IMPORTANT 2012 YEAR END HUNTING HEADLINES

1. New Hampshire Has Change In Shot Sizes for Turkey Hunters: For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire, visit here


2. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to Consider Hunting with Suppressors: For more information on suppressors and their advantages, please click here.


3. Pennsylvania Takes First Steps Toward Permanent Crossbow Hunting: For more information visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission


4. USFWS Releases New Guidelines on Importation of Trophies: For more information visit the Safari Club


5. Antlerless Deer Permit Part of Nebraska Big Game Changes: For more information visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission


6. Board Votes to Increase Vermont's black bear Hunting: For more information visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife


7. New Pennsylvania State Record Elk Confirmed: For more information visit the The Boone and Crockett Club


8. Wildlife Commission Moves Toward Night Hunting of Coyotes and Feral Swine: For more information visit www.ncwildlife.org


9. NSSF Will Intervene in Latest Lawsuit Against Traditional Ammunition: Learn more about traditional ammunition click here 


10. Senate Passes Farm Bill: To view a copy of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, please visit the Senate Agriculture Committee website at http://www.ag.senate.gov/issues/farm-bill 


11. NYDEC Adopts Deer Hunting Regulation Changes: The full text of the adopted regulations is available at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/81317.html


12. Top 10 Wolf Hunting Tips from RMEF Members: For more information visit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation


13. Nebraska Game Commission Approves Hunting in Park Area: For more information visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission


14. DU Supports Opening Some CRP Lands for Drought-Stricken Ranchers: For more information visit Ducks Unlimited


15. New Indiana waterfowl hunting zones go into effect: For more information visit Indiana Fish and Wildlife


16. LDWF Agents Rescue More Than 1,500 In Hurricane Isaac Aftermath: LDWF is the lead agency for search and rescue operations during natural disasters. LDWF has over 200 agents with vessels at the ready to assist those in need during flooding conditions.


17. Colorado Approves Lion Quotas, Tweaks Falconry: For more information visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission


18. Apprentice Hunting License: New Way To "Take A Friend - Make A Hunter": For more information visit here 


19. Louisiana's New Hog Trapping, Hunting Regs in Effect: For more information on using snares in areas occupied by bears, visit here 


20. Oklahoma: Hunting With Suppressors Legal Nov. 1: For more information visit the Oklahoma Department of  Wildlife Conservation


21. Portion of Funds from BP Settlement Will Benefit Gulf Coast Fish and Wildlife: Under the terms of the settlement, BP will pay approximately $4.5 billion in installments over a five-year period, with nearly $2.4 billion going to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group chartered by Congress in 1984. NFWF will directly oversee the use of those funds to maximize benefits for fish and wildlife habitats in the Gulf Coast region.


22. Florida Wildlife Commission moves forward with new hunting opportunities: For more information visit The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


23. Kentucky Commission Proposes Modifications for Deer and Elk Hunting: For more information visit here

For all your hunting and fishing news an updates visit the Outdoor Wire

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT INTRODUCED IN 2012

With the New Year upon us, I had to take a look back at all the new archery products introduced in 2012. Amazing advances in the field of archery and can only look forward to what 2012 brings.

Quest BowhuntingTM, a division of G5 Outdoors, introduced the new Torrent Bow that focuses on the perfect combination of smoothness, speed, and forgiveness - a supreme bow for all types of hunters. 
For more information visit Quest Bowhunting

Carbon Express®, a leader in arrow technology, innovation and precision introduced the all new The Crush™ arrow. The Crush™ arrow by Carbon Express is an exciting new arrow that combines the performance engineering and quality of Carbon Express and a co-branded, promotional partnership with Lee & Tiffany Lakosky of The Crush™.
For more information visit Carbon Express Arrows

S4 Gear announced the release of the Jacknife Smartphone bow mount. Thanks to the new patent-pending JackKnife smartphone bow mount from S4Gear, hunters will no longer have to wait to get home to see their latest adventure. With the ability to view and share their footage filmed right from their bow, its social media live in the woods!
For more information visit S4 Gear

Carbon Express®, a leader in arrow technology, innovation and precision introduced a new broadhead designed exclusively for crossbolts and crossbow hunting, called the XT Dual Blade. Hunters seeking the latest advances and innovation in crossbolt broadheads will find the XT Dual Blade Broadhead one of the most remarkable designs in the industry.
For more information visit Carbon Express Arrows

NAP, New Archery Products, the industry leader in broadheads and archery accessories, introduced the KILLZONE broadhead. The KILLZONE is a rear-deploying 2-blade, 2" cutting diameter broadhead that incorporates new technology which allows both blades to open and work together in unison. This design allows the broadhead to gain maximum penetration while avoiding any single blade deployment or deflection upon impact or during penetration of the cavity.
For more information visit New Archery

