October 29, 2011 Finally

After two years of waiting, working and wishing I finally connected with a deer last night.  This beautiful six point buck was the first deer to walk within range of my Mission Venture since we've been back in the States.  I'm so proud of this deer and so were all the kids. 

There are so many to thank.  First, I praise God for the ability to get in the woods and for the gift of this deer.  To Marie for letting me hunt on her place, Mark for putting together my Mission, Rusty for his part in that whole deal, and my wife for making me get out the house and go hunting.  What a great memory. 

October 21, 2011 Small Spots, Little Treasures

I dream of owning a large piece of property to hunt and fish on one day.  Until that happens I'm content to hunt on small, urban parcels that other folks graciously give me permission to use.  Most of these spots other sportsmen would turn their noses up at but beggars can't be choosers, at least that's what I've always been told.

Last night I bow hunted one such place.  I'd love to say I connected with a deer but the simple truth is I didn't even see one.  That doesn't mean that I had a bad time, in fact quite the opposite is true.  For the better part of three hours I watched squirrels prepare their winter stores, a couple pileated woodpeckers work over a rotting beech tree and, near sunset, saw and heard two flocks of Canada geese fly over, headed for their evening resting spots.  Witnessing these things made this a successful hunt. and transformed this small location into a favorite spot.  Maybe the next time a deer will be involved. 

October 7, 2011 Calibers Indoor Range

There are just some days when you need to burn some gun powder.  Last week I had one of those days and my friend, Keith, had just the solution;  a trip to Calibers Gun Range.  Although I'd heard about Calibers quite a bit I'd never gone. That was a mistake. What a great place!  

Since this was my first visit I had to watch a brief safety video. After the video we paid for a couple lanes, $15 for unlimited range time, and bought a couple targets.  Calibers has guns for rent and ammo for sale but we were covered in those areas.  Ear plugs were plugged and eye protection was donned and the shooting commenced.  With each trigger pull the stress of the day lessened and after a box of bullets all was right with the world!  Having a tough day?  Head on over to Calibers. 

October 5, 2011 NC Wildlife's New Site

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's new website is now up and running.  At first glance it's a great improvement.  Check it out for yourself by clicking here.