43879 owu magazine issue 3

accept no limits

OUTDOOR WOMEN UNLIMITED Fall/Winter 2015

outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Blazin the Trail

Women Who Make A Difference

Grace, Guns And Gear

Outdoors & Education

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2 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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features

8

8 Blazin the Trail

From past pioneers to today’s trailblazers...

30

30 Food & Flame

Cooking in the Heartland of Alabama

56 Grace, Guns & Gear The Must Have List for Every Outdoor Woman

38 Outdoors & Education

OWU All Girls Venture Crew Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

24 Travel & Trails

24

Preserving Paradise FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 3

departments 4

Calender of Events

5

Editor’s Note

8-15

Blazin the Trail

16-17 OWU in the USA

On The Cover

18

calendar

36

Women in the Field Outdoors & Education

56-57 New Product Update

OWU Venture Crew 380 L-R Emily Powell, Tori Jackson, Alexus Jackson, Justine Meadows (center)

JANUARY 8-10

ATA Trade Show Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

20-23

NSSF Shot Show and Conference Sands Expo and Convention Center Las Vegas, NV

23-25 Women’s 9th Annual Smuggs Ice Bash Introduction To Ice Climbing Clinic. Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont

http://www.smuggsicebash.com/saturday-january-25-clinic/

FEBRUARY 12-15

NWTF 39th Annual Convention and Sport Show Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Nashville, TN

14

Leave No Trace Trainer Course. Camp Tukabatchee Prattville, AL. Contact: https://lnt.org or Email: Skip Essman: lessman@bellsouth.net or Rob Pinkston: robpinkston79@yahoo.com.

28

Outdoor Women Unlimited Southern Classic Traditional/Crossbow Archery and More!

Bennett’s Archery Center. Wetumpka, AL. Contact: bawhunt@aol.com Registration Opens 1/5/15.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” - Harriet Truman

Dream .... Follow .... Learn .... Lead .....

“Accept No Limits”!!!

Outdoor Women Unlimited ... challenging today's women to focus on the opportunities in the outdoor adventure. OWU provides a unique outdoor program that educates women in many outdoor skills.

Contact Us: Rebecca A. Wood, Executive Director Post Office Box 1292, Wetumpka, AL 36092 bawhunt@aol.com

outdoorwomenunlimited.org

21-3/1 Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW)

Costa Rican Adventure Want To Escape The Gray Cold Days Of Winter?

Want To See A Rainforest Up Close And Personal?

Contact Sterling Strathe: sstrathe@tds.net

MARCH 7-9

APRIL 9-12

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BOW Workshop Alabama 4-H Center. Columbiana, AL Contact: marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov

NRA Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

editor’s note “It thus emerges that for young people and adults alike, outdoor adventure is perceived as a vehicle for building values and ideas for developing creativity and enterprise, for enhancing a sense of citizenship, and for widening physical and spiritual horizons.” - Lord Hunt of Lianfar.

accept no limits

OUTDOOR WOMEN UNLIMITED Executive Director/Editor/Publisher Rebecca A. Wood

Life is about making choices. When you are a leader it is so important to be aware and keen on seeing needs that exist in your program. It is also important to recognize the interests within your membership and with individuals who are impacted by your mission or passion.

A keen sense, much like a hunter on a hunt, is necessary for a productive harvest. When it is time to approach, being alert to the surroundings and acutely aware of what needs to be done to “take care of business,” is as significant to caring for the pack.

Managing Editor Whitney Wood Hurt, JD

Assistant Managing Editor Lisa McNeil

Special Assignments/Media Specialist Robert Hill Pinkston III

Design/Printing/Mailing McQuick Printing Company

Photography

When my daughter and I created Outdoor Women Unlimited, we saw a need for a place for women to learn and enjoy the outdoor adventure. Growing up hunting, fishing, camping and hiking were seeds planted at early ages in our lives. We discovered many teen age girls and women (of all ages) were missing out on the opportunity to experience what we had been blessed to learn and share together.

Nate McKenzie Photography

Piece by piece, we created Outdoor Women Unlimited, an organization dedicated to providing women and families with the education and the excitement of outdoor experiences through teaching outdoor life skills, sharing the knowledge of our natural resources, building self esteem, strengthening character, and promoting self-reliance in a safe and professional environment. This is the mission of OWU.

Robert Hill Pinkston III

Kenneth Boone Fletcher Scott

Board Members Lisa McNeil John Martin Jennifer Meadows Rusty Morrow

As each tier was tackled, OWU developed a way to encourage young women ages 14-21 to become involved in our adventure. BE CREATIVE! By taking the road less traveled, we partnered with BSA and chartered a Venture Crew for girls. Our Venture Crew 380 initiative is based upon the concepts of OWU but in its own arena. Thus, the transition into OWU will be easier with a broader base of opportunity in the outdoors. By teaching outdoor skills to the girls, we are developing leaders in the field to mentor and carry the tradition of the GREAT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE! This issue of BLAZE is dedicated to OWU Venture Crew 380!

Howard Williams Matthew Senn

Contributing Writers Brian McCombie Brian Rodgers Rebecca Wood Whitney W. Hurt, JD Chip McEwen Ken Cook Patricia G. Johnson Fletcher Scott Kenneth Boone Daniel G. Toole Joella Bates Donna Leonard David Rainer Thomas E. Harms

OWU Mission Statement

OWU is an organization dedicated to providing women and families with the education and the excitement of the outdoor experience through teaching outdoor life skills, sharing the knowledge of our natural resources, while building self esteem, strengthening individual character, and promoting self-reliance in a safe and professional environment.

Definition of BLAZE(n)

1a: an intensely burning fire b: intense direct light often accompanied by heat <the blaze of TV lights> c: an active burning; especially: a sudden bursting forth of flame 2: something that resembles the blaze of a fire: as a: a dazzling display <a blaze of color> b: a sudden outburst <a blaze of fury> <went down in a blaze of glory> 3. (v) - an accomplishment of a task, challenge, or goal in an outdoor activity: to harvest a trophy game; to break a target or clay; to hit a bullseye; to catch a trophy fish <blazed the turkey> <blazing through the clays> Outdoor Women Unlimited would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to our supporters and believers: Brian McCombie, NRA, Weatherby, Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., Southwick Associates, Winchester Ammunition, International Paper, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Outdoor Alabama, SAT-C, Donna Leonard, Jim and Bobbie Parsons.

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Robert Hill Pinkston III Beth Merkle Bobbie Wallace Parsons Marissa Futral Shannon Bost

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BLAZE, Outdoor Women Unlimited, Post Office Box 1292, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092. Contact Outdoor Women Unlimited: bawhunt@aol.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the organization. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2015 Outdoor Women Unlimited

®

ACCEPT NO LIMITS

FALL/WINTER 2015 outdoorwomenunlimited.org

“The official page of Outdoor Women Unlimited” FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 5

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Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

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Blazin the The desire to explore is a natural attribute that exists within each of us. It is our nature to seek answers and respond. However, passion is the driving force to prepare for the journey. With the adventure comes preparation and sacrifice. Women understand. However, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;call of the wildâ&#x20AC;? may be of necessity rather than adventure.

8 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

–From past pioneers to today’s trailblazers... women who made a difference in the outdoors

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 9

ALABAMA

Shannon Bost

M

y father was an officer in the Army and our family moved quite a bit. By the time I graduated from high school, I had attended nine different schools. Perhaps my ability to adapt to new environments became natural through the military lifestyle.

My mother loved and owned horses before I was born. My earliest memories revolved around riding and working in the horse barn. By three years of age, I was riding on my own. We had an old sweet mare named Pride. Pride would put her head down for me so I could slide on the hackamore. I would lead her over to a fence and climb up the rungs and onto her back. Pride and I would ride through the pasture until we were summoned home. During my high school years of training and competing in horseshows, I began to realize how much I enjoyed the outdoor adventure.

10 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

However, my love of horses was the Even though the task may seem to be a extent of my outdoor activity. challenge, you are not alone. Women in today’s world live and work a lifestyle Being a self professed city girl, I never that limits their time for personal achieveenvisioned what existed beyond the hori- ment. However, outdoor women’s organizon. Little did I realize that my husband zations like Outdoor Women Unlimited, of ten years would be the one to motivate BOW and others, understand the chalmy desire for the outdoor adventure. lenge and therefore, consider schedules that work for all. Don’t give up on yourMoving to the country created a distur- self. You are worth the investment. bance in my resilient ability to adapt. Yet, I could see the love and passion in his When I began my work with the Girls eyes for our 150 acres . The willingness to Scouts, it was my way to give back. Take step outside became a reality. His men- every opportunity that is offered to you. torship, complimented by patience and Where there is no opportunity; create understanding, opened my eyes to all that one. Blaze your own trail!

I had been missing. My outdoor activities are no longer limited to horses. New Along the way, I competed with other adventures include hunting, fishing, boat- women in an extreme outdoor challenge ing, archery, hiking, camping, and more. event. The television series, Ammo and Attitude, aired on Pursuit Channel. In As I became more involved in outdoor many ways, it was a memorable experiactivities, I began to attend instructional ence, both spiritually and secular. Sharing and training events. Moving into a dif- outdoor adventures with other women ferent venue of opportunity, I fuels a spirit of camaraderie. Often times discovered that women have the new challenges strengthen our faith become a marketing target in and provide encouragement to reach out the outdoor industry. Why? We for support and friendship. The rewards are the largest growing segment are vast and above all, new connections with youth hanging close to our side. to other opportunities create another link to our growth and development in the For women to be taken seriously, we field. must remain true to ourselves. For example, if you feel you are in a situation that Through the years, I have realized the does not feel comfortable, back away. need to mentor, give back! Blazin’ the Remember this; there are no stupid ques- trail to find information about instructions. Professionals in the field, who are tor certification classes, inspired me to passionate about the outdoor adven- become an instructor in the field. I attendture, will share their knowledge to ed certification courses, which included help you achieve . But keep in mind, classroom and field training. As a volunknowledge is power and with power teer instructor, I could share my knowlcomes responsibility. Mentoring to edge and experience with other women. other women, who are willing to take the risk in an outdoor adventure, is a My areas of certification include, NRA must to continue the tradition that we Pistol, NRA Chief Safety Range Officer, all know and love.

NRA Personal Protection in the Home, NRA Eddie the Eagle Volunteer Instructor, Encouragement is an important part of Level 1 and 2 Archery Certification, BOW building self-esteem and confidence in Volunteer Instructor, Pro Staff position the outdoor environment. Conversing with various outdoor industries, local with other women is both entertaining chapter coordinator of The Well Armed and engaging. The best form of adver- Woman, Field Executive for the Girls tisement is word of mouth because the Scouts of Alabama, Co-Founder of message can be controlled. By keeping Preying Angels and member/volunteer an open mind, I am enjoying outdoor of many other community service groups skills that I never dreamed I would like throughout the state. to explore.

I would like to encourage women of Organizations such as Outdoor Women all ages to become involved in learnUnlimited are instrumental in provid- ing about the exciting opportunities in ing ladies the opportunity to try new the Great Outdoors. Outdoor Women things in a safe women friendly environ- Unlimited provided me with the outdoor ment. Along with professional courteous education to ‘Accept No Limits.” Just do instructors in the field, women motivate it! one another to aspire to achieve.

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

I

t’s a long drive from the rural suburbs of Chicago to the Northwood’s of Wisconsin or at least it seemed that way to a young girl in her early teens.

Several years we made this family pilgrimage; Mom, Dad, my sister and I. We would put the family dog in the kennel and leave early morning long before the sunrise.

We were heading to Hayward, Wisconsin for a week of fishing and family time in the outdoors. This was not a “roughing it” trip. However, my sister and I had to share a bedroom. Just for the record, for two girls, only 17 month, apart, it seemed like a week in prison.

During our first trip, I learned my father had firearms. I remember helping pack the car the night before and Dad putting in a case of clays. When I asked what those were, he told me they were for shooting shotguns and the lodge had a range and thrower that we would be able to use. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I had” high hopes” it would be fun.

After several days of Muskie fishing it was time for an afternoon at the range. We loaded up the shotgun took the ammo and the clays down the tree lined road.

Once we got to our destination we found an old manual thrower and bench. Dad explained to my sister and I how everything worked and the basics of firearm safety. The shotgun was a 12 ga Belgium made Browning with what I affectionately referred to as a ‘dial a duck choke system.” Since then I have learned it is a

If you would have asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would have never said a woman in the outdoor industry.

Twenty-one years ago, when I was looking for a career change, I answered an ad in the newspaper for a company looking for customer service help. I started working for that company (a hunting distributor) a few weeks later and remained for 18 years. I had

no idea how much that job would shape my life.

Early on I recall the guys coming in on Monday mornings and talking about the hunting they did over the weekends.

Stories of family or friends enjoying the outdoors and harvesting nature’s bounty, annual wild game potlucks were an education in cuisine.

Once or twice a year one of the manufactures would hold a product clinic at the range for us. I did my best to hide my awkwardness with the product as I was somewhat embarrassed of my lack of experience. You see when you work in the industry everyone assumes you know how to handle firearms. I knew the basics of firearms safety but my no means was an experienced handler. Finally I set aside my pride and asked one of the guys for help. After a few more of the clinics I had it down and was ready for the next step.