Gamo Outdoor USA, distributor of Laser Genetics unveiled a new laser illuminator designed specifically for bow hunting. The ND3® Bow-SZ laser illuminator uses advanced green laser technology to create true night vision and turns any bow or crossbow into a night hunter.
For more information visit Gamo Outdoor USA

X-Press introduced its new Pro Series Bow Press which is designed to work on all bows and crossbows, including those with parallel limbs.
For more information visit X-Press

APEX Gear, known for their Performance Driven Archery sights, introduced the new GAMECHANGER™ Sight. The GAMECHANGER features the new TRU•ZERO™ pin design that minimizes pin gaps and patent-pending TRU•FLO 2.0™ allows for quick and easy fiber replacement.
For more information visit APEX Gear

Rage Outdoors introduced a lethal broadhead, The Rage X-Treme. With a 2.3-inch cutting diameter, the sweeping blade angle on the new X-Treme maintains kinetic energy longer and penetrates deeper than any other blade, and produces larger entry and exit wounds for even better blood trails. This new broadhead is uniquely designed with a single-bevel blade that improves bone and tissue cutting performance on even the toughest of prey.
For more information visit Rage Outdoors

Rage Outdoors introduced two new turkey broadheads. These rear-deploying broadheads are designed with extra-long blades and extreme cutting diameter for massive entry holes and quick kills.
For more information visit Rage Outdoors

Dead Down Wind announced the newest product in their scent-control line of products, the Speed Stick Polymeric Bow Wax.
For more information visit Dead Down Wind

Sure-Loc introduced a revolutionary new sight that adjusts to your natural position, the Icon. The unique design of the Icon produces the world's first sight that easily puts you and the sight in perfect alignment, regardless of your hand cant or bow position. Until now, shooters have been forced to physically adjust their form to ensure that their sights are in line with gravity, but with the Icon, a simple twist changes everything.
For more information visit Sure-Loc

Rage Outdoors has combined the proven technology of its rear-deploying SlipCam broadheads with its new bone-busting chisel point to introduce the new Rage Chisel Tip broadheads.
For more information visit Rage Outdoors

Limbsaver introduced their new Kodiak-Lite Sling. Designed for crossbows, compound bows and firearms, the sling provides amazing comfort and technology.
For more information visit Limbsaver

Sure-Loc added a new Lethal Weapon™ to its arsenal of hunting sights. The new Lethal Weapon is loaded with a host of new features, including the popular Retina Lock™, as well as Sure-Loc's new Gravity Drop Technology™. 
For more information visit Sure-Loc

Blacks Creek introduced a new line of bow cases under its made in the USA brand, Remedy 7 Gear.
For more information visit Black Creek

Parker Bows, a manufacturer of high quality Compound bows, Crossbows and Crossbow Accessories introduced the Velocity. The Velocity features Parker's all new and proprietary Advanced Split Limb Technology with integrated Fulcrum Pocket System making it Extremely Parallel and Devastatingly fast at 315 Feet Per Second (FPS).
For more information visit Parker Bows

Rage Outdoors introduced the new patent-pending Rage Cage™ Quiver. The Rage Cage is a compact, low-profile and ultra-lightweight quiver that was designed specifically to securely hold five arrows equipped with Rage and other mechanical broadheads.
For more information visit Rage Outdoors

Xtreme Sighting Solutions introduced the Terminator Bow Sight. Aircraft grade aluminum is used to make the sights for lightweight construction and superior strength while having its patent-pending "MIM" stainless steel "Viper Fang" sight pins. 
For more information visit Xtreme Sighting Solutions

Limbsaver introduced their exciting new Pod technology with the FletchPod and the Broadhead Pod. The FletchPod quickly snaps onto arrows to eliminate fletch damage. The unique design protects fletches in the field, when traveling, when storing arrows, and FletchPod nestles perfectly into arrow boxes and quivers. 
For more information visit Limbsaver

Easton Technical Products® introduced the Bloodline™ arrow. Bloodline's lightweight N-FUSED® construction and low-profile H series diameter combines the ideal balance of high-intensity speed and carbon-structured strength, to create the industry's first reduced diameter high velocity arrow.
For more information visit Easton Archery

GC Archery, a developer of innovative, game-changing sporting equipment, introduced the GameChanger™ Archery Target System, a revolutionary archery target system that simulates a real-life hunting experience with high-definition, interchangeable image rolls of wild game animals in their natural habitats. The system is ideal for bow hunters and archery enthusiasts of all skill levels who are looking to hone their accuracy and experience the thrill of the hunt year-round.
For more information visit GC Archery

Bohning Archery family of vanes introduced its newest member, the IMPULSE - this revolutionary vane is the result of over 2 years of research in aerodynamics and materials engineering. IMPULSE is a super low-profile, light-weight, high-durability vane.
For more information visit Bohning

Easton Technical Products®, introduced the XX75 Magnum, an arrow with hard-hitting accuracy and proven technology. 
For more information visit Easton Archery

