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.

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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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.

http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html - sign up for the best free fishing Ezine on the net and get a FREE fishing report worth $10!!!
Actually make money online. Find out how for FREE! - http://www.yourmoneyconnection.com

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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.

http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html - sign up for the best free fishing Ezine on the net and get a FREE fishing report worth $10!!!
Actually make money online. Find out how for FREE! - http://www.yourmoneyconnection.com

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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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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.

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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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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/
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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/
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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/
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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.

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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.

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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
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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 .

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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

What Is The Most Effective Bait To Fish With?
By Trevor Kugler

Now here's a question for the ages. This one could spark a hotter debate than whether of not we should be fighting a war in Iraq! There are thousands of different options as far as lures go and if you would factor in diffent sizes the number would easily be in the millions. Then you have all of the various live baits. I wouldn't even want to venture a guess as to the total number of options that are available for fishing bait. Let's just agree its ALOT. So, which is the best?

I think Hank Hill from King of the Hill said it best, "The Good old American worm!" I would have to agree with Hank. For my money, it doesn't get much better than a live worm. And if fish were able to cast a vote, I think they would agree as well. At the end of the day, I would have to say that the best bait is live bait. And on most waters a live worm is as good as it gets.

Think about it. When you were a kid, did your fishing mentor take you out to throw around a 3/4 oz. chartreuse jig or a #14 hopper pattern? No, they took you out to the local pond or river to drown a worm. Sure you may have only caught some little perch, bluegill, or trout, but it was fun, and very well could have been what hooked you on fishing? Yep, the good old earthworm was probably the first bait that you ever used to catch a fish.
And there are some people, myself included, who never stop using worms. We just vary our techniques. The old "worm ball" under a red and white bobber have been retired, and things such as gang hooks and jigs with trailer hooks have been employed. A natural presentation is the key. You want it to look as natural as is possible. For me, a worm, properly presented, is poetry. Much like many "flea flickers" see what they do as an art, I see what I do as a form of poetry. Poetry in motion if you will. And an integral part of my poem is the worm.

So if you haven't used a worm in awhile, give it a try. Do some research, and figure out some new ways to use the old standby. Because, as we all know, fish (especially trout) love wormsand in my humble opinion, the worm is the most effective bait ever created.

Trevor Kugler - Co-founder of JRWfishing.comTrevor has more than 20 years of fishing experience, and now specializes in ultralight trout fishing. http://www.jrwfishing.com - products and information to save you time and help you catch more fish. email - tkugler@jrwfishing.com

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

Camping in the Great Outdoors
By Stephen Graham

You probably experienced camping in your youth while visiting friends or on trips with organized groups. The Boy Scouts and other groups are dedicated to this pursuit. They offer rudimentary training in organized groups which are usually chaperoned by knowledgeable adults. Camping can be fun for the young as well as the adult camper. It is best to start out camping in less extreme conditions and environments. Do not plan your first camping trip in a snow storm or 110 degree temperatures. Use terrain that is not threatening or dangerous to the camper on his first excursion. Gain experience and knowledge. This knowledge along with proper camping equipment can lead to more extreme camping. Stay away from areas with dangerous game populations.

Weather and terrain usually are good indicators on what camping equipment to take with you on your excursions. Cold weather calls for proper cold and wet weather clothing. Heavier duty equipment is usually called for in these situations. Better insulated bed rolls and clothing that can insure a worry free trip are better ideas. Stronger tents and equipment that are better suited to cold weather environs and offer better protection from the elements are correct choices. Some type of heating device or alternative plans for heating that could make your stay more comfortable in cold weather should be initiated. Foods that are high in caloric content make better choices in cold weather camping.

Warm weather camping calls for equipment that meets the criteria for hot conditions. Light clothing and bed rolls meet these conditions. Extra water or water filtration devices should be carried on these trips. Hats and clothing that offer protection from the sun are good choices. Bug spray and a snake bite kit might come in handy under these conditions.
Under all camping conditions proper lighting and first aid equipment should be carried at all times. Food and provisions for cooking that food should be taken along on the trip. Bed rolls or sleeping bags should be accompanied by an air mattress and mattress pad. Maps and compasses should be taken and put to good use. You should leave information about your location and probable return date with a person who can use this information to inform the authorities and thus speed up recovery operations if the need arises. Cutting devices such as knives and axes should accompany you on your journey. To modern day campers a cell phone can be put to good use in emergency situations.

Take packs and enough equipment that will insure your comfort and survival for the proposed time and extra equipment and food for extra days if the need arises. If you are camping in areas where the weather can change abruptly make allowances for that problem. Make sure that the vehicles that transport you to the camping area are in good repair and that vehicle emergency equipment is on board. This could include shovels and flares. A cb radio installed on the vehicle could make a critical situation into a pleasant experience.

Have fun and be prepared for all of the situations and problems that could face you and your friends in the great outdoors.

Stephen Graham: Stephen has a degree in Psychology and writes articles from research and his own life experiences.

http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

http://craftmenagerie.blogspot.com


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Raising and Catching Catfish
By Stephen Graham

The channel catfish,one of the best tasting and sport friendly fish made for the rod angler. I believe that this fish reigns supreme in it's habitat. A fish made for fishing by kids of all ages. you can have a good time catching and eating this fish. Watch out for it's fins and have a pair of pliers or skin pullers at the ready and you will be prepared for a great experience. Chicken liver reigns supreme as bait to catch him. There are also many baits ready made by manufacturers to get him on your hook . Since the channel grows to such large proportions,a large hook and tough terminal gear should be used. I have kids and grandchildren who love to fish. Bass need bigger areas of water in which to live and grow large. Sun fish and bream are okay but they do not grow to large sizes. Kids love to catch the smaller fish but are especially delighted to have a change of pace and have a chance to hook into Mr. whiskers.

I wanted an area where my children could have fun in a clean environment. I had a stock tank built on my property for a reasonable cost. I started to build a fishing pier by myself.The rains came and the pond began to fill up with water. Any ideas that I had in my head about putting post supports in the ground for the pier were dashed. I obtained 55 gallon non metal drums at a reasonable cost and began to work. I built the floating pier next to the waters' edge without the use of any electricity. I used drills that worked off of batteries and hammer and nails, I used treated wood and spiral nails that would not rust in the elements. I used my 6 year old as a pilot to test the stability of my project. After several dunks in the water I added structure onto the pier until it was very stable. I added a box structure on the end of the pier to hold one of my deer feeders. I cut a hole in the bottom and bolted the feeder down. Since I was one person and trying to find the most simple and most efficient means for building, I installed ropes on both sides in two locations. The ropes were secured to trees on the shoreline. The ropes could be secured so that they would not interfere with your fishing. This setup also aids levity in the natural rise and fall of water levels.

I went on a shopping trip to one of the local fish hatcheries, I came away with several hundred channel catfish in plastic bags, The fingerlings averaged from 4-6 inches long. I had already procured cat fish chow from one of the local feed stores. Dog food will do just as well. I put the pellets into the feeder and set the timer to discharge feed early in the morning and about 1 hour before sunset. Monitoring the quantity of pellets released can give you a good idea of how much the fish are actually eating and how much is waste. I changed the batteries in the feeder occasionally and watched as the fish came up to feed on the floating pellets. Catfish do not eat as much in winter months, so adjust the feed output accordingly. I waited until the fish reached a certain length before fishing was allowed.
After 2 1/2 years wait the kids and family were catching catfish that weighed 8 pounds. We had many fish fries where many families were fed.

My kids and family looked forward to going fishing at the stock tank and many good times were enjoyed by us all. Outdoor activities like fishing are good ways for kids and adults to spend their leisure time. In this instance we were bringing a lot of food home to the larder. MY son developed an affinity for the outdoors and now my grandchildren are beginning to reap the rewards of my efforts so many years ago.

Stephen Graham-Avid outdoors man has spent his life in Texas fishing and hunting.

http://www.phmnetwork.com
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

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

Reptile Stories of the Past
By Stephen Graham

Living on a farm put me in close contact with all types of the slithering creatures. My sister was bitten by a snake but not a venomous snake, as a young child while swimming in the tank on our farm. When we fished at night, it brought snakes to our boat from somewhere out of the bitter gloom. When we walked around the house, it brought forth images of snakes lurking at every corner. We caught snakes on trot lines while fishing. My uncle brought snakes to our attention that he had procured out of the local barns. One of his stories involved the tale of what happened to him on one of his frog gigging adventures late one night. The eyes loomed large in the night. The frog gigs aim was true. The snake was struck and the result of the escapade was having the snake wrap itself around the arm of my surprised uncle.

