Category: Hunting

Wild Turkeys for Thanksgiving

— Jodi Stemler

This holiday season, I’ll be traveling through the airport with a frozen wild turkey in a YETI Hopper as my carry-on. It’s a tradition we started about five years ago, and I’m always proud to supply a key portion of my family’s annual Thanksgiving dinner—though the comments from the TSA Agents can be amusing.

Turkey and Thanksgiving have gone hand in hand since colonial times, right? Not exactly… the well-known tale of the decimation of wildlife followed by the restoration and return to huntable populations is no more evident than it is with wild turkeys. On the front end of that restoration effort was the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with help from funding through the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Fund. New research is showing how that initial investment is paying big dividends, and how having wild turkey on the Thanksgiving table is now something we can all celebrate.

From Abundant to Scarce

Despite popular belief, historians aren’t clear whether turkeys were on the table at the first Thanksgiving dinner shared by colonists and the Native Americans in 1621. Wild turkeys were abundant throughout the colonies, and Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony wrote of the “great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many.” He also notes before that storied first Thanksgiving the Englishmen went on a successful “fowling” mission, though waterfowl might have been a more likely quarry during the fall migration. Instead, the Wampanoag tribe brought several deer to the dinner, so venison was probably the primary protein.

In truth, by the time that President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in 1863 declaring an official Thanksgiving holiday to occur in late November, wild turkeys were largely extirpated across much of the country. The once prolific birds fell victim to unregulated harvest by market hunters and the conversion of forested habitat to farmland. As an example, by the late 1800s about 75% of New York state was cleared for farmland and turkeys are believed to have been gone from the state since the 1840s. By 1920, wild turkeys were lost from 18 of the original 39 states in its historical range. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

C3 Mitts Offering Deep Discounts for Black Friday

C3 Mitts is excited to announce its full line of insulated hunting Mitts is now available at an incredible savings for holiday shoppers.

Featuring wind-blocking technology, water resistance, and 3M Thinsulate insulation, C3 Mitts provide protection in the coldest conditions, with models available for rifle, shotgun, bow, and crossbow — now at 40% off through November 30 with no promo code required.

From a dedicated Mitt for compound bowhunters to a versatile Multi-Mitt, C3 Mitts has a model for every application. Whether you need to keep your shotgun, rifle, or crossbow at the ready, there’s a C3 Mitt that will allow you to keep your hand on your weapon, stay warm, and eliminate movement that could spook your prey.

To learn more and browse the entire lineup of insulated hunting Mitts, visit C3Mitts.com.

C3 Mitts

C3 Mitts manufactures high-quality insulated hunting Mitts for cold-weather hunting applications. Whether you’re walking the open prairie for upland game, sitting still in a tree stand, or kicking back in a blind waiting on waterfowl, C3 has an insulated hunting Mitt to fit your weapon of choice.

Hunting

Michigan’s Wolf Management Update

The November Wolf Management Advisory Council meeting consisted of recommendations to the 2015 Wolf Management plan. Check out MUCC’s recap of the meeting here.

The council is scheduled to meet again on December 7 at the Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace. DNR Law Enforcement Divison is expected to present before the council.

The wolf attitude survey is wrapping up, and survey researchers are expected to present on the results of the survey at the January meeting.

Hunting, Wildlife

New and Improved Primos Custom Mill Shop Now Taking Orders

Primos Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, has recently launched updates to its Custom Mill Products online store, which allows customers to create their own unique box calls, pot calls, owl calls, grunt calls, euro mount plaques and more.

The new site improves customer experience for easier customization and streamlined ordering with one convenient checkout. Customers can easily build multiple custom mill products with personalized messages for each product. They can even add a custom product to their cart while shopping for Primos’ top rated ground blinds and shooting sticks.