Outer Limits made available The New Blood Vane, a ground breaking new way to fletch an arrow. Now anyone can fletch or repair an arrow in the field with only a tube of glue required. The one piece flexible design allows for the ultimate in durability and accuracy. Just slide on a Blood Vane and place a drop of glue in each of the external ports. Internal channels then pull the glue over the length of the arrow creating an indestructible bond.
For more information visit Outer Limits

Parker Bows, a manufacturer of high quality Compound bows, Crossbows and Crossbow Accessories introduced the Python. Built for speed, the Python is forgiving, smooth, quiet, and deadly accurate.
For more information visit Parker Bows

Easton Technical Products®, introduced ultra-micro Injexion arrows which utilize many of the same design characteristics as the X10 arrow - the shaft that many Olympic archers will be shot in the 2012 London Games.
For more information visit Easton Archery

Trijicon introduced the AccuPin in 2011, but has been upgraded with a new larger, highly-visible sight level. The sight level is easily seen at full draw and exhibits the same extreme durability and accuracy as found in the original AccuPin. Trijicon has also increased the size and added a nylon patch to all set screws for even more security, easier adjustment, and less likelihood of losing one.
For more information visit Trijicon

The Block introduced The BLOCK GenZ, designed specifically with the young archer in mind. With its open-layered technology, The BLOCK GenZ offers easy extraction of arrows since it is intended for bows of 40 pounds of draw weight or less. This provides for longer target life, no matter what kind of arrow tip the GenZ shooter is using-field tips, fixed-blade broadheads or mechanicals.
For more information visit The Block

Rage Broadheads introduced a new blade-retention accessory for the world's best selling mechanical broadhead. Designed to be used in conjunction with the O-ring on the original Rage 100-grain Broadheads, the new Legacy Shock Collars simply slip onto the back of the ferrule and over the O-ring for an additional level of blade-retention security. These Legacy Shock Collars are specifically intended for hunters who stalk their prey or tend to move around a lot in the stand with a nocked arrow.
For more information visit Rage Broadheads

Limbsaver has once again scientifically improved two of their product lines by introducing the AWS (Adjustable Weight System) modular stabilizer and the new Broadband Limbsavers.
For more information visit Limbsaver 

Check out Field Dress, classy archery, firearms, and fishing t-shirts for your stocking stuffers this year. The Evolution of Archery continues to be our best seller. New designs coming in 2013.
For more information visit Field Dress 

Take time to think "Why"

I'm smart enough to know I don't have all the answers, however, I took away a lot from Sunday service regarding last week's tragic event. After the Columbine shooting, the following letter was written by a teenager and was used by our pastor this weekend. Click to hear it read (approximately 4 minutes).

I am a member from the upcoming generation, the one after Generation X. So far, most people are rallying behind the idea of calling us Generation Next and I think I know why. The older generations are hoping we'll mindlessly assume our place as the next in line. That way, they won't have to explain why my generation has had to experience so much pain and heartache. What heartache you say? Don't you know you've grown up in a time of great prosperity. Oh yeh, we know, believe me it's been drilled into our heads since birth. Unfortunately, the pain and hurt I speak of can't be reconciled with money. You've tried for years to buy our happiness but it's only temporary. Money isn't the answer and it's time for people to begin admitting their guilt for failing this generation.

I will admit I wasn't planing to write this, I was going to tuck it away in some corner of my mind and fall victim to your whole next mentality. But after the massacre in Littleton, I realized that as a member of the generation that kills without remorse, I had a duty to challenge all of my elders to explain why they had allowed for things to become so bad. These questions don't only represent me, but a whole generation struggling to grow and make sense of this world. We all have questions, we all want explanations, people may label us generation next, but we are more appropriately titled Generation "WHY".

Why did you lie most of the time when you made the vow to death due us part? Why do you fool yourselves believing that divorce really is better for the kids in the long run? Why do so many of you divorced parents spend more time with your new boyfriend or girlfriend than with your own children? Why did you ever fall victim to the notion your kids are just as well off being raised by a stranger at a daycare center than their own mother or father? Why? Why do you look down at parents who decide to quit work to stay at home and raise their children? Why does the television do most of the speaking in our family? Why is work more important than us? Why is money regarded as more important than relationships? Why is quality time generally no more than five minutes? Why do you try to make up for the lack of time you spend with us by giving us more and more material objects we really don't need? Why does your work, in the form of an IPhone or laptop, always go with us everywhere we go? Why have you neglected to teach us morals and values? Why haven't you lived moral lives we could follow? Why isn't religion one of the most important words in our house? Why do you play god when it comes to abortion? Why don't you have enough faith in us to teach us abstinence rather than safe sex? Why do you allow us to watch violent movies, but expect us to maintain some sort of childlike innocence. Why do you allow us to spend unlimited time on the Internet and are still shocked with our knowledge about how to build bombs? Why are you so afraid to tell us no sometimes? Why is it so hard for you to realize that school shootings and other violent juvenile behavior result from the lack of your attention, leadership, and guidance more than anything else?

