alex rutledge of

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alex rutledge of

APRIL 2014
ALEX RUTLEDGE OF
BLOODLINE
OUTDOORS TV
BLAME IT ON RIO
FINESSE FISHING
MARCO POLO: THE ULTIMATE SHEEP HUNT
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APRIL 2014
BLOODLINE OUTDOORS TV
BLAME IT ON RIO
FINESSE FISHING
MARCO POLO: THE ULTIMATE SHEEP HUNT
COLUMNS
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The Electro
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WELCOME
FEATURED OUTFITTER
CANINE CARE
OUTDOORS KITCHEN
FLY FISHING
WHAT’S NEW
water temperature to see what you are
working with. If the water is 55 degrees
or lower the bass will be moving fairly
slowly, meaning they will be trying to
use darker colored water and debris to
camouflage themselves from the prey
they are trying to feed on.
FROM THE DESK OF OUR C.E.O AND
FOUNDER RUSTY FAULK
The warm weather is starting to come
around, which means it is time to trade
the riffle in for a fishing pole. I love
spending time on the open water trying
to catch the bass that is sure to make the
best story of the summer.
However if the water temperature is
showing 65 degrees or above, I would
suggest fishing in clearer water because
the bass would be able to use its speed
as an aid in capturing its prey. Darker
colored water is also warmer this time of
the year, due to dirt particles in the water
will collect and hold heat.
As you can see something that seems
so small, can play a huge role in your
fishing early spring bass fishing trips.
But before we can head out on our
I suggest that you invest in a water
newly polished boat, we must first
thermometer so that you can see exactly
prepare ourselves for the spring fishing
what type of water you should be fishing
trips we are soon to start taking. There are
on. Remember, if the water is 55 or below
two important factors to keep in mind
you should be fishing in areas where
that will have a huge impact on your
the water is a little darker and has brush
fishing trip in the early spring: the water
cover the bass since they will need it
temperature and water clarity. By looking
due to their slowness in the water while
into these two factors we can decipher
chasing prey. If the water is 65 or above
what part of the lake or river we should
park your boat in the clearer water, since
be concentrating on in order to catch the
the bass will be using their speed on their
biggest bass for this time of the year.
prey and no longer need the element of
surprise. And the most important thing
First let’s look at why the water
to remember is to have fun this fishing
temperature is such a crucial aspect of
season.
early spring fishing for bass. We are going
to be looking for the warmest water,
Until next time may your boat coolers
because bass and the food that they
stay full and your lines stay tight!
consume are coldblooded. First test the
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Bloodline
Ou
with Alex Rutledge
by John E. Phillips
utdoors TV
With turkey season upon us, Alex Rutledge and the Bloodline crew are in the woods and
traveling the country hunting turkeys all over the nation.
Editor’s Note: Alex Rutledge of Birchtree,
Missouri, and his team of Bloodline
professionals of the “Bloodline Outdoors TV”
series (http://pursuitchannel.com/bloodline)
travel the United States hunting deer, turkey,
elk, waterfowl and predators and doing
some fishing. The show airs during the
third and fourth quarters of the year on the
Pursuit Channel. A preview of the show will
be aired starting in April.
gobble as loudly as an eastern. Since
these turkeys travel with large harems of
hens, calling the gobbler to the hunter
may be difficult.”
Easterns
Many consider the eastern the toughest
tom to take. But Rutledge says the
number of predators and the amount
of hunting pressure really dictates how
difficult a gobbler is to call. “Generally
Osceolas
the eastern wild turkey has had much
The show starts off in Florida with hunts
more hunting pressure for a longer time
for Osceola gobblers. According to
than other turkey races. Because the
Rutledge, “We use Duel Game Calls (http:// eastern terrain is often much denser with
duelgamecalls.com/) to call Osceola
vegetation than other U.S. terrain, more
gobblers out of fields and into our Avian
predators seem to be trying to catch and
X decoys (www.zinccalls.com/avian-x).
eat turkeys.”
From Florida, we go to Oklahoma,
Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas
Merriam’s
and Nebraska. During each turkey
Rutledge confirms what many turkey
season, we take a Grand Slam - at least
hunters believe that when you hunt
one gobbler from each race of turkeys,
these beautiful gobblers with their pure
including Osceola, eastern, Rio Grande
white tail feather tips, found primarily in
and Merriam’s. We teach our viewers
the Northwest and Midwest, you hear
how to take these gobblers. Most people a different type gobble. The Merriam’s,
think the Osceola is the hardest to take,
which don’t get hunted as much or as
because finding private land to hunt him long as the turkeys of the East, is much
is often difficult. The Osceola doesn’t
more vocal and likes to gobble more than
Osceola or the
easterns. “When
you go to the
Northwest to hunt
Merriam’s or to
the Southwest to
hunt Rio Grandes,
you’ll think you’ve
died and gone to
heaven,” Rutledge
explains. “Both
these subspecies
of the wild turkey
seem to gobble
much more than
the eastern turkey.
In my opinion, the
Merriam’s gobbler
is one of the
easiest gobblers
to call and take,
if you’re trying to
take your Grand
Slam. Merriam’s
will come from
great distances to
a turkey call, so
that’s why I like
to use calls with
Four Tips
to Help You Take Turkeys This Spring:
1) Be safe. Identify your target before you
take the safety off your gun. Make sure
you can see the turkey’s head and his
beard clearly before you prepare to make
the shot. Don’t wear red, white or blue
clothing – the colors of a turkey’s head.
3) Learn the terrain and the habits of
the turkeys on the land you hunt. Know
where every creek, fence, patch of thick
cover, pasture, clear-cut, logging road and
opening is where a gobbler may want to
strut and meet his hens. Find out where
the turkeys roost, and where they feed. In
the Southwest, you need to know where
to find all the available water.
4) Get topo maps and aerial photos of
the property, before you hunt. Talk to the
2) Realize your turkey hunting will only
landowner, and learn where he’s seeing
be as good as the dirt you hunt. To be
turkeys. Put your boots on the ground,
successful, find private land that has little and visually scout the land to learn the
or no hunting pressure and lots of turkeys. turkey’s routes.
a lot of volume. The areas where you
hunt Merriam’s will be either fairly open
or mountainous, sometimes with strong
winds, and the louder calls will reach out
farther and touch those Merriam’s.”
Rio Grandes
“I really enjoy hunting the Rio Grande
turkeys of the Southwest, with their very
distinctive gobbles,” Rutledge reports.
“Rather than sounding like gobble,
gobble, gobble, Rio Grandes sound more
like obble, obble, obble. The tips of their
tail feathers are more buff to cream-
colored than the other three species.
The Rio Grande gobblers will gobble
all day long. Usually, in most of the arid
Southwest, you can see the Rio Grande
turkeys from a long way off. So, when
hunting these birds, I like to get as close
to them as I can, using the terrain to hide
my movements. I’ll set out some Avian X
decoys (www.zinccalls.com/avian-x) and
call loudly to get their attention. Once the
bird spots my decoys, I call more quietly,
and often, he’ll come running.”
Blame It
Rio Grande Turkey are
plenty wily.
t On Rio
by Buck Wilder
Brad Harris and I linked up in Joplin,
Missouri,where we then made a
relatively short drive to a large ranch
in Kansas,where he had arranged for
us to stay and hunt. It was midway
through the peak of gobbling time, and
that portion of eastern Kansas was as
green and lush as I ever recall seeing it.
According to Brad, who was then with
Lohman Game Calls, the ranch where
we would be had not been hunted so
far this season, and was loaded with lots
of lovesick Rio Grande gobblers. With an
estimated 800,000 Rios, Kansas is one of
the top states for hunting this particular
subspecies of wild turkey.
The Rio Grande wild turkey is native to
the semi-arid regions states of Texas,
Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as the
northeastern portion of Mexico. It
draws its name from the Rio Grande
River, which drains the bulk of its range.
Fully mature gobblers have a slightly
smaller body size than the Eastern wild
turkey. Coloration is also different. The
Rio Grande is pale and copper-colored,
having tail feathers sporting a yellowishbuff coloration. The Rio Grande’s color
is consistently lighter than that of the
Eastern and Osceola birds, but is darker
than the same feathers in the Merriam or
Gould subspecies.
Rio Grande gobblers are usually highly
vocal, and respond well to calling. Most
hunters do not rank the Rio Grande as
being as call shy, or as wary as either
the Eastern or Osceola subspecies.
However, this can be misleading—if
you think that while hunting a Rio
Grande longbeard that you can get
away with calling miscues or other
blunders like movement. Also, as Brad
and I discovered during the last leg of
his hunt, when Rio Grande gobblers are
preoccupied with receptive hens around
them, no amount of expert calling will
coax these old fellows before the barrel
of a shotgun.
Then
something
seemed to
alarm the
longbeard.
Feast Or Famine
It has been written
many times that Kansas
turkey hunting is rarely
anything other than
feast or famine, and our
first trip out on day one
proved this statement.
