Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A tribute to my Dad, Thank you for all the early morning wake ups and the patience of a saint.
“Founder  of Crazy Horse Outfitter and Guides”

Springtime, the air is brisk as the sky begins filling with white puffy clouds.  Turkey season opens in two days and the weather forecast is for snow opening day.

Each year the mountains offer many different challenges to the hunters. This spring was to be no different.  The weather has been the usual warm up after the long winter; the snow has receded to the front range of high mountains and shady areas not yet touched by the sun or warm air to melt it. It has been a long winter here in the mountains and the urge to get out into the forest is strong.

The first season of the year is the spring turkey season; it is always an exciting time of year. After many months of winter and large snow falls that restrains one’s ability to get out into the forest, spring turkey season is a welcome gloom breaker.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:38 AM | 6 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

GRAND ISLAND, NE, March 30, 2010 - The skies along the Platte River of Nebraska have been grayer the past month. It’s not a strange weather phenomenon; it’s the annual migration of waterfowl and other birds heading back to northern nesting grounds. Millions of them funnel through this oasis in a semi-arid area, looking for a place to rest and refuel before the important job of producing the next generation of birds. A new $725,000 grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act will mean DU and its partners can provide more habitat for this huge annual gathering.

“Platte River habitat has suffered from extensive man-made changes, like flood control dams and irrigation diversions. The river is also chocked by invasive plant species that have degraded the system,” said Steve Donovan, Ducks Unlimited manager of conservation programs for Nebraska. “It is imperative today that we protect key intact habitat along the river and begin to restore places where the habitat has been lost. The longer we wait, the more we’ll lose.”

With the NAWCA grant funds, DU and its partners will protect, restore and enhance 4,141 acres of wetlands and grass next to the Platte River in western Nebraska. Work during Phase II of the Platte River Confluence effort will expand the river’s capacity to provide the proper food and shelter needed for soon-to-be-nesting birds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Cranston, Rhode Island - SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces the new SLC 42 HD. The high-performance HD Binocular has fluoride containing HD lenses to ensure bright images with maximum color fidelity and will minimize the color fringing that is unavoidable with conventional types of glass. As a result, the new SLC 42 HD provides high contrast images in natural colors with razor-sharp outlines and exceptionally high quality crystal-clear viewing. The new SLC 42 HD is also suitable for close-range

observations at distances of down to 6 feet.

The enhanced coatings of the lenses and prisms, (SWARODUR, SWAROTOP, SWAROBRIGHT) support the overall effect of the HD lenses especially

in twilight or difficult lighting conditions. The SWAROCLEAN coating on the outer surface of the lens provides an anti-stick effect, making it easier to clean away dirt such as water marks, insect repellents or tree resin. The SLC 42 HD stands out in comparison to other binoculars due to its longer eye relief.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:40 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

If any of you are like me, you bring more than enough to the woods during turkey season. While it is always good to be prepared, sometimes the overabundance of supplies can be overwhelming. Luckily I have found a nice turkey vest that allows me to bring all my goodies to the woods, the field and stream premium turkey vest. This vest has 15 pockets, some specified for strikers, box calls, one for decoys, two slate call pockets, a shotshell band, and a few more for pretty much whatever you want. The vest also comes with an extra comfy snap on dual foam cushion seat that flips down with the snap of a buckle.

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 06:36 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Virginia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to introduce their new Special License Plate. This revenue-sharing license plate can be a huge source of revenue every year for our State Chapter, but we need your help!

In order to submit our application for this new plate, we must have 350 pre-paid applications in-hand to submit with our application by June 30th. Once we have 350 pre-paid completed applications, we will submit our request to DMV for final approval. While we have followed all of the plate design guidelines, there may be some minor changes to the plate by DMV. Once we receive DMV approval, the plate will be designed, manufactured, and placed on display at DMV. As soon as 1,000 plates are sold, the Virginia State Chapter will receive $15 for every plate sold over 1,000. These are funds that we will use for habitat, outreach and other projects right here in Virginia. As you can see, this will be a great source of revenue for us, but we can’t do it without your help!

The cost of this new NWTF plate is $25 annually. If you want to get a personalized plate, or transfer an existing personalized plate, there is an additional $10 charge. If you are interested in helping get this NWTF Special License Plate started, please visit our website, www.vanwtf.com. There is an article on the front page giving you links to the forms, and information on how to handle your completed application.. More information can also be found on the DMV web site at http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/plate_search.asp . Just be sure to enter National Wild Turkey Federation beside the box “Special interest”.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Robin Clark at weeeelz@aol.com

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Editors Note:  We are very excited to announce the following press release from Prois Hunting and CampWildGirls.com for several reasons.  The First reason is that we just had the opportunity to interview Kirstie Pike at Prois about her fantastic technical clothing made for women and we really liked what we saw.  Quality clothing for women to keep them warm, dry and quiet in the woods keeps them out in the field longer and keeps them interested in the hunt which is a win/win for everyone.  The second reason we are excited to run this press release is this our opportunity to say GOOD LUCK to one of our own.  Terri Lee Pocernich has been a tremendous asset to our team here at HuntingLife.com and the success of her own site and her own company is exponential and we could not be any more happier to see one of our own fly from the roost and grow in the industry.  We had a tremendous amount of fun watching Terri Lee and her son Kale grow this year as Team HuntingLife on the Battle of the Bow.  We have always enjoyed her conversations, emails and her viewpoint and I personally have learned from it.  We will be watching her grow and we will strive to keep our readers informed on the good things going on with Prois Hunting and CampWildgirls.com!  Terri Lee...Thank you for being a part of Team HuntingLife and we truly wish you the best!!!!

After much anticipation, Prois Hunting & Field Apparel and Camp Wild Girls announce the launch of the Camp Wild Girls Home Hunting Party- featuring Prois Hunting Apparel.   Camp Wild Girls CEO, Terri Lee Pocernich and Prois Hunting & Field Apparel CEO, Kirstie Pike have burned the midnight oil bringing this program to fruition.  “This was an idea that quickly snowballed into a fantastic sales and marketing possibility.” states Terri Lee Pocernich,

The Camp Wild Girls Hunting Party is a home-based party plan with rewards for the hostess.   Home Hunting Parties are scheduled through approved Hunting Party Representatives in the homes of interested hostesses.  Friends, family, neighbors and any other hunting and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to an afternoon or evening of fun.  All Prois Hunting Apparel and Camp Wild Girls gear are available to discuss, view and try on.  Hostesses are eligible for great discounts on gear.  Hunting Party Representatives receive party commission incentives and income which is a great bonus in this hurting economy.  Best of all, women with similar interests are able to gather with comfort and comraderie to discuss what they love best.hunting and the outdoors!  “We are very excited to work together to bring these great products right into the homes of our customers while working hard within the hunting community to spark signs of life in the economy.” explains Pike.  The idea is catching on fast.  “We already have a large number of Hunting Party Representative applications, and we are just going live with the program,” mentions Pocernich, “We are thrilled about the response!”.

For more information about the Camp Wild Girls Hunting Party- featuring Prois Hunting & Field Apparel, email inquiries to party@campwildgirls.com.  As well, you may log onto www.campwildgirls.com and click on “Hunting Party”.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:12 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 29, 2010

Most of us are ready to hit the woods in search of the Wild Turkey. Some of us may not take into account some of the dangers that need to be addressed. When you gain access to a tract of land, make sure you know who is going to be hunting that day and the location they are setting up. When you have discussed where each other is going to set up, make sure that you are protected from the backside. This will not only protect your back from shot but also provide cover if the turkey comes in behind you.

Next is to make sure you identify your target before pulling the trigger. The majority of shooting accidents have occurred from 11 to 50 yards when the hunter has failed to identify what they were shooting at.

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 03:42 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, March 28, 2010

WASHINGTON – A consortium of sportsmen’s groups including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership this week released a new report, “Beyond Season’s End,” that addresses how the negative effects of climate change on America’s fish and wildlife populations can be mitigated through practical adaptive management strategies. The report stresses that funding for state fish and wildlife agencies via passage of national legislation is key to implementation of such on-the-ground approaches.

“American sportsmen have been among the first to experience the destructive impacts of climate change on our fish and game populations – and are soldiers on the front lines combating these impacts,” said William Geer, director of the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “The common-sense recommendations outlined in ‘Beyond Season’s End’ are science-based, field-tested strategies that can enable us to adapt to the effects of a shifting climate. But adequate funding must be made available through strong national legislation so that state agencies can take action in accomplishing what needs to be done.”

Climate change can alter the geographic ranges of numerous species and their habitats. Big-game populations must adapt to changes in their forage base and shift migration patterns to accommodate the changing weather. Variations in water quality and quantity are transforming both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems and fisheries. Wetland loss in the prairie pothole region will severely reduce waterfowl productivity in North America’s duck-breeding “factory.” Invasive species, parasites and disease-causing organisms may flourish in warmer temperatures, profoundly affecting habitat and challenging the survival of upland gamebirds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:23 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Victor, N.Y., – It’s an inevitable, and very frustrating issue for any gun owner, collector or enthusiast: rust and corrosion on your firearms and ammunition. Heritage Packaging, of Victor, N.Y., set out to tackle this problem, and create a solution for those who want to meticulously maintain or preserve their valuable assets, even during long term storage. Their solution is their line of Z-CORR Firearm Storage & Preservation (FSP) bags, and they’re causing quite a stir in firearm communities nationwide.

“The Z-CORR FSP bag is the only product on the market that offers total corrosion protection, over multiple years, for a properly stored firearm,” explains Bill Smith, President of Heritage Packaging. “Competitive products don’t even come close to providing this same level of protection for the length of time that a ZCORRFSP bag does.”

Using the bags is simple; slide a clean rifle, pistol, tactical weapon or ammunition into the puncture resistant, non-abrasive interior of a Z-CORR FSP bag and close the Velcro seal. Retrieve your firearm up to ten years later, and it’s ready to use without a need for cleaning or re-oiling, just like the day it was stored. Zero maintenance, zero rust and zero corrosion – that’s the power of ZCORR Products.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:14 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, March 28, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation projects in 14 Colorado counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $146,250, will affect Archuleta, Chaffee, Delta, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Las Animas, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Park, Rio Blanco and San Miguel counties.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Colorado 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 502 different projects in Colorado with a combined value of more than $115 million.”

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

Sunday, March 28, 2010

WASHINGTON – In a resounding vote for conservation of the nation’s natural resources, more than 90,000 Americans have signed a petition supporting restoration of federal protections for wetlands and clean water and affirming the crucial role wetland ecosystems play in our lives. The We Are Wetlands petition, launched by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, far exceeded its goal of 80,000 names – one for each acre of natural wetlands that our country loses each year – and calls for a legislative fix that restores the integrity of the Clean Water Act.

“American sportsmen have a keen appreciation of the importance of wetlands to our outdoor traditions, our fish and wildlife populations and our lives,” said Tom Franklin, TRCP director of policy and government relations, “and so hunters and anglers gladly lead the charge in urging our government to act promptly and decisively in ensuring that these invaluable ecosystems receive sufficient protection under federal law.”

Two recent Supreme Court decisions along with subsequent federal agency guidance have dramatically weakened the Clean Water Act, the federal law that protects our nation’s water quality. The TRCP Working Group on Wetlands, which includes representatives from TRCP partner groups the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited, has spoken loudly in support of legislation that restores the law’s original scope.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:07 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Louisville, KY - This July, QDMA will host its tenth annual National Convention and Whitetail Expo. The event will return to the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, July 9-11.

The Convention, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, will kick off Friday with the Whitetail Rambling, a new addition to the festivities that will give early arrivers the chance to engage with industry professionals in an open mic setting. The Whitetail Wisdom Speaker Series will follow and continue throughout the weekend, enabling attendees to take advantage of three days of expert advice that they can implement on their own property. The Series features some of the most renowned whitetail experts, land experts, biologists, and celebrity hunters in the country.

Sponsored by Whitetail Properties, the Whitetail Expo on Saturday and Sunday presents an opportunity for attendees to shop thousands of square feet of merchandise from nationally recognized companies. Among the exhibitors are companies representing every facet of deer management and hunting, including trail cameras, food plot seed, ATVs, hunting apparel, taxidermy, management products, and much more.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:00 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Bogart, Georgia - QDMA is proud to announce the addition of Leon Hank to its Board of Directors. Mr. Hank, a resident of Lansing, Michigan, has been involved with QDMA for over a decade, serving as a past QDMA Michigan State Branch President and a long-time devoted QDMA member.

Hank is filling the position previously held by Ed Spinazzola who is retiring after serving ten years on the Board. He shares Mr. Spinazzola's passion for membership and local Branches and will chair the Event Strategy/Branch Development Committee and serve on the Fiduciary Oversight Committee.

Mr. Hank is the Michigan Department of Transportation's Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, he oversees the Bureaus of Finance and Administration, Transportation Planning, Aeronautics and Freight Services, and the operations of the International Bridge. He is also responsible for MDOT's annual budget. Hank is a licensed CPA and has had an extraordinary 33-year career with the state of Michigan that has earned him numerous notable awards and positions on various boards.

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

Sunday, March 28, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Game Specialist Jim Heffelfinger received the inaugural Professional of the Year award from Miles Moretti, resident and chief executive officer of the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), recognizing a working wildlife professional from a state or federal agency who has made important contributions to mule deer conservation.

The award was presented at the MDF Annual Convention on Feb. 12, 2010. Heffelfinger serves as chair of the Mule Deer Working Group sponsored by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In addition, he has led the publication of the North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan, Mule Deer Habitat Guidelines for seven North American eco-regions, as well as guidelines for mule deer population monitoring and also energy development throughout the West.

Heffelfinger is the author of the books Deer of the Southwest, and the recently revised and reprinted Age Criteria for Southwestern Game Animals. Heffelfinger earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 1986, and a master’s degree in range and wildlife from Texas A&M University in 1989.

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

Sunday, March 28, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation projects in 11 Montana counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $221,725, will affect Beaverhead, Broadwater, Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Madison, Meagher, Missoula, Park, Powder River, Powell and Rosebud counties.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Montana 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 656 different projects in Montana with a combined value of more than $114 million.”

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

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Springfield XDM (9mm)

So I’ve had an itch to buy the Springfield XDM for a while now and finally did. I went out and gave her a few rounds to give it a good chance to impress me and here is what I found.

• The two 19 round magazines that come standard are very durable and have a strong springs.
• It feels great in the hand and is extremely easy to use.
• It has three different grip configurations that can be changed in an out depending on what feels best in the shooters hand.
• It also comes with a speed loader which is necessary because the spring in the clip gets a little tough by about the 13th round you load.
• The cleaning kit it comes with is pretty simple, but then again so is the gun so I cant complain about it.
• The case fits all the accessories, looks great, and is very durable.

I'm a first time handgun owner and when I looked for an easy to use handgun, that was in the $600-$1000 range every gun shop I went to told me that the Springfield XDM was the gun to buy. So I took their advice, and after about a 1000 rounds without a jam or malfunction with different kinds of ammo I think they were right. Not to mention the XDM received the 2009 pistol of the year.

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 06:47 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, March 26, 2010

In March, we had the pleasure and honor of getting to cover the World Elk Calling Championships at the Annual Elk Camp for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and all of our readers and viewers.  Getting to watch competitors from as young as four years old to as old as 60, mew, calf talk, bellow, scream and bugle was a blast and we are proud to bring you the entirety of the Finals here on the HuntingLife Podcast

Amatuer Divisions included Pee Wee, Youth, Voice Callers, Men and Women and one Professional Division.  We hope you enjoy coverage and we hope it will inspire you to break out your elk calls and use this video to start practicing for your appearance at Elk Camp, March 3-6, 2011.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:23 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 25, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska– Trout Unlimited (TU) today applauded the Alaska Board of Fisheries for adopting a statewide phase-out of felt sole wading products, effective Jan. 1, 2012. The move is aimed at guarding against the spread of aquatic invasive species.
 
The board on Friday passed the proposal unanimously after hearing testimony earlier in the week from anglers, lodge owners and others who warned that unless Alaska takes action to protect its freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, they risk becoming infected as in other parts of the world.
 
“The board should be commended for taking this proactive step to end the use of felt sole boots and waders in Alaska which are a significant source of transmission of invasive species. Usually it takes a crisis for people to wake up and act. In this case, the board followed the lead of science, vetted the issue thoroughly, and made the right decision for the future health of Alaska fisheries,” said Mark Kaelke, TU Southeast Alaska Project Director.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:01 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 25, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Walker S. “Buddy” Smith, Jr. and wife Tammie Lynne Smith of Great Falls, Mont., have received the highest honor given by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award honors contributions of lasting significance to the benefit of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across North America. The award was presented to the Smiths during 26th annual RMEF convention, which concluded March 7 in Reno, Nev.

The Smiths have been avid RMEF supporters since the organization was founded in 1984. In fact, Buddy Smith is member No. 104. In 1988, he founded the first chapter in his home state of Virginia. From there he went on to become state chair, regional chair and ultimately served seven years on the board of directors, including two as its chairman. In 2007, Smith also served on staff as interim president.

Tammie Lynne Smith has been an RMEF member for 24 years and Life Member for 10 years. She is active on the organization’s Habitat Council. She has helped restore RMEF chapters, taught seminars at Elk Camp and remains a sparkplug in RMEF fundraisers

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:58 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Lafayette, Lousianna–Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announced the selection of projects to receive funds from the Conservation and Restoration Partnership at their March 17 meeting. Ducks Unlimited received $1.78 million for the Calcasieu-Sabine Watershed Project.

Marsh terraces like the ones being built here improve water quality and reduce erosion in area marsh.

“The CPRA is familiar with Ducks Unlimited and our efforts to conserve coastal habitats in Louisiana,” Ducks Unlimited Manager of Conservation Programs Bob Dew said. “We have partnered with many organizations to conserve over 90,000 acres along the Louisiana coast. This is the most important wintering area for waterfowl in the country, and Ducks Unlimited will continue to work to ensure it remains for future generations of waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.”

The CPRA divided $3.3 million among six projects selected from 21 applications. Projects were selected based on several criteria including consistency with the objectives of the State Master Plan, acreage conserved, and matching funds. Ducks Unlimited and partners will provide $195,000 in cash and in-kind services in addition to leveraging all non-federal funds to secure at least $1 million in North American Wetland Conservation Act funds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:48 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 25, 2010

I met Jimmy “the Mullet” and his business partner Mikey during a Wounded Warrior hunt at Smart Ranch Exotics in Texas.  They asked me to choose one of the well-deserving heroes hunting with me for a bonus Asiatic water buffalo hunt.

You see, Mullet man and Mikey are representatives of Darkwoods Blinds and were at the Smart Ranch to shoot some promotional videos for their exceptional handicapped-accessible ground blinds.  I did not want the pressure of choosing just one soldier to take part in this remarkable opportunity. I simply did not want to be the one to decide who’d get to experience the hunt of their lifetime and who would be disappointed. 

I suggested that we leave it to luck or fate. I told all of the more-than-willing hunters to put their military identification cards into a hat and let Jimmy pull out the lucky one.  Although I’m a Wounded Warrior as well, I was somewhat reluctant to place my ID into the hat because my hunting companions were also my heroes, and I wanted one of them to win the hunt.  With some poking, prodding and an order from my former Command Sergeant Major David Allard, I placed my ID into the hat as well.  Out of all of the IDs in the hat, of course, mine was drawn. Although I desperately wanted to participate in the hunt, I really wanted one of my guys to have the experience. I thought about giving the hunt to someone else, but that would have put me back into my original position of having to choose once person.

Top Row -left to right David Jacks - Adam Peacock - Mark Roen  Bottom row - left to right Nathan Halsey - Todd Shaw - David Allard - Ronnie Gullion

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 01:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The snow is melted, the weather is warming up fast, and the ice is coming off of the lakes.  This means only one thing…BOWFISHING!  One of the most essential pieces of equipment that you need to get started is a bowfishing reel.  I have used the Retriever reel from AMS Bowfishing for years and it continues to hold up even through my yearly abuse. 

The reel is very simple.  It has a revolutionary design that consists of a plastic canister that stacks the line instead of spooling it.  The trigger allows you to stop the line from coming out when you need to, or when you’re reeling.  Also, as always, you can expect the safest reel on the market.  It is literally almost impossible for the line to get caught on this reel because of the design.  It might be more expensive then a lot of other reels, but when it comes to safety, you don’t want to risk your life for a few bucks! 

Out on the water, I have found that the reel can hold up to anything from me dropping my bow in the boat to 40 pound carp flopping all over it. The reeling is smooth after every shot and because there is literally no tension on the tether, the shot is unaffected by the free-flying tether.

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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. - – Funding for an important and landowner-friendly habitat conservation program was line-item vetoed this week by Governor Tim Pawlenty in the state’s bonding bill, a move Ducks Unlimited says may jeopardize millions in matching federal funds. 
 
“The veto of $25 million for the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) conservation easement program is a real lost opportunity for Minnesota. The loss of state bonding funds and potentially $35 million of federal conservation dollars will result in 18,000 to 20,000 acres of habitat not getting restored and protected for wildlife, clean water, flood storage and economic growth,” said Ryan Heiniger, DU director of conservation programs in Minnesota. “We appreciate the Legislature’s work to prioritize this program, and we are optimistic future bonding bills will once again provide this traditional source of funding for RIM.”
 
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres, thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Did you know that wetlands support over 900 species of wildlife, many of them threatened or endangered, in addition to providing us with clean water and flood protection? Bring your children and find out more through hands-on activities and demonstrations at the 12th Annual Wetlands for Kids Day.

The 2010 Annual Wetlands for Kids Day, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Ducks Unlimited and supported by a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will be held on Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, Missouri.

“If you’ve never been to Wetlands for Kids Day, you’re missing a tremendous opportunity,” said Tom Shryock, Ducks Unlimited state chairman and Wetlands for Kids Day volunteer. “Hundreds of children discover the allure of the outdoors each year at this event, and this year will be even better.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Saint Paul, Minn. – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have honored three local chapters for their efforts to introduce youth to the outdoors and create the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Recipients of the third annual No Child Left Indoors® National Awards include the Mahaska County (Iowa) Pheasants Forever chapter, the Illinois Pioneer Pheasants Forever chapter and the Great River Area (Illinois/Iowa) Quail Forever chapter.
 
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's No Child Left Indoors® initiative is the organization's national effort to engage youngsters in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. The No Child Left Indoors® National Awards recognize chapters for their youth habitat projects, youth and family community events and youth outdoor education programs. "These chapters have shown the ultimate commitment to promoting youth activities and getting kids involved in the outdoors," said Cheryl Riley, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's Vice President of Education and Outreach.

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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.—Jim Zumbo, host of Jim Zumbo Outdoors on Outdoor Channel and longtime member and supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, has established a special elk hunt for veterans at RMEF’s Torstenson Wildlife Center/Double H Ranch in New Mexico.

The first-annual “Jim Zumbo’s Purple Heart Hunt” will be a cow elk hunt in November.

Participants will include the two high bidders in auctions held March 4-7 at the RMEF Elk Camp and convention in Reno, Nev., as well as two servicemen who are recipients of the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat. Each high bidder will hunt with the veteran they sponsor.

“The rewards that I receive from taking disabled military warriors hunting are immeasurable,” said Zumbo. “This elk hunt is an opportunity to not only offer quality hunting experiences to veterans, but also for able-bodied sportsmen to experience hunting side-by-side with troops who are true American heroes.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 07:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

WASHINGTON – – Ducks Unlimited looks forward to working with the Administration to implement its plan to streamline and coordinate restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast. The plan, developed under the leadership of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, brings together stakeholders from the states, federal government, and organizations like Ducks

Coastal marsh loss threatens waterfowl, other wildlife. Unlimited to expedite landscape restoration efforts.

“The Gulf Coast is a sportsmen’s paradise,” said John Newman, first vice president for Ducks Unlimited and a coastal Louisiana resident. “It is very good to see that the Administration realizes the importance of these marshes to waterfowl, other wildlife, and people both locally and nationally. These wetlands are a national treasure and provide many, many benefits to people across the United States.”

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

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

HELENA, Mont., March 11, 2010 – Ducks Unlimited supports legislation sponsored by Montana’s senators to protect the Upper Flathead Valley. Sens. Max Bacus and Jon Tester introduced The North Fork Watershed Protection Act that protects the North Fork of the Flathead Drainage. The legislation is in conjunction with a similar measure in British Columbia.

“The legislation will protect the water quality of downstream flows to key wetlands in this drainage area. This is a critical staging area for migrating waterfowl and supports more than 50,000 waterfowl each year,” said Robert Sanders, DU manager of conservation programs for Montana. “For example, the region’s large number of small wetlands has been known to support one of the highest densities of nesting redheads in the U.S.”

Most of the land in the Flathead Valley is federally owned, with miles of grassland dotted with hundreds of small wetlands. The Intermountain West Joint Venture Coordinated Bird Conservation Plan and numerous federal and state level bird conservation plans list this valley as a priority landscape for waterfowl and other birds.

“It’s imperative water quality in this key area be maintained,” Sanders said, “and DU supports the North Fork legislation as a way to ensure water quality is maintained for these important habitats.”

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

RENO, Nev.—Bill Stevens, the now-retired but always-tireless conservation programs manager for Federal Cartridge Co., has received Conservationist of the Year honors from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Stevens, of Fridley, Minn., was honored during the 26th annual RMEF convention, which concluded March 7 in Reno, Nev.

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes individuals who we believe have made a difference for wildlife on a national scale— people who are making the world a better place for future generations—and Bill Stevens is certainly deserving of such recognition,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:22 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

One of key items I have learned while sitting on stand in the cold over years is to dress warm.  You will never make it through the morning, let alone the day if your knees are knocking together. This dressing warm solution means dressing in layers and a key element to this is your moisture wicking base layers.

JUST SAY NO TO COTTON!!!

I have been using Under Armor's ColdGear (U.A.)for a few years now, that is until this year when I started testing the Polarmax Mountain Skins (M.S.).  When it's bitter cold, this will be my go-to base layer.  I have been fortunate enough to tested this gear out this year. Our winter has been pretty cold, compared to past years. In addition to this cold we have experienced winds and a good amount of snow. So, I wore it shoveling the not so light white stuff and even sledding with the family.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:19 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa,  – At it’s recent annual State Convention, Ducks Unlimited recognized several individuals and organizations for their dedicated efforts to improve Iowa’s wetland and waterfowl resources by presenting them with 2010 Conservation Awards. This year’s recipients included:

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Partner of the Year
• Chris LaRue, Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist - Professional of the Year
• State Rep. Paul Bell and State Sen. Dick Dearden - Public Policy Champions of the Year
• James Roetman and Nicki Bunda - Beyond the Call Award 

“We’re extremely grateful for the outstanding leadership and dedication these folks have displayed in their personal and professional lives to help advance wetland and waterfowl conservation in Iowa,” said Eric Lindstrom, DU regional biologist. “Without partners like these, achieving DU’s habitat conservation mission simply would not be possible.”
 
Partner of the Year, the Iowa DNR, has worked closely with DU on a number of habitat conservation projects in Iowa and throughout Canada since 1973. In fact, the DNR has contributed over $1.1 million to DU’s state grants program, which provides matching funds for habitat conservation work in Canada, a primary source of origin for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl that migrate through the state each year. The DNR recently renewed their commitment to this international partnership by committing another $36,000 in 2010 for habitat conservation work in Saskatchewan. In addition, the DNR and DU recently strengthened their commitment to DU’s Living Lakes Initiative by pledging another $2 million over the next three years to conserve targeted waterfowl habitat throughout Iowa’s Prairie Pothole Region.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:36 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

WASHINGTON – As the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a lawsuit that could determine the future of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today reasserted the need for responsible backcountry management that conserves the areas’ high-quality fish and wildlife habitat, economic benefits, and hunting and fishing opportunities.

The so-called “roadless rule” is a national forest management regulation that was designed to limit road building and timber harvest on 58.5 million acres of undeveloped public lands across the country.

A poll of sportsmen shows that a majority of American hunters and anglers supports conservation of the nation’s roadless backcountry. Excessive road densities have been shown to negatively affect elk and deer behavior, reproduction and survival. Too many roads in the wrong places also contribute to increased sediment loads in waterways that are important to wild trout and salmon.

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

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

WASHINGTON – The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today announced that its popular union-focused hunting and fishing club, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, will become a stand-alone entity separate from the TRCP. Throughout the transition and beyond, the TRCP and its labor union partners will continue to foster the relationship that has resulted in union members becoming an influential and growing voice in national conservation policy.

“We at the TRCP are proud of the progress made by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance since we started it in 2007,” said Jim Martin, TRCP board chair. “The USA program now is ready to grow to the next level. We look forward to continuing to work with the AFL-CIO and our other union partners on the conservation policy issues that matter most to American sportsmen.”

Formed in 2007 by the TRCP, the USA gives union hunters and anglers the opportunity to unite their union and outdoor lifestyles and connect with fellow union sportsmen across North America. When union members join the USA, they also become TRCP partners and help safeguard American sporting traditions and advance the TRCP mission, activities that have contributed to the TRCP’s increasing effectiveness in furthering conservation objectives in the interest of the hunting and angling community.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:21 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

As a hunter I try to resist the temptation of "keeping score", when it comes to turkeys or any other quarry. Being that hunting is considered a sport, its not always easy, as we live in a world that is centered around scores and points. However as much as I try not to strive on counting points or scores, I tend to make it more about the experiences, gained each year in the field.

Last spring, my experiences in pursuit of the wild turkey were extraordinary! Not because I filled my tag but because of all the remarkable encounters and lessons I was able to share with friends throughout the season. These experiences were very frustrating at times yes, but when looking back on them, I can say taught me to know and love the sport that we call turkey hunting.

Opening day of every season is always a very special day. Mine began a few days prior to the MN turkey opener, as I scouted from a near by road watching some gobbles strut and then later on return to their "roost tree". Things were looking bright for the seasons opener, now knowing where the birds were and what I needed to do, giving me a great ambush. I guess for me what ended up making the 2009 opener so special was all the gobbling. It seemed as I was hitting things just right. I have never heard so many gobbles out of one location in my entire life. Needless to say I wouldn't sleep one wink that night!

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 09:17 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Its odd that just days ago I posted something about wolves. I now follow that post with this gruesome message about a young teacher visitng Alaska for the first time and being killed by wolves. Although it is an exception to the general rule, it is NOT uncharacteristic of Wolves to go out of their way to find food when times are tough. Late winter is tough for everyone and everything in Alaska.

The victim -- 32-year-old Candice Berner -- worked for Lake and Peninsula School District, the district's chief operating officer.

Berner, originally from Pennsylvania, started working for the school district in August, Troopers say she lived in Perryville. She no doubt, had visions of a wild and beautiful country but lacked the true understanding of that meaning. As I have said many times before, Lady Alaska has many ways in which to aide in your demise.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

In a decision long anticipated by sportsmen and conservationists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on Friday that the greater sage grouse will be designated a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The "warranted, but precluded" assessment for the popular upland gamebird, which occupies barely half of its traditional habitat, was startling but not unexpected news for the North American Grouse Partnership, an organization dedicated to the conservation of native grouse and their habitats, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Willard Heck, NAGP chairman of the board, said, "Our organization was formed in 1999 because of long-term downward trends in sage grouse populations. For decades, sportsmen, ranchers, developers and the scientific community saw this day approaching, yet we didn't work together well enough to avoid it. This population assessment is both a failure and a clear opportunity to rededicate ourselves to healthy Western landscapes."


Sage grouse populations historically encompassed enormous expanses of the Rocky Mountain West, but in recent years the species' abundance and distribution have declined precipitously. Energy projects - both traditional and renewable - and attendant development can have wide-ranging impacts on habitat use and survival of numerous game species, including sage grouse. Current scientific research on sage grouse has identified population declines with energy development activities. In particular, activity too close to sage grouse leks, or breeding sites, can result in permanent displacement. Curtailed energy development in areas of core habitat, such as the Ryegrass Rim region of western Wyoming, can help address these declines.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:24 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

RENO, Nev.— Amateur and professional elk callers from eight states—California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington—have medaled in the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships for 2010.

Competition concluded March 6 in Reno, Nev., held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 26th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.

Results:

Professional Division
1. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
2. Rockie Jacobsen, Kamiah, Idaho
3. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.

Men’s Division
1. Thomas Diesing, Loveland, Colo.
2. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Idaho
3. Greg Hubbell, Belmont, Calif.

Women’s Division
1. Misty Waggener, Priest River, Idaho
2. Amy Morris, Payson, Utah
3. Brittani Currier, Montrose, Colo.

Natural Voice Division
1. Greg Hubbell, Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Gavin McKitrick, McAllister, Mont.
3. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.

Youth Division
1. Ross LeValley, Hotchkiss, Colo.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Austin Durham, Moscow, Idaho

Pee Wee Division
1. Colton Crawford, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Morgan Priest, Reno, Nev.
3. Matthew Bertero, Reno, Nev.

The event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and conservation initiatives of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

In the competition, amateur-level callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 06:14 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

WASHINGTON –  The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bill to enhance the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and improve continental conservation efforts. Ducks Unlimited supports the measure, which would allow more Canadian investment into the program. The program conserves habitat in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act continues to be one of the great success stories of conservation,” said Ducks Unlimited Senior Group Manager for Conservation Dr. Alan Wentz. “In the 20 years of the program more than 25 million acres of habitat have been conserved. Enacting this bill will help foster future success.”

The House of Representatives passed the bill in October. The measure will now go to the President to be signed into law.

The program has a unique nature, which requires a dollar for match from state and local governments, non-profit groups like Ducks Unlimited, or community groups for each dollar awarded in federal grants. Because projects are so popular, the federal dollars often leverage 2-3 times the grant in matching funds. More than $1 billion in grants has leveraged more than $3 billion in matching and non-matching funds.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:59 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Kim Rhode took an important first step towards her quest to set an all time record for individual American Olympic athletes by winning the initial International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup competition in Acapulco, Mexico.

The four-time Olympic medalist Rhode, 30, started the final round in the lead with 72 hits after the qualifications, tied with Italy's Diana Bacosi. In the final round, Rhode did not miss a single target while Bacosi missed three allowing Yu Xiumin to claim the silver medal with another perfect final round.

Rhode's final perfect score gave her a combined total of 97 targets, one better than the Chinese silver medalist who finished with a 96. Amber English also shot a combined score of 96.

"It hasn't been easy. My shotgun got stolen a couple of months ago. I got a new one, but of course it took me time to get used to it," said Rhode, after the award ceremony. "It's great to be on the highest step of the podium today, these international competitions are really important now, on the path leading to the 2012 Olympic Games."

Xiumin tied the second American finalist Amber English who was the early leader in the World Cup and edged her in the shoot off for the silver medal.  Yu, a 2006 Asian Champion, had won her last ISSF World Cup medal in 2007 in Maribor.

Amber English secured the Bronze medal, joining her teammate Rhode on the podium. The 20-year-old shooter had never won an ISSF World Cup medal before.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:52 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Hunting is one of the safest ways to enjoy the outdoors, and making it ever safer will be a primary topic at the 2010 Kansas Hunter Education Instructor Academy, held March 26-28. Volunteer instructors from Kansas and neighboring states also will delve into the topic of hunting ethics with invited guest speaker Dr. James Tantillo.

Tantillo, who teaches ethics and environmental philosophy at Cornell University and sits on the board of directors for Orion - The Hunters' Institute, will deliver a keynote address titled The Morality of Hunting: "A Damnable Pleasure." Plus, participants will get the chance to examine the differences between hunter ethics and hunter preferences during breakout sessions hosted by Tantillo.

 "Most people today who think about hunting tend to lump all value questions together under the heading "ethics" without regard for whether that classification is accurate," Tantillo said. "In reality, hunting ethics usually involve more aesthetic than ethical issues."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:35 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

RENO, Nev.—Elk Camp 2010, which concluded March 7 in Reno, Nev., set the tone, direction and fundraising base to position the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for a big year in habitat conservation, officials say.

On the strength of $1.45 million in auction proceeds and an Elk Camp record for new memberships (preliminary figures show 2,867 members joined or renewed during the event), RMEF wrapped up its 26th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo with gross fundraising topping $2.75 million. Those dollars will help support the organization’s initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

RMEF recently topped 5.7 million acres conserved or enhanced, but RMEF President and CEO David Allen says the conservation to-do list in elk country is growing longer, not shorter.

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

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

If your up for a challenge this spring, try mixing archery tackle into your upcoming spring turkey hunt!

Its comforting having the ability to settle the butt end of a 12 gage shotgun into the shoulder and touch off the trigger, watching as my Tom folds up in the chisel plowed field that lies ahead, but for me it was the discovery of the challenge in tagging a turkey with bow that has me more hooked on turkey hunting then ever before.

Ive been hunting turkeys with a bow for three seasons now, and believe that it truly requires the right amount of hope, luck, patience and a little bit of preparation. Turkey by bow is arguably one of the fastest growing archery hunts to date, and tags are generally fairly easy to get your hands on with a little bit of research. Thus part of the reason its becoming so popular. I was able to plan out two hunts in two different states this spring without having to applying for tags in either.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:28 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

It was a Friday morning and I was excited! I jumped out of bed and immediately got ready for school. I arrived at school with a huge smile on my face and a wish for 11:30 to hurry up and arrive. It was the day we were heading to Pennsylvania and we were going to get my bear. When second block came, I sat anxiously for time to fly by but instead it was dragging into what felt like hours. I grew tired of staring at the clock so I focused on the geometry lesson, and it seemed to work. The time did move faster while I wasn't focused and before I knew it I was on the road to Pennsylvania.
My boyfriend, Hunter, took the extra ticket we had and was going with us. My brother picked us up from school and we headed towards home. When we arrived, we packed and then waited for mom and dad to get home. I called dad to see where they were and they said "...on the way!" When they got home, we packed the little white trailer and the truck to soon find ourselves on our way to Harrisonburg, Pennsylvania.

While going up the road, we talked, listened to music, and we also took some pictures of the scenery and of ourselves. We were glad to see the West Virginia welcome sign ahead and we only had 3-4 hours left to drive. Some of us took naps and the others just looked at the scenery. We stopped at Wendy's and got food and we fed the truck too. We parked on the side of the parking lot and josh jumped out the truck to get some drinks. Mom passed out the food and having a blonde moment, he grabbed a sandwich and took a huge bite. He turned and said "I didn't order bacon on mine!" Me and mom looked and said, "Dad, that's Josh's Sandwich!" We all looked at each other and then started to laugh. Daddy wrapped the sandwich back up and he started eating his own dinner. We laughed, giggled and waited for josh to come back.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:19 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

It was an early November morning wind blowing; snow on the ground, and the temperature, a balmy ten above zero. It was my second year deer hunting and I had all the hope in the world of shooting a nice buck. I headed out with my dad to a cornfield not to far from my hunting cabin. We set up on the downwind edge of a cornfield overlooking some train tracks. The morning was cold, and as a new hunter my motivation to stay out was starting to tire. After watching the same area for nearly two hours, and seeing absolutely nothing I was getting really anxious and cold. I gave it ten minutes as I looked down at my watch, but before the ten minuets were up I had already shot the biggest buck of my life.

As I looked up from my watch I heard a rustling in the un-harvested corn to my right. So I put my gun up and jacked a shell into my .260.

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 06:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

We are behind the 8 ball in regards to the wealth of great releasses, news and stories so Tuesday is Catch UP Day for Team HuntingLife.  The stories and articles will be coming fast and furious starting at about noon and will be complete once our email box is 100% Empty.

We also have some great videos coming back to HuntingLife as our development team continues to work on our site updates and we get closer and closer to the process of our new site update.

Lots of exciting projects are starting to wrap up and we could not be more excited!!  Products are flowing into our OpenSky Store and we hope you will all jump in and take a look at some of our new great products.

http://huntinglife.theopenskyproject.com/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 22, 2010

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:14 PM | 2 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 22, 2010

Duck and goose hunting is a sport loved by sportsmen all over the Americas, but not many sportsmen enjoy the taste of the animals they hunt. The best part about game animals is that they are very low in fat and taste great if prepared the right way. Here are a few ways to make your game raise eyebrows at the dinner table.

Crockpot cooking is a great way to slowly cook your duck or goose, and it effectively takes away that gamey taste. It is also an easy way to cook, all you do is pour in the ingredients and wait. Slow cooking the meat makes it taste great, reveals the real taste of the meat, and makes it literally fall apart in your mouth. Who doesn’t like that? So here is the recipe:

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 07:55 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 22, 2010

Dr. Randall L. Eaton has a tremendous international reputation in animal behavior, human evolution and wildlife conservation.  He has authored and edited 14 books , published 115 articles from academia to Sports Illustrated.  His film, "The Sacred Hunt," received 11 awards.  Dr. Eaton lectures across the entire world, teaches workshops on the sacred hunt, and mentors teens and adults in hunting and is an advisor to Conservation Force.  He is more then qualified to write about the world of hunting as a rite of passage for men, women and our children.

"From Boys to Men of Heart, Hunting as a Rite of Passage," by Randall L. Eaton, Ph.D is a tremendous compendium of information about huntings effect on our bodies, minds spirits and in our sociological structure as humans.  This book is filled with great information for parents, scholars, and mentors as well as the adademic world.  I recommend it and believe that those interested in the role of hunting in society should purchase and read this great book.

In our world, children are being bombarded daily by anti-hunting messages in all forms of the media from cartoons, nature shows, programming, books and newspapers as well on the internet.  Anti-hunting groups have done a tremendous job of pushing out their message into the world which overshadows the fact that 80% of the public believes that ethical hunting should continue.  Mainstream media and Hollywood are often swayed by the anti-hunting message often because they are the loudest voice in the room.  "Boys to Men," provides the facts necessary to stand up to this loud voice.

Backed by several experts, educators, psychologists, doctors and authors, Dr. Eaton has filled his book with example after example of how hunters share an attitude of respect, admiration and reverence for the animals they harvest.  Dr. Eaton shows that hunting is an instinctual part of man and if we deprive children of the right to learn to hunt and fish we are ignoring an important part of thier development.  He also states that those kids who hunt and fish are actually better for the environment as a whole because they have a vested interest.  The environmental world would be much better off if they could read and understand this book and put its practices into practice.

Buy This Book and Share it with those who can make a difference.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:15 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, March 19, 2010

The DePauw University Conservation Club was recently established to provide a community for students who share similar interests in conservation and nature. The DePauw University Conservation Club allows its members to learn more about conservation and provide direct results to local, state, and national projects to preserve and improve land. We believe that sharing the North American Conservation Model both in intellectual conversations and hands on work on the ground and in the field will benefit our members and allow them to carry on their passions of conservation into the world. We strive to raise private revenue through various fundraising efforts in order to complete the projects we take on locally to make a difference in our community. We would also like to create a yearly event to spread the world of conservation into our local community through a youth outreach program, and a one day introduction to wildlife, habitat, and the benefits of spending time in the outdoors. We believe that land and wildlife are both precious resource that need to be conserved and managed. We are excited to share our message with the rest of the conservation community, as well as with the rest of the world. The land and its resources are the source of our passions; we pledge to do whatever we can to help keep them thriving.

As founder of the DePauw University Conservation Club, I fully encourage all folks of the younger generation to step up and make a difference...

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 09:15 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

With turkey season right around the corner, stores are filling up with hunters getting ready for season. Everyone is stocking up on the new calls, choke tubes, decoys, anything and everything that will increase their chance of success in the 2010 turkey season. While this is all part of the excitement leading up to opening day, I would like to share with you how I have been preparing for the season. Of course I have rummaged through every isle containing turkey-hunting supplies, but I have also added a fun way to both save money, and deal with the preseason anticipation.

In the previous spring I had a very unlucky day that all hunters encounter, and to top it off I broke my favorite striker. As I was searching for a new striker I was shocked at how expensive a simple piece of wood could be. I made the decision to make my own striker, which turned out to be the best decision I have made in preparation for the upcoming turkey season.

POSTED BY MITCH STROBL AT 06:54 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

It's March Madness time here with Team HuntingLife!  Irish eyes are smiling knowing that turkey season is close, the major conservation shows are mostly completed for us and it is time to settle down and get back to work while we get everything ready for spring gobbler and spring bear season.  While we are toiling away, there is one constant for our entire team and that is Basketball....College teams across the country are set to start duking(no pun intended) it out on the court.  Our Pro Staff Team is all over the map on this one with some obvious fans from Wisconsin all the way to Kentucky and Kansas!!! 

We have decided to let you all join in our Bracket Challenge March Madness Bracket Challenge on HuntingLife and whomever the winner is from outside of our Pro Staff Team will win a custom crafted Turkey Call from Three Little Birds Game Calls.  Our HuntingLife Glass Turkey Call is emblazoned with the HuntingLife Logo and made out of Paduk Wood and boy does it sound raspy and sweet.  This baby is sure to spark up the gobbles in the field.  We will be offering this call on our online store here at HuntingLife but this particular call is actually Call number 2 and comes with a custom striker as well.

The Bracket Challenge is hosted on yahoo and is free for everyone to join and we look forward to having a blast with this wonderful promotion.  Updates will be every couple of days here on HuntingLife.com as well as our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Page.

Lets have some fun and the winner will have a heirloom call that works great on the collector shelf and in the field.

HuntingLife Bracket Challenge

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:29 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

After hunting many years without success DJ decided after watching a hunting show on television to book an outfitter for his next year’s hunt. He contacted his lifelong friend and hunting buddy to join him in his dream of hunting the illusive wapiti in the mountains of Colorado.

The first task at hand was to decide what area that he wanted to hunt. After much research and talking with the Colorado Division of Wildlife about elk herds and populations it was decided that unit 77, 78, and 771 may fit the need. There are aspen meadows and lots of grasses, dark timber canopies and steep slopes with plenty of water. All the right ingredients for that special hunt.

Next was to contact the local USDA Forest Service to get a list of outfitters in the general area that is authorized to provide the needed service. After narrowing the area to be hunted it was decided to check into several outfitters and the cost involved in hiring there service.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:42 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 15, 2010

Turkey season is right around the corner and it’s time to break out the turkey decoys and calls.  I have four decoys two hens and two jakes.  The hens are made by Primo’s, ones a regular standard hen and the other is their bobble and sway hen.  One jake is the Primo’s jake-b mobile were you can put a real fan in or the plastic fan they give you.  The other jake is just a standard Primo’s decoy.  Last year I learned a lot about where and how to set up my decoys.  I was putting all four up with the standard jake over top the standard hen and the jake-b mobile and bobble and sway hen off to the side.  I didn’t know that by putting both jakes out I was scaring most young jakes and toms away.  This year I plan on doing things different, I talked to people that are turkey hunting fanatics and they gave me some pointers.  One told me to only set out one jake which he recommended the jake-b mobile and both hens.  He said set up the standard jake and hen together and the other hen off to the side looking like its feeding.  The other suggested just the two hens making it seem like their alone and feeding, which will make the big gobbler I want to strut in more relaxed.  Taking in all of this information made me pay more attention to how turkeys act.  When I see them in the fields around my house I watch them and make memos to myself on how they walk through the field and stay alert to the surroundings.    I do the same when watching TV and reading magazines.

I have my favorites and then sum I just picked up here and there.  My dad always told me it’s good to have a variety of calls because if you use the same call in the same places they will get use to it and not come to it. I have some that people have made for competitions and also some by Primo’s and Hunters Specialties.  I have a few mouth calls but I haven’t mastered them yet but by spring turkey season rolls around I will be ready.  When I call I like to use short yelps and purrs, I like to not call a lot when I have one coming in because some say you can make it sound like you are coming to the tom rather than the tom coming to you.  When I’m trying to locate a turkey in the morning I like to use a hoot owl call and in the afternoon a crow call or by using a turkey call.  I have been practicing a lot and making sure I sound like a turkey.  I don’t want to be out in the field and mess up and scare one off.

I hope to have a good year and for you to have a good year too. So dust off your decoys, break out your calls, because  spring turkey season  is right around the corner, so get set up,  I know I am.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:49 PM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 15, 2010

Turkey is one species I have wanted to hunt for quite some time. We have only had tags available for wild turkey in our area in the last few years and I have just never had the opportunity due to work or other factors. I have always been open to trying new things especially in the hunting arena and last year I was drawn for a tag. I was immediately pumped. I had heard how fun it was to hunt these birds and how much harder than deer hunting it was. I looked forward to the challenge.

In late March I was informed I needed a hysterectomy. Doc asked me, if I had any questions concerning the surgery? My only question to the Doctor was, will I be able to go turkey hunting? His chuckling response in turn was, you should be fine, just have someone else carry the bird!

My husband and I hunted the first few days of my season together with no luck. He had drawn and been successful in an earlier season and was along to call for me (and carry the bird).

Mid season, he had to leave on business so I recruited a friend of mine Candy Grubisic, as her husband and hunting partner had also had to leave for the remainder of the season. She was an experienced turkey hunter and knew what she was doing.

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

While attending the Greater Virginia Big game and Sport Show I got the chance to meet one extordinary fellow sportsman. This man was Mr. Gary Arrington and boy if he’s not what the sport of hunting and conservation is all about I don’t know who is. As a NWTF Region Director,   special projects manager for hunters for the hungry, and devoted family man Gary does it all. From chasing toms and bucks to moderating turkey calling contest you can find him hanging around.

Gary did not just fall into all this responsibility right off the bat it took years of hard work and determination. After 14 years as a Conservation Game Warden and years of being in the woods he has acquired years of experience which shows in every word as he speaks about the outdoors. As a member of the QDMA, NRA, NWTF, and hunters for the hungry, Gary is constantly on the go to help promote these wonderful groups. His passion for hunting is equally matched with his passion for God and through all the works he does for this great sport he keeps God the center of it all.

He thanks his dad most for the opportunity to hunt. Though he said his biggest influence came from Bob Kerride who took him on his first hunting trip and taught him how to hunt. Now, Gary is giving back what he can in return for all he has been blessed with. He said kids are the future of hunting and “The greatest feather in the hat for hunting.” He would love to see more kids grow in the outdoors as well as Hunters for the Hungry so we can keep providing for people for years to come. With kids as our future hunters he wants to educate them on how much their donations will help people in need.

He hopes to continue to contribute to the outdoors as long as he can. His love for the sport is what makes him drive harder to keep it alive. I now look up to Gary as he is an inspiration me about what this sport is really about. I hope our paths cross again soon so that I might get to learn more about what this man is doing to keep our sport alive.

http://www.h4hungry.org/

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

We all have some kind of passion in the outdoors, whether it is hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking.  The outdoors has something for everyone to enjoy.  Unfortunately, video games, urbanization, and expenses keep many people from experiencing Mother Nature.  I have talked to people from cities that have never been fishing or that had never even seen what the stars really look like because of the city lights.  How sad is that?!

This problem can be solved without much effort.  The reason those people didn’t ever get to experience those great times is because no one introduced them to the outdoors as a child, so they never got an interest in it.  Unfortunately, it is a problem that can be easily fixed but not many people are willing to take the time to do it!  You don’t have to have your own kids to introduce to the outdoors.  There are plenty of opportunities to get youngsters out there!

The first time out hunting can make or break an experience, however. So this means that if you plan on taking a young one out in the woods, you have to make sure they will stay interested.  Squirrel, rabbit, waterfowl, and turkey hunting, as well as bowfishing, are excellent ways to keep them interested because of their fast action. Make sure you scout ahead of time and plan to hunt a good area when you take them out.  If you take the young one out that has high expectations, and then those expectations are not filled, they may decide that they don’t like it and not want to do anymore of it.  It would be like going out fishing and not having a single bite!

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:14 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 11, 2010

A few days a go as I was day dreaming about turkey hunting I asked myself what would turkey hunting be like with out a decoy. After pondering it for a while I realized how difficult would be to actually get a Tom in close enough to shoot with out a decoy. With that said I am going to discuss why a decoy can be very important to turkey hunters.

As you may already know turkeys can see very well, so by placing a decoy out in front of you it brings the attention of the turkey to the decoy and away from you (the hunter). This will typically allow a hunter to bring their gun up into shooting position with out being noticed.

Turkeys also will be looking to associate something with hunter’s turkey calls. If a Tom is responding to a turkey call and coming in closer to your location and you don’t have a decoy he may get confused or suspicious. When a Tom becomes,  confused or suspicious he will either just stay put and wait for the hen or just simply turn around and walk away looking for other hens.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:05 AM | 4 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 11, 2010

How To Use Turkey Calls.

Slate calls are one of the easiest calls to learn to use, and picked up quickly by beginners.  Simply pull the striker across the surface of the call for a variety of turkey vocals. A yelp is made by making small circles with the striker. Another very effective call obtained with a slate call is the purr, obtained by dragging the striker slowly across the slate. The cluck can be made by making a quick and sharp pull of the striker on the slate.

Many beginners prefer the box call. The sound is produced by sliding a wooden lid across an open box in a rhythmic motion, thus the caulk, caulk, caulk. The box call also makes an excellent purr by dragging the lid across the open box in a slower, more drawn out motion.

Mouth calls are harder to learn to use, but there are many DVDs and websites available to help with this technique. The advantage of the mouth call is the hands-free calling and the
reduction of movement likely to alert the turkeys.

The push box or modified box call is another great call for beginning callers. It can be held and operated with one hand. Simply press the end of the striker sticking out of the end of the box in long strokes to get the purr sound, shorter strokes for the yelp call.

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

Thursday, March 11, 2010

NEWTOWN, Conn. With more than 120 stations (and counting) committed to broadcasting the show, the National Shooting Sports Foundation today launched its new daily radio program for all gun owners called Insights.

Also available as a podcast on the iTunes Web site, Insights will reach a large audience that will enjoy the shows lineup of stories about the history, excitement and value of hunting and the shooting sports.

Insights, a 90-second program, is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and produced by the Walker Agency of Scottdale, Ariz.

"We're thrilled with the high level of interest by station managers in NSSF's Insights radio show," said Dave Miles, NSSF's director of electronic media. It's really a win-win for them, and we're glad they're immediately seeing this. The stations receive high-quality content, and the shooting sports receive additional exposure that we hope will encourage sportsmen, lapsed participants and newcomers to fully enjoy these activities.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:00 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 11, 2010

With turkey season fast approaching, hunters across the land are picking up their calls and are yelping away. It is no secret that turkey hunting takes dedication, and most of all experience. In my recent article I discussed the importance of decoy setup location. Location and calling go hand in hand; both can make or break a hunt. With this concept in mind, I urge you to get on your calling sooner rather than later, preparation is key when it comes to any sort of hunting. I have been lucky enough to test some great mouth calls from Hoosier Hunter Custom Calls this year. These calls are a great add to my collection, and they most certainly will be in my vest come spring.

The Real Big Hoosier Hen-
The Real Big Hoosier Hen mouth call is super call designed for the seasoned caller who has technique and control. The deep inverted V cut makes the Real Big Hoosier Hen a good call for hard clucks, cuts and cackles, and overall aggressive, loud calling. If you have a good grab on mouth calls, and most of all are confident in your calling, Hoosier Hunter Custom calls has the call for you. While the Real Big Hoosier Hen is not the most forgiving call that Hoosier Hunter Custom Calls provides, it produces one of the most realistic turkey sounds available in mouth calls today.

The Big Indy
The Big Indy series is designed for both novice and seasoned callers alike. The Big Indy is composed of 2.5 reeds with a top reed of orange latex (.003) with the Fang cut. This call is a forgiving call that produces loud and soft pure sounding rasps, purring, cackling, cutting, clucking, and of course yelping. My favorite part about this call was the ease of transition. Going from loud aggressive calling to soft calling was extremely smooth, and both levels sound spectacular. This call is great for any hunter in any situation.

Hoosier Hunter Custom Calls also specializes in custom box and slate calls. The best part about these calls is they sound as beautiful as they look! Check out Hoosier Hunter Custom Calls today at http://www.hoosierhuntercustomcalls.com/

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 02:49 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 11, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska --  Trout Unlimited and a group of partner organizations today nominated the Koktuli River in Southwest Alaska as an Outstanding National Resource Water, a designation that affords the highest protection to the river’s pristine water quality and highly productive fish habitat.

An Outstanding National Resources Water (ONRW) is a designation under the Clean Water Act that aims to protect high-quality waters for existing uses. By designating a river or stream as an ONRW, no new or increased pollution discharges can occur within that body of water. Additionally, no new or increased discharges can occur in a tributary if it results in lower water quality to the ONRW river or stream.
 
ONRW designations are enacted under the anti-degradation provisions of the Clean Water Act. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is charged with overseeing Alaska’s anti-degradation policies, including identifying ONRWs with help from the public.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 00:13 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The lusty tom was gobbling his fool head off in the pre-dawn woods hoping to let every lady in the vicinity know that he was big, bad and available. I was guiding James Sr. as we scrambled up the rocky hill to be in position to attract our boys' attention before the sun peaked its bright head over the horizon. We reached an even level with the hot gobbler and I placed James a few yards in front of me as the morning began to brighten. I couldn't help but marvel at how his Ghillie Suit blended so well into the forest floor. At 5 yards, I was having a hard time making him out, maybe this isn't a gimmick after all; though I sure snickered at 4am when he first modeled the new camo for me. From that day forward he would be forever know as "Swamp Thing". I wish there was a more exciting story to tell, but two yelps of the diaphragm later, the big tom glided off the roost to land 20 yards from swamp thing. Bang and time for breakfast! We actually went out after breakfast and called another long beard in for James's brother-in-law Mike, nice opening day.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 11:28 PM | 6 COMMENTS | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Bruce Billington sent me some links in regards to Project New Hope in Minnesota.  I am a tremendous fan of what this group is doing for soldiers and thier families in small group settings.  Project New Hope takes families and mixes the outdoors as well as some group discussions for returning soldiers and thier work could not be more valuable.

Please check out some of these great links and if you can donate some money or time to these great folks.  They are working really hard to bring Project New Hope out nationally and we are going to continue to support them in every way possible.
 
Below are some recent articles and interviews about Project New Hope.  Check them out when you have some free time.  With the help of the MN Dept of Veterans Affairs, we are working on lining up interviews/stories with Minnesota Bound, KARE11, WCCO, and hopefully a National TV show.  The MN Dept of Veterans Affairs has some lofty goals in this regard.

• Project New Hope Website
• Minnesota Public Radio  http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/12/29/vet-reintegration/
• Radio interview on KRJM http://www.krjmradio.com/?page=access_health&story=26
• Brainerd Dispatch  http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/022310/new_20100223027.shtml
• Aitkin newspaper article http://www.aitkinage.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=33705
• You will see that Project New Hope is on the home page of the Lions Clubs International website  http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 05:32 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Have you ever gone out to buy a turkey call and became overwhelmed by the multitude and varieties of calls available? 

Turkeys are extremely vocal. Their vocabulary consists of clucks, yelps, purrs, the gobble of mature males, and the kee kee whistle of the young birds. There are hundreds of calls on the market that are excellent in imitating these vocals.

When turkey hunting, one of the most important calls is the locator call. An exceptional locator call is an owl hooter. It’s a very user-friendly call, and does a great job mimicking the owls, which seem to take great pleasure in taunting the roosting gobblers. Simply blow into the call as if speaking the word “who.” After practicing this, fine-tune the call, putting more emphasis by blowing harder at the beginning of the call and then trailing off. 

If there are toms in the area, this call will most usually aggravate them and cause them to gobble, revealing their whereabouts in the treetops. If they sound close by, very quietly and cautiously get set up for them. Remember, the wild turkeys’ eyesight is many times greater than the human, so minimal movement is essential. Some hunters prefer to hunt out of a blind, particularly for freedom of movement without being detected by the birds.

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

Monday, March 8, 2010

CHARLESTON, S.C. March 8, 2010 – Ducks Unlimited recently achieved another milestone by conserving its 250,000th acre in the South Atlantic Flyway. Public and private lands projects in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida are providing crucial habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl in the region.

Ducks Unlimited is conserving habitats like this across the South Atlantic.
 
DU has completed 185 wetland restoration and enhancement projects across the four states totaling over 151,000 acres, with the majority of these projects occurring on public lands. DU has also protected an additional 128,000 acres of private lands through our conservation easement program. Through both public lands restoration projects and private lands protection, DU is leading the way for wetlands conservation in the South Atlantic.

“Our on-the-ground conservation delivery programs have protected, restored and/or enhanced over 250,000 acres to date in the South Atlantic for waterfowl and other wetland dependant species,” said Craig LeSchack, Ducks Unlimited director of conservation programs for the South Atlantic Flyway. “Our state, federal, and private partnerships contributed tremendously to our successes in the region, and we look forward to continuing these valued partnerships well into the future. At a total cost of over $66 million for all projects, we were able to match every DU dollar with over $7 in partner contributions.”

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:22 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 8, 2010

EDGEFIELD, S.C. - South Dakota's wildlife and sportsmen will benefit from a new cooperative agreement between the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP).

The three-year agreement helps support the NWTF's on-the-ground work to promote partnerships and complete projects that will benefit wild turkeys, other wildlife and important habitats in South Dakota.

James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF's chief conservation officer, signed the agreement during South Dakota's NWTF state convention along with Jeff Vonk, secretary of SDGFP, and Dean Schueler, outgoing president of the NWTF's South Dakota State Chapter.

"This agreement is an extension of an already beneficial relationship with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks," Kennamer said. "With a regional biologist who knows the needs of South Dakota's wildlife and sportsmen, we can plan mutually beneficial projects that will benefit wild turkeys and all manners of other wildlife including pheasants and sensitive species such as bald eagles."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 09:14 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 8, 2010

RENO, Nev.-Ten years after his death at the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt's enduring legacy as a competitor and outdoorsman has sparked a new partnership between the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The new venture has been christened the Dale Earnhardt Land/Wildlife Legacy.

Announcing the news March 4 at the RMEF annual convention in Reno, Nev., RMEF President and CEO David Allen said the partnership is good for wildlife and hunters.

"There are lots of NASCAR fans in the RMEF membership, and lots of conservationists among race fans. Teaming up allows us to redouble our efforts on projects that honor Dale's memory-things like wildlife habitat improvement, land conservation, hunting access improvements and more," said Allen.

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

Friday, March 5, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC - The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation welcomed the sportsman-legislator champions of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus back to Washington last night at a reception honoring their commitment to hunting and fishing access in the 111th Congress.

The re-scheduled "Welcome" reception was originally scheduled for February 10 but had to be postponed until Tuesday because of the record snowfall in Washington, DC.

Over twenty members of the United States Congress joined together for this yearly gathering of hunting, fishing, and conservation leaders, policy makers, and industry representatives to celebrate the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus' successes on behalf of sportsmen in the previous session of Congress and to focus on current legislative issues affecting hunters and anglers.

"For 20 years now, the combination of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and CSF have been at the forefront of pro-sportsmen's legislation," said CSF President Crane. "While the party in power may change, the true bipartisan nature of this Caucus insures that we never take our eye off of the sportsmen's agenda."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 04:06 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, March 5, 2010

Rodney Dyer, certified wildlife biologist and consultant to Hunter’s Specialties®, recently explained how consumers can save money and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer needed to maintain healthy food plots.

“Hunter’s Specialties believes strongly in conservation when it comes to wild game and the environment,” said Dyer. “They have developed a crop rotation plan that reduces the amount of fertilizer needed for optimum growth. Using the Vita- Rack™ Nutritional Plan for your food plot can not only help you grow a healthy deer herd but save the soil and the ‘green’ in your wallet. By rotating the three Vita-Rack seed blends: Vita-Rack Velvet™ Whitetail Clover, Booming Beans™ High Protein Mix and Winter Forage™, you can cut the cost of needed fertilizer by as much as 40%, depending on your location in the country.”

“In the fall, prepare your food plots as normal (follow the directions on the back of the bag). Then plant a plot in Velvet Mix (Plot A). Velvet Mix consists of several highly attractive clovers that the deer will find irresistible. Plant another plot in Winter Forage Mix (Plot B). Winter Forage Mix is a blend of turnips, rape, Alsike clover and sugar beets that provide tons of fall and winter forage for deer. Winter Forage Mix is also full of carbohydrates to help deer maintain their body temperature through the toughest winters. Plot A and Plot B will need to be fertilized with the proper fertilizer recommendations (on the back of the bag). After the first planting you will not need any other fertilizer but 0-20-20, because the Velvet and Booming Beans Mixes are both legumes that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and deposit it in the soil. Winter Forage Mix will use up the added nitrogen in the soil from the legumes in the Velvet and Booming Beans Mixes.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:43 AM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Friday, March 5, 2010

MISSOULA, Mont.-For 35 years, no company has produced better consumer sportsman shows than International Sportsmen's Expositions (ISE). Annual events in Denver, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and San Mateo, Calif., draw hundreds of thousands of hunters, anglers and conservationists.

Today the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced an expanded partnership with ISE.

For 2010, RMEF and ISE introduced the Ultimate Elk Hunter's Raffle. Joint marketing efforts to promote RMEF and ISE included the RMEF Great Elk Tour, and RMEF sponsorship of ISE's Adventure Theater, and Best of the West Elk Calling Contests.

In 2012, ISE will manage the sales, marketing and promotion of the exposition component of RMEF's annual national convention, called Elk Camp.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 03:33 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Being a Virginia resident and a Spotsylvania County resident I have been watching very strongly the situation in regards to the Rappahannock Watershed Management Plan.  The Friends of the Rappahannock have released a plan for the close to 4300 acres of land managed by the city of Fredericksburg.  This plan was set up to curtail access to roughly 65 miles of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries. Robert W. Duncan from the Board of Directors for the VDGIF has released a statement in regards to this plan and I feel it is very important to pay attention to this issue for hunters.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/rappahannock-watershed-management-plan-comments/26395_RappRiverWatershedMgtPlan_CommentsToFOR030210.pdf

If this is an issue you are concerned about please provide comments to the city of Fredericksburg, VA and join with the Virginia Waterfowls Association and the Virginia Deer Hunters Association to make sure this plan includes outdoorsman and outdoors women.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:32 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I was born on the thirteenth of April, but when I woke before dawn on the thirteenth of April, on my thirteenth birthday, I thought nothing of it. After all, birthdays were nowhere near as important as turkey hunting!

I had been turkey hunting for three years, and never had actually shot a turkey. Shot at them, yes. Missed, yes. Killed one, no. I had my fingers crossed for today, but today was youth day in New Jersey, so I was going to have to share this day with my older brother Joe, and younger brother Andrew. Not that I minded, I was used to hunting with one or both of them on occasion.

We headed out to the woods behind our house, it was raining lightly to my disappointment, and was a 60 degrees out, fog blanketing the woods. Of course I didn’t know at the time that these kinds of day could produce the best turkey hunting.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 08:00 PM | 1 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 1, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa  – Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest wrapped up today after drawing 20,230 attendees to the Iowa Events Center. The highlight of the event came on Saturday afternoon when U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup and the reallocation of 300,000 acres into three popular wildlife practices within CRP.
 
“Our mission at Pheasants Forever is wildlife habitat, and Pheasant Fest delivered habitat in spades. This has been a very successful event for us,” reported Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Iowa’s pheasant harvest set an all time low in 2008 due to some terrible weather and massive habitat losses. Pheasant Fest created a platform for our organization to draw the state’s bird hunters, natural resource professionals, and landowners together around this issue.”
 
Pheasant Fest also generated 1,021 new members for the organization. In fact, 40 of those members became life members with a $1,000 donation; a new Pheasant Fest record.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 12:30 AM | 0 COMMENT | LINKS TO THIS POST

Monday, March 1, 2010

It has been no secret that the Humane Society of the United States has been no big fan of hunters and hunting for many years.  What most people do not know is this organization has not spent the marjority of its money on shelters as most people believe but instead spent the marjority of its money on fighting against hunters and for animal rights causes all across this country.  Now they are being sued for RICO Violations along with a consortium of animal groups by the Ringling Brothers Circus...

Read more about these lawsuits here:

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/4111-federal-racketeering-lawsuit-stuns-hsus

http://humanewatch.org/

Pay attention to this lawsuit because nothing could be better for the world of hunting then for this organization to go down in flames....!!!!

The statements made here are my own - Kevin Paulson

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

Monday, March 1, 2010

Text in to win a chance to participate in Kicking Beards Second Annual ProAm Turkey Hunt hosted by Locked Horn Outfitters in Robinson Kansas April 29- May 2, 2010.

Text the word KB2 to 38066 to purchase KB Wallpaper and automatically enter to win one of 10 spots in this Kicking Beards ProAm Turkey Hunting Extravaganza weekend.

Hunt with one of ten celebrity hunters at Locked Horn Outfitters in Robinson, Kansas, get your hunt videotaped for their show, shoot in a Pop-up 3D archery tournament, and share camp with many other outdoor industry professionals, outdoor writers, and personalities. Celebrity Hunters include Ray Howell (founder of Kicking Bear), Heath Painter (host of Sportsman of North America TV), Trevon Stoltzfus (host Outback Outdoors), Keith Beam (Primos/ Double Bull), Hon. Julie Mogenis (host of Hunting with the Judge), JT Harden (Host of Hardcore Hunting TV), Tom Nelson (American Archer TV), Tom King (host of Bighorn Outdoors), David Langston (Hunter’s Safety Supply), Jimmy BigTime (Comedian on Outdoor Channel), and many others.

Text to win as many times as you wish. Winners are responsible for the purchase of a Kansas Turkey Tag. A charge of $4.99 will be added to your bill to help support Kicking Bear One-On-One and the kids it serves. For more info, visit www.kickingbear.org

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