© By Othmar Vohringer
This is an update of what’s new and what’s happening here at Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer.
In an earlier update post I announced that I soon will add a new blog to my network. A few fellow bloggers discovered BC Fishing Blog before it officially went online. Kristine was the first to find the new blog and promptly posted about it on the OBS blog in addition of installing a link to my new blog. Thank you! By the way, for those that don’t know, Kristine has been quite ill for a long time and had me worried almost day and night. I am glad to see that she is out of hospital, back at work and blogging away.
My good blogging friend Eagle Eyes, the trout hunter from Idaho also discovered the new fishing blog long before it was scheduled to be announced. Eagle eyes too has been very ill for a long time and had me worried. It seems a particular nasty type of flu makes the rounds in North America. Eagle Eyes tells me that he feels a lot better and I am glad he does because I sure missed his posts.
Mike, a fellow Canadian from Montréal, who writes the Walleye Blog also visited the BC Fishing Blog and that is how I discovered his blog. All I can say is that if you like walleye fishing it is imperative that you visit Mike’s blog. If it has to do with walleye you will find it all on that blog, including cooking recipes. Great blog and I had no hesitation to add his link to my BC Fishing Blog.
So what is BC Fishing Blog all about? Well, as the name suggests it’s all about the worlds fishing capitol British Columbia. Besides my personal fishing reports you will find information about fishing regulations, locations, events, news and of course fishing tackle reviews, tips and tricks of the trade. The BC Fishing Blog is mainly aimed at the 1.5 million fishers in British Columbia and the 3.6 million fishing tourists from around the world on their annual pilgrimage to British Columbia. There is information that any fisher might find helpful regardless of where he or she may live.
I encourage you to visit the BC Fishing Blog, now that it is officially online, and all the bugs have been dealt with. If you like it, and I am sure you will, I gladly exchange links with any blog that writes about the outdoors, be that hunting, fishing, conservation or anything else outdoorsy.
Okay that is one part of the good news. I am not sure if you’re going to be thrilled with the next news item. In the very near future I will spend a lot less time on this and the other blogs. That period will be followed by a week, or so, where I am completely offline.
Why, what’s up? We’re house hunting our dream to own our own house in a place we really like has become a realty. We are hopeful that we will move sometime toward the end of April or beginning of May. If you’re curious as to how the house hunting goes, head over to 12mothsOfWiter where my wife keeps everybody updated on the subject and offers some helpful tips and information that we had to learn the hard way. The regular readers of Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer may still remember my hunting reports Weekend Trip to Merritt, In Search of Big Bucks and A Weekend of Hunting.
In these posts it has become pretty obvious that I have fallen in love with a particular area of British Columbia. The Okanagan is one of the most beautiful regions of BC and guess what. Our future home is going to be smack in the middle of that region. Merritt is a quaint little town nestled in the rolling hills and framed by two rivers that produce trophy sized steelhead. If you’re a country music fan then you also must have heard of Merritt. This small town of 6’990 country folks plays host to Canada’s largest (North Americas second largest) Country Music Festival. Each year from July 10 to 13 Merritt welcomes a county music loving crowd outnumbering the population by the thousands. The next annual event on the calendar in Merritt is the very popular Rodeo. Merritt has its own Pro Rodeo Association, small wonder the town is surrounded by large ranches where real cowboys still ride on horseback along the rivers and over rolling hills in search for a lost cow or calf.
I think by now you begin to understand why I fell in love with this small town, as a cowboy at heart, this is the place I have been dreaming about since I was a small boy. But wait it gets better! As a hunter and fisher I will live in paradise. Merritt offers the best fishing and hunting in all of Canada. Country music, rodeo, the best hunting and fishing and all of that practically within walking distance of our new home. I am ecstatic?
We're really looking forward to the move from the rainy, humid climate of the Lower Mainland to the sunny and much drier prairie like climate of Merritt. It is going to be a long haul and that needs careful planning and packing so we wont have to drive the 200 miles several times back and forth. With all that going on I will have less time to be on my blogs and then there will be a time when we get set up in Merritt were I will be offline. The exact date will be revealed as soon everything is written in stone.
And finally, for all those avid hunters that are now out and about chasing big toms. If you head over to Wild Turkey Fever blog you can read my latest tips on getting that call shy longbeard close enough to get a shot at him.
Tags: Fishing Blogs, British Columbia, Merritt, Rodeo, Country Music Festival
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good News for the Hunting Heritage – 87’000 new hunters recruited
© Othmar Vohringer
News Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Across the country, more than 87,000 new hunters have taken to the field thanks to laws that remove barriers to youth hunting.
The new laws and regulations are the direct result of the Families Afield initiative, which was launched to help turn the tide against waning youth hunter recruitment and decreasing license sales - a key source of revenue for state wildlife agencies. The program was spearheaded by the NWTF and its partners, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
Together, with the support of the National Rifle Association and local sportsmen’s organizations, Families Afield is getting results. As barriers to hunting are struck down in state capitals nationwide, a new generation is discovering America’s time-honored hunting tradition. To date, 25 states have passed laws as a result of Families Afield.
In addition, a new research report from Mile Creek Communications shows that many states that have introduced apprentice license programs have shown sharp increases in youth license sales, from 10 percent to 111 percent.
"We are always looking for ways to open the door and invite new hunters in,” said Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham. “Our apprentice license has really allowed us to put out the welcome mat. And the best part of the project is that, just as our early research indicated, young hunters accompanied by a mentor are among the safest of all hunters.”
The apprentice license programs help new hunters learn under the watchful eye and guiding hand of licensed adult mentors. Completion of a hunter education course is still required for a new hunter to become fully licensed.
Mik Mikitik, hunter education coordinator for the Washington Division of Fish & Wildlife, added that the programs have proven to be very popular, and are expected to gain popularity among novice hunters both young and old.
“What really surprised us here in Washington is that approximately 60 percent of the hunters taking advantage of these new opportunities are over 18 years old,” said Mikitik. “So we’re seeing that all people, not just youth, are wanting to try hunting, and hopefully it’s something that they’ll enjoy for a lifetime.”
The new programs have garnered support from not only state wildlife agencies, but also lawmakers such as Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, who expressed his support for the mentoring system.
“This is how I learned to hunt, and how my son learned to hunt, and I think most hunters agree that it is the best way to pass on the tradition,” said Gov. Freudenthal.
Tags: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, Young Hunters, Hunter Recruitment, Hunting Tradition
News Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Across the country, more than 87,000 new hunters have taken to the field thanks to laws that remove barriers to youth hunting.
The new laws and regulations are the direct result of the Families Afield initiative, which was launched to help turn the tide against waning youth hunter recruitment and decreasing license sales - a key source of revenue for state wildlife agencies. The program was spearheaded by the NWTF and its partners, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
Together, with the support of the National Rifle Association and local sportsmen’s organizations, Families Afield is getting results. As barriers to hunting are struck down in state capitals nationwide, a new generation is discovering America’s time-honored hunting tradition. To date, 25 states have passed laws as a result of Families Afield.
In addition, a new research report from Mile Creek Communications shows that many states that have introduced apprentice license programs have shown sharp increases in youth license sales, from 10 percent to 111 percent.
"We are always looking for ways to open the door and invite new hunters in,” said Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham. “Our apprentice license has really allowed us to put out the welcome mat. And the best part of the project is that, just as our early research indicated, young hunters accompanied by a mentor are among the safest of all hunters.”
The apprentice license programs help new hunters learn under the watchful eye and guiding hand of licensed adult mentors. Completion of a hunter education course is still required for a new hunter to become fully licensed.
Mik Mikitik, hunter education coordinator for the Washington Division of Fish & Wildlife, added that the programs have proven to be very popular, and are expected to gain popularity among novice hunters both young and old.
“What really surprised us here in Washington is that approximately 60 percent of the hunters taking advantage of these new opportunities are over 18 years old,” said Mikitik. “So we’re seeing that all people, not just youth, are wanting to try hunting, and hopefully it’s something that they’ll enjoy for a lifetime.”
The new programs have garnered support from not only state wildlife agencies, but also lawmakers such as Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, who expressed his support for the mentoring system.
“This is how I learned to hunt, and how my son learned to hunt, and I think most hunters agree that it is the best way to pass on the tradition,” said Gov. Freudenthal.
Tags: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, Young Hunters, Hunter Recruitment, Hunting Tradition
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Blog Network Update
© By Othmar Vohringer
Regrettably I have to inform my blog network readers that due to considerable time restrictions (work overload), I am forced to cut back on several activities. It is no longer possible for me to continue the upkeep of many different blogs and writing for a variety of web related outdoor outlets free of charge.
As of immediately I will no longer continue to write my by-weekly column on the My Stand blog. However the blog will stay open for readers.
The blog “My Wild Outdoor Kitchen” will be taken of the Internet.
Whitetail Deer Passion and Wild Turkey Fever will only be seasonally updated.
This blog, Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer, will not be affected by these cutback measures and continues to be regularly updated.
On a much more positive note: We’re house hunting and it looks like that in the near future we will relocate to a small town surrounded by some of British Columbia’s top hunting and fishing locations. For the moment that will be all I am prepared to reveal on that exiting topic.
With the drastic cutback I will find finally the time to launch a new blog that has been in the planning for some time now. I think you all will like that new blog, which is all about the fishing world capitol of British Columbia. In the new blog I will share with you my fishing adventures, tips, news and products. More about this is soon to come.
Regrettably I have to inform my blog network readers that due to considerable time restrictions (work overload), I am forced to cut back on several activities. It is no longer possible for me to continue the upkeep of many different blogs and writing for a variety of web related outdoor outlets free of charge.
As of immediately I will no longer continue to write my by-weekly column on the My Stand blog. However the blog will stay open for readers.
The blog “My Wild Outdoor Kitchen” will be taken of the Internet.
Whitetail Deer Passion and Wild Turkey Fever will only be seasonally updated.
This blog, Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer, will not be affected by these cutback measures and continues to be regularly updated.
On a much more positive note: We’re house hunting and it looks like that in the near future we will relocate to a small town surrounded by some of British Columbia’s top hunting and fishing locations. For the moment that will be all I am prepared to reveal on that exiting topic.
With the drastic cutback I will find finally the time to launch a new blog that has been in the planning for some time now. I think you all will like that new blog, which is all about the fishing world capitol of British Columbia. In the new blog I will share with you my fishing adventures, tips, news and products. More about this is soon to come.
Monday, March 17, 2008
British Columbia Honoring Roderick Haig-Brown
© By Othmar Vohringer
Roderick Haig-Brown, flyfisher, book author, conservationist and magistrate, 1908 – 1976.
Source: News Release MarketWire
Roderick Haig-Brown, a name firmly connected with the outdoors and conservation.
Haig-Brown Institute
BC Ministry of Environment
Roderick Haig-Brown the Book Author (complete list of his fishing books)
Haig-Brown House Campbell River
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park
Haig-Brown Fly Fishing Association
Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Patterns
Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Patterns
Tags: Roderick Haig-Brown, British Columbia, Fly Fishing, Conservation
Roderick Haig-Brown, flyfisher, book author, conservationist and magistrate, 1908 – 1976.
Source: News Release MarketWire
Well-known British Columbian conservationists Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown were honoured today beginning a year-long celebration for the 100th anniversary of their births, the Haig-Brown Centenary Committee announced at ceremonies held in Victoria and Campbell River.
At the Victoria ceremony, B.C. Environment Minister Barry Penner unveiled a photograph of Roderick Haig-Brown that will be used as the cover of the 2008-09 Freshwater Fisheries Regulations Synopsis and distributed throughout British Columbia. The publication's cover image shows Rod fly-fishing in Campbell River shortly before his death in 1976.
"We are very pleased that Minister Penner has chosen to recognize and support the centenary celebrations of the Haig-Browns in this unique manner," said Jim Van Tine, co-chair of the Haig-Brown Centenary Committee. "Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown are synonymous with angling and rivers, and this outstanding photograph of Rod will remind anglers of his passion for fishing and his voice for the wise use of natural resources."
The events and activities planned by the committee and other partners across the province will recognize the contributions of the Haig-Browns, and will also salute the conservation and humanitarian values they upheld.
The Province of British Columbia was among the first partners to support the centenary by officially proclaiming the Haig-Brown Centenary year, that will be celebrated February 2008-2009. In addition to the Ministry of Environment, to date 19 other sponsors and partners are proudly supporting centenary events and activities.
Activities planned by the Centenary Committee and other partners over the year include a three-day symposium in Campbell River celebrating salmon and looking at the role of communities in protecting local stocks. Also planned are Learn to Fish programs at the Brant Wildlife Festival and other B.C. locations, a theatre production as well as continuance of the Haig-Brown writer in residence program and participation in writers' festivals around the province. Other activities are in the planning stages.
Roderick Haig-Brown, a name firmly connected with the outdoors and conservation.
Haig-Brown Institute
BC Ministry of Environment
Roderick Haig-Brown the Book Author (complete list of his fishing books)
Haig-Brown House Campbell River
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park
Haig-Brown Fly Fishing Association
Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Patterns
Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Patterns
Tags: Roderick Haig-Brown, British Columbia, Fly Fishing, Conservation
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Freshman Flyfisher
© By Othmar Vohringer
On my visit to the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show in Abbotsford I met up with Rick Passek from the Flyfish Fanatic blog. I was particularly interested to see Rick’s new book The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation, which he introduced at that show. Rick was on hand to sign books as well as talk about fly fishing.
After a brief conversation and a quick photo session the booth started to get really busy and I did not want to take Rick’s time away from potential customers and clients so I purchased the book and let him tend to his promotions. Once at home I immediately began to look through the pages. As soon I opened the front cover I knew that I had a very unusual book in my hands. Unusual in the respect that this is the first book I have read that incorporates the Internet; throughout the book there are web addresses listed to more information about the topics covered. I thought that was a very clever and fortunate idea considering that the Internet has become a major information source for the informed outdoor person.
In the 123 pages of "The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation" Rick covers everything from rods, reels and other necessary accessories to fly patterns, basic lake biology and of course, how to actually find fish. Also covered are aspects of boating and other fly-fishing floating devices; explanations of fly-fishing terminology and the use of special tools such as the throat pump to name one. In short it is a very comprehensive guide for the beginning fly fisher.
What I particularly like about the book is the easy to understand and follow language. To me this is important and something many writers often forget: novices are not necessarily familiar with specific terminology and in order to get them interested we should remember to use language that is easily understood. There is a comprehensive glossary of terms that even experienced fishermen will appreciate.
On a more personal note, after reading this book I finally understood the passion my own father had for fly fishing and today have great admiration for the fly fisher who knows how to cast a line with elegance and precision. In my opinion this is the book every beginning or advanced fly fisher should have in the bookshelf. Out of five points I give this book a well deserved five.
The book is available directly from the author Rick Passek
In the following days I will introduce you to Rick Passek’s new company Rp3 Fishing Adventures based in British Columbia.
Photo Credits: Photos curtsey of Heidi Koehler of Artemis Graphics and Design
Tags: Passek, Fishing Book Review, Flyfishing, The Freshman Flyfisher
Read my Product Review Policy
On my visit to the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show in Abbotsford I met up with Rick Passek from the Flyfish Fanatic blog. I was particularly interested to see Rick’s new book The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation, which he introduced at that show. Rick was on hand to sign books as well as talk about fly fishing.
After a brief conversation and a quick photo session the booth started to get really busy and I did not want to take Rick’s time away from potential customers and clients so I purchased the book and let him tend to his promotions. Once at home I immediately began to look through the pages. As soon I opened the front cover I knew that I had a very unusual book in my hands. Unusual in the respect that this is the first book I have read that incorporates the Internet; throughout the book there are web addresses listed to more information about the topics covered. I thought that was a very clever and fortunate idea considering that the Internet has become a major information source for the informed outdoor person.In the 123 pages of "The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation" Rick covers everything from rods, reels and other necessary accessories to fly patterns, basic lake biology and of course, how to actually find fish. Also covered are aspects of boating and other fly-fishing floating devices; explanations of fly-fishing terminology and the use of special tools such as the throat pump to name one. In short it is a very comprehensive guide for the beginning fly fisher.
What I particularly like about the book is the easy to understand and follow language. To me this is important and something many writers often forget: novices are not necessarily familiar with specific terminology and in order to get them interested we should remember to use language that is easily understood. There is a comprehensive glossary of terms that even experienced fishermen will appreciate.On a more personal note, after reading this book I finally understood the passion my own father had for fly fishing and today have great admiration for the fly fisher who knows how to cast a line with elegance and precision. In my opinion this is the book every beginning or advanced fly fisher should have in the bookshelf. Out of five points I give this book a well deserved five.
The book is available directly from the author Rick Passek
In the following days I will introduce you to Rick Passek’s new company Rp3 Fishing Adventures based in British Columbia.
Photo Credits: Photos curtsey of Heidi Koehler of Artemis Graphics and Design
Tags: Passek, Fishing Book Review, Flyfishing, The Freshman Flyfisher
Read my Product Review Policy
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Meeting People, Seeing New Things
© By Othmar Vohringer
On Friday March 07 the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show opened at the TradEx Centre in Abbotsford until Sunday March 09. With over 400 exhibitors from all over Canada makes this the largest hunting and fishing show event in British Columbia.
I have to admit that I enjoy outdoor shows. To me such events are like an outdoorsmen convention. You meet up with old friends and make new contacts, and get to see and play with new products.
This year I looked forward to meet a man that I only knew from the outdoor blogging community. Rick Passek from the Flyfish Fanatic blog. Rick is from British Columbia too and if some of you wonder why we never got together before them let me tell you that this is a very big province, approximately twice the size of Texas. To my surprise, in the conversation with Rick at his boot where he promoted his new book, The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation, I learned that he basically just lives a few towns over form my hometown. I guess the world is a small place after all!
In an upcoming post I will review Rick Passek’s new book and his new company Rp3 Fishing Adventures. Besides having an interesting chat with Rick there were many new products to explore too on the show.
On many rivers here in British Columbia it is not permitted to fish with barbed hooks, which is good because it makes the catch-and-release of wild salmon and trout a lot easier on the fish and the fishers. The BC based fishing product company DNE Fishing Tackle came up with a new barbless high-glass carbon hook of a very unique design that will keep the fish on the hook. I am looking forward to field test the free sample the friendly company representative handed out to show visitors and report my findings here.
I am in the market for a new fishing boat and the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show offered plenty for boaters to see. In fact the only criticism I have to the show organizers would be that they have to many boats on display. I mean, common folks don’t you think that over half of the exhibition dedicated to boats is a bit much while the hunting section is pushed in the far corner were most folks can’t find it?
It seems that from year to year the fishing and boating part gets larger while the hunting exhibition gets smaller. The reason why it gets smaller is because each year exhibitors of hunting products and services pull out from the show. The reason! They are fed up with being hidden away in a corner, at least that is what some hunting company representatives have told me.
Enough of my ranting, I said my piece. Lets get on with what I look for in a boat. Being the frugal type I look for a boat that can serve equally well for a variety purposes without raising my bank managers eyebrows. In my case the boat I am looking for should be a good fishing boat that also is useful to get me to remote hunting places across sloughs, shallow lakes, flooded timber and finally be a waterfowl hunting boat too. Can’t be done, said someone, you need a special boat for fishing and a special boat for waterfowl hunting.
Of course it can be done. With a little searching, planning and compromising almost anything is possible. The solution to my quest is a Princecraft Jon Boat. With a few inexpensive modifications, such as a fishing platform and pedestal swivel bass fishing chair that can be removed if not needed, I have a reasonably priced all-around-hunting-fishing boat that will get me anywhere, on any water, I want to go.
I also would like to purchase a new hunting bow. A crossbow is on my wish list for quite some time now and I think I have found the one I want. Excalibur Crossbow, based in Kitchener, Ontario manufactures crossbows since 1983. With that many years of experience it is no wonder that Excalibur crossbows are the best on the market today. I have not made my mind up yet which model it will get. But one thing is for sure it will be an Excalibur.
In the coming days I will pick some product highlights from the hunting show and review them here, starting with Rick Passek’s new book and his new company. By the way Rick invited me to go sturgeon fishing with him. I never fished sturgeons but it sure sounds like a lot of fun, especially when you hook one of the 12ft. monsters in the Fraser River.
Tags: Outdoor Trade Show, Hunting Show, Fishing Show, Boating Show, Outdoor Event, British Columbia, Canada, Hunting Products, Fishing Tackle
On Friday March 07 the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show opened at the TradEx Centre in Abbotsford until Sunday March 09. With over 400 exhibitors from all over Canada makes this the largest hunting and fishing show event in British Columbia.I have to admit that I enjoy outdoor shows. To me such events are like an outdoorsmen convention. You meet up with old friends and make new contacts, and get to see and play with new products.
This year I looked forward to meet a man that I only knew from the outdoor blogging community. Rick Passek from the Flyfish Fanatic blog. Rick is from British Columbia too and if some of you wonder why we never got together before them let me tell you that this is a very big province, approximately twice the size of Texas. To my surprise, in the conversation with Rick at his boot where he promoted his new book, The Freshman Flyfisher – A Beginners Guide For A New Generation, I learned that he basically just lives a few towns over form my hometown. I guess the world is a small place after all!
In an upcoming post I will review Rick Passek’s new book and his new company Rp3 Fishing Adventures. Besides having an interesting chat with Rick there were many new products to explore too on the show.
On many rivers here in British Columbia it is not permitted to fish with barbed hooks, which is good because it makes the catch-and-release of wild salmon and trout a lot easier on the fish and the fishers. The BC based fishing product company DNE Fishing Tackle came up with a new barbless high-glass carbon hook of a very unique design that will keep the fish on the hook. I am looking forward to field test the free sample the friendly company representative handed out to show visitors and report my findings here.
I am in the market for a new fishing boat and the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show offered plenty for boaters to see. In fact the only criticism I have to the show organizers would be that they have to many boats on display. I mean, common folks don’t you think that over half of the exhibition dedicated to boats is a bit much while the hunting section is pushed in the far corner were most folks can’t find it?It seems that from year to year the fishing and boating part gets larger while the hunting exhibition gets smaller. The reason why it gets smaller is because each year exhibitors of hunting products and services pull out from the show. The reason! They are fed up with being hidden away in a corner, at least that is what some hunting company representatives have told me.
Enough of my ranting, I said my piece. Lets get on with what I look for in a boat. Being the frugal type I look for a boat that can serve equally well for a variety purposes without raising my bank managers eyebrows. In my case the boat I am looking for should be a good fishing boat that also is useful to get me to remote hunting places across sloughs, shallow lakes, flooded timber and finally be a waterfowl hunting boat too. Can’t be done, said someone, you need a special boat for fishing and a special boat for waterfowl hunting.
Of course it can be done. With a little searching, planning and compromising almost anything is possible. The solution to my quest is a Princecraft Jon Boat. With a few inexpensive modifications, such as a fishing platform and pedestal swivel bass fishing chair that can be removed if not needed, I have a reasonably priced all-around-hunting-fishing boat that will get me anywhere, on any water, I want to go.
I also would like to purchase a new hunting bow. A crossbow is on my wish list for quite some time now and I think I have found the one I want. Excalibur Crossbow, based in Kitchener, Ontario manufactures crossbows since 1983. With that many years of experience it is no wonder that Excalibur crossbows are the best on the market today. I have not made my mind up yet which model it will get. But one thing is for sure it will be an Excalibur.
In the coming days I will pick some product highlights from the hunting show and review them here, starting with Rick Passek’s new book and his new company. By the way Rick invited me to go sturgeon fishing with him. I never fished sturgeons but it sure sounds like a lot of fun, especially when you hook one of the 12ft. monsters in the Fraser River.
Tags: Outdoor Trade Show, Hunting Show, Fishing Show, Boating Show, Outdoor Event, British Columbia, Canada, Hunting Products, Fishing Tackle
Friday, March 07, 2008
Ben Dziwulski a young bassmaster champion
© By Othmar Vohringer
Yesterday I wrote a product review about the Rocket-Fishing-Rod and the possibility that this rod might have to get young children interested in fishing.
Today I would like to introduce you to a young man that is on his way to become one of Americas top Bass Masters. At the age of 17, Ben Dziwulski has achieved what most of us only can dream about. Ben eyes a career as professional bass fisher. He’s taken already some important steps to that end. As a member of the Pro-Formance Fishing Team he placed in 2007 Jr. State Qualifying Tournament rank two, just as he did in 2006.
Ben Dziwulski’s raise to bass fishing stardom did not come over night. On the website of Secret Weapon Lures in his pro-staff profile it is mentioned that he is fishing for about 12 years. In 2005 he joined a Junior Bassmaster Chapter, “to explore tournament fishing and put his skills to the test.” Prove that Ben had the skills came in form that he never finished a tournament outside the top three. He qualified for Jr. All-State Tournament on the Potomac River and won that event. This in turn qualified him to compete in the Junior World BASSMASTER Championships on Feb 18 2007 and so the list of achievements of this young teenager goes on.
With all this under the belt Ben Dziwulski plays varsity football and basketball while maintaining a 3.9 GPA (4.3 weighted). He was accepted into the National Honors Society and has been on the honor roll for every year. Despite the success he is still humble enough to give public credit to his numerous fishing mentors and family.
It is the combination of Ben's fishing achievements and his commitment to education and family that let me decide to give him today the spotlight on this blog. To me he is a shining example of a positive peer to teenagers that are often lead astray by drugs and other negative influences. We need young people like Ben Dziwulski to secure the future of our outdoor heritage and promote fishing to a young generation.
Tags: Ben Dziwulski, Bassmasters, Bass Fishing
Yesterday I wrote a product review about the Rocket-Fishing-Rod and the possibility that this rod might have to get young children interested in fishing.
Today I would like to introduce you to a young man that is on his way to become one of Americas top Bass Masters. At the age of 17, Ben Dziwulski has achieved what most of us only can dream about. Ben eyes a career as professional bass fisher. He’s taken already some important steps to that end. As a member of the Pro-Formance Fishing Team he placed in 2007 Jr. State Qualifying Tournament rank two, just as he did in 2006.Ben Dziwulski’s raise to bass fishing stardom did not come over night. On the website of Secret Weapon Lures in his pro-staff profile it is mentioned that he is fishing for about 12 years. In 2005 he joined a Junior Bassmaster Chapter, “to explore tournament fishing and put his skills to the test.” Prove that Ben had the skills came in form that he never finished a tournament outside the top three. He qualified for Jr. All-State Tournament on the Potomac River and won that event. This in turn qualified him to compete in the Junior World BASSMASTER Championships on Feb 18 2007 and so the list of achievements of this young teenager goes on.
With all this under the belt Ben Dziwulski plays varsity football and basketball while maintaining a 3.9 GPA (4.3 weighted). He was accepted into the National Honors Society and has been on the honor roll for every year. Despite the success he is still humble enough to give public credit to his numerous fishing mentors and family.
It is the combination of Ben's fishing achievements and his commitment to education and family that let me decide to give him today the spotlight on this blog. To me he is a shining example of a positive peer to teenagers that are often lead astray by drugs and other negative influences. We need young people like Ben Dziwulski to secure the future of our outdoor heritage and promote fishing to a young generation.
Tags: Ben Dziwulski, Bassmasters, Bass Fishing
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The ideal fishing rod for children
© By Othmar Vohringer
Finally the cold winds and snow retreat from the approaching spring. The days get longer and the first flowers poke through the still cold earth, soaking up all the sun they can get. Spring is also the time to take the children out to the lakes and rivers and introduce them to fishing.
The other day I came across what I would regard the ideal fishing rod for children and novice fishers if ever I saw one. The Rocket-Fishing-Rod is a accurate fish catching tool that can cast out to 30 yards and a action toy all rolled into one. This rod is sure to put for many children, and adults, the fun back into fishing. Isn’t fun supposed to be a big part of getting novices interested in fishing? Sure it is!
How does it work? The Rocket-Fishing-Rod comes completely assembled with line and reel. The baited hook is safely placed into a capsule –No more worries that your youngster or novice fisher hooks his ears or nose- that opens upon impact on the water releasing the baited hook / lure and serves as bobber.
To cast the line the launcher has to be charged, similar to a pump action shotgun. To make sure the launcher doesn’t go off before it should there is a safety switch to prevent premature firing. A hidden compartment serves as storage space for hooks, lead weights and lures.
The Rocket-Fishing-Rod is sold for about US$ 40.00 and comes with extra bobber, hooks and a Learn to Fish DVD plus Roland Martin fishing tips booklet and free tackle pack.
To learn more about the Rocket-Fishing-Rod or to purchase go here or here !
Tags: Rocket-Fishing-Rod, Fishing Product, FOGO Sports
Finally the cold winds and snow retreat from the approaching spring. The days get longer and the first flowers poke through the still cold earth, soaking up all the sun they can get. Spring is also the time to take the children out to the lakes and rivers and introduce them to fishing.
The other day I came across what I would regard the ideal fishing rod for children and novice fishers if ever I saw one. The Rocket-Fishing-Rod is a accurate fish catching tool that can cast out to 30 yards and a action toy all rolled into one. This rod is sure to put for many children, and adults, the fun back into fishing. Isn’t fun supposed to be a big part of getting novices interested in fishing? Sure it is!How does it work? The Rocket-Fishing-Rod comes completely assembled with line and reel. The baited hook is safely placed into a capsule –No more worries that your youngster or novice fisher hooks his ears or nose- that opens upon impact on the water releasing the baited hook / lure and serves as bobber.
To cast the line the launcher has to be charged, similar to a pump action shotgun. To make sure the launcher doesn’t go off before it should there is a safety switch to prevent premature firing. A hidden compartment serves as storage space for hooks, lead weights and lures.The Rocket-Fishing-Rod is sold for about US$ 40.00 and comes with extra bobber, hooks and a Learn to Fish DVD plus Roland Martin fishing tips booklet and free tackle pack.
To learn more about the Rocket-Fishing-Rod or to purchase go here or here !
Tags: Rocket-Fishing-Rod, Fishing Product, FOGO Sports
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Sharpshooters kill 213 deer in New Jersey
© Othmar Vohringer
The New Jersey Star Ledger printed an article about sharpshooters killing 213 deer in the Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, a 2,047-acre park surrounded by upper class housing. While I fully understand that deer herds need to be controlled if we ever to lower the deer/car accident numbers, especially in highly populated areas. I do however, object to the article writer to call the operation a hunt. Culling a deer herd with the aid of sharpshooters hardly can be called hunting and sure enough some of the responses to the article making now a direct connection between professional culling and hunting as one and the same.
On the other hand I wonder if it really was necessary to spend thousands of taxpayers dollars on this deer culling program. Reading the article and looking at a map of the park, this perhaps would have been a perfect situation to give bowhunters an special opportunity. At least this way it would actually bring money from the license sales. The culling caused a lot of controversy from some of the residents and most notably from the animal rights who came out in force to protest with their usual tear-educing-knee-jerk tactics.
Here I leave you with the full article by Elizabeth Moore
Tags: News, Deer Herd Cull, New Jersey, Sharpshooters
The New Jersey Star Ledger printed an article about sharpshooters killing 213 deer in the Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, a 2,047-acre park surrounded by upper class housing. While I fully understand that deer herds need to be controlled if we ever to lower the deer/car accident numbers, especially in highly populated areas. I do however, object to the article writer to call the operation a hunt. Culling a deer herd with the aid of sharpshooters hardly can be called hunting and sure enough some of the responses to the article making now a direct connection between professional culling and hunting as one and the same.
On the other hand I wonder if it really was necessary to spend thousands of taxpayers dollars on this deer culling program. Reading the article and looking at a map of the park, this perhaps would have been a perfect situation to give bowhunters an special opportunity. At least this way it would actually bring money from the license sales. The culling caused a lot of controversy from some of the residents and most notably from the animal rights who came out in force to protest with their usual tear-educing-knee-jerk tactics.
Here I leave you with the full article by Elizabeth Moore
Essex County's South Mountain Reservation has 213 fewer deer after a monthlong hunt that ended today.
With no safety or security problems reported during the length of the hunt, county officials said they were pleased with the first year's results.
Since Jan. 29, a dozen volunteer sharpshooters have worked from tree stands at stations throughout the reservation to curb the deer population. The hunt took place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though it was shortened from 10 days to 8½ because of inclement weather and the Presidents Day holiday.
"This program was a huge success," said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo. "We are 12 years too late. (If we had started 12 years ago), we would not have the problem we have today."
Sharpshooters exceeded the county's goal of culling 150 deer from the 2,047-acre park two weeks ago. County leaders and environmental groups say the deer have overpopulated the park, ruined its underbrush and are a nuisance for drivers and residents living nearby.
Dan Bernier, a consultant hired from Union County to oversee the hunt, said each of the animals killed was checked for age and gender to learn more about the population of the South Mountain herd. Yesterday, 22 deer were killed. One male and three females were killed in the morning session, and five males and 13 females were killed in the afternoon session.
Of the 213 animals killed over the course of the hunt, 88 were male and 125 were female. Nearly all of the does were pregnant, some with twins. Bernier estimated the culling prevented an additional 125 deer from being born in the reservation.
Though the county executive acknowledged he'd gotten phone calls and letters from residents and deer activists objecting to the hunt, he said the hunt wasn't something he wanted to do, it was something that had to be done.
The county executive estimated the cost of the hunt at just under $60,000, factoring in Bernier's contract, overtime for sheriff's deputies and park employees and the cost of butchering the animals. The venison -- estimated at more than 15,000 pounds -- was donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
DiVincenzo said he planned to bring the marksmen back to South Mountain, which stretches through South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, and to other parks in the future.
"There's a major problem in the entire county," DiVincenzo said. "I plan to expand it next year."
Tags: News, Deer Herd Cull, New Jersey, Sharpshooters
Monday, March 03, 2008
Good News For Hunters
© By Othmar Vohringer
Hunters in Indiana and South Dakota have reason to cheerful. From the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance I received the following news
Read more
…and from the NRA I received good news for Hunters in South Dakota.
Read more
These are two more of a quickly growing number of U.S. states that have signed legislation into effect twill make it easier to introduce young hunters into our ranks.
Tags: News, Legislation, Youth Hunting Program, Indiana, South Dakota
Hunters in Indiana and South Dakota have reason to cheerful. From the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance I received the following news
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance applauds Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels for signing into law a Families Afield bill establishing an apprentice hunting license, helping to ensure the future of our nation’s hunting heritage.
This legislation, House Bill 1046, allows a resident or nonresident newcomer to hunt for three years prior to the completion of a hunter education course, if they are accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.
“The passage of this apprentice license bill in Indiana shows a strong commitment to the future of the nation’s next generation of hunters,” said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) president. “Newcomers to hunting will be able to safely experience and learn our outdoor heritage thanks to the Families Afield initiative.”
Read more
…and from the NRA I received good news for Hunters in South Dakota.
House Bill 1263, introduced by State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33), would help preserve South Dakota’s proud hunting heritage by granting the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks rulemaking authority to establish a youth mentored hunting program for children between ages 10 and 16. The current minimum hunting age in South Dakota is 12. While licensed youth hunters would still need to take a HuntSafe course, HB 1263 would establish a “try before you buy” program allowing younger kids to experience their first hunts without a license under the direct supervision of a licensed adult.
Read more
These are two more of a quickly growing number of U.S. states that have signed legislation into effect twill make it easier to introduce young hunters into our ranks.
Tags: News, Legislation, Youth Hunting Program, Indiana, South Dakota
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