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Ice Fishing!
WOW!
Up-until last year, my fishing experience had been limited to the warm, fair weather periods of the year. However, here in the North country, anglers know and anticipate a whole-other world of fishing once the temperature drops below freezing. Ice fishing is a fantastic Winter sport and an excellent family activity.
Like all other sports, the initial investment can be expensive, so I would suggest trying it first to determine level of interest before buying the auger, hooch and etc. There are outfitters you can hire who will provide everything needed to drill the holes, bait and hook the line, and even a structure to get in out of the weather.
That way, the only thing you would need initially would be cold weather clothing, boots, gloves, and head-gear. Before venturing, make sure you understand all safety precautions. Determining that the ice is not thick enough to hold a vehicle or even your body weight, once you’re in the middle of a lake, will be extremely unforgiving. Be safe and have fun!
Winter Vacation!
"Warm at Heart"!
Summer and Fall are the periods when most folk get the urge and subsequent opportunity for a vacation. If you missed the chance to go this year – don’t fret, take a Winter Vacation. If you are an excitement freak, it could be just the thing you’re looking for; especially if you enjoy snowmobiling, snowboarding, or skiing.
However, a winter vacation does not mean that you have to go rough it in the snow. You could go on a cruise or to some other sunny, warm, and relaxing location to soak -up the rays while others back home freeze their “b_ _ _s” off. The point being – take the chance! It may require a different skill set or special gear/equipment; but, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. It could be the result of a life changing experience – DO HAVE FUN!
Snow and Ice Safety!
Be Careful!
Winter is just around the corner and with it comes the sleet, ice, snow and all of those conditions that create safety hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there will be over 35,000 people injured this year because of sliding injuries, couldn’t stay on their feet due to slick ground/surface conditions.
There is nothing prettier than a frozen world twinkling in the sun-light. But, also remember, that there are few things more treacherous as-well! The key is to stay on your feet, so:
- Plan ahead – If you can shop before the winter storm hits, do so. If not, after the storm, don’t buy more than you can easily carry.
- Stay inside when there is ice on the ground. Most people fall while getting the mail, picking-up the paper, or taking-out the trash.
- Be cautious with your first step on a slick surface. Sometimes it’s hard to detect ice, particularly at night. Use a flashlight.
- When walking on snow or ice, take it slow. Keep your body position slightly forward and put your feet down flat, not on the heels. Bend your knees and take short, slow steps. Or, move/slide your feet forward without lifting them from the ground.
- Always wear the proper outer clothing and footwear that will provide good traction. Snow-boots, hiking boots, and tennis shoes are the best choices. Some people wear strap-on ice cleats or even cleated golf shoes.
- If possible, walk on the grass.
- If you must walk in the street, be careful around intersections; cars might slide through them.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep looking ahead to avoid slick spots.
Bird Hunting!
Beautiful!
Last evening, I stepped out on the deck and noticed a light/white circle around the moon. In the past, this has always signified that you had about 30 days before seeing the big flocks of both ducks and geese heading north to Canada.
It is time to get out the packing lists, take inventory, and in the interest of upcoming bird seasons shoot a few rounds of skeet. I’m not really satisfied with my repertoire of bird calls. Duck is better than goose but need to practice on both of my “come-back” calls. I did go out and buy a couple of calls last year but didn’t really have an opportunity to practice.
Think this year, I’ll stay with the bird calls I’ve got but definitely try and get-in some additional calling practice. Other than buying a couple boxes of shotgun shells and a few decoys, think I’ll be ready – Wish me luck!
Cold Weather Hunting Tips!
Don't Become a Casualty!
Before you go out cold weather hunting, it’s important that you’re dressed appropriately for the weather. First off, remember that layers are crucial. You’ll want to have a good set of thermal underwear. Dress in a few layers on top of that before getting to your outerwear. This way, as the day heats up you can remove layers to keep from sweating and overheating.
One thing you should absolutely not skimp on is a pair of quality hunting boots. Wet feet are not only uncomfortable, but they can put your health at risk. Trust me, trenchfoot and frostbite are no laughing matter. Make sure your cold weather hunting boots are well insulated and waterproof.
Frost Bite!
Be Prepared!
As defined by the encyclopedia, Frost Bite is a medical condition where damage is done to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. Other factors influencing this condition would include inadequate clothing, wind chill, and poor body blood circulation.
- At or below freezing, the blood constricts/slows-down circulation. Continued exposure, will result in the eventual freezing and death of skin tissue.
- Wind Chill is the felt air-temperature on exposed skin due to wind (i.e.: Outside temperature is 0 degrees (F); the wind is blowing at 10 mph; temperature on the skin would be -16 degrees (F).The harder it blows the colder it gets!
- Poor blood circulation can be further exacerbated by tight clothing/footgear, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, alcohol, or a blood circulation disease.
Frost Bite is the #1 winter, cold weather injury. It covers a full spectrum from treatable discomfort to death. This condition does not discriminate and will affect those who do not take it seriously. But, it is preventable by wearing the proper cold weather clothing, footgear, and headgear. Be Safe!
Ice Fishing!
Fishing at Its Best!
I would not consider myself an avid fisherman but have thrown a line or two. All of my fishing would be considered “fair weather” type, mostly in the lakes and streams of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Last week, I was invited to go Ice Fishing on a lake in the land of 10,000 lakes, in Northwest Minnesota. The 5-day trip is scheduled for the last week in January 2011. We will stay at a lodge and be transported about a mile to/from the fishing site via individual ATV’s. Even though the fishing site is somewhat austere; it is enclosed and does have limited eating, sleeping, and even bathroom facilities.
I was further told that fishing equipment will be provided but proper cold weather clothing, head gear,and footgear should be brought. This time of year weather is below 0 degrees and sometimes as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. I have never caught a Walleye – wish me luck!
Nut’n Comes Easy!
Preparation Insures Perfection!
You can smell it in the air; Fall is here, and with it comes numerous hunting opportunities. It’s time to check your hunting gear: have the ATV’s serviced, clean the guns/rifles, and conduct an ammo inventory. You should make a trip to the range for sight confirmation. So many hunters negate or forget this, and then wonder why they missed that trophy shot!
Shooting is a learned skill and requires Practice, Practice Practice! Hunting gear maintenance and hunt preparation is your insurance policy to have a safe, enjoyable, and productive hunt, “Nothing Comes Easy”!
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.
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