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Family Involvement!
Outdoor Cooking!
Outdoor cooking can and should be a family activity. It makes an otherwise mundane chore something special. Eating is fun, as should be fixing the food you eat. However, to do this takes time and a-little effort; plan food preparation that will include the entire family. This activity will not only be educational but extremely rewarding.
Even cooking a hot-dog or marshmallow can be a real challenge to insure that it’s cooked just right and not burnt. Cooking, as you well know, is a learned skill; especially cooking outdoors with charcoal, wood, or a portable cook stove. This activity will require some hands-on training. Take time to talk about what you plan to cook, discuss safety, and practice fire building.
It can be fun to beat eggs, mix pan cakes, make milkshakes, or cherry cobbler providing you have the proper camping cookware, stove and/or campfire. Don’t be too ambitious, at first; but, based on the kid’s ages , do give them tasks to complete with each receiving an acknowledged task ownership. These type of experiences are character building – the memories will never fade away!
Necessary Deer Hunting Gear?
"Muley"
Every year, I’m reminded about the importance of having good, reliable deer hunting gear/equipment. Depending on the situation or circumstances, this could include special blinds, apparel, decoys, feeders, footwear, game calls, game cameras, shooting – chokes, sights, optics and range finders, scents and scent blockers, tree stands and accessories. This does not include weapons, ammunition, tents, bedding, food, transportation, nor hunting leases. The list of needed gear can be mind boggling!
I would suggest you develop your plan and conduct equipment inventories early. Hunting leases can be expensive and should be affirmed in-advance as-far-as possible. Deer hunting is a great sport that can offer lots of relaxation and adventure. But, as you can see, having the right hunting gear is critical. Deer hunting is a little more complicated than just getting in the ole-truck, gun/ammo in-hand, and having a realistic chance of seeing/shooting that Trophy Buck – Be Prepared!
The Right Camping Chair!
Folding, Light, and Durable!
As the wife would say, “Why stand when you can sit”. A good camping trip has the right mixture of action/fun-filled activities and relaxing/thought provoking down-times. During these down times it is nice to just sit-back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell of the camp-site.
To do this, having the proper camping chairs are a must! They should not only be durable but fit your life style and planned activities. Here are some tips on how to chose that important camp-site accessory:
- Would suggest a folding chair, one that is constructed of durable but light materials.
- Decide if you want a rocking camping chair or the typical folding type. Will you be taking it fishing with you or just relaxing around the camp-site?
- You might want to consider cup holders. This would free-up the hands to do other things, such as fishing, reading a magazine, using the binoculars for birding, or other enjoyable activities..
- If you are going to the beach or be close to a body of salt-water, it is important to have chairs that are rust/water proof.
- When purchasing, choose a trusted brand. More than price, durability and ease of use should be your top priorities. A good camping chair should last for many years of enjoyment.
Snowmobiling!
Be Safe!
Here in the North Country, snowmobiling is almost a religion. The fever starts in October and runs semi-controllably through the temperature thaws in early/mid April. There are times when this fever defies all safety precautions and common sense. Each year there are meaningless injuries that can be contributed to either youthful exuberance or a misguided “can-do” spirit. Regardless of the circumstances, we must get a handle on it.
For many, it is a “right-of-passage” that starts at 12 or 13 years of age with a statutory requirement to become Snowmobile Safety Certified. Each state has laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles. I would suggest that all new snowmobile operators take a safety training course that could culminate in the respective State Certification or license. These course contents vary considerably from state-to-state but as a minimum should teach participants how to be safe, responsible, proactive, and environmentally considerate.
This certification, coupled with an appreciation for the need of proper cold weather clothing and equipment, will help insure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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.
Formal Hunting Agreement!
Father and Son!
I don’t know how many times I have gone to a landowner’s home and negotiated an agreement/approval with a hand-shake. I’m not saying you can’t continue to do it; especially, if you’ve had a long-standing approval and the parties have not changed. However, even then, you might reconsider.
There is a lot to be said about getting a formal lease agreement. It is always in writing, and whose purpose is to refresh memories (if needed); but ultimately, it is to gain access to a specific property for hunting game. If everyone knows/understands, and agrees to the requirements/restrictions, it could save a lot of head aches down the road. It has been my experience that people take things more seriously when it’s in writing, and they have to provide a signature.
An effective hunting lease agreement protects the interests of both the landowner and participating hunters. As a minimum, it should include:
- Description of property and boundaries;
- Name and address of everyone involved;
- Duration of the lease and game to be hunted;
- Monetary requirements, if any;
- Lessor and Lessee’s responsibilities/restrictions. This should include hunting gear/equipment authorization.
Last but not least, always include an indemnity or hold-harmless clause. Be sure to consider additional insurance to protect yourself.
The Pragmatist!
Family Time!
If you are holding out for the perfect time/opportunity to go camping, it’ll never happen. There will always be something that comes-up precluding you from going. As my good sergeant used to say, “don’t worry about the small s _ _ _, it will take care of itself” Over the past 50 plus years, I’ve found that to be a fairly true statement.
The best time to go camping, or spend a day in the park is when you feel you really need it. Nice warm weather or even unlimited funds would be a plus but neither are really critical. It can be a short trip, one that is close to home, but will provide you and the family the needed time/opportunity to rejuvenate the soul. It should fully allow you the needed space to rest the mind/body and subsequently further reduce the levels of stress in your (family) lives.
These brief getaways or camping trips can be designed not to be too expensive nor planning/preparation time intensive. But, what is critical is that you “DO IT”!
Family Safety!
Safe and Happy!
Summer is almost gone. If you haven’t taken the family camping yet, it’s time to get going. It’s not only something that can be enjoyable for you and the wife but also an opportunity to teach the kids valuable lessons about nature and the great outdoors. However, like everything else, you got to be smart about it. Safety considerations/practices must always be the highest priority. Here are just a few reminders:
- Food and Cooking: Keep perishable food products safe by storing in a cooler with adequate ice. Take a separate cooler for drinks. Bring foods that don’t spoil easily. While preparing/cooking, take needed precautions against airborne contamination. The kitchen area should not be a play area for the kids. Matches/fire starter products must be safe-guarded.
- Tent Safety: Eating inside a tent/sleeping area will attract the bugs, ants and other creepy crawlers. Do not use candles/gas powered lanterns or other flame producing devices inside a sleeping tent. Battery/Solar lighting is a safe replacement for inside lighting.
- Camping Activities: All outdoor activities should have adult planning and supervision. Keeping your kids safe is your responsibility. Regardless of the activity, you must enforce safety precautions and mandated safety requirements. Don’t assume anything!
Some of my most memorable experiences as a kid was during those family outdoor trips. They should not only be fun and enjoyable but also safe. It does not have to be an expensive venture but will require adequate and serviceable camping gear. BE SAFE AND DO ENJOY!
Be Prepared!
Never Again!
Here a few days ago, the wife and I went shopping to an Air Force Base in rural North Dakota. It was about 20 miles in the middle of no-where and not much surrounding it other than wheat and corn fields. We finished shopping, got a bite to eat and started heading home about 9:30-10:30 at night. As you would guess, we had a flat tire and On-Star told me that it would take at least 2-hours to get a repairman out.
I thought no-problem, I do have an emergency kit in the trunk with all the essentials: tools, jumper cables, and a flashlight. However, to my surprise, the batteries were dead in the flashlight. I was a-little reluctant to start in the dark, when I couldn’t even see the lug nuts. Of course, the wife wasn’t much help; she was definitely concerned about the frozen food items she had placed in the cooler, they were starting to thaw!
I know some of you have been there, done that, and can visualize exactly what I’m talking about. It wasn’t very pretty! The very next day, I purchased an emergency light/ flashlight that not only works on batteries but can be recharged by a built in solar panel, a little crank generator and/or through a vehicle adapter – NEVER AGAIN will this happen to me!
Open-fire Cooking Refresher!
You can almost smell it!
You don’t really need a large fire to cook your food. Smaller is probably better than larger. Think about your flame producing stove at home, how much flame do you need to fry that chicken or even boil water. The key is the amount and proximity of the heat source to the item being cooked. Cooking on an open fire is not an exact science and will require some trial/error.
With corn, potatoes, and other hard vegetables – you can wrap in aluminum foil and place directly in the hot coals, turn periodically and remove when done. A medium size potato or ear of corn will take about 30 minutes. If it’s cooking too fast, you can always remove the item and place back in the coals later for final cooking.
When using a grill, don’t place it too close to the fire. This will keep you from burning-up your cookware and what-ever you’re cooking. Simply add a few twigs/wood when needed to keep the flame constant but not blazing. Cooking with your camping cookware over an open fire definitely requires a little experience. Do not be too disappointed or hard on yourself if you have problems – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE will make it perfect!
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