Call us Generation Next if you want to, but I think you'll be surprised about how we fail to fit in your little categories. These questions should and will be asked to the generations that have failed us. You've pursued your selfish desires for years, but now is the time for you to reap what you've sown. Some rude awakenings, like the Littleton massacre have occurred and probably will continue until you can begin to answer our questions and make the drastic changes to put us, your children, first. To lead us, disciple us, teach us that there is a right. Time is running out, for in just a few short years we will be grown and it will likely be too late. You might not think we're worth it, but I guarantee you, that Littleton will look like a drop in the bucket compared to what might occur when a neglected Generation "WHY" comes to power.

If you would like to listen more to this past weekend's service, visit Watermark and view Darkness in Newtown and the Light of the World.

2013 Fishing And Hunting Information For Your Smartphone

Great use of technology, but how can it not be available for the IPAD. Did they not see the millions being sold every day? What were they thinking?

ATLANTA, GA- Just released: DataSport's incredibly popular FishCast and HuntCast 2013 with activity times from The Fish & Game Forecast and HuntTimes and FishTimes 2013 using peak times from Doug Hannon's Moon Clock calculator. Newly designed for the 2013 hunting, fishing and birding season, all of the apps boast four new elements. 1) Peak activity periods for an extended season stretching from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2014; 2) Weather for any place in the US; 3) Sunrise/Sunset times for your location and 4) A flashlight that lets you find your way in the dark. (not available on iPad).

"Everyone knows that the best time to go fishing and hunting is whenever you can get the time," said John Lehman, DataSport, Inc.'s President, "but very few of us have that luxury. So we count on these great products to help us select the times that we're more likely to catch fish or see birds, game or any kind of wildlife."

Finding the best weeks for your fishing or hunting trip is another way in which The Fish & Game Forecast book and Hannon's Moon Clock and their respective apps can be of assistance. The theory is that most successful outdoor experiences have been proven to occur during periods of peak activity. We can predict when these periods of peak activity will occur by understanding the effects of the sun and moon on the earth and how these relational movements affect living things. If you could only hunt or fish one day of the week or month for a short period of time, wouldn't you want to go during a predicted peak of activity? In the short term, weather is the factor that affects these times most often and most strongly. DataSport's website www.moontimes.com is the place to order both The Fish & Game Forecaster and Hannon's Moon Clock for 2013 as well as find links to the App Store and Android marketplace.

Press Release found at the Outdoor Wire

Costas Halftime Commentary Anti-Handgun

Bob Costas' Sunday Night Football Halftime Commentary stands by Jason Whitlock, formerly of the Kansas City Star, in response to the weekend murder-suicide by Chiefs linebacker Jovan Becher. 

Costas begins with the typical made for TV drama discussing "perspective" without ever putting a stamp on individuals who need tramatic events to "put things into perspective". Personally, I think it would've come off much greater with something like "Please, those who need tragedies to continually re-calibrate their sense of perspective, Stop Reproducing." 

Costas then went on to quote Whitlock's commentary ; "Our current gun culture ensures that more and more domestic disputes will end in the ultimate tragedy. And more convenience store confrontations over loud music coming from a car will leave more teenage boys bloodied and dead. Handguns do not enhance our safety. They exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments and bait us into embracing confrontation rather than avoiding it. In the coming days, Jovan Belcher's actions and their possible connection to football will be analyzed. Who knows? But here is what I believe - if Jovan Belcher didn't possess a gun, he and Cassandra Perkins would both be alive today." 

Such a dramatic summary! I do agree with what handguns in the possession of the unstable population creates...SUPERMAN. A glock on the hip gives the ability to stand where one should run, speak rather than walk away, and go places one shouldn't, you know basic "common sense". However, it is my right and I want to keep it.

I just have two things to say to Mr. Whitlock and Costas regarding "if Jovan didn't possess a gun, he and Cassandra Perkins would both be alive today."..."O""J".

SHOT Show 2013 - Products on my Christmas list

This year marks the 35th year of the SHOT Show and should be the best yet for professionals involved in the shooting, hunting, and law enforcement agencies.

Every year I'm amazed at the qualiy of exhibitors and enjoy seeing all the new and innovative products to hit the market. As always, this year won't disappoint attendees. Although, it's not open to the public, it's website allows us unfortunate souls the ability to take a look at everything we can dream of to add to this years Christmas list.

Although I expect Santa to bless our humble abode, I don't envision much of the following list to appear Christmas morning. I'll start with a couple stocking stuffers I found that peaked my interest.

As a father of four, we like to spend a lot of time outside. A unique concept in today's age of television, Ipads, wii games, and computers. Living in Texas, mosquitos are a constant menace and the only thing driving us indoors. I found a company called BugBand, advertising as the natural insect repellent company. They have a wide array of products from wrist bands, toweletts, and pump sprays, but I especially want to try their spreadable repellent for the yard and gardens. I'll be sure to follow-up with a product review this spring.

