Showing posts with label hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hunting. Show all posts
Monday, December 27, 2010
Huge Duck Blind
I came across these photos a few months ago and thought I should share them with everyone. Enjoy
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Meet Scott LaCoe Owner of Ghillie Suit Source
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Interview with Rick Davis of Dream Pursuit
I had the honor to speak with Rick Davis of Dream Pursuit. During the interview I realized how much work goes into starting an Organization like Dream Pursuit. I commend Rick for his dedication to his cause. I love what he is doing. Follow along with the interview and find out more about Dream Pursuit. I think you will like it just as much as me.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Not so productive Deer hunting Season (Part 2)
image credit frackiewicz
This seemed very odd so I started to look all over for blood. None here or there I was starting to get very frustrated. I thought for sure I hit him. I looked every where with in 30 yards of where the buck was standing not a drop of blood. “You have to be kidding me” I thought to myself as I was combing the ground.
I proceeded to follow the trail the buck had run on. Gawking at the ground leaning closer and closer the farther I walked into the woods. There was no blood on the trail the first time I walked the trail, or the second or the third. After about an hour and a half of looking for blood I finely decided it was time to give up. Needless to say I was incredibly bummed that I didn’t get this deer.
I decided to walk around for a short while and then head back up to my stand. I got into my stand and sat the rest of the morning. Around 8:30 or so I heard a shot rather close to my stand it I was guessing it was someone form my party. Then shortly after the shot I heard two guys walking through the woods and another shot rang out. By there conversation I could tell they didn’t get the deer.
The two hunters continued on and ended up about 30 yards from my stand. I always get a bit annoyed when people walk by my stand (I was hunting public land so what could I do). About thirty minutes after the two guys walked by I heard some crunching leaves behind me. I gazed in the woods behind me and couldn’t see a thing. Then just as I was turning my head to look awayI caught a glimpse of a good size doe. I only saw her for about a second (not even enough time to think about pulling my gun up).
Shortly after that I heard her rumble into the brush where the buck had come from earlier this morning. I heard her walking around for a good twenty minutes, but the brush was so thick I couldn’t get even the slightest peek at her.
I sat in my stand until around ten or ten thirty and headed for the parking lot to go and get some lunch. I met up with Pat on the way back. He hadn’t seen any a deer other than a nice buck crossed the road in front of him on his way to the parking lot earlier in the morning.
Pat and I were the first back to the parking lot. We chatted for a short while, then Rob, Aaron, and Brian all showed up. Bruce followed shortly after. There is one question we are sure to ask each other as we come out of the woods. Did you see any deer? Well so far every one had seen a deer or two, but no one had shot one. Strangely this was starting out to be an unproductive deer hunting season.
The only two guys left out in the woods were Ryan and Brandon. Someone said here they come and I looked up to see them walking down the trail toward the parking lot around 11:00. A moment later BOOM a shot rang out. I looked down the trail to see what they were shooting. I didn’t see any deer so I started talking again. I happened to glance back at the trail once again to see if Ryan or Brandon were coming or if we needed to go help them get a deer. I happened to look at the perfect moment to see a deer run across the trail. I quickly grabbed my shot gun and ran into the woods, off to the west of the parking lot where the deer ran.
I was startled to see a giant buck just walking through the forest. I reached in my pocket, grabbed a shell, and loaded it in my gun. I quickly brought the gun up to my shoulder. All of this happened so fluently I was didn't even have time to get excited to see this buck in my scope. I took my time and aimed at the giant buck. Slowly squeezed the trigger and with a loud bark my 870 chucked a slug in the direction of this giant.
Did I hit the monster buck or will this be a long drawn out season of misses? Find out in part 3 of A Not so productive deer season.
~Ben G.
Link to other parts of the series
Not so Productive Deer hunting Season (Part 3)
Not so productive Deer hunting Season (Part 1)
Other huting adventures
Trout fishing Part 1
Turkey Hunting Addiction (Part 1)
Friday, October 30, 2009
11 Tips To help you lure a deer in to shooting range (Part 3 of 3 Tips on how to get a deer this season)
IMAGE CREDIT Charles & Clint
Now that you have found the perfect place for your deer stand. These are few things you should do to ensure you get a deer this season.
1. A few nights before you go out hunting it’s not a bad idea to hang your hunting clothes outside for a night or two to air out. (weather permitting of course)
2. The night before or even the morning you go deer hunting it is good to spray all of your clothes even down to you under garments with a scent mask or scent eliminator product. I typically will spray my under clothes the night before so they have time to dry out.
3. Make sure to wake up early and are out to/in your stand well before the sun rises. I usually like to be in stand at least an hour if not a bit more before legal shooting time.
4. If you have to drive to your hunting spot in the morning it makes sense to again spray your hat, boots and coat before you go out in the field. Don’t for get to spray again after lunch.
5. Walk very quietly out to your stand especially if your stand is close to a bedding area.
6. A good thing to do is to hang scent wicks with doe in estrus on them around your stand. For gun hunting any where from 30 to 50 yards form your stand. For bow hunting I would stay more in the 30 yard range. I typically use at least two wicks.
7. Ok do you remember those scraps you found on the ground? This is a great opportunity to spray some dominate buck urine on the existing scrapes. Doing this will piss off the buck that made the scrapes in the fist place and he will want to go investigate to see who is in his territory.
8. After you spray the dominate buck urine on the existing scrapes it is a good idea to make one or two of your own scraps close to the existing ones. The best way to do it is to use a pair of rattling antlers and scuff up the ground, but if you don’t have any your boot will work just fine. Don’t forget to spray these with the dominate buck urine as well.
9. A little trick I like to use is to hang a scent wick up in the tree with me to help mask any scent that I might have missed with my spray.
10. After you get in your stand load your gun ASAP take every thing out of your pockets you can and hang them form the tree or your deer stand so you can grab them easily. Doing this will allow you to be more stealth when getting your range finder, binoculars, deer grunt, or what ever else you may need to use during your hunt.
11. Now you sit and await the sun rise and legal shooting hours. You can blow on your deer call every once and a while to see if you can attract any deer. Make sure you don’t over do it because you don’t want to scare the deer off. How to use a Deer call
If you do all of these things you will signigantly increase your chance of shooting a deer this season or any season in the future.
I would love to hear more tips form you leave me a comment and let me know what has worked for you in the past.
~ Ben G.
Related posts
10 tips for Picking the Best Place for your stand and setting it up for success
Ten Steps for a successful Whitetail scouting trip.
10 Tips for Deer hunting on Public land
11 Tips How to get Hunting Gear on a Limited Budget
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ten Steps for a successful Whitetail scouting trip. (Part 1 of 3 Tips on how to get a deer this season with a busy Schedule)
image credit Zachary Airtraps
Some of us have very busy schedules and don't have a ton of time to get ready for deer hunting like we would like to or use to so this little guide should help you out in those time crunch situations.
1. First make sure you are out in the woods at least five days before you plan to hunt. At five days you are very close to pushing your luck, but for the most part you should be ok.
2. Start out by identifying a food source then and work your way back into the woods. A corn field, bean field, clover, or even hay fields are all ideal places for deer to feed.
3. Find the major trails to and from the food source and follow them into the woods. Deer will travel a long way to get food. We have shot deer out in the middle of a 30,000 acre WMA and the deer have corn in their digestive system, so be prepared to have to walk a long distance.
4. There will be many trails that intersect the trail you start out on. My suggestion is to find the one that looks like it has first been used most recently and second looks like it has the most traffic.
5. Keep your eye’s open and look for the tell tail signs of deer.
6. Droppings will tell you how often deer frequent the trail by the amount of droppings. They will also tell you if the deer have used the trail recently. Fresh droppings are usually shiny and will squish if you poke them with a stick. Old droppings will look dry and crumble when you poke them.
7. Rubs are sign of a buck being in the area. Typically you will find them on trees that are about two and a half inches in diameter to about four inches in diameter. They will be anywhere from two feet to about three and a half feet off of the ground. You will know that the rubs are fresh if there is still moisture seeping out of the tree or the rub looks greenish in color.
8. Scrapes are another good sign of Bucks being in the area. Most often you find these by a tree that juts out further than any of the other trees in to a field or open area in the woods. This tree will typically also have lower hanging branches on it, but not always. A scrape basically looks like a deer cleared a bunch of grass out of a small area from a foot in diameter and can be up to four feet in diameter.
9. Eventually you will have walked far enough to find out where the deer are bedding. These areas can be quite different form one to another. Here are a few good places to look, really tall grass, thick brush, dry swamp, pine trees with nice sized open areas underneath of them. Basically you have to think like a deer what would keep you out of the wind, keep you some what dry in the rain, and allow you a good place to stay away from predators.
10. Pick the best place for your deer stand.
To find out more on picking the best place for your deer stand check back for part two of Tips on how to get a deer this season.
Let me know any steps you might have added to the list or even expand on some of the steps I posted.
~ Ben G.
Related links
2. Start out by identifying a food source then and work your way back into the woods. A corn field, bean field, clover, or even hay fields are all ideal places for deer to feed.
3. Find the major trails to and from the food source and follow them into the woods. Deer will travel a long way to get food. We have shot deer out in the middle of a 30,000 acre WMA and the deer have corn in their digestive system, so be prepared to have to walk a long distance.
4. There will be many trails that intersect the trail you start out on. My suggestion is to find the one that looks like it has first been used most recently and second looks like it has the most traffic.
5. Keep your eye’s open and look for the tell tail signs of deer.
6. Droppings will tell you how often deer frequent the trail by the amount of droppings. They will also tell you if the deer have used the trail recently. Fresh droppings are usually shiny and will squish if you poke them with a stick. Old droppings will look dry and crumble when you poke them.
7. Rubs are sign of a buck being in the area. Typically you will find them on trees that are about two and a half inches in diameter to about four inches in diameter. They will be anywhere from two feet to about three and a half feet off of the ground. You will know that the rubs are fresh if there is still moisture seeping out of the tree or the rub looks greenish in color.
8. Scrapes are another good sign of Bucks being in the area. Most often you find these by a tree that juts out further than any of the other trees in to a field or open area in the woods. This tree will typically also have lower hanging branches on it, but not always. A scrape basically looks like a deer cleared a bunch of grass out of a small area from a foot in diameter and can be up to four feet in diameter.
9. Eventually you will have walked far enough to find out where the deer are bedding. These areas can be quite different form one to another. Here are a few good places to look, really tall grass, thick brush, dry swamp, pine trees with nice sized open areas underneath of them. Basically you have to think like a deer what would keep you out of the wind, keep you some what dry in the rain, and allow you a good place to stay away from predators.
10. Pick the best place for your deer stand.
To find out more on picking the best place for your deer stand check back for part two of Tips on how to get a deer this season.
Let me know any steps you might have added to the list or even expand on some of the steps I posted.
~ Ben G.
Related links
Good read
Friday, August 28, 2009
My List of 10; What can I hunt or fish for next?
image credit Pegabovine OK I have been hunting and fishing for quite some time, and I have been pretty limited to the types of hunting and fishing I have done. There are quite a few different animals and types of hunting and fishing I would like to try out. I have either been limited by time or money. I did knock one off of my list this spring. Turkey hunting oh was it fun, and now I’m going to go every year. I think my brother (check out his blog ArborView ) wants to go with next year. Luke and I will take him to our secret spot, and hopefully he will have more luck then I did. So here is my list in no particular order.
1. I would love to find the time to go bow hunting for deer (or any animal for that matter). I think it would be very challenging and a lot of fun. I guess I just have to save up and buy a bow. Maybe I can convince Wyatt to start bow hunting, and I will have to go then. Right? (I’ll be waiting for a while.)
2. Duck hunting, I’ve never officially been duck hunting, but I have shot a duck or two while out grouse/pheasant hunting ((it was legal I had my stamps). We use to always get our small games licenses and every stamp we could buy just in case). I think this one would be the most achievable for me.
3. Goose hunting, OK I went goose hunting one time, but I didn’t even see a goose. I guess it counts, but I want to get some shooting in (this one should be pretty easy to do again).
4. Deep sea fishing, I think this would be a blast. I don’t even care for what type of fish. (After I catch one or two fish I’m sure my list will grow to different species of fish.) This one might be a challenge living in Minnesota. I have fished off shore in Hawaii, but I was just a kid and I don’t think I caught anything.
5. Antelope, now this seems like a real challenge. Nothing for miles around, but fences and tall grass. How do you even get close enough to shoot these guys? Hopefully some day I’ll find out.
6. Netting suckers with Jesse in northern Minnesota. Jesse one of my good friends who lives north of Virginia was talking to me about netting suckers this spring. Wow did that sound like a ton of fun. I’m hoping to make it up there next season.
7. Hog hunting, for some reason I have always thought this would be a blast. I am thinking this one would be challenging because from what I remember on grandma and grandpa’s farm pigs are very smart.
8. Bear hunting, I think this one would also be a lot of fun. I’m pretty sure Amber wouldn’t let this one fly. I wouldn’t want to put her through all the worries either, because I know she would worry the whole time I was gone that I was going to get attacked.
9. Coyote, I guess this one would work in place of bear hunting, it might not even be close to the same, but it’s still predator hunting.
10. Salmon fishing, it would be great to get a chance to do this. Maybe someday I can go Salmon fishing around the streams that feed into Lake Superior.
I think I could just keep going and going with my list, but I’ll stop now and call this my top ten list of Hunting and Fishing I would like to do. I hope you will be able to hear about some of these hunting and fishing adventures my in future posts.
Is there any type of hunting and fishing you want to do, but just haven’t gotten the chance? Let me know I’d love to hear about it. Maybe we can plan a hunting or fishing trip together.
Ben G.
Other lists
Monday, August 24, 2009
Shaping up to be a busy fall
I am starting to get really excited about this coming fall. I already have a two day fishing trip set up and a tentative one day small game trip.
If all goes as planned I will be heading up to the north shore area of Lake Superior. I am leaving the Saturday fallowing Memorial weekend for some trout fishing with my Father-in-law George & Brother-in-law Gary. I can’t wait; I haven’t been trout fishing since I lived in Idaho in over ten years. I know they have been doing this for a few years now, but I’m not sure how many. I was going to go last year, but, Wyatt was due to be born around that time.
I am also going to go small game hunting with my buddy Luke. I believe we are going to go mostly for ruffed grouse. I haven’t been out small game hunting since the fall of 2007 again because of the birth of my son. So this will be Daffy’s first official bird hunt. I hope the training I gave her last summer stuck. I guess I’ll find our around the 19th. Maybe I should give her a little refresher in the next couple of weeks. I’m getting butterflies in my stomach just writing about this stuff.
From what I have been reading lately it seems like we are going to have some luck on this hunt. The drum counts were way up this spring. Also when Luke and I were out turkey hunting this spring I couldn’t help but notice the grouse drumming all day long. This looks like a good time to hit up some of our old hunting grounds. We may even stop by my Grandparents house for huge lunch, and take a short nap (just like we use to do every fall). I can’t wait.
Ben G.
Related posts
Friday, May 22, 2009
11 Tips How to get Hunting Gear on a Limited Budget
Image credit jenn_jenn Buying hunting gear can be very expensive. I have always found ways to go hunting with out spending an outrageous amount of cash on my gear (Ok I splurge once and a while). Now being a new father the pocket book is all but closed when it comes to my hunting budget. More then ever I have to use the tricks I’ve leaned to get around this hurdle, so I can get out in the field and do what I love HUNT. I wanted to share these tips on how to hunt on a limited budget with everyone.
1. The best way to find deals on quality hunting equipment at big box hunting stores is to shop after the season is over, or four to six months before it starts.
For instance last year I found a portable deer stand marked down 25% shortly after deer hunting season was over. I thought it was a great deal, but there were three of them left so I waited it out until April and got the last one for over 50% off.
2. Watch for big sales at the big box hunting stores. Once and a while you can find a great sale at these places no mater what time of year it is. I suggest joining the mailing lists of these bigger stores. This way you will know when the sales are happing. Be careful though they really know what catches your eye and you may want to buy something you don’t need.
This past turkey hunting season was my first turkey season so I needed to get camo gear. I looked around every where and never found anything priced with in my budget. Then one day I got a flyer in the mail from my local big box hunting store. Sale on camo 50% off. I sure took advantage of this.
3. Don’t for get to shop around and compare prices at all stores and on line (Big hunting and fishing stores, general sports stores, small sports and hunting stores, department stores). Some times you need to do this for the last few items you can’t find any where else for a good deal, or before a season so you can get your budget in order. You will be surprised at the price differences you can find form store to store.
Way before turkey season this year I went on a little road trip from store to store to see what the prices were on the gear I needed. When I was all finished I knew what to buy where.
4. Some of the Big box hunting stores have credit cards you can apply for which allow you to earn cash back to their store.