In addition to the updated website design, the Custom Mill Products shop has added a new custom owl call and new scene engraving options for the custom boot pullers, pot calls and box calls. All Primos Custom Mill Products are handcrafted in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

“We’re excited to keep building on the success of the Custom Mill Products lineup right in time for the holidays,” said Jason Harris, Director of Marketing and Product Management at Primos Hunting. “Primos Custom Mill Products really speak to the heart of all Primos Hunting gear – craftsmanship, attention to detail and one-of-a-kind memories in the outdoors.” Read more

Hunting

Court Agrees Wisconsin DNR Infringed on Wisconsin Hunters Constitutional Rights

Kansas City, Mo. – A Jefferson County Court agreed with Hunter Nation today by ruling that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) infringed on Wisconsin’s hunters right to hunt by delaying Wisconsin’s statutorily required wolf hunt. The permanent injunction granted to Hunter Nation against the DNR means the agency must follow the law when it comes to administering a wolf hunt in Wisconsin.

In a historic ruling, the judge agreed with Hunter Nation’s argument that Wisconsin’s hunters constitutional right to hunt had been infringed upon.

“This is a historic day for Wisconsin’s hunters and for everyone who supports our constitutional rights,” said Hunter Nation President and CEO, Luke Hilgemann. “This ruling means that no rogue government agency, no anti-hunting special interest groups, and no politician can infringe on our constitutionally guaranteed right to hunt. Thanks to Hunter Nation’s efforts in court, we can be sure that our hunting heritage can be secured for generations to come.”

Hunting

Do Antlers and Horns Really Shrink?

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By PJ Delhomme
Whether you found an ancient set of antlers in your uncle’s barn or you just killed a massive whitetail, you’re going to have to wait 60 days before getting a true measurement. Allow us to explain why.

In the spring of 2014, retreating snow drifts in Alberta revealed a massive bighorn ram that died of natural causes. Alberta wildlife officials green-scored it at more than 209 points, and it appeared to be a new world record—at the time. The celebratory Molsons couldn’t be cracked right away, though. Everyone had to wait the mandatory 60-day drying period before official measurements could be taken. During this drying period, the horns had to air dry at “habitable” room temperature (60 degrees F/15 degrees C or greater). This goes for hunter-killed animals as well as “pick ups” like the ram in question. Once the ram started to thaw, the horns started to shrink.

Over those 60 days, the horns shrank an astounding four inches in net score. Every measurement was smaller on both horns. It’s still an amazing ram at 205-7/8 and ranks tenth of all time in the Boone and Crockett Records. But what happened? Read more

Hunting

Bullet HP from Convergent Hunting Solutions

Euless, TX — Convergent Hunting Solutions offers predator hunters the ultimate package in the Bullet HP Kit. Featuring a Bluetooth electronic game call, Picatinny phone mount, full sound library, and camo carry bag. The new system is sure to help predator hunters call in more critters.

Created by professional predator hunter Byron South, Convergent game calls are made in the USA and deliver premium sound quality at an incredible value. Tested extensively from the piney woods of East Texas to the deserts of Northern Nevada, Convergent game calls provide the best sound thanks to industry-leading technology, effective volume control and unparalleled clarity of sound that’s sure to up your game.

The Bullet HP is Convergent’s flagship electronic call, and it allows hunters to pair a smartphone with the call up to 300 feet away. Unlike older calls with megaphone-style speakers, the Bullet HP features a conical design for premium sound quality in any environment. The call is Android and Apple compatible and allows for complete control of the unit via five different sound apps, including coyote, deer, hog, turkey, and crow. The unit offers a loud, clear sound and is powered by an integrated Li-ION battery with over 10 hours of run time. At just 2.9 lbs., the Bullet HP is easy to carry, features a built-in decoy and ground spike, and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for your favorite music. Read more

Hunting

A Determined Hunter’s First Buck

Kyria’s First Michigan Buck

 

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Associaiton (POMA)

This year’s Youth Firearms Deer Season had finally arrived and 12 year-old Kyria was hoping to fill her first buck tag.  Her proud father, Rob, would be at her side every step of the way and had already introduced her to a practical choice in a 6.5 caliber rifle and scope.  The bottle-neck 6.5 caliber was to be an excellent choice in Zone II north of Elsie – especially for a young lady 12 years of age.

