Edition #28

Hank Parker EVERYONE’s BEST FRIEND PAGE 8

Scoring a Son’s Friendship Bob Reccord Page 16

Come with TEAM CSF to Alaska Page 22

U.S. $4.95 CAN $5.95

Team Adventures for your Ultimate Quest

Start Your

Personal Magazine

CSF’s new Gift Subscription Magazine Ministry now enhances your direct involvement in the lives of fellow sportsmen as a ministry supporter who wants other sportsmen to discover a new life in Christ.

SUPPORT LEVELS Gift Magazine Subscriptions: 3 Ways to Join in Support of CSF and to Launch your Own Personal Ministry: Founder, Life and Supporting Member 36 subscriptions, 24 subscriptions, and 12 subscriptions Fill out the membership form found at the centerfold of the magazine or call CSF headquarters at 770-772-6749 to join as a Support Level member. You can also go online at www.christiansportsman.com and use your credit/debit card.

2 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

• Utilize CSF’s professional magazine subscriptions to fulfill the Great Commission • Deliver each edition directly to the doorstep of fellow sportsmen who need the gospel message • Become a positive influence to encourage family members and friends to accept Christ • Connect with the passions of sportsmen who like hunting, fishing and target shooting • Support the goals and ideals of Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship Your personal phone call of encouragement or even extending an invitation to attend a CSF event could very well become the decisive point in a fellow sportsman’s acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 3 Letter from the Publisher Building Lifelong Friendships Richard Jordan 6 Outdoor Ministries Friendships Bonded in

Greatland Alaska Chris Marley 8 Cover Story Hank Parker

Everyone’s Best Friend Richard Jordan 14 Don’t Doubt Me Chris Moore

32 CSF Bullet Points Edgar Pierce 34 Follow the Sign Rusty Ricketson 37 TCS Photo Gallery 40 Known By Your Friendships Hank Hough 42 Friendship of a

True Sportsman Andy Hehl

16 Scoring a Son’s Friendship Dr. Bob Reccord 18 Count on Your Best Friend During the White Tail Rut Joe Perry 27 2013 David Livingstone Award Richard Jordan 28 Big Sky Bruins Bruce Smetana

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

The Christian Sportsman Mission: The Christian Sportsman magazine encourages and empowers sportsmen to discover and develop a deep passion for Jesus Christ in the context of outdoor adventure.

Letter From The PublishEr: Richard Jordan

Building Lifelong Friendships Lifelong FRIENDSHIP (def.) – An ongoing bond of commitment based on unconditional trust, loyalty and grace.

Rooster!!! The hunters shouted as yet another brightly colored pheasant flushed when kicked up with some well-trained bird dogs. Twelve wing shooters set aside a beautiful, cool and crisp morning in Georgia to work the field by corralling pheasants while hunting in close quarters together.

Each of us had planned and prepared with serious intentions for this annual outdoors adventure afield. Some of us even brought our sons along with the goal of building some memories that would last a lifetime.

Each with shotguns in hand and loaded down with boxes of high brass shells, we listened intently to our guide’s instruction on gun safety and proper etiquette when together in close quarters in the field, anticipating each flush. Pheasant hunting requires teamwork and trust among friends.

A close friend of mine once related a story to me about true friendship. He met a fellow Christian while serving as a missionary to Russia during the 1980s. Recently, they were re-acquainted after several years when my friend greeted the Russian as his “friend”. The Russian man responded, “I am not your friend, we are only acquaintances”. Apparently, Russians view friendship as a much deeper bond based on proven trust over a lengthy period of time.

In the Christian life some fundamentals such as the concept of forgiveness are extended freely with no conditions on those who have committed the offence. However, the friendship building-block of trust must be

earned when the adventure of life brings two people across each other’s path. Whether in the missionary field, the daily marketplace or while pheasant hunting together in the millet fields of Georgia, sportsmen have opportunities to build lifelong friendships with others. This requires a degree of planning and preparation as God will inevitably bring potential friends into our lives.

Are we prepared for such occasions to earn the trust of friendship?

In this edition of The Christian Sportsman Hank Parker relates how important family and friends were following his failed marriage. God provides second chances through his grace and forgiveness. We must extend mutual trust within our friendships as God re-builds our foundation.

Bob Reccord celebrates with his son as they score a trophy elk while deepening their bond of friendship together. Chris Marley continues to encourage church men’s groups to travel together to Greatland Alaska on a short-term mission trip to build memories and friendships that will endure.

And Hank Hough and his Kingdom Dogs bring a unique perspective to the theme of Building Lifelong Friendships through the eyes of a black Labrador retriever. Then Bruce Smetana helps the reader size up the big lumbering black bear with the perspective of a seasoned guide and outfitter who knows that it is critical to have a friend in the field when hunting for Big Sky Bruins.

It is astounding that most men, especially sportsmen, can count on one hand, if not on one finger, the total number of their close friends!

Building lifelong friendships requires intentionality in asserting ourselves as a true friend then building upon that relationship with trust and loyalty.

Lifelong Friends look for opportunities to extend grace when their friends commit an offence or receive grace when stepping on a friend’s toes. And the process of building Lifelong Friendships takes a lifetime commitment! Let’s get started as we read this edition of The Christian Sportsman!

Staff Publisher — Richard Jordan Managing Editor — Jim Smith Art Director — Dwayne Bassett Graphic Design by — Sprocket,, Inc. Marketing Director — Chris Marley Data Management — Terry Sams Business Address: P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156 telephone 770.335.1814 Speculative manuscripts and queries may also be sent via e-mail to: rjordan@thechristiansportsman.com.

TCS magazine is not responsible for unsolicited materials that are lost, stolen or damaged.

International Advisory Board Pastor Johnny Hunt Dr. Bob Reccord Dr. John Morgan Dr. Paige Patterson Evg. James Robison Team Advenures Pro Staff National Spokesman — Steve Bartkowski Guiding & Outfitting — Skipper Bettis Alaska Big Game — Jim Brenn Scholastic Shooting Sports — Dr. Bill Christy Dog Training — Joey Hancock Leadership Training — Bruce Witt Ducks Unlimited — Jim Young Bass Fishing — David Swendseid Trophies of Grace — Scott Porter Hunting Devotionals — Tom Naumann Montana Outfitting — Bruce Smetana World Mission Projects — Dave Hall Father/Son Heritage — Brian Molitor God’s Creation — Steve Ponchot Dog Obedience — Hank Hough Outdoors Ministries—Chris Marley African Wilderness Missions—Rowan Lewis The Christian Sportsman magazine endorses the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable corporation under IRS Code 501(c)3. The Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation promotes the Christian message to the outdoors community by securing and maintaining land and facilities made available to assist ministries in effective outreach.

Copyright 2013 by The Christian Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved. The use of whole or part of any material in this magazine without advance written permission is prohibited. TCS magazine is published quarterly

by The Christian Sportsman, Inc., P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156; telephone 770.335.1814.

Periodical postage paid at Atlanta, GA and additional mailing offices.

The staff and management of TCS and the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, representations, or any other content or information presented in the magazine, whether provided by advertisers, magazine staff or contributing consultants. Except as expressly noted, neither TCS, Inc., nor the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation endorses any product advertised or described in the magazine. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the individual writers, and are not necessarily the views of the staff or management of TCS magazine, TCS, Inc., or the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation.

BUloILngDfrIieNnGdships life

2013

Join with other sportsmen in “Climbing Legacy Mountain” as we build a strong foundation for establishing effective outdoors ministries in local churches across the nation. A fun skeet shoot is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Wolf Creek so bring your shotguns (or rent a loaner) and make sure to practice your aim! Round trip airfare into Atlanta from most cities is very affordable. Seating for the Leadership Summit is limited so make sure to confirm your registration today!

Theme: Building Lifelong Friendships Presentations and break-out sessions for training includes: • How to Launch an outdoors ministry in your Home Church • How to Start your Centershot father/Son Archery Program • How to Plan a Fall Alaska Wilderness Missions Trip • How to Host a Multi-Chapter Special Youth Challenge for your State • How to Host a Father/Son Shoot-a-thon Friendraiser • How to Host Innovative Chapter Workshops & Clinics for Effective Outreach • How to Coordinate EQUIPPING Camps for the CSF X-Treme Discipling Series

Airport Marriot

Atlanta, Georgia

Early Registration $150 After April 1st $175 Includes lodging & meals.

Seating is limited so make your reservations early for this premiere event for 2013.

OCTBER 11th 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CSF Ministry Presentations OCTOBER 12th

8:00 am - Noon* CSF Ministry Presentations

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Fun Clay Target Shoot

* BBQ Lunch and Special Guest Speaker

Call 770.772.6749 for more information.

Friendships Bonded in Greatland Alaska outdoorS ministries By CHRIS MARLEY

Christ is handled in this manner. I believe it is a ploy of the enemy to keep distance between us and our Creator as well as with other men, because he knows the power that can be developed when men come alive and unite in Christ, developing lifelong relationships which led to deep friendships.

Last year I spoke with a gentleman who had traveled to Alaska for our annual Alaska Wilderness Missions trip, when he informed me that he went on this trip with a group of men from his church that he had known for several years. But after spending a week in Alaska with these men he discovered that he really didn’t know these guys as well as he had thought he did.

Why do we men seem to have so many casual acquaintances and very few lifelong friendships? I believe the reason is that the time invested together in Alaska was quality time, as opposed to time spent superficially.

While writing this article I am looking out my office window at the array of fall colors, and am reminded that it is bird season in my neck of the woods. The time of year to chase the elusive partridge, the game bird of choice here in Maine. I am also reminiscing about my black lab Sam that we lost to cancer this past year. Sam was always ready for a good bird hunt, all she had to do was see the shotgun and she was ready to go!

Sam and I had cultivated a lifelong friendship over time that was built on trust and companionship. She was the only living creature alive that was always happy to see me coming whether I had been gone for ten minutes or two weeks, the reception was the same.

6 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Building the relationship between Sam and I did not happen by chance. I had to spend time with Sam in order for her to understand me, and me to understand her. Over a period of time she and I knew exactly what was expected of each other at home and in the field.

In the same manner lifelong friendships with other people begin by cultivating a relationship that is dependent on trust and companionship. Most of us don’t know where to begin as we ponder the idea of lifelong friendships. We sometimes get together for church functions and events that involve group activities where we feel safe in numbers. But most often we only develop casual acquaintances. And then we are back to our daily routines. Oftentimes, even our relationship with

On the mission trip they had the opportunity for true companionship as they shared meals around the table, gathered at the FIRESIDE each evening, bunked together and worked on construction projects toward a common goal.

The backdrop was Greatland Alaska and the wide variety of legendary big game animals and fish species found in this State.

Could 2013 be the year that the men in your church decide to unite and to spend that quality time together that will cause lifelong friendships to be forged together around a common goal? The opportunity of this great adventure may cause you some trepidation especially if you have never participated in a short-term construction/ mission project. But then that is where trust comes in… we trust God’s call to short-term missions then do our part in building friendships that will last a lifetime!

World-class trophies and Alaskan adventure! Contact us for more information and season reports

Stonewood Lodge & Peninsula Bear Camps

Hunt Big Brown Bears on The Alaska Peninsula

We hunt spring and fall for Brown Bear on the Alaska Peninsula with many trophies exceeding 10 feet. We have exclusive areas, professional staff, and cover every detail of the trip. Combination trips are available for wolf hunting and fishing.