Luck was on my side when I was asked to participate in a Wyoming antelope hunt sponsored by one of our vendors.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect first big game experience for me. Everyone went out of their way to make sure I had the right equipment and support to harvest my first big game. There are things that guys just don’t have to think about when hunting and also, guides that would rather not have women in camp.

When I think of some of the disasters I have encountered since that first hunt I am even more grateful to have had the right first experience.

Today when opportunity presents itself I jump at the chance to make a difference in another ladies first hunt. I have returned several times to the outfitter in Wyoming when he Continued on page 12

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 11

NEBRASKA

Beth Merkle

poly-choke, an external choke that you can turn to adjust – no tubes or wrenches needed. Dad showed us how the thrower worked and when we should pull the rope. I’m sure it took us more than one time to get the timing right, Dad saying pull and me getting the clay flying at the right time. Then it was my turn. Dad gave me the shotgun and showed me how it worked. I don’t recall what happened next but I am sure I ended up 5 feet from where I started. A 12 gauge shotgun might have been a little much for my thin frame but I didn’t care, I was spending time with my Dad. We adjusted the choke and Dad stood right behind me for support and I gave it another shot. I know I hit a few during that first outing and I don’t think my sister even tried.

ALABAMA

Beth Merkle Continued from page 11

had other inexperienced women and families in camp. Truthfully, I am there more for them than I am for myself. I stand back and listen for concerns or watch for those same uncertainties that I used to have.

Hunting is different for women. The hunt is not as much about the kill as it is about the harvest. It is about spending time outdoors and watching everything that is happening around you. Learning to have patience and follow directions. Most women, I know, take time to thank God for a successful hunt and for providing everything needed to survive. Remember the journey; not the kill.

One of my journeys took me to Alabama to guide/mentor for a group of young women who belonged to Outdoor Women Unlimited. I enjoyed watching the joy in the young ladies faces when we would return at night to learn who was successful. My mind traveled back to the days of my youth as I listened to the stories of their hunts. To hear them share about their time sitting in the blind;

some read books, some slept, and some role. Pioneering the trail has not been an easy task. Ten years ago a woman in watched the birds fly by. hunting camp was an oddity. There are a By sharing my knowledge and experience few rough edges, but we’re working hard in the field, I hope I made a difference in to get there. their outdoor adventure and hopefully, in their lives as well. I explained how they In 2012, I made a second trip to Africa can be successful in work and in the field. with four of my best friends; a hunting Most importantly, I explained that nothing adventure unheard of, not so long ago. is out of reach if you are willing to work Women are making a difference both in hard for it! the field and in the office. Identify your passions and what you enjoy doing in the Social media has allowed me to stand outdoors. (ie. fishing, archery, camping, back and watch a few of these young hunting, shooting). Find your niche and ladies grow and mature. They are now master it! Next, GIVE BACK! Take a kid in college. They have relationships and outdoors and teach him/her to respect it. are starting to find their way in life. More Blaze a path for others to follow. importantly they are all still connected to the outdoors. Someday those young I am blessed to work in an industry of ladies might be mothers taking their sons friends, many of whom I consider family. or daughters on their first hunts, sharing I believe it is more important to give than to receive. And by the way, the Browning in the experience. shotgun – it is in my safe now. Dad gave Twenty-one years ago, only a handful it to me on my last trip home. It will ride of women in the shooting sports indus- with me to my next pheasant hunt. Bird or try existed. In today’s outdoor market, not, I will always have the memory of the almost every company that I am in con- journey beside me. tact has a woman in a key leadership

the years, I have hunted with a large number of women and men. I have not observed much difference in their hunting activities. The focus should be that hunting is not gender based. The priority should be on the importance of family value in sharing the outdoor adventure together.

Everyone has their own unique perspective to add to the outdoor activity.

Marisa Lee Futral

O

ne of my most favorite, outdoor experiences is competition shooting in all types of sporting events.

Whether it is sporting clays, 3-D archery, or a unique event such as Field and Stream’s Total Outdoorsman’s Challenge, I am content and at my best!

Women who enjoy the outdoors, discover new and exciting values in their personal goals and achievements. Over 12 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

come along with us and sit in the stand, she agreed.

After six hunting trips, she harvested her first deer. Obviously, she became another licensed hunter in the woods. In fact, she introduced her daughter to the sport and both became avid hunters in the field.

Growing up in a family that shares the outdoor adventure is a completely different way of life than for those who never did. Therefore, the first experience for a person must be the most memorable. Hosting the event means to make the accommodations enjoyable and the TAKE SOMEONE NEW goals reachable.

HUNTING WITH YOU! Women, who have not been fishing, hunt- Working in the field of conservation eduing or shooting, may be hesitant to ven- cation, I have organized several outdoor ture out. When, in reality, all they need is hunting and shooting opportunities for women. My areas of expertise focus on, an invitation. but not limited to, hunter education, For example, while I was working at shooting sports and hunting in the field.

Alabama Wildlife Federation I had an Helping others to improve their shooting encounter that was quite interesting. My skills has been an area of training that job consisted of organizing hunts for first I have received the most rewards. To time women hunters. One of my co- witness the moment the shooter/hunter workers had never been hunting; so I breaks the first target or harvests the first asked her if she would like to attend. deer, humbles me to be thankful for the Without hesitation, she declined. When opportunity to have been a part of a I approached her with the opportunity to memory that will last a lifetime.

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

) U W O ( d e t i m i l n U e en h t m e o r a h W s r e o n o i d z t a u g a O m E Z A L B d n a

T A E H with

And the winner is...

Kristie McEwen Kristie McEwen, winner of the Weatherby BLAZE rifle and Rebecca Wood.

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 13

ALABAMA

7 millimeter bullet selections would be adequate for most any animal that I might hunt. In his opinion, there was just a “little bit of magic” in the caliber.

Jim shopped around and found a 7 x 57 Steyr-Mannlicher. I tried it and loved it!

Thus began a third passion, hunting with my “Little Seven!” Little did I know how many adventures my “Little Seven” and I would have!

It traveled with me from Africa (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Central African Republic) to North America (Alaska, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Alberta(Canada) and, of course, Alabama). From antelope to zebra, it has never failed. All the failings have been mine.

While I have many fond memories of trips to Africa, not all of my trips have been for hunting. My sister, Lee and I ,had a mutual love for the outdoor adventure. I believe we are born with a spirit that tugs on our heart strings to step outside; to explore the outdoor adventure with passion and vigor. The thirst is never quenched. She and I seemed to share that philosophy as we hiked into the Veranga Mountains to see one of the gorilla families habituated by the late Diane Fossey. We stood in awe, heads down and lips closed over teeth (exposing teeth is a sign of aggression in the gorilla world) as instructed, quite a few successful hunts! The first day while a large silver back male watched I walked beside my grandmother, with protectively as several females and a tumher 410 clinched tightly in her delicate bling baby passed within a few feet. hands, I knew then I wanted to grow up and be “just like her.”

However, some of my most memorable

Bobbie Wallace Parsons

G

rowing up in the small southeastern town of Clayton, Alabama, Saturday afternoons were usually spent at the movies. My two favorite movies were Tarzan and Roy Rogers. I think that’s where and when my love affairs with, hunting, Africa and horses began. I have been blessed to have been able to pursue these passions.

My earliest memories of the outdoors were my days shared with my grandparents on the farm in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

My maternal grandmother introduced me to the sport of squirrel hunting and fishing the Warrior River. We would spend all day on that river and, later, clean the fish and cook our meal on the river bank.

Fish and hushpuppies were one of my favorite combos. Those were days when a woman’s invitation to hunting/fishing camp was limited. However, my grandmother did not seem to mind.

Aware of my young age and eagerness to learn, my maternal grandmother was cautious about putting a shotgun in my hands till I became more familiar with the predator/prey concept. Becoming the best squirrel dog in the county, gained me 14 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

These were days when hunting and fishing were a means of providing food for the family. I loved the outdoors and enjoyed exploring the rivers, hills and valleys of Green County, Alabama.

When I met my husband, Jim Parsons, we were students at the University of Alabama. We were first introduced on a blind date by a mutual friend. Our second date, we were at the shooting range!! Jim became my mentor in shooting sports and nurtured my skills. My confidence and self reliance challenged my abilities to try new outdoor adventures.

Africa was calling! In 1982, Jim and I began planning our first African safari. Our good friend Judge John Bryan, a well known gun expert, suggested I should use as my all purpose gun a 7 x 57. Judge Bryan felt it would provide enough “knock down” power while keeping the recoil tolerable for me. He felt the

outdoor experiences included my sister, Lee and several of my close girlfriends.

Our trips had “No Limits”! The girls discovered riding to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on mules or swimming the Amazon River in Peru were a re-birth of kindred spirits that would last a lifetime.

Women love and enjoy sharing the outdoor adventure. Whether it is hiking the Appalachian Trail, swimming the Amazon, fishing Lake Erie, trail riding in the Rockies, hunting game in Africa or Alabama, or canoeing/kayaking in Montana, mentoring is the key to continue the legacy for future generations.

One of my closest friends of many years, Carolyn Ray, is an equestrian. Over the years, she and I have mentored each other in our outdoor adventures. Her expertise and knowledge of horses along with our love for protecting their heritage have become our new adventure in the outdoors.

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

However, Carolyn, never found hunting a sport she had to do. Jim continued to encourage her to try target shooting, which she loved. We invited her to go on an Arkansas duck hunt and she was enthralled with wing shooting. Jim and I loved going out west to shoot prairie dogs.

Carolyn agreed to go on one of those trips.

Once engaged, Carolyn discovered she loved long distance shooting..

Over the years, I have reflected upon the memories realizing that my love for the outdoor challenge has always been a part of who I am. However, I needed the right person to foster my desire and challenge my goals.

Mentoring through education provides the first step for women. When Rebecca Wood, Founder, Executive Director, met with Jim and I, she shared the mission of Soon I got the itch to go to Africa again.

Outdoor Women Unlimited. We were very I asked Carolyn if she was interested excited to learn that OWU’s infrastructure to make the trip. I will never forget her included a diverse venue of opportunities response. She said, “ Bobbie, I will need to try deer hunting to see if I can shoot for women to learn or advance in outdoor something that has those “big brown skills/activities. OWU is the “first step” to eyes.” Once she harvested her first white- “Accept No Limits.” tail, she was addicted!

Carolyn and I have shared many hunting Women find strength and encouragement adventures. The “little bit of magic” we through camaraderie of close knit friends both carry has given us memories that and companions. Perhaps it is part of our will be in our hearts and minds for many nature. Through Jim’s encouragement, years. patience and knowledge, my passion for hunting and shooting sports exploded.

Bobbie Wallace Parsons, daughter of George Wallace, four time governor of Alabama and Lurleen Wallace, first lady governor of Alabama, is a lady who chose her own path of accomplishments. In the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, women in hunting/shooting sports were few in number.

Bobbie soon staked her claim and the rest is history. Southern charm and grace captures the twinkle in her eye as she shared her story with me. Humbled by her blessings of opportunity, Bobbie gathered her memoirs and wrote a book titled Journal of a lady Hunter( a little bit of magic). Her story revealed the life of a woman(Bobbie Wallace Parsons) who pioneered a trail that opened the frontier for women and captured the hearts of all who followed.

Bobbie shared one of her most favorite quotes from a book she read many years prior.” There’s a sweetness in surrendering to something I will never be good at, and still finding pleasure in doing it.” It’s the doing it that’s fun.” I agree.

You’re a girl who knows what she’s looking for.

Set your sights on First Community Bank.

www.fcbca.com Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 15

OWU in the

16 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

e USA

Recognizing our members who

ACCEPT NO LIMITS Anne Beihoffer Oak Grove, MN

My favorite thing to do is hunt!

I joined OWU to learn more about empowering women to hunt and enjoy the outdoors.

Kathy Pohl Smith Montgomery, AL

Most women don’t “get outdoors”. I want to be remembered as one who loved it. I want to teach other women that it really isn’t that difficult to get out and explore nature. I truly enjoyed the Shotgun shoot. I probably wouldn’t have done that by myself, but with OWU I met several women who also enjoyed it. I’m sure I will get with them again for another round. Having the world’s best instructor didn’t hurt either.

Marie Powell Titus, AL

I joined OWU with my daughter to learn more about hunting and firearm safety. I wanted my daughter and I to experience the OWU adventure together. OWU has given us great memories and the knowledge and confidence when using firearms.

Emily Powell Titus, AL

I became an OWU member through our OWU BSA Venture Crew 380. Sharing all the different educational outdoor adventures with my Mom has been the greatest memories that I will never forget.

OWU is an organization that encourages family outdoor activities.

Mary Craig Carlsbad, NM

I love to go outdoors and walk, take in the beauty, the fragrance, the melodies and the power of the outdoors. I joined for the teaching, the camaraderie, the fun. OWU gave me a new best friend, new skill sets and new confidence in my abilities to accomplish anything I wanted to try.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 17

Women in the Field Bobbie Jo Wallace Parsons credits a high school English teacher with encouraging her to write and to study journalism at the University of Alabama. After graduation, her love for writing was fostered while working as a reporter at a weekly newspaper in Livingston, Alabama in the late 70’s. Keeping a journal of her hunting experiences came quite naturally. Married for 50 years to her college sweetheart, Jim, they are the parents of two grown sons Jimbo and Jason. They currently reside in Shelby County, Alabama.

