January 2015
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Winter
Fly Fishing For Trout by Don Kirk
Interstate sportsman
Not so very long ago, just about every state forbade fishing for trout between late autumn and early spring. States and parks had much anticipated “Opening Day� fishing, when the creeks were well-stocked with hatchery-reared trout and, at the most popular waters, it was standing-room-only fishing. A few states still close their waters to fishing for trout in the winter, but most states no longer do this. The reasons are many, but the biggest reason for loosening the reins on cold weather trout fishing is that, contrary to what the old-timers believed, it does not affect year-round fishing
quality in virtually any stream. In recent decades, fly-fishing has seen a tremendous growth in popularity, especially as regards winter trout fishing. A number of states, ranging from Vermont to Georgia, have significantly altered how they manage trout waters to not only allow year-round fishing, but also to enhance it and make it very special. One of the hottest practices in the country right now is the so-called delayed harvest seasons, in which states like Maryland and North Carolina stock mature trout in popular streams on a
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Interstate sportsman
catch-and-release basis during the winter months, then allow anglers to catch and keep these fish during the summer. A 12-inch-long rainbow released in November will often be 16 inches long when it is creeled by a fisherman later in May. This approach to fisheries management is spreading very fast and attracting a lot of attention from fly fishermen. Winter fly fishing for trout does require
access to streams that are not frozen over. This means that many of the popular streams in the Rocky Mountains, upper Midwest, and Northeast are too iced over to permit fishing. However, thousands of miles of trout fishing in freestone streams is available in many other places, most notably the Southern states. Additionally, tailwater rivers which begin at the bases of dams do not freeze, regardless of how cold the weather gets. Odds are about five to one that you live
Interstate sportsman
within a couple of hours of a stream or river where you can cast for trout yearround. A Difference In Fishing Styles As Well As Weather For decades fly-fishermen were conditioned to fishing fly hatches that emerged from streams during the spring and summer. Insofar as most waters were closed to winter fishing in the old days, little attention was given to the
January and February emergences of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies from streams and rivers. The fact is, some of the biggest, most consistent hatches of important flies such as the Winter Black Caddis and the Blue Duns are quite common on many streams during even the coldest days of winter. Not only can lots of trout be caught on wet flies and nymph patterns, the traditional way most fly-fishermen catch trout during the winter, but a growing number of anglers
Interstate sportsman
have discovered that trout will readily rise to a dry fly during this time of year. My personal favorite approach to winter fly-fishing at freestone trout streams is to use a dry fly with a dropper, which usually is a wet fly or nymph pattern. On top I prefer a surprisingly large fly, my favorites being an Orange Stimulator (sizes #10 to #14), Elkwing Caddis (sizes #12 to #14), or a Female Adams Parachute (sizes #10 to #14). Beneath any of these dry fly patterns is a subsurface fly, attached to a 15- to 18-inch leader. Patterns fished under the current that consistently produce well this time of year include a Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph, Tellico Nymph, and a San Juan Worm (sizes #12 to #18). The dry fly not only draws its share of strikes from trout willing to feed on the surface, but doubles as a strike indicator that will alert you to subtle subsurface strikes. It is a highly effective, one-two-punch combo. Tailwater river trout fishing has literally changed the landscape of fly-fishing over the last 30 years. Some of the country’s top trout fisheries did not
exist prior to the building of dams on warm/cool water fishery rivers. Water pulled from deep beneath dams on rivers such as the Hiwassee in Tennessee and the Little Red in Arkansas does not change in temperature, whether it is January or July. In recent years, improved technology at dams on many tailwater rivers has resulted in water releases with greater percentages of dissolved oxygen, which is essential for the occurrence of a robust trout fishery. By offering yearround optimal habitat, tailwater rivers not only support loads of trout, but lots of trout in the 10- to 20-pound class that surpass the fishing found on fabled Western waters, such as the Yellowstone and Madison rivers. While fly-fishing for trout on freestone streams often is a game of close-quarter casting to pocket water, narrow runs, and plunge pools, in contrast tailwater rivers are big-water fishing. The two are rarely comparable to any great extent in terms of the flies you cast, or the fly-fishing tactics you use. In most instances, the aquatic insects upon which trout rely for nourishment differ in the freestone
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Interstate sportsman
streams versus the tailwater rivers. The latter is more likely to be populated most heavily with scuds, sow bugs and small flies known as midges. Many times fly fishermen at tailwater rivers must resort to using minuscule fly patterns in the #20 to #28 sizes. These are so small that a dozen such flies can be spaced out on the head of a dime. Despite their tiny size, however, midge, scud, and sow bug patterns catch trout of amazing girth during the winter. Streamers are also highly recommended for use in winter on all freestone and tailwater trout waters. The more overcast and windy it is where you are fishing, the more productive it is to fish these flies, which are tied to imitate smaller fish. The key to streamer fishing is to remember the importance of presenting your fly broadside to a waiting trout. The means retrieving a streamer across the current in short jerks: those mimic a small fish moving through open water seeking a safer abode. This lifelike presentation evokes instinctive strikes from trout, as this is how they see the living meals come their way. Small fish do not swim
against the current, lest they be eaten very quickly.
Cold Weather Gear Is Essential While the benefits of winter fly fishing for trout are considerable, not the least of which is an opportunity to get outdoors to combat cabin fever, a growing number of anglers are discovering that harsh weather has a greater impact on their willingness to brave the elements than it does on potential fly-fishing success. For safety reasons, I always recommend fishing with a buddy this time of year. Some of the best winter trout fishing occurs on the most miserable, windy, cold, and overcast days. Trout are often little influenced by weather. Winter flyfishing for trout has its own challenges, and staying warm is essential. If properly dressed, the challenge of staying warm can be overcome, although anglers do need to remember the potential dangers of hypothermia should they take a tumble into the water, or fail to wear sufficient warm clothing. It is always important to keep your head
Interstate sportsman
covered, preferably with a toboggan. You can lose up to 70 percent of your body warmth if your head is not sufficiently covered to keep it warm. Wading streams and rivers is easier than it has ever been, with the current generation of waders. The new, high-tech waders are lightweight and flexible and there are insulated models to keep you warm. When coupled with thermal long johns, you can comfortably wade in icy water all day. Layered upper layers that are also windproof are highly recommended, while the latest gloves designed for fishing are superior to anything that has ever previously been available to fly-fishermen. Do Your Homework To Pick A Place If you are looking for great wintertime
fly-fishing for trout, visit the websites of the state in which you are interested, for current information. If that state has a delayed harvest program, the website will provide lots of valuable information regarding access, location, and regulations on those waters. If you have not the joined the growing numbers of fly-fishermen who have extended their trout-fishing fun into the cold months, then you are missing some great winter angling.
Predator Versus Predator
Natureยนs hunters are the ultimate winter quarry. by Don Kirk
In her infinite wisdom, Mother Nature rarely pits one predator against another predator. Predators are creatures that
thrive by instinctively seizing opportunities to prey on those animals that are usually equipped to defend themselves through speed, camouflage, or acute hearing, olfactory, and visual senses. Grabbing a critter for dinner that is well armed with slashing claws and razorsharp teeth is hardly most predatorยนs cup of tea.
Interstate sportsman
This is not to say that Nature does not occasionally change the script in the drama of life. A case in point is Bill Bynum, who during the 1990s was my Editor-At-Large at Varmint Masters Magazine. What I would give to examine an accurate DNA reading of this fellow’s blood: If it didnšt show strong traces of coyote or wolf DNA, I would be astonished. If there was ever a human put on the world to inflict revenge on the realm of the varmint, it is Bynum.
Bynum and I first met in the late 1970s, when I was a freelance writer and he was hunting eight days a week. At the time, Bynum had just begun peddling information on coyote hunting in the eastern United States, and I was peddling stories to any magazine capable of writing a check that would clear the bank. Like most eastern varmint hunters in those days, I had yet to see my first coyote, much less hunt one.
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Interstate sportsman
That changed forever the first time I went varmint hunting with Bill near his home in northwestern Tennessee, located a short distance from the Mississippi River. On that cold day in February, I dropped my first yodie before lunch. It was the beginning of a new type of hunting for me, as well as the beginning of a friendship that has grown closer over the passing years. Being in the woods with Bill Bynum is like no other varmint hunting experience any of us will ever know. He is so much at home in the woods, that he looks out
of place sitting in front of a television— something I wish could be said about me. Bynum grew up in western Tennessee between Kentucky Lake and Reelfoot Lake. Those even remotely familiar with the area know it is famous for three things: waterfowl, whitetail, and wild turkey. Bill’s interest in coyote hunting began when the varmints invaded his favorite whitetail hunting spots in the Mississippi River bottomlands. A doe that had been giving birth to a fawn was caught and downed by a pack of voracious yodies.
Interstate sportsman
That sparked Billยนs interest in these wild canines, and that interest that ultimately led to the demise of hundreds of their kind at his hands. Calling Them In One of Billยนs favorite predator lures is to mimic the distress calls of a mortally injured cottontail. An expert varmint caller, Bill can orchestrate realistic whines, yips, yelps, and groans that would bring tears to the eyes of a lumberjack. On one of our hunting trips near his home, we were out looking to reduce
the number of yodies. We located at the head of a wooded hollow, where Bill began calling. The sun was shining brightly as we sat along the edge of a deep hollow. The forest floor was sparse beneath the widely spaced, mature oaks, hickories, beech, and other hardwoods that were in the 80- to 100-year-old range. I sat and got comfortable against a massive, old white oak 50 feet in front of where Bill located to do his calling. An instant later Bill was blasting away, using a reliable, productive canine distress call.
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Interstate sportsman
Eight minutes into Bill’s woeful serenade, I spotted movement through the tangle of broom sage grass that carpeted the ground beneath the pines. Wind, which until than had been nonexistent, wisped over my shoulder. “Just great,” I thought as I felt the increasing wind tickle the back of my neck. Thanks to the wind, the movement I had spotted was all I saw of what could only have been a curious grey fox. Bill also spotted the animal and believed it was a small grey fox at first, but it turned out to be a shy bobcat.
Keep It Loud According to Bill, many hunters use too little volume when attempting to call in yodies and bobcats. Intensely curious when not called too often, these predators are usually not frightened by loud calling. Unknown to me, Bill had known the bobcat was in the vicinity and had hoped it would be possible to entice this particular old tom from its daytime lair. In western Tennessee and Kentucky, bobcats are almost totally nocturnal, rarely hunting during the daylight hours. However, like any predator, the prospect of snatching an easy meal before the
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Interstate sportsman
competition puts it in the crosshairs is more than a napping spotted cat can resist. To be honest, I did not see the bobcat when it first emerged from the craggy confines of the hollow to my left. Sunlight was beaming in brightly over my right shoulder, producing a deceptive reflection on the brown understory of the forest. The tawny, spotted coat of the bobcat blended in flawlessly with its drab, wintry surroundings. Only when the feline predator progressed within 40 yards of my position did its movement catch my attention.
Only when the
feline predator progressed within 40 yards of my position did its
movement catch my attention.
Raising my 10-gauge Remington shotgun, I aligned the beads on the chest of the bobcat. An instant later, I squeezed off a round, sending the animal into an
unexpected backwards summersault. The number four shot had been more than this old feline could stand. It was a quick, clean kill. The Total Bag At end of the day, our tally was two bobcats and two coyotes. Not bad shooting for an editor who spends way too much time behind his desk, and not enough time in the woods— nowhere near as much as I used to spend when I was a freelance writer.
You might say that this was just another run-of-the-mill varmint hunt, and you would be right in most respects. But in other ways it was not; I was fortunate enough to hunt with the person I consider the country’s leading expert in the field of hunting predators east of the Mississippi River. (I must add, Bill is not bad when it comes hunting these same critters on the other side of the Mississippi River.)
