Do You Know? Quick Outdoor Water Safety Tip

You are hiking in an unfamiliar area and are running low on water.  You find a meandering stream of water.

You put some sand and charcoal in a sock and allow the river water to seep through the sock — to remove the impurities.

Is it safe to drink now?

Assume all the Water You Find in the Outdoors is Contaminated

 

No.  It must be boiled — or chemically treated.

How long should it boil before you know the water is safe to drink?

Clean Water = Life!

Suspect water must be boiled or chemically treated.

The rule of thumb is:

Boil water for 1 minute plus 1 minute for each 1000 feet over sea level.

 

Thus, if you are 2000 ft. above sea level, you must boil the water for a total of 3 minutes: 1 minute for sea level and 1 minute for each 1000 ft. above sea level!

This is the absolute minimum.

 

If you have the fuel, boil longer.

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

More than 1050 Rear Window Graphics in 28 Categories!

 

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Sometimes it is Best NOT to Fool With Mother Nature!

In relation to birds, fish and animals, America is a very different place from the way it was when the Pilgrims arrived.

We have learned a great deal about introducing birds, fish and animals to new habitats and new continentents.  Sometimes, the introduction has been good for America and sometimes it has caused disaster.

Accidental Travelers

Sometimes birds and animals followed humans across large land masses — and settled in new areas.  At other times, humans accidentally carried animals and/or birds across the seas.

At the time that grackles, crows and starlings came to America, we didn’t understand the consequences of  introducing new species to an area.

Intentional Introductions

In other situations, we brought creatures to America because we thought they would solve a problem or provide new hunting opportunities.

In the area of fishes, carp and brown trout were intentionally brought to American waters.

The ring-necked pheasant, axis deer, black buck antelope and fallow deer were thought to be fine additions to the American landscape.

However, time-and-time-again, we have learned that we shouldn’t fool with Mother Nature!

Tinkering with Mother Nature’s Plan

In the 1870’s, some bright fellows brought kudzu to southern America (from Japan) — to help with erosion.  It solved that problem — but created others.

Kudzu Over-Runs Local Plants & Costs Millions to Eliminate! Hemingway, SC

Now we know that kudzu over-runs 150,000 acres/year!  It is considered to be a pest vine.  Millions are spent, trying to curtail this vine’s growth.

What We Know Now

Sometimes, a new species does not adapt to a new habitat.  At other times, the new species does so well that it over-runs the native species.

Kudzu Growing Over Trees in Atlanta, GA

In other words, sometimes the plants and animals native to an area are pushed out because of the growth (and expansion) of the new species.

How You Can Help

I think that one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from the Tea Party is that grass-roots activism is not dead in America.

You and I can make a difference — particularly in wildlife decisions made on the state level.  How?

• Keep Informed!
• Stay Involved!
• Follow-up!

Keep an eye on news reports and online hunting and  fishing sites.  Study the impact that pending legislation will make in your state.

Attend meetings, join hunting and fishing causes that make sense.  Find out who the ‘movers-and-shakers’ are.  Be positive and persistent!

When decision makers make decisions that benefit wildlife causes, let them know you appreciate them!

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This is a companion to my website:  GreatGhilliesandGraphics.com

* Kudzu photos used through the GNU Free Documentation License & Wikipedia.

Is the Hunting Situation in Your State Spiraling Towards a ‘Predator Pit?’

If you’ve never heard of Tom Remington, that’s a shame.  He’s an articulate writer concentrating on the hunting scene in his home state of Maine.

Black Bear Blog

Articles for the Thinking Hunter!

Tom writes, along with his son, Steve, 4 blogs and the website,  US Hunting Today.

Today’s subject is one of their weblogs — Black Bear Blog.

Specifically, I’d like to mention Mr. Remington’s April 28, 2010 article:  Maine: Spiraling Toward A Predator Pit

I’ve taken some time to think about the ramifications of this article for other parts of the US.  It is not a pretty picture.

What Mr. Remington has to say is important to each of us – regarding animal management for hunting in our own states.

What is a  ‘Predator Pit?’

If you’ve never heard this phrase before, it is just as bad as it sounds!  Here’s the official definition, taken from the article.

“A predator pit is created when deer populations … have been reduced for various reasons and existing key predators, like coyote, bear and bobcat, can drive those numbers even further into an abyss, perhaps prohibiting a regrowth of the herd.”

Is that possible?

Maine Seems to Prove the Point

Without beating up on Maine, what can we learn about how a state turns into a “Predator Pit?”

1)  Game animal numbers decrease through “weather, hunting, disease, predation, etc.”

2)  Mis-management by those responsible,

3)  Denial that there is a problem with predatory animals,

4)  Numbers of predatory animals increases, and they increase their destruction of game animals,

5)  Eventually predatory animals decimate the breeding stock of game animals, so there are insufficient numbers of game animals to recover.

6)  The state is a predatory pit — lots of predatory animals, but few game animals left.

Is Your State in Danger?

Think about your own state.  Are you reading news about the numbers of predators increasing and destroying many game animals?

