<![CDATA[Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors Forum - Blogs]]> http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/ hunting, fishing, shooting and outdoor discussion forum en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:10:57 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors Forum - Blogs]]> http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/ During the off season http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/15-during-off-season.html Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:12:24 GMT I get lots of questions about " What do you do in the off season?" My usual response is ... what off season. I train dogs all year long my time schedule just gets moved up a bit. Fortunately I am in the mountains and it is a bit cooler here than at lower elevations. This does not mean it is cool in the afternoons so my training begins very early in the mornings. I need to be done by noon. The afternoons and early evenings are used for hunting big game. The wild hog population has become such a problem here that many hours are spent on them. My Guide Service keeps me hunting all year. When upland bird season is over and the tournament hunting trail is at the seasons end then I can enjoy a short break, then archery season opens and its off to the high Sierras for big game.
This year we were welcomed aboard the Alpen Optics Pro Staff so now we can observe the gun dogs in the tournament field and hunt even more efficiently. During the NAGDA nationals in Colorado this years banquet all of the youth competitors were presented new Alpen binoculars. The Ladies division competitors all received Pink Alpen binoculars of which part of the purchased price (purchased by NAGDA) was donated to the Susan B. Komen For The Cure Foundation. This helps fund the research for a cure to breast cancer, a more than worthy cause.
I have been working with Alpen's model #735 spotting scope Kit. Packed in a aluminum case for travel and storage. Inside you will find the 15-45X60mm waterproof spotting scope which is nitrogen filled, dustproof and is equipped with mulit coated BaK4 lenses. This scope comes with standard features such as a zoom eyepiece and extendable sun shade. You can choose straight (inline) or 45 degree offset eyepiece models. Also in the kit is a 12 inch tripod (great for bench use) and a car window mount along with a zippered carry case. The top mounted focus is easily adjustable without upsetting the scope position. The rubber armor coating in deep green is easy on your hands during use in hot or cold weather. Alpen's lifetime warrenty makes this spotting scope a keeper. Winning the Great Buy Award for three years in a row this is a solid choice for equipment you should have on your next big game hunt or even your next trip to the range. Optional SLR camera adapter and a stay on padded nylon case even add to the value.
I have a late season Muley hunt on my schedule where the Alpen 735 spotter and the Alpen 4-12 X40mm with A.O. Kodiak rifle scope will both be put to the test. I will try to do a comparrison test with some of the industury standard brands. The Alpen 10X42mm Apex binoculars faired more than well a couple of years back and made testing interesting in just this sort of field test.
I can already say that while guiding a hog hunt recently. My clients rifle fitted with a top brand scope was loosing it's picture as the sun began to set and our light faded away. I said mine is still working and traded rifles with him. He looked through the scope on my Weatherby .338 fitted with the Alpen 4-12X40mm and said "I can see fine". He continued to hunt for an additional 45+ minutes before we had to call it quits and exit the field. More on that later.
I believe there is no real off season for the bird dogs. You have to use your head and keep them cool. Keep up the retreive drills and work your dogs on birds whenever possible. Find a gamebird breeder and purchase birds using DFG dog training stamps or leg bands. Just ask on the forum pages of JHO, try the hunting ,versitle dog / retriever section and I sure you can find a bird farm to keep you going in the summer months. Another tip is to attend seminars and special events such as the Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic during the month of August.
"Give the old dog a biscut for me." R.I.P. Icky

Bryce:patiotic-wavin-flagwww.gun-dogs.net
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]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/15-during-off-season.html sports and the economy http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/14-sports-economy.html Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:55:52 GMT Just about everybody has a chosen sport in which they participate. To name a few: baseball, football, auto racing and so on. Within each of these are... Just about everybody has a chosen sport in which they participate. To name a few: baseball, football, auto racing and so on. Within each of these are sub divisions like major league baseball, A league, college ....you get the picture. Well how about Shooting Sports?
Rifle, handgun, shotgun. Lets look at shotgun sports. Like trap, skeet, sporting clays and my favorite upland tournament hunting. The tournament hunting events combine several other sports like gun dog hunt tests and field trial events with shotgun shooting skills and hunting to form a real time shooting test of skills and training.
Many years ago I raced AMA dirt bike motorcycles moving on to race cars and then to the track safety crew as a fireman. What do these have to do with my tournament hunting events now?
I am sure it has to do with adrenalin, some people are called adrenalin junkies, this means they strive to be involved with activities which stimulate the body's production of adrenalin. In most shooting sports one strives to control the excitement, slow the breathing, calm the pulse and shoot straight. Maybe not so much here at least in my case. While trying control the dog, keep focused on the game plan, staying within boundaries, monitoring the time and of course shooting straight. I try and use the adrenalin to my advantage. Because of my love for the sport of competitive upland tournaments. I will continue to find a way to keep involved.
I spoke to a gentleman recently who has as much passion for the game of golf that I do for my sport. And he related this to me: Green fees are up and the economy is down in general. I said bird costs are up at the clubs. He said I just bought a new set of blades and then made this comment "I may not go as often as I did before to play but I will still go and play". I began to see that this would hold true for anyone with a true passion for their chosen sport no matter what that sport is.
I just trained up a new puppy, a considerable investment. Purchased new equipment such as boots, rain gear, ammo (there is another subject) training equipment, warm weather gear for me and the dogs....and I am going to use them in the pursuit of my chosen sport.
In the days in which times are too tight to go play then may I offer another suggestion to those who are involved with shooting sports. Spend some time teaching others about the sports and our hunting & shooting heritage. Offer to take a kid or one of our veterans out on a hunt. Attend seminars to brush up on your skills and improve your technique. See you at our next training event.

