Thursday, May 21, 2009

By: Trevor Simmons
David and Taylor Rather invited my father and I out a couple weeks back to go turkey hunting on some of their properties. After a whole week of rain and storms, it finally dried up long enough to head their way. We had no idea where we were going or what to expect but we had faith that the Rather family would know exactly what to do. After an hour and half drive, and driving by their driveway three or four times we finally got there. We all packed into David’s truck and headed into the pitch black for another mystical morning.

After a short curvy drive, we pulled into a wooded parking spot and unloaded all our gear. We did a check of all our gear and got all our camera gear in order then we began our silent walk down a well-packed dirt road. We veered off that quiet dirt road to some crackling pine needles and leaves about 150 yards from the truck. I ran into a few limbs and small trees in this weird almost completely pitch black darkness. About fifty yards from the field, right above our heads a loan turkey flew out and everyone but David heard it.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:59 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 21, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—A partnership between the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has reached the $1 million mark in projects for elk, other wildlife and their habitat in Wyoming.

Trust funds are generated by a tax on oil exploration in Wyoming. A nine-member, governor-appointed board of directors administers contributions to groups like RMEF.

Since 2006, the Trust has supported Elk Foundation habitat projects such as prescribed burns, aspen restorations, water developments and more. Eleven counties in Wyoming have benefitted including Big Horn, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Hot Springs, Laramie, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, Sublette and Weston. Most of the work has enhanced Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands.

Additional funding commitments to RMEF have expanded the slate of projects for 2009.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:06 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Tred Barta as he recovers from a stroke.

You can read more about this story here

I have had several opportunities to meet Tred Barta and talk with him and his passion for hunting and the pursuit of his passions has inspired many.  Our thoughts are with him and his family!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

(ANCHORAGE, May 20, 2009) -- The crew of the F/V Northwestern and stars of The Deadliest Catch, America’s top-rated cable television show, are speaking out about a massive hard-rock mine that developers want to build in the heart of Alaska’s wild salmon country. The proposed mine, called Pebble, straddles the headwaters of the two of the world’s most productive salmon rivers. If developed, Pebble could be North America’s largest open-pit mine, generating 35 billion gallons of waste annually and exposing the Bristol Bay region to the risks of acid mine drainage and potentially catastrophic industrial accidents.

“We don’t mind crab fishing in the dead of winter in the Bering Sea. But there’s no way we’d take the risk of developing the Pebble mine. Putting the world’s largest earthen dam holding toxic waste right in the middle of the Bristol Bay watershed is one of the most bone-headed ideas we’ve ever heard of,” said Sig Hansen, captain of the F/V Northwestern, one of the fishing vessels featured on The Deadliest Catch, which airs on The Discovery Channel in over 150 countries.

“One earthquake, one leak, and we’d send a river of poison rushing down our best salmon streams, heading straight for Bristol Bay. Help us stop the Pebble mine before it becomes an Alaska disaster,” Hansen said.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:19 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

After 24 years on the road doing archery exhibitions on stage, you'd think I'd be ready to slow the pace.  As my hero John Wayne used to say, "Not hardly..."  My instinctive shooting guru Rev. Stacy Groscup performed with me when he was 82 years old.  Amazing huh?   So I figure I have a few more years of shows to do.  Some of my winter dates are booked three years out and that's a great feeling.  I just enjoy hitting the stage and giving the audiences a good show.  It's a great gig.  And after all, it beats a real job.

The economy may go up or down but folks are going to participate in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and camping and archery has seen tremendous growth when the economy is at it's worst.  1978 was a banner year for the sport of archery.  When money gets tight outdoor sports may even be the most popular choice for more family vacations.  So I am optimistic that our industry will weather out the storm.  Perhaps as more families are exposed to these activities the popularity will rise and we'll see even more growth.  Remember, the glass is NEVER even close to half empty....  I refuse to get a negative attitude no matter how bleak the newscasts get.  Things could be worse.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:17 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) have added a new partner—the Silverton Casino Lodge in Las Vegas—to their Cowboys for Conservation program.

The Silverton is now the official headquarters hotel for Cowboys for Conservation as well as the first presenting sponsor of the program’s “Trophy Bulls” competition.

“Silverton’s Livin Lodge is the perfect Las Vegas home to host activities surrounding our partnership with RMEF,” said Sean Gleason, PBR chief operating officer. “Their incredible outdoor themed facility, along with the attached Bass Pro Shops location, are a natural fit with conservation minded RMEF attendees from across the country.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:52 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Washington, D.C. - May 18 -

Members of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) Climate Change Working Group, comprised of representatives of leading sportsmen's and conservation groups, praised the efforts of members of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives to include funding for fish and wildlife adaptation strategies to combat climate change in the American Clean Energy and Security bill (ACES).

"A wide range of fish and wildlife will feel the effects of climate change, which could dramatically affect hunting and fishing," said David Nomsen, Vice president of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and working group co-chair. "The funding that the energy and commerce committee agreed on will provide a good start on a fiscal base for state wildlife agencies to implement climate change adaptation strategies for fish and wildlife."

