Archive for the ‘Hunting’ Category
Be Prepared!
All Purpose!
Serious minded Hunters and Campers must always have an Emergency Supplies Kit in their respective tool boxes. If possible, this kit should be kept separate from other supplies and not used on a regular/reoccurring, non-emergency basis. I have found that military footlockers are ideal and can be specifically marked for this purpose.
Things that should be considered for an Emergency Supplies Kit might include:
- ready to eat meals (3-days);
- potable water/water purification devices;
- flares, flare gun, flashlight, lantern, extra batteries, AM/FM radio, all purpose first-aid kit, blankets, breathing protection, tarpaulin;
- something to communicate with, i.e.: whistle, radio (2-way) etc.
Emergency Supplies Kit must be checked at the beginning of each Hunting or Camping trip and refurnished as needed.
Ammo Storage!
Keep Organized and Moisture Free!
Much has been said about the storage of ammunition. This last fall, I went to my hunting buddy’s house to coordinate an upcoming hunt. He took me out to his utility shed where he kept his weapons, ammo, and hunting paraphernalia. It was actually pretty neat – lights, running water, and a big work area. However, I did notice that he had ammo scattered all over the place. Some were in boxes, some in #10 cans, and some even loose. I couldn’t help but comment; so, the subsequent result was a discussion on the virtues of proper ammunition storage.
We determined that the service life of ammunition could be for a very long time if properly stored, inspected periodically, and maintained. Every 6-10 months, ammo should be inspected for cleanliness/corrosion. If corroded, clean with a small amount of steel or copper wool and oil lightly. If ammo is pitted, dispose of it.
As implied, the biggest problem with ammo storage is moisture. Water-proof ammo boxes are ideal. Try and keep cartridges in the original packing. If stored in wooden boxes, or a metal ammo can – throw-in a couple dehumidifiers for good measure. The keys to proper storage are:
- Inspect periodically;
- Provide needed maintenance;
- Keep Dry !!
Hunting – Foot Care!
Warm, Durable, and Functional!
There is nothing more disheartening than being forced to terminate a hunt because of cold, wet, or blistered feet. Whether male or female, the selection of a hunting boot should be taken seriously and based on two primary/confronting considerations: the terrain and climate.
- Terrain:
- If mountainous, rocky or uneven, the boots selected should provide stiff ankle support with non-pliant soles for stability and a good unyielding lacing system.
- If the hunt is in an upland or open fielded area with flatter terrain, the foot-gear can be lighter, more pliable with softer material but must be waterproof with a breathable lining.
- If you’re hunting in lowlands, marshes, or swamps where the ground is wet, muddy and sloppy, you might consider rubber boots with lugged or cleat soles. However, this boot would not be conducive to extended walking.
- If hunting an area with varied terrain (woods, ridges, and meadows), you should consider a boot with a combination of features including leather/nylon uppers, a flexible sole, water-proof but breathable lining and stable ankle support.
- Climate:
- Dress your feet before going out – do so in layers. In warm -moderate weather, single socks should be sufficient. In colder weather, add a wool sock or wool sock liner.
- If feet are always cold or chill easily, consider getting hunting boots a size larger to accommodate layering with wool socks.
When is “Too” Young?
A Family Sport!
Quite often I’m asked, “How old does a child have to be to get their first weapon”?. Like with adults, there is no standard answer. It should not be based on an arbitrary age but rather on their capability to understand the seriousness of the situation (emotional maturity); possession of an understanding that bad things happen if strict, uncompromising safety principles/rules are not religiously followed; last, but not least, should be based on their ability to make a commitment to an understanding that “Safety Comes First”.
Once that commitment is understood, adequately developed, and the child is physically able to operate a firearm; one last preliminary factor should be considered before selecting a weapon. A weapon’s recoil can be scary; so, for a young novice, I would suggest starting off with a BB-gun. This would ease the anxiety of learning how to safely handle and maintain a weapon.
Once ready, graduate to a .22-caliber rifle or even a .410 shotgun if the interest is in bird hunting. This young shooter should further participate in a progressional/supervised shooting program that is strongly reinforced with safety, shooting fundamentals, and wildlife appreciation. Shooting must always be supplemented with the proper wearing of hearing protection and safety glasses.
The Resident Authority!
Big Things in Small Packages!
The entire family knows that I spent many years in the military; so, by default, it seems that I’m the go-to person for all matters concerning the out-doors. Last week, I received one such call from a sibling whose young son was going out on a 2-day school trek and was looking for a light-weight/convenient way to heat water for dehydrated food and a hot drink.
I suggested two possibilities: 1. A small one burner stove, or 2. Obtaining a hand-full of heat tabs from the local Army/Navy surplus store. Because of weight and bulkiness, the later was selected. However, caution was given to use a well ventilated burning area, as-well-as a heating can/device that had numerous breathing holes in it.
The feed-back was that this, unlike other, cooking stoves worked to perfection. It was small, light-weight (didn’t require a pack mule), and not only dependable enough to cook my nephew’s food but also the food for two other campers whose stoves did not function properly, HOOAH!
Hiking Boot Buyer’s Guide
Take Care of the Feet!
Enjoy an exciting time with your friends while hiking the mountain trails using good, reliable hiking gear. For a beginner who wants to make hiking as a hobby, choosing reliable gear for the sport is as exciting as the hike itself. But the high rising costs of gears available in the outdoor shops can hold you back from experiencing the excitement of the outdoors since hiking boots are one of the most essential parts. Don’t despair because there are closeout hiking boots available in the market that are still of first-class quality like the popular brands.
Good and decent hiking boots are essential in any hiking trip. They hold all your weight against rough and muddy trails during a long day of hiking. Just to make sure you’re buying the right stuff, always check the sole traction and slug allowances and space between slugs. Slugs spaced far apart will not easily let mud and dirt build-up and will provide better traction compared to sneakers or running shoes that have entirely different uses.
Important Things!
Togetherness!
The 4th of July has always been a special time for us. This is not only a time of National celebration but one when our immediate/extended family gets together and establishes new or rekindles old family ties/relationships.
This tradition is and has been a unique opportunity, not only for the grandparents/parents but for brothers/sisters, aunt/uncles, and cousins to personalize and solidify their involvement in the grand scheme of family tradition, celebration, and togetherness.
It is a time for family fun and activities that normally include a BBQ, home-made ice-cream (banana), and fireworks. The kids have an opportunity to sleep-out in camping tents and the adults a chance to sit around the campfire and tell lies or reminisce of things in the past/possibilities for the future. Oh, ain’t it Great!
Hit What You Shoot At!
The Key to Accuracy!
Of all the Shooting Fundamentals, Sight Alignment/Sight Picture has the biggest impact on shooting accuracy. With non-scoped weapons, it’s important to align the front and rear sights perfectly and consistently each time. The four things in this equation are: the shooting eye, rear sight, front sight, and your target (in that order). However, some say it is better to first point the front sight at the target while assuming the proper eye, sights, and target pictorial.
The relationship between your shooting eye and the rifle scope or a rear metalic sight is important. Once you determine that position (where vision is best), be conscious of where your nose and cheek are in-relation to the weapon stock (spot-weld). Ideally, this same spot-weld should be assumed each time you aim and fire the weapon.
When you squeeze the trigger, you must apply steady and increasing pressure until the gun fires. Remember, the shot sound should be a surprise each and every time; if it isn’t, you are pulling/finching and will never shoot well until corrected
Don’t Pull/Jerk but S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E!
S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E!
Again, while in the service, the good Sergeant would walk by my target and say, “you’re pulling to the right; don’t pull/jerk but S – Q – U – E – E – Z – E the trigger”.
Take a look at your index finger. The trigger should be placed between the end and first joint of the finger. The key is to S – Q – U – E – E – Z – E the trigger until the weapon discharges. If the shooter knows when the weapon fires, they are pulling/jerking the trigger and will have subsequent lateral barrel movement. This will equate into missing the target point by inches or more at several hundred yards: S – Q – U – E – E – Z – E it! Same principle applies for muzzleloading rifles.
Magic is in the Fundamentals!
Breathing Cycle!
I remember when I was going through Army Basic Training. The sergeant would look at my marksmanship target and say, “You ain’t breathing right”. Of course, it took a long time for me to understand how he could tell that by looking at my target; but, he did further say, “see the vertical movement in your shot placement – try this, it should help”:
- Take a breath;
- Let it out;
- While exhaling, notice that there is a point where you do not feel compelled to continue exhaling nor compelled to take a breath (normally when about ¾ of the air has be exhaled).
- Try again, this time when you get to that pointing – hold your breath for 1-2 seconds.
That is the time in your breathing cycle when you want to take your shot. Of course there are other things that need to come together at the same time, such as proper sight alignment/sight picture and of course the proverbial “Trigger Squeeze” – don’t jerk or pull but squeeze it. The magic is in the fundamentals and Practice, Practice, Practice!