Sunday, February 28, 2010

Flushing, Michigan – Carbon Express®, a leader in arrow technology and innovation is adding another broadhead to its growing family, with the TroikaTM Lite 75. At 75 grains, this broadhead is a perfect choice for youth and low poundage bows.

The Troika Lite™ 75 features a bone breaking Trocar Steel tip and three heavy duty blades for strength and accuracy. In addition, the broadhead features a 1 1/8 inch cutting diameter, blade thicknesses of .020” and a weight of 75 grains. The suggested retail price is $15.95 for a pack of three.

About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high performance carbon hunting and target arrows and arrow components for hunters and target shooters. For more information or customer service visit www.carbonexpressarrows.com, or call 800.241.4833

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:13 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 28, 2010

I have a hard time finding Camo that fits me like I want it to. Jackets aren’t so much of a problem, but when my favorite pair of brush pants wore out, I had a hard time finding a pair of pants to replace them.

First of all, I wanted them to be durable, yet not too heavy or stiff, as I needed them for warm weather turkey hunting, and early season bow, which could get pretty warm. I didn’t like the high waisted styles since they were uncomfortable to me, and I hated having to pull my jacket up to find my pants pocket. Ideally, I wanted a pair of pants that fit me like me favorite pair of worn out jeans, only more durable. But was that even possible?

One day I was flipping through a Native Outdoors magazine and I saw an advertisement for their online store featuring women’s clothing, including a pair of Realtree Girl Cargo Pants. This was the first time I’d seen them advertised, so I went to the website to check them out. Lowrise, fitted through the waist and thigh, yet relaxed enough for easy movement or for a pair of long underwear underneath, the pants had plenty of pockets and looked durable. I ordered them.

I first wore them bowhunting in September and couldn’t have been happier with them. They fit perfectly, were comfortable, durable, and not only that, they looked good too! I would recommend these to any outdoors woman, and when mine wear out I’m going back for another pair!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:59 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 28, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—In letters to legislators and newspapers across the West, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is calling out groups like Defenders of Wildlife, Western Wildlife Conservancy and others for their disingenuous use of data on wolves and elk.

The RMEF action was prompted by each group’s recent op-ed articles in the media, as well as testimony before Utah lawmakers by Western Wildlife Conservancy Executive Director Kirk Robinson. All cited RMEF statistics to argue that restored wolf populations have somehow translated to growing elk herds in the northern Rockies.

“The theory that wolves haven’t had a significant adverse impact on some elk populations is not accurate. We’ve become all too familiar with these groups’ tactic of cherry-picking select pieces of information to support their own agenda, even when it is misleading,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We will not allow that claim to go unchallenged.”

RMEF population data, which come from state wildlife agencies, show that elk populations are expanding the most in areas of the northern Rockies where wolves are not present. However, where elk share habitat with wolves, such as the greater Yellowstone area, some elk populations are declining fast. In fact, since the mid-1990s introduction of gray wolves, the northern Yellowstone elk herd has dropped from about 17,000 to 7,100 animals—a 58 percent decline. Other localities in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming also are documenting precipitous downward trends.

Additionally, some research shows that elk remaining in areas of concentrated wolf populations are suffering nutrition loss, lower body weights and decreasing birth rates.

Allen said, “Every wildlife conservation agency, both state and federal, working at ground zero of wolf restoration—Idaho, Montana and Wyoming—has abundant data to demonstrate how undermanaged wolf populations can compromise local elk herds and local livestock production. There’s just no dispute, and emotion-over-science is not the way to professionally manage wildlife.”

RMEF continues to support state-regulated wolf management to include hunting and other viable methods. This position is supported by new reports of diseased wolf populations in the Yellowstone area.

“When wolves are too abundant, they’re more susceptible to diseases, just like all wildlife. The viruses and mange now spreading through wolf packs is another sign of way too many wolves,” said Allen. “Defenders of Wildlife would like to spin sick wolves as a reason to end hunting. But real conservationists know that diseased wildlife populations need better management. Hunting as a management tool delivers that, period.”

He added, “Remember, pro-wolf groups make their living by prolonging this conflict. There is no real incentive for them to admit that wolves are overly recovered. Fundraising is their major motive and they’ve built a goldmine by filing lawsuits and preaching that nature will find its own equilibrium between predators and prey if man would just leave it alone. That’s a myth. The truth is that people are the most important part of the equation. This isn’t the Wild West anymore. People live here—actually quite a lot of us. So our land and resources must be managed. Wildlife must be managed. Radical spikes and dips in populations show that we should be doing it better. It’s not profitable for plaintiffs, but the rest of us would be better served if the conflict ended and conservation professionals were allowed to get on with their business of managing wildlife, including a well regulated hunting strategy.”

In 2009, RMEF got involved in the ongoing wolf litigation, supporting defendant agencies by filing legal briefs used in federal court to help delist wolves and proceed with hunting—“facts conveniently ignored by groups who misuse our name, data and credibility to prolong the conflict. We stand for elk and other wildlife and what is happening right now is simply not good wildlife management,” said Allen.

See Allen’s letters to editors, Utah Senator Dennis Stowell and more at www.rmef.org.


About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:55 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 27, 2010

I had listened to dozens of ground shaking gobbles from the strutting tom for the past half hour. He was just out of my sight over a little rise but well within 100 yards. He had at least one hen with him as he drifted right then back to the left, spitting and drumming between gobbles. Everything I threw at him drew an immediate response, diaphragm, box, glass, yet he refused to side step just a few yards uphill to see who was making all that racket up here. Unable to move forward and unwilling to endure any more snubbing, I decided to back out and take a long circular route to wind up even with the side hill hugging gobbler. As he shuffled to the far left edge of his strutting zone I snaked in to and up against a boulder 30 yards to the right of where I estimated he had been stopping on that edge of the zone.

Rock solid, with my gun on my shoulder and rested on my knee, I gave a few soft yelps on the diaphragm. Immediately, a hen and jake ran to me. I watched in shock as the jake tried unsuccessfully to mount the hen literally under the barrel of my Browning Gold NWTF 12 ga, I'm talking feet here, not yards. I dared not even blink as the fan of the big boy slowly came into sight. He seemed unfazed by the antics of the rejected jake but continued his impressive display and inched closer and closer to me. I think I might have singed some jake feathers and certainly sent both unsuspecting birds to their analyst's couch as a loud boom erupted inches from their ears. The enormous gobbler that I had worked for the past hour lay still at 25 yards.

When a gobbler is hot, but hangs up, you have to analyze, form a new plan, and react. I have often said that good woodsman ship does in far more toms than good calling, though both together are a killer combination. In the case above, I knew the terrain like I know my living room. I had formed a good mental picture of his strutting zone, and I had his timing from one end to the other down pretty good. I am able to move fairly quietly and quickly through a forest and most important, I can set up like a statue with barely any movement at all. Without all of the above, that bird lives to see his fourth birthday. Calling was the least important aspect of that hunt.

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

Saturday, February 27, 2010

As any seasoned or beginner turkey hunter has experienced, setup location can make or break a turkey hunt. When turkey hunting, the initial area of concentration tends to be focused on the hunters calling game in; while this is ultimately important to bag that monster gobbler, so is the appearance of your setup. The setup quality of your decoys can make or break a hunt quicker than a missed tone would in adrenaline rushed yelping.

Here are a few tips that I have found helpful in setting up the right setup. I usually start the night before, listening at dusk to get an idea as to where the birds are roosting. Ideally, you want to see where they roost, but having a general idea gives you a leg up in the morning. When morning rolls around, the fun really starts. What I like to do is set up in a field close to where the turkeys roost, usually no closer than 100 yards however. When turkeys leave the roost, they generally fly down with the sun to their backs. I am not sure why this is but I have experienced this time and time again and many other hunters share the same experiences. One reason why I assume they do this is so they can locate predators as they descend. You can use this theory to your advantage when setting up, also keep in mind that Toms like to fly towards sunny areas to expose their feathers to the hens. Therefore when planning your morning hunt, you can narrow down areas that would generate the greatest chance to grab a Toms attention.

Once you have an idea of where the birds are, you have checked the weather and picked a spot that will generate optimal decoy exposure and success, comes the actual setup process. One method that I always use is a simple three-bird setup. I take two hens and a Jake and I place them according to the roost location. If the turkeys are roosting to my right, I will set the decoys about 12 to 15 yards to my left, around the ten o’clock position. This way in a perfect scenario, the birds will fly down and see my decoys in a sunlit area with the Jake and one hen in a mating position. The mating position more often than not sparks fury in a chief Tom and will send him on a mission to take the Jake out. Theoretically the Tom will then cross my 12 o’clock for a perfect shot opportunity. While this is a perfect scenario, you can use the simple tips I have provided to maximize your setup potential. While turkey hunting sounds easy, it is far from that. The wild turkey is very unpredictable and a hunter must use every technique possible to maximize opportunity in the field. There is a monumental difference in the definition of Hunting and Harvesting, and to turn the hunt into a harvest, determination and experimentation is necessary. Good luck this year and I hope you find these setup tips helpful.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:43 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 27, 2010

As turkey season slowly creeps forward, many hunters including myself are counting down the days and starting to rummage through our gear, making those mental notes of what it is exactly that we need to pick up before opening morning.

Being an avid turkey hunter that carries all types of tools I feel like I am always forgetting or misplacing something. Ive recently found a small tool that I would highly recommend to any serious turkey hunter. It is the "Slick Stick" by PRIMOS Hunting Calls. The Slick Stick is a complete call conditioning system. At about three inches in length it serves as a 5-In-1 friction call conditioner. From chalk to a striker conditioning chamber for cleaning your striker - This tool has everything you need to keep your calls sounding great at under $10!

I purchased the Slick Stick on a whim and man am I glad I did! I use it to rough up glass and aluminum calls which works much easier then the little piece of sand paper that comes with a new call. I also use the piece of chalk it holds inside the handle more than ever imagined! I have used this product so much since Ive got it that Im not sure how I ever went into the turkey woods without it. It just has too many useful tools not to have! Its as handy as it can get, with everything you need all in one... Consider it a swiss army knife of turkey calls!

Primos Slick Stick Includes: Stone, Scratch Pad, Chalk, and 2 Conditioning Pads.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa – There's never been a better time for pheasant hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to become a Pheasants Forever member than National Pheasant Fest 2010. Pheasants Forever and Cabela's are giving attendees a special show membership offer, exclusively for the Fest's final day. National Pheasant Fest 2010 is February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
 
With the help of Cabela’s, there's never been a more attractive offer for attendees to join Pheasants Forever. Attendees who purchase new, or renew existing, Pheasants Forever memberships on Sunday, February 28th ONLY will receive:

1 (one) year membership to Pheasants Forever (5 magazines, decal, member card & calendar)
Sunday admission to National Pheasant Fest
Pheasants Forever hat And
Cabela's Gift Card – redeemable in stores or online!
That's more than a $70 value! "The final day of National Pheasant Fest finishes strong with a full slate of bird dog, hunting and wildlife habitat seminars and attractions, but it also provides an excellent chance for visitors to join Pheasants Forever's efforts," said Brad Heidel, PF’s Director of Special Events Sales. "Thanks to Cabela's, which is always looking to help Pheasants Forever connect people to the wonderful world outdoors."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa –  Pheasants Forever announces two panel discussions to take place on Saturday, February 27th during National Pheasant Fest 2010. The first panel discussion, titled "Farmland Conservation and the Future of Iowa Pheasants" will start at 10:30AM. The second panel, titled "Iowa's Water & Land Legacy – Sustainable Funding for Iowa's Natural Resources and its Effect on Water, Soil, Natural Areas and Wildlife," is slated to start at 2PM.
 