Our day started like
all turkey hunts do,
with bleary eyes that
needed to be propped
open until the affects of the second cup
of coffee could perform its metamorphic
magic. We loaded up our gear in the
Suburban and headed out the bumpy
ranch roads to the back side of the ranch,
nursing along our last few sips of hot
java.
Stars still spangled the sky while we
readied our gear as quietly as possible.
An expert caller of national renown, Brad
had agreed to undertake the calling
chores. Having hunted wild turkey for
decades, I am a decent caller. However,
if Picasso is willing to paint my house
for me, what excuse would I have for
picking up a paint
brush? Even before
Brad struck a yelp from
one of his calls, I was
highly impressed with
the craftsmanship and
beauty of the Lohman
calls he pulled out of
his vest.
All morning long we
roamed the rolling,
green terrain of the
foothills without successfully getting a
gobbler to pay much attention to our
calling efforts. “The big boys are with
hens right now,” Bradsaid softly, as we
took a mid-morning break. “After they
have been bred, these hens will slip away
to their nests to lay another egg. By noon
those old toms will be by themselves
and ready to pursue shy hens.”
You could have set your watch by what
Brad had told me. Only a few ticks of the
clock past noon, subtle hen yelps made
by Brad were answered by thunderous
gobbling. The problem was that the tom
was on the other side of a cottonwoodwww.pursuitchannel.com
lined creek that meandered through
a wide pasture. Brad reacted like he
already knew the drill, directing us to
double time it to the edge of the creek
before the pair of approaching gobblers
could reach it, as they would certainly
hang up there and refuse to call.
Brad was calling the shots on this outing.
He pointed out a shaded spot on the
edge of the rill, where it made a steady
gurgling sound as the current raced over
the rocky gradient. Extending out my
lounge vest, I made myself comfortable.
Brad moved like a ghost up the creek
about 50 yards upstream from me, where
the little creek backed up to form a silent
pool. From there the master caller began
to perform his magic.
Strutting And Drumming
The approaching tom was hotter than a
three-dollar pistol.
Part of the way to the creek, the ole bird
was literally at a brisk trot, then he would
stop to strut, dragging the tips of his
wing feathers while also drumming. The
second tom was a bit more reluctant,
which was just what we wanted, as Brad
was hoping for a double kill between
us. Just as the old lead gobbler got
with shooting range, he again broke
into a full-blown strut. I wanted the
cameraman to get all of the footage that
he wanted, so I held off on squeezing
the trigger. It was a magnificent sight,
watching the bright rays of sun dance off
of the plumage of the bird, shining like
polished copper.
Then something seemed to alarm the
longbeard. We never knew what it was,
but the old boy folded himself into a
compact package and was about to run
in the opposite direction of us. However,
Lady Luck was there for me one more
time. For some reason, the otherwise
quick-thinking gobbler could not resist
extending his long neck skyward to take
a second look at what had gotten his
attention. What the longbeard saw in the
instant before he died was a tight spray
of lead shot screaming at his head at
about 2,000 feet per second. The effect
on that bird’s pale blue noggin reminded
me of when Luke Skywalker blew up his
daddy’s Death Star.The bird had trophyclass spurs and a 10-inch beard. I was
more than pleased.
My name is Fred Cox and my venture in offering turkey calls started in
1995. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a full scale business,
so please if I can help you, do not hesitate to contact me.
- Happy Hunting
2012 NWTF, CHAMPION CALLMAKER,
WINGBONE DIVISION
336-451-9420
www.grandslamturkeycalls.com
Finesse Fishing
by Roger Lee Brown, The Bass Coach
If there is a truly misunderstood bass
tactic, finesse fishing is it. A number of
myths about finesse fishing have been
fostered by bass fishermen who have
little or no experience with the technique,
and certainly even less success. Many
anglers believe finesse fishing only
catches small fish—it doesn’t. I’ve had
people tell me finesse fishing will not win
tournaments—it does. When properly
used, finesse fishing can help you put a
limit of big bass in the boat when other
techniques fail.
Finesse fishing is pretty much nothing
more than downsizing a particular type
of bait or lure. When it comes to winter
fishing, or those times throughout the
year when fish are inactive, most anglers
will find more success at catching bass
with this technique.
Finesse fishing patterns are usually
fished at a much slower rate, due mostly
to the fact that bass are fairly inactive
during these periods. The biggest factor
an angler should be aware of is that
the bass’s metabolism slows way down
in colder water temperatures, making
them very inactive or lethargic, and a
bass will not expend great amounts of
energy during those times. By nature, it
seems that a bass will always expend the
least amount of energy for the greatest
amount of benefit. That’s why a bass is
considered to be more of an ambush fish
than a chaser.
There are a few tricks or, as some would
say, a few how-tos when fishing a finesse
pattern. I will explain some of these
techniques and as follows:
Plastic Or Hard Baits
First, let’s talk about plastics. Four-inch
plastic baits, such as French fries (also
known as centipedes), grubs, worms,
crawlers, tubes, or any other smaller types
of soft plastic baits are a good choice to
use for finesse fishing. Rig these baits like
a “Texas Rig,” using a thin wire hook and
the lightest weight possible (just light
enough so that the plastic bait just barely
falls through the water). Let the bait
completely fall to the bottom, make a
slow twitch, then slowly reel the bait back
in; then do it again.
One of the most popular finesse rigs
is the split-shot rig. By duplicating the
natural, swimming motion of a baitfish
with the slow, steady retrieve of a
small, four-inch worm, split-shotting is
a very efficient means of force-feeding
unaggressive bass. In most cases, this
is accomplished by Texas rigging a
Four-inch curly-tail worm or threeinch grub on a straight shank, perfect
bend Aberdeen-style hook, with a splitshot crimped 18- to 24-inches up on a
6-pound test line. The Aberdeen hook
is used because it provides a keel to the
worm which, like a boat’s keel, keeps the
worm on a straight and level course.
One rig that has proven to be deadly
is the “Double Rig.” Sometimes, when
you’re not sure what type of baits to use,
the “Double Rig” allows you to use two
baits at once. First, tie a Jig-n-Pig on your
line, then tie a two- to four-foot leader
off the Jig-n-Pig. Tie a hook on the end
of the leader (making sure that you use
no weight) and rig a plastic bait on the
hook. Work this pattern just as you would
a Carolina Rig. Now you have two choices
for the bass to zero in on.
By the way, Carolina Rigs can also be used
for finesse fishing! Just use lighter hooks,
weights, and baits.
So what about hard baits? Let’s say you’re
fishing a crankbait pattern during one
of these cold or inactive periods. You
notice on your graph that the bass are in
the 20’ to 40’ depth and the area’s shad
or baitfishare small. How would you get
a small crankbait to dive down to these
depths? Easy! Tie a small crankbait on
a Carolina Rig! Again, the key in finesse
fishing is downsizing your lure. With a
little creativity, you can fish any depth
you want with any lure you choose.
Technique
Let’s talk a little about technique. Splitshotting is a horizontal, moving-bait
technique used when bass are moving
through or holding in water that is 20 feet
deep or less. Although some fishermen
place a split-shot on their line and call
it split-shotting, the essence of the
technique is in the moving bait tactic.
Without the movement, you are merely
placing a plastic worm in the water with
a weight up the line. While this method
does work, particularly with reapers, it is
more an example of fishing with a splitshot than it is true split-shotting.
Since the proper retrieve maintains
constant bottom contact with the splitshot while moving the bait at a slow, but
steady pace, split-shotting covers water
faster than just about any conventional
worming method. Actually, split-shotting
more closely resembles crankbait fishing
than it does plastic worming. And, as a
result, this method is especially lethal
at locating fish concentrations or at
intercepting bass as they move up during
daily migrations.
If the water is more than 40 feet deep,
split-shotting loses its effectiveness. Try to
find any structure within this depth, such
as a steep bank, rocks, or any irregular
drops. Position your boat in the deeper
water, cast over these areas with a Texasrigged bait, and let it pendulum fall
(swing) itself back under the boat. Watch
your line carefully and be aware of what
your rod is doing. If at anytime something
seems different, set the hook!
If you have underwater structure areas
like tree tops, old buildings, rocks, and
underwater vegetation, a technique
known as “doodling” can be successful at
catching bass. When “doodling” finesse
bait, suspend the bait just over these
structure areas and lightly twitch the bait,
then let it just hang. Repeat this over and
over again, leaving the bait in the water
just above the structure, and hold on!
There are more techniques and patterns
to use for finesse fishing, but these
should get you started. I teach several
different patterns and techniques to my
Bass School students, as well as using
them when fishing with my bass guide
clients. Finesse fishing techniques can be
used year-round, and will bring success
to you when nothing else seems to work.
Try these methods and see!
