The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: 3/7/10

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Saturday Blog Rodeo 03/13/10

Blog Rodeo: 03/13/10

Wow, another week has gone by, and Saturday has arrived, and it is time for my usual fare: another Blog Rodeo! How time flies when you are having fun!

Once again, I've been roaming the hinterlands of the hunting and outdoorsmen's internet and as usual, I've picked out posts that I especially enjoyed this past week from all of blogs I follow, and some that I found.

(Remember if you bump into a post you especially like, drop me a note and I'll include it in the Rodeo. You can even feel free to copy this whole post and run it on your own blog; it spreads the word, and it's always nice to give a little link love to your fellow bloggers!)
First up today is Recruiting New Hunters Works, Othmar Vohringer has some statistics on new hunters in British Columbia, Canada. "In total, province wide 6,599 new hunters graduated from the course. Of these, and that is what thrills me most, 1,421 were women and 1,975 of the students were under the age of 19." What is great is that now OV has new numbers to shoot for next year! What if everyone recruited one sportsman this coming year?

The Mallard of Discontent.
I can go on for quite some time about how I wish I had his wit, his command of prose, and his great perspective. But I don't. So pointless griping as a coping mechanism is useless! On the other hand, Pointless griping as a coping mechanism for lack of fish, considers the likely and ultimate demise of the paper and ink magazine and his desire for a "literature" centric outdoor magazine. I can't blame him. The only magazine I buy now is Double Gun Journal.But I'll have to check out a couple of his suggestions.

Ben G at Ben G Outdoors has a laudable set of goals he has posted and intends to follow through on! That is a great thing for any Blogger to do. Last year, after the SHOT Show I did something very similar and it really helped me to focus my efforts and produce some concrete results via my Blog.

SBW posted this March 1st, but I only got to it yesterday but it is another one of SBW's well woven tales! Spinning: A Yarn With An Urban Fly GuySBW is on the River Thames, and:

Building Site Guys: “Should we come and get you out?’

SBW: “No No I’ll be fine”. [gives cheery wave]

You ought to read how it got to that point, I hate to ruin a good story!

Image Credit: Born to Track

Born to Track has a great note on Drahthaars tracking dogs. "The ultimate field test for the 100% trained Drahthaar is the Utility Test (VGP). This test allows evaluation in 26 categories, and 18 different hunting situations." "Drahthaars have a lot on their plate by the time they are 2 years old. Pointing, land and water searches and retrieves, fur and feather drags, rabbit tracks." Very versatile dogs me thinks! lots of information on Born to Track for anyone that is interested in blood tracking or tracking with dogs.

I know I say this just about every week, but Borepatch has another post that is just outstanding. Trace Adkins - Fightin Words, sums up pretty much what any one of us who has about had it with today's political correctness. Short digression: Back in Afghanistan, I was walking into the PAX terminal, when a little jerk, short on manners, shoved his way out the door. There was a woman in front of me carrying her tray of food in front of her, which due to the jerk's insolent behavior was now plastered to the front of her ACUs. My hand shot out past her and slammed into the thugs chest, stopping him short. I hard shove and the SOB was sitting on his ass back inside the terminal. Heads snapped and swiveled as I helped the lady in, and turned to finish the business at hand. But, a sharp word from a female Captain cut the ensuing bloodshed short. But I, sure as there is an American flag waving over Bagram, am not going to tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone, ever.

Finally, Dayne over at Hunting Business Marketing has a great post on "patterns." Finding Successful Patterns uses Dayne's fantastic writing technique of using analogies and big name examples to illustrate his idea. I was reminded of a few things that really are helpful for the blogger and businessman.

LATE ADDITIONS!

I am just going to point you to these two bloggers. Next week I'll spotlight them, but for the time being just want to point them out to you.

First is The Locavore Hunter™ who was pointed out to me by our friend SBW. Well written and thoughtful I recommend it highly. Next is Tovar Cerulli's blog People. Animals. Nature. Written from the vantage point of a Vegan turned hunter, it's another well written blog!

Remember to let me know if there is something you want me to highlight for you! And don't forget, leave a little note on folk's blogs and let them know you stop by and appreciate their work.

Best regards,
Albert

Friday, March 12, 2010

Native Hunt Hog Specials

My very good friend T. Michael Riddle, owner and steward of Native Hunt properties, forwarded a very special deal for anyone interested in taking some California feral hogs.

T. Michael writes:

Native Hunt has something for you, our loyal customers and friends!

"As is the case with any struggling economy, the negative effects on business stretch deep and wide. I have personally witnessed three major nationwide recessions in my 50 years of living here in the U.S.A., and each time it has been the same with the service industry, an industry which includes outdoor sports such as: Hiking, Camping, Fishing and HUNTING.

You have seen the effects of recession on the service industry at your local restaurants. As clientele drops, so do the number of employees making good service wishful thinking. Then the perks and freebies, like free refills & bread, become things of the past. Next to go is the advertising budget. As the number of patrons continues to dwindle, the restaurant is forced to lower the quality of the food by buying cheaper ingredients and hiring cheaper chefs... Pretty soon the restaurant is a totally different place and they are forced to close their doors forever.

We here at NATIVE HUNT have acted completely contrary to the norm during this recession and we have actually hired MORE EMPLOYEES, remained a FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER and have added some FREE PERKS* to our already existing ones. Where others have cut marketing budgets, we have kept our advertising going strong. But most importantly, we have listened to YOU the customer, and have worked hard at improving what we do here at NATIVE HUNT to make it the best possible customer experience in the industry!

As a direct result of our diligence and commitment to place our customer's satisfaction and hunting experience as our first priority, we have not had to close our gates. We have all seen other hunting companies go the way of the dinosaur these last two years, while Native Hunt is still going strong. We owe this success to you, our valued clients; and we have therefore come up with our best offers to-date to extend exclusively to our priority customers.

As you know we added new property to our list of leased lands, and this particular ranch is located a mere 2 minutes away from our PRIEST VALLEY RANCH and will afford you the opportunity to experience all of our properties while still only staying for one night.

This newest addition has not been hunted for several years and is literally over run with Wild Hogs, Black-tailed Deer, Turkey and Tule Elk!

For the regular price of $975.00 (a standard Feral Hog Hunt) we will allow you to take a second Feral Hog for FREE! You read that right. At no extra charge you will be able to take home DOUBLE the amount of MEAT!
This deal will only be available to the first 10 people that contact us so stop what you are doing and CALL 1.888.HUNT.321 now.

As always, we are still offering our standard FREE PERKS*, FIRST CLASS FACILITIES, and unmatched TIER 1 SERVICE to all of our hunters.

Happy Hunting to you all and I am looking forward to a very fruitful and prosperous year here in 2010 for us all!"

T. Michael Riddle
C.E.O.
NATIVE HUNT ENTERPRISES INC

* Free Perks Include: ICE, COLD STORAGE, SKINNING, GUTTING AND MEAT QUARTERING FOR TRANSPORT, LUNCH FOR SINGLE DAY HUNTS, TOURS OF THE RANCHES, FULL SERVICE FOR ALL HUNTS!

Visit our website: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103143118844&s=1479&e=001zOEqax-bcAMiuFr7YSq74d29oy5-AwkEJYp75OPrDZPfYkfJPQOoMoijBBJgO8jFh4lluKgE0cvWbaXIF_B7BpcvSDfjmnOcXeNx_IGTJ_cE1izyH_ZOvA==, check out our blog: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103143118844&s=1479&e=001zOEqax-bcAPH57VUv20EWxUZ_B--2XKJbiS0MtC_D5V5EBDEvjdPX_n9CKiMSmB9SkpD-ZdzW3-0F4MlvnAPsjI7bhydrfWawECNd-DnLCc1Z7SDCRYoSg== and follow us on Twitter:

"At Native Hunt, we focus on providing guests with absolute Tier I service. Our goal since we began operation in 1990 is that guests should be able to spend their days in the rugged outdoors hunting exotic game or exploring the property with one of our adventure tours, yet still be provided with great comfort and luxury in the wilderness. Native Hunt’s focus is entirely on the guest; giving them a memorable, successful hunting experience, while at the same time providing an extravagant retreat."

Mike Riddle, CEO Native Hunt

The Lodge

If you are considering a trophy hunt for Corsican Sheep, or perhaps a mixed bag of exotic game, give Native Hunt a call and book a hunt. Mike runs an exceptional operation that caters to his clients needs and desires. Native Hunt is a licensed, state-bonded, and insured hunting guide service. They have been in business since 1990 with ranches located in beautiful Monterey and Fresno counties. A hunt at Native Hunt will be a hunt to remember!