Bryce:patiotic-wavin-flag
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]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/14-sports-economy.html Ruff Wear Swamp Cooler Vest http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/13-ruff-wear-swamp-cooler-vest.html Tue, 26 May 2009 15:49:47 GMT I thought I should add a link to the manufacture of the cooling vest in case you may want to add this to your equipment list. www.ruffwear.com I thought I should add a link to the manufacture of the cooling vest in case you may want to add this to your equipment list.
www.ruffwear.com
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]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/13-ruff-wear-swamp-cooler-vest.html Ruff Seasons End http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/12-ruff-seasons-end.html Mon, 04 May 2009 00:26:13 GMT It has been a while since my last post but with good reason. As the upland tournament season nears its' end and summer weather begins, we are back in California just in time to make another competition. It has been busy to say the least this past month. Guided hunts and the tournament events have left little time to blog.

Competition at this years North American Gun Dog Association national finals in Rocky Ford,Co. began with absolutely perfect weather days before the event was to take place. Cold mornings with frozen ground and sunny but breezy days during our exercise days and practice sessions. This is a three day event where the total score of the first two days determines the top five of each division for the finals on day three.

My newest puppy Traveler (9 months old) two days before the event slipped in the mud and hyper extended his left knee. Off to the local veterinarian for and exam and medication to reduce swelling. One day later he was examined by the N.A.G.D.A. Vet. of record and again I heard "I don't think you should run him". This finding was quite a disappointment for me but he has an entire life ahead of him and many days to hunt so I had to scratch him from the competition. Travelers' long trip had just become two weeks of confined rest. Let the competition begin.Two more GSPs for me to compete with and two English Pointers for Doug Richesin and one BdB (Braque) for Claude Trincale.
Claude and Fletcher are part my doubles team with Bullet.

The first day was unusally warm with light or no wind making scenting conditions poor at best. The second day was cold in the early morning and by 10am the snow began to fall and all of the practice at higher elevations began to pay off and our scores bagan to rise. Unfortuneatly we did not make the final five but some of the dogs I have trained did. Nick Alexander with Abby and Ivan had some good luck and high scores.

When we returned back home it was time to get ready for the next event. The Western Chucker Classic a BDC sanctioned event in Lemore,Ca. hosted by the Guns & Roosters club and held at the Rio Vista Farms HC.
Natural cover was low in the area chosen for the field layouts and resulted in running birds.
Dry and Hot ! Lots of fun but hard on both the handlers and the dogs.

In an article last year I did a bit of review on a product which may have saved a dogs life at this BDC event. Dan Hanum and his setter Rocky had a great run but as they were leaving the field Rocky began to show signs of stress and the beginnings of heat prostration. Dave Hamilton (Birddog3) the event director asked if Rocky was ok? Dan is part of our tourney team and made a straight line to our camp with Rocky. Dan said "he is hot" Claude broke out the water sprayer and a cool bath for Rocky while I prepared the Ruff Wear - cool down vest, a simple wetting of the vest material and we strapped it on.

The cool vest works like an evaporative cooler and soon Rocky began to stop panting. At that point we started to offer water with electrolytes and his recovery was on the way. A day later and Dan thanked everyone for the help with the emergency and said that Rocky was just beginning to act like himself. I know this is a long story but if it serves as an example to help in a simular situation then it is worth while. Many thanks to the folks at Ruff Wear for outfitting us with some outstanding gear.

So now it is time to guide turkey hunts and hog hunts. Train more dogs and continue the training with work outs in preparation for the Wild West Shoot Out and Outdoor Show in Sept.

Bryce:patiotic-wavin-flag
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]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/12-ruff-seasons-end.html Whistle and Hand Signals http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/11-whistle-hand-signals.html Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:32:30 GMT Now that we have come up with a basis for command and control. Our student should come and whoa on command, lets expand a bit. During this phase of... Now that we have come up with a basis for command and control. Our student should come and whoa on command, lets expand a bit. During this phase of the training we will make the fetch game fun always sending the dog a bit further and into a bit tougher conditions each throw. While all of this fun is taking place the trainer should exaggerate his posture and arm movements and add in a short tweet on the whistle. It will not take long and your dog will begin to associate your movements as a directional command even when the throw does not take place. If you use the short tweet on the whistle as a look to me command followed by a simulated throw and a change of your direction your dog will adapt quickly and respond. Always make fetch fun and constantly encourage the retrieve to finish in the hand. If you continue with a progressive training format your command and control will stay sharp and your days in the field more enjoyable.

Bryce:patiotic-wavin-flag
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]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/11-whistle-hand-signals.html Fishing For Big Reds on Lake Fairfield http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/10-fishing-big-reds-lake-fairfield.html Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:42:30 GMT My friends and I usually try to make a couple of the local hunting and fishing shows throughout the year. Dale, being the elder statesmen of the... My friends and I usually try to make a couple of the local hunting and fishing shows throughout the year. Dale, being the elder statesmen of the group had chatted with Troy Spruce of Guaranteed Guide Service at one of the fishing shows in Dallas. I would imagine it was quite a long conversation, as Dale always seems to have lots of questions to ask and lots of information to feed back to folks about hunting and fishing.

The primary topic between Dale and Troy was a guided fishing trip. There were two options they were looking at, either fish for hybrids on Richland Chambers Lake or chase after Inland Red Drum (Red Fish) on Fairfield Lake. After having quizzed Troy for about a half hour, Dale had all the information he needed. One of the things he liked about Guaranteed Guide Service was that they had a “no fish, no charge” guarantee. So he related all this to me in a phone conversation one day, and I thought it sounded like a great idea. He contacted our other buddy Pat, who agreed, and so Dale booked the fishing trip for us.

I had been on a few guided fishing trips, namely for stripers. But this trip would be a little different as we had selected to go after Red Fish on Fairfield Lake in Fairfield, Texas. Fairfield is a small lake, at 1460 acres. It is located in East Texas in Freestone County. It is also a power plant lake, with TXU Big Brown keeping the water warm throughout the year. There is a variety of fish living in the lake. Not only does the lake hold the Black Bass and Red Fish, it is also known to hold lots of Catfish and Blue Tilapia.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife had tried to introduce Nile Perch, but to no avail. Commercial fisherman stocked the lake with Blue Tilapia, and they have entrenched themselves in the lake. Also, the State Record for freshwater Red Fish (36.83 lbs) was caught in Lake Fairfield. Tilapias are plentiful and it is legal to use a cast net to catch them. We would primarily be fishing for Red Fish, but would finish up going after some Tilapia with the cast net.

As we prepared for the trip, we decided to take some snacks such as venison summer sausage, beef jerky and drinks. We took along two small coolers as well. We headed out early on a Saturday morning, as we had to meet our guide at the State Park by 7 a.m. We all live approximately 2 hours from the lake, so it was a very early morning for us. We had been keeping a track on the weather as well, since it was predicted that a cold front would be blowing through during the morning.

I ended up not opting for rain gear as the Weather Channel was only predicting a 20% chance of scattered showers. Sometimes I just never seem to learn. Learn what you might ask? Well, that 20% turned out to be 100%. Fortunately the coat I had on was somewhat water resistant. It showered on us off and on for about three hours. It ended up being a clear windy day that afternoon, but we first had to make it through the rainy part. Winds were quite high later in the afternoon, but we managed to keep on churning. In fact, we were one of four groups that had met with Guaranteed Guide Service that morning. We learned that one group turned back as they were not prepared for the weather.

Troy met us at the State Park entrance as planned. We would be fishing out of a 24’ custom built stripper fishing boat. Usually you have the opportunity to do both trolling and fishing with bait such as perch. But based on his fishing experience from past trips in the week, Troy decided we would focus on trolling as the Red Fish were not hitting the fresh bait and also well as not wanting to fight the high wind. We would be fishing with Berkley Lightening rods, Ambassador reels with bait clickers, deep-diving crank baits and Berkley 20lb Big Game line. The boat had lots of room and the seating was primarily three nice folding chairs.

There was really no grass in the lake this early in year, and not much to snag on the bottom. The lake was very low, almost to the point of not being able to launch boats at the ramps. But we managed to get the boat in the water and off we chugged to the first spot to start our trolling. We hadn’t been trolling long when the front moved through. Spotty rain showers and wind followed us for the next three hours. We spotted deer near an outdoor volleyball court, but no bald eagles which are known to frequent the area during this time of year.