I’ve never done this one, but I have used similar types of credit card promotions. They seem to work well. Just be careful as always with Credit cards.
5. Ask for gift cards to hunting stores for all of your special occasions birthdays, holidays etc... This way you can get what you want. To maximize the amount you have on your gift cards use tips 1-3.
Two or three muzzle load seasons ago I needed to get a gun. I had actually saved up enough in gift cards I only had to pay 40 bucks for my brand new gun. I got a new gun and didn’t break the budget at all or even come close.
6. This time of year at least in the northern states it is garage sale time. This is one place I over looked in the past. It doesn’t happen too often, but once and a while you run across some hunting gear at a garage sale.
I never use to go to garage sales until just this last year when my wife was pregnant with our son. We needed to find deals on all sorts of things I didn’t know existed. Along the way I found a few things at a couple garage sales. Then we hit the jack pot one of the sales was filled with hunting gear new and used. I got a couple of things and wished I would have gotten more.
7. News paper and Craig’s List these are two great spots to find deals on gear. Lots of times you can find really good deals, but it’s not always exactly what you are looking for. The key to this one is to be persistent. Eventually you will find something you need.
I personally haven’t found the right deal form these resources yet. Judging by the amount of stuff out there I know I’m bound to find the deal I’m looking for one of these days. (Deer stand and new rubber boots are on the list this year)
8. Getting gear at pawn shops. You can find really good deals on used gear. Be careful and make sure research what you need (especially guns) before you go to pawn shops.
I have been with friends when looking for guns at pawn shops, and if you look around you will definitely find a good deal.
9. Going to gun auctions is a great place to get a deal on guns, gear, and ammunition. OK maybe not ammunition these days, but you could get good deals in the past. One thing to keep in mind it is easy to get caught up in the fun of bidding, so make sure you keep with in your budget.
I have won two guns at the auctions I’ve been too. Both have been pretty good deals. There have also been a couple of deals I wish I would have gotten in on. I have also seen some used guns go for only a few dollars less then a brand new one (make sure to do your research).
10. Use things you have for other types of hunting, or other outdoor activities.
For about six years I used my snowboarding boots for deer hunting. They just happened to be the warmest boost I had ever owned. I would walk out to my deer stand with to boot over my shoulder and change in to them right before I went up the tree. Now I finally broke down and got a new pair of deer hunting boots (this is one of the times I splurged). Oh my new boots are now the warmest boots I own.
11. Talk with friends and relitives. This might just be your best resource. They may know someone who is selling old gear at a good price. They could have some of their old gear they want to sell. Some times they have extra gear you can barrow, or they may even give it to you.
Over the years I have barrowed gear from friends and family. They are always willing to help. Just remember to help them out in return. Do something nice for them like mow their lawn, or help them with a construction project.
I hope these tips will help you get out in to the field and hunt.
Thanks
Ben G.
Other tips
1. The best way to find deals on quality hunting equipment at big box hunting stores is to shop after the season is over, or four to six months before it starts.
For instance last year I found a portable deer stand marked down 25% shortly after deer hunting season was over. I thought it was a great deal, but there were three of them left so I waited it out until April and got the last one for over 50% off.
2. Watch for big sales at the big box hunting stores. Once and a while you can find a great sale at these places no mater what time of year it is. I suggest joining the mailing lists of these bigger stores. This way you will know when the sales are happing. Be careful though they really know what catches your eye and you may want to buy something you don’t need.
This past turkey hunting season was my first turkey season so I needed to get camo gear. I looked around every where and never found anything priced with in my budget. Then one day I got a flyer in the mail from my local big box hunting store. Sale on camo 50% off. I sure took advantage of this.
3. Don’t for get to shop around and compare prices at all stores and on line (Big hunting and fishing stores, general sports stores, small sports and hunting stores, department stores). Some times you need to do this for the last few items you can’t find any where else for a good deal, or before a season so you can get your budget in order. You will be surprised at the price differences you can find form store to store.
Way before turkey season this year I went on a little road trip from store to store to see what the prices were on the gear I needed. When I was all finished I knew what to buy where.
4. Some of the Big box hunting stores have credit cards you can apply for which allow you to earn cash back to their store.
I’ve never done this one, but I have used similar types of credit card promotions. They seem to work well. Just be careful as always with Credit cards.
5. Ask for gift cards to hunting stores for all of your special occasions birthdays, holidays etc... This way you can get what you want. To maximize the amount you have on your gift cards use tips 1-3.
Two or three muzzle load seasons ago I needed to get a gun. I had actually saved up enough in gift cards I only had to pay 40 bucks for my brand new gun. I got a new gun and didn’t break the budget at all or even come close.
6. This time of year at least in the northern states it is garage sale time. This is one place I over looked in the past. It doesn’t happen too often, but once and a while you run across some hunting gear at a garage sale.
I never use to go to garage sales until just this last year when my wife was pregnant with our son. We needed to find deals on all sorts of things I didn’t know existed. Along the way I found a few things at a couple garage sales. Then we hit the jack pot one of the sales was filled with hunting gear new and used. I got a couple of things and wished I would have gotten more.
7. News paper and Craig’s List these are two great spots to find deals on gear. Lots of times you can find really good deals, but it’s not always exactly what you are looking for. The key to this one is to be persistent. Eventually you will find something you need.
I personally haven’t found the right deal form these resources yet. Judging by the amount of stuff out there I know I’m bound to find the deal I’m looking for one of these days. (Deer stand and new rubber boots are on the list this year)
8. Getting gear at pawn shops. You can find really good deals on used gear. Be careful and make sure research what you need (especially guns) before you go to pawn shops.
I have been with friends when looking for guns at pawn shops, and if you look around you will definitely find a good deal.
