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Basics | Sportsman Shows 2010
Deer hunters of the 21st century have all kinds of gadgets to help them find those BIG elusive whitetail bucks, so if you own an iphone do yourself a favor, and download the Gaia GPS app from the iTunes App Store. You will be very glad that you did.
Some of the features that I really like on the Gaia GPS:
Visit http://www.gaiagps.com for more info or download yours today at the iTunes App Store, and gain the confidence that you need in the woods!
Just remember, always bring a compass with you for back up. CB
As the year comes to a close and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures become fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private non-profit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list.” Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation:
* Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist, include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.
* Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.
* Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket, or a subscription from Massachusetts Wildlife magazine.In the case of a non-profit group, make a donation to their organization.
* Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or to identify, clean up and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.
* Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious activities to the Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.
"Hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a good neighbor," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2010 to ensure that these recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and other outdoor users for future generations."
Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts but at this stage of the season the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable and could be treacherous. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. Foot traffic on a layer of 4" ice is a good safe thickness. A link to an ice strength table and safety tips is posted at www.mass.gov/masswildlife.
How can you tell if ice is safe? There are no guarantees -- always consider ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams because the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.
What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time, aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using "ice pins or picks" that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice don't waste precious time; you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or house. Don't drive home in wet clothes!
If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go." If you are unable to reach your friend, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Pet owners should keep pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well meaning pet owners can too easily become victims themselves when trying to save their pets. Links to winter weather related preparedness tips and a video on ice safety from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/ice_safety.htm.
New and novice hunters of all ages are encouraged to make a New Year's resolution to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course in the winter and spring months of 2010. Students who successfully pass the course will receive a Certificate of Completion which is acceptable for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. It also allows students 15 years or older to apply for a firearms license at their local police departments. These Certificates of Completion are also recognized in all the United States, Canada and Mexico for the purchase of a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses for the beginning of 2010 are posted at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_course_schedule.htm.
"Many people fail to consider signing up for a course in the winter or spring months because they aren't thinking about hunting," says MassWildlife Hunter Education Administrator, Susan Langlois. "By completing a course early in the year, new hunters have time to apply for a firearms license, practice newly acquired skills and scout potential hunting locations." The 15-16 hour course, which is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings, is taught by volunteer instructors. Occasionally, courses are conducted on weekends. Students must attend all scheduled sessions as part of the requirement for passing the course. All classes are provided at no charge to the participating students.
Topics covered during the Basic Hunter Education course include: safe handling of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. It is the mission of the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program to protect the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and ethical use of our wildlife resources, and encourage a greater appreciation of the environment through education. Funding is derived from the sale of hunting and sporting licenses, and from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 175,000 students.
Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a duplicate by contacting the Hunter Education office directly or through the MassWildlife website. For more information on courses and duplicate Certificates, contact the Hunter Education Program office in Ayer at (978) 772-0693.
Women interested in learning some outdoor skills might want to save some dates for workshops scheduled in 2010. A tentative schedule of Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops is now posted on the Division’s website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/bow/bow_calendar.htm. All sessions are designed for novice outdoorswomen 18 years old to 80! Highlights of the upcoming year include:
January 22-24 – Women's Wellness Weekend, Becket—Sponsored by the Chimney Corners YMCA at Camp Becket, Becoming An Outdoorswoman is providing instructors for ice fishing and winter survival sessions for this very enjoyable and comfortable weekend experience. Registration details are on the YMCA website at http://www.bccymca.org/637.
February – Winter Workshop (Location & Dates TBA) Ice Fishing, Staying Warm in Winter, and Fly-tying and one or two other skill sessions are planned
April/May – Turkey Hunt Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is part one of the Turkey Hunt for Outdoorswomen consisting of a one-day seminar in early April and a one-day turkey hunt to be offered in early May.
April 24 – Fly-fishing and Fly Tying, Belchertown -- This is a terrific opportunity to learn the basics of flyfishing on the banks of the Swift River. You’ll also learn how to tie your own fly.
June 4-6 – The Mass. Outdoorswoman Weekend Workshop, Becket -- Mark your calendars and ask for the Outdoorswoman weekend event as a holiday, birthday, or Mother's Day gift! Gift certificates are available by calling Sue Fritze at (508) 389-6329.
July (Date TBA) – Lost in the Woods, With Your Walking Stick, Plymouth -- No one plans to get lost, but what if you did find yourself "turned around"? Instructors will share their knowledge and skills that will help keep you comfortable, safe and eventually, found. They will also provide some walking stick self-defense instruction.
August (Date & Location TBA) – Basic Camping for Outdoor Families – An experience open to families who want to try out camping, learn some useful skills and spend time together. This workshop will be held in partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.
September – Shooting Sports Day, Hanson – This is a day devoted to learning about firearms and archery equipment. You'll have an opportunity to shoot shotguns, bows and arrows, rifles and handguns under the watchful eye of expert and friendly instructors.
November/December – Deer Hunting Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is a 2-part workshop, consisting of a 1-day seminar and a 1-day deer hunt.
Great Outdoors Blog -- See The Great Outdoors blog launched by the Energy and Environmental Affairs Office dedicated to engaging and informing Massachusetts residents and visitors about the Commonwealth’s outdoor activities and events, wildlife, state parks, and local agriculture. The Great Outdoors blog at www.mass.gov/blog/environment includes posts from staff in the Departments of Fish and Game (DFG), Agricultural Resources (DAR), Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Look for reports from biologists, animal inspectors, agricultural experts and park personnel. “There are spectacular locations across the Commonwealth for hunting, fishing, boating and observing wildlife,” said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. “We hope this blog will help outdoor enthusiasts, families, individuals and visitors discover these special local places and get outside and enjoy them.”
www.mass.gov/masswildlife
BILLINGS, MT: Landowners and outdoor enthusiasts who have for years relied on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map series now have a new option. MyTopo.com, an innovator in the mapping industry, has created a TopoPhotoTM map, which combines information from the reliable USGS topographic map with a recent color aerial photograph, creating a navigation-ready hybrid map.
"The TopoPhotoTM maps take the best available topographic data and aerial photographs and combines them to create a more updated map, which we think will replace or at least be a useful supplement to the aging USGS topo maps we have relied upon for years," said Toohill. The maps are available now to order via the company's online ordering system, and, like the company's other maps, can be centered any place in the US, printed on large sheets of waterproof or glossy paper, personalized with a name and title, and shipped to the customer?s doorstep within 24-48 hours.
The maps provide the ability to see the elevation contours, roads, buildings, and geographic features labeled on a color aerial photograph taken in 2003-2006. "The TopoPhotoTM maps reveal recent changes on the landscape, including vegetation and development, but they maintain the traditional reliability of the USGS topographic maps," added Toohill.
MyTopo.com specializes in providing an easy and convenient process for outdoor enthusiasts to order large-format printed maps, including topo maps, aerial photos, and the new TopoPhotoTM maps. Customers use a five step process to customize their maps online; the maps are printed and shipped within 24-48 hours. The ordering process allows the customer to center their map any place in the US, choose the map's scale, provide a title, and personalize further with the map owner's name. The maps can be printed in several size choices and on waterproof, glossy or laminated paper. They range in price from $9.95 to $59.95, depending on map type and paper size.
The new TopoPhotoTM maps are available in more than 25 states, with the remaining states becoming available over the next several months. Current customers can reorder previously ordered topo or aerial photo maps in the TopoPhotoTM format by logging into their accounts and selecting the option to "start a new map here." The TopoPhotoTM maps are available in all three sizes and paper types and start at $29.95.
MyTopo.com is a private company based in Billings, MT. The company sells maps directly via www.mytopo.com, and also resells its maps via many popular websites including Whitetail Masters.com, Topozone.com, MapTech.com, Remington.com, Realtree.com, the Digital Map Store and many more mapping and outdoor-related sites. To learn more about the company, visit www.mytopo.com or call 866-587-9015. High resolution product images and logos are available upon request.
