DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
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WINTER 2011
SEASON I, ISSUE III
STAG PARTY in
SCOTLAND THE ELUSIVE
CHRISTMAS
BOWS
WESTERN BLACKTAIL AN AMERICAN IDOL
KRISTY COOK View Our Extended Online E-dition
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EDITOR: FROM THE EDITOR: A year in review...
Boy, how time flies when you’re having fun. It seems like yesterday we had “10 Fans.” Not long ago, this was just an idea created by a few blue-collar hunters sitting around a fire, shooting the breeze and having a long discussion over a some cold ones on why so many of the mainstream magazines won’t grow with the times. We argued over which have “sold out” and lost their appeal or just didn’t connect with the regular Joe. At that moment, we began to kick around what would make a good magazine, how we could be different, and if the market had room for us. All of those questions are a distant memory now because in one short year, our circulation has grown to 30,000 paid subscribers with a readership over 114,000. We are blessed to be a loud and booming voice in the outdoor industry. We continuously strive each issue to reach out to hunters and fishermen alike who have a love for the outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of growing pains. We were unprepared for a postal strike by our friends to the north which affected many of our Canadian subscribers, but we continue to learn as we grow. Having weathered the heat of being too risqué for some and not risqué enough for others, we think we have finally found a balance with our civilian and military heroes. By sending out several thousand copies to military bases, firehouses, and high school hunting clubs, we can now say that we are here to stay, making us bigger than a campfire dream. As we look back on this first year we want to offer thanks to each staff member, advertiser, vendor and most of all every subscriber that has, and will continue to, welcome us into your home or tree stand. I want to close with a promise to our fans, friends, followers and subscribers: We promise to always give our very best, never shy away from a topic, buck the trends and keep giving you some entertaining articles with quality photos. We often say around the office that this magazine is for our hardworking friends. You, hardworking men and women that put in 30-70 hours a week, always place family first and when the moment is right, take a little time to relax and pursue your passion. These tough economic times have given us
all something to reflect upon. So, during this season of giving and being thankful, take a little time to think about the good things in your life. I know I will! Always Shoot Straight,
Buck Davis, Sr. Editor Senior Editor - Racks & Tails Magazine buck@racksandtails.com
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GOOSE CALLS • DUCK CALLS • ACCESSORIES
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From Our Junior Editor:
Welcome to what we believe to be our best issue yet! In this issue, you can expect to find numerous big game hunts and thrilling predator hunts that, I can assure you, will leave you with excitement, as well as new tips to apply to your future hunts! As the hunting seasons progress from opening day to late season, many of us have had our share of success, disappointment and memorable experiences. As for myself, I wasn’t able to fill my bull tag this muzzle loading season, but I was able to hunt a few new areas that brought with them some challenging terrain and a good handful of experiences. One of the biggest challenges for my season was the elk going into rut later than usual, which made it quiet a bit more challenging getting a bull to come in to our calls. We were hunting in some thick public land and weren’t the only ones to hunt that spot.
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We were accompanied by what seemed like an interstate of trucks parked along the dirt roads all the way up the mountain. With so much pressure, there was no doubt that the elk would be moving due to the vast amount of hunters pursuing them. We had hiked a few miles into the thick timber and found fresh signs in a small park and agreed that this would be a good spot to bunker down to start calling. After awhile, there was a bugle in the distance, so I waited patiently while we called back and forth for about an hour. We knew that he was north of us and since he wasn’t going to come to us, we would go to him. We slowly made our way into the timber in his direction. We had the wind on our side and the location of our target in mind, but as we walked, we found ourselves in the middle of a hail storm. Taking shelter beneath a large pine tree, we waited the 45 minute storm out. When the storm quit, Dad began leading the way again. I followed close behind and as I noticed fresh signs, I looked up to whisper to my father buthe was already motionless. I stopped and looked in the direction that he had been and saw the tan rear end of an elk behind a large tree trunk. I slowly reached for my rifle that was slung over my shoulder but then a whirling wind carried our scent straight to the bull.
timber. We waited for a moment, then tried to get him to come back in, but he was long gone. Even though we didn’t get him, my heart still beat steadily from the adrenaline. In my mind, that’s what hunting is all about; it’s the thrill of not knowing how it will all come together in the end. It is not always about killing an animal, it is about the people you are with and the excitement you get when going out on the hunt. That is why I love this great world of the outdoors, because whether the hunting or fishing goes as planned or not, there will always be the thrill and excitement. This has truly been another great year and is still far from over for me and my outdoor adventures. Join in the hunt,
Tanner “One N Done” Gianinetti Junior Editor, Racks & Tails Magazine tanner@racksandtails.com”
And just like that, the calm forest air was broken by the sound of hooves beating against the ground as the bull, and his 5X5 rack, stormed off into the
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s v Hunting Tip #107 Keep your profile low and never outline your self on the ridge top. Mule deer look for south facing slopes where they can collect available sunlight during the day. - Tip Provided By: www.HUNTINGLIFE.com RACKSANDTAILS.COM
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Stop By Booth #10375 @2012 S.H.O.T. SHOW
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by: Tanner Gianinetti
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you Want more racks and tails? Check out our extended ONLINE edition at www.racksandtails.com for more articles, behind the scene pics, & more..
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t i F o d i F g n i p Kee uman DVM By Louise Sh
help them live longer and more comfortable lives. The first step to keeping ‘Fido’ healthy is by providing high quality nutrition. Dogs are a lot like us as they are able to utilize nutrients from a variety of sources, including meat, grains, fruits, and veggies. Choose a dog food formula that meets your expectations for ingredients and quality. Make sure it displays a statement on the label to verify that it meets the nutritional requirements determined by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) for your dog’s specific life stage (i.e. puppy, mature, pregnant, working). Consider calling the 1-800 Wellness care has become the new number on the label to make sure the standard in companion animal health. Veterinarians and pet owners are no lon- company has a representative who is able ger satisfied with merely responding to and willing to answer your questions about how they formulate and make disease after it has already taken hold. their dog food. Keep a record of all the We can take an active role in disease foods prevention to keep pets healthier and you feed your dog, so that if she ever Spending time with a four-legged canine companion is one of the most rewarding experiences many of us enjoy in life. Keeping those companions happy and healthy is important to preserve the relationship you share.
BIO
Louise is a veterinarian in Carbondale, Colorado who serves companion animals and horses. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exploring nature on horseback, mountain bike, dirt bike, snowmobile, skis, and snowboard. Most of the time she can be found caring for her patients, or one of her own menagerie that includes two dogs, a mule, a tortoise, and fish. She graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. RACKSANDTAILS.COM
develops a food allergy, you can easily tell your vet what she has eaten in the past to help guide future diet selection. Next on the list is infectious disease and parasite prevention. Vaccines protect dogs from life-threatening infections by distemper virus, parvo virus, leptospirosis, and rabies. Many diseases can be transmitted by other dogs, as well as wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and rodents. Parasites are another target for prevention. Worms, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and mites each bring with them unwanted negative effects for your dog’s health. Using flea and tick preventative, as well as intestinal dewormer on a monthly basis, especially during the summer, is a must for active, outdoor dogs. Another important component of a successful wellness strategy is an annual, head-to-tail comprehensive physical exam by a veterinarian. It is important to find a veterinarian with whom you can communicate easily and who you trust to guide you in the care of your beloved companion.