The ACES bill will work to limit the effects of global climate change by imposing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions while investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The bill also would create the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund to assist federal and state agencies in implementing natural resources adaptation strategies and measures. The ACES bill released today included a tiered allocation from carbon allowances auction revenue, with the adaptation programs receiving 1 percent from 2012 to 2021, 2 percent from 2022 to 2026 and 4 percent from 2027 to 2050.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:06 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Gillette, Wyo. - May 18 -

Hunters and conservationists from Campbell County, Wyoming have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever chapter, known as the Thunder Basin Chapter of PF. The chapter is dedicated to improving habitat for pheasants and other wildlife, as well as providing ways for youth to become involved in outdoor activities.

"One of our tops goals is bringing children to the outdoors through education and participation," said Paul Connelly of Gillette, the Thunder Basin chapter's newly-elected president, "By holding youth outdoor days, working with local schools and also partnering with other organizations in conservation efforts, we feel we can enhance Pheasants Forever's No Child Left Indoors® initiative." Launched last year, No Child Left Indoors® is part of a national movement aimed at getting youth unplugged from electronics and turned on to the outdoors, nature and wildlife.

"With over 45 people at the chapter's start meeting alone, it's evident there's a spirit for conservation in Campbell County," said Bob Hix, PF Field Representative in Wyoming, "With Pheasants Forever's local model, there's a tremendous opportunity to better wildlife habitat for pheasants, but also sage grouse, chukars, antelope and mule deer." Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, are the only national conservation organizations that empower local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:02 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 18, 2009

BOGART, Ga. - The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is gearing up for its 9th Annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, July 23-26. Joining the previously announced celebrities attending the event are members of Team Primos and distinguished wildlife biologist Dr. Grant Woods.

From Team Primos, Kevin Meacham, Keith Burgess, Shane Smith, and Chris Ashley, all featured in "The Truth" television series, will be available for autographs during the Whitetail Expo on Saturday and Sunday.

During Friday's Research Sessions, Dr. Grant Woods, Charter Life Member and long-time supporter of the QDMA, will deliver a presentation entitled "Fine Tuning a Deer Management Program: What's Next After Balancing the Adult Sex Ratio and Establishing Food Plots." Attendees will receive top-quality instruction and information from one of the nation's most experienced wildlife management consultants.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tyonek Village, AK-The Paralyzed Veterans of America Heritage Fund, in cooperation with the Tyonek Lodge have coordinated an Alaska black bear hunt at a village just outside of Anchorage.  The hunt itself will span over a period of four weeks beginning on May 20th in four separate groups to properly accommodate the needs of 20 wounded service members.  They will be accompanied by representatives from many sponsor companies to assist and share in the joy of celebrating our heroes and assisting in their outdoor rehabilitation.

The Tyonek Native Corporation has undertaken extensive renovations to the Tyonek Lodge in order to accommodate the needs of our paralyzed service members, as well as other individuals with disabilities into this somewhat remote lodge.  http://www.tyoneklodge.com/  They will have the opportunity to enjoy of Alaska's great outdoors and a chance to hunt black bear in one of the most densely populated black bear areas in the state, if not in all of North America.

Country music recording artist Aaron Tippin and Jim Zumbo, TV host of Jim Zumbo Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel are Spokesmen for the PVA- Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund (ORHF) and both will be attending and assisting on the hunt.  "I am honored and humbled whenever I get to share a camp with our wounded military heroes," said Zumbo.  "This doesn't happen without a lot of support from sponsors and donations from individuals to the Heritage Fund. I've witnessed firsthand how these heroes respond to this type of therapy in their recovery." added Zumbo. The Fund, a 501 (c) (3), incorporates the traditional outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and shooting, along with other outdoor activities, to help wounded veterans rehabilitate and re-establish important connections with post-injury daily life.

This hunt is made possible by the generous support of sponsors including Ken Onion Custom Knives, Tyonek Native Corp, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Wasilla Alaska AM-VETS, Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife, James Whitlock, Sr., Hugh Tanner-Norman S. Wright Mechanical, Rick Rydell with Radio 650 KENI, Colorado Buck on Sportman's Channel, Wild TV, Pursuit Channel, Jim Zumbo Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel, Surefire flashlights, Kershaw Knives, Bushnell, ZT Knives, Strider Knives, Thermacell, Wild West Guns, Graham Knives, Aimpoint, The Hunting Shack,  Under Armour, VangComp-Tactical Shotgun systems, Ballistic Solutions Technologies, Princeton Tec headlamps, Stedi-Stock, ALS Technologies, Inc., Columbia River Knife and Tool, The Last Frontiersman-Dan McDowell-Kenai River fishing guide, Alaska Custom Firearms, BuckShot energy drinks, Pacific Mercantile Bank-Costa Mesa, CA and Sportsman's Warehouse- Wasilla, AK.

For more information or interest in contributing to this effort, please contact Doug Warren, Paralyzed Veterans of America by email at dwpva@biggamehuntinggear.com  or by phone at 903-276-1246.

In 2001, the PVA Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established to permanently support PVA's many outdoor sports programs, including hunting, fishing, recreational shooting and other outdoor recreational pursuits. Donations are tax-deductible and will fully support PVA's many outdoor sporting activities and programs. Anyone interested in donating to PVA's Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund, go to: www.pvaheritagefund.org

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 15, 2009

May 15, 2009 (WASHINGTON D.C.) - Congressman Dan Boren, Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, recently introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would streamline regulations regarding the filming of outdoor programming on federal lands. Outdoor programming, enjoyed by millions of sportsmen and sportswomen across the nation, has become an essential part of demonstrating both the beauty of America's public lands and also why they are set aside for public use.

