I have just returned from my first duck hunt of the season. For the month of October I was busy chasing deer and elk and not having any luck with either. Fortunately I am much more successful with bird hunting. I will save the story specifics for a future post. While it was a wet couple days in the Klamath basin of southern Oregon I was both hunter and retriever, since Jet's retirement announcement last year.
Which brings me to puppy news, yep there is a new member to my family. She is a beautiful Yellow Lab born on Sept. 6, 2010. I have struck a deal with the owner/ breeder and he will train her in trade for a one time breeding. Her background is superb as the Sire is a 6 time Master Hunter qualifier and is in the Hall of Fame while the Dam is a 2 time qualifier. Both parents are Oregon natives with the Dam being the breeders own hunting dog. I am so excited to have found her and now I need help with a name. I am open for ideas and prefer a single syllable call name. Her dad's name is Judah and her mom's name is Spice. She hails from Royal Flush Retrievers in Sister's Or. I will get puppy pics posted soon as I can. In the meantime here are her parents links, Minoggie Kennels & Royal Flush Retrievers.
In regard to my Cabela's post I want to personally thank the following individuals for their input and support to increase awareness about the inequities that remain in the lack of outdoor clothing and gear choices for women hunters. Equally important and valued are the men who support this endeavor too.
Barbara Baird of The Won, Suzee at Base Camp Legends, Karen at Gordon Setter Crossing, Rebecca at Outdoor Blogger Network, Laura at The White Tailed Doe, Rogue Huntress at Hunt Like You're Hungry, Alisha at Oakie Rednecks and Jennifer at Milkweed and Teasel.
It has been snowing all day and I am eager to get back out in the field before the big freeze arrives and puts an end to our dabbler hunting. This happens usually around the end of Nov. and the beginning of Dec. which then leaves me hunting for Canada Geese in the fields and divers on the Klamath Rv. Either way I look forward to the upcoming challenges of what this season will offer and what I will learn. I will take Jet out for some short, easy hunts to keep both our spirits up this season. For the most part she is doing quite well and has the heart of a Lab, never wanting to surrender. I cherish our time together and she gets the royal treatment in her golden years, so to speak. I'm sure we can find her a few birds to retrieve this season.
Thanks to all my readers for your continued support, encouragement and comments. Without your input there would be no Women's Hunting Journal, cheers to all of you!
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Cabela's, Please Return My Call !
I'll warn all of you that this post is about a personal irritation to say the least, so read on at your own risk. Let me apologize if I step on anyone's toes, then again maybe they need to be stepped on.
I am frustrated, angry and mad about the fact that there is not a single company manufacturing or offering, a quality Woman's Breathable Camo Chest High Wader. Yet there are well over a dozen different styles and price points for men to choose from in a breathable camo chest high wader.
As a woman hunter having spent over 35 years in the field chasing ducks, geese, pheasants, quail etc. I endure 1/2 as many gear choices as the men. Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Macks Prairie Wing, Dunn's Sporting Goods, Drake Waterfowl and Gander Mt. are all guilty of ignoring women. In any of these catalogs there are but a few choices of women's boots, be it knee high rubber or leather field boots and many pages of men's boots. The same is true for clothing and waders.
I am tired and angry that when I ask "when is your company going to start offering Women's Breathable Camo Chest High Waders" the sales person either dismisses my question, asks if I want to be put on their mailing list or simply apologizes. None of those responses work for me in the slightest.
Seriously, if the sport of waterfowling is to continue to grow then it is time to meet the needs of women hunters and actually have a selection of materials and fabrics to choose from, not just one style. Women as consumers are a powerful group and once involved in a sport or activity their family often follows. Sons and daughters carry on our outdoor traditions in the shooting sports. There are even more choices of outdoor related garments and products for boys then there are women. Wouldn't it be nice for the women to be just as well outfitted and comfortable as even the little boys?
Let me tell you why I want Breathable Camo Chest High Waders. Hunting in early October and November temperatures are quite mild. Neoprene waders are heavy, don't breathe and after walking for 15 minutes in them in 40 degree temps or higher I am soaked. Were I were wearing a Breathable Camo Chest High Wader that dissipated my body's heat, I would remain dry and comfortable. Neoprene is old technology and about the most uncomfortable experience I have had as a hunter. How many of you men enjoy sitting in sweat soaked neoprene? Not my idea of a good time.
I have called Cabela's corporate headquarters over a half dozen times in the past two weeks and left messages with 2 different individuals and still have not had my call returned. For a company that is the size of Cabela's who boasts excellent customer service, I am a bit mystified with their lack of response.
Furthermore being a Cabela's Club Card member and loyal customer for more years than I care to admit, it is even that much more baffling to me. Also some of us women like plain, solid color chamois shirts because we actually hunt in them. A chamois shirt with a colorful pattern or horse print just doesn't work for us all.
Are manufacturers ready to listen to what women hunters really want and need? Please start treating us as equals. As for the camo lingerie, well I personally don't know any woman hunter who wears it, nor do I think it was a woman's brainchild.
I'm sure I am not the only woman who turns the pages in these catalogs and feels a bit of disgust at some items and then disappointed at the lack of choices in other areas. I personally have spoken with dozens of women hunters over the years who share my sentiments.
I will give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that since I started waterfowl hunting in the late 60's there has been much progress. Technology has evolved and improved our comforts immensely, although we are still lacking equality in products produced for women.
When I first took to the field with my dad I remember layering up in over sized men's gear and could hardly flex my joints. Shooting was that much more of a challenge. Early season was fine but as winter came on, so did the extra layers. I loved being afield with my dad, each time was special and I cherished those days. He made sure I was warm so as to ensure I'd have a positive experience and it paid off in more ways than I can put into words.
Yes we have wonderful lightweight insulating fabrics such as capilene & thinsulate that also wick moisture away from our skin. Also naturals such as wool that don't scratch or itch like that of generations past. I see more offerings of hunting boots for women both in the knee high rubber boots as well as leather and synthetic field boots. Nonetheless there are also areas where our needs as women hunters are not being addressed by the manufactures within the industry.
I am asking all women hunters to help me get our voices heard. Please leave a comment and let me know what you are trying to find and tell your friends to drop by and do the same. I will then create a dedicated page here at Women's Hunting Journal and with your permission, I will add your name to the page. I will create links to this original post and keep the page updated. I am hoping to initiate a change for the better and have more options available for us and those women who follow in our footsteps. If you have some ideas please email me personally at quailflats@gmail.com. I welcome any and all input. Together we can be heard, join me and let's make it happen!
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
I am frustrated, angry and mad about the fact that there is not a single company manufacturing or offering, a quality Woman's Breathable Camo Chest High Wader. Yet there are well over a dozen different styles and price points for men to choose from in a breathable camo chest high wader.
As a woman hunter having spent over 35 years in the field chasing ducks, geese, pheasants, quail etc. I endure 1/2 as many gear choices as the men. Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Macks Prairie Wing, Dunn's Sporting Goods, Drake Waterfowl and Gander Mt. are all guilty of ignoring women. In any of these catalogs there are but a few choices of women's boots, be it knee high rubber or leather field boots and many pages of men's boots. The same is true for clothing and waders.
I am tired and angry that when I ask "when is your company going to start offering Women's Breathable Camo Chest High Waders" the sales person either dismisses my question, asks if I want to be put on their mailing list or simply apologizes. None of those responses work for me in the slightest.
Seriously, if the sport of waterfowling is to continue to grow then it is time to meet the needs of women hunters and actually have a selection of materials and fabrics to choose from, not just one style. Women as consumers are a powerful group and once involved in a sport or activity their family often follows. Sons and daughters carry on our outdoor traditions in the shooting sports. There are even more choices of outdoor related garments and products for boys then there are women. Wouldn't it be nice for the women to be just as well outfitted and comfortable as even the little boys?
Let me tell you why I want Breathable Camo Chest High Waders. Hunting in early October and November temperatures are quite mild. Neoprene waders are heavy, don't breathe and after walking for 15 minutes in them in 40 degree temps or higher I am soaked. Were I were wearing a Breathable Camo Chest High Wader that dissipated my body's heat, I would remain dry and comfortable. Neoprene is old technology and about the most uncomfortable experience I have had as a hunter. How many of you men enjoy sitting in sweat soaked neoprene? Not my idea of a good time.
I have called Cabela's corporate headquarters over a half dozen times in the past two weeks and left messages with 2 different individuals and still have not had my call returned. For a company that is the size of Cabela's who boasts excellent customer service, I am a bit mystified with their lack of response.
Furthermore being a Cabela's Club Card member and loyal customer for more years than I care to admit, it is even that much more baffling to me. Also some of us women like plain, solid color chamois shirts because we actually hunt in them. A chamois shirt with a colorful pattern or horse print just doesn't work for us all.
Are manufacturers ready to listen to what women hunters really want and need? Please start treating us as equals. As for the camo lingerie, well I personally don't know any woman hunter who wears it, nor do I think it was a woman's brainchild.
I'm sure I am not the only woman who turns the pages in these catalogs and feels a bit of disgust at some items and then disappointed at the lack of choices in other areas. I personally have spoken with dozens of women hunters over the years who share my sentiments.
I will give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that since I started waterfowl hunting in the late 60's there has been much progress. Technology has evolved and improved our comforts immensely, although we are still lacking equality in products produced for women.
When I first took to the field with my dad I remember layering up in over sized men's gear and could hardly flex my joints. Shooting was that much more of a challenge. Early season was fine but as winter came on, so did the extra layers. I loved being afield with my dad, each time was special and I cherished those days. He made sure I was warm so as to ensure I'd have a positive experience and it paid off in more ways than I can put into words.
Yes we have wonderful lightweight insulating fabrics such as capilene & thinsulate that also wick moisture away from our skin. Also naturals such as wool that don't scratch or itch like that of generations past. I see more offerings of hunting boots for women both in the knee high rubber boots as well as leather and synthetic field boots. Nonetheless there are also areas where our needs as women hunters are not being addressed by the manufactures within the industry.
I am asking all women hunters to help me get our voices heard. Please leave a comment and let me know what you are trying to find and tell your friends to drop by and do the same. I will then create a dedicated page here at Women's Hunting Journal and with your permission, I will add your name to the page. I will create links to this original post and keep the page updated. I am hoping to initiate a change for the better and have more options available for us and those women who follow in our footsteps. If you have some ideas please email me personally at quailflats@gmail.com. I welcome any and all input. Together we can be heard, join me and let's make it happen!
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Mule Deer and Cougars
It has been a very long couple weeks which included my Mule Deer hunt and am now currently in the midst of my Elk hunt. Here is an update of what transpired during my deer hunt.
For starters the weather had been very mild and warm. So much so that it seemed as though I'd be better off spinning my wheels riding my road bike verses hunting. While the morning temps ranged from the mid 30's up to a balmy 50 and the forest was tinder dry, afternoon temps climbed into the upper 70's and teetered on the verge of 80. In my book that is way to warm and makes for extremely challenging conditions. None the less I was ready and eager to put in my time and make a go of it.
I was hunting close to home and appreciated the comforts after a long day of crawling through the brush. It was during my third morning when I was creeping along very slowly, my senses tuned in to the slightest sound that I caught a glimpse of movement off to my right about 15 - 20 yards. I froze instantly and was able to see the big cat's dark muzzle as he turned his head away from me after catching my movement. He moved fast with a sense of urgency, stealth in action as he flew down off the old slash pile while I watched him disappear into the thicket. My heart surprisingly stayed in my chest while my head processed what my eyes just saw and concluding that yes indeed that was a Cougar. Still my heart was calm, and if only for the reason that he fled from me I knew I was safe. I thought for a moment while still froze in my tracks from when we caught each others peripheral movement, that was to big for a Jack Rabbit. The tell tale signs of a cats movement are undeniable. They move like water, fast, silent and stealthy. No wasted effort or energy what soever. The buckskin color and the long tail gave him away. I immediately went to where he was and looked for tracks and only found a partial as he was on dried grass stubble before he disappeared into the thick dark woods. I didn't find any carcass either in the immediate area.
Umm I thought, very cool and a part of me had wished for a longer look although the outcome of such may have been quite different. I never had time to shoulder my gun and perhaps get a quick shot off. Then I thought oh great, he's out here hunting deer as well, and anything else that looks appetizing. So, maybe I was in the right place at least he thought it was a good place to be. I continued in the direction I was going and eventually looping around to where he exited to and I never did see him again that morning, thankfully. For that matter I didn't see any bucks either. Fine, I figured we were even, no harm no foul so to speak.
The next morning I hunted a different area (imagine that) and fortunately it had rained hard all night. I slept in a bit and didn't get into the woods til a bit after 9 a.m while it was still drizzling, but tapering off. It was a wonderful change of pace to have the quiet earth beneath my feet and smell the rain drenched pines and Bitterbrush. I stopped after a couple hours to shed my rain pants and as I got underway soon thereafter I ran across fresh tracks. These looked promising as there was dry dirt kicked up in the front of the tracks. I peeled my eyes as sharp as I was able and then I saw a mushroom that had been kicked over and nibbled on a bit. O.K. I thought, I'm getting close now, I can just feel it. Well let me tell you I had no idea just how true those thoughts were until about 4 or 5 steps later. In mid step with my left foot forward barely touching the ground and rolling off my right foot there he was! Right smack dab in front of me with most of his body hidden behind very tall Bitterbrush. We locked in on each other for the ultimate stare down. At 25 feet away or maybe less I could see only his left main beam sweep out to the side and split into a fork or better. The conversation one has with oneself at a time like this is somewhat comical and one of dis belief.
My gun was at waist level with both hands firmly grasping it so that I'd be able to bring it up to my shoulder quickly, or at least that was the plan. Clearly I was in a pickle and while I tried as best I could it was only a matter of time before my muscles were going to start twitching and shaking and ultimately be completely busted. I was fine for about a minute as we watched each other intently for the tell tale signs that I was not a bush, tree or any type of vegetation what so ever. While the buck kept a sharp eye on me licking his nose, blinking his eyes and tilting his head I thought to myself "here's my buck and I just blew it big time". While my muscles were starting to fatigue I had no option other than to try and slowly raise my gun to my shoulder and perhaps he would tolerate it. Nope, he blew and bolted and my adrenaline surged and my legs shook as I watched the buck take flight and win our stand off. No chance of getting a shot off due to the heavy timber and ground cover. I never did get a good look at how many points he was, although he had a very nice rounded full body. I think initially he was getting ready to bed down because as we spotted one another he appeared to come up off his right front knee.
So now the tracking begins and I tracked him for a good hour and a half maybe more. Then I got
into some areas of private land and opted to swing around and point myself back towards the truck. Not more that ten minutes after doing so, did I hear a single gun shot from the direction he and I were moving in. I was gaining on him although the wind was swirly and not helping. I was a bit disappointed on one hand and on the other very thankful for having gotten so close. Just wasn't as ready as I thought I was.
The season ended on the 13th of October and I never did see another buck. I did see 5 does on the last day but that was it. All in all it was a fun hunt and what an experience to have seen that Cougar. A day in the field I won't soon forget and thanks for the schoolin' Mr.Buck!
On a gear note I was wearing Sitka Gear's Nimbus rain coat and pants in Mtn. Mimicry and they worked to perfection. I love that gear and thanks to the gang at Camofire for the incredible deals.
Am trying to catch up to an elk now and have a few days left. Will give you that report when I recover a bit and with any luck will have a better outcome than my deer hunt.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
For starters the weather had been very mild and warm. So much so that it seemed as though I'd be better off spinning my wheels riding my road bike verses hunting. While the morning temps ranged from the mid 30's up to a balmy 50 and the forest was tinder dry, afternoon temps climbed into the upper 70's and teetered on the verge of 80. In my book that is way to warm and makes for extremely challenging conditions. None the less I was ready and eager to put in my time and make a go of it.
I was hunting close to home and appreciated the comforts after a long day of crawling through the brush. It was during my third morning when I was creeping along very slowly, my senses tuned in to the slightest sound that I caught a glimpse of movement off to my right about 15 - 20 yards. I froze instantly and was able to see the big cat's dark muzzle as he turned his head away from me after catching my movement. He moved fast with a sense of urgency, stealth in action as he flew down off the old slash pile while I watched him disappear into the thicket. My heart surprisingly stayed in my chest while my head processed what my eyes just saw and concluding that yes indeed that was a Cougar. Still my heart was calm, and if only for the reason that he fled from me I knew I was safe. I thought for a moment while still froze in my tracks from when we caught each others peripheral movement, that was to big for a Jack Rabbit. The tell tale signs of a cats movement are undeniable. They move like water, fast, silent and stealthy. No wasted effort or energy what soever. The buckskin color and the long tail gave him away. I immediately went to where he was and looked for tracks and only found a partial as he was on dried grass stubble before he disappeared into the thick dark woods. I didn't find any carcass either in the immediate area.
Umm I thought, very cool and a part of me had wished for a longer look although the outcome of such may have been quite different. I never had time to shoulder my gun and perhaps get a quick shot off. Then I thought oh great, he's out here hunting deer as well, and anything else that looks appetizing. So, maybe I was in the right place at least he thought it was a good place to be. I continued in the direction I was going and eventually looping around to where he exited to and I never did see him again that morning, thankfully. For that matter I didn't see any bucks either. Fine, I figured we were even, no harm no foul so to speak.
The next morning I hunted a different area (imagine that) and fortunately it had rained hard all night. I slept in a bit and didn't get into the woods til a bit after 9 a.m while it was still drizzling, but tapering off. It was a wonderful change of pace to have the quiet earth beneath my feet and smell the rain drenched pines and Bitterbrush. I stopped after a couple hours to shed my rain pants and as I got underway soon thereafter I ran across fresh tracks. These looked promising as there was dry dirt kicked up in the front of the tracks. I peeled my eyes as sharp as I was able and then I saw a mushroom that had been kicked over and nibbled on a bit. O.K. I thought, I'm getting close now, I can just feel it. Well let me tell you I had no idea just how true those thoughts were until about 4 or 5 steps later. In mid step with my left foot forward barely touching the ground and rolling off my right foot there he was! Right smack dab in front of me with most of his body hidden behind very tall Bitterbrush. We locked in on each other for the ultimate stare down. At 25 feet away or maybe less I could see only his left main beam sweep out to the side and split into a fork or better. The conversation one has with oneself at a time like this is somewhat comical and one of dis belief.
My gun was at waist level with both hands firmly grasping it so that I'd be able to bring it up to my shoulder quickly, or at least that was the plan. Clearly I was in a pickle and while I tried as best I could it was only a matter of time before my muscles were going to start twitching and shaking and ultimately be completely busted. I was fine for about a minute as we watched each other intently for the tell tale signs that I was not a bush, tree or any type of vegetation what so ever. While the buck kept a sharp eye on me licking his nose, blinking his eyes and tilting his head I thought to myself "here's my buck and I just blew it big time". While my muscles were starting to fatigue I had no option other than to try and slowly raise my gun to my shoulder and perhaps he would tolerate it. Nope, he blew and bolted and my adrenaline surged and my legs shook as I watched the buck take flight and win our stand off. No chance of getting a shot off due to the heavy timber and ground cover. I never did get a good look at how many points he was, although he had a very nice rounded full body. I think initially he was getting ready to bed down because as we spotted one another he appeared to come up off his right front knee.
So now the tracking begins and I tracked him for a good hour and a half maybe more. Then I got
into some areas of private land and opted to swing around and point myself back towards the truck. Not more that ten minutes after doing so, did I hear a single gun shot from the direction he and I were moving in. I was gaining on him although the wind was swirly and not helping. I was a bit disappointed on one hand and on the other very thankful for having gotten so close. Just wasn't as ready as I thought I was.The season ended on the 13th of October and I never did see another buck. I did see 5 does on the last day but that was it. All in all it was a fun hunt and what an experience to have seen that Cougar. A day in the field I won't soon forget and thanks for the schoolin' Mr.Buck!
On a gear note I was wearing Sitka Gear's Nimbus rain coat and pants in Mtn. Mimicry and they worked to perfection. I love that gear and thanks to the gang at Camofire for the incredible deals.
Am trying to catch up to an elk now and have a few days left. Will give you that report when I recover a bit and with any luck will have a better outcome than my deer hunt.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Friday, September 17, 2010
First Goose Hunt Of The Season
While I have been working various odd jobs this summer, one of which has been weed eating for some friends who live just outside Bend. I know this landscape well for it is within a stones throw of my old stomping grounds. During the days I was working I had been keeping a watchful eye on the Canada Geese in the adjacent pasture. They started out as small fuzzy awkward goslings and have become full fledged manure spreaders and eaters of fresh grass shoots. Thus leaving the neighbors cattle less than thrilled, not to mention the owners. Ah a sigh of relief washes over me as I here my friend say "you're welcome to come shoot some if you like". My eyes must have lit up like saucers as my friend smiled and nodded in agreement. "Really" I said, "that would be o.k. with you"? She assured me indeed it was. I asked about her neighbors whose pasture the geese were residing on and she encouraged me to talk with them and so I did. They are very nice neighbors and certainly interested in getting the geese to reside elsewhere. I mainly wanted to introduce myself and make sure they were o.k. with me shooting as well as for me to recover a goose if it went on their property. Yes to all the above, in fact the wife also hunted with her dad when she was a young girl and enjoys eating geese too. I told them I'd drop off a goose to them after the mornings hunt and they were excited to fire up the Traeger and smoke the goose whole. I felt my body heave a big sigh of envy with the thought of a Traeger smoked Canada goose. I can only imagine how good that will taste. Alright, another savings fund has started for my own Traeger.
So it was set, that I was to have my first goose hunt of the season. Let me catch you up on this early September goose hunt. The ODFW has a special Canada goose only hunt for a week in early Sept. to reduce the numbers due to an over abundance of geese. There are only specific counties that the hunt takes place in and it is not statewide. So that's how I was able to hunt geese this month.
Now back to my story. I figured it will take me 40 minutes of travel time and then time to grab decoys, headlamp, gun and shells. So that meant a 4 a.m. wake up which hurt a bit just thinking about. Shooting time was 6:10 and I like to have a few minutes to settle in before legal time. Well it all worked well with the exception that the ditch I was planning to lay in now had irrigation water flowing down it, so I had to opt for plan B. which I didn't have but managed to come up with one, being a resourceful hunter and educated in the days of minimalists field comforts.
I found a not so comfortable rock crib to hunker behind and threw some camo netting with weeds over me to break up my outline. I had set out 8 G & H standard goose shells off to my left at about 10 to 20 yards away. The mild temperatures found me quite comfortable wearing my chamois shirt and cotton camo bdu's. It was about 55 degrees and all I was missing was another cup of coffee. I had that to look forward to once I got back to the truck. So, I am all dressed up and waiting for the guests of honor to arrive. The morning is slowly waking up as the vroom of cars, trucks, school buses and farm equipment starts to rumble. Horses are knocking on fencing panels impatiently waiting their morning ration of alfalfa and the geese are starting to be vocal off in the distance. My heart quickens with the first true "honk" that rang through the distant junipers. Oh how I love to be affected by my quarry, it's magical!
I was facing south and the horizon was thinly veiled in cloud cover. To the north I heard more geese and slowly leaned from out behind the rock crib to catch a glimpse of just where the geese were coming from. It was a pair coming in on a string low and close. They passed by and did a fly by over the neighbors pond, then spotted my decoys. I got ready to roll to my knees and timed it well as they passed by just off to my right. I fired twice and dropped one on the first shot and didn't make a good second shot so away it went, all the wiser. The goose landed by the adjacent rock crib and as I got up to go retrieve it, it was standing and ready to take evasive actions. The pursuit began and eventually I was able to reach out and put my gun barrel on its back to stop it before it got to the neighbors fence line. It was either that or a full fledged tackle. With goose in hand I returned to my make shift ground blind behind the rock crib and waited for the next guests to arrive. It didn't take long and a string of 20 or so came from behind off to my left side. They also knew where they wanted to go and I was able to drop another out of this flock. I again hunkered down hoping that maybe one more group would come by, but none did in more than an hour and a half of waiting. That was it and at 8:45 I picked up my decoys etc. and had to get on with the rest of my days obligations.
That cup of coffee was tastier than the earlier cups as I headed out to BLM to pluck and process the birds. Then stopped at the neighbors to thank them and give them a previously processed goose from this past season for their Traeger. Also tossed in a White fronted goose as they have never eaten one of them. Told them that was the fillet mignon of the goose world, none better. What a great morning and I was ready to continue with the final weed wacking of the season. All in all a spectacular day full of everything I enjoy doing, yes even weed wacking.
In approximately 2 weeks I will be out on my Buck only deer hunt. Close to home and sleeping in my own bed, not such a bad deal. Til then enjoy each day and may your shots ring true.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
So it was set, that I was to have my first goose hunt of the season. Let me catch you up on this early September goose hunt. The ODFW has a special Canada goose only hunt for a week in early Sept. to reduce the numbers due to an over abundance of geese. There are only specific counties that the hunt takes place in and it is not statewide. So that's how I was able to hunt geese this month.
Now back to my story. I figured it will take me 40 minutes of travel time and then time to grab decoys, headlamp, gun and shells. So that meant a 4 a.m. wake up which hurt a bit just thinking about. Shooting time was 6:10 and I like to have a few minutes to settle in before legal time. Well it all worked well with the exception that the ditch I was planning to lay in now had irrigation water flowing down it, so I had to opt for plan B. which I didn't have but managed to come up with one, being a resourceful hunter and educated in the days of minimalists field comforts.
I found a not so comfortable rock crib to hunker behind and threw some camo netting with weeds over me to break up my outline. I had set out 8 G & H standard goose shells off to my left at about 10 to 20 yards away. The mild temperatures found me quite comfortable wearing my chamois shirt and cotton camo bdu's. It was about 55 degrees and all I was missing was another cup of coffee. I had that to look forward to once I got back to the truck. So, I am all dressed up and waiting for the guests of honor to arrive. The morning is slowly waking up as the vroom of cars, trucks, school buses and farm equipment starts to rumble. Horses are knocking on fencing panels impatiently waiting their morning ration of alfalfa and the geese are starting to be vocal off in the distance. My heart quickens with the first true "honk" that rang through the distant junipers. Oh how I love to be affected by my quarry, it's magical!
I was facing south and the horizon was thinly veiled in cloud cover. To the north I heard more geese and slowly leaned from out behind the rock crib to catch a glimpse of just where the geese were coming from. It was a pair coming in on a string low and close. They passed by and did a fly by over the neighbors pond, then spotted my decoys. I got ready to roll to my knees and timed it well as they passed by just off to my right. I fired twice and dropped one on the first shot and didn't make a good second shot so away it went, all the wiser. The goose landed by the adjacent rock crib and as I got up to go retrieve it, it was standing and ready to take evasive actions. The pursuit began and eventually I was able to reach out and put my gun barrel on its back to stop it before it got to the neighbors fence line. It was either that or a full fledged tackle. With goose in hand I returned to my make shift ground blind behind the rock crib and waited for the next guests to arrive. It didn't take long and a string of 20 or so came from behind off to my left side. They also knew where they wanted to go and I was able to drop another out of this flock. I again hunkered down hoping that maybe one more group would come by, but none did in more than an hour and a half of waiting. That was it and at 8:45 I picked up my decoys etc. and had to get on with the rest of my days obligations.
That cup of coffee was tastier than the earlier cups as I headed out to BLM to pluck and process the birds. Then stopped at the neighbors to thank them and give them a previously processed goose from this past season for their Traeger. Also tossed in a White fronted goose as they have never eaten one of them. Told them that was the fillet mignon of the goose world, none better. What a great morning and I was ready to continue with the final weed wacking of the season. All in all a spectacular day full of everything I enjoy doing, yes even weed wacking.
In approximately 2 weeks I will be out on my Buck only deer hunt. Close to home and sleeping in my own bed, not such a bad deal. Til then enjoy each day and may your shots ring true.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Monday, August 23, 2010
Summer Fun
Hello to one and all. I have been away from the blogoshere although not far from home. Have been enjoying a much needed hiatus from writing this summer and focusing more on outdoor adventures. I have been putting in my share of cycling road miles averaging about 125 miles per week, give or take a few. Also have been doing various summer odd jobs to help keep the frig full. Other than that I am still trying to get my house sold which is like trying to sell sand to the sandman.
Earlier this summer my friend Larry and I successfully completed our Master Hunter certification
for Oregon and have since been spending time woodcutting for ourselves and his clients. Just about anything having to do with wood I enjoy and it's especially fun working with him. He spent many years up in Alaska as a Coast Guard helicopter pilot on Kodiak Island and other locations. He tells a good hunting story and I relish the opportunity to be his audience.
Hunting season for me may start with Sage Grouse in September, provided I draw a tag. My friend Dan, his son and I put in together so we'll see. Jet is still pretty much retired and will not go with us for this hunt due to the typically scorching heat. Just not worth taking the chance with her health and ageing hips. She will however go with me for some evening September Dove hunts. Those I am more able to keep a close eye on her activity and physical abilities should she have problems.
I did draw a rifle buck tag for early October but no tag for Elk, which leaves me hunting the general rifle season come mid November. I did consider archery which starts September 1 but opted to keep cycling for that month. Just having to much fun riding this summer to call it quits so early. It is a short cycling season here in the high desert anyhow, and riding indoors is not nearly as enjoyable to maintain my fitness and motivation. Waterfowl season also starts in October and I hope to have a buck hanging at my house or in the freezer by the time I reach for my steel shot and decoys.
Not much else going on right now just getting ready and staying busy as best I can. I will be posting more often come next month and the start of hunting season. Thanks for sticking around and I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful summer.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Earlier this summer my friend Larry and I successfully completed our Master Hunter certification
for Oregon and have since been spending time woodcutting for ourselves and his clients. Just about anything having to do with wood I enjoy and it's especially fun working with him. He spent many years up in Alaska as a Coast Guard helicopter pilot on Kodiak Island and other locations. He tells a good hunting story and I relish the opportunity to be his audience.Hunting season for me may start with Sage Grouse in September, provided I draw a tag. My friend Dan, his son and I put in together so we'll see. Jet is still pretty much retired and will not go with us for this hunt due to the typically scorching heat. Just not worth taking the chance with her health and ageing hips. She will however go with me for some evening September Dove hunts. Those I am more able to keep a close eye on her activity and physical abilities should she have problems.
I did draw a rifle buck tag for early October but no tag for Elk, which leaves me hunting the general rifle season come mid November. I did consider archery which starts September 1 but opted to keep cycling for that month. Just having to much fun riding this summer to call it quits so early. It is a short cycling season here in the high desert anyhow, and riding indoors is not nearly as enjoyable to maintain my fitness and motivation. Waterfowl season also starts in October and I hope to have a buck hanging at my house or in the freezer by the time I reach for my steel shot and decoys.
Not much else going on right now just getting ready and staying busy as best I can. I will be posting more often come next month and the start of hunting season. Thanks for sticking around and I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful summer.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Oregon Controlled Draw Results
The results for Oregon's controlled hunts are now available online at this link. ODFW
I am rather disappointed as I only drew my buck tag and having 4 points towards my elk tag I thought this was going to be my year, well I figured wrong. So next year I will have 5 points for my elk tag and again I will be cautiously optimistic. I will have 9 points for Antelope also. It takes about 12 points to get the tag I am choosing for Antelope. Well I am getting closer and that counts for something.
Otherwise not a whole going on. Been cutting firewood preparing for next winter and staying busy in my shop. Also doing my best to get in some road bike cycling when the weather permits. It continues to be unseasonable cool and wet this summer. Highs in the upper 40's today with rain and snow at higher elevations. I have been living in Central Oregon since 1993 and haven't seen a Spring this cold, windy and wet as this one. It does bring up concerns for gallinaceous birds and the survival rates of their broods this year. It has been a late season for Mule deer does dropping their fawns too. I hope the weather gets warmer and we actually have a summer this year. Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
I am rather disappointed as I only drew my buck tag and having 4 points towards my elk tag I thought this was going to be my year, well I figured wrong. So next year I will have 5 points for my elk tag and again I will be cautiously optimistic. I will have 9 points for Antelope also. It takes about 12 points to get the tag I am choosing for Antelope. Well I am getting closer and that counts for something.
Otherwise not a whole going on. Been cutting firewood preparing for next winter and staying busy in my shop. Also doing my best to get in some road bike cycling when the weather permits. It continues to be unseasonable cool and wet this summer. Highs in the upper 40's today with rain and snow at higher elevations. I have been living in Central Oregon since 1993 and haven't seen a Spring this cold, windy and wet as this one. It does bring up concerns for gallinaceous birds and the survival rates of their broods this year. It has been a late season for Mule deer does dropping their fawns too. I hope the weather gets warmer and we actually have a summer this year. Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Nosler Plant Explosian
I was meeting with some friends in town yesterday afternoon when I heard about the explosion. The Nosler factory is on the west side of town (Bend,OR). You could feel the explosion several miles away and fortunately no one was hurt. Read more.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Friday, May 21, 2010
Breakfast With Ginger
Click on link below and have your volume turned on, enjoy!
Breakfast With Ginger
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Breakfast With Ginger
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Master Hunter Program
I apologize for the lack of posts this Spring and truly appreciate your patience, comments and loyalty. Here is an overview of what I've been up to in between rain, snow and wind.
I have been studying and meeting the requirements for Oregon's Master Hunter Test that the Oregon Department Of Fish and Wildlife offers to hunters who have successfully completed their basic Hunter Safety Education. The Master Hunter is a continuation and more involved test than the former. Building upon the basics while also asking more of the student, both in the class room and the field. There are over 125 questions in a study book, covering topics from land use, fire safety, firearms, game care, specialty hunting, first aid, water safety and hypothermia. Plus a myriad of ethical questions that require a full description of your reasoning and how you came to
your conclusion. There is a 4 hour class room study session followed by a 50 question multiple answer test. Each student is required to do 20 hours of volunteer service to benefit a natural resource such as BLM, Oregon Hunter's Association, RMEF, DU or similar. A shooting test is also required and consists of shooting a caliber legal to hunt elk in the state of Oregon which happens to be a .25 or larger. The shooting test consists of 5 rounds from 100 yards using a kneeling, sitting or standing position without a rest at an 8" diameter circle, of which 4 of the 5 shots must be within an 8" diameter target. This may sound easy to some of you and I invite you to go try it for yourself. Trust me it's not as easy as it sounds. I used my new(to me) .257 Roberts in Remington that was my friends fathers rifle. It is a real tack driver as they say. This is the best I have ever shot with a rifle, and to say I was thrilled is an understatement! The black on this target defines the 8" diameter.
My friend and I completed the last of our 20 hours on Tuesday. Our paperwork is on its way to Salem to be approved, at which time we will be issued Master Hunter certification cards that will give us precedence for big game emergency hunts. Here is the definition from ODFW, "A hunt held on short notice to resolve an acute game mammal damage problem to livestock, agriculture, or timber."
I have yet to go Spring bear hunting as a result of weather and work. As I write this post it is raining buckets and the winds are steady at 15 with gusts to 40. I guess this year we are going from Winter to Summer without much Spring. Snow level is getting back down there too. On the other hand I continue to plod along with my woodworking picking up dovetail drawer orders here and there. At least enough to keep the lights on and cover my overhead.
Thanks for stopping by and as inspiration finds me I'll be writing and sharing of my escapades here on the pages of Women's Hunting Journal. Hope everyone is having a good Spring and are getting out into the wilds of this wonderful world we live in.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
I have been studying and meeting the requirements for Oregon's Master Hunter Test that the Oregon Department Of Fish and Wildlife offers to hunters who have successfully completed their basic Hunter Safety Education. The Master Hunter is a continuation and more involved test than the former. Building upon the basics while also asking more of the student, both in the class room and the field. There are over 125 questions in a study book, covering topics from land use, fire safety, firearms, game care, specialty hunting, first aid, water safety and hypothermia. Plus a myriad of ethical questions that require a full description of your reasoning and how you came to
your conclusion. There is a 4 hour class room study session followed by a 50 question multiple answer test. Each student is required to do 20 hours of volunteer service to benefit a natural resource such as BLM, Oregon Hunter's Association, RMEF, DU or similar. A shooting test is also required and consists of shooting a caliber legal to hunt elk in the state of Oregon which happens to be a .25 or larger. The shooting test consists of 5 rounds from 100 yards using a kneeling, sitting or standing position without a rest at an 8" diameter circle, of which 4 of the 5 shots must be within an 8" diameter target. This may sound easy to some of you and I invite you to go try it for yourself. Trust me it's not as easy as it sounds. I used my new(to me) .257 Roberts in Remington that was my friends fathers rifle. It is a real tack driver as they say. This is the best I have ever shot with a rifle, and to say I was thrilled is an understatement! The black on this target defines the 8" diameter.My friend and I completed the last of our 20 hours on Tuesday. Our paperwork is on its way to Salem to be approved, at which time we will be issued Master Hunter certification cards that will give us precedence for big game emergency hunts. Here is the definition from ODFW, "A hunt held on short notice to resolve an acute game mammal damage problem to livestock, agriculture, or timber."
I have yet to go Spring bear hunting as a result of weather and work. As I write this post it is raining buckets and the winds are steady at 15 with gusts to 40. I guess this year we are going from Winter to Summer without much Spring. Snow level is getting back down there too. On the other hand I continue to plod along with my woodworking picking up dovetail drawer orders here and there. At least enough to keep the lights on and cover my overhead.
Thanks for stopping by and as inspiration finds me I'll be writing and sharing of my escapades here on the pages of Women's Hunting Journal. Hope everyone is having a good Spring and are getting out into the wilds of this wonderful world we live in.
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
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