Huntin' n' Fishin"

2007-07-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Fly Fishing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino]Steve Valentino

Fly Fishing is an ancient method of fishing that is effective for catching salmonids such as trout and salmon. Fly-fishing for trout is usually best in ponds, small streams, rivers and lakes. Fly-fishing is unique because unlike other fishing methods, artificial flies made by tying feathers, fur, foam, yarn or other similar materials are tied onto a hook as bait. You can learn how to tie these flies by researching the subject online or by talking with people who have done it before.

One of the most passionate sports among anglers, there are two forms of fly-fishing - dry fly fishing and wet fly fishing. Of the two, dry fly fishing is regarded as the more familiar and classic form. In this technique, the angler casts the fly upstream. As the fly passes overhead, fish will hopefully rise up and bite the fly. Wet fly fishing is further divided into nymph fishing, lures fishing and true wet fly-fishing, and all are fished beneath the surface of the water.

Some of the widely accepted fly-fishing techniques are wet fly retrieved near the surface, deep drift, nymphs (lightly or heavy), wet fly swung and dry fly swung. Commonly used fly-fishing equipment includes fly-fishing tackle, rods and fly-fishing reels. Fly-fishing is popular in the western states and provinces. Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, British Columbia, Alberta, and California are famous for fly-fishing. In recent years, the popularity of fly-fishing has dramatically increased. Of all the fishing sports, it is regarded as the most tantalizing among anglers worldwide. [http://www.z-Fishing.com]Fishing provides detailed information on Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fishing Boats, Deep Sea Fishing and more. Fishing is affiliated with [http://www.e-deepseafishing.com]Deep Sea Fishing Boats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino http://EzineArticles.com/?Fly-Fishing&id=222640

2007-07-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Fishing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino]Steve Valentino

Fishing is an activity of hunting fish or aquatic animals such as cool water fish, warm water fish, various types of shellfish as well as squid, octopus and turtles with a rod, line and hook. It is a popular, ancient practice involving many techniques and traditions. Also called angling, fishing originated as a means of seeking food for survival.

Fishing traces its roots back to the Mesolithic period that began about 10,000 years ago. It is the major occupation of many coastal inhabitants. The catches vary according to the season and fishing place. Basically, there are three types of fishing - beach, rock fishing, and boat fishing.

The method of fishing varies according to the region, technology available and species being fished. Fishing tackle, fishing rods, fishing reels, hooks and fishing lures are commonly used fishing equipment. Some of the traditional fishing techniques are hand fishing, spear and bow fishing, kite fishing and dynamite or blast fishing.

Fishing for commercial purposes has become a big business. Trawling, seining, drift netting, hand lining, long lining, gillnetting and diving are common commercial fishing techniques. Recreational fishing is mainly for pleasure or competition and is done with a rod, line and hooks attached to any of a wide range of lures or baits. Fishing competitions are organized for fishermen to compete for prizes. Falls River Drainage, New Jersey Striper Fishing, Connecticut Striper Fishing, Conasauga River, Lake Logan Martin and Lake Amistad are some of the best fishing destinations. Fishing clubs offer countless opportunities for fishing from streams to rivers, canals, and lakes.

[mailto:tommie@toppayingkeywords.com]tommie@toppayingkeywords.com [http://www.z-Fishing.com]Fishing provides detailed information on Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fishing Boats, Deep Sea Fishing and more. Fishing is affiliated with [http://www.e-deepseafishing.com]Deep Sea Fishing Boats.

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2007-04-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

Worm Fishing
By Trevor Kugler

There is probably no more popular fishing bait on the planet earth than the good old worm. Just for the record, I'm not speaking of the colorful plastic things that Bass fishermen use. No, I'm speaking of the real thing, a live worm and the best way to fish it. Some anglers believe it's as easy as buying a Styrofoam container of worms, tying on a size 4 hook, and threading a worm onto that hook. Of course worm fishing can be done this way (if you're 10 years old), but an angler can get a bit more technical and learn how to present their worm naturally by employing a set of gang hooks.

Worm fishing becomes as much of an art as fly fishing when a set of gang hooks and ultra light gear are used. So what is a set of gang hooks? A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem. You see, two small hooks tied in tandem allow the angler to present the worm in a completely natural way. The live worm that you're fishing with ends up looking the same as if you just took a live worm and through it in the water. A set of gang hooks is the only way to go worm fishing, in my opinion.

So how do you get your hand on some of these gang hooks? You can buy them from somewhere like JRWfishing.com, or with a little research you can tie them yourself. If you what to tie them yourself, simply do a little knot research and you'll be on your way. I personally like to use small hooks (size 10), but size 8 seem to work well for worm fishing as well. If the hooks are too big, the natural presentation is lost while worm fishing.
The bottom line is that if you like worm fishing, and catching more fish, gang hooks need to become a part of your fishing repertoire. My fishing mentor taught me how to use gang hooks while worm fishing, and I've been catching fish ever since. As I alluded to earlier, by using gang hooks and ultra light fishing gear, worm fishing becomes every bit of the art that fly fishing claims to be. Remember: You don't have to be waving a fake flea back and forth to be considered an artist.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!
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2007-04-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

This Is The Best Bass Fishing Tip You'll Get Today!
By Dean Caporella

Bass fishing can be a real game of patience at times and this is what separates the successful angler from the non-successful. What do I mean? Well, one of the best bass fishing tips you'll ever receive is when a technique is not working, change it!

Too many times stubborness sets in and a little laziness. If the fish aren't biting and you promised the little lady fish that night then you'd better be prepared to do a little work during the slow times! There's nothing worse than getting home and copping a dose of ridicule from your biggest fan!

Bass Fishing Tips

Ever had a day where you cast your line and nothing happens. Come on, you'd be lying if you didn't! Those type of days test even the most experienced bass fishermen but imagine how frustrating they must be for those anglers who have decided to take up this past time for varying reasons; to take a break from the wife, for health reasons or to just simply get out and enjoy the environment.

The truth is, most of the time bass don't see it the way you do! One of the best bass fishing tips I received was if nothing is happening, change what you're doing! How much sense does that make? It makes a lot of sense. The old saying of "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result" rings true in most walks of life. It also applies to bass fishing.

Bass Fishing Fact

For beginners intending on fishing a new lake a good tip is to get as much information as you can about the lake. A map detailing the lake's peculiarities such as water depth including shallow areas will give you a good starting point before you cast your first line.

Some Bass Fishing Tips

When things aren't happening and the fish aren't biting consider making a few changes. Too many times anglers will just leave a line in the water and hope the tide will change. Maybe a bass is dumb enough to take pity on you and will just grab your line to help you out a little. Or, you head for the esky and rip a top off your favorite drink and simply wait it out.
No, if things are going to start happening you have to make them happen. There will be days when the bass are just biting on everything you cast at them and there will be days when they are just not interested in what you have to offer. This is when you need to get a little inventive.

Bass Fishing Street Smarts

You can make it happen or at least give yourself every chance to swing things your way. You'll get many bass fishing tips in your life time and probably give out a few as well but the best tip I can give you today is, don't settle for medriocrity when things look bad. That's why it's called fishing!

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. We give you the best bass fishing tip you'll hear all day! Plus, become a bass fishing success with news, tips and techniques at:http://www.bassfishingheaven.com
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2007-04-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

Trout Fishing Secrets
By Trevor Kugler

Over 12 years ago my fishing mentor passed onto the next plane of existence, but during the time that he was alive he was the greatest trout fisherman I've personally ever known. The man caught trophy trout in fishing streams that got a ton of fishing pressure. Streams in which other anglers simply didn't have the success that he was able to achieve. Sure other people caught trout, but my mentor caught trout that would have been trophies in Arkansas or Montana but he fished in central Pennsylvania. During the time we fished together, he taught me some of his trout fishing secrets and I want to pass some of them on to you.

1) Locate a Large Trout - one of my mentors hard and fast rules was that once he located a large trout, he would fish for it until he caught it. In his experience, large trout would find a suitable area and pretty much stay there, especially on heavily fished rivers. These areas weren't the kind of areas that you might think. That's probably how the trout grew to be so large.

2) Large Trout Don't Expend Much Energy - My mentor always said that large trout (I'm talking over 22 inches in fairly small rivers) expend as little energy as possible. He would say that they like to lay there and let food come to them.

3) Large trout LOVE live crayfish - My mentor used to have me go out into the stream behind my house and catch him live crayfish so that he could use them for bait once he had a large trout located. The crayfish had to be no more than 2 inches long…..FYI. He would then rig them on a set of gang hooks and catch trophies.

4) Always Use Gang Hooks - My mentor is the one who invented the act of using gang hooks for freshwater fishing ( at least as far as I know). A set of gang hooks are simply 2 small hooks tied in tandem. Gang hooks allow the angler to present their bait in an incredibly natural way, and this was a key according to him. Your bait had to appear as natural as possible. Gang hooks are fairly easy to tie yourself, or you can go somewhere like JRWfishing.com and purchase them, the bottom line is that my mentor insisted on using them.

The above trout fishing secrets will help you catch more and bigger trout. They most certainly did for my fishing mentor, God rest his soul. I'll tell you, when that man passed on to whatever it is that comes next, the trout of central Pennsylvania and upstate New York breathed a collective sigh of relief. He was, without question, the best trout fisherman that I've ever met.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!
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2007-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Quick Guide to Flies Used for Fly Fishing
By Richard Chapo

Fly fishing is a niche area for the overall sport of fishing. Unlike niches in other sports, it is very unique when compared to the more popular angling.

The mere name of fly fishing suggests something very different. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with elevating yourself. Instead, the “fly” in the name refers to the thing used to tempt the fish to strike. While hooks and bait are important in all forms of fishing, the nature of flies for fly fishing has taken on a life of its own. For beginners, it can be downright intimidating, so here is a quick primer.

A fly is a combination of a hook and bait. In this case, the bait is usually an artificial mish mash that is designed to look delicious to the particular fish being targeted. To you and me, it often just looks like a ball of fur and color, but who are we to argue with the fish? In reality, the idea with the fly is to mimic the favorite bait of the fish in question, which is often a bug of some sort.

There are many ways to categorize flies. I prefer to go with simplest first. The first categorization is the dry fly versus the wet fly. What is the difference between them? The wet fly is intended to sink under the water once you have cast it into the water. The dry fly is intended to sit on the top of the water, much like particular bugs do. While this may sound like a fairly simple and logical explanation, it often becomes problematic in the real world. With the continuing evolution of flies, some dry flies actually are intended to end up under the waterline. That being said, let’s not confuse things too much!

Now things get messy. Long ago, the actual names for particular flies were logical and made common sense. A steelhead fly was obviously to be used for catching steelhead fish. Many flies still carry the name of their intended bait, but a vast new line of flies does not. Fortunately, many of this new group carry at least some portion of the fly or bug they are supposed to imitate. Such names include nymphs, mayflies and caddis to mention a few. As to the rest of them, the names appear to come from the Star Wars version of fly fishing and your guess is as good as mine.

So, how do you select your flies? The best method has been around for over a hundred years – ask! The best fly depends on the fish you are going after and the conditions during that time of the year. The only way to get this information is to talk with people familiar with the area or by chatting up the locals at the closest fishing equipment store. The chaps issuing fishing licenses can also be very helpful.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of fly fishing gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo http://EzineArticles.com/?Quick-Guide-to-Flies-Used-for-Fly-Fishing&id=430596

2007-01-27T05:58:00.000-08:00

Bluegill Fishing - Learn the Facts that Can Help You Catch the Trophies
By Robert Benjamin

The bluegill is a popular game fish with many fishermen. This particular fish is known by a variety of different names such as bream, sunfish or brim. They are found throughout the continental United States in various lakes, streams and ponds.

Individuals who are interested in various fish varieties or are avid fishermen should know various factors surrounding the bluegill and some of these will be highlighted in the paragraphs below.

Bluegills prefer to stay within calm pools within their residential bodies of water. This provides a sheltered area for them and protection from predators. As for their eating habits, the bluegill enjoys meals consisting of crustaceans and bugs but will readily bite on various bait and lures thrown out by fisherman. They tend to stay close to the shore, which makes them readily accessible to individuals fishing from land. As for their approximate size, bluegills generally grow to a maximum weight of about 5 lbs.

Bluegills have one main characteristic which makes identification easier on individuals who catch them or view them in the water and that is the blue gill flap which is how the name bluegill came about. When trying to separate the male bluegills from the female bluegills, one may find that looking at their underside will help with this type of gender identification. Male bluegills have more of an orange underside whereas that area on a female bluegill is mostly yellowish in color.

Some individuals may be curious as to the best ways in which to catch bluegills. It is best to fish from the shoreline as they tend to collect around the calmer and more sheltered water areas. As for what to put on the line, a fisherman that is looking to reel in a bluegill should choose worms, crickets, artificial flies and jigs. The best type of water body to go fishing for bluegills is a pond area as this is an area where fish of this type flourish.

Bluegills are a type of fish that are quite easy to catch and tend to be easily caught along shorelines of ponds, streams and smaller lakes. This is a great type of catch for young individuals as well since they do not have to do too much in order to get a bluegill on the end of their fishing line.

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:
http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2007
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.
Unknown Creatures
http://www.unknown-creatures.com

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2006-12-28T04:23:00.001-08:00

The Best Technique Ever Devised For Catching Trout From Shore
By Trevor Kugler

In most parts of the United States of America, our government stocks lakes with trout. All of the major species of trout are stocked with the most popular being the good old rainbow trout. So what is the best way to catch these fish, for those of us who don't have access to a boat? We have to fish off of the shore, and that means either walking while casting a spinner or small lure or bank fishing with some kind of bait. Those are the choices for shore anglers, period.

For this article, I'm going to focus on my favorite and most effective method, which is still fishing with some sort of bait. In my world, 'some sort of bait' means either Powerbait or worms. These are the only two types of bait that I use when still fishing from shore, with Powerbait being my personal favorite. Powerbait is hard to beat for stocked trout. Stocked trout love the stuff. My fishing buddy and I used to joke that Powerbait must be made with the same ingredients as the food that's fed to stocked trout in hatcheries, because the fish seem to be addicted to the stuff.

One of the advantages of Powerbait, other than the fact that stocked trout are addicted to it, is the fact that it floats. This means that if a small enough hook is used, your offering will float off of the bottom. Having your offering floating off of the bottom, is a key to being successful while still fishing from shore. Here is exactly how you want to rig your offering:

1. Cut a piece of line that's as long as you would like your offering to float off of the bottom. I suggest twelve to twenty four inches. Tie a hook to this piece of line. If you know how, tie two hooks to this piece of line, thus creating a gang hook. A gang hook is simply two hooks tied in tandem. I suggest using a size ten hook and wouldn't go any larger than size eight. Set this "leader" aside.

2. Now take the line coming from the end of your rod and slip an egg sinker onto the line. The sinker simply needs to be large enough to keep your line on the bottom when you tighten your line. For example, the more wind there is, the heavier your sinker will have to be.

3. Now tie a small swivel onto your line in front of the "free floating" egg sinker. I suggest size twelve, but you could go a bit larger if you wish. The swivel will now act as a "stop" to the sinker, thus not allowing the sinker to travel any further down the line.

4. Now tie the "leader" you made (step 1) to the other end of the swivel. At this point you're ready to add enough Powerbait to the hook (or hooks if you have a gang hook) to cover the hook (s) entirely.
This is the rig that you want to use for trout fishing from shore, especially for stocked trout. You simply cast your baited rig out and let it sink, at which point you simply tighten your line slowly until the line is completely taught. Incidentally, it helps to have something to prop your rod on to keep everything motionless.

Now you wait for a trout to bite. The rod tip will start bouncing when a fish is biting at your offering. It usually doesn't take too long for the trout to show interest. If nothing happens for forty five minutes to and hour, I would suggest changing the color of Powerbait. It sounds crazy, but many times the color makes a difference. Good luck and for God's sake, have fun.

Trevor Kugler - Co-founder of JRWfishing.comTrevor has more than 20 years of fishing experience, and now specializes in ultralight trout fishing.

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2006-12-28T04:23:00.000-08:00

2006-12-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

Re-Stocking the Tackle Box for Finesse Fishing
By John Packer

The macho men of the world seem to be spitting out the phrase "bigger is always better" like it is going out of style. In many situations they may have a good argument, but I have found that some who truly love fishing are discovering a new way to fish; an equipment downsize.

Sure there are many situations where big fishing equipment is appropriate and will probably lead you to more fish in the boat. However, fishing's popularity is growing and space on the water is becoming a little more cramped. The fish are starting to take notice too. Some of these fish have seen it all from us fishermen and they are not being fooled anymore. In heavily fished areas the best fishermen have developed a new technique for success; Finesse Fishing.

I can hear the screams of fishermen worldwide, "What in the heck is finesse fishing and why do I want anything to do with something that has the words finesse and fishing in the same sentence?" Well, like it or not some waters are being fished so heavily that the good fish aren't biting anymore. They have seen the tricks employed by the common fishermen and are ready for a better show. That is why we need to alter our approach a bit to fool the fish onto our lures again. Finesse fishing, in its simplest explanation, is just downsizing our equipment to throw a new look at an old fish.

The easiest way to convert your game is to buy smaller and lighter versions of your current equipment. Let's start with the rod. To get started on your finesse venture try buying a light to medium light action spinning rod. Buy something inexpensive to get the feel of a lighter action rod. With a little experience you will develop a preference for something a bit lighter, heavier, or lose interest in finesse fishing altogether. This way you can avoid wasting money on your first finesse purchase. Many fishermen say they feel like they are re-learning to fish.

This new style could add some excitement to a day on the water and give you an excuse to buy more fishing gear. In fact finesse fishing is catching on quick and as a result many manufacturers have devoted a portion of their production of rods just for finesse fishing.

Don't stop with just the rod; downsizing the reel in your setup will make a drastic change in how you fish and more importantly how many fish you catch. Some of the small reels available these days are set up nicely to carry a lighter line, like the one used by finesse fishermen. When shopping for a small reel, treat it just as you would be shopping for a large reel, except in a smaller format.

The most important change for a traditional fisherman trying to convert to finesse is in the line. When I first got into finesse fishing I got lost in all of the different options available on the market. Luckily a friend of mine was quite knowledgeable and one of his best pieces of advice was this, "When choosing a line stick to the traditional monofilament. Trust me." Well I did trust him and have been happy since. The reason he didn't like to use a braided line is because it floats, and floating ruins the function of a floating lure. I tried a braided line a couple times and I can add this additional word of guidance: mono lines tend to blend in underwater and help the bait look natural versus a braided line. Another consideration is line weight. Any line between six and ten pound test will work, and with a bit of experience on the water you will develop a preferred test weight. Some situations will require a six pound line to fool the most hesitant fish.

Choosing a lure is another necessity for any finesse fisherman. Fortunately there are hundreds of different lures available that fit finesse setups. The lures you choose will depend entirely on personal preference and necessity based on the waters you tend to fish. Be sure to buy a few different styles and test them out; some fish will respond better than others to particular lures.

While some may still contend that bigger is in fact always better, sometimes it is worth it to mix things up. Try finesse fishing to add a new unique aspect to your fishing arsenal and increase your chances of going home a happy fisherman!

John Packer is an avid fisherman and recommends GoFishin.com for all your fishing tackle needs based on their wide selection, super discount prices, and great service. Sign up for the newsletter and get weekly specials on fly fishing gear and various fishing equipment to fill up your tackle box and have the right equipment to catch more fish.

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2006-11-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

Hunting on Small Acreages
By Stephen Graham

The world is shrinking Hunting seems to cost more and more each year . Hunting lease prices in Texas have sky rocketed in recent years. Anyone with a small acreage is tempted to hunt on his own property. The prices are cheaper and the up side to this situation is that you can build permanent fixtures on your property to make your hunt easier.

Permanent stands can be built. Housing can be established for your comfort that could never happen on a lease. I like comfort. Electricity is nice. Air conditioning and heaters are even better. I have erected a hunting lodge on my place that will accommodate up to six people. It has comfortable beds and a television to watch in case the Cowboys are having a game during the hunting experience. I have a refrigerator and a freezer installed. A futon that makes into a bed is another add on that works. A microwave oven and an electric grill make life that much easier.

Roughing it in the outdoors can be accomplished by time spent in blinds either by freezing or burning up The sweat caused by 95 degree temperatures add to the creativity. It seems that mosquitoes really like and are attracted to sweat. Being used as a human pin cushion is no ones idea of luxury. If that is not roughing it I do not know what is. Walking through calf high water could also be labeled as roughing it in the outdoors. Roughing it has its limits. I had my fill of roughing it during my tour in the Army. Comfort has its own rewards.

A rested and fresh hunter is a hunter prepared for any situation.
If you think that just because you own that stretch of earth that you can have privacy think again. On one hunt with my son I was told to look in a certain direction. I looked and what I saw amazed me. There was a hunter on my property aiming at my deer feeder with his rifle and preparing to use that feeder as target practice. Maybe that was the only thing he had seen all day.

Hunting on one's own property can be beneficial. As years go by you can almost tell where the deer are going to be at any given time. You don't have to spend time scouting through the woods with the probable outcome of sending every deer on your place onto the next property. If you get bored the neighbor across the road can come over and remind you of your promise to cut him a cord of firewood. It is November and the temperatures have dropped into the 50's. Too cold to survive much longer without the benefit of firewood and a wood stove. Other neighbors that come to call can remind you that their ninety-eight year old mother disapproves of the gunshots. She would appreciate it if you did not fire your rifle any more this year. One neighbor reported me to the game and fish commission. I had hunted on an adjoining ranch and shot a beautiful mature axis deer. Since the deer had spots she believed it to be a fawn and reported me to the authorities. Everything has its ups and downs. The only thing left for me to do is to build a high fence around my property. The idea is not to keep the deer in but the neighbors out. Enjoy your deer hunting experience this year.
Steve Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and shares his experiences and opinions through articles he writes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-11-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Firearm Aquisitions
By Stephen Graham

It is tough to be married and a gun nut. Your partner never understands the necessity for the purchase of one more firearm. In practical language one firearm might be enough. One pistol, one rifle and one shotgun. That sounds normal, doesn't it? Who said that normalcy affects gun ownership. My wife has witnessed my purchases of firearms. Time is important concerning the actions of your wife in regard to firearm purchases. One purchase every five or six years does not seem out of the norm. A gun could wear out through usage during that time frame. It is the other purchases that have to be carried on in a clandestine fashion.

Who needs several gun purchase a year? No one really needs that many guns. It is not a need but an obsession. What are you going to do with that many firearms? You only have one set of arms. No one has taught me how to shoot with my feet yet.

I always explain to my wife that firearms acquisitions are an investment in our future. I take out an old book and show her how firearm prices have risen over a 30 year period. My trips to the gun shows are not hidden from my wife. The fast flight from the truck to my gun vault are conducted at record speed.

I sold most of my guns after my return from service in the army overseas. I was sick of what they could do to my fellow man. I did my time as a scout which involved training on many different weapons systems. After a couple of months of an empty gun locker I began to miss the hunting ventures of my youth. I first bought a gun for target practice. Shooting this firearm began to bring back more memories of my youth. Solo trips to the field began to rejuvenate my interest in the shooting sports. I grew up shooting rabbits and squirrels on my families farm.

My wife is not a gun nut but she does understand my purchases as long as they are reasonable. Reasonable left this house many years ago. Because of the high crime rate in our area my wife asked me for a firearm for one of her Christmas presents one year. I purchased a pistol that I felt that she could tolerate. Range sessions began to follow.
Although she is not the best shot on the planet she can hold her own in risky situations. I hope to get her involved more in the shooting sports so that I will be able to avoid the looks of hopelessness that grace her countenance upon her witnessing another firearm purchase.

Upon my death these guns better be worth the price that I have been quoting to my wife or there may be unpleasant repercussions. I do not want to go to hell for lying.

Steve Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and shares his experiences and knowledge with others.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com/
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2006-10-31T04:54:00.000-08:00

Hunting Squirrels
By Stephen Graham

Squirrel hunting can teach you quite a bit about hunting. You must locate a food source. You must remain still and camouflaged on stand. You must remain quiet and as unobservable to game as possible. You must have an adequate firearm to take your quarry.

When the leaves are still on the trees a shotgun is preferable. After the leaves have fallen a 22 caliber rifle can be used.

In Texas it is against the law to hunt squirrels with an air rifle. Although a pellet gun might have the necessary knock down power to harvest the animal cleanly It is still against the law. The newer 22 caliber pellet guns offer a lot of punch. They offer quite a bit more knock down power than the 177 caliber guns. Although plenty of squirrels have fallen to pellet guns in the hands of young boys the down side to this situation is a confrontation with the state wild life commission.

Squirrel hunting offers the same pleasures as any other hunting experience. Time in the field is always time well spent. Many old time hunters use scoped rifles and only try for head shots. The reasoning for this is the ultimate goal of not spoiling any meat. Some hunters try to hit bark near the squirrel. The concussion from the bark hitting the squirrel will allow the hunter to harvest the animal without any meat damage. Some hunters enjoy the taste of squirrel brains. If the head is hit by a bullet or shot from a shotgun the primary reason for this hunt is ruined.
Situate yourself under an oak tree or other suitable food source and get ready for action. If the squirrels are hiding on the other side of the tree an old hunters trick is to throw small projectiles on the side of the tree that the squirrel is located on. Upon hearing the projectiles behind him the squirrel will switch sides and relocate himself on your side of the tree so that you can have a better shot at your quarry.

Upon harvesting the animal care should be taken to immediately gut the animal and put the animal's carcass in a cool and dry place. This will insure that the meat that you obtain on your hunting trip will be fit for human consumption.

Squirrel hunting can be an enjoyable past time that can be shared with friends and family. The costs of this type of hunting are considerably lower than big game hunting. A quiet time in the woods with a shotgun or rifle in pursuit of the squirrel can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The meat is very tasty if it is prepared properly. This is a sport for the young and old alike. Young people and women should have no trouble handling the smaller caliber guns which are used to hunt this animal.

Steve Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and shares his experiences and opinions with others.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-10-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

The 22 Rimfire
By Stephen Graham

This is not a kid's firearm. While many of us were given 22 caliber rifles as sub adults the qualities of this rimfire carries over into adulthood. This rimfire is just plain fun to shoot.

Recoil is nonexistent and cartridges are inexpensive. Do you have fond memories of shooting at tin cans with this firearm as a youngster? Many shooters start out their shooting careers with this caliber. Long sessions at the shooting range can correct shooting problems brought on by high recoiling rifles. Bad rifle handling characteristics and shooting techniques start life with heavy recoiling rifles. Shooting a 22 can be enjoyable because they are intrinsically very accurate. They are much more accurate than their larger relatives.

Practicing with a 22 rimfire allows you to develop correct shooting techniques. The fact that it does not beat you into submission after every practice session is also a plus.

This round offers plenty of power for small varmints and snakes. The sound of the round going off does not cause permanent hearing damage. I believe that the cartridge comes in several lengths. When I was a kid there were three offerings to the cartridge. Short, long and long rifle filled the gap nicely for a kid out for adventure in the woods. Snake populations could be reduced in Dad's stock tank. Squirrels were on the endangered list when the 22 was in their vicinity. Rabbits could not outrun the speedy 22 rimfire. I think many sportsmen today developed a love for the outdoors and the shooting sports because of their affiliation with the 22 rimfire.

Dad gave me a 22 rimfire for Christmas one year in my youth. The rifle was a single shot bolt action that had a knob that had to be pulled back before the rifle could be fired. I wore that little rifle out in a few short years. Before I reached the age of twelve Dad presented me with a 22 rimfire revolver. Though not as accurate as the rifle the little revolver brought many a menace to extinction.

As you grow older I believe that you have a tendency to expect and use bigger rifles. These fire breathing dragons cannot compare to the little 22 rimfires. The larger caliber firearms belch and spew out recoil and high levels of noise. The little 22 rimfire is a gentle and soft alternative to these big cannons. I guess that you never outgrow the kid that is in you. No matter how old you become you still have fondness for that special little rimfire. A set of memories that cannot be tarnished through time still exists for that fine firearm.

Steve Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and shares his experiences and knowledge with others.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-10-31T04:52:00.000-08:00

To Scope or Not To Scope
By Stephen Graham

That is the question many hunters ask themselves before a big hunt. Do scopes help the average person? I think that an affirmative answer ends that question. Are different scopes made for different situations? The answer comes back yes again. Are there situations where scopes on a hunting rifle might be ill advised? An affirmative response will answer that question.

Scope manufacturers make an unending array of scopes . There are different lengths and different powers. They range in price from low dollar to very pricey items. Why waste money on a low dollar scope if the chance of a lifetime is wasted because of poor optics. Cheap optics have their share of problems. Poor image quality and instability with regard to holding a zero. Some cheap scopes change their zero every time the rifle is discharged. The force of the recoil moves things inside the scope and the zero changes with every round that is fired in the rifle. Premium rifle scopes don't have the frequency of occurrences in this regard as do cheaper scopes.

Scope power ranges extend from one power on up to the varmint scopes which are very powerful in regard to magnification. Fixed power scopes are an excellent choice because the shooter sees the same power magnification on every shot. The field of view in a scope is reduced as magnification increases. Parallax becomes a problem in scopes with higher magnification ranges. The larger the objective lens the more light gathering capability of the scope. A scope with an objective lens of 50 has more light gathering ability than a scope with a 40 power objective.
Keep the objective lens as small as possible on hunting rifles. Accuracy at different distances improves with a scope that is mounted lower and closer to the gun barrel. An objective of about 40 mm is about right for general hunting use. This scope takes in enoughlight to be effective in hunting situations and is close enough to the barrel to be useful.

Varmint scopes are out of necessity usually higher powered scopes . Shooting at long distances with a suitable rest is really quite different from general hunting use.Scope reticles come in many configurations. The duplex reticle is the most popular. Cross hairs can still be purchased along with the varied German reticles. The Leupold dot reticle works best for me because I don't want my scope cluttered with a lot of heavy lines that tend to block my view of the animal. Choose whatever reticle is best suited for your hunting situation. Evidently by the sheer volume of duplex reticles that are sold to consumers they rank number one in sales.

Range estimation reticles are now offered to consumers. With the magnum craze a system was incorporated into a rifle scope that will give you range estimation to your target. There are several variations offered by different companies on this subject.

Do you need a scope on your rifle in all conditions? With close rifle work in heavy brush in search of dangerous game iron sights are best. Many companies offer scope mounts that can become quickly detachable. Reattachment of the scope can return the scope to zero.
Many hunters carry an extra scope that is zeroed to their rifle in case of emergency on their hunts. Shooting iron sights can be fun and offer a change of pace. The need for optics in low light conditions is obvious. Using a scope in low light conditions may mean the difference between seeing your quarry and never knowing that it is there. Optics are a plus.
They are offered in short and long versions. Scout scopes and varmint scopes all have their places in the hunting world. Choose the correct scope for yourself and enhance your hunting time in the hunting fields.

Steve Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and shares his experiences and knowledge with others.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-10-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Shotguns for Hunters
by Steve Graham

Shotguns come in many shapes and varieties. Some shotguns are made for hunting purposes and some are made for tactical uses. This article is only concerned with shotguns intended for the purpose of hunting. Shotguns come in many different actions and gauges.

The 12 gauge is king of the hunting world. It can do most anything that a hunter calls on it to do. The 12's big brother is the 10 gauge. This gauge is used mainly for high flying geese and ducks. Turkey hunters also use this gauge because of it's superior knockdown power.

You still can find 16 gauges on the used gun market. The 20 and 28 gauge shotguns have their uses mainly for bird hunters. The 410 gauge is a minuscule number that should only be used by experienced hunters if lethal hits are to be considered.

Shotguns come in many fascinating actions. The pump and semi automatic shotguns probably rule the roost here in the United States. The semi's come in several configurations

One version uses a piston in the forearm that bleeds off gas from a fired shell that is used to cycle the action. This permits a fired shell to be expelled and a new shell to be made ready for firing. Inertia driven shotguns are operated by the rearward force of the recoil which activates a mechanism that does the same thing as the semi's. It expels a fired shell and inserts a new shell into the chamber. Bolt action shotguns have been made to suit the gun lovers fancy. Prices vary in shotguns with this action. Double barreled shotguns are made for general use along with cowboy action shooting and bird hunting. Over and under shotguns have two barrels. One barrel is positioned above the other with each barrel usually having its own defined choked barrel. Single shot shotguns are also offered to the public in prices ranging from the economical to the very pricey.

Shotgun barrels come in many different lengths and sizes. The shorter barrels are usually used for close cover bird hunting. The longer barrels are used for longer range situations like high flying geese and ducks. Studies have been made that suggest a 24 inch barrel is all that you need to achieve maximum speed from a fired shell. I still like longer barrels for distance shooting because the longer barrels enable you to establish a better sight picture on your target. Some of these barrels are ported to reduce felt recoil. Barrels are offered in many configurations for their intended uses. There are rifled barrels for deer hunters. Slug barrels also fit into this category. Stainless steel barrels and coatings from camouflage and blue to green are also offered.

Chokes are used on guns to give the gun a desired patterning effect. Full and turkey chokes offer constricted surfaces that offer longer ranges and tighter groups. Modified chokes are for general purpose use. Improved and improved cylinder offer wide patterns at close ranges.

Some chokes are fixed on the barrel and others offer an interchangeable system that can be removed and replaced with considerable ease.

There are shotguns offered for standard 2 3/4 inch shells. There are guns offered for 3 inch variations. There are guns that can fire 2 3/4 , 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch shells interchangeably out of the same mechanism. There are also guns offered that fire only 3 and 3 1/2 inch shells. There is something out there for everyone and every hunting situation. Take advantage of and enjoy this incredible opportunity if you are a serious gunner.

Stephen Graham is an avid hunter and fisherman and share his knowledge and experiences in his writings.

http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/

http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com/

2006-09-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

Deer Hunting - How to Pass the Time While Waiting for Your Buck
By Anne Clarke

While deer hunting, it can seem like time can drag on and on. After all, it is not like you can entertain yourself with a handheld DVD player or even a radio like we do in the "real world." It is just you and nature, and nothing in between. A hunter must find a way to make all parts of deer hunting, not just the tracking and shooting parts, interesting.

A hunter may start to feel like a guard outside of Buckingham Palace: unable to move, no matter what insect or creature comes along. No matter the time, no matter the weather. It is very important that a hunter does not fall asleep, especially when up in a tree stand.

Falling asleep in a tree stand can lead to great injury. Besides, if you fall asleep, you may miss a big buck, right beneath your tree. Even worse, you might start snoring and scare every living creature within miles away.
So, how can you liven up your deer hunting and make it more interesting?

· Music: yes or no. With the popularity of mp3 players, some hunters have started bringing their own type of entertainment along with them. Of course, if you really want to bag a deer, you should keep your ears open at all times. Many people hear a deer before they ever see it. Also, unless you have amazing headphones, the sound is going to extend beyond just your ear. And, as a side thought, some people cannot help but tap their feet or sing along to music… ok in the city, bad when deer hunting. So, just say no to music.

· One way that I stay awake is to stay as aware as possible. I love being in constant check of my surroundings. I focus all of my attention toward finding a deer. I scan the area constantly and I always use my periphery vision. I keep my ears open to any sound. Most times, even on the afternoons that I do spot a deer, I will see many other types of wildlife, and the experience is amazing.

· So, even I can not focus all of my attention fully on deer hunting all of the time. So, I start playing games in my head:

o I take the name of a famous person, first and last, then I have to think of another famous person who’s first name starts with the first letter of the last name, and so on. This can entertain me for about half an hour.
o I find a word, usually somewhere on my equipment, and I break it up and see how many other words I can come up with. For instance, from the words “deer blind,” I get the words reed, beer, bind, binder, blinded, dine, etc.
o I count trees or other objects.
o I philosophize.
o I compose symphonies in my head.
o I try to think of an animal for every letter of the alphabet.
o I empty my mind of all troubles.
o I meditate.

The important thing is to only let your mind wander and play for short periods of time. Then focus your attentions on your surrounding until you need another mind break.

For some people, deer hunting is monotonous. But then there are those of us who love the calmness and “boringness” of deer hunting. All of the waiting is worth it, just for those thrilling few moments of spotting and shooting a deer.

Besides, after a weekend of deer hunting, I feel rejuvenated. The time spent alone in the wild clears my head of all stresses. I sit and think about and solve almost all of my problems of the previous year. I learn more about myself. I learn more about nature. There are few things better for me.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, the environment, recreation, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on hunting, please visit Deer Blinds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

2006-09-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

Late Summer Buck Rubs
By Ted Lake

Early Fall Buck Rubs

Is there a Trophy in your woods? Before your archery deer hunt this fall, a slow walk through your hunting area during late August or September may reveal the signs of a wall hanger. White-tail bucks at this time of the year are trying to lose their velvet from their antlers. These rubs are difficult to find and many hunters ignore going out and locating them this early in the season. There are a couple of good reasons for searching these rubs out.
First, rubs being made this early are usually the largest bucks in your area. Your dominant bucks begin rubbing first and continue to rub throughout the season. By locating these first rubs, he will tell you his pattern for your early archery hunt. Wildlife biologists found that dominant bucks average about 300 rubs per year and up to over 500 rubs per year. Smaller less dominant bucks will usually start rubbing in late October. The smaller bucks have a much slower testosterone level which only starts to excite them when the does come into estrus. This is the reason why your hunting area looks like every small tree in your hunting spot has been run over by a lawnmower with dull blades in early November. In other words, finding buck rubs early on (August through September) may be showing you a true wall hanger.

The second reason for locating these early rubs is; setting up your stand or stands on these rub lines. If you wait until the immediate pre-rut to go out and scout for rubs, you may get a false sense of where the biggest buck has patterned himself. The fewer marked trees of the preseason may actually tell you about an individual buck, allowing you to set your stand before the hunting pressures alter his route. Setting your stand precisely where it is needed early in the season may determine whether you score on the big one. If your archery season begins in October, you should try to set your stands no later than the middle of September. This will allow things to settle down before your opening day of the archery season.

Setting up your stand around early rub lines should be done with good scouting in order to find the path or funnel the buck is using between his bedding ground and his feeding area. By placing your stand too close to the feeding area, it could mean the buck won’t get there in time for daylight shooting hours. Instead, place your stand closer to his bedding area, but not too close, so you don’t disturb his resting area. This will increase your chances of seeing the buck during legal shooting hours.

The early archery deer hunting season could just be your best chance of bagging your best buck ever. A little preseason scouting can make the difference of scoring big or simply struggling through another archery season. Preseason rubs are difficult to find, but when you do find them, your chance of bagging your trophy has just increased immensely! GOOD LUCK and GOOD HUNTING!

My name is Ted Lake and I'm building a website in memory of my dad Deuaine Lake. This site is all about Archery and Archery Hunting. My dad started me when I was 5 years old (1956) and I've continued to teach both my boys the same respect for the sport of archery. Please feel welcome to visit my free website at http://www.complete-archery-information.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Lake

2006-08-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

Whitewater Rafting Trips
By Max Bellamy

There is a wide array of whitewater rafting trips to choose from. Some of the attractive tourist destinations are the Merced, Tolumne and American rivers in Central California, the Ocoee in Tennessee Valley, the New and Gauley rivers in West Virginia, the Kennebec and Dead in Maine, San Juan, Yampa and Green in Utah, the Snake and Salmon Rivers in Idaho and the Colorado River flowing through the Grand Canyon.

The peak season begins in April and continues until the end of October. A half day trip in California could cost around $100 and a 2-day trip is likely to cost around $300. An 8- to 13-day trip to the Grand Canyon could cost anywhere from $2000 $3000 respectively. Some places have different rates for weekdays and weekends, with the prices for weekends being higher. Some even offer packages based on your expertise and familiarity with the sport.

Each rafting group has its own pricing policy and duration for a trip, so interested vacationers should research the organization's web sites for specific details. Most places offer discounts when reservations are made for large groups. It is advisable to watch for special packages and make reservations well in advance. Most destinations provide arrangements for other recreational activities like hiking, biking, fishing and even golf. They aim to provide an environment of wholesome entertainment.

It is advisable to travel light for these trips. Extra T-shirts are a good idea in case of emergency and a wet suit might definitely come in handy. It is also a good idea to carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies.

Whitewater Rafting provides detailed information on Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Rafting Trips, History of Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Rafting Terminology and more. Whitewater Rafting is affiliated with Mediterranean Yacht Charters .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

2006-08-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

Tips for Choosing a Location for a Fishing Vacation
By Gabriel J. Adams

If you have the shirt or the bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be fishing!”, then you have probably taken a fishing vacation recently. I have been on many fishing vacations that just did not turn out as I had planned. Sometimes the vacation did not turn out well because of the lodging, sometimes it was the lack of fish, sometimes it was the amount of people at the location, and sometimes it turned out badly because there was a lack of facilities for my boat. For whatever reason your fishing vacation turns out badly, you are always very disappointed, because it might be a while until you can get away again. Here are some tips for choosing a location for a fishing vacation.

1. Check out the lodging available at your fishing vacation spot. Depending on the trip that you are trying to take, you might want anything from a campground by the lake, or a hotel by the ocean. Whatever type lodging you are looking for, make sure the type of lodging you require is available at the location you choose.
2. Choose a fishing location which produces many fish. No one wants to go on a fishing vacation and not catch any fish. We have all heard of great locations where the fish practically jump into the boat. However, many of these stories are just that, stories. The best tip is to do a little research on your fishing location to see when the fishing is the best. Some locations have good fishing during the spring and some are better during the fall. Make sure that your trip coincides with the best time for catching fish.
3. Choose a location that does not allow water sports. Trust me, this one is a must. You do not want to be battling jet skis, power boats, and wake boarders on your fishing vacation. It is already hard enough to catch some fish when everything is quiet, but it is almost impossible if the water is constantly being stirred up, and the location is very noisy.
4. Make sure your vacation spot has proper boat facilities. If you plan on taking your boat on your fishing vacation, make sure that the location has a marina to leave your boat when you are not fishing. Also make sure that your fishing location has a boat launch, so that you can actually get your boat off the trailer and into the water.

Go fishing in thailand for your next fishing vacation - you won't be sorry!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

2006-08-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Alaska Fishing Vacations
By Jennifer Bailey

Alaska is known all over for being one of the best spots for sport fishing. The annual flight of fish back to the Alaskan waters means plenty of game for avid fishing fans. Alaska is dotted with an extensive network of bays, inlets, and waterways that makes it the envy of other fishing locations, but there is no beating this wonder of nature. Sport fishing is at its best in Alaska, and nothing is better than having the ultimate Alaska fishing vacation.

There are plenty of lodges that offer great deals on Alaska fishing vacations. You and your friends will have the time of your lives with a great Alaska fishing vacation. The great Alaskan wilderness is one of the few places on this earth where the air is still crisp and fresh, the water is pure and unpolluted. The moment you step off the plane, you will realize that you are entering an entirely different dimension. An Alaskan experience is definitely one that you should pursue.

All those pictures in fishing magazines you see of men holding unbelievably huge fish can now be an experience you can call your own. If it’s a great game you’re looking for, then an Alaska fishing vacation is definitely the thing for you. Ask a couple of your fishing buddies to join you, and you can have the vacation of a lifetime! There are few things better than standing in knee-high water, surrounded by nature, standing next to your best friends while enjoying the sound of birds cawing and the feel of the crisp Alaskan breeze caressing your cheeks.

You can start booking your Alaska fishing vacation right now. There are plenty of fishing lodges and motels available online, and they will gladly accept your reservations. Many of these lodges offer discount packages when you come in groups, so you may want to look around and invite some family and friends to join you.

Have a great Alaska fishing vacation!

Fishing Vacations provides detailed information on Fishing Vacations, Fly Fishing Vacations, Montana Fishing Vacations, Alaska Fishing Vacations and more. Fishing Vacations is affiliated with Scotland Hiking Vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey

2006-08-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Buck Fever
By Stephen Graham

Why do we hunt? It is not because hunting is boring and does not make our heart race. Most of us spend weeks and months doing things that usually do not interest us. Wepunch in on a time clock and have to listen to the rants and ravings of the bosses. We driveto work usually accompanied by bad actors in traffic. Our lives are harried and we operate that way by means of a schedule which usually adds insult to injury. We have responsibilities to our wives, children and mortgages. We tolerate unhappiness most of the year. How many times during a brutal work day have you dreamed of the solitude and the freedom of an outdoor experience far from the maddening crowds? Some of us tolerate bad behavior by bosses, wives, children and acquaintances most of the year in order to pay for a week or so of peace in the deer woods. We work our tail off to make everyone happy all year long in order to finance a few days of peace and happiness for ourselves.

Some of us are not hunters. The outdoor experience is available to everyone who has a hobby or past time relating to the outdoors. Bird watching is nice. Camping is better. The water sports offer real excitement. Fishing is fun. Hunting can involve all of the above. Manyhunters bring fishing gear along with them to use on that special area of water near their camping space. Many hunters make use of boats and water craft to get them to their special place.

Much preparation and expense are required to put the hunter in just the right spot for the shot of a life time. Hunting leases are expensive. Guns, scopes, camping gear and travel expenses make deer hunting even more dollar intensive. We practice and fire many rounds of ammunition to prepare ourselves for just that moment. For some of us that moment arrives and everything that we have worked for has fallen completely apart. We see the biggest buck of our lives and our nervous system goes into overdrive. We get the shakes and sweats. We cannot accomplish anything which we have spent months preparing ourselves for. The blood pressure goes up and our chances of hitting the buck with a good shot goes down. The barrels of our guns shake so badly that we could not hit a barn at fifty yards.

In situations like these practice controlled breathing and good trigger squeezes. Get your breathing under control along with your nervous system. Do not look at the animal's hornsConcentrate on shot placement. Your mind does not need any extra distractions. Keep it simple. Most people who have conquered buck fever wait until the animal is down before the shakes arrive. One reason for hunting is that most people can get in touch with feelings that have lain dormant since the last hunting season. Boring jobs with boring people do not usually elicit huge happy variations in our emotions. Hunting can bring emotions to the surface that we have not experienced in months. That is part of the reason to go deer hunting. We need to feel those emotions. The trick is to keep those emotions in check until after you know that the animal is down. One problem solving tactic is to practice firing at lifesize targets of your quarry. Visualize in your mind actual hunting situations. Prepare in advance for that buck of a life time.

Stephen Graham: Avid hunter and fisherman, writes from life experiences and his own opinions.

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-08-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Reloading for Rifles and Pistols
By Stephen Graham

Everything seems to be going up in price. Ammunition prices have increased along with the prices for guns and everything associated with it. Practice makes people better at anything that they may attempt. To be proficient at hand gunning or rifle shooting takes a lot of practice. Some say that you can do a lot of your practicing with smaller arms like the 22 rimfire and the pellet or BB gun in place of shooting the larger firearms To become adept andknow your favorite firearm you have to spend a great amount of time with that firearm. You have to memorize the trigger squeeze and become knowledgeable with every aspect of yourfirearm. Shooting from different angles and positions requires knowledge about that firearm.

Reloading is not for everyone. It requires strict adherence to safety procedures and rules thatwill make your loaded ammunition safe and accurate. Those that are drawn to reloading will find that it is very rewarding. Shooting sessions can be longer because your ammunition prices are less expensive due to the hand loading process. You can fine tune loads for your particular firearm. Most guns will shoot one particular type of ammo better than others. If you can fine tune and narrow your search for ammo components that will fit your gun your rewards will result in better accuracy and pride in the knowledge that you have helped create loads for your guns. Pride exists from the fact that you have created a load that has helped you hit your target with better results. The load that you have created for a hunting trip which enables you to bring a hunt to a quick closure can bring an immense sense of pride. All steps to reloading in reloading manuals must be strictly followed. Any short cuts or missed steps can result in dangerous ammunition or ammo that will not load or function in your firearm.

A clean and safe work place is the first starting point. Lee sells adequate loading supplies that are relatively inexpensive and do quite a good job. Pay attention to powders listed in themanuals and don't interchange them. The choice of primers and bullet types should also be followed according to the manuals. Maximum and minimum powder charges are listed for a particular load. Usually the larger weight bullets used in a particular case require a reduced amount of powder. Don't try to load ammo hot with more powder than is required in the manuals. You will be asking for trouble. Stuck cases and blown primers are some of theresults of this practice. It is a good practice to weigh each and every load in the process.
Volume powder dispensers have a tendency to be inaccurate when large volume cases arebeing loaded. Single stage presses are the best choice for those just starting out. They arealso a good choice for experienced hand loaders. Keep your powder and primers in a cool dry place. Heat tends to increase pressures in specific loads. African hunters have realized for years that high temperatures can increase pressures inside of their loads which might result in ammo failure. The best policy is to obtain several hand loading manuals and taylor your loads carefully and safely to your specific firearm and ammunition needs. Some guns are inherently weaker than others and need to be operated at lower pressures in order to remain safe for the shooter. Gun failures are not uncommon if correct reloading information is not followed.

Be safe and have fun enjoying a hobby that can be both financially beneficial and rewarding.Some pistol bullets can be used safely in rifle reloading. You can create loads that might be hard to obtain in your area. Brass should last the course of several reloading sessionsAlways check all components before the final loading process. If any component is found wanting discard it and replace it with a new or better functioning item. Adherence toreloading instructions in manuals and books will be rewarded with loads that are comparable to the ammunition created by the large ammunition companies. In some cases the hand loads may be better. The better hand loading equipment can last for years and cangive you that much time in enjoyment. Be safe and revel in a hobby that can reward you with hours and years of positive entertainment

Stephen Graham: Avid hunter and fisherman, writes articles on different aspects of same.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Graham

2006-08-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Learn How to Be a Professional Bass Angler
By Lorraine Weston

If you enjoy fishing, you’ve probably seen at least one fishing show on television. Have you ever thought, “I would love to have that person’s job, fishing all day”? Well, put some more thought into that idea and you could become a professional bass fisherman/woman!

First things first: if you think that all you need is lots of cash to spend on fancy boats and tackle, you’re headed in the wrong direction. Bass fishing is like any sport – it takes dedication, patience, practice, and skill. If you know someone who seems to know what it takes to catch that beautiful bass, go and visit them! Get as much information out of them that you can, and write it down. During your spare time, get out on the water in a boat, a canoe, or a rubber raft, whatever you have, and try out some of the methods or suggestions they gave you.

You can also research bass fishing information on the Internet or at a library. There are many books on the subject, and there are also magazines you can subscribe to. The most important thing is to practice what you read. If you’ve tried ten different lures and none of them work, keep asking around – eventually you will hit on something that really works to lure those fish in!

Are there any fishing competitions in your area of the country? Make sure to take part in them; nothing helps you hone your skill like a little competition. Plus, you never know who might be at a competition – there could be someone from a local television network or outdoors company looking for a person with your skill at reeling in the bass.

Whether you land a job as a professional bass angler or not, you should always like what you’re doing. If you’re trying so hard to be the best angler in the world that you don’t even enjoy fishing, you should take a step back and take the time to enjoy fishing again. With patience, practice and some tips and secrets from other anglers, you’ll be reeling beautiful bass into your boat and feeling glad that you took the time to learn this excellent sport.

Learn more about getting started in the pro bass fishing game at http://fishing.activitiessite.com/Getting-Started-In-The-Pro-Bass-Fishing-Game.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorraine_Weston

2006-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Six Strategies for a Good Day's Fishing: Largemouth Bass
By Trish Anderson

The beginner fisherman [or woman] will often ply the more experienced with questions on how to land a fish and why everyone else is on fire, and they are not. Some of us prefer to keep our ignorance of the basics hidden. So, with that in mind, I set about learning a few strategies on how to get a Largemouth Bass out of the water and into my catch bucket.

1. Largemouth Bass like plastic worms. Purchase a variety of colours from clear to bright and in varying shades. If they don't seem to be biting on one colour then switch for something lighter, and if they're still not biting, go for a worm darker than your original. Generally, it will depend on the color of the water, time of day and temperature. Look around you too, if other people's lines have also gone cold, or you're alone, it's a good bet that you need to pack up your fishing gear and plan another trip.

2. Look for man-made or natural structures such as jetty pylons, treefall and rock formations. Largemouth Bass also like lots of weed so keep your eye out for a variety of spots and remember where they are.

3. Largemouth Bass like baitfish. Herons like baitfish too. Look out for flocks of birds diving. Quite often where you find one you'll find the other, but try to catch fish, not birds.

4. Shhhhhhh… Largemouth Bass like it quiet. Find an area away from frenzied activity [road or boat traffic, people talking/playing, etc] or fish at dawn before activities begin. Be aware though that some activity can be a bonus as the wake from passing boats can wash out baitfish from their hiding places in the rocks and, therefore, attract the bass right to you.

5. You've found quiet waters with some structure, you've got the best collection of lures in the country, you've varied your times and suited your lures to the water colour and they're still not biting? Take a look at the depth of the water, and another one at your tackle box. Largemouth Bass like deep water and shallow. Keep a variety of deep-diving lures and surface lures handy as well as all the pretty colors.

6. Largemouth Bass are cool and that's the way they like their water too. Fish early in the day if possible. If the sun is high, aim for shaded areas.
To catch a Largemouth Bass Light tackle with fast-retrieving lures is usually the best, and remember, once the fish is landed, the best method of preparation for cooking is to ice immediately. Now all you need to do is hunt down some great recipes and remember all your "the one that got away" stories to share with family and friends.

Happy fishing, and don't forget to take pictures of your soon-to-be prize-winning catches.

Trish is a freelance writer with desktop publishing, promotional material, content sourcing, location and information research, fiction critique and web group management skills tucked firmly into her workbelt. To find out about rates and other services, or to read more of her articles, visit Trish at http://beginningsmiddlesends.blogspot.com/ or send an email to wordcatcher@hotmail.com. She is the spouse of a dedicated fisherman.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Anderson