"Outdoor programs play a critical role in furthering the message of conservation and providing access to public lands for citizens who may otherwise never have the chance to experience these national treasures," Boren said. "The lands themselves are widely considered beautiful and worthy of protections in part because of the role these productions play in showcasing them to a broad audience."

Much of the filming on public lands is done by small independent producers with crews of only a few people that have no more impact on the landscape or the public's use of the resource than any other visiting park user. Despite this, these small crews, often only one cameraman and one operator, are subject to the same fees as a major Hollywood-style production and current regulations do not take into account their lower impact.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:42 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 15, 2009

(Join me in Welcoming Trevor Buchanan, our newest Junior Pro Staffer, with this story of his first buck ever)

As I tried and tried to pay attention in my fourth period class, I couldn’t quite be still due to the exciting plans I had at the end of school.  My dad was taking me hunting and, after much target practice and healing time from a broken shoulder, this would be my first chance at taking a deer on my own.  I was ten years old and I had been hunting with him for about four years.  My grandfather had gotten me a Remington .243 rifle for Christmas the year before, but my dad said I couldn’t use it until I turned ten.  Would this be my chance to harvest my first big game animal?

The minutes passed by slowly and I tossed and turned in my desk, full of anticipation.  Finally the bell rung and I sprinted outside to where my dad was waiting at the front of the line.  The next thing I knew we were patiently waiting in the stand watching the squirrels and birds scampering around.  Finally, the magical time arrived; that “perfect time” to see deer, right at dusk.  I continued to wait, but my hopes began to slowly diminish as the sun fell behind the night sky.  Suddenly, a new sound was in the air.  I heard leaves rustling, just down in front of me on the far side of the field.  It became louder and louder with every heavy breath I took.  Out of nowhere she appeared; a doe and her fawn timidly entered the field picking at the fresh winter rye.  I remembered my dad saying that I could take a doe if I wanted, but that didn’t satisfy me.   I wanted a buck.  I continued to wait with anticipation and then, to my surprise, from the right side of the field came a good set of antlers attached to a big body.  My dad was beside me, catching a few winks. I whispered, “A buck”, but he gave no response.    Again I whispered, a little louder and directly in his ear, “Dad, a buck”, but again nothing from him. 

My insides were tied in knots and not really knowing what I needed to do I softly spoke, “Dad, there’s a buck”.  I received the clearest instruction of the hunt as he said, “Shoot it.  Why else do you think you have that gun?”  Not wanting to disobey him I took aim.  Pulling that trigger created a memory that I will cherish forever.  My dad startled, waking completely as the sound of my shot hung in the air. We jumped up and walked down to see my first deer.  Looking at me, my dad said, “What did you do to your head, son?  That looks awful!”   I rubbed my forehead and right between the eyes I felt a rather large knot.  I had placed the butt of the gun under my recently healed shoulder to reduce the recoil.  The scope left a knot on my head that would mark the start my hunting career.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:28 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 15, 2009

One Month Remaining to get Your Chances on the Alaska Hunt Package Moose or Grizzly Bear.  Your Choice!!!!

There's just one month to go on the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska's Bristol Bay Hunt Promotion , which HuntingLife.com has been supporting since it was launched. This is one of the best drawings we've ever seen!  In addition to a 10-day hunt with Alaska Wilderness Trips, Inc., the winner will also receive a new Kimber rifle, Leupold scope, and set of gear from Sitka.  It's a package worth nearly $12,000! The goal was to receive 500 donations of $50 to help raise money to fight for southwest Alaska's famed Bristol Bay region.  It's probably a sign of the economy, but there are still a lot of chances available, so get yours now!  Your chances will likely be much better than 1 in 500.  Also, the Whitney family at Alaska Wilderness Trips, Inc. has offered to make this hunt a choice for the winner - you can either hunt moose or grizzly bear!  So it's an even better deal, odds-wise and in the content of the package, than was initially offered.  This is a terrific promotion for a very good cause.   If you're interested in reading the press release from the launch of the promotion which has all the details, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. The winner is tentatively scheduled to be drawn on June 15 at the Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference in Grand Rapids, MI.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Howdy & welcome to my new column on Hunting Life.   I'm a professional archer that makes a living shooting a bow and arrow on stage at various events and shows across the United States.  They call my show, "The Aspirin Buster", for abvious reasons.  Although my show features a variety of shots, the grand finale is a baby aspirin shot from mid air from behind my back!  Sometimes we even try and hit three pills at once but we'll save that story for another day.

I have been shooting a bow and arrow since 1971 at the age of four.  I took three deer before age 12 and my first bear with a bow when I was 18.  My parents own and operate Addington's Bowhunter Shop, a retail pro archery shop in Winfield, WV.  Pop helps me maintain my stage bows and is the best bow tech around.  I rely on him to keep my equipment in top shape and when you visit up to 30 states a year that's alot of banging equipment around!  It's a challenge but he's a great pit crew.  Mom has taken 18 bear with a bow and she lives to bowhunt and now that my wife and I have a son she also lives to help watch him at every opportunity.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

May 14, 2009 (Washington, DC) - Members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus spent a day away from the halls of Congress Tuesday gathering with fellow shooting sports and outdoor enthusiasts for a competition shooting trap, skeet and sporting clays.

The annual Congressional Shoot Out, hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation pits the Democrats against the Republicans in a friendly competition to determine the top shooters in Congress. The Congressional Shoot-Out has become one of the few opportunities for members of Congress to share their mutual enjoyment of the outdoors and the shooting sports.

"The Congressional Shoot Out is an excellent opportunity to spend the afternoon with members of Congress, administration officials, and the many organizations who support CSF and care about the American traditions of hunting, fishing and the shooting sports," said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

NWTF Provides Nearly $400,000 for Nationwide Conservation and Outreach EDGEFIELD, South Carolina - The National Wild Turkey Federation distributed nearly $400,000 in April to benefit wildlife conservation and protect hunting traditions. The monies are distributed to states and programs through the NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund.

The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF's multitude of conservation and education programs with money raised from NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquets, donated by corporate sponsors and given to benefit wildlife conservation. The NWTF's goal is to increase Hunting Heritage Super Fund spending by 10 percent in the 2009 fiscal year.

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that was founded in 1973 and has worked with wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million wild turkeys in 1973 to nearly seven million today. Now, NWTF volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce new people to the outdoors and hunting.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.-Nineteen counties in Oregon are slated for wildlife habitat conservation and public education projects using $207,030 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Baker, Benton, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Malheur, Morrow, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Yamhill counties.

"Our volunteers across Oregon helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it's part of the payday for supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors," said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

It was finally here!

I was looking forward to May 7th for a long time. Not only was it my last day of finals for my spring semester, but more importantly, my time to get out in the woods and try to call in an old gobbler. As soon as I got done with my final in the morning, I hurried to gather my gear and headed for Buffalo County, Wisconsin. I had talked to my good friend, Ben Kluge, a couple weeks before the season and he was going to let me hunt some land he owns. We just planned on getting a couple birds roosted on the night I arrived so we could have them pinpointed the next morning, so we did.

We had spotted a couple toms with a few hens in the field that was butted up to the woods Ben owned, so we snuck through the woods and got into position to get the birds where we wanted them. Unfortunately, the longbeards didn't gobble even once the whole night, but we at least heard them fly up into the tall pine trees. That was good enough for us, so we just slowly walked back to the truck and headed to the lodge to get a good night's rest.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:23 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

CYPRESS, California - Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles, continues its support of outdoor sports and conservation by sponsoring the 2009 National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day.

As part of the partnership, Yamaha has donated an all-new 2009 Grizzly 550 FI ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) that one lucky outdoorsman will win. The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHF Day events nationwide, and anyone can register online to win at www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday from May 11 through the end of October.

"Our involvement with National Hunting and Fishing Day last year proved to be an excellent opportunity for Yamaha to promote and support one of its core values -- outdoor conservation and ethical hunting and fishing," said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha's ATV/SxS group. "Yamaha is more involved in the hunting and fishing communities than any other ATV manufacturer and we look forward to another great NHF Day celebration."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.-Boy Scouts across the U.S. have a new destination for trekking, mountain climbing, shooting, wildlife watching and other adventures-the Boone and Crockett Club's Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch near Choteau, Mont.

The Club is partnering with the Montana Council of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to create a "Montana High Adventure Base" at the Club's 6,040-acre ranch. The property adjoins the rugged Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The camp will meet national certification requirements of the BSA for high adventure camps and Scout-trained leaders will direct the program. More than 140 Scouts could visit this summer. Participation could expand in coming years.

In one-week programs, Scouts will learn about backcountry safety and preparation, orientation, conservation and wildlife. They'll also have opportunities to experience supervised backpacking, fishing and more. Wilderness treks lasting 4-5 days are possible.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Announcing “Coolest Hunting Buddy” Contest

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- With Father’s Day fast approaching on June 21, many already are scratching their heads about how to make the day extra special for Dad. For those needing suggestions, the comic character Rather-Be-Hunting Guy™ offers a few ideas he calls the P-O-N-G™ approach.

• P: Pancakes or waffles with breakfast.
• O: Outdoor Recreation. If Dad likes to hunt, fish, target shoot, play golf or tennis, race ATVs, take pictures of wild animals, or anything of the sort, give him plenty of time for his outdoor activities without rushing him. If Dad comes back dirty and smelly, don’t complain.

• N: Nap. Most Dads are sleep deprived, so let him catch up on his much-needed shut eye. A hammock is a perfect gift for napping.

• G: Grilling. Let Dad grill if he wants. If he is cooking something he previously caught or killed during an outdoor adventure, eat it with a smile on your face - even if you don’t like it.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Washington, DC – Over 100 Safari Club International (SCI) members met with Members of Congress on the Hill today in conjunction with SCI’s annual May Board meeting in Washington, DC. In more than 180 meetings, SCI members brought the voice of the hunting and conservation community to the Hill, advocating on issues of importance to SCI and its members.

SCI’s advocacy, firmly rooted in sound science of wildlife conservation, focused on a number of key legislative priorities including several regulatory issues, federal plans that affect management, conservation and hunting access on public lands, in particular the federal management of the polar bear.

“SCI, the leader in protecting and expanding the freedom to hunt, is engaged in advocacy on both the state and federal levels. It is important that our members’ voices be heard at the federal legislative level on issues that affect the SCI community,” said SCI President Merle Shepard.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:42 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, May 14, 2009

By: Heather Condict(Guest Written for HuntingLife.com)

May 14, 2009

Tucked away down dirt roads and hidden among trees are some of Oklahoma’s favorite ways to unwind. People flock to cabins in the country where hunters spend the day walking with a buddy and a good bird dog.

