The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

Fish Creek Spinners: New for 2012

2012-02-01T12:59:00.003-05:00

New spinner baits from John Delaney and Fish Creek Spinners!
© 2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

My good friend John Delaney at Fish Creek Spinner sent me some exciting news on an expansion to his already phenomenally successful line of spinner baits. He has plenty of new fishing stuff to look at, and i would like to share the news with you my readers. Also see the contest for spinners at the end of this post!

First off he has expanded the Armadillo line, filling in some weight gaps and creating a larger metal skirted version that is sure to be a huge hit with lunker Largemouth bass.
Here are the specs:

1oz in weight - biggest one yet
7 inches in length with skirt - skirt is removable and can be changed out!
.051 inch heavy stainless wire - this wire is tough
All Nickel body beads and friction discs - Noisy ring on this one.
Baked Powder coat in 14 colors -
Double Super Willow blades on a single clevis for added Noise
53 strand 8 inch Silicon Starflash Skirts - 20 varieties to choose from
Duolock clasp attached #1/0 brass treble hook - Quickly switch hooks or change skirts

This is a tough duty spinner for all big fish. Here are a few pictures

For you crazy Ice Fishing fanatics, John has put together a new glow-in-the-dark spinner, the Depth Charge!

These will undoubtedly be a go-to item in every ice fisherman's box.

This weight will create quite a churn as they're dropped. The larger propeller causes the metal head and eyes to spin in the opposite direction (maybe they should be called Regan's - remember the Exorcist?). As you can surmise, while being jigged, they'll spin, in addition to clacking at the bottom of your stroke. Notice the eye silhouettes against the glow background at rest. Nice target for a trout under ice.

Six glow colors available in the Ice Fishing section of the Fish Creek Spinner Web Store Stay tuned for Assortment pricing.

Happy Birthday 'Noise on the Line' Blog! - Free Spinner Drawing

It's time to launch the Fish Creek Spinners monthly Spinner giveaway drawing for 2012 and celebrate the Blog's first birthday! Drawing to be held 2/11/12 on the anniversary of the first FCS post! Just go to: Free Spinner Drawing and put in a comment!

Fish Creek Spinners, an American company making American products, creates some of the best new spinner designs for fishing in the nation. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they have the "fishy" qualities that make them catch fish where others fail, and his service, attitude, can do attitude, and reasonable costs make him the "go to" guy when it's time to buy gifts for your fishing friends. He has with out a doubt, the best quality, American made, spinner lures on the market! I highly recommend him and will continue to purchase from him.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Best Boar Hunting Rifle Calibers: Part I

The Range Reviews: Sterling Knife Sharpeners

2012-02-01T01:03:00.001-05:00

Great field sharpener at a great price!
© 2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

A Chronicles Redux! Two plus years in Afghanistan, and a Sterling has accompanied me throughout. It has been a great help in touching up and sharpening countless knives, machetes, hatchets, and kitchen knives throughout the theatre. It continues to hang opposite a cigar cutter ready for use when needed!
AAR

What's more dangerous than a sharp knife?

Every outdoorsman knows the answer to that question: A Dull One! In an emergency, a dull knife is next to useless. Even in a situation that's not an emergency, a dull knife is an exasperation that one can do without.

With the Sterling Knife Sharpener, sharpening a knife is easy, and a dull knife is a thing of the past.

The Sterling Classic and American Flag

It has two precision made tungsten carbide cutting bits mounted precisely to give a twenty degree edge. Weighing a touch over 1/2 an ounce, you won't even know it's in your pocket. It has a lightweight two piece aluminum body, riveted in four spots, two of which secure the carbide cutting blades. There is a lanyard hole which works equally well as a key ring hole, and one can easily carry it in a wallet if need be.

On a set of keys...

Carbide cutters...

There are no special skills required in order to bring a knife up to razor sharpness with the Sterling. And there is no need for oils or lubricants; so no mess to clean up. That's a big confidence boost to new sportsmen who may not have acquired knife sharpening skills.

Ready to sharpen...

It is also available in several colors: Sterling Classic (anodized red), Digital Camo, American Flag (My favorite!). In addition, they can custom print, anodize and laser engrave anything on the sharpener. Anything.

A small sample of what can be done!

Draw the knife through several times...

Using it is easy. Remember not to cut your fingers! Best results are obtained by resting the sharpener on a secure surface. A stump, block of wood, or truck tire will do nicely. Place the edge of the knife into the carbide "V". Smoothly and firmly draw the knife through the "V". You will feel the proper pressure to apply as you draw the knife through. A few passes and your knife will be hair shaving sharp. Dull knives will require a bit of effort to draw through. Pull it through as many times as needed. Patience will reward you with a razor's edge. Fish filleting knives are the easiest, they sharpen up in a few passes.

Razor sharp!

It works equally well on any type of knife, machete, hatchet, axe, and broadheads too.

This is one of those must have tools that you have in your go bag. It will put a sharpened edge on any knife whether kitchen, table, field, or combat. With a street price of $11.00 to $15.00 it is another definite buy. I'll have one with me from now on while hog hunting, fishing, or camping.

A couple of recommendations. Get two; when your Father in Law sees it, he will want it and you'll be out your sharpener if you didn't get a spare. Put a lanyard on it right away so you don't misplace it out in the field, shop, or garage. Lastly, hide it because the kids will want it, the Mrs will need it, and like I said, in-laws will demand it!

For those of you in business and looking for a small practical gift, Sterling has very reasonable prices for engraved sharpeners in orders as small as ten units! Call and ask for Ms. Bonnie Sterngold 800-297-4277.

The Sterling Sharpener has been in production since 1977! The folks at Sterling are so confident of their Sterling Sharpener that they stand behind it with a Lifetime Warranty.

And remember, it's made in the USA!

Sterling Sharpeners
(800-2x-sharp)
MSRP: $15.00

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained Capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

More great posts on Hog Hunting!
Best Hog Hunting Calibers Part I

Making a European Skull Mount with Wild Ed!

2012-01-30T02:10:00.005-05:00

Making a European Skull Mount with Wild Ed!
© 2009 - 2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

"To say he was surprised to find out I had done my own and the cost was under $10.00 per skull for chemicals and $35.00 for the wood plaque to hang it on the wall was an under statement."

Wild Ed

With most whitetail hunting done and over with, I remembered that Wild Ed of Wild Ed's Texas Outdoors has a great tutorial on doing cleaning and bleaching all those skulls you've been stuffing in the garage freezer.What a fantastic way to commemorate that hunt!

Check it out at Wild Ed's European Skull Mounts the Texas Way

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Lakewood Ranch Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)

The Hunt Continues...

Why is there Air?

2012-01-28T16:45:00.004-05:00

Albert A Rasch explains the meaning and purpose of hunting!
© 2009-2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

I’m a curmudgeon. I really don’t like anyone. Everybody’s in my dang way, and those pesky kids are always under foot. How I manage to get anything done is beyond me.

There’s a fellow, Mr. Ron, who comes over while I’m in my garage; I can’t get anything done while he’s visiting. Miss Nancy likes to check up on my progress with whatever project I am working on. Then there’s Samuel Joshia; I think he’s four months old, and loves Charlie. He bounces up and down in his mother’s arms when he sees him, and they come to visit every time I’m out. There’s Jeffery, Joey, Matt, Darrel, and lord knows what all the other urchins' names are. Can't forget the old deaf guy here that drives one of those snazzy black Audis. He listens to talk radio on his car stereo system so loud, that I can’t hear the table saw above it. And to put icing on the cake, Miss Mae has two little fair haired ones that are so painfully cute, it makes me wince. Of course, they beeline right to me when they see me, peppering me with dozens of questions, none related to the previous one like, "Why is there air?"

Funny thing is that for a curmudgeon, I sure am tolerant of their visits.

I guess it's not that bad really.

Jeffery actually helps me out. Well as best a seven year old can. In return I’ve taught him how to use a Daisy Red Rider, and the fundamentals of safety. Those two itty bitty cutie pies, Sean and Tessa, can identify red rat, black racer, and cottonmouth snakes now. So can most of the other children; they have all had an opportunity to look at them and actually study them up close. The parents, meddlesome as they are, have learned the importance of biodiversity during these impromptu natural history classes. I can’t tell you how many Moms have been dragged over by a child to see a one of those pesky cottonmouths. I don’t get the “Why don’t you kill them?” question too often anymore. I think the kids tell them why it’s important to protect and safeguard them.

Mr. Deaf Audi Guy drove by a couple of days ago with a half flat tire. I whistled at him, and lo and behold he heard me. I had him back up the Audi close to my shop so I could fill his tire. While waiting for me to assemble my compressor, he noticed the latest cottonmouth in a bucket. I’m not going to bore you with the whole of the conversation, but it eventually got to firearms and hunting. He told me he didn’t like guns, and didn’t understand why anyone would want to shoot an animal.

“You see all this nature here,” I started waving a wrench around me, narrowly missing his alltogether to close head, “I'm responsible for all of it. From that huge live oak over there, to this little ornery fellow here, every last bit. Just like I stopped you, and I’m taking the time to help you out, I take the time to do something I love, hunting. I’m the forester, guardian, and warden of every patch of woods, fields, or beach I walk on. I’m an enforcer when need be, a steward, and an educator. Whether it's an orphaned bird, a lost snake, or in the case of that danged invasive Brazilian pepper tree which I mercilessly hack and kill, I do what needs to be done.”

He understood that part, but then he asked, ”If you're its protector, why kill anything?”

Stealing Ortega Y Gasset I answered, “I kill in order to hunt. It’s not the act of killing I love, that is actually somewhat sad; it is everything that precedes it, and for that matter what follows, that is most important. The death of the animal is a very small, but important part of the hunt. But it’s not the totality of it.” I was on a roll and kept on. "Think of me as part of the equation. Lions do their part, raccoons theirs, even the cottonmouth here does his. I'm just part of it. You don't take offense at the fox taking a turkey do you? Well I am just another member of that circle."

I continued, “Not only am I part of a cycle that has existed since the first form of life came to be, but I add to it by the fact that I have memories. The sore muscles, the cold or heat, the view, the scent of the game, the sweat, the frozen breath, the warm blood, every one of those things are indelibly engraved in my memories. A worn buck deer torn apart by a desperately hungry wolf pack is never remembered, the one I bring home, or not, will live forever in my memory. You can’t buy that for the price of a movie ticket.”

I paused to let that sink in. Then I added, “I live more during the hunt, any hunt, than most people do in their entire lives.”

I saw him look around; really look around. He noticed, maybe for the first time, the buzzards flying by overhead. There was a squirrel in the median between two parking areas. He reached for the pack of smokes in his breast pocket, they looked like Lucky Strikes, thought about it, and pushed them back down. There was an odd look in his face.

I finished filling his tire. There was a nail in it. I got up and grabbed a yellow wax lumber crayon from the tool box.

As I was marking his tire so the repair guy could find it easy, he offered me a few bucks. I declined; not that I couldn't use them mind you. He was trying to put it in my pocket, but I said, “Look, I did it because it’s the right thing to do. No other reason.” As an after thought I added, “That’s why I hunt; because it’s the right thing to do.”

He got the message. Then he went to his car, started it, and thanked me for helping him out. He rolled forward a few feet, stopped and reversed. I stopped coiling the air hose, and turned to him.

He leaned out the window. “What’s your name anyway?”

“It’s Albert, sir.”

“It’s been a real pleasure. Thanks again.” With that he drove off.

I thought to myself, “Another convert.” I don’t care if they’re young or old, man or woman, Black, White, Asian, or Rainbow coalition, I talk to them all…

Because it is the right thing to do.

My hands were all dirty and greasy from fiddling with the tire.

I see red headed Jeffry coming down the street, fishing pole in hand. I reach for the hand cleaner.

I suppose fixing the table saw can wait until later.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Lakewood Ranch Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)

The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Latte Porcine: Expresso and Hogs

2012-01-27T00:10:00.000-05:00

Cooking Rank Hog with Instant Coffee? It Works!
© 2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

I had shot that three hundred pounder right through the cheekbone.

We had been hunting hog at a friend's ranch an hour or so from where I lived. We had been carefully stalking this bad boy for the better part of two hours. There were sows and piglets to contend with, mosquitoes, and the occasional pygmy rattle thrown in for fun. Actually, I was pretty sure those damned chiggers were, at that very moment, digging into my tender flesh and making themselves at home.

Skirting palmetto clumps, and patches of scrub oak, we finally got into position with out spooking him. I took off my leather hat, laid it in front of me, and used it as a rest for my hog hunting rifle, a 30/06 Weatherby Eurosport. I wanted an instant kill; I had had enough of chiggers, ticks and skeeters for the day, so I carefully lined up for a spinal shot. I was certain of my shooting ability, and I have complete confidence in my weapon and the ammo I use.

180 grains of copper clad and partitioned lead went right under his left eye, through his sinus cavity, and smashed right into his spinal column where it demolished nine inches of bone and nerves, disrupting much of his motor functions. But it wasn't enough. By the time I had crossed the forty or so yards between us, he had regained some use of his body. His jaws worked to and fro, slashing at the under growth, hooking roots, branches and the occasional shrub. Apparently he could use his back legs, and had some use of his front right one. He stumbled as he tried to charge me.

I had stoked the Weatherby with another Remington Safari Grade Swift A-Frame before I was even up. As I raised the Weatherby for a follow up shot, Matt put his hand on my shoulder. "Wait, don't waste the bullet, let me finish him with my .22." Moments later the big hog was down.

And what a hog! Scarred and cut up from slugging it out with the other males, he was a brute; three inches of whetted tusks stuck out either side. I had him mounted, but unfortunately over the years he has deteriorated to the point that it was, in my mind, disrespectful to his memory to have him displayed in that condition. So he now resides sealed in a large bin with a desiccant package and a pest control devise. Maybe, when times are a little better, I can have him refurbished, and he can take place of pride over my desk again.

I really need to get out hog hunting...

But that's not why I tell the tale. Cooking, that's what I want to talk about.

It all started, innocently enough, when I happened upon Miss Jamie's blog Borderland Adventures: Her Perspective and her post Stinky Little Pigs.

Now I like pigs. I like them as livestock, pets, and wildlife. I like them alive and I like them roasted. Now Miss Jamie is actually writing about the New World equivalent of the pig, that being the peccary also known as the javelina. Miss Jamie does an excellent job of explaining their natural history and taxonomy; and she does it with great humor. In addition you will find great narratives of the border area, posts on cooking both in the home and out in the field, and a product review. Not only that, but she has some great photography too! I heartily recommend visiting her Blog Borderland Adventures: Her Perspective.

Now back to the cooking. As it turns out both peccaries and that big ol' hog I took, have similarities. They both stink real bad. As in rank.

I don't like to waste game. But a rank old hog is unpalatable. Simple as that; just plain inedible. I had Matt carve out the tenderloins, if that's not a misnomer I don't know what is. I also got the two roasts. Matt got the rest to grind up for sausage.

When I got home I threw a box of coarse salt over the meat and ice in the cooler. I figured that would buy me enough time to figure out what I was going to do.

I've got one of those big enameled roasting pan, and I always have a lot of garlic. Work with what you got I always say. As I was trying not to pass out from the testosterone induced odor, I remembered reading somewhere that instant coffee neutralized the odor and helped to tenderize the meat. I couldn't remember how much was recommended, so I dumped a big handful in there. I mean I poured it into my hand and dumped it over the roast. With that done, I took a knife skewered that roast and stuffed garlic into every hole I made. I doused it thoroughly with some white wine, the cheap stuff I keep for those meddlesome neighbors, and put the cover on it.

I set the oven on low (325 F) and came back to it about four hours later.

Holy smokes! It worked! The smell was gone, and in its place a delectable and genuinely delicious aroma of cooked pork with subtle tones of garlic. After due deliberations though it was decided that a couple of more hours wouldn't hurt. I cut up some more garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery, and poured in some more wine and water.

A couple of hours later we were sitting around the table enjoying a tender and tasty roast.

I've tried it out with other cuts of tough meat both wild and domestic with similar results. Oh and there is no taste of coffee either. What is in the instant coffee that does that is unknown to me. All I know is that it works.

Amazing what you can do with some coffee...

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...

Update:
While cruising the Blogsphere this morning, I came upon this "The Bacon Weave." For those of you that don't have enough cholesteral in your diet, this is a sure fire way to get it up there! Brought to you by the fellows at BBQ Addicts!

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

The Range Reviews: SOG Twitch I

2012-01-24T00:10:00.014-05:00

The Range reviews the SOG Twitch I; Best Undercover Self Defense Folder!
© 2012 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

SOG Twitch I: Swift, Sexy and Subtle!

The SOG Twitch I
Photo Courtesy of SOG Specialty Knives

Though I don’t usually bring it up, I have a more than passing interest in self defense and offense. Being prepared for any eventuality is ingrained in me, and I rarely get dressed without a basic set of tools on me. I've been fortunate to never have to resort to them, but I sure have been glad to have something with me several times!

When stepping out of the house, my primary defensive arm is the SOG Twitch I. (Model number TWI-7.) When SOG decided to upgrade the classic lockback pocket knife, they did it with engineering, technology, and style. From the lightweight construction to the high tech cryogenic treatment on the blade, the Twitch I oozes sexy, covert, special ops –

for the average, every day, 9 to 5 guy.

Sharp accessories.

The handles are hard-anodized aluminum in a very discreet graphite color. The hard anodization is exactly that: hard. After a year of constant use the aluminum shows no sign of scratches, scuffs, or scrapes.

Lightweight and subtle, two things I'm not.