Don’t forget, if you have any questions,
comments, or want to book reservations
for my “personalized” Bass Fishing School
or Pro Bass Guide services on Lake
Champlain or Lake George, NY, you can
write or contact me at:
The Bass Coach
Route-1 Box-65, Pearl Street
Crown Point, NY 12928
(518) 597-4240
Website: The Bass Coach
Ultimate Sheep Hunt:
The Marco Polo
by Bob Foulkrod
I grew up when school kids my age
regularly participate in A-bomb attacks
courtesy of Russia. We would file into the
back of the stage, presumably protected
by the thick velvet curtain, to be ordered
to sit on the floor. Then we had to put
our head between our legs, and hold
your legs together by locking your arms
around your knees. The final instruction
was to kiss your goodbye. December
second, 2004 I was in Russia to hunt for
the first time in my life. It was a surreal
feeling that reminded me once more
how fortunate I am to be doing what I do
for a living.
Arriving in Kyrgyzstan, I knew right away
that I had never hunted so far from
home, either in miles or the feeling I had
in my heart. To me I was in perhaps the
strangest place in the world, a place that
until recent generations was unknown
to Westerners such as myself. I had
originally planned to hunt Marco Polo
sheep after completing my five year long
Obsession Quest. However, everyone I
talked to who had hunted
these animals at the “Roof
of the World” gave me the
same advice. “You better
hunt them now, because
Bobbie, you’re not getting
any younger.” It was not until
I had completed this hunt
that I fully understood the
value of the unsolicited advice given to
me.
Personally I do not think there is a more
challenging or prestigious big game
hunt on the planet that matches, much
less exceeds going after the Marco Polo
sheep. Named in honor of the famous
Italian explorer Marco Polo, who in late
1200’s who described the species during
his crossing of ancient Mount Imeon
that is now known as the Pamirs Plateau.
Until 150 years these mountain dwelling
animals were regarded as mythical,
much the same the unicorn and the
monsters that terrified Christopher
Columbus’ sailors.
The Marco Polo sheep is particularly
known for its long horns. The longest
horn ever found on a sheep was found
on a ram of this species Marco Polo
sheep and measured 75 inches. It is not
a rarity for hunters to take Marco Polo
rams with horn length’s over 60 inches,
but the average sizes of the trophies are
from 55-to-62 inches. Unlike nearly all
other wild sheep, brooming, or knocking
the tips off of their horns is very rare
among Marco Polo sheep, which could
be one reason the lengths of their horns
are typically so long and impressive.
Little solid data has every been collected
on the Marco Polo, the world’s largest
wild sheep. Marco Polo sheep have a
scattered distribution in the Karakorum
Mountain Range and Hindu Kush. In
Pakistan, they are mostly found in the
Khunjerab National Park and adjoining
areas. Some preservation oriented
wildlife experts talk a lot about their
belief that the Marco Polo is endangered
The mountains
were but
huge, lofty
and their numbers have
been rapidly decreasing
in the last two decades.
However, this is at best a
SWAG (scientific wild ass
guess), no better illustrated
than by noting the fact
that in recent years Marco
Polo herd expansion has
occurred across borders in
China. Recently one wildlife
expert that is anti-hunting
noted seeing 10,000 of these
animals. If the Marco Polo is endangered,
it is by failure to manage these animals
in savage countries like Iran which was
once the world’s top destination to hunt
the Marco Polo. Could worldwide liberal
politics and delusional Islamic regimes
make for a better way to determine the
survivability of an unparalleled big game
animal the Marco Polo sheep.
sea level, which is an altitude
for those most accustomed
to it that is absolutely brutal
on the human body. I
actually trained and got in
the best shape of my life
to tackle this challenge
but until O got there and
experienced that here never
experienced kind of altitude
and sheer mountain faces we
climbed several times a day,
it is difficult to describe how
many areas of my body hurt that until
this hunt I did not even know existed.
rock piles
in what would
otherwise have
been called a
desert.
Nevertheless; “there I was.” The
mountains were but huge, lofty rock
piles in what would otherwise have been
called a desert. There was a light dusting
of snow, but otherwise the place would
have passed for somewhere on Mars. We
were hunting was at 14,000 feet above
Luckily, for Kyrgyzstan the was great;
sunny, 20 degrees at noon with a steady
light breeze out of the stratosphere. I
was the only Westerner on the hunt, with
only one other member of the outfitting
group who more or less spoke English.
The horse we rode with the short legs
looked more like ponies, but they were
stouter than mules. The native hunter
who supported hard work part of this
expedition people atop ride these ponies
with what looks like half a saddle with a
blanket thrown over it. Bailing twine is
used to hold stuff down these semiwww.pursuitchannel.com
saddle ensembles. These
ox-strong ponies were the
most remarkable members
of our expedition. My legs
nearly dragged the ground
when astride one, but they
never showed any sign
of tiring, even when I was
gasping for air just to stay
atop my pint-size steed.
Nothing I could
do in terms of
gear or physical
conditioning
though
prepared me
for the
oxygen
lean air
The area we were
hunting was the Celestial
Mountains, or the Tien
Shan system of Central
Asia. Its name is Chinese for “Celestial
Mountains.” Stretching about 1,500 miles
from west-southwest to east-northeast,
it mainly straddles the border between
China and Kyrgyzstan and bisects the
ancient territory of Turkistan. Called
the “Roof of the World,” this remote
heartland of Asia must be seen in person
to grasp its beauty and tractless vastness.
I was spellbound, as me, a country boy
from the hills of Pennsylvania who is
afraid of heights, in middle of Russia
scoping out a Marco Polo, and during
these sheep’s’ rut no less.
It had taken almost 24
hours of travel from the
capitol city of the country
in c cramped little van
along dirt roads and fording
frozen streams to reach the
base camp. My outfitter,
Eurasian Expeditions has
provided me with a Russian
interpreter, Artem Nivhalou,
who spoke English and the
local dialects of the tribal
people who know this land
better than anyone else on
earth. The two guides were
Baby and Shasa, local products who I
found to be dedicated sportsmen and
lots of fun in what might otherwise have
been a dreary camp at night.
Baby is in his twenties and grew up
hunting in these mountains beside this
father and grandfather. Like so many
local hunting guides I have spent time
with in the past, such as my right hand
man in my Quebec caribou hunting
camp, Barnaby a Montagnais Indian,
Baby has telephoto vision. He can see
Marco Polo sheep bedded at thousands
of yards that I have trouble finding in my
top of the line Swarvorski
optics. Shasa is a horseman.
He babied our ponies, each
of which was very fond of
him as well.
Finally the
ram moved
to the left.
It
stopped.
Prior to making this hunt
I did a ton of fine tuning
to my body and my gear.
Marco Polo hunting in
Russia is a highly specialized
hunt which involved things
like slathering white on my
rifle. I needed the world’s best footwear,
which meant that my choice was…..
made by Bass Pro Shop. My Gortex
clothing keep me warm and allowed
perspiration to escape the inner layers
of my clothing on the exhaustive climbs.
Nothing I could do in terms of gear or
physical conditioning though prepared
me for the oxygen lean air that struggled
with during more of my hunt.
The first two days of the hunt for a
trophy class Marco Polo ram were
a series of fruitless stalks up steep
mountain faces to elevations of over
16,000 feet above sea level. It takes a lot
of huffing and puffing to get a half a lung
full of oxygen. Imagine
breathing to a drinking
straw and running a 440
footrace. That’s about how
it feels. It is grueling and
when you see your quarry
bound away beyond the
reach of your rifle, it leaves
a big lump in your throat
as you anticipate the next
climb and stalk.
On the third morning we
left camp hours before sunrise to arrive
in a dry river bed flanked on both sides
by vertical walls of red granite. Before
it was light we could hear Marco Polo’s
on either side of us, which excited Baby
and Shasa, igniting the common spirit
of the hunt that transcends race and
culture. As the sky turned a light pink, we
were still down below grade in dry river
bed and glassing on either side. Finally
we made the decision to ascend the
right side where we had spotted at least
two trophy animals located where we
had a decent chance of making a stalk.
There was one bench in particular that
afforded us good cover to approaches.
Benches are layers of rolling terrain along
the sides of the mountains that resemble
stair steps. We rode the ponies to within
300 yard and climbed the rest of the
way on foot to the next nearest bench
located up the side of the mountain
between us and the herd of Marco Polo
sheep.
As we drew closer and stopped to
glass, we could see several mature rams
exhibiting rutting behavior by bumping
heads and pushing each other around.
This dominant ram was “the man” and
letting the other, lesser rams know who
was had the head of the breeding list. We
waited about 15-to-20 minutes waiting
for our animal to separate from the other
animals. The last thing I wanted was a
pass through onto another animal. The
range was easy; just over 200 yards. The
animals were unaware of our presence,
but the ram just would not clear itself
from the herd long enough for me to get
a clear shooting lane.
I had a swarm of butterflies in my gut as
I watched. I felt in my heart that this was
the moment I had been waiting for, but
my lungs and almost constant headache
from oxygen deviation were telling me
to “hurry hurry.” This is where mental
preparation and experience make all of
the difference. A dozen time I could have
squeezed a bullet through the herd and
probably made a clean kill. However, I
did not.
Finally the ram moved to the left. It
stopped. There was nothing behind the
ram, and nothing to step in front of it. As
the recoil of my Browning A-Bolt charged
against my shoulder, I saw the bullet
hit the left shoulder of the big sheep.
The herd bolted, and my ram moved
toward the crest of the bench with them.
I wanted to deliver a second shot, but
it was too risky. My heart of pounding
for joy and fear, the former winning out
as the big boy’s front legs gave way
beneath him after going 20 yards.
We leapt for joy, embracing, with Baby
and Shasa knowing enough English to
say, “Good shot!” It was an emotional
culmination to my first Marco Polo ever
taken. As camera rolled after the shot, I
nearly broke down in tears talking about
how I was in utter disbelief that I was
here and this was happening to me.
featured
outfit ter
BEAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Hunt when you want to Hunt!
February is when the Superior freezes
along the shoreline and the snow fall
drops off. Notice the trees are not all
covered with fresh powder. The snow is
deep and the days get longer.
February is a good time – if a little cold
– and the hunts heat you up. It is easy
to get in and out of the lodge and you
can take breaks and recharge very easily.
Our guides run a tight ship so you can
focus on the hunt while they take care of
everything else.
Any hunter will appreciate the lodge after
a full day of mortal combat as the Raging
RussiansⓇ of the North rule the hunting
grounds and they loose all fear of humans
after dark sets in. When you make it out
Hunters and future Guests ask all the time,
“What should I bring to hunt with?”
on the hunting grounds, plan on heading
into the lodge at O’Dark Thirty.
This is when the hunter looks at me with
a curious look, like, “What am I getting
into?!”
January is great because the snow
pack thickens and the air becomes ice
cold. All the snow on the trees makes
for spectacular spot & stalk in the dark
cedar forest. You can cut a fresh track
and follow the beast into his lair. This
is exciting as the boar flush out of the
powder and you really never know what
direction they will be coming – plan on
bringing your big gun.
My typical response is, “What’s the biggest
you got?”
I am a believer that when hunting Russian
Boar, there is no gun to big. Many boars
have been hunted and harvested using
the classic 30-06 or even a 270. These
calibers will do the job, but if you have
something bigger or heavier, why not put
it to good use.
featured
outfit ter
How often do you get the chance to pull
out the 375 H&H or your .416 Rigby?
Maybe you are fortunate enough to
be hunting dangerous game on other
continents on a regular basis, which
means you should be using your big stuff
on the Raging Russians® to keep that gun
in perfect form.
Standing on last snow of the year with 50
degree air temperature, you know spring
is on its way. Wet and wild accurately
describes spring hunting for Russian
boar. Everywhere there is a constant drip
as the long days of sun usher in a new
beginning. Here is what Bear Mountain
has for You:
Classic Hunting Style in the Deep Powder:
Spot & Stalk, Still Hunt, Ambush, European
Driven Hunts, Elevated Stands, – no
canned hunt for you
Dangerous Game Adventures: These
Beast are Built for Battle, Massive Heads
with Razor Sharp “Cutters” – thick dense
bones, with barrel chest and powerful
legs combine lighting fast reflexes, and
a growing will to dominate all who enter
their domain…
Red Hot Russian Boar Hunts: any time
between Mid December through February.
You will be transformed from a Big Game
Hunter into a Dangerous Game Hunter
Authentic Hunting Grounds: bedrock ridges, 100% survival for 2013 – no death, no
upland hardwoods, dark cedar forest (no
dismemberment, no gorings – We keep it
farm, ranch or some back yard operation)
safe and fun for everyone.
featured
outfit ter
thick forest where a hunter can spend a
I was hunting with Dick White and his
whole day walking and never see another
good friend Greg Rich. Dick is experienced hunter. This short range hunting rifle
at hunting “wild hogs,” but this was his
has a long and distinguished history in
first time hunting a real Russian boar, a
Northern Michigan. But does the rifle
Ragging Russian®.
have what it takes to bring down a Raging
Russian Boar?
He carried a lever action Winchester
Now is the time to live your dreams and hunt
Model 1894. This caliber was developed
a authentic Russian Boar, don’t wait, time
over 100 years ago and has become a
is running out as world is changing and
classic whitetail deer hunting rifle in the
you don’t want to miss your next hunting
Northwoods. Light-weight and easy to
carry, the Winchester .30-30 rifle has been adventure.
the hunting weapon of choice in the
MAY 2013
Antelope
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c anine
c are
Myths about Spaying &
Neutering Dogs
Courtesy of Drs. Foster & Smith
Educational Staff
It’s a question vets hear often, “Do
neutered and spayed dogs get fat and
lazy?” Is this true?
Spaying and neutering does change
the metabolism of companion animals
so, in most cases, they do not need as
much food to maintain their weight
as unspayed/unneutered dogs. The
problem is not with the dog—it’s with
us. We tend to overfeed our dogs, and
c anine
c are
neutered/spayed dogs are more apt to
put on weight because of that.
As for laziness, again, the amount of
exercise our dogs receive and their
activity levels are often dependent on
us. If we do not give them opportunities
for play and exercise, they can become
couch potatoes, just like some people.
Many spayed/neutered dogs hunt, are
entered in agility shows, become service
dogs, and are trained in search and
rescue. These dogs are anything but lazy.
Another question is, “It has been
recommended to me that I spay my new
puppy, but she is only two months old.
Is that safe?” Early spaying/neutering
has been shown to be safe in multiple
studies. It must be remembered that
younger animals may need different
anesthetics and are more prone to
hypothermia (lower than normal body
temperature) during surgery. But as
long as procedures are modified to
account for these differences, early
neutering is very safe. In fact, puppies
neutered at a younger age often have
faster recoveries than those neutered
when they are older.
Another frequent statement is, “I was
told I should let my dog go through one
heat before I have her spayed. Is that
what you recommend?” We recommend
that dogs be spayed before they have a
heat. There are several reasons for this.
Spaying a dog before her first heat is
the best way to significantly reduce the
chance that your dog will later develop
breast cancer, a common condition
in female dogs. The risk of malignant
mammary tumors in dogs spayed prior
to their first heat is 0.05%. It is 8% for dog
spayed after one heat, and 26% in dogs
spayed after their second heat. Any heat
brings with it a chance your dog could
become pregnant. This would adversely
affect the dog’s health, if it is young.
A heat also brings with it the chance
for accidents. Dogs in heat have been
known to run through glass patio doors,
jump out of moving cars, and be hit by
cars as they attempt to find a mate.
Owners of females in heat also
frequently have to deal with a sudden
influx of male dogs around the home
and yard. These amorous visitors leave
numerous droppings, and spray plants
and trees with urine in an attempt to
mark their new-found territory. There
is also the mess and hassle of vaginal
bleeding that typically goes on for 7 to
14 days. Who wants to deal with that if
they don’t have to?
In the spring, you can enjoy cooking the
catfish, crappie and saltwater fish you
catch and the wild game in your freezer
you’ve taken, including turkeys, feral pigs
and deer.
Italian Seasoned Catfish
If you’ve been catching catfish in the many
ways you can, you’ll enjoy this simple yet
flavorful way to prepare catfish.
Ingredients:
2 pounds catfish fillets
1 box onion and garlic croutons
1/2-cup flour
1/2-teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Whites from 4 medium eggs
Preparation:
Crush the croutons finely, and add the
flour, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well,
and put into a brown paper bag. Whip the
egg whites. You may add 1/4-cup of milk if
you like. Dry the fillets, and dip in the egg
whites, shaking them well in breading.
Drop the fillets into 350-degree oil in a
deep fryer or a heavy pot. Pay attention as
the breading mixture with the egg whites
seals the meat, steaming it and cooking it
quickly. Take care not to overcook. Serves 6.
Pepper Jack Crappie Fillets
Our family loves the flavor of cheese, and
pepper jack cheese is one of our favorites.
Ingredients:
6 to 8 crappie or catfish fillets
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 small can chopped green chilies (you
can substitute fresh green chilies)
1/2-pound shredded cheddar cheese
1/2-pound shredded pepper jack cheese
Seasoned salt and lemon pepper to taste
Preparation:
Make an aluminum-foil boat to fit a
large baking sheet or baking pan, and
coat it liberally with a non-stick oil spray,
preferably olive or canola oil. Put the
fillets in the boat, and sprinkle with the
seasoned salt and lemon pepper. Place
the pan in a preheated 400-degree oven
for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from
the oven, and add the peppers, onion
and cheeses. Then return to the oven
for at least 5 minutes. When the cheese
is thoroughly melted, the meal is ready,
but you may prefer to wait until the parts
around the edges starts to brown. Serves
6 to 8.
Professional Offshore and Bay
Fishing Guides:
The best angling adventures
start with the best fishing guides.