Come evening, you may find them in comfortable lodges enjoying wild game and telling stories.

Outfitting is not a new business in Oklahoma, but it is presenting itself in new ways. Like farms, ranches and wineries across the state, outfitters are embracing the agritourism craze.   

Outfitting businesses are a segment of the agritourism industry that provide hunting and fishing opportunities.

 “The types of outfitters we consider to be agritourism businesses are those that offer meals, lodging and guided hunting,” said Abby Cash, director of Oklahoma Agritourism.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

At this point in the year, turkey hunting is quickly coming to a close along with whatever else it is we can find time to hunt throughout the spring. Fall still seems awfully far off yet, but in no time at all, it will be that time of year! Here are a few things I’m doing NOW to better myself for the upcoming hunting season.

Read the great list of suggestion provided by Logan Hinners.  Logan really understands what is important for hunters to do in being prepared for the upcoming season.  His last several years as a guide has given him some fantastic insight.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:54 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 11, 2009

Jamestown, Colo. - May 11 -

Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited and the Cal-Wood Education Center have partnered together for a youth weekend in the woods. Located in beautiful Jamestown, Colorado, The Ultimate Nature Experience (T.U.N.E.) camp will be a four-day, action-packed outdoor experience taking place this July 11-14 for youth entering grades 6 through 12.

T.U.N.E. is a chance for youth to explore the outdoors, relax around the campfire and meet new friends while participating in the multitude of activities being offered, including: Fly-fishing with experienced guides, shooting sports, low ropes course, archery target range, hiking, wetland biology, dog training, upland ecology/forest ecology, outdoor survival and much more

"This weekend promises to be one of the best these campers will have all summer long," said Janine Kohn, PF's National Education Specialist, "Not only will it be extremely educational and informative, but it's going to be fun and exciting for everyone too."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 11, 2009

Frankfort, Ky. - The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission today proposed some modifications to Elk Hunt Unit 6 (EHU) at a special called meeting in Frankfort.

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law.

The Commission recommended splitting Elk Hunt Unit 6 into four sub-units designated by letter. Elk Hunt Unit 6 is home to the 16,704-acre Graham Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the 30,038-acre Begley WMA and the 54,838-acre Corrigan WMA. Subdividing Elk Hunt Unit 6, which is located in all or parts of Clay, Leslie, Harlan, Bell, Knox, Whitley and McCreary counties, will help more evenly distribute hunting pressure during the quota elk hunts. The subdivision would take effect this year.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:44 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mothers Day from Team HuntingLife!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:31 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Sandstone, Minn. -Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited have partnered together for their second-annual youth weekend in the woods. The Ultimate Nature Experience (T.U.N.E.) camp will be a four-day, action-packed outdoor experience at the Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone, Minn., this June 19-22.

T.U.N.E. is a chance for youth entering grades 6 through 12 to explore the outdoors, relax around the campfire and meet new friends while participating in the multitude of activities being offered, including: Fly-fishing with experienced guides, shooting sports, high ropes course, archery target range, canoeing, wetland biology, dog training, pheasant ecology, outdoor survival and much more.

"This weekend promises to be one of the best these campers will have all summer long," said Janine Kohn, PF's National Education Specialist, "Not only will it be extremely educational and informative, but it's going to be fun and exciting for everyone too."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

Bogart, Georgia-QDMA's Whitetail Expo presented by Chevrolet will take place July 25-26 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. Over the course of the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some of the nation's most popular white-tailed deer experts. Among the all-star lineup for the event, part of QDMA's Annual National Convention, are Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of The Crush, Eddie Salter and Alex Rutledge from Hunter's Specialties Pro Staff, Rodney Dyer, also of Hunter's Specialties, and Dan Perez of Whitetail Properties' Dreams to Reality.

The doors will open at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, and the Whitetail Expo will kick off with celebrity seminars. In addition to those who will host a seminar, other celebrities will be present in the Expo Hall and available for autographs. Jerry Martin of Bass Pro Shops, Dave Poteat and Tim Anello of Inside Outdoors, Jeff Simpson of Heartland Bowhunter, Terry Rohm of Tink's, and Kyle Wieter of Adrenaline Outdoors are among the celebrities who will participate in autograph sessions on both Saturday and Sunday.

Adults and kids alike will enjoy watching world record holding archer Randy Oitker perform in the Kids Korner throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Also in the Kids Korner, Kelsey Konrade of Bass Pro Shops' Next Generation will be sharing highlights from her hunting and fishing adventures.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT recently completed a major study to measure public knowledge of and attitudes toward black bears to help the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) meet its goals for successfully managing the species in Pennsylvania. Areas of inquiry include attitudes about black bears in general, opinions on black bear population levels, opinions on the hunting of black bears and black bear management, experience with human-bear conflicts, and knowledge of black bears and sources of information.
 
Pennsylvania's black bear population has increased substantially in recent decades, and black bears are now near record numbers in many areas of the state, according to the PGC. At the same time, more people are moving into areas of the state occupied by black bears, resulting in more human-bear encounters. Public education on species management, the habits of bears, and how to handle bear encounters has therefore become more important than ever.