The Twitch weighs 2 ounces exactly; it’s very light. That means that it won’t wrinkle your slack’s pocket nor drag it down. The pocket clip which can also be used as a money clip, is unobtrusive and finished in a matte silver finish.

It sports a two inch long, stainless steel, cryogenically treated, drop point blade. The SOG Cryogenic Treatment process brings the blade down in temperature to less than 300°F and then reverses the process and lets it return to room temperature in a controlled fashion. This freezing and warming, stress relieves the stainless steel on an atomic level. The process increases overall strength, toughness and in addition, increases edge retention. In other words, your knife stays sharper longer with significantly less micro-fracturing and edge-chipping. The Twitch is razor sharp out of the box, and if touched up regularly, stays that way.

The drop point is an excellent choice for defensive knives. It is an effective stabbing profile, but is also very good on the slashing attack.

The split lockback: Pass Through Lockbar

When SOG updated the lockback, they did it with panache. The Twitch features a pass-through lockbar (patent pending). This allows the kicker tab to stick out. One push with the forefinger, and the blade deploys to fully open in a flash. The SOG Assisted Technology is responsible for the lightning fast blade action. Two springs coiled inside the assist assembly propel the blade to fully open once the user has initiated the opening.

SAT Springs in the Assist
Photo Courtesy of SOG Specialty Knives

There is a safety that allows the blade to be locked in both the open and closed position. Mine has a little piece from a bamboo toothpick jammed in it. I don't want there to be a failure to deploy if I ever need it. I'm not concerned with the blade closing on my fingers either. The lock is very secure and sturdy, and for my intended purposes, it should only be in use for moments.

All in all, I find the SOG Twitch I a solid buy. Perfect for discreet wear, it has sufficient style that it would not raise an eyebrow if someone saw it on your office desk. The blade is short enough to pass in most concealed weapons districts. (Check your laws very carefully!)

The price is very affordable; most street prices range from $32.00 to $39.00.

SOG
SOG Twitch I
MSRP: $60.00

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner, Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch Albert A Rasch So, you want to be a contractor. Handfeeding a Baby Mockingbird Clean and Repair your Ruger 10 22 Magazine

Making an Iroquois Tomahawk

2012-01-04T01:45:00.002-05:00

Making a Tomahawk by Hand!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

I recently received the Iroquois Tomahawk from Track of the Wolf and wanted to share my impressions with it and the procedure I used to finish it.

Other than removing the casting lines and cleaning up the flats, the only other thing I felt that needed doing was smoothing out and relieving the inside edges of the eye.

I decided to use Plum Brown to brown the tomahawk. Unfortunately the label had deteriorated to the point that the only reason I knew it was plum brown is because it's the only bottle that looks like that, and the fact I put "P.B." on the top of it.

I did some research on how to use Plum Brown and truth be told I didn't find very much. A reference on a forum suggested the procedure, and truth be told I probably should have posted a question on its use on my favorite Black Powder Forum American Longrifles and I would have gotten all the information I needed!

None-the-less I proceeded with the limited technical knowledge I had, and the substantial circumstantial information I had acquired over the years.

In other words, I flew by the seat of my Wrangler jeans.

I put a pot of water on the stove, spread a bit of newspaper on the counter, tore a piece of coarse (#2) steel wool off the pad and washed it with detergent, shook the bottle of Plumb Brown, and washed the 'hawk head to remove any contamination it might have acquired while I worked on it. It's important to degrease the steel wool and the tomahawk head so it doesn't interfere with the gentle rusting of the steel.

I waited for the water to simmer, and placed the hawk in the pot. The idea is to get the metal hot enough to quickly dry the solution as it is wiped on the metal.Some folks suggest that the metal should be hot enough to sizzle liquid, but I have had good success with 212 degrees.

I used a foam type of brush, the kind that some folks use for painting trim. I don't think it's the best option. It holds too much fluid and while some spots get a wash, others get saturated; a roll of cotton fabric would probably be best, and I'll try that with the next tomahawk I make.

Anyway, the Plum Brown solution went on, and instantly started to rust the alloy hawk head. I waited a few moments and dropped it back in the pot, stopping the rusting in its tracks. Depending on the finish you are looking for, you could allow the metal to rust significantly before you card it. (You could refrain from boiling it, and end up with a much browner finish. Just make sure you oil it well to stop the rusting once you are done.) A few seconds later, I pulled it out and scrubbed it hard with the #2 steel wool. This is called "carding." It knocks off the "loose' rust, leaving only the tightly bound oxide on the metal. I repeated the procedure several times, until I was satisfied with the color. It's a dark blackish-brown with a bit of dark plum here and there.

After the final carding, I boiled it a bit longer and fished it out of the pot. After a final scrubbing with the steel wool I headed to my "work area" where I keep a baby food jar full of linseed oil. The head was still pretty hot, and the linseed oil thickened up immediately as I rubbed it in, giving the 'hawk a rich dark satin finish. The linseed oil will also protect the metal from further rusting, and give it some weather resistance too.

In the next installment I will cover how I worked up the handle, and some options that can be entertained that personalize and add to the uniqueness of your Iroquois tomahawk.

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

Grumman 17 Foot Canoe w/ Rocket Tilt Trailer for Sale

2012-01-01T02:36:00.001-05:00

Friends,

We are putting our Grumman 17 foot canoe up for sale. Though I love the lines and durability, space in our home is at a premium. The canoe and trailer take up altogether too much space in the garage, and we need that space.

I'll be buffing it out tomorrow, and I'll be listing it on Craigslist. I'll add the link to Craigslist later on.

Craigalist: http://sarasota.craigslist.org/boa/2788290947.html

Your friend,
Albert

Hunting Trophy Turkey in Nebraska

2011-11-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

Hunting Meriam's Turkeys in Nebraska with Scott Croner!
© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch™ and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5. trochronicles.blogspot.com

Hunting Trophy Merriam's Turkey

While pecking away at the keyboard some time ago, I came upon fellow Outdoor Bloggers Summit member Scott Croner’s Blog, Nebraska Hunting Company. I meandered off to his company website, NebraskaHunting.net, to see what it was all about. I am always curious what fellow bloggers do when they are not beating the keys off the keyboard. Makes me feel like I know everyone a little better.

As it turns out, Scott is an outfitter based in Nebraska and covers several of the Midwest states in his pursuit of American big game, waterfowl, and turkey. Not only that, but we had some interesting acquaintances in common, but more on that later.

Scott has some great pictures of his clients on his website, and on the left hand side is a beautiful turkey that one of his clients harvested. Big turkey too, as far as I can tell.

But before I get into what caught my eye, I think a little bit of turkey talk information is in order! You would be surprised at how much there is to know! I certainly was.

There are two species and four subspecies of turkeys.

Eastern Photo Credit: WL McCoy
There’s the Eastern Wild Turkey. He’s your garden-variety turkey that you see all over the place except on opening day of turkey season, or for that matter the rest of it too. Since the eastern wild turkey ranges the farthest north, individuals can also grow to be among the largest of any of the subspecies. The adult male, can be as tall 4 feet (!) at maturity and weigh 20 pounds plus. As an aside, the turkey came in second as the bird of the National Seal. (They say Ben Franklin was besides himself when they told him the news! Legend has it he said, “$&!% that Jefferson!”)

Osceola Image Credit: CL Evans

These are my own hometown turkeys. The Osceola is named for the famous Seminole Chief, Osceola. They are a bit smaller than the eastern variety and live in the oak and palmetto hammocks where they thrive on palmetto bugs, acorns and palmetto berries, the slash pine woods, and the swampy habitats of Florida. (Basically everywhere else on the southern two thirds of the peninsula.)

Rio Grande Image Credit: TwoTom
The Rio Grande subspecies lives adjacent to what’s left of the Rio Grande. But they are found as far north as Kansas, usually by water. The Rio Grande turkeys are comparatively pale and copper colored, and they are awful long legged compared to their cousins; sort of like that redheaded girl in middle school that you were scared of.

Merriam's Image Credit: Alice Outwater

Further north still, and probably the handsomest (if you don’t include the fellows from south of the border), is the Merriam. This species is most at home in mountainous wooded regions, and it has been successfully stocked in areas far away from its original range in the southern mountains of Western America.

Gould's Image Credit: Ornitholoco
The Goulds, named after J. Gould who, I guess, discovered them in 1856 during his Mexican road trip in search of artisanal agave tequila. The Goulds are pretty rare at about 800 or so in the US, though a substantial population lives in Mexico. Arizona and New Mexico offer limited hunting opportunities for the Gould’s wild turkey, while stocking from Mexico continues to increase their numbers in the South Western US.

Ocellated Image Credit Real Turkeys

The prettiest of them all is the Ocellated turkeys. They are their own species and do not have any sub-species. Both male and female ocellated turkeys have beautiful greenish-bronze iridescent feathers, but neither the male nor female have a beard. Their tails feathers have a blue spot that terminates in orange at the ends, and the head and neck is also pale blue with bright orange warts. They live in the tropical forests of the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. They are truly a remarkable and beautiful bird.

Now I have always known turkey hunters to be a little obsessed. Box calls, slate calls, glass calls, owl hooters (Hooters? Who knew?), camouflage, gilliesuits, blinds, special chokes, shotguns, knee-pads, and shells in different lengths, sizes colors and loads. And that doesn’t include the turkey bowhunters!

I had no idea how far the turkey madness went.

Curiosity peaked more than was probably good for me, I found the National Wild Turkey Federation website. Much to my delight it was a virtual warehouse of information, chuck full of all sorts of turkey stuff. Single-handedly, they have managed to complicate the relatively simple idea of killing a turkey, and elevated into well nigh an art form.

I was entranced and enthralled by it immediately.

By now it was getting late while I was reading all of this, and I came to the “Slam” page. Logically I assumed that this was the recipe page where turkey, egg, and pancake met. But, much to my surprise and glee, what I found was the Holy Grail of turkey hunting aficionados. The Slams my friends, are the different levels of madness that one can attain by hunting the different subspecies of turkeys! And you get a certificate (Suitable for framing!) commemorating the event and a pin for your lapel! All that is required is membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation , and the turkeys.

These are the Slams that NWTF awards:

Grand Slams consists of the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam's and Osceola (Florida) birds
Royal Slams is the four subspecies listed above in addition to the Gould's bird
World Slams include all five subspecies listed above in addition to the Ocellated wild turkey
The Mexican Slam consists of the following birds harvested in Mexico only: Rio Grande, Gould's and Ocellated. Of course you are required to survive the experience. No posthumous awards issued.
The Canadian Slam consists of harvesting the Eastern and Merriam's bird in the following provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta or British Columbia, and then serving them with thick sliced bacon.

Unlike many other feats of huntsmanship, like hunting Marco Polo sheep with a spear and loincloth, this one is a relatively attainable goal. The NWTF maintains records of the registered turkeys, and when you complete a NWTF Slam you receive a slam certificate for each slam you complete, you receive the distinctive wild turkey record slam pin for each of your slams, and they put you up on their Slam Website! And more importantly you do not have to kill all the turkeys in the same year. So this allows you to plan a great adventure far into the future with your family members or friends. That’s just Slamming!

So of course now I am all crazy about getting turkeys. I have always been interested, but now… I’m obsessed… must get calls…must get more camo…

Sorry, lost my train of thought. Phew! It’s worse than I thought.

Well this brings me back to Scott and Nebraska Hunting Company. While kicking around his site I saw a fascinating turkey. During the 2009 spring turkey hunt, one of Scott’s clients, Mr. Todd Ried, harvested a melanistic or black color phase Merriam’s turkey! As you can tell the turkey is almost completely black, a stunning and exceptional trophy indeed! Not only is the Merriam one of the lesser-harvested turkeys, but to get one in a color phase is just unbelievable.

Todd Ried with his all-black melanistic Merriam's trophy!

Melanistic mutations occur in almost all creatures from fish to humans. It is much like albinism but not as hazardous to the animal’s health as being all white in the dark green woods! Birds in particular have several other color mutations that can occur, including blue, yellow, and red. Red, or more appropriately copper or rust, is occasionally seen in turkeys.

I want one. In a full mount, flying, so I can take up even more room in our miniscule apartment!

Tom H., Scott C., and Warren P.
I called Scott up to inquire about his turkey hunting concessions (leases) and the general availability and the possibility of collecting a Merriam’s. Scott “Turkey Man” Croner told me of this past season, and I am not kidding you, I was taken aback by his success ratio. I have read and talked with enough hunters to know how difficult turkey hunting can be. The number of clients and the number of birds taken was simply phenomenal. I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but after checking his references and talking to several people, I have concluded that he is a very talented outfitter and his concessions are fantastic! Having good concessions is very important. Good concessions have good habitat and that is what makes or breaks a turkey population.

I called Scott back and we did a phone interview, a TROC first by the way. I have been so impressed by his good character, integrity, and know how, that I will definitely be booking with him when the time comes for me to collect my Merriam’s.

…and the Snow goose.

The turkey is going to need some company.

Contacts:
J Scott Croner
Nebraska Hunting Company
Nebraska Hunting Company Merriam's Turkey Hunting
Mobile: 402.304.1192
Email: scott@nebraskahunting.net

Related Posts: Quaker Boy Typhoon Turkey Call

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS
The Hunt Continues...

Great Young Florida Hunters and Hunting

2011-11-03T00:14:00.000-04:00

Fellow Florida Hunters and Fishermen!
© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5. trochronicles.blogspot.com
Photo Credits: "Buck" Bevillee
I had the opportunity to run into a couple of young Florida hunters recently. Both are very accomplished deer and turkey hunters here in Florida.

"Buck" Beville was kind enough to forward me a few pictures of some of the game he has taken.

To the left is a nine pointer that Buck took when he was a very young fellow. That's a deer anyone would be proud to take!

Below is a very nice 8 point he recently took.

A great archery Oceola Tom Turkey!

Nice Boar! Note the cutters.

As I meet more Florida Sportsmen, I'll be sharing their stories and successes with you. I might add that it was my pleasure to meet both these young men, and with good fellows like these as our next generation of hunters, we are definitely heading in the right direction.

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

Other Stories of Interest:
Best Boar Hunting Rifle Calibers: Part I

Learn to Shoot with Red Ryder!

2011-10-30T00:13:00.000-04:00

Learn to shoot well, cheap and easy!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

So You Want to Start Shooting and Hunting...

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Image Credit: Grant MacDonald
I’ve had a couple of requests from folks that are asking me to please contemplate ideas for the aspiring or beginning hunter.

Come to think of it, that is a great topic, and one that I will gladly write about. I think it is of the utmost importance for the future of hunting and wildlife in general, that we do everything to encourage and facilitate new hunters, fishermen, and outdoorsmen into our ranks. Every new kid that picks up a fishing rod, every new wife that takes up a firearm, is yet another person that will appreciate the great outdoors, and will be a bastion against the forces of emotionalism and timidity that are swamping this nation.

The question posed to me by the indefatigable Mr Borepatch was, “What would you recommend to someone who's never been hunting?” And Steveo UK also added, “How about something for beginners.” I would like to look at it a little more broadly, and take up your specific questions in the next part.

When I am introducing folks, and especially children to shooting, I have a method that I like to use. It’s relatively inexpensive, fun for the whole family, and really sets the stage for everything else that follows. If you follow along too, you will not only start off on the right foot, but you will likely bring several other folks along with you too. This is assuming that you have never shot before, and that it is a new found interest, or you are bring someone up into the tradition and sport.

Now that I have your attention, let’s dive right into it. Go to Walmart and get two Red Ryder BB guns, and a couple of pints of BBs. They are cheap, and they are about the best introduction to shooting you will find. The Red Ryder is virtually non-threatening, and there is always the "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" from A Christmas Story to have fun with. Even mom's that are dead set against guns and things of that nature can usually be convinced to allow their precious princes and princesses to have a little fun with the BB guns.

So now, not only are we going to learn safe gun handling habits and the basics of shooting, we are going to create a safe and instructive atmosphere for others to learn in too.

I know most of you are familiar with the rules of safe gun handling but it never hurts to go over them again. It's of utmost importance that you also make a big deal out of the following rules. It is the basis of safe gun handling and is as important as the shooting itself!

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Do not allow the muzzle to point anywhere but down at the floor, or down range.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Do not allow your finger to touch the trigger or be inside the guard unless you are actually shooting.
Now your target and be sure of it. Identify and be sure of your target and anything behind it.
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Do not load until you are ready to shoot.
Last, assume every gun you handle is loaded. Assume every gun is loaded; do not ever take anyone’s word for it.

Ok, now to the nitty gritty. A cardboard box with a Sunday paper in it is a more than adequate backstop for a Red Ryder. Sheets of paper with a black magic marker dot are inexpensive targets. Now tape up a piece of paper with a couple of big black dots on it, and have at it, punch holes in that paper until you have grasped the fundamentals of shooting. This is the time to get those fundamentals down like breathing, positions, and techniques. There is very little you can’t learn with the Red Ryder! Before long you will be amazed by what you can do with the Red Ryder and a handful of BBs.

Have a bag full of rinsed out soda pop cans at your disposal, plenty of BBs and enough safety glasses for the whole group. Get your safety glasses at a big box store, they are much cheaper, and are the same Z-87 rating that shooting glasses are. You rinse out the cans so no bugs come out of them as you pull them out. If you won the BB gun battle, don't lose it on the bug front.

Safety first, so go through the rules, but don't make it dry and don't lecture. Have a little fun with it, but make sure the kids and adults know you mean business. I have a one warning rule, and that’s for the group as a whole. The first infraction gets a warning for the whole group, with any other infractions being immediate removal from the shooting area for the individual, and having to sit out the whole shooting match.