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Custom Topos and Aerial Photos
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RESPONSIBILITY AND RESPECT: A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR HUNTERS
A HUNTER'S PLEDGE
Responsible hunting provides unique challenges and rewards. However, the future of the sport depends on each hunter's behavior and ethics. Therefore, as a hunter, I pledge to:
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
- Show respect for the wildlife you hunt by taking only clean, killing shots, then retrieving and properly handling your game. Take only what you will use, even if it is under the legal limit.
- Learn to tread lightly while afield. Use vehicles only on established roads and trails, practice low-impact camping and travel, and pack out your trash, including cigarette butts and spent shell casings.
- Report illegal activities immediately.
RESPECT PROPERTY AND LANDOWNERS
- Always get permission to hunt on private land.
- Close any gates you open. and never damage crops or property, including fences, outbuildings and livestock.
- Alert landowners or land managers about any problems you find on their property.
- Share your game with the landowner, or say thank you in some other way.
SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR NONHUNTERS
- Remember that the future of hunting depends on hunters and nonhunters alike. Be considerate of nonhunters' sensibilities, and strive to leave them with positive images of hunting and hunters.
- Don't flaunt your kill. Treat game carcasses in an inoffensive manner, particularly during transport.
- Be considerate of all outdoor users, including other hunters.
HUNT SAFELY
- Exercise caution at all times.
- Fire your gun or bow only when you are absolutely sure of your target and its background. Use binoculars, not your rifle scope, to identify your target.
- Wear hunter orange whenever appropriate or required while afield.
- Remember that hunting and alcohol don't mix.
KNOW AND OBEY THE LAW
- Obtain proper tags and licenses.
- Hunt only in allowed areas and during designated times and seasons. Read hunting regulations carefully.
- Obey bag and possession limits.
- Use only legal hunting methods and equipment.
SUPPORT WILDLIFE AND HABITAT CONSERVATION
- Provide hands-on and financial support for conservation of game and nongame species and their habitats.
- Learn more about wildlife and habitat issues, and urge policymakers to support strong conservation initiatives.
- Become involved in wildlife conservation organizations and their programs.
- Purchase state and federal wildlife conservation stamps, even if such stamps are not required for hunting.
PASS ON AN ETHICAL HUNTING TRADITION
- Invite a young person or a nonhunter next time you go afield to scout or hunt.
- Attend a hunter education course, and urge others to do the same.
- Set high ethical standards for future generations of hunters to help ensure hunting will continue.
STRIVE TO IMPROVE MY OUTDOOR SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING OF WILDLIFE
- Know the limitations of your skills and equipment, and hunt within those limits.
- Improve your outdoor skills to become more observant, a better hunter and a better teacher.
- Sight-in your firearm and bow, and practice shooting to ensure a clean kill in the field.
- Learn more about the habits and habitats of game and nongame wildlife and their management needs.
HUNT ONLY WITH ETHICAL HUNTERS
- Take pride in being an ethical hunter.
- Insist that your hunting partners behave in a responsible, ethical manner.
- Compete only with yourself.
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The Hunter's Code of Conduct was created cooperatively by the:
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Izaak Walton League of America
National Rifle Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Tread Lightly Inc.
Sport Fishing Institute
Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Council
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Extension Service
Wildlife Management Institute
The Hunter's Code of Conduct was produced by the Izaak Walton League of America. It may be used freely by any hunter or hunting group.
Copies may be obtained free of charge from the Izaak Walton League of America, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878-2983 USA (301) 548-0150.
DEER KILLED WITH KNIFE AFTER CHARGING MAN
A man out for a walk in the woods in Herrin, Illinois killed a deer with a pocket knife after the animal charged him.
Grabbing the six pointer by the antlers with one hand when he was attacked, Paul Cheatham 61 managed to hold the rack with one hand, and pull out his pocket knife with the other. He opened his pocket knife with his mouth, and was able to stab the deer in the rib cage.
Paul wrestled around with the six pointer with his legs wrapped around the bucks neck. He knew the buck would kill him if he let go, so he hung on for his life until the buck was dead.