9. Going to gun auctions is a great place to get a deal on guns, gear, and ammunition. OK maybe not ammunition these days, but you could get good deals in the past. One thing to keep in mind it is easy to get caught up in the fun of bidding, so make sure you keep with in your budget.
I have won two guns at the auctions I’ve been too. Both have been pretty good deals. There have also been a couple of deals I wish I would have gotten in on. I have also seen some used guns go for only a few dollars less then a brand new one (make sure to do your research).
10. Use things you have for other types of hunting, or other outdoor activities.
For about six years I used my snowboarding boots for deer hunting. They just happened to be the warmest boost I had ever owned. I would walk out to my deer stand with to boot over my shoulder and change in to them right before I went up the tree. Now I finally broke down and got a new pair of deer hunting boots (this is one of the times I splurged). Oh my new boots are now the warmest boots I own.
11. Talk with friends and relitives. This might just be your best resource. They may know someone who is selling old gear at a good price. They could have some of their old gear they want to sell. Some times they have extra gear you can barrow, or they may even give it to you.
Over the years I have barrowed gear from friends and family. They are always willing to help. Just remember to help them out in return. Do something nice for them like mow their lawn, or help them with a construction project.
I hope these tips will help you get out in to the field and hunt.
Thanks
Ben G.
Other tips
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Magnet Gun Caddy Review
Magnet Gun Caddy - Portable Magnetic Gun Rack
Have you ever been out hunting, got back to your vehicle, and leaned your gun up against it. This always happens as soon as you walk away your gun falls on the ground and scratches your truck. I know I’ve had this happen to me several times. I always cringe when I see it happening because I know I can’t get there in time to stop it.
The Magnet Gun Caddy (MGC) makes this a thing of the past. You will never have to worry about your truck/car getting scratched again, or your gun getting damaged from an unnecessary fall.
Mike from Magnet Gun Caddy sent me their great little product to try out. I couldn’t believe how small the MGC was when I received it. I expected something way bigger. I thought to my self how is this little magnet going to be able to hold my 12 gauge up with out falling (no way will this work).
Was I ever wrong this little guy held up my gun along with every other gun I tried. It didn’t matter what surface I stuck it too as long as it was magnetic (the car, steel door, our freezer) this thing is really sweet. The best part of MGC being so small is it fits in your hunting vest or cargo pocket very easily.
50 Cal Muzzle loader
.22
20 gauge
12 gaugeAs most of you know I went turkey hunting this year. I decided it would be a good idea to take the MGC with me and test it out in the field. Every time we got back to the car I pulled the MGC out of my pocket and stuck it to the car. My gun never fell once and the only time I put it in the trunk of the car was when it was raining.
The Guys over at MGC can also provide you with some custom packaging options (6500 min order) and some custom imprinting on the MGC it’s self(1000 min order).
To tell you the truth I like this product so much I think I am going to sign up for their affiliate program.
Ben G.
To tell you the truth I like this product so much I think I am going to sign up for their affiliate program.
Ben G.
Monday, April 6, 2009
10 Tips for Deer hunting on Public land
If you have been following my blog you know by now that I hunt public land quite often. I thought it would be nice to share some of the tips I have learned over the years. So here are 10 tips for deer hunting on Public land.1. Make sure you wear more then enough blaze orange. You are hunting with lots of other people. You don’t know how others hunt or how safe they are. Stay safe, wear lots and lots of blaze orange.
2. Make sure you have at the very least two areas scoped out for your stand. On opening morning or any morning for that matter any one can sit any where, so when you get to your spot their may be another hunter sitting there.
3. On opening morning make sure to get out extra early to avoid the down side of tip two. This way if you are the fist one there it is more likely the other hunter will leave.
4. If you can, wait in your Tree Stand until at least 10:30am or so, lots of people get cold or bored and get out of their stands. This means they will be pushing deer all around and increase your chances of getting a shot at one.
5. Human scent is all around, so the deer don’t know where to go. If you are scentless you will have a better chance of seeing deer.
6. There are a lot of people to talk to when hunting on public land. Use this to your advantage ask them where they are seeing or not seeing deer, how they have had luck, and/or where they have their stands (so you can avoid those areas). For instance last season it was really cold, windy, and the deer didn’t want to move. Just by asking we found out that lots of guys were having luck walking around and kicking deer up.
7. If you party hunt make sure to set a time and place to meet. This way some one won’t sneak up on you and you can avoid any chance of a tragedy.
8. Know where every one in your party is hunting, so you don’t disturb their hunt when you get out of your tree early to take a walk.
9. Don’t leave your stand up even if it is chained to the tree. I forgot the key to my tree stand after opening weekend last year, and had to leave my stand out in the tree. My brother went to go get it the next evening or so and someone had stolen it.
10. Just be as careful as you can, and be considerate of other hunters. I also want to stress the blaze orange again you can never be too safe.
Other Tips
11 Tips How to get Hunting Gear on a Limited Budget
Ten Steps for a successful Whitetail scouting trip
10 tips for Picking the Best Place for your stand and setting it up for success
11 Tips To help you lure a deer in to shooting range
How to get to your deer stand with out getting noticed (in the dark)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Amazing Shot
This is a story I have to tell everyone even though it’s not deer hunting season any more. So I deer hunt with a group of about eight guys in a NWR here in Minnesota. Most of us are family, along with a few friends. Great bunch of guys we always have lots of fun even if we don’t get any deer.
This past season was a rough one weather wise it was cold and very windy the deer didn’t want to move. The first week had gone by and I think we only had two deer for all eight of us which is very unusual by the end of the first weekend we always have at least half of our tags filled.