Image Credit: V Distortion
As far as the shooting goes, you can make up the game's rules to suit your proclivities. Get a couple of boxes and lay a 2X4 over it and line the cans up. You can tie some twine to the tabs and string them up from a low hanging branch or clothesline. Anything that appeals to you and that keeps everyone’s attention and focus is good.

Start out each person individually so you can observe the level of responsibility and attention span of each one. If you are comfortable with what you see, allow a couple of them to shoot at the same time.

Father and daughter, Mom and Dad, Mom and son teams are always a lot of fun, and I make sure that the kids win often! Nothing primes the desire to shoot like being a winner.

So now we have convinced Mom or your neighbors that at least BB guns aren’t inherently evil. Maybe you’ve made a few converts along the way, and naturally they want to expand their repertoire. In the next installment we will take the next step.

Related Links:
Learn to Shoot, Break the Flinch
Boar Hunting Calibers: Part I

Wild Ed's Texas has this! Shoot Where You Look!

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner, Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch Albert A Rasch So, you want to be a contractor. Handfeeding a Baby Mockingbird Clean and Repair your Ruger 10 22 Magazine

RV Florida! Historic Forts and Fishing!

2011-10-27T00:10:00.000-04:00

© 2011 Albert A Rasch, Joe Laing, and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

Fishing Florida's Historic Forts: An RV Itinerary

Try as we may, we can't all raise families who share our obsessions. Fortunately, for the fisherman who can't bear a day away from the water (but whose spouse or kids might favor other pursuits), Florida doesn't require much of a compromise for anglers. Down here, it's easy to balance a vacation between water time and family fun.

For a road trip that will please every member along for the ride, it's hard to beat a tour of Florida's historic forts. Beyond the obvious historical draw, many of the state's military landmarks are now protected within the State and National Park system. That means plenty of hiking, camping, and just-plain-relaxing along the way. And best of all? Florida's strategic forts also happen to harbor some of the state's best fishing spots, from land and boat.

For a taste of the entire state, start in Pensacola and slowly make your way to Key West. On Pensacola Beach, make your first stop at Fort Pickens, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore (http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-pickens.htm). In addition to this well-preserved landmark's importance during the Civil War, it's also home to a short but deep-water fishing pier. It's a great place to keep your line singing -- use cut mullet for bait, and you'll likely be helping the kids pull in small sharks and even Spanish mackerel. The grass flats to the east of the Pickens pier are a great place to stalk tailing redfish.

Fort Pickens includes a National Park campground, with plenty of amenities offered at just $20/night (http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/campground-openings-in-florida-and-mississippi-districts.htm). And, of course, there's all the fun to be had on Pensacola Beach as well, where the 'whitest sands on earth' have (luckily) survived serious damage from last year's oil spill. It's such a nice spot to park your RV that you'll be tempted to stay, but there's a whole state left to explore.

Head east down I-10 toward Jacksonville, to Fort Clinch State Park, one of the best-preserved 19th century forts in the nation (http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/) Six miles of nature trails wind through the beautiful peninsula, bordered by the Amelia River to the west, Cumberland Sound (and Georgia) to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. 53 campsites offer both privacy and proximity to the entire park, which includes a half-mile long pier on the ocean side, making deep water fishing possible without a boat. With Egans Creek curving through the park's marsh, jetties to the north, the pier, and the option of surf casting on the beach a short walk from your RV, it's hard to beat Fort Clinch as an all-around saltwater fishing destination.

Next, head southwest toward Inverness, home of Fort Cooper State Park. Take the scenic route through beautiful Ocala National Forest, a part of Florida most visitors never experience (http://fs.usda.gov/ocala). The dense forests of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings classic book, The Yearling, are still alive and thriving here in the north-central swampy woodlands.

Arriving at spring-fed Lake Holathlikaha, the azure water looks much as it did in the 1830s, when U.S. soldiers rested here at Fort Cooper, between skirmishes with the Seminole Indians. Due to low water levels, fishing and swimming were temporarily restricted during early summer 2011, but with rain, that could change at any time. Paddleboats and canoes are available at the park. This is the spot to paddle out with your toddler and drop worms for bream and largemouth bass.

Although Fort Cooper offers primitive camping, to park your RV, try nearby Riverside Lodge along the Withlacoochee River (http://www.riversidelodgerv.com/). The campground includes free canoe rentals, so after a day at Fort Cooper you can still get in an evening session along the river.

From here, head down the coast to Fort De Soto Park, situated on a truly stunning spit of land south of Tampa (http://www.fortdesoto.com/). Five interconnected keys make up De Soto, the largest park within the Pinellas County park system. Despite boasting 238 camping sites, it's a good idea to make reservations here -- this beach won Trip Advisor's Top Beach in America prize in 2009, and over 2.7 million visitors flock here each year. Still, with 1,136 acres, it's easy to find some alone time.

De Soto has two fishing piers, on both the Gulf and the bay sides, and each sells bait. There's a two-mile canoe trail, and a ferry to remote Egmont Key. Whatever your target species is, it's easy to find a superb fishing spot among these crystalline waters, where the Tocobaga Indians once harvested their own seafood bounties.

If time allows for a full tour of Florida, you'd be missing out not to journey through the Keys, arguably one of the prettiest drives in America. Fort Zachary Taylor allowed the Union to control the sea at Florida's southern tip, and has been impressively preserved as a state park (Try to visit near Halloween, when the fort is transformed into a Civil War-themed haunted house; http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/home.html)

It's hard to beat the view when fishing from the fort, at the entrance to Key West Harbor. It's the finest place to watch a sunset in town, and you might just bring home dinner to an RV full happy, sun-kissed campers.

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. Be sure to check out their new Professional Football (NFL) Tailgating and RV Tailgating to College Football Games pages in preparation for the upcoming seasons.

Environmentalists and Conservationists; It's How You Look at Things

2011-10-25T00:10:00.000-04:00

The difference between Conservationists and Environmentalists...
Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
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"The term environmentalist has been adopted by groups who don't believe that we can use natural resources and still have them available for the future."

I happened upon this interesting exchange between a young lady and Dr. James Earl Kennamer, Director of Conservation Programs for the National Wild Turkey Federation:

"Q: I've always been very concerned about the environment and pollution. I told a friend of mine that I'm an environmentalist, but my dad, who's been a member of the NWTF for years and years, said that I'm not an environmentalist, I'm a conservationist. What's the difference?

Anna Cromer, 16
Newtown, Ct.

A: Well, 50 years ago, there wasn't much of a difference between an environmentalist and a conservationist. People who wanted to do good things for the environment and wildlife understood that it was important to focus on the managed use of the world's natural resources, which is the definition of conservation. Hunters and non-hunters worked together to create laws to protect specific resources that were being depleted and ensured people could use renewable resources wisely and sparingly.

For example, at the turn of the 20th century, many wildlife species were in danger of becoming extinct. They were over hunted by a growing nation without game laws, and their habitat was disappearing as people needed more space. In the 1930s, hunters and anglers saw that the United States would soon be without many of the animals they enjoyed. So, they asked the government to tax them, believe it or not, so that the money they spent on firearms, ammunition, fishing gear and licenses could be used to help wildlife rebound. This was proposed as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also called the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Since its adoption as law in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act has raised and spent more than $3.95 billion toward wildlife and habitat projects, solely funded by America's hunters and shooters. This great conservation effort has resulted in the amazing comeback of many of North America's wild species including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Even though the success of this model has been proven over and over, today, there is a polarization in the outdoors. The term environmentalist has been adopted by groups who don't believe that we can use natural resources and still have them available for the future. They don't want people to hunt animals, they don't want foresters to use timber, they don't want people to have access to the rich wilderness areas of our continent.

This protectionist view is scientifically flawed for several reasons. Without human management, wildlife species become overpopulated and disease ridden, which eventually leads to plummeting populations. The same is true for forests and trees. Left unmanaged, ground litter builds up and can fuel wildfires that destroy thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. With active management, such as timber thinning, prescribed burning, legal hunting and fishing and other management tools, people can enjoy the use of our natural resources and provide the conditions for a healthier environment.

Dr. James Earl Kennamer"

Thats the answer I have been looking for!

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

The "Beats Me What Day This Is" Blog Rodeo!

2011-10-22T00:14:00.002-04:00

Top Blogs of the Internet!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Blog Rodeo 10/22/2011

Smith's Edition

That's right folks, another Rodeo from the depth of the Afghan Abyss, were indoor plumbing is a luxury, and doom is an equal opportunity destroyer. Welcome to the latest installment of the now, not only infamous, but de rigueur for the erudite and "in the know" outdoor crowd, of the Chronicles' Saturday Blog Rodeo! As you all are amply aware, I plumb the depth and breadth of the blogosphere searching for and commenting upon the diverse outdoor activities, (And some indoor ones too!), bringing you, my faithful and ever patient readers more blogs to read and expand not only your minds, but horizons. So with that said let's get into this week's way off version of the Saturday Blog Rodeo!

The Blacksmith Blog is written by Andrew the Blacksmith, a young and aspiring ummm, blacksmith! His blog is full of basic information in addition to pictorials of his work. Not only is he an artist smith, but he works a little arc welder magic in too. Again he uses it as an adjunct to the more old school hand forged methods he also enjoys. I want to say, from reading his blog, that his interests may very well lie in the realm of the whimsical and imaginative. He is working in a smaller scale at this moment, with imaginative symbols and animals made of discarded and found scrap steel, but I can imagine him going to large scale and beyond as his skills and vision increase! I think he is going to be another person that we will be following for some time as he progresses and learns his chosen craft!

Image Credit: Eagle Eye Forge

Eagle Eye Forge Bladesmith is Stephen Stumbo a 17 years old amateur blacksmith/bladesmith. He has been blacksmithing for 2 years, and working on blades for 1 year. Take a look at that knife above and tell me what you think he will be capable of in a few more years! His favorite items to create are knives; the one above a skinner he made for his sister! He prefers old school hammer and forge, but he is equally comfortable with modern methods and techniques. His current forge is homemade: a brake drum, some piping, a few cinder blocks and a a discarded hair dryer and... duct tape. Now be that as it may, look at his work here is another young man to be on the lookout for! By the way Stephen, how do you make micarta?

DIY Blacksmithing is a great little blog from Terran "Earthman" Marks, a lumberjacking sort of fellow who enjoys fighting wildfires, painting landscapes and moving metal. He has some great concepts and ideas that he is promoting, in particular commentaries on smithing on the cheap. He hasn't had very much time to update his blog, but I think he will have great info to share as time permits.

The Blacksmith's Shop at The Farmers Museum

I've always enjoyed blacksmithing, though what I do might not necessarily pass for blacksmithing by definition. More like banging on red hot metal for no apparent reason. Now Steve Kellog is a blacksmith.

I bumped into his blog while searching for methods and techniques for forging mainsprings in flintlock locks. Steve's blog Rural Blacksmith is a veritable treasure trove of blacksmithing information! Steve has been blacksmithing for 15 years, and at The Farmers' Museum he teaches classes, present blacksmithing demonstrations on a daily basis, make historically accurate tools and hardware, and researches life and work in the 19th century.

An interesting project that Steve has been part of is a brace of Scottish steel and iron pistols in the Pitcairn style.

The project is inspired by the surviving pistols of British Marine Major John Pitcairn. He is the officer that ended up commanding the troops launching the raids on Lexington and Concord. Those are regarded as the first battles of our war for independence, and the first shot fired in anger is referred to as the “Shot heard around the world”. That shot was attributed by some as having been fired by Maj. Pitcarn from one of these pistols.

Check out Steve's blog; it is a very good one!

As is usual, I am running out of time, and I am off to yet more adventures... or drudgery which is usually the case. Stop by and visit the blogs I mentioned, And let them know you saw them here!

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

Running and Gunning with the Big Boys! Smugglers Run, Spin Boldak Afghanistan

2011-10-20T00:16:00.002-04:00

Warlords and Smugglers! Spin Boldak: Crossroads to Pakistan and Beyond!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

(Written 13 April 2011)
Holy Smokes! If I could tell you all a quarter of what I've experienced in the last couple of days, you wouldn't believe it! Seriously, I was really going to diminish the amount of Afghanistan material I post, but seriously, you just can't make this stuff up!

I'm currently at Spin Boldak, helping out with the transition of site managers. Spin-B, as it is affectionately called, is 6 klicks from the Pakistan border, and the town nearby is the main crossroad between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Gem and opium smugglers, white robed warlords, heavily armed black masked operators, threadbare goat-herders, and weary truckers, all converge from all points of the compass in this small area. Whether it's hash and opium from the interior, explosives and human cargo from Pakistan, exotic spices and homegrown rice, or stolen coalition supplies going in either direction, the majority of it flows, untaxed by the governments on either side, through this dusty and chaotic border town.

Hmmm, perhaps untaxed isn't the right word...

The local strongman and warlord, Razziz, lives comfortably in a fortified compound carved by slaves long ago out of the side of the ancient mountain, and just inside the English drawn Pakistani border. Afghan or Pakistani, Pashtoon or Persian, it doesn't matter; he is the de-facto tax-man around here, and woe be it upon anyone that tries to avoid his "revenue" agents.

All business dealings, legitimate or otherwise, run through him. Nothing, and I mean nothing, happens around here without his knowledge and approval. Those that run afoul of his rules, soon find themselves sans head, and feeding the ever slinking jackals on the gritty, dusty plains. Any mafia Don would be envious of his control.

If you doubt me, suffice it to say that when a rocket was launched at Spin B recently after a very long hiatus, three disembodied Taliban heads were delivered, wrapped in fine Afghan woolen shawls, to the base with apologies for the disturbance. Razziz doesn't take lightly to being disobeyed, or made a fool of.

His guards, hard, tough men with piercing eyes and sun leathered skin, patrol the streets of the area, easily identifiable by their outfits and adornments, if not just by their physical presence. Chests criss-crossed with bandoliers of 7.62 ammo and serviceable AKs in hand, they maintain the iron grip of Razziz in this province. Even the Talibanannas don't dare cross him.

It's all about the business.

And good ol' Raz knows how to dispense largess as needed. Recently, some of the black masked fellows received a small token of appreciation from Razziz; a dozen sheep, and three peacocks.

Seriously.

I'm telling you, you just can't make this stuff up...

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Black Powder Safety: Don't Leave it Charged!

2011-10-17T00:25:00.000-04:00

Never leave a Blackpowder rifle loaded or charged!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Don't Leave That Powder In Your Rifle

With hunting season in full swing in many parts of the United States, it is a good time to remind everyone about Black Powder safety.

Many years ago I was at my neighborhood gun shop. Knowing my interest in all things firearms related, the proprietor showed me a percussion rifle that was brought in to him.

I gasped when he laid it on the counter. The breechplug's tang was bent, the threaded part of the breech plug aiming straight up. The barrel, what was left of it, was banana peeled forward, with large chunks missing. I asked where the lock was as it was missing, and was told that it had been blown completely off. The trigger guard was still attached, albeit loosely, but the trigger was gone. The wood around the breech was splintered and the top edges scorched.

I immediately surmised that smokless powder was the culprit. Smokless powder develops upwards of 50000 pound per square inch, whereas black powder and its modern equivalents like Goex, Pyrodex, and 777 rarely exceed 20000 PSI.

My gunsmith friend quickly corrected me. The problem was black powder that had been left in the chamber for an extended period of time!

Closer examination of the charge area of the breech revealed extensive pitting, so much so that it actually looked like it would have been an egg shaped cavity before it let loose.

The owner of the percussion rifle said that it had been left loaded throughout the muzzleloader season, and when hunting season was over, he attempted to discharge it. The first two caps did not fire the weapon, but upon touching off the third one, the rifle blew up between his hands! He was fortunate, said the gunsmith, to only suffer some powder burns, and a shallow gash across the top of his hand.

The long and the short of it is,

Do Not Leave
Your Muzzleloader Charged!

Pull the ball at the end of the day, and dispose of the powder safely.

If you buy a used blackpowder firearm, make sure you carefully inspect the chamber area for pitting and possible enlargement. You never know how the owner may have conducted his loading affairs!

Related Posts:
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Fall Protection Harness Safety

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

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Wisdom to Help Prepare for Adversity

2011-10-12T03:51:00.001-04:00

The world is changing, are you prepared?

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Wisdom to Help Prepare for Adversity

In preparation for the time that will inevitably fall upon us – sooner or later – every man must rely upon his own imagination, his own projection, and his own initiative. You will be able to come up with your own solutions particularly applicable to your personal conditions in the storm. One thing is certain. You will see the collapse of this inflation and that will mean the end of the era you have known. But you and your country can still be saved.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Preserving and Tanning Small Hides

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained Capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Columbus Day: Little Known Facts

2011-10-12T00:10:00.016-04:00

Columbus Day history and little known facts!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Once again, a cheery hello to all my friends!

I received an interesting email this morning, with several little known facts about Christopher Columbus, that I thought I might share with you.

I also added a few comments as a means of explanation, and elucidation.

Did You Know:

Columbus landed on October 12, 1492? Just to point out the obvious, that's why we celebrate it on that day.

His real name is Christoffa Corombo, but we call him Christopher Columbus. That's because we can't leave well enough alone.

Columbus Day is called Fiesta Nacional in Spain. That's because even if Chris was Italian, they (the Spaniards) funded the whole shebang.

Some of the Spanish Conquistador soldiers used a harquebus, which was an early musket. That's shouldn't even be a surprise to you. But did you know they carried some of the first known biological agents used against others? Yeah, the flu, scarlet fever, measles, small pox, and a little known but really big one, swine flu!

