Marlene Odahlen-Hinz, Rx for the January Blahs

For about the last four months nearly all my free time revolved around bowhunting. In January my hunting routine suddenly stops, and I seem to have lots more spare time on my hands. Even though the whitetail season is over I can still keep a little bit of that hunting excitement with me.

REORGANIZE: Clothing

Sorting through my hunting clothes is the first thing I devote my attention to as a new year begins. Before washing and treating my favorite camo clothes with Scent Killer I evaluate the pieces I wore most often to see if they need to be repaired or replaced. It is easy to launder my hunting cloths now while all my scent reducing soap is within easy reach. I then pack them away along with a “back up” set into my airtight container and I’m a step ahead in my preparation for next season.

Next I separate the remaining pieces in my closet into piles I’m likely to wear a few times during an entire season (i.e. heavier jacket, shirt, underwear, rain gear etc) and store them in a separate tub. Finally, I look at the remaining pieces and try to figure out when the last time was that I actually wore them. If I can’t remember, they either get labeled for inclusion at a future garage sale or get dropped off at center like Goodwill.

Equipment:

I use the first of the year to give all the equipment I carry during hunting a once over. I clean out my back and fanny packs of dried leaves, sticks and uneaten cookies. Then I make a list of things I need to have in them for the next fall’s opener and later on for the rut. I want to make sure my packs have skinning gloves and a recently sharpened knife, an extra flashlight, and batteries just to name a few items. Making a list helps me remember to return items I may have taken out and used during the spring or summer.

SHOPPING SALES:

Department stores are not the only ones who advertise sales after the holidays. Archery shops often have sales to make space for the new bow models and other state-of-the-art archery tackle. Sporting goods stores always offer deals on camouflage clothing not to mention tree stands and blinds once Christmas is over to make room for equipment needed by local ice fishermen. Now is the time to think about replacing those worn or faded bib overalls or any other articles of clothing you may have just discarded.

SPORT SHOWS:

Attending local sport shows certainly help brighten up those January blahs. I enjoy listening to the seminars given by experienced hunters at these expos and classics. I always come away with new information and tips I can use for the next season.

After the first of the year many sportsmen’s clubs and organizations have their annual fundraisers and banquets. I attend, as well as volunteer at, several of these events each year. It feels great to be around people who share the same interests and can relate to our field experiences. I also enjoy knowing that the money I spend at these fundraisers benefits wildlife and promotes hunting.

LEAGUES:

Nothing keeps the spirit of the outdoors and bowhunting fresh in our minds better than joining a league at local clubs. It is an excellent way to keep those muscles stretched and toned while waiting for the next whitetail season. Knowing I have team members expecting me to join them each week keeps me in the routine of shooting regularly. And what better way to extend the hunting season by reliving it through the telling of hunting successes to teammates. We all know that the more we relate a story— the better it gets.

SCOUTING:

Weather permitting, I like to take a stroll around my hunting property and follow those trails that the snow had made so obvious. It helps me understand how the deer movement has change once colder weather hits. I also look for bedding areas and of course rubs that were made during the rut. All of this sign helps me pull together a plan for the next hunt. If I’m lucky I might even find an antler shed which tells me, if its owner survives the winter, I may have a chance of seeing him with an even bigger crown on his head.

SPRING TURKEY HUNTING (saving the best for last).

For me the best medicine for those January blahs is knowing that in a few months I can be turkey hunting. As I sort through clothes and equipment I keep in mind what I’ll need for this spring hunt and set it aside. I also seek out turkey seminars and clinics in my area sponsored by the DNR, sporting goods store or a sportsmen’s club to attend. With the spring wild turkey season so short I want to be as well prepared as I possibly can with the best techniques and strategies that will bring a tom or a jake within shooting range.

So, until next month, don’t forget to take your daughter, granddaughter or niece bowhunting.

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “The Voice of the American Sportsman” RX FOR THE JANUARY BLAHS

by Marlene Odahlen-Hinz

marleneasomag@gmail.com

801 N. State • Freeburg, IL 62243 • Owner: Chuck Dori 618.539.9881

Tohatsu Sportsman’s Edition Camo, 20 hp, 4-stroke

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BRETT FAVRE AND ORCA PARTNER TO MAKE TAILGATING EVEN COOLER

THE LIFETIME LEGEND TO BE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND LIFETIME GUARANTEED COOLERS

Nashville, TN- Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA), a leading company in the premium cooler and drinkware market is pleased to announce its new partnership with Hall of Fame football legend Brett Favre.

The partnership came after ORCA launched its new line of NCAA licensed coolers and drinkware. ORCA has grown significantly in the last year, so much so that its CEO, Cliff Walker, thought that it was time to give a face to the brand. “Our team was brainstorming one day on who would be the perfect fit to represent the ORCA brand, and we came up with Brett Favre. We thought he’s rugged, loves the outdoors, and of course is a football legend, which goes along perfectly with our new launch into the sports licensing world, so let’s give it a shot,” said Walker.

ORCA reached out to Favre in the hopes that he would be interested in partnering with the brand, and sure enough he loved the product and what the company stands for. “The fact that ORCA’s coolers are made here in America means a lot to me,” said Favre. “When you walk through ORCA you can see the passion that the workers have for making a quality product. ORCA’s ability to customize all of their products is extremely impressive.”

Since partnering with Brett Favre, ORCA has received its NFL license and plans to launch a line of NFL branded coolers and drinkware in December of 2017.

“Brett’s a lifetime legend, and we create products that last a lifetime, so it just makes sense,” said Walker. “We’re proud to have Brett on our team and we believe the sky is the limit for ORCA.”

About Brett Favre: NFL quarterback Brett Favre attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he had a great college football career. Favre went on to lead the 1992 Green Bay Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI and was named the league’s MVP three years in a row. Favre holds the record for the most consecutive NFL starts at 253, and continues to remain one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history with 442 touchdown passes and 61,655 passing yards. In 2016 Favre was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

About ORCA: Based in Nashville, Tennessee and founded in 2012, ORCA has made a name for itself by creating American made, roto-molded coolers that last a lifetime. In the past year the company has expanded in many ways including growing its staff in Nashville from 40 employees to over 150, bringing manufacturing, assembly and customization in house, and most notably adding licensed products to its repertoire. From custom color coolers to laser engraved drinkware, ORCA is dedicated to creating products that make every moment cool.

ORCA’s social communities include: www.facebook.com/orcacoolers, www.instagram.com/orcacoolers, and www.twitter.com/orcacoolers.

For more information on the ORCA brand and its products please visit www.ORCAcoolers.com.

Contact: Ashleigh Ford Phone: 615.864.8877 Email: Ashleigh@ORCAcoolers.com

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