Cheatham survived this encounter, but received bruises over most of his body.
Deer stories always seem to be the main topic at deer camp. Do you have any great deer hunting stories or news that you would like to share with our readers? Perhaps your story is unique or even funny. This is your chance to revive those memories again so contact us today.
Please email your favorite deer story and include a jpg picture if you like.
Selected articles will be edited for space if necessary. Please keep all articles and pictures submitted suitable for a general audience.
TIP OF THE MONTH
A buck's sense of smell is his number one defense, but he can also beat you with his eyes. A buck will pick up on anything out of place, because he knows his part of the forest as well as you know your rifle.
Use natural cover when selecting a location for your stand. Use this natural cover in relation to where you expect the deer to approach your stand. You may get off the ground when you're in a treestand, but you're not invisible! Deer will look up so keep natural cover between you and where you expect the deer to approach.
Do you have any hunting secrets that you would like to share with our readers on hunting the elusive whitetail deer? Do you have any tips on preparing for a hunt at deer camp or tips on surviving in the wilderness? Published hunting tips will appear here. Submit your tips today.
FEATURED SITE
Located on the Northwest edge of the Black Hills National Forest in the Northeast corner of Wyoming near Devils Tower, America's First National Monument. They exclusively lease approximately 400,000 acres of private working cattle ranches.
There herd is such a high quality that they ask hunters to take a mature 4X4 buck or 14"+ antlers or better.
For more information visit their site today at http://www.whitetailcreek.com
Searching for his path in life, seventeen year old Norman Boyle enlists in the Army in 1949 and finds himself in Korea at the start of the war. As a demolition specialist, he leads a squad on dangerous missions, one to blow up the Pyongyang power plant. This first hand account of the day to day existence of a young man thrown into a war he doesn't understand will resonate with veterans, history enthusiasts and anyone who has wondered about war: the danger, the bonds that form, the death, the honor. The Blue Sand Bags of Korea gives a rare glimpse into the mind of a soldier who is struggling to find his own identity and values in a confusing and foreign world. This story is as gripping today as it was when these true events unfolded.
Buy direct from the author and save! $12.99 (includes shipping)
To order and for immediate delivery: Call 978-249-9169 and send check or MO to Norman Boyle, 106 Coolidge Street, Athol, MA 01331
Bondo's Venison Stew
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2 Tbs. flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. thyme 6 Tbs. oil 1 8 oz can tomato sauce Mix flour with salt, pepper and thyme, and place mixture in shaking bag. Shake cubes of meat in bag until coated with mixture, and set aside. Sauté onions in oil until soft, add venison. Add tomato sauce, brown gravy mix, wine, and water. Simmer covered for about an hour. Add potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf if desired. Simmer for 30 more minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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1/2 cup red wine 1-1/2 cup water 5 potatoes cut up 3 carrots sliced 1 can green beans 1/3 tsp. garlic powder Hunting all day builds a hearty appetite, and there is nothing better than venison at deer camp after a successful hunt. Do you have a great recipe that you would like to share with our readers? Submit your favorite recipe and if it passes the taste test it will be published here.
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February
Eastern Fising & Outdoor Exposition
http://www.sportshows.com/
Springfield Sportsman Show
http://www.osegsportsmens.com/html/springfield.html
World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition
http://www.sportshows.com/
March
Saltwater Fishing Expo
http://www.sportshows.com/
Pelham Fish & Game Fly Fishing Show
http://www.pelhamfishandgame.com
Annual World Fly Fishing Expo
http://www.sportshows.com/Wilmington/wilmmain.htm
68th Annual Maine Sportsman Show
University of Maine Fieldhouse, Orono, ME
New England Saltwater Fishing Show
Rhode Island Convention Center
http://www.nesaltwatershow.com/
April
State of Maine Sportsman's Show
Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME
http://www.augustaciviccenter.org/
5th Annual Tri-State Sportsmen's Expo
Cheshire Fair Ground, Keene, New Hampshire
© 1999 - 2010 Chris Boyle's Whitetail Masters. All rights reserved.