Columbus never set foot in U.S. soil, having first landed in the Bahamas. And here I thought it was the Dominican Republic, or better said, the island of Hispaniola.

It was his brother Bartholomew's idea, not Columbus’, to sail across the ocean. And did he ever get any credit?If it's any consolation, he didn't end up in prison either...

There are 22 states that don't celebrate Columbus Day. Politics, just politics...

Both the Nina and the Santa Maria were nicknames for the Santa Clara (Nina) and the Gallega (Santa Maria). And word is that there were women on all the boats!

We don't know what Columbus looked like since the paintings of him are not based on his actual looks. Certainly a man of steely gaze, steadfast determination, and a gambler's luck!

There you have it folks, some tidbits of information that you can share with your friends and family to entertain and delight!

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Greetings from the Front: Masum Ghar

2011-10-07T02:03:00.001-04:00

Masum Ghar, Afghanistan
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

Greetings my friends!

I have the unparralelled delight to be able to access a small bit of bandwidth and send a message to all of you!

I am currently in Masum Ghar, waiting on an opportunity to get to my newest base Sperwan Ghar, otherwise known as "Skull Mountain." These are former Canadian bases (Which were former Soviet bases!) that are now American bases, and when we turn them over to the Afghans these bases will be former American bases. It all works out if you let it.

Y'all follow that?

Here are a couple of pictures to entertain yourselves with.

It really is a very pretty area, the river that flows through nearby allows quite a bit of greenery to thrive. It also provides plenty of cover for the insurgents, but you have to take the good with the bad.

Well my friends, I hope to be home in a couple of weeks for another short respite from the trials and tribulations of managing these projects. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to blog from my new post and keep you all up to date!

Best regards,
Albert

What Are You Doing for the Environment?

2011-10-06T01:31:00.006-04:00

How you can help the environment!© 2010, 2011 Albert A Rasch™ and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

If you were able to do one thing to help our environment and/or it's wildlife what would that one thing be?

Rick Kratzke

Whitetail Woods

The environment...

I am certain you see the abuse we heap on it every day. From trash tossed out onto the roads, to oil spills that dwarf comprehension. Ever wonder how we manage to survive?

Rick Kratzke of Whitetail Woods asked something that we all should be contemplating consciously on a regular basis. He asked, "If you were able to do one thing to help our environment and/or it's wildlife what would that one thing be?"

What a great, though provoking question. I gave it great thought, and decided I wanted it to be something simple, doable, repeatable, practical, and shareable.

When I walk to my local Starbucks, I traverse Uelin Park and the beautiful large freshwater lake that we boat and fish in. The amount of trash strewn around isn't great, but it is enough to distract one from an otherwise idyllic view.

It struck me then, I will stop and pick up trash everyday at every opportunity!

I was already doing it. But I wasn't systematic or consistent. I would do it if it was convenient and it didn't take me too far out of my way.

Now I have made the decision that if I see it and I can get to it, I will pick it up. A plastic shopping bag doesn't take up any room in my pocket, and recycling it as a trash bag is a plus. Every piece of trash I pick up, is one less thing that may end up in the water or woods, endangering both plants and animals.

There is something else I do regularly.

I hate Brazillian Pepper trees with a passion! Every time I see a seedling I yank it out. If it's a sapling, I try to pull it out. I have gone as far as to return to my garage and grab a machete and even the hatchet, and hacked them to pieces. Invasive plant species are as bad as any other invasive species, and those Pepper trees are my pet peeve! They're not even edible like pigs are.

A mornings haul...

There are two pieces of PVC in that pile, those ended up in my shop, stored in a milk crate with other pieces of PVC. You never know when you might need some.

So my friends, what are you doing to help the environment?

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert Rasch was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Hunter Safety Course from HunterCourse.com

2011-08-25T08:44:00.003-04:00

© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

I can’t get over that summer is almost over, and hunting season will soon start in earnest in just a few short weeks! Archery season will kick it off with rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader aficionados taking to the field also. Hunting season will soon be in full throttle throughout our great Nation! Millions of sportsmen and women will take to the fields, forests, plains, and mountains in pursuit of American game and enjoying our great outdoors!

But wait! Have you taken the proper Hunters Safety course for your home state? More importantly have you helped prepare your son or daughter for their Hunter Safety or Education exam?

As usual, I got to thinking about this and decided to research the opportunities available for today’s busy family and sportsmen. After searching a short while and looking around the internet I found some great education material to share with you. I found the outdoor educational resource people at HunterCourse.Com who offer online hunter safety courses classes to help you educate yourself and your loved ones in hunting safety.

HunterCourse.Com is a leading provider of hunter safety education courses across North America. For instance, people who live in California can obtain a California hunting license via huntercourse.com

Offering online courses for over twenty states, HunterCourse.com provides course materials and official Hunter Safety Course exams, and is the leading provider of online hunter safety education and certification in the USA and Canada. The HunterCourse.com courses meet all the guidelines set by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and the Treestand Manufacturer's Association (TMA). The online hunter safety course is approved by agencies responsible for hunter education in over 20 states.

The entire online hunter safety course is professionally narrated. You can sit back and allow them to walk you through the study guide! Those of you that are hands-on learners will love the 60+ interactive hunter safety animations and exercises. They also have online shooting ranges! That’s a HunterCourse.Co exclusive!

The Jim Shockey Dream Hunt! Your course is your chance to win!

When you take and pass the online Hunter Safety course, you are automatically entered into a draw to win a Jim Shockey Dream Hunt package worth $10,000. Each year one Hunter Safety course student and the instructor that administered that student's field day will be randomly drawn to win an all–expense paid "Jim Shockey Dream Hunt". All the details are here.

Toll Free: 1.866.495.4868
Mon to Sun 9:00 AM - Midnight
(EST) Email: info@huntercourse.com

Muzzleloaders and Black Powder

2011-08-23T09:55:00.004-04:00

Howdy Folks!

I'm still unable to directly access The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and you my Blogger friends. Seems that there are subversive and insurrectionist elements and all around bad behavior among Bloggers, and as such, the security of the free world and corporate profits are at risk...

None the less, I am still going to post whenever I feel like it, so call me a subversive! Just remember, I can't moderate comments, nor can I comment on your comments.

Today's post is on a an old hobby of mine that has been reignited.

I'm talking about traditional Muzzleloading and Black Powder Shooting.

First off allow me to direct you to a couple of really neat forums. The http://www.americanlongrifles.org/ American Longrifle Forum is the preeminent forum specializing on traditional American muzzleloaders. The mission of AmericanLongrifles.org is to promote, preserve and support the traditional art and craft of building and using the American Longrifle. This includes accouterments and related arms of the period.

None of this inline muzzleloading nonsense here, no sir! If you are looking for real knowledge on the subject this is the place. With experts from around the world, the available knowledge is both broad and deep. Everything from traditional hand tool techniques to the chemistry of traditional finishes is covered. The skill levels range from yours truly's amateurish attempts, to world class museum quality pieces. You will also find lively discussion areas on collecting both fine original arms and impeccable contemporary ones. Hand made accoutrements is another area that is full of remarkable examples of contemporary work as well as the historic. I strongly urge you to visit if you have an interest in traditional Longrifles, black powder shooting, or the history of American firearms of that era.

Next is the http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadingassociation.org/forum/ Traditional Muzzleloading Association. The TMA is dedicated to preserving the rich and fascinating heritage of the traditional muzzleloading firearms of early America. Whether your interest is in rendezvous, re-enactments, historical clothing, camps, trapping, weapons, accoutrements or American history, all historical topics in relation to the muzzleloading firearms prior to 1900 are welcomed.

I have a Chambers New England Fowler waiting at home for me, and you can rest assured that we will be building that together. It's a ten bore of course, none of that 12 bore sissy stuff for me! Anyway, I need a light smoothbore for fooling around out back in the woods.

Now you all know me, and I now have a line on 4 bore barrels, so you can expect a special operations black powder big bore hog hunting rifle from me in the future. Nothing says "Lay down and Die!" like a quarter pound of lead in the boiler room. That's 1750 grains by the way! I can tell you we are going to have us a lot of fun with that!

I've got a few posts lined up for you all my friends, but they will be sans pictures, due to IT's intransigence, but like everything else in this world, things change at the drop of a hat. So for all I know we might be back on line before you or I know it! Keep the faith, and know that I'm thinking about all of you.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch"Skull Mountain" Sperwan Ghar, Panjwai District, Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...
ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

A Chronicles Project: Sleeping Bag Care and Cleaning

2011-08-14T00:10:00.001-04:00

Cleaning a Sleeping Bag Properly

It’s time to start thinking about Fall and camping! For me, there is nothing like getting up before everyone else, stoking the fire, setting out the coffee pot full of milk and chocolate to heat. As the nighttime creatures settle in for their daytime sleep, you’re sitting back and warming your hands by the flames as you wait for nature and your family to awaken from the night’s slumber.
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
Your sleeping bag is probably the most important piece of equipment when it comes time to get some shuteye. A good sleeping bag is expensive, and taking good care of it will more than pay you back in terms of longevity.

A sleeping bag should be taken care of just like any other piece of equipment. That means regular inspections, proper storage, and cleaning when necessary.

Before you take it out into the field for the first time of the season, give it a thorough going over and check for weak or splitting seams, knotted ties, poorly functioning zippers, or any other deficiencies or potentially problematic ones. Better to get them taken care of before you need your bag, than to find out miles away from the car.

Though I use synthetic insulation in my sleeping bags in Florida due to the constant humidity, down is by far the better choice for any other area. Not only is it lighter, but also offers greater insulation per cubic inch. Down also gains loft over time, whereas synthetics will lose up to 40% of their loft. In other words, synthetics lose their ability to insulate as time goes on.

Storing you sleeping bag is pretty straightforward. All sleeping bags should be loosely rolled and placed inside a breathable fabric bag. You do not want to compact it into the smallest possible package, as this breaks down the individual fibers.

When you return from an expedition, (or an overnighter in the back yard), you should check the bag again for damage. Turn it inside out and dispose of any foreign objects or critters that may be in it. Air it out and make sure any dampness is gone before storing it.

There are really only two ways that you can clean your sleeping bag properly when the time comes that it needs it. You can either machine wash it or do it by hand. Drycleaning is not an option for either synthetics or down filled sleeping bags. The chemicals used, carbon tetrachloride and perchlorethelene, will remain in the lofting for quite some time. You do not want to be in that sleeping bag while that’s happening.

Whether you use a commercial front loader or decide to do it by hand, you will need the appropriate soaps for washing down. Woolite is acceptable, better yet are soaps made specifically for down. Cuddledown Fine Fabrics Wash and Fluffers is a well respected brand as is McNett ReviveX Down Cleaner

For synthetics use a recommended detergent, or Woolite.

When machine washing your bag, you must use a large commercial front loading washer. You cannot use a top load, agitator style washer. An agitator will damage the baffles that keep the down in place and help compartmentalize and maintain the loft. Tear the baffles loose and you will get cold and thin spots as the down shifts and compresses. Set the wash cycle to warm, and the rinse cycles to cold.

It is best to run the bag through the front loader twice, once with soap, and the second sans the soap. Rinsing your bag well is critical for the down’s well being, and the bag’s longevity. Residual soaps and detergents attract and hold dirt, dander, and dust thereby exacerbating and speeding up subsequent soiling.

Hand washing is tough, but it is the safest way to clean an expensive sleeping bag. It is virtually impossible to damage a sleeping bag when hand washing. And though it is real work, you are all but guaranteed a clean, undamaged, and well maintained bag.

If you decide to hand wash your sleeping bag, use warm water. I would recommend a watering trough, or barring access to one, a bath tub will do well enough. Practical yes, totally cool, no.

Again use the appropriate soap for your bag’s insulation. Leave your bag in its carry sack and start to soak it in the warm, soapy water. Use a Plastic cup and pour the water into the sack and in the bag. Massage and knead the sack until the sleeping bag within is totally soaked. Now start to take it out of the sack and continue to work the soapy water trough the bag. If there are areas or spots that are particularly soiled, like where your head rests, make sure you dedicate some time to it and get it clean. After you’ve worn yourself out, let the bag soak for another our or so, occasionally agitating by hand to loosen any other grime that is stuck to the bag. Give it a good going over and start to rinse it.

Note: At no time should you lift the bag from any single point! Wet down or insulation can be exceedingly heavy, and you could tear the baffles loose.

Continue rinsing until you are positive all the soap has been removed. Now you must be careful with the bag. Use a laundry basket and carefully place the bag in it. Press as much water out of the bag as possible. Do Not Wring The Bag! You will ruin it if you twist it and wring it. Press the water out. You can also carefully put it in its carry bag, push it to the bottom, twist the carry bag tight, and then press the stuff sack itself.

Some laundromats have extractors which are excellent for getting the maximum amount of water out of a bag. The more water you get out, the quicker it will dry.

Regardless of whether you used a washing machine or you did it by hand, you are going to need a dryer. If you hand washed it you may want to drip dry it for a while first. If you used a machine, when your bag is done on the spin cycle, carefully remove it and transfer it to the dryer. Remember that laundromat dryers are notorious for burning clothes! Either find one that actually runs on low to medium, or resign yourself to a constant vigil. There is no other choice. A hot drier will ruin your bag.

You will also need a half dozen tennis balls with three socks, or a pair of clean canvas tennis shoes. Take a couple of balls, drop them in a sock, and tie the end off. Throw them in the drier with the bag so that as the bag tumbles it gets pummeled constantly by the balls and the down regains its loft. Tennis shoes work the same. Take it out occasionally as it gets drier and fluff it up before tossing it back in. If you have a down comforter, this is a great way to fluff it up too.

It takes a long time to dry a bag, be patient.

Storage:
Store you sleeping bag and its stuff sack in a larger loose fitting, breathable bag. Make sure they are kept in a dry location, which has some ventilation. A closet is fine, but keep your sleeping bags out of the Rubbermaid boxes! Mildew will ruin a bag if it gets a hold of it.

A Few Basic Care Rules for Sleeping Bags:

Store your bags loose, not compressed in their carry bags.
If your bag happens to get wet, dry it thoroughly before storage.
Try to keep the bag clean if possible. They have liners for bags, and even wearing night clothes helps by absorbing oils. If you put your boots in the bag with you, put them in their own sack.
When it gets dirty wash it!

Best regards,
Albert A Rasch

Chiappa Chip Controversy: Charles Brown Responds

2011-08-02T22:38:00.001-04:00

Howdy folks!

I received a comment which because of the "Blog Blocking" software I can't approve and post.

Luckily I have the moderate comments function on, so I at least get to see the comments on my end here. One of my readers, Brian J, forwarded this to me:

Hi Albert,
Read your post about RFID and was so angry at the tone I emailed the President, VP and Director of marketing. Here is what I got this morning:

Brian,

I appreciate your response to the barcode chip Release that was sent out last week, I am handling each one of the few responses we received individually, I feel if you took the time to contact me and express yourself I should extend the courtesy of responding to you.

I agree 100% with your observation that the "tin foil" comment sounded and read like we were uncaring pompous asses who did not care about the customers we market to, I like to try to put some humor in all of my releases and the shooting press seems to find it a nice departure from the mundane who-what-where-when contained in most the releases they get, however the intent of the "humor" came thru in a totally different "feel"- (yes we forgot the whole internet thing about how you can't read inflection or feelings) I also try to let all of our releases "sleep" overnight and come back in the next day with fresh eyes and take a look at it .unfortunately I did not with this one.

My family has been in the firearms business since 1953 and I have owned MKS for the last 28 years, always supporting the firearms industry and supporting the preservation of our constitutional rights and being on the watch for erosion of such.

Actually because of all of the concern and contact with consumers regarding the RFID issue Chiappa is looking at ways to attach the chip to the gun only for manufacture and shipping into the USA and then be able to detach it and return it to Italy and reuse it in a future batch of guns being made, so this had actually had very positive results.

MKS was one of the charter members of the Heritage fund that has pledged 1% of all of our sales to go toward fighting for our firearms rights, I am an NRA life member and support with cash and donations, thru MKS numerous events, friends of NRA, first shots programs, NSSF, US Sportsman's Alliance. In the 90's we were one of the first to send donations of cash to the organizations in California fighting for our firearms rights etc.

I am hoping that our ACTIONS of the past and future will show through and one comment that was supposed to produce a chuckle (unfortunately made us look like Jackasses) won't forever hurt the way we are viewed. I guess I should have just re-stated that the glued in easy to find Barcode chip can be easily removed and left it at that.

Yesterday I sent a similar not to all of the blog contacts I had to help get the word out.

Humbly and respectfully yours
Charles Brown

Well, that's a good sign and gesture on the part of Charles Brown. I get it that they had a bad day on the marketing side of the house, and didn't think of the repercussions of their actions. Ok, you all had a bad day, I'm willing to let it go at that then. We all make mistakes, and sometimes they sting.

It is important that everyone involved in the industry, from manufacturer to end user, realize the responsibility they have towards maintaining the level of freedom we enjoy in the United States of America, and do everything in their power to not only aid and abet it, but also avoid harming it.

Freedom must be jealously guarded.

Privacy must be maintained.

Government must be restrained.

Intrusions in our lives must be minimized..

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
"Skull Mountain" Sperwan Ghar, Panjwai District, Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

Chiappa Firearm "Tracking CHIP" RFID Controversy

2011-07-29T00:04:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone,

I recently received a Press Release from Shults Media who represents MKS Distributing, the distributor for Chiappa Firearms.

RFID chips are to be used in the manufacture of Chiappa Firearms. There is also appears to be a huge controversy in the firearms blogosphere with respect to these RFID chips. Unfortunately for me, I can't get on the blogosphere because blogs might be bad for me, according to the IT guys...

First off the press release is incorrect, and is an attempt by MKS Distributors to "Damage Control" or "Spin" the situation.

I call Bull Shit on the following: "The Chiappa PASSIVE RFID can be read ONLY when passed within (2-3 inches) of an active (and powered) reader that is dialed in for the particular long antenna radio frequency of the RFID-this is not random."

Having no small experience now with RFID, let me tell you that they can be read by the appropriate reader at 30 meters. Furthermore no RFID chip reader that is being used for logistical control will have its range limited to 3 inches. A carton, or even pallets of materials will need a reader set to several feet. " Passive RFID is also a final check that verifies that what is inside the sealed box is the same thing as shown on the box exterior bar code during shipping. Now, it will no longer be necessary to open/inspect hundreds of boxes by hand prior to packing in export containers. " 3 inches eh? How is it going to read a pallet of material at 3 inches? I can only assume that MKS Distributors thinks most people are idiots, and incapable of figuring things out on their own.

Now here are some more facts about RFID:
The reader does upload the information to a server, and that server can transmit that information anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. How do you think Walmart can track any item, anywhere, at any time, in their inventory?
Readers can be configured to range, frequency, and an assorted other of functions, some (Surprise!!!) that are classified. I know this to be true.

I think what chafes my jaw more than anything is the following from the press release: "Others may prefer to wrap the revolver and their head in aluminum foil, curl in a ball and watch reruns of Mel Gibson's 1997 film, Conspiracy Theory."

I would suggest to Shults Media and MKS Distributors to more closely pay attention to their customers. Shults, as the mouth piece for Chiappa, you should have considered the ramifications of allowing MKS to insult their core customer base. That is what they pay you for right?

I would immediately remove the RFID chip as suggested, and and if you were considering purchasing a Chiappa Firearms product, perhaps you might reconsider. If this is how they respond to a legitimate concern, how are they going to treat you once they have your money?

Personally, I am certain that the RFID chip is just for logistical control, that's what they are used for. But if a customer is uncomfortable with it, then the merchant needs to respond with honest and candor, rather than insults. A simple explanation with instructions for removal would have sufficed.

Here is the Press Release:

RFID "Chip" in Chiappa Firearms-what's up with that?

MKS Distributing, Dayton OH, July, 2011-Distributor for Chiappa Firearms

Recently there has been some blogger activity (credibility always guaranteed) concerning Chiappa Firearms putting a RFID (radio frequency identification) in Chiappa Firearms. Yes, but Chiappa will not be using the RFID system for at least a year.

RUMOR: (known as blogosphere food): The erroneous information about some sort of "chip" was put out by a blogger who translated Chiappa (Italian) technical information incorrectly. The incorrect translation and his interpretation came out as some sort of a GPS type tracking "chip" -which RFID isn't as it cannot transmit anything-it has NO power source (unlike cell phones).

THE FACTS: Recently several Italian gun makers (not just Chiappa) decided to utilize RFID technology to improve manufacturing and provide more accurate inventory control. We guarantee this technology will proliferate to other gun makers world wide as it is so efficient for everything from production QC control to export/import verification. Other industries already use passive RFID technology such as on DVDs, sunglasses, clothes and even some food products for example.

Basically Chiappa RFID (again it is radio frequency identification) assists the manufacturing process, inventory control and shipping. The type of information on the RFID ties in the firearm and proof house verification; the latter is required by the Italian Government for all firearms made in Italy. Passive RFID is also a final check that verifies that what is inside the sealed box is the same thing as shown on the box exterior bar code during shipping. Now, it will no longer be necessary to open/inspect hundreds of boxes by hand prior to packing in export containers.

BOTTOM LINE: The Chiappa PASSIVE RFID can be read ONLY when passed within (2-3 inches) of an active (and powered) reader that is dialed in for the particular long antenna radio frequency of the RFID-this is not random. And it will NOT go into operation for a year or more.

SUMMARIZING: RFIDs have NO power source or GPS locator. Rest assured they are NOT transmitting your identification and location information to a Chiappa Firearm tasked CIA satellite.

Proposed RFID shown on a Chiappa Revolver grip frame

RFID Removal: For those still concerned you can simply remove the grip and remove the hot glued RFID from the frame in the grip area when (over a year from now) these begin to appear. Others may prefer to wrap the revolver and their head in aluminum foil, curl in a ball and watch reruns of Mel Gibson's 1997 film, Conspiracy Theory. Well, that's a plan too!

Media Professionals For more (accurate???) information you may contact:

MKS Supply, Inc. the marketer for Chiappa Firearms
937-454-0363

Albert A Rasch
Qalat City, Zabul Province, Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

Approving Comments and Other Fobiles

2011-07-20T20:50:00.001-04:00

My friends,

Unfortunately I can't even get into the logon function to approve your comments.

Hippo thanks for stopping by! Freedom, as expressed by Thomas Jefferson is a universal truth for everyone. It is a shame that even we, his National progeny, don't realize that. There are many that would trade it for imagined security. To quote Founding Father Benjamin Franklin,

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

NorCal, they will allow me access to my blog in time, but the rational is that there are "porn" blog sites. So all blogs are forbidden, and they don't have time to go through each and every blog that exists. I'm hoping that they will allow me to put together a list of the 300 or so blogs I read, and approve them. I let you know how that works out...

ColoradoCaster, Thanks for visiting! Appreciate the nice comment, and happy to be of service! It's a handy little thing this email blogger but I have no idea how to add pictures or format the post. I'm just happy to post a note to everyone.

Thanks again everyone!

Best regards!
Albert A Rasch
Qalat City, Zabul Province, Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

Rumors of My Demise Have Been Exagerated

2011-07-20T09:03:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone!

I'm using the email version of Blogger as the geniuses at Home Office have contracted a new internet service provider that has blocked all Blogs!

Not only that, but I am shuttling about several bases, covering for other Site Managers on leave. In addition I am soon to be posted to a new base that I have affectionately named "Skull Mountain" When I can convince the powers that be, that TROC is not a subversive blog, I'll post pictures and you shall see why I gave it that moniker.

Hopefully, you are all having a great summer with lots of fun and frolic. You all just keep that up, and pitch a couple of cold ones back for me! Enjoy your families and your friends too.

Best regards,
Albert A Rasch
Somewhere in Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

TROC Presents, The Declaration of Independence

2011-07-04T00:10:00.002-04:00

Albert A Rasch™ and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

My Dearest Friends,

On this, the most solemn and most joyous of days, I wish to you, one and all, peace, prosperity, and freedom!

The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Prose Credit: Thomas Jefferson Founding Father

Read it my friends; read it with your children. Ponder what was meant and think about where we are going.

Best to you my fellow Americans!
Albert A Rasch

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Patriot and hunter Albert Rasch was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Oo La La! Cest Magnifique! The Suburban Bushwacker!

2011-06-27T00:43:00.000-04:00

The Suburban Bushwacker entertains and educates!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Friends,

I like nothing better than a good, ole fashioned, rollicking shootout on a crisp autumn morning. Blood pumping, adrenalin flowing, finger on the trigger, with acrid cordite in the air burning your nose like brimstone - nothing speaks better of a proper Sunday morning spent in contemplation of one's life.

Our irrepressible and sometimes wacky Over-the-Pond Blogger who is more commonly known as The Suburban Bushwacker, has an older post that I think is all to good to be left whithering away in the bowels of the internet netherworld.

Our entertaining, fearless Blogger/correspondent from the British Isles shares "Battue: French For Bushwacking" and explains how our Continental friends organize and run a drive.

Now I don't know about you, but I sure would love to experience that at least once in my life. Of course it may also be the last thing I do, but I am willing to take the risk..

Even if they are French...

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

The Dangers of Fly Fishing! Englishmen Beware!

2011-06-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hunting and Fishing in America!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

From the "I Really Can't Believe I'm Reading This," file comes the following:

Tourist Fly Fishermen visiting North America are in danger of being killed or seriously injured !!!

“I am very serious. Non Americans fishing in America are in danger of being killed or of being seriously injured. There are hazards like bears, alligators, stingrays, poison ivy, hunters with guns and monster sharks that can cause you harm if not fatal damage.”

The English Fly Fishing Shop

Well, I’ve read it a couple of times now. I’m pretty sure it was written as a legitimate, yet misinformed warning, maybe as an attempt to dissuade English folk from visiting our shores, but I don’t think it was a comedic piece done tongue in cheek.

I think the fellow that owns it is Craig Moore, but I’m not 100% certain so I don’t want to quote him, but the site says,

“Here in Britain there are no dangerous animals to interrupt a great day's fishing.”

Yeah, but you guys have soccer hooligans! So there!

Oh by the way, they really have some beautiful flies at The English Fly Fishing Shop. They are all hand tied, and they also hand tie custom flies. So if you’re into the fly fishing hobby, stop by and take a look.

All of the information is certainly valid; you shouldn’t tow fish on a stringer, off your hip, while wade fishing in Florida, and you probably shouldn’t walk around grizzly country unprepared nor unarmed. I suppose that gators might be a concern too, but I have never had any problems with them. Except for the one in that lady’s garage. He was really fat and heavy and no one wanted to help me get him back into the lake he came from. The Mrs. and both the boys finally had to help me out on that one. Mosquitoes, now that’s a different story. I got torn to shreds while in the US Army, but a mosquito did more harm to me, hurt worse, and laid me low for a lot longer!

But I do take exception to the statement about hunters.

Yes, while it is true that we Americans are frequently well armed during hunting season. (It must be very intimidating to our English friends to know that I and the citizens of this great nation are as heavily armed as we are, yet more than capable of governing ourselves without bloodshed or civil unrest. Must be a lesson in there somewhere…) It is also equally true that rarely does anyone get shot by accident during hunting season. On occasion, people get shot on purpose, that’s true, but usually they got it coming to them. Well… sometimes not, but we have the Law to sort those things out.

Anyway, as far as I know, no fisherman has ever been bagged out of season. That’s if they’re even on the books as legal game. Come to think of it, I don’t even think they have a season on fishing folk, even in the western states. Furthermore, any English fly fishing sportsman would be a transient or migratory species and would require a special and expensive stamp; same for an Irish or French one. Well, I don't know, but the French might be considered an invasive or nuisance species and might not have any legal protection from any laws, like the starling, walking catfish, and Norway rat. Don’t quote me on that, I’m no legal expert on game laws outside of Florida. Anyway I figure anyone that lives in such a damp and cool climate as the British Isles is bound to be oily and gamey. I know that sometimes I’m a little gamey sometimes on account of the dampness. So no sense in shooting one anyway.

Grizzlies are pretty placid if you give them their space, and anyway you should be fishing with a guide, who likely will carry a Ruger Redhawk in 44 magnum. I personally prefer the 45 Long Colt; more oomph at lower pressure. If they made a 46 Colt I would carry that instead.

Now mountain lions are little different. They go after the weak and infirm. And they really like people on mountain bikes. Now I don’t have any specifics as to which bikes they prefer, and with the new 29s coming out the whole paradigm may change, so stay tuned. You can figure that unless you’re riding a bike to your fishing spot, you should be ok.

Bull elks and moose in general, don’t usually do the cross species thing. They find it distasteful. Remember what happened to those caribou that ended up hanging out with that fat guy in the red suit? They got funny names and have to haul butt under less than tolerable conditions! Where’s the RSPCA when you need it? That’s why they don’t take any unnecessary chances with us humans.

Shuffle your feet, and stingrays won’t stick you a good one. Though if you do happen to screw up and get stuck, get some meat tenderizer on it as soon as possible.

Ask me what I think the most dangerous thing is and I will tell you what it is:

It is stupidity.

If you’re stupid, don’t go and do stuff that will get you killed. I know that stupid people don’t know any better, but if you have any question, and one of the outcomes can lead to dismemberment or worse, it would probably behoove you not to go that way. Politicians are excluded for obvious reasons. Just a little advice.

So my English friends, believe you me that fishing in the United States is much, much safer than taking a walk through Londonistan. No one is going to take out a fatwah on you because you use a fresh water fly in the briny. Just don’t get mad at us when we ask you if you are from Australia. That’s probably the worse affront we might commit, other than mangling the Queen’s English. And drink beer ice cold.

Seriously, if you really want to worry about something, worry about how contagious American Freedom is. I’ve met a lot of people from around the world. Just recently Jordan Bear made three new friends from South Africa. The thing they most remarked on was how overwhelmed they were at first, by the unbridled freedom they found. The freedom to make choices, along with the responsibility, can be intoxicating.

So don’t sweat the “dangers.” We Americans will see to it that you all don’t get into more trouble than you can handle, and we have proven over and over that we will always come to your aid, even when it hurts.

And don't forget the great Winston Churchill said, "Americans will always do the right thing... After they have tried everything else!"

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Best Boar Hunting Rifle Calibers: Part I

Sun Protection and Skin Care for You, the Outdoorsman

2011-06-21T00:13:00.059-04:00

Hunting and Fishing in the Sun: Reduce Your Risks!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Having Fun in the Sun - Safely!

Editor's Note: I've been very fortunate. Though I have spent the majority of my working days out in the sun, I have not suffered any damage... that I can tell. Time though, will tell just how much damage I really have done to my skin. So allow me to remind you of the dangers, and the simple precautions you can take to safeguard your health.

As many of you must know, skin cancer is on the rise. Exposure to everyday chemicals, polluted atmospheres, over exposure to the sun, and better record keeping, all have contributed to the rise according to the American Cancer Society. 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer on average are diagnosed each year. 68,000 cases of melanoma, the most serious and lethal type of skin cancer, are within that diagnostic catagory.

Remember when summertime rolls around, we tend to spend far more time outdoors, especially if we love fishing! Long hours on the dock, pier, shoreline, or boat add up to a lot of exposure, especially to the strongest and most harmful ultraviolet sun rays of the year.

There are some simple precausions you can take to reduce the harmful effects of the sun and reduce your chances of skin cancer and damage.

Wear a hat.your head and face are the most likely spots to get damaged and suffer skin cancer!
Wear long sleeved shirts and pants. If you have ever watched the TV shows of flats fishermen in Florida, you will notice they wear lightweight pants and long sleeve shirts.
Use good sunglasses that are polarized. Not only can you see better, but it really helps protect your eyes from flying debris, sand, lures and insects.
Use a good sunblock. SPF 30 is the minimum for outdoor work, and you should reapply frequently.

It's really important to drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated. If you're hydrated so is your skin. And hydrated skin can cool itself more efficiently.

Following these simple guidelines will lessen the chances of you getting skin skin cancer and keep you enjoying the great outdoors!

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

The Range Reviews: SOG S62 PowerLock with V-Cutter

2011-06-18T02:00:00.002-04:00

SOG PowerLock in Afghanistan!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

“At SOG, we create style through craftsmanship. Our purpose is to combine advanced technology, imaginative designs and high-quality construction to create products of the highest caliber-products that enhance your life”

The SOG Philosophy

Multi-tools have become ubiquitous. Just about everyone makes one, with quality varying from atrocious to sublime. In my opinion, having carried one for almost two years in Afghanistan, SOG Specialty Knives makes one of best multi-tools.

To quote SOG Specialty Knives, they are “totally committed to creating the world's finest specialized knives and tools.” Having used their S62 PowerLock with V-Cutter for well over a three years, I have no doubt as to the commitment of its founder and chief designer, Spencer Frazer, and his talented crew, to produce cutting edge tools for today’s military personnel and civilian outdoorsmen.

Picture courtesy of SOG Specialty Knives

The S62's specifications and components are impressive:

Double tooth saw
½ serrated blade
Three sided file
Large screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
¼” socket driver
Awl
Can opener/Small screwdriver
Bottle opener/Medium screwdriver
Wire crimper
Wire cutter
V-Cutter

Picture courtesy of SOG Specialty Knives

From left to right: Drive unit, blade
can opener-small screwdriver,
bottle opener-medium screwdriver.

Top to bottom: Double tooth saw, awl, large screwdriver,
Philips head screwdriver, can opener-small screwdriver, and file.

Standard leather sheath

Closed it measures 4.6 inches and open it is 7 inches. It weighs 9.6 ounces, which while not heavy, gives it sufficient heft. It is made of polished stainless steel and comes with a leather sheath. A nylon sheath is also available, and can be purchased separately.

The first impression is that of a very sturdy and solid tool. The polish is very good and the imprints and logos are deep and well done. Upon opening, the needle nose pliers are robust without being too bulky. It is obvious that they are meant to be used.

Picture courtesy of SOG Specialty Knives

The gearing system, called Compound Leverage (TM) generates twice the gripping and cutting force than other multi-tools. As a test I went and clipped a couple of pennies, a dime, some hardened wire, plain wire, and a coat hanger. Except for some copper streaking, the cutters show no sign of any wear.

Very little pressure disengages the locks.

The components are held in the open position by the PowerLock spring. To close them you depress the lever and fold them back.

The blade is serrated along half of its length. These serrations worked well against cardboard, nylon strapping, along with polypropylene, manila, and cotton rope. The blade itself is chisel ground. While some may not like that edge, it does make it easier to sharpen. The steel is easy enough to sharpen if you don’t wait until it is stone dull, and the blade is very serviceable.

Double tooth saw blade made short work of 1X1 oak!

The double tooth saw was exceptional in its cutting ability. It cut through a 1X1 piece of oak and then two pieces of pine lumber. Again the saw felt as sharp as when the first cut was made.

¼ inch drive unit works well; carry the adapter
and any bits you need for your guns when you travel!

A neat feature is the ¼ inch drive. Any ¼ inch socket will fit on the drive, and with the adapter you can use all those hex screwdrivers, allen wrenches, torx bits and anything else with a ¼ inch hex shank. You can also use an extension to give you a little more reach or clearance.

The V-Cutter is designed to cut through webbing or cord. Unable to find any webbing that I could safely cut, it made short work of ¼ inch braided cordage. I'm thinking you could even use it to gut game animals if need be.

All of the minor tools performed as expected; that is to say the screwdrivers tightened and loosened screws, and the bottle and can opener opened their respective containers. The awl is diamond shaped and as sharp as a razor. It punched through some very heavy harness leather with ease. It is best to back whatever you are punching through with a piece of softwood for safety.

All you need to disassemble and service the S62 is a ¼ inch wrench.

Something that really set the tool apart is that you can completely disassemble it, rearrange the components, or replace components with completely different ones. (As long as they are the same thickness.) All that is required is a ¼ inch wrench.

Care is nothing out of the ordinary. Keep it clean, oil the hinges lightly, occasionally strip it down to its components and clean it thoroughly. It should give you a lifetime of service.

Overall I rate the SOG S62 PowerLock a rock-solid buy, well worth the price. It is the best multi-tool currently on the market, the guarantee is unbeatable, and their commitment to be the best instills great confidence. A SOG S62 PowerLock on your hip will resolve 95% of your problems; the other 5% probably require a specialist and a big fat bank account.

And remember SOG is made in America!

SOG
SOG PowerLock S62
MSRP: $110.00

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

Go Learn Something Cool to Do!

2011-06-15T01:59:00.002-04:00

Great Blogs you are sure to enjoy!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.

Margaret Fuller (1810 - 1850)

Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire.

Fred Shero

The preceding phrase, "You must first set yourself on fire." is a metaphor, and not to be taken literally.

Albert A Rasch

I've been putting off this particular writing assignment, not because I didn't want to do it, but because I wanted to make sure I did these sites justice. These blogs and websites are particularly good at doing something that I really appreciate, and that is, the sharing of knowledge and information. I especially like hands-on tutorials and real, live demos. When it comes right down to it, there is nothing like an explanation with pictures to really get you to understand what is going on!

First on the list is Bygone Country Skills. I originally found Antoni "Toni" Ross' site through a video posted by our fellow fellow blogger, The Suburban Bushwacker. As many of you know, SBW has more than a passing interest in outdoor and traditional skills.

In his introduction Toni says, "This site is intended to inform, educate and entertain those who believe that traditional skills are worth preserving." He further goes on to say, "...it is my aim to pass on my skills and preserve our heritage..." To this end he has made himself available for demonstrations at schools, scouting events, and holds one and two day workshops at his... well... workshop, where he shares his skills for a very nominal fee.

Toni only uses hand and human powered tools to produce very beautiful and practical implements for daily use. These items can also be commissioned from him, which is how he makes his living. See some of them here.

It's the videos that I really like. There is enough information on them for a reasonably handy and inquisitive person to learn from. Observe first if you please, this demonstration : Carving A Wooden Ladle. Notice how Toni deftly reduces a chunk of wood with a hatchet, and then refines it with a crook knife or hoof knife and a straight bladed knife. If I thought I wouldn't lose a thumb, I might try it myself! Check out the finished product; it is beautiful!

Think about this for a minute. You go to the nearest Walmart and get a plastic ladle. It costs you next to nothing. You use it, toss it in the dishwasher. Done.

How about instead, you set aside a few dollars, pounds, or euros, and you order one from Toni. The anticipation of its arrival is just like waiting for a gift. It arrives, you eagerly tear open the packaging, and you marvel at the craftsmanship. Now every time you use it, you think about the craftsman, Toni, eyeing that just right piece of wood, and then carving your ladle out of it. That makes for a far more satisfying time in the kitchen!

Next is a Shrink Pot. Notice how Toni selects the wood, then augers the hole in the wood. That creaking noise is the sharp auger pulling itself through the wood. Then he removes the bark with a draw knife. Believe me it is sharp, but it won't cut on striking his chest. Run it down your leg though, and that might be a different story. Next he cuts a shelf in the body for the bottom, splits another piece of dry wood for the bottom, thins and flattens it, and cuts it to shape for installation. As the wooden body dries, it will shrink against the already dry disc of wood, thereby making a secure bottom.

Toni has many other marvelous and well done demonstrations. Check out his video page! Many of these projects are done with relatively common handtools. Oh, and by the way, Toni has great taste in music!

The second site I would like to mention is Stormdrane's Blog. Stormdrane likes to tie knots. He takes line and makes knots until the line is something far greater than just a line!

I've owned Ashley's Book of Knots for well over thirty years, and I have on occasion used it for some project or another. The lanyard on my Swiss Army knife is one I made who knows how long ago. I've got a sap I made out of a three ounce egg sinker too.

I'm not sure how I found Stormdrane's Blog, (probably SBW) but his work has motivated me to try a little knotwork myself. He has some great tutorials, and an excellent list of links. Another thing I like about him is that he answers your question! And answers them well. All of his projects are doable with little more than some cordage and a knife. For those of you with limited shop space, this is a great activity. You may have noticed a bracelet I wear woven out of Paracord/550. Learned it from Storm Drane.

Last I want to mention my good friend Todd at the Primitive Point. As some of you have undoubtedly heard before, Todd got me into blogging. Todd is a bladesmith and works strictly with salvaged metal. He writes well and has put together some videos. It was very well done, and I keep on harassing him to produce more!

Besides his metal working skills, he keeps some goats, and bakes bread.

Folks, I hope y'all will stop by and visit my friends. Give them a few minutes of your time and you just might learn something new!

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

The Range Reviews: Eureka Timberline 2 Tent

2011-06-08T00:10:00.000-04:00

Eureka Timberline 2 Tent: A great, rugged tent for family camping!
© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Top: Eureka Timberline 2 tent with fly attached.
Bottom: Eureka Timberline 2 tent.

The Eureka Timberline 2 Tent must be the most popular tent in the world. Used by Boy Scouts for more years than I can remember, it is rugged enough take the abuse of teenage boys. You can't ask for a better endorsement than that. The classic A-frame construction with the addition of the fly, makes it a roomy and weather proof tent for the short term camper. It is quick and easy to set-up, having shock cord laced 1/2 inch aluminum frame, ring and pin attachments, and clips.

The A-frame tent is covered by a polyester fly. Waterproof, the fly is your weather proofing and first line of defense. The floor consists of a coated nylon "tub" that keeps the seams well above ground level for protection from the elements.The walls of the tent are a breathable, fire retardant nylon which is resistant to anything weatherwise. It has a front door, and two windows, one in the front door and the other on the back wall. Both the windows are covered with a fine mesh that will keep the no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and other flying pests, out of the tent. The fly also extends front and back in hood like fashion, to allow the windows to be opened and permit good ventilation while protecting from the elements.

Here are the specifications:

• Area: 38 square feet
• Floor size: 7 feet by 5 feet, 3 inches
• Center height: 3 feet, 6 inches
• Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce breathable nylon/1.9-ounce permeable taffeta nylon
• Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce Taffeta nylon with 1200 mm coating
• Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce Polyester with 1200 mm coating
• Pack size: 6 by 24 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds, 13 ounces

It's important to remember that a two person tent is actually a one person plus equipment tent with a little room to spare. Two people can fit into the two man tent, but it would be a tight squeeze with the equipment. If there are two of you that camp regularly, you would be much better off with a four man tent.

Assembly is easy. I find it best to connect the bottom of the tent to the poles, then attach the top of the tent. Now add the fly working from opposite corners. The EZ hooks are shock corded to allow easy, fast and secure connections. Finally stake out your guys and you are done. The shock corded side guy outs and fly attachments give stability & tear resistance in stormy or windy conditions.

There is also a version available, the Timberline 2XT, with a vestibule that allows you to keep muddy boots and things of that nature out of the tent, but also out of the weather. An optional vestibule and/or annex can also be added to the Timberline 2 for extra gear storage, shade or rain protection.

The only thing I would like to see is a better carry bag. Something with some belts around it to help compress the bag when everything is stored.

For those of you considering a new tent for the kids, or maybe one for yourself, the Timberline 2 would be a great choice. It is built to last, rugged, not too heavy, and suitable for extended trips.

Eureka
1-800-572-8822

Eureka Timberline 2 Tent
MSRP: $139.90
Street Price: $129.90

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Boating Safety: Online Boat License Courses

2011-06-03T21:17:00.003-04:00

Getting a boat license online!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

Get Your Boating License Online

and Boat Safely

Well my good friends,

Summer is almost here and boating season will soon be in full throttle throughout our great Nation! Millions of people take to the waters throughout the boating season to enjoying our oceans and waterways.

But are you truly prepared? Have you taken the proper precautions and educated yourself on the in and outs of safe vessel operation?

I got to thinking about this when I bumped into a couple of articles from this past summer relating some terrible boating accidents that resulted from a simple lack of familiarity with basic boating rules and regulations.

I took a few moments and looked around the internet for some education material to share with you. I found the good people at BoaterExam.com who offer online boat license classes to help you educate yourself.

Offering many online courses, BoaterExam.com provides boat license course and official boating exams, and is the leading provider of online boater education and certification in the USA and Canada.

BoaterExam has also teamed up with Mariner's Learning System™ to offer an online Coast Guard Captain's License Course. That's right, you can earn your Captain's Boat License online, through BoaterExam.com.

That's not all, they offer many state approved licenses as well. BoaterExam has fully animated and interactive boating safety courses and boat license tests online and their official state courses are approved in nearly 40 states.

For my own home state of Florida, they have an FWC approved Florida Safety Card. Instead of the term Boat License, Florida refers to its mandatory proof of education as a Boater Safety Education ID Card. Unlike a "license", a boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, although the term is often used, it is technically incorrect to call the card a Florida Boat License.

I learned all that on BoaterExam.com!

I would strongly urge you to look into some of their offerings. Safety is something one should invest time and energy in; the rewards are far greater, not only for you, but for your loved ones as well.

Think about it.
Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Qalat City Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Hurricane Season Opens

2011-05-31T21:30:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a 65% chance for an “active” hurricane season outlook for the Atlantic Basin this year.

The NOAA is projecting a 70 percent probability of the following ranges:

12 to 18 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher)

6 to 10 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which,

3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)

This outlook underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place.

As the US is still reeling from the deadliest tornado season in history, long-range meteorologist and hurricane forecasters have called for a much more active 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1st, and runs through November 30th (eastern Pacific hurricane season began May 15th and also ends November 30th) with above-normal threats on the U.S. coastline.

Points to Consider:
According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average North Atlantic hurricane season consists of nine to fourteen tropical storms. Of those, between four and seven could develop into hurricanes. The NOAA has cautioned that hurricane’s can occur whether the season is active or relatively quiet, but the conditions expected this year have historically produced an active Atlantic hurricane seasons. Be aware that first responders are a critical part of our country infrastructure when disaster strikes.

Each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, with storms and floods dominating the statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the major disasters. Consider that one of the most damaging, and deadly events that can occur is the hurricane. When hurricanes move ashore, they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water along the coastline, high winds, tornadoes, and both torrential rains and flooding. Buildings, trees, power lines, roads and bridges may be damaged or destroyed by hurricane-force winds (74 mph or more). Additionally, debris from the high winds can damage property, block roads, and bridges. Furthermore, widespread torrential rains often in excess of 6 inches can produce deadly and destructive floods, which are not just limited to the coastline, often extending hundreds of miles inland.

From:
Homeland Security Network

Making Biltong and Jerkey at Home

2011-05-26T00:10:00.001-04:00

Making African style Biltong at home!
© 2009 -2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

Making Biltong at Home

Picture Credit: Wild Ed's Texas Outdoors

Some time ago, my "compatriota" Mike from Native Hunt asked me about drying meat without smoke or heat. Coincidentally my good friend Ed, over at Wild Ed's Texas Outdoors, happens to have put together a fantastic tutorial on making Jerky American style. Excuse me, make that Texas style! (You might remember that he also did a great tutorial post on European style skull mounts.) Making jerky is a great way to stock up on some healthy snacks after the hunting season is over and it is a great skill to have regardless. Wild Ed's Texas Style Jerky takes you step by step on the artful and tasty way to make some homemade jerky.

Now, I'm a big fan of biltong, and making it via the southern Africa method of drying meats. There is nothing more delicious than the rich taste of meat that a well dried piece of biltong has.

I make my own using a couple of methods. Both are done indoors; one using the AC air handler, and the other a cardboard box and a fan. They both work about the same, though the AC method is about a day or two faster.

First thing you need is a hunk of meat. You can use beef, deer, elk, any of the deers (fallow, axis, etc). This does not work with pork, and for some reason, I seem to recall that it shouldn't be done with pronghorn antelope. I don't remember why, all I do remember is that for some reason, way in the back of my synapses a warning flashes repeatedly...

Cut hunk of meat that will soon be Biltong, with the grain in slices about an inch thick. Now cut them into half inch thick strips. It's easier to slice an inch thick piece off of a large cut, than it is to slice 1/2 inch. The thinner slices come off easily from the flat slab. Sprinkle them well with salt, and put them in a container over night in the fridge. The next day take them out of the fridge, rinse them off and dry them with a paper towel. Now you can use whatever spices you prefer. I like granulated garlic, Old Bay Seasoning, or Everglades Heat on mine. Now it's time to go and dry your biltong.

Using your AC to Dry Meat

With the AC method you need to have an air handler unit that allows you access and enough depth to allow meat to hang freely. It also helps if your wife won't notice the smell of meat, garlic, and pepper wafting throughout the house.

Just hang the meat in the air handler. I used some wire to make a rack inside the air handler.

I have found that paper clips are by far the easiest thing to use to hang the meat from. Just un-bend them into an "S" shape, and skewer the end of the strip on it.

Check the meat often, starting the third day or so. Just slice the end off and see how dry it has gotten.

Building a Box to Dry the Meat
The cardboard box is fairly simple also. Obtain a tall narrow box; the type used by movers is great. They are about eighteen inches square and four feet high. Get some 3/8th inch dowels and space them out two inches apart, about two inches below the top. Cut a slot six to eight inches high and as wide as the box an inch off the bottom. This is the air entry. Now cut slots, one inch in height and about twelve inches wide on each side near the top, these are the exit holes. Open the top, and hang the meat making sure it doesn't touch either the box or an adjoining piece.

Close the top, plug the fan in and aim it at the intake slot, and wait.

Tom of Boomers and BS knows a thing or two about Biltong. He added the following:

"A 40 watt bulb in a proper socket wired safely in a board at the bottom of the box a decent distance below the meat hangers works as well as a fan in a cardboard box if you build it of wood. Some sort of drip screening/drip tray(s) (Maybe a big #10 can with holes in the sides. Albert) over the bulb itself and for general purposes of keeping things tidy helps. Ventilation holes (with screen door mesh behind them to keep flies out) in the box towards the upper end and on the top and pay attention to electrical and fire safety in your design.

Bulb design works better/faster than the fan design in cooler climates. Combination of both works too. Friend of mine built his with a lightbulb and a PC cooling fan to ventilate it."

The way to test the meat is to take slices off the end. If it's not dry enough for you, let it dry another day. I like mine a little on the wet side.

Things to remember, you need to do this in a climate controlled area. In other words, indoors because the relative humidity is constant. My guess is that you could do this outdoors if you knew that you would have stable temperatures and low humidity for four or five days. You just need a constant breeze to carry off any moisture being released."

Tom also added, "In Africa it's usually done open air, outside, in what amount to mesh tents/cabinets to keep the flies off. Not sure about pronghorn but almost all the biltong I have eaten in Africa was from the Antelope family, most especially Impala. Not uncommon for locals to convert near an entire Impala to biltong."

Pepper is a great fly repellent, if you're going to try this outdoors.

Now biltong is delicious, and it is very easy to eat the equivalent of two pounds of meat in a twenty minute sitting. You have been warned!

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Hunter and Angler Fact Sheet

2011-05-23T00:17:00.001-04:00

Hunter and Angler Fact Sheet!

Well it's that time of year again where we are all thinking about the summer that is soon to be here, and all the fun and frolic!

Photo Credit: UW Collection

Ummm... Yeah...

But let's not forget our responsibilities to educate and elucidate the facts about or sporting pastimes for our non-sporting friends and neighbors.

The National Hunting and Fishing Day Organization has several assets available for the conservationist to use. Among them is this easily printed PDF with great facts on the leadership and conservation that Hunters and Anglers provide in the great outdoors.

Click below for PDF
Hunter and Angler Fact Sheet

Take a few moments, and print out a dozen copies, (it's only a single side). Share them with non-hunting or non-fishing friends and let them know the facts about hunters and anglers. It is up to you to make sure our friends and neighbors understand the science behind our sport along with the facts and our own personal beliefs

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

416 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan

2011-05-20T00:44:00.004-04:00

Ruger's Hawkeye Alaskan and the 416 Ruger: Battle Stoppers Supreme!
© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles

Hawkeye Alaskan and the .416 Ruger
A New American Standard in
Dangerous Game Rifles

Image Credit: Hornady

Hawkeye Alaskan and the 416 Ruger

I posted this quite some time ago, and it has been so popular, that I thought I would revamp it a little and post anew.

As you all undoubtedly know, I have always wanted to convert a Mauser 98 I own to a 416 Taylor. I need a short barreled pig thumper for the occasional unscheduled and intimate dinner parties I get invited to with the wild hogs I hunt. Boar hunting rifles come in every size and shape, for every style of hunting. But for me, I like it up close and personal. Hence the need for something short, maneuverable, and heavy hitting. Something with the punch of a big bore express rifle but in an affordable package. (For more on hog hunting rifles calibers see: Boar Hunting Rifle Calibers Parts I and II)

Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan in .416 Ruger
Photo courtesy of Sturm, Ruger, and Co.

Well, Ruger beat me to it. While at the Bass Pro Shops sponsored "Media Day at the Range," (Held the day before the Shot Show starts.), I found the Ruger table laden with all sorts of new goodies! Drawn like one of my bees to honey, I spied the new Number 1 in .300 RCM (Ruger Compact Magnum), a couple of Mini-14s, and two or three new bolt rifles on the table. Tom Sullivan, VP of Operations, noted my interest and offered the new Hawkeye Alaskan in 416 Ruger for my inspection.

Generally speaking, I am not a big fan of stainless steel, black plastic/composite stock, or all weather rifles, having had my fill of black plastic things that shoot when I was in the US Army. But this beauty from Ruger turned me around like a set of long legs in a mini-skirt on a hot Miami street.

The first thing I noted as a held it, was the comfortable grip the Hogue OverMolded rubber stock afforded. "Grippy" not sticky is what I would call it. I could easily change my grip or slide my hand on the forearm. But when I held on, it held back. The texture, a small continuous pebble-like surface, afforded an excellent grip that didn't slip, slide, or move. Tom reminded me that the synthetic rubber coating is bonded to the fiberglass stock, and is impervious to gun cleaning solvents.

The rifle weighed in at a reasonable 7 3/4 lbs so it wasn't the weight that moderated the recoil from the Ruger 416 that it was chambered for. Control was phenomenal, and I believe that the Hogue stock along with the new improved recoil pad, had a lot to do with the relatively reasonable recoil generated by the cartridge/rifle combination.

The Hawkeye action is the standard length M77 rendered in matte stainless steel with controlled round feed. The extractor is a proper, beefy, Mauser type claw that will see to it that the expended cartridge leaves the chamber with alacrity. The three position safety was smooth and relatively quiet. The rifle sports a 20 inch stainless barrel, with a windage adjustable shallow V rear sight and a white bead up front. The rear sight debuted with the .375 Ruger M77 and is a substantial improvement over the folding rear sights they used to put on the rifle. The sights lined up easily and were surprisingly accurate. Accurate enough for me to put all my 416 rounds in a four inch circle at one hundred yards! For my eyes, that's better than good, it is great!

The receiver is of course, machined for the Ruger scope rings, which are included. The Ruger scope ring and action interphase design is by far the best made. The machined grooves in the action do not allow the scope base to move in any way, but allow quick and easy removal and replacement of the scope as the situation warrants, without losing zero. Not only that, but you can get aperture sights like those offered by NECG that lock right into place, again with no loss of zero. With the larger aperture you can line up the sights far quicker than even the standard iron sights allow. Carried with your gear, it can also save your hunt should a scope go awry.

LC 6 Trigger Photo courtesy of Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Tom pointed out that the trigger subgroup was the new LC6. Out of the box it is a much improved trigger, smooth pulling and breaking somewhere in the 3.5 to 4.5 range.

The .416 Ruger is a proprietary beltless cartridge that is being manufactured by Hornady for Ruger. Made to replicate the power and performance of the classic .416 Rigby and the more recent .416 Remington, it does so in a standard length action with a 24 inch barrel. Using 400 grain bullets it churns out 2400 fps at the muzzle, with 5116 ft/lbs and at 100 yards it is still a very convincing 2143 fps and 4077 ft/lbs. In the 20 inch barrel that the Hawkeye sports, and using the latest powder technology, it is supposed to nearly equal the fabled Rigby. Viewing the ballistic charts I am not certain what criteria they are following and how the comparison is made, but if you take 300 fps off for the 20 inch barrel, you are still very close to the 5000 ft/lbs considered necessary for dangerous game.

Hornady is offering two loads: one a steel jacketed, copper clad soft point, capable of expanding to one and a half times its diameter, and a steel jacketed, copper clad solid with a super tough alloy core that will not deform allowing for deep penetration. For the handloader there are an innumerable number of bullets available for the .416 from all the manufacturers.

Both Phillip Loughlin of The Hog Blog and I were able to fire several rounds through the Alaskan. We were both impressed by the handling characteristics of the rifle, and the ballistics are compelling, to say the least. Remember we are talking about Rigby performance out of a 20 inch barrel!

Phillip Loughlin at full recoil with the .416 Ruger

The only recommendation I made to the folks at Ruger was to add a barrel band for a sling. Even though the Hawkeye was fairly reasonable in the recoil department, a sling stud could chew up a misplaced hand in the heat of battle. I noticed they had removed the stud at the show, perhaps someone had already experienced a stud bite! (Note: I have been told that they have changed to a barrel band. 9/2009)

I think I will look no further for a bolt action hog hunting rifle. Not only does it meet my criteria for a close range battle stopper, it's made by Ruger. (Always a big plus for me!) In addition the ammo is commercially available, and all the components for reloading, from brass to bullets, are on the shelves. So when you are in the market for a Dangerous Game Rifle that is rugged, controllable, weather resistant, and accurate, look no further than the Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan. As a dangerous game rifle with a street price of less than a thousand dollars, I think you will be as taken by it as I!

And remember, when it says Ruger it's made in America!

Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan

MSRP: $1079.00

Related Posts:
.416 Ruger and the Hawkeye Alaskan

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Jeremy Chan: Student Gunsmith

2011-05-17T00:27:00.102-04:00

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

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

Jeremy Chan: Gunsmithing Student, Locavore, Blogger

Fellow sporting enthusiasts!

I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you to a young man who is now studying to become a gunsmith at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado. Jeremy Chan is now immersed in the famous gunmithing program started by none other than PO Ackley, famous writer, gunsmith, and wildcatter. I think we will be seeing some great things from him in the future, and I want you, my fellow sportsmen, shooters, tinkerers, and students to be the first to get to know him!

I bumped into his blog serendipitously. Actually Blake did, and forwarded the link to me. But let me tell you I was really taken by some of the work this fellow is already doing with only a few semesters under his belt.

Chronicles Interviews: Jeremy Chan

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Jeremy, thanks for joining my readers and I here on The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles!
Jeremy Chan: It's a pleasure!

TROC: Let's get started then! What did you used to do, and what made you decide become a gunsmith?
JC: I have always been in a lead or management position in every job I have had since joining the working world. I am currently working part time as a Customer Service Manager at Wal-Mart while going to school to help finance my academic studies. My last job I was a Receiving Manager for a warehouse in Montana, I was responsible for all the inbound freight and managing the stocking team. We supplied convenience stores and restaurants for western Montana, parts of Wyoming and Idaho. I made pretty good money there but I wasn't very happy doing it, I always felt that I should be doing something else with my life. After hitting a breaking point, I decided to follow my love of guns and move to Trinidad and attend Trinidad State College. I would rather be broke and happy than rich and unhappy!

TROC: What's it like at Trinidad State College? I understand that it's in a picturesque town in the mountains, awy from big city type civilization.
JC: Picturesque, yes. But Trinidad is a SMALL town. Something I'm still struggling to get used to. There isn't a lot to do around here... But that is probably a good thing since there will be less distractions and I can focus on school more.

TROC: Jeremy, I'm sure many of the readers would like to know what courses you've taken, and what the experience was like. Lots of us tinker, and few more actually do some of their own work. I'm certain that many have thought about attending Trinidad or one of the other gunsmithing schools. I know I'm curious, actually, more than curious...
JC:I have taken several courses now, and I have to be honest, I have learned something in each and every one, plus i have enjoyed myself immensely! Let me list them for you:

Image Credit: Jeremy Chan

Bench Metal Class- The main focus of Bench Metal Class is on learning to use hand tools, learning how to polish and how to work with metal.

Metal Finishing - Hot bluing, rust bluing, parkerizing, nitre bluing, and little bit on nickeling.

Firearms Conversions - Converting a military rifle into a sporterized rifle, as an adjunct you also learn how to tig weld.

Machine Class 1 and 2 - Involves learning to use the lathe and mill, probably the two most important tools a gunsmith will use. We get introduced to makeing tools and tooling, and the art/ skill of turning a barrel from a blank

Custom Pistol Smithing (elective) - Converting a factory 1911 into a competitive firearm. That's been lots of fun!

Checkering (elective) - Checkering stocks and metal.

Tools and Fixtures (Elective) - Making tools and fixtures for gunsmithing

I have been lucky enough to maintain a 4.0 GPA so far; at first Bench Metal and Machine class was difficult for me because I had never seen a lathe or mill before coming here, nor had I ever used any hand tools before coming to the gunsmithing program. About half way through first semester I really took off, once I got the hang of what I was doing and my confidence was up I started doing a lot better.

Image Credit: Jeremy Chan

TROC: I want to show our readers a little side project you did for your brother. Jeremy, that is some beautiful color case hardening you did there! What facet of gunsmithing appeals to you most?

JC: I like the machining side of it most. I really enjoy seeing something take shape before my eyes, and I get real satisfaction when it works too. Most of our projects have a +/- 0.005" tolerance that we are allowed to be in. My last 2 projects (one of them being the barrel I turned from a blank) I have hit all of my dimensions to a 0.0005". I was very pleased with myself.

TROC: High accuracy in machining is a hallmark of not only good execution, but of craftmanship. What other skills have you acquired?

JC:On the machining side, I'm pretty good at it. Fitting parts and fabricating them is a skill I am competent in. I can build 1911's, convert a Mauser military action to a sporter, but I am still working on metal finishing... I think I could use some improvement in my polishing. Other than that I feel pretty confident in everything I have learned so far. I'm always willing to learn, and anything you give me, I give it my all.

TROC: Great attitude! A good attitude will get you much further along, and with less gray hair!With everything you're learning, what are your plans for the future?

JC: When I graduate I would like to work for someone for a couple years and continue learning more about the trade and how a shop runs. Eventually I would like to open my own business.

TROC: You were already interested in gunsmiting when you applied and entered Trinidad, but what have you learned about yourself and your interests?

JC: I came to the school with a main interest in target and varmint rifles. I am very interested in accurate rifles. After taking the custom pistol smithing class, I found that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The next year I will be taking Stockmaking 1and 2, Repair 1 and 2 as well as Machine 3. This summer I will be taking a class on tuning cowboy action guns, and I hope to be able to take an elective on revolver-smithing. I wonder what else I may find that I like doing.

I am enjoying every minute I am at the school, It doesn't even feel like work when I am there, even when I am doing a tedious task it doesn't seem like I'm working.

TROC: What is it they say? Work at something you love, and you will never work a day in your life! I should look into that myself... Anyway, tell our readers about some of your other interests, what outdoor pursuits are you interested in?

JC: I enjoy hunting and fishing. While I was in Montana I tried to live off of only what I could hunt and kill for 2 years. No commercial meats, really gets you motivated to fill that freezer, I picked up bow hunting (unsuccessfully) to extend my hunting seasons, but it was fun to learn and get out into nature. I also lost a lot of weight doing it. I love to be on the rivers with a fishing pole in my hands.

TROC: A little Locavore action?

JC: umm lets see... I guess it started with my growing dissatisfaction with the local meat market at the time, simultaneously, I had been really getting into hunting. My tv was permanently fixed on the outdoors channel and hunting shows all the time. I saw Ted Nugent and he was talking about his "kill it to grill it "philosophy. It was like a light bulb went off in my head; I said that I should give it a try. It was hard at first, giving up chicken, pork and beef, but the motivation to go out and hunt went through the roof.

It was rough, but once I started filling my freezer, things started to get easier. It changed my whole mind set, everything became about "what can I do to fill my freezer" and "what can I do so that I'm not eating deer all the time". I started doing more bird hunting and fishing. During the summer I would be on the river with my canoe 2-3 times a week, and I never had any trouble filling my bag. I would stockpile my freezer and when it got full I would take them to my friend and have her smoke them for me. I did some bear hunting and harvested a black bear that had been feeding off of an apple orchard. The meat was great. I tried to take up bow hunting to extend my hunting season but after a few failed attempts at turkey hunting I gave it up. I had maintained this life style for 2 years until I moved here to Trinidad for school. My busy schedule between school and work, and lack of knowledge of the surrounding area forced me to revert back to commercial meats. I lost a lot of weight during those 2 years, probably the best physical condition I had been in since highschool. I enjoyed the lifestyle and fully intend to do it when I settle down again.

TROC: Jeremy, that's great! If more people did as you have, we would see a an upswell and determination to protect and nurture our wild areas for the benefit of all. I have to say, that bowhunting for turkey is probably one of the toughest hunts you could have chosen!

As if your plate wasn't full enough, you started blogging. What possessed you to do so?

JC: The reason I started blogging was when a classmate told me about a student from the Pennsylvania gunsmith school who had a blog up, WillsWorkBench I think it's called. (TROC: Will'sWorkBench was deleted by the author.) I never could find it, or it might have been taken down when I tried looking for it. Anyways after hearing about the blog I decided to give it a try, mainly so that my family and friends could see the stuff that I'm doing. Also hopefully a potential employer could look and see what I can do, kinda like a work portfolio.

Image Credit: Jeremy Chan

TROC: Let's get you Internet intell out there so people and sportsmen can contact you.

JC: Sure thing it's nerdgun (at) gmail (dot) com

And my Blog is: http://www.nerdgun.blogspot.com/

TROC: Well Jeremy, I have to say I have enjoyed this chat very much! I look forward to seeing much more of your work both here on The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles, and in other publications also. If I may prognosticate a little now, I can see many of my readers already wondering what they might have you do. I know I certainly have a few ideas that I may run by you and see what you think. Folks, look at his color case hardening and tell me you wouldn't love to see that on something you already own! Seriously, I really am looking forward to a continued relationship with you Jeremy, and hope that nothing but great things come your way!

My friends, once again I am indebted to you for the time spent with me here at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. Please remember I consider each and every one of you as my friend, and look forward to every time you visit!

Albert

Related Posts:
The Firearms Blog :Interview with Gunsmithing Student Jeremy Chan
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles:
AGI 1911 Armorer's Course
AGI M16 AR15 Armorer's Course

Best Regards,

Albert A Rasch

Member: Qalat City Tent Club

Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)

The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Desert Tactical Arms and Sniper Country

2011-05-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

Desert Tactical Arms: Sniper Contry, Sniper Training School
From my favorite precision rifle designers:

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Desert Tactical Arms and Sniper Country

"Sniper Country was created to provide a place for shooters and operators from around the world to come and obtain world-class firearms instruction that incorporates real-life scenarios, induces stress and make you a better fighter not just a better shooter."

Random Picture Series: The Home Front

2011-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

I cAN BareLy bReatH I,m LaUGhhhhing SO hArD!!!

2011-05-14T23:27:00.003-04:00

OSAMA BIN WANKIN HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!

Goat Screwing POS got what he had coming to him.

So let me see...
Osama: "Hate the West, but you gotta love the porn!"
Al zarqawi: "Maybe we can issue a fatwah making it Halal."

Albert

Build Your Own Shooting Bench

2011-05-14T00:12:00.001-04:00

How to build a shooting bench!
© 2009- 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Here is a great homemade shooting bench. The High Road Senior Member Mike Jackmin put this fantastic shooting bench together, and graciously posted the process with plenty of pictures.

Shooting Bench made by The High Road member Mike Jackmin
Picture by Mike Jackmin

Homemade Shooting Bench

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Keyword list:
Building a shooting bench, shooting bench, homemade shooting bench, home made shooting bench, shooting bench construction

Did Anyone Else Lose Comments on Their Posts?

2011-05-13T13:44:00.001-04:00

Looks like I lost a handful of comments during this "Maintenance" that blogger performed...

Of course I can't complain, what can I expect for nothing!

Albert

5/14: Some links got garbled up too! Everyone needs to check the links as time permits. I'll be bouncing from blog to blog today, and if I find a link that's messed up, I'll leave you a comment. Albert

Michael Lee and StickBow Archery Traditional Bows

2011-05-11T00:15:00.059-04:00

Michael Lee and Stickbow Archery

Workingman's Bows, at a Working Man's Price!

Fellow archery enthusiasts! Here is a new bowyer I have had the pleasure of meeting, (through the ether that is the internet and email,) though I must say, the circumstances of our initial introduction were less than auspicious. None the less, I am pleased to introduce him to The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles family of readers!

StickBow Archery's Michael Lee has been building bows for seven years, and commercially for three years, and has established an enviable reputation for building quality bows at a very fair price. You won't find fancy exotic tips, or thirty coats of hand-rubbed oil finish on his bows. What you will find is a reasonably finished bow that is made for work and is light, responsive, and fast!

Michael will be sending several bows to me so that I can review them. I'm really looking forward to shooting them, and reporting the results here on TROC. If his eBay feedback is indicative of the quality and value of his bows, I feel confident I'll be very pleased, as will you.

Let's get started!

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Michael, tell us how you got in the business.

Michael Lee: Well I kind of got into it in a round about fashion. I had been making bows for myself for almost ten years, when I met Dave Ruff, the owner of Siegeworks Creations. Dave gave me the opportunity to apprentice with him. Dave's a real nice guy and helped me get a start.

TROC: That's only half the story...

ML: Ummm, the rest of it is kinda rough. Dave got into a bind with some personnel issues. The truth is that he let a couple of bows slip past him and the people that he owed them to weren't too happy about it. I was still an apprentice and wasn't ready to shoulder the whole thing. I couldn't yet tiller the recurve bows really effectively, (I was too slow still!) and the best I could do was rough out the shelves or grind out to the lines. Then Dave busted his collar bone riding and shooting the horsebows he was working on, and that really put us behind. I did the best I could, and I really did learn a lot, but it wasn't pretty.

TROC: Go on, this is just getting interesting!

ML: Well we made good on 99 percent of our bows. Like anything built by hand, there were going to be a couple of things that might have gotten by us, but Dave was always willing to do the right thing and get it fixed. But his timetable revolved around the shows he was involved with, and sometimes repairs took a back seat. Again 99 percent of them got out ASAP, but there was always the one that came back to haunt us.

TROC: Michael, as I mentioned to you when I emailed you, I was digging deep into this. I learned of a few instances where Dave over promised and under delivered. That would piss anyone off! In the end though I believe he got squared up with almost everyone correct?

ML: Yes sir, he did. Except for a couple of bows that he is still working on. But the strain and aggravation got to him.

TROC: I can imagine it did. I checked the forums like Bowsite/Leatherwall and TradGang and found quite a few unsubstantiated accusations. But in the end, I found that only three bows were owed. In one case I spoke with the gentleman and between his secretary and my questions, it was ascertained that he had never been charged for the bow. He apologized for the oversight and his new bow is on its way. I have assurances from Dave that the other two are being built and will be delivered when they are done. The people in these tight knit communities are too quick to take each other's word. They should be ashamed of themselves. I wrote another piece on it here.

ML: I had no idea you had gone that far to check. But then he offered to sell me everything for a price I could afford. I felt I was taking advantage of him, but it was either that or I would be out a job too! I took him up on it and here I am, a bowyer!

TROC: As far as I can tell, you are pretty much are building a very similar line of bows. Tell me about them

ML: Well I was lucky enough to get all the forms for the bows he used to build, like your American Longbow. I do not build horsebows, those are a difficult to build and to be truthful, I do not like to build them, so I am staying away from them. I changed the SideWinder around - modified the tips somewhat so they would not be as rough on the servings on the strings and changed the limb taper slightly making the bow a true 200+ FPS bow. That wasn't easy, but now it really hits like a tiger and (has) the manners of a kitten. I mainly offer take down bows to 56" which is probably my most popular bow, the Asian styled line I call the Rebellions and the popular, tried and true longbows like yours. We are working on a 60's style recurve and of course the wood stick bows which are very popular with reenactors, the bushcraft crowd, and people just getting started in archery that don't want to spend a ton of money on a compound bow.

TROC: Now your selling on eBay! Why eBay?

ML: I am trying to build a business doing something I love, and with those bigmouths at the sites you mentioned were dragging me into the mess they created; then my online sales stopped dead in their tracks. Sir, I do this for an income too. I thought Ebay was a great way to get a good reputation in real time, you get the real time feedback of quality, service, communication, speedy deliveries, and you might not believe this, there are some cool people there!

TROC: Interestingly enough I found a thread on one of the forums exhorting people to buy your arrows, and then leave poor feedback. I would be happy to forward you a screen shot of the same.

ML: Thank you for the offer, but I saw it and sent it straight to eBay.

TROC: Nice! Those bullies and miscreants will get what's coming to them sooner or later. I've said it before and I will say it again: Our great Nation is doomed if that is how we are going to act. The anonymity of the internet lets anyone say anything they want with little fear of any reprecussions.

But Ok, enough of that! You've got some great bows but I want to know what are some new ideas you're exploring?

ML: A classic 1960 - 1970 type recurve and the Rebellion series. The Rebellion is the off shoot of the old Sidewinder but the tips have been addressed and the limb tapers different. Its a smooth bow, fast and light. Best of all its a good looking bow. I have sold a few on Ebay with great feedback on them, as well as some of my takedowns. Then there are my all new Hand Cannons. They're one handed crossbows built along medieval lines, with draws up to 80lbs. They great fun!

Hand Cannons... I want one!

TROC: Come on kid, don't hold back on me, I know what else you're cooking up, and I want you to tell my readers about it.

ML: You're going to drag it out of me aren't you?

TROC: Yeah, pretty much...

ML: It's a survival bow that I think will really take off with the bushcraft crowd. I'm building it with the same emphasis on quality and value that I am building my reputation on. You'll have to wait a bit on that because I am still refining the idea with each one I build.

TROC: Michael, I look forward to giving it a go, and seeing your interpretation on a survival/bush bow!

ML: I'll send you one whenever you want!

TROC: Michael, thanks again for spending a little time with me here at the Chronicles. I'm looking forward to reviewing your bows, and wish you much success in your endeavours!

ML: Thank you Albert. I appreciate the opportunity.

Folks, I am certain that you'll find Michael Lee's bows a quality bow at a very fair price. If you are considering trying traditional bow, you cannot do better in my opinion than a Michael Lee StickBow model. They are a well priced, finished adequately, and good shooters.

You can contact Mike through:
StickbowArchery.com
or through his blog:
Michael Lee's Stickbow Archery

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Cork Graham and The Bamboo Chest

2011-05-10T00:10:00.001-04:00

Cork Graham has asked me to let you all know that his book The Bamboo Chest is now available at Kindle!

Here are a few comments on his impressive work:

You get your money's worth in this book! I had to read it more than two times to get all that was delivered. UnixWizard

It is only a few days before the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. If there were ever a book to read about the meaning of that event from a more than just analytical point of view, this book is it! FrogMan221

I purchased one book from Amazon and then another from the author's website so that I could get a personally signed copy, it's that good! I am not attracted to books about Vietnam, but after this book was recommended to me by a friend who served there in the military and later as a civilian contractor, I couldn't put it down. The book was finished in two days! For an eighteen year old, who was barely out of high school, to survive this type of experience without any prior military training makes the story almost incredible. Sara W

Like these very positive and enthusiastic notes, there are dozens more reviews, remarks, and comments recommending The Bamboo Chest.

Now that it's on Kindle, it's easier than ever to get it

Now here are the links for our friends in the UK and Europe:

For our friends in Britain, here is the UK Amazon link. As you may know, BAMBOO CHEST did really well there also: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004YQTBAG

Und für die Freunde in Deutschland: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004YQTBAG This here is the German Amazon!

More on Cork Graham:
http://www.corkgraham.com/

http://www.corksoutdoors.com/
http://www.globalcounterter.com/
Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Qalat City Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Coming Up on the Chronicles!

2011-05-08T10:48:00.000-04:00

Friends,

I've had a productive week!

I have several new, (and I mean new, as in I am the only one following!) blogs for a long overdue rodeo.

Not only that, but I have had the pleasure of meeting a young man that is studying to be a gunsmith, and we have the exclusive and always entertaining opportunity to interview him here on the Chronicles! On top of that, we also have a new Bowyer who has been interviewed for your reading pleasure.

All in all it's been gratifying to find a little time to get back to a some blogging. Even out here I've managed to make some contacts, research some new things, and communicate new and exciting things with you!

Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
Extreme Wild Boar Hunting in Florida!

Whitetail Woods: Look before you Scratch

2011-05-08T00:16:00.009-04:00

© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Folks, It is getting to be that time of year again. We will all be heading out... well Y'all will be heading out into the lovely meadows and deep woods to enjoy nature as it blooms into a new year.

My good friend Rick over at Whitetail Woods has a great post on ticks, deer ticks in particular, which carry Lyme Disease.

In his post,Look before you Scratch, Rick reminds of the dangers of Lyme disease, but has several ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from ticks, chiggers, mites and assorted and sundry biting nastys!

Take a moment and visit Rick, you won't be disappointed! (And it may save you a lot of suffering!)

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Random Picture Series: The Home Front

2011-05-06T10:08:00.001-04:00

Charlie Brown lookin' fer Gators!

Peter is Growing Up,

and He Doesn't Like a Bath!

Just a few photos from home! Always enjoy receiving them; reminds me of why I am here.

Best regards,

Albert

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Getting a Contracting Job

2011-05-05T00:07:00.001-04:00

Getting an Overseas Job as a Contractor!
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Jobs are scarce, of that there is no doubt. The cost of living is sky-rocketing out of control, no question there. If you have ever considered Overseas Contracting, now is the time.

I wrote a primer that might be of some help to anyone trying to get into the Contracting business.

The Range Reviews: Tactical: Getting a Contracting Job

"Recently I recieved a very polite email from a young man desiring to become a contractor out here in Afghanistan. He had found several of my posts on Afghanistan and US Government contracting and got in touch with me with some very good questions. I thought it would be interesting to discuss it and perhaps help a few of you out with some pointers."

I've written down a few helpful hints and put together a checklist for anyone interested.

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Where were You When Bin Laden Was Put Down?

2011-05-02T00:06:00.003-04:00

Man, I'll be on this all day. I doubt it will be well organised, but you'll get what I feel as it comes to me.

I was already well into my day when the first reports at 0630 started filtering in.

"Psst... They got Bin Laden!"

I went to the Tactical Operations Center and spun up the Centrix.

Nothing.

Then I went to the news channels.

No surprise, it's all over the news lines. Jeez, how do they get it so quick!

A Special Operations team went in with orders to bring him out dead or alive. They brought him out dead, and did it with no casualties.

I hope they bury him ass to Mecca, that mass murdering, goat screwing Son of a Bitch. Remember that almost 3,000 people were killed on Sept. 11, most in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and heroic Flight 93. May Bin Laden and all his evil spawn burn in hell for eternity. Right now I am satisfied that his life has ended in a hail of well deserved bullets as he pissed and shit himself like the coward he is.

I put up a picture of his body, but decided to take it down, it's enough that we all know he's dead.

Interesting tidbit: On May 1st, 1945 Adolf Hitler was confirmed dead, and surprise May 1st, 2011 Bin Laden confirmed deader than a damned doornail!

Bin Laden is Dead!

2011-05-01T23:17:00.002-04:00

The Sodomite
Ossama Bin Laden is Dead!

Go Straight to Hell

You Goat Screwing Son of a Bitch!

9/11: We Will Never Forget.

Change it Up! Different Presentations Mean More Fish.

2011-05-01T00:14:00.003-04:00

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™

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

Great Fishing Tips for All Anglers from

Blake Rasch's Strikes, Bites and Fights!

Across the Nation, fishermen are out on the water. They're going after Bass that are bedding in the shallows, Tarpon off the breakers, chasing walleye out west, and all the other gamefish in rivers and lakes. And regardless of your location, dollars to doughnuts there's bream and sunnys galore!

I called home last night only to be regaled by Blake over the great fishing he's been enjoying the last few weeks. It sounded almost too good to be true, but I have tons of pictures Mom has sent me over the last few weeks to prove it.

Blake and I discussed some of his secrets, and he was willing to share them with us.

He said:

Think about this: Fish spend most of their time cruising around and looking upwards for the next bit of chow. Make it easy on them! Put your bait or lure slightly above where you think they are. If your fishing live bait, grubs, worms, or crickets, set up your bobber so the bait is above where you think the fish are hanging. If you know or can see some cover set yourself up so the bait floats by a few inches below the top of the cover, and adjust it on subsequent casts so it's a little deeper each time. Once you're in the fish, you will know what depth they're holding at.

BTW, bobber fishing is fun no mater what your age, especially when we are talking panfish. Nothing like ultralight fishing and hand sized, lunker bream inhaling mealworms under a bobber!

You know, it's pretty easy to raise your own grubs in a bucket filled with fermented cracked corn. Mind you that the hogs may get to it first, but you could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Mash to attract hogs, and grubs to catch fish with. Probably do a post on that later though.

Crankbaits are Blake's favorite hard sided lures. He says it is really important to know what the water looks like before you make your first cast. If the water is all churned up, dirty, or silty, it's important to use a deep diving crankbait that bumps and grinds into and over the bottom, making plenty of noise and letting fish home in on the offering. When the water is clear Blake says presentation and colors are more important.

Here are a few more pieces of advice from Blake:

Check your line regularly. No fun to lose a fish because you didn't strip off a few feet of line before tying on.
If you're catching fish on one lure and the bite stops, switch to a completely different type of bait or lure. Ripping in crankbaits? Switch to a slow retrieve spinner.
Change colors or designs and see if that makes a difference.
Retrieve at different speeds.
Finally have a net handy. Makes releasing much easier!

There you have it friends, a few ways to make things happen out on the water! Remember to take a friend fishing whenever you can!

Blake's Blog and Posts:
Blake Rasch's Strikes, Bites, and Fights!

Different Presentations Means More Fish

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Albert Rasch In Afghanistan

Preserving and Tanning Small Hides

2011-04-26T00:03:00.002-04:00

How to Tan Small Hides Esaily
© 2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

This is a fun and safe project for you to try. Pelts make great additions to a trophy room, can be used as a trade good at rendezvous, and are handy for tying flies.There are tons of references on tanning small hides, so I have consolidated the simplest and safest process.

Things You'll Need to Tan a Small Hide:

A flat piece of wood about an inch or two bigger than the pelt you're working with.
Thumbtacks
A sharp knife with curve to the blade, a dull knife with a curve to the blade.
A Rubbermaid type pan
Rubber or latex surgical gloves
1 pound of kosher type salt for each pelt the size of a rabbit or smaller
A five gallon pail
1 lb. Borax for each pelt
Wooden stick for stirring and pushing the pelts
1 lb. Ammonium Alum or Potassium Alum powder
Neatsfoot oil, bear grease, or mink oil
A baseball bat

Tanning a hide is a pretty straight forward job. Regardless of size, the steps are about the same. I've made the proportions sized to a small pelt like a rabbit or a couple of squirrels. Larger pelts will of course require larger proportions and bigger equipment.

Step One: Scraping the Raw Pelt
In furrier parlance this is called fleshing.Find yourself a comfortable spot to work in. Pin down the pelt, fur side to the board, with the thumbtacks. Using the sharp knife, scrape away as much tissue as possible. You want to remove any fat or muscle tissue that remains. Be careful that you don't cut through the pelt, though undoubtedly you will the first couple of times until you get the hang of it.

Step Two: Salting the Pelt
Remove the pins from the pelt and put it in the rubbermaid pan flesh side up. Put on your gloves, take the Kosher salt, and put a good coat of it on the skin. Rub it in well, and when you are sure you have covered evry bit of it, lay the pelt back, fur side down in the pan, and sprinkle a thin layer of salt onto the pelt. Set it aside for 60 to 72 hours.

After it has sat, liquid may have collected in the pan, and much of the salt may have liquified. Place your pelt on some newspaper, rinse and dry the pan, and set the pelt back down. once again, salt the pelt and work the salt into it. Lay it back down fur side down, and spread a thin layer of salt on the fleash side of the pelt. Set it aside for another 60 to 72 hours.

Step 3: Drying the Salted Pelt
Take the wet salted pelt, and carefully hang it up to dry in a breezy shady place. Never hang a pelt where the sun can hit it. The pelt must absorb the salt, and the moisture in the flesh must be removed slowly and completely.

Step 4: Soaking the Salted Pelt
Now it is time to rehydrate the pelt. Fill the 5 gallon pail with clean water. place the pelt in the water, assuring that it is completely submerged. Place a clean stone on it if need be. Change the dirty water about every thirty minutes or so until the pelt is as soft as it was when you first started, then wait 30 more minutes!

Step 5: Scraping the Hide Once Again
Carefully squeeze as much water out of the now softened pelt as you can. use your board and pushpins and tack the pelt, furside down, to the board. Carefully scrape the inside of the skin again with your sharp knife. Be on the lookout for any remaining tissue that is still attached. It may appear as a shiny film of membrane that is still attached to the skin. When you are done, fold the pelt skin to skin, and set it to one side for a moment.

Step Six: Preserving the Pelt
Rinse out your pail and refill it with tepid water. Put five (5) ounces of borax (20 Mule Team works great!) and stir until it disolves.Put on your gloves, and put the pelt into the borax laced mixture. Gently knead the pelt in the solution and leave it to soak for 24 hours.

Step Seven: Scrape the Pelt Again!
Take the pelt out of the solution and carefully sgueeze the excess solution from the hide. Once again pin it to the board, and now, scrape it carefully with a dull knife. This helps to break down the fibers and is the first start in softening the pelt. When you're done, remove the pelt from the board and rinse the pelt thoroughly.

Step Eight: Preservatives
Measure out about four (4) ounces of borax and four (4) ounces of alum powder. Add just enough water to make a paste. You want a thick paste so add the water a little at a time while you mix it with gloved fingers, breaking up and combining any lumps.

Pin the pelt down one more time, and rub the paste thoroughly into the flesh side of the pelt. Rub hard, you can't get too much on the pelt or over tan it. Set the pelt aside for 24 hours. Use your dull knife and scrape the paste off the hide. Once again rub fresh mixture into the hide. Set it aside and do the same thing three more times, but leave the paste on for three days the last time.

Step Nine: Rinse Well!
When it has sat for three or four days, scrape off the remaining paste, and rinse the hide well. Rinse as many times as you think neccesary to remove all of the borax and alum. again hang it up out of the reach of animals and allow it to dry.

Step 10: Stretch and Soften the Hide
Rub some Neatsfoot oil, bear grease, or mink oil on the slightly damp hide. Using a smooth rounded piece of wood, stretch the hide in all directions to break up the fibers and soften the hide. A baseball bat is good for this. Small sections will have to be manipulated by hand. Occasionally rub more oil into the skin and continue to work the hide until it is soft and supple.

And there you have it, a relatively simple method for tanning hides. It is somewhat labor intensive, but it is safe and can be done by anyone with a little patience.

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

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

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