After an unsuccessful morning hunt on the second Saturday of the season. My cousin Aaron and I decide to go walk around across the river. After walking for quite some time we decided to sit on a log and take a break, get hydrated, and do a bit of chatting.
About fifteen minutes went by and we decided to change the direction we were walking and go west instead of south. We got up from our log, and after taking no more then ten steps I saw a white flag of a deer bounding through the woods. At that instance I called out deer. I contemplated shooting but it was at least 100 yards off and running full speed. I decided against shooting because I didn’t think the slug from my 870 was even going to come close to hitting any deer at that distance. Not to mention I had just gotten a scope for this season and didn’t have very much practice with it.
Not more then the time it took for the decision not to shoot went through my head, and I hear a loud boom from my right. I thought to myself why is he even is bothering to shoot. Then another shot rang out. I was fallowing the deer through the woods, but I looked away to see if he was going to shoot again. Nope he was done. We both just figured that he didn’t get it because we couldn’t see the deer any ware, but because of past hunts we decided we better go check it out.
Sure enough after a short search we found the deer lying on the ground dead as a door nail. Neither one of us could believe what we saw. The both of us just started laughing and laughing. Not only at the crazy shot but the size of this tiny deer I would guess about 70 to 80 lbs max. Sad but it was another deer.
So here is the amazing part. The bullet went through the hind quarters up through the heart. After we found the deer we stepped off the distance (the deer dropped where it was shot) and it was just over 120 yards with a stinking 12 gage slug gun. When I found out how far it was I just about fell over in amazement.
I don’t know if I will ever see a shot as amazing again but it was fun to witness.
Oh he did get tons and tons of grief from all the guys for shooting such a small deer.
Hope you enjoyed my story
BEN G.
This past season was a rough one weather wise it was cold and very windy the deer didn’t want to move. The first week had gone by and I think we only had two deer for all eight of us which is very unusual by the end of the first weekend we always have at least half of our tags filled.
After an unsuccessful morning hunt on the second Saturday of the season. My cousin Aaron and I decide to go walk around across the river. After walking for quite some time we decided to sit on a log and take a break, get hydrated, and do a bit of chatting.
About fifteen minutes went by and we decided to change the direction we were walking and go west instead of south. We got up from our log, and after taking no more then ten steps I saw a white flag of a deer bounding through the woods. At that instance I called out deer. I contemplated shooting but it was at least 100 yards off and running full speed. I decided against shooting because I didn’t think the slug from my 870 was even going to come close to hitting any deer at that distance. Not to mention I had just gotten a scope for this season and didn’t have very much practice with it.
Not more then the time it took for the decision not to shoot went through my head, and I hear a loud boom from my right. I thought to myself why is he even is bothering to shoot. Then another shot rang out. I was fallowing the deer through the woods, but I looked away to see if he was going to shoot again. Nope he was done. We both just figured that he didn’t get it because we couldn’t see the deer any ware, but because of past hunts we decided we better go check it out.
Sure enough after a short search we found the deer lying on the ground dead as a door nail. Neither one of us could believe what we saw. The both of us just started laughing and laughing. Not only at the crazy shot but the size of this tiny deer I would guess about 70 to 80 lbs max. Sad but it was another deer.
So here is the amazing part. The bullet went through the hind quarters up through the heart. After we found the deer we stepped off the distance (the deer dropped where it was shot) and it was just over 120 yards with a stinking 12 gage slug gun. When I found out how far it was I just about fell over in amazement.
I don’t know if I will ever see a shot as amazing again but it was fun to witness.
Oh he did get tons and tons of grief from all the guys for shooting such a small deer.
Hope you enjoyed my story
BEN G.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ben G’s review of the three most common Turkey Calls; Mouth, Slate, or Box which one should you choose.
First I will describe what each one is then compare the three.
Mouth call also known as diaphragm calls are typically a small horse shoe Shaped call that can have any where from one to three reeds on it. It is used by putting it in your mouth and applying pressure to the reeds with your tongue against the roof of your mouth and forcing air in-between the two.
Slate calls also known as pot and peg calls these calls are typically round slightly bigger then a hockey puck in diameter, and about half the height. They usually have a wood cup (pot) with holes drilled through the bottom and encased piece of slate. They can sometimes be different materials such as glass or aluminum. They also come with a striker which is used to rub across the slate to create the turkey sounds. The striker is made of wood, but can be made of other materials too.
Box calls are just what they sound like a box with a lid that is hinged to swing left to right. They kind of look like a one sided rolling pin. The turkey sound is produced with friction as the lid rubs on the edge of the box.
Ok so now you know what they are which one should you pick।I will rate each one one, two or three in ten categories and the one with the lowest score will be the best .I will give a brief description of each category.
Mouth call also known as diaphragm calls are typically a small horse shoe Shaped call that can have any where from one to three reeds on it. It is used by putting it in your mouth and applying pressure to the reeds with your tongue against the roof of your mouth and forcing air in-between the two.
Slate calls also known as pot and peg calls these calls are typically round slightly bigger then a hockey puck in diameter, and about half the height. They usually have a wood cup (pot) with holes drilled through the bottom and encased piece of slate. They can sometimes be different materials such as glass or aluminum. They also come with a striker which is used to rub across the slate to create the turkey sounds. The striker is made of wood, but can be made of other materials too.
Box calls are just what they sound like a box with a lid that is hinged to swing left to right. They kind of look like a one sided rolling pin. The turkey sound is produced with friction as the lid rubs on the edge of the box.
Ok so now you know what they are which one should you pick।I will rate each one one, two or three in ten categories and the one with the lowest score will be the best .I will give a brief description of each category.
Box 22 Slate 24 Mouth 12
Learning curve – amount of time it takes to learn how to use the call and difficulty. The box call is very easy to learn just move the lid back and fourth
Amount of sound- total amount of different turkey noise you can make with the call. The mouth call has a wide range of calls that can be made with it.
Volume Variation- range of volume you can make with each call. This one was a toss up between the Slate and the mouth call but I think you can make more variation with your mouth.
Ease of care- amount of maintain and difficulty. Mouth call is virtually matenince free.
Hands free- just as it says. Mouth call is the only one that does not require the use of your hands.
Price- In my experience the mouth call is far less expensive then a box call, but close in price to a low end slate call.
Carry-smallest and easiest to carry in you pack or pocket. The mouth calls by far because you can carry it in your pocket and the other two you need to put in a pack.
Noise other then turkey-Any noise made by the call when transporting. Although any one of these calls can be stored so it won’t make any noise when you get are getting the call out of your pack the mouth call won’t make any noise.
Weather effectiveness-How well will it work in all weather conditions. Now days they make most of the calls so the water won’t affect them, but come on the mouth call is in your mouth how can the weather affect it.
Easily misplaced-how easy is it to lose or misplace. Well by sheer size the box call wins this one the other two don’t even come close.
As you can see I think the mouth call is the best call you can use. If you can get past the difficulty of learning how it works it is well worth it.
Be back soon!
BEN G.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Five Reasons Why Brittany's are the Best all around Gun Dogs
Hello again everyone!
Ok so now I have to write a bit about my Dog Daffodil (aka Daffy) and her breed Brittany's. Why you ask do I think Brittany's are the best all around Hunting/Gun Dog.
Number one the Brittany breed has more dual champions then any other breed. Dual champion meaning being a champion in the field and the next day after a bath and brush being a champion in the show ring. What else could you ask for a smart dog that cleans up good.
Number two they are one of the most friendly dogs I have ever come across. They are very happy to meet new people and dogs all the time. I guess I would describe them as the social butterfly of the gun dogs. For instance my pup Daffy just loves to meet new people when I take her out for a walk at our local county park or around the neighborhood. She is always walks up to strangers with her butt wagging and a friendly look on her face that says pet me please I want to be your friend.
Number three they are one of the easiest dogs to train in my opinion because the are just so darn smart. About a month ago my wife Amber was watching one of those dog training shows on TV and saw them teaching this dog to leave things alone like a treat for instance. So Amber decided she wanted to teach Daffy how to do this. I kid you not it only took my wife three tries and Daffy would leave the treat on her foot alone. I could go on and on about how smart my Brit is we just love it.
Number four They are small what else can you ask for if you want a dual purpose dog in the house. Ok so I can take her out in the woods with me come home bathe her and then she is the perfect little lap dog for Amber. (and me too!)
Number five They are great with small children. I was told to watch Brittany's with small children. Which is true when you are playing with them, but wow I am amazed at how well Daffy is with our four and a half month old son Wyatt. She loves our little guy so darn much. Daffy lets Wyatt do things to her that I can't even do to her with our getting a reaction. I can hold Wyatt above her when I am petting her and he will grab Daffy with his Sharp little finger nails and squeeze at most Daffy will just walk away but most of the time she just takes it. Then she will turn around and lick Wyatt in the face.
Well if this doesn't turn you toward Brittany's I don't know what will.
I'll be back soon.
Ben G.
Ok so now I have to write a bit about my Dog Daffodil (aka Daffy) and her breed Brittany's. Why you ask do I think Brittany's are the best all around Hunting/Gun Dog.
Number one the Brittany breed has more dual champions then any other breed. Dual champion meaning being a champion in the field and the next day after a bath and brush being a champion in the show ring. What else could you ask for a smart dog that cleans up good.
Number two they are one of the most friendly dogs I have ever come across. They are very happy to meet new people and dogs all the time. I guess I would describe them as the social butterfly of the gun dogs. For instance my pup Daffy just loves to meet new people when I take her out for a walk at our local county park or around the neighborhood. She is always walks up to strangers with her butt wagging and a friendly look on her face that says pet me please I want to be your friend.
Number three they are one of the easiest dogs to train in my opinion because the are just so darn smart. About a month ago my wife Amber was watching one of those dog training shows on TV and saw them teaching this dog to leave things alone like a treat for instance. So Amber decided she wanted to teach Daffy how to do this. I kid you not it only took my wife three tries and Daffy would leave the treat on her foot alone. I could go on and on about how smart my Brit is we just love it.
Number four They are small what else can you ask for if you want a dual purpose dog in the house. Ok so I can take her out in the woods with me come home bathe her and then she is the perfect little lap dog for Amber. (and me too!)
Number five They are great with small children. I was told to watch Brittany's with small children. Which is true when you are playing with them, but wow I am amazed at how well Daffy is with our four and a half month old son Wyatt. She loves our little guy so darn much. Daffy lets Wyatt do things to her that I can't even do to her with our getting a reaction. I can hold Wyatt above her when I am petting her and he will grab Daffy with his Sharp little finger nails and squeeze at most Daffy will just walk away but most of the time she just takes it. Then she will turn around and lick Wyatt in the face.
Well if this doesn't turn you toward Brittany's I don't know what will.
I'll be back soon.
Ben G.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Ben G.'s Review of the St. Cloud Sportsmen Show
Today I went to The St. Cloud, MN Sportsmen Show. I hadn't been to this show since I was quite young. It was a lot of fun, I met my brother-in-law Gary and three nephews and we went around the whole event.
At first I was a little disappointed because it seemed so small, but there was a lot of good hunting information for me to learn. I enjoyed looking at the trailer of shame from TIP. I can't believe some of the stories these poachers come up with. Like the two bear cubs that the poacher said he thought they were both yearlings. When even my 10 year old nephew Isaak even said those cubs must have been just born not long before they were shot.
