Gearing Up - Classic Style

The Bassmaster Classic is by far the the premier fishing event of the year. The who's who among the fishing elite will be in attendance. It is the biggest show on the fishing planet. I am busy gearing up to attend the illustrious event and look forward to seeing a bunch of friends.

Another great advantage is it is in my home state of Oklahoma. Here are a few things I'd be doing if I was fishing on the biggest stage of bass fishing.

1) Soak it up - It isn't every day I would get to fish on this level.
2) Target pre-swawn fish - I'd be throwing a HAVOC The Jerk on a Petey Rig.
3) Bundle up - The weather this time of year you never know what Oklahoma will have in store
4) Pick Great intro music - These guys get to pick their music when introduced on stage to weigh fish. I'm pretty sure I would choose some Johnny Cash, AC/DC, fun., Metallica or Two Door Cinema Club
5) Never Give Up - These words were spoken infamously by Mike Iaconelli during his 2004 Bassmaster Classic win. This is by far the best advice one could give when fishing or in daily life.

A new year

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.

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.

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.

Photo Post

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.

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.

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.

Must Have Rut Gear

There are few things I ever leave home without when hunting season hits, but when the rut hits here is what I reach for.

Grunt Tube - There isn't anything better than seeing a buck and giving him little grunt. He then walks in, giving you the perfect shot. I don't settle on one single grunt tube. I like to have at least three with me at all times during the rut.

Rattling Horns - I like the real ones. There is just something about banging a real set around instead of some factory sticks.

Trails End #307 - This doe scent is really good all year round, but when pulled out during the rut it seems to work brilliantly. I've also used Special Golden Estrus, which is really useful. It is always a good idea to use a drag on the way to the stand. Once you get near the stand, make a big circle around the stand. This will cause the buck trailing your scent around your stand, giving you multiple shot opportunities.

Lunch - You might as well get settled in because it is going to be a long sit. The best part of rut means action can come at any moment.

Patience - I really think this one is overlooked. Just because it is the rut doesn't mean there will be hundreds of bucks running by the stand every second of the day. Get in early and get out late, but don't forget the side of patience.

A Ducking I Go!

Every once in a while it is great to just get out and break up the deer hunting by heading to public ground for a duck hunt.

The birds were flying high, but we were able to score on some greenheads. Our set up was really working for us, but I think we had a little help from the hunters across the pond. They simply wouldn't put the duck calls down and every duck that came their way split town for our water.

I love it when I don't have to pick up a duck call to shoot ducks. You know you are doing something right when you hunt a bad wind and still kill some ducks. With some new layout blinds working this year, we should kill more ducks than any other year on record. This will be one great ducks season.

Now, back to deer hunting this afternoon on public land near home.

NFHF - V6

Here it is. I am pleased to announce that no deer were harmed during the shaving. That is correct. I have not taken a buck, and I am good with that. It just wasn't fun any more. The reason I hunt is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors, but the beard was just a constant reminder about the pressure that hunting was bringing.

On this mornings run, I saw a couple does so they are moving a bit later and at least I am seeing movement during the day.

A Hunter's iPhone Review

What a great tool that renders me absolutely useless in the stand. There are so many useful features and apps that one can acquire for the iPhone, but all-in-all it has made us worse hunters.

The stories are endless of hunters missing opportunities because they were on their cell phones, checking scores, reading facebook or texting folks. What a tragedy that we have been blessed with. A completely great tool that is hurting a hunters ability to learn the hunt and enjoy the chase.

I've already counted multiple times that I've missed deer activity because I have been nose deep in a soccer game or a game of solitary. It seems that I am losing my edge when it comes to picking up on the little things. Like a bird's alert to incoming animals or the passing of a car that triggers instant action right in front of me.

The good things is that the iPhone is great to track weather patterns, and if an accident does occur you have access to help. There is another cool little app that you can track your sightings, deer herd management and weather on an app called ScoutLook. I've played around with this thing and have to admit it is really useful. I've also got a GPS Kit that really has been useful when trying to make it to the stand in pitch dark, but for all its great attributes the iPhone hasn't allowed me to become a more alert and knowledgeable hunter.

The iPhone has hampered what used to be an experience of just being in the great outdoors enjoying nature. I cut my teeth learning how to hunt without the iPhone so I know I can sit in one spot without technology impeding on my sit.

Think about how many great hunters came before us and they had no sense of cell phones. Look at the great bowhunters like Fred Bear, Howard Hill, Chuck Adams and Bob Foulkrod. They got the job down by using knowledge-based skills learned from time in the field not time on the net. These are legends. Guys that didn't take the net into the field with them and neither should our hunting generation.

I am going to attempt to put the phone away and just get back to hunting. No more texts to see how other hunters are doing. I am focusing on my hunt and what has been provided for me to enjoy.

Long live the hunt!

Rut Report - SW Oklahoma

It seems we are edging closer to the chase phase of the rut in SW Oklahoma. I've witnessed some smaller buck bumping does and just being annoying toward the females.

Other than that, there has not been a bunch of activity. I don't know what it is about this year, but things seems slower. The weather has been unseasonably warm and mornings lows haven't even dipped close to freezing.

It has been a long year in more than one way. It is the slow movement by deer and just not seeing much of anything unless it is at night.

I've got a great iPhone, as it pertains to hunters, report coming Wednesday. Stay tuned for an in depth look at a deer hunters best/worst enemy.

FHF - V5

Well, here it is folks. The fifth version of FHF, and I am not pleased for you all to see there is still a growth on my face. I know eventually it will come off, but overall I believe this has taught me one thing. Don't make deals that you really don't want to pay through. Let this be a lesson to us all. If you can't pay up don't agree to anything. It does look like hunting has made me quite grumpy, but I assure you it is just the beard.

The Halloween Post

Well, since everyone is doing it I suppose I should post an obligatory Halloween post. I think I'll put the old Hunting twist to it though.

I know in the midwest guys can't wait till Halloween because it means the rut is in full swing and guys are popping big deer left and right. Not here in the south. Bucks are just now trailing off from the dudes and some little guys are being the pesky annoyance to the ladies.

So how does a guys shoot a deer in the south on Halloween? It's simple, throw a party and play Buck Hunter and you should score on some pretty nice animals. All kidding aside, with temps in the mid 80s during the day and a full rutting moon in the sky, bucks aren't out for very long in the mornings and evenings.

As a hunter utilize the food to bed hunting technique. Sit in an area where there is food on one side and bedding cover on the other side. In the mornings sit closer to the cover and in the evenings sit closer to the food. Make sure you aren't sitting on the food because bucks are coming out with very little light left so getting a shot on a food source is unlikely.

Halloween to some hunters is a day that is a can't miss hunting opportunity, but down south I'll take this moment to walk around the neighborhood with my family, know there are simply better days ahead to be in the stand.

And here is a spooky picture for all to enjoy.

Facial Hair Friday - V4

I am officially over this thing on my face. It has to end this weekend. The growth has gotten to a fevered pitch, and if this continues I might go insane.

Under Armour Ridge Reaper Camo

I've worn a bunch of camouflage over the past 20+ years of hunting, and some have been better than others. I started out my young hunting career wearing the old tree bark camo coveralls. These were a thin garment with little protection from wind.

Luckily, Under Armour has figured out a way to take care of all my needs. The Under Armour Ridge Reaper Jacket and Pant have really streamlined my hunting clothing. It kind of reminds me of the days when I work the tree bark coveralls except far more benefits.

One of the most important benefits of the system is the UA Scent Control. Sure, you should hunt the wind, but that doesn't always work. Especially if you are on an elk hunt in the mountains and you suddenly feel the wind glance across your neck. Never a good feeling, but if properly taken care of the UA Ridge Reaper system can take care of odors that collect on the body.

The Ridge Reaper get up is wind- and water-resistant, which means it keeps you a bit warmer and more dry than other suits in the line. last year I walked through a thunderstorm with a different scent-control system and was drenched within seconds. The UA Ridge Reaper gear really stands above the rest.

