The Philosophy of Big Buck Hunting

© By Othmar Vohringer

We all dream of hunting big bucks but some of us don’t know how to hunt mossy old horns while others, hunting on public land, believe that there are no big bucks where they hunt. Well I’ve got good news for you.

Rick DeStefanis, a veteran public land big buck hunter of many years, is the author of a new book, ”The Philosophy of Big Buck Hunting”

After reading the book from cover to cover there was no doubt in my mind that this IS the book many hunters have been waiting for. “The Philosophy of Big Buck Hunting” is not your run of the mill book written by some celebrity hunter having the good fortune to hunt on managed land or go on guided trips to prime whitetail destinations. No, Rick hunts where ninety-five percent of all hunters hunt: on heavily pressured public land.

The wealth of knowledge Rick gathered in over fifty years of hunting pressured big bucks is represented in a book that is written in a language everyone can comprehend and without the usual hype common to other “big buck hunting books”.

The Philosophy of Big Buck Hunting contains 4 chapters, six key principles and over forty tips on hunting big bucks. It starts with the most important information every aspiring big buck hunter needs to know: “How a trophy whitetail hunter thinks”. If you want to hunt big bucks the road to success starts with you, not with what camouflage you wear, what scent you use or what rifle caliber you shoot. Trophy whitetail hunting is about a change in hunting philosophy and Rick does a great job of explaining what it takes to acquire the mindset of a trophy hunter.

What follows are pages upon pages loaded with solid and practical field proven tips and tactics about scouting, stand placement, how to read deer sign and much more. The book closes with a chapter on equipment tips, advice for new and experienced hunters and another chapter on the future of hunting.

As a veteran deer hunter myself I highly recommend this great book, not only for the aspiring trophy deer hunter, but also for every hunter regardless of his or her skill level.

For more information about the author and the book visit whitetailbuckhunter.com

Photo Credits:
Top left: © Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
All other photos are © of Rick DeStefanis

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This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors

Book Review: Hunting The First State

© By Othmar Vohringer

“Hunting The First State” is not your ordinary hunting book. It’s a detailed guide to hunting in the state of Delaware. The book starts off with a short geographical description of Delaware and the hunting opportunities that state has to offer to the avid outdoors person. This is followed with six chapters on hunting tactics for whitetail deer, wild turkey, small game, migratory birds and waterfowl hunting.

Christmas Gifts For Hunters And Anglers

© By Othmar Vohringer

Christmas is just around the corner and as every year I offer you my list of presents for the avid hunter.

I start the list with three books that will be much appreciated reading during the long cold winter days.

Fish Cops & game Wardens
By Bill Otway

Fish Cops & Game Wardens tells first hand account stories of game wardens, conservation officers and fisheries officers that Bill has met and befriended in half a century of involvement in the domain of wildlife and fisheries conservation efforts. The stories in the book are humorous, others make the reader think and still other stories are so hilarious they make you laugh. Whatever the story may be, humorous, thrilling or compassionate, they are all real live experiences and the stuff campfire stories are made of that will be told and retold for generations to come.

Read more.


Bear Hunting Book and Video
By Justin Ott

The book and accompanying video covers everything a beginning bear hunter needs to know and I am convinced that even advanced and veteran bear hunters will be able to pick a few things up they have never known or need to be reminded of. In 13 chapters the book covers information about the black bear and conservation and then moves on to important things like where and how to find bears. In other chapters different hunting tactics are knowledgably explained. There are sections on hunting bears with rifles and archery equipment. Hunting bears from the ground, over bait, from treestands and stalking bears is all covered in subsequent chapters.

Read more.

Inside The Wild
By L.W. Oakley

Inside The Wild is a detailed account of L.W. Oakley’s life as a hunter and nature enthusiast among a close-knit circle of hunting friends whose adventures into the wild world of northern Ontario have shaped his beliefs and opinions of what hunting and nature means to him.

I have read the book from the first to the last page and often found it hard to put it down. Oakley is a great storyteller while passing along some valuable insights for us to consider without sounding preachy. I particularly enjoyed how Oakley starts each chapter with a personal story he experienced with his hunting friends. Some of these stories make you think while others make you smile or even laugh.

Read more.

Apparel:

Dress In Style

How about some beautifully designed T-Shirts for your favourite hunter or huntress?

When I go out in town I like to spread the message that I am a hunter and angler, and that I am proud of it. However, I never wear camouflage clothing in town or even around the neighbourhood. There are other ways, much more stylish, to let people know that I hunt.

T-Shirts with nice hunting and fishing motives are one of my favourites. It is difficult for me at times to find something that suits my style and is non-offensive to people that do not hunt. Obviously I wouldn’t wear anything that says something like “Buck Killer” printed on the shirt. My choice of hunting “advertisement” is exactly what the Texas based company Field Dress offers to hunters and fishers.

Read more.

ASAT Camouflage designed to fool deer not hunters

Stan and Jim, the designers of ASAT, believed that a lot of camo available at the time had been designed like fishing lures - to catch the hunter rather than help catch the quarry. They knew that just because a pattern looks good in a store or in a small isolated field situation, it doesn't mean that it will work well under all conditions and at all times of the year. What Stan and Jim ultimately decided to do was develop a camo pattern that would be good at all times, in any environment, to fool any game animal or bird. It was a tall order, but the pair felt that they had succeeded with ASAT. Obviously, many hunters felt and still feel, the very same way.

As an animal behaviourist I did my own research on camouflage patterns and found ASAT to be the only one designed to fool animal vision. Consequently. ASAT is my choice of camouflage for the last 16 years. I wear ASAT on all my hunts in any terrain and in any season.

Read more.

Products:

Magnet Gun Caddy

The Magnet Gun Caddy is one of these rare “Wow” moment products that make you think, “Why hasn’t somebody thought earlier of that.” As with most of these exceptional products the genius lays in the sheer simplicity of the design that fulfills a real need. I lost count of how many times I came back to the truck from a hunting or fishing trip with both hands full of gear. I would have to lean the rifle, gun or fishing rod against the truck to free one hand up to get the key out of my pocket and unlock the truck.

More times than I care to remember the firearm or rod slipped and fell to the ground scratching the paint on the truck in the course of it. With the Magnet Gun Caddy this will never happen again.

Read more.

Heirloom Custom Game Calls

Anybody that hunts for a year or tow has learned one important lesson when it comes to calling game animals into shooting range. The more realistic you create the illusion of real live animal sounds the more likely it is that you will get a positive response.

Brian Warner, founder and operator of Heirloom Game Calls, is not only an avid hunter but also an excellent woodcraftsman with solid knowledge of natural animal sounds. Combining his talents he is able to create the most realistic sounding game calls available on the market. Each call is personally hand tuned by Brian before it leaves his shop. Just good is not good enough for Brian it has to be perfect. This same quality control extends to his woodworking skills. Each call is beautifully handcrafted to exact tolerances. Heirloom Calls are just that; Heirlooms that will handed down from generation to generation.

Read more.


Final Approach Eliminator Cargo Blind

I’ll admit it. When I hunt I like comfort. Especially when I hunt ducks and geese, which involves hours of sitting motionless in often wet and cold weather conditions. One aspect of hunting waterfowl that I never liked much is sitting in cold, wet, dug-out blinds.

With that in mind I looked forward to field-testing the new Final Approach Eliminator Cargo Blind. When the package arrived the first thing that surprised me was the relatively small size of an object large enough to comfortably accommodate a grown person. At the same time I was worried that I would have to do a lot of assembly work.

The Final Approach Eliminator Cargo Blind is without a doubt in my mind the most practical, comfortable and useful goose hunting blind I have ever had the pleasure of using and field-testing.

Read more.


This blog post has been brought to you by Othmar Vohringer Outdoors

Tags: Christmas, Gifts For Hunters and Anglers, Hunting Product Reviews, Books, ASAT Camouflage , Duck Blind, Game Calls, Hunting and Fishing T-Shirts, Gun And Rod Holder, Magnet Gun Caddy

Inside The Wild

© By Othmar Vohringer

Inside The Wild is the story of L.W. Oakely, a resident of Ontario, and his experiences in the wild places thereof. As an avid reader of natural history and hunting books I naturally looked forward to reading it when Oakley asked me to review it.

It should be mentioned that the author does not try to be politically correct when it comes to addressing subjects by their proper names and he voices his opinions on touchy subjects at a time when many other writers try hard to avoid controversy. I consider it a plus to his writing that he speaks freely what is on his mind.

There are one or two passages in the book that made me scratch my head a bit however, like the generalizing remark about SUV drivers, plus one or two remarks about other hunters. But I can accept that as his opinion even if I do not share it.

Inside The Wild is a detailed account of L.W. Oakley’s life as a hunter and nature enthusiast among a close-knit circle of hunting friends whose adventures into the wild world of northern Ontario have shaped his beliefs and opinions of what hunting and nature means to him.

I have read the book from the first to the last page and often found it hard to put it down. Oakley is a great storyteller while passing along some valuable insights for us to consider without sounding preachy. I particularly enjoyed how Oakley starts each chapter with a personal story he experienced with his hunting friends. Some of these stories make you think while others make you smile or even laugh.

The book is richly illustrated with pictures, some of which are a bit graphic in nature. Be it text or pictures I appreciate the fact that Oakley depicts a real image of nature and all things wild rather than having succumbed to the trend of presenting the natural world without it’s dark side. Inside the Wild is about the beauty but also the savagery of nature in all its naked truth viewed through the eyes of a passionate hunter and conservationist. If you like a good book that tells it the way it is without apologies then you will enjoy reading Inside the Wild as much as I have.

With Christmas coming up this is the ideal gift for hunters of all ages.

Inside the Wild.
Author: L.W. Oakely
Publisher: General Store Publishing House (Canada).
Paperback 6” x 9”, 175 pages. Book contains 43 short stories grouped into three sections: Hunting, Wildlife and Wilderness. Illustrated with 48 black and white pictures.
Cover price $19.95
ISBN-13: 078-1-897113-52-3

For more information or to purchase Inside the Wild visit General Store Publishing House

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For more product and book reviews visit Othmar Vohringer Outdoors.
For more information on my hunting products reviews read product review policy.
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Tags: Inside The Wild, L. W. Oakley, Hunting Book, Product Review

Bear hunting book and video

© By Othmar Vohringer

I am a whitetail deer and turkey hunter and since moving here to British Columbia eight years ago I have been thinking of taking up bear hunting as well. British Columbia has a bear population of over 170,000 which makes it the bear capitol of North America. In recent years it has come to the point that people can’t avoid running into bears sooner or later in the big cities and in rural communities.

Recently I was given bear meat and surprisingly it tasted very nice. I wanted more bear meat! But rather then having meat given to me I want to hunt it myself.
From a conservationist point of view bear hunting aids in keeping the exploding bear population in a healthy balance with it’s natural habitat.

One way to be successful at bear hunting is to learn more about bears and hunting tactics. I just happen to have read a good book written by someone who knows a thing or two about the subject. A fellow British Columbian, Justin Ott, has just published a book called “The Black Bear Hunting Encyclopedia” and I was lucky to get a copy to review.

The first unique impression about the book is that it comes with a free complementary DVD that visualises what’s written in the book. This is the first time I have seen a book/ DVD combination and I must admit it is a brilliant idea. Seeing is often very different from just reading and gives a greater understanding

The DVD goes into great detail on how to field dress and skin out a bear. Another segment that I liked very much is the step-by-step procedure of how to prepare and make your own European bear skull mount. These two aspects alone make the DVD well worth having and it will be a great tool for a hunter to refer back to time and again.

The book covers everything a beginning bear hunter needs to know and I am convinced that even advanced and veteran bear hunters will be able to pick a few things up they have never known or need to be reminded of. In 13 chapters the book covers information about the black bear and conservation and then moves on to important things like where and how to find bears. In other chapters different hunting tactics are knowledgably explained. There are sections on hunting bears with rifles and archery equipment. Hunting bears from the ground, over bait, from treestands and stalking bears is all covered in subsequent chapters.

The book provides unbiased information on different gear and products essential for bear hunters. There are even complete checklists for equipment needed in a base camp, a bivouac camp or a day camp. There are check lists specific to bow hunters and rifle hunters.

The book even contains a chapter on how to take a “trophy” picture and ensure a lasting pleasant memory of the event. Another chapter provides information about taking care of the meat and how to store it properly. There are even a few bear meat recipes included.

The only small complaint I have about the DVD is that I would have liked to see more footage on bear behaviour, the various food sources and bear sign. These things are very well covered in the book with pictures, but still it would be good to see it on video too.

The Black Bear Hunting Encyclopaedia is just that; an encyclopedia, covering everything worth knowing about black bears and bear hunting, richly illustrated with photos, lists and charts. Justin Ott has left nothing out and he tells it all in an easy to understand language using professional or hunter jargon only where it is absolutely necessary. Novice bear hunters will appreciate that very much. I know I did.

What makes Justin Ott an expert on bear hunting? How about shooting a bear for himself and then helping three other hunters finding and shooting bears all in one single day for starters. Justin eats, sleeps and I am sure dreams bear hunting. He started hunting bears a few years ago and according to his own admission has been addicted to it ever since. Justin Ott is a man that will go to extraordinary lengths- like renting an airplane to fly over a new hunting area to get a birds eye view of the land and structure before he heads into the area on foot to scout it for weeks. The author hunts bears on foot and from treestands with rifle and bow and is so successful at it that he has been featured in several hunting magazines.

If you have been thinking of taking up black bear hunting or have not quite had the success you wish then you need to read Justin Otts’s “The Black Bear Hunting Encyclopaedia”. For more information or to purchase the book visit Black Bear Hunting.com

I am going to apply some of the things I learned from the book in this years spring bear hunting season and I am convinced it will get me a few giant steps closer to a black bear rug for our living room floor and some fresh organic bear meat in the freezer.

Photo courtesy:
Author portrait: Justin Ott
Product: Othmar Vohringer Product Photography

If you would like to have your product reviewed here read my review policy or contact me.

Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Founding Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit

Tags: Black Bear Hunting Book, Justin Ott, Hunting Book Review, British Columbia

Fish Cops & Game Wardens – A must read for every campfire story lover

© Othmar Vohringer

Bill Otway, multiple award winning outdoor writer and conservationist has just realeased his new book, Fish Cops & Game Wardens. The book provides a unique look and insight into the lives of the dedicated men and women who protect our wildlife resources.

Their work is not always easy and sometimes downright difficult, occasionally even dangerous. It requires impeccable judgment, insight and quick wit. Yet the men and women who embrace the task do so with an ironclad sense of duty and honor. However, there’s also a hilarious, unusual, often compassionate side to their work.

Fish Cops & Game Wardens tells in 72 stories from game wardens, conservation officers and fisheries officers Bill has met and befriended in half a century of involvement in the domain of wildlife and fisheries conservation efforts. The stories in the book are humorous, others make the reader think and still other stories are so hilarious they make you laugh. Whatever the story may be, humorous, thrilling or compassionate, they are all real live experiences and the stuff campfire stories are made of that will be told and retold for generations to come.

Fish Cops & Game Wardens is the ideal book for every hunter and fishers who loves tales and stories. And who dosen't love a good story? When I began reading this book I couldn’t put it down again until I read the last page. Bill’s book is filled with humor, some sadness and the rich history of conservation officers when they were often the only law ensuring the survival of our rich wildlife resources we all share today. The people who read Fish Cops & Game Wardens agree that this book is what they have been waiting for.

So what are you waiting for?

The book is available through my website. To read more reviews and more information about the book and, or to purchase Fish Cops & Game Wardens visit the Othmar Vohringer Outdoors Store.

Othmar Vohringer Outdoors
Founding Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit

Tags: Fish Cops and Game Wardens, New Book, Bill Otway, Campfire Stories, Othmar Vohringer Outdoors

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

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Three new books just in time for the hunting season

© By Othmar Vohringer

I love to read a good book, even more so if the book is about hunting, in the coziness of my home office, sitting in a comfortable chair next to the fireplace. To me this is about as relaxing as it gets.

The last two days I found three books that are just perfect to improve your hunting success this coming hunting season.

The first book is written by fellow blogger Steven Kendus

Hunting The First State
A Guide to Delaware Hunting
By Steven Kendus

Perfectly situated on the eastern seaboard between the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware has proven to be a hunting paradise for local sportsmen. For centuries, outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen have harvested the natural riches offered by the wild game that inhabit Delaware’s deciduous forests, salt and freshwater marshes, and cultivated crop fields. Common game, such as white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and varied species of ducks have been targeted by the majority of Delaware hunters, but woodcock, quail, snow geese, crows, squirrels, and rabbits are also plentiful in Delaware and provide Delaware sportsmen with hours of hunting enjoyment each season. Join Delawarean Steven Kendus as he uses his hunting wisdom, experience, and research to preserve Delaware’s hunting legacy by sharing important history, tactics, locations, tips, and tricks associated with Delaware hunting.

Knowing what a savvy hunter Steven Kendus is I am sure that his tips tricks and strategies have applications in other states and areas, other than Delaware, too.

The next book is one that every experienced and aspiring hunter should own.

Mapping Trophy Bucks
Using Topographic Maps to Find Deer
By Brad Herndon

I have often said in my deer hunting seminars, and will keep saying it until the day I die, that the key to successful deer hunting is studying and knowing the structure of the land. This is especially so on hard hunted public land. Deer travel from fod source to bedding - or to escape hunting pressure – by utilizing the lay of the land and so do the trophy bucks when they chase does.
On 192 pages of Mapping Trophy Bucks author Brad Herndon teaches you how to use topographical maps and wind directions to pinpoint deer travel routes and to place your stands in advance of the deer season. This is likely the best $24.95 a hunter ever will spend.

You can read more about these books on Whitetail Deer Passion (my other blog)


And finally a turkey hunting book that is right up my alley.
I am a self confessed turkey hunting addict with that said it is obvious that I not only hunt turkeys in the traditional spring season but also in the fall and winter, or as I call it The Forgotten Season. It is with turkey hunting enthusiasm that I am announcing today the publishing of a new book.

Fall and Winter Turkey Hunting Handbook
By Steve Hickoff

For the sportsman who thrills at the booming gobble of a spring tom during mating season and wants to extend that exhilarating feeling, Steve Hickoffs Fall and Winter Turkey Hunters Handbook offers the perfect remedy. The fall and winter season not only allows a wider variety of hunting options than the spring, but it also requires different hunting tactics and skills. Hickoff examines fall turkey behavior and vocalizations and provides details on locating, scouting, and calling fall gobblers, with tips for mapping flock patterns and identifying changing flock composition. Includes the little-known strategy of hunting turkeys with dogs, using them to find and flush flocks. The material on firearms, ammunition, and archery tackle will benefit all turkey hunters--fall, winter, or spring.

You can read more about these books on Wild Turkey Fever (my other blog)

Tags: Fall Turkey Hunting, Turkey Hunting Book, Steve Hickoff, Fall and Winter Turkey Hunting Book, Hunting Books, Hunting The First State, Mapping Trophy Books, Steven Kendus, Brad Herndon, Deer+Hunting



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