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Try changing gears to challenge Alabama’s wild porkers by Don Kirk Wisps of mist from the warm backwater emerging from nearby Lock Number Seven gave the massive, bottomland hardwood forest an eerie appearance. John Talley and Shane Bates slowly walked through the mist in the direction of the noise, created by a big boar attempting to have its way with a group of uncooperative sows. Approaching on his knees through a hog run tunnel that cut through otherwise impenetrable
brambles, Talley emerged on the other side of the tangle. From there, he could see the gang of vocal feral hogs, a few of the population explosion of feral hogs at Talley¹s and Bate¹s club lease in Wilcox County, in the southwestern corner of Alabama. “Low brush and the strong probability of being spotted by the hogs prevented me from attempting a shot while on my knees in the brambles. I eased back out to return to Shane,” says Talley. “We de-
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and Fun to hunt cided to move to cut off the hogs¹ easiest escape route, which we figured they would use to get across Dixon Creek when they detected us. Our strategy worked perfectly. Within seconds, the group of alerted wild hogs bolted in the direction of the creek into our trap. Leading the herd of swine was a high-shouldered, brown boar. He raced passed Shane, offering him a great shooting opportunity. Shane released an arrow tipped with an expandable broadhead that caught the big boar in the upper ribs.” “Shane then took off in pursuit of another of the quickly scattering hogs, while I trailed the boar he had arrowed. I trailed it for only 75 yards
Interstate sportsman
when I spotted the massive porker lying motionless in the middle of Dixon Creek. I was amazed to see the animal had died so quickly. However, to my surprise, as I approached, its bristle-covered ears twitched. In a single movement, the wounded boar sprang to its feet, swinging its head to reveal its long, sharp tusks,” relates Talley who lives in Homewood, Alabama. Talley responded quickly response to the reinvigorated boar, delivering an arrow at the fast-moving animal as it quartered away from him to get across the creek. Although the arrow entered the back region of the gut of the boar, its path took the broadhead through the animal¹s lungs. The porker struggled on for only a short distance before expiring. The scales at Talley¹s and Bate¹s hunting club only go to 325 pounds. When they hung the boar from its hind legs to weigh it, with the head of the animal still on the ground, the scale¹s needle was flush against 325-pound mark. Hog Numbers “A few years ago, we did not have any wild hogs on our whitetail hunting property in Wilcox County. Feral hogs are now
there in large numbers. These animals have proven extremely difficult to contain,” Talley admits. “Our club killed more than 100 wild pigs last year. Mostly we shoot these animals from treestands while we are whitetail bowhunting. I have personally killed four in a single day there. While I prefer whitetail hunting to hunting for wild hogs, I have discovered that hunting these animals is a welcome diversion on days when whitetail action is slow. Also, spring and summer bowhunting for wild hogs is great sport.” “Early in Alabama¹s history, domesticstrain hogs probably roamed everywhere in the state,” explains Alan Angress, Assistant Chief of Enforcement for the Alabama DNR Wildlife Division. “We do not have much in the way of detailed records on the subject, but we do know free-roaming feral hogs were introduced and exterminated from areas quite often during the last 150 years or so.”
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Interstate sportsman
According to Angress, feral hogs (that is the official name for free-roaming porkers, which in Alabama can be purebred Russian boars or a two-tone PolandChina county fair winner), are managed like no other wildlife in the state. Hunting is permitted year-round, and to do so requires only a valid state hunting license and adherence to all general hunting laws, such as observing trespass laws. However, once a hog is harvested or caught by a hunter, it is not regarded as a game animal. The lucky hunter is free to sell all or parts of the hog, or if it is live captured in a trap or with the aid of dogs, a feral hog can be kept as long as desired in a pen or sold to an individual or private hunting preserve. “For many years wild feral hogs have been plentiful in the southern swamplands along the coast. The Tombigbee and Alabama river bottomlands have traditionally held large numbers of these nonnative animals. Over the last couple of decades, however, avid hog hunters and houndsmen have transported these animals to other regions of the state. Today excellent feral hog hunting is found
in all three regions of the state, even in the timbered highlands of the state¹s northern tier,” explains Angress. “Most of Alabama¹s free-roaming feral hogs are of largely domestic lineage, but we have documented numerous instances where hunters and houndsmen have released swine that were 100 percent Eurasian or, as hunters call them, Russian wild boar,” says Angress. Interestingly, though, even purebred hogs often revert quickly, in only a few gnerations, to a wild boar state once they become feral. Piglets born with camouflage-striped bodies—identical to those born to wild sows in the forests of Europe and Asia— are not uncommon in Alabama. Adaptable and Capable You would have to look long and hard to find a more adaptable animal, or one more capable of defending itself, than the wild hog. These unique animals aggressively and very successfully compete with native wildlife, especially whitetail and wild turkey, for available hardwood mast crops. The wild hog¹s ability to utilize a variety of natural foods ,such as roots and carrion, is rivaled only by the
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Interstate sportsman
equally adaptable coyote, making these exotic transplants among natureยนs top survivors.
bowel several hounds on a single race, as hound-and-hog chases and fights are usually called.
A wild boarยนs ugly, long snout is honeycombed with sensitive scent receptors that can detect delectable tubers up to two feet deep in the earth. They can wind a hunter faster than a whitetail can. The vision of a hog is fair, but their hearing is acute. They are rarely seen in many places by hunters, as they quickly hide when alerted by sound or noise to human presence. Most the time, wild hogs retreat rather than confront man. However, like the black bear, the wild hog is an unpredictable quarry, capable of hunting as well as being hunted.
Intelligence is the wild boarยนs and feral hogยนs most impressive attribute. These animals are at least as smart as the coyote, dog, and black bear, and eclipse the whitetail by a few billion years of evolution. Even where they are only lightly hunted, the hogs avoid man when they are alerted by their keen senses of smell and hearing. In areas where hunting pressure is applied, feral hogs typically revert to nocturnal feeding and movement patterns, spending the daylight hours in the heaviest, most impenetrable cover available.
A mature, 150- to 200-pound boar is a formidable opponent, so much so that in the Old World these animals long served as the sport of kings. Incredibly fast and agile for its size and build, a mature boar can outrun dogs and fend off a bobcat. Large, razor-sharp tusks jutting from their lower jaws make the head-on charge of a boar as deadly as an attack from a boot knife. It is not uncommon for a mean old boar to disem-
Once established in an area, complete removal of resident feral hogs is virtually impossible. Their reproductive capacity rivals that of rabbits. Females have litters of 10 to 15 piglets, up to twice a year, beginning before the female hog is even a year old. Where there is sufficient cover and a source of food, feral hog population explosions usually occur, seemingly overnight.
Interstate sportsman
If there is an Achilles Heel among feral hogs, it is their dependence on hardwood mast for food. When food is scarce, the hogs do not breed. Periodic flooding can also prove deadly to young piglets who are unable to escape rising waters. The Best Time to Hunt Year-round hog hunting is possible throughout the state, but according to most the best hunting occurs during late winter through early spring. Never mind that this time frame also encompasses some of the best hunting for whitetail and wild turkey. We are talking tuskers here, dangerous big game that truly is in a class by itself. Besides, this is the best time of year to avoid troublesome mosquitoes, ticks, gators, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes—at least for the most part. The presence of wild hogs in area is easy to determine. Their rooting activity is usually substantial. If you do not have access to private land where porkers roam, contact your local wildlife officer for the names of farmers experiencing feral hog problems. Youšll find your welcome is usually as warm as if you were hunting coyote; many farmers welcome hunters
with open arms who are willing to reduce populations of these troublesome non-natives. Think food when you want to bag porkers. They follow mast production even closer than do whitetail. On farmlands they will have preferred areas for raiding corn and soybean fields. The same treestand setups used for whitetail usually are great for pig hunting, too. A few years ago, sow sex scent urine and mouth-blown hog calls were touted but, like many such things, these were largely gimmicks when not the hands of expert callers and hunters. Feral hogs thrive throughout all of Alabama, nearly as uniformly as do whitetail. High population densities are scattered, especially in the central and northern regions of the state. A call to local wildlife officers can net information on the locations of huntable numbers of wild boars near you. Give it a try. There is not a better way to add spice to your whitetail and wild turkey hunting than catching Alabamašs pig-hunting bug.
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Sportsmans mount You can use this to mount your GoPro to guns, fishing rods and bows. This versatile mount is compatible with most shotguns, rifles, revolvers, airsoft, paintball and pellet guns, and fits bow components and fishing rod grips along with about anything else you can find that has a diameter of 0.4” to 0.9”. The Sportsmans mount allows you to mount one or two cameras to capture footage looking forward, backwards or both directions simultaneously. When used with a gun or fishing rod, camera(s) can be mounted below or to the side of the barrel or rod It also comes equipped with specially designed mounting backdoors help stabilize the camera during recoil. The non-reflective, matte black finish ensures low visibility This is my favorite and go-to mount, it locks securely in place to all sorts of things. I don’t have to wonder wether or not my camera will still be there at the end of an outing.
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While this mount is very versatile, and I can see its benefit in more stationary applications, the holding power of the camera will stay where I put it during more active applications.
3-‐Way This ultra versatile mount can be used three main ways: as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod. The folding arm is perfect for POV or follow-cam footage, and makes it easy to capture selfies without the mount appearing in the shot. When detached from the arm, the handle doubles as a camera grip. Stored inside the handle is a lightweight, mini tripod that can be removed and used on its own or combined with the handle. This mount can be used three main ways: as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod. It is made for a wide range of uses, from capturing POV footage and selfies, to follow-cam, static tripod shots and more. The folding arm makes it easy to capture selfies without the mount appearing in the shot. You can use the arm plus grip like a pole mount for immersive POV or follow-cam footage. The handle can be detached from the arm and used as a camera grip. The removable tripod conveniently stores inside the handle. The lightweight, mini tripod can conveniently stores inside the handle. be used on its own or combined with the handle. The mount measures 20” when fully extended and collapses to 7.5”. This mount is indeed very versatile, it offers some great opportunity for creative filming.
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e grip does not offer the security of knowing “for sure” that my
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MANFROTTO BEFREE CARBON FIBER TRIPOD WITH BALL HEAD
Nathan Green | Product Editor
The Manfrotto BeFree Carbon is a great choice for anyone who is counting ounces when they are packing. The Carbon weighs 20% less than the aluminum version. It weighs in at 2.4 pounds and measures just under 16 inches long when stowed in its included padded storage bag. Those of us that have spent the time researching and the cash investing in light weight and packable gear will appreciate how this unit fits into your hunting arsenal. I was searching for a tripod that would offset the weight of my spotting scope while offering quick deployment. Obviously one of the main features necessary in a tripod would also be stability. This unit does all three. It offers adequate stability for my Swarovski STX 65 spotting scope, off sets the weight and is very quick to set up as well as stow. The Swarovski is over 14 inches long and weighs 60 oz. enough to really test the tripod. Together they are a great combination. The BeFree tripod is made up of 4 leg sections constructed of 100% carbon fiber that reach an expanded height of just under 56”. The legs are rigid, light weight and quieter than other aluminum tripods that I have used. For hunting applications I also like the dark coloring, while not camouflage it is much more discreet than similar aluminum models. One of the unique features of this tripod is the way that the center section folds into the the legs for storage. This arrangement keeps the ball head protected from damage and from snagging loops on your gear while trying to deploy or stow it. This also makes the unit in its stowed position very compact. The ball head has a quick release adaptor that also works with other Manfrotto products and mounts. The way this works is you install the plate to your optics or camera via the 1/4” screw and leave it attached. When you get the tripod set you simply click the plate into the ball head and turn the lever to secure it. It is quick, stable and very handy. The Befree Carbon is made in Italy by Manfrotto. It retails for $349.99. You can see all specs or purchase the BeFree here.
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MT-210
MINI-TAC PRO - 1 AA
This non-rechargeable Mini-TAC Pro light uses a CREE® LED and has a deep parabolic reflector creating a tight, long throw beam for distance illumination. With a waterproof design, it is constructed from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard anodized finish. The tail switch provides momentary or constant-on functionality, a set of user-selectable high, medium or low-brightness settings as well as a disorienting strobe. The light comes with a removable pocket clip and is powered by one included AA battery. This is a nice compact little light. Termed as an EDC (Every Day Carry) light. It offers 4 different use modes, is waterproof, impact and chemical resistant. A great personal duty or backup light, it will run for an hour and a half at full bright on just one AAA battery. It comes with a removable pocket clip and battery.
