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2020 Goals

So we’re pretty well into the first month of the new year – 2020. In all honesty, I was glad to see 2019 go (one reason here). 2019 was a rough year for the clan here. Not to mention all the shenanigans in Washington DC, I’ve just reached my limit on the clowns in DC. I’m glad to move and start out new. New year, new start, new goals. I rarely make New Year resolutions and didn’t this year. But I do make life goals. Here’s a few that I made prior to the end of last year that I’ll be pursuing this year.

I have set a goal to learn Morse Code. Morse Code you ask? Yeah, that old timey communication network used back in the 19th century. I became a licensed amateur radio operator a few years back and it’s just the natural progression of the hobby. Even having been licensed for a few years, I still consider myself a beginner. I don’t have a radio or electronics background, so all of this is very new to me. I have a couple antennas up and some radios, but I really just tinker a lot and listen in. I’ve made a few contacts around the states, but don’t really have the equipment for long distance voice calls. So that’s one of the reasons I want to get into Morse (or CW as the hobby calls it), you can send much further distances on much less power – right up my alley.

Another goal is to get loads worked up for some rifles I have. I don’t have the time to reload as much as I’d like but I find it a very rewarding part of the shooting and hunting hobby (of which this site is mostly centered around). A couple of years ago, I worked up a load for my Marlin 1895 in 45-70 and took a deer with it that season. That was highly satisfying. I’d like to replicate that on a couple other rifles I’ve acquired over the last couple of years and do the same.

I have a goal to go Antelope hunting as well. I put in for a tag in 2019 but didn’t make the lottery. Not sure how long I have to apply before my tag would get pulled, but I plan to apply this year as well. Oh and I plan to use my Plains Rifle traditional muzzleloader. I think that would be a blast to pull off. I know this goal isn’t all on me, but it’s still out there.

What hunting or shooting goals (or any really) have you all set for this year? Post them in the comments below!

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2019 Kansas Hunting Season

The 2019 hunting season was a huge disappointment. I was horribly skunked all season. Our normal dove hunting grounds were empty, the dove were non-existent this year. The massive spring storms are thought to be the culprit. I was toying with visiting a buddy of mine in Abilene, Texas to do some dove hunting with him but they had the same thing there.

I only managed to get out pheasant and quail hunting once. Missed my one shot at a rooster that I had – I did kick up some feathers off the bird, he just never dropped.

I deer hunted on a new piece of land with a buddy. He managed to shoot a deer on the opening day. Unfortunately for me, nothing showed back up for the next four days. Including Mr. 8 Point I happened to see during one of the 2 weekends I was able to scout the place. That was the only time I saw him. I had a couple of trail cams out that caught a few does, but they just didn’t show back up.

Keith and I also put in for a Kansas muzzleloading antelope tag but we didn’t draw. We have a point for this year though!

So that’s my tail of woe… Hoping this year is better.

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1888 8 Year Old Rum

I do have a liking for a good rum. But it has to be good. One that can be enjoyed and sipped like a good whiskey. 1888 is up their, it’s one of the best rums I’ve come across.

1888

1888 is a smooth sipping rum that has been aged for 5 years in ex bourbon oak casks, then finished for 3 in sherry casks. It has a sweet aroma with a caramel mouth feel. It’s not overly sweet and has a slight floral finish.

I’m not a very good taster, don’t always know how to describe what I’m tasting. I just know this is dang good and everyone that’s tried it has loved it.

I prefer it neat but cold. Adding ice does change the mouth feel, almost thicker in the mouth after the ice melts a bit. Still a great drink, I just like it neat a bit better.

You can check out the 1888 site here for a bit more info. This falls into my highly recommend category.

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It is Alive!

So it’s been a long while since I’ve posted here. Well, I’m back. I’m ready to kick this thing back into gear. Hopefully, I’ll find my voice again and have some things to write about. I’m going to expand the topic from strictly hunting to bourbon, outdoors, random thoughts on life and other things.

I hope you find something of interest. Thanks for reading.

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2015 Hunting Season Kicks Off!

So the unofficial start to the 2015 hunting began with dove season opening up today. I probably won’t get to get out until this weekend due to work and all. But looking forward to it, as I do every year. Dove opener just means deer season is only a couple of weeks off.

And I shaved for the last time on Sunday. Won’t shave again until next year once all the seasons stop.

Good luck if you’re getting out. Keep your powder dry.