Visit Preston Cavner & Staff at the Houston Safari Club, SCI Convention booth #3703 - 3604 & Dallas Safari Club Booth #1547 - 1648

Preston Cavner, Cavner & Julian Inc. • Stonewood Lodge • 1 Dice Bay, Port Alsworth, AK 99653 • (907) 223-9386

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 770.335.1814

| 7

Hank Parker Everyone’s Best Friend

The Christian Sportsman staff was recently privileged to interview Hank Parker, a CSF Master Sportsman and host of Hank Parker 3D and Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine.

Hank, we want to thank you for your role in the outdoors industry and as a television personality who continues to inspire sportsmen and their families across the nation as a father, husband, friend and great sportsman. Your wholesome approach to taking family members and friends into the great outdoors through the powerful medium of television, whether fishing or hunting, will always be the mark of Hank Parker, a seasoned sportsman.

Let’s jump right into the interview.

What are some of your plans for the fall 2013 hunting season?

I’ve got a busy schedule. My son, Hank Jr., and I are in route now for a hunt beginning the first of November in Tennessee, and then we will fly to Ohio for another hunt. From there 8 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

we fly into Kansas and then on to Iowa, all these trips back to back. I don’t mind driving to different locations but the airline travel is sometimes trying on a man’s patience. We were recently in Mexico held up at the airport where we spend a full day while waiting on a flight in route to Alberta Canada.

Please share with our readers some insights about the Parker family and especially your wife Martha, we understand that she is the real chief executive in the parker household.

You know, God is good and he allows second chances and that is incredible.

I was married 27 years and had a great marriage, at least I thought. I didn’t do a very good job in prioritizing my time so I went through a divorce. I’ve been married to

Martha twelve years, and today we celebrate our anniversary. She is a very godly lady.

My wife Martha does her bible studies, usually for about two hours every morning.

She is very consistent with that and a real inspiration to me. She is a really dedicated Christian lady and like I said, God gives second chances to those of us who have made drastic mistakes. My first wife is remarried and they have a very good marriage, and we have a good relationship between us. But I’m thankful for second chances. Martha loves my five children and she has three children.

Collectively we have eight children, their eight spouses and eleven grandchildren, so we’re a very blessed home and we have a wonderful life together. A quiver holds seven arrows but I have an extra “arrow” in our quiver of children because I’m not a very good shot

sometimes and I need backup! (chuckle) Have you always been an avid hunter and what have been your greatest pursuits over the years?

Well, I’ve always been a bass fisherman. I decided early on in life that that’s what I was going to do for a living. My goal was to win the world championship; I was able to do that in 1979 and did it again in 1989.

At the time I was working hard on three different tournament circuits. I had the bug for fishing as I was growing up. Later In life I realized that I needed to dedicate more time to my children, rather than fishing. That’s why I wanted to stop fishing the professional tournament which took time away from my family. My two oldest sons and I then got into car racing with Darrell Waldrip Racing Team in 1993 until 2008. Our hunting television show started in 2004.

What were some of the highlights for you in winning the Bassmasters Classic in 79 and 89?

The first tournament win launched my career; it was only my second year on the BASS tournament. To win the Bassmasters Classic presented a lot of opportunities for endorsements and a lot of opportunities to make a living. It helped me in my financial struggles early on in my career and

allowed me to make a good living. In 89 my tournament win kind of put the icing on the cake to allow me to retire from the professional fishing tournament circuit.

How did you get into the fishing and hunting markets as a television personality?

Who were some of your role models?

Obviously Bill Dance was a great inspiration; he was the kind of guy who piloted the opportunity for other fishing television shows.

There were several shows out there when I came along. We started the fishing show,

When in the outdoors, it’s very difficult for me to realize how anyone could deny the existence of the Creator. Now, when you’re in an environment that is so wonderfully made and that we sportsmen are so blessed to share, it just becomes a spiritual moment.

Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine, in 84 and it aired in 85 for the first time. We’re still going so it’s been, wow, I guess about 27 years.

The hunting show started when my boys were racing with NASCAR, Billy had a terrible

head injury and no longer needed to race.

Hank Jr. was raising a family and was ready to get out of racing. They both loved to hunt so we sat down one day and said, “let’s get out of the racing business and go and produce an outdoors television show”. We could then build a career working together as a family.

We’re shooting our eighth season, which are thirteen episodes each. Then we re-run those thirteen episodes over again for a 26 week season. Then we do the same with the Hank Parker Magazine’s outdoor fishing show.

Why have you prioritized your church speaking schedule for men’s outreach events like sportsman’s banquets? What is the basic message that you want to communicate to sportsman during such venues?

God has not called me to preach, but he has given me a story to tell. In the Bible Paul said he was the chief of sinners, I don’t know but I think I probably was giving him a run for his money on that one. God did a work in my life that was nothing less than a total miracle. I, like a lot of people, didn’t want to accept the fact that I was lost without Christ and needed salvation. And there was nothing that I could personally do to earn salvation.

I wanted to think that I was a better man than those who used religion as a crutch in

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

life. My father was an alcoholic and one day made a miraculous 180 degree turn around with his life. He never, ever gave me any slack but witnessed to me every time he saw me by quoting scripture that cut right to the bone.

As a result, I got saved at my father’s funeral.

I then realized how many people there are in the outdoors community that feel just like I felt. Many don’t think they need salvation and that at the end of their life they will be ok because their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. Now all that is just Satan trying to convince you to remain in your sin and not accept God’s unconditional offer of salvation. There are so many people that live to hunt and fish, don’t go to church, they’ve never heard the gospel. I have a real burden to tell my story and deliver the gospel of Jesus so that He can change their life. That’s what I do. I just tell my story. I don’t have any five point sermon prepared that’s eloquent or intellectual; I just simply tell the story of what God has done in my life.

Tell us about the Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine show that is aired across the nation. Why the name and what is the main focus of the program?

Well we started out, Richard, back in the old days so I’m showing my age here. There was 10 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

a television show called PM Magazine with a different format similar to looking through a magazine. Rather than stay on one topic, they would feature multiple topics relating to the same subject. When I started my show I thought I would like to do the same thing.

Rather than do only one scene featuring one topic I would fish one lake, maybe I would go on a hunting trip, then end the show on a different lake while fishing, all within a thirty minute television show. Just like a printed magazine, the television show would have short features about a variety of topics.

One feature would be about elk and the next would be about turkey or deer or whatever to showcase something in nature. My goal was to combine hunting and fishing in a single show but what we found was that sponsors didn’t cross over well. Fishing sponsors didn’t really want to feature hunting and hunting sponsors really don’t want us to feature fishing. So we then separated hunting from fishing to launch two television shows. We then dropped the hunting segment for a few years and have recently brought Hank Parker 3D Hunting Show on the air. We found it best to start out a fishing show, for instance, by using a top water lure on one lake and a plastic worm lure on another lake and a crank

bait on yet another lake, putting all three into one thirty minute show so that it was kind of a magazine format on how to fish with a bait, how to fish a worm on top water, thereby, making the show change scenes much faster.

That was the idea of the magazine format.

It seems that you often focus on family fun, fellowship, and spending quality time together through outdoor activities. How does the great outdoors serve as a forum for keeping families close, especially in building lifetime memories together?

You know, as a man looks back at all the goals that are set in life, like winning the world’s fishing championship or killing a trophy deer, we men want to work so hard, but at the end of the day it is the memories of the quest, the fun times with your friends and family that is far more important than temporal satisfaction.

If you can incorporate your family into the outdoors, then you discover an awesome place to be. Family is so incredibly important.

We men sometimes prioritize everything around our own interest and work in a selfish way and forget the importance of family. I just try to remind people that at the end of the day, that big fish was fun to catch but

that big fish is not what was important. Time spent with family and friends becomes the real significance in life. Sometimes we fish for two days without catching fish to capture an eight minute television segment so we have to learn to enjoy the time we spend together, whether catching fish or not. Thank goodness that we get to edit! (Laughs) If you could choose between hunting and fishing for family fun and enjoyment, which would you select? Which presents the most business opportunities as a television host?

Well I think that fishing is a lot easier to incorporate with your family. We do a family fishing show every year with all of our grandkids. I tell people all the time that fishing creates an environment that is conducive for communication together. Kids are under so much academic pressure and sports are so commercialized, so that if a kid is not blessed with a lot of physical abilities then he gets left out of athletic activities like football and baseball. But with fishing, the water is level. It doesn’t matter if you’re a little chubby boy or a little skinny girl, the water’s level and that bass or that brim really doesn’t care if you’re a girl or a boy, short or tall. The pressure is off when you go fishing.

You don’t have to catch fish to have fun. And you can create an environment for allowing your children or grandchildren to loosen up, tell you what’s on their mind, while sharing with them all your family values.

Now, hunting on the other hand is more of a solitary activity that requires you to remain quiet while looking for animals. You may be able to communicate on the trip to and from the woods but once you get in the woods, you must be quiet. While fishing you can sit on the riverbank or sit in the boat and share stories with each other.

Jesus, the creator of all we enjoy in the outdoors, is the greatest fisherman there ever was and has taught us to just set the bait out there while He attracts people to the lure. On the other hand, when we’re hunting we are the one who decides when to pull the trigger.

We’re the one who makes the shot. But in reality, all we do is share the gospel, put the bait out there and Jesus gives the increase. So we are definitely fishers of men and He is the harvester.

At present, my sons and I are involved in several companies centered around hunting

and fishing business opportunities. Hunting probably presents the most business opportunity as a television host, even though the hunting market is currently flooded with too many hunting shows on the air. It’s very, very difficult to make a living in the outdoors business right now because there are just so many producers vying for the same advertising revenue within the industry.

However, the greater opportunity to make a living is found in the hunting industry because our sponsors have found a niche with our audience of loyal fans.

What is your personal mission in life in the areas of family, business, church and even as a U.S. citizen?

A lot of people want to be so politically correct to never offend anyone but are not concerned with offending God. People are so worried about avoiding controversy; we don’t want to hurt this group or that person.

The Apostle Paul talked about presenting the gospel with boldness. So I have been inspired to just live my life in a bold manner for the cause of Jesus Christ, nothing in this world is important except Him. Everything in this world will pass away except for our faith in Him, and that is so incredible. A legacy, man’s power, an empire, they’re all important

Occasionally I’ll grill a turkey for thanksgiving and sometimes I’ll fry it outside. My abilities as a chef are limited to the outdoors as well.

Now you’re into catch and release but do you think Jesus was into catch and release or catch and eat? When seven of the original twelve disciples were out fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee, they caught nothing so Jesus instructed them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat where they caught a bountiful harvest of 153 large fish! Jesus invited them to bring some of their fish to place on the fire for a sportsman’s prayer breakfast!

Yes but that was before the time of Long John Silvers and Captain D’s! (Laughter) (Laughter) Ok, well let’s move on to the next question then. How important is it to you to attend church with your wife and family?

It is critically important that a man take his family to church. The local church is where I go to get a drink of cool water, spiritually speaking. I have a wonderful pastor named Ben Hill at First Baptist Church of Lockhart, South Carolina. My friends there are some of the richest people, but not in money. They are smart enough to know you don’t measure

Slow down. Allow God to speak to you. Walk with him daily. Realize that what we do in our lives is important.

Everyone is special and important to God. We can make an impact that’s lasting if we live for Him. but will someday all pass away. Only that which is done for Jesus will eternally last.

What are some of your favorite wild game recipes using bass or venison?

First of all, keep in mind, you never bite the fin that feeds you. So you don’t eat bass, you tap them on the head; you give them a little kiss then release them. So I don’t eat bass.

But venison, I love! My wife Martha is the greatest cook in the world. We eat very little beef but we fill up our freezer with venison as a staple food around the Parker home. We make spaghetti, barbecue, cube steak, almost any dish you can make with beef. Martha makes with venison and it’s all awesome! But my favorite is spaghetti. She makes the most incredible spaghetti sauce using the venison. I, myself, don’t cook except on the grill outside.

your wealth in money but by the content of your character. We have an incredible church with a lot of godly people who are focused on furthering the gospel. I go there for refuge, a fresh drink of water with Martha by my side. My children and grandchildren go with me quite often. It is a time of worship and refilling. It’s a great time together. And I think, Richard, we all – every person who has Jesus Christ in their heart- needs to encourage other people on a regular basis. And that is what is so wonderful about our church. It is a great place where I can encourage my brothers and my sisters and they can encourage me.

I leave there ready to face whatever life challenge the day brings.

Who are some of your heroes from the bible and do you have any modern day heroes in the Christian faith?

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 1.800.772.6115

| 11

It is difficult to imagine that the God of this universe wants to walk with men during the coolness of each morning and spend time with them. How awesome is that! I just think that’s incredible. Daniel is certainly one of my heroes as well as the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter. And old Peter just gets hammered because of the fact that he denied Christ prior to the crucifixion. But mostly, we remember that Peter returned as a follower of Christ and was even martyred after making the request that he be crucified upside down because he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified like his Savior. And that breaks my heart every time I hear that story, so I’m a big fan of Peter. How could you not just absolutely admire Billy Graham, he has been so incredibly consistent. He started when he was young and he has been faithful to the cause, right down the middle. Dr. Charles Stanley located in Atlanta, Georgia, has been a great inspiration to me personally. I love and respect Greg Laurie. There are so many great, great pastors. I admire anyone who stands up and preaches the gospel without compromise.

I do want to mention Grady Parker as one of my heroes who was the pastor who preached the gospel when my dad got saved, then again when I got saved, and also the pastor who preached when all my children got saved!

Why is it so important for fathers to pass the Christian faith down to sons and daughters as a lifelong mentor?

No one has as much influence on a family, in the spiritual direction, than a father. You can look at that through statistics. A man gets in church and gets his life right; you will often see the family follow. But besides all of that, no statistics involved, we are instructed

by God to be the leader of our home, of our family. There is nothing that you can give your child that has more value than a godly heritage and a godly example. You can give your child a billion dollars and it wouldn’t even start to measure with the value of giving them a Christian example in life. My son Hank Jr was ordained to preach the gospel about a year ago and out of everything that’s happened in my life, winning world championships or killing big deer or whatever quest I have pursued, there is no greater form of fulfillment. I am so proud; I don’t even really know what to say or how to describe

12 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

it. One of my greatest fulfillments is when my son called me and said, “Dad, I don’t know that I’ll be able to continue outdoors programming with you and Billy, I’m going to complete my college degree at Liberty University and I’m going to follow God’s lead wherever He takes me. He may call me to the mission field or to become a pastor, I don’t yet know. But I am making myself available to God.” That’s the greatest word I could hear from one of my children. It’s just awesome to know that God has allowed me to be an influence on some awesome children.

We can have peace, fulfillment and contentment.

We need to be quick to understand, if we succeed or fail, He is always there to pick us back up.

My dad was a drunk. He wasted the first part of his life. I started off this article talking about second chances, when Martha came into my life and God gave me a second chance. I’m glad for second chances. My dad probably had a lot of chances and he rejected God over and over again. He was in the autumn of his life when he accepted Christ, but it’s never too late! My dad only lived five years after he was saved, but the impact he had for the cause of Christ in those 5 years was incredible. So if you’re a dad out there, and you don’t live a godly life and you’re not giving your children a godly heritage as an example that you’re proud of, it’s still not too late! God will give you a miraculous testimony, even in the eleventh hour of your life! So, if you are reading this article and wish that you had lived your life differently for your children then it is never too late this side of heaven. I personally got saved when I was 21 years old but my dad didn’t until he was 50! He died at 55… But he had an impact.

His impact on me and my brother and my sister was instrumental in each of us getting saved. So even if you throw away the first part of your life, in your opinion, and you’ve been a drunk or a drug addict or haven’t lived right

for your children, the Lord can pick you up in the eleventh hour to make an impact for His Kingdom. It’s never too late.

What is your preference in shotguns, rifles and fishing equipment? Are you also a bow hunter? And have you ever fished with archery equipment?

I’ve got redneck kids that love to bow fish in water! I have never bow fished, but I am definitely a bow hunter and I love to improve my archery skills while hunting. I’ve killed two deer this year with a bow and I enjoy bow hunting more than anything else. I like shotguns, I like rifles, I like muzzle loaders, but my favorite form of hunting is archery.

We do a mixture of bow hunting, muzzle loading hunting and gun hunting on our television show. The name of our hunting show, Hank Parker 3D, features three guys who hunt for elk, deer and turkey using a bow, a muzzle loader and a gun. We’re pretty conventional all the way; but when it’s all said and done, archery is my real passion.

Please leave our readers with the best piece of advice that you can recommend to them.

We can have peace, fulfillment and contentment. We need to be quick to understand, if we succeed or fail, He is always there to pick us back up. As I look back over my life, at how many visible failures I’ve had, I recall the prodigal son. When the prodigal son referenced in the bible called on his father then his father was there. During my trials and life struggles my Heavenly Father never left me, He has never forsaken me, He is closer than a brother! God can use every single one of us. No one is more important than anyone else. We all have an equal opportunity to walk with God. At the end of the day, all of our material possessions is nothing but wood hay and stubble. Only our walk with Jesus really matters.

The staff of The Christian Sportsman Magazine wants to thank you for this interview. You are known by many of your loyal fans as “everyone’s best friend” so I appreciate your candid remarks, the insights into your career and family and the sage advice from a seasoned sportsman with a bold Christian faith and some great stories.

MATHEWS INTRODUCES THREE NEW OFFERINGS:

CREED, CHILL, ZXT, ™

™

™

Sparta, Wisconsin – November 5, 2013 –For 2013, Mathews® introduces three new models designed with the discriminating archer in mind! The Mathews® Solocam® Creed™ is the signature bow offered and is fueled by an all new high-performance SimPlex™ Cam. The McPherson Series™ Monster® Chill™ is outfitted with an enhanced dual cam system evolved from the proven AVS™ technology. Rounding out the 2013 family of bows is the Mathews® Solocam® ZXT™, a base model offering with proven ‘Z-Series’ styling and performance.

Creed Creating something that is more advanced by making it simpler is an engineering marvel. New from Mathews® is the Creed™. Featuring the all new SimPlex Cam™, the Creed™ is the smoothest drawing single cam bow ever created. The Creed™ is designed around a balanced synergistic system giving it an amazing blend of speed, quietness and accuracy all in a lightweight compact bow. The Creed™ truly is Advanced Simplicity™. Experience it for yourself at your Authorized Mathews® Retailer.

Creed Specs* IBO

Axle to Axle

Brace

Physical Weight Let off Draw Weights Draw Lengths Half sizes

MSRP Finish Available

Up to 328 fps 30” 7” 3.85 80% 50-70 lbs 26-30” 26.5-29.5” $999 Lost Camo®, Black and Tactical

CHILL The Monster® Chill™ gives a new look and feel to the Mathews McPherson Series® line. The Chill™ is equipped with the New DYAD™ AVS® Cam System which features dual Perimeter Weighted® Cams producing minimal post shot vibration and great speed. Combined with a Reverse Assist Roller Guard™ and GeoGrid® Riser, the Chill™ is lightweight, compact and without question the smoothest shooting two cam bow on the planet. These attributes continue to make the Monster® line of bows, The Fastest Bows You’ll Ever Want To Shoot!

Chill Specs* IBO

Up to 333 fps Axle to Axle

30.5” Brace

7” Physical Weight 3.90 Let off 80% Draw Weights 50-70 lbs Draw Lengths 23-30” Half sizes

23.5-29.5” MSRP $999 Finish Available Lost Camo®, Black and Tactical

ZXT The New ZXT™ is designed with proven Mathews® features at an affordable price. Powered by the popular ZX Single Cam™ the ZXT™ has a great blend of smooth draw, speed and low recoil. With technologies such as Reverse Assist Roller Guard™, GridLock® Riser Design and Harmonic Dampers®, you won’t find a better performing bow for the money.

ZXT Specs* IBO

Up to 326 fps Axle to Axle

28” Brace

7.375” Physical Weight 4.20 Let off 80% Draw Weights 40-70 & 65 lbs Draw Lengths 24-30” Half sizes

24.5-29.5” MSRP $799 Finish Available Lost Camo® and Black

For more information on the 2013 Mathews line, go to www.mathewsinc.com or visit your local authorized retailer. *All specifications are approximate.

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Don’t Doubt Me I have found that my hunting experiences have provided an opportunity to grow in my friendship with some of the men in our church as we have traveled, hunted, hurt (from time to time the mountains can be brutal), and rejoiced over the harvest of an elk.

By CHRIS MOORE

14 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Like many of you reading this article find an archery shop on Friday then I love to hunt! It is exciting to venture sight in my bow that afternoon which out and enjoy God’s wonderful would leave two full days to hunt. On creation! I have had the opportunity Friday we drove 84 miles one way to to hunt elk 11 times, 6 with a rifle, an archery shop in Durango where we and the last 5 years with a bow. I have had the bow repaired. I practiced that enjoyed these hunts with family as well afternoon and was ready for the last as church members. As the pastor of a two days of the season. church in Western Kentucky, I have found that my hunting experiences have provided an opportunity to grow I am thankful that there in my friendship with some of the are individuals like Mr. men in our church as we have traveled, McPherson who share the hunted, hurt (from time to time the mountains can be brutal), and rejoiced same passion for the Lord ByanCHRIS MOORE and His creation as I do. over the harvest of elk.

This year’s elk hunt was no different than those of the past. There were a few practical jokes, memories and stories recounted, and the anticipation of what the hunt would bring. Our hunt this year was one of the most memorable we have taken. There was the opportunity to hear and practice my elk calling with more bulls in one day than we ever had the opportunity in the past. There was a brief encounter with a black bear that will not be soon forgotten. As I sat under a tree at lunch one day after a long walk in with my hunting partner, Darrell, who positioned on the other side of the tree resting, I reflected back on folks back home who were struggling with various issues. I was impressed to begin praying for them and lifting up some other concerns as well. I also asked God to give us a good, successful hunt, only to be reminded of a conversation with a hunting buddy who told me that I might be selfish for making such a request. I sat with my iPhone out reading my Bible in Romans (no service but I have a Bible app). The words “Don’t doubt Me!” came to my heart and mind. That afternoon as I eased down the mountain the string of my bow got damaged which left me frustrated to no end. I needed to

After a long nine days of hard hunting I was able to take my first archery elk.

It wasn’t a record book bull but it was what I wanted. An elk! I finally was able to put a tag on an elk taken with my bow! The young calf will be one that I remember for many years to come as hard earned, but also one that put a smile on my face and the face of my 9 year old son that texted me after sending him the picture, “It’s Ty, Good Job!” A group of men from our church had been praying about starting a chapter of Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship.

We had filled out and sent in all the paperwork before leaving on the trip and had discussed while on the trip a variety of events and projects that we could do to reach our community for Christ. We found out upon our return home that the chapter chartering had been confirmed! As I mentioned in the beginning of the article, I love to hunt!

My father-in-law has squirrel dogs, my son and I have beagles for hunting.

We hunt deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, elk, and occasionally pheasant. My passion is bow hunting! But another passion I have is serving the Lord! The last 17 years the Lord has given me

the privilege to serve at a youth camp in the summer and also participate in a mission trip. Two of those were international missions the rest have been in North America.

Before we left for our trip I was looking at CSF’s website and came upon an article about Mr. Matt McPherson, creator and owner of Mathews Solocam. Mr. McPherson shared his philosophy of business and his desire to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ shared around the world. As a pastor, one who has been on several mission trips, and had the opportunity to lead our church on such trips, I was pleased to see that this gentleman helps support 750 missionaries in carrying out that task. I shared with my hunting buddies that the next bow I purchase will be a Mathew’s!

If a businessman takes that type of stand and has a heart for God as evidenced by his generous stewardship then I will give him my support! I am thankful that there are individuals like Mr. McPherson who share the same passion for the Lord and His creation as I do. It encourages my heart to know that there are sportsmen who are outspoken about their faith and give of their time, talents, and resources to spread the Gospel. If in some small way my next bow purchase can help with the spread of the Gospel then to God be the Glory! I am reminded of the words I heard that Thursday on the side of the mountain, “Don’t doubt Me!” If it is serving on the mission field, preaching from our pulpits, sitting around a campfire talking, or purchasing that next bow, may God receive the Glory as we come to know Him better and purpose to make Him known around the world!

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Scoring a Son’s Friendship

By Dr. BOB RECCORD

16 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

LIFE’S BEST EXPERIENCES ARE ALWAYS BEST WHEN THEY ARE SHARED

Dreams die hard.

I love to elk hunt. There is no more majestic animal in North America in my opinion. Add that to golden Aspens, ruggedly beautiful terrain, bugling elk…and good friends, and you’ve got a top drawer experience!

I have been fortunate to go numerous times and loved every moment of it. My first elk hunt had resulted in a huge cow, whose large tanned hide drapes over the couch in my downstairs den.

But no bull. My second had found me scouring the high ridges of hundreds of acres of Colorado ranch land, freezing to the bone, and hardly seeing an elk. No bull again! Twice more…ditto.

Having been challenged by friends, I purchased a bow a couple of years ago, and promptly headed off to take my bull elk. The hunt was perfect… crisp fall days, gorgeous Rocky Mountain foothills panoramically painted by the Creator’s hand, and the bulls bugling left and right. Being a new archer, those more experienced than I warned me of taking shots over 35 yards. They knew the last thing I wanted to do was wound an animal.

And that’s when he showed up. A gorgeous 6X6 bugling and snorting steam from his nostrils, pacing back and forth….60 yards away. And in the ground blind in which I sat, there was no way to move without being busted. For almost fifteen minutes he pranced back and forth, calling and taunting me, but never closer than 60 yards away.

Numerous times I would go again with high expectations only to be busted by cows, have the wind begin to swirl at the wrong time, or be where the elk weren’t. Last year I had one of the hardest hunts of my life in the steep ravines of and ridges of the Rocky Mountains. For five days three great friends and I covered miles and miles of terrain only to have it eighteen degrees over normal, full moon, rain and no shot at a bull.

But this year I took a special friend and headed out to hunt for a bull again. Loading our gear, and packing our high hopes, we set off in the truck for a trip that would take us close to twenty hours of driving. But that’s not so bad when your sharing tall tales, laughing at jokes, sharing life experiences, and jabbing about who’s going to get the biggest bull.

Arriving in camp the weather was breath-taking,

the aspens turning, the stars bright and the expectations off the chart. The next morning we had no trouble getting up before 5 am. Meeting our guide Bill, and assessing quickly that he knew his stuff, we were itching to mount up. And he proved our evaluation on target within an hour when we were surrounded by bulls bugling their heads off. I looked at my special friend and our gleamed with anticipation. I knew this was going to be the time. And that sense grew stronger by the hour as we saw bull after bull, searching for available cows, working their way through the timber.

Smiles plastered across our faces as there’s nothing like sharing such a high moment with your own child.

It was the early the second evening as we sat watching a meadow surrounded by timber, when I caught movement at our ten o’clock position.

The glimmer of horns caught the lowering sun and my heart started to pound. The bull lumbered out of the timber and stood quartered toward us, approximately 150 yards away. Slowly, step by step, he angled broadside to us…stepping, stopping, stepping, stopping. Our guide lifted his binoculars appraising the giant. “Give me a minute. Let me see. I like what I see. This is a good one.”

I nodded to my friend, indicating for him to take the shot. He anchored his rifle, sighted through the scope, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Take the shot when you’re ready, “Bill whispered. He gave a cow call, the bull stopped and turned, fully broadside, and the rifle roared.

The Bull took two staggering steps forward, pivoted, and took two more. The rifle barked again, and the bull fell.

I yelled in excitement, high- fived my friend, and grabbed him and slapped him on the back. I was exploding with excitement. I had seen a bull fall, finally, and my very special friend was beaming with success and celebration. It’s what I had been waiting years to see. But, now it was my turn.

The next day we hit it early again, and while the bulls had been screaming the day before, they had zipped their lip this time. Cow calls, bull bugles, scraping limb against limb…but nothing worked. We covered every area Bill felt might produce a bull…but everything came up empty. And I kept thinking about a bull I had seen the day before. Huge. A 7X7 with huge G-4s and velvet shreds dangling from his top tips. I wanted that bull…but there had been no sign of him. I had almost gotten a shot the day before by a wallow and we had returned there on this day to observe, but everything was dead still. So we headed for more promising areas.

It was later that day that we moved back toward the wallow and Bill said, “Get down!”

We lowered ourselves in a heartbeat, and Bill whispered, “It’s him! I caught a glimpse of him through the timber and I’m sure it’s the bull from yesterday. To get to him we’re going to have to crawl because there’s too much opportunity for him to see us.” And so began a crawl of some 150 yards…crawl, stop and sneak a look, crawl, peek again through the binocs, crawl again and pray he wouldn’t spot or smell us.

And…the bull laid down. The dream had been fulfilled. We continued to crawl, slowly but surely. Angling to the left, Bill said he reckoned we were about 125 yards away. The bull had stood and was broadside, blocked by some limbs. I eased myself up behind tree, keeping it between myself and the bull. Easing my Marlin .308 lever action around the tree, I acquired him in my scope, and squeezed the trigger…and the big bull dropped! FINALLY, I had my bull…the one I had dreamed of… and I had experienced it with such a great friend. ..my son, Bryan!

We both took off hurrying toward the bull, a 7X7. My arms shot into the air in victory, and now my son was congratulating me and was snapping pictures left and right. Smiles plastered across our faces as there’s nothing like sharing such a high moment with your own child. For a lifetime, we’ll cherish those days, celebrate those victories, love those pictures, and most of all…be thankful that we did it all, TOGETHER!

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Count on Your Best Friend DURING THE WHITE TAIL RUT

In college basketball it’s March Madness, in baseball it’s the College World Series, in football it’s the NCAA Championship and in the whitetail world it is the rut … and we can play this game. Every year I hope to hit it right for the rut because even though it may cover several days of a month there are those exceptional years where there are two or three very special days that mark the peak of the rut. A lifelong friend, Sherman Morgan, is well aware of my great passion for whitetail and appreciates our friendship together so much that he alerted me to the peak of the rut. He also knows that as the Minister of Missions and Evangelism at the

18 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

32,000 member Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, my schedule is demanding. A true friend knows how to bring blessings into the life of a fellow sportsman who is sometimes overscheduled and yet forever on the hunt for a whitetail trophy.

I suppose many people think that big deer abound all over Texas, the reality is that North Texas only has two or three areas where “Boonies” or in this case “Popies“ are a legitimate possibility. I am fortunate to get to hunt a very small area in one of these mega zones that my best friend owns—it borders the Haggerman Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is

By JOE PERRY

26,000 acres near Sherman, Texas.

Though most authorities agree that weather has little to do with when the rut will actually begin, last year (2011), seemed to be an exception. Six or seven days into December most hunters were reporting little, if any, rut activity but within a few days all heaven would break loose. The majority of my friend’s property is high-fenced, I seldom hunt those areas, but he graciously allows me to hunt a small area between the high-fence area and the refuge boundary—a little slice of the Gloryland. When I began to hunt this area several years ago, few deer frequented the area

but with feeders and planting the visitation numbers have increased significantly.

down to feed and seemed to go on the alert.

Suddenly, I realized my friend was heading out on his four-wheeler to dispense corn in the 4-5 On Sunday, December 11, 2011, my friend places he feeds on his high fence property. The had indicated that rut activity had increased buck was noticeably nervous and when my and that the shot opportunity would be high if friend retraced his path to return to his barn, I could get there quickly. I seldom hunt, except the buck turned and headed back out onto on Fridays or, occasionally, Saturday mornings the Haggerman. I grunted again and the buck as I am a minister in a church with Saturday didn’t respond. He jumped the Haggerman evening and Sunday services. An afternoon fence and I “grunt-snort-whizzed” and he appointment cancelled on Tuesday and this stopped, looked back but departed quickly. opportunity seemed divine, as God gives us the desires of our heart! I left the church at 4 I fell back in my seat realizing that in another for the 50 minute drive. As I drove north, I 120 seconds I would have gotten a shot at a changed clothes and my emotions were both “world class” buck and I thought how unlucky expectant and guarded. The thought crossed do you have to be for this sequence of events my mind that this was a waste of time as I to have occurred. I had my head down on would have only an hour or so to hunt. the rail of the stand for probably two minutes but when I look up a huge, massive 150 class eight point jumped the Haggerman fence The evening was different from near the spot where the bigger buck had left. I the outset, as I drove through the immediately thought what a great consolation, high fence area to get to my little but as I began to ease up in preparation for the piece of low fence paradise a buck shot the buck stopped in its tracks and stared intently directly at me—he was extremely chased a doe across the road in jittery. I knew I would have to remain front of me. motionless if he were to travel the final 30 yards or so. He cautiously headed toward the I sprayed off with scent killer, put a liberal dose closer feeder. He, like the first buck, appeared of doe-n-rut lure on a cloth and headed to the to have been chasing does all day, mouth half stand. As I began pulling the bow up in the open. I felt that if he could get his head behind stand I looked north onto the neighbor’s low the feeder that would give me the opportunity fence property and saw a deer—it’s head was to draw. Ever so slowly, he inched forward down and I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s to the perfect position with head down and a huge doe”. I am not sure why I thought it behind the feeder. I cautiously drew and as I was a doe. When the bow hit my hand and I picked up the pin in my sight….my feeder untied the retrieval line, I grabbed my grunt went off! The deer wheeled to his left and in an and gave two “who-a’s”. That huge doe put instant was gone. After a few minutes passed, I its head up—it wasn’t a doe; it was a monster realized he wasn’t coming back. As I thought, buck! The buck wheeled around and headed “what are the odds of two events with such my way. The first thing I noticed was that the horrific timing involving these feeders going buck appeared to still be in velvet, but I knew off”, my eyes were drawn to a mother coon that couldn’t be right—it was December. and five babies headed to the feed.

What I initially thought was a piece of velvet hanging down was a 12-14 inch drop tine.

Light was fading quickly and I thought coons This deer was very likely 200 inches. I‘ve might keep any other deer from appearing been taking trail cam pictures for three years and I began gathering my gear, but the and had some good quality pictures but they coons seemed nervous and left the feeder showed nothing over 150 inches. The buck immediately. How strange….a coon leaving crossed the low fence between the neighbor’s corn, I thought. My eyes continued to search and my stand. I have a feeder at 70 yards when I saw a third huge buck jump the refuge where he stopped, I have it set to go off early fence within 50 yards of my stand and head but with only a small amount of corn thrown directly to the feeder with no hesitancy. The hoping to draw deer to the feeder 20 yards light was dim enough that my eyes were not from my stand. The deer did not put his head

fixated on his rack, but rather on where the pen fibers had retained enough light for the shot. This time as I stood the stand made a loud squeak and I froze but the deer was resolute in coming to the feeder and he walked straight in and gave me a clear broadside shot. As the arrow was released, I heard the distinctive thud—broadhead to broadside.

The deer did not fold but stiffened his legs.

Thinking I missed, I reached for a second arrow, but as I did, I noticed on the ground on the aft side of the deer a small pool of blood was already forming as I had gotten a perfect pass through shot. Before I could knock the second stick, he started the distinctive wobble.

The deer was substantial in body size and as he stumbled to the left he crashed through the hog fence we had only 15 feet from the feeder.

As the deer lay there, I began to gather my gear. I still did not know the extent of his antler size…the fading light and the torn up pig fence obscured my vision. I do not recall my descent or lowering the Bow Tech General, I hope I didn’t throw it out of the stand. As I got to my truck, I drove through the high fence gate to the small but significant patch of paradise.

As my headlights turned to the behemoth buck, I was overwhelmed with his magnificence and aware that I had killed a monster.

The green score was 171 ½ and though I know the drying time might diminish the rack 3-6 inches, I am more than satisfied that I’ve easily made the Texas Bow Book, of which I had no hope or aspiration, my goal was to one day arrow a 150 class buck, knowing that in North Texas that would be a challenge….no more. I loaded the deer, called my friend and headed to the barn to cape and dress the deer. When my friend arrived, we celebrated and he asked, “How did you pull that pig up into the truck?”

I said, “I can’t load a 100 pound doe alone, this deer seemed like a feather”. He weighed 241 pounds. I thank the Lord and my lifelong friend for more than “I could ever think or imagine”.

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

20 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Trijicon RMR™ ®

Trijicon’s supremely dependable RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) optic may quite possibly be the perfect non-magnified aiming system for hunters of virtually any discipline. Weighing in at a mere 1.2 ounces, the RMR provides hunters with fast and accurate both-eyes-open shooting without the excess bulk and weight of larger red-dot optics.

Trijicon’s supremely dependable RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) optic may quite possibly be the perfect non-magnified aiming system for hunters of virtually any discipline. Weighing in at a mere 1.2 ounces, the RMR provides hunters with fast and accurate both-eyes-open shooting without the excess bulk and weight of larger red-dot optics.

Versatility Cape buffalo with a fine double, predators with an AR, spring gobblers with shotgun or big woods whitetails with a lever gun: The possibilities are endless! Regardless of your prey, the RMR provides speed and clarity for instant target acquisition without the potential focusing issues associated with open sights. Did we mention handguns and muzzleloaders, slug guns and archery? The versatility of the RMR is continually evolving.

RUGGED PERFORMANCE

Trijicon RMRs have been proven on the most demanding environments on Earth by U.S. Special Operations to law enforcement officers, and hunters of dangerous game. Available in three models--the Adjustable LED, Dual-Illuminated (battery-free) and LED--all RMR units are housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and tested to military standards, so they can handle the recoil of even the largest caliber. The RMR aiming dot is precise and visible in any light. Audible click adjustments quickly zero to point of impact, and its CR2032 lithium battery lasts up to two years in the LED version, and up to four years in the Adjustable LED model at mid-setting.

The RMR attaches to most platforms via weaver-style or Picatinny rail and by the company’s new specially-designed custom rifle adaptor mounts. These mounts are available for the most popular double rifles including Sako, Blazer, and a variety of rifles with ribs measuring 11-12mm and 14-16mm. RMR adaptor mounts are also available in versatile quick release and

gunsmith-ready configurations.

GO TACTICAL The secret is out! Many hunters have taken a note from the tactical operator’s playbook by combining an RMR with their traditional riflescope. This combo provides magnified precision aiming with unbeatable point and shoot capabilities when needed.

Trijicon offers a specially designed 45 degree, Picatinny style mount that simply attaches to your existing scope rail. As an added bonus, this quick-detach mount allows the user to switch their RMR to other platforms in a matter of seconds.

For more information on Trijicon’s RMR optic, mounting options and the complete array of Brilliant Aiming Solutions for the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement markets, contact Trijicon, Inc at (248) 960-7700 or visit Trijicon.com

2013 “Shot Show” Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast Keynote Master Sportsman

Jimmy Sites

“Spiritual Outdoor Adventures TV Show” Sands Expo Convention Center Thursday, January 17th, 2013, at 7:00 am Join sportsmen from around the U.S. and abroad for CSF’s 15th annual event for a Season of Prayer for our nation and the outdoors industry leaders who provide products and services to the sportsman and his family.

Breakfast Registration - Only $50.00 Table of ten (10) Sponsorship: Gold $1,000 • Silver $750 • Bronze$500 Table Sponsors - Please Order by Calling 770.772.6749 Online Registration: www.christiansportsman.com

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

22 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

Or call 770.772.6749

770.335.1814

Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship

Needs Your Help in Casting the Net!

Social Media Integration In Life there are three types of people: Those that “make things happen”, “watch what happens”, and those that wonder, “what just happened”. And no one wants to get caught in this last category!

“Sometimes it’s very challenging to adapt to change, especially when it comes to the unfamiliar technology accelerators that are now driving our outdoor communities. Over the past few months several cutting edge applications have been developed for web surfers using computers, smart phones, Ipods, etc. Efficiency helps in finding success when living in an over-communicated culture”, — Richard Jordan, CSF President Each strand of the “web” leads to another line of communication. The World-Wide-Web (www) connects us all together. But within the web there are great ways to inform and entertain like Flikr for sharing photographs or Youtube for sharing video experiences.

Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship’s (CSF) goal is to keep you inform so that lifelong friendships can be built with other like-minded sportsmen!

Consider “the web” as more of a net, a fisherman’s net.

Jesus stated: “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19) Call CSF headquarters with your questions, to obtain links, or for technical assistance at 770.772.6749 Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Your membership supports the mission: CSF serves as a fellowship for sportsmen and their families to experience the love of Jesus Christ through the shared passion of the great outdoors.

Please consider supporting CSF.

There are five ways for you to choose from, so you can start helping today!

1

Subscribe to The Christian Sportsman magazine

Order Your Subscription Today!

Only $19.95

2

www.christiansportsman.com

Become a Charter Member

Have you thought about joining Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship or have you been putting off renewing your exisiting membership? Please consider responding today! Your support and involvement helps us continue to promote the ideals and goals of CSF. Bonus!

CSF Knife and Camo Bible!

Your CSF Membership Supports the Ideals and Goals of CSF! All-Weather Wax Wear Cap

Appreciation Gifts

3

Become a Supporting Member Receive Charter Membership Kit plus Silver Hawk Knife and All-Weather Wax Wear Cap Personal Magazine Ministry 12 Magazine Gift Subscriptions sent to family and friends $19.92/mo. or $239 Per Year

4

Become a Life Member Receive Charter Membership Kit plus All Weather Wax Wear Cap and a Hunter’s Companion 3Pc. Knife Set Personal Magazine Ministry 24 Magazine Gift Subscriptions sent to family and friends

5

$41.67/month for two years or $1,000

Become a Founder Member Receive Charter Membership Kit plus All Weather Wax Wear Cap and CSF Signature 12 Gauge Shotgun or Special CSF Hunting or Fishing Adventure Personal Magazine Ministry 36 Magazine Gift Subscriptions sent to family and friends $83.33/month for five years or $5,000

Membership is available to all sportsmen just for the asking by completing the form below. Receive timely email invitations for events and projects .

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

CSF needs your help in …Bringing Hope to the Next Generation of Alaska’s Youth!

Send Your Church Mission Group to Alaska!

Wild Gourmet Alaska Smoked Salmon Church Group Friendraiser Campaign 100% of Net Proceeds Invested in Alaska Wilderness Missions

Finally, a very simple and streamlined approach to funding your father/son mission trip to Alaska has arrived!

How does it work?

Enter Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship with a fourteen year proven success record in accommodating church groups in planning, preparation and participation for the purpose of helping sportsmen and their family members travel to Alaska on a mission/construction trip. What is the plan?

The answer … Wild Gourmet Alaskan Smoked Salmon!

That’s right! Delivered directly to your church address securely packaged and preserved to require minimum handling with excellent potential in funding your entire mission project. Who do we send to Alaska?

Imagine … A dad and his son sharing this mission trip opportunity with friends, neighbors and extended family members who would like to support their vision by purchasing a packaged quantity of the absolute best smoked salmon on the face of the earth.

Great for seasonal gifts! A personal letter from your church’s Alaska Mission team inserted into each box shares the vision for … Bringing Hope to the Next Generation of Alaska’s Youth!

Adventure to a Higher Level!

* Suggested Contribution $59.90 per Sampler Gift Package (Delivered) Wild Gourmet Alaska Smoked Salmon Coho (Silver) Salmon Filet ¼ lb. Chinook (King) Salmon Filet ¼ lb. Sockeye (Reds) Salmon Filet ¼ lb. Pacific (Pinks) Salmon Filet ¼ lb.

26 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

2013 David Livingstone Award PRESENTED TO DR. PAIGE PATTERSON This legendary award given by Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship, Int’l. commemorates the life work of Dr. David Livingstone who opened many regions of central Africa to big game hunting back in the mid-1850s. Livingstone was not only an explorer and hunter conservationist but also a medical missionary who devoted many years of his life to bringing cures for decease and suffering in remote villages throughout Africa.

careers as lifelong missionaries (some within the medical field) as well as in church pastorates in the United States and around the world.

As a CSF Master Sportsman, Dr. Patterson is involved extensively in Christian sportsman banquets throughout the United States and also serves as a Contributing Editor for The Christian Sportsman magazine. Using PowerPoint presentations on hunting dangerous game and emphasizing the critical importance of fathers CSF, International continues to recognize sportsmen of notable accomplishment who have in the task of making responsible men from the mischievous raw material of boys, he has rejoiced follow in the footsteps of the man whose name over more than 2,000 men coming to Christ the award bears. The 2013 presentation was made during the Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast on through these banquets in the last two years.

These events develop naturally out of his love for Friday morning, January 4th, 2013, at 7:30 am in conjunction with the Dallas Safari Club Show. the “outback,” his exploits in hunting (he has taken lion, leopards, and buffalo, or three of the Dr. Paige Patterson, President of Southwestern African “big five”) and SCUBA diving. Despite Theological Seminary has now traveled to and his busy schedule, Dr. Patterson finds time to ministered in 125 countries of the world, which pen numerous books and articles. has allowed the him to share his Christian faith David Livingstone Background with six heads of state in various countries, including Yasser Arafat and Menachem Begin.

David Livingstone is known for his many He has led church planting movements in adventures in the dark continent of Africa during New Hampshire and other states in America the mid-1800’s for over 33 years as a medical and served as pastor of churches in Arkansas, missionary with the London Missionary Society Louisiana and Texas. As the past president of the and avid hunter conservationist. His adventures Southern Baptist Convention and now president led him to discover then dedicate Victoria Falls of Southwestern Theological Seminary, Dr. located on the Zambiezi River between Zambia Patterson has been instrumental in the education and Zimbabwe to Queen Victoria. As an explorer of hundreds of seminary graduates who have commissioned by the British government in been inspired through his leadership to establish

1858 Livingstone was appointed H.M. consul at Quilimane for the East Coast of Africa to the south of the dominions of Zanzibar, and for the independent districts in the interior, as well as commander of an expedition to explore Eastern and Central Africa.

On one notable occasion Livingstone traveled to Mabotsa in the Bakatla country, which he had previously selected for a Christian mission station. On one of his many hunting expeditions he wounded a lion within thirty yards, afterwhich it sprang upon him and brought him to the ground, crushing the bone of his left shoulder before it was dispatched. For the rest of his life the use of his left arm was restricted in consequence, and the wound caused him occasional suffering.

“If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them.

I want men who will come if there is no road at all.” David Livingstone Following Livingstone’s explicit instructions, the missionary/explorer’s heart was buried in one of the native villages where his life’s work was dedicated. His body was then shipped back to England to be interred in Westminster Abbey on 18 April 1874. A black slab in the centre of the nave in the Abbey marks his resting-place.

Silent Auction Item David Livingstone 2013 Commemorative Bronze Statue The limited edition bronze commemorating the life work of David Livingstone is being offered at auction during the Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast to bring special recognition to the hunter-conservationist and outdoors adventurer for whom the award is named. David Livingstone was a Scottish Congregationalist pioneer medical missionary with the London Missionary Society and an explorer in Africa.

CSF, International continues to recognize sportsmen of notable accomplishment who have follow in the footsteps of the man for whom the name of the award bears. The 2013 presentation was made during the Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast on Friday morning, January 4th, 2013, at 7:30 am in conjunction with the Dallas Safari Club Show.

Large Male Lion atop a Cape Buffalo Horn mounted on a Walnut base at 24” in height Sculpted by Mark Smart Bronzes, Great Falls, MT 406.761.3586

The legendary Livingstone will be forever remembered by the comment of Henry Stanley who was sent by the New York Herald to find Livingstone in the interior of the African continent after he had been reported missing. The search ended in 1871 when Stanley met Livingstone at the town of Ujiji, on Lake Tanganyika.

Stanley greeted him with the now-famous words: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

Reserve Bid Price: $3,500 Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Big Sky Bruins

By Bruce Smetana

28 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

After what seemed like an extremely long hot and smoky summer, nearly devouring the state of Montana’s timber and range land our hunting season started with some doubt as to what the weather and critters would be doing.

In the blink of an eye 80 degrees went to -13 and a lot of snow and some typhoon class winds. My partner Gary “EZ-Walker” and I were dogged tired as on the last day of our season of guiding hunters we were racing to dismantle camp and beat another winter storm. Fast forward through a very long winter and enough snow to make Lion hunting and trapping a continuous battle on a daily basis to the first hint of spring and thoughts of bear hunting.

Montana law dictates only spot and stalk on Bruins, as well as some education on

differences between Black Bear and Grizzly.

No hounds or baiting are allowed.

I’ve hunted black bears from Alaska to North Carolina and most every state in the west, mostly with top notch hounds. I’ve been

on several hunts in Canada over bait and of all methods I like using hounds the most, probably because of being a houndsman for over 20 years. But there is allot to be said about hunting and taking a good bear by spot and stalk. In western Montana many roads in the National Forests are closed from the fall till some time in the spring, while many others are closed year round.

My friend, EZ Walker, was on a roll; in the latter part of the summer he took a great Central Barren Ground Caribou in the Northwest Territories with Boyd Warner of Adventures Northwest, while on his caribou hunt my wife and I were scouting his area for a big Bull Moose as he’d drawn a coveted Shiras Moose permit. He eventually took a big 41 ½ heavy palmed bull. Now his sights were on a big black Bear. Direction of wind Finding good to great bear country to hunt in is always something to be aware of when a spot and stalk fashion is not too hard if you hunting in high mountain basins as the wind can just get it in your head you are going to is always up to something here in Montana have to walk in on some gated roads and look and a southwest wind is usual prevailing. for some bear sign and do allot of glassing, Keep in mind that as a rule, even if you can’t and at times I mean a lot of glassing. Many tell it the thermals are traveling up hill in the hunters look for the south facing slopes, with morning. Boars are usually the first to emerge the idea these will be the first ones to green up from the dens and start feeding and looking and hence where the bears will be. I can’t tell for sows later on. Don’t think for a second

you this is always the case but seems to be a good rule of thumb. Most biologists will tell you bears den up on north facing slopes to take advantage of the heavier snow and cold to prolong their inactivity.

that only morning and evening are the best times to go out and look.

Long time CSF member from Missoula, Montana Rich Wheatley, a hard core bear hunter, and EZ Walker walked into a high Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

open slopes feeding on grasses and newly emerging clover. Dandelions also are a favorite table fare for spring time Bears, as well as winterkilled Elk or Deer.

Size and Appearance

mountain basin late one afternoon and shortly after leaving the truck spotted a black bear feeding along the closed road they were walking on, an awkward off hand shot produced a miss and some disappointment. Later on down the road a Cinnamon phase colored Black bear was glassed and after stalking in closer they decided to let it go. Within an hour a very good Chocolate boar was spotted down below in the basin where they were hunting so a plan was formulated and an another stalk ensued only to have the feeding bear wind them at the last moment as the wind changed to the bear’s favor.

Early before daylight found EZ Walker and me slipping down an old logging road.

Right after a short period of glassing when the sun was breaking the Swarovski’s picked up one good shooter of a Chocolate bear feeding on the edge of a road. A plan of attack was formulated with me hanging back to shoot video footage, as the shot rang out my view was blocked and after hearing the war hoop, I knew the shot was true. Only thing was a big beautiful Black colored phase bear was the target, the other boar had moved off into the timber and being a opportunist, EZ Walker took a Black colored bear that had appeared at about 100 yards.

30 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

After we had a bit of picture taking and back slapping we took to the task of capping out the Boar and quartering out the meat. My sheep pack easily was in the 100 pound mark with most of the meat and hide as I helped EZ Walker get it on his back. I took the gun and other packs with video equipment, and of course my load was allot lighter, it was his bear so I didn’t want to steal his thunder with the glorious chore of hiking 7-8 miles out with a big pack containing his trophy. Wouldn’t you do the same for your friend?

The spring Bear season is not long here in Montana. Many good basins and hunting areas are not accessible due to late season snow storms or roads that are impassible due to snow drifts or mud, etc. Earlier spring breakups usually make for better years as far as bear hunting goes. But there are certain areas that are good to above average most every year. Advance preparation combined with prayer may help you to become fortunate enough to find an area like this. This last spring we spotted over a dozen bears in about a 9 day period of all different colors and most were in the 5 to 51/2 foot range with several going well over 6 foot. All Bears were spotted in high shale rock slides eating green shoots and bug larvae or on

Black bears are one of the hardest game animals to judge the size of. They may range from 130 lbs. as a two-year-old, to 600+ lbs. as an adult. Some exceptional bears have weighed in at more than 800 lbs.! Because of their thick coats, and anatomical structure, the judging of size can be a difficult task. Some of the best indicators of size are the ears and legs. Ears stop growing at a young age, while the skull continues to grow. Thus, a bear with ears that appear small compared to the size of the head are generally larger bears. The larger the ears, generally the smaller the bear. The front legs also can give a good indication of a bear’s size. The bigger boars have not only larger front legs, but also have a larger chest and all around front end than the smaller bears and sows. Sows are normally either equal front to rear, or the back half is larger that the front. Contrary to popular understanding, the distance from the ground to the belly and the height are not always the best indicator of size.

Bears are like people, there are tall bears, short bears, fat bears and lean bears. There are many other indicators that you should research before your hunt begins that will help you judge the size of bears.

Way up north black bears are often slightly lighter in weight due to the long winters.

They can lose up to 40% of their body weight with the combination of a poor fall berry crop, and a long hard winter. Yet, in parts of Alaska and Canada with its vast remote wilderness areas, bears do have the opportunity to live a longer life span than bears living elsewhere. Black bear record book status is measured by skull size, which only comes with age. As a result, a lighter weight bear from Canada may make the record books, while a bear of the same body size from other areas may not. Equally important, the food sources of the bear greatly impact the flavor. Wild bears are much better than “dump bears”.

Bear Facts Not all black bears are black. They may be some shade of brown, or their fur may have a silver or white sheen. Many have a patch of white fur on their chests commonly referred to as a blaze. Cinnamon or brown phase and even Blonde black bears are commonly seen in Montana. One color phase that is more apt to be found in certain areas in Alaska and parts of Canada is the “glacier” colored black bear, this is more of Maltese blue color and may have a lot of silver mixed in, and these are really beautiful, colored bears. One area in Montana apparently has these genetics as a fair number of Bears have been taken in this color phase. The Kermode bears of central British Columbia are near white in color.

This area is now closed to the harvest of the black bears that are this color. While bears are tough, strong animals and often use slow, deliberate movements, they do possess a speed that will shock you. They have the ability to be at top speed in a matter of two or three bounds. The black bear’s reflexes are deceptively fast!

Hunting Tips To successfully hunt black bears you should first understand what you are hunting. Most big game we pursue, such as whitetails, mule deer, elk, antelope, and others, are prey animals. Prey animals, by instinct, react to everything around them as a threat. The first instinct for a prey animal is to run away from anything out of the ordinary.

The black bear by contrast, is a predator.

Like all predators they have the ability to think and reason. Hunting bears is not as easy at it seems. They are smart and use their thinking abilities for defense as much as offense. More often than not, a bear will know a hunter is present, even if camouflaged, still, quiet and using the latest in scent blocking technology! A black bear has a far better sense of smell than any whitetail! They will often circle a stand before coming to a bait, often unbeknownst to the hunter. Despite knowing there is a hunter present, they will still come into the bait site. Not because they lack knowledge, but because they are the hunter, not the

10

Fast Facts About Black Bears

hunted. The biggest fear of black bears, aside from us hunting them, is the fear of other bears. Nothing else hunts them. Most of the time they have no fear of humans because they have not encountered them before. Some bears do, however, have a fear of the unknown.

Once again, I look at black bears and liken them to people. With their ability to think and reason, each bear has its own personality, outlook, and attitude. That means the only thing that is predicable about black bears is that they are unpredictable!!!

As an guide and outfitter I get many questions about all sorts of things and as you can imagine the choice of calibers for different species is one of the most common ones asked. My standard answer is shoot whatever you are most comfortable with that will do the job! I had some hunters come out one time with .340 Weatherby Magnums, they were so afraid of the recoil one of my guides and I had to sight them in for them. The 30.06, 7mm mag, and .300 Win mag are all good choices.

I personally favor the .300 Ultra mag for about everything saving Antelope for big game here in Montana. 180 grains is about average and a good weight of bullet for bears. Bears are a blast to hunt, they seem to fill that void between the fall seasons and after a long winter give many sportsmen a much needed excuse to get out in the timber. Whether you hunt by spot and stalk, bait or hounds or even try squalling on a predator call, which is growing in popularity and can be a very successful method, bears are a awesome trophy and a very worthwhile excuse to get out and enjoy God’s wide open spaces.

1 eat mostly berries, nuts, grasses, carrion, and insect larvae 2 have color vision and a keen sense of smell 3 are good tree climbers and swimmers 4 very intelligent and curious 5 can run up to 35 miles per hour 6 weigh an average of 125 to 600 pounds 7 go without food for up to 7 months during hibernation in northern ranges 8 usually give birth to 2 to 3 cubs during the mother’s sleep every other year 9 can live over 25 years in the wild (average age in the wild is 18) 10 are typically shy and easily frightened

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

CSF Bullet Points

Men let’s admit that most of us do not feel qualified to lead. We do not feel equipped, educated, experienced, or smart enough.

Most of us feel we do not have what it takes. I would disagree. If all you have is a willingness to follow Christ and serve Him in whatever the task is, you have IT. If you will only allow Him to work through you, God has a great training plan, it is called OJT (on the job training.) In fact, I submit to you that everyone must take this leadership course because leadership is learned in the field not classroom.

32 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Let me ask you a question, would you call a man to be a pastor of your church whose experience consists of the following?

Teaching one Sunday School lesson, (one Sunday) making announcement two times during church, (in the PM service) and holding one mid-week Bible study. That is precisely the experience I had when God placed the call on my life to enter the ministry. I had no Bible college, no education in the Bible. I was just a country cabinet maker who had only been saved for a few months, not years. The only thing I had to give to God was a surrendered heart.

By EDGAR PIERCE

Listen to what Isaiah said in Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Some years the timing of the rut of the Buck or the strut of the Toms are hard to pattern. We often ask, when did it happen, or, did it happen? The weather affects the timing of the mating seasons and can push them a week or two back or forth from year to year. Have you ever thought about what if the rut did not take place and the spawn did

not happen for a few years? How long would it be before we had no deer, turkey, fish or whatever animals? Not long if there was not reproduction.

the Master? Our greatest impact will be when we allow Him to be the one who makes our path straight and directs the flight of our arrow.

• Turkey lives on average about 2 years.

Some reach 3 or more but that is a small percentage.

The bobcats moved with stealth and silence.

They had emerged from the waist high weeds about 30 yards from me across the drainage ditch. The squealing of the rabbit within a minute of them entering the weeds off to my left told me they had been successful hunters.

The mother was teaching her offspring how to hunt to survive, just as her mother had done for her. They had to learn to follow before they could someday lead their own offspring successfully. This is like leaders who learn by first becoming a good follower of Jesus Christ.

The bobcat offspring imitates and emulates the actions of its mother in learning skills. As leaders we need to imitate and emulate Jesus.

• Deer lives on average about 2 to 3 years in the wild. Sure there are some that make it to 8 or 10 but not many and they are the toothless old one eyed bucks.

• Salmon spawn and die after they live between one and seven years.

We see that reproduction is critical in the wild. What about reproducing in the faith?

What if there was never any reproduction that took place for a generation? Another good question is what if your grandpa had not had children? Where would that leave you? The same is true spiritually as well. It is critical that we not only pass our faith along but that we teach other to reproduce as well.

When the arrow left the bow it was obvious that it was not going to hit where it was aimed. It curved in an arch that took it toward the ground before it rose slightly. It hit the target but the next one followed the same squirrely motion and did not make contact in the same location.

It was obvious that the bow was not “in tune”. Many times bows will be paper tuned to make sure the arrow is flying straight and not erratic. When it is paper tuned it is shot through paper and the tear pattern tells athe bow master if the flight is accurate. There are a lot of factors that cause these problems.

• Arrows not straight. Easy to correct with new arrows.

• Arrow rest not functioning properly.

Many shooters like the whisper biscuit type that holds the arrow without friction drag or resistance when the arrow is shot.

• Poor shooting form. Many times the draw length is not set right for the shooter. Customizing (tuning) the bow to the shooter is recommended.

What about our lives as Followers of Christ and leaders? Our greatest impact and truest flight is produced when we are in tune with

The bobcat is America’s wildcat and has a range throughout most of North America. Their population is estimated to be around a million. Some interesting facts about bobcats are: • Females can have 1-6 kittens.

• Kittens stay with the female for 9-12 months then are on their own.

• Can leap 10 feet in a single pounce.

• Gets its name from its short tail.

You have seen them in fields driving through the country on your way to scout or hunt. The brown-headed cowbird is one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America. They are an unusual bird because it is what is known as a parasitic bird. The cowbird female lays between 30 and 80 eggs in a season but she lays them in other birds nest. The host birds do all the work of incubating, feeding and raising the young of the cowbird.

What does that have to do with serving and leadership? I suggest that the host bird is the one we see the example of serving from.

Many times the host bird will be at risk herself because the cowbird chick, by the time it fledges, will be almost double the host bird’s size. The female at times will wears herself out feeding the appetite of the little one. She serves out of love for her chick, not being aware it is really not hers. She serves out of duty, and simply she serves because that is

what she does.

This seems mean and cruel does it not? I am reminded that Jesus came to serve as well and it is He who is our model for life. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many.” We serve because after all that is what we do as believers who are following Christ.

There were at least a dozen eyes on the hunter as he tried to shift his weight so he could draw his bow. He found himself wishing that there was only the old tom instead of the hens and the other turkeys around. The response had been great and he had come in on like he was on a string, aided by the presences of the other turkeys near his decoy set up. Now in the moment of truth he wished it was only him and the old limb hanger. He had to move to get the shot but when he moved slightly and the gig was up. With an alarm call the hens were first to make a quick exit with old tom not far behind. He had missed his chance because the stampede was on. When the first alarm sounded all believed the call was true and that it was in their best interest to run.

In leadership we want to start the stampede in a good way. How do we get a stampede underway? How do we get the whole herd moving in the right direction?

• We build trust so that when we warn the warning is heeded.

• We build trust so that all those under our sphere of influence know we have their good at heart.

• We make sure we keep our eyes open for the enemy and his tactics.

• We make sure we do not hang around the wrong places so the enemy can pick up off.

Like a flock of turkeys, a herd of deer or a pond full of ducks there is strength in number and we need each other. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Follow the Sign

By Rusty Ricketson

Every deer hunter will have the opportunity at some point to track a deer that has been shot but not killed. How far one tracks a deer depends on the proximity of the shot to a vital area as well as the strength and health of the deer. Here are a few general reminders when tracking your next deer: 1. Determine where the deer was hit from your deer

biodegradable and will quickly deteriorate into

stand. If you hunt in dense brush this is a must.

the soil. If you lose the trail going forward, looking

The initial point of impact holds the best promise

back from where you have come may be a good

for signs of blood. Locating the impact point from

indicator of where to look for more sign.

the stand will save time and energy.

2. Don’t be in too big a hurry to find your trophy.

Allow at least a half hour to pass before beginning your track. If you believe you have gut-shot the deer, extend that time to several hours. It is selfdefeating to push a wounded animal. The meat will still be good and you increase your odds of locating the deer because the deer will lie down and bleed out.

3. Blood sign can be either a pool of blood on the ground or even the tiniest pin-prick of blood on a leaf. Don’t overlook anything. Look on the tall grasses for traces of blood as well as the sides of trees the wounded animal may have brushed against. Broken twigs, limbs, anything out of the usual will help you keep the trail.

4. Mark your findings. Toilet paper has many uses and one of them is to tear off small pieces and place these on the spots of blood to mark the direction of travel of the deer. The paper will absorb the blood and stick. It is also

The key to tracking a deer is to follow the sign. The same is true when following our Creator. Proverbs 3:5-6 states: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Every moment of every day we have the opportunity to acknowledge the Lord, what He has done, where He has been, and where He is going and leading us. The Bible gives us our direction and insight.

When following blood sign in the woods our goal is to eventually wind up where the deer is. When following life-sign, every day our goal is to walk with the Lord Jesus through the events of the day as the Spirit leads us in obedience to His Word. This is only possible if we follow the sign.

P.S. Be sure to take someone with you both in the woods and on life’s journey to teach them what you know about following.

Leaving a Legacy Through Estate Planning Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The foundation is supported by the prayers and generosity of Christian sportsmen and corporate sponsors.

One way that you can ensure that outreach to sportsmen continues is to consider including the foundation in your estate plan.

If you are interested in establishing a charitable gift annuity for the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation, please contact Richard Jordan at 770.335.1814 or speak with your estate planning attorney.

Your financial support has helped launch over 350 church based chapters across the nation since 1994 to impact thousands of sportsmen for eternity, along their sons and daughters.

CSF Camouflaged Sportsmen’s Bible Some sportsmen have used the CSF Camouflaged Sportsmen’s Bible while in the tree stand deer hunting and believe that this edition of God’s Word is an invaluable tool for a successful season. Whether the action seems slow or you just want to take a moment to reflect in seeking inspiration from a favorite scripture reference, this small pocket bible is just right for the active Christian sportsman who takes his deer hunting seriously.

The CSF Camouflaged Sportsmen’s Bible makes a great gift for family members and friends. Stock up today so that you will be, “Ready in season and out of season” to give an account for the hope that you have within you!

770.772.6749 or www. christiansportsman.com

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Church Leaders!

Order Your Chapter Chartering Package Today!

Launch an effective outdoors ministry today by chartering your own church-based chapter of Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship!

Individual Charter Membership Kit includes: For a suggested minimum contribution of

All this for only

$74.50

1. Charter Sportsmen’s Cap 2. Window Decal 3. Magazine Subscription

4. F.I.R.E. Publications 5. Camouflaged Bible 6. CSF Pocket Knife 7. Exclusive web content

Just as Jesus modeled leadership by investing time with ordinary men in establishing the first century church, today’s leaders can also encourage and empower others to serve with a lifestyle of passion.

Become a core member in your outdoors ministry in your church community by launching a CSF Chapter. Your local church can order a Chapter Chartering Package to receive essential tools for launching an effective outdoors ministry. The Package will include 12 Charter Membership kits for twelve men who have been called to serve by joining your chapter. Each Charter Membership is valued at $74.50 if ordered individually! (See centerfold for registering additional Charter members).

Contact CSF Headquarters today at 770.772.6749 to order your Chapter Chartering Package and join as a CSF Charter Member

www.christiansportsman.com

36 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Chapter Charter Package includes: • Twelve Charter Membership Kits • Facebook Website for Personalized Member Communication • Quarterly Shipment of Fifty Copies of The Christian Sportsman magazine • Directors Resource Notebook • Chapter Ministry Planning Template for Customization • Digital Files for Designing CSF Logo Sportswear and Promotional Materials • Regional Director Assistance in Planning Your Annual Outreach Agenda • Registration for Chapter Director to Participate in the CSF National Leadership Summit * Bonus CSF Display Banner for Event Promotion * Bonus Book: The Perfect Leader, by Ken Boa

TCS Photo Gallery .

The Christian Sportsman— ALl Rights Re-

served

3

2

1

Chris Moore’s Son with Trophy Whitetail - KY

5

Newlyweds Randy & Jennifer Comer - CSF Reg. Dir. - AK

6

Richard Jordan’s Eastern Turkey - GA

4

Wayne Galloway - Honey Lake Plantation, FL

Yukon Moose on Car - Anchorage, AK

10

8

Coastal Brown Bear - Russian River, AK

7

Special Youth Challenge - MT

9

Aaron Scores Muley at Special Youth Challenge - MT

Josh Smart’s Muley - MT

Hank Hough - Soldotna, AK

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Is Your Name in God’s Record Book of Life?

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3) Did you know that you can have your name permanently recorded in God’s book of life today?

HERE’S HOW: A) Admit that you need him - Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23a: “For the wages of sin is death...”, B) Believe that Jesus died to save you - Romans 6:23b “...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

C) Confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord by turning from your sin and calling on his name - Romans 10:9-10: “That if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out...”

Our response is to receive Jesus Christ.

Does this prayer say what you want to say to God? Dear God, I believe that your son died for my sins and ask your forgiveness. I receive Jesus Christ now as my personal Savior and invite him to be the Lord of my life from this day forward. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please contact us about your eternal decision: csf@christiansportsman.com CSF, P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156 38 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

I B O R AT I N G Up to 328 fps A X LE TO AX LE 30” B R ACE HEI GHT 7”

Simply Amazing.

Creating something that is more advanced by making it simpler is an engineering marvel. New from Mathews ® is the Creed.™ Featuring the all new S i m P l e x C a m,™ t h e C r e e d ™ i s t h e s m o o t h e s t

WEI GHT 3 . 8 5 l bs

drawing single cam bow ever created. The Creed ™ is designed around a balanced synergistic system

LET-OFF 80%

giving it an amazing blend of speed, quietness and

DR AW WEI GHTS 5 0 - 7 0 l bs

Creed ™ truly is Advanced Simplicity.™ Experience it

accuracy all in a lightweight compact bow. The for yourself at your Authorized Mathews ® Retailer.