CLICK HERE Nathan Green | Product Editor
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secrets to
great guided
big game hunting
Make your guided hunt of a lifetime a smashing success. by Brock Ray Sooner or later, every hunter takes a serious look at going on a professionally guided big game hunt. Even the most stubbornly independent archers must use the services of a professional outfitter/guide if they want hunt anything in Canada, Mexico, or Africa. If you want to hunt for dangerous game such as grizzly bear in Alaska, or bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain goat, you must first make arrangements to do this at least once accompanied by aprofessional outfitter/guide. Before delving into the how’s and why’s of arranging a great guided big game hunt, let’s get all of the terminology in order. Many times outfitter and guide are used interchangeably, but they are two very different, but closely related items. Typically, an outfitter is the business end of a guided hunting operation. He’s the fellow who books hunters, makes deals for leases and hunting concessions on public land, secures the necessary permits, and owns the equipment and
horses. An outfitter may or may not be in your hunting camp, and he may or may not guide hunters. In Africa, outfitters are called professional hunters, or PH’s. In the southern states, outfitters are often known as lodge owners. The guide is usually an employee or partner of the outfitter. He’s your “guide” on the hunts, the fellow who helps get the horses ready, perhaps cooks, makes camp, helps you find your animals, and usually helps take care of your trophy. Contrary to what many hunters think, a guide is not a bond servant placed in a hunting camp solely to cater to their needs. The best way to get the most out of hunting guide is to share camp work with him just like you would with any hunting partner you might be on a hunting trip with. Some outfitters are small, one- to fiveman operations who specialize in hunting for one to three species of big game. On the other end of the spectrum is a handful of rather large outfitting businesses, such as those specializing in
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caribou hunting in northern Quebec. They may have several camps, and during hunting season employ 50 or more people to insure that their operations run smoothly.
people in the outfitting business. Sure there’s a sprinkling of crooks and lazy outfitters, but these are the exception.
Many times outfitters do their own booking and marketing, but many of the better-known big game outfitters rely on booking agents to take care of this. Typically, a large booking agent, handles big game hunt bookings for scores of individual outfitting businesses. The plus side of using a booking agent is the various outfitters’ operations have usually been thoroughly checked out, and meet a standard the booking agent takes pride in telling prospective hunters about.
This is not to say you should not do your homework and check out any prospective outfitter you might be interested in booking a hunt with. Initial contact usually results in you receiving a brochure outlining who the outfitter is, where he hunts, some of his past successes, as well as the dates and costs of the hunts he offers. Avoid any outfitter who does not willingly furnish you a reference list consisting of some of his past clients, plus his state guide/outfitting license number (and if applicable state or province outfitter association number).
Getting burned is the worse thing hunters fear when dealing with booking agents and outfitters. Like any business, the big game hunt business has its share of exceptionally good outfitters, mediocre outfitters, and not-so-great outfitters. Luckily, the good outfitters vastly outnumber the others. The reasons are simple. Outfitting and guiding hunters is not a business that will make anyone rich. It is a labor of love for most of the
Naturally, you will check at least a few of the names appearing on the list of past successes as references. However, bear in mind that even the most reputatable outfitter will list his most successful, and therefore happiest, customers. One thing I always do when checking out an outfitter is ask if the fellow on the reference list has names and telephone numbers of the other hunters who were in camp when he was there. Sometimes the not-
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so-lucky hunters can provide you with a more balanced appraisal of the service provided by the outfitter, the quality of the big game found in his hunting territory, food, condition of the equipment, and other questions you need to know. Also, make a call to the state or provincial wildlife agency and corresponding outfitters association. The last thing you need is to find yourself in a hunting camp which is under surveillance. Sure, it’s a long shot, but when you are spending $2,000 or more, plus investing a week or two of your time, it’s worth the time and effort to get a clean bill of health for your outfitter. Outfitters have a set rate for various types of hunts ranging from “fly-by-the-seatof-your-pants” spike camps, where you are dropped off and are responsible for everything from your own food to game care, to plush one-on-one guided hunts where fine wine is served with every evening meal. It is considered bad form to dicker on the price, although you are entitled to know as much as possible about what services are and are not covered in the price you pay. Key questions to ask w
include; who is responsible for all on-theground transportation and lodging incidental to the hunt, care of trophies and meat, and other possibly hidden charges. Experienced outfitters usually have all this information in their brochures, but never be embarrassed to ask questions about anything not clear to you. Under the best circumstance a hunt with a outfitter is a pleasurable experience where you have a great time, everything runs smoothly, and you bag the trophy you’ve dreamed about for years. However, guided hunts are never sure things, even when you are the best and have the best outfitter and guide. Reputable outfitters never guarantee a kill, but only guarantee to provide you with the best possible service and opportunities within their power. Keep this in mind, and remember, hunting is just that, hunting, and you will have a great time on your guided hunts.
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B I G
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Mexico Whitetail & Collared Peccary by Bob Foulkrod Over the years I have whitetail hunted south of the border on several occasions, but this hunt it had always been with a bow. Hunting Mexico for whitetail is remarkably like hunting much of Texas. It is an arid to semi-arid region located east of the Sierra Madre Mountains and is drained by the Rio Grande River where there is access to water for farming and livestock, primarily cattle, but for the most part this is an open range. The ranch we were hunting covered thousands of acres that was dotted the low growing mesquite trees that are some common to the region, and had an abundance of lower thorough
greenery, all of which was armed with needles or thorns. Were it not for the great whitetail hunting found there, I am not sure it is a place I would venture back to when on vacation. Meals at the plush ranch house were major events, and being quite fond of Mexican cuisine, I eagerly anticipated every opportunity to weld a fork and knife during my stay. Prior to dawn the first morning we loaded into the vehicles to explore the ranch to see what was going on with the whitetail. It was the peak of the rut there. According to my guide, the bucks were hotly pursuing does which were still hanging out in good numbers at the limited watering areas at the ranch as well as at the feed areas located near these opportunities for these animals to drink. Many hunters traveling to Mexico and Texas during the rut see this as a great opportunity to antler rattle in eager to spar bucks. It does work, but I do not believe that antler rattling is the way to get the biggest bucks on a property. Dominant bucks are already with ready to breed does, and while fighting may be amus-
ing to big antlered bullies, a hot doe is hard to leave just to give would-be suitors a black eye. Our plan was to roam the many miles of narrow dirt roads that crisscrossed the ranch, while keeping an eye out for doe and buck activity. The first day we saw loads of whitetail, but no buck of the size I was interested in taking on the first day of my Mexican hunt. This is not to say that the day was uneventful. Early in the afternoon while we were on foot exploring a ravine hidden
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from view from the road, we heard the cold chilling sound of a rattlesnake’s tail. It was as large as any rattlesnake that I have ever seen, measuring over seven feet long and at its largest girth was as big around as a muscular man’s forearm. Not wishing to encounter this beautifully marked viper again, we dispatched it, sending its snake soul to where ever it is that snake souls go when they meet an untimely end.
mesquites extended out like spokes on a wheel. It was a great vantage point that forced me to stay alert every second of the hunt.
Highly adaptable to living in many habitats, these pig-like animals are just as at home in the desert as they are in the deep rainforest.
The second day of the hunt began much the same as the first with us bouncing along dusty ranch road while nursing cups of coffee that we hoped to drink before they splashed all over us. The plan differed this morning. Before it was light, I was to locate inside a shooting house that was elevated ten feet above the ground. From this location, shooting lanes cut into the underbrush and
I quickly gained a keen appreciation for the folks who had located this stand and made the shooting lanes. To my left I spotted movement, and when I had turned enough to get a view, I saw two does completing a walk across a 20-feet wide shooting lane. In the blink of an eye, a huge, heavy antlered buck appeared, its head held and shoulder height and his nose leading the way. Shifting to the next shooting land to my right, I did a quick range calculation and readied by rifle, I had barely made the necessary preparations when the same pair of does emerged at the same speed I had seen them before. An instant later the big buck popped out, still in hot pursuit of the does. Fully
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prepared for this fleeting opportunity, I put the crosshairs on the passing buck. Squeezing the trigger, I watch the buck drop dead in his tracks, dying in a fashion I am sure the animal would have regarded as fitting. We wasted little making our way to my fallen trophy, which was an outstanding example of the Mexican whitetail. The guide told me that if we hurried and got the pictures we needed, it was possible to make it back to ranch house in time to have lunch. We made it there with time to spare and to plan an afternoon outing for javelina. While looking for whitetail at the ranch we had seen several bands of these native peccary. Getting one in a single afternoon did not seem to be too great an undertaking given their apparent abundance on the property. The javelina that are found on the ranch are the collared peccary, which are found the southwest of the United States all the couth through Central America and even further south to Argentina. Highly adaptable to living in many habitats, these piglike animals are just as at home in the desert as they are in the deep rainforest.
Hunters generally refer to these peccary as javelina, although they are sometimes called “musk hogs� because of the strong, gland produced odor released when these animals are alarmed. Contrary to common misconception, these animals are not closely related to swine. Javelinas have an exaggerated reputation for aggressiveness. They will defend themselves with their long tusks if they feel threatened but otherwise tend to ignore human beings. Generally these animals ignore human, even to the point of taking up residence in some suburbs in Mexico and US border states. As predicted, we had not looked long when a group of perhaps a dozen peccary raced out of tangle of undergrowth before us, disappearing into the next thicket almost as quickly as they had appeared. The dry ground was so hard that the javelina barely left a trail, However, between the pungent odor left behind and the noise these critters created, putting a stalk on them was not difficult. Within forty-five minutes I had bagged a couple of males with over-sized tusks.
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B A S S
F I S H I N G
Florida’s Winter Backwoods
Swamp Bassin’ The days may be cold now, but the fishing action is still warm if you take the low road. by Ed Rivers It’s never been much of a secret that the world’s best winter season bass fishing is
found in the swamp waters of the Sunshine State. Florida basks in the warm winter sun, and largemouth bass are
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B A S S
F I S H I N G
found in every lake, pond, and river. Even the earliest bass-fishing lure makers, such as James Heddon, Jr. and Jim Pfeffer, retreated south to Florida when winter winds blew, spending their winters casting to the stateยนs large-growing bass. Then, as now, the backcountry swamp waters brimmed with green- and silverflanked largemouth bass. Beginning in the dead of winter, fat-bellied sow bass look for shallow bedding areas, where they fan out nests used during February for spawning and rearing their offspring.
Some of Floridaยนs best winter bass fishing is found in well-known waters such as the Kissimmee lakes system and the fabled Saint Johns River. However, this is also where the crowds are found. For most off-road sportsmen, these are precisely the waters they wish to avoid, regardless of how good the fishing is. While the Sunshine State has more than its share of headline-grabbing lakes and rivers, it also has hundreds of lesserknown, less-often-fished backcountry waters that offer as good and, in many instances, better fishing than the better known waters.
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Finding Backcountry Waters Some of these seldom-fished waters are found on public lands, such as national forest or wildlife management area holdings. Still others are found on private land, especially tracts owned by large timber companies, which often allow anglers to access these waters for a small fee. Still other waters are found on tribal lands controlled by native Americans. Especially great to find are those re-
mote waters which, during the summer months, are overgrown with vines, briars, and sawtooth palmetto, as well as being infested with mosquitoes, pit vipers and other snakes and, of course, alligators. Such conditions keep all but the most insane bass anglers at bay. During the winter, these waters are more accessible. However, the roads/trails used to access these waters are hell on earth to inexperienced off-roaders. Mak-
ing a backcountry trek to the forenoted prime fishing holes is not for the faint of heart, or those not prepared for swampy off-road travel. Florida may not get much in the way of snow and ice during January and February, and balmy temperatures in the 70- to 80-degree range are not unusual. But so is rain, which often falls several days a week during these “rainy season” months. It is rarely warm enough at this time for the ground to become dry and firm between rains. Car topping is a favorite way to explore these backcountry waters. Lightweight, two-man aluminum or ABS plastic johnboats and canoes, equipped with small outboard or electric trolling motors, are perfect for prowling the hidden sluices and troughs. If you are adventurous, fish from the banks or when wading; both
work well, especially at beaver ponds and creeks. Bank fishing like this is virtually impossible during the summer, and it is a mistake to pass such small waters. They have incredible reputations for holding bass so large that they could make your eyes pop from your head. One word of caution when wading the banks of these swampy fishing holes— wearknee-high, snakebite-proof boots. True, most troublesome pit vipers such as the rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth are not particularly active during January and February. However, these pests are remarkably active on sunny days when catching a few “rays” is one of their favorite pastimes. Bassin’ With Ease Catching backcountry bass is not the most difficult angling you are likely to
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encounter in your life—in fact, if could be the easiest, as many of these hawgs have never seen their first hook. Since they reside in remote locations, these fish have been insulated from the anglers who spend many hours educating largemouth bass to the ways of the barbed hook. While a ten-pound bass in Lake Kissimee has probably been caught or hooked a hundred times in its life, and has had literally thousands of lures pulled by its nose, a fish of the same size and age found in a swamp-country puddle may never have seen its first fraudulent offering. When making backcountry treks for largemouth bass, I like to keep my tackle box as simple as possible. Artificials include an assortment of shallow running Storm Rattlin’ Thin Fin (green, silver, and shad), RapalaOriginial Floater (chartreuse, perch, and gold), and Bill Lewis Lures Rat-L-Trap (chrome, Tennessee shad/green, and pumpkin shad). Other shallow offerings carried include a selection of 1/2-ounce spinnerbaits, such as Mann’s Hank Parker Classic Spinnerbait and Hart’s Double Throb/Double Willow (yellow, chartreuse and yellow).
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For probing deeper areas, nothing tops soft plastic baits, particularly Zorro Bait’s Ninny Craw (black sparkle/chartreuse, smoke pepper, and grape electric), and Berkley’s Power Bait’s Power Leech and Power Sand Worm (motor oil, pumpkinseed, and black/gold). These, along with 1/2-ounce jigs tipped with pork rinds, are all you need to entice strikes from deepwater holding bass. Top-water action is not particularly prevalent during January and February, although on warm, sunny days these fish relish smashing baits offered on the surface. Proven favorites on these waters include Heddon’s Zara Spook (silver flitter shad, firetiger, and G-finish blue shad), and Rebel’s Pop-R. The latter is deadly on large bass located in shallow shoreline areas. The Better The Weather Winter bass found in Florida’s waters respond strongly to the weather. Generally speaking, the better the weather, the better the fishing. Mild, stable temperatures are conducive to predictable fish feeding activity. Unlike other times of the year, when the first hours of morning and the last hours of day usually provide the best catches, at this
time of year the largemouth bass are more civilized. Under most conditions, the best winter catches occur between mid-morning and mid-afternoon—the most pleasant times of the day. Casting accuracy is also a key to successfully catching Florida’s lunker swamp-country bass. At this time of year, these game fish are fond of holding extremely tight to covers such as stumps, root tangles, weedy edges, submerged shell beds, deadfalls, and submerged weed beds. Water temperatures are at their coldest for the year. Many times—though not always—this results in slowed movement on the part of the bass. Drawing a strike often requires literally presenting a lure right on the nose of your finned quarry. Correctly pulling the right lure or bait by a resting swamp country bass seldom goes unrewarded. If you are wondering what in the world to do to keep from letting “cabin fever” drive you crazy this winter, think swamp country bass fishing. One of America’s most overlooked and exciting winter sports, swamp bassin’ may be just the winter tonic you need.
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F L Y
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Curing Cabin Fever
by Craig Haney
Traditions are a regular part of our lives. Usually we don¹t think about them that much—they just happen when and where and how they should. It might be cousin Alice bringing the blackberry crumble to the family reunion every year, Mom making her sinfully good pecan pie at Thanks-
giving and Christmas, or just getting a Coke and a Little Debbie snack on the way home from the trout stream. Usually, we don¹t know how they got started or why; we just know they are traditions.
I remember very well how one of my favorite traditions, the cabin fever trip,
got started. It was quite a few years ago, when I was much younger and considerably more mad at the fish. Deer season had been over for several weeks and, even though the thermometer on my deck read 28 degrees, I really wanted to go fishing. Worse than that, I really NEEDED to go fishing. I called my buddy Larry to see if he wanted to head to the Cahaba River. Fortunately, he did. The ravages of cabin fever were about to be thwarted. When Larry got to my place, we loaded the canoe and our gear and eagerly took off for the river. I would like to report we caught a number of fish, with some of them being better than average, but we did not catch a single fish and pretty much froze our tails off in the aluminum canoe. Overall, the trip was a success. About a hour in, we decided we probably were as dumb as we looked fishing in a metal boat in water not too far away from freezing. We found a place to beach the canoe, got out, and gathered some wood for a small, but toasty, fire. The steaming dark coffee we brought in two thermoses warmed our insides, while
the fire warmed our outsides. We spent a couple of hours talking about fishing trips remembered and of trips yet to come. After getting home to a hot shower and a big bowl of chili, I realized my symptoms of cabin fever had disappeared. The fishing trip was the right prescription at the right time and it had unlimited refills. Preventative Medicine Cabin fever trips have become an important part of my winter planning. I tend to think of them as preventative medicine. Some are simple and close to home with a buddy, while others are more involved and may include a five-hour drive to get the cure. There are several keys to a successful cabin fever trip. One of the secrets is to go with low expectations, at least as far as catching fish is concerned. After all. depending on where you live, it could be 30 to 35 degrees during the warmest part of the day, when the fish are most active. Is talking about 30 degree days and active fish an oxymoron? For me, this is when the trip is less about catch
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ing fish and more about everything else coming together to make a great trip. Another key ingredient is who you invite to share the cure with you. Make sure they will enjoy being knee deep in a creek in less than ideal temperatures, and won¹t get bummed out if the fishing is less than what it is when the yellow sallies are coming off later in the year. Over the years, I¹ve built up a list of those I¹ll call when I start planning a trip. Of the 10 to 12 friends that have gone in the past, we can usually get together a good group, whether we need 3 or 4 or 7 or 8. Trip Structure The trip is definitely loosey-goosey, with no set schedule other than when we eat at the cabin. You fish where you want to and when you want. Some of us bring fly-tying gear, in case we run out of “secret flies” or old standards. Some are designated cooks, some designated dishwashers. The important thing is that we get along, and everyone always seems ready for the next trip. It might be argued by some that food is the most important component of
the fishing, fellowship, and food combo that we try to stir up for a successful trip. Some great dishes have been conjured up during these trips, and have become standard fare for us. Nantahala chili is one such dish, and has become a group favorite with an iron skillet or two of cornbread on the side. We¹ll generally grill steaks another night, served with Missy¹s locally famous, honest-to-goodness, real hash browns with her secret seasoning. Many have said they would rather give up the steaks than the hash browns. Breakfast is usually a real treat, with country ham, local fresh sausage, and Steve¹s made-from-scratch biscuits, served with homemade jelly made from local blackberries. We do not believe in a heart-healthy diet on these trips. Just writing about the food, I feel like I¹ve gained 2 pounds. There you have it—Dr. Feelgoods¹ prescription for cabin fever. It can be filled most anywhere and is guaranteed not to cause cancer in laboratory mice.