"Pheasant Fest is back in Iowa for two major reasons," explained Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever's President & CEO; "first, we need to turn around Iowa's plummeting pheasant decline immediately. Secondly, next autumn's vote on Sustainable Funding for Iowa's Natural Resources will be the most important vote for Iowa in a generation. These two panels serve to highlight Pheasants Forever's leadership on both of these initiatives."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:07 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 25, 2010

I now own 3 goose calls.  I have an old wooden one that was handed down to me from a friend, I have a BGB call I bought at a Ducks Unlimited Banquet that I have been blowing for the last couple of years.  This year Scott Rollins took me out on a goose hunt, tuned up my call, gave me some lessons and told me to start looking for a call.  Todd Cocker from the Virginia Area Waterfowl Association gave me the best advice a hunter could get.  He said, "Find yourself a call that you can blow and that fits you."  I started looking around for advice and a facebook friend suggested I check out Zink Calls.  I did some research and found out that they were coming out with a brand new call in January and at the Eastern Sport Show, I had the pleasure of getting to meet Jimmy Wren and take a look at this new call.  I bought one on the spot and I have been working with it almost every single day since.  My family is none too happy, but I am absolutely smitten.

First off, the call looks amazing.  The design on the outside with flames and such in a blue acryllic just glows.  They had several great colors selections available and the blue just stuck out to me.  The Zink Logo is there along with the name Kile Jones who is the principle designer for this particular call.  All of the designs are etched into the call and filled in with white.  The call comes in a black silk bag with the Zink logo and it just feels great in your hands.

Now on to the important information....This call sounds AMAZING.  It is one of the easiest calls for me to blow that I have ever put to use. While I am not even close to a championship caller whom this call was designed for, I have found it easy to blow and I am able to replicate and grow in my calling.  I can shift from the real low goosy sounds and growls to high pitched spit calls quickly and efficiently.  Now when Scott and Todd give me lessons to improve my calling ability and open up my calling variety, I am going to have a tool can take me there.  The Zink Team and Kile Jones.....YOU ALL HIT THIS ONE OUT OF THE PARK!!!

If your looking for a new Goose Call...Contact the team at Zink and beg them to send you a NOS Goose Call in your favorite color...You may or may not become a Nightmare on Stage but you will become a nightmare to the geese in the field.  As of today, the NOS is not even up on thier website but it will be soon, either way pick up the phone, get one of these calls and start practicing...the season is right around the corner.

Zink Calls

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:11 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 25, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation projects in 17 Washington counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $186,270, will affect Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lincoln, Pacific, Pierce, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman and Yakima counties.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Washington volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 433 different projects in Washington with a combined value of more than $101 million.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:39 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 25, 2010

WASHINGTON – The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today urged House lawmakers to reject reductions to Farm Bill programs that are critical to American private-lands conservation and hunting and fishing opportunities.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the potential cuts in a hearing this morning before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which for the first time is reviewing the Obama administration’s fiscal year 2011 budget for the Agriculture Department.

The budget proposes funding decreases for programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. The TRCP and other sportsmen-conservation groups have fought for and championed federal support of these and other Farm Bill programs, which include compensating farmers and other landowners for undertaking measures to conserve wetlands and farmland at risk from development.

“While we appreciate the administration’s desire to reduce unnecessary federal spending, the fact remains that these programs are crucial to our country’s ability to sustain private-lands fish and wildlife habitat – habitat that forms the bedrock of outdoor sporting traditions for millions of Americans,” said Tom Franklin, TRCP director of policy and government relations.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:35 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

When I got this product in the mail to test out, I was pretty skeptical.  The team at Inventhelp sent it out to me for free to test out this fall while I was travelling North to the Dakota's and into Canada.  The unit is basically a heavyweight plastic bladder that you fill up wth water and a special powder concoction which gels all of the water.  You drop it into the freezer and allow it to freeze.  Once it is solid, drop it into your cooler and it keeps everything cold and dry(hence the name).

I used this product non stop for 30 days straight in a cooler filled with my favorite beverage...lots and lots of cans of Coke-Cola.  As many of my friends will tell you, I am addicted in a big way.  I drove over 5000 miles in 30 days and I refroze the unit about every 5 days but I never had to buy ice.  The cooler I used was a Coleman Extreme and I usually had at least 20 or so cans in the cooler at all times.  I will say that the last 10 days or so it was close to freezing every single night but either way, this bag still held up.  That was in Novemnber.  Since then the bag has been in use all the way into February and it is still kicking strong.  Upon pulling it out of the freezer last week it was frozen solid ready for a quick photo shoot and then back into the freezer for my next trip coming up in early April for Outer Banks fishing trips with the kids.

At a price of $15.95 for this bag you really cannot go wrong.  The instructions are very easy to follow, you fill it with water, pour in the powder, seal it and drop it into the freezer...24 hours later it is ready to go and it lasts for several more days then a bag of ice.  There just is not a single reason why you should not own one of these.

Purchase your Cold and Dry Bag Here!!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:16 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Now that your done chasing whitetails, its time to change your scouting and preparation from food plots and rub lines to what trees the gobblers are roosting in. Season is only a couple months away, and you should be dusting off your calls from last season and practicing up. Depending on your personal preference, there are many different call manufacturers out there today. Find out what kind of call you want to use this year and get familiar with it. Make sure that you find a call that is easy to blow, if you are having trouble, or do not feel comfortable with it look around for something else. I prefer a 3 reed batwing or ghost cut( Center U shape cut). These provide deep, raspy tones which resemble that old mature hen. When I make the drive to school or back, I always have the mouth call I want to use in there with me. Make sure you go through a couple different sequences and fine tune anything that needs to be worked on. You should make sure you have your yelps, clucks, cuts and purrs down to a tee.
 
During the spring you want to concentrate on scratchy, coarse tones, be patient and let them come in. Make sure you know where the gullies, streams and fences are on the property, you don’t want that tom getting hung up and loosing interest. Also you may want to get a topography map, showing you differences in elevation. This will tell you where to set up, a gobbler will rather come up hill, than down hill and possibly get hung up in a creek or fence line.
 
Right now is a very good time to go out and not only look for sheds, but find out where they are traveling. The snow can give you a lot of information about there travel patterns, and droppings can easily be spotted amongst the white snow, letting you know where the have previously roosted. While you are scouting look for tracks, particularly tracks in the 2 1/4 inch and larger range, with a deep or clear imprint of the middle toe with the scales showing. This indicates a large heavy bird, usually a tom.
 
Also the snow will show where the turkeys have been scratching, in search of food; this gives another clue on where they will most likely be in the beginning of season. The first week or two of turkey season is just like that of the start of deer season. You know where they have been because of food sources and travel patters. It may take the gobblers a week or two to start firing up and begin pursuit of the female. If you can slip in and not let them know you are there you can harvest a bird with out even calling.
 
Now you have an idea on where the birds might be on the property its time to starting the process of patterning your shotgun if you have not previously done this. If your gun comes with a choke already in the barrel, try a few different turkey loads through it at 30 and 40 yards to see if you even need to purchase a turkey choke. If the pattern is not very tight, look around at different chokes. There are many websites that give an actual chart on what combinations work best as far as gun, choke, and shot.

Nitro Comapny  gives a few examples for different guns and choke variations. Once you find what combination works best for your gun, make sure you find what distance you are comfortable shooting. Now that you have your gun and calls fined tuned, get yourself a good blind or find a place you will be well hidden. If you are comfortable with all of these steps, you should have a better chance at harvesting that long beard you had your eye on.

.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:03 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa – Pheasants Forever announces the completion of 1 million acres of habitat accomplishments in Iowa since the first Iowa chapter formed in 1984. With Pheasants Forever's marquee event, National Pheasant Fest 2010, in Des Moines this weekend, "PF" members and sponsors will celebrate the 1,000,000 acres of habitat work accomplished by Pheasants Forever in the state. National Pheasant Fest is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
 
Iowa's 102 Pheasants Forever, two Quail Forever chapters and 19,000 members completed over 6,900 wildlife habitat projects in 2009, benefitting nearly 142,000 acres for upland birds and other wildlife. This includes almost 5,000 acres of land acquired and then opened to public hunting and recreation as state Wildlife Management Areas, federal Waterfowl Production Areas or county conservation areas. With the addition of the organization’s 2009 project totals, Pheasants Forever has helped conserve, restore or permanently protect 1,026,430 acres for pheasants, quail and other wildlife since the creation of Iowa's first PF chapter in 1984.
 
"One million acres is a huge accomplishment for our volunteers," said Tom Fuller, Pheasants Forever's regional representative in eastern Iowa, "National Pheasant Fest 2010 will be a time to thank them for their indelible support, and also to explore how we'll accomplish the next million acres even faster."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tennessee is home to a new pair of Quail Forever chapters. Quail enthusiasts in Knox County formed Smoky Mountain Quail Forever, while Maury County quail hunters and conservationists formed Duck River Quail Forever. Both groups set out with the common goal of improving habitat for a Tennessee species in great need, the bobwhite quail.

As Quail Forever chapters, the Smoky Mountain and Duck River groups will utilize Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for wildlife in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.

"Bobwhite quail populations won't rebound by themselves. It takes people who care about quail, care about rolling up their sleeves and doing the necessary habitat work, and care about showing younger generations there is excitement beyond a box and a plug-in," said Tim Caughran, regional wildlife biologist for Quail Forever in Tennessee. "I'm proud to say such quail folk call Knox and Maury Counties home."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa –  Life Members of Pheasants Forever make an incredible commitment to wildlife habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and SCAG Power Equipment are recognizing those commitments made at National Pheasant Fest 2010. Become a Life Member of Pheasants Forever at the show, and you'll automatically be entered in the 2010 Pheasants Forever Life Member Sweepstakes for a chance to win a SCAG SFZ Freedom Z zero-turn riding lawnmower.

"We continue to be impressed with the efforts of Pheasants Forever, an organization that has contributed so much to wildlife habitat conservation in our country," said Chris Frame, Director of Marketing and Technical Services for SCAG Power Equipment, "SCAG is proud to show continued support for a group that works relentlessly to protect our environment; we are privileged to sponsor such a unique organization and look forward to being part of its National Pheasant Fest."

Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest will be February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Purchase a Pheasants Forever Life Membership at the event, and you'll receive the traditional treatment (framed Life Member certificate with gold pin and recognition in the Pheasants Forever Journal), and you'll be entered in the 2010 Pheasants Forever Life Member Sweepstakes for a chance to win a SCAG SFZ Freedom Z lawnmower valued at over $7,100! See SCAG Power Equipment at Pheasant Fest at Booth 331.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:51 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation projects in 12 Oregon counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $153,500, will affect Benton, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Union and Wallowa counties.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Oregon volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 633 different projects in Oregon with a combined value of more than $36 million.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county:

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:19 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa –  Ever wish your bird dog could be on the cover of the Pheasants Forever Journal? For the first time ever, Pheasants Forever is opening up the coveted space, to be auctioned off at the National Pheasant Fest 2010 Banquet on Saturday, February 27th in Des Moines. National Pheasant Fest is February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center.

Tickets still remain for the National Pheasant Fest Banquet, which will be the largest event in Pheasants Forever's 28-year history, but they are going fast! An unprecedented live auction features the opportunity to purchase the rights to have your hunting buddy professionally photographed for the cover of one issue of the Pheasants Forever Journal, the organization's signature publication that's received by more than 100,000 Pheasants Forever members five times annually. Quail enthusiasts, take note, as the same goes for Pheasants Forever's quail division, Quail Forever, and your bird dog on the cover of the Quail Forever Journal!

Staying on point with the bird dogs, Iowa's own Top Gun Kennels has donated a German Shorthaired Pointer to the live auction for the banquet. To come from an upcoming litter (male or female), the $5,000-valued pup will be completely trained for the hunting enthusiast:

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:57 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Madison, NC - Remington Arms Company, Inc. would like to congratulate Tyler Rico on his recent victory at the Nevada Regional High-Power Rifle Championship held on February 13, 2010. Rico scored an incredible 791-26X to be awarded the overall "Open Winner" match rifle champion while also securing High Master Class and NRA Junior Class titles at the recent Boulder City event.

This NRA-sanctioned match, held at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club, is one of many competitive events conducted throughout the year with individual winners qualifying for the National Championships held at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. Rico secured his win by completing the four-stage course of fire that included 20 shots standing at 200 yards; 20 shots sitting at 200 yards; 20 shots from the prone position at 300 yards; and 20 shots from the prone position at 600 yards.

Rico, age 15, is a former Junior National High-Power Rifle Champion. He and his father, Cecil Rico, joined the Remington High-Power Rifle Team in October 2009, and reside in Tucson, Arizona.

Remington congratulates Tyler on his wins and wishes him continued success in upcoming shooting competitions!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:19 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

Sleeping bags are pretty important to back country hunters.  The quest for a great sleeping bag at a reasonable price for my adventures later this year began by flipping through catalogs and talking to several folks who were in the know.  I was looking for a bag that was a little longer then my 5 foot 11 inch height.  I like to pack my sweatshirt and pants down around my feet so they are warm when I wake up.  I also look for a bag that is lightweight and compresses well to fit into my backpack.  So lightweight, easy to pack, a little long and oh yeah it had to be at a reasonable price and most of all it had to be warm.

I started searching some of the bags and boy these things can get really expensive.  I had a really great Eureka Tent so I decided to check their website and found out they made sleeping bags and after checking around, I found my new sleeping bag settling on the Kaycee Long.  This bag has zero degree temperature ratings which should cover just about any scenario that I am going to be in.  This bag weighs in at 5lbs carrying weight and while not the lightest I could find at this temperature rating, it did not rob my pocket book at a cool price of $149.90 plus shipping.

I took the bag out after a recent snowstorm, threw it onto the snow in 20 degree temps and jumped in for a quick nap.  The bag holds up really well and I could not be happier with my purchase.  The zippers are YYK and look very good, the bag is tough and comes with a great compression sack to keep the bag tight and ready for packing.  I always recommend hanging bags uncompressed in the closet or in a rubber made container for storage so the lofting and fill stays in good shape.  I always recommend that you air out your bag for a few days before putting it away for storage and making sure any moisture is dried out of the bag.

 The bag also comes with an external pillow pocket and inside stash pocket for your wallet or media player.  If your looking for a great bag that wont total your wallet the Kaycee Long should definitely be on your list of great sleeping bags to check out.

Eureka Kaycee Long

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:52 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

It is no wonder that I am such a fan of the Iphone.  The options and applications being built for this great tool/phone are exceptional from actual tools to games and many of them are being tailored for hunters use in the field.  Trophy Score is one of those great tools that was buit for the hunter in mind.

This application allows you to measure your animal and come up with a score for the Boone and Crockett, Pope and Young and SCI measuring systems.  The instructions are easy to follow, the applicaiton is easy to use and pretty intuitive. Graphically the application is very easy to use and the Trophy Room allows you to save photos of your trophies as well as statistics on where you took your animal, weapon used, date, time, conditions and measurements.  As well it carries all of the current world records for each animal and information on that animal.

For the hunter who is interested in keeping track of thier trophies and those that take a potential record this tool allows you to measure the animal and get an accurate green score for the 3 top major organizations tracking trophy animals.

For a low price of $2.99 this application is one that should be on your Iphone.

http://anchorpointoutdoors.com/trophy_score

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:22 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

ress release:

The RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ (Controlled Descent System) Full Body Harness System was enthusiastically received by the treestand hunting public when introduced in 2009. The RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ is the only Full Body Harness System that, should a fall occur, stops the fall and then allows the user to safely lower themselves to the ground. This unique feature prevents Suspension Trauma injury or death which can occur with any Harness System, in just a few minutes.

Well for 2010 the RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ is now available in a BIG BOYZ model that will handle the more ample weighted hunter up to 400 lbs. Also, the new RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’II has changed the 30’ of Safety Tether line to an 8mm diameter line with 4,000 lb tensile strength. This smaller diameter, super strong line weighs less than the original 11mm model with less bulk for a lighter, more comfortable system while still retaining the strength factor.

Dr. Norman Wood, Mountaineer Sports President made the announcement: “Our goal this year was to make the RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ lighter, more compact and more comfortable while also offering a unit that would handle the larger hunter. We have accomplished that with our new RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’II and new BIG BOYZ models. We are also offering our low profile Safety Buckles with elastic sleeves for added quiet.”
mountaineer-sports.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

NEWTOWN, Conn.-Two nationwide initiatives developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation Project ChildSafe and Don't Lie for the Other Guy have been recognized by the Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program.

NSSF received an Award of Excellence for its Project ChildSafe program, the firearms safety education effort that has distributed 35 million gun lock safety kits. Don't Lie for the Other Guy, the NSSF program that works to prevent the illegal purchase of firearms, was named to the AAA Honor Roll.

NSSF is one of only 13 organizations nationally to receive an Award of Excellence in the first round of the 2010 Associations Advance America Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and The Center for Association Leadership in Washington, D.C. Project ChildSafe is now in the running to receive a Summit Award, ASAE and the center's top recognition for association programs, to be presented at ASAE's 11th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 29, 2010.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is honored to receive these awards for Project ChildSafe and Don't Lie for the Other Guy from ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership, said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF. It is through Project ChildSafe that NSSF promotes the safe and responsible use and storage of firearms to millions of gun owners throughout the country and through Don't Lie for the Other Guy that NSSF helps prevent illegal purchases of firearms by prohibited persons.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:20 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—More than 6,500 conservation projects completed. Over 5.7 million acres of habitat, mostly on public land, enhanced or protected. Nearly 600,000 acres opened or secured for public access. These and other milestone achievements of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wouldn’t be possible without partners like Cabela’s.

One of the organization’s longest and most generous supporters, Cabela’s has announced renewed sponsorship of several RMEF initiatives for 2010.

“Conservation and stewardship of wildlife and wild lands is at the core of our business,” said Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer Tommy Millner. “We’re proud to partner with and support the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in their efforts to preserve the heritage of conservation that’s so important to our customers and our employees.”

For 2010, Cabela’s is again donating gift cards and merchandise used as premiums in RMEF membership drives, contributing items for auctions and other fundraisers, underwriting the RMEF 2010 conservation art print, sponsoring Elk Camp seminars and the Elk Country Legacy mission campaign, and more

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:45 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

Decatur, Ala. –  Bobwhite quail enthusiasts in Alabama have formed the nation's newest Quail Forever chapter. Named North Alabama Quail Forever, more than 20 hunters and conservationists created the Morgan County-based group to become an active force in reestablishing quail habitat in the region.

As a Quail Forever chapter, the North Alabama group will utilize Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for wildlife in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.  

Already, the chapter has taken the initiative of contacting local wildlife management authorities to inquire about assisting with quail habitat projects. The Bankhead National Forest has 11,000 acres slated for quail restoration work as part of its Quail Initiative Program, and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge has 1,200 acres in a quail habitat restoration program. "With adequate support from our chapter, state programs and local wildlife officials, we can set the foundation needed to reestablish quail in Alabama," said Kevin Terry, president of North Alabama Quail Forever.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:25 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

Well-established food plots are utterly essential for quality wildlife management. Food plots provide a centralized source of proteins, minerals, and other nutrients for all types of wildlife. In many cases these plots can be formulated for deer, turkey, and many other game species. With a focus on deer, bucks need protein, protein, and more protein. Proteins are essential to build up worn down bodies after a harsh rut and winter. Bucks also need protein to initiate antler growth; hardened antlers are 40 to 50% protein.  Initially, antler growth utilizes stores from the skeletal system, but these stores must be replenished. Therefore, a diet high in protein, phosphorus, and calcium is necessary for maximum antler growth. Button Bucks are especially impacted by nutrition. In order to grow large pedicels, superior nutrition is necessary. More often than not there is a direct correlation between pedicel size and future antler size of a buck. Thus it is beneficial to give button bucks all the nutrition they can get, benefiting your future deer herd. Does also require a protein rich diet; a fawn’s future potential is directly affected by the health of the doe while the fawn is still in the womb. With this being said, it is absolutely crucial to have sufficient food for your herd.

Now that we have established how important food resources are for the whitetail deer as well as other game animals, I would like to introduce one fundamental concept that I feel is overlooked. When planning a food plot, I cannot stress the importance of soil quality in the food plot equation. Soil is the foundation that supports the growth and development process in plants, and consequently in animals. Therefore, one must find a plant species that copes well with the site soil, or use methods to alter the soils composition.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:05 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

Roodhouse, Ill. – Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Greene County, Illinois, have formed the state's newest Quail Forever chapter. Known as West Central Illinois Quail Forever, new chapter members are excited about conserving and creating bobwhite quail habitat in the region.
 
As a Quail Forever chapter, the West Central Illinois Quail Forever group will utilize Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for habitat in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.
 
As a new addition to the Quail Forever organization, chapter leaders are proud to bring years of conservation experience to the Greene County area. With this amount of expertise available to local landowners, chapter president Andy Carroll is hopeful to see habitat improvements within a short time. "We have the knowledge and tools necessary to help area residents with their quail habitat projects," said Carroll, "Our chapter would be happy to assist any landowner with his or her wildlife habitat management goals. If community members would like to establish quail food or cover plots on their property, our chapter would be more than willing to offer assistance through seed purchase orders and habitat maintenance crews," Carroll continued. "We are dedicated conservationists who thoroughly enjoy working for the betterment of the environment, and this a great way to show that commitment."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:43 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 22, 2010

At first glance, they look like many other brands of sunglasses that are on the market today, but the Wiley X protective eyewear is much, much more.  The Wiley X Lacey are fashionable, but most importantly, they exceed ANSI Z287.1-2003 high velocity impact safety and optical standards.

As a shooter, I use them for protective shooting glasses because they are shatterproof.  Another special feature is the polarized lens technology adds 99.9 percent polarization to 100 percent UV protection.  I have used them in many venues and have been very happy with not only their protection performance, but also the look and the fit.  I found the fit to be perfect for my head and face size.  They felt secure, yet not binding and sticking to my cheekbones.

Wiley X offers several different styles, colors and lens shades to choose from.  I put the Wiley X Lacey to good use on my recent hunting trip to Utah.  We were blessed with lots of snow and sunshine, so eye protection was a necessity.  I wore them every day of the hunt.

I have several pairs of sunglasses, but I most generally reach for the Wiley X when I head outdoors for shooting and/or hunting.   They offer the best protection, usability and versatility.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:31 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 21, 2010

This years ATA(Archery Trade Association) show was filled with some amazing products for the archery industry.  The Bow Trainer stood out from the pack for Mitch Strobl and myself.  I have had 2 or 3 different devices that have been around for years but this product beats them all.  This device is well made and was crafted incredibly well.  It is a training tool and will allow you to practice your draw for any bow from weights from 5 lbs to 130 lbs.

Using your Draw Length and using everything from 1 band to all four bands you can custom tailor your workout from just under your current draw weight for you bow and then incrementally increase your strength training as wll as your endurance(hold times).  I cannot for the life of me think of any reason any archery hunter would not want one of these in thier arsenal.

Increased strength training and increased stamina allow you to have better accuracy.  This tool is one size fits all and can be used for those from 5 years old to 105 years old.  Starting with a plan of recommended resistance and allowing for completion of suggested repetitions and sets, you can slowly build strength and increase your stamina with consistent use.

This tool is one of the cheapest archery accessories you can pick up that will give you absolute verifiable differences in your accuracy, bow speed and stamina while shooting.

As a hunter, I love having the ability to draw my bow, hold my shot waiting for the perfect second to release that trigger and be able to make that once in a lifetime shot on that big bull elk, the bear of a lifetime or that monster buck.  The Bow-Trainer gives me the ability to be prepared with the strength and stamina to make it happen

You can purchase this product directly from our HuntingLife OpenSky Shop.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:41 AM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—More than 6,500 conservation projects completed. Over 5.7 million acres of habitat, mostly on public land, enhanced or protected. Nearly 600,000 acres opened or secured for public access. These and other milestone achievements of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wouldn’t be possible without partners like Cabela’s.

One of the organization’s longest and most generous supporters, Cabela’s has announced renewed sponsorship of several RMEF initiatives for 2010.

“Conservation and stewardship of wildlife and wild lands is at the core of our business,” said Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer Tommy Millner. “We’re proud to partner with and support the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in their efforts to preserve the heritage of conservation that’s so important to our customers and our employees.”

For 2010, Cabela’s is again donating gift cards and merchandise used as premiums in RMEF membership drives, contributing items for auctions and other fundraisers, underwriting the RMEF 2010 conservation art print, sponsoring Elk Camp seminars and the Elk Country Legacy mission campaign, and more.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:40 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

DES MOINES, IOWA - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited have committed $2 million to conserving and protecting Iowa's waterfowl and wetland resources. This increased financial commitment expands their existing Living Lakes partnership to strategically target habitat conservation work on priority shallow lakes and wetlands located throughout Iowa's Prairie Pothole Region.

"We're pleased to have the Iowa DNR partner with us to expand our existing cooperative agreement by another $2 million over the next three years," said Eric Lindstrom, DU regional biologist. "Since the mid-1980s, the Iowa DNR has been a tremendous partner and ardent supporter of waterfowl and wetlands conservation work in Iowa, as well as portions of prairie Canada."

Under the Living Lakes Initiative, the Iowa DNR, DU and a number of other conservation partners are working together to restore the health and ecological integrity of Iowa's shallow lakes and large wetland complexes. For decades, many of these systems have been severely degraded by increased nutrient and sediment loads, an overabundance of invasive fish and a lack of effective management capabilities.

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

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Eric Nuse, executive director of Orion - The Hunter's Institute, announced the organization's newest board member, conservation communications professional Tammy Sapp.

Sapp is an award-winning writer with 24 years of experience in the outdoor communications field with a focus on hunting and target shooting. She possesses project management and team development know-how through her work at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation. As the NWTF's senior vice president of communications, Tammy coordinated hunter recruitment and retention efforts in addition to planning and implementing numerous national marketing communications campaigns to encourage understanding of a range of conservation issues. Today, Tammy freelances for a variety of Web sites and magazines, edits the women's section of The Outdoor Wire and provides communications and public relations services through her company Tammy Sapp Communications.

Sapp joins a team of dedicated professionals who serve on Orion's board including:

President - Mark Hirvonen, Treasurer - Randy Newberg, Secretary - Gayle Joslin and board members John Organ, Jim Posewitz and Jim Tantillo .

Orion is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to ethical hunting and the wild resources essential to that purpose. Founded by Jim Posewitz in 1993, the organization is dedicated to preserving hunting as an important part of our North American conservation heritage through teaching hunter ethics and expanding society's knowledge of the conservation legacy that was born in the embers of the hunter's fire.

Orion is best known for its strong stance on ethical hunting and promoting the value of North American's hunting heritage. "Beyond Fair Chase," which was written by Posewitz, is a standard for hunter education classes in North America with 500,000 copies in circulation. For more information, please contact us at 802-730-8111 or visit www.huntright.org

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:12 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

WASHINGTON – The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today welcomed the appointment of Eric Schwaab as assistant administrator for fisheries for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Schwaab, who in his new position will oversee management and conservation of marine fisheries and marine mammals, sea turtles and coastal fisheries habitat within the U.S. economic zone, has a long history of partnership with the TRCP in attaining goals important to the sportsmen-conservation community.

Schwaab’s career spans more than 25 years’ involvement in resource management at the local, state and federal levels. As resource director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, he co-chaired the TRCP Marine Conservation Working Group and was instrumental in bolstering the interests of angler-conservationists in the 2007 reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which governs marine fisheries management in federal waters. Schwaab comes to NOAA from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he was deputy secretary, and has served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.

“Having worked with Eric Schwaab on fisheries issues over the years, I am confident he will bring a common-sense approach, open mind and collaborative spirit to this important position,” said Tom Sadler, who oversees the TRCP’s marine fisheries initiative. “The TRCP looks forward to continuing to partner with Eric as we seek to ensure effective management and conservation of America’s unique marine resources and recreational opportunities.”

In a statement announcing Schwaab’s appointment, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, called him a “creative and proven manager, consensus builder and leader” and said that his experience and leadership will “bring a fresh perspective to the management of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.”

The NMFS is charged with protecting and preserving the nation’s marine resources through scientific research, fisheries management, law enforcement and habitat conservation. Schwaab will begin work in his new position on Feb. 16.

“The recreational angling community greatly valued the leadership of Eric Schwaab as we labored toward reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act,” said Jim Martin, TRCP board chairman and conservation director of the Berkley Conservation Institute. “We also appreciated his leadership in the development of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

“Dedicated sportsmen like Eric hold the key to sustaining citizens’ abilities to speak up and improve management of our natural resources,” Martin concluded, “and we at the TRCP anticipate future opportunities to work with Eric and NOAA to achieve these common goals.”

Learn more about the TRCP’s work to conserve America’s marine recreational fishing resources. <http://www.trcp.org/issues/fisheries.html>

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:38 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

New York, NY – Sportsman Channel, the premiere all hunting, shooting and fishing network, today announced the launch of Sportsman Channel and Sportsman HD on DISH Network, the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in America.

Sportsman Channel and Sportsman HD will be available in DISH Network’s America’s Top 250 package on channels 285 and 9483, respectively.

“DISH Network is a premiere provider of high-quality sports programming to millions of households across America, and we are thrilled to deliver our network to DISH Network’s passionate base of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Sportsman Channel President Willy Burkhardt. “We are also excited to be DISH Network’s first high definition channel dedicated to hunting, shooting and fishing programming. This is a testament to the high-quality, entertaining and informative programming we deliver to our viewers and partners every day.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:33 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — In 2009, a majority of hunters made going afield a priority in their life. According to HunterSurvey.com, almost 25 percent said they hunted more than they expected to in 2009 and 40 percent said they hunted about as much as they expected to.

Results from this poll support the finding that hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in the 12 states that make up the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting License Sales Index.

While several factors can affect hunting licenses sales, experts point to the high jobless rate as the most likely reason for the 2009 uptick in license sales.

“While the exact reasons for the 3.5 percent increase are unknown at this time, past research suggests that slowdowns in the nation's economy often result in hunters having more time to go afield,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, Inc.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:27 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Bogart, Ga. - The Quality Deer Management Association recently received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to support the Effects of Deer Population Structure and Dispersal on Disease Mitigation Efforts West Virginia project.

The project is a joint effort between QDMA, Dr. Randy DeYoung of Texas A&M University in Kingsville, and Dr. Jim Crum of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. The data for the study will be collected from deer tissue samples in Hampshire County, West Virginia, and evaluated by Dr. DeYoung and graduate students at the University who will perform DNA analysis. QDMA will administer the grant and serve as the liaison between the researchers and the NFWF.

The genetic study will acquire information on deer population structure and movements. The researchers will assess population structure and spatial scale of deer populations, as well as the role that habitat and landscape features play in animal movements and dispersal.

The project will run through October 17, 2011. Once completed, the results will be of direct use to state, provincial, and federal wildlife agencies dealing with Chronic Wasting Disease management efforts.

"We are excited to be part of this important research," said Kip Adams, Director of Education & Outreach in the northern United States. "Disease management is one of the most pressing issues facing whitetails today, and this project will enhance our understanding of the complex interactions among deer populations as they relate to disease transmission."

About QDMA

Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with 50,000 members in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Membership in QDMA is open to anyone interested in better deer and better deer hunting, and committed to ethical hunting, sound deer management and the preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. To learn more about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call (800) 209-DEER [(800) 209-3337 or log on to QDMA.com.

QDMA ... The Future of Deer Hunting

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:23 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

I’d been looking for a great hunting boot for women, and was recommended by Terri Lee Pocernich that I try the Lacrosse women’s Alphaburly boots.  We had been visiting back and forth on what gear we would be taking on our cow elk hunting trip to Utah and she said they were definitely on her checklist.  The outfitter had told us that there would be lots of snow, so I wanted something taller than what I normally wear and something that would keep my feet warm and dry.

In the past few months, I had tried on several styles and brands of hunting boots, but they all seemed too bulky and were not a comfortable fit.  I had noticed the Lacrosse Alphaburly boot at one of my favorite sporting goods stores, but I didn’t think it was what I was looking for.  I already have a pair of rubber boots and I thought that’s what they were too.
So I headed to the nearest hunting store, Bass Pro, and tried a pair of them on.  The fit was perfect.  They felt comfortable on my foot, not too heavy feeling, and not too bulky for hiking in the snow.

 I was extremely satisfied with the Alphaburly boot throughout my hunting trip.  My feet stayed very warm and dry.  I was actually surprised at how well I could hike in the snow with them.  They have a good traction, so I didn’t slip and slide up and down the mountainsides.  The height worked well for me too, I didn’t have to worry about snow going over the top and getting down inside the boot.

Link Directly to Lacrosse Boots

*This reviewer personally purchased the product.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:17 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

AMES, Iowa – With support from a diverse group of conservation partners, Ducks Unlimited received a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant in December, 2009. The grant will help protect, restore and enhance over 865 acres of critical wetland and upland habitat on public and private lands throughout the northern portion of Iowa’s Prairie Pothole Region. All tracts restored, enhanced or protected under this grant will remain open to public assess.
 
    “We’re grateful to be working with such a great group of dedicated partners on this project,” said Eric Lindstrom, DU regional biologist. “Significant conservation planning efforts were invested in developing a suite of high quality projects. This effort illustrates the passion, commitment and science-based approach that each of the partners have for preserving our state’s treasured natural resources, not only the benefit of wetland-dependent wildlife, but also for fellow Iowans.”

    Grant funds will be leveraged with over $2 million in matching funds provided by The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board, Vermeer Charitable Foundation, Kossuth County Pheasants Forever, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DU. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to strategically invest NAWCA dollars in protecting and improving key habitats in a region of Iowa that has been severely altered.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:04 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Arkansas City, Kan. – February 2, 2010 – Hunters and conservationists from Cowley County, Kansas, have formed the state's newest Quail Forever chapter. Named Cowley County Quail Forever, the group has set out to protect, restore, and enhance bobwhite quail habitat in south-central Kansas.

As a Quail Forever chapter, the Cowley County group will utilize Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for habitat in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.

Cowley County Quail Forever is comprised of passionate outdoor enthusiasts, some of whom have 25-plus years experience volunteering for various conservation causes. "In our first year as a Quail Forever chapter, our focus is to establish ties within the surrounding communities and get people on board with our mission of improving quail habitat," said Justin Nulik, an Arkansas City resident and president of Cowley County Quail Forever. "In particular, we look forward to having conversations with area farmers and private landowners, as they are the real keys to creating upland bird habitat."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:59 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

RANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky has a new state record for a bull elk with non-typical antlers.

Harrodsburg resident Terrell Royalty's 7x7 elk scored 372 6/8 in the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system, besting the old record of 367 7/8 taken in Harlan County in 2008. Royalty took his record elk from a wildlife management area in Knott County on October 4, 2009.

"This new state record shows the quality elk hunting we have on our public lands," said Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Jon Gassett. "In addition to the great elk hunting on private lands, Kentucky boasts world-class elk hunting on public lands as well."

A non-typical rack means the tines are not located in a typical location. Royalty's elk had seven tines each on either side of its rack. The score is the totaled measurements of the main beams, tines, width and mass. The trophy could not be officially scored until after a 60-day drying period.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:11 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

MISSOULA, Montana-Two land transfers underway in Idaho are securing public hunting on over 1,500 acres of managed elk habitat-and helping build a special fund earmarked for more similar projects by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

RMEF's Strategic Land Protection Fund, which began in 2009 with $1.5 million, is now over $3 million. The fund is used for acquiring vital but eminently threatened tracts, holding them until partnering state and federal agencies can accumulate funding, and then conveying them for permanent habitat protection and public access.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission in late December authorized the Idaho Fish and Game Department to purchase two tracts offered by RMEF at about half of their appraised values. The agency will make four installments of $137,550 each.

"These monies, along with previous imbursements from other states as well as private donations, are building our Strategic Land Protection Fund to a level that makes RMEF well positioned for even broader conservation successes in 2010," said Jack Blackwell, vice president of lands and conservation for RMEF.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:04 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

BRAINERD, Minnesota -Ducks Unlimited presented conservation awards to recognize individuals and organizations for their commitment to improve Minnesota's wetland and waterfowl resources at DU's annual Minnesota state convention in Brainerd this weekend.

The 2010 DU Minnesota conservation awards announced were:

• • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Partner of the Year
• • Kevin Lines, Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources - Professional of the Year
• • Minnesota Farmers Union - Public Policy Champion of the Year

"These award recipients have made tremendous and distinctive contributions to improve North America's waterfowl resource" said Ryan Heiniger, director of conservation for Minnesota and Iowa.

The Partner of the Year Award was presented to Minnesota DNR Fish and Wildlife Division Director Dave Schad. Other DNR staff in attendance at the convention included Steve Cordts, waterfowl biologist, and Nicole Hansel Welch, shallow lakes program coordinator. DU's partnership with the Minnesota DNR began in 1972 when the DNR made a $15,000 contribution for habitat work in Canada. This partnership continues, and Minnesota surpassed the $1 million mark in 2009 for its total contributions to breeding habitat work in Canada.

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW) put together a record-breaking event for this year’s Western Hunting & Conservation Exposition (WHCE) held Feb. 11-14, 2010, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. Exhibit hall attendance exceeded 25,000, and daily seminars and evening events were at capacity, entertaining well over 3,500 people.

The sale of more than 60 big-game tags raised over $10 million for wildlife conservation. The Utah Statewide Mule Deer tag brought an all-time high of $260,000, and the Arizona Statewide Mule Deer tag sold for a record $177,000. Hunters had the opportunity to purchase or enter drawings for tags worth over $2 million.

SFW President Byron Bateman said, “Hunters are conservationists. They’re the ones putting the money on the ground. I think we’ve demonstrated that here.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:11 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 15, 2010

We are partnering up with The Hunting League to allow our fans to vote for our Pro Staff and follow our season in 2010 for all of our deer hunting.  Beka Garris and Marty Killion are already in the league and several of our Pro Staff Team will be coming on line in the next several weeks.  This week we are in a very very tight race and we could really use your help with a vote for Kevin Paulson in the Poll.  The vote costs nothing and takes but a second of your time and while you are there, we hope you will check into the Hunting League.  It is a fantasy league allowing you to pick certain hunters to represent you and for every deer they shoot they get points in a competition for prizes and you get points.  The contest allows you to pick 3 hunters every month for five months and the players with the most points win a fantastic prize package.

We really appreciate your support and we would really appreciate your vote!!!

Vote for Kevin Paulson in Group 2  Week 5

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:23 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Its always tough to hang up the rifles, shotguns, bows and muzzleloaders for the year, but for many deer fanatics February marks the start to another season: SHED SEASON!

The season is open and most bucks will drop their horns anytime from December till April. Although there are many factors involved in a buck to shed, I find February a good time to start scouring the woods.So far this year I have picked up 6 sheds in three outings, one being a matched set. Being that we are still early into the shed season and with as many bucks as Ive seen still carrying horns, Im very happy with my findings! 

Due to the weather and all the snow we have been seeing here in MN I think the deer are easier to pattern then normal. This has made finding sheds fairly easy. I have found all my sheds either right in deer beds or along a trail. I focus all my shed hunting in forest (bedding areas) and in agricultural areas. This year on the land I shed hunt there is standing corn field that was left due to moisture and has really turned into a deer magnet; producing a bunch sheds thus far!

Some basic places to find sheds are bedding areas, feeding areas and trails that combine the two. getting out when there is snow on the ground helps me to quickly identify areas where the deer are congregating. 

With the popularity of shed hunting growing, I often find more human tracks then horns but have learned over the past couple seasons that the majority of shed hunters arent willing to brave the cold weather early in the year; giving me the perfect opportunity for a head start.

Weather your a seasoned shed hunter like myself or simply a beginner, its a magic time to be in the woods. Weather or not you pick up any sheds is one thing but you'll be sure to learn valuable information about the deer in your area for the up coming hunting season along with some good exercise. The best is yet to come so get out and do some shed hunting!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

We are proud to introduce Beka Garris as one of our newest Pro Staff members to Team HuntingLife and we look forward to seeing her grow as a writer and a member of the team.  Here is her first story for HuntingLife.com:

Opening day of muzzleloader in New Jersey, it was 40 degrees with a forecast of rain. I hated hunting in the rain, especially muzzleloader hunting. And besides that, rain was depressing. Nevertheless, I was on the road at 5 that morning, headed to my tree stand.

It was also opening day of rifle in Pennsylvania, I expected to see a lot of hunters already parked along the road in the dark, getting ready for drives, but saw only a few. I had to drive a half hour to reach the property I hunted, but it was privately owned, and I was the only one who hunted it. It was a small square of about 7 acres, surrounded by public land that I knew would be full of hunters doing drives. Hopefully, that would push a few deer out to me so I could get a shot. I hadn't used the muzzleloader in a few years, but this year I wanted to shoot what I liked to call the "New Jersey Grand Slam": a deer with a shotgun, bow and muzzleloader, at least one buck.

This year, I had promised myself, this year was going to be different. I was going to hunt hard and shoot the buck of my dreams. The area I hunted was known for its huge New Jersey bucks, and I was lucky to be hunting where I was.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:31 AM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont. - Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) will host its first Goldenrod Writing Workshop at the University of Montana in Missoula August 1-7, 2010.  Open to both novice communicators and published professionals, the week-long workshop is designed to improve skills in outdoor, nature and environmental writing.  
 
The workshop is in a casual setting with hands-on learning from peer groups and veteran instructors. The curriculum includes assignments, discussions, readings and shared critiques along with time for writing and socializing with others who share a passion for outdoor writing. 
 
Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and it's on a first come, first served basis. The $995 fee includes tuition and room and board at The University of Montana campus residence. The deadline for applications is May 1, and a $250 non-refundable deposit is due the same time.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Long Range Shooters, Weekend Enthusiasts and Perfectionists have long known that understanding your crosswinds and being able to use those numbers would help you shoot better groups.  I know for an example that my 300 Win Mag shooting Federal Premium ammunition tipped with the Barnes Triple shock X shooting 1.6 inches high at 100 would drop in perfectly at 200 yards, be 6.8 inches low at 300 yards, be 20 inches low at 400 yards and and be 40.4 inches low at 500 yards.  Now I have not shot an animal at 500 yards but I still love to shoot out to these ranges because when I do shoot regularly out to 200 yards, I have the confidence to know that I routinely blow up milk jugs at 500 yards.

Shooting out to those distances I would on occasion miss (Dont we all) the jug to the right or to the left and it would drive me batty.  Being a bit of a perfectionist myself, I knew that there was a bit of crosswind but I could never figure out how strong it was and how much of a difference it was making.  Knowing that my bullet had per 10mph of wind a drift of .7 inches at 10 yards, 2.8 inches at 200 yards, 6.3 inches at 300 yards, 11.8 inches at 400 yards and 19.2 inches at 500 yards.  Having the ability to know what the crosswinds are helps to know how far left of the milk jug or how far right I would be and allows me the ability to either adjust the windage on the scope or use Kentucky windage and just hold to the left or right of the jug.

Knowing this crosswind exactly can help you to make perfect adjustments to your scope and as a perfectionist, I want to know exactly where my bullet is going to place.  Perfectionists, long range shooters and snipers have long known that the Kestrel Meters have long been one of the standards in checking Wind Speed and now with the 4500NV Nielsen Kellerman has absolutely knocked the ball out of the park.

Purchase your Kestrel Here

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:30 AM | 3 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Reno, Nevada – Safari Club International is pleased to announce a highly successful 38th Annual Hunters’ Convention in Reno, NV. The 2010 Convention ranks as the second highest revenue generating Convention ever with nearly 20,000 attendees. In a tough economy, this signifies the strong commitment of SCI’s Reno-Sparks partners, along with the exhibitors, vendors, outfitters and SCI members who help to raise the funds to continue SCI’s mission of being First for Hunters.
 
Highlights from the week included over 1,100 exhibiting companies leasing over 2,000 booth spaces, a SCI-PAC luncheon with keynote speaker Liz Cheney, the second annual Diplomat’s Reception with government officials and representatives from central Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia and the United States and the Convention’s keynote speech from Former President George W. Bush.
 
Safari Club International (SCI) is also pleased to announce the full list of award recipients at the 38th Annual Hunters’ Convention.  Award winners include members and chapters who display a strong commitment to and have made great contributions to the sport of hunting, displayed a dedication to the conservation of wildlife, have a history of service to the global hunting community and are committed to SCI’s programs and mission statement to be First for Hunters.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa,- Since 1973, Iowa duck hunters have harvested 8.3 million ducks, most of which according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates originated from the Prairie Pothole Region. Throughout this 37-year period, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has contributed over $1.1 million to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which provides vital funding for habitat conservation work in Canada, a primary source of Iowa's ducks.

"We commend the Iowa DNR for their commitment and significant contributions to conserve quality habitat in key areas of Canada. These areas provide critical breeding habitat for waterfowl that migrate through the state each year," said Eric Lindstrom, Ducks Unlimited regional biologist.

The DNR's investments are matched two-to-one by Ducks Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited Canada and leveraged with additional funding from North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants. With this international partnership, each dollar invested by Iowans is leveraged into over $5 of habitat conservation work in Canada.

Map depicting ducks banded in Saskatchewan and harvested in Iowa from 1923-2008.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:23 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Adult sportsmen and women reported an impressive level of mentoring to young hunters on a recent HunterSurvey.com study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. More than 77 percent of active hunters and target shooters indicated they had taken their sons and daughters hunting. Even adults without a child or stepchild got into the act, with 56 percent of them reporting they also took a young person hunting.

“The information collected from this and other research projects will prove valuable in determining how hunters first entered the sport and what youth projects can be initiated to help increase participation in hunting and shooting sports in the future,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of research and analysis. “The National Shooting Sports Foundation is proud to partner with Southwick Associates on research projects such as this.”
The poll also shows 83.4 percent of young people were introduced to hunting, even if they didn’t carry a firearm or bow, before they turned 13 years old, which is a critical factor in ensuring the next generation will be avid, lifelong hunters.

The average age of the mentor was 38, according to a concurrent study conducted by the NSSF. A majority of adult hunters, 61.7 percent, first introduce a young person to hunting when they are between the ages of 30 and 45. Mentoring is an important component not only for recruiting new hunters but for ensuring experienced sportsmen and women continue spending time afield.

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Twenty-one years ago god put me on this earth, and ever since I was able I’ve been hunting.  Whether it was sparrows in my grandparents backyard with my trusty red rider bb gun, shooting ducks coming into a morning spread, or a buck of a lifetime stepping into my crosshairs. All of these things have had a real impact on me both as a person and as a hunter, but a recent experience showed me just how you need to always be prepared for something new.

It was a chilly December evening, bow in hand I stepped out of my friends truck and whispered “pick me up at dark”, which was the usual ritual, but tonight would be something different. As I walked to my blind just a couple hundred yards from the road it seemed like any normal night in North Dakota, a steady North West wind accompanied by some blowing snow. For middle December this was expected, what wasn’t expected was what I was about to see next.

As I sat in my pop-up blind underneath a small tree I saw some deer start to move my way out of a corn field, but then suddenly they were at a full sprint toward the nearby shelter belt. This baffled me for a second, until I saw what they were running from. Behind them at a near full sprint was the largest predator I had ever seen in the wild. This was no house cat, it was a mountain lion.

With a quick  twenty-second glimpse it was gone ducking into the shelter belt where the deer had entered. As I brought my binoculars down from my eyes, I could feel my heart racing out of control with adrenaline. I think just the sight alone of this magnificent hunter was worth all the money the world has to offer, it was an experience few can say they have had in life. To see a predator in the wild like that has been a dream of mine since I was a child, not only because they are such rare creatures in North Dakota, but because they are such majestic and beautiful animals.

I stayed in the blind till dark hoping I would get another glimpse of this creature and my heart continued to beat quickly.

I never got another look, but just as I saw my friends truck coming down the road about a mile away I heard what has to be the most bone-chilling scream I have ever experienced. The worst part was it was right behind me, and all I had to protect myself was a bow and my trusty knife.

The thing about a bow is that you really cant protect yourself with it unless you have nerves of steel, something that went way out the window the moment it screamed, so with knife in hand, I waited about twenty minuets before exiting my blind.

I sprinted to the truck, making as much noise as possible, but still the two hundred yards I had to go felt like miles, and seemed to never end. I arrived at the truck with the sound of my friends laughing at me after seeing me run all the way to the truck and fully out of wind.

That memory will always be rattling around in my head as one of the coolest and scariest experiences of my life. The thing about hunting is that things like this happen everyday to someone, somewhere in the world, and I cant think of anything better.  isn’t that what life is all about?

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:37 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

Press release:

The RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ (Controlled Descent System) Full Body Harness System was enthusiastically received by the treestand hunting public when introduced in 2009. The RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ is the only Full Body Harness System that, should a fall occur, stops the fall and then allows the user to safely lower themselves to the ground. This unique feature prevents Suspension Trauma injury or death which can occur with any Harness System, in just a few minutes.

Well for 2010 the RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ is now available in a BIG BOYZ model that will handle the more ample weighted hunter up to 400 lbs. Also, the new RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’II has changed the 30’ of Safety Tether line to an 8mm diameter line with 4,000 lb tensile strength. This smaller diameter, super strong line weighs less than the original 11mm model with less bulk for a lighter, more comfortable system while still retaining the strength factor.

Dr. Norman Wood, Mountaineer Sports President made the announcement: “Our goal this year was to make the RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ lighter, more compact and more comfortable while also offering a unit that would handle the larger hunter. We have accomplished that with our new
RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’II and new BIG BOYZ models. We are also offering our low profile Safety Buckles with elastic sleeves for added quiet.”

Wood continued; “While light weight and comfort is a consideration, the main function of the RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ however remains the ability of the user to lower oneself to the ground safely if a fall from a treestand should occur. Our sole objective is to make treestand hunting safer, more secure and eliminate fatalities caused by Suspension Trauma.”

The RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ is certified to TMA Standards and comes with Replaceable Back Cover, Lineman’s Rope, Tree Anchor Strap and 3 Carabineers, instructional booklet and DVD.

RESCUE ONE ‘CDS’ – Don’t Just Hang There!  Live to Hunt Another Day! ™

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

Arkansas City, Kan. – February 2, 2010 – Hunters and conservationists from Cowley County, Kansas, have formed the state's newest Quail Forever chapter. Named Cowley County Quail Forever, the group has set out to protect, restore, and enhance bobwhite quail habitat in south-central Kansas.
 
As a Quail Forever chapter, the Cowley County group will utilize Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for habitat in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.
 
Cowley County Quail Forever is comprised of passionate outdoor enthusiasts, some of whom have 25-plus years experience volunteering for various conservation causes. "In our first year as a Quail Forever chapter, our focus is to establish ties within the surrounding communities and get people on board with our mission of improving quail habitat," said Justin Nulik, an Arkansas City resident and president of Cowley County Quail Forever. "In particular, we look forward to having conversations with area farmers and private landowners, as they are the real keys to creating upland bird habitat."

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

Monday, February 8, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.-As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of adventure, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is saluting the youth organization's historic work in habitat conservation and more recent partnership for elk country.

The Scouting movement was founded Feb. 8, 1910, a date still commemorated as part of Scout Week nationwide. A centennial black-tie gala is slated Feb. 9 in Washington D.C.

"Boy Scouts began as a way to develop character, responsibility, citizenship and personal fitness, and since the very beginning Scout leaders understood that all of those qualities can be cultivated through outdoor activities-including wildlife habitat projects," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. "The cumulative impact of Scouting on conservation in America is immeasurable, and we both congratulate and sincerely thank the millions of young people who've been a part of it."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:21 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- In a year when one word, "fewer," described life in America -- fewer jobs, fewer home sales, fewer purchases -- hunters were responsible for generating a welcome "more" category, as hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in states that make up NSSF's Hunting License Sales Index.

The 12-state index comprises several states from four main regions of the United States. Nine of those states recorded hunting license sales increases from January through December of 2009 over the previous year, according to Southwick Associates, a research firm that monitored the license sales information.

"Many factors such as weather and the economy affect hunting license sales in any given year, but in 2009 the economy likely had a more significant effect," said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF's director of industry research and analysis. "While the reasons for the 3.5 percent increase are speculative, past research shows that during slowdowns in the nation's economy it is possible that people have more time to hunt and that hunters take the opportunity to fill their freezers with nutritious, high-protein meat acquired at lower cost than if a similar amount was purchased at the supermarket."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:41 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

Aspirin Bustin' at the Northern Wisconsin Deer Classic and Ice Fishing Expo

(Eau Claire, WI) The Aspirin Buster was in the house January 29-31, 2010 for the Northern Wisconsin Deer Classic and Ice Fishing Expo.  Promoter Hugh Price had brought me to Eau Claire twice before but this was my first trip back since about 2005.   The new facility at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Complex made an ideal location for this winter show.  There were trophy bucks, lots of people, and lots to see and do. 
 
    This area seems to be well known for COLD weather and big bucks.  I have been really impressed with some of the whitetails I see displayed at this event over the years.  I think it may be a well kept secret because I never hear much about Wisconsin but I sure see a lot of big bucks at these shows.  The bowhunters here also have an interest in traditional archery and asked a lot of good questions after my exhibitions.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:39 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

It has become an increasingly popular tool in the waterfowl hunting world, and rightfully so, as it has proven to be effective.  Movement in a decoy spread is the key to bringing in the birds.  Mojo Outdoors comes out with better motorized decoys every year.  In the past year, their Mojo Teal has been catching the eyes of hunters and ducks all over the country.  I used one throughout the last year with great success, so great that I bought another one!

There are many advantages to the Mojo Teal.  First of all, it is a much more economically friendly motorized decoy.  A Mojo Mallard will cost well over $100, but not the Teal.  You can find the Mojo Teal for $60 easily, and with a little shopping around, even less.  Secondly, the fast spinning of the wings perfectly mimics the look of a real teal flying around the pond.  I had ducks flying away from me and all of a sudden whip around like a boomerang and drop right in to my spread!  Another huge plus is that battery life is not a problem, as one battery for me last year lasted over 60 hours of hunting, without turning it off, in all conditions.  The size of the Mojo Teal is also a pro.  It is much smaller than the Mojo Mallard and much lighter, so you can easily carry 2 or 3 of these just as easy as you could carry 1 Mojo Mallard.  Also, not only does the Mojo Teal work for ducks, but also for other various birds, such as pigeons and doves.  You will be amazed by how the pigeons and doves react to this decoy!  It brings them in like they are hypnotized!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:34 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

So, you may remember in my last article titled "Friends" Denny and I had the experience of a lifetime! One that no matter how much time goes by we will never forget.

Now if that last story got you in the "mood" to get out there and start hunting... Then this one will start the truck load the Bow and get you well on your way to knowing what Bow Hunting is all about.

"OK, let's go they went down that draw"!

"UGH"! I said pulling myself up and off we went.

From that point on we were not giving up. There was nothing that we wouldn't do (legally) to make sure we saw those animals again. Up and over to the draw... Looking around glassing down into the draw we saw nothing... Not a hair or horn to be found anywhere?!  We let out a few cow and calf calls. Nothing but rustling grasses and a cool breeze in our face. So the wind wasn't a factor... They were GONE!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

Bogart, Ga. - The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for cooperation between the DNRE and QDMA.

Rebecca Humphries, Director of DNRE, Russ Mason, DNRE Wildlife Division Chief, and Leon Hank, Michigan QDMA State Chapter president, signed the document that had previously been signed by Brian Murphy, CEO of QDMA. The agreement provides the framework for jointly planning and accomplishing mutually beneficial projects and activities that maintain and enhance Michigan's wildlife resources.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) calls for cooperation between the DNRE and QDMA on the development and execution of projects and research efforts, wise management of Michigan's deer herd, dissemination of information concerning management of white-tailed deer and other natural resources, and collaboration on public and private landowner assistance programs.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

A perfect spring day…clear, still. The ground is wet with dew, and the early morning sun glints off of the thousands of little drops, reflecting back off into a thousand little suns. Violets and cowslips grow at the edge of black swamp muck. A turkey gobbles, just on the next ridge. I look over at my dad, and just before he pulls his headnet on, I see him smile…

Some of the best moments of my life I have spent hunting. I first went out hunting on my seventh birthday. I wasn’t old enough to actually carry a gun, and it was a few weeks too early for turkey season. But, Dad took me turkey calling. I can still remember the exact way I felt, the things we said, what calls we used. The way the gobbles made goose bumps go up and down my arms. They way the turkeys looked in the early morning light. From that morning, I was hooked.

I was eleven when I got my first deer, and thirteen when I got my first turkey. Dad was with me both times. I got my first turkey on my thirteenth birthday, April 13th, 2002, which made it extra special. On the same day, my older brother and one of my younger brothers both got turkeys. Dad called them all in. My turkey weighed 22lbs, and had a 9-½ inch beard with 1-¼ inch spurs. I entered a contest for youth hunters, ages ten to sixteen that had shot turkeys that day, and my turkey won the trophy for the biggest bird. Dad said that my turkey was my birthday present from him. That day will always remain among my favorite memories.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 8, 2010

The JakPak, was launched last year and is the world’s first in combining a waterproof jacket and bivy into a single piece of gear.

While it was originally created for emergency use, they have redesigned it  to fin into the recreational market. For all intents and purposes the JakPak is a Portable Personal Sleeping System is something that would be quite useful for the avid outdoorsman. It allows the outdoorsman be prepared, without having to bring along any additional shelters.

Each JakPak includes a waterproof, breathable jacket with pit zippers and a detachable, bivy-style tent with integrated sleeping bag. The sleeping bag folds down from the lower part of the jacket and the tent pops out of the back, all while wearing the JakPak. You do not have to remove the JakPak to deploy it's features!

The JakPak comes in sizes Small to XL. It is available in 2-Tone Green, 2-Tone Black and Woodland Camo and retails for $250. It will be available in limited quantities in March from the JakPak website, but you can reserve yours today here. 

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:48 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Squirrels are a great animal to take kids out to hunt and Mike Rhodes took his son Ethan who is 11 years old out in the Pensylvania woods.  Hunting as a lifestyle will only survive if we take out our youth into the woods.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Nothing is as disturbing as trying to enjoy the outdoors or concentrate on the hunt while being attacked about the face and head by swarming, biting, disease carrying insects. ALTUS Brands, LLC has solved this dilemma with their new Concealor Boonie Bug Hat^TM.

Altus spokesman EVP Charles Ricci made the announcement; "One of the greatest distractions, annoyances and health risks for anyone who enjoys the outdoor lifestyle is swarming, biting insects. Not only can they ruin a day in the field, they also carry a wide variety of diseases. We are pleased to offer a solution with our Concealor Boonie Hat."

The Concealor comes in a wide variety of hats and caps for hunters, campers, hikers, gardeners, military and many other areas of outdoor use. Each innovative hat contains a lightweight, see through mesh fabric that is hidden away in a compact zippered compartment in the top of each hat. When pulled down, the camouflage netting covers the entire head, face and neck area to protect the wearer from swarming bugs including mosquitoes, black flies and other annoying, biting insects.

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

Sunday, February 7, 2010

There are times when hunting or photographing wild game that you not only need realistic, natural calls to bring the game in close, but also greater volume. The Ampli-Fire Series from Cass Creek Calls delivers on both counts!

This, recorded from nature series of electronic calls are compact, one piece units that are easy to use, easy to transport but also  provide pumped up volume capability for those times when louder calls are necessary.

Altus Brands, LLC spokesman EVP Sales/Marketing, Charles Ricci explained the product.  “Cass Creek is a leader in the industry for electronic game calls and the Ampli-Fire Series represents years of dedication to quality, performance and reliability in the field.  Like all Cass Creek calls, the sounds have been produced in the natural environment from the particular animal in different situations. The Ampli-Fire Series combines years of experience in calls that are designed for times when the extra volume is really needed.”

The Ampli-Fire Series includes specialized electronic calls for: Predator, Moose/Deer Combo and Goose.
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.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:56 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Ok all you bow hunter’s out there what are you sitting around for tournament season is here. If like me that old arm gets tried and weak after bow season goes out and that rifle weights you down. You find it a little difficult to pull the string back. So this is a great time to get that arm back in shape and hone your skills for next season.

Around this time every year the local archery clubs post their tournament season schedule so I whip out the calendar and try to plan a few shoots for the year. In doing the shoots not only do I keep my arm in shape, but I also hone my yardage judging skills. Plus, the camaraderie of fellow bow hunters just is a great spirit lifter in the off season.

Now if you’re saying I already can judge distance pretty well so what’s the point. Well then, I would suggest you sign up for a local spot or dot shoot to have your accuracy put to the test. See just how hard it is to hit a half inch X at 20 and 30 yards over and over again for an hour or so.

For those of you sitting here saying I’m accurate, I can judge yardage, and my arm is fine. Well I suggest you and your buddies go shoot an indoor 3-D or 4-D shoot. See just who the quick draw of the group is. Remember those mechanical targets can pop up from anywhere, at any yardage, and you only have a couple seconds to get a shot off. It also gives you something to talk about on the way home as your buddies will make fun of you because you had an off day. Trust me it happens to the best of us, nothing to be ashamed of.

So the next weekend you have nothing to do look up your local archery club. Put your skills to the test and keep that arm in shape in the off season. You might just be surprised what some off season practice can do for your next hunt.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:09 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa  – How? By purchasing your ticket for the Iowa Build a Wildlife Area gun raffle sponsored by the Iowa Pheasants Forever State Council. Fifty-two brand new firearms – total value of $78,000 - will be raffled off, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to purchasing new public hunting and recreation areas in Iowa.
 
The Build a Wildlife Area program puts 100 percent of the funds raised directly toward land acquisitions utilizing state, federal and other grants. Pheasants Forever, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa County Conservation Boards and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched Iowa's Build a Wildlife Area campaign effort in 2006. Since then, Iowa Build a Wildlife Area campaigns have resulted in over 1,100 acres that have been opened to public hunting and outdoor recreation.
 
Iowa Build a Wildlife Area Gun Raffle

• Impressive gun list includes Browning Maxus, Winchester SX3, Benelli Super Black Eagle II and more!
• Limited to 3,000 tickets.
• Winning tickets placed back in drawing, meaning every single ticket has an opportunity at all 52 guns.
• Tickets are $50 each and are available through your local Iowa Pheasants Forever or Iowa Quail Forever chapter.
• Gun raffle drawing to be held at Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest 2010, coming to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines February 26-28.
• Gun winners posted one week after drawing at www.IowaPF.org.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:02 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Columbia, SC -Joe Hamilton, founder of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) was recently named South Carolina's Wildlife Conservationist of the Year. Ben Gregg, Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and Cary Chamblee, Lobbyist with the South Carolina Camo Coalition, presented the award to the deserving Mr. Hamilton during the South Carolina Wildlife Federation's 45th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet in Columbia last weekend.

"It is a humbling experience to be recognized for my professional activities and lifestyle, which, often at the expense of my family, are inseparable," said Hamilton. "Although presented to an individual, this award's recognition should extend to the dedicated deer hunters who embraced a new paradigm in deer management, now commonly known and practiced as quality deer management (QDM), and to the Quality Deer Management Association which was established to foster the movement," he continued.

Since earning a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia's School of Forest Resources, Hamilton has dedicated thirty years to wildlife management in the state of South Carolina. His efforts have enhanced management practices in South Carolina and impacted deer management throughout the region.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:55 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Saint Paul, Minn. - Shopping for a new gun can be tough under budget constraints, but Pheasants Forever is offering a solution to the problem: the Gun-A-Week Raffle presented by Benelli. This exclusive offer gives raffle participants in Minnesota the chance to win a brand new firearm in a drawing that will be held for 52 weeks straight; prizes for this raffle have a total value of $39,000.

Tickets for the raffle are on sale now for $50 each and only 1,200 tickets will be sold in Minnesota. All of the proceeds generated from the raffle will be used to support Pheasants Forever programs, including wildlife habitat development, land acquisitions and youth education programs. Winning ticket numbers will be placed back into the pool of contestants each week, so by purchasing just one ticket, you'll have a chance for all 52 firearms!

The impressive gun list, valued at approximately $39,000, includes firearms by Benelli, Stoeger and Franchi retailing for as much as $1,500 each. Raffle winners will be notified by postcard and have 60 days from receiving written notification to pick up their prize.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa - Do dogs run the show at your house? They do at ours! Upwards of 40 different sporting dog breeds will be the top attraction at Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest 2010, being held February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Bird Dog Parade
What's the heck is Wachtelhund? Italian Spinone? Holy Cannoli! The National Pheasant Fest tradition of kicking off the event with the Bird Dog Parade began in Des Moines in 2007. This year, upwards of 40 different breeds of bird dogs will help us celebrate Pheasant Fest's return to Iowa with the largest Bird Dog Parade yet. From Boykins to Brittanys, German Shorthairs to German Longhairs, Goldens to Gordons, Labs to Llewellins, Springers to Setters, Wachtelhunds to Weimeraners, if it hunts, you'll find it in the Bird Dog Parade. The parade begins at 12:30PM on Friday, February 26th in the main lobby at the Iowa Events Center.

Bird Dog Bonanza
Come Flushers, Pointers and Retrievers! An entire section of the National Pheasant Fest 2010 show floor is dedicated to our favorite hunting partners. This Bird Dog Bonanza is presented by Native® performance dog food & SportDOG®. There will be seminars / demonstrations throughout the weekend from the world's foremost dog trainers, such as the Native performance dog food Pro Staff (including Iowans Steve Ries, Todd Sterrett and Sue Barnes), SportDOG's legendary Tom Dokken and Rick Smith and Lyle Steinman of Country Vet and Zoom Dog. Ask the experts personally by bringing your bird dog questions to the Bird Dog Panel Q & A, and check out kennels, trainers, breeders and more dog exhibitors at the "Bird Dog Alley."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The ultimate purpose of any blind or camouflage pattern is unifying you with your surroundings. While many camouflaged blinds are exceptionally successful at doing this, there is simply no competition with the Blind Ambition round bale imitation blind. As with any camouflage pattern, you must select according to the environment you will be hunting, therefore those hunting among crop fields and hay pastures, Blind Ambition has the blind for you!

The design and size mimics that of a regular hay bale, of which wild game grow incredibly accustom to on farms. The blind features multiple windows of opportunity, room enough for two to fit comfortably, and concealment at its finest. The last main feature I liked was that the large 34-inch door which allows for wheel chair access. This system is simple yet so very effective, with the Blind Ambition Bale Blind your disguise is set, you are just another round bale in the field, or are you?

Visit Blind Ambition Bale Blinds at http://www.blindambitionbaleblinds.com/Home_Page.html

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

Sunday, February 7, 2010

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The ATA Trade Show is the only archery and bowhunting show that dedicates net revenues to fund archery and bowhunting programs, projects and industry growth. This means every company that attended the 2010 Show made an investment in its own future.

"Such funding wouldn't be possible if the ATA didn't own and operate the Trade Show," said Jay McAninch, ATA's CEO/president. "Before the ATA took over the Trade Show, we were paying about $400,000 each year just for staff to run the event. Back then, the net revenues from the Show were 20 percent of what it is today. As our members have seen, we reduce costs by using our own staff and volunteers wherever possible and we focus on creating forums for business rather than coordinating social aspects of this gathering of industry professionals."

The 2010 Show, Jan. 13-15, drew 12 percent more attendees than in 2009. Conservative estimates indicate the event generated $8 million to $10 million in direct spending by Show attendees in Columbus, Ohio, a substantial economic impact. The event creates a ripple effect that benefits not only the host city, but also long term efforts that extend far beyond the Show itself.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Washington, DC – Today in a joint press conference held on Roosevelt Island, on the Potomac River just outside of the nation’s capital, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the formation of the Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council which will serve as the advisory committee to the administration to advise on policy affecting every hunter in America.  Safari Club International was present for the announcement and will seek to play a significant role on the newly formed Federal Advisory Council.
 
The Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council is a joint advisory committee that will report directly to the Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Sam Hamilton. The Council will be comprised of 18 members and 6 ex officio members from the hunting and wildlife conservation community. Those positions are defined to include representatives of the big game hunting community, upland hunting community, waterfowl hunting community, along with representatives from hunting guides & outfitters, the firearm industry, and the archery industry.  The other eight positions will be filled by representatives of various land management agencies such as US Forest Service, Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency and Bureau of Land Management.
 
“The announcement that Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack made today takes a huge step forward in addressing the interests of the hunting community,” said SCI President Larry Rudolph. “SCI has worked for decades in Washington to ensure all hunters have access to public lands for hunting and has ensured the science behind wildlife management is based on continued sustainable use. By forming the Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, this administration will be receiving direct advice from the hunting community- the same community that has been advocating for sustainable use conservation since the days of Teddy Roosevelt.”
 
“SCI would like to thank both Secretary Salazar and Secretary Vilsack for their assistance in formalizing the Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council. We look forward to working with this administration to carry forward the banner of our hunting heritage and sustainable use wildlife conservation,” concluded Rudolph.
 
The announcement of the Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council will be placed on the Federal Register on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:20 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

We are excited to announce that HuntingLife.com has formed a working partnership with The Opensky Project.  We have partnered to bring you all a best in class online store for the products that we review, that we believe in, that we use and we know we can stand behind each and every day.

The Partnership with OpenSky allows us to continue to focus on bringing great product to the market, great reviews, great hunting stories and adding more great outfitters to our directory on a daily basis and OpenSky handles all of the backend online store operations for us.  We are going to be bringing great camping, hunting, shooting, and outdoor products and our customers will get world class service and the products that they need in order to live the Hunting Life.

HuntingLife.theopenskyproject.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:27 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Frank Schmitz is one of those guys I look foward to hunting with here in the near future.  I was thinking about a spot and stalk bear hunt or an archery adventure chasing bugling bulls but now I am thinking this is the cat hunt that I want to go on in the next couple of years.  I would love to take a couple of great mountain lions, one in the tall dark timber of the west and one out in the open country of the desert.

Rich Hlaudy got his dream cat hunting with Frank Schmitz this January.  Here is the story I got from Frank, "We had a big hunting day yesterday. We had been chasing a big mountain lion and found his tracks 4 times, but always a day late and a dollar short. However things changed in a big way yesterday as we cut his track early and had him treed by 9:00 AM. He weighed approximately 200 pounds and measured 9ft. 7in. from nose to tail. Enjoy the pictures", Frank Schmitz.

If you are looking for the hunt of a lifetime with a man who is truly living the Hunting Life give Frank Schmitz a call at LockeyU Outfitters.

LockeyU Outfitters            LockeyU HuntingLife.com Listing

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:00 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Saint Paul, Minn. – January 28, 2010 - Shopping for a new gun can be tough under budget constraints, but Pheasants Forever is offering a solution to the problem: the Gun-A-Week Raffle presented by Benelli. This exclusive offer gives raffle participants in Minnesota the chance to win a brand new firearm in a drawing that will be held for 52 weeks straight; prizes for this raffle have a total value of $39,000.
 
Tickets for the raffle are on sale now for $50 each and only 1,200 tickets will be sold in Minnesota. All of the proceeds generated from the raffle will be used to support Pheasants Forever programs, including wildlife habitat development, land acquisitions and youth education programs. Winning ticket numbers will be placed back into the pool of contestants each week, so by purchasing just one ticket, you'll have a chance for all 52 firearms!

The impressive gun list, valued at approximately $39,000, includes firearms by Benelli, Stoeger and Franchi retailing for as much as $1,500 each. Raffle winners will be notified by postcard and have 60 days from receiving written notification to pick up their prize.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:26 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—While most Americans were consumed with year-end tallies of bank failures, health care bills and morons trying to blow up their underwear, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was busy closing out a year of conservation successes featuring 458 completed projects that conserved or enhanced over 132,000 acres of elk country.

Other RMEF highlights from 2009 included 5 percent growth in membership, record levels of philanthropic gifts and finishing the fiscal year with budget-positive black ink.

“In spite of a rough year for the economy and many other distractions, our volunteers continued to lean into the harness, accomplishing great things for elk, other wildlife and hunters, and setting the stage for continued success,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “I’m proud that our organization provided some of the best news of 2009.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:19 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Minot, ND - January 18, 2010 - Residents from Minot, North Dakota, have formed the state's newest chapter of Pheasants Forever. Known as the Northern Plains Ringnecks Chapter of Pheasants Forever, the group formed with the purpose of improving wildlife habitat in Ward County.

The Northern Plains Ringnecks are notable for their strong ties to the Minot Air Force Base and the makeup of the chapter. All but one of the new chapter leaders is in their mid-twenties, including Patrick McAfee, the chapter's president from the Air Force Base.

"Many current members of this chapter are in the Air Force. We're starting to build ties between our chapter, the air base community and local businesses in Minot to improve wildlife habitat and leave a lasting impression on the area," said Patrick McAfee, "Although we may be stationed somewhere else in the future, forming a Pheasants Forever chapter will help us build a legacy that will always be here."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:08 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The 2010 ATA Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio, drew nearly 12 percent more attendees than a year ago, while nearly every exhibitor enjoyed increased order-writing. Both the increased traffic and business helped inspire optimism for the new year.

"The mood on the floor was the most upbeat I recall in the 10 years I've been with the ATA," said Jay McAninch, ATA CEO/president. "More specifically, I was pleased to see that buying was brisk among retailers and buyers at our show and business was also strong at the two buying group shows featured at our event. All told, many exhibitors sighted increases that - in some cases - amounted to double the business from the 2009 show, a very good show in its own right. Given the economy and the uncertainty about 2010, the ATA Trade Show had a solid, memorable return to Columbus."

The archery and bowhunting industry's largest and most inclusive show was held Jan. 13-15 - Wednesday through Friday - in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The Trade Show floor featured 478 exhibitors, 25 more than in 2009. This total included 90 first-time exhibitors, as well as 24 start-up companies in the ATA's new Innovation Zone. The exhibitors combined to rent 154,320 square feet of booth space, nearly 1,400 more square feet than 2009.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:03 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 1, 2010

Yes, you read it right.  There are many states you can go to for a relatively low price, but more importantly, have a really good hunt.  I am not talking about Texas, Kansas, or Iowa where everyone else goes and the prices are crazy, but instead states that have plenty of public land and a high amount of deer!  If you do your homework and know where you are going ahead of time, you will have higher chances of success.  This can be done through using a satellite view of the land you are thinking of pursuing your trophy on.  I like to use Google Earth, which is free and easy to use.  Look for lands that have food sources near.  Even if there isn't much for woods, the thick brush and tall weeds holds deer!  If you follow these tips and scout the area when you get to where you are going, you can have a successful hunt in days for around $200, over the counter!

Here is the list of my top 5 states for you to try out next season:

#5  Mississippi

Although I have never deer hunted here, Mississippi is on my hit list.  For just $125 for a 3-day archery license or $205 for a 7-day archery license, Mississippi allows you to take a buck and a doe.  There are large pieces of public land in all of the three zones.  Seasons are different from zone to zone, but they generally open from the beginning to mid October.  Deer populations are high in most parts of the state and hunting pressure is moderate.  My favorite part of Mississippi is that there is an antler size limit, which varies from zone to zone, but it has created a prime opportunity for taking trophy whitetails across the state.  As long as you make sure you look at the choppy season dates while planning your trip, you are bound to have a great, deer-filled trip!

#4  Kentucky

For $190 you can take a buck and a doe OR two does.  The bow season for whitetails starts the first Saturday of September and runs through mid January.  There is plenty of public land to hunt and, if you aren't shy to knock on a couple doors, gaining permission for some properties is not overly difficult.  Depending on the part of the state you want to hunt, the hunting pressure is low to moderate, but it is worth a shot!  Kentucky is producing more and more trophy whitetails every year!  Put the time and effort in and you can easily have a successful hunt in days.

#3  Indiana

We can't forget about the increasingly popular Indiana.  For $180 you can shoot only one deer.  The best part is that access to land is easy with plenty of public land, low pressure, and most private landowners willing to work with you.  Indiana keeps putting out trophy deer every year, and it is no wonder why.   With plenty of agriculture fields mixed with hardwoods, it is the perfect habitat for monster whitetails.  Give it a try, you won't regret it!

#2  North Dakota

For $200, you can have a buck and a doe tag.  There is public hunting land (PLOTS) all over the state and there is surprisingly low pressure during bow season.  The season starts the first week of September, which means you can most likely go on an early bowhunt here and get back to your home state before your season opens!  Also, pronghorn tags are only $200 and the archery season opens the first week of September also.  If you are looking for a great opportunity to take a trophy animal at a reasonable price, this is the place to be!  There is no better feeling than putting the work in by yourself and setting up on an animal by yourself; it is really the ultimate test.

#1 Ohio

And finally, Ohio!  Every diehard whitetail hunter has heard about Ohio's monster bucks, and the best part is that you can buy a tag for $150...over the counter!  Ohio is increasingly popular and continues to come up with record bucks every season.  There is public land scattered across the state and the land owners I have talked to seem to be fair with hunters that ask permission.  The deer are fairly pressured, but if you bowhunt towards the beginning of the season, you will find that lighter pressure.  The season starts towards the end of September, but runs into February.  Whitetails couldn't ask for a better place to live with plenty of food and cover

Of course, the famous Beatty Buck taken in Ohio!

There you have it!  Now is the time to start planning for next season.  Hopefully I gave you a couple of possible destinations and I wish you all the luck!  I hope to see you out there!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:42 PM | 5 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, February 1, 2010

It was extremely cold and it was planned for me to go hunting with Dr.MacCarty. It was also the day for the Hunters Helping Kids hunt, 4 kids were chosen from many to hunt on land that was producing big deer. We ate some spaghetti, then arranged everyone with their guides and then we set off to the hunting blinds.  I went to the truck and grabbed the Tikka .308 and some bullets then hopped in Dr. MacCarty’s truck. My friend Michael, was following us to the MacCarty property. When we arrived, we decided to go out about 2:45-3:00 and sit. But till kill an hour, we helped process the two deer they had taken that morning.

Finally, after a lot of dirty gutting and processing work, it was time to go to the stands. I worried that I would stink too much and the deer would smell me. We rode on the bad boy buggy up the hill and parked it. We then gathered our gear and walked up the road. We checked the field and then put Michael and his dad in the first box blind. We looked over this box blind for about a week and had seen plenty of does and small bucks, so we knew this should be a good spot for him.

Dr. MacCarty and I walked down the food plot and climbed in the second box blind about 200 yards from the first box blind. We sat and waited for the deer to come. To pass some time, Dr. MacCarty read his book while I took pictures of a cardinal and watched the tree line for movement. I had watched the tree line so much by that hour that I thought my eyes were starting to play tricks on me. Then, something white flicked in the corner of my eye. I looked toward the bottom and out pops a deer head. It was 146 yards away. I couldn’t quite tell whether it was a doe or buck. I whispered to Dr. MacCarty, “Hey, there’s a deer, looks like a doe.” He put his book down and looked and said, “ok…get the gun up.” I brought the .308 up quickly and rested it on the ledge.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:26 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST