Sploggers Stealing Our Content

I just read about "blog content thieves" at Rick's, Whitetail Woods and then also at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. No doubt none of us like having our work plagiarized as that is a pretty low blow. Albert suggested we link to his post about this in hopes of being able to shut them down. No doubt in my mind that this is due to the tough times we're in right now. There are break ins and robberies every night on my local news, more than I can ever remember hearing about. Not to mention the banks and small businesses being targeted as well. We all need to keep an out for each other and our neighbors.

So I have linked to Albert's site and invite the rest of you OBS supporters to do the same. Kristine of the OBS has left a very informative comment about this problem, and explains it very well.

Thanks to Rick, Albert and Kristine for keeping us informed and alert.

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

All Rocks Go To Heaven

This is a humorous post and not intended to offend anyone. I certainly do believe my dog has a soul, how about yours?
All-rocks-go-to-Heaven








Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

09' Controlled Hunt Results

Click here. Good Luck!

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

Getting Back To Basics

It happens to just about everyone at some point in their life. That is being new to a sport and thinking that one of everything that the retailer offers is required for success. Actually that can be quite misleading for a newbie. Be it golf, skiing, mountain biking, fishing and last but not least hunting. The most expensive golf clubs, mtn. bike, spin or fly rod nor the best firearm will not make you an overnight success. What will make you successful is paying your dues and putting in the time where it matters the most. That is called practice, practice, practice.

In all honesty a beginner will not and does not have the knowledge or ability to tell the difference between the entry level gear and top of the line. Other than looking at the price tag. It's easy to get sucked in to the glossy ads telling you how much better you'll be or do if you use their products. Sounds good and after all that's what your goal is, so why not buy into the hype? Firstly anyone starting a new sport has a lot to learn and the marketing directed at them is very effective at emptying their pockets. What they really need is instruction from a friend or an honest retailer who wants a long term relationship and not a one time exploitation. Marketing does work, just look at all the companies competing for our hard earned money.

Do you really think a set of Tiger Woods golf clubs are going to make a novice hit the ball like Tiger? Not for a second. Nor will a $10,000.00 road bike make you ride like Lance Armstrong.
It takes years and I mean years of practice in all types of conditions to make someone proficient at their sport. It holds equally true for the shooting sports as well.

It's good to remember that there is a learning curve and with each progressive year you will get a little wiser and more savvy about hunting overall. It takes many years to get your gear dialed in just as there are many different types of waterfowl habitat and ways to hunt them. From the Canadian plains to the flooded timber of Arkansas and the prairie potholes to the coastal sea ducks and western rivers and sloughs to flooded grain fields and the list goes on. I think you get my drift. It takes a lot of years to figure it out.

If one chooses they can buy the latest in high tech waders (although there's only so much that can be done with a wader) the wader pants with the stirrup so they don't ride up and various un necessary under garments and outer wear. Plus hats, face masks, gloves etc. etc. etc. That's just barely the tip of the iceberg!

Lets get back to the basics here can we please. We are duck hunters, waterfowlers and we (or at least myself and those I hunt with) relish the fact that we get to play in the muck! OH HAPPY DAY! We get dirty, crawling in the mud through the marsh for a chance at a goose. It may not even be there by the time we get in range. That doesn't matter, what does is the possibility and how we choose to act. We're still kids at heart and I for one really enjoy getting muddy. It's just fun. I hunt with gear that I have used for over 3 decades and it serves me well. If there was something better now I'd buy it, but I haven't seen it yet.

I am a firm believer that the clothes do not make the hunter, golfer, skier or whatever it is you do. Stick to the basics, they have been around a very long time for a reason, plain and simple they work. Get a coat that is waterproof for late season, a pair of waders if needed, rubber boots, some good warm synthetic or new generation wool base layers plus a pair of wool or fingerless gloves and a hat. All camo and then you'll be able to save your hard earned money for steel shot and a hunting vest or duck strap. If all goes well, maybe you'll be thinking about a 4 legged hunting partner, a field blind and even some decoys for the following season.

Try a few different types of shotguns and use the one that feels most comfortable to you. If you need a recoil pad to help absorb the kick, then find a reputable gunsmith to do the work. I wouldn't get crazy buying an expensive shotgun right off the bat. Rather stick to a company that has a long lasting reputation. The next gun you get will be your pride and joy and then your first will be your back up. Good to take 2 guns with you if you have them. Things can and do break occasionally.

Ultimately stick to the basics, keep it simple and you'll be fine. Granted there is a ton more stuff on the market, but how many coats or waders etc. etc. can you wear at a time? Hunting for me and my friends is still about being out there and not about a fashion statement.

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

Catching Up

I know that I have been away from the blogoshere for awhile and just wanted to give you an update.

The Annual Quail Flats Wild Game Feed went off without a hitch and there was plenty of great food and tall tales. The favorite dishes included, Elk Kabobs, Venison Stuffed Mushrooms, Parmesan White Fronted Goose and some killer PB Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Which reminds me, I still need to get that cookie recipe. We had somewhat cool weather yet the 2 dozen plus friends that came were dressed and ready for anything.

Since the game feed I have been increasing my activity level as my knee allows. I am very relieved and happy to say that 4 months after the accident I am roughly at 80%. Still need to be careful, yet able to do cardio and some strenght training. I anticipate a full recovery by 6 months.

Not long after the game feed I got knocked down by a bug and it took me several weeks to get back to my routine. Since then I have made some changes in the kitchen, primarily eating a lot more veggies and generally very clean food. This may sound a bit contrary to being a huntress. Yet as I get older it becomes more challenging to stay fit and healthy. I'll still have the occasional cookie and good ol' cheeseburger, just not as often. Since tweaking my food I have had my energy levels skyrocket, am sleeping better and have even lost a few pounds. Geeze, nothing wrong with this recipe! Now I just need to sell this home and get back into Bend. My overall goal is to see just how good I can stand it!

I will be posting once again yet not as often as before. I am sorry for not giving you all a heads up. Thank you to the folks who have checked in to see what happened to me. Rest assured I am thriving and doing well. I just needed a break from writing. I look forward to catching up with my regular followers and meeting some new ones.

For now, have a great day and make it count!

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt