Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Putting the winter to good use.

To pass the time until Spring turkey season here are some great reads. “The American Wild Turkey” by Henry Edwards Davis, “Tenth Legion” by Tom Kelly, “America’s Greatest Game Bird” by Archibald Rutledge, “The Old Pro Turkey Hunter” by Gene Nunnery, “Turkey Hunting: A One Man Game” by Kenny Morgan,“Turkey Hunting Digest” by Jim Spence, “The Art & Science of Wild Turkey Hunting” by Lovett E. Williams Jr. , “Turkey Hunting with Charlie Elliott” by Charlie Elliott, and “The Education of a Turkey Hunter” by William Hanenkrat.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Finding Birds!!!!

Whether you are hunting ducks or turkeys knowing where they roost is key to success.  Ducks and turkeys alike will roost at night and usually in the same location every day.  Knowing where these roosts are will definitely put more birds in your bag. 

Lets talk some duck.  Ducks will roost on large waters and also on those habitats that provide some protection.  A lot of the puddle jumpers I see will head to shelter and cover for protection during the night.   Flooded fields also will hold some of the game you seek. 

Make sure you do some evening scouting to make you morning hunts exciting and productive. 

Until next time, keep your eyes to the skies and your boots in the field.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Low Missouri Fall Turkey firearm season

The following is an excerpt from an article from the Colombia Daily tribune. 
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 2,169 turkeys during Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season, Oct. 1-31. Last year’s fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,899.
MDC’s turkey biologist says the low harvest total can be attributed to several years of poor hatches.
“We had really poor production in 2016 and 2017, which resulted in lower turkey numbers across the state,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Jason Isabelle. “Unfortunately, on top of those two bad hatches, production was down again this year, so the drop in harvest this fall certainly wasn’t unexpected.”
Another factor that has resulted in lower fall turkey harvests is declining hunter participation. This year, 10,262 fall firearms turkey hunting permits were purchased. During the peak year of 1987, nearly 53,000 permits were purchased. Missouri has seen a declining interest in fall firearms turkey season as have other states.
Despite the low harvest and participation numbers, Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season provides hunters with ample time to spend in the setting of the state’s beautiful fall woods, and there are hunters who enjoy the fall experience just as much as the spring.
“Fall turkey hunting can be pretty exciting,” Isabelle said. “Having a scattered flock of turkeys respond to your calls from all directions is an incredible experience.”
Fall archery turkey hunting continues through Nov. 9 and resumes from Nov. 21 through Jan. 15, 2019. For fall firearms turkey harvest results by county, go online to MDC’s website at http://on.mo.gov/1jjz7Ew.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Look to the skies!!!!

October is a great time to view some spectacular sights in the night time sky.  I am always amazed at what I can see with a good pair of binoculars.  The moon is always a good place to start.  Every time I see the moon I am amazed that man has walked on that surface.  WOW!!  On Oct 13 in the predawn look below and to the left of the moon to see the Beehive, a cluster of stars.  On Oct 24 you will see the full Hunters Moon also called a Harvest Moon.  Oct 21st will be a great night to see the Orionid meteor shower.  You should see a dozen or so meteors per hour in the eastern sky during predawn hours.  As for seeing some planets check out the sky on Oct 5.  Venus and Mars will be close together in the eastern sky about an hour before sunrise.  Venus will be very bright.  Using good binoculars you will be able to see a faint reddish planet, Mars.  These are just a few of the fantastic sights you will see.  Have a great time and good luck.  

Monday, October 1, 2018

Doctoberfest 2018

Doctoberfest 2018. Hey gang, from now until midnight Oct 11, 2018 you can get 10% off any and all orders. Check out our site. If you can't find what you need let us know and we will do our best to take care of you. Fall is upon us so don't head to field without everything you need.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Labor Day Dove Hunt

This past Labor Day morning was foggy and misty.   Nevertheless, we hit the snooze button a couple of times before heading out to the field.  A friend of ours had a spot that he thought would give us some great shots at some doves.  My son, a buddy of his, myself and our "guide" got set up and proceeded to wait.  We put up our dove spinner decoy and got hunkered down.  Well Mr. Sun decided to sleep in that morning.  And then it started to rain a little harder.  We did see a couple of doves but they were about 100 yds away flying at about 100 mph.  They were on a mission.  We did a little walking to see if we could maybe get a shot at one.  The dogs we had were getting very anxious.  They wanted to retrieve but we had nothing for them.  Like I've always said, "I never get skunked on a hunting trip."  Whether we get a bird or not, spending time in the field with my son and friends is an awesome venture.  Memories that last a life time.  I am so glad that I got my son started hunting years ago.  I remember taking him pheasant hunting in Kansas when he was about 5 yrs old.  Walking the fields, sitting by a stream and enjoying the sights and sounds are memories that will last forever.  Next time you head out to the field take your son, daughter, or maybe the kid next door with you.  Pass on what you love to those you love.  Until next time keep your eyes towards the sky and your feet in the field.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Age of shot

Heading out dove hunting in the morning.  Found some older dove shot.  Was cussin and discussin with my son about shooting older shot.  What is you time limit on shooting older shot?  Let me know what you think.  Thanks for your input.