(L) Carolyn Ray and (R) Bobbie Parsons hunt South Africa. A magnificent Kudu harvested by Carolyn.

Bobbie Parsons

M

y passion for hunting hit me like the proverbial tornado. One day I wasn’t a hunter and the next I could hardly wait to get started. Maybe all those years of watching my husband Jim leave for weekend deer hunting trips or his excitement getting ready for the fall opening of dove season finally “clicked” and I realized I was missing out on a lot of good stuff! Or maybe somewhere deep in my subconscious the pleasant childhood memories of occasional Alabama squirrel hunts with my grandmother in the woods surrounding her house re-connected.

There seem to be so many ideas and thoughts running around in my head; so many hints and tips I want to share with you about hunting and the hunting experience that I can’t seem to “narrow” my focus for this article. Instead of fighting it, I just decided to go with it and throw out some thoughts and lessons I have learned these past 30 years.

tice your shooting. I don’t even think it is necessary in the beginning to go hunting in the extreme elements (i.e. cold, rain, snow). That can come later.

Jim says he has searched the hunting laws and cannot find it written anywhere that we must be uncomfortable and miserable. I think it is especially important to make it fun and comfortable for a It causes me discomfort when women beginner. tell me they could never do what I have done in the hunting arena. OF COURSE Once the “hunting bug” bit me I never YOU CAN!! And probably do it better minded tromping through three foot than I. As my older son Jimbo says, “It snow drifts for a shot at a bugling elk or sitting in a ladder stand in a steady rain ain’t rocket surgery.” during the rut waiting for that love struck So I guess I am saying it doesn’t matter You only need the desire to get our there doe-chasing whitetail buck to come bustin the first place and the willingness to ing through the woods. Those conditions how you got here-just that you did! learn about your gun or bow and prac- just add another dimension to your hunt18 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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(Left) Bobbie Parsons and (Right) Marsha Duell sharing a “little magic.”

ing story. The cold and rain are soon forgotten in the warmth of your memories. Misery is temporary; memories are forever.

Bobbie’s Tips for the Ladies: I’ve never burned a bra. However, while belly crawling through ankle-high scrub trying to close the 400 yard or so distance on a New Mexico pronghorn antelope, I was sorely tempted to ask my guide to turn his back while I unhooked that binding, torsoclimbing contraption whose shoulder straps were now down around my upper arms and the bottom was WAY above where it should have been. Eighteen hour comfort my eye!

Now I know that some of you may not agree with this; but if that particular garment is uncomfortable while you are hunting, try wearing a camisole or thin-t-shirt that is less binding and restrictive.

I started a journal while on my first safari to Zimbabwe in 1982 as a means of having a record of my experiences for my two sons Jimbo and Jason, who were too young at the time to go with us. I continued journaling for all the safaris (I was fortunate to go on a total of 11) and from those unsophisticated writings came my book entitled “Journal of a Lady Hunter: A Little Bit of Magic”.

Continued on page 34

We know we never pass the opportunity to visit a ladies’ restroom. Usually if there is a hunting guide with us, it will be a male. Put away your modesty and just be straight-forward and candid with your guide. I usually point to a thicket or hill and tell him I think I have spotted a “Ladies Restroom”. Hunting can be exciting enough without the addition of a full bladder.

And it goes without saying you always have tissue in your day-pack.

Speaking of day-pack: I never hunt without one though I strive to keep the contents as light as possible. Some of you my prefer a backpack (be sure you try it on and get one that distributes weight evenly across your shoulders) while others may prefer a one-strap affair that can be slung over one shoulder.

At minimum I include binoculars, tissue, bottled water and a snack. Other items might be a compass, matches, trail marking tape, a deer drag and any other items you think you might need, especially if there is the possibility of having to stay out overnight. Take your cell phone. Don’t forget your hunting license---consider making a copy of it and laminating it so it stays dry. Put the original in a safe place.

ALWAYS GO PREPARED FOR THE WORST! Keep a journal of your hunts and experiences. Try to write each night while the emotions of the day’s hunt are still with you; paint a word picture of your frustrations, anger, exhilaration, fear, etc. Include it all! You can always edit it later!

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 19

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 21

travel and trailS

Hunting in the Delta!

By Brian McCombie

The “New” Hunting Camp: OWU Comes to the Mississippi Delta!

T

his past March, five members of Outdoor Women Unlimited (OWU) met near Yazoo City, Mississippi, to spend some quality time together, to improve their outdoor skills, and, most importantly, to hunt wild hogs. In the process, OWU was helping to redefine the Old Southern Hunting Camp, one hunt at a time.

Led by OWU founder and President Rebecca Wood, the group of hog hunters met up at a hunting lodge owned and operated by Tim Saxton, a part-owner in the Simmons Farm Raised Catfish compa22 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

ny. Assisted by local hunters Jay Coleman and Mike Hurt, the OWU members first made sure their rifles were sighted in.

Coleman and Hurt also presented information on how to hunt wild hogs (a first for nearly all the OWU members on this hunt), and then the OWU hunters headed out to their respective hunting blinds and stands.

“Hog hunting has become an exciting and popular hunt for our members,” says Wood. “Each lady had come to hunt and harvest a hog, first and foremost. But there was never a somber moment! We were always up in the early morning and out in the blinds, battling the various weather conditions encountered. Back at camp, it By the end of the hunt, only one hog was was all about the laughter, the excitement taken, though OWU members had chanc- of the hunt, and the stories.” es at two others. But the ladies from OWU left the hunt with a new enthusiasm for Yazoo County, where the hog hunt was hunting what has rather recently become held, represents the beginning of the one of the country’s top game animals, the Mississippi Delta, the northwest section of wild hog. the Magnolia State that lies between the Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. Famed for its rich, black earth and abundant agriculture, the Delta is the scene of a major hog population boom, too.

OWU members want to hunt turkeys and deer in their home areas, while others dream of hunting the continents of the world. We provide encouragement and share a connection that will help each to Hunting’s a big deal in the South, and achieve their personal goals in their outit means a great deal to people in the door adventures.”

Mississippi Delta. Hunting’s what you do and what your family did, a living con- Jen Rodman wholeheartedly agrees. nection to the past. Ken Smith is the sixth An OWU member from California who generation of Smiths to live and hunt in attended this hog hunt, Rodman took Yazoo County, and a local history buff. a 150-pound Delta boar. She’s also the At lunch on Day Two of the OWU hog marketing coordinator for the gun maker hunt, Smith stopped by the Saxton hunting Weatherby, Inc, a sponsor of the hunt. lodge to share some local history with the OWU hunters.

“The overall support from the weekend hunt boosted my confidence and my huntA hundred years ago and more, Smith told ing experience,” says Rodman. “I was so the OWU members, the Mississippi Delta excited to meet, share stories and hunt fall hunting camp was the social event of with the wonderful women of OWU. I left the year. the hunt feeling so much more confident about being a hunter.”

“You’d have generations of people hunting together, people not necessarily relat- Hog hunting has become one of those ed to each other but who were connected sought after adventures, in no small part by the hunting,” Smith says. “They’d load because hog populations are booming up their [horse-drawn] wagons with tents across the nation. Some estimates put and blankets and basic supplies like cof- the total number of wild, feral hogs at 6 fee and lard and corn meal—but no meat! million, more than double what it was just You were going to have to get that on your ten years ago. The Mississippi Delta, and own.” the area around Yazoo City has seen hog Well, to be exact, it was the male social event of the year. Men and boys stayed out for weeks at a time, hunting, fishing, telling stories around the camp fire, and passing on hunting traditions. Women? There could be a few in camp, Smith admitted, but they’d pretty much be there to…cook and clean. Because, as everyone knew 100 years ago, women had no interest in hunting. Right?

populations go from a relative handful of the wild porkers to so many that they are destroying agricultural crops, levees and roads.

And, by coming to the Mississippi Delta to hunt hogs, the OWU members were staking their own “hunting camp” claim, coming together to enjoy and learn about a new hunt.

“Sharing such a hunting experience really reflects the growing opportunities for women to become part of the outdoor industry and share in the whole experience of the outdoor adventure,” says Wood. “From the moment the group connects, we all share in an empowering rush that each of us, on our own, probably never knew existed within.”

“I’d encourage more women, and more women in the hunting industry, to join and support OWU, and to be a part of a wonderful group of ladies who share a love of the outdoors,” Rodman adds. “As women become the lead in first-time gun purchasing, the education and support that OWU provides will be even more important. I am very happy to be a part of OWU!”

Jen Rodman, OWU Member and Marketing Coordinator, Weatherby,Inc. brings home the bacon hunting with OWU in the Mississippi Delta.

Wrong. And OWU proves this idea so very wrong every day of the year.

“It’s all about education,” says Wood.

“OWU’s mission is to provide women and families with the education and the excitement of the outdoor experience. We do this by teaching outdoor life skills and by sharing the knowledge of our natural resources—while building self-esteem, strengthening individual character and promoting self-reliance in a safe and professional environment.”

Wood continues, “Over the years, OWU has provided many levels of instructional events that encourage our members to ‘ACCEPT NO LIMITS.’ Our professional instructors and volunteers have been a positive influence by providing opportunities for our members to continue to build their skills in the fields of choice. Some Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 23

The photographer’s bird-dog Luke runs through a field at Pine Wing Preserve with his prize

Preserving Paradise

By Fletcher Scott Photos by Kenneth Boone & Fletcher Scott

“C

ome here, Joe,” called the down the edge of a row of pines. dog handler as the box “Joe’s on point,” the handler said calmly. door was opened.

Mac, the youngest pointer carefully Out jumped two very hyperactive bird eased up behind her. dogs. Both were English Pointers. Joe, the older of the two, was covered with “Whoa, whoa,” was the command. black blotches and ticks. Mac, the younger dog, was white with yellow blotches. “You guys ready?” the guide asked.

so eloquently put it, “Seven ounce of avoirdupois could be wrapped up in no other shape or form that would possess such power to befog and confound the senses or to disconcert and disorganize the human nervous system.”

“We’ll follow the dogs out to field. Joe I carefully inserted two shells into my will usually go on point first with Mac over-under shotgun and snapped it shut. backing him up,” the handler explained. My thumb was on the safety lever.

What is it about this small puff of feathers that can run like a turkey and take off like a rocket that is so captivating?

My shotgun lay across my arm with the breech open as I plodded steadily down the freshly mowed road that led me to a weedy field. The grass was wet from early morning dew, but this concerned me little as I entered the field and walked 24 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

That explained it perfectly, because I missed the bird!

The guide shuffled closer to the birds, All odds seem to be stacked against the and they suddenly exploded in a rush of Bobwhite Quail. When danger threatens, this brave little bird stays crouched in the fluttering wings. grass, feathers compressed to eliminate As the late English professor and odor and remain motionless. He is perSouthern quail hunter Havilah Babcock fectly camouflaged against the sharpest Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Many are its enemies, including snakes, opossums, raccoons, crows, blue jays and fire ants. Wild turkeys prey on chicks and eggs, too.

Wing Preserve. As I entered the preserve, I drove slowly down a well-maintained dirt road. The road wound through several acres of mature loblolly pines interspersed with open areas full of native grasses and weeds.

With a low basal area, which allows for plenty of sunlight, I saw several species of Eupatorium along with bluestems and narrow leaf sunflowers.

Weather also plays a big role in whether or not a clutch survives, since these groundnesting birds are vulnerable to spring floods and heavy rains.

After a short drive, I arrived at a cabin nestled among the trees. I was greeted by the preserve owner, Rusty Stewart.

eyes. Many of his enemies pass on, never realizing his presence.

Biologists have discovered in early studies of quail that only about 30 percent of all the eggs laid will hatch.

Shooting preserves raise most of the world’s Bobwhite Quail population

All of this is before an egg even hatches!

Once hatched the little chicks are virtually on the run from hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes and even the hot sun. Estimates show that at the end of the first year, 75 percent of that year’s hatch will perish.

Interestingly, these facts hold true for hunted and unhunted quail populations.

Add to this habitat degradation, and it’s a small wonder we have any wild quail at all.

14 years old. After I retired, I got interested in trying to raise a few more birds.

I eventually got up to 10,000 birds a year.

I could sell them all before the end of the season. Now I raise 20,000 birds a year, and I always sell out. I sell birds to folks all over the state.

“We are currently remodeling the cabin, so please excuse the work,” Stewart said.

I asked Stewart to tell me a little about the preserve and how it is managed.

“I bought the property in 1998. It is about “Weedy Hill is a shooting preserve I 283 acres divided into two types of cover. leased about eight years ago. I got it We have loblolly pines on 110 acres, and to have a place to put on my pheasant the rest we had clear cut and planted in shoots. I have a tower that I release long leaf pines,” Stewart explained. the birds from, and I’ll have about four These limitations have not gone unno- shoots a year,” he continued. “The prop- “Todd Cochran is currently our manager. ticed by concerned hunters, landowners erty is about 180 acres, and we dedi- He oversees the hunts and land manand game biologists. Organizations like cated the preserve in memory of Preston agement. Todd had really worked hard Quail Forever and Quail Upland Wildlife Self whose family still owns the land. I to turn the place into a first class quail Federation are focusing their efforts on manage the lease to provide the kind of preserve,” Stewart said. habitat restoration and providing game habitat quail and quail hunters expect to managers with information about how to see. We have young planted pines with James Boone and manage their properties.

Snoopy on the fields of native grasses and weeds.

Despite the best efforts of these organizations, wild quail populations are difficult to establish and maintain in numbers suitable for hunting. Currently, the desire to hunt these birds is fostered primarily by commercial quail farms and shooting preserves.

I recently visited two such places in Elmore County. Weedy Hill is a shooting preserve located on the Elmore/Coosa county line. Rudolf Evans runs the preserve. Evans is one of the most affable fellows you’ll ever meet. Not only does he run a shooting preserve, he also operates a commercial quail farm.

“Before I retired six years ago, I would raise a few quail for my friends and myself to hunt,” he told me. “I love to hunt quail. My brother Raymond and I have been shooting them since I was Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

“We mow these before each season to create openings for hunters to walk on and for our guides to carry their dog wagons. I leave plenty of cover for the birds to hide. I usually put out 20 birds per gun in about six birds per covey. Seventy-five percent of my placed birds are usually harvested,” Evans said.

lookout for birds at Pine Wing Preserve

“We get different groups throughout the season, which runs from Oct. 1 to March 31. These dates are for preserves only.

We can accommodate large or small groups. I also own and train my own dogs, which can be used by guests or they can bring their own dogs.”

Anybody interested in booking a hunt at Weedy Hill can reach Evans at 334-5413679 or 334-315-1870.

Just down the road a piece is Pine FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 25

Rudolf Evans started raising quail for his own hunts as a hobby

Some reminisce about the old days of quail hunting on Southern farms and abandoned property, but those days are long gone. This niche has been replaced with modern day shooting preserves. You can still enjoy walking in dew-covered fields, watching dogs go on point and shooting exploding quail coveys.

The tradition still lives on and should be experienced by every hunter.

An open field of tall grass and wildflowers is an excellent habitat for quail

Blinders prevent the birds from pecking each other

I asked Stewart what they do to the property on a yearly basis.

“We burn every year. We try to keep the hardwoods from sprouting back, which will shade out the native grasses the birds use for cover. We bush hog the road and trails we use during hunts. Also, I’ve had some dozer work done around the property to create firebreaks since we burn so much,” Stewart added.

Guests should bring a few things.

“Come with a hunting license, gun, shells and wear hunter orange. We can provide the rest. We have a couple of skeet ranges set up to allow shooters to warm up. Then we give a safety briefing about how to shoot safely around dogs and other shooters,” Stewart said. “We can accommodate groups of all sizes. You can bring your own dogs; we have kennels for them. Our hunts are guided by our staff, or you can go on a self-guided hunt.”

Check out Pine Wing Preserve at www.pinewingpreserve.com for more information or call Todd Cochran at 334-580-0557.

26 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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Trout Fishing with Ernie Calandrelli

By Patricia G. Johnson

M

y husband Art and I headed to New York on a warm sunny day in April, from Jacksons Gap, Alabama with anticipation of cooler weather and a fabulous fishing trip. The first day of travel was beautiful until about 4pm, when it started raining. As we approached New York on day two, we experienced more rain and much cooler weather. As we entered into Upper New York, I looked out over the lake and said “Oh Look at the Whitecaps”, however after a closer look discovered they were actually ICE CAPS floating on the lake, something this southern gal has never encountered.

After a detour in Niagara, apparently there are identical street names in Niagara and Lewiston, we settled into our hotel in the quaint historical town of Lewiston, NY. After a visit to the Welcome station to purchase our fishing license, we began to notice white flakes falling from the sky. It was snowing!!!!!!

Luckily we had planned to spend an extra day touring.

OWU member Pat

Johnson with her We spent a day visiting Niagara Falls catch in Niagra. and the Niagara Power Plant which is full of history and information. As the snow continued to fall, we enjoyed its beauty as it made crystals on the trees of catching some STEELHEAD TROUT. and bushes.

Finally they began to bite. What a thrill to pull in such a catch for the first time. By The next day before sunrise, we met this time there were several other boats Ernie and his son for breakfast. When in the area. Ernie’s’ navigation skills, to we arrived at the dock, we could have maneuver through the chunks of ice as thrown rocks into Canada. Soon we dis- they began to break up and float down covered we were riding up the river in the river, contributed to our successful Canada and floating back in US waters. trip. When things slowed down we took a short coffee and snack break to warm The water was swiftly flowing as we up, before heading up river to try and drifted back across ice caps with jigs and find those last few fish of the day. Ernie rigs in the water anticipating the thrill was determined to give us a fun filled Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

productive day. His efforts paid off. We had a great time, except for the super cold weather, and we brought back some nice steelheads.

Thanks to the OWU Southern Classic outdoor educational event. I had the opportunity to experience a new and exciting outdoor adventure. I am thankful for this organization that devotes their time and effort providing women with the knowledge and opportunities to “accept no limits” wherever life leads them.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 27

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FOOD & FLAME

Cooking in the Heartland of Alabama

W. Brian Rodgers, C.C. Five Star Plantation, LLC Executive Chef

nd

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German Potato Soup with Pheasant and Quail

W. Brian Rodgers, C.C. Five Star Plantation, LLC Executive Chef

Ingredients: Conecuh county sausage, quartered and cubed (Out of the package and cut up)

•

Pheasant breast, cubed (Raw) Quail (Cooked, cooled and meat pulled off bones) 4 cups diced peeled potatoes ¼ to ½ head cabbage, sliced fine 1

small onion, chopped fine

1

carrot, chopped fine

1

bunch celery, chopped fine

1

carton Chicken stock

½

cup heavy cream

½

teaspoon, dried thyme

½

teaspoon, paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

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•

In a sauce pan sauté the onion, celery, and carrots. Add the potatoes, thyme and cover with chicken stock, bring to a boil then reduce heat, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes on low heat. Add the pheasant, sausage, quail, cabbage and heavy cream. Continue to cook for 10 minutes on low heat.

Add salt and pepper and check the seasoning. Add parsley before you serve as a garnish.

If the soup is not as thick as you would like take 1 Tbs corn starch and mix it with 3 to 4 Tbs water.

Bring the soup to a boil and add the corn starch mix a little at a time and stir. When you reach your desired thickness you are ready to serve. If you need more just repeat

the process. The soup has to be at a boil. If it becomes too thick just add a little water or heavy cream to loosen the soup.

•

I did not put an amount of pheasant, quail or sausage. You can add the amount that you would like. The sausage adds flavor and spice. So add that to your taste. The pheasant and quail are the mainstay of the dish so I add enough so every spoonful has game meat in it. You can add as much as you would like.

Brian Rodgers is the Executive Chef, creates extraordinary entrees from home style southern table fare to Continental cuisine.

He features French and Mediterranean flavors at Five Star Plantation Hunting Lodge in Kellyton, AL.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 31

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Women in the Field Continued from page 19

Game harvested by Bobbie Wallace Parsons with the 7x57.

AFRICA Blesbok Impala Sable Bongo Jackal Sassaby Bushbuck Kafue Lechwe Sitatunga Bush Pig Kudu White Rhino Cape Buffalo Leopard Springbok Cape Hartebeest Lion Steenbok Crocodile Nyala Warthog Duiker Red Lechwe Zebra Hippopotamus NORTH AMERICA Alaskan Moose American Bison Barren ground caribou Black Bear Coyote Elk Pronghorn Antelope White Boar

Written recollections of your hunting experiences will be invaluable to future generations of your family and friends.

Please do not underestimate the value of this. It is a wonderful opportunity to include your idea about your faith, family values, the environment and the place of the hunter in society.

authors, Jack O’Conner, wrote that an elk shot in the foot with a .270 is just as “foot shot” as he would be if the shooter had been using a .458.

NEVER EVER use a tree climbing stand without a safety harness!!

ONE final thought----Never think it is necessary to go all over the world for hunting excitement I have been asked many times why I or experiences worthy of being written hunt. My standard answer is always the same. Because I never know just which about. day I’ll make a memory that will last a Jim and I dearly relish the excitement of lifetime. After all, you gotta have somea Black Warrior River swamp cane-cutter thing to contribute to the conversation (rabbit) hunt behind a yodeling pack while rocking on the porch. And if I’m of beagles. And the prospect of a good counting my life’s regrets, not hunting duck hunt rolls you out of a warm bed won’t be one of them! headed into the pre-dawn cold with no Love your family and friends, stay safe, problem. have fun and make memories.

Other points for a safe and successful hunt include wearing ear protection and Don’t go confidently in the directions using enough “gun” for the game you are of your dreams. Live the life you’ve hunting. Know game anatomy for proper imagined. - Thoreau bullet placement. And on that point, one of America’s most famous hunters and

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Outdoors & Education

Is Hunter Recruitment Important?

Dove hunting is a good introduction to the outdoors for many youth.

By Daniel G. Toole Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

W

ithin the not-too-distant past, hunting enjoyed a larger percentage of participation than it currently does. As a society, perhaps we have become too busy to enjoy the slower pace of hunting opportunities.

There is certainly more competition for our leisure time and it is easy to dedicate it to other activities.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is considering several questions, such as, should we actively recruit new hunters, or just expect that each generation will produce hunters? What is the value of increasing hunter numbers for Alabama?

Hunters have a tendency to think that almost everyone hunts or at least enjoys our abundant wildlife resources. In rural communities, this may be true, but the majority of us live in and around cities. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts make up only a small percentage of Alabama’s population. Recruitment of new hunters not only affects the future of hunting in Alabama but also our state’s economy.

Although an increasing proportion of society is under utilizing the many opportunities that exist in the outdoors, a strong group continues the hunting tradition with a great deal of passion. Most typically, they are middle- to older-aged men who have grown up hunting and still keep it as a priority. While the numbers are not quite as high as they once were, these hunters are still passing on the tradition of hunting by recruiting younger hunters. They are investing their time and effort in children and young adults by teaching them the outdoor knowledge and skills they have learned over the years. These hunters help ensure the future of the hunting tradition is passed on to the next generation.

In addition to the value of passing on outdoor skills, recruiting younger hunters into the sport of hunting also creates an economic benefit for all citizens. As with any other sport or activity, equipment purchased for participation costs money.

Hunters annually purchase a variety of supplies, some of which are directly related to hunting while others are not. Purchases of gasoline, food, overnight lodging and many other supplies are typical for any activity, whereas firearms, ammunition, treestands, archery equipment, game calls, camouflage clothing, etc. are purchases specifically related to hunting. The revenue generated by these purchases aids our economy in a significant way. According to a 2011 study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the total expenditure by hunters in Alabama is $1.2 billion annually. These expenditures support more than 27,000 jobs and contribute $104 million in state and local taxes. It is worth noting here the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries does not receive any state tax dollars--so you would have to conclude that hunting does benefit our state economically.

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So, how do we best introduce young people to hunting? One of the better ways is by starting with small game hunting such as a dove shoot, or rabbit or squirrel hunting with a dog. Typically, deer hunting happens early in the morning or late in the evening in cold weather and requires a hunter to sit quietly and patiently for a long period before a deer presents itself. Younger individuals may have a better first-time outdoor experience if they can move around and have more “action” than a deer stand provides. The interaction with fellow hunters and dogs associated with small game hunting greatly reduces the chances of boredom and helps to ensure the new hunter will want a return trip to the outdoors.

Also, to add further enjoyment to a firsttime hunting trip, other activities can be included such as camping, going to the shooting range, hiking and looking for outdoor signs/tracks, or maybe even letting one of those electronic games come along for short periods of use. The key is to keep the outdoor experience fun and enjoyable, capturing the interest of a novice hunter, which will enable us to pass along our hunting tradition to the next generation.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 37

OWU All Girls Venture Crew 380 Accepted Challenge No Limits In North Alabama Group submitted

OMG Youth Deer Hunt Adventure 2010-2011 Brooke Nettles

The Outdoor Marketing Group (OMG) Youth Hunt was an exciting outdoor adventure.

I would like to thank the Alabama Department of Conservation Hunter Education Program, Mr. Jerry Brown, Mr. Lee Brown and all the instructors who helped us to prepare for an amazing hunting trip. I especially want to thank Outdoor Women Unlimited for making a dream come true for sixteen teenage girls of Venture Crew 380.

derstanding and respect for the outdoors.

Listening to the sounds of nature, such as birds, squirrels or water moving in a nearby creek are things that you only find in the woods while hunting. When you see a deer, it is like an adrenaline rush.

Jade Bozeman

I remember when I saw my first deer. My heart was pounding in my chest. I was thinking of all the safety lessons learned. After I harvested my deer, it was one of the best feelings in the world. I did not even notice the sound of the gun firing! For a few moments, my primary focus is on the deer. Successful harvest is food on the table.

Longleaf Camo donated our hunting apparel . We were so surprised. We had no idea.

Prior to travel, we were given a list of items to bring, but did not realize we would receive the awesome gear. I felt so privileged and very thankful for their support. Everyone was smiling and I realized how lucky I was to have this outdoor experience.

I truly believe the OMG hunting experience changed every girl, both mentally and physically. On behalf of OWU Venture Crew 380, I want to share our sincere appreciation for all the love and support that was shared by each guide, volunteer, sponsor and community. This will be an opportunity I will never regret taking, but instead, thankful for it!

On the second day, we arrived at the camp to meet all the guides, sponsors and camera crews. They were so nice and caring. Each seemed to be so excited to be there to help and guide us through a safe weekend of hunting. As we were paired with our guides, I was so honored to have Ms. Beth Merkle as my OMG hunting guide. She was so encouraging throughout the hunt.

The OMG Youth Hunt was one of the best experiences of my entire life. I had so much fun hunting and spending time with friends and making new ones.

There were many training activities we participated prior to our trip. I learned how to load a firearm safely (shotgun/rifle), shoot and harvest a deer. The most important was gun safety. Always carry your gun in a safe position. Always have your gun on safety anytime you are not about to fire/shoot. Always be aware of your surroundings while making sure no one or anything for that matter is behind your target. Wear hunter orange!! Learning about bullet placement was very important to our mission.

When hunting in cold weather conditions, wear warm clothes. Layer up!! Never wear too many or too thick socks because cramping of your feet and toes may occur. If temperature is extreme, the overload of socks/ cramping may cause toes and feet to freeze due to poor circulation. Hands, feet and head are places where heat escapes your body the fastest.

Our sponsors and guides were AWESOME! Longleaf Camo shared their generosity by outfitting each girl in their own hunting apparel. Various outdoor industry sponsors of the hunt were so kind to donate a back pack filled with supplies we would need for the weekend. Tony Chachere and his professional staff prepared all our meals which were DELICIOUS! Even though all of the above was totally AMAZING, I still havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shared the greatest part of all, THE WHITETAIL DEER HUNT! Hunting is truly a fun adventure. Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a deer at first, you can still enjoy the beauty that nature offers. Seeing all the different colors of the leaves on the trees or watching the sunrise or sunset brings an un38 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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Later in the morning, we were each provided with a rifle and were allowed to shoot and sight in on the range. Our guides assisted in reviewing safety and use of our gun. We received a camo back pack that was filled with all we would need on the hunt!!! WOW!!! It included a pair of Leupold binoculars, a logo shirt from OMG, a Gerber knife, a Kershaw knife, a gun sock, HS Scent-A-Way, and many other great items. The hunt included all of our meals cooked by Tony Chachere and his professional staff. The meals were amazing and delicious!

After lunch, we were taken to our deer stands. When we arrived to our deer stand, we discovered a family of fire ants had moved into our blind. So, we moved the blind out of the bed of ants and set-

tled down and began the wait. We did not see anything, but I learned so much during that time.

The excitement of the day made me not seeing a deer seem irrelevant. I wanted my friends to be able to take their first deer and experience the great feeling of harvesting a deer for the first time.

On the next morning, we got up before dawn, and drove in to camp. We hunted the morning. But the biggest surprise of all….It began to snow!!! It seemed liked it snowed forever. It was beautiful!!!

We went back into the woods after lunch.

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ing! The gentleman was from my hometown! What a weird coincidence! But that is how hunting together is like one big family experience. Our hunting spot was in a different part of the county than the rest of the hunts. I was told the area was known to have the “Big Bucks.”

On the way to the shooting house we saw a spike and a bobcat! I was feeling more confident about this place and hoping to take a deer. We had several deer coming onto the field. They were all does. I harvested one!

On return to camp, we ate more of Tony’s great food and talked about our hunts that weekend. I made so many new friends. My sincere appreciation to all of the industry guides, sponsors, Tony Chachere, and everyone who made this very special hunting adventure happen for me and Venture Crew 380. We could not have done this without Outdoor Women Unlimited. I hope I can experience this again and again as I hunt in

years to come. I am very thankful that I had a chance to go on this hunt.

My guide was Mr. Steve Cobb, Hunters Specialties. He was so much fun and really helped me understand more about hunting.

Mr. Steve and I prepared for our Saturday afternoon hunt. After arriving to our blind, we set up and began to wait. Not too long after we got settled in, a doe walked out. I became very excited. I couldn’t get a good shot on her so we let her walk. Then a buck came out and he was HUGE! 8-point! I started shaking and really getting anxious.

He kept asking me, “Can you see him?” I finally had my crosshair set for a good shot, but I missed. I was shaking!!

After missing the 8-point, two does came out into the field. I chose the larger. I didn’t miss this time. I was very excited!!

On my next hunt, I had another doe walk out into the field. I took a moment to get ready.

The doe started stomping and I began to think she was going to run. This was not the

Samantha Hill

case; she stayed in the field long enough for me to take a shot. I hit her but she ran off into the woods. But we tracked the blood trail and found her.

The OMG Youth Hunt was the most amazing experience of my life. Outdoor Women Unlimited BSA Venture Crew 380 was invited to the 3rd Annual Outdoor Marketing Group Youth Deer Hunt in December 2010-11 Hunting Season. There were so many great sponsors who helped us immensely. I was one of the sixteen teenage girls to attend.

This hunting trip definitely changed my life. I am so glad I got this wonderful opportunity. I went from not knowing anything about hunting to being able to go out into the woods by myself and harvest a deer. I am honored to have been able to share in this hunt because not only did it teach me more about hunting, but I learned so much about life.

Saturday morning we met at the OMG barn location site. We were introduced to our guides, picked up our gift packs, and participated in sight and safety class prior to our hunt.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 39

Outdoors & Education

TIPS & TACTICS

Eye Dominance

By Joella Bates

“Are you right handed or left handed?” the man behind the pawn shop counter asked the young lady as he pulled the bow off the hook.

Fig. 1

“Sweetie, let me help you before you make a big mistake,” the older man chimed in. “I’ve been shooting for a long time and you are about to fall into the same trap that many a person topples into in the beginning. I did too, but now that I know better. I help others when I can. Let’s have a cup of coffee and I’ll give you my ten cents worth. I’ll even buy you the coffee.”

Fortunately, an experienced archer overheard the conversation and was brave enough to stop the young lady from spending her hard earned money on a bow that would not really serve her well.

Let’s see what advice the young lady got over coffee that day.

People make the grave error of believing that because they use one hand to write with and do many other skills, they need to shoot that way too. Handedness is not what determines which bow you need. You will shoot consistently better when you use a bow that matches your dominant eye. That means that you draw the bow string and anchor under the dominant eye.

webbing between the thumbs and first fingers. Now, while keeping both eyes open, look through the hole at an object on the wall or in the case of my class, I have them look at my nose (see Fig. 2).

As the instructor, I can see one of their eyes behind the hole. That eye is their dominant eye. For the student, have them close one eye while continuing to look at the object. If the object remains There are many advantages for you when in the hole, they are looking with the you shoot a bow, or a gun for that matter, dominant eye, if the object moves, then using the dominant eye. But first, how do the other eye is the dominant eye. you determine your dominant eye?

As an instructor, I have my students form a small triangle with their two hands by holding their hands up flat at eye-level where they are looking at the backs of their hands. Then overlap the thumbs on top of each other and then lay their pinkies one on top of the other (see Fig. 1).

This leaves a small hole formed by the 40 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

The dominant eye and the string with the bow (or stock of the gun is on the shoulder straight behind the sights or scope) are in a straight line with one in front of the other. This all allows you to keep both eyes open when shooting.

I’m right eye dominant. I hold the bow with my left hand and attach a release

Fig. 2

aid on my right wrist to the string loop or if shooting with my fingers, I wrap three fingers around the string with the string laying in the first joints of my middle fingers. Then I draw the bowstring and anchor under my right eye with the index finger touching the corner of my smile when shooting fingers (see Fig. 3).

When shooting a compound bow (see Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Fig. 3), I touch the string to the center tip of my nose then look through the peep and/or with a nose knot touching the center tip of my nose while focusing on the target.

If you shoot with both eyes open, you can see better under low light conditions, you have increased peripheral vision, and your balance is better which means that you pin stays steadier while you are aiming. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe me, test it. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and pay attention to how steady you feel. Now, close both eyes and notice the degree of steadiness. Next, do the same thing alternating between the dominant and nondominant eye. Finally, repeat the test while standing on one leg. There is definitely a difference in the steadiness with both eyes open being steadiest, then dominant eye, then both eyes closed, then non-dominant eye open.

Fig. 3

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already bought a bow that is made for a person whose opposite eye is dominant there are three solutions.

1) Put a patch over the dominant eye. 2) You can close the dominant eye, but know that closing it usually caused tension in the muscles around the eye. 3) Or you can sell the bow and buy a new one.

Most people can shoot with both eyes open. But in some If you are considering buying a bow, go to a reputable bow instances, the person does not feel comfortable drawing the shop to make the purchase. bow to their dominant eye, most likely because they feel uncoordinated or weaker on the side holding the bow. I will address Until next time, SHOOT STRAIGHT AND DREAM BIG! how to overcome that in the next article.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 41

A Change Of Heart

By Joella Bates

I

have been a compound bow shooter since 1989, when I bought my first bow (a High Country Trophy Hunter) that actually fit me. That is not to say that I hadn’t tried archery before. Back in the mid 70’s, I tried dad’s recurve bow, but when I turned my left forearm black and blue from repeatedly hitting it with the string, my excitement for archery was turned off. In 1983 dad bought me my first compound bow, but since it had a 31 inch draw-length, I experienced a repeat of painfully bruising my left arm all the way up to the bicep. My enthusiasm again was short lived, but once I had a compound bow that fit me, I was home free and couldn’t get enough of it. The challenges of hunting with a bow and arrow kept me coming back for more.

Several years later, the same man that helped me tape sewing pins with big brightly colored heads on the riser face, so I would have a sighting device on my first compound bow, also introduced me to shooting a crossbow. At the time, I had matured into a “real bowhunter” and had shot several deer with my

bow. I had even begun shooting 3-D archery tournaments locally, regionally, and then nationally. I had even won the IBO Women’s Bowhunter Release 3-D World Championship in 1993.

shoot my compound more accurately.

He was happier with much larger groups than I had become accustomed to since I had spent several years as a competitive shooter. He believed as long as he stayed in the pie plate that he could In my own eyes, real bowhunters shot take down deer and he did. I believed compound bows. Compound bows that his crossbow was far inferior to my were way more accurate than any other compound. kind of bow. A good compound shooter could hit their target at longer distances We bowhunters tend to become judgthan the traditional archers that I had mental when it comes to other styles of watched at tournaments. I had shot a few shooting, often times thinking that we traditional bows and found that it took a are the only “real bowhunters” or the lot more practice to shoot them well. So I best bowhunters. I went through a stage was a die-hard compound shooter. where I fit that mold too. My experience with Cliff’s crossbow left me feelBut Cliff, one of my father’s friends, want- ing that it was an inferior weapon, but ed me to try his crossbow, so I shot it other shooters seemed to think that the with him in the backyard. He was way up crossbow was a lot like a gun and that in years. To him the advantages a person could kill deer with it at long of being able to cock the bow ranges of even 100 yards or more. This with an aid that reduced the was definitely a turn-off for me. I did not feel of the poundage and feel that a responsible hunter should be then for the string to be taking that kind of shot with a crossbow held at full draw, provid- because of the lack of accuracy that I ed him real advantages had witnessed. I believed that crossbows over shooting a com- allowed a person to be a “lazy” archer. I pound bow. After believed then and still do, that a person shooting his cross- should become very proficient with the bow, I believed bow or weapon that they choose to that I could shoot for hunting and shortcutting that is a bad thing.

Lynn began bowhunting with a crossbow as a youngster with her mom and dad, Cindy and Matt Futtere.

This is just one of the nice animals that Lynn has arrowed using a crossbow.

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As more and more states began considering legalizing the use of a crossbow in archery season, I found myself remaining opposed with an exclusion mentality. I justified my feelings because my experience with crossbows had not been good, that was until I met Barb Terry of Ten Point Crossbows. She seemed very knowledgeable, so when we both ended up at one of the Deerassic Classic Giveaway events, probably in 2004, I asked for some expert instruction. I wanted to know if my thinking was tainted.

Barb started educating me about their products and showing me how she cocked and shot the crossbow. She was good. And with her professional instruction, I quickly got the hang of it. I began stacking arrows in the bull’s-eye.

So much for me feeling they were inaccurate. Barb stressed the importance of drawing the bow the same way every time and using the drawing aid to give you consistent nock alignment which increases the accuracy. She showed me the ACUdraw 50 that reduces the draw weight 50% and the ACU draw system with a handle that allows someone who doesn’t have a lot of upper body strength

to accurately crank the crossbow to full draw. Since Barbs lessons, I have Robinhooded many arrows especially at the Deerassic Classic events. I even shot double Robin-hoods in the X-ring at the Deerassic celebrity shoot hosted by Ten Point Crossbows in 2007. So much for feeling that crossbows are not accurate; that myth was busted.

After Barb’s first instructional session, I decided to give crossbow hunting a shot.

