photo is clickable!

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The Other Black Bass: Fishing Tips!

Last session, the topic was largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Today, we will cover spotted bass and redeye bass.

Spotted 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.

Redeye Bass

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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It burns me when ‘tree huggers’ and PETA-types whine about how hunters and anglers are ruining America.

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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* This photo is click-able!

How to Cook a Wild Turkey!

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.

Adding a Little Sunshine (Bass) to Your Day!

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!

Basic Info on Hybrid Bass

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.

Catching the Sunshine Bass

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.

Sunshine Bass Eat What?

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.

Fishing Styles for Hybrid Bass

 

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Varmints with Bushy Tails You Can Shoot!

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.

Where Do Squirrels Come From?

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.

Your Eyes Do Not See

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!

Tree Rats vs. The Dogs

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 ….

Hurricane Ike

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!

Next time: More adventures with the tree rats, the pellet gun and three dogs!

*  MDH = My Deer Husband

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Varmints with Bushy Tails!

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….

Richard and the Pellet Gun

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!

Our ‘Gutless Wonder’ with the Pellet Gun

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 3: Helping Youngsters Learn to Hunt Squirrels!

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.

In Some States: Squirrels = Varmints

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.

63 Species – From 2 Ozs. to 20 Lbs.

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.

Gray Squirrels

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Squirrels 4: How & Where They Live

Fox Squirrel

These early risers are larger than the grays – often 2 lbs. They like the same habitat as the grays: cypress swamps, hardwoods, urban areas, thin tree stands near rivers or streams.

Long, Lean & Hungry!

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.

Western Gray Squirrel

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 and Kaibab Squirrels

Abert’s calls the isolated mountainous regions of Arizona, Colorado, 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.

Red Squirrel, Pine Squirrel, Chickaree Squirrel

Albino Squirrel - Usually found in urban areas that protect them!

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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BTW, these photos come from Flickr.

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Squirrels 5: Info About Flying Squirrels

The Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels

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.

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This  blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Taking Kids Hunting for Squirrels (Part 1)

Taking Kids Hunting for Squirrels

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:

• patience
• stealth (how to walk slowly and quietly)
• an appreciation for silence & the sounds of nature
• bonding with the ‘teacher’ – kids know that their parents’ time is valuable; by taking time, they show they value their son/grandson/niece/neighbor (and that develops self-esteem)

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I’m assuming that the kid(s) have completed a hunter education course before being given a gun.

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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.

Preliminary Training

If kids learn these skills before the day of the hunt, it will be more enjoyable for all.

• Teach them how to walk “Indian style” – quietly thru the woods; the object is not be be seen or heard; twigs, leaves, rocks require different approaches
• Teach them how to walk silently on dry leaves (noise alerts the squirrels; very difficult to keep silent on crackling leaves)
• Why and how to move in slow motion (swatting a fly, turning your head quickly alerts squirrels to motion and movement)
• Teach hunting lore (how to spot where squirrels have been feeding; what kind of trees local squirrels prefer, etc.)
• Teach kids to recognize signs of squirrel activity

There are skills you can share that will help them to trick squirrels – who have excellent hearing and seeing abilities –

• You can use the squirrel’s chattering noise to cover your noise
• They create lots of noise when there are multiple squirrels
• They create noise when they are breaking into shells (their attention is diverted and you can move your position or gun)
• Squirrels can’t hear your noise over their noise

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Next time: 3 types of squirrel hunting; equipment needed and more!

Kids and Squirrel Hunting (Part 2)

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.

First Type of Squirrel Hunting

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.

How the Weather Affects Hunting Squirrels

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.

Squirrel Hunting Season

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Kids and Squirrel Hunting (Part 3)

Hunting Squirrels on the Water

'A rat by any other name is ....'

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.

The Third Type of Squirrel Hunting

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

2009 Recipe & A Little Humor: Doves the Easy Way!

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.

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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?”

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This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Now in Texas: Zero Tolerance Speed Cameras

With the Texas highway death toll continuing to increase, this will be the first year that Zero Tolerance Speed Cameras will be used.

The new cameras look a bit different than normal speed surveillance cameras.

I have included a photo so that you will know what to look for as you’re traveling around our great state. Make sure you do not speed when approaching one.

Please take this warning seriously as these new devices offer no warnings or second chances.

Happy Motoring!

Turkeys #14: The Best Time to Hunt **

***

My “new” favorite bumper sticker:

“I’ll keep my money and my guns, and you can keep the CHANGE!”

(I love subtle digs!)

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This article is written on the premise that you are hunting on public lands.

First Day

It’s a given that  public lands will be busy on opening day of turkey season –particularly if the season starts on a weekend.

Turkeys are noble adversaries! They are sneaky and won’t raise a feather to go after a sound they don’t recognize. Instead, they will leave the area (curiosity is not part of their makeup).

If you are on public lands, you need to outsmart turkeys and other hunters!  This requires planning before the opening hours of turkey season.

Pre-Season Activities

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 on this in “Turkey Hunting #10: 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 and Turkeys

“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!” (click on article title or go to my website; it’s in the “Articles” section.)

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See you tomorrow!

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* MDH = My Dear Husband

This is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

** These denote changes after publishing; I rearranged the bumper sticker quote for ease-of-reading

Feral Pigs in Texas — 2 Million Strong and Increasing!

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?”)

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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!

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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!

Feral hog makes mess of man’s yard

Thursday, January 22, 2009

By TJ Aulds / The Daily News

(This article is from  The Daily News, Galveston, TX — Texas’ Oldest Newspaper!)

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.

“My neighbors said they saw one that was huge — bigger than (a) desk,” Rollins said. “He’s quick. I try to get out and see him, but as soon as the door makes a noise, he’s gone.”

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.

“I’ve told my neighbors that if they hear a gun go off, don’t worry — it’s just me shooting at the hog,” Rollins said. “I don’t want to go to jail for shooting a gun in the city limits, but I don’t know what else to do.”

Help may be on the way.

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.”

“We will look into it and see if we can solve the problem,” Fuller said. “If we have a problem, I am sure we can find a way to get it solved.”

How?

Fuller wouldn’t say without checking into Rollins’ situation.

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.

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And you thought YOU had lawn problems!

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This blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Six Quick Turkey Hunting Tips **

1) Where is the best area to hit a wild turkey?

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.

2) What if the gobbler doesn’t cooperate and make his head “available?”

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 “Turkey #7: Survival Skills Turkeys Use to Stay Out of Your Oven” and skip down to “Why I Don’t Care About UV Brighteners.”

3) “Turkeys show up where I’m not expecting. How do I prepare for the unexpected?”

Welcome to the joy of  turkey hunting! I consider them to be ‘noble adversaries’ because of this skill. Please refer to a previous post — Turkeys #13b: Tips on Nabbing a Silent Gobbler!

This article has info on adapting to the surprising antics of turkeys.

4) How fast can gobblers move?

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!

5) How long can gobblers live?

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!

6) What size shot is best for wild turkeys?

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

** Added to title when I make changes after posting. Changes were made to make info easier to read and clearer in meaning.

~~~

This blog is a companion to: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Today’s Joke: Yoga from India vs. Yoga from Texas

***

THERE ARE TWO BASIC TYPES OF YOGA

***

1. YOGA FROM INDIA

~~~~~

! = This version of the posture requires considerable strength in the neck, shoulders and back, requiring years of practice to achieve. It should not be attempted without supervision.

***

AND

~~~~~

~~~~~

Wait for it

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

2. YOGA FROM TEXAS

The Texas class is full for this session. I’ll get back to you when it opens up again!

Absolutely Amazing! A Man with Time on his Hands!

Yeh, I know! I’ve been a slacker. However, all of this is for a good cause, I’m trying to get my new website ready to go online and haven’t had time to write.

However …

Here are some amazing products from a man who used his time wisely!

Enjoy!

I went to http://www.sambarcroft.com but could not find this site!

It’s a Pun-Filled Friday!

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Scopes & Turkey Hunting

Taking Aim at a Gobbler

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.

Using a Scope While Turkey Hunting

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 is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Here We Go Again: HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009

Gun Control by Secrecy

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:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/blairholt.asp

Update: Ammunition Accountability Legislation

A few months ago, I warned about this problem, trickling its way through the state legislatures.  Here’s the article, shortened.

~~~

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.

Nobody can sell any ammunition after June 30, 2009 unless the ammunition is coded.

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:

http://ammunitionaccountability.org/Legislation.htm

~~~

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.

~~~

Sounds like your legislators heard you screaming!

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Game Recipe: Doves with Wild Rice

This recipe has been adapted from: Entertaining in Texas

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!

Check Out This New Site

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Today’s Humor: Moms Are VERY Smart!

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!

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 1: Goin’ Fishin’ – Common Mistakes

It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything; sorry for the lapse. As mentioned earlier, I damaged both rotator cuffs and tore my biceps.

It is a long and boring story, so I’ll cut to the bottom line. I had to wait until some healing & rehab took place (versus having shoulder surgery).

I have diminished strength in my arms and shoulders. For these reasons, I’ll have to work my way back to 5 day/week blogs.

Thank you for your patience.

Now …. Let’s Go Fishing!

Fishing Tips!

~*~   ~*~   ~*~   ~*~   ~*~   ~*~

COMMON FISHING MISTAKES

If you want to become an accomplished angler, these are some basic problems to avoid.

Not Paying Attention

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.

Keeping the Same Fishing Line on Your Rods for Years

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!

Only Using Your Favorite Lure

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.

Fishing in Only One Location

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!

Only Using One Fishing Technique

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!

~~~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Goin’ Fishin’ with a Fishing Log

Sample Fishing Log

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 __________________

~*~

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

~*~

Type of Fishing Today: Bait Casting      Fly Fishing      Trolling

Boat Fishing     Ice Fishing      Shore Fishing

Other __________________

~*~

Comments: ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

~*~   ~*~   ~*~

My Fishing Log

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.

~*~

See you soon!

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing Success: Learning What Fish Know

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.

They had Learned What Fish Know!

Today, I’m going to start a new series on fishing.  These are basic things that are critical to your fishing success.

How Many Senses Do Fish Use?

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!

Making Fish Eyes

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

~*~

This blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2

Fish have four senses – sight, smell, hearing and feeling vibrations!

What Can Fish See?

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 & Their Sense of Smell

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 & Their Sense of Hearing

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.

Good Vibrations & Fish

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).

What Does This Mean?

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.

~~~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Barometric Pressure and Fishing

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.

What Anglers Know

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!

Anglers as Weather Forecasters

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.

Other Weather Conditions

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!

The Hot and Cold of Fishing

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.

~~~~~

Articles Coming Soon:

• Sample Log for Your Catches
  
• Make Your Own ‘Fish Attractor’
  
• Fish Species Tips for Crappie
  
• Fishing for Something New? Try Northern Pike!

~~~

This weblog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Sample: Keep a Log of Your Catches

A Sample Fish Log

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.    ______           ______         ______           ______

==========================================

A Sample Fish Log

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!

See you soon!

~~~~~

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fish Species Tips: Crappie Fishing

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.

Facts in a Nutshell

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!

The Black and White of Crappie

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.

Crappie Trivia

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.

~~~~~

Next time: Let’s Go Crappie Fishing!

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: How & Why Do I Use a Duck Carcass?

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.

All This Sounds Like a Lot of Trouble

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.

Now What?

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.

~*~   ~*~   ~*~

Cooking a Carcass #2

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!

~~~

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Let’s Go Crappie Fishing

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.

Sluggish During the Summer

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.

Fall Season

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.

Winter Fishing for Crappie

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.

Spring Crappie Fishing

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 Fishing Tips

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 for Crappie

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.

~~~~~

This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Some Jokes for the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth!

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!

Today’s Jokes

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’ & More Tomorrow!

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

More Jokes — Four for the Fifth (of July)

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.

Today’s Jokes

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Day 3 of Jokes: the Couple from Hell!

Some Place Expensive!

Today is the final day that we look in on the “couple from hell!”

Enjoy!

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Basic Tips: Trout Fishing in Streams**

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 Habitats

Trout cannot survive in water that is consistently hotter than 75 degrees!**  Most stream trout prefer the water between 50 and 60 degrees.

Trout Offer Great Fishing Action!

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.

When Trout Eat

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.

What Trout Eat

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!

Where Do I Fish for Trout in Streams?

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, because I’m a distributor of this product.

** 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).

~~~~~

Coming Soon:

• 3 main varieties of trout
• more tips about  fishing for trout varieties in different waters

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Trout Fishing in Small Streams

There are unique problems to fishing in small streams. These tips will also work in larger streams.

Fish Senses

A Large Trout in a Small Stream

In “Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2,” (dated 20 June 2009), 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.

Facing Into the Current

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.

Learning to Read Water

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.

Finally

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!

~~~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

River Tubing Safety & Tips **

Can there be anything more fun than floating down a river in a tube? I don’t think so …..

This is part of a series on Tubing:

The danger of snakes
Things you need to take
Choosing the right water for tubing
Repairing a Tube — ‘on-the-fly’

Goin’ Tubin’

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.

Must Haves

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

~~~~~

Tubing is a great way to spend a lazy, summer day. We have a few more ideas to share in the coming days. Check back often!

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Snake Dangers & River Tubing**

Is Every Snake Poisonous?

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.”

• Don’t bother or tease snakes,
• Go around snakes, avoiding them where possible.
• Stay out of shallow water as much as possible
• Stay away from banks in thick, wooded areas

4 Poisonous Snakes in America

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.

Finally

• Become familiar with the 4 poisonous snakes,
• Take a snake-bite kit
• Use it – if needed and
• Get the victim to a hospital ASAP.

* 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!

~~~

** Added photos; added clarity to some explanations.

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Choosing the Right Water for River Tubing

This is part of a series on River Tubing:

• The danger of snakes and river tubing
• Things you need to take river tubing
• Choosing the right water for river tubing

The Goal of River Tubing

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.

The Grim Story

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!

Protecting Yourself

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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River Tubing: Repairing a Recreational Inner Tube

A Short History of Recreational Inner Tubes

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!

Inner Tubes Today

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.

Tips for ‘River Tubes’

• Keep inner tubes covered and out of the sun,
• Keep them away from moisture and deflated,
• Keep a repair kit with you while tubing,
• Keep a spare inner tube with you,
• Learn how to repair your tube  ”on-the-fly”
• Carry a small roll of duct tape while river tubing

Duct Tape & Other Repairs

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:

• Scuff up the area around the tear — with the lid of the repair kit.
• Apply cement to the area to be patched (cement is included in kit).
• Cut a piece of patching material and round the edges,
• Peel off the backing of the patch piece,
• Apply the patch piece with both hands,
• Press into place,
• Turn the repair can on its side and roll repeatedly over the patch.
• Let things rest for a few minutes.

Other hints:

• Roughing up the area around the tear is necessary for a firm seal.
• Use the tip of the container to smooth the cement around the hole or tear.
• For large tears, make sure you cut and round the edges of the patches.
• If you don’t, the patch may peel off while brushing against rough stuff.
• Instructions on the can will indicate how long the patch should “rest” before use.

Finally

I still remember how much a “cold patch kit” cost (when I was a kid) — 29 cents!

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When Do Trout Spawn?

Why Spawning Matters

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.

Catch a Great Trout Before Spawning Season Starts!

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.

Spawning Seasons for Trout*

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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From Feeding to Spawning Grounds

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!

Spawning Season

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!

More about trout — next time!

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Fly Fishing Equipment

If you ever get a chance to go fly fishing, DO IT!  Without a doubt, it is the most elegant and graceful fishing around.

Fly Fishing

The good news is that it doesn’t require very much equipment to get started.

Basic Fly Fishing Equipment

A fly rod (5 or 6 weight), with appropriate line for the rod

reel

leader

extra tippet

flies

glasses or sunglasses – polarized will help you see fish in the water

Buying Equipment

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.

Additional Equipment

Once you have the main equipment, there are a few other things that will make your fishing more pleasant.

A box to store flies

Nippers to cut line

Waders

Vest of fanny pack for gear

A landing net

Finally

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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I’ve been busy this week making major changes on my website.  In a few days, I will show you some great new products!

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Tips for Live Worm Fishing – Part 1

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.

Fishing With Live Worms

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.

Kinds of 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.

Are You ‘Lookin’ for Worms (In All the Wrong Places)’

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.

Hooks and Worms

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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Tips for Live Worm Fishing – Part 2

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.

Do Fish Learn?

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.

Fishing Upstream

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.

Adding Weight

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!

Hooks and Worms – Part 2

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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Following the Rainbow – How to Catch Rainbow Trout!

Rainbow trout are probably one of the most beautiful fish available to anglers.

Rainbow Trout Info

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.

How to Catch Rainbow Trout

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.

What Rainbow Trout Eat

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.

Rainbow Trout Recipes

They can be prepared by barbecuing, broiling, baking, frying or smoking.

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* This photo is used by permission from Vantage Point Concepts. I am an approved seller of their rear window graphics.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How to Catch Brook Trout

Brook Trout Info

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.

Brook Trout

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.

Catching a “Brookie”

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 – provider of clear window graphics. This is part of their Wild Wings Art Collection.

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Part 1: Fishing for Cutthroat Trout

Facts About Cutthroat Trout

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.

The Bad News About Cutthroats

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.

Next Time: How To Catch Cutthroat Trout

* This photo is used by permission from Vantage Point Concepts. I  sell their rear window graphics.   This image is part of the Wild Wings Artwork Collection.

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Part 2: How to Catch Cutthroat Trout

How To Catch Cutthroat Trout

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.

What Cutthroat Trout Eat

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.

Where Cutthroats Hide

Here are some of the most common ways to catch cutthroats:

• Looking for trophy size?  In land-locked lakes, troll off of steep shorelines.*
• Spinners & spoons are great for lakes with deep pools. Fish deeply here & along steep shorelines (with plenty of vegetation).
• In small inlet streams, use wet or dry flies.
• The combination of a muddler minnow** and underwater vegetation is a winner for the cutthroat angler.  Make sure your line sinks quickly.

Finally

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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Round Up for July

It’s time to recap the most interesting, unique or ‘most read’ articles of this blog for July 2009.

Most Hits This Month

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).

Popular Articles

The series on river tubing has been very popular. In case you missed any, they are:

1) Snake Dangers & River Tubing (posted 7/16/2009

2) River Tubing Safety & Tips (posted 7/17/2009)

3) Choosing the Right Water for River Tubing  (posted 7/19/2009)

4) River Tubing: Repairing a Recreational Inner Tube (posted 7/20/2009)

This Month

‘Barometric Pressure and Fishing,’ posted 6/22/2009, has been so popular that I plan to do a series of articles on weather and fishing.

Finally

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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Fishing in the Rain

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!

What Happens to Fish’s Water in a Rain Storm?

• First, rain delivers more oxygen to the water.
• Higher oxygen content creates more energy in the fish.
• Rain deposits a variety of foods into the water – for fish to eat.

• Changes in water confuses or stimulates fish
• More food = more eaters, those eaters may be feasting on other fish, creating a feeding frenzy

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.

What Can We Learn from Fishing in the Rain?

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.

When Rain Floods New Areas

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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Wind, Wave Action and Fishing

How is Wind Created?

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!

Active Winds = Active Fish

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!

Fishing and Wind Direction

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.

Finally

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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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing and Kids

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.

Taking Kids Fishing

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!

The Safety They Need to Know

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.

Some Fishing Safety Tips

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.

Finally

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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Today’s Joke: Bird Flu vs. Swine Flu

What is the difference between Bird-Flu and Swine-Flu?

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For bird flu you need Tweetment

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And for swine flu you need Oinkment.

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That’s all folks.……………………………

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As always, “Thanks” to Dorothy139

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing & Kids II

Recently, we covered safety issues with kids and fishing. Now,  let’s talk about the “how” of fishing with kids.

Getting a Life-Long Fishing Buddy

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).

It’s All About Kids and Fun

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!

Hooking Your Kids

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.

Teaching Conservation

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.

Being Prepared

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!

Photos of Pearl Harbor, December 1941**

An Update on 24 September 2009, 4:15 pm

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.

Snopes Speaks

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

Direct Copy of Photos and Info Sent to Me

“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.
————————————————-

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.
————————————————————————————————————————–
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..
————————– — —————————- —————————————————————
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.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Minelayer
USS Ogala (CM-4) – Sunk but later raised and repaired.
———————————————————————————-
Seaplane Tender
USS Curtiss (AV-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired.
————————————————————————————
Repair Ship
USS Vestal (AR-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired.
————————————————————————————
Harbor Tug
USS Sotoyomo (YT-9) – Sunk but later raised and repaired.
——————————————————————————————–
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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing in Turbid Waters – Part 1

What is Turbid Water?

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.

Light in Cloudy Water

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.

How Anglers Can Use Turbid Waters to Their Advantage

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: Part 2 -  Fishing in Cloudy Water

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Fishing in Cloudy Waters

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.

Predator Fish & the Light Shining into Cloudy Water

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!

Small Fish’s View of Murky Water

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’).

How Can an Angler Take Advantage of Cloudy Water?

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!

Stinky Bait and Other Tools for the Angler

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Clever Bait Tips (On the Cheap)!

There are lots of recipes for baits available. You may already have one.  However, here’s one you might like to try.

Oh, No! Just Dough! Recipe

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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Catfish Stinky Baits – Make Your Own

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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Keeping Soft Baits on the Hook

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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Simple Aerator

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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Want to Turn Your Plain Shiners into Golden Shiners?

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How to Predict Rain While Fishing

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.

First Things to Notice

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!

The Effect of Humidity on Weather

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.

Predicting Rain at Night

Use the stars to predict rain!  The more the stars seem to twinkle, the higher the moisture content in the air!

When Rain Turns to Lightning

Science Daily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/1011-mysteries_of_thunderstorms.htm) 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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How Fall and Winter Affect Fishing

It is hard to make generalizations about seasonal fishing. Some areas have heavy ice in winter, while others have no ice at all.

Fishing in the Fall & Winter

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.

Why Do Fish Stay in Deep Pools?

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!

Ideas for Anglers in Cool and Cold Weather

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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Have a great weekend! See you next week!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

What’s So Hot About Rear Window Graphics?

Beautiful Art for Your Back Glass!

Actually, rear window graphics  aren’t just Hot — they are Very Cool!

The Scoop

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.

From Different Points of View

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).

NASCAR Great: Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

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.

What Kinds of Graphics Are Available?

They come in an astonishing array of images: dogs,  wildlife, military, horses,  camouflage,  specialty (scuba, NASCAR, Flags, etc.), patriotic,  hunting, 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!

Other Benefits

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Ah Fall, Can Gun Legislation Be Far Behind?

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.

Oklahoma

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).

Montana

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).

Finally

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Ah Fall, Can Gun Legislation Be Far Behind?

Here’s some more fun from LaLa Land (also known as ‘congress’)

Handgun Safety and Registration Act

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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Blair Holt Bill of 2009

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Subject: Swine Flu Advice

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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Swine Flu Symptoms

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If you wake up looking like this,

don’t go to work!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Thanks again to Dorothy139!

Take a Look at Tom Remington’s Post

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.

Drought Effects on Fishing

Droughts are long periods of reduced rain (and/or other participation) and alter fishing opportunities.

Droughts Cause Stress to Fish

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.

Catching Fish During a Drought

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.

News You Can Use

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How Does Severe Flooding Change Fishing?

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.

What Happens to Fish During a Flood?

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).

Why is Flooding So Devastating to Fish?

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.

Fishing in a Flood

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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Have a great week-end! See you soon!

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How to Carry Your Weapon in the Field

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.

On the Shoulder

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.

In the Crook of Your Elbow

 

Carrying a Weapon in the Crook of Your Elbow!

 

This position is excellent when others are walking behind you or on your opposite side.

Cradling Your Weapon in Your Arm

(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.

Carrying Your Weapon Two-Handed in Front of Yourself

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 Sling Position

(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.

Carrying Your Gun in One Hand

(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).

Two Other Situations

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.

Finally

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Getting Your Gun Ready for Hunting Season

Tips for New Gun Owners

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.

Another Way to Find 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!

Back to … Tips for New Gun Owners

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Don’t forget our Sale on Harley-Davidson Rear Window Graphics!

View All 24 of the New Harley-Davidson Designs Here!

On Sale Through October 4th!

Hunting: The Pros & Cons of Various Shooting Positions

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.

Standing Position

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.

Prone Position

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.

Positions of Sitting or Kneeling

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.

Another Tip

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Deer Hunting from a Tree Stand

Tips from Successful Deer Hunters

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.

Safety First!

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!

What if You Can’t Find an Active Feeding Area?

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!

Let the Hunting Begin!

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!

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* “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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Spikes Part 1: Should I Shoot a Spike Deer?

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 the Big Boys Have to Say

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.

The Answer First, Please!

Some folks want the answer first! So, here it is:  By harvesting spikes early on, it improves the antler quality of the remaining herd.

Deer With ‘Spike’ Hair-do’s?

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.”

View from the Other Side of the Aisle

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: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Spikes Part 2: 10 Commandments of Spike Management

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.

A Deer’s ‘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!

(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

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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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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Spikes Part 3 – The ‘Yea’ or ‘Nay’ of Shooting Spikes

10 Commandments of Spike Management, Continued

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.

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(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.

~~~

This Series:

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.)

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 4: The 10 Commandments of Spike Management

10 Commandments of Spike Management, Conclusion

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.)

~~~

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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This Series:

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

When a Motorcycle Meets a Cell Phone!**

Amazing Photos

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. *

~

Safety Topic…..

Do you see the motorcycle?

~~~

Now do you see it?

Everyone Died Instantly!

The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately 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!

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* It took a couple of hours, but I found the source of this story.  It happened in Sweden, in 2005!

I found additional info @: http://www.driveandstayalive.com/articles%20and%20topics/crash%20causation/speed_swedish-motorcycle-crash_2005.htm

“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.”

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

~

A Personal Note:

Because of some scheduling difficulties, surgery will be 20 October.  At that point, I will no longer be writing — until I can use my right shoulder again.

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Part 1*: UV Brighteners in Hunting Clothes & How Deer See

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 the Beginning ….

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.

The 10 Cent Summary

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.

Hunter’s Clothing, BC (Before China)

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.

When Textile Manufacturing Moved to China

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.

Finally

Next time, we will learn about some mighty unhappy hunters!

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* The eyes of turkeys were also studied, and I’ll discuss this later.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2*: UV Brighteners in Hunting Clothes & How Deer See

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!

Unhappy Hunters with New Hunting Garments

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?

Time Out For a Reality Check

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!

Meanwhile, Back to Our Story …

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.

Why Have UV Brighteners In Hunting Clothes?

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?

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* The University of Georgia learned “how deer see.” Their studies were verified by other universities in America.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 3*: Buying Hunting Clothes Without UV Brighteners! **

What’s A Hunter to Do?

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?”

You'll Need a Black Light Flashlight While Trying On Clothes

Going Shopping

1) Get a black light flashlight! You will need it when you go shopping 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.

Your First Washing

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.

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 5*: For the Hunter with Everything, Including UV Brighteners!

Last time, I shared with you the brand names of the detergents that do not add UV brighteners to your hunting clothes.

Today’s Discussion…

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.

Now, What do You Do?

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.

OK, I Surrender…

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)

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)

Other Tips to Disguise Your Scent from Deer & Turkey

- 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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Part X*: = This year’s report, versus last year’s info.

** More info coming soon on these cleaners.

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 4*: Approved Detergents for Hunting Clothes**

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.

Naming Names

Hunters aren’t the only group who want to avoid  UV brighteners.  The military and law enforcement have been avoiding these dyes for decades.

Washing Your Hunting Clothes

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.

Approved Detergents (Do NOT Contain UV Brighteners)

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)

Washing Instructions

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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Today’s Joke: Hunting for the Right Person for the Right Job

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Put about 100 bricks in some

Particular order in a closed

Room with an

Open window.

>
>

Then send 2 or 3 candidates in

The room and close the door.

>
>
>
>
>

Leave them alone and come back

After 6 hours and then analyze

The situation.

>
>
>
>
>

If they are counting the

Bricks.

Put them in the accounts

Department.

>
>
~~~

If they are recounting them..

Put them in auditing ..

>
>
~~~

If they have messed up the

Whole place with the bricks.

Put them in engineering.

>
>
~~~

If they are arranging the

Bricks in some strange order.

Put them in planning.

>
>
~~~

If they are throwing the

Bricks at each other.

Put them in operations .

>
>

~~~

If they are sleeping.

Put them in

security.

>
>
~~~

If they have broken the bricks

Into pieces.

Put them in Information

Technology.

>
>

~~~

If they are sitting idle.

Put them in human resources.

>
>
~~~

If they say they have tried

Different combinations, yet

Not a brick has

Been moved. Put them in sales.

>
>
~~~

If they have already left for

The day.

Put them in marketing.

>
>
~~~

If they are staring out of the

Window.

Put them on strategic

Planning.

>
>

~~~

And then last but not least.

If they are talking to each

Other and not a single brick

Has been

Moved.

>
>
>

Congratulate them and put them

In top management

~~~

A Personal Note: Marylouise is recovering nicely; however her doctor explained that it was a serious surgery.  Thus, it may take awhile to recover use of the shoulder.

~~~

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 6*: More Tips to Hide Your Scent

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!

A Clever Brew for Hunting Clothes

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)

Why Use Baking Soda/Washing Soda for Hunting Clothes?

- 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.

~~~

More Tips on Masking/Eliminating Your Scent

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!

~~~

Part X*: = This year’s report, versus last year’s info.

Disclaimer: I don’t sell any products I mention in this series. This is strictly educational information.

~~~

Next Time: There are at least 2 more parts of this series! Stay tuned for more!

This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 7*: The Other Side of the UV Brightener Question

View from the Other Side of the Fence

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!)

Why? Info From the University of Georgia Study *

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.

More Facts from the University of Georgia Study

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.

~~

Next time: Wood Crafting Skills, Human Scent and Deer Hunting

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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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Deer Hunting From a Tree Stand

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.

Your Tree Stand Near Water

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.

Things to Remember

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!

Advantages of a Tree Stand

• Your stand is above the deer’s line of sight
• Your scent is above the deer
• You have a broader view of your hunting area

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.

~~~

* 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: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Hunting Accidents are Preventable!

This is Veteran’s Day — Let Us Give Thanks!

'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!

YOU will feel better for having done it!

~~~

How Hunting Accidents Happen

Here’s a list of the most common situations that cause hunting accidents:

• A loaded firearm in a vehicle

   

  

  2 Words That Say it All: 'Semper Fi!"

• Unsafe loading or unloading of a weapon
• Horseplaying with a gun
• Shooting a weapon from a vehicle