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  • 20 Mar 2011
    Researchers have found the state's black bear population continues to expand from its usual forest habitat into farmland in northwestern Minnesota, raising the chances of dangerous run-ins with humans.   HOLT, Minn. (AP) — Researchers have found the state's black bear population continues to expand from its usual forest habitat into farmland in northwestern Minnesota, raising the chances of dangerous run-ins with humans. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been in northwestern Minnesota studying the bear migration, which began in the mid-1990s when natural foods, like acorns and berries, in the traditional bear range became scarce. That becomes a nuisance for farmers, and DNR experts warn it could mean more bears will get shot. "If those foods fail then they have corn and sunflowers as a backup. That's here every year,'' DNR bear biologist Dave Garshelis told Minnesota Public Radio News. "The risk for the corn and sunflowers of course is that they're going to get shot in a farmer's field.'' The DNR is trying to learn more through a research project in which it studies bears in their natural habitats. Researchers are studying where the bears travel, what they eat and how healthy they are. The state is estimated to have 20,000 bears, but it is not clear how many are in northwestern Minnesota farmland. The state's bear population is stable, except for the growing group in the northwestern region. There is no limit on how many bears hunters in the state's northwestern region can shoot, but the DNR could soon impose limits to protect the bear population.
    1058 Posted by Chris Avena
  • Researchers have found the state's black bear population continues to expand from its usual forest habitat into farmland in northwestern Minnesota, raising the chances of dangerous run-ins with humans.   HOLT, Minn. (AP) — Researchers have found the state's black bear population continues to expand from its usual forest habitat into farmland in northwestern Minnesota, raising the chances of dangerous run-ins with humans. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been in northwestern Minnesota studying the bear migration, which began in the mid-1990s when natural foods, like acorns and berries, in the traditional bear range became scarce. That becomes a nuisance for farmers, and DNR experts warn it could mean more bears will get shot. "If those foods fail then they have corn and sunflowers as a backup. That's here every year,'' DNR bear biologist Dave Garshelis told Minnesota Public Radio News. "The risk for the corn and sunflowers of course is that they're going to get shot in a farmer's field.'' The DNR is trying to learn more through a research project in which it studies bears in their natural habitats. Researchers are studying where the bears travel, what they eat and how healthy they are. The state is estimated to have 20,000 bears, but it is not clear how many are in northwestern Minnesota farmland. The state's bear population is stable, except for the growing group in the northwestern region. There is no limit on how many bears hunters in the state's northwestern region can shoot, but the DNR could soon impose limits to protect the bear population.
    Mar 20, 2011 1058
  • 18 Mar 2011
    Use these eight calling techniques to become a turkey assassin. Michael Waddell     It takes different calls to consistently close the coffin on longbeards. Have several calls and know how to use them.     Mastering a mouth call is critical for those last few crucial moments when you can't have any movement and your hands need to be free.     The author has found success by creating the illusion of a moving bird by using directional calling techniques.         While I dedicate a lot of time to chasing whitetails and other antlered monsters, spring turkey hunting is still one of my favorite pursuits. It's a great time to be in the woods, you don't have to freeze your butt off, and best of all, I can do most of it right near my home in Georgia. I grew up hunting ol' Booger Bottom right behind where my daddy still lives today, and I look forward to taking time off from my hectic traveling schedule every year to return there and hunt. But whether I'm hunting familiar woods I've hunted all my life or am chasing Rios or Merriam's in front of a camera in some place I've never even seen before, I use the same key skills to be successful. The most important skill I rely on is my ability to call. Calling is not only one of the things that makes turkey hunting so much fun, it's also the most important skill every turkey hunter needs to have in order to bring that big gobbler into gun range so he can ride home in the back of your truck. Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years. Maybe some of them will help you. 1 Mix It UpA lot of turkey hunters, especially beginners, learn to use one call pretty good, but never become proficient on other types. Or they may be able to use other calls, but they rely on that one they like almost exclusively. Bad mistake. Every call has its own pitch and sound and not every one is going to appeal to a particular longbeard. While one turkey may gobble his head off at your box call on Friday, that same turkey or even a different one, may ignore it on Saturday. Different calls may fire a tom up at different times. That's why it's important to learn to use several different calls and be able to run each of them as proficiently as the next. If turkeys aren't responding to your box call, switch to a mouth call or a slate. Even a tube call can work wonders in areas where gobblers have heard everything else thrown at them. If you prefer a box or a pot-and-peg type call, and are really good at that type, then buy several different ones and learn to use each of them as well as the other. Then you can keep inside your comfort zone, though I still recommend becoming versatile with different types of calls. 2 Master the Mouth CallMy favorite call to use, without a doubt, is a mouth call. To me, it's one of the most versatile. With a mouth call or diaphragm, you can make virtually every sound a turkey makes, varying rhythm, pitch and volume all with how you hold your mouth and huff air across the reeds. Best of all, it keeps your hands free so you can keep them on your shotgun when a gobbler is in close, but you need to work him just a little closer with a few light yelps or purrs. 3 Cadence is Key As varied as a hen's yelping and many other calls are, they nearly all follow a basic rhythm. In fact, I would say, when calling to a turkey at a distance at least, it is more important to have the right cadence than to even have the right sound. Listening to real turkeys in the woods or watching videos and TV shows of turkey hunts is one of the best ways to observe this cadence and learn to mimic it perfectly. Yelping, the hen's most basic call and the most important one for you to master, is delivered with evenly paced beats. Whether it is a casual yelp or one that is more excited and delivered with a little more speed, those yelps will always be spaced evenly apart. Cutting, which is really just a very excited, short burst of one-note clucks, will be more unevenly delivered, but still have a certain general rhythm to them. 4 Add Motion I bet you're scratching your head right now. "Add motion, he must be talking about decoys now," you're probably thinking. That can be helpful, too, but what I'm talking about here is adding some motion to your calling. How many guys, walk in the woods, plop down at the first gobble they make and just start calling from that same spot? If a gobbler is hopped up and ready for action, that will be enough. But when he is feeling more cautious and would rather the hen show herself, you're going to have to change positions. If a longbeard is far enough away, or even if the gobbles have gone silent on a particular morning, I will stand up and walk around, cutting and yelping and turning my head and body in different directions to make it sound like the hen is coming toward the tom and then moving away from him. I've walked 20 or 30 yards toward a gobbling tom that kept strutting back and forth out of sight to make him think I was a real hen. In these situations, try walking toward the turkey and then away while calling. Then shut up and move back to where you were closest to him and set up. The longbeard might think the hen is leaving him and finally show himself. When calling on the move like that, it is not only important that you do it when you are far enough away from a tom that he can't see you, but also that there is no chance of other hunters being around for obvious safety reasons. 5 Directional Calling Just like moving around while calling, it is important to be able to cast your sound in different directions as a gobbler approaches. With a mouth call, I cup a hand to the side of my mouth and use it to throw the sound of my calls in a particular direction. With a slate call, cup your hand beneath the sound board of the call and do basically the same thing. With a box, turn the sound chamber in a different direction, though I've found it's easier to throw a call's sound with a mouth call--one of the reason I prefer them. 6 Back It OffWhen trying to get a tom to offer up that first gobble or calling to one far off in the distance, it's perfectly fine to call as loud as you can. It's not okay to do that as that longbeard closes to within a 100 yards or less. Be sure to tone down the volume as the turkey gets closer. I've hunted with guys who had a gobbler hung-up 50 or 60 yards in front of them and then suddenly started calling as loud as if they turkey was in the next county. Loud calling will merely blow the turkey out, spooking him and sending him the other direction.  7 Clucks and PurrsThe yelp is the turkey's primary call, while cutting really works to get a longbeard fired up, but sometimes you need to go easy. That's where a single-note cluck and soft purrs can really come into play, particularly when working birds in close. Purrs are made when turkeys are content and can make a nervous tom relax as he works within range. 8 Keep It CleanWhen using friction calls such as a pot-and-peg or a box call, be careful not to touch the calling surfaces with your fingers. You also want to keep the surfaces free of dirt and free of moisture (unless the call is made to run wet.) Over time, oils in your skin can clog the pores in wood and slate, while it can make a striker slip and squeak on glass or metal. Likewise, don't touch the end of your strikers or stick them down in the dirt. Proper care will keep friction calls working a lifetime--at least yours.
    1599 Posted by Chris Avena
  • Use these eight calling techniques to become a turkey assassin. Michael Waddell     It takes different calls to consistently close the coffin on longbeards. Have several calls and know how to use them.     Mastering a mouth call is critical for those last few crucial moments when you can't have any movement and your hands need to be free.     The author has found success by creating the illusion of a moving bird by using directional calling techniques.         While I dedicate a lot of time to chasing whitetails and other antlered monsters, spring turkey hunting is still one of my favorite pursuits. It's a great time to be in the woods, you don't have to freeze your butt off, and best of all, I can do most of it right near my home in Georgia. I grew up hunting ol' Booger Bottom right behind where my daddy still lives today, and I look forward to taking time off from my hectic traveling schedule every year to return there and hunt. But whether I'm hunting familiar woods I've hunted all my life or am chasing Rios or Merriam's in front of a camera in some place I've never even seen before, I use the same key skills to be successful. The most important skill I rely on is my ability to call. Calling is not only one of the things that makes turkey hunting so much fun, it's also the most important skill every turkey hunter needs to have in order to bring that big gobbler into gun range so he can ride home in the back of your truck. Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years. Maybe some of them will help you. 1 Mix It UpA lot of turkey hunters, especially beginners, learn to use one call pretty good, but never become proficient on other types. Or they may be able to use other calls, but they rely on that one they like almost exclusively. Bad mistake. Every call has its own pitch and sound and not every one is going to appeal to a particular longbeard. While one turkey may gobble his head off at your box call on Friday, that same turkey or even a different one, may ignore it on Saturday. Different calls may fire a tom up at different times. That's why it's important to learn to use several different calls and be able to run each of them as proficiently as the next. If turkeys aren't responding to your box call, switch to a mouth call or a slate. Even a tube call can work wonders in areas where gobblers have heard everything else thrown at them. If you prefer a box or a pot-and-peg type call, and are really good at that type, then buy several different ones and learn to use each of them as well as the other. Then you can keep inside your comfort zone, though I still recommend becoming versatile with different types of calls. 2 Master the Mouth CallMy favorite call to use, without a doubt, is a mouth call. To me, it's one of the most versatile. With a mouth call or diaphragm, you can make virtually every sound a turkey makes, varying rhythm, pitch and volume all with how you hold your mouth and huff air across the reeds. Best of all, it keeps your hands free so you can keep them on your shotgun when a gobbler is in close, but you need to work him just a little closer with a few light yelps or purrs. 3 Cadence is Key As varied as a hen's yelping and many other calls are, they nearly all follow a basic rhythm. In fact, I would say, when calling to a turkey at a distance at least, it is more important to have the right cadence than to even have the right sound. Listening to real turkeys in the woods or watching videos and TV shows of turkey hunts is one of the best ways to observe this cadence and learn to mimic it perfectly. Yelping, the hen's most basic call and the most important one for you to master, is delivered with evenly paced beats. Whether it is a casual yelp or one that is more excited and delivered with a little more speed, those yelps will always be spaced evenly apart. Cutting, which is really just a very excited, short burst of one-note clucks, will be more unevenly delivered, but still have a certain general rhythm to them. 4 Add Motion I bet you're scratching your head right now. "Add motion, he must be talking about decoys now," you're probably thinking. That can be helpful, too, but what I'm talking about here is adding some motion to your calling. How many guys, walk in the woods, plop down at the first gobble they make and just start calling from that same spot? If a gobbler is hopped up and ready for action, that will be enough. But when he is feeling more cautious and would rather the hen show herself, you're going to have to change positions. If a longbeard is far enough away, or even if the gobbles have gone silent on a particular morning, I will stand up and walk around, cutting and yelping and turning my head and body in different directions to make it sound like the hen is coming toward the tom and then moving away from him. I've walked 20 or 30 yards toward a gobbling tom that kept strutting back and forth out of sight to make him think I was a real hen. In these situations, try walking toward the turkey and then away while calling. Then shut up and move back to where you were closest to him and set up. The longbeard might think the hen is leaving him and finally show himself. When calling on the move like that, it is not only important that you do it when you are far enough away from a tom that he can't see you, but also that there is no chance of other hunters being around for obvious safety reasons. 5 Directional Calling Just like moving around while calling, it is important to be able to cast your sound in different directions as a gobbler approaches. With a mouth call, I cup a hand to the side of my mouth and use it to throw the sound of my calls in a particular direction. With a slate call, cup your hand beneath the sound board of the call and do basically the same thing. With a box, turn the sound chamber in a different direction, though I've found it's easier to throw a call's sound with a mouth call--one of the reason I prefer them. 6 Back It OffWhen trying to get a tom to offer up that first gobble or calling to one far off in the distance, it's perfectly fine to call as loud as you can. It's not okay to do that as that longbeard closes to within a 100 yards or less. Be sure to tone down the volume as the turkey gets closer. I've hunted with guys who had a gobbler hung-up 50 or 60 yards in front of them and then suddenly started calling as loud as if they turkey was in the next county. Loud calling will merely blow the turkey out, spooking him and sending him the other direction.  7 Clucks and PurrsThe yelp is the turkey's primary call, while cutting really works to get a longbeard fired up, but sometimes you need to go easy. That's where a single-note cluck and soft purrs can really come into play, particularly when working birds in close. Purrs are made when turkeys are content and can make a nervous tom relax as he works within range. 8 Keep It CleanWhen using friction calls such as a pot-and-peg or a box call, be careful not to touch the calling surfaces with your fingers. You also want to keep the surfaces free of dirt and free of moisture (unless the call is made to run wet.) Over time, oils in your skin can clog the pores in wood and slate, while it can make a striker slip and squeak on glass or metal. Likewise, don't touch the end of your strikers or stick them down in the dirt. Proper care will keep friction calls working a lifetime--at least yours.
    Mar 18, 2011 1599
  • 18 Mar 2011
    By Aaron_DeckerCreated 03/17/2011 Top Tips For Opening Day Toms 1. Roost A TomYour season really begins the afternoon before opening day. Get there the last hour of daylight and listen for the tell-tale flapping wings of birds flying up to roost and longbeards gobbling from the limb. If you hear one that sounds like it is in a tree, ease as close to him as you dare without spooking him. Ideally you want to pinpoint exactly what tree he is in so you can set up close to him in the morning. Try to roost at least three birds so you have multiple back-up plans incase your choosen bird fails to pan out. Many factors can come into play from a blown set up to simply an unresponsive bird. It is best to not put all your eggs in one basket. 2. Be FirstWhether you hunt public land or a shared lease, nothing is worse than planning the season's first hunt only to arrive at your spot and find somebody else there. It's crucial that you get there first. Leave home in plenty of time. Have your gear organized and ready to go and don't be afraid of spending extra time sitting in the dark--its worth it to make the plan come together. 3. Call With CautionNever call excessively to a gobbler on the roost. Call softly once or twice to a bird gobbling from the limb in order to make him think a hen is there. If he responds to your call, shut up. He knows you're there, and barring getting intercepted by a real hen, he will likely come your way when he hits the ground. Once he is on the ground, give him a more energetic series of calls to get him cranked up and marching your way. Once he starts coming, revert back to the earlier technique of keeping your calls to a minimum. The key is to be flexible. If hens suddenly light up, start calling aggressively again to get the longbeard fired up and coming your way in a hurry. Remember, once he's with the other hens, your morning just got a lot tougher.
    906 Posted by Chris Avena
  • By Aaron_DeckerCreated 03/17/2011 Top Tips For Opening Day Toms 1. Roost A TomYour season really begins the afternoon before opening day. Get there the last hour of daylight and listen for the tell-tale flapping wings of birds flying up to roost and longbeards gobbling from the limb. If you hear one that sounds like it is in a tree, ease as close to him as you dare without spooking him. Ideally you want to pinpoint exactly what tree he is in so you can set up close to him in the morning. Try to roost at least three birds so you have multiple back-up plans incase your choosen bird fails to pan out. Many factors can come into play from a blown set up to simply an unresponsive bird. It is best to not put all your eggs in one basket. 2. Be FirstWhether you hunt public land or a shared lease, nothing is worse than planning the season's first hunt only to arrive at your spot and find somebody else there. It's crucial that you get there first. Leave home in plenty of time. Have your gear organized and ready to go and don't be afraid of spending extra time sitting in the dark--its worth it to make the plan come together. 3. Call With CautionNever call excessively to a gobbler on the roost. Call softly once or twice to a bird gobbling from the limb in order to make him think a hen is there. If he responds to your call, shut up. He knows you're there, and barring getting intercepted by a real hen, he will likely come your way when he hits the ground. Once he is on the ground, give him a more energetic series of calls to get him cranked up and marching your way. Once he starts coming, revert back to the earlier technique of keeping your calls to a minimum. The key is to be flexible. If hens suddenly light up, start calling aggressively again to get the longbeard fired up and coming your way in a hurry. Remember, once he's with the other hens, your morning just got a lot tougher.
    Mar 18, 2011 906
  • 18 Mar 2011
    State wildlife officials are planning a series of clinics for beginning deer hunters late this summer.   BABCOCK, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials are planning a series of clinics for beginning deer hunters late this summer. The Department of Natural Resources will hold the one-day workshops at the Sandhill Wildlife Area near Babcock. The classes will include information on deer biology and management, scouting and firearm safety as well as hunting rules and ethics. The agency will offer a youth workshop for children ages 12 to 15 on Aug. 4, 6 and 8. A clinic for first-time hunters over age 16 will take place on Sept. 24. Graduates will be invited to take part in a special hunt in the wildlife area on Nov. 5-6. Applications are available on the DNR's website and at DNR service centers.
    1125 Posted by Chris Avena
  • State wildlife officials are planning a series of clinics for beginning deer hunters late this summer.   BABCOCK, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials are planning a series of clinics for beginning deer hunters late this summer. The Department of Natural Resources will hold the one-day workshops at the Sandhill Wildlife Area near Babcock. The classes will include information on deer biology and management, scouting and firearm safety as well as hunting rules and ethics. The agency will offer a youth workshop for children ages 12 to 15 on Aug. 4, 6 and 8. A clinic for first-time hunters over age 16 will take place on Sept. 24. Graduates will be invited to take part in a special hunt in the wildlife area on Nov. 5-6. Applications are available on the DNR's website and at DNR service centers.
    Mar 18, 2011 1125
  • 17 Mar 2011
    Are you a city slicker that could ROCK IT in the WILD?! Are you SUPER OUTGOING and up for a CHALLENGE?Have you always had a LOVE for the OUTDOORS (Camping, rock climbing, gardening, fishing etc)? A prominent cable network may be lookin' for you! We are currently seeking a side kick to pair up with a famous hunter in TEXAS! Requirements:MUST have an outgoing personality- the funnier the betterUnder 5'10 heightLove for the outdoors A degree in wildlife/forestry is a definite plus!Must be willing to relocate to TX for shooting To be considered email CastReality@Gmail.com a recent photo, contact information (cell, email), and why you think you would ROCK it in the wild!
    1016 Posted by Chris Avena
  • Are you a city slicker that could ROCK IT in the WILD?! Are you SUPER OUTGOING and up for a CHALLENGE?Have you always had a LOVE for the OUTDOORS (Camping, rock climbing, gardening, fishing etc)? A prominent cable network may be lookin' for you! We are currently seeking a side kick to pair up with a famous hunter in TEXAS! Requirements:MUST have an outgoing personality- the funnier the betterUnder 5'10 heightLove for the outdoors A degree in wildlife/forestry is a definite plus!Must be willing to relocate to TX for shooting To be considered email CastReality@Gmail.com a recent photo, contact information (cell, email), and why you think you would ROCK it in the wild!
    Mar 17, 2011 1016
  • 17 Mar 2011
    Air Force officials at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina are allowing turkey hunters to go for the gobblers on the Poinsett electronic combat range this spring. SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) — Air Force officials at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina are allowing turkey hunters to go for the gobblers on the Poinsett electronic combat range this spring. Air Force officials say hunting will be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays when there are no mission conflicts from April 1 through May 1. Hunting will not be allowed on Easter Sunday, April 24. All hunters must have valid South Carolina hunting licenses and pay a $15 fee for each hunt. The hunts last from 30 minutes before sunrise until four hours after sunrise. Hunters will be transported to an assigned drop-off site after a mandatory safety briefing. To reserve a spot on a first-come basis, call 803-494-3239 by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday before each hunt.
    10507 Posted by Chris Avena
  • Air Force officials at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina are allowing turkey hunters to go for the gobblers on the Poinsett electronic combat range this spring. SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) — Air Force officials at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina are allowing turkey hunters to go for the gobblers on the Poinsett electronic combat range this spring. Air Force officials say hunting will be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays when there are no mission conflicts from April 1 through May 1. Hunting will not be allowed on Easter Sunday, April 24. All hunters must have valid South Carolina hunting licenses and pay a $15 fee for each hunt. The hunts last from 30 minutes before sunrise until four hours after sunrise. Hunters will be transported to an assigned drop-off site after a mandatory safety briefing. To reserve a spot on a first-come basis, call 803-494-3239 by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday before each hunt.
    Mar 17, 2011 10507
  • 11 Mar 2011
    The annual search for record deer antlers is under way in South Carolina.   COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The annual search for record deer antlers is under way in South Carolina. The state Natural Resources Department is holding scoring sessions around the state in advance of the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic scheduled for March 25-27 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. Natural Resources project supervisor Charles Ruth says the state has almost 5,500 sets of white-tailed deer antlers on its records list. Hunters must document the date and location of the kill when they bring in a set of antlers for scoring. The department uses the Boone and Crockett system for scoring antlers. The goal is to determine where the largest deer are located and use that information for future herd management. The agency has a complete list of scoring locations on its website: www.scdnr.gov
    1607 Posted by Chris Avena
  • The annual search for record deer antlers is under way in South Carolina.   COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The annual search for record deer antlers is under way in South Carolina. The state Natural Resources Department is holding scoring sessions around the state in advance of the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic scheduled for March 25-27 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. Natural Resources project supervisor Charles Ruth says the state has almost 5,500 sets of white-tailed deer antlers on its records list. Hunters must document the date and location of the kill when they bring in a set of antlers for scoring. The department uses the Boone and Crockett system for scoring antlers. The goal is to determine where the largest deer are located and use that information for future herd management. The agency has a complete list of scoring locations on its website: www.scdnr.gov
    Mar 11, 2011 1607
  • 22 Feb 2011
    Delaware has had a liberal deer season or seasons the past 10 years. The average hunter could harvest an animal if time and effort was put into the hunt. Our numbers in certain areas seemed to have dwindled and was noticeable during the 2010 season that has just ended.Three years ago we had an outbreak of blue tongue disease that claimed quite a few animals in some of my favorite areas for hunting. Three years ago during the opening of deer season in November I couldn't believe my eyes as the biggest grey fox came within shooting range, it was as large as a small collie. Not wanting to ruin my opening day I let it walk. Later as I told the story I learned that a coyot was supposedly sighted by other hunters in the area. After the season and while talking with my taxidermist in Marydel, Md he told me a young man had shot and brought to him three coyote to be mounted. I thought it strange as to how a coyote could get to our area since the Chesapeake Bay and Canal to the North, Delaware Bay to the east and the Atlantic Ocean would present a problem for Coyotes to get here. Two years have past and while visiting another taxidermist to pick up some waterfowl mounts I asked him about the coyote issue. He told me that the state wildlife officials had brought some here to help curtail the deer numbers. Well, I do not know what has happened in 2009-2010 season, blue tongue, hunter success, coyote introduction or UFO but it seem our number is dwindling in some areas.Anyone else out there wish to comment? This is only one hunters opion
    1050 Posted by deerhunterdefl
  • Delaware has had a liberal deer season or seasons the past 10 years. The average hunter could harvest an animal if time and effort was put into the hunt. Our numbers in certain areas seemed to have dwindled and was noticeable during the 2010 season that has just ended.Three years ago we had an outbreak of blue tongue disease that claimed quite a few animals in some of my favorite areas for hunting. Three years ago during the opening of deer season in November I couldn't believe my eyes as the biggest grey fox came within shooting range, it was as large as a small collie. Not wanting to ruin my opening day I let it walk. Later as I told the story I learned that a coyot was supposedly sighted by other hunters in the area. After the season and while talking with my taxidermist in Marydel, Md he told me a young man had shot and brought to him three coyote to be mounted. I thought it strange as to how a coyote could get to our area since the Chesapeake Bay and Canal to the North, Delaware Bay to the east and the Atlantic Ocean would present a problem for Coyotes to get here. Two years have past and while visiting another taxidermist to pick up some waterfowl mounts I asked him about the coyote issue. He told me that the state wildlife officials had brought some here to help curtail the deer numbers. Well, I do not know what has happened in 2009-2010 season, blue tongue, hunter success, coyote introduction or UFO but it seem our number is dwindling in some areas.Anyone else out there wish to comment? This is only one hunters opion
    Feb 22, 2011 1050
  • 03 Feb 2011
    Get to know SeeMeHunt by Neil on January 25th, 2011 Posted In: SeeMeHunt, Chris Avena, SeeMeHunt Today, the Social Network is probably the most powerful tool for just about anything. Keeping in touch with friends or family, following celebrities or just another form of advertising. These such social networks are very common in the world. Pretty much, any website you visit these days has the Blue “F” icon for Facebook, or lower case “t” for Twitter prominent somewhere on the page. I’d like to mention to you about a new and upcoming social website specifically for the hunting niche. A website born last May that has steadily grown to over 1000 registered members. I recently discovered SeeMeHunt after Following this @SeeMeHunt on Twitter. Curious, I clicked on his link provided in his Tweet which brought me to a familiar looking looking web site. I could almost compare it to Facebook but for this guy looking for a new venue of sharing my hunting experiences and getting to know other hunters like me, I figured the creator was a genius! I was honestly frustrated of the same old hunting and fishing forums and jumping all over their sites reading new and different threads pertaining to different items. Here I was staring at a new site and immediately registered as a member. I really struggle to stop making the comparison to Facebook as it acts and feels a lot like it but has it own uniqueness that makes SeeMeHunt one of a kind. So I quickly began fishing around with the site and uploading my profile picture. Entered a few bits of information about myself to share with others. The basics were done. Next was interacting with the members. It became apparent who the creator was after a friendly welcome message appeared at the top of the News Feed page and shortly after a personal message welcoming me to the site and explaining a little bit about it’s purpose. We exchanged a few more messages in the next couple days. Since then, I check SeeMeHunt almost daily now.   Chris & his big boar So who was this faceless person I was chatting with? I only had a name “Chris Avena” and a distant profile picture of a guy standing behind a huge boar with his face slightly shadowed by his hat. So without further ado, here are some Q&A’s for getting to know Chris Avena – creator of SeeMeHunt.com.  UGA: What inspired you to start a hunting related social network site?-How long has the site been up?-How long had you been “planning” a hunting social web site? C.A.: I have been hunting for 30 years. What inspired me to Start SeeMeHunt.com was thedesire to spend more time doing what I love. I have always loved Hunting and beingoutdoors. I had a vision of creating a place where hunters from around the world canmeet and get to know each other. I wanted SeeMeHunt to be a place where hunters couldshare their Knowledge, Friendships and Experience. I launched the site in May 2010 andI am very pleased at how well received it has been.UGA: Do you feel your page layout stands out much better than the other typical forumlayouts?- Do you feel it has its advantages or disadvantages?C.A.: When I had envisioned SeeMeHunt.com I really wanted something that was more interactive than the standard blog or forum format. I wanted a place where hunters can meet, socialize & get to know each other. SeeMeHunt is an ever evolving cycle. Hunters get to indulge themselves and interact with other SeeMeHunt members. There are no disadvantages when everyone is enjoying their favorite sport. This makes SeeMeHunt become an everyday adventure. UGA: Do you have web design or computer technology background? If not, What is yourbackground (work experiences)? C.A.: My time is spent on certain aspects of my website. I have a web designer who works with me but I am responsible for every aspect of SeeMeHunt. UGA: What are some of your most memorable hunting experiences? C.A.: I would have to say that this past October during bow season when I came face to face with a big 350lb black bear at 30 yards was something that I will never forget. It was just about dusk & I was waiting to meet up with my hunting partner Bill and I see this flash of black about 100 yards off. I looked again and I see this black bear heading in my direction. I was on the other side of the stream sitting in a natural ground blind. The Bear seemed to be walking at a normal pace looking for a place to cross the stream. The bear appeared to have a big gate & was closing ground pretty fast. I had an arrow knocked but I couldn’t draw. It kept looking in my direction. It seemed like the closer this bear got to me, the bigger it got. Finally it stopped about 30 yards away. It found the place where he was going to cross the stream. All he had to do was walk five steps down the embankment and I would be sitting on a nice bear rug while I was writing this story. His nose went up testing the wind. I knew that I was busted. Suddenly, he looks right in my eyes! I was perfectly still. Focused on a potential shot staring into his black piercing eyes, both, waiting for the other to flinch. Then he put his head down, which is an aggressive posture. He was testing me but I didn’t move and I didn’t give ground. I knew at that point that either he was going to charge or he was going to retreat. I didn’t even have a chest shot at this point but I was still focused on getting one. Then, just like that, he turned and walked away. As I watched him walking away I realized that I was not nervous or scared about being that close to this potentially dangerous animal and that scared me. That observation is just something that stands out in my mind. UGA: Have you traveled to any foreign countries to hunt? (If not countries, any other states)- If so, what did you hunt? C.A.: To date, I have not, however I have traveled extensively out side the U.S. but not to hunt. This year I do have a September bow hunting trip for deer in Kentucky and a bear hunting trip in Maine. I do have a several trips envisioned. Those trips would be part pleasure, part business.UGA: You recently went to the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Can you explain what that is?- Had you been to Vegas before?     Chris with Lee & Tiffany C.A.: Yes, although I have been to Vegas several times in the past, this was my first Shot Show. The Shot Show is a trade show for the Outdoor Industry where all of the manufacturers showcase all of their latest products. The Shot Show exceeded all of my expectations. I saw everything from the latest rifles and hand guns by Thompson, CVA, Browning to the latest Tree Stands by Ameristep, The New Diesel UTV by Badboy Buggies, The latest Yamaha Grizzlie and the latest by C‘mere Deer, Mossey Oak, Wild Game Innovations, Primos and more. There were celebrity hunters there as well. I had the opportunity to meet Jim Shockey and his daughter Eva, Lee & Tiffany and a few others.   Chris & Jim Shocky They were all warm and friendly people. The whole scene was pretty overwhelming at first but you get into the swing of it pretty quickly. UGA:  Did you go for pleasure or business? C.A.: I did go to promote SeeMeHunt.com but although I was there for business, it really was a pleasure being there. Do we really consider it work when you really love what you do? I am very passionate about making SeeMeHunt.com the largest Social Network for Hunting and Fishing very soon. UGA: In your opinion, who had some of the best booths there? C.A.: Every company brought something unique to the show. To me, it seemed like the larger the manufacturer, the more detailed and elaborate the displays were. Sure I have my favorites but some things are better left unsaid.   UGA: Is there anything new coming out that is note worthy?   Jim's Daughter Eva Shocky & Chris C.A.: Thompson came out with the New Venture rifle that is in various calibers. It is just a beautiful Rifle. CVA also came out with some new models. Ameristep has the new Bone Collector line of Tree Stands with the sling back seats – very cool. There is a new wind direction detector by Firefly, Oilfield Camo, The new slimed down Thermacell with their new holster that you can clip to your day pack. From the moment you walk through the doors to the show you feel like you are in a hunter’s paradise. UGA: What is your hunting preference (Bow, Rifle, Shotgun, other?) C.A.: I had always been a rifle hunter. Over the past few years I have started bow hunting and I absolutely love it. I regret waiting so long to start bow hunting because now I am hooked on it. This past season I started hunting Black Powder as well. With each season that presents that perfect shooting opportunity – That is my favorite. UGA: Being from NY, do you have a lot of access to hunting land? Is it Private or State land? C.A.: Honestly, I think that I have hunted everywhere there is to hunt in New York. There is plenty of state land to hunt but I have always tried to stay on private land. I just felt more comfortable…..and safer. UGA: Do you have any trophies on the wall? Chris @ SHOT Show C.A.: Yes but do we ever have enough of them? UGA: Besides your own web site, where else can your members follow you on the internet? C.A.: I am on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg all under SeeMeHunt. UGA: In closing, what else do you feel we should know about you or your web site? C.A.: SeeMeHunt.com is open to anyone worldwide. I am especially fond of the diversity of cultures that it has brought together, sharing not only their hunting stories and experiences but sharing their lives as well. SeeMeHunt.com is expanding into other areas. Our store will be expanding its product line. We are working on a New SeeMeHunt Spice Rub. We have New Sponsors that will be coming aboard as well. We will be planning a few Discounted Hunts for SeeMeHunt Members. Being a new site, we have a lot of plans ahead of us. I personally enjoy target shooting with a bow, rifle or muzzle loader. I like to try out new weapons and evaluate the performance of them. I am always trying to expand my knowledge of the industry and I enjoy reading about it, watching something about it on one of the hunting channels. I also like to cook and try out new game recipes. I enjoy trying new types of food. I just had some alligator last week. No – It didn’t taste like chicken. It was good though. My favorites are duck and rabbit but I will try just about any type of food once. You never know what you will enjoy unless you try it. I want to Thank You Chris for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope after reading this you will go and check his site out and join myself and the other 1000+ members. We’d love to hear from you and share our experiences with you there!
    24562 Posted by Chris Avena
  • Get to know SeeMeHunt by Neil on January 25th, 2011 Posted In: SeeMeHunt, Chris Avena, SeeMeHunt Today, the Social Network is probably the most powerful tool for just about anything. Keeping in touch with friends or family, following celebrities or just another form of advertising. These such social networks are very common in the world. Pretty much, any website you visit these days has the Blue “F” icon for Facebook, or lower case “t” for Twitter prominent somewhere on the page. I’d like to mention to you about a new and upcoming social website specifically for the hunting niche. A website born last May that has steadily grown to over 1000 registered members. I recently discovered SeeMeHunt after Following this @SeeMeHunt on Twitter. Curious, I clicked on his link provided in his Tweet which brought me to a familiar looking looking web site. I could almost compare it to Facebook but for this guy looking for a new venue of sharing my hunting experiences and getting to know other hunters like me, I figured the creator was a genius! I was honestly frustrated of the same old hunting and fishing forums and jumping all over their sites reading new and different threads pertaining to different items. Here I was staring at a new site and immediately registered as a member. I really struggle to stop making the comparison to Facebook as it acts and feels a lot like it but has it own uniqueness that makes SeeMeHunt one of a kind. So I quickly began fishing around with the site and uploading my profile picture. Entered a few bits of information about myself to share with others. The basics were done. Next was interacting with the members. It became apparent who the creator was after a friendly welcome message appeared at the top of the News Feed page and shortly after a personal message welcoming me to the site and explaining a little bit about it’s purpose. We exchanged a few more messages in the next couple days. Since then, I check SeeMeHunt almost daily now.   Chris & his big boar So who was this faceless person I was chatting with? I only had a name “Chris Avena” and a distant profile picture of a guy standing behind a huge boar with his face slightly shadowed by his hat. So without further ado, here are some Q&A’s for getting to know Chris Avena – creator of SeeMeHunt.com.  UGA: What inspired you to start a hunting related social network site?-How long has the site been up?-How long had you been “planning” a hunting social web site? C.A.: I have been hunting for 30 years. What inspired me to Start SeeMeHunt.com was thedesire to spend more time doing what I love. I have always loved Hunting and beingoutdoors. I had a vision of creating a place where hunters from around the world canmeet and get to know each other. I wanted SeeMeHunt to be a place where hunters couldshare their Knowledge, Friendships and Experience. I launched the site in May 2010 andI am very pleased at how well received it has been.UGA: Do you feel your page layout stands out much better than the other typical forumlayouts?- Do you feel it has its advantages or disadvantages?C.A.: When I had envisioned SeeMeHunt.com I really wanted something that was more interactive than the standard blog or forum format. I wanted a place where hunters can meet, socialize & get to know each other. SeeMeHunt is an ever evolving cycle. Hunters get to indulge themselves and interact with other SeeMeHunt members. There are no disadvantages when everyone is enjoying their favorite sport. This makes SeeMeHunt become an everyday adventure. UGA: Do you have web design or computer technology background? If not, What is yourbackground (work experiences)? C.A.: My time is spent on certain aspects of my website. I have a web designer who works with me but I am responsible for every aspect of SeeMeHunt. UGA: What are some of your most memorable hunting experiences? C.A.: I would have to say that this past October during bow season when I came face to face with a big 350lb black bear at 30 yards was something that I will never forget. It was just about dusk & I was waiting to meet up with my hunting partner Bill and I see this flash of black about 100 yards off. I looked again and I see this black bear heading in my direction. I was on the other side of the stream sitting in a natural ground blind. The Bear seemed to be walking at a normal pace looking for a place to cross the stream. The bear appeared to have a big gate & was closing ground pretty fast. I had an arrow knocked but I couldn’t draw. It kept looking in my direction. It seemed like the closer this bear got to me, the bigger it got. Finally it stopped about 30 yards away. It found the place where he was going to cross the stream. All he had to do was walk five steps down the embankment and I would be sitting on a nice bear rug while I was writing this story. His nose went up testing the wind. I knew that I was busted. Suddenly, he looks right in my eyes! I was perfectly still. Focused on a potential shot staring into his black piercing eyes, both, waiting for the other to flinch. Then he put his head down, which is an aggressive posture. He was testing me but I didn’t move and I didn’t give ground. I knew at that point that either he was going to charge or he was going to retreat. I didn’t even have a chest shot at this point but I was still focused on getting one. Then, just like that, he turned and walked away. As I watched him walking away I realized that I was not nervous or scared about being that close to this potentially dangerous animal and that scared me. That observation is just something that stands out in my mind. UGA: Have you traveled to any foreign countries to hunt? (If not countries, any other states)- If so, what did you hunt? C.A.: To date, I have not, however I have traveled extensively out side the U.S. but not to hunt. This year I do have a September bow hunting trip for deer in Kentucky and a bear hunting trip in Maine. I do have a several trips envisioned. Those trips would be part pleasure, part business.UGA: You recently went to the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Can you explain what that is?- Had you been to Vegas before?     Chris with Lee & Tiffany C.A.: Yes, although I have been to Vegas several times in the past, this was my first Shot Show. The Shot Show is a trade show for the Outdoor Industry where all of the manufacturers showcase all of their latest products. The Shot Show exceeded all of my expectations. I saw everything from the latest rifles and hand guns by Thompson, CVA, Browning to the latest Tree Stands by Ameristep, The New Diesel UTV by Badboy Buggies, The latest Yamaha Grizzlie and the latest by C‘mere Deer, Mossey Oak, Wild Game Innovations, Primos and more. There were celebrity hunters there as well. I had the opportunity to meet Jim Shockey and his daughter Eva, Lee & Tiffany and a few others.   Chris & Jim Shocky They were all warm and friendly people. The whole scene was pretty overwhelming at first but you get into the swing of it pretty quickly. UGA:  Did you go for pleasure or business? C.A.: I did go to promote SeeMeHunt.com but although I was there for business, it really was a pleasure being there. Do we really consider it work when you really love what you do? I am very passionate about making SeeMeHunt.com the largest Social Network for Hunting and Fishing very soon. UGA: In your opinion, who had some of the best booths there? C.A.: Every company brought something unique to the show. To me, it seemed like the larger the manufacturer, the more detailed and elaborate the displays were. Sure I have my favorites but some things are better left unsaid.   UGA: Is there anything new coming out that is note worthy?   Jim's Daughter Eva Shocky & Chris C.A.: Thompson came out with the New Venture rifle that is in various calibers. It is just a beautiful Rifle. CVA also came out with some new models. Ameristep has the new Bone Collector line of Tree Stands with the sling back seats – very cool. There is a new wind direction detector by Firefly, Oilfield Camo, The new slimed down Thermacell with their new holster that you can clip to your day pack. From the moment you walk through the doors to the show you feel like you are in a hunter’s paradise. UGA: What is your hunting preference (Bow, Rifle, Shotgun, other?) C.A.: I had always been a rifle hunter. Over the past few years I have started bow hunting and I absolutely love it. I regret waiting so long to start bow hunting because now I am hooked on it. This past season I started hunting Black Powder as well. With each season that presents that perfect shooting opportunity – That is my favorite. UGA: Being from NY, do you have a lot of access to hunting land? Is it Private or State land? C.A.: Honestly, I think that I have hunted everywhere there is to hunt in New York. There is plenty of state land to hunt but I have always tried to stay on private land. I just felt more comfortable…..and safer. UGA: Do you have any trophies on the wall? Chris @ SHOT Show C.A.: Yes but do we ever have enough of them? UGA: Besides your own web site, where else can your members follow you on the internet? C.A.: I am on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg all under SeeMeHunt. UGA: In closing, what else do you feel we should know about you or your web site? C.A.: SeeMeHunt.com is open to anyone worldwide. I am especially fond of the diversity of cultures that it has brought together, sharing not only their hunting stories and experiences but sharing their lives as well. SeeMeHunt.com is expanding into other areas. Our store will be expanding its product line. We are working on a New SeeMeHunt Spice Rub. We have New Sponsors that will be coming aboard as well. We will be planning a few Discounted Hunts for SeeMeHunt Members. Being a new site, we have a lot of plans ahead of us. I personally enjoy target shooting with a bow, rifle or muzzle loader. I like to try out new weapons and evaluate the performance of them. I am always trying to expand my knowledge of the industry and I enjoy reading about it, watching something about it on one of the hunting channels. I also like to cook and try out new game recipes. I enjoy trying new types of food. I just had some alligator last week. No – It didn’t taste like chicken. It was good though. My favorites are duck and rabbit but I will try just about any type of food once. You never know what you will enjoy unless you try it. I want to Thank You Chris for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope after reading this you will go and check his site out and join myself and the other 1000+ members. We’d love to hear from you and share our experiences with you there!
    Feb 03, 2011 24562
  • 03 Feb 2011
      Las Vegas, NV - Ted Nugent, producer and host of Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild was honored by Outdoor Channel January 20 during the Golden Moose Awards. In recognition of his tireless contributions in promoting the outdoor lifestyle, Nugent received the first ever Lightning Rod Award In presenting the award, Outdoor Channel's Chief Operating Officer, Tom Hornish, stated that Nugent is "on the radio or TV on a near daily basis promoting hunting and the outdoors to the entire nation. And he's not afraid of a little controversy!"Nugent responded, "I could not be more proud to stand up for what's right and good and ultimately be acknowledged for doing so by my great Outdoor Channel team. I shall increase the heat nonstop!" This year's GMA reception was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as part of the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show.) As the most popular and longstanding outdoor television awards extravaganza in the country, the GMA's honor producers and on-air talent from Outdoor Channel's industry-leading programming.     Rocker Ted Nugent promotes hunting lifestyle By TOM WHARTON The Salt Lake Tribune First published Feb 02 2011 07:04PMUpdated 5 hours ago Updated Feb 3, 2011 12:13AM Veteran rocker, outdoor writer and hunting show host Ted Nugent defies the stereotypes of a rock ’n’ roll star. He doesn’t do drugs, is conservative and is an avid advocate of gun rights and hunting. “I don’t play games,” said the 62-year-old Nugent in an interview from his Texas home. “I promote and celebrate hunting, fishing, trapping and the Second Amendment. If I drive my critics batty, it’s just a bonus. And doing the right thing drives them batty. If you are not making a--holes angry, you are an a--hole.” Nugent will be giving a bowhunting clinic, signing books and speaking at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, which opens Thursday at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center for a four-day run. The event features more than 500 guides, outfitters and manufacturers as well as conservation auctions to raise money for state agencies for habitat improvement and purchase. It is sponsored by Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife and the Mule Deer Foundation. Miles Moretti, head of the Mule Deer Foundation, said he expects about 30,000 people to attend. A record number of exhibitors have signed up, as well as record bids for some tags. “There is a lot of interest in the Antelope Island deer tag,” he said. “A lot of people want to be the first to hunt. There is big interest in the statewide deer tag in Utah and statewide tag in Arizona. It seems like mule deer are kind of the tags of the year. Our elk and sheep tags will go for good numbers.” Moretti said organizers invited Nugent because he is a popular figure within the hunting industry. “We brought him in purely as entertainment,” said Moretti. “He represents a lot of views that our members share. We thought he would be a good bet.” Nugent said he is participating in his 61st hunting season. After giving 65 concerts in 77 days in 2010, he dedicated the rest of the year to his pursuit of game and fish and said he has only missed five days afield since Sept. 6. He seems a perfect fit for the often politically active hunters who attend the annual Expo. In his “Spirit of the Wild” hunting show on The Outdoor Channel and his writing for more than two dozen sporting publications and Washingtontimes.com, the father of nine praises the contributions of hunters to the environment, blasts anti-hunters and defends the right to own firearms and carry a concealed weapon. He calls hunting “the last perfect positive force for a healthy, balanced, thriving environment” and says there are more deer, elk and mountain lions now than ever before. Nugent condemns what he calls the “curse of apathy” “Americans have just bent over for so long, so embarrassingly, to allow animal-rights people to have any say in anything,” he said. He is critical of sportsmen not involved in the game-management process at a political level. Nugent maintains that life is a lot like hunting because both pursuits rely on discipline. “For a good bowhunter to hit a damn bull’s-eye requires definitive discipline,” he said. “You cannot be disconnected from the mystical flight of the arrow. Great guitar playing, great parenting, great welding, discipline is the name of the game. ... I’ve been uninhibited and really adventurous, but not to the point to jump off the same cliff all those corpses did. There is a difference between adventure and stimulating creativity.” Nugent is on a roll creatively both as a host of a hunting show and as a rocker. The Outdoor Channel recently gave him its first ever Lightning Rod Award for his efforts in promoting the outdoor lifestyle. Nugent, who has sold some 30 million records, is hoping to get into the studio later this year to record new material.
    1491 Posted by Chris Avena
  •   Las Vegas, NV - Ted Nugent, producer and host of Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild was honored by Outdoor Channel January 20 during the Golden Moose Awards. In recognition of his tireless contributions in promoting the outdoor lifestyle, Nugent received the first ever Lightning Rod Award In presenting the award, Outdoor Channel's Chief Operating Officer, Tom Hornish, stated that Nugent is "on the radio or TV on a near daily basis promoting hunting and the outdoors to the entire nation. And he's not afraid of a little controversy!"Nugent responded, "I could not be more proud to stand up for what's right and good and ultimately be acknowledged for doing so by my great Outdoor Channel team. I shall increase the heat nonstop!" This year's GMA reception was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as part of the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show.) As the most popular and longstanding outdoor television awards extravaganza in the country, the GMA's honor producers and on-air talent from Outdoor Channel's industry-leading programming.     Rocker Ted Nugent promotes hunting lifestyle By TOM WHARTON The Salt Lake Tribune First published Feb 02 2011 07:04PMUpdated 5 hours ago Updated Feb 3, 2011 12:13AM Veteran rocker, outdoor writer and hunting show host Ted Nugent defies the stereotypes of a rock ’n’ roll star. He doesn’t do drugs, is conservative and is an avid advocate of gun rights and hunting. “I don’t play games,” said the 62-year-old Nugent in an interview from his Texas home. “I promote and celebrate hunting, fishing, trapping and the Second Amendment. If I drive my critics batty, it’s just a bonus. And doing the right thing drives them batty. If you are not making a--holes angry, you are an a--hole.” Nugent will be giving a bowhunting clinic, signing books and speaking at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, which opens Thursday at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center for a four-day run. The event features more than 500 guides, outfitters and manufacturers as well as conservation auctions to raise money for state agencies for habitat improvement and purchase. It is sponsored by Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife and the Mule Deer Foundation. Miles Moretti, head of the Mule Deer Foundation, said he expects about 30,000 people to attend. A record number of exhibitors have signed up, as well as record bids for some tags. “There is a lot of interest in the Antelope Island deer tag,” he said. “A lot of people want to be the first to hunt. There is big interest in the statewide deer tag in Utah and statewide tag in Arizona. It seems like mule deer are kind of the tags of the year. Our elk and sheep tags will go for good numbers.” Moretti said organizers invited Nugent because he is a popular figure within the hunting industry. “We brought him in purely as entertainment,” said Moretti. “He represents a lot of views that our members share. We thought he would be a good bet.” Nugent said he is participating in his 61st hunting season. After giving 65 concerts in 77 days in 2010, he dedicated the rest of the year to his pursuit of game and fish and said he has only missed five days afield since Sept. 6. He seems a perfect fit for the often politically active hunters who attend the annual Expo. In his “Spirit of the Wild” hunting show on The Outdoor Channel and his writing for more than two dozen sporting publications and Washingtontimes.com, the father of nine praises the contributions of hunters to the environment, blasts anti-hunters and defends the right to own firearms and carry a concealed weapon. He calls hunting “the last perfect positive force for a healthy, balanced, thriving environment” and says there are more deer, elk and mountain lions now than ever before. Nugent condemns what he calls the “curse of apathy” “Americans have just bent over for so long, so embarrassingly, to allow animal-rights people to have any say in anything,” he said. He is critical of sportsmen not involved in the game-management process at a political level. Nugent maintains that life is a lot like hunting because both pursuits rely on discipline. “For a good bowhunter to hit a damn bull’s-eye requires definitive discipline,” he said. “You cannot be disconnected from the mystical flight of the arrow. Great guitar playing, great parenting, great welding, discipline is the name of the game. ... I’ve been uninhibited and really adventurous, but not to the point to jump off the same cliff all those corpses did. There is a difference between adventure and stimulating creativity.” Nugent is on a roll creatively both as a host of a hunting show and as a rocker. The Outdoor Channel recently gave him its first ever Lightning Rod Award for his efforts in promoting the outdoor lifestyle. Nugent, who has sold some 30 million records, is hoping to get into the studio later this year to record new material.
    Feb 03, 2011 1491
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