Native Hunt

Contact Native Hunt with any questions or to make reservations:
General Questions: info@nativehunt.com
Hunting Questions: hunts@nativehunt.com
Bookings: 408-837-0733
Or call toll free: 1-888-HUNT-321

Related Links:
Hunting Corsican Sheep: Tips and Techniques

Phillip takes a Fallow
Fallow Deer: Hints and Tips
Little Grey Rockets, Skittish Sheep, and a Sheepish Guide
Native Hunt On TROC

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Range Reviews: Bore Tex Muzzle Protectors

Bore Tex Muzzle Protectors

Large on a 12 gauge, Medium over a 22 Hornet with burlap and tape camo,
and the Small over a sporter weight 30 caliber barrel.

Good ol' Dukkiller introduced me to Will Evans the founder and President of Pro-Tex Outdoors, the manufacturers of Bore Tex muzzle protection caps.

Will started testing and development of his product in 2007 after repeatedly observing the difficulties that hunters sometimes have with stuff getting in their barrels, and the occasional blockage by mud, dirt, snow or ice.

They come three to a pack, and the tube is recyclable!

I've used black electrician's tape to protect the muzzle of my rifles when wading waist deep in the Everglades, but these caps are certainly more convenient. BORE TEX caps are flexible, extremely durable, will not rip or tear from normal contact with hard surfaces. Extreme temperatures, light, moisture and dirt have no affect on these durable muzzle caps. They are available in the textured matte black, or the new hi-viz blaze orange.

New Blaze Orange Color!

They are even designed to be shot through if the need arises. And the softer, more flexible material they are made of makes it a cinch to remove in a hurry, even after being shot through. You might ask, "Albert, why would you need to remove the cap after you shot?"

I am glad you asked.

Let's say you're in the US Army, and say you are posted in Afghanistan. Let's say for further illustration, that you are a rifleman, not a REMF. You want to protect your muzzle, but the issue muzzle cover is made of a pretty stiff plastic. Even though you can shoot through it with ease, it is a bear to remove in a hurry. And you know as well as I do that a covered flash suppressor doesn't work. The Bore Tex muzzle protector will come off easily even after a magazine of 5.56 has blown by it.

My main motivation for using them is to protect the bore from stuff creeping in there while I have the firearm sitting around. When I am hunting, habits instilled in me by the military have so far kept me from ever dropping or plugging a muzzle. But... for those that have found themselves in a situation where this kind of thing happens, Bore Tex is cheap insurance against a blown up barrel.

You can order them direct from Will through his company Pro-Tex Outdoors. At $9.99 (and shipping included!) it's a bargain!

Pro-Tex Outdoors / Bore Tex
888-568-9826

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Bagram Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Before I get finished, let me cover my rear and say I got them for nothing, and nobody pays me for writing about stuff. How's that FTC? You happy now?

Your tax dollars hard at work...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Bull Moose Hunting Society

Bull Moose Hunting Society

Sometime in late September, just before I left for Afghanistan, I became acquainted with the Bull Moose Hunting Society. Started by Nick Zigelbaum and Nick Chase, the Bull Moose Hunting Society was designed from the outset to educate and assist other urban dwellers on the intricacies of hunting.

I was especially taken with their Mission Statement which, quite frankly, is a masterpiece of English prose. Take a moment and read it in its entirety.

"Leave no trace, take a clean shot, respect the animal, be a part of nature; these are qualities we at the Bull Moose Hunting Society express and would like to instill in a new generation of hunters, of human predators. Where the government of this country fails to establish ethical hunting guidelines, we educate and inform. Where the urbanized people of this country are removed from nature, we provide a means to return. Where the private landowners fear the few yet recognizably disrespectful and wasteful hunters, we are an alternative. Bull Moose is an organization dedicated to providing a means for those of us who have lost our instincts, our predatory skills and our connection to the wild world to get those parts of ourselves back. We provide guidance through state hunting regulations and equipment purchases. We provide a link between private landowners and responsible, ethical hunters like ourselves. And most importantly, we bring the wild out in you."

When I consider that these two young San Francisco urbanites have eloquently and succinctly summed up what many of us have been teaching and elucidating upon for years, I am glad that their are still some bright and articulate Americans left!

I spoke with Zigelbaum for a few moments before leaving last October, and promised that I would do a write up and interview. As soon as I have settled in and gotten back into some kind of groove, (And before I have to leave again...) I will coordinate with the two Nicks and give you all an in depth report!

In the meantime, take a look at their website. Consider becoming a member of the Bull Moose Hunting Society to help support what I think is an excellent and worthwhile organization. If you are local to them give them a call and join! I know that when I get back permanently, I will be starting a Sarasota chapter when the National Lodge accepts our application!

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Bagram Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Thief Flitches Teddy's Walrus Tusk Trophy

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5. trochronicles.blogspot.com

An affront to the Nation!

I picked this up from the Greenwich Times out of Connecticut:

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities are hunting for the person who stole a 15-inch walrus tusk from Theodore Roosevelt's home on Long Island.

The superintendent of the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Thomas Ross, says it was one of a pair displayed on a fireplace mantel. It was discovered missing Feb. 22.

Old Brookville, N.Y., police and the National Park Service are investigating. The FBI has added the tusk to its national stolen art list.

In 2006, a man pleaded guilty to stealing Roosevelt's revolver. It was returned to the historical site in Oyster Bay, N.Y.

Will they destroyers of America never stop?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Amazon Caiman Spear II

Hunting Caiman, Amazon Style

Image Credit: Primitive Point

My friend and fellow Blogger, Todd Hill over at Primitive Point, is an accomplished smith, who turns out some pretty field-worthy blades in his spare time. He also lived and grew up in the Amazon. He and his father visit the basin on a regular basis, and Todd hand forged a set of spear points for his friends in Brazil some time ago. So for those of you interested in forging and bladesmithing his site is good places to start.

SBW over at the Suburban Bushwacker reminded me that we have to get together and skewer a gator, and that we need Todd to forge us a couple of harpoon heads for that adventure. Not only that, but I could definitely use a good boar spear, and while I am at it, and SBW will certainly be game, we will need a couple of shark spears too. We haven't settled on a design yet, but we will have to hash that out sooner or later. Should make an interesting story.

Coincidently, I received this caiman spear years ago as a gift from a gentleman who runs a local gunshop. He traveled frequently to the Amazon basin also, and had adopted a small village. Perhaps they had adopted him, I not too sure of the initial start of his relationship with them, though I seem to remember that his father first brought him there a couple of decades ago. We spent several hours in conversation that day, and he graciously offered me this caiman spear as a parting gift.

The design is such that the wrapped cord holds the barb and the head in place against the foreshaft. When a fish or caiman was speared, the cord unfurled and the shaft floats to the surface allowing the hunters a better chance at retrieval.

The wood of the foreshaft and head is a dark, heavy, hard, and oily wood. The foreshaft is cylindrical with both ends tapered; sort of a long narrow barrel. The shaft, I was told, is from a flowering stalk of a tropical flower.

The barb or spear point is made from a 3/16" bar or nail that has been hammered out by hand on a simple charcoal forge.

Here are the dimensions:

OAL 7’ 7”
Barb 6”
Head 4.75”
Foreshaft 11.5”
Shaft 6’ 3”
Cord 6’
Depth of socket hole in head ¾”

If you take a look at the very first picture at the top, you can see how the spear is set up. The line is tightly coiled around the shaft, and the head locks in place by tension from the line.

If I can get a few moments to spare, I will try to make a new spear out of local materials. Orange or persimmon tree shoots which tend to grow very straight would make a good shaft. Live oak which is quite heavy and element proof, would make great material for the foreshaft and head. I have an anvil and enough hammers for twenty people, so I should be able to hammer a serviceable spear out of a big spike or rod.

There are several lakes with huge carp in them that might be a tempting target for a well made spear. It would give me an excuse to load the Pirogue we built last winter, and head on out as the weather warms and the fish swarm the shallows.

That might make another interesting story!

Related Posts:

Follow the rest of the Pirogue building series!

Part I: Getting Started
Part II: Butt the Plywood
Part III: Measuring Up
Part IV: Cutting and Building the Ribs
Part V: Attaching the Ribs
Part VI: Attaching the Internal Chines
Part VII: Attaching the Bottom and Finishing Up

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