Equally important is the need to integrate the biological and human aspects of black bear management. In this study, Responsive Management's research team integrated geographic information system (GIS) data with census block group data so that a statistically valid study sample of Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older could be drawn based on Pennsylvania's wildlife management units (WMUs). This methodology will help state wildlife professionals to more effectively manage the species by integrating findings regarding public opinion and knowledge with the goals of the state's Black Bear Management Plan on a per-WMU basis.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

Founding TRCP board member Jim Martin takes on leadership of national sportsmen’s group

WASHINGTON – At its spring meeting, the board of directors of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership elected Jim Martin, a longtime TRCP board member and biologist who currently is conservation director of the Berkley Conservation Institute, to chair the organization’s board. Howard Vincent, president and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, was elected secretary of the TRCP board.  

 “I am delighted and humbled to be offered the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my personal hero Jim Range as board chair of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership,” said Martin. “I look forward to the TRCP working with the rest of the conservation community on conserving and enhancing the fish and wildlife resources and the habitat that is the foundation of hunting and fishing in America.

“Climate change and rapid development in America underscore the urgency of developing a new framework of conservation policy,” Martin continued, “a policy that must be forged while there still is time to secure the outdoors legacy we want to pass on to our kids, as our predecessors like Theodore Roosevelt passed on to us.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:08 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

East Lansing, Mich. – May 5, 2009 – Starting in August 2009, the Ingham County (Michigan) Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF) will be giving away 52 guns - one per week for an entire year – in an effort to increase funding for the chapter's upland habitat work. Tickets for the raffle are on sale now for $52 each. A maximum of 1,000 tickets will be sold, or one gun for every 19 tickets sold, and only 250 tickets remain!

The impressive gun list includes firearms by Weatherby, Benelli, Browning, Beretta, Remington, Ruger, Winchester and more. Winning ticket numbers will be placed back into the pool of tickets, so by purchasing just one ticket, you'll have a chance to win every week! Winning tickets will be determined by the Michigan "Wednesday Evening" Daily 3 Game starting August 5, 2009. You can purchase tickets directly over the phone by calling (800) 974-2650 or visit www.PF467.org for complete 52-gun raffle details and to purchase tickets.

"For the cost of one dollar per week, you can have a chance at winning some firearms that make great additions to any collection," said Kent Ballard, vice president of Ingham County PF, "Most importantly, this gives our chapter the opportunity to raise funds that stand to benefit upland birds and wildlife right here in Ingham County."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—America is well past the day when keystone predators can be left unmanaged. That’s why the May 4 formal delisting of gray wolves in Idaho and Montana is drawing praise from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, as well as encouragement for the same action in Wyoming.

“We’re pleased with the partial delisting and glad to see wolf management authority turned over to state wildlife agencies in Idaho and Montana. Management is a modern necessity—we don’t live in a zoo and this isn’t the old West,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

Allen explained that conservation today means managing habitat, prey and predators together, on balance with biological and cultural carrying capacities, rather than a piecemeal mishmash of independent components and objectives. It’s all tied together. Delisting wolves brings true conservation a step closer to the northern Rockies.

“We must work together to ensure that Wyoming also gains the ability to manage wolves in concert with its other species and habitat programs,” said Allen.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Original BenchMaster Rifle Rest is produced by Altus Brands right here in the USA.  Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to try several different rifle rests at the local rifle ranges and when I began my search for rifle rests I had a little bit of experience with some of the different rests on the market. 

The BenchMaster is extremely well made.  The soft leather rest for the rifle ensures that you will not mar the finish on your rifle or shotgun and the leather is going to outlast every other rest on the market.  I am not a big shopper.  I am always on the lookout for gear because when I purchase gear, I want the absolute best that I can afford and I want to know that the product that I am going to purchase is going to last at least my lifetime.  There is no excuse for owning cheap equipment.

Altus Brands understands quality gear and this BenchMaster Rifle Rest is absolutely best in class.  Please remember to wear your Pro Ears while shooting and protect your hearing.  If your looking for a great rest, goto www.BenchMaster.com.

One of the things I love about a great rifle rest is that I get to know that the rifle is locked in and it saves me 100's of dollars in ammunition each and every year because I can sight the rifle in quickly and efficiently in my high powered rifles saving me time and energy.  As well it allows me to teach the kids how to shoot correctly and get used to the rifle on the range.

Get yourself one of these great rests, take the kids out and spend some time on the range.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:17 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

April 30th 2009,  I took my friend Logan on a St. Croix county turkey hunt near Baldwin, WI in pursuit of a nice tom.  On the previous night, Logan received a phone call from a friend saying that there were some turkeys out were he hunts.  So, Logan and his dad got in their truck and went to take a look at the turkeys themselves.  They stayed out long enough to see them go up into the roost.  Logan immediately called me and told me the good news.  “ With the master caller and the super slayer, we should give them turkeys a rude awakening!” Logan said.  We both had school the next day, but with the opportunity given, we decided to just miss the morning classes.  I got to bed at midnight and Logan went to bed at 11:30 p.m.         

“Justin? You up man?” Logan said.  He was so pumped to go out, he called to see if I was up.  Of course I was pumped too, so I had actually woke up even earlier than him.  At about 4:45 I went to pick him up and sure enough he was by the road just waiting.  We were pumped up with excitement for a great day of Turkey Hunting!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:03 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sitka Gear has partnered up with W.L. Gore to provide some of the best concealment gear to today's demanding hunter.(article on this partnership) has been a fan of the Sitka Gear System since day one.  We purchased a set of their clothing within the first several months of Sitka coming to market and their gear has been on our backs through numerous hunts and adventures from the high country of Idaho to the cold flats of the InnerLake region of Manitoba.  We have used this gear for everything from Hunting Turkey to Elk with Antelope, Bear and Whitetails in between.