DR AW LEN GTH S 26 - 30”

all specifications are approximate

MATHEWSINC.COM

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

Author | Hank Hough

dog training

Known By Your Friendships The topic this month is building lifelong friendships. I find it interesting that neither men nor dogs plan on building LIFE LONG friendships.

They often have time for surface relationships, but friendships are more time demanding. These surface relationships usually occur through a common interest rather than intentions. Why, because both men and canines pursue what they enjoy, and it is in this pursuit that they meet someone else that is doing the same thing. Their thought process goes something like this, (“Wow! I think I can do it better than him.

Hey! Do you want to compete against me. or would you mind showing me how to do this better?

That’s good! Try this.”). It continues from there and without it being their intention they enter into a surface relationship. Then, if enough time is allowed, a friendship is formed.

Men understand one another, but aren’t interested in talking about it.

They want to change it, or fix it, or get another one that works. (“Hey! What do you think? That‘s good.

Let’s do it! Done. Wow! We solved it! Aren‘t we fast! What’s next’?”)

40 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

It doesn’t take much time. and yet TlME is what transforms surface relationships (acquaintances) into lifelong friendships. The question is how much difference does a friendship really make? Perhaps we should all look a little closer at this question. I found that I am more aware of who my dogs spend time with than I am of my children, or even myself. I NEVER allow one of my chosen puppies to play with a disobedient dog. I always pair them with a champion and I (at least in the beginning) always make them watch the champion dog run first.

It is amazing to see how quick they learn and how far they are willing to run even as a puppy. After all, his best friends (the other dogs) all run that far. Had his friends chased cars. dug holes, or killed cats I believe my puppy would be doing the same.

If you really want your puppy to become a champion be careful of who you let him play with, and make sure his life long friends are true champions. These friends have the most influence on his life, and on our lives too.

My dogs do well in competition.

Extremely well. However, we don’t spend much time training for competition because we are preparing for indoor seminars. Our opponents spend all day, five days a week drilling for these events while we may only have five days out of the month to train. So, how do we stand a chance? It is because we have gone beyond the typical surface relationship and formed a Life Long Friendship. We understand

each other because we are always together. Not in training fields, but in churches. air ports, and seminar arenas. In the most recent contest we participated in my youngest dog, Preacher, stomped on the competition. He received straight 10s in every category. This was a test that very few dogs even passed, let alone receive high scores such as these, and he was the youngest dog in the event. A stranger asked me HOW such a young dog was able to perform so well. I told him he was asking the wrong question.

The question should be WHY did he win, not HOW did he win. You see, he won today, because he DID NOT come to WIN. He came as a friend to bring me honor thru trusting and obeying my words out of love, not fear. We have gone to a deeper kind of relationship than student-teacher. We have spent enough time together to become FR ENDS,TRUE FRIENDS. We both trust and understand each other.

So here is a question for you. When YOU got up this morning? Did you get up to WIN, or did you get up to bring honor to Jesus Christ the King of Kings? Do you have a surface relationship with Him? Or would He call you FRIEND?

Hank Hough serves with Kingdom Dog Ministries as a CSF Master Sportsman has spoken to tens of thousands of men during sportsmen’s banquets and related men’s outreach events. Contact Hank today for more information about Kingdom Dog Ministries or to schedule him to speak at you next Sportsmen’s Wild Game Dinner. hank_hough@yahoo.com

As always, in need of HIS GRACE, hank and THE DOGS

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

By Andy Hehl

Friendship of a True Sportsman Once again my son Nick and I were blessed with a trip to the Little Manistee River for True North’s annual Trout Camp weekend.

Nick and I struggled the year prior to catch any trout, and this year we seemed to be adding a challenge by the desire to do it with a fly rod. We quickly learned there was an enormous amount to be learned to catching trout on a stream with a fly rod. Nick is 12 and eager to get in the great outdoors at anytime. The only thing missing was the

42 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

intelligence to accomplish at least some sort of our flies snagged, and our eagerness humbled. success as to not come away empty handed, The afternoon was a different story. Larry and disheartened.

Hull, a true master fly fisherman, was giving a fly fishing teaching session, followed by an We arrived early in the evening on Friday, in-stream demonstration. After teaching a with just enough time to set up camp and dozen or so men some basics on fly fishing, get acclimated with our beautiful northern there was a coin toss to see which young man Michigan surroundings. The night ended would get the opportunity to have a one-onwith a prayer of thanksgiving and request one “in stream” teaching lesson with Larry. that God would lead us to success for the Nick was the lucky young man. Within about next day. The next morning started with a 30 minutes he had Nick with his first trout rush of adrenaline as we got our lines wet,

on the line. It was quickly duplicated with another. Later that evening Nick and I rejoined the stream and Nick landed his first trout on his own, and followed with a fourth trout caught on Sunday morning to cap off what was a wonderful fishing weekend with my son.

Watching Larry work one on one with my son was a scene and experience I will not forget. I could not help but feel so lucky and honored with Larry’s time and generous heart. He gave my son something I was unable to give. I started to remember what Larry started out his teaching session with and I realized this is a lot like CSF’s model of Climbing Legacy Mountain. Larry said that there are 3 basic stages that a fly fisherman goes through; the first, just wanting to catch a fish (Base Camp), then the fisherman wants to see if he can duplicate what he has learned and catch many fish (Equipping Camp), the third is the fisherman wants to catch bigger/smarter fish (Guide Camp)… I would only add to that the mentoring act that Larry was carrying out, and that is Assault Camp, in which the fisherman wants to mentor someone who is entering Base Camp to start the series all over again.

In reviewing our experience, Nick and I had asked the Lord for success for the coming day, with catching a fish as the goal, and instead the Lord provided us with a true friend named Larry Hull who taught us how to fish, a gift of a lifetime.

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

44 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

All Sportsmen Invited to Attend!

Great Alaska Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast 10th Annual Event

Rick Dickson (and son Jack) Keynote Master Sportsman Co-Founder of The Outdoor Channel

Saturday morning, May 4th, 2013, at 8:00am Soldotna Sports Center • Kenai Peninsula Sport & Recreation Trade Show

You are invited to attend the premier event of the season to personally hear and meet Rick Dickson as our featured keynote speaker. Rick served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Counsel during the formative years of the television network. Many may not realize that the company’s parent organization incorporated as an Alaska corporation. Rick will share some exciting stories about The Outdoor Channel’s Gold Prospector’s Association discovery of gold in Nome, Alaska.

Advance Reservation: Only $20 • Limited Complimentary Tickets Available Men’s Church Groups Welcome • Hosted by Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship Coming Soon - August 2013: Learn more about the Kenai Peninsula “Legacy Mountain Wilderness Camps” for sportsmen and their families.

Call 770.335.1814 for more information and to reserve your seats today!

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

46 | www.thechristiansportsman.com

770.335.1814

Services and products classified section OUTFITTERS & GUIDES

SERVICES

Alaska World Class Adventures Black and Grizzly Bear/Moose/Dall Sheep/Caribou David Bridges- Licensed Professional Guide and Experienced Bush-Pilot Phone: 907-452-8680 Fax: 907-452-6778 Email: alaskawcadventures@yahoo.com Parkwood Inn & Suites – Extended Stay Property 204 trees on 2 ½ acres in Anchorage 907.563.3590 www.parkwoodinn.net Comer & Associates – Own, manage and broker hotels Commercial and Residential Professionals 907.440.9000 www.comerproperties.com

Swim Upstream An Outdoorsman’s Guide to Spiritual Adventure

by Dave Myers

Preserve and enjoy your favorite outdoor pictures by having them mounted on wood with an epoxy finish. A great way to remember those special times. Call Jim Leben at 478-4562978 or e-mail jkleben@alltel.net for more information or to order.

RESOURCES

Lost Lakes Outfitters — Idaho Backcountry Guided Elk, Bear and Mountain Lion Hunts Summer Pack/Fishing Trips High Success Rate! 1-866-LST-LAKE www.lostlakesoutfitters.com, email us at: llo@lostlakesoutfitters.com

Share Your Faith With Others To secure copies of the CSF Sportsmen’s Bibles contact: CSF, P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156 or call 770.772.6749 Quantity discounts available.

Great Falls Taxidermy Specializes in Custom Life-size Mounts and Wildlife Bronzes, Great Falls, Montana. Contact: Mark Smart 406-761-3586 Faunafrika Safari Outfitters- Southern Africa Phone: 27(147)66 0111 ken@faunafrika.com, www.faunafrika.com The Laredo Hunting Company Mexico Wingshooting Wild Bird Extravaganza www.laredohuntclub.com Desert Scale Quail, Dove & Waterfowl George Vogt 713-654-0047

172 pages - $12.99 (paperback) Tate Publishing

Order Today www.amazon.com “FREE BOOKLET” For planning Sportsmen’s Banquets & Wild Game Tastings Send $3.50 S&H to: CSF Sportsmen’s Banquet Free Booklet (See Order Form at Centerfold) - Strategic planning for your annual outreach event.

• Men’s Ministry Opportunities • Keynote Speakers • Committee Organization

Cavner & Julian Inc. Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear Hunt Preston Cavner 907-223-9386. www.HuntingAdventure.com

Submit Classified Ad to: Ad Copy to: The Christian Sportsman: Classified AD Dept.

P.O. Box 500099, Atlanta, GA 30350 Rates: $9 per word/Subject to editorial review

Lindholm’s Lodge Ak. Peninsula-Chignik Lake Phone: (907) 696-4037 E-mail: fishon@fishchignik.com Website: www.fishchignik.com

Career Opportunities – The Christian Sportsman Field Representatives needed for magazine distribution to church communities across the United States.

Email: careers@thechristiansportsman.com

Crossheart Outfitters L.L.C. Trophy Quality hunts in Montana for Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail, Antelope, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Buffalo, Bighorn Sheep - Conducting hunts for all species of Sheep in Asia and Mexico. 22yrs. experience Bruce Smetana (O) 406-549-8812 (M) 406-544-4783 www.crossheartoutfitters.com WETHERBEES LODGE & GUIDE SERVICE Alaska’s best Halibut and Coho Salmon fishing located on Prince of Wales Island at Coffman Cove call 907-3292266, www.wetherbeeslodge.com. Student intern’s being interviewed for Summer Season 2009

“Does the quietness of the outdoors appeal to your frantic pace of daily life? Do you sense a stronger connection with God when you are hiking a mountain trail, fishing a stream, or hunting in your favorite deer blind? The perfect choice for any outdoorsman, Swim Upstream: An Outdoorsman’s Guide to Spiritual Adventure is formatted as an easy to follow monthlong devotional. Its offering of anecdotes and spiritual insight will bring your heart alive with stories of outdoor adventures and help you to clearly see the higher truths of God, showing you exactly what it takes to Swim Upstream.

Captain Bud Charters

Your go to source for all types of South Florida charters. Read about the 150 year old roots of Captain Bud Charters at www. captainbudcharters.com Even if you can’t come fishing, we would like to share stories of interest like the 1932 fishing trip with the Vanderbilt family to Ecuador, JFK’s Palm Beach Bunker, and so much more.

Sportsmen’s Prayer Line 800.772.6115

DOUBLE YOUR

CONFIDENCE RMR WITH AN

Trijicon rMr® LED, Adjustable LED and Dual-Illuminated Versions Available Rugged & Dependable Long Lasting Battery Life Forged 7075-T6 Military Grade Aluminum-Alloy Housing Single Sight Reference Point Manual & Automatic Brightness Controls ©| 2012 Trijicon, Inc. Wixom, MI USA 1-800-338-0563 48 www.thechristiansportsman.com 770.335.1814

PML7025-1 Rev(0)

www.trijicon.com