The following body systems should be carefully evaluated during a physical exam: Eyes Ears Nose Mouth Skin & coat Lungs and airways Muscles Bones
Joints Abdominal organs Lymph nodes Heart Lungs Airway Nervous System
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Celebrity Interview
Kristy Cook We meet thousands of people during our lives. How many of them actually move or inspire us? How many of them are more interested in leaving a legacy verses self-satisfaction? Kristy Cook walks the walk and talks the talk. Besides striving to reach her goals in a promising music career, she also takes time to help make the world a better place. For most of us, we probably didn’t know her when she showed up on season seven of American Idol. But like most of America, it didn’t take long for her stunning looks and amazing voice to grab our attention. When she found herself on the hot seat, we couldn’t help but hope that she’d make the cut for another week, especially after hearing the tear jerking story of selling her favorite horse, Montana, in order to pay for her travel to the audition in Philadelphia. Yet through all of her struggles, Kristy kept fighting, she kept the faith that she would make it and she held on to the fact that God was in control of her life, her career and that she would make it when it was her time. This is her time. Q: You’ve been fighting to get into the music industry for quite a few years. What was that like? A: It’s been a fight for sure. But, I have never wanted to give up, and I have never given up. There have been times I have wanted to but I never did. I’ve been trying to make it since I was 16; started professionally when I was 13. Q: What kept you going? A: My faith kept me going and just knowing not to give up on things. I’m doing what I always felt God wanted me to do, which is sing with the voice He gave me and I want to use it. Q: What is your most memorable moment in the music industry so far? A: I would say my most memorable moment so far has been my American Idol tour and experience. That was something I’ll never forget. RACKSANDTAILS.COM
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big hunter and pretty much the only one besides me in the family that hunts. So, family hunts are always fun. Q: What is your dream hunt? A: My dream hunt is a big elk in Wyoming, packing in on horses and camping. Q: I understand you recently went to Africa. What country did you visit? A: We went to Ethiopia. Q: How did you feel about leaving the country? A: I’ve left the country before. I hunted in New Zealand and a few other places. But, it was a long trip.
Q: When you’re out on the road, what do you miss most from home? A: I always CONSTANTLY miss my animals (horses, dogs). Home [is] where my family is. It’s really hard being away from home.
Q: How did you first start hunting? A: That was brought to the table by an ex. HAHA! I can’t say he didn’t ever teach me anything. He was good at it. So I learned a lot and went on a lot of hunts.
Q: What new projects are you working on?
Q: What is the funniest thing that ever happened on one of your hunts?
A: I am working on another album with Broken Bow Records. I have some really really exciting stuff coming up this year and next. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m working with people I have always wanted to. I also have some great news to spread about my career that I can’t wait to tell everyone!
A: I’m not sure. We have some pretty funny stuff happen, but I think anytime I hunt with my brother is when we have the most fun. He’s just a funny guy! I’m always in blooper mode, so I’m sure it doesn’t matter who is there cause I’m always doing stupid stuff (if you want to see some of her bloopers, visit “goincountry.com”).
Q: How cool is it to host a hunting show?
Q: What hunt comes to mind as your most memorable thus far?
A: It is really cool! I love traveling to different states and hunt. I love it! I get to learn, hunt and make new friends. It’s really cool to also bring great people onto the show. PAGE 28
A: I would say Nebraska hunt with my brother Sonny Cook, or my sister Terina Dutton. It was her first animal EVER to shoot. She did great! My brother is a
Q: You were involved in helping some children while you were there. Where did you visit and what did you do? A: We were with my sister’s foundation (http://duttonfoundation.org/). We took food, cloths, vitamins and shoes to the kids that her foundation sponsors at the orphanages and shelters. It was one of the saddest experiences of my life. Makes you realize how truly blessed we are here. Even the orphanages and parents here wouldn’t let their kid stay where we went at those shelters for a night. They made us a gourmet meal of potatoes, popcorn, bread, and a soda pop. They told us the children get one soda pop a year as a gift or for a special holiday. The churches there were amazing! I’ve never experienced a church like that. Q: How did you get involved in helping? A: My sister has wanted me to go to Africa for a few years. I finally have a boyfriend that wanted to go, so I went. It was one of the best experiences of all time!