“Living the Dream Charter Service”
guides are conservation minded
professionals that we’ve hand
picked and have been working with
us for years.
Duck Hunting:
Dalton Lodge is the premiere Texas
duck hunting trip headquarters on
the Texas Gulf Coast.
Dalton Lodge
is a two story lodge that
offers 2800 square feet
of living enjoyment, and
includes 5 bed rooms and
can sleep up to 18.
Captain Mike
USCG & TPW Licensed Guide
361.935.6008
Captain Kyle
USCG & TPW Licensed Guide
361.935.6774
www.daltonlodge.com
outdoors
kitchen
Pecan-Crusted Saltwater Fillets with
Seasoned Cheese Grits
Wow! You’ll love this dish that you can
use with any white-meat saltwater fillets,
including speckled trout, white trout,
whiting and flounder, this spring.
Ingredients:
1/2-cup pecan pieces, finely chopped
1/2-cup bread crumbs
1/4-cup flour
1/2-cup reduced-fat milk
1 egg (or 1/4-cup egg substitute)
1-1/2-pounds saltwater white-meat fillets
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4-cup canola oil
Preparation:
Chop pecans (like coarse bread crumbs),
and combine with bread crumbs in
shallow bowl. Place flour in second bowl.
Whisk milk and egg together in a third
bowl. Sprinkle both sides of fish with
seasoned salt. Dip fish in flour (coating
both sides), and dip into egg mixture
(allowing excess to drip off ), and finally
dip into pecan mixture. Wash hands.
Preheat large sauté pan on medium heat
1 – 2 minutes. Place oil in pan, and add
fish. Cook 2 – 3 minutes on each side at
145 degrees or until golden and serve
with Seasoned Cheese Grits (recipe
below). Serves 4.
Seasoned Cheese Grits
Ingredients:
1 cup quick-cooking grits (actually our
family prefers stoneground grits we buy
from Falls Mill in Belvidere, Tennessee,
931-469-7161 or www.fallsmill.com
or from McEwen & Sons in Wilsonville,
Alabama, 205-669-6605 or www.
mcewenandsons.com.)
2-1/2-cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1/4-cup shredded Italian-blend cheese
1 teaspoon cooked bacon pieces
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
Preparation:
Combine grits (already partially-cooked
grits if using traditional grits) and water
in microwave-safe bowl, and cover.
Microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes or until
grits begin to thicken. Stir in remaining
ingredients, and cover. Let stand 1
minute, and serve.
Wild Game Yakisoba
I first learned to prepare this dish some
35-years ago from a high-school friend of
ours who lives in Hawaii where Japanese
dishes are a big influence on the cooking
there. For years, I made Yakisoba on an
electric griddle, cooking the thinly-sliced
meat and vegetables. Then once woks
came into style – 20- or 25-years ago –
and I received one, I’ve made Yakisoba in
it. What I love about this recipe is you can
make it with any wild game you have and
any mixture of vegetables. It always is
delicious and very healthy and nutritious.
Packages of Yakisoba kits are often
available at Asian grocery stores today, and
I even found some at Costco.
Ingredients:
2 packages steamed chukka noodles
1/2-teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4-pound boneless wild pork, turkey or
venison (all the white tissue cut-off and
that’s been marinated) and thinly sliced
against the grain or ground venison or
ground venison sausage
2 inches of carrot, cut into thin slices
1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
1/4-medium onion, thinly sliced
2 green head cabbage leaves, chopped
Sugar peas
Broccoli flowerets, separated
Small green lima beans
Salt and pepper
4 – 6 tablespoons yakisoba sauce, or
2 packages of yakisoba seasoning in
yakisoba kits, or 4 – 6 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
Preparation:
Lightly loosen pre-steamed chukka
noodles, and set aside. Heat vegetable
oil in medium skillet on medium heat.
Stir-fry the pork, turkey or venison
until almost cooked. If preparing with
ground venison, cook it separately
with seasonings. Sprinkle with salt and
pepper. Add vegetables to the wok,
and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add
cabbage, and stir-fry for a minute. Add
noodles. Pour 1/4-cup of water over
the noodles, and cover the wok. Turn
down the heat to low, and steam for a
few minutes. Remove the lid, and add
yakisoba seasoning powder or sauce.
(Adjust the amount of sauce to your
taste.) Stir the noodles quickly. Divide
yakisoba into two plates. Serves at least
2 but can multiply amounts to feed a
family.
outdoors
kitchen
Super-Easy Fried Wild Pork Chops
We know you’ll have fun chasing wild pigs
this month, and landowners across the U.S.
will greet you with open arms. This simple
recipe is very tasty prepared with wild pork.
Ingredients:
Hush puppy with onion mix
4-6 pork chops (can be thin or thick cut)
Vegetable oil for frying
1-1/2-teaspoons ground mustard
1/4-teaspoon salt
1/2-pound white cheddar cheese,
shredded
1/2-cup cold butter, cubed
7 tablespoons cold water, divided
1 boneless fully cooked wild pig ham (31/2 to 4 pounds)
1 egg, lightly beaten
Preparation:
Pour oil into a skillet to a depth of about
1/4-inch. Place on medium-high heat,
while you prepare the chops. Pour about
a cup of hush-puppy mix in a bowl. Press
each side of each pork chop down into
the mix. Turn heat down to medium, and
carefully place chops in hot oil. Cook,
until browned on bottom, and then turn,
continuing to cook until browned on
the top and no longer pink in the center.
Remove to place on a paper-towel-lined
plate before serving.
Preparation:
In a food processor, combine the flour,
mustard and salt. Add cheese and
butter; cover, and pulse until mixture
resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually
add 6 tablespoons water until a firm
ball forms. Transfer to a large bowl. Chill
for 2 hours or until firm. Let ham stand
at room temperature for 30 minutes,
then pat dry with paper towels. Place
on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, and
bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 45
minutes. On a lightly-floured surface, roll
pastry into a 17-inch x 12-inch rectangle.
Place warm ham in the center of pastry.
Fold short sides of pastry over ham,
folding long sides over the top. Trim
edges as needed. Press seams and edges
until smooth and sealed. Place seam
side down on a greased baking sheet. In
Wild Ham Wellington
You may have eaten Beef Wellington, and
this dish is just as gorgeous to look at and
yummy to eat.
Ingredients:
1-3/4-cups all-purpose flour
a small bowl, combine the egg and the
remaining water, and brush over pastry.
Cut decorative cutouts from trimmings
if desired. Arrange on pastry, and brush
with egg mixture. Bake uncovered at 400
degrees for 40 – 45 minutes, or until a
meat thermometer reads 140 degrees,
and pastry is golden brown. Let stand for
10 minutes before slicing. Serves 12 – 16.
tortilla with an even layer of BBQ sauce.
Top one half of the tortilla with turkey,
onions and cilantro. Cover tortilla with
cheese, and place in skillet. Cook for 1
minute, until cheese starts to melt. Fold
in half – cheese side of tortilla over onto
the toppings. Cook for 2 minutes more,
flipping until each side is golden and
crisp. Remove, cut into 3 pieces. Serves 3.
BBQ Turkey Pizzadilla
Hopefully everyone at your hunting camp
was successful turkey hunting this spring.
This recipe is a fun way to use leftover,
cooked turkey.
Ingredients:
1 large flour tortilla
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Cooked and chopped wild turkey
Chopped red onion
Cilantro
1/3-cup shredded chipotle Gouda cheese
(or regular Gouda or mozzarella)
Cooking spray
Italian Turkey Carbonara
If you’re a fan of Italian cooking, you’ll love
this dish, Rachael Ray of TV cooking fame
says carbonara is her husband’s favorite
dish, although her recipe is somewhat
different.
Ingredients:
12-ounces linguine
4 slices bacon
12-ounces boneless, skinless, uncooked
turkey breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and pepper
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed with press
4 large eggs
1/2-cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh
parsley (optional)
Preparation:
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat.
Spray pan with cooking spray. Sauté the
chopped onions until soft. Set aside.
Lay tortilla on a flat surface. Cover the
outdoors
kitchen
Preparation:
Heat large covered saucepot of salted
water to boiling on high. Cook linguine
as label directs.
In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon on
medium 6 to 9 minutes or until
browned and crisp. Sprinkle turkey with
1/4-teaspoon of salt. Transfer cooked
bacon to paper towel. Add turkey to the
same skillet with drippings. Increase
heat to medium-high, and cook turkey
2 minutes or until just starting to turn
opaque, stirring occasionally. Add
shallot, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Add garlic, cook, and stir
for 1 minute, or until turkey is cooked
through (165 degrees). Remove from
heat, and cool slightly. Crumble the
bacon. In large bowl, whisk together
eggs, Pecorino cheese and 1/4-teaspoon
freshly-ground black pepper until well
combined. Add bacon and cooled turkey
mixture to eggs. When pasta is cooked,
drain well. Add to large bowl with egg
mixture, tossing to cover. Divide among 4
serving plates, and garnish with parsley,
if desired.
Tuscan Turkey Soup
Delicious, healthy and easy to prepare are
all words that describe this tasty soup that
uses your leftover cooked wild turkey.
Ingredients:
1 small onion, chopped
1 small carrot, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cans (14-1/2-ounces each) chicken
broth
1 cup water
3/4-teaspoon salt
1/4-teaspoon pepper
1 can (15-ounces) white kidney or
cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2/3-cup uncooked small spiral pasta
3 cups thinly-sliced fresh spinach
2 cups shredded cooked turkey
Preparation:
In a large saucepan, sauté onion and
carrot in oil until onion is tender. Add
the broth, water, salt and pepper, and
bring to a boil. Stir in beans and pasta,
and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover,
and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15
minutes or until pasta and vegetables
are tender. Add spinach and turkey, and
heat through. Serves 4. (I also like to cook
outdoors
kitchen
this on the stove, and then pour it in my
crockpot, and put it on WARM, until we’re
ready to eat.)
Southwestern Wild Turkey Salad
Pretty to look at and delicious to eat, this
salad is a welcome way to use leftover,
cooked wild turkey.
Ingredients for Dressing:
1/2-teaspoon grated orange peel
1/4-cup orange juice
1/2-cup canola oil
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4-teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Salad:
3 heads Boston lettuce, torn
3 cups cooked and cubed turkey or 2
cups cooked shredded turkey
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and
sliced
1 small red onion, sliced and separated
into rings
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges,
drained or fresh orange sections
Preparation:
In a small bowl, whisk salad-dressing
ingredients, and set aside. Arrange the
lettuce, cucumber, turkey, avocado,
onion and oranges on individual plates.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Serves 6.
For delicious recipes for preparing wild
game and seafood with our family’s
recipes from the past 45+ years in the
outdoors, get John and Denise Phillips’
eBook “The Best Wild Game & Seafood
Cookbook Ever: 350 Southern Recipes for
Deer, Turkey, Fish, Seafood, Small Game
and Birds.” Go to www.amazon.com/
kindle-ebooks, type in the name of the
book, and download it to your Kindle,
and/or download a Kindle app for your
iPad, SmartPhone or computer.
outfit ters
elk•exotics•whitetails
(970)
723-4000
www.trophymtn.com
This is big game hunting the
way it was meant to be.
Prime, secluded wildlife habitat
THE BEST ELK HUNT YOU WILL
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nothing but
the finest trophies.
Safari style, Spot
and stalk or hunting from blinds.
281-440-8234
www.circleeranch.com
Southwestern Montana
Guided Hunting For Elk,
Moose, Deer, Bear and
Mountain Goat
www.abomontana.com
Layne Wilcox
581-4656
License #9325
f l y
f i s h i n g
Fiberglass
Comeback
by Don Kirk
f l y
f i s h i n g
There’s an old saying, “The more
things change, the more they stay
the same.” This is proven true by the
remarkable comeback being made today
by the fiberglass fly rod. Today’s fly rods
are either split cane bamboo, fiberglass,
or graphite. Split cane bamboo rods
came into commercial production in the
1860s and have continued popular to
this day. The Tonkin bamboo used in the
creation of these rods came from China
after 1949, when the Commies sent
Chiang Kai-shek packing.
For decades prior to this, American
rod makers had used solid and tubular
steel, and there was a move in the late
1940s to continue to do so. However, by
the early 1950s a relatively new material,
fiberglass, became the rod-building
material of choice.
Fiberglass was used
exclusively by 1955,
and was about your
only choice through
most of the 1970s.
Graphite composite
fly rods came in
during the late 1970s,
and have dominated
the market since.
The Fiberglass 70s
As a young fly fisherman in the 1970s, I
owned a Browning Silaflex flu rod, which
was my prize possession. My fishing
buddy Vic had a Fenwick rod. In those
days the only thing that might have been
better to fish with was made by Orvis,
and that is a matter of opinion.
Usually designed to cast 6- to 8-weight
lines, our old fiberglass fly rods were
comparatively slow, but gentle as a lamb.
I still get a tear in my eye thinking about
the day I broke that fly rod.
Fiberglass rods in those days were either
very soft/slow, or stiff and thick as a
broom handle. Soft rods take practice to
cast well, while thick rods are heavy. The
timing pattern on a soft rod is to back
cast, then wait for the rod to load, then
wait and wait to bring the rod forward
gently after waiting for it to unload.
The recovery rate of fiberglass requires
patience and a tempo that can drive you
crazy. Most people’s first reaction is to
muscle the rod, which only results in piles
of line somewhere it’s not supposed to
be. The other downside to old-fashioned
fiberglass is that it is heavier than
modern graphite.
The Modern Solution
The new modern fiberglass rod makers
have developed an improved ability to
balance these rods to make them easier
to use. Larger line weight fiberglass
rods have a lot of heft in the butt and
can be tiring to use all day, but are very
adaptable to two-handed casting. Lighter
line weight rods need not be heavy, and
many of the newer ones are not.
Over the last five years, fiberglass fly rods
have made a comeback. South Carolinian
f l y
f i s h i n g
Cameron Mortenson has an outstanding
blog, The Fiberglass Manifesto, which
chronicles the resurgence of fiberglass
fly rods. Cameron is a leader in the
resurgence of fiberglass for fly rods.
You can learn a lot at http://www.
thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/.
Why Fiberglass?
Today, custom rod makers can deliver
multi-piece fiberglass rods that perform
very well. A number of factors have
contributed to the fiberglass fly rod
comeback.
One is that fiberglass fly rods are
relatively inexpensive. A perfectly good
fiberglass fly rod, and even a complete
rod kit, can run around thirty to forty
dollars, very good (non-custom) rods
are well under a hundred dollars, and
excellent custom rods cost less than two
hundred..
Secondly, a whole new generation
of fly fishermen have discovered the
flexibility and sensitivity of fiberglass
fly rods. Graphite rods are touted for
their sensitivity and speed, but many fly
fishermen have been known to flinch at
a supposed hit, because graphite doesn’t
filter anything. In a word, graphite rods
are “stiff.” A traditional fiberglass rod
can easily be flexed 180 degrees—
sometimes more than 270 degrees.
There an advantage to this; trout feeding
on nymphs do so by sucking in these
morsels, and when you are using a
fast graphite rod, there is an annoying
tendency on such takes to try to set the
hook set too strong or too soon. In some
instances, it is possible for a graphite fly
rod to be too sensitive.
A modern fiberglass fly rod is a bit
slower and softer for hook setting. This
may not be much of an advantage if you
are popping bugs for bluegill or bass.
However, it can be a distinct advantage if
you are fishing for trout.
Lastly, fiberglass is much more
durable than high modulus graphite,
which is comparatively brittle. If a
graphite fly rod has the misfortune of
being caught, say, in a car door, it is
finished. Fiberglass is more forgiving of
such mishaps. This is not to say they are
indestructible, as I have ruined fiberglass
fly rods by accidentally closing one in
the gate of a pickup truck. However,
fiberglass fly rods are generally better
able to endure abuse. Nearly impervious
to sun, salt, water, heat, cold, and general
neglect, a state-of-the-art fiberglass fly
rod is the perfect “throw it in the truck
and go” rod.
A Bargain—Old or New
There are a number of fly rod
manufacturers producing brand new
fiberglass fly rods: TL Johnson, Mark
Stephen, Lamiglass, and South Fork to
name a few. And compared to the prices
charged by the high-volume megamanufacturers, these new fiberglass rose
are a relative bargain. There are also a
few graphite rods that, in a strange twist
of fate, are now doing a fabulous job of
imitating the characteristics of fiberglass.
The new Ross Fly Stik series is one that
shouldn’t be missed, at only $169.
But for sheer value and as a way
of connecting with the past, vintage
fiberglass is a great way to demonstrate
the axiom that things do not change;
we change. You probably have an old
fiberglass fly rod in your garage or
basement right now. Or your father does.
Or your grandfather. Perhaps it’s time
to dust it off and find out the fiberglass
benefits for yourself. Find a 6-, 7-, or
8-weight fiberglass fly rod 8 or 8½ feet
long. An old Fenwick is a great place
to start if you are shopping the great
Internet swap meet. You’ll be surprised at
what you’ve been missing.
what
’s
ne w
Lansky Sharpeners
Celebrates 35th
Anniversary
Lansky Sharpeners is
excited to announce that
2014 marks their 35th
anniversary. Lansky’s
entered the sharpening
industry when Arthur
Lansky Levine set out to
learn what challenges
faced the knife sharpening
world and started tackling
the challenge of making
a sharpener that anyone
could use to get their tools
and knives razor sharp.
With the development
of the legendary Lansky
Controlled Angle
Sharpening System, Arthur
immediately made waves
in the outdoors industry
by eradicating traditional
sharpening methods. Since
the development of their
Sharpening System, Lansky
has continued to grow,
adding new sharpening
equipment and accessories
to their ever expanding
product line. For 2014
Lansky will continue their
tradition of offering new,
innovative products for the
everyday outdoorsman or
woman. Visit lansky.com to
learn more about Lansky’s
new 2014 products.
BIGTIME BASSIN’ IN THE
RAIN
FRABILL’S NEW F-SERIES
STORM GEAR GIVES
ANGLERS A DEFINITIVE
ADVANTAGE
And now, here’s your
Bassmaster Classic forecast:
Fair chance of rain each day
with winds and temps all
over the map. Translation:
Expect interesting weather.
With conditions like that,
the smart money says
each of the 55 Classic
contenders will at some
point be shrouded in a
foul weather suit. Frabill’s
F-Series Storm Gear was
concepted precisely for
conditions like these.
Unveiled at the 2013
ICAST Show, F-Series
Storm Gear provides a
complete line of defense
against the elements.
Each suit is superiorly
engineered with advanced
materials and innovative
features. F-Series Gear
gives anglers an awesome
layer of protection for
manhandling big water like
Lake Guntersville, and any
tempests that might rise on
your backyard waters.
The form, fit and function
of Storm Gear, however,
extends well beyond
foul weather defense,
bestowing anglers with
ample ergonomics.
Frabill design engineer and
fishing apparel architect
Chris Leonard simplifies the
body-hugging concept in
terms importance to the
angler: “Ergonomics is the
scientific study of how the
body moves and where it
bends—in this case, how
the angler moves—for
the purpose of improved
efficiency, comfort and
safety.
“When you cast a
crankbait, or crouch down
to lip a largemouth, the
Storm Gear moves with
you. There’s no restriction
in the design or materials.
That’s huge.”
Offered in three
progressively advanced
models, the F2, F3
and F4 Suit all share
common hallmark
features, beginning with
ergonomics. “Proper
ergonomic design
defines all F-Series Suits.
Significant pre-curvature
of the arms, thoughtfully
designed and tailored
hoods, and articulation and
padding in the knees—
even the angles at which
your hands approach
the pockets— each was
carefully premeditated
and planned relative to
how the angler moves.
Comfort in all conditions
leads to less fatigue, plus
greater concentration and
performance while fishing.”
Other accoutrements
shared by all three suits
include extra, ample-sized
pockets inside and out;
interior mesh lining in the
jacket to assure convective
heat transfer in warm or
cold conditions; and a fully
size-adjustable hood with
a hat-like moldable visor
for a customized fit and
further protection from
rain and spray. Further,
Frabill’s cam-buckle design
is extremely durable and
greatly eases the process of
length adjustment on the
bibs.
While blasting across
big waters, such as Lake
Guntersville’s 75-mile
expanse, bass anglers and
spectators alike further
benefit from Frabill’s ultra
engineering. “Our flagship
F-4 Cyclone Suit features
an industry exclusive Flow
Through venting system,
which was designed to
what
’s
ne w
minimize airflow into the
jacket during the extreme
high wind conditions
anglers experience in
bass boats. By adding
an internal collar with a
bungee cord lock closure
at the top and large mesh
vents at the back of the
hood, we’ve redirected
airflow coming in at the
face back out through
the rear of the hood. This
prevents that dreaded
ballooning effect and the
uncomfortable drag that
happens with most suits
when you’re blasting across
the lake.”
and wind protection are
expected. Storm Gear
delivers. All three suits are
100% seam sealed, provide
excellent wind protection,
feature high performance
durable water repellent
(DWR) treatment, and
provide industry leading
hydrostatic resistance.
The F2 provides no less
than 10,000mm (14 psi)
of hydrostatic resistance,
the F3 offers 15,000mm
(21 psi), and the F4 has
20,000mm (28 psi).
BowSharp
The multifunctional
and easy to use Lansky
BowSharp™ was designed
with the serious compound
and crossbow hunting
enthusiast in mind. The
BowSharp™ is compact,
comfortable to use, and
features five different
essential tools for archers.
The Tungsten Carbide
“The result is a happy, high- sharpening element
plays double duty and is
performing angler—rain,
specifically designed to be
wind and the elements
able to sharpen knives, as
Now, back to the weather
become almost irrelevant
report. Leonard—“I’m
next to the task of boating well as your broadheads.
The integrated broadhead
an engineer, not a
bass.”
wrench allows quick work
meteorologist!”— drops
another fancy phrase.
So pardon us if we pray for of changing and tightening
Hydrostatic resistance is
rain. Frabill’s F-Series Storm broadheads safely without
Frabill speak for protection Gear is up to the task, from any hassle.
Arguably the best feature
from the elements. “It’s
the Bassmaster Classic
of the BowSharp™ is
the main reason anglers
and back to your favorite
the collapsible tool kit
purchase technical apparel. fishing hole.
integrated into the handle.
Waterproof performance
The collapsible tool kit
features a full set of eight
Allen wrenches ranging
from 5/64” to 7/32”, as well
as, both a flat head and
Phillips head screwdriver.
These five essential bow
maintenance tools make
quick and easy work of any
adjustment to a bow at
camp or in the field.
foolproof Controlled-Angle
Sharpening System. The
Lansky system makes it as
easy as 1, 2, 3 for anyone
to get a consistently
Control-Angle
uniform sharp edge on
Sharpening System
every knife, every time.
Almost everyone owns
The systems proved to be
several knives; for the
so well made, so easy to
home, workshop or
use, and produced such
outdoor recreation, but few superior results that they
people really know how
have become a legendary
to keep them as sharp and staple throughout the knife
serviceable as they need to world.
be. Of course, the experts
know the real secret
DARE CALL THIS
to proper knife care is
BAIT CONTAINER A
maintaining a good bevel
‘SHRIMP’?
and a consistent angle on
FRABILL’S NEW MAGNUM
each knife along the whole SHRIMP FLOW-TROLL
edge. That is why, over 30
HOLDS HORDES OF
years ago, Arthur Lansky
SALTWATER BAIT
LeVine created a unique
There’s no arguing that
product line built around a shrimp are the number
one livebait offering
amongst the seven seas.
Likewise, visual surveying
and statistical evidence
supports that Frabill’s FlowTroll is the most fished bait
container in history. So it
was only a matter of time
before Frabill brought the
two together in fishing
matrimony.
New for briny waters in
2014, Frabill introduces the
Magnum Shrimp Flow-Troll.
The durable bait container
engulfs a whopping 10
quarts of water and yields
monstrous real estate for
backstroking shrimp. And
like all Flow-Trolls, the
Magnum Shrimp features
a self-closing and locking
door with functional
what
’s
ne w
handle that lifts and lowers
on demand.
by stroke of luck. That
status has been earned
through millions of
The defining trait of the
successful fishing trips. It
Magnum Shrimp Flowbegins with an industry’s
Troll, however, is its unique first hydrodynamic shape.
interior design. Known
Pulled behind a boat, in
for their propensity to
current, or simply bucking
suffocate fellow scuds,
in the waves, the Flow-Troll
shrimp swell to the surface, is engineered anatomically
can’t get footing, pile on
to sit partially submerged
top of each other and end while water and oxygen
up in a mass grave. Frabill’s interchange to keep bait
solution to this age-old
perky and accessible.
dilemma was adding a
screened insert. Now,
Plunk a Flow-Troll in
shrimp clutch and stick to
the drink and watch it
the bucket’s interior in a
magically rotate, selfmore evenly distributed
adjust, and turn upright
fashion. Shrimp live longer with the vented door
and you can transport
facing the sky and backside
more of them when they
aeration holes slurping
can fully utilize the space.
oxygenated water from
(Freshwater crawfish will
below. Others have copied
appreciate the crawl-space the design, too, but none
as well.)
operate as flawlessly as
the Flow-Troll. And to the
Now the Flow-Troll isn’t
angler’s advantage, Flowthe number one selling
Trolls are an inexpensive
bait container of all time
investment. More often
than not, your first fill of
bait will rival or exceed
the cost of the actual bait
container.
Saltwater tested, the
Magnum Shrimp Flow-Troll
measures a roomy 11.5” x
9” x 14”. The robust molded
configuration is also built
to withstand years of rough
handling on rocks, piers
and boat decks.
The best selling saltwater
bait is about to set leg
and antenna in the most
trusted bait container of
all time. We expect the
marriage to last forever.
Lansky Sharpeners new
Master’s Edge Sharpener
set a whole new standard
for sharpening in the
home. Designed to be easy,
effective and attractive, the
new sharpener features
a variety of technical
and aesthetic design
advancements based off
the popular line of Lansky
Gourmet Sharpeners. The
new sharpener will feature
three of the most common
bevel angles found on
factory made knives
today, 17°, 20° and 25°.
This will allow the ability
to switch between Lansky
products seamlessly,
without disrupting a
knives bevel angle. The
sharpener will come with
five, 9 inch alumina ceramic
sharpening elements.