Carbon Express had a new crossbow that they asked me to field test. I sighted it in and hunted with it at the annual Bow and Does event at White Oak Plantation in Tuskegee, Alabama. I stayed on for an additional crossbow hunt for writers.

During the White Oak Plantation hunts, I had many firsts with the crossbow: shared my crossbow with a first time lady bow and crossbow hunter, drew my crossbow for the first time in a treestand, shot at my first deer, observed my first deer duck right under the arrow, harvested my first deer and wounded my first crossbow shot deer. It was a real learning opportunity.

I found out there really is a learning curve and just because you see a deer

does not mean you are going to get to shoot it or a shot opportunity guarantees a dead deer. Hunting is still hunting and although it is much easier and quicker to teach a person to shoot a crossbow accurately at short range, they still have challenges to overcome to be a good hunter.

This experience caused me to rethink my exclusion mentality and start developing an inclusion mentality. After all, the conservation movement in the United States has been a tremendous success; we have more deer now than any time in our country’s history. With more people and more deer, we witness more opportunities for human-animal conflicts. Insurance companies constantly complain about deer-vehicle collisions.

Many collisions cause extensive damage and some even result in loss of life. With expanding urbanization and reduction of historic habitat, the complaints and conflicts with humans and animals will continue to rise. Deer have become very adapted to living near humans and browsing in yards, gardens, orchards, and fields. The amount of annual damage continues to increase.

Continued on page 48

Dress Your Deer For Success

By Whitney W. Hurt, J.D.

Every hunter dreams of harvesting a whitetail deer of a lifetime. Some cherish these moments in photography.

However, after the harvest, the excitement can fog our thoughts and we simply “snap the pic” and celebrate the hunt. Later we view our photo shots and realize we should have taken more time to prepare.

We have a few ideas that will capture the memory for a lifetime while preserving the nature of outdoor ethics.

1. Make your whitetail presentable.

Physical appearance needs to represent the moment he walked into your safe zone for harvest. Your deer needs to have a clean natural appearance. No blood on him, tongue hanging from mouth area or field dress markings. The photo moment begins when you walk up to your game and secure the harvest.

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2. Day vs evening. 80% of the whitetails in our region are harvested within one hour of daylight or one hour before dark….Light in your face. It highlights your success as well as you, the hunter.

3. Selection of background for your memory shot is a necessity. Although photographs can be taken at the processor, on a tailgate or at camp, location of your harvest is where memories are made and the story begins!

4. Last thoughts that will make this process easier and less time consuming include the following; pack paper towels/wipes/small plastic squirt bottle of water; hat/ cap off face; gun placement, pen and journal.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 43

Private and Public Land Access, Small Properties, All Play Crucial Roles for America’s Hunters While public land access remains a persistent and major challenge for many sportsmen, privately owned land provides the majority of opportunity for today’s hunters. When asked to describe the type of land they hunted most often in the past 12 months, roughly two-thirds of hunters used privately owned properties compared to one-third who utilized public lands the majority of the time.

As part of that same survey, hunters were asked to describe the size of the property they hunted the past 12 months revealing the important role smaller properties play in providing quality hunting access. Forty percent said they hunt lands less than 100 acres in size, while another 21 percent hunt lands between 100 acres and 200 acres. Only 39 percent of those hunters surveyed hunted lands larger than 200 acres.

These findings do not, however, diminish the important role federal and state-owned lands play in providing hunting opportunity for American sportsmen.

In fact, while public land hunters account for a quarter of the overall sportsmen surveyed, they still far outnumber those who hunt land they own or lease. In fact, public land hunters outnumber them even when combined. Only those who hunted a friend or family member’s land outnumbered public land hunters.

The breakdown by type of land hunted was as follows:

To help continually improve, protect and advance hunting, shooting and other outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the bi-monthly surveys at HunterSurvey. com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey.com.

Every other month, participants who complete the surveys are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

I hunted most often on a friend or family member’s property 39 percent I hunted most often on public property

30 percent

I hunted most often on property I own

16 percent

I hunted most often on property I lease

11 percent

I hunted other types of land most often (employers’ properties, out-of-country, etc.)

5 percent

“Both private and public land access remains critical in providing opportunity for our nation’s hunters,” says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “With half of all hunters dependent on lands owned by others, the results also underscore the importance of encouraging private landowners to permit free or fee hunting on their properties if America’s hunting heritage is to be maintained.”

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About Southwick Associates: Southwick Associates is a market research and economics firm specializing in the hunting, shooting, sportfishing, and outdoor recreation markets. Founded in 1989, Southwick Associates is renowned for delivering comprehensive insights and statistics assisting business and strategic decisions across the entire outdoor industry; from government agencies, industry associations and nonprofit organizations, to affiliated businesses and manufacturers. Aside from custom market research, and economic impact studies, Southwick also provides syndicated participation, media consumption, and equipment purchase tracking studies utilizing their three proprietary sportsmen panels. Visit www.southwickassociates.com for more information. The AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey. com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. Survey results are analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of sportsmen across the United States. Follow them on Facebook at http://facebook. com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AnglerSurvey and https://twitter.com/#!/HunterSurvey.

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ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. Be cautious that rain, frost, ice or snow can cause steps to become extremely slippery. Check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.

• Always hunt with a plan and, if possible, a buddy. Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and who is with you.

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Stresses Treestand Safety

• Always carry emergency signal devices such as a cell phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal flare, PLD (personal locator device) and flashlight at all times and within reach even while you are suspended in your fall-arrest system. Watch for changing weather conditions. In the event of an incident, remain calm and seek help immediately.

• Always select the proper tree for use with your treestand. Select a live, straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your treestand’s instructions. Do not climb or place a treestand against a leaning tree.

• Never leave a treestand installed for more than two weeks since damage could result from changing weather conditions and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual inspection.

• Always use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand once you have reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, you are in a tree stand, as well as when s Alabama hunters head to lower your equipment on the opposite climbing into or out of a treestand. the woods for the opening side of the tree.

Statistics show that the majority of treedays of archery deer season, stand incidents occur while climbing the Alabama Wildlife and • Always know your physical limitations. in and out of a stand.

Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division Don’t take chances. Do not climb urges all hunters to observe treestand when using drugs, alcohol or if you’re safety rules for a safe and enjoyable trip • A safety strap should be attached to the sick or unrested. If you start thinking tree to prevent you from falling more outdoors. about how high you are, stop climbthan 12 inches. ing.

Last year there were 14 treestand falls in Alabama, including one that resulted in • Always inspect the safety harness for • Visit www.tmastands.com/_safety.html signs of wear or damage before each a fatality. Treestand incidents are one of for more treestand safety tips. use. the leading causes of injury to hunters.

Hunter Education Coordinator Marisa The Alabama Department of Futral said that treestand accidents are • Follow all manufacturers’ instructions Conservation and Natural Resources profor use of a safety harness and stand. the most common type of hunting incimotes wise stewardship, management dents in Alabama. and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural • Follow the three-point rule of treestand resources through five divisions: Marine safety. Always have three points of Futral urges hunters to utilize the followPolice, Marine Resources, State Parks, contact to the steps or ladder before ing safety tips: State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater moving. This could be two arms and • Always wear a safety harness, also Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR one leg holding and stepping on the known as a fall-arrest system, when visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Contributed by Outdoor Alabama

A

46 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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Nearly Half of All Sportsmen Took a Kid Hunting In the Past Year Hunting is a rich American tradition often passed down from generation to generation. A recent survey by HunterSurvey.com reveals that passing that heritage along to younger people is still alive and well with nearly 46 percent of surveyed sportsmen having taken at least one child hunting in the past year. The common perception that those children are almost always a son or daughter, however, may not be completely accurate.

When asked how many children they had taken hunting within the past 12 months, 21 percent reported they had taken one. Fifteen percent had taken two children in the past year, 5 percent had taken three, two percent had taken four, while just over two percent had taken five or more. Meanwhile, 54 percent reported they hadn’t taken any children hunting in the past 12 months.

So what was the relation of these children to the hunter? Traditionally, it is thought boys and girls most often learn to hunt from a parent and in 59 percent of the reported cases that is absolutely true. But sportsmen aren’t just teaching their kids how to track a buck, shoot a duck or call in a turkey; they’re introducing the outdoors to other relatives and friends as well. After a son or daughter, the next highest response was taking an unrelated young person with 27 percent of respondents reporting they had taken a girl or boy hunting with them that was not related to them, 20 percent took a nephew or niece and 17 percent took a grandchild. Nearly four percent took a child as part of an organized activity such as through scouting or as part of a church group event.

“Sportsmen have long sought to share their love for the outdoors with the people in their lives, particularly young people, and when it comes to hunting, introducing kids to the outdoors isn’t limited to just immediate family members,” says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com.

To help continually improve, protect and advance hunting, shooting and other outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to

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participate in the bi-monthly surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey. com. Every other month, participants who complete the surveys are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey. com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. Survey results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Follow them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AnglerSurvey and https://twitter.com/#!/HunterSurvey.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 47

and the season running out, Jack convinced her for them to move to another field away from coyotes. They got in his pickup and drove to the other end of the long field. While still in the truck, they observed does laying in the field, but something spooked them.

Lindsey said, “I convinced Grandpa to walk a little farther around the bend in the field road. We saw a deer in the brush. Both of us were shaking like a leaf.”

Grandpa Jack said, “Shoot honey.”

“I had on Grandpa’s big gloves and could not feel the trigger,” Lindsay recalls. “Take the glove off my hand,” I told Grandpa. He removed the glove, trying to hurry, but not wanting to alert the deer.

Lindsay pulled up the crossbow and shot.

“Let’s go put your crossbow away in the truck and then we will come back to see if you got it,” Jack suggested. Much later he told Lindsay that he really did not think that she had hit the deer, but he didn’t want to burst her bubble.

Crossbow hunter and outdoor writer Tes Jolly is totally self-sufficient being able to carry her treestand and crossbow while choosing her own stand placement.

Most importantly, Tes introduced her dad Ned to crossbow hunting while he was in his 80s; getting him into the woods during the milder weather offered by bow season much longer than he could have hunted with other archery gear.

Change of Heart Continued from page 43

Sadly, trends show a decrease in recruitment of new hunters and consequently license sales and revenue generated to support conservation programs. If we are to preserve the hunting heritage, we must recruit a new generation of hunters. The crossbow is a tool that will allow for new hunter recruitment and allow other hunters to continue to hunt despite injuries, health issues, and old age. So my feelings now are for us to use the crossbow to open up the world of hunting and archery season to new and more hunters.

to the extreme that he and his friends at the archery club pitched money in a kitty and the person who threw the crossbow the farthest won the money.

But Grandpa Jack loved his young granddaughter more than he hated crossbows.

The shotgun season in Ohio was very short and the shotgun kicked the daylights out of his little 60-pound-soackingwet Lindsay. Jack’s best option was to get Lindsay a crossbow. When she was 10, she could not get enough time in the woods with Grandpa Jack. Many times he picked her up from school and took her hunting. He continued to carry his compound bow and Lindsay carried her crossbow.

Upon returning to the scene, Grandpa found the deer’s tracks in the December snow. Soon they found her blood covered arrow. She had not missed the deer after all. They followed the blood and tracks until they could not see any more blood. She had taken the shot at about 5 pm Eastern time, so there was very little daylight left. Then Grandpa Jack saw the deer about two feet behind Lindsey.

“Turn around young lady,” he told Lindsay.

“When I saw my spike buck, I was the happiest girl in the world,” Lindsay shared. “Grandpa and I both cried.”

“You have killed the Pear Buck,” Grandpa Jack related as he went into the story about seeing him earlier in the season.

Less than a year later, Lindsay became the youngest member of the Ten Point Crossbows Pro Staff. Ten Point Technologies was introducing the new Lindsay remembers the day well. The Lindsay Rochus Riggs ACU-draw System and she was the perShe is a young mother with two children coyotes were chasing deer in the field fect young lady to demonstrate the who lives in Ohio. Lindsay grew up hunt- while she and Grandpa Jack waited advantages that it would bring the crossing with her Grandpa, Jack Milligan. Jack patiently beside a big round bale of hay. bow shooter. was very opposed to crossbows – even With the impending darkness lurking Let me share the stories of two of my lady friends who are avid hunters.

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About a year after introducing Lindsay Cindy’s real love is turkey to shooting a crossbow, Grandpa Jack hunting with her crossbow.

She shot two really nice caved in and bought himself one. gobblers using the 100-grain Just last year, Lindsay took her largest Guillotine (another of Matt’s buck to date, a 118 inch typical 8-pointer inventions). with a split brow tine.