Q: What are the needs of the children you saw while you were there? A: They needed shoes, cloths, vitamins, parenting, shelter, and help. Some kids, actually most kids on the street, knew one word, “Money.” That’s what they asked for. But, they were so excited when they got a sucker that we threw to them out of the window. Most kids had no pants on and were naked. Some kids had cataracts in their eyes, infections in their feet. It’s the saddest thing and they are so appreciative of everything. Q: What can people do if they would like to get involved? A: People can go to http://duttonfoundation. org/. My sister’s foundation sends about 99 percent of the proceeds to all the shelters and orphanages, which is pretty cool. Q: Are there any other projects you are partnering with? A: No projects right now besides the hunting show and my singing. We are working on trying to get some new sponsors on Goin Country as well. Hopefully, they will pull through. Q: Is there anything you would like to include for our readers? A: One thing I like to include is that I like to try being a person of morals and try to influence younger people to stay walking straight. I just hope I can influence some people in this world to see the good in all things and know there is a God and that everything happens for a reason to make us stronger! I’ve been through trials and tribulations and in the end, it has always came out okay! Interviewed By: Paul Potemski, Racks & Tails Celebrity Liaison RACKSANDTAILS.COM
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INTRODUCING... Kristyn:
HOMEgrown HOTTIE
Howdy Folks, my name is Kristyn Nicole Million. I’m really big into sports, with MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) being my favorite thing to watch on TV. I’ve met most of the big UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) stars while being a ring girl for the past few years. I compete in fitness too, weight lifting being one of my favorite things to do. I think I get a lot of stubbornness from my Indian, Irish and German roots. I think my heritage also has something to do with my great work ethic and discipline. Just like my brother, dad and grandpa, I love deer hunting, bird hunting and coon hunting. Fishing isn’t my thing because it involves too much sitting still, which I can’t seem to do.
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Favorite activities: Camping, shooting (I love the MP5 !), weight lifting, being a ring girl and modeling. Favorite animal: Dog Favorite food: Non-breaded chicken wings Favorite adult beverage: Miller LiteTM No prissy drinks for this tom-boy. Greatest achievement: Opening my own business at 27 and winning my very first fitness competition. What do you like most about people: People who have a sense of humor. What do you dislike most about people: Having lack of respect . Favorite vacation spot: Miami, Florida around the South Beach area. Where would you like to live: Brazil What do you like most about being a Racks and Tails cover girl: I like that it represents me as the tom-boy that I am.
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Kristyn M. nicKnaMe: LittLe nicKy Born in: tuLsa, oK Ht” 5’3” Wt: 112
This issues cover and centerfold were made possible with the help of Skelly Lodge, Camo Diva and HBL Production. Tony Dean of HBL Productions sat down with us to answer some questions about his amazing work.
D N I BEH CENES S E TH BL
n, H a e D y n with To
ns o i t c u d o Pr
Q: How long have you been doing this kind of work? A: Five years. Q: What are the joys and rewards? A: It means a lot when we hear back from deployed troops who have our calendars. On some remote bases, there is not a lot of entertainment, so the Tactical Girls Calendars® may be the most interesting diversion our guys have. They are also our toughest critics, and their feedback has driven our commitment to quality standards. Q: What is the coolest thing that has happened in the last 5 years? A: In 2008, through AmericanSnipers.org, we helped a customer who was an Army Major in Northern Iraq get a scope for a sniper rifle. This allowed his troops to conduct counter-sniper missions against insurgent snipers. It saved U.S. lives and the lives of Iraqi troops they were training. Q: What would say to an up and coming photographer? A: First, invest in the time to learn the trade. Anyone can go to the store and buy an SLR (single-lens reflex), but if you don’t know how to use it effectively, it doesn’t matter how much you spend; your images will look amateur. Second, buy quality equipment that is proven. Keep in mind you don’t have to have $20k in lenses to make good photos. We use maybe 3 lenses at most to get our photos
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Third, concentrate on the quality of the image, not quantity. Try to get 50 good images and rely on software as little as possible, it is better just to have a great image to begin with.
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Crowns ‘N Roars
of the Scottish Highlands WRITTEN By Aaron Cohn
T
he swift cool air of the Scottish Highlands, coupled with the majestic roar of the Red Stag, and the breath taking scenery, transcribes a feeling of Scottish history. Grain rich farm lands lead into the lush hill country where grassy knolls intersperse with forest restoration projects, ultimately relinquishing to the heather covered highlands. The smell of fresh rain and echoes of songbirds produces a tranquility that only warrants interruption by that of a mature stag in the roar. A mature stag, starting at the base of the antler, will contain a brow tine, followed by a second point called a bay, and a third point representing the tray. The top of the antler is known as the crown, as the points form a cup like appearance, which if perfect, PAGE 40
will embrace a wine glass. Stags are an indigenous species to Scotland, which ended up being the reasoning behind our decision to pursue them in their native habitat. One other species of deer also attracted our attention and was added to our pursuit list, the Fallow Deer. Four of us, Grafton Singer, Abe Aryan, Josh Lapp, and I made the trek from the US to Scotland, representing another notch in the category of lifelong friendships that have been molded over the years through numerous hunting experiences. As the big bird touched down at the destination of Edinburgh, Scotland, we were all smiles knowing the roar was in full swing and we were about to
be covered up in mature Red Stags. Before we headed to the Scottish Highlands, we decided to tour the city for a couple of days in order to appreciate the culture and learn firsthand what Scotland is known for, Scotch, medieval castles, and kilts. With tourism complete, we set out for the Lands of Loyal, which served as our headquarters over the next three days. The anticipation of the hunt rendered sleep useless as crowned racks filled our thoughts. Early to rise, coffee in the thermos, and diesels warming up in the cool, September air, once again created the feeling of the most awaited time of year, hunting season. Arriving at the base of the Scottish Highlands an hour before sunrise, the roar of stags chasing hinds (female Red Deer) and racks clashing together as the battle of the fittest unfolds, creating visions that ultimately vanish within the darkness. As daybreak reveals the scenery, the four of us start out along the grassy knolls and cut up forest tracts. We could hear the roar of a stag just over the rise. As we crawled through the saddle, we caught a
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glimpse of the rack at less than 100 yards as it’s covered in mud and vegetation. He was roaring and tearing up the ground, trying to gather his harem of seven hinds to take back into the thick forest. Being the first stag of the trip, we decided to pass him up as we watched him slip out of sight. Even though we never pulled the trigger on that stag or captured his photo on camera, we captured the vivid image in our memory log for years to come, as that story will definitely be told once again. With miles on the boots, after what seemed like covering a large expanse of Scotland, we approached two stags laying in the green grass on the opposite hill side. As we checked the wind, we decided to slip back down the way we came and approach them from the opposing angle. As we closed the distance to the right at 200 yards, Josh nestled himself in for a clean shot. Waiting for the right stag to stand up allowed for a perfect shot placement as the mature stag went down immediately in his wallow. The crack of the thundering .308 Mag started up the roar in the forest tract just up the hill. One down, three to go, and
stags roaring nearby, we decided to form a game plan on how to drive out the stags in order to look them over. With Josh on the move through the trees, Grafton, Abe, and I took a position on the opposing hillside where we could easily see the stags leaving the thick forest as they gathered their harems. Watching in anticipation while hoping the plan would work out in our favor, clashing racks could once again be heard echoing across the hillside as they jostled for position of dominance. With one small stag giving way and a mature stag on the chase, they headed out of the trees and down into the grassy ravine, just as we had planned. As we looked over the bigger stag through the binoculars, 22 more stags fled the forest of trees and filled up the field of view. Rather than just hearing the roar, we now were able to visually experience the fighting that was taking place in the open; harems intermixing,
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roars on top of roars, as vegetation was uprooted and flung into the air. With three sets of binoculars quickly scanning and sizing up the stags, we had our eyes set on one big bruiser with tons of mass, long main beams, and 19 score able points. Grafton set up shop by using a nearby rock, which was overgrown with thorns, as a rest. With the mature stag in the scope, all pain quickly disappeared with a loud crack from the rifle, bringing down the bruiser with a single blow at 320 yards. With Josh hearing the crack, followed by the distinct thud sound, he headed down through the trees to help out with the gutting, caping, and packing. While looking over the hillside for Josh and reliving the sight of all of the stags in full blown roar, I noticed a white flash through the tree line, Fallow Deer. Abe and I headed back into the trees in hot pursuit of that Fallow buck. Making it to the top of the hill, we worked the ridge line around towards the highlands. Checking the wind confirmed we had a perfect downwind approach as the massive Fallow buck once again appeared and vanished below us into the thick pine trees. Heading him off, I spot him moving below me at less than 40 yards. Now, there were two Fallow bucks, one with a distinct long tine off the rear of the palmate antler. Character points are what fuel my enthusiasm as I had radar lock on this particular buck. Abe and I stayed above the bucks while looking for a clear shot. As the character buck led them down the game trail, we set up against a tree that would allow for a clear shot. Once they came to the clearing between the trees, both bucks stopped as they watched for danger. The issue then was the smaller buck blocked the vitals of the other, meaning we had to wait out their next move. As the character buck turned his head to go down the hill, I quickly noticed a six inch clearing between the trees that he would be forced to pass through. With a steady aim, the buck presented me with a quartering away shot. I was able to place the bullet while the thunder of the rifle echoed amongst the pine trees. With another massive trophy animal down, we had our hands full for the day and spent the remainder of the day packing out animals. PAGE 42
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Following a good night’s rest, the breaking of dawn highlighted our outlines as we once again moved up the hill in quest of trophy red stags. With most of the roaring being heard at the top of the steep hill, we maneuvered our way amongst the clusters of trees which dotted the hillside. At only 600 yards below the fighting stags, we glanced up to see two mature stags battling it out on the skyline in the early morning rays of sunshine. This picturesque scene was one that you often hear about, but can never truly understand the beauty until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. Glassing the herd with the binoculars, Abe notices a stag with points that came down off the main beam and swept back up towards the crown, while I looked over a stag that seemed to have more points on his rack than the number of points scored in most professional football games. With two impressive stags to pursue, we decided to wait out for the perfect opportunity in order to capitalize on both animals. Watching the display of aggression and taking in the scenery, the herd decided to move down the forest tree line towards a large wallow. Abe positioned himself for a 220 yard shot and focused on the stag that has gained his attention, while I concentrate on the rack that looks like a Christmas tree coming down the hill. As both massive stags approached, we decided Abe would first deliver the blow. While standing in the wallow, Abe unleashed the fury and dropped the stag dead in his tracks. With the herd running down the hill, I dialed in on Mr. Christmas tree but there were no clear shots presented. In full pursuit, we headed over the ridge line and spotted the herd moving towards a thick stand of pines. As I set up for the shot, Abe spotted the stag we were after which was the second one from the back, quartering away. With the stag in the scope, he turned broadside to look back towards the area of danger. Being presented with the perfect opportunity, I squeezed the trigger and watched the massive stag fall down in a heap. Capitalizing on four trophy stags and one Fallow buck, we had one trophy Fallow buck to go. We set off through the thick stands of pines interspersed with birch trees to locate a trophy Fallow for Abe. Looking over a few small bucks, we decided to push on. With a dash of white and the sounds of crashing through the trees, we were into the Fallows once again. As we pursued the herd, three does caught our attention, followed by the buck we were after. His antlers had substantial palmation with tons of points. This was the one, and Abe delivered the death shot that sent the buck spiraling to the ground. With the trophy quest complete, excitement resonating throughout the air, and our dreams were fulfilled. It was time to take the big bird back to the US with memories, images, and stories that will last a lifetime.