We were able to hook a nice Channel Catfish as well as a couple of Red Fish in the first three hours, but overall it was pretty slow. I was happy when the sun finally came out and we started to dry out. The wind picked up more, and we fought it the rest of the day. Troy mentioned that it was some of the worst wind he had encountered while on the lake. Just my luck! Fortunately, the lake is small and is somewhat lower than the surrounding landscape, so the waves never got much over two to three feet high, which the boat we were in could quite easily handle.

We only ended up loosing two lures, which isn’t bad considering we drug the bottom a lot with the deep divers. We finally hit a few more Red Fish, and some nice ones at that. We didn’t weigh any of them, and the largest one would have probably went around 10 – 12 pounds. We trolled around until about 2 p.m., as Troy was kind enough to keep us on the water since the bite didn’t really start until around 11 a.m. Guaranteed Guide Service only books half day trips just for this reason. We never felt rushed, and we truly enjoyed the company of old TPost.

To end the day, we motored over to the hot water outlet of the power plant in about 6 feet of water. Troy commenced to launching his cast net over the water and letting it sink down. On the first netting, we ended up with about a 2-3 pound Tilapia. Over the next thirty minutes, we eventually ended up with about twenty five total Tilapia. They were all about the same size as first one, and made some really nice fillets. When we finally made it back to the dock, Troy and the other guides that were there made short work of filleting all the fish. We ended up with several bags of nice fillets. That night I grilled the two large Catfish fillets on the grill, which my daughter loved.

If you are in Texas and looking for a good fishing adventure, I would definitely recommend contacting Guaranteed Guide Service. They are professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable on the fish and lakes that they frequent. It was a tough day of fishing, yet we ended up with some nice Red Fish and lots of Tilapia. Guaranteed Guide Service can be found online at www.nofishnocharge. Come on down and enjoy a little slice of Texas!
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/10-fishing-big-reds-lake-fairfield.html Where Did My Hunting Season Go http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/9-where-did-my-hunting-season-go.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:36:19 GMT Another hunting season has slipped past. We move forward into the downtime of life, and ponder about the previous season and what lies ahead for the...
Another hunting season has slipped past. We move forward into the downtime of life, and ponder about the previous season and what lies ahead for the New Year. The grinding deluge of work and the nagging voice in my head that keeps whispering “Return to Africa” keep me occupied for the next several months as cabin fever will roll in. Books to whisk me off to the magical lands of Ruark, Capstick and Roosevelt will be read into the wee hours of the night and decisions about what next to read will create a subtle diversion for an afternoon at the bookstore.

But I guess it really doesn’t have to be that way. I live in a great country that has lots to offer when it comes to hunting. Especially in the great state of Texas, exotics rule in the offseason. As spring turkey season struts into sight, the annual Jesse’s Hunting and Outdoors (JHO) exotic hunt will be played out. Things such as drunken midnight trips to Mexico, barbecued cabrito and the Oasis await our visit. There are many animals to hunt; in fact, you can hunt several species of African game right here in Texas that includes Eland and Kudu. Now the price may not be to your liking, but it is available all year long. Exotic ranches in Texas abound and offer lots of amenities even for the discriminating hunter.
The JHO hunt will primarily consist of blackbuck and axis deer. Some nice trophies were taken last year and several California folks were stoked about the results. There are plenty of other animals to hunt throughout the year such as Dall sheep and Elk, if you so desire. Hogs are considered an exotic (and most Texans think a nuisance as well) so plenty to keep you busy while here on an exotic hunt. As it is with any hunt, the pocketbook is the limiting factor. An out of state hunting license is all that needs to be purchased to hunt exotics.
I am also thinking about doing some varmint hunting this coming year. There are some new digital calls from Johnny Stewart I have wanted to run through some tests, as well as the excitement of getting to hunt year round. I guess that is the ultimate goal for me, is to hunt year round. Some people are blessed to get to do that anyway. Me, I am not so fortunate, and personally I am not so sure that my wife is so keen on the idea anyway. With an extended honey-do list awaiting me, I guess I need to find some time to ratchet that list down.
I have already started to feel the cabin walls slowly grinding closer. I look out and all I see is a barren landscape of naked trees longing to sprout some new foliage. An occasional rabbit is noticed in the neighborhood and I ponder as to the tastiness of it. Teddy Roosevelt and his son Kermit are chasing monster Kudu in my dreams. The JHO forum is coming alive with the posting of this year’s exotic hunt. My buddies and I are going for redfish on Fairfield Lake in February.
So never forget that hunting and fishing opportunities abound in this great land of ours. Hunting all year long is a possibility, and that includes international hunting. While you may never make it to Africa, Texas can be a great second choice. I for one look forward to the next hunt, whether here or abroad. I have met several great friends along the way and always look forward to sharing a great experience with them. Don’t let cabin fever get you down. Enjoy hunting all year long and don’t let the off-season slip past you.
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/9-where-did-my-hunting-season-go.html Improving Your Deer Herd with Protein Supplements http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/8-improving-your-deer-herd-protein-supplements.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:26:46 GMT It’s been a rough hunting season. Our lease is going through its second season of drought. Conditions make it tough for whitetail deer and other... It’s been a rough hunting season. Our lease is going through its second season of drought. Conditions make it tough for whitetail deer and other animals to get the nutrients they need to maintain a good healthy lifestyle in the wild. As with most in Texas, we use corn as a basic food source and supplement that with protein feed. Others supplement through the use of food plots as well. But protein is the staple whitetails crave and that is what we focus on trying to provide them through our supplemental feeding program.

Protein as a whitetail growth development staple is typically drawn from natural forage via various clovers, soybeans and alfalfa. For example, clover is a big source of protein for whitetails, and in most normal varieties, it can contain anywhere from 13% to 25% of protein. Newer variants of clover have almost doubled the amount of protein found within them.

The protein source we use on our lease is a processed pellet feed. It is made by Purina, and goes by the name of Antler Max. This feed can contain up to 20% protein as well as other vitamins and nutrients beneficial to good whitetail health. We utilize a gravity feeder for distribution of our protein because we are not allowed to block off a substantial enough area to grow meaningful plots that would help subsidize the whitetail herd in the area. Basically, a gravity feeder here in Texas consists of a 55 gallon drum with legs attached, with a system of three to four outlets stemming from a main pipe that is attached to the bottom of the barrel. The feed works its way down via gravity as the deer eat the feed. Also, water is scarce and without that, it’s hard to maintain a healthy food plot so the pellets are an ideal way of getting the protein to the deer.

As for the how a whitetail utilizes the protein it digests, per the brochure for Antler Max, it is in the following order of their needs:

1) Basal metabolism
2) Body Growth
3) Activity
4) Reproduction

As noted, the antler growth support only occurs after the reproduction needs are met. So that is an extraordinary amount of fuel the whitetail has to utilize before it meets its antler growth needs. So the more protein the whitetails can ingest, the more the four needs get met and antler growth is improved. This is especially helpful in the months following the rut and continuing through the rough winter months when forage is harder to come by.

We have seen some good to great results from our protein supplement. Our lease is only about 250 acres, but some bruiser 10 point deer have come through the property on occasion to visit the feeder. Yes they are elusive, but thank god for good game cameras. The protein feeder gets a mound of activity, especially in the lean months before Mother Nature allows spring to populate the area with tasty green sprouts for the wildlife. We are firm believers that protein supplements can help deer growth and give them a good foundation on which to develop monster antlers. Check out what is available for you, as there are multiple types and methods of making protein available for the wildlife in your area. Whether it’s through a pellet feed or alfalfa or clovers, deer will prosper for it.
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/8-improving-your-deer-herd-protein-supplements.html Improving Your Lever Gun Accuracy with Hornady LEVERevolution http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/7-improving-your-lever-gun-accuracy-hornady-leverevolution.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:21:22 GMT I enjoy shooting. I particularly like shooting rifles. I have several different ones, some notable favorites and even some family heirlooms. But... I enjoy shooting. I particularly like shooting rifles. I have several different ones, some notable favorites and even some family heirlooms. But there are usually a couple of rifles that I call my tradin’ rifles. A rifle I buy just to shoot in a particular caliber or model of rifle. I get infatuated with trying out old classic rounds such as the .257 Roberts or Remington Model 788 rifles. My newest rifle is the CZUSA Safari Magnum in .375 H&H. That one will stick with me because it made the trip across the pond with me for my trip-of-a lifetime safari in 2007. Bolt or lever action, doesn’t really matter to me. Heck, I have even had a few pumps.
But I do enjoy shooting a good lever gun. As fate would have it, just about the time I was itching for a new tradin’ rifle, I ran across a good deal on a Marlin Model 1894 in .44 magnum. Nice polished walnut stock, bluing was good and hardly any scratches or dings could be found on this old school rifle. I even managed to get a couple of boxes of ammunition to run through it. The included boxes of Federal Premium and Remington standard ammunition were to make up the first few shots I ran through it. So I decided to run down to the local gun range and see if it shot as well as it looked. As a side note, I decided not to scope this rifle, thinking it would be a good hog gun to keep in the truck while on the deer lease or as a backup while out bow hunting.
I made it to the local range and setup my stuff. By stuff, that includes my range box, spotting scope, gun rest and other rifles that I had brought with me. I like to take it easy on the guns and allow them time to cool down between shooting sessions, so with the multiple guns at hand, there is really no downtime. I waited for the cease fire and headed down the range to hang the targets. I selected a double yardage area, where I had both 50 and 100 yard targets available. After getting this setup, it was time to test the old Marlin. I cycled a few rounds through the gun and they were all over the place. I drifted for windage and adjusted for elevation and got the groupings down to about 6 or 7 inches at 50 yards. For the rest of the day, I tried everything I could but to no avail. I just couldn’t get the groupings much better with the iron sights.
Upon packing up, I had remembered at the Hornady booth during the S.H.O.T. Show in January that they had introduced their LEVERevolution ammunition in .44 magnum. So upon returning home, I immediately set out to order some. I finally found that Cabela’s had some in stock so I placed an order. About a week later the two cardboard boxes of ammunition arrived. I had to plan for another trip to the range. Darn the luck!
When the ammunition arrived, I planned on going back out in a couple of weeks to see how it would perform. I made it back to the range and went through my normal setup routine. This time the results were a lot better. By the time I had made it through the windage and elevation adjustments, I was grouping at about 2 inches at 50 yards with the iron sights. I did have a flier in the group, but it had more to do with the shooter than the ammunition. Being quite pleased, I packed up the gun and headed home, thinking that the next time a hog were near, it was skillet time.
Did I forget to mention that this was a tradin’ rifle? Well, not long after this, I got the itch and decided to sell it. It seems as though a Remington Model 700 ADL in 7mm-08 had my name written all over it. So the Marlin is now the pride and joy of someone else, but will live to see another hunting day. The Hornady LEVERevolution is well worth checking out in your lever gun. Both times I have had the joy to shoot it, it has performed well. It has improved my accuracy while shooting lever guns and I am sure it will do the same for you.
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/7-improving-your-lever-gun-accuracy-hornady-leverevolution.html Reviewing Spy Point Game Camera IR-A http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/6-reviewing-spy-point-game-camera-ir.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:10:28 GMT As most of Jesse’s visitors probably now by know, I have started up an online store. I have researched the products I carry, and have attempted to...
As most of Jesse’s visitors probably now by know, I have started up an online store. I have researched the products I carry, and have attempted to find the most feature packed products for a reasonable price. So sometimes I run across product that has a new name and a new manufacturer that we might not be aware of. Spy Point Cameras, built by GG Telecom out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is one of those products. I decided to engage the camera in a few tests to see how it would respond.

The first thing to mention about the Spy Point is the features it boasts. At the time of this article, three models are available: the IR-A, the IR-B and the IR-C. Each step up brings a higher pixel resolution and a few other goodies. I ran my tests using the IR-A model, which is the base model for the Spy Points.

The IR-A has some good specifications for an introductory infrared camera. Below is list of features found on the website at www.spy-point.com:

FEATURES
  • 3.0 Mega-Pixels
  • 44 infrared Led night-time illumination
  • Video Resolution: 320 x 240 AVI
  • Photos slightly pink by day; Black and white by night
  • 32 MB built-in memory
  • External memory: SD/MMC card up to 4 GB (not included)
  • Backlit LCD display
  • Low battery indicator
  • USB and TV-OUT port (NTSC/PAL)
  • Adjustable detection sensitivity (5 to 45 ft)
  • 12 volts auxiliary power jack
  • 6 x 1.5 volt C batteries (not included)
  • Kit includes: Strap, USB and video cable
  • User-friendly switch panel
  • Date and time printed on each picture
The version I used was one of the IR-A early 2007 models. I ran it through two different tests: one in my backyard and the other at my deer lease. The backyard test would help me determine sensitivity, distance for the sensor and picture clarity. The deer lease test would put it out in the field, where it would go unabated for a two week period.

I placed the camera on my outdoor table. It was late in the evening and so by the time I had everything setup, it was getting dark. I set the sensitivity to the middle and finalized the other settings. Most of the settings are accomplished through a slide switch, except for the date and time that is completed through the use of a couple of push buttons and the sensitivity setting, which is adjusted via a dial. For the slide switches, each had the identifier of the setting marked next to it, making it easy to setup. I definitely liked that part. I adjusted the sensitivity to the middle setting and headed out into the yard at about ten feet. The camera went off and the warm red glow seemed a little spooky. Like a big alien eyeball opening up then closing. I then moved to twenty feet and again, the camera took another picture. I then moved out to thirty feet, almost to the back of my fence, and tried again. The camera didn’t sense the movement and I went and made an adjustment to the sensitivity. This time it went off, although you had to be almost in direct line with it.

The cone angle of the sensor was not as wide as I had hoped, but was good enough for use out in the field. I stopped the test and went in and reviewed the pictures. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. I was used to seeing my friends Leaf River IR pictures, and these seemed to be a little better on both the daytime and the infrared. The daytime showed a little more color and the nighttime photos had more distance and a little more clarity than the Leaf River. This test completed, I was anxious to get it to the deer lease for its next test.

We made it to the lease with camera in hand. I loaded it up with some fresh Energizer batteries, made the setups I wanted, and mounted it next to a feed pen. We ended up using zip ties as the strap provided wouldn’t hold it quite tight enough, but based on it being attached to a hog panel, it wasn’t that big of a deal. We left it out in the field and returned after three weeks due to a scheduling issue. Upon arrival, I noticed that the case was somewhat faded from being in the punishing Texas sun. We pulled the unit and returned to camp.

First thing we noticed upon returning was that the batteries were dead. We loaded up a fresh set and the counter showed we had almost 500 trips. I pulled the 1 gigabyte SD card and loaded it into the laptop. Almost all the pictures were taken within a week. I had set the sensitivity too high and it took a lot of pictures within a week. It took them so quick, it ran the batteries down. But the pictures it took looked great and we were very pleased with the quality. We compared them to the Leaf River IR camera we had there, and they were a tad better on the quality. The only thing I didn’t really like was the fact that about every third picture was blank. I thought it maybe had something to do with the camera settings, but my friend said the Leaf River does the same thing and sure enough, when we looked at the pictures on it, there were some blank ones.

To sum it up, the things I liked about the camera was first the price. Retailing for $199.95, it was a good price for an entry level IR camera. It was easy to adjust settings and it took good pictures, both day and night. It accepted SD cards and had a nice durable case.

The things I didn’t like included the fading of the case. Upon contact with Spy Point, they said that mine was an older model and the newer ones had a different coating on them. I also didn’t like the blank pictures, but that seems to be a common thing with IR cameras. I was also not too pleased with battery life. While it lasted three weeks, it didn’t take enough pictures to fill the SD card. Fortunately, the IR-B and IR-C both have a solar panel option that would eliminate this issue.

Overall, for price and performance, the Spy Point performed well. I would recommend checking them out if you are in the market for a good entry point IR camera.
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/6-reviewing-spy-point-game-camera-ir.html Hunting with an Heirloom http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/5-hunting-heirloom.html Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:59:15 GMT I was fortunate to have grandparents that hunted and owned firearms growing up. These firearms weren’t fancily engraved nor were they something that... I was fortunate to have grandparents that hunted and owned firearms growing up. These firearms weren’t fancily engraved nor were they something that when bought would break the bank. They were good, basic hunting rifles and shotguns. The most recent one I had inherited was a Stevens Model 311A SXS in 16 gage. This was passed on to me when my maternal grandfather passed away a few years ago.

Still in good shape, but with a little surface rust due to inactivity over the past few years, I decided to take it out for its inaugural debut during the first full weekend of Texas dove hunting. I had shell that had been left over and still looked in useable shape. A quick cleaning of the barrels and a light surface of oil shined the old girl right up. I had taken it out once to shoot, only to learn that it takes awhile to get used to a shotgun that has two triggers. My over and under and pump shotguns had only one trigger, so I found myself a couple of times wondering why the second barrel didn’t go off upon pulling that front trigger. But I did at least start to sway my mind towards the right path.

I had planned this hunt with my good buddy Tim Eustice. Tim and I have hunted and fished together several times over the past fifteen years. I consider him to be a good friend and also an excellent hunting partner. We made our plans and headed towards Archer City, Texas, where we would be hunting the fields of sunflowers and other wild forage that the dove seemed to love. We ended up staying in Wichita Falls, as the small towns we would be hunting near had nary a motel or hotel room available.

We hunted with Steve Thornell of Thundercloud Marketing. We met him and the other hunters early that morning in the crisp, dry darkness of a northern Texas morning. He gave us directions to the specific field we would be hunting and we made the short jaunt to the location. We determined our locations throughout the forty acre property and dispersed with equipment in hand. The early morning would bring several doves, although it seemed like my aim was still in bed. The old Stevens swung much different than my Remington 870 Super Express, with the short barrels and stock taking a little longer to get used to than planned. By that afternoon, the score was in favor of the dove as I had not been able to bust one from the sky. That afternoon my aim improved and I was able to take a few dove. Waiting between the few birds flying that day, Tim and I chatted up about the guns we were using and the luck we had had.

We ended the first day of hunting and packed up our equipment. We headed out early the next morning but the dove were flying slow, so either they weren’t moving much in the ninety degree heat we were experiencing, or as I like to think, the word had gotten around the dove that the old Stevens and the hunter were starting to warm up. Either way, it was a memorable weekend of dove hunting, even if we didn’t have a slew of dove to clean.

An old 16 gage had come back to life, and for a moment, life was bittersweet. It was great to be out hunting with friends and enjoying nature as sportsmen, but better yet if I had been able to savor the moment with my grandfather. I appreciated the fact that I had been chosen to preserve the hunting legacy and that one day, it would be duplicated with future generations.
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]]> BigSwad http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/bigswad/5-hunting-heirloom.html <![CDATA[come & whoa]]> http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/4-come-whoa.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:50:38 GMT New blog format , let's see if it works.

I know what does work and that is training your gun dog to follow some simple whistle and hand signals in the field. Not only will it make your day in the field more enjoyable but it will also make your gun dog a more efficient hunter. The two most important commands your dog will learn is come and whoa and are easiest taught when the subject is a puppy. However old dogs can learn the commands also, your hunting buddies will be surprised to learn that your dog's name is not "Dammit".
I like to keep my whistle commands short and simple ie: 2 short blasts for "Come Here" and 1 long for "Whoa" (stop). Teaching these with the combination of voice and whistle in a progression which allows for less voice and more whistle , reinforced by the employment of a check cord is easy. Again the progressive format is employed to slowly wean off the check cord. Give your student one chance to do it right then apply a gentle correction with the check cord if you are required to repeat the command. At this point the electronic training collar can now be introduced. More on that later........that is a whole subject in itself.
Check back often to see what the Gun Dogs are up to and pick up on a few how to's on dog training, shooting and the latest in hunting gear.
My Gun Dogs are off to compete in the North American Gun Dog Association events this weeked to be held (Feb. 21 & 22 )at the
4 Seasons Hunt Club in Techachappi, Ca.
These two events are qualifier events for the NAGDA Nationals which will be April 3,4 & 5 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Come out and see what tournament hunting is all about.
Visit www.gun-dogs.net
Bryce:patiotic-wavin-flag ]]> gundogs http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/gundogs/4-come-whoa.html Lead ammo ban in California by decree http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/el_vaquero/3-lead-ammo-ban-california-decree.html Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:07:18 GMT [QUOTE=jackrabbit;2111990]I went online this afternoon to watch the video of the meeting yesterday on the Fish and Game Commission meeting. The update on the lead ban was item number 6 on the agenda. It went very quickly to a discussion by Rogers and Sutton about being "proactive", and maybe looking at extending the ban to the entire state. Only Kellog and Daniels were standing up to them and saying to wait for definitive science analysis like they all agreed upon a year ago. FGC staff pointed out near the end that there was actually a settlement on this case which included doing nothing more until the data analysis is presented in June. But it is very clear that Rogers, Sutton, and probably the lady (I forget her name) would be in favor of a statewide ban. Rogers pointed out that Winchester is producing 3 different .22 rimfire bullets now (and no more lead shot for birds) and mockingly stated that last year all the naysayers were saying it was virtually impossibe to design a non-lead rimfire in Long Rifle. The NRA or Cal Rifle/Pistol guy pointed out that the long rifle copper rounds won't cycle in semi-auto .22's.

Sutton kept pushing to be "proactive" and put the discussion on the agenda for a meeting in the near future, but Kellog and Daniels, with FGC staff clarification stopped that actiion. It will come up again when the DFG presents there anylsis in June, and also when the DFG presents there recommendations for the upland game season, with the new data analysis.

It is clear that a 3/2 majority of the FGC wants to ban all lead being deposited into the environment now, if they could pull it off. Rogers even whined that the legislature pre-empted them last year, and he wants to take action before the legislature can "pre-empt them again. Rogers kept pointing out that in one year there are now multiple certified suppliers of centerfire non-lead, and if there is a void of other ammo, the market will fill the void.[/QUOTE]

These are the people we need to e-mail to voice our opposition. I will try to find post the e-mail addresses....unless someone already has them to post up. ]]> el_vaquero http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/el_vaquero/3-lead-ammo-ban-california-decree.html sassy http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/upper/2-sassy.html Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:20:33 GMT Blog me Blog me ]]> upper http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/upper/2-sassy.html test blog http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/spectr17/1-test-blog.html Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:49:46 GMT blog test:mooning::lol bashing sign: blog test:mooning::lol bashing sign: ]]> spectr17 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/blogs/spectr17/1-test-blog.html