The trout pond was also a nice attraction they even let you keep the fish. Seven minutes to fish with a two fish limit. Although I didn't partake in the fun Nathan and Sam two of my nephews did Nathan caught one and they even put it in a cooler so he could come back and get it after we went through the rest of the show.
I saw some sort of cool fish cleaning board that held the fish in place and didn't make a mess as you were cutting up your fish.
I also saw this really cool little gadget that allowed you to attach your video camera to your Shot gun, rifle scope or bow. So now you can record your own deer hunt no need for a film crew. Sweet!! Right you just better hope you have a remote for you camcorder otherwise you take the risk of missing your shot by turning your camera on.
They had five black bears there I never knew bears like to eat oranges, green peppers, and carrots, but you learn something new every day.
I also got some information on a great Game Farm in Avon, MN. It sounds like a good place to take my little Pup Daffy out to learn a bit more about hunting.
There was a hole other side to the show it was full of boats, docks, fish houses, campers, and even an air plane. I did see one strange, but probably not very new tool to clear your beach of weeds. I thought it was pretty darn neat.
Some of the campers at the show were bigger then my first apartment. Not to mention way nicer. It's crazy to think that someone tows these giant things behind their truck. I got kind of an extra run down of the campers because one of my other Brother-in-laws Nick works for Elk River RV. They were the only RV delear at the show.
There was lots of other good stuff too just about something for everyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors.
That's it for now check back later.
Thanks Ben G.
At first I was a little disappointed because it seemed so small, but there was a lot of good hunting information for me to learn. I enjoyed looking at the trailer of shame from TIP. I can't believe some of the stories these poachers come up with. Like the two bear cubs that the poacher said he thought they were both yearlings. When even my 10 year old nephew Isaak even said those cubs must have been just born not long before they were shot.
The trout pond was also a nice attraction they even let you keep the fish. Seven minutes to fish with a two fish limit. Although I didn't partake in the fun Nathan and Sam two of my nephews did Nathan caught one and they even put it in a cooler so he could come back and get it after we went through the rest of the show.
I saw some sort of cool fish cleaning board that held the fish in place and didn't make a mess as you were cutting up your fish.
I also saw this really cool little gadget that allowed you to attach your video camera to your Shot gun, rifle scope or bow. So now you can record your own deer hunt no need for a film crew. Sweet!! Right you just better hope you have a remote for you camcorder otherwise you take the risk of missing your shot by turning your camera on.
They had five black bears there I never knew bears like to eat oranges, green peppers, and carrots, but you learn something new every day.
I also got some information on a great Game Farm in Avon, MN. It sounds like a good place to take my little Pup Daffy out to learn a bit more about hunting.
There was a hole other side to the show it was full of boats, docks, fish houses, campers, and even an air plane. I did see one strange, but probably not very new tool to clear your beach of weeds. I thought it was pretty darn neat.
Some of the campers at the show were bigger then my first apartment. Not to mention way nicer. It's crazy to think that someone tows these giant things behind their truck. I got kind of an extra run down of the campers because one of my other Brother-in-laws Nick works for Elk River RV. They were the only RV delear at the show.
There was lots of other good stuff too just about something for everyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors.
That's it for now check back later.
Thanks Ben G.
Turkey Tags
Whoo Hoo!!!
I received my turkey permit. For those of you not from Minnesota we are not granted our tags unless we win a lottery. If you can't tell I'm pretty pumped about getting it. My good buddy didn't get one but that's ok. He is still planning on going with me and doing some calling, just for the experience. That was our intention any way if only one of us got a tag the other would go and help out.
So this is will be first experience either one of us has had turkey hunting. I'm slowly getting all of the gear I need. I can't believe all of the options there are for camo its unreal, but I am sorting it out and picking up what I think is the right stuff.
I bought some mouth calls about a month and a half ago. I enjoy the challenge of learning how to use them. I know I have at least five of the ten calls on the CD down and I'm close on about three more of them. I love riding in the car listening to the CD and practicing. (Amber doesn't appreciate it when I practice in the house)My dog went crazy at first but now she seem use to it now.
I also bought a slate call which my wife is better at using than I am. I think I almost have everything I need. Luke and I went out and got some decoys. Along with some other stuff we didn't need. The only thing I don't have any info on and need to find some soon would be how to field dress a Turkey. I guess I'll just have to go buy a book or something.
Well that's it for now I can't wait till April 30th. Oh before if any one has any advice on Turkey hunting please send me as much info or links to articles as possible.
BEN G.
I received my turkey permit. For those of you not from Minnesota we are not granted our tags unless we win a lottery. If you can't tell I'm pretty pumped about getting it. My good buddy didn't get one but that's ok. He is still planning on going with me and doing some calling, just for the experience. That was our intention any way if only one of us got a tag the other would go and help out.
So this is will be first experience either one of us has had turkey hunting. I'm slowly getting all of the gear I need. I can't believe all of the options there are for camo its unreal, but I am sorting it out and picking up what I think is the right stuff.
I bought some mouth calls about a month and a half ago. I enjoy the challenge of learning how to use them. I know I have at least five of the ten calls on the CD down and I'm close on about three more of them. I love riding in the car listening to the CD and practicing. (Amber doesn't appreciate it when I practice in the house)My dog went crazy at first but now she seem use to it now.
I also bought a slate call which my wife is better at using than I am. I think I almost have everything I need. Luke and I went out and got some decoys. Along with some other stuff we didn't need. The only thing I don't have any info on and need to find some soon would be how to field dress a Turkey. I guess I'll just have to go buy a book or something.
Well that's it for now I can't wait till April 30th. Oh before if any one has any advice on Turkey hunting please send me as much info or links to articles as possible.
BEN G.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
