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Get The Most From It!
Fun Time!
We can all take lessons on how to get the “Most” from your Outdoor Recreation Equipment. There is not a lot of science involved, just a whole lot of common sense. As your parents used to say “never put yourself in a corner” or “close that door”, but stay on your feet and remain in control of your mental well-being.
- Bye Quality Gear – Don’t confuse(quality) with purchase price. Ask friends/experts and research the product through appropriate consumer advocates. Look for the best quality considering what’s available and the price you can pay.
- Get What You Need – There’s a fine line between need and want. However, it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! Put some thought into it; in most places, you’ll always want your rain gear with you but might not need it.
- Take Care of It – One of the most important considerations. If you don’t religiously take care of it , it might fail when most needed. Depending on the circumstances, this could be the difference between a good/bad experience or worse yet – life/death. Folks, it’s not a game, so don’t play around with it.
- Storage – Organize and if possible get it up off the floor. Pre-storage should include a serviceability check. Get rid of those things that can’t be fixed and/or don’t work properly.
Being able to go on a camping trip/outdoor activity knowing that you have the recreation gear needed, and that it’s in good working order will set the tone for the entire trip. It will not only give participants peace of mind, but a care-free confidence that everything is going to be fine and fun filled.
Shopping On-line!
Convenient!
We have a tendency to shy-away from things that are unknown or we don’t understand. I for one went into the electronic age dragging my feet and screaming/hollering all the way. But, the more I got into it, the more I realized its true merits. This includes researching and shopping for things on the Internet. If your intent is to purchase a quality item at the lowest price, you should do your research on the Internet.
There are many Internet search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) that will help to simplify the buying process. They will assist in developing the data needed to determine product quality, as-well-as the information required for cost analysis. It has been my experience that prices on-line are normally a little cheaper than like items bought at the corner retail store. If it is a high dollar item you‘re purchasing, the tax savings alone could save you a bundle.
One of the nice things about shopping on-line is that the items are normally sent to your front door. Shopping for things like camping gear can be both fun and educational. If you are a show-me person, many times there will be video tapes/subject experts showing and further explaining the product.
Camping Gear Replacement Items!
Perfect!
I’m in the process of doing my end-of-season camping gear inventory. Inventory reflects that there are several items that need to be replaced. This includes a tent (4-5 person), a couple battery operated lanterns, and possibly a new 4-burner stove (propane). Total cost of these items will be several hundred dollars. However, being a prudent shopper, I want both quality and savings.
As Granddad used to say, there has got to be “method too this madness. You don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry”. The same principle applies when buying camping gear. You need to first determine exactly what you want as compared with the maximum price you can afford. This preliminary research can be done by going to a local sporting-goods store or referring to the respective Manufacturer’s website.
Experience has shown that bargains in camping gear can be obtained but you need to do some leg work. Once you have determined the item wanted (can afford) by Nomenclature (name), Manufacturer, and Model Number – you can go-out with confidence and buy the item needed. Whether it be a seasonal sale at the local sporting goods store or a reputable on-line shopping site, you are prepared to make item price comparisons. Make sure the prices compared include taxes/shipping and handling.
Birding and Beyond!
Bushnell "Legend" Scope w/o Tripods!
Think I mentioned about buying the wife a pair of binoculars for Birding. The enjoyment she has received is unbelievable. Her question now is whether there is something that will give her a little more distance. I explained that the next step might be a Spotting Scope. The power magnification is higher than most binoculars, but the downside would be portability.
Like a pair of binoculars, a spotting scope is characterized by two numbers, the magnification and diameter. The usual magnification of birding binoculars are 8 or 10 times but good spotting scopes are generally 20 to 60 times. The higher the magnification, the better you can identify the object at a distance. But, that increase in distance substantially narrows the field of vision with a noticeable loss of brightness.
However, many of these spotting scopes come equipped with a zoom lens that would let it grow gradually from 20 to 60 times. This could allow a lower magnification to enjoy a greater field of view and then zoom in to see the details. When purchasing a spotting scope, be ever conscious that you normally “get what you pay for”. Just because it’s larger, has more buttons, or even cheaper does not always equate to it being a better deal!
Back-yard Wonder!
Bobwhite Quail!
A couple weeks ago, I bought the wife her first pair of binoculars. I never realized that a person could get so much enjoyment out of the birds inhabiting their back-yard. We have a few robins, ducks, and even a covey of quail. She has gotten to the point where she can actually tell individual differences within the species.
This has encouraged her to research Quail through Google and not only identify the species in her back-yard but its preferred habitat, breeding and feeding habits. It was noted that they feed on seeds, small insects and similar prey. Their eggs are considered a delicacy in many countries including here in North America, Western Europe, and Japan.
Interesting was that some common quail have been known to eat poisonous seeds with no apparent ill effects. However, people who later consumed the bird’s meat were poisoned. This condition is known as “coturnism” . Oh, what a joy one pair of binoculars has brought!
Bird Watching Do’s and Don’ts!
Where did it go?
All outdoor activities have the do’s and don’ts. These guidelines keep us good folk honest and are normally based on common sense. In this case, the over-riding consideration is safety for all participants. This of course includes the birds themselves. The four cardinal rules for all bird-watchers are:
- First: Show respect to the birds you’re watching. Be ever mindful that you are being intrusive.
- Second: Don’t invade their personal living space. Birds return each year to the same living habitat.
- Third: Respect the applicable State/Federal laws. Legal restrictions are put in place for a reason/purpose.
- Fourth: Respect the sport of Bird Watching. Become aware of the different bird species and their living environments/habitat.
Bird Watching is becoming more and more popular. Follow these simple rules and you will be assured of continuous enjoyment. Purchase a guide book to assist with bird identification and maintain a journal for posterity. Do not get discouraged; if you don’t first succeed – Try & Try Again!
An Option!
More Bang for the Buck!
Using air rifles for small game hunting is becoming more and more popular each hunting season. These low caliber guns are useful for hunting small game like birds, foxes, rabbits and squirrels
There are different caliber air rifles for different uses. The .177 caliber is used mostly for target practice. Whereas, the .22 and .25 caliber weapons are more suited for hunting. The ideal hunting air rifle has the properties of providing 1000 feet per second velocity; an automatic cocking safety system and single shot.
Like their big brothers, there’s a full range of telescopes that will assist the firer during limited visibility and with shots at distant ranges. The operation of air rifles are comparatively easy and can lull the inexperienced hunter into a lack of hunting awareness and concentration. The same marksmanship techniques and principles apply as with larger caliber weapons – be aware of your surroundings and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Method to the Madness!
WOW, Look at That!
How many times have you been out with the family or friends on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, not doing much of anything but enjoying the great outdoors? You notice a herd of elk moving slowly away from you on the distant mountain-side.
As you point in the direction of the sighting, you hand the binoculars to the family member or friend. They were able to visually identified the sighting with the naked eye, but couldn’t find it with the binoculars before it moved out of sight. There is a method to this madness; if followed, it will make spotting game or even birds with binoculars quicker and more successful.
- Once you have spotted the game/bird with the naked eye, don’t look down or away but maintain observation of the object;
- Raise the binoculars to the eyes, identify the object, and observe while you’re making minor focus adjustments to the binoculars.
Bird Watching Essentials!
Be Prepared!
Like everything, the key to success is in the preparation. To ensue that you have an exciting and eventful Bird Watching event, it is important that you have access to the required equipment.
Some questionably feel that the most important item to have is a pair of binoculars; a pair that is lightweight and allows you to tackle long distances. But, there are also other influencing considerations that must be made to add credence and enhancement to the overall experience:
- A birding vest with various size pockets (10-15). This will give you easy access to bird identification guides, lens caps, lip balm, snacks, insect repellant, and other personal needed items.
- A lightweight rain jacket might be needed to protect you from the elements. Don’t forget a hat, it will not only protect you from sun rays but also keep hair out of your eyes.
- A written journal should be maintained explaining the – Who, What, When, and Where. If desired and time permits, the journal could be supplemented by photographs.
Some avid bird watchers like to pair their trips with extending hiking. If so, additional consideration should be made for a daypack. Depending on the trip, this might also include meals, bottled water, extra binoculars, socks, map/compass, and a charged cell phone. However, Don’t over Pack!
Operational Transition!
Shot Assurance!
Last year, I did not get a deer; had several shots but just couldn’t put it together. Of course, during the off-season, I had vast opportunities to give it a lot of thought, and decided that it was time for change. Even though difficult, I had to admit that my eyes are not what they used to be; and, at times, I found myself struggling to identify the target and line-up the shot.
In the past, I have been a die hard peep site user and prided myself at being able to hit a target, just as effective at 400 yards as anyone using a scope; but, now maybe it’s time to reconsider and make the transition to a scope. It should not only help with my shot accuracy but assist with target ID, and give me that needed 100% assurance that the target is a legal shot (proper game and correct gender).
I’ve been looking at a little 3 power scope; don’t want it so large that all you see is a massive blur at 50 yards. This is a good example of where “bigger” is not necessarily better. Choosing the right rifle scope for your particular hunting situation is critical and can be tedious; but, with proper research and expert advice, it can put you right back on top of your “shooting” game. Be Safe!
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