Now, Cindy has a Stryker Today, Lindsay misses her Grandpa Jack crossbow made by BowTech who recently passed away following a that she can cock herself. “It four year bout with lung cancer. It was feels good to know that I can during that cancer battle that Grandpa go hunting alone and not Jack used his crossbow to take the larg- just have to be your typical est deer of his life, a 168 inch deer they housewife. Cindy has to use a tripod to hold up the weight had nicknamed “The Walking Buck.” of the crossbow, but that is Lindsay remains a proud crossbow hunt- much better than not being er thanks to Grandpa Jack. With sparkles able to hunt. For years Cindy in her eyes, Lindsay proudly displays her had to rely on just hunting This lady hunter despite having no hands is able to Ten Point Crossbow logo tattoo on her when she and Matt could put bowhunt during archery season in Alabama at the 12th upper arm. Her small frame is not as con- their schedules together, but annual Does and Bows hunt at Whiteoak Plantation and ducive to shooting a regular bow, but now she has the opportunity draw her own crossbow using a cocking aid. she is right at home with her crossbow for some independence. can recruit more hunters to support in her hand. As we talked, her 4-year-old son pretended he was hunting, which Cindy just took a big 9-point buck on conservation efforts. With the fast paced goes to show you that Lindsay and other December 3rd. She shot it with her lifestyle that we currently live, a person young women like her will carry on the Stryker and Matt’s newest invention, the can learn to shoot and remain more proficient with less time investment than hunting heritage and introduce many Radian. required by other bows. With the mindmore people to the wonders of the wild.

Lynn, their daughter, began hunting by set of inclusion, that makes more of us the time she was seven and shot her first to protect, preserve, and perpetuate our Cindy Futtere Cindy and her husband Matt have shared deer, a spike buck, by the time she was hunting heritage. hunting as a vital part of their relationship since even before they married.

But Cindy suffered a stroke while she was pregnant with their daughter Lynn, now 19.

eight.

Joella Bates is a five time 3-D Archery World Champion. She has taken 67 different species with a bow and arrow and a deer with a crossbow. Joella was a collegiate rifle champion and the first 4-year letter person in the sport of rifle at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

In 2009, Joella became the first and only woman in history to take the Big 5 of Africa with a bow and arrow. Joella owns Operation Outdoor Outreach, a company whose mission is to perpetuate the outdoors lifestyle by offering a fundraising tool and outdoor programs and hunts. Joella coaches archery, conducts clinics and seminars, and freelance writes for magazines and websites around the world.

Cindy proudly shared with me that just last weekend, Lynn, a college freshman, just took a doe at 45 yards with her Stryker and 30 seconds later dropped “I wasn’t sure that I would ever get to a spike buck both with the ATOM. This bowhunt with Matt again,” Cindy recalls. all goes to show you what a family that Cindy does not have the strength to draw hunts together can do when they look back and hold a compound or recurve for opportunities not obstacles. bow because of the damage caused by the stroke. You can tell from talking to I am very proud to say that I have had Cindy that not getting to hunt with Matt a “change of heart.” I look for opporwould be a totally devastating blow. But tunities to include people in hunting neither she nor Matt gave up on her and and bowhunting, not to exclude them. her desire to hunt again was rekindled Legalizing crossbows during archery season allows persons of any age, race, when Matt got her a crossbow. and physical condition the opportunity Cindy’s first animal with the crossbow to be a safe, ethical, lethal hunter. We was a deer that she shot with the ATOM broadhead, a product that her husband Matt designed and engineered. Cindy Doug & Marsha Williamson invite you to visit: enjoys getting to be part of the field staff that tests and hunts with the products that they make. Matt hunts with a compound bow and recently took his first deer (in many years) with his recurve bow. There are real advantages in this husband and wife duo getting to do their own product testing prior to getting the broadheads into the hands of other shooters.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 49

HABITAT & CONSERVATION

Small Game Hunting Good Primer for New Hunters

By Thomas E Harms

Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 50 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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I

n today’s hunting world, the mighty white-tailed deer is king and small game gets less attention. Millions of dollars are spent on the management of white-tailed deer and many different methods are used to see who can produce the biggest bodied and antlered deer to mount on the wall. When introducing an inexperienced hunter to hunting, don’t put them under the pressure of shooting “the big one” at first. A better beginning to their hunting career would be creating an enjoyable experience with help from a more experienced hunter as a mentor. Small game hunting is the perfect avenue for this.

The great outdoors is becoming lost to technology. For many, outdoor experiences have become something reserved for TV series or outdoor-themed video games. It is up to the more experienced hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to introduce new generations to the hunting tradition − or risk losing it.

have to stress over wind direction or remaining still, which can be hard for a youngster. Small game hunting also provides a platform for more social interaction between hunters since you do not have to be as quiet while hunting. This presents Being outdoors is a great escape from the fast pace and stress the opportunity to discuss hunting ethics, hunter safety and of life. The openness and quiet of being in the woods or on your outdoor surroundings, as well as other non-hunting related the water gives you time to relax and think. These adventures topics. Small game hunting also typically provides more action can be great opportunities to spend with your children and than deer hunting because there are usually more game and introduces them to the joys of the great outdoors. Youth hunt- opportunities to shoot. If you do choose to go white-tailed ing, especially when shared with family and friends, can be deer hunting, let the new hunter enjoy the experience without a positive experience for all. These positive experiences can pressure to harvest a deer. A bad experience their first time out could discourage them from wanting to hunt in the future. Most create better bonds and life-long memories. young hunters are normally just happy to tag along and have a When introducing young people to hunting, the experience chance to shoot at anything, whether it is a buck or a doe. needs to be fun and enjoyable. Small game hunting provides many opportunities for new hunters that white-tailed deer What is most important is the social interaction between the hunting often does not. When small game hunting, you do not hunter and the youth, which builds stronger bonds and a supContinued on page 55

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Manatee Project Tags Two Males In Dog River

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

M

anatees have the reputation of being docile, slow-motion grazers that just ease along the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, hence the nickname â&#x20AC;&#x153;sea cow.â&#x20AC;? That might hold true most of the time, but when researchers attempt to apply a tag, the gentle giants act more like cornered bulls.

Until recently, most people along the northern Gulf Coast thought manatee sightings were the result of animals that had gone astray from their normal haunts in central and south Florida.

Thanks to the work of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) and Manatee Project Director Dr. Ruth Carmichael, those misconceptions are being revealed. A tagging program started in 2009 has yielded a great deal of evidence about the manatees that visit the northern Gulf Coast.

The most recent tagging effort happened recently under the combined efforts of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, DISL, the University of South Alabama, Sea to Shore Alliance, SeaWorld Orlando, University of Florida, Lucky Dog Aviation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceDaphne, DISL volunteers and interns. The use of a spotter plane was donated by Shrimp Basket Restaurants.

Carmichael said the Manatee Project started in 2007, and the first tagging occurred in 2009.

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The data gathered since has proven the animals spotted around Mobile Bay and its estuaries came there with a purpose.

“During the peak of the season we maybe have at least two dozen animals in Alabama waters,” she said. “The number that pass through are likely many, many more than that.”

“At one time, people thought the sightings to the west of Florida were accidental,” Carmichael said. “I think the big take-home message, and the biggest fact we’ve discovered with our program, is that not only is it not accidental but that some are regular visitors. And we have some animals that come back year after year.”

There have been four tagging events since 2009 with 13 animals captured. Twelve of those were tagged, although two of those animals were tagged twice.

Carmichael said there is one very large female that visits Mobile Bay on a regular basis. That animal has spent five of the past seven summers in Alabama. She said some animals that the project follows will go to Florida in the winter. As soon as the temperature warms up, they come back and stay in Alabama until it gets too cold.

“That raises the question of what’s home,” she said. “For some of these animals, is home where you go to spend the winter or where you spend the bulk of the rest of the year?

The northern Gulf may be more of a home. At the least, we are part of their home range.

“The important thing a lot of people don’t realize is that we have fossil records of manatees in the northern Gulf.

What I think is when populations declined that the population was so small there was no need or motivation to leave Florida. As recovery has been successful in Florida, I think we’re seeing range expansion, or more accurately range re-expansion. Now there are enough animals that it is worth their while to come back and re-occupy areas suitable to them. We’re not increasing habitat, so we’re trying to recover with static habitat resources. So they have to go somewhere, a lot of times to places they had previously occupied.”

During last week’s tagging effort, two younger males were netted and carefully hauled aboard Sea World’s specially equipped boat with a removable transom. Carmichael said one animal was estimated at 1,200 pounds, while the second was about 1,400 pounds. She said determining the age of a manatee is difficult once it passes a certain age.

“We can tell somewhat by how clean they are,” she said.

“These animals were very clean with not a lot of scars or marks, which means they are probably younger.”

For someone observing their first manatee capture, it appeared to be a difficult task, especially when the animal’s paddle-shaped tail (fluke) came in contact with the researchers and interns attempting to load the animal in the boat. However, Carmichael said that was not unusual.

“Both captures went pretty smoothly,” she said. “It’s like catching a really big fish. Think of the biggest fish you ever caught (100-pound yellowfin tuna) and multiply that by 10.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get them in the boat. The fact we were able to do it as quickly as we did is a testament to the skill of the folks involved in the capture. But every single event is different.”

Carmichael said the timing of the Manatee Project couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time.

“We could be looking at a substantial range re-expansion and re-occupation,” she said. “And I think we have, and probably by luck, captured the beginnings of the tipping point where we may see more animals come here and stay longer. And it may become very clear that not only is this part of their home range but our area will be increasingly occupied. But that remains to be seen. You can ask me again in a few years.”

In terms of numbers of manatees that can be found in Alabama waters at any time during warmer weather, Carmichael said that is hard to pinpoint.

“That’s a tough question,” she said. “There are certain things we can prove. And there are certain things we can guesstimate. We have certain sightings of groups of animals in one area. Then we have sightings of individuals.”

What makes it difficult, according to Carmichael, is some animals are coming to Mobile Bay to spend the summer, while others just spend some time in Mobile Bay on their way to other areas.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 53

Once the manatee was on board, the marine scientists and researchers went to work. Respiration was monitored to determine if the animal was in distress. Then a full health assessment followed with blood drawn and fecal material sampled as well as a skin sample from the edge of the fluke.

The length and girth measurements were recorded as well as any identifying marks on the animal. A tag, similar to a crab float, was attached to the fluke.

“One of my goals is to be out explaining to people what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and why we care about these animals.

“Everybody who reports seeing one of these animals is part of our program, part of our network. We couldn’t do it without people on the water who report the sightings and give us information.”

Anyone who spots a manatee, please report the sighting 24-7 toll free at 1-866-493-5803, online at manatee.disl. org or via email to manatee@disl.org.

A Facebook page is located at https:// www.facebook.com/mobilemanatees.

PHOTOS: (By Billy Pope) Manatee Project participants were able to locate a pair of male manatees in the Dog River area near Mobile Bay recently.

“Thankfully, none of our animals had any problems,” Carmichael said. The specially designed capture boat “Everything worked out well. They were released and swam away.” from Sea World with a removable transom was used to bring the 1,200-pound Carmichael said the Sea Lab supplies manatee habitat area signs free of charge animal onboard to be measured and to all coastal residents in Alabama and Mississippi. go through a series of health checks.

The animals were fitted with a tag colBecause there are relatively few manatees in Alabama waters, no-wake manatee lar that fits just ahead of the fluke with zones have not been established. a float and a radio transmitter.

“What I believe in is education,” Carmichael said. “We believe in raising awareness, in letting people know these animals are here and when to expect to see manatees. We offer the free signage so people can put them up to make people aware that this is a habitat area; they can be cautious in case they do encounter an animal. I think we can do more with education than putting in restrictions.

ALABAMA 3-DAY DEER HUNTS

“We’ve never had a mortality from a boat strike in Alabama.”

Mark Sasser, Coordinator of WFF’s Nongame Wildlife Program, said once it was determined there was a breeding population of manatees in Mobile Bay that WFF devoted a significant portion of its nongame budget to the manatee work.

“All states get a federal allocation each year for threatened and endangered species,” said Sasser, who manned one of the support boats during the tagging event, along with WFF Nongame Biologist Roger Clay. “The manatee is an endangered species that has a great deal of interest. This species has a lot of support from the general public. A lot of what we do hinges on public acceptance.

“Folks like manatees. It’s a lot easier to generate interest in manatees than in (Eastern) indigo snakes (another endangered species). Both are species worthy of recovery, but it’s hard to convince people that we need more snakes. This manatee project has garnered quite a bit of public support. You could tell by the number of volunteers and interns. Even the folks who lived in the area where the animals were captured showed a great deal of interest in what was going on with the manatees.”

Carmichael said the public interest was not that great when the Manatee Project started in 2007.

“We had an uphill battle in just getting people to report sightings,” she said.

54 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

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Small Game Continued from page 51

port system. The experienced, skillful hunter should strive to make this adventure enjoyable. Small game hunts, such as dove, rabbit or squirrel hunts, are great ways for the next generation of hunters to become a part of the hunting tradition. Family members need not be the only ones included, as these types of hunts are great opportunities to get other inexperienced, but willing hunters in the field. Many children do not have the option to go hunting, but would love the chance to go. This also can be a good opportunity to help a troubled teen find a positive outlet and show them someone cares and is willing to get involved in their life. These early hunting experiences, if positive, have been shown to create lifelong hunters and a strong bond with other hunters.