Under Armour has a storied history of slimming clothes down and wicking away moisture from the body. This camouflaged clothing does just that. I am able to wear less clothes, yet remain comfortable and still draw a bow silently in any season.

Overall, this is by far one of the top systems on the market. Really rate this one high because of its function and durability in the field. If you have an opportunity to try this one out do it. You won't be disappointed.

Scent Saving Tip - Hunter Specialties Earth Scent Wafers are the perfect way to hide odors. I put three wafers in my truck a week before season and replace them midway through. This is to eliminate and mask odors that are normally residing in my truck. I can get dressed at the camp site and get in my truck, knowing it smells just like it has just taken a dirt bath.



If you are further north you may want to try the cedar wafers.

Frankenbuck

Choose your taxidermist wisely or you'll end up with something straight out of a horror movie.

Facial Hair Friday - V3

Well, again another week passes without any deer. I haven't even seen a deer while on stand. Therefor, the beard keeps on growing.

It will have another week for growth because I won't be headed out to the stand. The weather seems to mirror what I've been experiencing all year - hot and windy.

I think the upcoming weeks should be cooling down, but if it doesn't I may end up looking like one of the Duck Commanders.

Choose your Stuffer

I've been fortunate to harvest a few different trophies, and I'd like to preserve those as best I can. The only problem that I ever have is which taxidermist to I go through? Choosing a taxidermist, to most people comes down to two things - cost and time. It doesn't sound too difficult to select a taxidermist, but you are really selecting someone to preserve memories.

I've had great experiences where the taxidermist really takes his time ensuring I have the best quality specimen. On the other hand, I've been presented with mounts that look more like frankenbuck than anything else. That taxidermist hit on two key components of the selection process, which are of course cost and time. I payed a little over $150 and received the mount back in four to five weeks. On the outside this seems like a no brainer, but to the sportsman that really want a representative sample it wasn't the best.

So how do you come out good on both ends? Here are five easy steps you can take to make sure you are getting the best deals on any given taxidermy work.

SW Oklahoma deer any hunter would be proud of.

1) Check their current inventory - Any taxidermist worth his weight in furs will be working on some projects and will more than likely have some models that are finished. Simply ask to see their work and their workplace.

If you are on the road hunting out of state or in another country do your research before you go. You may want to have a taxidermist in that area ship to your selected local taxidermist.

2) Get a sampling of past clients from the taxidermist - These guys have a clientele list that aren't good buddies of his. Ask for at least 5 references before committing to the harvester-taxidermist relationship.

3) Look through his taxidermy books and commit together on the mold that will house your trophy. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys disappointed with their mounts because they didn't really know what to expect. You have options. Many times the taxidermist, if he's a pro, will know how to best display the animal. I am all for giving creative license to these guys once I've trusted him with the job, but have an idea of what you envision before diving in.

4) Stay in Contact - Don't loose contact with your taxidermist once you've got him. Finding a good one is sometimes difficult and keeping them seems even more difficult. Deer season he is slammed and spring he slows down.

I'm not talking about harassment here. It is important to keep an open line of communication between the guy you are trusting with your animal and your money. Plus, if you keep that constant contact it will keep you top-of-mind when working. Shoot, bring the guy a cup of coffee and chat about future hunts you have coming up. That way he knows there is potential for more work that is coming his way. He will appreciate it, and you get to see how everything is going.

5) Be up front - There isn't one person in this world that enjoys the run around. If you have a timeline you want your trophy back tell him. Honesty truly is the best policy when it comes to expectations and timeliness.

I've had an elk and bear being mounted for over two years now. That was only supposed to take 18 months due to his popularity and work load. I bit the bullet and let him have my business and my mounts with the expectation that it will take a while. This is fine, but if the three year anniversary come up and I don't have my mounts we may have trouble.

These are just a few ways you can save time and money finding a quality taxidermist. If you have any additional tips feel free to list them. In the upcoming post I will take some pictures of a few more quality mounts and frankenbuck.