Over the last several months we have been testing the new Optifade camo in both the Sitka StormFront Jacket and Pants as well as the new 90% Pants and the Traverse Shirt and Celsius Vest.  In the next several months these products will be coming to market in outdoor stores across the country and they are absolutely worth checking out.  This gear is so new it is not even on their website at the current moment and I expect it will be a hot topic in the outdoor press.  New camo is always a hot topic.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Bismarck, N.D., May 6, 2009 – As communities in North Dakota assess the collective impacts of this spring’s flooding, residents are searching for ways to prevent another catastrophic flood. City and state officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are now strategizing on permanent flood protection measures that will protect residents and businesses in the Fargo/Moorhead area.

Ducks Unlimited advises that restoration and protection of wetlands and basin-wide management be crucial pieces of the flood protection puzzle.     

“We realize that there are cumulative factors that have led up to this years flooding, and we would like to see wetlands and basin-wide water management be part of the cumulative solution that helps reduce the frequency and intensity of these major flooding events,” said Dr. Steve Adair Ducks Unlimited Great Plains Regional Office director.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:11 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Longtime volunteer leaders and supporters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bert and Cheryl Haralson of Augusta, Ark., have been selected as 2009 inductees to the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame.

The husband-and-wife team will be recognized at the 2009 Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet and ceremony on Sept. 11 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

The Haralsons’ selection was based in their deep involvement in elk conservation in Arkansas. They are key figures in cooperative planning and implementation of elk habitat programs along the Buffalo River. Perhaps the finest measure of their success lies in the fact that in 1998, their state held its first elk hunt since before the Civil War. Since then, many have enjoyed the privilege of hunting elk on public land in the hills of Arkansas.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

With a stellar celebrity lineup, and a brand new location, the 9th Annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo should be on  your calendar!

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some of the nation's most popular white-tailed deer experts. Among the all-star lineup for the event are Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of The Crush, Eddie Salter and Alex Rutledge from Hunter's Specialties Pro Staff, Rodney Dyer, also of Hunter's Specialities, and Dan Perez of Whitetail Properties' Dreams  to Reality .   Country music artists Paul Bogart and Gina West will get you on your feet during Friday night's REACH Celebration Party. With a Kentucky-style menu and exciting raffles and games, the event is sure to be a great
time.

For more information Click Here 

If you are interested in exhibiting at the Whitetail Expo Click Here  or call 800.209.3337.   

9th Annual National Convention

July 23 - 26, 2009 Louisville, KY       

Registration Info  Click Here  for Registration Information. or Call 800.209.3337 

Hotel Information: Louisville Marriott (DOWNTOWN) 800-533-0127 or 502-627-5045

Click Here for Marriott.com . Mention the QDMA National Convention to reserve your room at the discounted rate of $129 per night plus tax.

(Must make reservations by JULY 1, 2009.)

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:49 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont.—Twelve counties in Washington are slated for wildlife habitat conservation and public education projects using $199,651 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Asotin, Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Grays Harbor, Kittitas, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Skamania, Stevens, Thurston and Yakima counties.

Additionally, a biological research project has statewide interest.

“Our volunteers across Washington helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it’s part of the payday for supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Please click on the link below to view the new Barnes Bullets Club-X Newsletter.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/resources/newsletters/may-2009-barnes-bullet-n/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:04 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with the board of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership on Tuesday to address the status and future of conservation and agriculture policy in America, particularly as they affect fish and wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the leadership the secretary provides have a profound impact on the daily lives of millions of Americans, including sportsmen,” said Dr. Rollin Sparrowe, TRCP interim board chair and co-founder. “The TRCP board of directors is privileged to welcome Secretary Vilsack and values his insights regarding how hunters and anglers can work with the new administration to assure the future of our outdoor traditions.”

While addressing the sportsmen’s group, Sec. Vilsack described the USDA as an “every way, everyday department” committed to protecting the nation’s natural resources. “We want Americans to see the USDA in a new light and understand how the utilization of Forest Service lands and private agriculture lands has an effect on everyone,” Vilsack said, “including in areas of conservation, outdoor recreation, nutrition and ways to address climate change.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:53 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

If you haven't yet had the chance to check out CamoFire you just don't know what you are missing.  They do a deal a day on some really great gear at a significant discount and today the deal is just astounding..........

Today's Shooter: GOLD TIP BLACKHAWK VAPOR PRO 5000 12 PACK ARROWS - Available in Realtree Max 1 pattern

$25.55 - 68% OFF Retail


The Blackhawk Vapor Pro 5000 Arrows are a super hard hitting hunting arrow that won't let you down. A full carbon arrow with 11.3 grains per inch weight means it's extremely durable for long lasting performance.

As many of you know this is the 1st generation model and quite sought after by a number of hunters who have shot the Vapor Pro's for years. Built for bows that are 65-80#, there's no messin' around with these. They are hard to beat when it comes to durability and of course at this price for a dozen you’ll be braggin for years about the deal you scored...get the rest of the story and this deal at Camofire.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:40 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, May 4, 2009

Late September 2008, I went out to my bow stand knowing that it was going to rain and be cruddy weather. I got out to the stand and got rained on hard, but I was determined to get the big guy out in the woods so I stayed out. I eventually got down early anyway because I was so cold from the wind blowing on my rain soaked body. Reaching the ground, I was so cold I almost jogged back to the landowner's house.

