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!

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 #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

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

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

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 #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.

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!

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* 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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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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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!

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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#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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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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