Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Sportsmen Win First Round in Court Fight to Protect Trapping

(Columbus) - A federal judge today dismissed a lawsuit that attempted to use the threatened Canada lynx as a pawn in the anti-hunters’ lawsuit to ban trapping in Minnesota. The decision will allow trapping to continue in the state.

U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz dismissed the suit brought by the Humane Society of the United States against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ban trapping for abundant game wherever endangered or threatened species exist. The anti’s had argued that since the state holds a population of Canada lynx, a species protected under the Endangered Species Act, all trapping of any species should be stopped to prevent incidental catch of lynx. There is no data proving this to be a problem.

The dismissal was in accordance with a settlement in which the DNR agreed to apply for a federal incidental take permit. The permits are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for activities that could possibly result in "take" of threatened or endangered species. Trapping will continue while the permit process moves forward.

“We are satisfied that the agreement will not disrupt trapping in Minnesota,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation President Bud Pidgeon. “However, there is still work to be done. Two nearly identical lawsuits that threaten trapping, hunting and fishing wherever endangered species exist are still pending in Minnesota and Maine.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, along with the Minnesota Trappers Association, Fur Takers of America, National Trappers Association, and Minnesota trappers Todd Roggenkamp and Cory Van Driel, represented the sportsmen’s interests as parties in the suit.

“This case could have turned Minnesota’s trapping industry upside down,” said Charles Andres, president of Fur Takers of America. “We are glad to know that trapping will continue status quo while the federal permits are acquired and reviewed.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund is the nation’s only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen’s interests in the courts. It defends wildlife management and sportsmen’s rights in local, state and federal courts. The U.S. SLDF represents the interests of sportsmen and assists government lawyers who often have little or no background in wildlife law.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects and advances America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping.

Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation

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Tuesday, February 27, 2007

High Roller, the biggest antlered whitetail in the world

Rex Howell at the Deer Camp Blog posted several times a picture of a very large buck that peaked my curiosity each time I saw that monster buck, thinking to myself; “I wonder where that brut comes from and what is the story behind it. Well, after some searching on the Internet I finally found the story to go with the image.

The buck, called High Roller, is not a wild buck. He is born and raised on a Deer farm in Ohio by his owner. High Roller has 44 points and scores 367 B&C points. This makes him the biggest antlered whitetail in the world.

The full story of this monster buck makes for very interesting reading.

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Monday, February 26, 2007

Scouting new fishing waters

Yesterday, Sunday, my wife and I drove to the Fraser River near Chilliwack, British Columbia to scout that portion of the river for future fishing trips. Trough the grapevine we heard that this area holds lots of fish, among them salmon for which BC is world famous, and cutthroat trout. The weather was cold, overcast and at times drizzly rain, this did not hinder the natural beauty of the area. Yes, I am in love with British Columbia and will readily admit that after all my international travels I have not seen a more beautiful place yet. We walked along the riverbank searching the water surface with binoculars for changes in the current giving an indication of the structure below the water surface. I found plenty of good and promising features that look promissing to hold trout. Lots of submerged trees, big rocks and other underwater features that trout like. I definitely will be back there on a warmer day when the cutthroats rise, with my fishing rod and an assortment of lures.

It is said that 2007 is a good pink salmon year here in BC. This became quickly obvious when we walked the shoreline of the Fraser River, which was littered with thousands of salmon skulls and skeletons the air still saturated with the smell of rotting fish. It's a cruel joke of nature that these fish have to swim thousands of miles to their birthplace, encountering all sorts of life threatening encounters along the way, including the abundant numbers of hungry grizzly bears we have here in BC, until they reach the exact spot where they where born to give life to a new generation of salmon and then die.

With so many rivers and lakes, full of fish in all sizes and shapes, British Columbia is not only the ideal place for fishers but also the bald eagle. Indeed BC is the North American capitol of bald eagles. Seeing on any given day five to ten of these majestic birds sitting high in the trees or gliding seemingly weightless trough the air is not uncommon here in the Lower Mainland, even in the big cities such as Vancouver.

All in all we have had a very good weekend that we spent out in the great outdoors. My wife, an accomplished photographer found many pleasing subject to photograph and I found a new promising fishing place that I definitely will visit again. I am looking already forward to the coming weekend when the largest hunting and fishing show here in BC opens the doors for three days over the weekend.

Bald Eagle Photo courtesy of Artemis Graphics and Design

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Saturday, February 24, 2007

Review gets attention

On July 20, 2006 I wrote a review of Brian Warner fishing lure carver extraordinaire. So far Brian’s hand carved fishing lures have been an insider tip in the fishing community, but this is about to change. Yesterday Brian sent me the following email.

Dear Brian,

I've read with great interest an article written by Othmar Vohringer about your hand made lures. I produce a TV program out of Akron "The Buckeye Angler" and would very much like to talk with you about being on our show. I believe that it would generate a lot of interest. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in.

Gary Kiser


It is usually is not my custom to publish emails that are sent to me, but this is special. I am very happy for Brian Warner that he gets the opportunity and recognition he deserves for his fishing lures. Brian I one of this rare people who produces products that not only look great to look at but also work, be that his fishing lures or turkey friction calls. Brian’s dedication to detail in his craft combined with his extraordinary fishing and hunting knowledge makes this combination of looks and field proven results possible.

Congratulations Brian you deserve this break, I am glad that my review played a small part in this. A review I could not have written the way I did if I would not have been absolutely convinced of your products quality. I have been lucky to field test your fishing lures and your turkey calls and found that they do work as well as they look.

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Turkey Pictures

The following pictures have been sent to me by Bill Gould, he tells me that these images have been taken by his neighbor Mike. These are very beautiful pictures showing a few very nice toms. Looking at these I can fully understand why Bill gets all nervous watching these flock of birds roaming in his neighborhood, who wouldn’t with turkey spring hunting season only a few short month away.

Thanks Bill for sending me these beautiful pictures, and yes they too make me look forward to the upcoming turkey season.











































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Friday, February 23, 2007

Monster Catfish











I found this tremendous monster catfish on KeesKennis Blog. Apparently this particular catfish weighs a staggering 140 pounds. Unfortunately there was not much more information available. If anybody knows where and whom that fish was taken I would like to know.

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Bowhunting Recognized as Key for Urban Deer Control Strategy

I just got the following message in my email today. This is very encouraging news that might be of interest for other hunters too.


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports nationwide, deer collisions with cars cause $1.1 billion in vehicle damage annually. These accidents kill 150 people and injure 29,000 others. The national average car insurance claim for a deer collision is $2,800. Statistics like these have led many towns to seek a safe way to decrease deer herds, and allowed bowhunting to find its niche.

Earlier this month, USA Today highlighted several towns that have kicked off bowhunts, including the following:

Fort Smith and Barling, Arkansas lifted hunting bans and established a bowhunt in a 7,200-acre area that lies in both towns. The hunt was instituted when factors indicated that the overabundant deer herd might starve. It will also help reduce the risk of the animals roaming into the area as it fills with new homes and businesses.

Two public parks in Kansas City, Missouri held pilot bowhunts in 2006. Forty-one deer were taken from late November to Dec. 10. The City Council authorized the hunts after learning that at least 400 deer per year were hit by vehicles within the city.

Bowhunters in Warsaw, Indiana took 20 deer during a three week archery season in November. Councilman Jeff Grose said, "We felt the residents in that area had a legitimate argument to declare the deer population as a nuisance."

After reports of deer killing pets, damaging property and being the cause of multiple automobile accidents, Alamosa, Colorado will allow hunting with bows and shotguns on a city-owned golf course until Feb. 28.

Suburbs of Des Moines, St. Louis, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, have also staged bow hunts or are considering doing so.

“Bowhunting is a safe and effective deer control,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. “The anti-hunters try to pressure many local governments to use costly, ineffective methods such as deer birth control, but it’s the bowhunt that proves worthwhile.”


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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Jim Zumbo angers Firearm owners

By now everybody should be aware of the unfortunate blog entry by Jim Zumbo on Outdoor Life that unleashed an angry storm by firearm owners. The outrage of the firearm community in form of thousands of forum postings and emails where cause enough for Outdoor Life to close the blog “Hunting with Jim Zumb”. Remington, Mossy Oak and some of the other Zumbo’s sponsor, concerned with their financial bottom lines and in an efford to appease the hostile crowd -possible customers- quickly decided to drop Zumbo, their spokesperson of many years, like a hot potato.

Personally I don't care if Zumbo said it, I don't care if he knew what he was saying, I don't care if he meant every word of it or not. I would not have written what he did. But I am 100% behind Jim Zumbo the man. Jim Zumbo is a respected hunter, outdoor writer and book author for all of his life. He has done more positive for the hunting sport and gun ownership in his life than many of the folks that bash him now. I do not judge the man for one comment he made but for what he achieved and the dedicated support he gave to the hunting community.

To be honest I wonder where all these thousands of people are when the anti gun lobby spouts their agenda at nausea. Lets face it. Whenever someone tries to get a petition going against the anti gun lobby he is lucky to get a couple hundred signatures together. But if it is one of our own then it seems that the outrage is thousand fold. Yet it is the anti gun lobby that threatens the second Amendment, surly not Jim Zumbo.

Mind you, after reading some of the comments made by outraged hunters and firearm owners last night on various blogs and forums I am actually glad that these people do not write to the anti gun lobby and the government. I understand that communication skills don't come free with every box of ammo. But what I read last night is nothing short of a medieval lynch mob mentality. A good many of the comments in regard to Jim Zumbo could be easily classified as threatening. Others where in such foul, demeaning language that one has to wonder or the parents of these people ever bothered to teach them the basic manners and courtesy. The few voices of reason quickly where shouted down by the angry mob.

The anti gun lobby portrays us as uneducated gun totting lunatics. I am afraid that the majority of the responses to Jim Zumbo’s article might do us more harm in the long run than Jim’s thoughtless comment. When do we learn that the interest groups that are against us closely observe every action and every word of us in the hope they can use it against us. Unfortunately the antis got plenty of material the last two days from hunters and firearm owners to support their opinion of us.

I have said it before and I will say it again; “Wouldn’t it be wiser for us to be more tolerant of each other and pick our battles with the ones that really threaten our way of life instead of with our own?”

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Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Tiger Trout

Eagle Eyes at the Idaho Fishin’ Times posted an interesting article about a rare trout species. The tiger trout is a hybrid between Brown trout and a Brook trout. Tiger trout are aggressive hunters that will pursue smaller fish in shallow waters. Hatcheries introduced this trout in some waters to help control the competing fish species such as chubs. Sport fishers like the tiger trout for the good fight they put up and because they are still rare.

You can read more about tiger trout on Idaho Fishin’ Times

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Monday, February 19, 2007

Albino Moose?

Rex Howell from Deer Camp Blog sent me an email with a link to World of Whitetail where he found some interesting pictures of “albino” moose. I am always interested in freaks of nature and so I had not to be asked twice to visit that website. There where seven pictures showing not albinos but white moose and a couple of pictures showing piebald moose.










White animals are not that uncommon in nature, but not all white colored animals are albinos. Albinism is due to one of several gene mutations that affect the production of normal pigmentation. True albinos, or amelanistic, animals lack melanin and are white with no markings and with unpigmented pink eyes. In other words, albinos have the genes responsible for giving color pigmentation missing.











White animals – non-albinos: Leucism is similar to albinism and is often mistaken for albinism; leucistic animals are white with dark eyes and some pigmentation, for example ghost markings. White deer are often mistaken for albinos, but are caused by a different mutation called chinchilla, which affects the distribution of pigment on the hair shaft.











A piebald deer is like the white non-albino but with leucism defects, meaning that not all pigment cells are affected by leucism, resulting in a white base color with splotches of natural coloring. Piebald animals are more common than white colored animals and these are more common than the pure albino. True albinos are very rare and seldom grow to full adulthood.











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Sunday, February 18, 2007

Coyotes Flourish in North Carolina

I just have been informed by Skinny Moose that NC looks forward to a new hunting opportunity. The state, according to Skinny Moose, experiences a coyote population explosion unknown before. Coyotes have expanded over the entire state of North Carolina into every single county.

Hunters are exited as they look forward to a new and surly welcome new game animal to extend the hunting season. Of course most hunters in the Old North State have to learn how to hunt the wily coyote. To help the hunters to understand how to hunt coyotes, explain basic techniques and strategies for the set up, calling and much more the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education set up a seminar held on Saturday Feb. 17.

I am glad for the hunters of NC that they too have the opportunity to hunt coyotes. One little piece of advice from me to my fellow hunters in that state, coyote hunting can be addictive. Coyote hunting can be very challenging due to the coyote’s exceptional sense of smell and eyesight, but also because coyotes are so smart. Proper set up and good camouflage is essential to be successful in harvesting this wily song dogs. Learning to use the proper calls and practicing for long shots on the range will give the hunter an a slight advantage too.

Update March 10, 2008.
I just learned about the North Carolina Predator Hunter Association. On their website and forum you can find more information about coyote hunting in that state.


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Saturday, February 17, 2007

Wild Hogs in Nebraska

I just read an interesting story on the Hog Blog about wild hogs testing positive for pseudorabies.

There are two things I did not know.

1. I did not know that there is such a thing as pseudorabies. Lucky for me, my favorite web-resource Wikipedia seems to have the answer to everything a person would ever want to know.

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a viral disease in swine that is endemic in most parts of the world. It is caused by porcine herpesvirus 1 and is also known as Aujeszky's disease, and in cattle as mad itch. PRV is considered to be the most economically important viral disease of swine in areas where hog cholera has been eradicated. The virus is shed in the saliva and nasal secretions of infected swine and is spread through oral or nasal contact. There are many secondary hosts of pseudorabies, including dogs, cats, cattle, rats, and horses. The name pseudorabies comes from the similarity of symptoms to rabies in dogs.


You can read more about pseuorabies on Wikipedia – Interesting stuff.

2. Of all the places I would expect to find wild hogs Nebraska is not one of them but surprisingly – for me that is – that state is home to a small herd of wild hogs. According to the Nebraska DNR some of the pigs tested near Genoa have tested positive for pseudorabies. I wanted to read more information about the news than what the article on the Brownfield Network offered and visited the website of the Nebraska DNR.

Surprisingly – again – I couldn’t find any mention of pseudorabies on the DNR website, or any information on wild hog hunting opportunities in that state. If anybody has any reliable information on pseudorabies in wild pigs and on hog hunting in Nebraska I would like to hear about it.

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Thursday, February 15, 2007

USSA Invited to Brief Senators On Hunting and Polar Bear Conservation

I got this today in the email and would like to pass it on to my readers.

(Columbus) - The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has been asked to represent the nation’s sportsmen and address U.S. Senate committee members and staff next week on why listing the polar bear as a threatened species per the Endangered Species Act and curtailing polar bear hunting by U.S. citizens will be detrimental to the species.

Following discussions with Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, the ranking minority member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the USSA was asked to make a presentation to committee members and staff. On Feb. 23, the USSA will make a presentation on how American hunters provide significant funding for successful polar bear conservation in Canada. It will detail why a proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the species as threatened throughout its range will prove detrimental to healthy bear populations.

The briefing comes as Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, holds a series of hearings on climate change. The issue is at the heart of a lawsuit brought by environmental groups to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The groups believe the animals are threatened by shrinking Arctic sea ice as a result of prospective climate change.

“The service’s proposal to list polar bears as a federally threatened species, including populations in Canada that are stable and increasing, is a strike by the federal government that again demonstrates an anti-hunting bias,” said USSA Senior Vice President Rick Story. “The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance formed the International Hunters' Rights Campaign in 2006 because of our concern that the federal government continues to disregard sportsmen’s interests.”

The International Hunters' Rights Campaign is also working to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from slashing tax deductions and imposing burdensome import regulations on international big game hunters. The campaign comes as the service works on regulation reform for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

On Dec. 27, 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that the polar bear be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Instead of limiting threatened status to only the distinct population segments that are decreasing, the service recommendation will put all of the bears, including healthy, huntable populations, under the same restrictions.

The USSA is preparing comments to submit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opposing the proposal. A final decision on the listing will be made in Dec. 2007 after a 12-month public comment period and scientific review.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects and advances America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping. It does so in the courts, state legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

A whopper of a fish tale

A friend sent me the following article which I just have to pass on here. Wow is all I can say.

Howards Grove man spears a 102-pound, 72-inch sturgeon on Lake Winnebago

Darren Horness blinked when the shadowy outline first slid beneath him in the darkness.

It was 6:50 a.m., the temperature about 9 degrees, and Horness was just settling in for a second day of sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago when the 102-pound, 72-inch sturgeon shattered his early-morning haze.

"I was skimming some ice off the hole, and all the sudden I thought I caught a little bit of movement, and I had to kind of take a step back," Horness, 36, of Howards Grove, recalled Monday. "The fish was actually coming up into the hole, I just could see part of it and could tell it was a kind of nice fish, but I had no idea how big it really was."

Horness — who was among the 8,000 fishermen on Lake Winnebago and its upriver lakes for this year's sturgeon spearing season — has been spearing for seven years, but he'd never had one this big or this willing.

The sturgeon arched up into the hole Horness had been cut through 16 inches of ice, coming within about six inches of the surface. Horness could hear the back of the fish scraping the icy edge at the bottom of the hole as he scrambled for the spear.

"I had to get down on my knees and I had to spear almost horizontal because it was so high up into the hole," he said. "I didn't know how good of a hit that I had on it because it was such a weird throw."

But the throw was true, lodging in the fish's tail about two feet from the end. Three or four minutes later, the female monster was played out and on its way in as Horness first realized what he'd taken.

"When it got to about eight feet down, I just saw this huge silhouette of a fish and my knees just almost buckled because it looked so humongous in the water," he said.

You can read the full article here!

Monday, February 12, 2007

Roger Raglin…

…affectionately called “America’s Whitetail Deer Hunter” owns and operates BKS Productions, one of the largest hunting production companies in America. With more than 42 full-featured video titles under the belt Roger Raglin remains the key figure in all of his videos. The recipe of his success is quit simple. Good wholesome entertainment that the entire family can watch; ethical and safe hunting practices; clean kill scenes; broadcast quality camera work; top professional production value. But just as important there is Roger himself. His never tiring enthusiasm and energy, the honest joy he shares with his viewers are not Hollywood faked, they a real.

I have watched many videos of Roger Raglin – in fact I have a big library of videos form BKS - and I never get tired watching them and there is always something new and exiting going on. Aside from these qualities, what I appreciate most is that Rogers’s videos are not reduced to mere infomercial that seem to be so common today with many hunting videos. In fact you will be hard pressed to see any advertising in the video until the very end.

What I also like, is that Roger has not fallen victim to the current fashion of being all humble and almost sorry for harvesting a deer. The enthusiasm, drive and excitement that Roger delivers on camera is truly contagious. His patented, "Jiminy Christmas" saying is loved and repeated by the many thousands who have followed BKS tapes over the years. Roger's humor is natural, his devotion to the sport of hunting is genuine and his knowledge and expertise as an outdoorsman and hunter are exemplary.

Roger backs his video success up with his hunting success as one of America’s most prolific hunters. His accomplishments with bow, rifle and black powder are astounding. Over 100 whitetail bucks scoring 130 B&C or better; 62 bucks scoring over 140 and 25 scoring over 160. He holds over 180 different SCI trophy records, 8 whitetail slams, 3 bow slams and more. Roger secret to this success is his wealth of hunting knowledge that freely passes on in his hunting videos. In addition to the line of videos Roger offers his own line of field proven and tested deer attractant scent and game calls.

Hunting Products are:
Whitetail Maniac 150 - interdigital gland mixture with doe urine
Whitetail Maniac 155 - tarsal gland mixture with doe urine
Whitetail Maniac Down & Dirty cover up scent
Whitetail Maniac Buck Mud - pre-orbital gland mixture
Whitetail Maniac Penetrator Buck Call
Whitetail Maniac Hands Free Buck Call/Doe Call
Whitetail Maniac Deer Killer Kits - Buck or Doe

You can purchase Roger Raglin’s BKS videos in many outdoor sports stores such as Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop or direct on his website where you can find more information about America’s Whitetail Deer Hunter Roger Raglin.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Blind Hunter

Geheehunter, a member of our SHS Hunting Chat Forum, told us a fascinating and touching story of how he helped a blind friend, and first time hunter, of his to hunt and enjoy the great outdoors.

Quite the handyman Geheehunter converted a crossbow sight that allows him to be the eyes of the blind hunter. While he was at it and with foresight that his invention might help other blind hunters too, he posted the exact procedures on converting a crossbow or rifle sight to accommodate a blind person and his aid on our forum. You can read the full description of it here.

Geheehunter tells us about the great satisfaction he had to be able and help a blind person to harvest game. This brings to my mind how little it takes to introduce a new hunter to our ranks. There are so many things we can do to promote our outdoor legacy. Not everybody is as mechanically talented as Geheehunter, I am most certainly not, but there are ways that we can do something too.

At the SHS hunting Chat forum we’re dedicated to the promotion of hunting and fishing. We have special sections for newcomers to hunting and fishing, for disabled hunters, young hunters, female hunters and much more. Of course we also have all the usual hunter related topics. The bottom line is our dedication to promote our sport and reach out to hunters of all skill levels by giving and seeking advice, support and friendship. We welcome everybody, be that veteran hunters wanting to help young and new hunters with advice. Or hunters like Geheehunter and many others like him that help the less fortunate ones so they too can enjoy our sport.

You can read about Geheehunter and his "Blind Sight"here.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Hog Wild

Meet Phillip Loughlin, by his own description; bitten by the hog hunting bug, he is the newest addition to Skinny Moose Media. Phillip Loughlin, editor of Jesse’s Hunting online magazine and Outdoors Journal has decided to return to outdoor writing as a blogger with his Hog Blog. As the name of the blog suggests it’s all about the fun, exitement and the thill of hog hunting. Phillip admits that he is passionate about chasing wild porkers all year long in the hills of his home state California.

I found the blog while looking for information on wild hog hunting. when I started to read the Hog Blog I couldn’t stop until I read it all from the first to the last page. Being a little bit of a hog hunting fanatic myself, I appreciate Phillip’s valued information on hog hunting equipment and tactics, showing his deep insight and experience he has as a veteran hog hunter.

Phillip Loughlin looks forward to communicate with other like-minded hunters on his blog and share with us more of his knowledge and hunting stories. Currently he is on a hog hunting trip over the weekend, looks forward to come back next week to share his tales with the readers of the Hog Blog. I too look forward to him returning and telling us all. I could go on writing about the Hog Blog but then again why don’t you just head on over to the Hog Blog and see for yourself what Phillip has on offer.

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Thursday, February 08, 2007

New opportunities for bowhunters.

With the rapid growth of the deer population and the suburban housing development conflicts between deer and traffic have risen. Motorists are involved in more than one million traffic accidents in a year involving deer. Resident complaints of deer damaging crop and gardens also have drastically increased over the years. This has prompted several states, towns and cities to look for solutions to address collisions involving deer and conflicts between deer and human dwellings. There are number of solutions considered in the affected communities. To permit bowhunting within the city limits, lifting the Sunday hunting ban and legislate the crossbow as a legal hunting weapon for all hunters by either including crossbows into the general archery season or creating a special crossbow hunting season.

Whatever method the communities chose to solve the deer population explosion and lower the problems the deer cause it is good news for us hunters. It means more deer tags are issued, more hunting opportunities and longer deer hunting seasons. Among communities adding limited hunts to their strategy:

Fort Smith and Barling, Ark., lifted a hunting ban in a 7,200-acre area that lies in both towns. One hundred permits were sold for bow hunting this season, which ends Feb. 28. The hunt was set up because of concerns there might not be enough food for deer and the risk of the animals roaming into the area as it fills with new homes and businesses, says Sandy Sanders, director of a local redevelopment authority.

Kansas City, Mo., had bow hunts for the first time in two public parks. From late November to Dec. 10, 41 deer were killed, says Debra Burns, urban wildlife biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. The City Council authorized the hunts after learning that at least 400 deer a year were hit by vehicles within the city, Burns says.

Warsaw, Ind., in November authorized archers to hunt deer for three weeks this winter. "It was a baby step," Councilman Jeff Grose says of the hunt, which led to the killing of 20 deer. "We felt the residents in that area had a legitimate argument to declare the deer population as a nuisance."

Alamosa, Colo., is allowing hunting by bows and shotguns on a city-owned golf course until Feb. 28. The hunt comes after incidents in which deer killed backyard pets, caused property damage and were hit by vehicles. "This won't decrease the population," City Manager Nathan Cherpeski says. "At best, it's going to slow the growth."
Suburbs of Des Moines, St. Louis, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, have staged bow hunts or are considering them.

North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission will vote March 7 on whether to permit a five-week bow-hunting season, the first time hunting would be allowed within city or town limits. If approved, each community would decide whether to allow the hunts.

Other states, such as; Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee have, or consider at the present, legalized crossbow for all hunters. This new and welcome hunting opportunity will create more hunting land available to the hunters within the community. This also means a higher awareness of safety and adopting new hunting tactics. Hunting Suburban deer on relatively small parcels of land or even in people’s backyard is a very different affair than hunting deer on farmland or on public land tracts.

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Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Heirloom Custom Turkey Calls

Brian Warner started making turkey calls as a therapy to help stay focused while suffering from esophageal cancer and recovering from a six-bypass heart surgery.

Brian’s love for wood working, his creative mind and knowledge of turkeys was the perfect combination to make, what today are, truly remarkable turkey calls. Brian Warner offers custom turkey calls and then he offers customized turkey calls– let me explain.

Custom Turkey Calls

Brian Warner uses different types of wood, knowing that each wood sounds a little different. From this wood he cuts and carves the body of the call. Depending on the sound he strives for the pots are larger or smaller, thick walled or thin. The pot then is covered with a special glass disc that Brian has cut to exact specifications. The final moment comes when he uses different wood strikers to produce the sound. This is called hand tuning - a long process - until the perfect match of striker, glass and call pot is found that produces the exact sound Brian wants.

It is a process of one handcrafted, hand-tuned call at a time. Not unlike the mass production of commercial calls produced in a factory where workers, without any clue about turkeys or turkey hunting, assemble these items. The glass Brian uses is either natural see-through or stained in different colors to add a special touch. Some of the calls come with two different surfaces: on one side the call sounds raspy and on the other side higher pitched. Every hunter that has been hunting turkeys for a year or two knows how important it is at times to sound like two or even three different turkeys. Brian includes that multi-sound option into one call.

Customized Turkey Calls

Many seasoned turkey hunters have very special requirements about their calls and Brian is the call maker to fulfill these special needs. Then there are hunters who simply want a very unique turkey call, perhaps even a picture of a family member, friend or their trophy tom incorporated into the call. Again Brian is the man who can do that.

I have known Brian for some time now and when he sent me a set of turkey calls to field test I was eager to try them out. When the parcel arrived I was very impressed with the craftsmanship and the obvious dedication to detail. The calls looked simply stunning; they were pieces of art. But did they sound right? As a hunter of many years I had pessimistically come to the conclusion that something that looks very good often lacks elsewhere, or the other way around: what works well usually looks ugly. Happily this was not the case! The moment I set the striker on the call to produce a soft yelp I knew I had a winner in my hands. Further field tests convinced me that this set of turkey calls was simply the best glass friction call I have ever had the pleasure to use.

As a turkey hunter my priority is to imitate calls that sound just like real turkeys. Over the years I have tried many different calls -some good, some bad. Since trying Brian’s Heirloom turkey calls I have to say that I would not leave home without one in my turkey hunting vest. The phrase “It sounds just like a real turkey” can certainly be said of Heirloom Custom Turkey calls! In fact I am so convinced by these calls that I readily accepted an offer from Brian Warner to join his Pro-Staff Team.


Here is the latest design from Heirloom Custom Turkey Calls.

This "Powder Keg Call” is made form Walnut, Mahogany and Oak. This is the very first call we have made using natural slate as a striking surface. Wow are we pleased! The striker comes apart and stores INSIDE the barrel and is fully adjustable. The striker is made of Oak dowel and carbon composite. This is one sweet sounding call.












I leave with a few customer comments:
“Brian has sent me some calls and different strikers to field test. I have not yet had the time to write my findings but it is save to say that it has been a very long time since I had a turkey friction call in my hands that felt so good and sounded just perfect. In fact they sound so good not even a turkey will be able to tell the difference and that is what matters most. I wish I could say the same of other calls I had field tested in the past, but I cannot.”
Othmar Vohringer
Outdoor Writer and Seminar Speaker


“There's something awfully special about handling a custom call. These not only have great sounds, but he [Brian Warner of Heirloom Custom Turkey Calls] puts a little something else in them that NOBODY else does. I've been turkey hunting for over twenty years and have hundreds of calls and Brian's the first call maker to come along that's not satisfied with making them like everybody else. They look the same, but he's got a special resonator inside the pot that makes a real difference.”
Toby Benoit
Outdoor Writer and Novelist


“I have one that I had him put a picture of my kids in. It's under the slate and in the handle of the striker. It’s a beauty.”

“Brian, that call that I got from you when you visited here last month is AWESOME!! I've been talking to the turkeys here most every day and the deer hang around also when I use the call!! Wonder if they can tell the difference? Thanks for a GREAT call and I can vouch for you.”


General Information
Heirloom Turkey Calls
Calls: 80 varieties
Cost: around $50.00
To order a Heirloom Custom Turkey Call or get more information contact Brian Warner by Email
or call (318) 949-9008

NEW for 2007
A new turkey call from Heirloom read more about here. This is the first call of its kind that does not first need to be treated with chalk to make it sound. this is the call avid turkey hunters are talking about.










Brian Warner also makes custom fishing lures that not only look outstanding but also catch fish. You can read more about Brian’s Fishing Lures here:

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Bass Master

Just before I had problems with my blog log in I met a bass master on another blog. Among the bloggers it is considered common courtesy to visit each other. It’s also a great way to snap up news from different sources.

Rich Lingren, is a bass tournament fisher and avid outdoors man. The list of his fishing tournament achievements is too long to fit in the space provided here. But if you really want to know check his website out.

If one the other hand you want to learn how catch bass and what Rich’s secrets are then you can’t go wrong by visiting Rich’s Bassin’ Blog. The subtitle of the blog; “This is the place to read about tips & techniques and ask all your burning bassin' questions that you may have.....” says it all.

Talking about fishing, - What else is there to talk about after the hunting season closes? – there is one more blog worthwhile to stop by.

Idaho Fishin' Times Blog, is the home for Idaho's interactive angler. If it is Fishin' News in Idaho, you will more than likely read about it here. If you fish the wonderful waters of Idaho, or, plan to fish in our area then drop in and see what's new on the Blog. Feel free to add your comments, and fishing tidbits to the discussions. Enjoy talking fishing with others who have commented on the Blog. Looking forward to hearing from you!

If you scroll down this page and keep an eye on the right hand panel you will see a category called, Blogroll. In that category you will find many links that take you to different reputable hunting and fishing related blogger links. Visit them read the information available and say hello.

Happy Fishing!

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Benelli Super Nova Shotgun

For me the deer-hunting season has come to a close. (If it hasn’t for you then you had better rush over to Whitetail Deer Passion and read my article “Last Chance”, where I outline tips and tricks for late season whitetail deer hunters.) For the hunters, like myself, who now begin to think of the upcoming spring turkey season, please read on.

For some weeks now I have been thinking about purchasing a new shotgun. In the course of these weeks I have read many field tests and opinions of other hunters on the subject and have now narrowed my research down to the Super Nova from the Italian gun makers Benelli.

When I look to purchase a new product it has to fulfill a few criteria and being all the new hype is not one of them. First and foremost the product has to be safe to use, followed by quality / price relation. The gun I am looking for has to keep up with my style of hunting. I don’t like to be “careful” because the product might fall apart when I accidentally knock it against a tree or rock. Preferably the product should serve several purposes; I never saw much sense in purchasing different guns for different hunting styles. The gun should be reliable without to many gizmos and fancy attachments that are bound to fail me in the field. And finally the gun has to stand up to different weather conditions without having to completely take it apart in order to dry it out after a heavy rain.

For me the gun that has thus far measured up to my expectations seems to be the Benelli Super Nova. I say “thus far” because the final and deciding moment will come when I visit a friend in the next few days that owns a Benelli Super Nova. He kindly offered me to take his gun to the range and put it through its paces. Once I spent a day pumping different loads and shell sizes through it I will decide to give it the thumbs up or down.

For now I leave you with some of the Benelli Super Nova’s specs that in my opinion make it my kind of shotgun.

I am partial to pump action shotguns. What I like about that type of action is the simple rugged reliability plus the fast and worry free handling but that alone does not make the Super Nova my choice. Here is what does:

The Super Nova is made by the Italian company Benelli. One can say what one likes, but the Italians know how to build good solid quality shotguns at an affordable price. And that is exactly where the Super Nova shines bright. The Super Nova is well built with the customarily good workmanship common to most Italian guns and has a lot of good and new ideas added to it.

  • The Super Nova is chambered for 12 gauge 3 ½-inch shells and also can be loaded with 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch loads making it a truly “load all” gun.
  • A newly designed synthetic “Steady Gripä” and ComforTechä Polymer molded stock makes this gun almost waterproof and in addition reduces the heavy recoil associated with magnum shotguns up to 45%, making it a moderate recoil gun.
  • The gun comes in two finishes: matte black or camouflage. The SuperNova’s newly styled trigger guard, similar to the Super Black Eagle II, allows for 30% more finger room for a gloved hand. In addition, a new, larger safety button provides easy acquisition and quick, positive function.
  • The nicely ribbed barrel of the Nova is finished in a dull black color that matches the black polymer of the stocks and receiver perfectly. Barrels are available in 24", 26" and 28" lengths complete with three screw-in choke tubes, and a 18.5" rifled slug barrel is available with open sights. This makes the Super Nova one of the most versatile shotguns on the market today.
  • And finally, with a price tag of $380.00 to $410.00 this is a very affordable gun built to a high quality standard.

I read of a duck and dove hunt outfitter down in Mississippi that uses 20 Super Nova guns as loan guns for his clients. He claims that on average they shoot up to 10’000 rounds in one hunting season with these guns and never had a gun yet that failed them or gave then any trouble whatsoever. Anybody that went on a dove hunt knows that the shooting can be fast and furious and adding to this is the fact that these guns are shot by many different people - so you get an idea as to what the Super Nova’s have to stand up too.

That’s it so far and like I said before, sometime next week I will be able to actually shoot the Super Nova. After this final deciding test I will make my mind up if this is the gun for me. Stay tuned here, as I will let you know how the Super Nova behaved and handled at the shooting range.

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Monday, February 05, 2007

I am Back

After over one week of being locked out of my own blogs due to unknown login problems I am finally back and blogging. The good people and I worked hard to find out what the problem is and finally where able to solve it. We’re still not sure what the initial cause of the problems was and how it occurred.

On to another announcement. Due to my work commitments I have had to come to a decision on how to lessen the burden. Unfortunately I am at the present no longer able to update and maintain that many blogs. As of now I will no longer update the following two blogs; Whitetail Deer Passion and Wild Turkey Fever. However, these two blogs will not be closed down at this time. I am still hopeful that in future I will be able to commit more time to blogging on all my blogs.

Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer, My Stand and The Hunting News Daily still will be regularly updated. In future I will spend more time to post different topics on Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer in the hope that this will make up for the Whitetail Deer Passion Blog and the Wild Turkey Fever Blog.
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