I reached the cornfield that had standing corn in it still. I walked along the very edge and was climbing over fallen trees. I eventually caught a glimpse of a weird shaped figure on the ground about 3 yards in front of me. I was a little startled. I was walking so fast that I almost stepped right on it. I realized that it was a mature hawk almost seconds after seeing it!

I was amazed at how cool this little guy was. I took my boot and put it by its head to see if it would bite, but it didn't. I decided that it would be really cool to pick it up and bring it back to show the landowners. So, I bent over and picked it up like a chicken and put it under my arm like a football. I didn't want to hurt the thing so I was extra careful. I picked up my bow then and started booking it again. About halfway back the hawk wiggled a wing out and almost slipped out of my arm. I tried to fix it, but I ended up getting a grip from its razor sharp talons. That didn't feel that great, but I sucked it up and kept moving.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:12 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, May 3, 2009

I am absolutely a gear head.  Every single time I look at a product, I am thinking would this particular product be in my pack if I had to carry it 10 miles off the road in the mountains.  i seek out products that would be essential to my survival in extreme places, extreme situations and products that are best in class.  Ultimate Survival Technologies has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this survival kit.  This kit is light weight and gives you the tools necessary to be a part of every hunters pack.

The Ultimate Survival Kit comes in two versions the Deluxe Version and the Aqua Version.  Both kits contain the same essential tools but the Aqua Kit is a bit lighter and the Aqua container can act as a drinking cup should you need something to hold water in the backcountry and I thought this advantage was important to me.  The Aqua Kit comes with the BlastMatch Fire Starter, Wetfire Tinder, StarFlash Signal Mirror, JetScream Whistle, SaberCut Saw and the Aqua Bag.

We are going to go through each of these tools and talk about each one, as well we did a small video to show why we believe this particular kit should be a strong part of your hunting pack.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:31 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, May 3, 2009

As the alarm went off at 5 a.m. on April 16, I rolled over and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. After have hunting for four days straight the waking up early began to take its toll on me. I dragged myself out of bed anyway and went down stairs to see if my mom and sister wanted to go with me. Little did I know this morning would be as crazy as it was?

After talking with my mom and sister, we decided my sister was too sick to go hunting and they stayed behind. So I went ahead got dressed, grabbed the ole’ Mossberg 835, and headed out the door; but I immediately went right back inside to get my jacket since there was a nice magical chill in that early Thursday morning air.

I got to the spot were I was going to hunt around 6 a.m. and settled in. I had not heard any gobbling all week and I did not plan on this morning being any different. Therefore, I got my video camera out and turned it on along with my calls I planed on using. Then once more that week I lay up against the tree to wake up with the woods.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:31 PM | 5 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 1, 2009

I am constantly on the lookout for great simple products that can help hunters be a little safer at a reasonable price point.  The Magnet Gun Caddy is just such a product.  It has a soft sided magnet that sticks to the side of your vehicle and some foam that allows you to slide in the barrel of your rifle or shotgun into the foam and protects the side of your vehicle from scrapes and protects your gun from falling onto the ground.

This product also works well with your gun safe as well or anywhere else a magnet would work.  It also works really well for fishing rods so you can keep dirt from getting into your reel and keep your rod from landing underneath your feet or the tires of your vehicle.  I am looking forward to using these inside the duck boat this fall as well to hold up the guns inside the blind.

Now, no loaded weapons should ever be leaned up against a vehicle and it is everyones responsibility to constantly police ourselves, friends and family to keep actions open and weapons unloaded around vehicles or in groups and situations where someone can get hurt.  It is often these situations where poeple get lax about gun safety and having 3 or four of these simple Magnet Gun Caddys in your glove box can allow everyone to set thier guns against the vehicle and catch up on the days events.

These are simple products that will protect your weapon from being damaged and falling on the ground and protect the side of your vehicle from scratches.  With a price of only $10.00 you cannot afford not to get one.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:15 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 1, 2009

Wild Turkey taken by Kevin C Paulson, Team HuntingLife in Westmoreland County, Virginia. I took this Turkey with a 12 gauge Remington 870 Express using HS Strut Calls and Sitka Optifade Camo.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:18 PM | 4 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, May 1, 2009

Field tested by Team Huntinglife Pro Staffers Josh Morrissey, Trevor Simmons, and Taylor Rather

Whether you are scouting, hunting, on a family trip, or just watching birds at your bird feeder, a good pair of binoculars is the key to a better experience.  Carson Optical is a company dedicated to making the best binoculars on the market and for a fraction of the competitors' prices.   They offer optics to fit anyone's budget and still hold up to their name and quality standards.

When we had the opportunity to try out some Carson optics for ourselves, we jumped at it!  We field tested three Carson products, which were the Caribou 10x42mm Waterproof binoculars, the Outlaw 10x25mm Compact binoculars, and the Stuff-It SN-50 Microfiber Lens Cloth.  Each product had its own unique qualities. Also, both of the binoculars come with neck straps and cases, which are of great quality compared to most other companies that send a cheap case and a thin, uncomfortable strap.  Let's just say that our team was extremely impressed with our Carson optics and plan to use them in the field as an essential tool for any type of hunting or outdoor activity.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:23 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST