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Ghost Quiver by Rage

2010-02-08T15:25:29Z

The surprise introduction of the Ghost Quiver by Rage!

]]> SUPERIOR, Wisconsin —The surprise introduction of the extremely lightweight, ultra-low-profile, multi-positional GHOST Quiver at the Archery Trade Association Show last month created a reaction quite the opposite of the silence it promises to bring to the hunting woods. The show was buzzing with talk of the slick new quiver and its deadly quiet Coffin Lock design. Specifically designed to securely hold five Rage-broadhead-tipped arrows, the GHOST is the first purpose-designed quiver to provide the ultimate piece of mind for the ever-growing expandable-broadhead-shooting crowd.

The GHOST Quiver features a faceted skeletal hood and transparent windows for easy viewing of your broadheads. There’s no foam to interfere with your broadheads or trap blade-ruining moisture in this design. Rather, a 2-mm thick aliphatic urethane rubberized interior secures the broadhead tips, keeping the blades sharp and locked at all times. MuffleGrip over-molding on the hood and dual shaft grippers silence sound and deaden vibration, while holding arrow shafts firmly in place and allowing simple and quiet arrow removal.

When mounted, the ultra-low-profile GHOST Quiver adds no more than 2 inches to the width of your bow, providing for easier maneuverability in the woods. Branches and brush stand very little chance of hanging up on the GHOST as you move to and around in your stand. And tipping the scales at a mere 9 ounces, the GHOST is barely noticeable attached to your bow, minimizing its affect on balance.

The new proprietary Coffin Lock cam system securely locks the quiver in place by way of an ingenious coffin-shaped taper on the dovetailed interlock. The genius of this design is that it allows users to safely, quickly and intuitively remove or attach the GHOST Quiver, even in complete darkness. To ensure that this quiver fits everyone’s ideal needs, the GHOST is ambidextrous and offers multi-positional mounting, allowing archers to customize the quiver alignment—up or down, fore or aft, canted or vertical—to best fit their individual preferences.

The Ghost Quiver is Rage-tested and Rage-approved, and it will be available at retailers this spring for $99.99. For more information, visit www.ghostquiver.com.

Finding Shed Antlers

2010-02-08T14:28:52Z

All the fun of deer hunting minus the field dressing and processing

]]> Let me begin with my explanation of me feeling confident enough to tackle this topic in detail. Over the last 13-14 years I have found 300+ sheds. I’m not saying these were all monster antlers there are a considerable amount of small forks and spikes in my collection but that was always confidence that at least a few 1 ½ year olds survived the massacre of gun season’s opening day. But regardless a shed is a shed and they all count towards my total. As for matching sets I have close to ten in my possession. It’s a little more work to find both sides but feels great when you do. The research I’ve done show that most individual deer lose their antlers give or take a minute; 6 minutes apart however I have caught deer on my cameras up to two days later still hanging onto an antler after I have found one side.

Other than sheds I have found many more oddities while out shed hunting ranging from lost equipment(my GPS), to new hunting areas, and maybe the most rewarding is finding a lost kill with a rack. A few years ago I made a poor shot on a deer and pushed him too soon. But as soon as antlers started dropping I was out looking for his sheds hoping he had survived the high and back shot. I slowly looked up and down an electric company easement; an area I had picked up many antlers which was also a south facing slope the bucks liked to use to bed in harsh weather to be out of the punishing north wind. I had found a small forked shed a few hundred yards back- when I looked up into a ceader blow down and seen a tine sticking out of the green. I headed towards it and realized it was sitting oddly and wasn’t a shed at all I reached in and pulled the rack and skull of my lost 150 inch eight point from the brush. I called my local game warden and obtained a “pick up” permit to keep the skull and antlers. Now they adorn my walls as a great European mount. The same year I lost my deer; the neighbors’ six year old granddaughter lost her first buck. I helped track the deer nearly two miles. The deer had bedded several times and it was obvious it had been gut shot with green material showing up in the beds. Her father had been sitting with her when she shot her deer and he described it to be a fairly massive eight point with a narrow spread and decent tine length. About six hours after finding my lost buck I couldn’t believe what I found. There in another ceader blow down roughly two miles from where she shot her deer laid her bucks’ remains. I knew what I had to do no matter how great the antlers I had in my hands were. I called her father and once again the game warden and they met me at the gate to the property and headed to the deer with me. Soon she had the permit for her deer and the game warden couldn’t believe that I had been nice enough to make sure it got to her. That deer is now mounted with a new cape hanging in their house. I don’t count skulls and antlers in my “shed” collection if I did I would be over 400 antlers that is a closet full of bone! This was just to let you know that while shed hunting you have the opportunity to find anything.

Now on to the main topic, shed hunting. The best places to start in my opinion are late season food sources. If you still have feeders out and feeding start there if nothing shows up you might try a concept a close hunting buddy and friend of mine uses he sets up “ shed traps” utilizing a few “T” post and a hog wire panel. Drive the post into the ground to set the panel of wire in a “W” with tight “V’s” in the “W”. Then placing bait inside the “V” areas. when a buck sticks his head in to feed its likely he will bump and jar his antlers lose in the “trap” this works well for him already turning up about a dozen this year.

If you’re lucky enough to live in farm country like I do now while in college; utilize crop fields resist the urge to just jump on your ATV and zoom up and down the rows of old tillage. Slow and steady moving and looking; yields why higher dividends. Corn fields can be frustrating every leaf or stalk will look like a tine, so walk them out slowly row by row. You will realize very quickly this is the only way to find a shed in a corn field. In areas of short vegetation such as winter wheat fields a good set of optics can save lots of leg work if you can positively identify something is or isn’t an antler well that explains itself you don’t have to walk as much. Any soybean field that went un-harvested with beans still hanging is a great food source to check out thoroughly.

After trying food sources your next best bet would be to check out bedding areas and travel corridors. Your boots better be comfortable and tied tight you have some leg work ahead of you. Any where a buck spends a lot of time yields a greater chance of him dropping a piece of head gear in that location. Check out big beds, and trails in and out of them. There are days you won’t find any sheds and some days your hands will be full.
Your next place to check is fence crossings; if the deer go under the fence a buck has a chance of knocking an antler lose on the bottom strand of the fence if they jump the fence the impact of landing on the other side can have enough force to loosen an antler to drop it. I myself have hardly ever found any this way one or two at the most. When you find an antler look closely in the vicinity of the area for the other it is there somewhere or will be in a day or two. A few days ago I found a massive shed that I scored out to seventy-eight inches. I hope to find the other side soon but it’s great to know there is still a big boy living on the lease hopefully I can set a date with him opening day of bow season this coming fall. Good luck to all of you in your searches with this great late winter “hunting season”.

X-Force 850 Pro Crossbow

2010-02-07T17:02:29Z

FLUSHING, Michigan - Carbon Express®, the leading innovator of high performance carbon arrows and hunting equipment is proud to announce the introduction of crossbows and crossbow accessories to its family, with the new X-ForceTM 850 Pro crossbow.

]]> The X-ForceTM 850 Pro features a compact bull-pup trigger design and CNC machined aluminum riser that delivers superior speed and penetration for greater knock down power. With a parallel limb design and fully machined aluminum alloy barrel, the X-Force 850 delivers crossbolt speeds of 350 ft/sec. In addition, the high impact synthetic stock delivers precise shooting in the field. Finally, Carbon Express® keeps safety in mind with an adjustable arrow retaining spring and an ambidextrous safety lever, for safe reliable performance.

The Crossbow Package includes a universal 7/8” weaver style scope mount and 4 x 32 multi-reticle scope with rings and a Husky Pro adjustable angle quiver. The stock is finished in Mossy Oak® Break-Up finish. The X-ForceTM 850 Pro comes complete with (3) 22” Surge arrows, practice points and rail lubricant.

About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high performance carbon arrows and hunting equipment. For more information or customer service visit www.cxcrossbows.com, or call 800.241.4833.

Whitetail Deer Hunting Dynamic

2010-02-05T19:33:47Z

When planning and preparation meet opportunity, is it luck or destiny when it comes to hunting whitetail deer. It’s my opinion that it’s a little bit of both. In my 35 years of hunting whitetail deer I’ve evolved from little or no planning and preparation to where I am today which some would consider over planning and preparation.

]]> My rationale for writing this article is based on my personal experience during the 2009 hunting season and the luck and good fortune that came my way. My season started off not so well. I was inflicted with a tic born virus and a mosquito born bacteria which resulted in me being sedated during the months of September and October. I was admitted to inpatient therapy at the beginning of November for a three week rehabilitation program. You wouldn’t believe it but some of my first thoughts were how I was going to get healthy enough to hunt the rut. Well to make a long story short it wasn’t meant to be and I wasn’t physically able to hunt until the first week of December.

On the 4th of December is where more luck than planning and preparation came my way. I started off the evening hunt going to a hedge row between two fields that I always wanted to hunt. As I walked down the hedge row trying to find a spot where I could shoot either field from the hedgerow should the opportunity present itself. About 100 yards down the hedgerow I jumped 10 deer bedded down. I had the feeling of just blowing the opportunity to successfully hunt this area and decided to relocate. With no planning or preparation for the new location I was heading to, I thought that this afternoon hunt would be more of a scouting trip than a successful hunt. Boy was I wrong.

Deer movement started to pick up after about an hour of setting up against a cedar tree overlooking a winter wheat field. I had about 20 deer, mostly does, some small bucks grazing about 200 yards away. Although it was entertaining it sure didn’t get my blood boiling. As the evening went on deer started popping out all over the place. None within gun range. At five o’clock everything changed and it all happened in a matter of seconds not minutes. I heard crashing through the brush behind me, as I turned two does ran by me at arms length nearly running me over. They didn’t see me and had no idea I was there. It only took about five seconds to figure out why.

Next Mister big came crashing through the brush behind me. He went past me at about two arm lengths. He was herding the does like they were cattle. I started grunting at the buck to make him stop, there was no way I could get my gun up and make a shot as fast as this all was happening. The buck got about fifty yards away and stopped dead in his tracks, he finally acknowledged my grunting. I pulled my 20 guage slug gun to my shoulder and took the shot. He dropped right in his tracks. I couldn’t believe what had just happened in a matter of seconds. There he laid, a 10 point buck with a 21” inside spread that scored just over 150. Not only did I not plan for the hunt that evening, I wasn’t even supposed to be in the area I ended up in. With all this being said I sincerely believe that with all the planning in the world we all could use a little luck now and then when it comes to hunting whitetail deer.

Maxima Hunter Now Available in a 450 Spine

2010-02-03T16:18:33Z

FLUSHING, Michigan - Carbon Express®, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high performance carbon arrows announced today that their popular Maxima® Hunter arrow will be available in the larger 450 shaft size. The new Maxima Hunter 450 shares the same popular built in weight forward technology that has made this line a favorite among serious archers.

]]> Built-in weight forward technology ensures better balance with broadheads for outstanding down-range accuracy and decisive penetration. In addition, patented BuffTuff® and BuffTuff® Plus increases strength and durability and makes the arrows easier to remove from the target. Like all Carbon Express® arrows, straightness and spine consistency are also guaranteed.

“We’ve taken this exciting technology and combined it with the unsurpassed strength and performance Carbon Express is known for,” remarked Executive Vice President, Lennie Rezmer. “The result is heavier more powerful and precise hunting arrow designed to shoot broadheads - one of the finest ever made.”

The Maxima Hunter 450 weighs 9.7 grs/inch, making it ideal for higher poundage bows or shooters looking for a heavier shaft.

About Carbon Express®
Carbon Express®, an Eastman Outdoors Inc. brand, is the leading manufacturer of high performance carbon hunting and target arrows and arrow components for hunters and target shooters. For more information or customer service visit www.carbonexpressarrows.com, or call 800.241.4833.

North Dakota’s Shrinking CRP habitat

2010-02-03T12:11:20Z

While I was born in the ‘70s and remember a few events and places, like the LaMoure Lobos winning the 1976 North Dakota State Class B basketball title after we moved there from Williston, the ‘80s are when most of my vivid memories begin.

]]> But I don’t remember the start of the Conservation Reserve Program, even though I was an avid hunter and angler by that time.

I suppose it’s not so unusual that a teenager wouldn’t pay attention to federal legislation that was mostly set up as a way to reduce soil erosion on the Great Plains, and reduce the amount of cropland, and subsequently the supply of grain, so commodity prices might increase. The land, and landowners, were the primary beneficiaries.

Most everyone involved in the wildlife profession at the time, however, could foresee significant benefits in a program that would turn millions of acres of cropland back to grass

As the ‘80s transitioned into the ‘90s, the CRP started to warrant attention as we started to see more pheasants and more places to hunt them – not just more patches of grass, but their range was starting to expand from traditional terriority into areas previously less productive for pheasants.

In addition, the benefits to landowners were stable income for land which met the criteria for the program. It was and remains a successful program, mutually beneficial to landowners, hunters, and fish and wildlife species.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency statistics, North Dakota CRP acreage peaked in 2007 at 3.4 million acres. A combination of events came together where demand for commodities such as corn increased, commodity prices spiked and land rental rates rose. The gap between CRP rental rates and financial incentives for turning grass back to crop widened.

This occurred at the same time that many CRP contracts were expiring, or new contracts were just getting started. Many landowners who had an opportunity to re-enroll acres decided to put their land back into crop production, while some others cancelled their contracts.

By the end of 2009, North Dakota’s CRP habitat has shrunk to 2.7 million acres and we stand to lose nearly 1.5 million additional acres by the end of 2012 – 261,000 acres in 2010; 389,000 acres in 2011, and 846,000 million acres in 2012. Most of this loss will be from expiring contracts, at a time when few landowners will have an option to renew or extend their contracts.

This is occurring in many other states besides North Dakota. Unless something changes, the 2008 Farm Bill reduces the nationwide CRP allocation from 39.2 million acres to 32 million acres.

These coming losses have been well documented by the pro-CRP supporters, from hunters to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, conservation organizations including Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, and many landowners who emphasize the benefits CRP provides.DU research showed nesting success of some duck species increased 46 percent from 1992 to 1997, adding around 12.4 million ducks to the fall migration.

Similarly, a study showed the nesting success of pheasants in regions of Iowa was 40 percent higher in large blocks of CRP than in smaller areas. Other wildlife like grassland songbirds maybe dip nearly 20 percent if CRP acres are greatly reduced. And those are just the obvious benefits, in addition to the reduction in erosion from wind and water.

At meetings, gas stations and coffee shop conversations a common request is, "why doesn't Game and Fish pick up where CRP left off?”

It’s reasonable question. Consider, however, that USDA has been paying more than $100 million per year for North Dakota CRP, more than three times the Game and Fish Department’s entire annual budget. While many hunters tell me they’d be willing to pay more in license fees if it would help keep something like the CRP on the landscape, I suspect they’re thinking tens of dollars each instead of the hundreds it would take to start to make a difference.

The reality is, the landscape of CRP in North Daktoa is changing, and unless something drastic happens, we'll see even more change ... and less CRP.

Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email: dleier@nd.gov

Two Sunday Hunting Bills Introduced in Maryland

2010-02-02T19:11:03Z

House Bill 245 and House Bill 246 have been introduced in Annapolis. These bills have been assigned to the House Environmental Matters Committee where they await a hearing.

]]> HB245, sponsored by the Allegany County delegation, would authorize a person to hunt turkey in Allegany County on the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, except for Easter Sunday.

HB246, sponsored by both the Allegany County and Garrett County delegations, would allow a person in Allegany County and Garrett County to hunt for deer on private property with a bow and arrow during open season on the last three Sundays in October and the second Sunday in November.

Game populations are at all time highs thanks to hunting as the primary wildlife management tool and leading conservation model. Hunters pump millions of dollars into habitat restoration and are responsible for healthy ecosystems throughout Maryland. Sunday hunting provides biologists, wildlife managers, and sportsmen another tool and opportunity to encourage forest health and lower the odds of wildlife-vehicular accidents in Maryland. Many hunters cannot introduce their children or friends to hunting because Saturday is their only opportunity, and they are competing with the numerous organized sports and activities. Many hunters - be it young or old, novice or experienced - stop hunting because of the lack of opportunity, both in time and accessible land. The addition of an extra day in the field increases a person’s available time to enjoy our hunting heritage.

Sunday hunting will also bring a much-needed economic boost to rural areas. Every day that hunters are in the field, they spend money on gas, food, lodging and the dozens of other incidentals that go along with a day’s hunt. The ripple effect of this spending can have a major impact on a rural town or county. This legislation will clearly help advance and preserve Maryland’s rich hunting traditions, while enhancing biodiversity and wildlife populations.

Please contact the members of the House Environmental Matters Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to pass HB245 and HB246. Contact information can be found below.

Delegate Andrew Serafini (R-2A)
301-858-3447
andrew.serafini@house.state.md.us

Delegate Virginia P. Clagett (D-3A)
301-858-3436
galen.clagett@house.state.md.us

Delegate Paul S. Stull (R-4A)
301-858-3288
paul.stull@house.state.md.us

Delegate Tanya T. Shewell (R-5A)
301-858-3070
tanya.shewell@house.state.md.us

Delegate Michael H. Weir, Jr. (D-6)
410-841-3328
michael.weir@house.state.md.us

Delegate Dana M. Stein (D-11)
410-841-3527
dana.stein@house.state.md.us

Delegate James E. Malone, Jr. (D-12A)
410-841-3378
james.malone@house.state.md.us

Delegate Elizabeth Bobo (D-12B)
410-841-3205
elizabeth.bobo@house.state.md.us

Delegate Alfred C. Carr, Jr. (D-18)
410-841-3638
alfred.carr@house.state.md.us

Delegate Tom Hucker (D-20)
410-841-3474
tom.hucker@house.state.md.us

Delegate Barbara Frush (D-21)
301-858-3114
barbara.frush@house.state.md.us

Delegate Anne Healey (D-22)
301-858-3961
anne.healey@house.state.md.us

Delegate Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. (D-23B)
301-858-3310
marvin.holmes@house.state.md.us

Delegate Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-29C)
301-858-3314
anthony.odonnell@house.state.md.us

Delegate Pamela G. Beidle (D-32)
410-841-3370
pamela.beidle@house.state.md.us

Delegate H. Wayne Norman (R-35A)
410-841-3284
wayne.norman@house.state.md.us

Delegate Richard A. Sossi (R-36)
410-841-3543
richard.sossi@house.state.md.us

Delegate Rudolph C. Cane (D-37A)
410-841-3427
rudolph.cane@house.state.md.us

Delegate Saqib Ali (D-39)
410-841-3021
saqib.ali@house.state.md.us

Delegate Stephen W. Lafferty (D-42)
410-841-3487
stephen.lafferty@house.state.md.us

Delegate Maggie McIntosh (D-43)
410-841-3990
maggie.mcintosh@house.state.md.us

Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn (D-45)
410-841-3257
cheryl.glenn@house.state.md.us

Delegate Doyle L. Niemann (D-47)
301-858-3326
doyle.niemann@house.state.md.us

Shed Hunting… When and Where…?

2010-02-02T14:38:38Z

The hunting season is over for most of us and if that leaves a sick feeling in your stomach then “shed hunting season” might be just what the doctor ordered. Shed hunting is an important part of year round scouting that any serious hunter should employ. And who doesn’t love antlers, especially big ones! Every antler you’ve seen this year is out there (or soon will be) just lying in the leaves waiting to be found!

]]> Finding shed antlers gives you a great jumpstart on next years hunting season. It will give you confirmation of which bucks survived the hunting season which is always good. It will also give you some insight into how many mature bucks might be living on your farm and how many you might have next year.

Searching for sheds also gives great insight into where these mature bucks go when hunting pressure hits the woods and where the late season food sources might be. This information can help you make educated late season moves that might fill your tag long after the rut is over.

Shed antlers aren’t always easy to find but there are a couple ways to increase your odds. Use your trail cameras to figure out when the antlers are dropping. If a buck is still carrying around his rack, then you won’t be able to find it lying on the ground, simple enough. All bucks don’t lose their antlers the same week, but by monitoring trail cameras you can get a feel for when the bucks start to drop their antlers. When you start to see bucks with half of a rack or no rack at all, it’s time to put on your hiking boots.

Start with the food sources. Fields where deer are feeding can be a quick and easy place to find sheds. Look often, as I said all bucks don’t shed the same day so you might find nothing one day and a matching set of a monster the next. Another great place to find sheds is bedding areas. This time of year, bucks are feeding and sleeping and not much else. So there is a good chance they have dropped their antlers at one place or the other. We have had quite a bit of snow this year so south facing hillsides could also yield some great results as bucks will be using those areas to stay warm and out of deeper snow. Keep in mind, bucks like to bed in blown down trees. This isn’t the easiest place to look, but if you’re in a bedding area it might be worth a good look around a big blow down, you never know what you might find.

Keep looking! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone out and not found a single shed, then the next time I find three or four. Some days are better then others and some areas are better then others, it’s just like hunting. Stick with it and you’ll surely find what you’re looking for...

“Hang-On Buddy” Treestand Mounting System

2010-02-01T22:55:23Z

Fogelsville, Pa.,– Predator Innovation, LLC formally introduced its unique treestand hanging system, the Hang-On Buddy, to the hunting community. It allows hunters to more safely hang treestands with less effort while maximizing the use and versatility of their current treestands.

]]> This product offers unique benefits to hunters as the first universal treestand hanging system on the market. Use of the Hang-On Buddy reduces the awkward and challenging task of attaching the treestand. A mounting system eases the burden for hunters while in the tree, thus reducing the risk associated with elevated hunting. According to Predator Innovations’ founders Robert L. Ehrig and Jason K. Werkheiser, three years of development and testing has yielded a lightweight mounting bracket that can be used without any structural alterations to the treestand.

The Hang-On buddy far exceeds the weight limitations of all of the hang-on treestands on the market. Reputable manufacturers like Predator Innovations use independent testing firms to validate the structural integrity of their designs.

Prior to the invention of the Hang-On Buddy hunters would either purchase multiple treestands or constantly re-mount them as they change their hunting location. Now, hunters can position several Hang-On Buddy mounting bases and easily move from place to place. “At the Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza,” said Werkheiser, “I was surprised at how universally hunters praised the fact that they can buy relatively inexpensive light weight mounting bases and have just one great treestand to move from base to base. Not to mention taking their treestand out of the woods with them and preventing theft.”

About the Hang-on-Buddy
The lightweight Hang-On Buddy mounting base is hung in the tree in advance of hoisting up the treestand. Hooks are attached to a hunter’s existing hang/lock-on style treestand that mate with the mounting base in the tree. The Hang-On Buddy fits almost any hang/lock-on style tree stand on the market. The Hang-On Buddy is available for purchase through their website or authorized dealer.

About Predator Innovations
Founded July 4th, 2009 by two whitetail hunters in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, Predator Innovations, LLC is dedicated to providing outdoor solutions that just plain work.

For additional information about the Hang-On Buddy, visit www.HangOnBuddy.com or call 1-877-831-1525. For interviews with Jason Werkheiser and Robert Ehrig contact Jason via his cell phone at 610 509 2145 or e-mail J@PredatorInnovations.com.

Ultra-light 2 Hub Undercover FX2 Blind

2010-02-01T14:16:34Z

FLUSHING, Michigan – Gorilla® Gear, a premium producer of hunting blinds and accessories announces the introduction of a new ultra-light 2 hub blind – the Undercover™ FX2. At only 12 lbs, this blind offers superior concealment, portability and quick set-up for virtually every hunting situation.

]]> “We know hunters want to increase the amount of time they hunt and decrease time setting up, with the FX2, a hunter can be settled and in the blind quickly. At only 12 lbs, this blind is perfect for run-n-gun hunting situations,” stated Stephen Graham, the company’s Director of Marketing.

This highly portable 2 hub blind sets up quickly and offer a spacious interior perfect for the gun, crossbow, or compound bow hunter. It features a generous 76” x 62” base, 72” height, and a large 37”x 23” primary front shooting window. Featuring a total of five spacious shooting windows, the FX2 is constructed with whisper quiet 300 D fabric and utilizes Gorilla’s DurahubTM system for 4 times the strength and durability of other competitive hubs blinds.

Mossy Oak® Break-up™exterior and ShadowBlockerTM interior provide superior concealment. Portability of this ultra-light 12 lb. blind is made even easier with a backpack style carrying bag.

About Gorilla® Gear
Gorilla® Gear, an Eastman Outdoors Inc. brand, is a leading manufacturer of quality hunting equipment and accessories designed to deliver a great day in the field. Gorilla® Gear products are available throughout North America at leading retailers and hunting specialty stores. For more information about Gorilla® Gear contact customer service at (810) 733-6360 or visit www.gorillablinds.com

Hunter Palooza 2009 Thank You Letter

2010-01-28T15:47:04Z

Thank You letter from Famers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the Hunter Palooza and HuntOnly.com donation of over $5,000....

]]> Thanks from FHFH:

On behalf of the Southern Maryland chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to HuntOnly.com for your generous contributions to the hungry in Southern Maryland. The donation of $5,260, along with the all the deer donated, will feed thousands within the community. This year, with the assistance of your contribution, we have been able to process over 700 deer. This is an increase of almost 200 deer over last year’s numbers. During these tough economic times, it is a blessing to have organizations such as yours supporting our communities. I would like to commend all of those who have supported your organization and helped to assist us in providing numerous meals to the hungry with Southern Maryland.

It has been my pleasure to work with you and those within your organization over the past hunting season. I look forward continuing our partnership in bringing more meals to those in need within our communities. Thanks again and may God bless you and your organization.

Sincerely;

Steven White
Co-Coordinator Southern Maryland FHFH
southernmdfhfh@yahoo.com

2010 Whitetail Season Begins with Shed Hunting

2010-01-28T12:03:46Z

The season has ended here in Illinois, but it's not to early to begin planning for next year. Now is the time to scour your hunting areas adjust for next year. One of the best ways to being preparing is shed hunting.

]]> I usually begin my search for bone in late February. The last two years during this time period, nearly all of the bucks have dropped their antlers. There may still be a few carrying, but the majoriy are there for the taking. If you wait much longer, the rodents might beat you to them.

Most of the sheds I find are in or around bedding areas. Not only does exploring these areas give you an opportunity to find antlers, but also to better learn how these areas are utilized. You should have learned the bedding areas during the prior hunting season and may even stumble into a few new ones during your expedition. Learning where these areas are will help you find travel corridors that lead to feeding areas. You can also find the most well used trails entering and exiting bedding areas that are great morning spots.

Another area to look is feeding areas. Whitetails spend much of their time feeding during the late winter which coincides with the dropping of antlers. The problem with many of these areas is the size. It's very time consuming to search a 40 acre field for a few shed antlers. In these areas I like to bring a hanful of people along or use a four-wheeler to help cover the ground more quickly.

Other places to check out are fence and creek crossings. In these areas bucks often lose their antler due to the force of jumping or landing. You should have a good idea of some well used fence and creek crossings and these are great places to check.

When I find one side, I like to start walking small circles around the area. After each pass, I'll expand out another 10-15 yards in search for the match. Often, but not always, bucks will drop both antlers near each other. If you have some friend along, fan out and comb the area much like searching for a deer that the blood trail has disappeared on.

Another great aspect of shed hunting is being able to see sign left the past season. Much of the sign is only a couple months old and none of the foliage is back yet. This allows you to see rub and scrape lines that you might have missed during the season. Don't think you know everything about the property you hunt either. Food sources and deer patterns change from year to year. It's great to try and keep up with what is going on in your whitetail woods.

By finding sheds and piecing sign left behind, you have a great start on the quickly approaching season. Combine this information with trail camera and stand sighting data and you pieces of the puzzle are there for you to figure out. Now is the time to gather this information!

New Triloc Pro Broadhead by Carbon Express

2010-01-28T11:59:16Z

New Triloc® Pro Broadhead Features Innovative Locking Blades

]]> Flushing, Michigan – Carbon Express®, a leader in arrow technology and innovation is adding another broadhead to its growing family with the Triloc® Pro. The Triloc Pro features a 3 point locking system that guarantees no blade loss will occur when you take your shot at that trophy buck.

The three blade Triloc® Pro features a 1 1/8 inch cutting diameter with .031” thick blades. With a unique 3 point locking system, the Triloc Pro blades lock securely into the ferrule for guaranteed blade retention. Available in 100 gr., the Triloc® Pro has a suggested retail of $29.95

Lorpen Introduces Hunt Sock Collection featuring Stop Technology

2010-01-27T15:48:42Z

Instead of Masking Odors, Lorpen Has Pioneered a Way to Transform Foot Odors Into Odorless Compounds to Assist Hunters in The Field

]]> Toronto, Canada (October 26, 2009) – Lorpen, a leading designer of high performance socks for outdoor enthusiasts, is introducing a new Stalker Hunting Sock Collection that offers a revolutionary new technology known as STOP that will virtually eliminate foot odor for hunters in the field. The Lorpen Stalker Hunt Collection will be available in spring 2010 at major retailers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as online at Amazon.com and FootSmart.com.

STOP Odor Fibers (technically known as Deocell®) work as a result of a chemical reaction that breaks down the molecules and transforms the odor substance (sweat) into a smell free compound. As a result, the smell is not just blocked, but transformed and eliminated.

Unlike other odor-blocking socks and garments, washing Lorpen’s STOP socks will not compromise the effectiveness of the sock. The Lorpen socks can be worn and washed up to 100 times without wearing out (whereas competitive socks start losing their effectiveness after 30 to 40 washes).

“We believe that the new Lorpen Hunt Socks will provide hunters with a unique advantage in the field and that these socks will become a crucial part of any hunter’s gear,” said Colin Sanders, VP of sales and marketing at Lorpen North America. “After hours and hours of waiting in the cold, wet snow for the perfect shot, the last thing a hunter wants is to have his opportunity spoiled by the buck sensing his presence through foot odor. Lorpen socks will help make the wait worth while and more comfortable. Comfort and performance are the guiding principles for all our sock designs and our STOP Technology is going to make hunter’s feet less odiferous and more comfortable so they can bring home their prize at the end of the day.”

The construction of the STOP Hunt socks involves a variety of both synthetic and natural yarns that provide optimum performance and comfort. The inner-most layer of the sock that touches the skin is made of the STOP Deocell fibers. The middle layer is knitted with Merino Wool for warmth and insulation while also providing excellent moisture management properties to keep the foot dry and comfortable. The outer layer features Nylon that gives the sock durability and resists wear and resistance over time.

Lorpen’s STOP Technology will be available in the Stalker Collection for the 2010 hunting season.

Stalker Collection – These STOP Technology Hunt socks come in series of heights including:
• “Skinny Jim” Liner is a mid-calf liner that provides a great base layer for the foot and is made of 40% Deocell, 25% Merino, 25% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in a Charcoal color and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $14.99 USD
• Stalker Crew is a crew sock with heavy cushioning and is made of 40% Deocell, 40% Merino, 10% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in a Deep Forest color and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Stalker High is an over-calf, heavily cushioned sock that is made of 35% Deocell, 45% Merino, 10% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in a Deep Forest color and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $29.99 USD
• Stalker Anti Cold System is a mid-calf sock system that includes the “Skinny Jim” liner as well as a heavily cushioned outer sock that is made of 75% Merino, 15% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in a Charcoal color and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $34.99 USD

Merino Collection: Lorpen has a variety of hunting socks in the 2010 collection that do not feature STOP Technology, but are excellent hunting socks made with the naturally anti-microbial, fast drying Merino Wool. These include:
• Hunting Heavy Weight is available both as a mid-calf or over-calf sock with heavy cushioning and is made of 75% Merino, 15% Nylon and 10% Lyrca. It is available in brown or anthracite/green. Sizes are M, L and XL. MSRP: $17.99 USD for mid-calf; $21.99 USD for over-calf
• Cold Weather System Socks feature both a liner and an outer sock that provides warmth and comfort during the hunting season. The over-calf liner is made of 75% Merino, 15% Nylon and 10% Lycra; the over-calf outer sock has moderate cushioning and is made of 37.5% Merino, 37.5% Acrylic, 15% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in Grey and Conifer colors and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $21.99 USD

PrimaLoft Collection: Lorpen’s PrimaLoft Hunting socks provide excellent insulation against the cold.
• Hunting Heavy is available as a mid-calf or over-calf design, is heavily cushioned and is made of 75% PrimaLoft yarn, 14% Nylon and 10% Lycra. Available in a Forest Shade color and sizes include: M, L and XL. MSRP: $18.99 USD for mid-calf; $21.99 USD for over-calf

About Lorpen
Founded in 1985, Lorpen is based in Etxalar, Spain, located at the base of the Pyrenees. Lorpen has been selling performance socks in the U.S. since 2004 and Canada since 2001. Lorpen’s philosophy is that comfort is the guiding principle to everything they do, and as such, creates high performance socks for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Lorpen socks are now available in 55 different countries around the world, including a variety of independent and major retailers across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, go to www.lorpen.com.

Coyote numbers are higher than they were 30 years ago

2010-01-27T12:41:34Z

In the early 1980s trapping fox, coyotes, badgers, muskrat and a bonus mink did more than just pay for gas. Fur prices were strong and fox outnumbered coyotes to the point where a coyote pelt brought a nice reward, and the intense hunting and trapping effort helped keep numbers in check as well.

]]> My dad was one of those guys who jumped in his old blue Ford and ran a trap line every night after work. I often tagged along, as I never knew what the 20 or so traps would hold. A coyote was a prize, a raccoon showed up once in awhile, and the occasional skunk was a necessary evil, but it was all part of the trap line.
And that was part of the draw – similar to just about any hunting or fishing outing for that matter – you just never knew what might lie around the next bend.

I can count on one hand, maybe two, the number of trappers I know who are keeping the heritage alive. But where trapping with the dedication required for checking a trapline daily has fallen off, a lot of it because of a depressed fur market and high price for gas, I know many others who have joined the ranks of predator hunters. Whether it’s with calls, or by spotting and stalking, predator hunting has become much more popular than it once was.
Part of that has to do with opportunity, as coyote numbers are higher than they were 30 years ago, and their primary range has expanded. While the state’s coyote population has grown, the fox population is smaller, partly because of the presence of mange, and partly because coyotes don’t like fox and force them out of their territories.
With the rising popularity of predator hunting in North Dakota, there are also a few reminders, ethical and legal, that need to be considered in the realm of enhancing landowner-hunter relations.

I'd venture that many landowners would welcome coyote or fox hunters who ask permission for walking or snowshoeing access. As with all types of hunting, however, there’s no guarantee.

Don't forget that with the excessive early snow and drifts around the rural areas, some posted signs are snowed in and it's better to seek out permission in most cases, rather than assuming land is not posted.

While I'm on the subject of “posted” signs, I've taken a few calls from landowners asking for a reminder that “no trespassing” isn't exclusive to hunting. “No trespassing” is all-inclusive, on foot, snowmobile, ATV or other form of transportation. No matter what the activity, if land is posted the landowner wants people to ask before the enter.
When it comes to furbearer hunting and snowmobiles, it's illegal to chase and harass wildlife. Anyone who witnesses such activity should report it immediately.

One last legal reminder for predator hunting – the use of spotlights, the same as for viewing big game at night. While night hunting for predators is legal during the winter, you must be on foot, and you can’t use a spotlight. So, use the spotlight for finding calves or lost pets, and when you set out to call fox and coyotes at night, leave the light at home or and bring the snowshoes along.

While my participation as a predator hunting isn't on the same level as many other active coyote or fox caller, I still enjoy strapping on the snowshoes and hiking across the in pursuit of fox, coyotes … or rabbits. You never know what you might find when you spend the day on the other side of the window.

Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email:dleier@nd.gov