What is your Fish & Game Dept. doing about it?  Increasing the number of hunting tags? Denying there is a problem?

What can you do about it?  Are other like-minded folks in a group you can join?  Remember, he who squeaks loudest — gets oiled first!

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This blog is a companion to my website: Great GhilliesAndGraphics.com

Take a Look at HuntingLife.com

Good News

Unless you read an upbeat blog like HuntingLife.com – positive news about hunters and anglers can be in short supply.

The author of this blog shares with his readers the latest-and-greatest news about outdoors, plus news about the individuals and groups who make a difference.

HuntingLife.com

This site has been on my Blogroll for a very long time.  In fact, it was one of the first I added because of the incredible range of articles and information.

What I appreciate most is Kevin Paulson’s focus on the people and organizations that make good things happen in the American outdoors.

For Example …

Anglers and hunters are the conservators of the fish and wild game available in America today. How? Through the fees, taxes and stamp/license purchases, outdoor enthusiasts fund the state fisheries, parks and wildlife sanctuaries across our land.

A lesser-known role of hunters and anglers is the one of land acquisition.  Each year, land is donated and/or purchased by individuals and organizations to preserve our sporting heritage for years to come.

HuntingLife.com is at the forefront of naming names and giving credit to the folks who give so much to protect and preserve our outdoor traditions.

And They Do Product Reviews

Sometimes, HuntingLife evaluates products and reports to the readership.  Today’s entry (I’m writing this February 24, 2010) is about “Cold and Dry.”

It’s one of those products you might bypass because it lacks a glamorous name or a big-name endorser.  However, after reading HuntingLife’s review, this product is on my list to check out the next time I’m in a sporting goods store.

Just click on the “Reviews” button (left, under the HuntingLife.com logo) to see (an extensive) list of the evaluated products.

Your Hunting Photos

Do you have a photo of your last hunting outing?  HuntingLife has a photo gallery – and offers to let you share your great moments with the world!  Click on the “Gallery” button for instructions to send your hunting photo(s).

Finally

This brief article cannot hope to cover everything that is available on the HuntingLife site.  However, I found a listing on their site that seems to sum things up.

HuntingLife covers:

• hunting news,
• conservation news,
• deer hunting,
• elk hunting,
• moose hunting,
• sheep hunting,
• bear hunting,
• turkey hunting,
• big game hunting,
• waterfowl hunting,
• upland game hunting,
• hunting guides, outfitters, and hunting lodges.

Take a look soon!

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

Hunters, Archers, Folks Active in Outdoor Activities: UNITE!

I’m ‘sick and tired’ ….

Folks who are active — in sports, outdoor activities, whatever — are healthier and less likely to be worried about the issue of health.

However, those of us fortunate enough to spend more time on earth, are aging.  And with age comes more health concerns.

Now that MDH * and I are moving closer to the shadow of Medicare (because of our ages), we are paying attention to the health care debate.

We are very concerned, but can’t think of any snappy way to respond to the politicians who have decided that anyone over 59 is well, just too damn old….

~

A Message from Maxine

Sarcastic, sassy Maxine has a message!  I wish I could have said it as well!

Senior Health Care Solution According to Maxine…….**

 

Senior Health Care Solution

So you’re a senior citizen and the government says “no” health care for you, what do you do?

Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets.

Your are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives.

Of course, this means you will be sent to prison where you will get

• 3 meals a day,
• a roof over your head, and
• all the health care you need!

• New teeth … no problem.
• Need glasses … great.
• New hip, knees, kidney, lungs, heart? All covered.

And who will be paying for all of this?

The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care.

Oh yes, an added bonus: Because you are now a prisoner, you don’t have to pay  income taxes anymore.

 

 

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!

~~~

The reason anyone over the age of 59 is expendable is that our senators, representatives and loser-in-chief (most of whom are well over 59 years of age) have already created a WONDERFUL health plan for themselves!

Take a look at the provisions for THEM … it will make you sick!

~

Your grandparents and my mother aren’t worth keeping alive, but you and I are paying plenty to keep the fat cats (and all their dependents) healthy! ***

~

* MDH = My Deer Husband

** Of course this isn’t Maxine; she’s a copyrighted figure.  Just imagine this woman with … some sassy, round sunglasses, an attitude and a snarly smile ….

*** Guess when their benefits start? As soon as they are elected!

Guess how long their benefits last? As long as they live!  (They don’t have to remain in Congress to keep their benefits!)

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This is a companion to my website: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com

Humor: 2 Sides of the Health Care Crisis!

I just found the 2 sides of this “health care van” @ http://10-e.net/

Enjoy!

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.

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

Ah Fall, Can Gun Legislation Be Far Behind? Revisited

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: GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.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 http://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:  GreatGhilliesAndGraphics.com

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.

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Ammunition Accountability Legislation 

Trouble Afoot!

 

 

This bill is being pushed in 18 states & requires all ammunition to be encoded by the manufacturer into a data base of all ammunition sales. They will know how much you buy and what calibers.

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.

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Sounds like your legislators heard you screaming!

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