Category Archives: Uncategorized

De-cocking Crossbows great for New Hampshire Hunters – Enter Ten Point Wicked Ridge DECOCK Models

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Here in New Hampshire it is unlawful to have a cocked crossbow in a vehicle even without an arrow on it. 

Honestly, If you have hunted with a crossbow, then you know it is a pain to haul a crossbow target to shoot/unload your crossbow, Worse yet to keep a heavy and costly bolt to shoot into ground to unload it. My Excalibur Grizzly can be safely de-cocked with rope but loading it multiple times is not great for my back.  Now manufacturers are creating user friendly cranking bows with de-cock capability like the Fury 410 DECOCK.

I have not shot one but have asked Wicked Ridge to send one to test for our readers.

 

 

New Hampshire is Wild: Wild Turkey Hunt Begins in May – Safety is Key

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Many New Hampshire hunters have gotten bit by the turkey hunting bug.

 

https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/turkey-season.html 

Did you know New Hampshire Fish and Game says we have an estimated population  of 25000 turkeys! Wow!!

There are many web sites and YouTube videos that share techniques and use bow/crossbow or shotgun to bag your bird.

But Safety is prime.

https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/turkey-safety.html

Excerpt from the NH website above:

Turkey Hunting Safety
  1. Never stalk a turkey. It rarely works and increases the risk of an accident.
  2. Never wear red, white or blue or black over- or under-clothing, because these are the prominent colors of displaying gobblers.
  3. Never call from a tree that is thinner than the width of your shoulders. Small trees won’t hide slight movements of your hands or shoulders, which might look like a turkey to another hunter.
  4. Never jump or turn suddenly in response to a suspected turkey. When turkey hunting, assume that every sound you hear is made by another hunter.
  5. Never call from a site where you can’t see at least 40 yards in all directions.
  6. Never imitate a gobbler call while concealed in a stand.
  7. Never presume that what you hear or what responds to your call is a turkey.
  8. Never think that your camouflage makes you totally invisible. To ID yourself to other hunters, wrap an orange band around a tree.
  9. Never hide so well that you can’t see what’s happening around you.
  10. Never move or wave to alert approaching hunters; shout “stop” instead. 

Be Safe out There!

 

My New Glocks for Home and Conceal Carry

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Below are my new Glocks, G19 Gen 5 in 9mm and G44 in .22LR.  I chose these Glocks because they are very reliable and essentially identical. The weight and caliber is different, but handling is the same and great for cross training.   

I purchased the .22LR – G44 at right for low recoil training for my wife. When she gets used to the .22, then we will train on the 9MM. Both pistols come with a lock, extra grips in medium and large. The 9mm comes with 3 clips and the .22 comes with two. 

I shot both Glocks (see the target below), just after purchase and shot CCI Mini-Mag .22’s and Remington 9mm FMJ ammo at 20 feet. If you look close, you can see the .22 and 9mm holes intermingled below the 10x ring. Not bad at all! My outdoor range was a sheet of ice to walk on, so I used just one target for both. 

I like the sights framed in white edging and can be seen clearly in darker shadows.

Glock OEM Adjustable Rear Sight SP05977 Gen 1-5Glock OEM Front Sight SP06956 Gen 1-5

The .22 pistol is lighter to handle. My wife is not an avid shooter at all, despite being married to  me for many decades. But now she is feeling fearful with large spikes in crime on TV and the need for her safety.

I already own a Kimber 1911 Pro Carry II for home protection, conceal carry. The size difference between my Kimber Pro Carry II in .45ACP  and the G19 Gen 5 in 9MM is very similar but the 45 has 8 shots and the G19 has 15 shots when fully loaded.

Weight-wise the difference between each gun when fully loaded is just 4.3 ounces, with the Kimber being a bit heavier.  The grip safety beavertail on the Kimber increases the length by an inch.

Which to carry depends on your abilities with each pistol and the kind of situations you believe to encounter. For a new shooter, as my wife is, training with a light recoiling .22 helps for confidence before using the 9mm. 

I will write more on these pistols in the near future. 

Good Shooting and Training!

© Copyright 2022

 

 

 

 

China Sporting Goods Dollars Sold in USA – Is China an Adversary? Yes! Updated

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We all love a great deal, don’t we! What has been happening in the sporting goods market for accessories, is that there are billions of dollars to be made in archery and gun and hiking/camping accessories like knives and flashlights etc. and all the seemingly small items we need.

 We the sporting goods buyers, me included, have bought many China-Made goods in the past because our government for decades believed that China would become Westernized and see the benefits of a free society. This is clearly not the case.

China is now an Adversary not a competitor says the Center for Security Policy. https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/treat-china-as-an-adversary-not-a-competitor/

Peter Hoekstra Center for Security Policy – https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/predicting-2022-chinas-year-of-the-tiger/

says quote:

“According to the Chinese calendar, 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. 2022 is the year where America finally goes big against China. China will also go big against the U.S. and Taiwan. Here are the developments that will push America to confront China’s malign and dangerous behavior and, in an upcoming article, those that will push China to go big.”  end quote.

Outdoor folks, I have written the following letter I will use as a foundation to write to USA run businesses and corporations to refrain from selling China goods: You may use it too. When I receive a response from those I write, I will let you know.

 

Dear Business Name,

Re: Your Business Sells Manufactured Goods from China

It was not long ago that China was seen as a competitor.

Today, many, like me, believe China has crossed the threshold from competitor to adversary say many Military and Strategic Studies.

There is ample evidence that they use the profits from your sales for purposes of world-wide domination and subjugation.   

What are you doing about it? 

It has been reported around the world that Uyghurs, (populations of humans) in the Xinjiang region of China are working in forced labor camps, where systemic torture and rape etc. are common. Sales from these labor camps are reaching the USA.

In fact, Walmart was just threatened by China if they stop selling China goods.

Today, Taiwan is being threatened with China bomber overflights of their country and soon, predicted to use military force if needed to force them back into China’s sphere of influence. And we in the USA are on their target list.

If we in the USA don’t care, then we are China’s future target.

I urge you to seek alternatives to China Manufactured Goods Today! And encourage sportsmen and women to stop buying them, if possible.

Sincerely,

Your Name and USA address

####

Please use any and or all of this letter as you see fit in writing your own letters to business leaders.

 

 

 

Outdoor Purchases On-Line- How to avoid purchases from adversaries?

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Ever since Covid, I made some of my hunting purchases on Amazon. You will find “answered questions” that often include where the product was made. 

I also buy from Midway USA who now has a very wide selection of sporting goods, hunting and fishing gear by USA and Europe brand names. My Archery gear is from 3Rivers on-line. 3Rivers Archery posts a USA flag with the sale item to indicate where it’s made.

Lots of cheap goods at many big outdoor retailers from Asia so look out and ask.  I some cases you cant avoid it, but at least you know.

I was looking for Ice Cleats/Crampons on Amazon and found most were made in China after reading the “answered questions” including those that are not shown. But this Amazon Cleat below is from Maine!

STABILicers Walk Traction Cleat for Walking on Snow and Ice are made in Maine, USA.

Check these Cleats out and consider to avoid buying or supporting countries that are our adversaries! Like China and Russia for example.

Sometimes, it is not possible thanks to Washington  Bureaucrats.

Walmart as you  know is largely imported goods and China stuff so beware!

 

 

Wild Turkey Thanksgiving

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This fall I harvested a small young wild turkey.  I gutted, skinned and froze the bird for a fall treat. Kids weren’t coming for Thanksgiving dinner but came over later.  Accordingly, I thawed and cooked the turkey for my wife and I. I stuffed the bird with carrots, celery and granny smith apple bits mixed with Bells seasoned butter and bacon fat for adding flavor only. 

I like using hickory smoked bacon to replace the skin of the bird when roasting. It does a great job holding in the moisture. I baked the bird at 350F for 1 hour and checked the temp with a power thermometer at 140 so I kept the bird in till it reached 160 and it coasted up to 165 F. Done! The bird was on the slender side. So, I found some wood skewer sticks to help prop the bird as it cooks. 

I added 2 cups water to the pan as I began to cook the bird. And was able to make a thick gravy from the pan drippings. Oooh La La!

 

 

I was amazed how much meat this young turkey produced. Enough to feed 5 people. What was special is that the legs and thighs were tender too. Besides the breast meat.

OMG sooo moist, tender and flavorful! The bird was killed with a broadhead, so no pellets to look for.

 

Is a smaller bird more tender? Maybe so!

Good Hunting!

© 2021 Copyright

 

 

 

Adventure Hunting Expedition: Allagash Whitetail Soon – Alone in Deep Woods

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There aren’t lots of deer in Northern most Maine, along the Canadian border, but it is a place where bucks grow really large, like say 300 pounds or more and have never seen a human.

I will be hunting with Rifle in tree stands and ground blinds far-off the beaten track where the struggle of life unfolds between deer and coyotes as winter approaches.

Alone in the Deep Woods, with my tinnitus (i can hear my ears ring in the silence), the wind, trees and wildlife… An Adventurous Hunting Expedition for sure…

Will write and show pic’s when I get back next week. This hunt is not for everyone… It is perhaps a test of your woodsmanship and survival skills as well. There is no phone service so I’d better be prepared.

I do have a Garmin Satellite In-Reach Explorer with me and can communicate with my Outfitter/Registered Guide and even email family and friends while out there. The great feature of the Garmin is that it has a SOS feature for dire circumstances and can  pinpoint my position.

Be Safe!

Good Hunting!

.375 Ruger Reduced Load – Bullet Track in Ballistic Gel

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This ballistics get test is for those hand-loaders that are considering owning a .375 Ruger or already own one as I do.

Questions You May Ask

Can a .375 Ruger cartridge be easily hand loaded down for deer and bear? 

Is this bullet fast enough, powerful enough at a reduced speed for the New England deer and bear hunter?

To test these questions, I shot a reduced load 235 grain Speer Hot Core Semi-spitzer (almost a round nose) into 10% FBI Ballistic Gel at 2138 fps at point blank range to simulate animal tissue damage. See the video’s below. 

Recoil is similar to a muzzleloader, but perhaps the ballistic gel didn’t think so. Check it out!

 

Further examination of the gel in my kitchen sink below. My wife had just finished a batch of mustard pickle preserves as it is a very active kitchen. Note: No mustard pickles, onions or cauliflower were injured during this exam!

I was very impressed, after seeing the cavity expansion in the 235 grain bullet track in the first 10 inches on entrance.  The track was straight, actually exited all 32 inches of the block suggesting that the bullet easily held together.  No bullet fragments were observed. Black gel burn marks were observed in the first 10 to 15 inches of the bullet path. 

Because mushrooming of lead occurs as low as 1800 fps I would not exceed 125 yard shots. Great for mixed hardwood and softwood terrain. Most shots are taken at around 50 yards in New England North Woods.

Velocity and Energy Table Below

Calculated Table
Range Drop Drop Windage Windage Velocity Mach Energy Time Lead Lead
(yd) (in) (MOA) (in) (MOA) (ft/s) (none) (ft•lbs) (s) (in) (MOA)
0 -1.5 *** 0.0 *** 2138.0 1.991 2384.8 0.000 0.0 ***
25 -0.3 -1.3 0.1 0.4 2069.6 1.928 2234.6 0.036 1.3 4.8
50 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.8 2002.4 1.865 2091.8 0.072 2.6 4.9
75 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.2 1936.5 1.804 1956.4 0.111 3.9 5.0
100 -0.0 -0.0 1.7 1.6 1871.9 1.743 1828.0 0.150 5.3 5.0
125 -1.1 -0.8 2.7 2.1 1808.6 1.685 1706.6 0.191 6.7 5.1
150 -2.8 -1.8 4.0 2.5 1746.8 1.627 1591.9 0.233 8.2 5.2

Great deer and bear round for sure and likely moose too, even with reduced loads. Accurate? 1 inch or less at 100 yards..

 

Reduced Loads here.

More 375 Ruger Reduced Load data for Deer and Black Bear – Updated

Good Hunting!

©Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

Northern NH and Maine Deer, Bear and Moose Woods-Be Prepared Where is your checklist?

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Each big game animal hunt in far off place has its own check list. Common to all hunts is clothing, safety, communication, hunting laws, and tools to care for game meat and a way to get your game back to your car or truck.

Getting lost or turned around in the north woods happens every day even by experienced hunters like you and me. 

Clothing

Clothing is perhaps the most overlooked area. Camo or Orange depends on laws and timing of the hunt. Dress in layers so that after the sun comes out and you climb a hill you don’t sweat. In the deer woods, wearing a white or a tan colored shirt as an under garment should be avoided. Folks over the years have been killed or wounded as a novice hunter thinks its a deer tail or even a deer. I like green and darker colors so that if I have to change a layer, I am color safe. Today there are many choices of jackets and pants. You want them to keep you warm but able to breath and wick moisture away as well as have some water repellency. Socks should be thick enough to keep feet warm yet fit not too tightly in boots. Boots are vital so spend money and get the best for your feet. Water Proof and Warm. Hats are essential in cold weather as much of your body heat is lost via your head and neck. I was able to harvest a moose in Newfoundland just because I paid attention to clothing and a thermal head and face mask. The wind was blowing at least 20 mph every day and gusts to 30 mph making it feel below zero. It was only October!

Safety & Survival

Safety is having piece of mind that you have covered all the bases. Maine Hunter Ed Offer a checklist that is comprehensive. See the websites below.

https://www.hunter-ed.com/maine/studyGuide/Survival-Kit-Requirements-for-Maine/20102201_150873/

Click to access maine-survival-kit.pdf

Grey Squirrel Stew- Sooo Good!

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I must admit that I hunt big game more often than I squirrel hunt. But when I do, i recall my youth and get out my sharp shooter skills with .22 rimfire, it feels good. Years back when my kids were learning to hunt, squirrel was on the menu all the time. A chest shot is fine to take them down but a head shot is better. Accordingly, the head shot is what we strive for, but it doesn’t always happen. Missing a shot at a squirrel is easy to do.

I am fortunate to have recently bagged three grey squirrels and was going to make a stew for  my grandkids. But, alas we were having difficulty with family schedules as they live an hour away and are homeschooling.

Skinning a squirrel is a straight forward proposition but the skin takes work to pull away from the meat. Once complete everything else is easy. I use a small knife and sharp small game shears. 

I decided to cook all three for my wife and I , besides I thought it was best for my son to take one of his children hunting for their own full experience from field to frying pan.

I separated the legs from the body and halved the body for browning all parts together.

I dusted them with flour and browned the meat in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, on to pressure cook the meat for 14 minutes with 2 cups beef broth or bullion infused water with some salt and pepper, garlic powder, thyme and a bay leaf. It was perfect time, 14 minutes, as the meat was very tender. Some folks debone the meat after cooking. I like it on the bone. 

 

I chopped stew veggies like carrot, celery, onion and potato and pressure cooked those for 7 minutes. Mixing the cooked meat and veggies allowed the flour to help thicken the stew. Below is a small tasty meal.

OMG it tastes like leg or thigh chicken meat and no hint of wild to it. One squirrel makes a meal but I would cook more for leftovers.

Happy Hunting and Cooking.

©Copyright 2021