Hunting, Fishing and Camp ideas for Christmas

Many people this time period of year wonder? “What the heck do I get my close friends or loved ones that love the outdoors”!? Well guys and gals I’m here to make that just a little bit easier for you!

Hunting fans this time of year will be getting prepared for the upcoming deer rut and for Arizona where I am from we are getting our archery skills tuned up and looking for those new products that will help make us successful. This year is going to be colder than many of the years prior. First I would check out clothing products that are lightweight yet will keep them warm and dry. Red Head apparel is what I use and has been a proven brand for a lot of years. Camo patterns vary but I like Mossy Oaks break-up. Next I would look into those items that tend to get broken and lost. For Bow hunters that would be arrows. Carbon Arrows are most common and are very excellent gift this time of year. Arrows can be bought by the dozen or half dozen and vary in price. Intermediate priced ranged products are recommended as cheaper is not always best. I myself shoot PSE brand carbon arrows. They have proved to be tough and long lasting for me and right here in Arizona a miss signifies a deflection off a rock or two. Most arrows will be destroyed under these conditions, but PSE brand arrows hold up the best for me. For those hunters blessed to have a rifle hunt approaching this time a year I would look into warm clothing as mentioned and also new optics that have arrived this year. Also there are many great game calls that will be helpful for the approaching hunts. Trail cameras and their accessories is also turning into a very popular item as well. These gadgets keep us out in the field time and time again searching for the big one and bragging rights. I personally use the Stealth Cam sniper series but also have used my buddy Dave’s Moultrie trail cam and have had great final results. As far as Optics go I use Nikon Action series binoculars at 12×50 power for glassing long distance. I also use Bushnell’s 8×42 waterproof binoculars for when I’ve spotted my buck and am putting on my stalk. They are lightweight and tough and have lasted me throughout the years.

For the Fisherman I would look into new and improved lures, rods and reels and clothing to keep them warm and dry. This time period most fish are down deep so lures such as deep diving crank baits, plastic lures, spinner baits as well as weights and the glass beads are good stocking stuffers. I personally like to use Berkeley power baits for my plastics. For my crank baits I utilize a few different brands I like Excalibur brand the most as they are very lifelike and have consistent diving depths. I use Team Daiwa for my shallow running crank baits and jerk baits they have awesome action and I catch a lot of nice fish with them. Also look into the new electronics that have come out recently as they seem to advance year after year. Fly fisherman that tie their own flies are constantly running out of supplies so you might want to look into that as well. For clothing you need to consider those awesome Jackets with the big logos so they will feel like their favorite BASS pro! These jackets and pants are all very lightweight warm and water resistant. For the trout creek fisherman/fly fisherman a good pair of waders is a must to keep them comfortable and warm. One thing I have learned over time is that I never have enough tackle boxes as well. When everything fits I seem too always be able to fill another one up so deciding on a good tackle box is also a great gift idea. I choose Plano tackle boxes and have used them since I was 5 yrs old and love em!

For the Camper/hiker looking into a good pair of boots I believe is a must. Footwear always gets worn out after all those miles put in with the heavy packs. I use Danner boots mid ankle boot for my long hikes and hunting trips. They are light in weight and water resistant and have undeniable comfort. For those day hikes I prefer Columbia footwear because they are even lighter and are very well priced for the top quality you get. Also look into propane packs, lightweight cooking utensils and new and improved products that let the hiker/camper make his camp just a bit more comfortable. A good Global positioning system is now a very popular item to take with you as well. There are many different types at many different price ranges. I use a Garmin 60 CSx. It’s a very precise search for my GPS once I learned to keep it on the side of my pack in a pocket for sure. I also have used Garmin’s 520 and 530. Both are great combo GPS/radios although the range is not optimal like most radios, generally only good for about 2 to 3 miles max. Although they say they have a 15 mile range. Good clothing is also a great item to have and yes great pairs of good wool socks are awesome stocking stuffers especially to us hikers?. For hiking I love Columbia’s clothing line they are well priced and comfortable for all seasons. They are also a very well established company that has been providing quality gear for many years.

Well hopefully I’ve given you guys a good base on what your Outdoorsman might have on his wish list. Most importantly remember that we all just love receiving the stuff that pertains to the outdoors. It is here where we relax and really put all our troubles behind us. We fantasize about our next trip coming up and love visiting the stores with all our favorite gadgets and equipment. It fills our hearts and souls with joy to be able to go out and breathe in the fresh country air and meet others that share our love. Most of us are lucky enough to share the experiences together with our families. So no matter what you get I’m sure it will make them happy. Just so you folks know I am not paid to endorse any of the products that I have suggested. I truly like these products and recommend them out of my personal experience. I will be providing many more blogs to come and hope that you find them helpful. Thank you, Happy Holidays and God Bless!

just curious which is better whisker biscuit or a fork type set up?

saturday dec 12. 8am to 4pm and sunday dec 13 8am to3pm,the janesville bowmen in janesville wi. are hosting a indoor mooonlight archery mayhen challenge, it a 360 indoor shoot under black lights, registration will be $10.00. also a $5.00 50/50 pot for high score.open to all ages. kids are welcome.

THE CELEBRATION OF DEATH
by Ted Nugent

I know, I know, upon reading my inescapably obvious title, the socially challenged amongst us are spitting coffee or other some such beverage and assorted abused brown lippy substances all over their Texas Fish & Game magazine. In a world gone berserk with the scourge of politically correct denial, I expect nothing less.
The good news is that within this fine coterie of rugged outdoorsmen and women in whose hands this fine publication rests, the vast majority of hunters, fishers, trappers and just good ol all American grillmasters know exactly what I am talking about, and in fact grin with the certainty that though totally unnecessary to state in the world of honest consumers, in America 2010 it is time to state the truth as often as possible, confortable or otherwise.
And though I’ve heard it stated over and over again and again ad nauseum ad infinitum, I dismiss out of hand the lame claim that the kill is anticlimactic to the hunt itself. Yeah, right. I see it all the time where sporters get way more excited and jubilant when they don’t bring home fish and game than when they do. No one cherishes and celebrates the entire hunt and hunting lifestyle more than I do, but give me a break. When the beast is dead at our feet due to the incredible dedication, diligence, patience, sacrifice and good old fashioned good luck, the fun factor explodes exponentially when we kill, and we all know it.
The claim otherwise comes from some elitist, out of touch outdoor industry so called leaders, and certain cowardly outdoor writers that are afraid of their own shadows and recoil in abject trembling fear at the assumption that all people outside our sport hate us, hate dead deer and pretend that their store bought dinner is not dead. Not even close.
Of course, known by those of us who actually pay attention to life and hang out with attentive, intelligent and sophisticated folk, we are well away that our very lives carryon due to that very celebration of death. Numerous times each day throughout humankind history, it is the flesh of dead creatures that provide man life itself.
For those of us that hunt, fish and trap, the term “closer to the earth” wasn’t at all necessary to remind us where our protein and nutrition comes from. As we like to say, you can’t grill it till you kill it. Perfection personified.
As we approach our fallen prize, as we turn the straps on the grill, as we take a good hearty snort of prepared meals’ aromas at the table, and as we join hands in reverent thanks to the Creator for the miracle of sustain yield, all the way through the “mmm.. mmm goods”, “yums”, various questionable guttural noises, burps and other assorted such audible sounds of appreciation and joy, clearly genuine celebration ensues for dead stuff everywhere.
I’ve also heard of the feelings of remorse some consumers claim at the death of an animal. I’m not buying it. If ever there was a perfect act and a perfect moment, it is when we balance the herd and bring food home to our loved ones. Remorse? I think not.
So to quote the great Fred Bear, we all surely know that everyday afield does indeed “cleanse the soul”, but of much more importance, done with a sense of excellence and dedication to be the best that we can be, the results will fill our bellies too!
I share a lot of very special meals with my fellow man in my travels around the world, and I have yet to witness anything other than celebration at the table or campfire. Let it be known, the creatures feed, clothe, shelter and medicate us. Always have, always will. That is the prime cause of celebration in life, of life, via death. The beast is dead, long live the beast.

I am looking to get a Martin Silencer or a Pantera. Any suggestions from people who have them/shot them?

Looking to buy either a Tripod Stand or a Ground blind just wondering if there is any distinct advantage to one over the other? Or is it just a matter of preference.

if i bought a bowtech destroyer 350 at 29″ draw and set at 60 pounds how fast should i be shooting with a 29″ gold tip xt hunter? i would think in the low to mid 290s.

Nugent/Palin visit West Virginia by Frank Addington, jr.

Nugent/Palin visit West Virginia

In support of a candidate that is running for the US Senate from West Virginia for the Republican Party, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin were in Charleston, West Virginia for the event. With the election just days away, GOP Candidate John Raese hosted the event to get voters excited about his run for Senate. The seat was vacated when the late Robert Byrd passed away earlier this year.

I went to visit Ted and Toby Nugent, although it was a quick trip in and out for them. Security came and got me and took my uncle and I to a van where the Motor City Mad Man was waiting to go on stage. We chatted for a few minutes and then I looked in the back seat and saw Todd and Sarah Palin. I laughed and told Ted, “You’re keeping good company today aren’t you?” and he grinned and replied, “You think?”

I briefly met Todd and Sarah Palin, had a quick photo with her and then they left for the stage. I took a seat and watched as the program got underway. A local band had played some good 1970’s rock and had spirits hight on this beautiful autumn day. Congress woman Shelly Moore Capito spoke, Candidate John Raese spoke, Mr. Raese’s wife introduced Sarah Palin. Former Gov. Palin gave a warm speech and high lighted God, guns, hunting, and the wise use of our natural resources.

Then came the Motor City Madman. I was amazed to again hear Ted’s version of the National Anthem played on his electric guitar. He gave a great speech which contained many “Tedisms”. He also touched on being an asset, God, guns, bowhunting and freedom. He clearly struck a chord with the audience. They responded warmly to his speech and gave him alot of applause.

As the program wound down, the crowd swarmed the stage to meet Sarah, Todd and Ted. I didn’t get to say “Adios” but Toby Nugent texted me awhile later and let me know they found the Hoyt hats I’d left in the van for them. One of his last text’s told me that Sarah had grabbed one of the Hoyt hats. I laughed and I hope to see a photo of her in that hat soon. Watch for it, it was a camo Hoyt hat.

I hope all of you will exercise your civic duty and go vote this November. Although it is the rut in many prime deer hunting locations, many have given their time and lives so that we have the right and ability to vote. So please, November 2, go vote. It’s the least we can do to thank those that have given so much.

Until next time, Adios & God Bless.

Shoot Straight,
Frank Addington, Jr.

www.frankaddingtonjr.com

PLEASE READ THIS POST IF YOU USE GORILLA LADDER STICKS. On 10-25-10 I had the unthinkable happen to me twice. The metal clasp on the strap that holds the Gorilla ladder sticks broke while i was climbing up and setting up new ladder sticks. Thank goodness I was wearing my safety harness and only escaped with a few scrapes, bumps and bruises. On 10-26-10 I called Gorilla to let them know what happened and the Customer Rep was as horrified as I was about the failure in the buckle. I sent her pictures and she promised to send me a return authorization form to return the products for immediate inspection. She also stated she would make the public aware and I did not have to worry about that. She has never sent the form, has never returned any of my calls, has never returned any of my emails and has hot to my knowledge made the public aware of this serious issue. If this has happened to you or you know anybody that uses these dangerous and faulty sticks please share my story. Had I not been wearing my safety harness I may not be here to tell this story.

Have you had experience with the Bowmaster Press? If you have used one, what are your impressions of it?