A company called Nite Ize, offers an LED flashlight I have to have for my collection. It's called the INOVA X2 and the website states "it has an effective range of 443 ft. and its beam can be seen in the dark up to two miles." This may be a little overkill for your typical blood trail, but what a enjoyable way to annoy the neighbors or flash speeding cars coming down the road.

I come from a family of pheasant hunters and a product I should've come up with years ago is the Quick-Shot holster from Peregrine Field Gear. When walking for pheasants, I would sometimes rest the shotgun on my upper thigh, the Quick-Shot holster is a simple and yet engenious way to not only support your shotgun or rifle, but keeps it in a convenient and safe shooting position. It seems to have been on the market for several years, but it's the first time I've come across it.

I guess it was only a matter of time before Smartphones made its mark on the outdoor industry. Not sure how much traction it'll gain, but defintiely something cool to try sometime. The company is called IScope and offers a patent-pending Smartphone scope adapter which allows the user to see a full-screen  view of what you would normally see through your scope. You will now be able to aim, shoot, film, and share your hunt immediately to the online world. Pretty amazing...you have to check it out!

Before I leave this earth, I have to have a shotgun made for me by FAMARS. They've been building smallbore guns with lavish engraving since 1967 and I find the workmanship and detail of their guns to be more like a work of art. A particular favorite is the Leonardo Over-and-Under sidelock with its meticulous design detail. It probably costs as much as my home, but after the kids finish college, the house is paid off, I've sold my company, retired, and struck oil, I had to bookmark this site.

Being in Dallas, TX, I want to be able to drive up to the car pool lane in style with my SUV from Lenco. Lenco is the nation's leading designer and manufacturer of tactical armored security vehicles and is a must have if you think you are more important than you actually are but really cool nontheless. The Lenco Bearcat VIP SUV Model is a personal protection vehicle that offers significantly higher ballistic and blast protection than is possible in an armored suburban and of course, offers optional blast seats. This vehicle is a beast and when the website states "to protect the security of our customers, the remainder of this section and additional information is password protected and is only available to Law Enforcement, Military, and Government Agencies", you know you're not dealing with the ordinary family SUV.

There is a ton more exhibitors to review, I think about 1,600. So if you have a few hours to take a peak at all the amazing companies for all your hunting, fishing, and tactical needs, head on over to SHOT Show.org and enjoy.

Summary of List

1. BugBand
2. Nite Ize
3. Peregrine Field Gear
4. IScope
5. Famars
6. Lenco

A formal introduction

I realized I've never properly introduced my little "tribe" in all the time of doing this blog. When I first started, internet security seemed to scare me off, but nowadays I feel more comfortable posting personal images.

So when I started the blog, I thought I would create a name that is part of the whole family so I introduced myself to the online world as Rod McBellanic. "Rod" is part of my last name Rodvold, "Mc" is after the our oldest boy Mac, "bella" is for our twin daughter Isabella, and "nic" is for our twin son Nicolas. I guess I never considered any more in the pipeline, so I'll just introduce the youngest Joaquin. My god-given name is Chad and I am married to a lovely latina momma, Amparo, who will not allow to be photographed or posted to the online world. Daddy must keep momma happy!

Try taking a bike, trike, blade, scooter walk around the neighborhood while keeping the little varmints corralled. Thank God I grew up on ice skates in North Dakota; I typically put on roller blades to keep up and contain.

We live in Dallas, TX, but take the family home to North Dakota every fourth of July. There's nothing better than taking 'em home and letting them experience the great outdoors without having to worry about city things. They may be growing up in the city, but they love country life.

My favorite photo...note the youngest is missing. I keep trying to take another one with all four, but it never turns out.

My father, brother, and I with a nice whitetail I took bowhunting back home in 2005. My father has retired himself to camp cook and brother is a fireman in Denver, CO.

We try to go elk hunting in Colorado every year and I took this photo on a morning hunt. I've used the one on this blog for years and recently discovered it's sister photo. I don't remember finding anything at the end of the rainbow, but I know I have my "pot of gold" when I think of my family.

I hope to keep you informed about the happenings outdoors and every once in a while entertained through this blog. Thanks for coming by and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.

"Made in U.S.A." Makes a Difference to Sportsmen, Price Still a Big Factor

I did a post on "American Made" several years ago and was surprised at my findings. Along with cost, I think the big determining factor is whether the product is a hard or soft good. I do believe sportsmen want the very best American made product and are willing to pay a bit more for it, however, most clothing is manufactured oversees and I haven't seen much regard from the consumer as to where or how it was manufactured. Would be nice if I was wrong though.

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL - When HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com sought to determine how much weight the "Made in U.S.A." tag carried with sportsmen when making purchases of outdoor equipment, they found most respondents agreed that U.S.-made products were of better quality and it was important to buy them. They also discovered there is only but so much most hunters and anglers are willing to pay for that label.