Opening day was upon the hopeful father/daughter team.  With a full measure of anticipation they donned their hunter orange clothing well in advance of daylight.  Trouble ensued, however, when dad checked the rifle before the trek to the blind and the scope came off in his hands.

Not to be denied, they devised plan B, which would involve the use of another rifle in 350 Legend configuration.  The trouble was that the backup rifle was at home.  Next, a pre-dawn call to mom would have her bring the back-up firearm to a half-way point, where dad would continue the relay race against dawn.

Kyria had gained all the requisite confidence required with the straight-wall cartridge, filling several deer crop-damage permits with it.   The relatively new 350 Legend checks the boxes for modest recoil and effectiveness on deer-size game.  Even though the hunt was to be conducted in Zone II – where bottle neck cartridges may be preferred – the backup gun provided an option to carry on with the hunt.

Fortunately, the daughter/father team was excited enough to get up very early.  Imagine having gone through all of the above, downshifting, and recovering in time to be on stand before 7am.  But, there the twosome was in the blind together.  Oh, they were not done with navigation of the obstacle course quite yet, as a hornet’s nest was discovered within the box blind.  The hunt continued, nonetheless, but a single fawn was the only other sign of life the first hour.

As is often the case – seemingly out of nowhere – Kyria softly exclaims, “Dad, there’s a buck!”  They mutually agree it’s an 8-pointer.   Diligently waiting for the perfect broadside opportunity she exclaims, “Another big buck!  Two more behind it!”  Dad adjusted the scope’s magnification and handed the firearm to his motivated daughter.  She had focused the crosshairs on the kill zone of a gnarly 10-point buck still in velvet.  The conscious hold was solid and the trigger squeeze perfect.  And, nothing.

A misfire failed to deter the youngster, who had one final chance at a remaining 9-point buck – assuming the cycled firearm would perform its function.  A flashback to a time when Kyria had missed a whitetail entered her mental picture, but now she was about to be tested.  Through it all, her confidence piloted the bullet to the mark at 173 yards.  She had called the shot; she had known the result and it was a dandy 9-point buck.

Anyone’s first buck will always be remembered and this one for all the ingredients that went into this recipe for success.

Hunting

Top 10 best hunting practices for firearm deer season

Hunters can expect excellent conditions for the 2021 firearm deer season, which begins Monday, Nov. 15. As Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers gear up for the season, they share best practices and tips to avoid the most common violations and mistakes they see every year.

“Most of the violations that conservation officers encounter during firearm deer season are simple mistakes people make when they get caught up in the excitement of the hunt or forget to put safety first,” said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We want people to be safe, so they have a good story to tell friends and family about their successful hunt.”

Here’s a list of 10 best practices to help hunters avoid common mistakes and violations during firearm season – most of which easily can be avoided with a little research and planning.

#1 – Properly tag your deer

Conservation officers often see the wrong kill tag on game – such as fish or turkey licenses on deer. Often, this is a simple mistake made in the dark and can be corrected by re-tagging the deer as soon as you notice the error. Read more
Hunting

Sapir Named M. Paul Kessler NY Outdoor Citizen for 2021

Glenn Sapir of Putnam Valley, NY, was named the recipient of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association’s prestigious M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award at its annual conference held this year in Saratoga, NY.

The Keesler Award is presented to an individual or organization that effectively has raised the public’s awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation issues in New York State. The award was created to honor worthy individuals and organizations, at the same time perpetuating the name of one of the organization’s dearest members. The late M. Paul Keesler spent nearly five decades promoting and conserving the outdoor wonders and recreational opportunities within New York State.

Sapir has been an outdoor writer for over 50 years and has served the outdoor community in many ways by publicizing outdoor recreational opportunities and alerting people to important issues in conservation and outdoor sports.

He has been an editor for the “Big Three,” including Field & Stream for 18 years, but has contributed to state and local publications as well, including New York Sportsman (for which he served as editor), The Conservationist, The Fisherman, and others. His newspaper column for Gannett’s Journal News, which covered three New York counties, ran for 27 years. In all of these he exposed readers to outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation issues in New York State. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife
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