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CANINE CARE
What is hip dysplasia? Provided by Drs. Smith and Foster
To understand hip dysplasia we must have a basic understanding of the joint that is being affected. The hip joint forms the attachment of the hind leg to the body and is a ball and socket joint. The ball portion is the head of the femur while the socket (acetabulum) is located on the pelvis. In a normal joint the ball rotates freely within the socket. To facilitate movement the bones are shaped to perfectly match each other; with the socket surrounding the ball. To strengthen the joint, the two bones are held together by a strong ligament. The ligament attaches the femoral head directly to the acetabulum. Also, the joint capsule, which is a very strong band of connective tissue, encircles the two bones adding further stability. The area where the bones actually touch each other is called the articular surface. It is perfectly smooth and cushioned with a layer of spongy cartilage. In addition,
the joint contains a highly viscous fluid that lubricates the articular surfaces. In a dog with normal hips, all of these factors work together to cause the joint to function smoothly and with stability. Hip dysplasia is associated with abnormal joint structure and a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the joint. As joint laxity develops, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint is called a subluxation, and this causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces. Most dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips but due to their genetic makeup (and possibly other factors) the soft tissues that surround the joint develop abnormally causing the subluxation. It is this subluxation and the remodeling of the hip that leads to the symptoms we associate with this disease. Hip dysplasia may or may not be bilateral; affecting both the right and/or left hip.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia? Dogs of all ages are subject to hip dysplasia and the resultant osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort during and after exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without intervention, these dogs may eventually be unable to walk. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to show until the middle or later years in the dog’s life. The symptoms are similar to those seen with other causes of arthritis in the hip. Dogs often walk or run with an altered gait. They may resist movements that require full extension or flexion of the rear legs. Many times, they run with a ‘bunny hopping’ gait. They will show stiffness and pain in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning. They may also have difficulty climbing stairs. In milder cases dogs will warm-up out of the stiffness with movement and exercise. Some dogs will limp and many will become less willing to participate in normal daily activities. Many owners attribute the
changes to normal aging but after treatment is initiated, they are surprised to see a more normal and pain-free gait return. As the condition progresses, most dogs will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up. Who gets hip dysplasia? Hip dysplasia can be found in dogs, cats, and humans, but for this article we are concentrating only on dogs. In dogs, it is primarily a disease of large and giant breeds. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards appear to have a higher incidence, however, these are all very popular breeds and may be over represented because of their popularity. On the other hand, sighthounds such as the Greyhound or the Borzoi have a very low incidence of the disease. This disease can occur in medium-sized breeds and rarely in small breeds. It is primarily a disease of purebreds although it can happen in mixed breeds, particularly if it is a cross of two dogs that are prone to developing the disease.
BOW PREVIEW
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AREN
THE SUPER-DELUXE, slightly bigger brother of the Arena 30, the new Arena 34 adds four inches to the axle-to-axle length but still retains a 6.5-inch brace height sweet spot for an obscene level of speed, comfort and forgiveness. Bar none, this one stands to become the premier choice of ground hunters and 3D shooters who’ve long known exactly what balances out a truly perfect hunting bow. At only 4 pounds, think light. But not so light it compromises noise, shock or vibration. Again, it’s all about perfect balance. Now check the technology when compared to the price. Pretty obvious that one’s so weighted in your favor it borders on the unfair.
NA 34
GUN PREVIEW
A-Bolt Medallion BEAUTY AND THE BEAST In the world of Browning, the name "Medallion" is not tossed around lightly. Medallion means beauty, strength and function. The A-Botl Medallion epitomizes this idea offering a beautiful rifle with high gloss Walnut and blueing in a package with a super strong and accurate action. STOCK The high grade Walnut stock with detailed checkering provides classic good looks. A durable gloss finish provides protection and enhances the natural beauty of the hardwood. ACTION/BARREL Durable polished blued steel for a striking appearance. Button-rifled barrel is triple checked for quality and individually hand chambered and air gauged to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Glass bedding provides stable and precise fit for the action, eliminating accuracy degrading physical stress. Drilled and tapped for scope mounts - optic ready platform
The target Crown enables the uniform release of gas ta as the bullet exits the barrel, preventing a shift in trajectory. The Crown is recessed to protect it from accidental damage that degrades accuracy.
60° bolt lift keeps the thumb and fingers clear of the scope when cycling the action and allows the bolt to be operated in a smoother/quicker motion.
Free floated barrel eliminates contact interference from the fore-end, enabling the superior barrel craftsmanship to perform consistently and accurately.
Top-tang safety offers easy accessibility without removing your firing hand from the stock. The shooter can quickly manipulate the safety, or verify the position of the safety, without losing your sight picture or cheek weld.