Each year, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sponsors youth dove hunts with the cooperation of landowners and other sponsors. Many youngsters are introduced to hunting during these events. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for additional information.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 55

Grace, Guns & Gear

3 1

2

6

The Must-Have List For Every Outdoor Woman

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4

5

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1

WALKER’S® GAME EAR® PINK PASSIVE COMBO - The Pink Passive combo feature Passive Folding Muffs that are designed to fit youth and women by reducing the bulkiness of the average muffs with ultra slim ear cups and a smaller headband. The ultra-light Walkers Passive Folding Muffs provide complete protection with outstanding comfort whether in the field or at a shooting range. To ensure comfort, these muffs feature low profile, ultra slim ear cups, a padded headband and soft PVC ear pads all in a compact folding design. With a noise reducing rating (NRR) of 27dB, these muffs help protect your hearing from sustained or loud sounds. The sport glasses included are made of high-grade polycarbonate lenses and feature ratcheting lens pitch adjustment. The glasses have an adjustable nose pad, are designed to allow air flow and they exceed ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements.

The foam plugs are ideal for louder environments, will conform to the shape of the ear and offer a NRR of 31DB. www.gsmoutdoors.com

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White River Fly Shop® Tight Line Waist Packs - Travel light but take it all.

Multiple pockets. Rugged, water-shedding tarpaulin fabric. Our White River Fly Shop Tight Line Waist Packs are a great solution when you want to travel light and still have all the tackle you need. These packs feature an adjustable waist strap and multiple pockets. Crafted of rugged, water-shedding tarpaulin fabric, these fishing packs also include an exterior mesh pocket. Imported. www.basspro.com

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Pretty Hunter Signature ‘Sassy Scarf’ in Camo - As a Pretty Hunter, you might ‘shoot from the hip’ and roll with the punches-- well this sassy, soft & yummy scarf has got your back (or your neck) in all situations! A super soft blend, this oversized bundle-up scarf has endless possibilities! We Pretty Hunters love the power of choice and versatility -- well this scarf is it! Measures in at about 72” x 36” and complete with an array of, you guessed it - sassy sayings- Speak your mind without ever saying a word! One size fits all - truth! www.prettyhunter.com

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PRÓIS® Archtach Down Jacket - Just when you thought we had the coolest gear on earth we had to go make this awesome jacket! We outcooled ourselves. Again. You asked for the ultimate in warmth and insulation, we delivered! Engineered with 100% microfiber ripstop with durable weather resistance through down acrylic coating. Gray Goose down 800 fill. Smaller baffles to help down retain loft after washing. Packs down into its own pocket.

Lycra vented armpits. Athletic and feminine cut- and we extended the length in the back to eliminate that pesky back draft. Available in Realtree APX, Advantage Max 1, Mountain Mimicry and Black. www.proishunting.com

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HSS-Contour Harness - Weighs Only 2.5 lbs! Fashion meets form and function in the new HSS-CONTOUR. Engineered specifically for the contours of a woman’s body, the HSS-CONTOUR features three Right-Fit™ stretch panels for a comfortable, snug fit and maximum range of movement. Turquoise blue piping and accent colors. 1.25” upper-body webbing, shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduces weight and bulk. Two lined zippered pockets double as storage and hand warming pockets. All of this is built on our patented system that millions of hunters trust. Patented HSS design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles. Realtree® XTra™ camouflage.www.huntersafetysystem.com

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Brite-Blade™ - The hollow ground blade is hand finished to a razor sharp edge. Spring Assisted Opening is best in class. Your Brite-Blade™ TLSK is one the finest survival knives available and is perfect for everyone from public safety, marine, camping, hunting, pilots or anyone that might find themselves in a wilderness survival situation. Your Brite-Blade™ TLSK survival knife has the following: 45 lumen mini-aluminum LED white light flashlight has a rare earth magnetic base that secures it inside the body. The light can be quickly removed from the body of the knife and operated independently. The rare earth magnetic base allows the light to be mounted on the blade for a 90 degree light. A second aluminum mini flashlight with red LED is included.

Both LED mini flashlights are waterproof IXP-6. www.brite-strike.com.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 57

The Instructor’s Corner

SAT-C

Chip McEwen Partner, SAT-C NRA Certified Instructor

Small Arms Training-Consultants, LLC

Safety Has No Limits

O

utdoor Women Unlimited members “Accept No Limits” and when it comes to safety with firearms and safety in the use of firearms at the range or in the field on the hunt, SAFETY “has no limits” either. Safety and the rules for handling of firearms on the range and in the field are just like breathing, you can’t live without air and total enjoyment of the shooting sports can’t happen without safety principles ALWAYS FOLLOWED!! In this article I am asking Rob Pinkston, another partner of SAT-C and an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO), to help answer the question, “What does SAFETY with firearms entail?”

58 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

Rob Pinkston Certified NRA Range Safety Officer

Chip: Rob as an RSO how would you answer that first question?

Rob: It all begins with the 3 Golden Rules of Firearm Safety.

They all start with the words ALWAYS KEEP. Number 1, ALWAYS KEEP the firearm pointed in a safe direction. By that I mean the muzzle which is that part of the firearm where the bullet or shot exits the barrel. Number 2, ALWAYS KEEP your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Number 3, ALWAYS KEEP your firearm unloaded until ready to use. As you mentioned in the introduction these rules are just like breathing.

If you ALWAYS follow them you will without exception not cause an injury to a person.

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Chip: Are there any other safety rules you recommend other than these three?

Chip: Are there any other safety concerns when handling firearms you recommend?

Rob: After the 3 Fundamental Rules of Firearm handling above, there are 8 other rules for using or storing a firearm.

The first one is important at a firing range but extremely important when involved in hunting activities and that is KNOW YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND. Many hunting accidents could be avoided if everyone always looked at the game as well as what is beyond the game before they pull the trigger. It’s kind of like driving a car. You don’t just look at the few feet in front of the car while moving you look there as well as several hundred feet ahead at the same time.

Rob: I have covered the Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety and Handling the NRA recommends for all individuals involved in shooting sports activities which as a Certified Range Safety Officer we watch closely on any range where we are involved with the shooting activity. But, there are other things the Ladies of OWU should follow when involved in hunting activities which they will learn about in an approved Hunter Education Course.

The next rule is to KNOW HOW TO USE THE GUN SAFELY. I know this is common sense but you should read the firearm’s owner’s manual and be fully familiar with the operation to load, unload, and fire your firearm. If in doubt, ask someone familiar with that firearm, a gunsmith, or a NRA Certified Instructor for help before you try and load and shoot the firearm.

Next you should BE SURE THE GUN IS SAFE TO OPERATE. If you have any question as to whether a firearm is operating properly you should have it examined by a knowledgeable gunsmith.

The next rule is simple too, but you would be surprised how easily it can be missed. USE ONLY THE CORRECT AMMUNITION FOR YOUR FIREARM. People going to a shooting range or hunting and take multiple firearms (i.e. a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge shotgun) MUST be careful not to intermix the cartridges or shot shells. Using a cartridge or shell not designed for your firearm could cause catastrophic damage to the firearm as well as injury/death to the person shooting.

These things involve wearing appropriate “hunter orange” clothing, wearing harnesses when hunting in an elevated tree stand, not climbing into or out of an elevated hunting stand with a loaded firearm, what to do if you find yourself lost, and encountering potential poachers on hunting land. Space limits any further discussion of these items, but participants in a Hunter Education course are exposed to these items in greater detail.

Chip: Rob this is great information. Would you like to share any closing remarks ?

Rob: I encourage all to seek out Certified Trainers and Companies such as, Small Arms Training Consultants, LLC and invest in their individual goals by taking courses to become more proficient in their shooting activities and comfortable with the use of firearms in the shooting sports and hunting activities. This way they BLAZE a trail in their life and find “The break of dawn is hope . . . encouragement . . . motivates challenge . . . education drives success!”

Another rule is WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION AS APPROPRIATE. The sound of a firearm discharge can damage unprotected ears and since they also emit debris and hot gases you want to protect your eyes from these things which can cause injury also.

This next rule is so obvious but does get violated and never should. NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING. Alcohol is obvious but if you are on doctor prescribed or over-the-counter medications which carry a label advisory against driving or operating equipment while taking the medication you should avoid using the firearm during this time also.

The next one is something we are always interested in which is to STORE GUNS SO THEY ARE INACCESSIBLE TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS. It is a firearm owner’s responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized persons, especially children, from handling or otherwise having access to firearms.

And lastly BE AWARE CERTAIN TYPES OF GUNS AND MANY SHOOTING ACTIVITIES REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. This is true with different shooting sport specific activities and types of firearms (i.e muzzle loaders).

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FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 59

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Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad.

Swivel studs. Lightweight, composite Monte Carlo stock dipped in Bonyard Camo Blaze™ pattern stock. Matte bead blasted blued finish barrel.

Cold hammer forged barrel (24”). www.weatherby.com

‘Royal Ruckus’ Buckle You, Pretty Hunter, are a Queen -- and here is just another way to show it with this gorgeous feminine, yet fierce buckle. An elaborate floral antique silver base measures in at 3.2” x 2.45”. The design is complimented with a single 12 gauge shotgun shell end and genuine ‘Royal Purple’ Swarovski Crystals. Buckle base is cast pewter and comes with a hook and d-ring to attach to any SNAP belt, made in the USA. All genuine Swarovski Crystals, genuine cut bullets & shells from spent rounds. www. prettyhunter.com

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Canyon Coolers® Outfitter 22 Canyon Coolers 22-quart Outfitter: It’s not just the perfect personal cooler for your day trips, but its premium compact size fits like a glove in your vehicle, UTV or quad.

When you’re ready to go, it’s an easy and comfortable to carry thanks to its incredible no slip padded gun sling strap. Don’t let its smaller size fool you, this personal cooler is built just as brutally strong and you can rest assure that your contents will stay icecold as well or better than other premium coolers costing $100’s more. The Canyon Coolers 22-quart Outfitter comes in white, sandstone, as well as a variety of limited edition colors. www.canyoncoolers.com Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

MY GEAR

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies® New Shadow Ultra Lite The Shadow Ultra-Lite Crossbow is a new combination lightweight 19.6-inch carbon-injected polymer barrel and 5.5 oz. trigger housing which reduces total bow weight to 6.4 lbs. 13.5-inches from axle-to-axel when cocked. Riser fitted with tactical 11-inch IsoTaper Limbs™, MRX™ cams, D-75™ string and cable and detachable light-weight coated aluminum foot stirrup. 180-pound draw weight.

Shoots up to 150 FPS. One of the lightest crossbows in the marketplace. www.tenpointcrossbows.com

Generation 4 APALS® The new APALS®, All Purpose Adhesive Light Strips with Active Illumination Reflective™ Technology, still have all of the same features as the 3rd generation such as: a micro-thin LED light strip that operates in three modes; fast strobe, slow strobe and steady on and off. The new 4th generation APALS® feature an Easy Pull Tab (easy to peel off when wearing gloves) are much brighter than the current ones and have a run time of over 80 hours. The APALS® are now packaged in Brite-Strike’s® patent pending flexible crushproof 10-packs that eliminate the risk of accidental activation, the biggest problem with chemical light sticks. The APALS® are perfect for marking trees in and out of spike camp, indicating treestands or ground blinds or placing on a hat for entering or exiting the woods in low-to-no light conditions. They can be used for ambient light for reading a map or seeing if a round is chambered. The APALS® polished reflective surface allows it to be used as an emergency signaling mirror in the daytime and the bright strobe at night is highly effective to signal you need to help to rescue teams. www.brite-strike.com Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org

Southern Racks Products Southern Racks scent free hunting products are natural products and are professionally designed for women hunters by women hunters. Full of moisturizers, conditioners, anti-oxidants, and vitamins; our products will leave your hair and skin looking and feeling great. They are both Sulfate and Paraben free. You will never have to worry about dry hair or skin because Southern Racks scent free products will add and retain the moisture your hair and skin needs during the hunting season. Our product is also safe for color treated hair. Order at www.southernracksllc.com FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 61

MY GEAR

White River Fly Shop® Fly Tying Kit - Trout Tying Fishing for trout is a special obsession. It consumes anglers not only while they are at the river, but at home and work as well.

You’ll never distract the trout anglers on your list, so you might as well encourage them.

The White River Fly Shop Kit® provides everything to tie the flies they need to catch more and bigger trout – with the great sense of accomplishment of having done it themselves. Exclusive to this complete kit is a free instructional DVD featuring renowned fly fisherman Lefty Kreh with materials and instruction to tie Wooly Boogers, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Nymphs, Elk Hair Caddises, Adams, and Flying Ants. www.basspro.com

GhostBlind Predator How does it work? MIRRORS!! It’s Like Having Thousands of Camo Patterns in One Blind! Reflective panels mirror the earth’s floor and surrounding environment! Because of the angle of the reflective panels, game can only see what is on the ground, directly in front of the blind. The sun cannot reflect off the blind, only back to the ground. Our blinds are made in the USA, are lightweight, unbreakable – constructed with Weather Proof Polypropylene. All of our blinds fold up with the mirrors to the inside for protection and ease of transport. 4 reflective mirror panels. Use with gun, bow or cross bow. Lightweight – Only 12 lbs. Open Size - 102”W x 46”H. Folded Size 24.5” x 46”. Shoot from seated or standing position. We now have 4 models available – Predator, Runner, Waterfowl & Stalker blinds. Visit www. ghostblind.com or call 877-751-4868 for more information.

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Independent Distributor

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“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending” – Carl Bud

64 | BLAZE | FALL/WINTER 2015

Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org