The time that I was fishing out of a truck inner tube and saw a strange motion. A huge water moccasin was sunning itself on a log in the creek. I was about 5 feet from hitting the snake. The wind was blowing toward the reptile. I bailed out of the tube and swam for shore. I left my tackle box and all of my equipment to the mercy of the snake and stock tank.

Shortly after my marriage to a naive city girl, our trip to the farm brought forth images of a peaceful and relaxing week end . I enjoyed riding an old motorcycle . The kick starter on this vehicle was broken and needed the aid of another vehicle pulling it down the road through the use of an attached rope. I enlisted the aid of my wife. Off we went down the one lane rock covered winding road. She spied a snake on the side of the road in a watery ditch. I had the habit of picking up snakes and using them for show and tell. The kids really enjoyed this. I got off of of the motorcycle and preceded to club the snake. I then put it in the back of the open pick up. The motorcycle was unusually cranky this morning and balked at coming to life. My wife turned at the cross road and returned in the direction of the farm house. I was sitting on a motorcycle that was attached by a rope to the accelerating pickup. My wife was narrowly avoiding catastrophe at every turn. I could do nothing but scream at the top of my lungs. She barely missed putting my body through the barbed wire fence surrounding the family home She bailed out of the truck, shouting something that I could not understand. The snake had recovered his senses and was trying to get at my wife through the open pick up window. Water moccasins are very aggressive and if threatened will not shy away from a fight. The snake got out of the truck and backed me up about 15 feet. It struck at everything that it could see. The escapade ended after many near hits by the large snake.

My wife and I enjoyed boating and camping. The tent was erected on the shore line. The boat was in the water. The storm was coming. Everyone on the lake tried to use the boat ramp at once. The wind blew my craft into the rocks. The shear pin snapped in the motor. This pin allows the motor to function. I needed the help of my dear wife. While she held the bow of the boat in chest deep water , I would be at the stern repairing the motor. Dusk was approaching and I was moving rapidly. Not fast enough for the two water snakes that appeared on each side of me next to the motor. I weighed the severity of the situation. It seemed to me that the need to fix the motor outweighed the problem of the snakes. If I warned my wife the efforts to fix the motor and get back to the boat ramp would be curtailed. She screamed as the two snakes swam between her legs. The whole escapade came to a screaming halt.

I had not cut the long grass in weeks. Walking through the field one day I lost my balance and fell. The spot where I fell was not where I wanted to be. I had left a short log about 6 inches in diameter at the very spot. A large snake had rested next to the log. My foot landed on top of the snake. My foot continued movement with the flexibility of the snake skin helping it along. I kept moving until my foot hit the log. Down I came. I believe that I got up faster than I went down.

I found a copperhead snake down by the old hog pens. A large stick struck at the right part of the anatomy of the snake seemed to solve the situation. It was show and tell day. It was a long walk back to the house through tall grass. The kids were waiting. I was within 100 yards of the house when the snake began to move. It fell off the stick which I had used to carry it. It fell right at my feet in the tall grass. Another sticky situation that could be solved by fast action.

I have walked among snakes all of my life. I have come in close contact to water moccasins, copperheads,bull,chicken,coral and timber rattlesnakes. I have stepped on them and next to them. I have swam with them. I have never been bitten by them. I have had many narrow escapes. Snakes have struck at me at me with no ill effects. As a youngster I walked among them bare footed. Having matured, I now use snake proof gaiters when I know that I am moving in areas with high snake populations.

Stephen Graham- Avid hunter and fisherman, is a native Texan. He writes articles, drawing from his own experiences in life.
(C)2006 Stephen Graham

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

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

Reptile Stories of the Past
By Stephen Graham

Living on a farm put me in close contact with all types of the slithering creatures. My sister was bitten by a snake but not a venomous snake, as a young child while swimming in the tank on our farm. When we fished at night, it brought snakes to our boat from somewhere out of the bitter gloom. When we walked around the house, it brought forth images of snakes lurking at every corner. We caught snakes on trot lines while fishing. My uncle brought snakes to our attention that he had procured out of the local barns. One of his stories involved the tale of what happened to him on one of his frog gigging adventures late one night. The eyes loomed large in the night. The frog gigs aim was true. The snake was struck and the result of the escapade was having the snake wrap itself around the arm of my surprised uncle.

The time that I was fishing out of a truck inner tube and saw a strange motion. A huge water moccasin was sunning itself on a log in the creek. I was about 5 feet from hitting the snake. The wind was blowing toward the reptile. I bailed out of the tube and swam for shore. I left my tackle box and all of my equipment to the mercy of the snake and stock tank.
Shortly after my marriage to a naive city girl, our trip to the farm brought forth images of a peaceful and relaxing week end . I enjoyed riding an old motorcycle . The kick starter on this vehicle was broken and needed the aid of another vehicle pulling it down the road through the use of an attached rope. I enlisted the aid of my wife. Off we went down the one lane rock covered winding road. She spied a snake on the side of the road in a watery ditch. I had the habit of picking up snakes and using them for show and tell. The kids really enjoyed this. I got off of of the motorcycle and preceded to club the snake. I then put it in the back of the open pick up. The motorcycle was unusually cranky this morning and balked at coming to life. My wife turned at the cross road and returned in the direction of the farm house. I was sitting on a motorcycle that was attached by a rope to the accelerating pickup. My wife was narrowly avoiding catastrophe at every turn. I could do nothing but scream at the top of my lungs. She barely missed putting my body through the barbed wire fence surrounding the family home She bailed out of the truck, shouting something that I could not understand. The snake had recovered his senses and was trying to get at my wife through the open pick up window. Water moccasins are very aggressive and if threatened will not shy away from a fight. The snake got out of the truck and backed me up about 15 feet. It struck at everything that it could see. The escapade ended after many near hits by the large snake.

My wife and I enjoyed boating and camping. The tent was erected on the shore line. The boat was in the water. The storm was coming. Everyone on the lake tried to use the boat ramp at once. The wind blew my craft into the rocks. The shear pin snapped in the motor. This pin allows the motor to function. I needed the help of my dear wife. While she held the bow of the boat in chest deep water , I would be at the stern repairing the motor. Dusk was approaching and I was moving rapidly. Not fast enough for the two water snakes that appeared on each side of me next to the motor. I weighed the severity of the situation. It seemed to me that the need to fix the motor outweighed the problem of the snakes. If I warned my wife the efforts to fix the motor and get back to the boat ramp would be curtailed. She screamed as the two snakes swam between her legs. The whole escapade came to a screaming halt.

I had not cut the long grass in weeks. Walking through the field one day I lost my balance and fell. The spot where I fell was not where I wanted to be. I had left a short log about 6 inches in diameter at the very spot. A large snake had rested next to the log. My foot landed on top of the snake. My foot continued movement with the flexibility of the snake skin helping it along. I kept moving until my foot hit the log. Down I came. I believe that I got up faster than I went down.

I found a copperhead snake down by the old hog pens. A large stick struck at the right part of the anatomy of the snake seemed to solve the situation. It was show and tell day. It was a long walk back to the house through tall grass. The kids were waiting. I was within 100 yards of the house when the snake began to move. It fell off the stick which I had used to carry it. It fell right at my feet in the tall grass. Another sticky situation that could be solved by fast action.

I have walked among snakes all of my life. I have come in close contact to water moccasins, copperheads,bull,chicken,coral and timber rattlesnakes. I have stepped on them and next to them. I have swam with them. I have never been bitten by them. I have had many narrow escapes. Snakes have struck at me at me with no ill effects. As a youngster I walked among them bare footed. Having matured, I now use snake proof gaiters when I know that I am moving in areas with high snake populations.

Stephen Graham- Avid hunter and fisherman, is a native Texan. He writes articles, drawing from his own experiences in life.
(C)2006 Stephen Graham

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

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

Deer Hunting Guns in Texas
By Stephen Graham

Are you planning your first deer hunting trip in Texas or are you a seasoned veteran? The Texas white tailed deer is not overly large as deer go. Deer up in the northern parts of the country and Canada tend to get larger. The hunters in Texas are blessed with a prolific deer herd that covers a good part of the state. Though the deer are not overly large they do require certain caliber requirements. Anything 22 caliber or below is considered verbotten and illegal in the state. The bigger caliber rifles tend to have harder bullets that will not expand as readily as the smaller calibers. I would not suggest the 416 Remington Magnum that I used on a buffalo hunt several years ago as a good choice for deer sized game.
Calibers from the 243 Remington up to the 30 caliber magnums are widely used here in the state. The magnums tend to be used more in open country where long shots are considered the norm. The 30-06 is a very versatile choice for any type of hunting The 243 Remington is adequate but should only be used with 100 grain bullets. Any caliber that will bring about a quick and humane kill is just about right for white tail hunting. Shorter barrels are better suited to confined spaces,tree stands,hunting blinds and the deep woods where vegetation might become a problem with longer barrels. In the deep woods where shots are not overly long,the lever action with its' associated calibers will fill the bill quite nicely. The 30-30 Winchester with a 170 grain bullet works like lightening on deer. My personal favorite is a 45-70 that I handload up to about 2,000 f.p.s. I use a hollow point which has given me nothing but complete satisfaction. I usually find the spent bullet up against the hide of the deer. It uses all of it's stored energy inside of the deer where it will do the most good. The innards of a deer are usually reduced to confetti size material with this round.

I have used the 243 to blow fist sized holes in deer. This limits their activities and stops a tracking job that might have to be done at night. The 35 Remington is more dramatic on deer than the 30-30. The 30-06 or it's cousin the 308 with 150 and 180 grain bullets tend to bring a hunting situation to a quick closeure. I like the lever action calibers that use blunt nose bullets.The blunt nose bullets have a more dramatic effect on game than their sharper nosed counterparts. You don't need specialty bullets for deer except for use in the big magnums. You need tough bullets at the speed some of these calibers are attaining.

I own a 30-378 Weatherby magnum in which I only use Barnes x and Nosler bullets in hunting situations I have shot deer with this caliber at extreme ranges. The rifle and caliber combination works well along with it's component 6x20 scope. You have to match the conditions to your choice of caliber. A rifle that works wonderfully at long range would not necessarily be the right choice for the deep woods.

Hand guns for hunting have become very popular in recent years. Most of the single shots like the Contender and Encore in correct calibers will do the job nicely. The 44 magnum,45 colt,454 casull and the new Smith and Wesson handguns are right on target. The 460 Smith and Wesson with it's great engineering and radical bullets will shoot as true as a rifle up to about 200 yards.

Pair the right caliber to your style of hunting. Resist the temptation to get too large of a boomer. You will not be able to shoot it as acurately as a smaller caliber and it might lead you into a habit of flinching with every shot. This habit does nothing at all to enhance your accuracy. African hunters long ago realized that a heavy bullet travelling about 2400 f.p.s. was about the best medicine for their tasks at hand. A light and fast bullet at close ranges tended to blow up and disentergrate on the hide with little internal harm to the animal. Enjoy your sport and be safe with your firearms. Following these guidelines will enable a growing number of hunters to participate in this ritual year after year.

Stephen Graham- Avid hunter and outdoorsman has hunted in Texas and other states.
http://www.phmnetwork.com
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
http://phmnetwork.blogspot.com

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

Deer Hunting in Texas-Synonym for White Tail Deer
By Stephen Graham

The big state of Texas is synonymous with white tail deer hunting. Because it is so big there are different ways to hunt them in completely different landscapes.

Hunting in south Texas is usually done on big privately owned ranches. Most deer hunting in Texas is done on private land. The bigger the horns, the bigger the price tag. Usually when you think of big deer and horns you think of south Texas. Hunting towards Abilene out west usually rewards you with good results. Going north towards the red river involves trees and open spaces. Hunting east towards Louisiana puts you in a completely different geographic area. There you will find trees and more trees and forests beyond comprehension.

Out east the bag limits are usually smaller than the rest of the state, except in years of overpopulation when extra tags are offered. In the past a limit of five deer was offered in Brown county. On one hunt in Brown county our hunting party spotted hundreds of deer in an hours worth of scouting on the ranch. On an area in the next county over a scouting trip intense scouting revealed no tracks at all. The owner offered to let us hunt on his private ranch down by the river if we did not connect on a deer by the closing dates of the season. Down by Athens,Texas, the deer are big but become nocturnal with little hunting pressure. we travel down to Junction,Texas and the deer are easy to see because they readily come to feeders because generally the land is poor and food is scarce. Out east during times of huge acorn production ,deer are hard to come by because they will not come to feeders during day light hours. All they have to do is travel a few yards to get their nourishment from fallen acorns. Down south food plots are very advantageous. Baiting with corn down the senderos is a fixed practice,with very good results. Heat is the downside to Hunting in Texas. Temperature in the 80s are sometimes the norm in this area.

What I am beginning to see in Texas is a plan to gather deer with good genes from all over the state and reintroduce quality deer to that specific area. There are a great many ranches all over the state that offer high fences,quality deer, bunking facilities.airport pick up service,quality guides,carcass preparation and meat and taxidermy services. The culinary services at these places is usually quite good also.

Deer feeders are the norm in Texas. To be within the law you must have these feeders in operation for a certain time period. Hunters on a restricted budget can get a public hunting permit. There are not many things more relaxing than sitting at your favorite deer site and enjoying the moment. For a more competitive hunt you can venture to some of the better ranches where management practices are in effect. Some ranches that I have hunted require the harvesting of only bucks that are 8 points or better. You had better not harvest anything smaller or you will pay for the oversight out of your pocket book.

Have a safe and enjoyable hunting season putting your wits up against the master of the woods. The wily whitetail deer has made many of us seem like rank amateurs. Year after year we pursue this crafty veteran of camouflage and escape. For those of us that are hooked , we never tire of the challenge and the time spent outdoors with one of the craftiest animals on earth. Hunt safe and hunt hard and maybe this season you will be rewarded with new knowledge and a far greater respect for the white tailed deer. Adios amigos

Stephen Graham-Avid hunter and outdoorsman has years of experience hunting in Texas and other states. Other interests include fishing and Indian lore and artifacts.
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
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http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

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Angling with Anna
By Stephen Graham

Anna, my granddaughter was one of my favorite fishing partners. We had shared many a happy moment on the waters. She loved to fish and spend time with her grandfather. We began fishing together when she was very young. Her parents had become divorced when she was an infant. She loved to visit the farm and ride on the tractor. The sights and sounds of the rural setting appealed to her and put her at ease. Popping fire crackers and fishing off of the pier down by the pond were her favorite past times. We stayed close to the area ponds because of the safety afforded by them. The bigger lakes in the region offered no allure or satisfaction to us. I had fished the larger lakes and had finally sold my large boat because of friction on the lakes caused by water skiers and out of control intoxicated drivers of flying hunks of metal traveling at speeds of 70 miles per hour or better. The still waters suited us better and we were much safer on them. My 45 could stay in its holster and not have the need to be called out by out of control people bent on assault.

Anna was a natural angler. She caught fish when I could not. She had a natural toughness that out lasted my ability to hang with her on many occasions. The wintry days on the pond when the temperature had dropped and the wind was howling in almost gale force proportions prompted me to quit long before she was ready to call it a day. She never wanted to go home on our angling trips.

I bought her a tackle box and began to fill it with hooks and weights and all of the other fishing paraphernalia that the area tackle shops had in stock. I offered to buy lures to accompany her other tackle. I let her loose in the store. She came back with lures of all the same color. I asked her why she had made that choice and she told me that she based her choice on the fact that pink was her favorite color. Pink was good. She caught many fish on that color variation. She caught bream and perch. On the bigger fish I had to help her reel the fish into our possession. She was not afraid of the dark and barely blinked an eye at the approach of the snakes that inhabited the waters. I tried to keep the snake population to a minimum because of the fact that children played and fished in proximity to the pond. When I fired at a copperhead that was swimming scant feet away from her, her only comment was whether I had connected or not.

She has grown into other activities. Baton and baseball fill her days. If I ever need a solid fishing partner she is the person that I will call. Neither sun, wind or uncomfortable circumstances will slow her down. My only complaint is the fact that she usually out fishes me on every occasion. I think that I can live with that.

Stephen Graham-Writes about his life experiences.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
http://huntin-n-fishin.net
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Sam's Hunt
By Stephen Graham

Sam was the youngest of our children. I had begun to expose him to the outdoors and the shooting sports at an early age. What other youngster could say that he had shot his daddys pistol at age six? Every time that Sam touched a gun he was under intense scrutiny. Safety was the primary concern. He began to accompany me on my deer hunting trips. We had a cabin located in prime hunting territory where deer were abundant.. The usual things happened on those occasions. Sitting in a tree with his dad was not enough. He would talk and use the tree trunk for a drum set on most hunting trips. Singing was his number one priority on these excursions. I never saw any deer on my trips to the deer stands with Sam. It really did not matter. Time well spent with my son was far more important than venison.

School came. Sam developed other interests. I volunteered for coaching duties in football and baseball. He belonged to the band for a short period. There was school work and athletics. The spare time that he had left was devoted to fishing. Fishing at dads stock tank was a number one concern for him. Time flew . The next thing I noticed about Sam was that he was growing into a young man.

A very good general purpose deer rifle was given to him. It sported a scope that matched the integrity of the rifle. We made a trip to San Saba to hunt deer. He had the opportunity. He told me later that when the deer came into his sight picture he began to shake. Welcome to deer hunting. Sam lost interest to a degree after this hunt.

Sam's rifle was lost. I loaned him another. I had obtained this rifle in a purchase over the internet. It was a good and sound used Marlin in 30-30 caliber. Sam became interested in going on a hunt one more time. I gave him about 100 rounds of ammo that I had hand loaded. Practice sessions began in earnest. When he shot up the given ammo I loaded him more. One day he was handling the rifle in our cabin and it came apart. He brought me 4 or 5 pieces and the gun. He did not have a clue on the procedures required to put the pieces back together again. My wife took the rifle and extra parts to the local gun smith. It would be 4 months before he would have time to repair the Marlin. She brought the rifle home and I repaired it myself.

I had booked a hunt at one of the local game ranches. The reasoning for this departure was that I did not want Sam to sit in a stand for days and lose interest again. We were at the ranch before day break. I had booked a hunt for axis deer and hogs. The hunt was to last two days. My aunt died and plans were changed . Extra time was needed to go back to the big city for the funeral. We began to transverse the ranch. A big ram came into view. Sam's first shot was low. The second shot was on the money. The ram went down without taking a step, succumbing to a single shot. We next approached a beautiful 8 point white tail buck. One shot and the buck was down. Sam's confidence was growing in leaps and bounds. The hog never knew what hit him. Sam and the guide approached the downed hog. The guide put his boot on the neck of the hog without interference. The hog exploded with an intended end run to the safety of the trees. Sam's shot was true. The hog was stopped in it's tracks. Sam walked up to the hog and the hog jumped up and tried for the forest again. Sam's third shot was terminal. Hogs are tough critters to bring down.

Sam has the meat. The ram and 8 point are at the taxidermists. His new wife is undecided about where to put his trophies. She mentioned something about me storing them at my house. It is all in the right training. She will eventually come around.

Stephen Graham- Writes articles from his own life experiences.

http://huntin-n-fishin.net
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

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Buffalo Hunting
By Stephen Graham

The thought of hunting the large beast seemed larger than life to me. The largest animal that I had ever hunted was a mule deer. I had made many inquiries. Some companies did not have the buffalo listed on the animals that were offered by their firm. Some companies laughed at me. Some were serious.. I finally found an agent at the southern most tip of the hill country in Texas. I made inquiries. The agent thought that he could locate a suitable animal within my price range. We exchanged e-mail messages for weeks. What type of rifle should I bring? I was informed that in order to hunt buffalo successfully with the smallest chance of error you need to bring the biggest possible gun that you can shoot accurately. I had dreamed of hunting Africa for decades. I had purchased a rifle with enough punch to hunt elephants and cape buffalo previously. I thought that this hunt would be a preliminary for the hunt that I had always dreamed about. Hunting the cape buffalo in Africa. What could be more exciting? The thought of going up against the black death kept sleep from coming on most nights. M'bogo or inyati as he is referred to in Africa would be the hunt of a life time for me.

The agent from Texas called and told me that he could get me a good deal on a buffalo. The animal that he had in mind for me was referred to as a mean and rogue bull. The agent told me that the buff was so mean that the rancher could not financially keep the animal any longer. The animal was fighting and sometimes injuring his other buffaloes. I had digested this possibility reasonably well. I was prepared. This is what I had asked for. Hunting an animal that could dish out punishment. Unless the caliber and shot were true the hunter could have problems. I received another e-mail from this gentleman. Now he requested that I make my shot with a hand gun. I would score higher in the book if I heeded his advise. I had been the highest scoring pupil in some of the classes that I had taken. I realized the limitations of hand guns on large animals. I had been shooting a hand gun in 45-70 caliber. I was cut and bleeding as a result of the recoil on almost every shot. The 454 casual did not make me bleed but had a heavy trigger and was difficult to shoot accurately. I am a large person who is not young or quick enough to outdistance and out dodge an irate animal. I thought about the proposition.. Visions of the 416 Remington magnum danced in my head.

Practice sessions with the 416 became brutal. There is a vast difference in recoil between the 375 H and H mag and the 416. I put a good scope on top of the beast. We became familiar but not the best of friends. I could put my shots well enough on a target at 100 yards that I began to believe that the animal would be in trouble.

The agent called again. This time he informed me of the actions of a recent client. The great white hunter had come from Dallas with a film crew to hunt buffalo. The hunter made a bad shot on the animal. The fellow with the camera advanced on the animal with a warning to stay back by the guide. The cameraman got too close and was hooked by the buff for his efforts. The buff charged the hunter with unexpected result of the hunter throwing down his gun and running in the opposite direction. The buff now turned his attention to the guide. The guide emptied his pistol at the animal while at the same time running for his life. The animal finally fell and the hunt was rescued.

After hearing this story from the agent I became excited. This was going to be a hunt that would almost duplicate my anticipated cape buffalo hunt.

Stephen Graham-Writes articles about his own life experiences.

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com/
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com/
http://huntin-n-fishin.net

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Sporting Knives - Sportsmans' Friend
By Stephen Graham

They are the sportsmans' best friend. Whether used on a fishing trip or for cutting up that big buck, knives are invaluable. They come in many different shapes and sizes. The smaller knife is better used for hunting purposes. The longer thinner knives are better for your fishing uses. Fixed blade or folding knives give you a product with different handling characteristics. Knife handles come in different materials. Wood, rubber, horn, leather, plastic and many other materials adorn these blades. Blades appear in many different forms. A few of these different blade materials on these knives consist of 154 cm, 420, aus-8, 440, Ats-34, aus-6 and D-2 steel. Some steel will hold an edge longer and some will resist rust and the elements better. Higher carbon steels are better for most purposes. D-2 and ats-34 are superior blade materials. Good tempering is an added plus for determining blade characteristics.

You will pay more out of pocket for expensive handle materials. Prices will be higher for horn and other exotic materials used for handles. The better blade metal will be more expensive than lesser quality blades. The better blades will hone to a sharper edge. Blades with higher rockwell hardness will usually stay sharper longer. A rockwell hardness of 58-60 is usually good and serviceable. Blades come today in many different forms.
Ceramic blades are very sharp and usually are so hard they have to be sent back to the manufacturers to be sharpened. The only draw back is that they are very brittle and break easier than standard blades. Titanium and powdered titanium used in blade materials are very serviceable and make good blades.

Buffalo bone handles look good on Obsidian blades. Some knives that are sold are dedicated to be close copies of period knives. Bowie knives come in many different patterns and lengths. They come with matching handles that depict different eras in history. Many knives like the case products are considered collectable. They come in a variety of handle material and blade configurations. Knife collectors are abundant and keep the knife companies very busy. There are period knives made for reenactors and collectors. Modern knives are being produced that mirror those worn by the early Native American and the mountain man. The sheaths that accompany these knives are made from many different materials. Leather, kryton and other materials are offered to cover and carry these knives.

Many are embellished with materials of choice. Some have snap closures and others have nice receptacles for their fixed blade counterparts. Some sheaths are embellished with beads and some are adorned with leather lacing..

Get the knife that fits you and fits the intended use that you require of it. If you want to carry a personal knife, a small folding knife is perfect. Folders are also made for heavy work on deer and other game animals. Sets of knives are sold for the serious sportsman that will handle every chore from gutting and skinning down to steak preparation.

Usually the bigger knives appear in softer metals. large knifes used in place of an axe for cutting are usually made of this variety. Some knife makers claim that their knives will plow through two elk. Some knives are manufactured to be pleasing to the eye but will not hold up well under intense use. Fixed blade knives can take a lot of abuse and do not require a locking devise to make them stable and safe. Keep your knives sharp. A sharp knife will be much safer and it will do it's intended job much quicker and easier. Be safe and enjoy the wide range of products offered to the consumer. You have so much to choose from.

Stephen Graham, Avid hunter and fisherman, writes from his own life experiences.
http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com
http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com
http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com

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