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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Aldo Leopold was Born in Burlington, Iowa in 1887. Leopold was considered the father of wildlife ecology and a true Wisconsin hero. He was a legend when it comes to conservation and wildlife management. These were not only his only attributes to the wild outdoors. Leopold was a forester, environmentalist and an author. In 1933 Leopold became the Professor of Game Management in the Agriculture Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leopold also attended Yale University’s School of Forestry. While at Yale, he worked many years for the U.S. Forest Service In the Arizona and Mexico territories. Leopold was a Game Consultant as well, chairing the country’s first Department of Game Management at the university of Wisconsin.

His love for the wilderness led to the writing of A Sand County Almanac , which was made up of 41 essays and was published in 1949, eighteen months after his death. His writings are known for there simple directness about the need for wise use of land and water resources. He past away helping fight a neighbors brush fire in 1948.

While reading A Sand County Almanac, I stumbled upon a quote that got me thinking a lot about what some of us take for granted every day. “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” An ethic ecologically, “is a limitation on freedom of action in the struggle for existence.” An Ethic philosophically, “is a differentiation of social from anti- social conduct.” These are both definitions of one thing, that one thing is the tendency of individuals or groups to evolve modes of co-operation.

Some examples of ethics include the Golden Rule, which tries to integrate man to society. Also Democracy, which integrates social organization to the individual. There has not been an ethic that deals with man’s relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it. The land relation is still economic, giving privileges but not obligations. The land ethic simply expands the boundaries of the community, including soil, water, plants, and animals or in a simpler term: the land.

This sounds simple, and I know most sportsmen practice land ethics every day, but take a look at everything that is being dumped into the rivers, the soil which at least around me has been stained orange from acid mine drainage flowing into the creeks, making it uninhabitable for any type of aquatic animal. The plants also, even though they may be over looked, serve a major role in the ecosystem. They are being cut down in tremendous numbers and who ever is doing it probably has no idea about the effects to the plant community and the organisms within it.

There have been some positive scenarios though, in Kentucky where there used to be old strip mines, they now home over 11,000 head of elk and are continuing to thrive. To sum it up a land ethic changes the role of man from conqueror of the land community to simply a member and citizen of it. It implies respect for fellow members, and also respect for the community as well.

I urge everyone to try and find out what part of nature that you have taken for granted and figure out a way to look at it with a new found respect.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:17 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Gerhard Damm has spent the last 8 years bringing the world African Indaba Newsletter free to all who will read it.  He is one of my Heroes in the conservation world and I encourage each of you to download and read African Indaba and sign up to receive it all year long.

 African Indaba Volume 8 Issue 1

Visit the African Indaba Website Here

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

New York, NY (Jan. 19, 2010) – Sportsman Channel, the premiere all hunting, shooting and fishing network, announced today it would launch a high-definition version of its popular channel starting on January 25. Sportsman HD will simulcast the high-quality programming that is currently broadcast by Sportsman Channel in standard definition. The high-definition service will be made available to all television distribution partners beginning Jan. 25; initially, 33 percent of primetime programming will air in HD format, and it is expected that the majority of all programming on the network will be shown in high-definition by the third quarter. Sportsman HD will be co-located on the same satellite as the standard definition service and will be broadcast using the MPEG-4 format.
 
“Given our commitment to providing a superior viewing experience for American Sportsmen, we felt that it was essential to begin our HD offering at the start of 2010,” said Willy Burkhardt, president of Sportsman. “Sportsman HD viewers will be able to fully immerse themselves into the shows to feel like they are out in the tree stand or on the water with our hosts. High-definition, especially for nature scenes, takes the viewer experience to an entirely new level both audibly and visually.”

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

Sunday, January 31, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Throughout 2010, hunters can purchase four new Leupold products—a spotting scope kit, binoculars, rangefinder and riflescope—earmarked to support the habitat conservation work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The RMEF licensed and logoed products will be available at retailers nationwide.

“This is two great brands coming together for the future of elk and elk hunting,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF. “Leupold has been a great partner and sponsor of RMEF for years and we’re very pleased to announce this expansion into officially licensed products.”

“Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is privileged to have been associated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for the past 24 years,” said Mike Slack of Leupold. “Since those early years, RMEF has compiled an extraordinary list of accomplishments that we all can be very proud of. We are honored to participate in this new partnership.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

In 2007 Hunter's Specialties began offering for sale a variety of hats with both the Hunter's Specialties and breast cancer awareness pink ribbon logos. 100% of the profits from the sale of the hats is donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to raise awareness about breast cancer issues and to search for a cure.
 
In 2009 Hunter's Specialties is proud to report they were able to write a check to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for $13,366.20.
 
"We're very excited about the success of the program," said Carman Forbes, Hunter's Specialties Co-CEO. "This shows the overwhelming support that is out there in the hunting community for this issue. We certainly appreciate our customers taking part in this search for a cure with us."
 
Breast cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death among women, with nearly 200,000 cases diagnosed each year and 40,000 fatalities.
 
To make a donation by purchasing a hat, consumers can go to the Hunter's Specialties web site at www.hunterspec.com and click on the H.S. Logo Shop Link.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:21 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Kim Rhode is the most decorated female shooter in U.S. Olympic history and she is a big fan of the I-phone and video games.  Kim got together with Naughty Bits Software and put together one of the best online hunting and shooting games I have ever had the pleasure to play.

Kim Rhode's Outdoor Shooting is FUN, easy to play and allows you to hunt all kinds of animals with everything from a shotgun to fully automatic weapon.  The game does not dissapoint and my only wish is that it had a trap, skeet and sporting clays section but that is my only complaint.

I loved shooting rabbits, turkeys, moose(shoot them twice), Grizzlies, elk, deer, birds and such.  I spent seveal hours on this game on flights over the past month and I am sure my seatmates were getting a bit annoyed with me but I was having a blast passing the time on these long flights.

“iPhone gamers will love the game’s unbelievably realistic hunting scenarios,” Rhode said. “Natural sound effects and eye popping 3-D graphics will make players feel like they’re in the middle of the woods.”
 
The combined talents of Rhode and Nicholas have produced what gamers believe is one of the most exciting, challenging games to hit the iPhone. Rhode, an avid hunter who has medaled in four consecutive Olympics in double trap and most recently skeet, provided expert advice on the hunting and shooting aspects of the game. While Nicholas, who created 2009’s mega successful iShoot app, developed the settings that will immerse players in “Kim Rhode’s Outdoor Shooting.”
 
“Kim's name and experience are both tremendously valuable,” Nicholas said. “In addition to being an incredible shooter, she is also an avid video game fan, and we are both very excited for her to star in her own game.”

I especially liked the opportunity to hunt with the automatic rifle...Remember this is a game and it should be fun... It was fun and thats what games should be about.  The game costs 2.99 and you can either visit Naughty Bits or the ITunes Store online.

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

Sunday, January 31, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY – Hoyt is excited to announce that world-renown recurve archer and instinctive trick shooter Frank “Aspirin Buster” Addington, Jr. has joined Hoyt’s Pro Staff. A household name at archery exhibitions for over two decades, Addington has entertained packed houses, politicians, celebrities and dignitaries with his instinctive trick shooting and unbelievable accuracy. This year marks his 25th year on stage, and he’ll now be delivering his pro-archery, pro-family message and delighting audiences with the latest Hoyt recurve gear.

Addington and his Hoyt travel across North America, performing well over 100 exhibitions annually at a number of archery shows and other venues. He’s famous for a long list of unbelievable trick shots, including three baby aspirins at once – behind his back. Another of his amazing feats is hitting a mustard seed in mid-air. His show promotes archery and families spending time together outdoors. “When people come to my show, I want them to have fun and be entertained, to get an intense interest in archery, and to listen to my message about families spending more time together outdoors,” Addington said. “I tell my audiences that a video game, cable TV, or a computer game won't take the place of a day spent outdoors with their families.”

Addington's relationship with Hoyt goes back several decades, as he and his family were personal friends of Earl and Anne Hoyt. “Hoyt has been very good to me over the years and my archery career has opened doors I never would have dreamed about,” he said.

Hoyt is proud to have such a well-respected, talented professional represent the Hoyt name. To learn more about Frank Addington, Jr. – and to see his schedule of 2010 appearances and exhibitions – visit his Website at www.frankaddingtonjr.com.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:41 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

WASHINGTON – Highlighting a range of issues pivotal to sportsmen-conservationists, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today released its 2010 Conservation Policy Agenda. Developed in concert with the TRCP’s individual and organizational partners, which include national hunting, fishing and conservation organizations, labor unions and grassroots sportsmen, the 2010 Conservation Policy Agenda will enable the TRCP to advance policy solutions on natural resource management issues of common concern and will provide focus to the group’s efforts in the year to come.

“We presently find ourselves in a time that is challenging yet exciting for American conservation policy and the sporting traditions that rely on responsible management of our natural resources,” said Jim Martin, chairman of the TRCP board of directors. “The TRCP will continue to pursue consensus-based, common-sense solutions to these challenges for the good of these resources and in the spirit pioneered by our namesake and standard bearer, Theodore Roosevelt.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:38 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 13, 2010 – The 621 Pheasants Forever chapters, 103 Quail Forever chapters and 125,000 members of "The Habitat Organization" nationwide completed over 22,000 wildlife habitat projects in 2009, benefitting over 500,000 acres for pheasants, quail and other wildlife. This includes over 8,300 acres of land acquired and then opened to public hunting and recreation as state-managed wildlife areas or federal Waterfowl Production Areas.
 
Pheasants Forever spent over $34.7 million on program expenses last year, including $4.9 on land acquisitions. In fact, since Pheasants Forever formed in 1982, the organization has spent $50 million on land acquisitions, opening 144,000 acres to public hunting and outdoor recreation. And in 2009, 9,942 youngsters took part in local Pheasants Forever mentored youth hunts that introduce them to hunting and wildlife habitat conservation.
 
"The past year was another testament to the ability of Pheasants Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation," said Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever National President and CEO. Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, empower county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. "A half million acres is great, but we know with our model, we have the ability to do even more habitat projects on more acres and accomplish more for our favorite upland birds."
 
Since 1982, Pheasants Forever has raised and spent over $365 million, which has helped benefit wildlife on over 5.8 million acres and provided for 68,000 youth to take part in youth mentored hunting and youth conservation education events.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 23, 2010

WASHINGTON - Jim Range, a preeminent American sportsman-conservationist whose lifetime of accomplishments included co-founding and leading the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, has been posthumously honored as the 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year Award, the TRCP announced today.

The Conservationist of the Year Award, presented last night by Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at the 2010 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to perpetuating the American outdoor way of life. The winner receives $50,000 to direct to his or her conservation organization of choice. In addition, the award can be matched, and its value could reach as much as $200,000. Range's family has designated the TRCP to receive the proceeds from this honor.

"The TRCP is proud to be guided by the vision and legacy of Jim Range, one of the country's greatest sportsmen-conservationists," said TRCP Chairman Jim Martin, "and we are profoundly honored to have this legacy recognized through his selection as Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:09 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Day Three at the 38th Annual Safari Club International Hunters Convention for me started very early this morning with some great interviews about some of the newer gear from Sitka Gear.  The guys showed us the Cold Front Gear and their new pack and after what I saw at the ATA Show I cannot wait for the new gear for 2010 to hit the shelves...We will have the video interviews up here on HuntingLife soon.

I sat in on a conservation meeting and filmed a bit about the work being done in Newfoundland Caribou research with Shane Mahoney and I am looking forward to the opportunity to interview him tomorrow.

We got to chat with some great folks from BLM about the current situation in regards to the wild burro program and what thier plans are for the future.  We filmed a great interview and we will have a story for all of you on this breaking situation in regards to this management situation in the next week.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:11 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 23, 2010

LAS VEGAS -- With firearms and ammunition sales having surged last year in a struggling economy, there were many positive signs this week at the industry's annual trade show -- the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show -- that indicated sales will remain robust in 2010.

The show's return to Las Vegas sparked a rise in attendance over the previous year, with buyers packing exhibit booths to review products and then placing orders on the latest shooting, hunting and outdoor gear.

Overall attendance was 58,444, only several hundred shy of the show's all-time record set at the 2008 Las Vegas Show and more than 11,000 above last year's show in Orlando. The show attracted an all-time high of 31,280 buyers, and the 1,804 media professionals attending established a new record.

The SHOT Show filled the Sands Expo & Convention Center for four days, January 19-22, reaffirming its stature as the world's premier exposition of firearms, ammunition, outdoor and tactical apparel, optics, cutlery, camping and related products and services. The show is owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry's trade association.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:10 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 22, 2010

Today was all about personal enjoyment at the Safari Club International Hunter's Convention.  We stopped by and saw the great folks at Sitka Gear to schedule an interview with them tomorrow where we are going to talk about the Coldfront System.  We are going to have a very busy day tomorrow with some great stories on some of the wonderful projects being worked on by SCI in the conservation world.

We then sat in on another great seminar and headed over to see Jack J. Jansma of Wingshooting Adventures where we got to talk with him about some of his amazing collectible and bespoke firearms and trips to Hungary, Bolivia and Scotland.  If you ever get the chance to meet Jack, he is an amazing wealth of information and one of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure to meet.

We then took a really long walk tonight and literally walked by every single booth at the show today looking for great products to review, great outfitters to add to HuntingLife.com, some wonderful art, amazing mounts and we got to meet some wonderful people who are amazing experts at what they do......Is it any wonder why we love coming each and every year to the SCI Convention.  The Hunts, The Art, The Taxidermy, The Gear, The Clothing, The Seminars, The People.....

Can you tell we are having a blast?  We are living the Hunting Life!  If you are at all interested in one of the greatest outdoor, hunting and conservation shows in the country, get a membership to SCI and book your flights and hotel rooms for 2011!!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Today was a whirlwind of activity as the 38th Annual Safari Club International Hunter's Convention kicked off to great fanfare as Governor Haley Barbour and SCI President Lawrence Rudolph cut the red ribbon and declared the convention open to the members.  With over 25,000 members expected to attend this years convention the vendors, speakers and staff were abuzz with excitement.

This is my third trip to Reno as a press attendee to cover the convention floor and blog on the conservation issues that are effecting our hunting rights, heritage/traditions and wildlife across the world.  Every year I am overwhelmed on the first day of the convention and this year was no different.  After walking about a third of the event, I stepped off of the floor grabbed a great polish sausage and headed over to catch a seminar with Gil and Vicki Ash of ShotgunLife.com and I learned more about shotgun lead in 30 minutes then I have in a lifetime of shooting and do it yourself learning.  I look forward to getting to spend some more time learning from Gil and Vicki and if you get the chance to see these two in action in a seminar or in one of thier great classes...Run dont walk... they are Exceptional.

Today was all about getting a feel for the show and getting to see some new products and vendors and tomorrow we will be sitting down and learning more and doing some interviews over the next couple of days.  We did shoot some video today but the lack of firewire cable is preventing us from getting those videos posted until early next week.

We did get to spend a good amount of time in the Leupold Booth today playing with the new archery range finder the Vendetta.  This great rangefinder attaches to your bow with a trigger and allows you automatically judge the distance with your top pin and then adjust accordingly so you never have to wonder whether you have the correct range.  At a retail price of $299.00, I am hoping for one of these for my birthday. These are so new they are not even on the market yet.

We look forward to bringing you more SCI coverage and pictures as we make it through the week.  We are having a blast living the Hunting Life!!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Kevin McNeil dropped us a quick note and I thought I would share it with all of our readers:

Check out Blue Sky Outfitters Listing Here on HuntingLife.com

Hello Fellow hunters,
 
We have the opportunity to lease some Peace River Mule deer tags for 2010 season. 
 
Peace River Alberta Mule Deer Rifle Hunting
Alberta, Canada is one of the premiere spots in North America for trophy mule deer and we are in the best location within Alberta, the Peace River region. It went on a limited rifle draw several years ago and the hunting has become incredible. In Peace River you can hunt beginning September 17 when the deer are in their bachelor groups or in the November rut. Both are equally good hunts.
 
The hunt dates that I recommended are either, November 15-20 or November 22-27 2010.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Basically a horse or even mules act as a beast of burden when it comes to getting your equipment, you, and your game out. If you have never been to a wilderness elk camp, you wouldn't believe the amount of gear those animals are willing to carrying in. Once you have seen it try imagining to yourself how you'd ever get all that gear up without them. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for these animals despite there sometimes difficult personalities. Thus I realized why it was that the horses and mules got so much extra attention and care from all of us guides, both early in the mornings and late at night when all the "hunters" are heading off for bed.

For an even better appreciation of horses and mules, walk up on a 500-600 pound elk that you just harvested. You will soon realize that you probably wouldn't even have been hunting in that area nor would you be able to get your meat or trophy out, if it weren't for the assistance in hauling and packing by your horse or mule.

Western hunting is deeply rooted with horses and hunting off of them - Its tradition. If you've never tried it, its an experience you will never soon forget. Just to gain a little appreciation for these animals you should still huff and puff over a few ridge tops, then you will realize how far and quick a horse or mule will take you in a third of the time. Driving the Colorado hi-ways the day before rife season opens, gives me a pretty good indication that westerners have figured this out as I see one out of every three vehicles pulling a trailer to go hunt somewhere.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:07 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

With any piece of land come countless opportunities for improvement. Whether you are looking to improve your land for hunting, farming, or for overall quality of life, there are options available for you. The Natural Resource Conservation Service partnering with the Farm Service Agency provides countless incentive programs that landowners can take advantage of to improve there land.

Some popular programs are Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), which focuses on different practices per property that can improve the quality of habitat, thus leading to healthier wildlife. For example through my internship with the Indiana NRCS division, I have seen first hand how a person can use their property for quail habitat restoration. Not only is this beneficial for quail, but also provides superb habitat for Indiana’s small game species.  Another route is Environmental Quality Incentive Programs (EQIP), which deals more with the farming and wildlife interaction aspect of management. Commodity crops are considered under this plan and options are available for the consumer to increase the overall productivity of their property. Another popular program is Timber Stand Improvement (TSI). TSI is a great way to improve the health of a forest. A state forester will assess the property, consider the landowners goals, and will develop a plan that will get the most out of the forest according to the landowners desires.

For starters, search http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ to see what programs are available in your state. The reimbursement process makes it very affordable and practical for landowners to pitch in to the overall conservation and wildlife management movement. The programs mentioned above only scratch the surface, so I urge you to search around the web and see what you can do to improve the number one resource you have, your land.

-Mitch Strobl

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:04 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Throughout the 2009-2010 deer season, I got to test out a camera tree arm system that was made by Muddy Outdoors.  The season was an especially good season to see what this tree arm system could do. I hit the woods persistently, so I got to take the tree arm out more than enough. The season also offered various weather conditions: Sunny, Rainy, Snowy, and single digit temps.  The system got to be used for all that it could be, and I was lucky to have it in most situations.

I received the tree arm system from Kevin Paulson – CEO and founder of huntinglife.com – after he used it up in Canada on a successful black bear hunt.  When I got it I was excited to get it out in the woods and start messing with it.  At first glance I noticed its attractive camouflage pattern, its small size, and the other remarkable components the arm had to offer.  It has an impressive leveling system, great swiveling techniques, and unbelievable smoothness to ensure level and steady film. At first I was kind of worried due to its small size, but after taking it out a couple times I realized it was still durable and versatile.

I use a Sony HVR-Z7U, which is less than 10 pounds with all of my various accessories.  It is maxing out the capability of the tree arm system… so if you have a larger camera (10 lbs+) then I would maybe consider getting a system that’s a little more durable.  It says on the Muddy website that it holds a max of 10 lbs, but even at that weight you are putting stress on the swivel spots and the arm itself.  I have had to tighten the locks of the leveling system as much as possible to make sure they don’t twist to get the footage “off level”.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:50 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Grant Gregory, chairman of the Remington Outdoor Foundation (ROF), announced Jan. 19 that ROF, the leading industry advocate, appointed business leader and outdoor enthusiast Jim Moore as the president of the Foundation.
 
Jim joins ROF after more than 20 years of senior leadership positions with major marketing companies such as Leo Burnett, FCB and McCann-Erickson. He has provided leadership for developing business and brands for Jeep, Cadillac, Compaq Computer, AlliedSignal, American Standard and McDonald's.
 
Jim's longtime interest in the outdoors began by supporting his son in the Boy Scouts when his son expressed a desire to learn how to handle a gun safely.  This initially led to many rounds at the local sporting clays course, and they soon discovered the fields of Michigan and the fine pheasant hunting they offer. Pheasant hunting continues to be a passion today with regular Michigan hunts and an annual trip to England for a week of driven birds. Jim's love of the outdoors extends to being an active skier/snowboarder and bike rider. He also is an active conservationist who takes educational trips to study the remaining tigers in the jungles of Nepal and the Big 5 in the national parks of South Africa.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:38 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

ACCOKEEK, MARYLAND -- Beretta USA will announce the launch of The Beretta Trident Program for hunting and shooting sports venues on Friday, January 22 at the Safari Club International Convention.

The Beretta Trident Program is a unique, quality rating-system that will reflect an objective assessment of the complete guest experience at a sporting venue. "Until now, no such rating-system has been utilized at hunting and shooting venues," stated Christopher Merritt, General Manager of Beretta USA. "This is one of the rare situations where Beretta has permitted the Brand Name to be used to signify the exceptional quality of another organization."

Branded by Beretta, the Trident Program is the first of its kind and requires venues - offering wingshooting and or shotgun sports - to undergo a detailed and specific assessment of every area that can impact the guest experience. Tridents will be awarded to designate the venue's level of excellence - similar to the Michelin Star program for fine dining.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:42 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2009 and coming into 2010 has been a year where I have been obsessed with geese hunting.  I am learning to call, researching great labs, buying decoys and watching as many DVD's as I possibly can on the subject of Goose Hunting.  Over the past month one DVD has been on repeat in my DVD player pretty regularly.  Locked Up is one of those great DVD's that is going to get worn out. 

Action Packed is how I would describe this video and full of great information if you know where to look.  These guys hunt with the X Spot in mind at all times.  The X Spot for goose hunts is where the birds absolutely want to land and these guys plan for it on every single hunt.  The set ups are great the music flows, the video work is action packed and extremely well filmed.  The team you are watching looks like they are having a blast and for me the viewer that is incredibly important.  I want to go hunting with these guys and I am excited to see them produce more DVD's because I for one am hooked.

Go check out this great DVD because if your interested in seeing geese locked up and coming in over great decoy spreads your going to love this video and you might even learn something like I did.

LOCKED UP

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sportsmen Against Hunger a program run by the Safari Club International Foundation is feeding over 1500 people in Reno, Nevada tonight and this event is just one of many programs by this organization.  I had the opportunity to attend the event tonight and get to learn a bit more about Sportsman Against Hunger.

Tonight over 150 volunteers worked throughout the day and into the evening to prepare over 800 Lbs of elk meat into a wonderful meatloaf dinner for hungry Reno families and residents.  With wonderful support from Eldorado Hotel Executive Chef Troy Cannan and his staff , Other sponsors assisting The Salvation Army include the RSCVA, C & M Food Distributing, Model Dairy, SportService, Truckee Sourdough Company, Harrah's Reno and SYSCO. The Washoe County Sheriff's Department provided security and the event was extremely well run.

Volunteers included the High Sierra Chefs Association, Wells Fargo, Kiwanis Sunrisers Club, Boy Scout Troop 152, Girl Scout Troop 72, McQueen High School football players, Job Corps students and members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board as well as SCI members and staff.

Sportsman Against Hunger volunteers put on events like this around the country with over 200 chapters spread across the country these events bring much needed dinners to hungry folks around the country.  Sportsman Against Hungry has been working on a new initiative donating meat grinders to Salvation Army locations and soup kitchens around the country to help them take donations of wild game and process them for folks in need.  Annual donations of wild game meat and fish to those in need have increased over the last several years and tens of millions of meals have been served in local soup kitchens, food banks and charitable organizations.  In 2006, 314,275 pounds of wild game meat were donated to relief organizations; in 2007, the figure had jumped to 377,072 lbs., which is the equivalent of 1,508,288 meals. In the 2008 season, Sportsman Against Hungry set a new record with 412,154 lbs. That's more than 206 tons and figures from 2009 are still being calculated but expectations are well over 400,000 lbs.

SCI also had the Sensory Safari Exposition at this event and many of the families and residents from the area had an opportunity to walk through this roving Tractor Trailor of wild game mounts where everyone is encouraged to touch the trophies and mounts of wild animals from all around the world.  They can pick up horns, touch the fur of these wild animals and get to see many different species.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:30 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Salvation Army and the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) are inviting the homeless and anyone else who needs a hot meal to attend the 8th annual Feed the Hungry Feast. As many as 1,600 guests are expected at the event from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 19 at the downtown Reno Events Center. The dinner is held each year on the eve of SCI's annual Hunters' Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

SCI's Sportsmen Against HungerTM program contributes game meat to The Salvation Army, which organizes the event. The meat is being donated by the Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International and by Multiple Use Managers - a wildlife management service that combines hunting and recreation across the U.S. Half of the meat will be ground beef which SCI will purchase at cost from local meat vendors.

Eldorado Hotel Executive Chef Troy Cannan and his staff will prepare the game and other food donations into a great meal. Other sponsors assisting The Salvation Army include the RSCVA, C & M Food Distributing, Model Dairy, SportService, Truckee Sourdough Company, Harrah's Reno and SYSCO. The Washoe County Sheriff's Department will provide security.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:17 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 18, 2010

Las Vegas, Nev. – The latest gear for hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts begins its journey from manufacturer to marketplace at the SHOT Show®, which will draw nearly 60,000 industry professionals to do business over four days.

The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show opens on Tuesday, January 19, at the Sands Exposition and Conference Center and runs through Friday, January 22. Approximately 1,800 exhibitors will show their products in booths covering 700,000 net square feet -- the largest showcase in the world of firearms and ammunition, law enforcement equipment, outdoor apparel, cutlery, optics, shooting and hunting accessories and related outdoor products and services.

SHOT ranks annually among the fastest growing trade shows and is the 22nd largest trade show in North America.

The SHOT Show is the one place every year where manufacturers, distributors and retailers of firearms and sporting accessories gather to conduct business, exchange ideas, renew contacts and reaffirm the unity that has been the hallmark of the shooting sports industry in these challenging times.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:10 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 18, 2010

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Archery and bowhunting industry professionals cheered when the recipient of the prestigious POMA/ATA Fred Bear Archery and Bowhunting Communicator Award was revealed on the final day of the ATA Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 13 – 15. Legendary bowhunter and journalist Dwight Schuh, of Nampa, Idaho, was named the honoree.

Obviously surprised by the announcement, Schuh explained, "I told the guys at our (ATA Trade Show) booth that I had an important meeting at the ATA booth, but no, I had no idea why we were coming over here.

"The one thing I know I have in common with Fred Bear is a size 14 shoe," Shuh added jokingly. "Receiving this award is a validation of the efforts I've put into the industry. I've tried to be a good outdoorsman and a good writer; and I believe they go hand to hand. I've studied writers and writing so I can communicate what bowhunting means to me. I am a bowhunter at heart."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

I have been using the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab for a little over 6 months now. During this time I have been using it as a day pack and “not” as a meat hauler, with no thanks to “Lady Luck” in getting me any tags!

I have used the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab for my normal daily whitetail hunts, family outings and some scouting/tree stand hanging trips. To date I have yet to peak over the 40lb mark, but up to this weight the pack rides like and feels great during the hike and even the next day. Imagine that…no sore back!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:59 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Upon our 7AM arrival, it was cold! Kevin and I decided to meet much closer to the convention center disregarding our previous coffee shop plans. Being cold while hunting is absolutely fine in my book, but when your itching to get to the show it’s a whole different story. All of the Camo trucks hit it off just right, I knew a parking lot full of trucks could only mean one thing, a good time, and a good time it was.

To start off the day we picked a side to start our travels, right off the bat we saw many big names, Lee and Tiffany, “The man” Mr. Will Primos, the Drury brothers, the Bone Collector crew, Byron Ferguson, Country music star Daniel Lee Martin, and many other big names throughout the day. Aside from people, every product you could ever imagine was present. Clothing, scents, calls, arrows, blinds, tree stands, anything and everything, and of course, bows. Unfortunately, I am recovering from shoulder surgery so I was unable to test any one of the thousands of bows that were present, this being about the equivalent of dangling candy in front of a kid with a sweet tooth.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:57 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

WASHINGTON – Following an industry decision to relinquish oil and gas leases on approximately 29,000 acres of federal public lands on Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today praised the action as a positive move toward conserving important fish and wildlife habitat and sustaining hunting and fishing opportunities for American citizens.

In announcing the news earlier this afternoon, Montana Sen. Max Baucus referred to the lands encompassed by the leases as “a crown jewel of the West and a sportsmen’s paradise.” Adjacent to Glacier National Park, the leases are located in the Badger-Two Medicine area of Lewis and Clark National Forest and provide crucial habitat for a range of species important to hunters and anglers, including bighorn sheep and cutthroat trout.

Sale of federal leases on the Front has been prohibited since 2006 by a congressional ban, which Baucus helped enact, although existing lease holders retain rights to develop the region.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:50 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

TUCSON, Arizona - Each year the Safari Club International Hunters' Convention attracts the industry's top experts, celebrities and hunting personalities. This year SCI is planning a special event that will feature Outdoor Channel television hosts who will entertain Convention attendees with tales of life in the outdoors in High Definition. The Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada, on January 20-23.

This one-of-a-kind event will be held on Friday morning, January 22nd in the SCI Day Auction Room. The open forum will feature Outdoor Channel television show hosts Jim Shockey, Craig Boddington and Mike Rogers. The celebrities will share their techniques, strategies and what really happens behind-the-scenes. Highlights, outtakes and never-before-seen footage from America's Leader in Outdoor TV will be displayed in HD on big screens throughout the Reno Convention Center.

Those who attend the event can win fantastic giveaways from Nikon, Thompson-Center, Boyt Harness, African Wood Creations, the Outdoor Channel Network and many more. The event ends with an amazing auction for a chance to hunt and appear on television with one of the hosts.

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's approximately 190 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 18 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. SCI's largest fundraiser is held annually in Reno, Nevada, at the Annual Hunters' Convention. Register online at www.ShowSCI.com. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

MISSOULA, Montana-A spectacular landscape in northeast Nevada will remain intact for elk, other wildlife and public access following a land transfer from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to the Bureau of Land Management.

The conveyance prevents residential development on 235 acres of inholdings within Goshute Canyon Wilderness 20 miles north of Ely, Nev.

"Five different inholdings were part of Indian Valley Ranch owned by Michael and Dorothy Hastie, who wanted to see these lands protected in perpetuity rather than developed for cabin sites. When the Hasties approached us for help with this project, we were glad to get involved," said Bob Hammond, lands program manager for RMEF.

The area, which lies within the Cherry Creek Range, is classic summer range for elk with perennial streams and grassy slopes dotted with sage, bristlecone pine and aspen. Elevation ranges from 6,400 feet to a dramatic 10,200 feet. Deer, mountain lions, chukars, grouse and other species also can be found.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:41 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

I did a lot of research into bug-proof clothing as my upcoming Alligator hunt in Florida grew closer. I was instructed to expect a lot of bugs, namely mosquitoes, and to be prepared because choosing the wrong gear can result in an excellent hunt downgraded to a good hunt.

My searches kept bringing me to the same location, Buzz Off Outdoor Wear. This Florida based outdoor wear company supplied quality and effective wear to NASA, local police departments and their tactical units along with Florida Fish and Game and Hurricane Andrew officials.

Now that the hunt is completed, I am able to objectively look back on these events and my gear used that made this hunt successful. My choice was Buzz Off’s Ultimate Jacket and Pants. There is no doubt that my choice in Mosquito protective wear made this hunt a complete success. I did not get one mosquito bite this entire trip while in my Buzz Off. I cannot say that my partners shared the same fate. Riding on an airboat thru the swamps all night leaves little chance for the biting bugs to get their mark but once you stop to scan the areas or are setting up on an attempt on a gator, these pesky bugs get their opportunity to strike. Make no mistake, they will and this constant distraction can be easily avoided and you can keep your focus on the dangerous task at hand. Buzz Off was lightweight, extremely durable, flame retardant, UV and UAB protected and even water resistant while maintaining excellent visibility and breathability. I cannot say enough on how was impressed on this line of clothing.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Hunting seasons have come and gone now and hunters around the country are finding themselves wondering what to do. I know far to many hunters who will shoot their bows daily; just weeks prior to the fall hunting season opener, often wondering why things went array in the moment of truth? Instead I like to use this "down time" to fine-tune my equipment and get things ready and fully equipped for the up coming seasons. Having hundreds of dollars tied up in my archery equipment gives me another reason to continue shooting year round. If you find yourself in this same situation know that there are options giving you good excuses in continued shooting throughout the year.

Shooting year round keeps me and my gear in peak condition.  In the past especially when guiding, I have encountered times where my bow was in storage for a lengthy period of time and when I finally decided to shoot again, I struggled getting to full draw. I know from experience that it doesn't take long for your muscles to weaken falling out of shape. Shooting year round will help void this problem.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:36 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

As most, everyone knows one week before Christmas the East Coast was hit with 12-24 inches of snow. The most snow we have seen since 1996 covered every thing from roadways to piney deer stands. It just so happens that this lovely weather came right near the end of deer season in Virginia and I have always wanted to hunt in the snow like what falls in the Northern States.

After listening to the weather reports and watching many people scramble for gas and groceries I began to wonder if this might just be the real deal. At approximately 2pm on Friday December 18 2009, it finally arrived and came hard. By 5pm, I had seven inches of fresh white powder surrounding my freezing body over looking a field. As I looked around my mind, started wonder if this is what its like to hunt Alberta, Colorado, or North Dakota. Freezing temperatures, blowing snow and a gun in my hand I pictured as if I was on a quest for 150-class whitetails on the frozen tundra.

As the snow continued to fall and darkness fell hunting clips from TV shows began to re-run in my mind. It is down to the wire and out steps the buck of a lifetime, but for me that never happens so I just sat there hoping maybe to see a poor bird looking for cover. Darkness crept in on that first snowy day and I left that field disappointed yet again.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:29 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 16, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Two bucking bulls named for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are debuting at Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events nationwide in 2010.

The bulls, RMEF Bugle and RMEF Elk Country, are owned by Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls, one of PBR’s top stock contractors and owner of the 2007 PBR world champion bull, Chicken on a Chain.

An avid elk hunter, conservationist and supporter of RMEF, Jeff Robinson said, “I am extremely excited about our partnership with RMEF. My family loves to hunt and RMEF is making sure everyone has that opportunity well into the future.”

His two rookie bulls, challenging the world’s toughest cowboys in the Built Ford Tough Series events held around the country and televised on VERSUS, will help over 100 million PBR fans get better acquainted with RMEF and its mission. The organization recently topped 5.7 million acres enhanced and conserved for elk and other wildlife.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

CamoFX Face Coloring System is a simple easy to use applicator for camo facepainting while hunting that I am very impressed with.  Over the past several years, I have used compacts and tubes of makeup that have always gone on pretty smoothly but were an absolute pain in the butt to get off.  These little units actually come with 3 colors with Realtree AP HD and APG HD color schemes.

Each unit comes small with 8 great applications per dispenser and the make up goes on smooth and simple with no itching, cakey mess and or skin irritation.  The units propose Easy on and Easy off we found it was extremely easy on.  On my face it actually came off with a simple tissue but on my daughters skin it was a bit tougher to come off was not hard in any aspect.

This unit is small and fits in your front pocket in case you need a touch up in the field so pick up a couple of these and put your Camo Face On!

http://www.camofxnation.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:05 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

It’s the show season.  That means it’s a chance to get out of the house.  It’s a chance to see and try out the latest in hunting and fishing gear.  It’s a chance to plan and dream.

Whether you attend a small show or one of the mega shows, such as SCI, Dallas Safari Club, or Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, you’ll get the most out of it with a little preparation.  Think about your goal for the show.  Do you want to book a hunt?  Do you want to see all the new products?  Do you want to browse and check out everything?

Check out the show’s website. Most have coupons for ticket discounts or pre-show order discounts.  Take advantage of this and you’ll have a few extra bucks that you can spend at the show!  If they have a floor or show layout, check out the areas that you really want to see and be sure to head to there first! Some shows are so big you’ll never see everything, and you don’t want to miss what you really came for.  Be sure to check out the seminars or special events ahead of time.  If something catches your eye, be sure to plan your trip around that event, and get there early.  Many fill up fast if they’re really popular.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:56 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Louisville, Ky. - January 6, 2010 - Kentucky quail are ringing in the New Year in style thanks to the formation of four new Quail Forever chapters. The new Quail Forever chapters are dedicated to improving habitat for a Kentucky upland bird in great conservation need, the bobwhite quail.

"We are witnessing a resurgence of Kentuckians who care about quail, quail hunting and introducing youngsters to America's upland tradition," said Tim Caughran, Regional Wildlife Biologist for Quail Forever. The more passionate quail conservationists we have, the more ability we have to do the necessary habitat work that will increase bobwhite quail populations." Like many places in the bobwhite quail range, Kentucky's quail population has declined by as much as 80 percent in some areas, mainly due to sustained losses in suitable bobwhite quail habitat.

Commonwealth Chapter of Quail Forever
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Chapter Contact: Tom Blue, (502) 491-5061 tblue1@bellsouth.net

Muhlenberg County Chapter of Quail Forever
Location: Muhlenberg County, Kentucky
Chapter Contact: Chris Jarvis, (270) 931-0087 cdjarvis.mcqf@live.com

Kentuckiana Youth Chapter of Quail Forever
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Chapter Contact: Gunnar Graven, (502) 585-2396 jamesgrav@yahoo.com

Tradewater Valley Chapter of Quail Forever
Location: Webster County, Kentucky
Chapter Contact: Bobby Eddings (270) 871-1207

Quail Forever was founded by Pheasants Forever in 2005 to address the nation's quail population decline. Quail Forever applies the successful Pheasants Forever model of empowering local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent. As a result, the organization's 125,000 members and more than 700 chapters see the fruits of their conservation efforts in their own communities, while belonging to a national organization with a broader voice in Washington, D.C., on federal conservation policy.

For more information on Quail Forever in Kentucky, contact Tim Caughran, Quail Forever Regional Wildlife Biologist, at (618) 467-2586 and/or tcaughran@quailforever.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:24 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

WASHINGTON – Led by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, members of a coalition of prominent conservation groups emphatically seconded dramatic reforms to the federal government’s minerals-leasing policy announced today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

The TRCP Fish, Wildlife and Energy Working Group <http://www.trcp.org/issues/energy/274.html>  for years has urged federal leaders and policymakers to prioritize revision of the federal energy leasing and development process on Western public lands so that fish and wildlife resources and sporting opportunities can be sustained.

In a long-anticipated press conference, Secretary Salazar today heralded several significant changes that the Bureau of Land Management will undertake to better conserve public-lands resources and reduce potential conflicts over federal leasing decisions. The secretary also announced creation of an “energy reform team” that will be tasked with identifying and implementing energy management revisions.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:16 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Cody, Wyoming USA – January, 2010.  The Wild Sheep Foundation Convention and International Sporting Expo, “The Sheep Show” will offer on auction more state, tribal, and provincial permits than anywhere on earth during the February 3-6, 2010 event in Reno, Nevada. In 2009, the sale of special permits generated more than $2 million in conservation funds. For the 2010 convention, the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) expects to generate even more, by offering some great first time permits for desert bighorn sheep in Sierra del Carmen, Baja Sur, Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. The WSF will once again offer sheep permits from Alberta to Arizona and Texas to California and every state and tribal nation in between! With your help, the WSF is hoping to reach $3 million in revenue to help wild sheep, goats, and other wildlife across North America. Without these all important conservation dollars, many wildlife conservation programs would not exist, limiting hunter opportunity and the quality of wildlife and their habitat. For a complete listing of the special sheep and other permits offered visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org. Celebrating its Reno return, the WSF has partnered with MidwayUSA as the Official Sponsor of the event. “MidwayUSA’s generous sponsor support demonstrates their recognition of WSF as the premier mountain hunting organization in the world!” Gray Thornton, WSF President & CEO noted on this new partnership.
 
In addition to the special permits dedicated to state, tribal, and provincial conservation,  the 2010 WSF convention will offer on auction nearly $2 million in hunts, trips, special permits, fine guns, hunting gear, art, and accessories for the sheep and mountain hunting enthusiast. Funds generated at The Sheep Show will help wild sheep conservation efforts throughout North America and the world. In the first of its six years back in Reno, the WSF convention will feature more than 400 exhibits from all over the globe, showcasing outstanding hunting opportunities, firearms, optics, hunting gear, art, jewelry, and so much more.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:05 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 11, 2010

For the hunter, photographer or videographer reliably bringing game in close requires using a true sounding, natural call.  Cass Creek has a full line of handy, easy to use electronic calls taken from vocal sounds of real animals in their natural environment. These compact, hand held calls  allow the user to imitate and fool even the most careful, cautious animals from turkey, duck and goose to coyotes, fox and crow and whitetail deer, moose and  elk.  Natural wildlife sounds pre-recorded that leave nothing to chance.

Altus Brands, LLC spokesman EVP Sales/Marketing, Charles Ricci explained the product line.  "Cass Creek is a leader in the industry for electronic game calls. Ten years of development went into the first Cass Creek calls with expertise gathered from renowned hunters, respected wildlife biologists, outdoor writers, naturalists, electronic engineers, world class game callers, teachers and outdoor photographers. All of this knowledge combined with real life experience goes into every Cass Creek call. Every sound produced by these units has been taken in the natural environment from the particular animal in different situations. Rugged, dependable game call systems for every outdoor situation."

Ricci continued: "For those who want to bring game in close Cass Creek has a Call system for you."

Altus Brands, LLC also owns Pro Ears electronic and passive hearing protection/amplification products, BenchMaster Rifle Rests, Rifleman HP, CrossFire Slings, Concealor Boonie Hats, Woodland Whisper and Quicksit.
 
For more information/Dealer inquiries please contact:
Altus Brands, LLC
484 W. Welch Ct      
Traverse City, MI 49686
800-891-3660 - 800-973-1741 fax
www.casscreek.com
www.altusbrands.com
www.pro-ears.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 11, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Kimber and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are teaming up to launch the new Kimber Model 84L, a rifle that one respected gun writer has already described as “as good as a lightweight rifle can get.”

Christened the “Elk Country Classic,” the first 475 Model 84L rifles are chambered in .30-06 Spfd. and will be available only at RMEF fundraisers beginning early in 2010.

This sleek bolt action sporter weighs just 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and balances like a fine shotgun. Kimber upgraded the stock with specially selected AA-grade French walnut streaked with bold, rich grain. Each stock has hand-cut 20 lines-per-inch checkering, a hand-rubbed oil finish and is tipped in ebony. Special markings include an engraved floorplate with gold accents, engraved bolt handle and serial number that reflects the edition sequence. The rifle is elegant from every angle, but not flashy or overdone.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:16 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 11, 2010

WEST POINT, MS - Despite the current economic conditions, investors and outdoorsmen alike realize the long term value and stability of rural land.  This trend, along with the recent volatility in traditional investments has lead to greater demand for timber land, agricultural land, and recreational property as well as the expansion of the Mossy Oak Properties network.
 
Launched in 2003 to assist landowners, sportsmen and investors in their pursuit of the perfect piece of property, Mossy Oak Properties network has grown to over 50 offices in 14 states throughout the country.  Offices are currently located in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas.
 
Focusing on properties with investment and recreational benefits, Mossy Oak Properties is dedicated to organizing, promoting and assisting a strategic network of qualified real estate professionals that offer the best properties available in the United States.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 11, 2010

Saint Paul, Minn. - Three Minnesota Pheasants Forever wildlife habitat projects totaling over 600 acres were awarded funding as part of the first round of Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants. The Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants program is designed to restore, enhance or protect fish, game and wildlife habitat.

The program is an initiative of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC). Funding for the projects comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created when Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Prairie Storm WPA Addition - Stearns County This project encompasses the acquisition of 78 acres as an addition to the adjacent 320-acre Prairie Storm Waterfowl Production Area (WPA). After purchase, the land will be donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and managed as a WPA open to public hunting and outdoor recreation. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $159,000

Big Kandiyohi Lake WPA Land Acquisitions - Kandiyohi County Two tracts - currently cropland - totaling 58 acres will connect two large existing WPAs (the 820-acre Big Kandiyohi Lake WPA & 312-acre Lake Lillian WPA). After purchase, the land will be donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and managed as a WPA open to public hunting and outdoor recreation. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $125,000

Enhancement/Restoration Grant - Otter Tail and Stearns Counties This project has two aspects: 1) Enhancement project will allow for the purchase of additional seed to augment the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's seed mix diversity for the restoration of 480 acres of grasslands in Otter Tail County. The improved diversity will provide improved habitat for a variety of grassland birds. 2) Restoration project involves removal and chemical treatment of invasive volunteer trees that have degraded existing grassland habitats. Main area of focus for these projects will be on state Wildlife Management Areas in western Stearns County. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $45,737

For the first year of the Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants program, $3.74 million was awarded to fund 35 conservation projects around the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A total of 127 applications totaling $16.5 million were received during the first round of the applications. Local, state and federal non-profit organizations, along with governmental entities, were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000. A complete list of the successful grant applications can be found online.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. "The Habitat Organization" has 125,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information please visit www.PheasantsForever.org and www.QuailForever.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:02 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, January 9, 2010

We were up at 5:00 getting ready for another beautiful day of hunting cow elk in Northern Utah.  It’s amazing how much more quickly I jump up when the alarm goes off so early on a hunting day.  Terri Lee and I are having the hunting time of our life.  Our guides, Dale Denney and Anthony Neiderling, picked us up at about 6:00 and we headed up into the mountains for another glorious day hunting cow elk.

We got up in the mountains right before daybreak and were blessed with an awesome sunrise.  Not too long after daylight, as we rounded a curve (just one of thousands) , Terri Lee spotted movement near the top of a ridge.  Anthony got right on it with his binos and saw that it was a coyote.  We hadn’t gone too much further along the way and I noticed a small herd of nine mule deer.  They didn’t get too excited with our presence there, so they milled around long enough for us to get some camera shots and tape footage.

While we were gandering at the mulies, our guide sighted two cow elk out at the end of the ridge we were on.  They must have located us before we did them, because they dropped off the side of the ridge out of sight rather quickly.  Dale and Anthony were very familiar with all the ridge roads and mountain roads, so they knew a way to get down and around the two cows that we had lost sight of.  We meandered around to where the guides thought the cows would end up and we saw two more elk, although the direction they were traveling, Dale and Anthony weren’t sure they were the same two .

When Dale first caught a glimpse of these two, they were about 750 yards out, so we closed in about 300 yards and tried to get set up for about a 450-yard shot.  I was able to get a full picture in my scope, but they were moving on over the hill and only presented their rear-end for a shot.

The rest of the day was spent moving to different areas and glassing the hillsides for the elusive cows.  Right at the bewitching hour, as we were scoping out the landscape, we saw a few more mulies and Dale spotted a couple elk out about 1,500 yards. 

So although we didn’t get any shots, we saw several elk throughout the day.  It was a great day, and we’re ready to go out tomorrow and show the ladies we mean business.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:55 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

After a non eventful plane trip into northern Utah I have joined Tammy Ballew for a cow elk hunt. After picking up the rental car and heading east we got our first glimpse of wildlife alongside the highway. We saw two large mule deer bucks perusing the roadway as we sped on by. Thankfully Tammy had her camera out taking pictures of the picturesque scenery and captured the big boys on film.

We arrived at our hotel around 8:30. We contacted Dale Denny of Bear Paw Outfitters and set up to meet our morning's guide Anthony Neidlinger at 6:00 a.m.

Anthony picked us up right on time and we headed out to an area where out the elk have been spotted and hopefully get our first chance at a nice cow elk. The morning hunt brought us no luck but we did meet up with Mr. Altitude and he kicked our butts on a 300 yard trip to the edge of a canyon looking for fresh tracks and cow elk. We got some great pictures and awesome footage of the canyons and hills despite all the huffing and puffing.

We met up with Dale after lunch and continued our hunt, but to no avail. After a fun filled day of checking out the countryside and getting to know our guides we headed back for dinner and some relaxation at the hotel.

Day one was a no show by the elk but we are confident that we will be reporting elk down tomorrow. Either way the trip has already been both exhilarating and breathtaking.

http://www.bearpawoutfitters.com/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:30 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

I loved the beauty of the pronghorn antelope from the first time I saw one.  My first trip out West was to go skiing in Utah and we drove all the way from Southern Indiana to Salt Lake City along Interstate 80.  I saw my first pronghorn in western Nebraska and was so excited.  We continued to see herd after herd of them as we crossed the wide open country of Wyoming.  I was amazed by the West and to me the pronghorn symbolized the West.  Now, I am lucky enough to live in Wyoming and get the opportunity to hunt pronghorn.  Wyoming does have a draw for resident and non-residents so the opportunity is never guaranteed.

In 2009, Marty and I decided to put in for the draw in a trophy area.  We put in as a party so we both would either draw one or not.  As luck would have it, we drew our tags.  The season opened early October and I was ready to go hunt but October turned out to be a hectic month!  Work was incredibly busy and sadly I couldn’t take any days off.  We were fortunate to have family and friends come to visit and our weekends were filled with entertaining instead of hunting.   When the third weekend arrived, we had free time.  We left for the ranch early that Saturday morning. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:08 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

As a former professional Alaskan hunting guide I want to give you some of the information you need to get your Alaskan hunt underway in 2010. I’m talking about information you won’t get anywhere else. Most guides want to sell you a hunt- I don’t; I want to help you do it yourself! Coming from Kentucky 30 years ago, I knew how to hunt like most of you. Same rules apply here it’s just a LARGER place to apply them. What you don’t know is the terrain, the weather, and the logistics. You’ll need some help with that.

I have all sorts of info on my blog to answer many questions about hunting expeditions here and that info can be found at other places too. What you won't find elsewhere is a former hunting guide that will share many of his secrets about this place. I've contributed this article to Kevin in order to help his readers understand some of the nuances about Alaska hunting you won't find anywhere else.

I want to help Lower 48 hunters achieve their "trip of a lifetime" and not break the bank or your marriage to do it! FIRST THING, you need to realize, that on a small budget you have limited big game species you can legally hunt as US citizens without the aide of a guide. They are Moose, Caribou, Black Bear, and Sitka Blacktail Deer. All other big game species require a guide- based on my own experience that is costly! Note: Folks from outside the US (non-resident aliens) must have a guide for ALL big game. The State of Alaska has made some concessions to fellow US sportsmen- use them!

Article Submitted to HuntingLife by M. Scotty Lamkin at http://www.scottysalaska.blogspot.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:57 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

I had been discussing hunting blacktails for years with friends. I had drawn a buck tag for Zone A for Columbia Blacktail deer and finally was going to try and close another chapter in my hunting book in an effort gain more know-how that I could hopefully use on my next "to do" adventure.

I should briefly touch on the major distinctions between Rocky Mnt Mule deer and Columbia Blacktail deer and what I was hoping to hold out for. A trophy Columbia Blacktail will have more then 2 points on a side, excellent mass and a spread over about 17" inches. Blacktail bodyweights will close in on 175-200 pounds on a mature buck and the coloration and marking are different from one sub-species to the next. This is far different from the makings of a trophy Mule deer. They are truly apple and oranges in comparability and you must spend a little time studying these guys if you want to capitalize on an opportunity at success on a nice representation of the Blacktail species. I did my homework and was going to hold out for a 3 point or better buck.

Hally and I had made plans to hunt for 3 days and then spend another 3 days driving up and down the famous Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean, making continual stops in many of the tiny ocean towns along the coast.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:45 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

 All week we were getting ready for a hunting trip that we take to the National Forest in Bedford VA. every year.  I invited my friend J to come up and hunt with me.  He had never been hunting in the mountains before.  This trip would be my eighth year hunting in the mountains and I have made memories there that I will never forget.  Little did I know that this trip would be one of my favorites? 

My dad left on a Sunday to go up and get the camp set up and hunt the whole week, but J and I wouldn’t be able to come up till the end of the week and we would just hunt all day Saturday.  I had been talking to my dad while he was up there and he told me he had passed up two small six pointers.  He told me he saw them every day in the same spot about 300 yards down the dirt road he had set camp on.  I told my friend J and we were both excited this was his first time hunting in the mountains and I had never taken a buck in the National Forest like my dad or sister.  We stayed in touch with my dad to see if he was still seeing them, he said “yes” we couldn’t wait; we both might get a chance to take a nice buck.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:31 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

I had been searching for a good, versatile deer call for years.  I have tried some calls from Primos, Knight and Hale, and Flextone.  Although some of them were very good calls, I just couldn't get the sound I wanted out of them at the volume that I wanted.  I had an opportunity to test out a couple of deer calls from Madison Deer Calls, made in Apple Valley, Minnesota.  As soon as I received the calls in the mail and blew on them the first time, I knew they were something special.  The sound I heard was crisp and actually sounded like a buck grunting.  I couldn't wait to get them out in the woods!

Let me just say that they did not disappoint me!  Nearly every time out with these calls I saw deer and they responded to the Madison calls.  I had multiple shooter bucks in range looking for the deer making the irresistible sounds, unfortunately, none of them offered me a good enough shot or good enough footage to shoot.  I look forward to using them more during late season and using them for seasons to come.

Madison Deer Calls owner, Todd Madison, loves chasing whitetails in the fall.  He has spent years making his deer calls what they are today.  He offers his deer calls in many different types of woods (15 to be exact!) and some of the best customer service you can find.  Because of these different woods, each call offers a different sound and for very reasonable prices.   These calls will continue to sound good year after year.
 
They would make a great Christmas gift for a hunter, and you can order yours now and get them in time for the holidays.  Go to www.madisondeercalls.com for ordering information.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:14 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Annual Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Fun day took place at the local Bulawayo Gun Club. Where a flurry of loyal supporters spent the afternoon shooting clays.

This was followed by a braai sponsored by Lance Nesbitt. A very big thank you to Bruce Watson along with other members of the Association.

We were fortunate enough to have the pleasure of Mr. John Boretsky from SCI who taught us Zimbabweans a little about the art of Clay shooting.

On Friday the 4th of December, the annual hunters ball and prize giving was held at the Nesbitt Castle.
The trophy awards were presented by Mr. Edward Katzke, the current president of PHASA.

The best hunter overall was won by Clifton Walker for consistently good quality trophies bagged by his clients.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:07 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, January 7, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Young hunters between the ages of 15 and 34 are the most likely to suffer serious injuries in tree stand-related incidents, say researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for Injury Sciences (CIS). The same researchers' findings, though, suggest that such injuries are preventable.

The study, presented online this week in the Journal of TRAUMA® Injury, Infection and Critical Care, reports that men were twice as likely as women to be injured, and younger hunters more likely than older ones. Hunters aged between 15-24 had injury rates of 55.7 per 100,000, and those aged 25-34 averaged 61 injuries per 100,000. Hunters over 65 had injury rates of only 22.4 per 100,000.

"The elevated injury rate among younger hunters is significant, because debilitating injuries in younger people are far more devastating than for older individuals because of the potential long-term effects that create both physical and financial hardships for patients and their families," said Gerald McGwin, Jr., MS, Ph.D., associate director for research at the CIS and senior investigator for the study.

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

HOLLIS, C. Frank (Bronco) III, 65, passed away peacefully in his Varina, Virginia home on December 19, 2009. Frank was an active member of the Old Dominion chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as well as the Fort Lee Baptist Church, Varina Masonic Lodge 272, and Virginia Claremont Lodge 177. He was a retired member of the Carpenters Union Local 388 and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He rode the rodeo circuit in the United States and Canada for over 20 years, capturing 36 championships. He was an avid hunter of deer, elk, and bear. He loved God, his family, life, friends, and telling jokes to, even the occasional stranger; although he never met a stranger.

Bobby Hughes, of the RMEF Old Dominion chapter remembers Frank with these words: "Frank wasn't the type of man to leave things undone. When I spoke with him approximately a month ago, he donated to the Elk Foundation, 19 consecutive Big Game Banquet knives. He collected them for 19 years for a special purpose; He has instructed that the proceeds of the sale from his collection be used to put elk on the ground in Virginia. At the same time he was rememberinghis gift tothe RMEF, he was also reroofing, residing and repainting his home so his family wouldn't have any worries after his passing. This is the type of a man that gifted the RMEF and that we are honored to call "friend".

Tinker Frazier, Virginia RMEF State Chair remembers Frank: "Time spent with Frank always left you breathless with laughter. Never before have we met such a man who was truly larger than life. With his priorities always arrow straight and true, and a booming voice powered by a chest full of pride in his love of God, family and country, you never messed with Frank unless you were sharing a really good joke. Buddy Smith shared with me fond stories of long drives to elk camp with Frank keeping him in stitches for the entire trip. Frank was to go on safari with us, but his health had taken a downturn. We couldn't have asked for a better friend to join us on one of life's adventures. He dreamed of elk in Virginia and lived to see his dream come true."

A conservation memorial has been created in memory of Frank at the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Missoula, MT. If you would like to honor Frank and his legacy by making a memorial gift to support wildlife habitat then please contact, Michelle Tucker, Major Gifts Coordinator, at 1-800-CALL ELK, ext. 479 or mtucker@rmef.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

When 2010 arrives, it will mark my 25th year of doing instinctive archery shows.  It is hard to believe that 25 years ago  the late Rev. Stacy Groscup tossed a Pepsi can into mid air and challenged me to hit it.  I did and that same day he put me in front of an audience and had me shooting at aerial targets.   I'd actually assisted Stacy on stage for years by tossing targets for him from time to time.  Ann Clark  also had me assist her when she visited the West Virginia Sport show around 1981.  Those early experiences with Ann & Stacy let me know I'd found my calling.  I wanted to make a living shooting a bow and arrow.  It's the only thing I wanted to do.  It still is.

The shows have come full circle since that time and I have evolved into performing  my own shows.  When I first started I basically imitated Stacy's show, the same shots and the same script.   I soon came to realize that there was only one Stacy and as my confidence grew I began designing my own show and my own shots.  That's part of how the behind the back shots came into play.  I wanted to break new ground and do some shots that had never been attempted in front of crowds before.  I wanted to rewrite the books on exhibition shooting with some of the shots I'd attempt.  Some worked, some didn't.  I kept the good ones and forgot the others.  I once fired two bows at once in California--- and hit both targets with two arrows.  That was a crazy shot!  I couldn't do that shot often, when you consider that shooting twin 45# bows meant I was really pulling 90#.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:37 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE) announced on Monday that Wayne LaPierre, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Larry Potterfield, Founder and President of Midway USA will be the Keynote Speakers at the Expo Feb. 12 and 13, 2010, in Salt Lake City, Utah. These two great spokesmen for the outdoor industry and gun rights will be the highlight of the WHCE, which will have the greatest collection of taxidermy and state auction/raffle tags ever assembled in North America.

Over 350 exhibitors will be displaying at the Expo. Each night of the WHCE will have world class entertainment featuring Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, and Western Underground (Chris LeDoux's band). The USA Shooting Team will also be part of the Expo, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet these great Olympic athletes up close. Several USA Shooting Team members have won medals in previous Olympics and World Championships. The WHCE will auction a one-of-a-kind shotgun with all the proceeds going to the Shooting Team.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:33 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

While the 2009 hunting season is coming to an end, many hunters around the country have found success in the field. For many this time of closure is an unwanted reality, however the total experience of the pursuit can, and should continue.

Aside from the preparation, chase, and harvest, I find that another exciting part of the hunt comes with enjoying the meal provided. The array of North American game animals provides numerous opportunities for delicious meals that are nutritious, tasty, and most of all hard earned.

If you find yourself in post-season despair, take the time to experiment with some creative recipes to continue the excitement of the hunt. Along with mastering a magnificent recipe comes a newfound respect for your harvest. My recent simple yet delectable dish is venison meatloaf. This hearty meal topped with a combination of brown sugar, spicy mustard, and white vinegar makes for a great feast that will never fail the meatloaf enthusiast. Even though I enjoy getting experimental with my cooking, this is a dish that will always remain in the front of my cookbook. I urge you to fully immerse yourself in every aspect of the hunt, and experience the new meaning of soul food.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Matt McPherson started producing bows in the 70's and with many designs and years later, the 2010 Z7 is a testimate to his passionate pursuit of creative distinction and high performance engineering all inspired by the slogan "Catch us if you can!"

The new Z7 follows Mathews three Core values; Innovation, Integrity and Impact.

Being a long time fan of Mathews, Ive shot many of their models starting with the Outback which I took with me on a trip to Columbia Missouri while shooting in the 2004 4-H National archery tournament for the state of Minnesota. More recently however I had been shooting their Drenalin model. This was all until I picked up and shot the new Matthew's Z7 in November - well needless to say I havnt picked up my Drenalin since!

Replacing the Drenalin with the new Z7 as my hunting partner for the 2010 season has given me a large case of cabin fever to say the least! Not because the new Z7 is shiny new or looks way cool, but simply for the fact that it is a Great bow!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

ACCOKEEK, MARYLAND -- Hand picked by the NRA's premier magazine, the revolutionary new Benelli Vinci beat out the competition to be named the "2010 American Rifleman Shotgun of the Year." NRA Publications' Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. In rigorous comparison tests and evaluation conducted by a committee of NRA Publications staff, the Vinci won for its innovative design, rugged reliability, flawless function and value to the consumer.

Lightweight, rugged and reliable, the Vinci embodies "Practical Speed Performance" making it the fastest shooting semi-automatic shotgun ever. The quick-handling Vinci is built around the new and ultra-reliable straight-line Inertia Driven® bolt system that allows this semi-auto shotgun to cycle cartridges faster than ever. Quickness of mount, immediate target acquisition, short crisp trigger pull, instant recoil recovery, rapid follow-up shots, and ultra-reliability, all combine to give a real performance time-line of "speed" -- where the Vinci has no equal.

To accomplish this, Benelli engineers integrated the ComforTech™ Plus recoil reduction system to decrease recoil and minimize muzzle climb, allowing shooters to get back on target faster than the competition. Without adding weight, ComforTech™ Plus makes the lightweight Vinci truly shooter friendly by providing superior balance when shouldering and firing the gun. In fact, the Vinci is the fastest and most comfortable shotgun you will ever shoot.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:30 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, January 4, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.-A celebration of conservation, hunting and extraordinary big game trophies is set for June 24-26, 2010, in Reno, Nevada. Hosted by the Boone and Crockett Club, the event is a free public exhibition of world-class antlers, horns and mounted specimens from across North America.

Free attractions include displays of Top 5 trophies taken during the past three years in 36 categories of native North American big game species, plus a variety of seminars and exhibits.

Registered attendees also can enjoy raffles, an auction featuring hunts in top trophy regions across the continent and an awards banquet and ceremony on June 26.

The entire triennial event, the Boone and Crockett Club 27th Big Game Awards, is slated for the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.

For registration and more event information, visit www.biggameawards.com.

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

Sunday, January 3, 2010

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- With an increasing number of college students taking up target shooting at competitive and club levels, the National Shooting Sports Foundation is providing $109,500 in support to ensure that even more young men and women have the opportunity to give shooting a try.

NSSF is awarding the grants through its new Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative, which was launched earlier this year to raise awareness about shotgun, rifle and handgun shooting at the college level and to provide assistance for the development of shooting clubs and varsity teams.

"NSSF is making these grants available in response to a growing interest in the shooting sports on campuses across the country," said Zach Snow, NSSF's senior shooting promotions coordinator. "Graduates of scholastic shooting programs like the NSSF-developed Scholastic Clay Target Program want to continue participating in their favorite sport when they go off to college, and once there they're eager to introduce new friends, classmates and faculty to this lifetime activity. At the same time, collegiate shooting programs help create a positive image for the shooting sports and firearms ownership."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:02 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 3, 2010

The Gorilla camera arm is a hang on extension that allows hunters to record their hunts with amazing stability. Lightweight yet very sturdy aluminum construction allows for easy packing but a sturdy platform for your video camera. The gorilla camera arm features an extension arm, which swings 180 degrees, a fully rotational forearm and camera platform that also has a 180-degree camera head tilt, a bubble level, quick release camera mount, and a four-point mounting plate.

In the stand the camera arm was phenomenal, while you are held to a four-pound limit, the gorilla camera stand provides a very solid platform for the average home video camera. Rotating the camera platform was very easy and smooth, every movement was quiet, and assembly and disassembly was a breeze. With the features provided it is easy to point your camera in virtually any direction during your hunt.

Overall, for the price you receive outstanding performance and quality with this product. For the budget hunter, this camera arm is essential for those who enjoy bringing home quality footage.

http://www.gorillatreestands.com.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:45 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 3, 2010

My biggest obstacle in bow hunting has been the fact that I don’t judge distance very well. Maybe it is the fact that I didn’t ever need to when rifle hunting in the woods of Wisconsin, or maybe it was that I was learning how far away things were, from other people that really couldn’t judge distance either. All I know is that it was hindering me from shooting my target.

I started looking at rangefinders but it was hard to figure out what I needed. I really didn’t want one more thing to have to pick up and put back down to figure out how far away my target was. With two people in the stand while filming, we have more movement than we needed already. I tried “stepping off” certain spots, but if the deer didn’t stop in exactly that spot, how far was my judgment going to be off at that point?

The truth is I no longer worry about distance, because I found the NeverGuess Rangefinder. Made for bow hunters, it straps tightly onto my left fore-arm. One simple push of a button against the bow handle, at full draw, and the laser shoots me back the yardage in an instant. No extra movement to scare away the prey. If the prey moves I can still range it again without ever letting down on my bow. It even accounts for the angle, when I am up 35 ft. up in a tree.
NeverGuess Rangefinder is a very sturdy product and easy to setup. The rangefinder is housed in anodized camo aluminum housing with scratch resistant lens covers. The LED light automatically adjusts for low light conditions.

Although I am not a big fan of the Velcro straps and the noise, the peace of mind knowing how far out my target is, far outweighs my annoyance. The team at NeverGuess is also working on a shorter arm guard as well as a left-hand guard. The front sites are now new and improved from an open type site to more of a peep style.

This product retails for $399 and is a must have for those that want to complete an accurate shot.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Now that the hunting season is nearing the end or has ended for some of us, what do we do with our spare time?  Do we start planning for next year’s hunts? Swap gear on our weapons and equipment?  Do we do nothing and not be concerned about our “winter weight”?

While the first two are an effective and efficient use of time, why not take care of the most important piece of equipment…YOU! Why, do we think that it’s okay to increase out “winter weight”? Do some of us think that we are bears and are going into hibernation? This is the perfect time to heal those bumps, strained ligaments and pulled muscles. You should reflect on where your weaknesses were during the hunting season. Were tired walking to your treestand or blind? Were you struggling to drag your deer or pack out your harvest? You should be planning on how to improve yourself, just as you would any piece of your equipment.

I performed this very same task in January of this year. I wanted to be able to drag my deer out quicker and wanted to hunt in the more rugged areas. While I was in no way obese, I did have and still do a few pounds to shed. Losing a few pounds would not only be healthier, it would provide less impact on my muscles and joints. Now, I exercised several times a week for 60 minutes sessions and ate fairly well.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST