Well, the new year has begun, and I am in no way looking forward to it. The only reason is because it started out so shaky.
Setting the scene, I had the worst night of sleep in ages and once I woke up at 3:30 am for a morning duck hunt my truck battery had died. What a way to ring in the new year. We get out to the spot and realize that it is too muddy to drive right up to so we have to hike in at least a mile.
If you've ever been duck hunting you understand the amount of gear that has to hauled in. Two dozen decoys, blind bag, shotgun and layout blinds. Add to this the bulky waders and you have yourself one gruesome hike.
We did all this work and only shot three ducks. I fired one shot and began realizing why I love deer hunting so much. I like duck hunting, but it really doesn't seem to fit me that well. I enjoy the chase and focus of one animal. I can count on having an opportunity to hunt anywhere I want. I may have to hike in a couple mile, but I know just sitting there is worth every bit. When I am hunched in some shore blind or laying in a layout it doesn't feel the same.
Once I return from the Dallas Safari Club show in Texas I am going to hit the deer woods at least one more time. That is one of my resolutions this year. It may be the last time I get on property that my grandfather owned so I want to make the most of it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Uncharted Guide Territory
This holiday season has been quite a bit different than most. Sure, I have my traditional one egg nog night cap, but we decided to take the family to the beach for the Christmas season.
After 4 nights on the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, we arrived in Oklahoma met with blustery winds - not exactly sandal-wearing weather. I had to go try out the local fishery, which is water so unbelievably blue words can't express.
During my morning run I opted to forgo the treadmill and jog down to the marina to stir up some leads on bonefishing guides. I was referred to a Mr. Barr Gardiner with Bonefish Unlimited. What a trip. I hooked into some great fish and had an unbelievable time.
He was always there to give me guidance and was cheaper than the resort guides. Unless you know what you are doing when bonefishing, I highly suggest selecting a reputable guide. Barr had 34 years of experience so he had that portion covered.
Timing was really good for us since the water was cooler in the mornings, so bonefish sightings were pretty good. The boat rid alone was worth the $500 two of us spent trying to land one of these fish. Barr talked us through the paces and before you knew it we were landing fish. If you are planning a trip to a resort don't forget the local guides.
Even though it may be a bit more convenient to just book through the resort doesn't mean it is the best option. I am sure the guides through the resort are great. It just didn't meet what I was looking for. Sometimes a little footwork will pay off in the end.
After 4 nights on the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, we arrived in Oklahoma met with blustery winds - not exactly sandal-wearing weather. I had to go try out the local fishery, which is water so unbelievably blue words can't express.
During my morning run I opted to forgo the treadmill and jog down to the marina to stir up some leads on bonefishing guides. I was referred to a Mr. Barr Gardiner with Bonefish Unlimited. What a trip. I hooked into some great fish and had an unbelievable time.
He was always there to give me guidance and was cheaper than the resort guides. Unless you know what you are doing when bonefishing, I highly suggest selecting a reputable guide. Barr had 34 years of experience so he had that portion covered.
Timing was really good for us since the water was cooler in the mornings, so bonefish sightings were pretty good. The boat rid alone was worth the $500 two of us spent trying to land one of these fish. Barr talked us through the paces and before you knew it we were landing fish. If you are planning a trip to a resort don't forget the local guides.
Even though it may be a bit more convenient to just book through the resort doesn't mean it is the best option. I am sure the guides through the resort are great. It just didn't meet what I was looking for. Sometimes a little footwork will pay off in the end.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Essentials for Every Man
I can remember throughout my life and the men that influenced who I am today. Each of them had their own way about them, but each of them had a few common threads. There are few things in this world that I could say every man needs to have. These men possessed each item listed below. Here are a few thoughts that are must for dudes everywhere.
1) Knife - This is a must for any guy out there. There is nothing like a good blade that can cut through anything. Whether it is duct tape or opening boxes, a good knife should be at the top of any list. I carry a Katz knife and it is possibly the finest knife I've every owned.
2) Hammer - A quality hammer can fix anything. Just ask the countless houses built that provide shelter. It can serve as a spider killer and it even helps you when you make mistakes, pulling out the crooked nails hammered.
3) Cologne - There isn't a man out there that doesn't deserve this. Typically, this is picked out by number 4, but I encourage all men to pick out there own scent. A little input is welcomed, but you've got to be your own cat.
4) Good Woman - This is the most important. My granddads and dad had the support and care of great women. Without these women nothing would get done around the house. Never underestimate the value of a good woman.
5) One good Shirt - I love this one. I have one shirt that I can relax in to my fullest. It is tattered and beaten up through years of use, but the stains on it mean something and the soft feel is relaxing. Keep these in mind and you are on the way to mandom. If you don't have these France is calling.
1) Knife - This is a must for any guy out there. There is nothing like a good blade that can cut through anything. Whether it is duct tape or opening boxes, a good knife should be at the top of any list. I carry a Katz knife and it is possibly the finest knife I've every owned.
2) Hammer - A quality hammer can fix anything. Just ask the countless houses built that provide shelter. It can serve as a spider killer and it even helps you when you make mistakes, pulling out the crooked nails hammered.
3) Cologne - There isn't a man out there that doesn't deserve this. Typically, this is picked out by number 4, but I encourage all men to pick out there own scent. A little input is welcomed, but you've got to be your own cat.
4) Good Woman - This is the most important. My granddads and dad had the support and care of great women. Without these women nothing would get done around the house. Never underestimate the value of a good woman.
5) One good Shirt - I love this one. I have one shirt that I can relax in to my fullest. It is tattered and beaten up through years of use, but the stains on it mean something and the soft feel is relaxing. Keep these in mind and you are on the way to mandom. If you don't have these France is calling.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
FoxPro Spitfire
Okay, all calls are not created equal. I've had quite a few calls, but none compare to what FoxPro has done with their calls. Get this, I don't even own one - yet.
I've been out with a great friend of mine three times now, calling coyotes and he owns a FoxPro Spitfire. I can honestly say it was a great investment on his part. He owns one because a few hunts he's been on used the Spitfire.
I would say it calls in three to one yotes per set. I have no idea if it is the quality of sounds produced or it is just the speakers, but FoxPro makes the best predator calls on the market.
Well, I've ordered a Fury2 from the great folks at FoxPro. I can't wait to get my hands on the Fury2. The first stop for the Fury2 will be to Hollis, Okla. I have a coyote problem that needs to be taken care of, and the Fury2 is right for the job.
It comes with 100 preset calls and more features than I can type out.
I've been out with a great friend of mine three times now, calling coyotes and he owns a FoxPro Spitfire. I can honestly say it was a great investment on his part. He owns one because a few hunts he's been on used the Spitfire.
I would say it calls in three to one yotes per set. I have no idea if it is the quality of sounds produced or it is just the speakers, but FoxPro makes the best predator calls on the market.
Well, I've ordered a Fury2 from the great folks at FoxPro. I can't wait to get my hands on the Fury2. The first stop for the Fury2 will be to Hollis, Okla. I have a coyote problem that needs to be taken care of, and the Fury2 is right for the job.
It comes with 100 preset calls and more features than I can type out.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Hunter's Rut
Hunter's suffer from rut. They dig themselves into a never-ending routine that limits success. Something will always be moving and hunters just need to get out there to experience. Sure, there will be bucks on lockdown, but that doesn't mean every single buck will do the same.
Each time I've gone out this year, I've noticed deer in virtually all stages of the rutting process. I've seen quality bucks with a single doe while other mature deer have been in full chase mode. For me, this is when hunters need to experience multiple all-day sits. We tend to forget is those all day sits that most hunters aren't willing to do.
Just because action may cease at 9 o'clock doesn't mean deer won't be back on their feet moving at 12. It baffles me when hunters get in more of a routine than the deer do.
Go sit in the stand for a bit, get out, go eat lunch, take a nap and finish out the evening hunt. Same thing every time. Deer can pattern hunters just as much as we pattern them. The day I shot my buck this year came on an all day sit. Was there action all day - no, but there was decent movement at points in the day when most hunting was not taking place.
Mix it up during the season for a change. I think you will be surprised what you see and how much success you will have in the end.
Each time I've gone out this year, I've noticed deer in virtually all stages of the rutting process. I've seen quality bucks with a single doe while other mature deer have been in full chase mode. For me, this is when hunters need to experience multiple all-day sits. We tend to forget is those all day sits that most hunters aren't willing to do.
Just because action may cease at 9 o'clock doesn't mean deer won't be back on their feet moving at 12. It baffles me when hunters get in more of a routine than the deer do.
Go sit in the stand for a bit, get out, go eat lunch, take a nap and finish out the evening hunt. Same thing every time. Deer can pattern hunters just as much as we pattern them. The day I shot my buck this year came on an all day sit. Was there action all day - no, but there was decent movement at points in the day when most hunting was not taking place.Mix it up during the season for a change. I think you will be surprised what you see and how much success you will have in the end.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Worth the Wait
Now this is the post that I can write with a relaxing tone. I've waited to post this since the start of deer season.
I have finally put a tag on a great nine point that has been all over the trail cameras that I've put out. This is one of the only deer that I've put glass to the night before a hunt and taken the very next day. He is the one I set out to get, put a plan together and completed the goal. I love it when a plan comes together like this. he delayed his entry into the field a bit, but I was happy to wait.
It is also pretty cool that I completed an all day sit to get on him. I knew if I didn't get in early there was no shot at this deer. Their bedding area was within 130 yards of where I sat so I crept in early and sat, waiting for this guy to step out.
I forgot one major tip that I wrote about, which made the hunt more difficult. Pack a lunch. I don't think I've ever eaten that much at dinner ever before. I think I about starved waiting on this guy. Here are some photos we took of him and a before picture. What a great animal. Now, it is time to relax a bit more.
I have finally put a tag on a great nine point that has been all over the trail cameras that I've put out. This is one of the only deer that I've put glass to the night before a hunt and taken the very next day. He is the one I set out to get, put a plan together and completed the goal. I love it when a plan comes together like this. he delayed his entry into the field a bit, but I was happy to wait.
It is also pretty cool that I completed an all day sit to get on him. I knew if I didn't get in early there was no shot at this deer. Their bedding area was within 130 yards of where I sat so I crept in early and sat, waiting for this guy to step out.
I forgot one major tip that I wrote about, which made the hunt more difficult. Pack a lunch. I don't think I've ever eaten that much at dinner ever before. I think I about starved waiting on this guy. Here are some photos we took of him and a before picture. What a great animal. Now, it is time to relax a bit more.
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