Two medium rods and the
two fine rods are used to
maintain and repair plain
edged blades, where the
newly added triangular rod
can be used to sharpen all
types of serrations as well
as pointed tools such as
fish hooks and awls
that North America’s wild
turkey can be one of the
world’s toughest animals to
harvest.
From the time he’s hatched,
DEMAND MORE FROM
the wild turkey is a target
YOUR TURKEY HUNTING for predators. As a result,
VEST TENZING’S NEW
he’s equipped with keen
TZ TV14 TURKEY VEST
defenses to stymie his
HELPS HUNTERS WIN THE foes; hunter included.
WAR OF WILE
His powerful legs propel
He may not look like much to speeds up to 25 miles
to the uninitiated, but
per hour. His detailed
any experienced, globeeyesight is telescopic with
trotting hunter will tell you a 180-degree field of view
what
’s
ne w
– unmatched among game
animals. Give a turkey the
chance and he’ll see your
eye move at 100 yards. To
make matters worse, he’s a
social creature who seldom
feeds or travels alone, so
chances are you’ll have
more than one set of eyes
to contend with.
The bottom line? Turkey
hunters need every
advantage they can get.
Tenzing™ Outdoors
is known for building
hunting packs that give
every hunter his or her
best chance for success;
carrying the gear they
need to where they need
it, and doing it better
than anyone else. Turkey
hunters are gear fanatics
by definition, requiring a
full arsenal of calls, camo,
decoys and other tools
to fool one of the world’s
wariest game animals. The
turkey warrior’s newest
tool is the new Tenzing TZ
TV14 Turkey Vest.
Weighing in at just over
two-pounds, the TZ
TV14 turkey vest fits
like a pack, courtesy of
adjustable pack-style
shoulder straps, which
ensure a comfortable fit
against any hunter’s torso.
A channeled, air-cooled
back pad lends additional
comfort to the wearer
while walking, running,
gunning or sitting on
the integral, fold-down,
padded seat. The seat
deploys and stows simply,
securely and instantly
thanks to its silent,
magnetic fasteners.
Once seated, turkey
hunters can call ‘em closer
or wait ‘em out with a
minimal movement, as
the TZ TV14 is engineered
for complete comfort
and places every turkey
hunting tool within easy
reach. Calls, shells and
other items stay organized
and readily accessible in
a network of specialized
pockets, including
dedicated places for
box calls, slates, strikers,
diaphragm calls, shells
and more. Don’t forget
the camera, either, for that
hard-earned grip-and-grin;
the TZ TV14 has room.
A total capacity of 1700
cubic inches ensures ample
space inside for decoys,
snacks, choke tubes,
water bottles and more.
The TZ TV14 is available
in Realtree Xtra or Mossy
Oak Obsession, providing
critical defense against a
gobbler’s eyesight in any
setting.
Tenzing does their job
to make sure you can do
yours. When your gobbler’s
down, pack him out in
the TZ TV14 Turkey Vest’s
carefully engineered,
expandable turkey pocket.
Don’t worry, a thoughtful,
hunter orange safety
pullover will have your
back during the walk back
to the truck.
modular pack concept
incorporating a new
Patent Pending Carbon
Fiber frame, suspension,
and bags that focus on
reducing weight, while
optimizing performance
and functionality. The
foundation of the pack
Few other pursuits
system, the new 11 ounce
provide the same brand
California made Carbon
of challenge and reward
Fiber frame, is stronger,
that comes from hunting
lighter, and narrower
the wild turkey. It’s why the ensuring the highest
game is so addictive. Sure, quality and performance.
he may be built for survival,
but slip on Tenzing’s new
“With the ULTRA Pack
TZ TV14 Turkey Vest and
System, we have been able
suddenly you’ve got the
to push innovation further
advantage. Bon appétit.
than ever before,” explains
Jason Hairston, founder
of KUIU. “The ULTRA 6000,
KUIU INTRODUCES THE
3000, and 1800 weigh a
REVOLUTIONARY ULTRA mere 3lbs. 9oz., 3lbs. even,
PACK SYSTEM
and 2lbs. 13 oz., allowing
ULTRA 1800 ci, 3000 ci and
hunters to further reduce
6000 ci packs all weighing
weight and increase the
less than 3 lbs. 9 oz.
performance of their
KUIU has developed
mountain hunting kit.”
a brilliantly simple
The redesigned suspension
in the ULTRA utilizes a new
patent pending T-Lock
track system design that
securely holds the shoulder
straps to the frame and
allows for easy adjustment
and customized comfort.
The unique hip-belt
design moves the frame
and pack closer to
your back, offering the
support necessary to
carry demanding loads
more efficiently. The new
adjustable lumbar pad and
pivoting hip-belt creates
unrestricted mobility and
comfort. They also come
with an expandable load
sling for added carrying
capacity making this pack
what
’s
ne w
system incomparable to
any other pack system
available.
The ULTRA line will
premiere with 6000ci,
3000ci, and 1800ci bags
with full kit prices of
$349.98, $319.98, and
$299.98 respectively. The
ULTRA bags are available
for purchase separately
and work interchangeably
with the new suspension
and Carbon Fiber frame.
The frame is available in
two torso sizes: Regular
(15-17.5”) and Tall (17.5”22”). The hip belt is
available in S/M (28-33”)
and L/XL (33-44”) waist
sizes. The ULTRA packs are
sold in three colors, Vias
Camo, Verde Camo, and
Sage.
FEATURES:
• Waterproof suede upper
with lightweight and
rugged 900 Denier nylon
• Lace-‐to-‐toe lacing
system for secure fit
• Scent-‐free and 100%
waterproof Scent Dry
Lining
• Available in an
uninsulated style and with
600g of Thinsulate Ultra™
insulation
• Available in Realtree Xtra®
Green and Mossy Oak®
LaCrosse Quick Shot
Break-‐Up Infinity®
*New Fall 2014
• Removable EVA footbed
An all-‐purpose lightweight
• Bolt lightweight outsole
LaCrosse hunting boot
featuring a rugged lug
launching in Fall 2013
pattern with non-‐loading
performance
SIZING: Men’s: 6-‐12, 13, 14,
15M; 7-‐12, 13, 14EE MSRP:
$119.95-‐$139.95
DANNER REFRESHES THE
ICONIC PRONGHORN
HUNTING BOOT FOR FALL
2014 New Design, Fit, and
Tread Yields a Lighter, More
Versatile Pronghorn Model
Danner is proud to
announce the all-‐new
Pronghorn, a refresh to
Danner’s most iconic
hunting boot for fall
2014. An updated design,
improved fit and new
versatile outsole delivers a
lighter, faster and superior
performing boot that will
live up to the legendary
‘Pronghorn’ name. The
Pronghorn will be available
in July 2014.
these features into the new
The upper features
model, the combination
a durable full-‐grain
of comfort, durability and
CamoHide™ leather with
versatility should make
rugged lightweight 1000
this Pronghorn appealing
Denier nylon. A leather
to a lot of guys who spend
The new Pronghorn is
toe and heel cap provides
ample time in the field.
constructed on Danner’s
added protection in high-‐ We are proud to bring this
lightweight TERRA FORCE® wear areas and 100 percent Pronghorn into a long
platform, delivering a
waterproof breathable
lineage of great hunting
stable, yet athletic base
GORE-‐TEX® lines the
boots.”
underfoot. A modified
boot. The new Danner
design features a lower
Pronghorn® outsole houses The Pronghorn series
profile, true 8-‐inch height an alpine-‐driven design,
includes a 6-‐inch
and reduced leather
with more lugs and a
uninsulated style in Mossy
content in areas that
broader outer-‐lug pattern. Oak® Break-‐Up® Infinity, 8-‐
improve the flexibility and The design is conducive to inch uninsulated styles in
comfort when putting
most any terrain, rendering brown and Realtree® Xtra
in long days in the field.
it the most versatile
Green, 8-‐inch 400g styles
The boot was built with a
Pronghorn outsole to date. in Realtree® Xtra and Mossy
last similar to the original
Oak® Break-‐Up® Infinity
Pronghorn, yet the new
“We’ve fielded more
camo, an 8-‐inch 800g style
version has a wider toe box than a million pairs of
in Mossy Oak® Break-‐Up®
for a truer anatomical fit
the Pronghorn boot over
Infinity and an 8-‐inch
and ample room for toes
the last decade,” said
1200g version in Realtree®
providing added comfort.
Ryan Cade, Product Line
Xtra.
A more streamlined
Manager for Danner Hunt.
design delivers legendary
“After tapping into all of
Available sizes include
Pronghorn performance in the great things that have
men’s 7-‐16D and 8-‐14EE,
a boot 10 percent lighter
made this boot successful
both widths with half sizes
than before.
over time and grouping
to 12. MSRP ranges from
Program Guide
click here
MAY 2013
Antelope
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