When asked how important it is to buy fishing tackle or hunting equipment that is made in the U.S.A. nearly 89 percent of anglers said it was very or somewhat important, while 94 percent of hunters said it was very or somewhat important. At the same time, 47 percent of those anglers feel U.S.-made tackle is generally better in quality and 63 percent of hunters believe U.S.-made hunting gear is better than equipment made overseas.

So how much more are sportsmen willing to pay to support American jobs? If the "Made in U.S.A." product is five percent or less in cost, 85 percent of anglers and 89 percent of hunters report will buy the American-made product. But after that, numbers begin to drop sharply, and once the U.S. product exceeds 20 to 30 percent in cost, only 34 percent of anglers and 36 percent of hunters say they are willing to pay the difference.

"All things being equal, sportsmen appreciate American quality and are certainly eager to support American jobs; however, it doesn't take much of a price difference before economic realities set in and hunters and anglers are forced to make important decisions about how much they will spend,'" said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. "There is a reason why imported products take up so much retail space. Hunters and anglers, like all other consumers, want to get more for their limited dollars. As long as U.S. production costs remain high, whether related to taxes or other factors, imported products will continue to own a large share of the U.S. market."

To help continually improve, protect and advance the shooting sports and outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. Survey results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Follow them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AnglerSurvey and https://twitter.com/#!/HunterSurvey.

Contact:
Donna@southwickassociates.com

Press release found at the Outdoor Wire

Elk decoys fooling so called "hunters"

Dumb and dumber! These things have been around for years and still work? Back home, I think they started using the deer-coys almost thirty-years ago and it seemed as though the tactic worked a lot back then. However, I guess you can't teach "stupid".

My problem is when the news agency calls these individuals "hunters". I won't get on my soapbox, but will offer a bit of advice for drive-by "hunters."

1. Have your eyes checked before hunting season.
2. Understand most animals will actually "move" when a vehicle slams on its' brakes.
3. Trophy bucks and elk aren't typically near well-traveled roads.
4. Know animals do typically run after hearing a loud "boom".
5. Drive an older model vehicle, so it doesn't hurt as badly when you lose it.
6. Camo and orange hats aren't necessary.
7. Lean out the window or across the hood to get yourself into a better "shooting" position.
8. Don't bother to buy a license, as they are typically for real hunters.
9. When you are caught by the authorities, don't ask to see the video. It only confirms your stupidity.
AND 10. Seek counseling. There may be some deeper issues you have to confront.

IA Deer Harvest Nears 60,000

The Iowa deer harvest is running about the same as last year near the end of the first season, with nearly 60,000 deer reported to the harvest reporting system.

The first shotgun season ends Dec. 5.
Second shotgun season is Dec. 8-16.

More seasonal weather is in the forecast beginning this weekend, to welcome the estimated 65,000 hunters who will be out for the second shotgun season.

Hunter safety should be discussed as part of the hunting plan to help prevent injuries. Hunters are encouraged to wear plenty of blaze orange to increase their visibility to other hunters.

Five hunters were injured during the first shotgun season, of which, two had self-inflicted injuries. There were no fatalities.

Shooting at running deer and identifying the target and what is beyond the target remain the two primary causes of hunter injury and property damage.

Contact:
Tom Litchfield, State Deer Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958 or Megan Wisecup, Recreational Safety Program Supervisor, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-238-4968.

Press Release found at the Outdoor Wire

Hunters Harvest more than 86,000 Deer during OH Gun Season

COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters enjoyed great weather as they harvested 86,964 white-tailed deer during Ohio's traditional week-long deer-gun season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The harvest yielded an anticipated slight decrease of 3.7 percent from 2011, when 90,282 deer were checked.

"The traditional deer-gun week is enjoyed by thousands annually, and this year was no exception," said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "Ohio's healthy deer population offers a great source of outdoor recreation to many Ohio residents and out-of-state hunters."

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer checked during the 2012 gun season: Coshocton (3,119), Muskingum (2,927), Tuscarawas (2,860), Guernsey (2,620), Harrison (2,370), Licking (2,271), Washington (2,163), Knox (2,159), Belmont (2,127) and Carroll (2,062). The order of the top six counties remained unchanged from last year.

Ohio's week-long gun season was Nov. 26-Dec. 2. Hunters still have one weekend of deer-gun hunting, Dec. 15-16, and archery season remains open through Feb. 3, 2013. The statewide deer-muzzleloader season is Jan. 5-8, 2013.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks eighth nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

More information about Ohio deer hunting can be found in the 2012-2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.com. Hunters can also share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Hunters must still report their deer harvest, but they are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Hunters have three options to complete the automated game check:

Online at wildohio.com.
By telephone at 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864). This option is only available to those required to have a deer permit to hunt deer.
At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com, or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Hunters are encouraged to donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. ODNR Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. To see which counties are involved in this program, go to fhfh.org.

Ohio's first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, and hunters harvested 168 deer. Deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties in 1956, and hunters killed 3,911 deer during that one-week season.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.

Editor's Note: A list of white-tailed deer checked by hunters during opening day of the 2012 deer-gun hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county's name shows the harvest numbers for 2012, and the 2011 numbers are in parentheses. (bold indicates an increase from 2011-2012)

Adams: 1,554 (1,727); Allen: 393 (293); Ashland: 1,240 (1,096); Ashtabula: 2,052 (1,777); Athens: 1,983 (2,059); Auglaize: 362 (192); Belmont: 2,127 (2,431); Brown: 1,094 (1,229); Butler: 350 (345); Carroll: 2,062 (2,252); Champaign: 487 (554); Clark: 226 (276); Clermont: 835 (980); Clinton: 348 (373); Columbiana: 1,686 (1,738); Coshocton: 3,119 (3,690); Crawford: 543 (441); Cuyahoga: 30 (37); Darke: 312 (223); Defiance: 882 (725); Delaware: 620 (594); Erie: 171 (137); Fairfield: 1,040 (1,152); Fayette: 111 (104); Franklin: 176 (170); Fulton: 413 (302); Gallia: 1,747 (1,844); Geauga: 598 (623); Greene: 318 (287); Guernsey: 2,620 (2,982); Hamilton: 244 (298); Hancock: 558 (402); Hardin: 512 (354); Harrison: 2,370 (2,772); Henry: 347 (279); Highland: 1,347 (1,432); Hocking: 1,966 (2,184); Holmes: 1,837 (2,013); Huron: 1,006 (925); Jackson: 1,439 (1,515); Jefferson: 1,830 (2,044); Knox: 2,159 (2,480); Lake: 207 (185); Lawrence: 1,286 (1,574); Licking: 2,271 (2,678); Logan: 755 (760); Lorain: 764 (739); Lucas: 158 (129); Madison: 141 (167); Mahoning: 664 (563); Marion: 410 (320); Medina: 596 (556); Meigs: 1,764 (1,974); Mercer: 318 (203); Miami: 241 (194); Monroe: 1,695 (1,960); Montgomery: 162 (144); Morgan: 1,712 (1,804); Morrow: 844 (851); Muskingum: 2,927 (3,223); Noble: 1,647 (2,028); Ottawa: 86 (81); Paulding: 551 (416); Perry: 1,726 (1,832); Pickaway: 500 (466); Pike: 973 (1,077); Portage: 608 (644); Preble: 323 (267); Putnam: 327 (238); Richland: 1,418 (1,714); Ross: 1,512 (1,723); Sandusky: 224 (195); Scioto: 1,138 (1,224); Seneca: 803 (603); Shelby: 456 (305); Stark: 833 (661); Summit: 163 (151); Trumbull: 1,237 (1,060); Tuscarawas: 2,860 (3,180); Union: 352 (354); Van Wert: 290 (194); Vinton: 1,583 (1,577); Warren: 406 (412); Washington: 2,163 (2,225); Wayne: 784 (644); Williams: 906 (787); Wood: 254 (208); Wyandot: 812 (661). Total: 86,964 (90,282).

Contact:
John Windau, ODNR Division of Wildlife
419-429-8359

Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860

Press Release found at the Outdoor Wire

Starting an Outdoor Related Business - Part Two

We've looked at the numbers and although participating outdoorsman are down, spending is up and has been consistent for the last ten years. It's easy to understand why statistics demonstrate this consistent pattern...hunting and fishing is our passion. We value getting in the tree stand, on the water, or beating the brush as much as kids do their Halloween candy or their Thomas the Train collection. That passion leads to tremendous business opportunities in the field.

Alright, you have a product or service that is going to revolutionize the industry. What next? Understand your competition. Spend as much time as you can educating yourself on who they are and what makes them successful. Once you've determined the who, answer one extremely important question. What makes my product/service better or unique? I know you think it's great, as well as all your friends and family, but when your asking for their opinions, follow-up with the question; Would you be willing to invest  on the ground floor of this wonderful opportunity and see how many say "yes"...with a check in hand. So now you have a great idea, your cash in the account, and maybe some help from friends and family.

For this series of posts, we'll forget about discussing in great detail assumed names, LLC, LLP, sole proprietor, patent search, trademarks, copyrights, non-disclosure agreements, logo development, website development, trade shows, social networking, and blogging. So where do we start? For the time being, I'll give you some of the mistakes I made and what I would do differently in hindsight.

First, determine your capital needs since most companies fail in the first two-years due to under capitalization. Take credit cards off the table unless your wife won't mind having the minivan repossessed and a bankruptcy on your credit. If you have a product, you will more than likely have to raise capital. You probably will know someone, who knows someone, who might have an uncle, who's brother-in-law might invest. First mistake I made. Treat everyone you meet as a serious investor and pitch it until you hear the word "no" or "not interested". Get as many people interested and take as many meetings as possible. Don't assume the one person really interested is going to be the "one". I spoke with many people with the means to invest, but thought I had the one ideal person willing to invest the capital I required. I missed many opportunities because I wanted the perfect situation. My ego wanted to establish the ideal company before I had "proof in the product". If you can't raise capital (after many meetings), re-evaluate before making any financial obligations. A little reflection might reveal the light.

Tomorrow we'll take a look at marketing and distribution. Only gets more fun from here.

***On a side note, document all meetings and have all legal documents either complete or in the works before raising capital...be careful of the sharks. If necessary, ask the individual to sign an nda (non-disclosure agreement) before taking the meeting. 

A few more statistics for you number crunchers:

Most type of fish pursued in freshwater (excluding the Great Lakes) is the black bass at 33%

Catfish and trout tied at 23%

Most type of big game hunted is deer at 80% with turkey at 11% (I have a little issue with turkey being ranked as "big game", but not my census.

Rabbit and squirrel tied at 15% for small game and doves came in at 10% for migratory birds.

Crucial Wildlife and Riparian Habitat Preserved in Montana

MISSOULA, Mont.-The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding as part of a group effort to conserve 640 acres of key wildlife and riparian habitat in northwestern Montana. The purchase consolidates public ownership in a crucial area for fish and wildlife conservation and ensures permanent public access to it.

"This small tract of wild Montana land is extremely important for a variety of wildlife-from elk to trout," said Blake Henning, RMEF vice president of Lands and Conservation. "We're glad we could utilize our strategic land protection fund and money raised by our RMEF chapters in Montana to help make this purchase possible."

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and Five Valleys Land Trust (FVLT) facilitated the acquisition from Plum Creek Timber. The parcel will be permanently incorporated into FWP's adjacent Marshall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which will be managed for wildlife habitat but also for public recreational use including hunting, hiking, bird-watching and continued use of a popular snowmobile trail system. 

Conserving the property was a high priority because it contains a 1.3 mile reach of Deer Creek, an important spawning stream for native bull trout and cutthroat trout and a direct cold-water tributary to Seeley Lake, the community's municipal water source. It also protects productive habitat for Canada lynx in the western United States, as well as valuable cover for grizzly bears moving across the Clearwater Valley. 

"Recent research data proved what locals have known for years-Deer Creek is heavily used by bears, lynx, moose, elk and dozens of other species as primary habitat and as a forested corridor connecting the Mission Mountains and Clearwater River Valley," said Jay Kolbe, FWP wildlife biologist. 

"These lands provide clean drinking water, places for people to enjoy the outdoors, and unrivaled wildlife habitat," said FVLT Manager Lewis Kogan. "Protecting these lands is a great outcome for the Seeley Lake community." 

In addition to FVLT, FWP and RMEF funding, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, local government agencies, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and several foundations also provided financial backing.

"This is a great example of the good that can happen when so many different private and public organizations come together to benefit wildlife and wild country," added Henning.

I believe this is the general area. Anything around Flathead Lake is a huge success for RMEF.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.2 million acres-an area larger than Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Press release found at the Outdoor Wire

A tribute to our fallen head of the household

About six months back, I had to put down our yellow lab Jackie. She was thirteen and her quality of life had been slowly fading. Definitely had one of those "Old Yeller" moments and can honestly say she is thought of daily. She was here with the birth of all four of my children...god bless her. She put up with the pulling of the ears and tails with the "patience of job" and because of it, at least one of the kids will mention her at dinner or bedtime prayers.

We adopted a black lab several years ago to keep Jackie company and with Christmas on the horizon, the thought of a new puppy is being loomed over. Don't know what Santa will bring, but I wanted to remenisce a little about Jackie to help in making the decision.

So there was the time, when I didn't believe in crate training, that she decided to redecorate our kitchen. She shortened all the wooden chair legs several inches, rounded off the corners of the window sill, wanted to see what was behind the drywall, and took out the rubber seal between the refrigerator door and body.

I'll never forget coming home from work only to find rope all over the back yard from the new hammock I got for Father's Day. She had a lot of fun that day.

The time we took a road trip together and drove from Dallas to North Dakota straight for 25 hours. She became a "lap" dog that trip, but prepared me for having kids. I had to keep her entertained, so whenever we stopped for gas we would play catch for 10-15 minutes. Amazing how  spending a little bit a time can be so appreciated, but just like a child, give 'em a little and they never want to stop.

When we were throwing the stick at the lake and she slipped on a moss covered stone. She blew out here right rear knee and needed a transplant. Fifteen hundred dollars later, she had a titanium knee and I became one of "those" pet owners. You know the ones....

When she demonstrated she was more than just another city dog. We were bowhunting in Colorado  and every afternoon we'd practice crazy shots through all the aspens. Over the years, we lost so many arrows that before we make the trip, you would always order an extra dozen or so just for the "comptetition" shoots. Well, I always knew Jackie had a good nose on her, but this day she became a legend at the cabin with her retrieval of about a half-dozen arrows that had clanked off the aspen branches. It was truly amazing watching her work.

Or when I would leave for work and she would be at the front window and then come home she would be the first one to the door. She never asked for much, but gave more than all of us deserve.

Well, I guess a puppy is about to bless our humble home!