© By Othmar Vohringer
It has been a while since we did a “News Roundup” here at Outdoors With Othmar Vohringer. In other words, it about time for one. Staying informed is very important for hunters and anglers, especially about news of new pending legislation.
Without further ado here is the latest news in the outdoor world.
It is with great regret that a missing hunter in Calgary hunter has been found dead. According to the authorities who examined the dead hunter it is very likely that he had been attacked and killed by a grizzly bear. It seems that each year we of more hunters, anglers and hikers are attacked by bears. This means only one thing, despite the claims of animal rights, bear populations grow an nowhere more so than in Canada. For the full story go to the Calgary Herald. In New Jersey a hiker was attacked and killed by a black bear.
Talking about bears. In NW Wyoming the wildlife service has increased the limit on taking grizzly bears for the next three years in a323-square-mile public land grazing complex east of Jackson. In that area hunters can now take three female grizzly bears.
Alligator hunting is on my “must do list” for several years now and so it is no surprise that I read up on alligator hunting news. In the Mississippi Sportsman News I read that the record on trophy gators has been broken twice inside two weeks. The first reptile, a 756-pound 16 ft. beast, was caught by Robert Mahaffey of Brandon. His record was short lived when Brian Montgomery caught a monster gator weighing in at 792-pounds. Both alligators where taken on public waters near Vicksburg.
When I lived in Illinois the state was known as the nation’s deer hot spot number one, hunters from far and wide would travel to Illinois in anticipation of taking a trophy buck. Large deer populations and good genetics made it possible to hunt on public land with good expectations to get a nice buck. However, over the years things changed for the worse. Some blame the decline of the deer population on bad wildlife management and others on the outbreak of CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease)
This lead to the founding of the Illinois Whitetail Alliance, an organization committed to bring the Illinois deer herd back to its former glory. To do so the Illinois Whitetail Alliance borrowed a conservation tactic that helped the duck population to regain their large numbers, it’s called “Voluntary Restraint”. Read here more how the program works.
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Merritt Teenagers Ranking High At Shooting Sports
(This column has previously been published in the Merritt Herald)
© Othmar Vohringer
With all the news in the media about youth drug addiction and crime it is refreshing to see that there are still young people working hard to achieve success in life.
I met Sunshine and Dakota O’Donovan for the first time five years ago when they took part in the youth archery that the Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club organized. The siblings enjoyed the bow shooting lessons and eagerly absorbed the knowledge provided. Outside of the program they practiced often and soon became proficient at shooting bows accurately. Two years later they enrolled in the club’s small caliber rifle shooting program under the knowledgeable tutelage of Bruce Merkely, and this has lead Dakota and Sunshine to the point in the shooting sport they are now. With dedication, endurance and many hours of practice at the shooting range Dakota just recently scored another gold medal for his air pistol shooting and is hopeful to reach the necessary points to join the BC shooting sports team that will represent our province in the Canadian Winter Games in February of 2015.
Dakota is training every week three times in Kamloops plus physical conditioning here in Merritt. Sunshine, Dakota’s sister, shows the same dedication with air rifle and is only a few points short of joining the air rifle team to represent British Columbia at the North American Indigenous Games. She too trains hard- in spite of a hectic schedule promoting the film “Shana– The Wolf’s Music” which was filmed last year here in the Nicola Valley and in which she played the lead.
When I spoke to the two teenagers in preparation of this column I could not help but to be amazed at the two. It is indeed rare to find young people in this age of entitlement that still believe in hard work and dedication to achieve their set goals. Throughout the conversation it became apparent that they both enjoy what they are doing and are fully prepared to work for it. Dakota, for example, proudly explained that he delivered newspapers for eight years without missing a single day. The money he earned from that was spent on a compound bow and his biggest pride, his own truck. Sunshine, with all the fame she garnered with her role as “Shana” is still the quiet, modest person that she always has been. With a movie role under her belt she now concentrates on her other goals in life, like joining the team for the North American Indigenous Games.
With that kind of commitment it is hard to believe that the two youngsters still find time to do other things, yet they do. Dakota is, among other things, an accomplished kayaker and a member of the Merritt Search and Rescue Team. Both believe that it is their civic duty to give back to the community by getting involved through sports and charitable activities. During our conversation there were a few times were I had to remind myself that these two are still teenagers 13 and 17 years of age and not adults, such was the wisdom and common sense approach to life the two exuded. As I said, in a time when most teenagers sit around and wait for others to give them things it is refreshing to meet two young people of Dakota’s and Sunshine’s calibre. I wish them both the best of luck in the shooting sport and in life, whatever their achievements will be; they have worked hard for it and that counts for much in today’s world.
© Othmar Vohringer
With all the news in the media about youth drug addiction and crime it is refreshing to see that there are still young people working hard to achieve success in life.
I met Sunshine and Dakota O’Donovan for the first time five years ago when they took part in the youth archery that the Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club organized. The siblings enjoyed the bow shooting lessons and eagerly absorbed the knowledge provided. Outside of the program they practiced often and soon became proficient at shooting bows accurately. Two years later they enrolled in the club’s small caliber rifle shooting program under the knowledgeable tutelage of Bruce Merkely, and this has lead Dakota and Sunshine to the point in the shooting sport they are now. With dedication, endurance and many hours of practice at the shooting range Dakota just recently scored another gold medal for his air pistol shooting and is hopeful to reach the necessary points to join the BC shooting sports team that will represent our province in the Canadian Winter Games in February of 2015.
Dakota is training every week three times in Kamloops plus physical conditioning here in Merritt. Sunshine, Dakota’s sister, shows the same dedication with air rifle and is only a few points short of joining the air rifle team to represent British Columbia at the North American Indigenous Games. She too trains hard- in spite of a hectic schedule promoting the film “Shana– The Wolf’s Music” which was filmed last year here in the Nicola Valley and in which she played the lead.
When I spoke to the two teenagers in preparation of this column I could not help but to be amazed at the two. It is indeed rare to find young people in this age of entitlement that still believe in hard work and dedication to achieve their set goals. Throughout the conversation it became apparent that they both enjoy what they are doing and are fully prepared to work for it. Dakota, for example, proudly explained that he delivered newspapers for eight years without missing a single day. The money he earned from that was spent on a compound bow and his biggest pride, his own truck. Sunshine, with all the fame she garnered with her role as “Shana” is still the quiet, modest person that she always has been. With a movie role under her belt she now concentrates on her other goals in life, like joining the team for the North American Indigenous Games.
With that kind of commitment it is hard to believe that the two youngsters still find time to do other things, yet they do. Dakota is, among other things, an accomplished kayaker and a member of the Merritt Search and Rescue Team. Both believe that it is their civic duty to give back to the community by getting involved through sports and charitable activities. During our conversation there were a few times were I had to remind myself that these two are still teenagers 13 and 17 years of age and not adults, such was the wisdom and common sense approach to life the two exuded. As I said, in a time when most teenagers sit around and wait for others to give them things it is refreshing to meet two young people of Dakota’s and Sunshine’s calibre. I wish them both the best of luck in the shooting sport and in life, whatever their achievements will be; they have worked hard for it and that counts for much in today’s world.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Wolf Population Booming In The Nicola Valley
The following column has been previously published in the Merritt Herald in response to the wolf attack on a forestry worker near Merritt.
© Othmar Vohringer
Merritt has been in the international headlines again. This time it had nothing to do with feral cats or bobcats roaming in our city. This time it was much more serious. The headlines read: “Aggressive wolf pack attack near Merritt prompts warning”. The encounter was serious enough for the BC Forestry Safety Council to issue a warning to all their employees and people living in the Merritt area. As much as some try to convince us that this is just a singular case it happens more frequently each passing year. The provincial government has stated that the wolf population in our province is growing each year and in some areas has reached the point of over-population.
The regular readers of this column may remember my article about the peril of the BC mountain caribou. Part of the problem is a growing wolf population killing off these endangered animals at a rate that puts the survival of the entire herd in jeopardy. There are government reports that elk and moose population in some areas are facing similar pressure from wolves. With a growing wolf population the danger to humans increase dramatically too. Once the wolves have decimated their natural prey they quickly learn that human inhabited areas within their range are an easily accessible food source. Each year there are reports of farmers and ranchers that loose cattle and horses to packs of wolves. In one case it was reported that two wolves in a single night killed over 170 sheep. Wolf advocates try to convince us that wolves only kill what they need for food. Not quite true. Research has shown time and again that in areas where wildlife and livestock exist in large numbers wolves, for reasons not fully understood yet, will indiscriminately kill every animal they can catch. Humans in these areas are also attacked more frequently.
© Othmar Vohringer
The regular readers of this column may remember my article about the peril of the BC mountain caribou. Part of the problem is a growing wolf population killing off these endangered animals at a rate that puts the survival of the entire herd in jeopardy. There are government reports that elk and moose population in some areas are facing similar pressure from wolves. With a growing wolf population the danger to humans increase dramatically too. Once the wolves have decimated their natural prey they quickly learn that human inhabited areas within their range are an easily accessible food source. Each year there are reports of farmers and ranchers that loose cattle and horses to packs of wolves. In one case it was reported that two wolves in a single night killed over 170 sheep. Wolf advocates try to convince us that wolves only kill what they need for food. Not quite true. Research has shown time and again that in areas where wildlife and livestock exist in large numbers wolves, for reasons not fully understood yet, will indiscriminately kill every animal they can catch. Humans in these areas are also attacked more frequently.
Monday, October 07, 2013
Melissa Bachman Bullied Off National Geographic Channel By Anti-Hunting Lobby Petition.
By: Othmar Vohringer
Melissa Bachman, known as the “Hardcore Huntress”, producer and co-host of Winchester Deadly Passion, has been dropped as a planned participant in the of an upcoming National Geographic production called “Ultimate Survivor Alaska”. The decision has apparently been made after a petition, calling for the dismissal of Mellissa, a “heartless trophy hunter”, signed by more than 13,000 anti-hunters has been sent to the TV channel management.
According to a news story National Geographic apparently wasted no time to deny Bachman to take part in the show. In other words they let themselves be bullied into a decision by a mere handful of extremists. What boggles my mind is why would National Geographic reach such a decision? Isn’t hunting a part of the “ultimate survival” in the wilds of Alaska? To my knowledge you can’t survive in the vast wildness on vegetables alone.
But what more important, at least it is to me. Is the fact that Melissa Bachman has been discriminated against and I can’t help wondering what a smart lawyer could do with that blatant ant violation of the anti-discrimination act. Have we really come that far in our “civilized” world that a handful of radicals can decide what or who we can see on television? It’s not that National Geographic makes excuses about dropping Melissa, they are quite open about it that the decision has been made because of a petition.
While anti-hunters celebrate their victory over the “death celebrating murderer” they themselves show the true radical intensions with hundreds upon hundreds of death threats against Melissa Bachman.
Here’s a small sample of the more printable comment left on a facebook page.
“We will find you bitch and skin you alive.”
“I hope you and your children die a horrible death.”
“I’ll hunt you down and the slowly torture and kill you the same way you do with the animals.”
“We need to kill all hunters as they do not deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of the decent humans.”
Shocking, and these are people that promote compassion and kindness to all living things on this planet. The fact it that animal rights and anti-hunters are some of the most vile, hateful and self-centred people anyone could encounter.
As hunters, regardless if we agree with trophy hunting or not, we should weigh in on this issue and contact National Geographic and let them know what we think. To be quiet about this means we’re easy bush overs and bow down to discrimination against us. The last time I looked it up hunting was still a legal activity all across North America.
What’s your take on this story?
According to a news story National Geographic apparently wasted no time to deny Bachman to take part in the show. In other words they let themselves be bullied into a decision by a mere handful of extremists. What boggles my mind is why would National Geographic reach such a decision? Isn’t hunting a part of the “ultimate survival” in the wilds of Alaska? To my knowledge you can’t survive in the vast wildness on vegetables alone.
But what more important, at least it is to me. Is the fact that Melissa Bachman has been discriminated against and I can’t help wondering what a smart lawyer could do with that blatant ant violation of the anti-discrimination act. Have we really come that far in our “civilized” world that a handful of radicals can decide what or who we can see on television? It’s not that National Geographic makes excuses about dropping Melissa, they are quite open about it that the decision has been made because of a petition.
While anti-hunters celebrate their victory over the “death celebrating murderer” they themselves show the true radical intensions with hundreds upon hundreds of death threats against Melissa Bachman.
Here’s a small sample of the more printable comment left on a facebook page.
“We will find you bitch and skin you alive.”
“I hope you and your children die a horrible death.”
“I’ll hunt you down and the slowly torture and kill you the same way you do with the animals.”
“We need to kill all hunters as they do not deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of the decent humans.”
Shocking, and these are people that promote compassion and kindness to all living things on this planet. The fact it that animal rights and anti-hunters are some of the most vile, hateful and self-centred people anyone could encounter.
As hunters, regardless if we agree with trophy hunting or not, we should weigh in on this issue and contact National Geographic and let them know what we think. To be quiet about this means we’re easy bush overs and bow down to discrimination against us. The last time I looked it up hunting was still a legal activity all across North America.
What’s your take on this story?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Local Anglers And Hunters Meet With NDP Leader Adrian Dix
(Previously published in the Merritt Herald - Othmar Vohringer, The Outdoorsman)
© By Othmar Vohringer
© By Othmar Vohringer
On Sunday, December 2, 2012, NDP leader Adrian Dix and Fraser-Nicola LMA Harry Lali hosted an election information event at the Tropico Spice restaurant in Merritt. Among the 100 plus people attending was a delegation of the Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club (NVF&GC). Harry Lali, who had attended a NVF&GC general meeting in early fall to discuss with us land access and confirming his political support, suggested that meeting Adrian Dix would be helpful to our cause. Rick McCowan, the land access committee chair of the NVF&GC had a chance to meet person to person with Mr. Dix before the event, providing him with the current information and a newly published information leaflet about land access problems here in the valley and across the province.
At the event Adrian Dix spent quite a bit of time at our table talking about the issues we presented to him and he seemed to be as concerned about land access as we are. A good sign!
Since I am not directly involved with the land access committee I must say that I am very impressed with what this small group of dedicated people in our club has achieved so far and all the hard work they put in to creating broad public awareness of the crown land access problem in our province.
While the BC Wildlife Federation, the province’s largest hunter and angler organization, is twiddling its thumbs on the issue our club has gathered immense momentum, attracting national media attention and support from many other organizations throughout our nation. The NVF&GC has without a doubt become the driving force of the land access campaign.
While our fathers and grandfathers could enjoy hunting and fishing without any concerns for the future, times have drastically changed since then. Today we have to become politically active in order to secure our heritage for future generations. Our outdoor sport heritage faces many challenges of which our forefathers wouldn’t dream of in their worst nightmares. Loosing access to public land is only one of these problems. Other problems are instigated from the myriad of popular self-proclaimed “animal welfare” organizations using vilification and misinformation targeted against hunters, and their recruitment of largely ignorant city/suburban peoples to their cause; particularly impressionable youth.
We need to challenge these problems as a united force in public, on the political stage and even in the courts or we stand to lose it all. I am proud to be a member of a small local organization that doesn’t just complain but is on the forefront of fighting for our future generations so they too can enjoy hunting, fishing and accessing lands, lakes and streams for generations to come. If you’re a concerned outdoor sportsperson and want to do your bit to preserve our heritage, rights and freedoms then you should be thinking about joining the Nicola valley Fish & Game Club.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Orphaned Kermode Bear Makes International Headlines
The truth of the matter is that the bear, which had gotten used to people, would return to humans every time as he has done in the past. In addition bears are notoriously territorial and no matter how far away they are taken they always will return to their original territory and very often need to be shot by Conservation Officers. In addition, given that “Clover” is only 18 months old his survival chances in another male bear’s territory would be slim at best. With all that in mind the best place for this bear is a facility like the Wildlife Park in Kamloops. Of course animal rights activists are not known to care about facts. Theirs is a purely emotional agenda based on wishful thinking and aimed largely at metropolitan populations that are totally removed from the natural world. People who have been spoon-fed a Walt Disney view of nature.
Monday, November 05, 2012
A Hunting Holiday You Probably Haven’t Heard About
© By Othmar Vohringer
In parts of Canada, such as Quebec, St. Hubertus Day is celebrated in early September with the Mass of St. Hubertus in the local church. Hunters attend dressed in hunting clothing, bringing their dogs and guns to be blessed by the priest. The procession has the clergy, conservation officers and other guests enter and exit the church by walking under an archway of guns held up high by hunters wearing camouflage and hunter orange clothing.
After Mass the hunters attend trap and skeet shooting events, parades and wild game dinners, inviting the community to share with them the bounty nature has to offer. I am sure not many people here have heard of St. Hubertus, so I’ll provide you with some background.
During his clergy career Hubert applied the passion for hunting to his faith, establishing Christianity to vast sections of the Ardennes forest where he converted many hunters and others to Christianity. It is also said that he had been blessed with miraculous powers to heal man and beast alike. Hubert died in 727 AD and in 1744 Pope Benedict XIV canonized him as the patron saint (patronus sanctus Hubertus) of the hunters, trappers, archers and hunting dogs.
Growing up in Switzerland the St. Hubertus Day is still in vivid memory. As a child I marveled at the festive spectacle of the colourful procession making its way to the church, the ringing of the church bells mixed with the sound of marching bands and the cheerful greetings of “Weidmansheil patronus sanctus Hubertus”. I am glad to learn that this tradition is celebrated in parts of Canada too and with that in mind I wish all fellow hunter for the reminder of the hunting season a hefty and heartfelt “Weidmansheil” (Hunters luck!)
Monday, October 15, 2012
95-Year-Old Nova Scotia Woman Bags Her First Moose With 1 Shot
© By Othmar Vohringer
The following news item is the kind of hunting stories that inspire me.
Laura Wood, a 95-year-old woman from Yarmouth Nova Scotia, fulfilled her lifelong dream of going on a moose hunt. It was the last day of her hunt, just when daylight broke when Laura’s dream materialized in form of a 600-pound moose appearing. Laura brought the critter down with a single shot form her rifle. The Sandy Point Lodge, which hosted Laura’s hunting trip, said it's the first time they can remember a 95-year-old hunter in camp.
Now that Laura Woods has fulfilled her dream she won’t go moose hunting next year, because "I'm getting too old." She said “but I still plan on deer hunting." Wood said she has been hunting rabbits and deer since she was 16 years old. And to the one shot kill on the moose she said modestly, "Well I used to be a good shot. Well it must have been pretty good if I got that one...it's in my freezer now."
Laura Woods made headlines in the Canadian newspapers but that doesn’t faze her one bit. “Since I’ve been back people have been so good to me. The phone’s been ringing off the hook. I don’t know why they call me. I’m not worth it.” Well Laura you may think you’re not worth the media attention, but as far as I am concerned you are. There are not many hunters around that still hunt at that age let alone planning on continuing hunting.
(Photo courtesy of Sandy Point Lodge)
Laura Wood, a 95-year-old woman from Yarmouth Nova Scotia, fulfilled her lifelong dream of going on a moose hunt. It was the last day of her hunt, just when daylight broke when Laura’s dream materialized in form of a 600-pound moose appearing. Laura brought the critter down with a single shot form her rifle. The Sandy Point Lodge, which hosted Laura’s hunting trip, said it's the first time they can remember a 95-year-old hunter in camp.
Now that Laura Woods has fulfilled her dream she won’t go moose hunting next year, because "I'm getting too old." She said “but I still plan on deer hunting." Wood said she has been hunting rabbits and deer since she was 16 years old. And to the one shot kill on the moose she said modestly, "Well I used to be a good shot. Well it must have been pretty good if I got that one...it's in my freezer now."
Laura Woods made headlines in the Canadian newspapers but that doesn’t faze her one bit. “Since I’ve been back people have been so good to me. The phone’s been ringing off the hook. I don’t know why they call me. I’m not worth it.” Well Laura you may think you’re not worth the media attention, but as far as I am concerned you are. There are not many hunters around that still hunt at that age let alone planning on continuing hunting.
(Photo courtesy of Sandy Point Lodge)
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tribute To A Loyal Friend
© By Othmar Vohringer
(Originally published in the Merritt Herald - Othmar Vohringer Outdoors Column)
On Tuesday morning (October 2nd, 2012) my loyal friend and companion for over 16 years passed away. Gazu, a Rottweiler/Labrador mix, had not an easy start in life. When I adopted him, then about one year old, from a pet shelter in Montreal, Quebec, he already had two previous owners that abused him badly. I learned that Gazu was destined to be euthanized because of the many behavioural problems he sustained from his abusers. Because of that I was at first denied adoption, however, when the manager at the shelter found out that I am a professional animal trainer and behaviourist he agreed with the adoption. My immediate concern at the time was not about Gazu’s behavioural problems. Having dealt with a fair number of animals with such issues I was sure I could cure him. My concern was what my other “pets”, 16 tigers, would think of this new addition. Training, performing and caring for the tigers took up many hours of my day and Gazu would have to fit into that schedule.
Gazu quickly adapted to his new life and surroundings and within two weeks we had a very close relationship and he slowly started to develop the outgoing and friendly character that would become the hallmark of his entire life. The most difficult part was taking his fear of travel from him. In his past a trip in a car signified yet another drive to the dog shelter but once he realized that this was not the case with me he started to enjoy traveling to new places all around Canada and America with me and the tigers. Later Gazu traveled with us by airplane and ship to China and Brazil. Wherever we traveled in the world Gazu’s outgoing and enthusiastic nature made him friends everywhere, even in China where people are generally afraid of large dogs.
The only time Gazu showed any sign of slight displeasure was when I meet Heidi, my future wife, two years after I got Gazu. My guess is he suffered a brief case of jealousy. However, it only took him a short time to realize that he did not have to “loose out” and instead, he gained another friend and so he quickly adopted Heidi as part of “his family”. Gazu liked making friends; be that tigers, elephants or humans. Throughout his life, even in old age and in the last months where it was apparent he had cancer, Gazu’s loyalty, outgoing nature and unassuming friendship was exemplary and humbling for those that knew him.
Gazu will be dearly missed and there always will be a very special place in my heart for him. Heidi and I would like to thank Dr. Anne Flemming at the Merritt Veterinary Hospital for her respectful treatment, marked by dignity, for Gazu and letting us be with him until he took his last breath while resting in our arms. Thank you Gazu for your loyal friendship, unquestioned trust and also for the many things I learned from you, rest in peace until we play together again.
(Originally published in the Merritt Herald - Othmar Vohringer Outdoors Column)
On Tuesday morning (October 2nd, 2012) my loyal friend and companion for over 16 years passed away. Gazu, a Rottweiler/Labrador mix, had not an easy start in life. When I adopted him, then about one year old, from a pet shelter in Montreal, Quebec, he already had two previous owners that abused him badly. I learned that Gazu was destined to be euthanized because of the many behavioural problems he sustained from his abusers. Because of that I was at first denied adoption, however, when the manager at the shelter found out that I am a professional animal trainer and behaviourist he agreed with the adoption. My immediate concern at the time was not about Gazu’s behavioural problems. Having dealt with a fair number of animals with such issues I was sure I could cure him. My concern was what my other “pets”, 16 tigers, would think of this new addition. Training, performing and caring for the tigers took up many hours of my day and Gazu would have to fit into that schedule. 
Gazu will be dearly missed and there always will be a very special place in my heart for him. Heidi and I would like to thank Dr. Anne Flemming at the Merritt Veterinary Hospital for her respectful treatment, marked by dignity, for Gazu and letting us be with him until he took his last breath while resting in our arms. Thank you Gazu for your loyal friendship, unquestioned trust and also for the many things I learned from you, rest in peace until we play together again.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Are Trophy Records Destroying Hunting As We Know It?
© By Othmar Vohringer
For years I have been saying that the “trophy” aspect of hunting perpetrated in every magazine and hunting TV show eventually will backfire on our hunting heritage. It is my contention that if trophy record books would only give credit to the animal without the name of the hunter they would go quickly out of business. The reason hunters enter trophy’s in these books is for the sole reason to see their name in print. In magazines and hunting TV shows trophy animals are used solely for the purpose to sell products and to give “testimony” that the writer or TV show presenter is an “expert”.
Now don’t get me wrong. I like to kill a trophy animal as much as the next guy but to me it is not a contest and I certainly never would enter one in a record book. I am not a trophy hunter and I am not a meat hunter either. I am just a hunter. While I fully respect that some hunters may only hunt for a trophy animal to please their own ego or their own sense of achievement it needs to be mentioned that the trophy hype does affect new and young hunters in a very negative way. How so? I lost count of how many times I heard a young or new hunter say something like; “I will not waste a bullet on a lesser animal.” Or “I want to be a trophy hunter.” These are all people that may go many years without killing a deer waiting for that big trophy buck. They do so because they want not to be ridiculed by their peers for shooting a lesser animal.
For years I have been saying that the “trophy” aspect of hunting perpetrated in every magazine and hunting TV show eventually will backfire on our hunting heritage. It is my contention that if trophy record books would only give credit to the animal without the name of the hunter they would go quickly out of business. The reason hunters enter trophy’s in these books is for the sole reason to see their name in print. In magazines and hunting TV shows trophy animals are used solely for the purpose to sell products and to give “testimony” that the writer or TV show presenter is an “expert”.
Now don’t get me wrong. I like to kill a trophy animal as much as the next guy but to me it is not a contest and I certainly never would enter one in a record book. I am not a trophy hunter and I am not a meat hunter either. I am just a hunter. While I fully respect that some hunters may only hunt for a trophy animal to please their own ego or their own sense of achievement it needs to be mentioned that the trophy hype does affect new and young hunters in a very negative way. How so? I lost count of how many times I heard a young or new hunter say something like; “I will not waste a bullet on a lesser animal.” Or “I want to be a trophy hunter.” These are all people that may go many years without killing a deer waiting for that big trophy buck. They do so because they want not to be ridiculed by their peers for shooting a lesser animal.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Hunfest Is Coming to Chilliwack, BC
© By Othmar Vohringer
Huntfest is coming to Chilliwack, BC from June 22 to 24, in the Chilliwack Heritage Park
With over 150 exhibitors from the hunting industry, wildlife conservation and hunting related organizations, Huntfest is one of the biggest Canadian events of its kind that focuses on everything hunting related. Visitors can attend over 20 seminars and special events. Among the speakers are moose hunting expert John McDowell, Linda Cline from Someday Retrievers, Cody Robbins from the hunting TV show “Live to Hunt”, Eva Shockey, daughter of famous Hunting TV host Jim Shockey, plus many others.
This is the first time that Huntfest is coming to British Columbia and you’re in for a treat. If you purchase you ticket early you could be in for a win of a 10’000 dollar shopping spree at Wholesale Sports or you could win a moose hunt with 4 Buck Adventures Outfitters in Ontario, valued at 3’000 Dollar. For more information on the “Early Bird” specials read here.
Huntfest has is creation of Wild TV. Wild TV is Canada’s only channel that provides viewers with 24/7 top quality outdoor programming from Canada and around the world.
To read more information about Huntfest in your area visit:
Huntfest Chilliwack, BC. June 22 to 24, 2012
Huntfest Edmonton, AB. July 13 to 15, 2012
Huntfest Orangeville, ON. July 27 to 29, 2012
Huntfest is coming to Chilliwack, BC from June 22 to 24, in the Chilliwack Heritage Park
With over 150 exhibitors from the hunting industry, wildlife conservation and hunting related organizations, Huntfest is one of the biggest Canadian events of its kind that focuses on everything hunting related. Visitors can attend over 20 seminars and special events. Among the speakers are moose hunting expert John McDowell, Linda Cline from Someday Retrievers, Cody Robbins from the hunting TV show “Live to Hunt”, Eva Shockey, daughter of famous Hunting TV host Jim Shockey, plus many others.
This is the first time that Huntfest is coming to British Columbia and you’re in for a treat. If you purchase you ticket early you could be in for a win of a 10’000 dollar shopping spree at Wholesale Sports or you could win a moose hunt with 4 Buck Adventures Outfitters in Ontario, valued at 3’000 Dollar. For more information on the “Early Bird” specials read here.
Huntfest has is creation of Wild TV. Wild TV is Canada’s only channel that provides viewers with 24/7 top quality outdoor programming from Canada and around the world.
To read more information about Huntfest in your area visit:
Huntfest Chilliwack, BC. June 22 to 24, 2012
Huntfest Edmonton, AB. July 13 to 15, 2012
Huntfest Orangeville, ON. July 27 to 29, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
The List Of The 10 Outdoor Blogger That Been Doing It Since The Beginning
© By Othmar Vohringer
Steve Remington from the OutdoorBlogger.Org has compiled a list of the top ten outdoor bloggers that have been doing it since beginning of the “bloger age”.
I am humbled to be included in that list. Sure it is not an official ranking but nonetheless it is nice and encouraging to be recognized by a fellow blogger as one "of the first hour". Back then in 2005 when I published my first blog post only a small handful of outdoor blogs doted the Internet landscape. Times have changed since then and there are now more outdoor blogs on the Internet then you can shake a stick at.
With that said my thanks go to my longtime and new readers of Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer. Without you this recognition would not have been possible. My thanks also goes to Steve Remington for remembering and recognizing the “old brigade” of the outdoor blogging world. In many ways we were the pioneers of this communication medium.
Here are the other members of this list and I encourage you to visit their blogs too.
Steve Remington from the OutdoorBlogger.Org has compiled a list of the top ten outdoor bloggers that have been doing it since beginning of the “bloger age”.
I am humbled to be included in that list. Sure it is not an official ranking but nonetheless it is nice and encouraging to be recognized by a fellow blogger as one "of the first hour". Back then in 2005 when I published my first blog post only a small handful of outdoor blogs doted the Internet landscape. Times have changed since then and there are now more outdoor blogs on the Internet then you can shake a stick at.
With that said my thanks go to my longtime and new readers of Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer. Without you this recognition would not have been possible. My thanks also goes to Steve Remington for remembering and recognizing the “old brigade” of the outdoor blogging world. In many ways we were the pioneers of this communication medium.
Here are the other members of this list and I encourage you to visit their blogs too.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Canadian Angler Hall Of Fame – Bill Otway Inducted
© By Othmar Vohringer
On February 18, my friend Bill Otway was officially inducted into the Canadian Anglers Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at the Ontario Fishing & Boat Show. Patrick Walsh, Editor of the Outdoor Canada Magazine, had the honour of presenting the induction to Dan Otway, who accepted the distinction on behalf of his late father Bill Otway.
On February 18, my friend Bill Otway was officially inducted into the Canadian Anglers Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at the Ontario Fishing & Boat Show. Patrick Walsh, Editor of the Outdoor Canada Magazine, had the honour of presenting the induction to Dan Otway, who accepted the distinction on behalf of his late father Bill Otway.Friday, February 04, 2011
Bowhunting Legend Doug Walker Passed Away
© By Othmar Vohringer
Dough Walker, founder and publisher of the National Bowhunting Magazine died on Saturday, January 29. 2011, following a brief illness.
Doug (age 80) died at the Community Reginal Medical Center in Frenso, California, after a week long bout of pneumonia, said his son Scott Walker.
Dough Walker, founder and publisher of the National Bowhunting Magazine died on Saturday, January 29. 2011, following a brief illness.Doug (age 80) died at the Community Reginal Medical Center in Frenso, California, after a week long bout of pneumonia, said his son Scott Walker.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
New Reality TV Show - Sarah Palin's Alaska
© By Othmar Vohringer
Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, deputes her own reality TV show “Sarah Palin’s Alaska”. The show had its debut on Nov. 14, 2010. In the show Sarah goes fishing, hiking and boating in the great Alaskan outdoors with her husband Todd and children. Some hunting may be included in future episodes.
Sarah Palin came first into the limelight as the Republican candidate for Vice-President during the 2008 presidential elections. Often ridiculed by the liberal media for her very public support for the 2nd. Amendment and hunting, she has remained a staunch supporter of our hunting and outdoor heritage, even became the spokes person for the NRA.
With her love for the great outdoors, hunting and fishing I could not think of a better person than Sarah to feature in a reality TV show of this kind, promoting fishing and hunting as a wholesome family activity to mainstream America. Of course the show will also be a fantastic promotion for Alaska tourism.
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This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Tags: Sarah Palin, Alaska, Reality TV Show, Outdoor Sport
Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, deputes her own reality TV show “Sarah Palin’s Alaska”. The show had its debut on Nov. 14, 2010. In the show Sarah goes fishing, hiking and boating in the great Alaskan outdoors with her husband Todd and children. Some hunting may be included in future episodes.Sarah Palin came first into the limelight as the Republican candidate for Vice-President during the 2008 presidential elections. Often ridiculed by the liberal media for her very public support for the 2nd. Amendment and hunting, she has remained a staunch supporter of our hunting and outdoor heritage, even became the spokes person for the NRA.
With her love for the great outdoors, hunting and fishing I could not think of a better person than Sarah to feature in a reality TV show of this kind, promoting fishing and hunting as a wholesome family activity to mainstream America. Of course the show will also be a fantastic promotion for Alaska tourism.
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This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Tags: Sarah Palin, Alaska, Reality TV Show, Outdoor Sport
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Oprah Winfrey – "O" Magazine Publishes Pro Hunting Article
© By Othmar Vohringer
I never thought I see the day but I guess miracles do happen. In the December edition of Oprah’s “O” magazine is a positive article about hunting, written by Kimberly Hiss.
The three-page article includes a photo of the author with a wild turkey she shot during the hunt slung over her shoulders. The article details the authors wild turkey hunt and the challenges that come with it. For me this article is a big step forward in portraying a positive image of hunting to the mainstream public. Considering that the majority of the mainstream outlets, particularly women’s magazines, shy away from reporting hunting in a positive light I regard this article as a milestone in providing the non-hunting community with valuable insight about our heritage.
For that I tip my hat to Oprah Winfrey. I would like to encourage everybody to read the full article (link below) and write to the magazine to thank them for this positive report on hunting. The website comment section to the article contains many of the usual ignorant and hatred filled anti-hunting comments. Because of that it is important that we make our voice heard, otherwise Oprah may consider the publishing of the article a mistake. On the other hand, if we thank her for the article we might gain an important ally, and God knows we need lots of those.
Read the full article here.
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This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Tags: Oprah Winfrey, Pro Hunting, The O Magazine, Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt
I never thought I see the day but I guess miracles do happen. In the December edition of Oprah’s “O” magazine is a positive article about hunting, written by Kimberly Hiss.The three-page article includes a photo of the author with a wild turkey she shot during the hunt slung over her shoulders. The article details the authors wild turkey hunt and the challenges that come with it. For me this article is a big step forward in portraying a positive image of hunting to the mainstream public. Considering that the majority of the mainstream outlets, particularly women’s magazines, shy away from reporting hunting in a positive light I regard this article as a milestone in providing the non-hunting community with valuable insight about our heritage.
For that I tip my hat to Oprah Winfrey. I would like to encourage everybody to read the full article (link below) and write to the magazine to thank them for this positive report on hunting. The website comment section to the article contains many of the usual ignorant and hatred filled anti-hunting comments. Because of that it is important that we make our voice heard, otherwise Oprah may consider the publishing of the article a mistake. On the other hand, if we thank her for the article we might gain an important ally, and God knows we need lots of those.Read the full article here.
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This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Tags: Oprah Winfrey, Pro Hunting, The O Magazine, Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wild Turkey Conservationist Honored
© By Othmar Vohringer
James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D. (photo: courtesy of NWTF) was selected as the 2008 Alumni Fellow for MSU’s College of Forest Resources, an award given to those who have earned special distinction in their professional field.
Kennamer is currently the Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). During his nearly 30 years of service with the NWTF, Kennamer has worked with a wide range of conservation and sportsmen’s groups among them the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
as well as government agencies to ensure a robust wild turkey populations. Through those efforts, he is considered a leading architect of the wild turkey expansion from 1.3 million in the early 1970s to more than 7 million today.
Dr. James Earl Kennamer has been fascinated by wild turkeys since he saw his first wild turkey gobbler killed by his father 53 years ago on Fort Benning military base in Alabama. Six years later, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and bagged his first turkey. Then, in 1980, Kennamer left his tenured position as a wildlife professor at Auburn University to help the NWTF get off the ground. Since then, he has played an instrumental role in wild turkey restoration.
Tags: Wild Turkey Conservationist Honored, Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, James Earl Kennammer
James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D. (photo: courtesy of NWTF) was selected as the 2008 Alumni Fellow for MSU’s College of Forest Resources, an award given to those who have earned special distinction in their professional field.Kennamer is currently the Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). During his nearly 30 years of service with the NWTF, Kennamer has worked with a wide range of conservation and sportsmen’s groups among them the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
as well as government agencies to ensure a robust wild turkey populations. Through those efforts, he is considered a leading architect of the wild turkey expansion from 1.3 million in the early 1970s to more than 7 million today.
Dr. James Earl Kennamer has been fascinated by wild turkeys since he saw his first wild turkey gobbler killed by his father 53 years ago on Fort Benning military base in Alabama. Six years later, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and bagged his first turkey. Then, in 1980, Kennamer left his tenured position as a wildlife professor at Auburn University to help the NWTF get off the ground. Since then, he has played an instrumental role in wild turkey restoration.
Tags: Wild Turkey Conservationist Honored, Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, James Earl Kennammer
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Charlton Heston legendary actor dies at age 84
© By Othmar Vohringer
Charlton Heston died Saturday (April 5, 2008) at his Beverly Hills home, said family spokesman Bill Powers. In 2002, he had been diagnosed with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.
Heston was one of the last true Hollywood icons starring in epic roles. In a career spanning 60 years, Heston provided the world with a seemingly inexhaustible roster of resolute screen heroes, from Michelangelo to Moses, El Cid to Judah Ben-Hur. It was these roles and his acting talents that elevated him to a larger than life persona.
Never one to rest on his laurels Heston used his fame to became politically active. Long before it became popular he became active in the civil rights movement, speaking out against racism and became a dedicated supporter of the second amendment. From 1998 to 2003 Charlton was president of the National Rifle Association (NRA). At the helm of the NRA he was a tireless promoter and protector of the right to own and carry firearms that never shied away from facing difficult tasks and controversy.
Despite the rhetoric attacks from the lefties calling him a “dangerous gun nut”, “aid to gun crime”, he maintained his unwavering support for the gun owners and outdoor sport to the end. Heston is one of a handful man that has done more to protect our rights than anyone else and for this we, the gun owners and hunters, have to be thankful.
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association of America, made the following statement to the passing of Charlton Heston.
Rest in peace Charlton. Thank you for everything you have done to make this world a better place to be. May the ones you left behind proudly carry on the legacy in your spirit. You have shown all of us what one person can achieve if they are dedicated and believe in what is right.
Tags: Charton Heston, National Rifle Association
Charlton Heston died Saturday (April 5, 2008) at his Beverly Hills home, said family spokesman Bill Powers. In 2002, he had been diagnosed with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.Heston was one of the last true Hollywood icons starring in epic roles. In a career spanning 60 years, Heston provided the world with a seemingly inexhaustible roster of resolute screen heroes, from Michelangelo to Moses, El Cid to Judah Ben-Hur. It was these roles and his acting talents that elevated him to a larger than life persona.
Never one to rest on his laurels Heston used his fame to became politically active. Long before it became popular he became active in the civil rights movement, speaking out against racism and became a dedicated supporter of the second amendment. From 1998 to 2003 Charlton was president of the National Rifle Association (NRA). At the helm of the NRA he was a tireless promoter and protector of the right to own and carry firearms that never shied away from facing difficult tasks and controversy.
Despite the rhetoric attacks from the lefties calling him a “dangerous gun nut”, “aid to gun crime”, he maintained his unwavering support for the gun owners and outdoor sport to the end. Heston is one of a handful man that has done more to protect our rights than anyone else and for this we, the gun owners and hunters, have to be thankful.
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association of America, made the following statement to the passing of Charlton Heston.
Today, my heart is heavy with the loss of Charlton Heston. America has lost a great patriot. The Second Amendment has lost a faithful friend. So have I, and so have four million NRA members and eighty million gun owners. And so has every American who cares about the Bill of Rights, individual liberty, and Freedom.
My heart is heavy, but not without a sense of pride. Pride in a man who devoted his life to his profession with grace and dignity. Pride in an American who devoted himself to civil rights, to correcting injustices around him, and to standing up for what he knew was right. Pride in a friend who stood with me and stood with fellow NRA members to preserve our freedom for future generations. Pride in a patriot who believed with every fibre of his being that our Bill of Rights is the foundation of our freedom that makes Americans singular among the masses of nations.
And now, Charlton Heston has passed that duty to us - the next generation. I am as proud to continue his cause as I am to have known him as my friend.
But today, my thoughts cannot leave the Heston family. They have always had my utmost respect and admiration and, today, they have my deepest sympathy and most earnest prayers, and they will always have my friendship.
Rest in peace Charlton. Thank you for everything you have done to make this world a better place to be. May the ones you left behind proudly carry on the legacy in your spirit. You have shown all of us what one person can achieve if they are dedicated and believe in what is right.
Tags: Charton Heston, National Rifle Association
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, February 21, 2008
The outdoor community loses an icon
© By Othmar Vohringer
In The Shreveport Times I read today that Claude Hamilton Gresham Jr. has passed away at the age of 85 due to Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately I have to admit that I never have heard of Gresham until now. But reading what the outdoor media says about him, he was on heck of a guy with a strong commitment to the promotion of our outdoor heritage. From what I have read about the man, affectionately called ‘Grits’ by his friends, he was a true icon in the outdoor world and a respected personality …a legend as the Shreveport Times reports.
While searching the Internet to find out more about this remarkable man, that I would have been very honored to met in person, I came across an article by our blogging friend Jim Braaten at the Sportsman’s Blog. He tells you in moving words how he, as a young novice writer met Greham. Rather than repeat here what has been written about Claude Hamilton Gresham Jr. so eloquently by writers that knew him personally I guide your attention to the two article links in this post.
’Grits’, Claude Hamilton Gresham, news
In The Shreveport Times I read today that Claude Hamilton Gresham Jr. has passed away at the age of 85 due to Alzheimer’s.Unfortunately I have to admit that I never have heard of Gresham until now. But reading what the outdoor media says about him, he was on heck of a guy with a strong commitment to the promotion of our outdoor heritage. From what I have read about the man, affectionately called ‘Grits’ by his friends, he was a true icon in the outdoor world and a respected personality …a legend as the Shreveport Times reports.
While searching the Internet to find out more about this remarkable man, that I would have been very honored to met in person, I came across an article by our blogging friend Jim Braaten at the Sportsman’s Blog. He tells you in moving words how he, as a young novice writer met Greham. Rather than repeat here what has been written about Claude Hamilton Gresham Jr. so eloquently by writers that knew him personally I guide your attention to the two article links in this post.
’Grits’, Claude Hamilton Gresham, news
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