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Self-Defense Software If you are an avid shooter, you have probably been asked by inexperienced friends or family, “what kind of gun should I buy for protection?” This very question from a non-shooter implies that simply buying a gun is all that is needed to prevent being a victim of a violent crime. However, it is not as simple as buying hardware such as a DVD player for movies or a microwave to heat leftovers. Pointing a weapon at another human and pressing the trigger is serious business with permanent consequences. An individual’s mental “software,” and their full understanding of the responsibility that comes with the ability to use lethal force is a huge consideration, far more important than make, model and caliber. When this question comes from a non-shooter, it is often best to ask more questions of them than to answer their question directly. The following questions are a good start: Why do you want a gun? Do you work odd hours or in a tough part of town, have a dangerous ex-spouse? Have you had break-ins in your neighborhood or a close call? Any reasonable answer will do. The point is to get them to think about their motivation and consider whether a gun would help or not. Have you considered non-lethal self-defense options? If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. If your only defense option is a pistol, you may use it in grave error when a kick to the groin, thumb to the eye or pepper spray might have been sufficient. No need to be a black belt, just learn some good, basic, dirty moves and practice them. Do you have an alarm or a dog that will bark at a potential home intruder? This is important because a warning
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system does two things. First, it may completely discourage an intruder. Second, no weapon in the world will help you if you wake up to a gun in your face. Third, there are some people who may be better off with a 40-pound dog than a gun. It is also important they understand that under stress, we never rise to the occasion, but we fall to our highest level of competency. An average driver on the highway is not going to magically react like Jeff Gordon to a high speed hydroplane, no more than the average shooter is going to fight like a Navy SEAL. However, an average shooter can even their odds with practice and training, but that takes a commitment of time and money. In order to be safely competent, the purchase of a $500 pistol needs to be followed by a lot of practice with ammo that costs $15 to $20 per box of 50. The last and most important commitment question is whether or not they are prepared to take a life to preserve their own. This question alone can stop people in their tracks. The goal of these questions is to lead an intelligent person to their own conclusions. Ignoring the “software” considerations of self-defense and immediately skipping to hardware advice may make their situation worse. Make sure that the hardware in question is compatible with the software already installed.
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FACES IN THE FIELD
F AT H E R
S O N
E D I T I O N
Adam Alpe Crawfordsville, AR
Alex is a fire fighter for the Jonesboro, AR Fire Department. During the off season, you will find him bass fishing with family and training his lab, Jay, for the upcoming duck season. If he’s not duck hunting, he’s usually deer hunting. He’s also an active member of the fire department’s Pipes and Drums Band.
Alex Alpe
Crawfordsville, AR Father of two children, Adam and Jessica, Alex works for Delnat Tire in Memphis, TN and enjoys deer and duck hunting with his family. He also takes pleasure in camping and fishing around Arkansas. During the off season, he likes spending time with family and friends. He’s also an avid runner, usually running several 5-10 kilometer races a month.
Levi Olson Williams, MN
Most of the year Levi works for his dad on their farm, but when the lake freezes over he works for Arnsen’s Resort as an ice fishing guide. With his free time he likes to get out on the ice for himself. “The best part of working for my dad is when our rifle Whitetail season opens. It’s two weeks long and I don’t have to work.
Tom Olson Williams, MN
Owns a 200 head Black Angus cow/calf operation which keeps him busy all year round. He enjoys Sturgeon fishing in the late fall, along with deer hunting, and spends most of the time making sure the younger generation gets to shoot something. Ice fishing is also another of his favorites. PAGE 52
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“Whitetail Strategies.” “Tips to get your Trophy Whitetail.” “Whitetail rut and how to take Advantage.” “Attract your Trophy Whitetail with XXX product.” “Don‘t miss that monster Whitetail, use our yadda yadda yadda product.”Whitetails, whitetails, WHITETAILS!! As much hype as we give the beautiful and ever so challenging Whitetail, let’s not overlook the equally (if not more so) challenging and elusive Columbian Blacktail. For years, it was thought that the Blacktail was a hybrid subspecies of the Mule Deer and Whitetail. Research has recently discovered that the Mule Deer is, in fact, a subspecies of Columbian Blacktail resulting from the mating of a Blacktail buck with a Whitetail doe. Blacktail deer are the smallest of the deer species with the bucks weighing anywhere from 100-170+ pounds, depending from which area (zone) the buck has been hanging his antlers. Unlike its cousins, a Blacktail’s antler size and growth are not related to its body size and growth. However, the body size of the deer DOES depend on which part of the region it‘s from. Although the body size of the deer coming out of California is smaller, the state holds the highest number of record bucks taken, with Oregon comin’ in close behind. The world-record Blacktail, however, was taken out of Washington.
Territory/Habitat If you’re not familiar with the Columbian Blacktail, their territorial range, as recognized by Boone and Crockett, stretches from central British Columbia, south to Monterey Bay, California and from the Pacific Coast PAGE 54
inland about 100 miles to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This range is to ensure that only pure Columbian Blacktails are submitted for entry in the B&C and not any hybrid Mule Deer.
Blacktails are most at home in thick, brushchoked canyons, fern and ground growth inhabited hillsides and the densest, darkest forests, putting the Old Wives’ Tale that “they avoid thick brush and dense forest to prevent aggravation of their sensitive antlers” to rest. The breathtaking mountainous regions provide plenty of cover, a variety of foods, and an abundance of water for the wildlife, making it quite the task to pinpoint their exact routines, as they change often.
Behavior The Blacktail’s behavior could be described as sporadic at best. Unlike its Whitetail cousin, trying to figure out a “pattern” or
“routine” will most likely leave you frustrated and pulling your hair out. Hunting these beauties from a tree stand may prove to be a very ineffective method and leave you with only stiff limbs, a bruised ego, and your tag in your wallet, still. They tend to spend more time grazing the open fields filled with spring’s new vegetation in bachelor herds of 1-5+. Once their antlers have grown and it’s time to shed that velvet, they break away and go into stealth mode. Seriously, it’s an ongoing joke about the stealth ninja bucks that leave droppings, evidence of bedding areas, tracks and the occasional rub, but always seem to be a step ahead of us and just out of sight. They’ve now gone from somewhat daytime to fulltime nocturnal and vanish until the rut. I’ve read that Blacktails go into rut the same time every year regardless of temperature, weather and other conditions. The rut begins in October with Oregon’s rifle season and tapers off in November when the late archery season begins. Bow hunters are lucky to catch the back end of it and even luckier to fill their tag before it’s gone and the bucks smarten up once again.
Hunting Oregon has in place hunting regulations that challenge the hunters season after season. We are not allowed to use feeders or plant food plots. Baiting is also illegal in Oregon. Bow hunters are not allowed to use lumi nocs, any bow mounted electronic device, or mechanical broad heads. It’s these regulations, combined with very difficult and challenging terrain, that make hunting any game animal a challenge and not for the feint of heart. That being said, I feel that the most effective way to hunt the Blacktail is the spot
and stalk method. Find a hilltop where you can glass a large area. Canyons, clear cuts and re-prods are great places to start! I’ve heard (and plan on trying this method next season) that you need to get at least three people, have two walk up ahead, and leave the third to trail behind at a safe distance. This will help use the Blacktail’s “back door” escape method to your advantage. Blacktails will, more often than not, hunker down and watch you walk right by rather than bound off through the thick. He’ll then sneak out “the back door” behind ya and you’ll be none the wiser that a buck was even in the vicinity. Not this time. Your third person will be ready
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when this ninja tries sneakin’ out the back door and BOOM! Through some team work and a bit of patience, you’ve just filled your tag. If you’re one that loves a challenge, the thrill of the hunt and some good ‘ol braggin rights, what are you waiting for? Come rest your eyes on the beautiful mountain tops, hike the grassy hills, trek our fern covered forest floors, and dig yourself out of the deepest canyons of the west coast. You’ll come home with some great memories and stories to tell, and if you’re lucky, your tag wrapped around the antler of the Columbian Blacktail.
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