My first trip into the great world of Fishing was when I was five years of age. My grandfather Maurice Culp decided to take me to Black Canyon lake on the Mogollon Rim in Northern Arizona. It was June and the air was cool and crisp at 6 am. I was so excited to go fishing! My Dad had told my Sister JJ and I so many stories of his fishing trips that it was like I had already gone. He would tell us of stories of himself and Grandpa in Michigan and their trips searching for Pike and Muskies. How the fish would seem to explode from the water as they worked their top water plugs. This seemed to add the sense of adventure that seems to grow inside a young man from birth. I had been told to practice my casting till I could hit the inner part of an inner tube with my bait consistently. So I practiced with my old rod and reel and I would call Grandpa and show Dad just how good I was getting at casting. I would ask them. "Am I ready yet?" Dad would say "Almost son, you sure are getting better, but try just a little bit farther next time." So I moved another ten yards back. Man! It seemed like a mile every time I had to move, but I did and after some time I came to a point where I was casting into that inner tube every time! I showed my Grandfather and he was sure proud! So proud in fact that on my birthday he bought me a new Berkely rod and spinning reel. I was so happy I think I slept with it under my bed for the rest of the winter. But today was the moment I was waiting for. We hooked on our aluminum boat to my Uncle Jerry's Chevy suburban and headed down the road from Overgaard to the Lake. Along the way we saw many animals. Kaibab tree squirrels, White tailed Deer, Mule deer and a huge animal I had never before seen called an Elk. I was so drawn to these animals. It was like we were connected that day and I was in a whole new world full of possibilities. I felt as if I was dreaming and hoped that I would never wake up! On the way Grandpa told me of his hunting days in Ohio and how his father had given him a certain amount of shells and he had better come back with an animal for every shell. I came to realize that my Grandpa had grown up in a different time and really enjoyed his stories and learned a great deal about our family history. I knew then that I was part of a new generation and felt proud of where my family had come from. We launched our boat when we got to the lake and after about five minutes of trollling with our flies I felt my pole get a tug. At first I didn't know what it was then it happened again, then two big jerks and my pole was bending towards the water! GRANDPA I GOT A FISH! I screamed to the top of my lungs! "Ok" my Grandpa said," You don't need to yell." he said laughing, "Just hang onto the reel and reel him in slowly." "Not too hard!" "Just take your time son!"he said, "Is it a big one!" I yelled, "I dunno son" "let's get em to the boat and we will see ok?" I was so excited, I had a real hard time staying seated in the little aluminum boat. When we finally got him to the boat I knew it was the coolest fish that I ever had seen. I don't remember how big it was or how long it was, I just remember that I had caught a fish and I was just like my Grandpa and Dad, A fisherman. Now I am sure that I may have stretched the truth to a few folks when we got to the store after a day of fishing with Grandpa. But that my friends is what is called creative thinking and was allowed when you go fishing with Grandpa, he would say. We went on a few more trips throughout the years. It's those trips that I remember most as I look back now. Its also those trips that I look back on as I teach my kids about how to fish and other adventures in life. That day also seems to get me through the hardest days of my life when I don't think I can go any further. But then some how I find just a bit more, and I know that my Grandpa is smiling on me from Heaven waiting for the day when we go fishing again.
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Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Quail Hunting without Dogs
Many hunters are under the impression that it is necessary to hunt game birds with dogs. This is just not the case! Many of us especially those of us that lack funds for proper hunting dogs go out every season and are quite successful without the use of dogs. In some cases having dogs can actually not work at all for you. Where I live in Central Arizona we lack the foliage to properly hold birds for dogs to flush them out of and can sometimes even make the quail run away instead of allowing a proper shot. Although hunting with man's best friend is a rewarding experience it is definitely not necessarily required. Let me help you to go quail hunting without having the use of dogs with the techniques below.
First of all in the beginning of quail season get up early (before dark) and use a quail call to locate coveys of quail. These calls are available at Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops and the Sportsmans Warehouse for under 10 dollars. I use my voice but I practiced daily and drove my parents nuts but it is possible to do so. After locating the quail stalk in and get as close as you can. If you have buddies spread them around on either side and make sure they know only to shoot at the 10 and 2 positions and be aware of others locations ( wear hunter orange to help) to avoid any accidents such as that of a certain political figure. The quail should be all around after those first shots and scattered like crazy. Utilize the quail call and you will be surprised if your are quiet and not running all around how they will calm down and bunch up again and give you even more opportunities. As the day gets warmer and quail become more active and get shot at more this will become a bit more difficult but will still be effective for some time. If they are getting too jumpy and you can't keep up on foot let em go and calm down and search for another less educated covey. Typically quail like cover and like to stay in washes or grassy plains and you should be able to locate using a quail call and stumbling upon them randomly.
As the season progresses hunting quail becomes a bit more difficult and thats what makes it fun. The quail tend to be a little less vocal and when they see you they haul butt and don't stop! Being in decent shape helps out a lot here. If your not in shape keep chasing them and you will soon be in shape for sure. My techniques for hunting this time of year involve the use of a boomerang. Yes folks a boomerang! I obtained this technique recently from our friend Steve Ontiveros. The boomerang resembles a bird of prey and will make the quail seek cover and hold them up. Utilizing the quail call as a warning will also help. Also you can try lobbing shot over their heads at long distances to help scatter them and get them to be more vocal. This time of year do not use # 7 1/2 shot, switch to #6 shot as you will have better success. Try and be as quiet as possible and if you have friends make sure they are spread out to cover a larger area and keep calling to try and locate as many as you can. Definitely stay off roads and go out on foot as most folks are simply driving up and down the roads and the quail are going to be away from the roads. Early morning and evening hunts tend to be the best times as in most hunting situations. Just remember to stay at it and don't get frustrated as more opportunities will come.
Well I hope this article was helpful to those of you looking for info if you are looking for even more info or would like to share your own visit trutestedhuntingproducts.com and sign up. Together we can become better hunters and enjoy our sport even more. Thank you for your support and God Bless!
First of all in the beginning of quail season get up early (before dark) and use a quail call to locate coveys of quail. These calls are available at Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops and the Sportsmans Warehouse for under 10 dollars. I use my voice but I practiced daily and drove my parents nuts but it is possible to do so. After locating the quail stalk in and get as close as you can. If you have buddies spread them around on either side and make sure they know only to shoot at the 10 and 2 positions and be aware of others locations ( wear hunter orange to help) to avoid any accidents such as that of a certain political figure. The quail should be all around after those first shots and scattered like crazy. Utilize the quail call and you will be surprised if your are quiet and not running all around how they will calm down and bunch up again and give you even more opportunities. As the day gets warmer and quail become more active and get shot at more this will become a bit more difficult but will still be effective for some time. If they are getting too jumpy and you can't keep up on foot let em go and calm down and search for another less educated covey. Typically quail like cover and like to stay in washes or grassy plains and you should be able to locate using a quail call and stumbling upon them randomly.
As the season progresses hunting quail becomes a bit more difficult and thats what makes it fun. The quail tend to be a little less vocal and when they see you they haul butt and don't stop! Being in decent shape helps out a lot here. If your not in shape keep chasing them and you will soon be in shape for sure. My techniques for hunting this time of year involve the use of a boomerang. Yes folks a boomerang! I obtained this technique recently from our friend Steve Ontiveros. The boomerang resembles a bird of prey and will make the quail seek cover and hold them up. Utilizing the quail call as a warning will also help. Also you can try lobbing shot over their heads at long distances to help scatter them and get them to be more vocal. This time of year do not use # 7 1/2 shot, switch to #6 shot as you will have better success. Try and be as quiet as possible and if you have friends make sure they are spread out to cover a larger area and keep calling to try and locate as many as you can. Definitely stay off roads and go out on foot as most folks are simply driving up and down the roads and the quail are going to be away from the roads. Early morning and evening hunts tend to be the best times as in most hunting situations. Just remember to stay at it and don't get frustrated as more opportunities will come.
Well I hope this article was helpful to those of you looking for info if you are looking for even more info or would like to share your own visit trutestedhuntingproducts.com and sign up. Together we can become better hunters and enjoy our sport even more. Thank you for your support and God Bless!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Hunting Ethics-Mandatory
Today’s world is accepting a whole new code of ethics and morals. For Sportsman this is affecting our sport in a very serious manner. I have seen many an atrocity and have had to deal with many sportsman on their unethical behavior and feel I need to share this subject with the rest of you hoping it will be passed on to all and make them think the next time they go hunting, fishing or camping. I grew up on a ranch in Central Arizona and have been engaged with the outdoors and wildlife since I was old enough to lift my head. At age 5 I became very interested in fishing and hunting by going on trips with my Grandpa and my Father. As we hunted, fished and worked cattle on different ranches in the 80’s Sportsman appeared to have more respect for one another and ensured that if another stepped over the line as far as respect for land and or the game they engaged, it was reported or handled right then with a firm word and yes sometimes a physical confrontation. Now I don’t approve of the latter as I feel that dealing with the problem if it has to come to that should be done by the authorities (i.e. Game wardens or Sheriffs depends on where you live.). But the thing is many a so called sportsman accepts this behavior and does absolutely nothing, just say Oh gosh, that is so wrong, and that is as far as it goes. That is unethical on your part now. It is all of our responsibility as TRUE Sportsman to report game infractions and vandalism. I would even correct my best pals and they me if we even thought of acting unethical.
The unethical conduct that is the most common and easiest to see is the damage of land by today’s ATV’s, OHV’s and off road vehicle travel. Roads are made for a purpose. But all that it takes is for one lazy person in a vehicle to drive off the main road then the next guy arrives behind him and thinks hey he went there so I guess I can too! All of the sudden you have another road and land destruction. From there it just escalates because there is always some idiot to go off even that road. Next thing you know you have a network of roads, trails that were never meant to be there. Then what you get is an annoyed land owner or lessee and he decides to put locks on all the gates and close off the property to Sportsman like most of us who practice proper ethics. Another problem that has been impacting our sport is target shooting and vandalism. This has been going on for years and really is discouraging to see the after effects. When target shooting, simply pick up all your garbage and put it in the garbage where it belongs (on State trust land here in Arizona it is illegal to shoot targets so pay attention to the land use rules before entering). So simple but again there is always one idiot out there not cleaning up their camp site or temporary gun range. Observing the mess and not cleaning it up on your own is also unethical. Mother nature gives us so much so give back! Don’t think you’re cleaning up after an idiot. Consider it saving our sport. Now I know there are organized cleanups from different groups but cleanups once in a while help alot but don’t solve the problem. Besides it will make you proud you cleaned up the mess and give you more of a sense of ownership to your favored spot.
Vandalism is also a great concern. Do not shoot signs, water storage tanks and equipment. I don’t know how much money the ranch my father is working for has spent on replacement of this equipment,but tens of thousands if not more. This equipment helps the wildlife to thrive during a drought and signs help keep the people who are new to our sport understand rules of use a little better. Destroying signs, fences, gates and other property sets the tone for behavior and gives sportsman a bad name. Usually they are the first thing you see upon entering a property. Property owners and leasers’ can be quite helpful to sportsman if they and their property are given the respect they deserve. So practice treating other folks property better than you would your own. You might just be surprised on how helpful someone who is out there every day can be when pursuing game.
Less noticeable actions but extremely sad comes from those that simply do not respect the game they pursue. I have seen whole bull elk left on the side of a road with only the cape taken home. It pains my soul as a sportsman to see this. An animal whose life is taken away by such a greedy and ungrateful human being is disgraceful. This threatens our sport severely by giving fuel to animal rights activists and basically proving that this type of behavior exists by so called sportsman. Have we become so selfish? Is the scoring part of an animal all that is valuable to us? I don’t feel it is wide spread but even one occasion is enough. Another dishonorable behavior I have observed is shots taken with other illegal or unintended animals in the foreground or background. Just be patient and wait for a good shot. Bullets and arrows more than likely will go completely so be mindful of what is happening all around the animal you intend on taking. Not making a serious effort to recover wounded game is also becoming a problem. Folks I have searched for days for an animal I have hit because of a poor placed shot. If you make the choice to take a shot that was more difficult than your capabilities or something transpired to cause a trajectory change that is still your responsibility to give 150% to find and recover that animal. Don’t even think about pursuing another animal that season. As far as I am concerned you have harvested and counts to your total (for those of you lucky enough to be able to have multiple harvests).
Having respect for other sportsman is a wide spread problem. I don't know how many times I have been sitting a blind and observed someone not bother to look around an observe that someone has set up a blind and might be there already. Now I know that sometimes we are in a tree and you are not looking up high just like the game we pursue. But man during hunting season you got to be mindful of your surroundings! If you do accidently walk in on somebody at least give a gesture of remorse. Also I hate to hear the stories of how somebody’s game camera was stolen. This is terrible and very costly. Someone spent a big chunk of a paycheck for that gear so just let it be. Who knows you might even get to share the knowledge that is gained from its use.
In conclusion I believe that sportsman just need to stop thinking about only themselves and obtaining that trophy of their desires at the expense of lowering their values and ethics. We all need to work together. I know I have only covered but a small bit of info on Sportsman ethics. If you are new to hunting you should take a hunter education course. Join a good group in your location and learn as much as you can and please continue to treat our sport, the game we pursue and each other with respect. Thank you for reading my articles please pass it on so that maybe we can refresh some ones memory as to why we need to behave ethically in life and in the field.
The unethical conduct that is the most common and easiest to see is the damage of land by today’s ATV’s, OHV’s and off road vehicle travel. Roads are made for a purpose. But all that it takes is for one lazy person in a vehicle to drive off the main road then the next guy arrives behind him and thinks hey he went there so I guess I can too! All of the sudden you have another road and land destruction. From there it just escalates because there is always some idiot to go off even that road. Next thing you know you have a network of roads, trails that were never meant to be there. Then what you get is an annoyed land owner or lessee and he decides to put locks on all the gates and close off the property to Sportsman like most of us who practice proper ethics. Another problem that has been impacting our sport is target shooting and vandalism. This has been going on for years and really is discouraging to see the after effects. When target shooting, simply pick up all your garbage and put it in the garbage where it belongs (on State trust land here in Arizona it is illegal to shoot targets so pay attention to the land use rules before entering). So simple but again there is always one idiot out there not cleaning up their camp site or temporary gun range. Observing the mess and not cleaning it up on your own is also unethical. Mother nature gives us so much so give back! Don’t think you’re cleaning up after an idiot. Consider it saving our sport. Now I know there are organized cleanups from different groups but cleanups once in a while help alot but don’t solve the problem. Besides it will make you proud you cleaned up the mess and give you more of a sense of ownership to your favored spot.
Vandalism is also a great concern. Do not shoot signs, water storage tanks and equipment. I don’t know how much money the ranch my father is working for has spent on replacement of this equipment,but tens of thousands if not more. This equipment helps the wildlife to thrive during a drought and signs help keep the people who are new to our sport understand rules of use a little better. Destroying signs, fences, gates and other property sets the tone for behavior and gives sportsman a bad name. Usually they are the first thing you see upon entering a property. Property owners and leasers’ can be quite helpful to sportsman if they and their property are given the respect they deserve. So practice treating other folks property better than you would your own. You might just be surprised on how helpful someone who is out there every day can be when pursuing game.
Less noticeable actions but extremely sad comes from those that simply do not respect the game they pursue. I have seen whole bull elk left on the side of a road with only the cape taken home. It pains my soul as a sportsman to see this. An animal whose life is taken away by such a greedy and ungrateful human being is disgraceful. This threatens our sport severely by giving fuel to animal rights activists and basically proving that this type of behavior exists by so called sportsman. Have we become so selfish? Is the scoring part of an animal all that is valuable to us? I don’t feel it is wide spread but even one occasion is enough. Another dishonorable behavior I have observed is shots taken with other illegal or unintended animals in the foreground or background. Just be patient and wait for a good shot. Bullets and arrows more than likely will go completely so be mindful of what is happening all around the animal you intend on taking. Not making a serious effort to recover wounded game is also becoming a problem. Folks I have searched for days for an animal I have hit because of a poor placed shot. If you make the choice to take a shot that was more difficult than your capabilities or something transpired to cause a trajectory change that is still your responsibility to give 150% to find and recover that animal. Don’t even think about pursuing another animal that season. As far as I am concerned you have harvested and counts to your total (for those of you lucky enough to be able to have multiple harvests).
Having respect for other sportsman is a wide spread problem. I don't know how many times I have been sitting a blind and observed someone not bother to look around an observe that someone has set up a blind and might be there already. Now I know that sometimes we are in a tree and you are not looking up high just like the game we pursue. But man during hunting season you got to be mindful of your surroundings! If you do accidently walk in on somebody at least give a gesture of remorse. Also I hate to hear the stories of how somebody’s game camera was stolen. This is terrible and very costly. Someone spent a big chunk of a paycheck for that gear so just let it be. Who knows you might even get to share the knowledge that is gained from its use.
In conclusion I believe that sportsman just need to stop thinking about only themselves and obtaining that trophy of their desires at the expense of lowering their values and ethics. We all need to work together. I know I have only covered but a small bit of info on Sportsman ethics. If you are new to hunting you should take a hunter education course. Join a good group in your location and learn as much as you can and please continue to treat our sport, the game we pursue and each other with respect. Thank you for reading my articles please pass it on so that maybe we can refresh some ones memory as to why we need to behave ethically in life and in the field.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Dangerous Encounter
As a hunter there are certain hunts that just stick with you and actually drive you to get off your butt and hike the miles necessary to find the game your after. These memories stick with you and you remember what is the most important about the sport of hunting. Those little unexpected discoveries each and every day that you have to look for and be in touch with the energy of the outdoors to see but most of all, Feel! My Javelina season in the mountains near Ashfork, Arizona was the perfect theater for this moment to play out.
Joining me on this hunt was my boss Greg, Sam, and the mortgage guy Dave. We had obtained leftover tags after missing the initial draw because of busy work schedules and downright forgetfulness. Luckily I found that all the tags were not drawn and even though the area is not known for great populations of Javelina I had spotted a herd the year prior and had a good idea where to find some pigs. After finding out we had the tags I went up a couple weeks prior and scouted the area. I found some tracks in the area and felt like I was in the right place so I told the boys and in a couple weeks the hunt was on! We entered the area after staying the night in Flagstaff at Greg's cabin the weather decided to not cooperate and a snow storm was on it's way had to pack it in early that day after spending only a few hours in the field. no big deal good friends and not at work, no problem! The trip back to the cabin was an adventure to say the least! The snow really fell and gridlock was upon us on the I-40. The next day things were about the same and because the area I had scouted was quite a way from Flag we decided to try a place Dave had heard about near Ashfork. I didn't know the area at all but it looked promising lots of cover, cliffy mountains, caves the whole bit. We parked the trucks and I headed out while Greg and Sam decided to sit water. I gave Sam my .223 because I wanted to try and harvest my pig with my bow. With the guys at the water Dave went out on his quad to search for tracks and I set out on foot. After about 300 yards I topped out on a ridge and immediately spotted sign. Deer, Elk and javelina had been working in the thick junipers and I was getting excited. I found a game trail and followed it for about 100 yard when I came across a fresh lion track. Bah Bump, Bah Bump this track was only about an hour old! I followed the track for a while but my senses came back to me. I have a bow! Not the best weapon to have when going against 150 pound of killing machine. So I go from kitty mode back to pig mode but nonetheless stoked to see sign of all the critters. I walked for probably another mile or so and came to a cliff face I scaled down to the base and searched for sign found a skull of a javelina and decided to get on top and check the base of the entire cliff from there. As I walked into a u-shaped part of the cliff I noticed a lion scrape at the base of the juniper. Holy cow! He's close by! I round the corner and see movement thinking it's probably a pig I nock an arrow and continue a few steps forward. Again the movement and then it looks up and I see white on its chest and this is no pig! The lion who's track I had seen and scrape I had just passed sat below me not 20 yards away. I froze! What the heck do I do now! He has me spotted and I have a damn stick in my hand! I kneel down real slow and try and gain control of my adrenalin my heart is poundin like a drum and i have to make a decision. We stare at each other for about 5 minutes the rock under my knee is causing some serious pain and I have no clean shot! Finally I have to move I go to draw back my bow and whoosh the Lion jumps 10 feet to the top of the cliff at the opposite edge and as quiet as a mouse runs away! What a moment! Did that just happen I have hunted for 25 years and seen barely a tail of a lion and now I had just had one 20 yards away.! What a day my life as a hunter is complete! bury me now cuz it gets no better!
As I walked back to the place where my friends were taking about 20 foot strides I remember the elation and great excitement. I could not help but yell and thank God for that moment. My senses were wired and alive I felt like I could do anything. As I pretty much screamed the story to my buddies they were in absolute amazement. To this very day that memory sticks with me like it was yesterday. So everyday when I wake up and say you know I think I'll sleep in or stay inside where it's warm I am reminded of what I could miss out on.
Thanks for reading God Bless
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Shooting kids
Children that learn how to handle guns at an early age whether that gun be a toy or a BB gun will have more respect for firearms and will be responsible for their use if they are taught correctly by a responsible adult. Even those parents that don't believe in having guns might just want to teach their young ones responsibility when they come in contact w/guns accidentally or otherwise. Teaching your children not to point guns at people or themselves and handling them safely as a toy just might save their lives or others. Otherwise movies and other unrealistic portrayals will.
My kids have been given realistic toy rifles and pistols that fire a soft projectiles. Even then they are under supervision from day one about proper use of guns, how to carefully load and unload that gun and looking downrange for potential hazards like little brother and sister. Teaching safety from the start gets children off on the right track and you also get to analyze whether or not your child can handle responsibility when given the chance. When they show they are responsible they should be rewarded and give them a sense of pride. Then as their physical strength increases they can more easily transfer to a BB gun. Again safety needs to be the focus on these guns use. Adults should be trained in safety before even attempting to move their child to a BB gun and beyond. My training came from my father and grandfather who taught me very well and stays with me to this day. Some of us are not so lucky to have family who are sportsman in the true sense of the word and should get professional training. Whether that be at Hunter education or from the local gun range. Serious injury or death can occur even with these weapons. Some pellet and BB guns can shoot a projectile up to 1500 feet per second so be careful and know what you are buying for your child's first gun.From there they can move their way up to a .22 caliber and just keep growing as they do. Now you have them started off correctly and have increasingly minimized the possibility of them potentially harming themselves or others. Also you have done your part as a responsible gun owner and will help keep gun rights for all to be safer from being taken away.
Taking my kids out shooting is a very rewarding part of my parenting experience. I am proud at how they have learned about safety and how skillful they are at shooting. My son Jakob took his first small game at age 7 and is looking forward to hunting big game at age 10. The rest of my kids are learning as well Leighney at age 6 is just starting to learn to shoot with the BB gun and will be moving on soon. Aiden at age 4 is still getting in trouble for pointing his Nerf gun at his brothers and sister. But thats a whole lot better to me than trying to teach him with a BB gun and him not having a clue of what he should do. Lukas at age 2 is learning how to properly handle his cowboy six shooter and will pick it up quickly I believe. Like I said none move on to the next stage without showing responsibility first. Cant wait to see whats next.
My kids have been given realistic toy rifles and pistols that fire a soft projectiles. Even then they are under supervision from day one about proper use of guns, how to carefully load and unload that gun and looking downrange for potential hazards like little brother and sister. Teaching safety from the start gets children off on the right track and you also get to analyze whether or not your child can handle responsibility when given the chance. When they show they are responsible they should be rewarded and give them a sense of pride. Then as their physical strength increases they can more easily transfer to a BB gun. Again safety needs to be the focus on these guns use. Adults should be trained in safety before even attempting to move their child to a BB gun and beyond. My training came from my father and grandfather who taught me very well and stays with me to this day. Some of us are not so lucky to have family who are sportsman in the true sense of the word and should get professional training. Whether that be at Hunter education or from the local gun range. Serious injury or death can occur even with these weapons. Some pellet and BB guns can shoot a projectile up to 1500 feet per second so be careful and know what you are buying for your child's first gun.From there they can move their way up to a .22 caliber and just keep growing as they do. Now you have them started off correctly and have increasingly minimized the possibility of them potentially harming themselves or others. Also you have done your part as a responsible gun owner and will help keep gun rights for all to be safer from being taken away.
Taking my kids out shooting is a very rewarding part of my parenting experience. I am proud at how they have learned about safety and how skillful they are at shooting. My son Jakob took his first small game at age 7 and is looking forward to hunting big game at age 10. The rest of my kids are learning as well Leighney at age 6 is just starting to learn to shoot with the BB gun and will be moving on soon. Aiden at age 4 is still getting in trouble for pointing his Nerf gun at his brothers and sister. But thats a whole lot better to me than trying to teach him with a BB gun and him not having a clue of what he should do. Lukas at age 2 is learning how to properly handle his cowboy six shooter and will pick it up quickly I believe. Like I said none move on to the next stage without showing responsibility first. Cant wait to see whats next.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Hunting Ducks in Central Arizona
Hello everybody and welcome! I intend for this blog to be as informative and fun to read as possible. As this is my first blog bear with me if i make a few mistakes here and there. On to our topic today!
Many hunters fail to recognize what a great opportunity there is in duck hunting in Central Arizona. This is a great time to get out on the lakes and hunt for this awesome waterfowl. It is as exciting as it gets whether you choose to get out the decoys and call or just cruise to your fishing spots where you've seen the ducks and hope for the best! Either way is rewarding and fun. Myself I prefer to take my friends out using both methods. Before starting I do recommend that you visit the Arizona Game and fish department website at azgfd.gov and read all the rules and regulations. My first experience of Hunting Ducks in Arizona came with my good friend David. We took the bumpy journey to Horseshoe Lake and located a spot where multiple ducks (and Geese I may add) Were flying overhead and also coming in to eat. First we threw on our neoprene waders (which are a must have for duck hunting) loaded our 12 Gauge shotguns with #2 steel shot (as lead shot is toxic and should not be used)and loaded up our gear into my friend Ryan's borrowed aluminum boat Thanks buddy! We took the boat where we thought the ducks were most likely to come in. Preferably areas where there is good cattails, or grass or both on the banks. Also we found a great spot to conceal ourselves as best we can. Camouflage clothing is very helpful but good cover from natural surroundings optimizes your chances. After locating our area I proceeded to wade out and set up our decoys (with only moonlight and a headlamp this is quite an interesting task especially when the water is about 50 degrees) I set up about 5 decoys as here in Central Arizona I haven't seen many huge flocks and wanted it to be as realistic as possible. From here it was sit and wait to see what happens sure enough at first light the Ducks started to fly over head and Dave started calling. The Ducks would investigate but just weren't quite sure if they should land or not. After watching a few fly well out of range and the excitement starting to brew we finally had some fly within range and let em have it! Only Ducks are certainly no stupid bird and seemed to laugh at our futile attempts to take em. Even Jake the trusty old bird dog was giving us some pretty sad looks. Unfortunately it was not in the cards for us to bag some Ducks that day but for a first timer like me I knew I was hooked. Sorry if you guys thought this was going to be a story where I bagged a limit and ate good. But folks this story and more to follow are realistic hunting stories not I'm the best hunter that the good Lord created stories. My Dad always explained to me thats why its called Hunting otherwise it would jut be called killing and to me thats not what our sport is about. The feeling I get when I am out pursuing an animal in its natural environment is far to difficult for me to explain so that people can understand. But for my first Duck Hunting experience I have to say it felt good and I definitely have great respect for those wiley creatures. Later on that day we cruised around the lake and glassed looking for flocks of ducks to no avail. But I did glass up some does and found some good tracks of other animals such as a Mountain lion and Javelina. Thats when the hunting trip also took a turn for the best as we busted a couple big Coveys of quail! We switched our loads to #6 birdshot and the hunt was on for a different quarry! A few quail between us sure made the long day was a little more fun. As both seasons are happening at the same time always bring other loads in case the opportunity presents itself. Just make sure to be safe at all times and check your loads to make sure not to use #2 steel shot for Quail as it wont be pretty and will spoil any of your chances for delicious Quail.
After telling my good buddy Jim about my exploits with Dave we decided to head out to Lake Pleasant and try our luck. Unfortunately Dave was not able to make it this trip( something about he didn't get approval from his better half to go out 2 weekends in a row)so Jim and I got into his 84 wayfarer with full wake board set up to boot. Yes we looked completely like amateurs (which we are) but we were gonna have a blast any way. We started out across the lake and after a while seemed like the boat just wasn't running right. After takin a short stop Jim realized he had forgotten the plug. Oh (expletive) we're sinking. Thats when I got to see Jim as I hope to never see him again. Thats right folks down to his undies he went and into the cold Lake to put in the plug before we swamped her. Glad it was him and not me let me tell ya! After that was complete and the bilge pump workin its little heart out we were back on our way! Dry clothes were put back on. Jimbo was to go commando the rest of the trip but thats better than explaining to the wife how the boat ended up at the bottom of the Lake! So from there we located some Ducks where I had seen them while Bass fishing with my Dad. We shut the engine down, made sure of our surroundings to be safe as to not shoot towards other sportsman and boats, let the boat drift up on em they took off and we let go with our 12 gauges and down goes the one I was aiming at then the Drake that Jim was shooting at! 2 down and it was only an hour into the hunt woohoo! Onto the next spot where we spotted a huge flock of Ducks again we floated closer but they had heard from the grapevine that some of their couisins had bought the farm so to speak and were not having any part of us or the boat so we had to watch as these flew away and they did not come back. We headed back out to some other locations and shot at but missed another Drake and a hen. After a while we decided we needed to calm down and take a lot closer aim the next time! Darn adrenaline will get you every time! So we located some Drakes and a Hen again I took the Drake and Jimbo took the Hen in two beautiful wing shots that made our chests puff out like we were old school waterfowlers. At the end of the day we each had taken our Mallard limits of 2 Drakes and 2 Hens and a little bit of pride! We were totally stoked we had done so well as we had no clue at what we were doing just learning as we were going. I took my ducks home and cleaned and ate them right away. To me they tasted a lot like liver or very close to what Dove tasted like. I did not use any special seasoning or do anything fancy just butter and garlic and cooked them slow on the BBQ. Jim on the other hand preferred to have his mounted. After about two years wait he got them back and is enjoying them at Home. Not sure if Deena does but she puts up with us anyways!
Guess I can really say now that I love to Duck Hunt and that I continue to try and learn about it more and more every time I go out. Because folks thats what it is all about. Anyone that wants to add to this blog with help for others or just funny stories of your first Duck hunts please do so and welcome. Thank you for taking your time to read my article and God Bless.
Many hunters fail to recognize what a great opportunity there is in duck hunting in Central Arizona. This is a great time to get out on the lakes and hunt for this awesome waterfowl. It is as exciting as it gets whether you choose to get out the decoys and call or just cruise to your fishing spots where you've seen the ducks and hope for the best! Either way is rewarding and fun. Myself I prefer to take my friends out using both methods. Before starting I do recommend that you visit the Arizona Game and fish department website at azgfd.gov and read all the rules and regulations. My first experience of Hunting Ducks in Arizona came with my good friend David. We took the bumpy journey to Horseshoe Lake and located a spot where multiple ducks (and Geese I may add) Were flying overhead and also coming in to eat. First we threw on our neoprene waders (which are a must have for duck hunting) loaded our 12 Gauge shotguns with #2 steel shot (as lead shot is toxic and should not be used)and loaded up our gear into my friend Ryan's borrowed aluminum boat Thanks buddy! We took the boat where we thought the ducks were most likely to come in. Preferably areas where there is good cattails, or grass or both on the banks. Also we found a great spot to conceal ourselves as best we can. Camouflage clothing is very helpful but good cover from natural surroundings optimizes your chances. After locating our area I proceeded to wade out and set up our decoys (with only moonlight and a headlamp this is quite an interesting task especially when the water is about 50 degrees) I set up about 5 decoys as here in Central Arizona I haven't seen many huge flocks and wanted it to be as realistic as possible. From here it was sit and wait to see what happens sure enough at first light the Ducks started to fly over head and Dave started calling. The Ducks would investigate but just weren't quite sure if they should land or not. After watching a few fly well out of range and the excitement starting to brew we finally had some fly within range and let em have it! Only Ducks are certainly no stupid bird and seemed to laugh at our futile attempts to take em. Even Jake the trusty old bird dog was giving us some pretty sad looks. Unfortunately it was not in the cards for us to bag some Ducks that day but for a first timer like me I knew I was hooked. Sorry if you guys thought this was going to be a story where I bagged a limit and ate good. But folks this story and more to follow are realistic hunting stories not I'm the best hunter that the good Lord created stories. My Dad always explained to me thats why its called Hunting otherwise it would jut be called killing and to me thats not what our sport is about. The feeling I get when I am out pursuing an animal in its natural environment is far to difficult for me to explain so that people can understand. But for my first Duck Hunting experience I have to say it felt good and I definitely have great respect for those wiley creatures. Later on that day we cruised around the lake and glassed looking for flocks of ducks to no avail. But I did glass up some does and found some good tracks of other animals such as a Mountain lion and Javelina. Thats when the hunting trip also took a turn for the best as we busted a couple big Coveys of quail! We switched our loads to #6 birdshot and the hunt was on for a different quarry! A few quail between us sure made the long day was a little more fun. As both seasons are happening at the same time always bring other loads in case the opportunity presents itself. Just make sure to be safe at all times and check your loads to make sure not to use #2 steel shot for Quail as it wont be pretty and will spoil any of your chances for delicious Quail.After telling my good buddy Jim about my exploits with Dave we decided to head out to Lake Pleasant and try our luck. Unfortunately Dave was not able to make it this trip( something about he didn't get approval from his better half to go out 2 weekends in a row)so Jim and I got into his 84 wayfarer with full wake board set up to boot. Yes we looked completely like amateurs (which we are) but we were gonna have a blast any way. We started out across the lake and after a while seemed like the boat just wasn't running right. After takin a short stop Jim realized he had forgotten the plug. Oh (expletive) we're sinking. Thats when I got to see Jim as I hope to never see him again. Thats right folks down to his undies he went and into the cold Lake to put in the plug before we swamped her. Glad it was him and not me let me tell ya! After that was complete and the bilge pump workin its little heart out we were back on our way! Dry clothes were put back on. Jimbo was to go commando the rest of the trip but thats better than explaining to the wife how the boat ended up at the bottom of the Lake! So from there we located some Ducks where I had seen them while Bass fishing with my Dad. We shut the engine down, made sure of our surroundings to be safe as to not shoot towards other sportsman and boats, let the boat drift up on em they took off and we let go with our 12 gauges and down goes the one I was aiming at then the Drake that Jim was shooting at! 2 down and it was only an hour into the hunt woohoo! Onto the next spot where we spotted a huge flock of Ducks again we floated closer but they had heard from the grapevine that some of their couisins had bought the farm so to speak and were not having any part of us or the boat so we had to watch as these flew away and they did not come back. We headed back out to some other locations and shot at but missed another Drake and a hen. After a while we decided we needed to calm down and take a lot closer aim the next time! Darn adrenaline will get you every time! So we located some Drakes and a Hen again I took the Drake and Jimbo took the Hen in two beautiful wing shots that made our chests puff out like we were old school waterfowlers. At the end of the day we each had taken our Mallard limits of 2 Drakes and 2 Hens and a little bit of pride! We were totally stoked we had done so well as we had no clue at what we were doing just learning as we were going. I took my ducks home and cleaned and ate them right away. To me they tasted a lot like liver or very close to what Dove tasted like. I did not use any special seasoning or do anything fancy just butter and garlic and cooked them slow on the BBQ. Jim on the other hand preferred to have his mounted. After about two years wait he got them back and is enjoying them at Home. Not sure if Deena does but she puts up with us anyways!
Guess I can really say now that I love to Duck Hunt and that I continue to try and learn about it more and more every time I go out. Because folks thats what it is all about. Anyone that wants to add to this blog with help for others or just funny stories of your first Duck hunts please do so and welcome. Thank you for taking your time to read my article and God Bless.
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