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Weekend Hunting Wrap Up

Well, the Marlin finally came in and the good wife is happy. She picked up a sweet shoulder strap at the gun show this weekend. All we need to do now is mount the scope and get down to the range and dial it in. Hopefully, as the weather warms up, we’ll be able to do that in 2-3 weeks. She’s going to need to get used to shooting again, since it’s been quite a while since she’s done any real shooting. Looking forward to taking the wife to the range.

I was doing some reading and this story over at Locavore Hunter (which I hope to review one day). He gives a brief discussion of how he keeps his freezer stalked year round and talks about hunting starlings. Yeah, starlings. It has never really occurred to me to hunt starlings, being brought up to disregard “junk” birds. Very interesting. I might have to change my thoughts along these lines and I’m totally in agreement with the Locavore philosophy (which basically means local food).

In other stuff, Kansas is considering elk hunting for 2010. I wonder how much the land owners are going to charge to get on their land?

Also, a friend of mine is opening his land to hunting this year, visit the Buttons Ranch for more info if interested.

And a shout out to fellow Kansas, Deer Passion, who has a new little addition to her family. Congrats!

That’s it for now. Keep your powder dry.

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Chisholm Trail Gun Show This Weekend

Nothing like a gun show to get one through hunting withdrawals. The good wife and I will be heading out to look around since we’re still looking for her rifle. This is the big spring show here in these parts so there’s always a lot to see and wish about. I’m really looking forward to it.

Speaking of hunting withdrawals, anyone going turkey hunting next month? I still haven’t found a spot to hunt turkey on yet.

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Winter Quiet

So, it’s mid February. I’m suffering from cabin fever. Severely.

This last year I’ve really gotten into being outdoors. I started trail running last summer. I went on a few more scouting trips than I have in the past. Did a bit more hunting than I have in previous seasons.

And now, either due to schedule and commitments, I’ve only been able to get out hunting once since December deer season. And I’m going a bit mad. I only want to do a bit of rabbit hunting. Is that too much to ask?

Anyway, I’m reading around the web, trying to cure my disease by reading some other hunting blogs. Found some interesting stuff, thought I would share a few links.

This is the first time I’ve heard of using Anise Oil for deer scent. Not that I’ve heard it all, I’ve just never heard this before.

Scott Linden Outdoors is not enjoying the stuff his dog is dragging home. Leave a good story there and you might win a Cabela’s gift certificate.

The Lavacore Hunter is talking about goose hunting, or more to the point, goose eating.

Beka scored an awesome buck muzzleloading over at Hunting Life.

Found another Kansas hunter’s blog, Deer Passion.

The Hunter’s Wife is talking about coyote hunting (I’m so jealous).

So that’s it. I hope that will help you – it didn’t me. I still need to get out. Bad. I have a free weekend (I hope) coming up in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping to get out, at least for a morning and look for some bunnies.

Keep your powder dry.

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Small Game Hunting

huntersI grew up hunting upland birds (pheasant and quail) with my dad and later, my school buddies. That’s just all we did. I have a vague memory of dad coming home with some rabbits when I was very young. Later he told me he didn’t like cleaning them so he stopped. I’ve never really given it much thought through the years until recently.

I’ve been reading lots of stories and articles recently about rabbit and squirrel hunts, using everything from 22’s to small bore black powder rifles. I’m reading these and I’m hearing the joy from these hunters and I’m wondering what I’ve been missing all this time? So now, since pheasant, quail and deer seasons are over, I’ve decided to go find out. The squirrel season here in Kansas is only open until the end of February, so I have to get a start quickly.

So, who out there enjoys small game hunting and what do you get from it (besides the meat obviously)? And one other question, I’ve noticed a lack of rabbits the last few years and wondered if anyone else has noticed that also?

Drop us a note in the comments below and tell us about your rabbit and squirrel hunting adventures.

Keep your powder dry.

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Last Two Weekends For Kansas Upland Hunting

me_with_hat
The New Hat

Heading out tomorrow morning for the next to the last weekend for pheasant and quail season here in Kansas. I’ve been itching to get all of January and things just haven’t gone my way. I’ve got a new hunting hat and I need to see if it brings me any luck, because we all know, hunting it all about the hat. At least that’s what Keith tells me.

I’m heading down to Southeast Kansas Saturday morning with my daughter to get a tour of a new aquaintance’s ranch. He says it hasn’t been hunted much over the last couple of decades and there used to be some quail down there.

Sweet! I love a good quail hunt.

So I’ll be sporting my new hat and my Browning pump 12 gauge and my daughter will be along with her Stoeger side-by-side (which is a really cool story that I’ll have to tell some day). Wish us luck. I hope we see something tomorrow.

Keep your powder dry.

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The Words of a Good Wife

The other day at lunch with my wife, I heard the words that every guy wants to hear…

No, not that, the other words…

OK, let me rephrase. I heard the words every hunter or shooter wants to hear.

“I think we need another rifle. I don’t want to shoot the ones you have,” she said.

Internally, my mind is jumping for joy like a 12 year old at Christmas.

“Oh yeah? What are you thinking about?” I said very cavalier.

Basically, I got out of her that she doesn’t want to shoot black powder, which is 2 of my 3 rifles. The other is an old military surplus, 303 British Enfield. Evidently, those just aren’t sexy enough for her. But she does want a big enough caliber that I, uhm, we can be use it for deer hunting. Yay for me!

Fine. I can go sexy. Nothing’s sexier in my mind than a lever action rifle. I’ve had my eye on a Marlin for quite some time. So I do what I normally do (and what any hunter in my situation would do), I run with it. I’m going to see this one to the end. I’ll either get another rifle or I won’t, but it won’t be for lack of trying. So, I’m showing her pictures and checking auction prices.

“Oh yeah, that’s nice,” she says, barely glancing at the plethora of photos on my computer screen. Now she’s the cavalier one. Man, women are frustrating sometimes.

Well, on to the good stuff. Let’s say I go with a Marlin 336? I knew they came in 30-30 caliber, my brother hunts with one. Didn’t realize they came in .32 or .35 Remington. Not even sure what those rounds are. So which round? 30-30 or .35 Remington? More running, more research. The Marlin has a great history, being made for a century or so. Fit’s into the gun philosophy fine (of using something with a history, a story to tell).

Maybe I should look into a Winchester rifle? I’m sure it will cost more than the Marlin. That is one thing she stipulated, it can’t be expensive.

I suppose I’m going to have to let her be a part of the decision here? I know, bad thought… bad, bad thought!

So give me your thoughts. I’m probably going to have to go used since I have a price limit. And a used Marlin fits into that price limit fine. Anyone have any thoughts on 30-30 versus .35 Remington?

Meanwhile, I’ve got some convincing to do.

Keep your powder dry and “watch your top knot”.

Follow up, 1/8/2010: Here is a great write up on the Marlin 336 vs. Winchester 94 over at the Guns and Shooting site. Even the author like the Marlin in the end. Although I do agree with him that that 94 stock does look better.


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Hunting Site Review: Black Powder Notebook

Black Powder NotebookOne of the things I want to do with this blog in the new year is add reviews of other hunting related web sites. Well, it’s the new year, so here’s our first review.

I was turned on to this site by my hunting buddy and co-blogger, Keith. The name of the site is Black Powder Notebook and it chronicles the adventures of Bob Spencer as he sets out to hunt and camp as our forefathers did as this country was being founded. He strives to re-enact exactly as a late 1700’s homesteader or pioneer would have hunted. He has logged many of his treks through the years and it’s very entertaining reading.

He seems to favor squirrel hunting (something I’ve never done but am curious after reading his site) .and he begins his first article reminiscing about how he came to be at that moment while hunting squirrels. He talks about how he got started in the black powder world his love of flintlocks. What I like is how he’s out to just do just more than hunt, but to experience it from a different viewpoint. I like these quotes (from various articles):

“As each new aspect of the subject opened to me, and I acquired new skills associated with it, I began to have a better understanding of our ancestors. It is impossible to know what they and their life were really like, but muzzle loading has opened a small window into the past for me, and I thoroughly enjoy the view.”

“Sitting there under that walnut tree, I realized with surety that black powder had been for me a siren song, leading me inexorably onward to more wonderful experiences. Because of it, I have become a better, more thoughtful hunter, a more involved and knowledgeable citizen, a happier and more satisfied person.”

A Siren Song

“I truly do enjoy hunting them more than killing them, and I’ll miss all those early mornings, watching the woods come alive.”

Perfect Doe Hunt

“The center seam elk skin moccasins made ala Mark Baker may be the best thing I’ve ever made. They are, I suspect, the real secret to my enjoyment of this season, because there’s something elemental about traipsing through the woods and streams with nothing between you and the good earth but a soft layer of elk hide. Contact…I can’t describe it better.”

Special Turkey Season

One of my favorite stories is Squirrel Stew, a story about an overnight trek where he describes the entire trip. It sounds so peaceful and relaxing, enough so that I envy him. I would really love to experience the outdoors in that way.

Along with his hunting stories are some black powder related articles on loads, shooting, fire making, tomahawk throwing and casting round balls over a camp fire (which is another thing I’ve been wanting to try my hand at).

This is a great site to get in the mind of a hunter and outdoorsman. It’s refreshing to read about someone who enjoys being out in nature more than just bagging a trophy buck. It’s a feeling we attempt to reach at our deer camps as well, but I think Bob has us beat, by a really long shot. Even if you’re not into black powder hunting or shooting, this site is a definite must read.

Hunting Site Review: Black Powder Notebook

One of the things I want to do with this blog in the new year is add reviews of other hunting related web sites. Well, it’s the new year, so here’s our first review.

I was turned on to this site by my hunting buddy and co-blogger, Keith. The name of the site is Black Powder Notebook (http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/) and it chronicles the adventures of Bob Spencer as he sets out to hunt and camp as our forefathers did as this country was being founded. He strives to reenact exactly as a late 1700’s homesteader or pioneer would have hunted. He has logged many of his treks through the years and it’s very entertaining reading.

He seems to favor squirrel hunting (something I’ve never done but am curious after reading his site) .and he begins his first article reminiscing (http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/song.html) about how he came to be at that moment while hunting squirrels. He talks about how he got started in the black powder world his love of flintlocks. What I like is how he’s out to just do just more than hunt, but to experience it from a different viewpoint. I like these quotes (from various articles):

“As each new aspect of the subject opened to me, and I acquired new skills associated with it, I began to have a better understanding of our ancestors. It is impossible to know what they and their life were really like, but muzzle loading has opened a small window into the past for me, and I thoroughly enjoy the view.”

“Sitting there under that walnut tree, I realized with surety that black powder had been for me a siren song, leading me inexorably onward to more wonderful experiences. Because of it, I have become a better, more thoughtful hunter, a more involved and knowledgeable citizen, a happier and more satisfied person.”

Siren Song – http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/song.html

“I truly do enjoy hunting them more than killing them, and I’ll miss all those early mornings, watching the woods come alive.”

Perfect Doe Hunt – http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/PerfectDoeHunt.html

“The center seam elk skin moccasins made ala Mark Baker may be the best thing I’ve ever made. They are, I suspect, the real secret to my enjoyment of this season, because there’s something elemental about traipsing through the woods and streams with nothing between you and the good earth but a soft layer of elk hide. Contact…I can’t describe it better.”

Special Turkey Season – http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/SpecialSeason.html

One of my favorite stories is Squirrel Stew (http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/squirrel.html), a story about an overnight trek where he describes the entire trip. It sounds so peaceful and relaxing, enough so that I envy him. I would really love to experience the outdoors in that way.

Along with his hunting stories are some black powder related articles on loads, shooting, fire making, tomahawk throwing and casting round balls over a fire (which is another thing I’ve been wanting to try my hand at) (http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/runningball.html).

So, this is a great site to get in the mind of a hunter and outdoorsman. It’s refreshing to read about someone who enjoys being out in nature more than just bagging a trophy buck. It’s a feeling we attempt to reach at our deer camps as well, but I think Bob has us beat, by a really long shot. Even if you’re not into black powder hunting or shooting, this site is a definite must read.