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SYSTEMS, INC.

INTERVIEW WITH KEITH WARREN

SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GUN SILENCERS

YELLOWSTONE TROUT GETTING KIDS INTO OUTDOOR SPORTS

MAKING VENISON SAUSAGE BAITING RULES WIN GEAR!

ADEQUATE CATCH RADIO FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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• SINCE 1986 •

Maybe you’ve noticed.

These days, there are very few kids interested in hunting, fishing or anything else that involves being outdoors. Even during the month of December, when kids of a previous generation would impatiently wait for Christmas morning to bring a new rifle, shotgun or fishing rod, current-day kids would rather get a new smartphone or tablet and most couldn’t care less about outdoor sports.

Why Some Kids Think Hunting & Fishing is Uncool And what you can do about it.

This trend should and does scare the heck out of companies that manufacture guns, ammo, fishing rods and reels, knives and all of the other gear used for hunting and fishing. However, it should also concern those of us who love these sports and care about their future.

If there are no new hunters there will be nobody around who cares about preserving the wilderness. When nobody cares about the wilderness, one of the most sacred environments – nature – will become “real estate” for one more, tacky strip center or fast food joint.

What’s Happening Here?

It’s been said by more than a few outdoor sports enthusiasts that kids have not changed. The world around them has changed and that world has little time for hunting and fishing. Unfortunately, kids have found other things to do with their time – playing computer games, Facebook, Twitter, incessant texting and hanging around their rooms, eating junk food.

As a parent, grandparent or mentor to a child, there is nothing more rewarding than sharing one’s passion.

Whether it involves music, stamp collecting or sports, most parents enjoy sharing activities with their kids and this is particularly true for those who love outdoor sports. So what’s going on here?

It’s simple. Those of us who love outdoor sports have failed to communicate the fun, excitement and rewards of these activities to the next generation. We’re often so busy, mentally and physically exhausted with the day-to-day survival, that when an opportunity to fish or hunt with our friends arises we jump at the chance and forget to bring along the little guys and gals whose lack of experience might be just another distraction from the sport. However, if these sports are to continue, we must make the time to show how cool they really are.

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It’s not that hard to get a kid involved in the outdoor sports you love. It just takes some commitment – both time and patience – to make it happen. Here are some ways to get started.

Have a Plan Any “sales” campaign, and make no mistake this is a very challenging sales effort, which gets kids who are inundated with electronic shiny objects involves some planning. Take some lessons from the people who do this for a living – teachers. If you happen to be a teacher or know one, use your/their expertise to encourage you kids to learn something new and exciting.

For example, if you’re wanting to introduce fishing to a youngster, it’s a good idea to do some research online and a find interesting information on such topics of “catch and release” fishing practices, the types of game fish that might be in the immediate area, the markings of specific fish and simple strategies that are appropriate for catching different species.

Kid’s minds are sponges and if it’s interesting, they soak up new information fast. All of this information can be used to improve the child’s knowledge and excitement before any lines are wetted.

Having a plan will also help the parent be prepared for most eventualities. For example, what happens if the fishing party gets lucky and actually catches some fish? Any child who land’s her first fish will probably want to either have it for dinner or have it mounted – no matter what size.

Before the trip is a good time to talk about catch and release options or preparation of the fish for the table. A good alternative to keeping the fish is to bring along a camera and capture the event for posterity. It’s also great fun to look at these photos when the child is older.

Show, Don’t Tell If you’ve recently instructed your son or daughter to do something – math homework, clean a room or fix a sandwich for lunch – you have first-hand experience of the advantages of showing rather than just telling. Often kids don’t know WHAT to do or HOW to do it and they are embarrassed by this situation. So, they do nothing. As Uncle Si would say, “Hey, they’re kids.”

The best approach to teaching children about hunting and fishing is to spend as much time as necessary – maybe the entire trip – showing them how to make a cast, lead a dove or do any of the thousands of things that might be second-nature to you, but are completely foreign to a kid who spends most days in front of a videogame.

Some outdoor sports instructors even suggest that in the first few fishing or hunting trips, that the parent or mentor leaves their equipment at home and only use the kid’s guns or rods. This forces the teacher (that would be YOU) to concentrate on the task at hand which is showing – not telling – the child the correct techniques.

Don’t Go Overboard on Gear Every kid loves to play with gadgets and hunting and fishing are multi-billion dollar industries, most of which is made up of very cool gadgets. The tendency on the part of experienced outdoor sportsmen is to buy the best equipment for their young charges. However, this is not necessary.

For example, on the first or second fishing trip, cane pole with a monofilament fishing line, #8 or #10 hook, BB-sized lead sinker and bobber will be fine. The sinker will get the bait down into the water and the bobber (float) will show the child when he is getting some nibbles. When it goes completely under the water, it’s party time!

Hunting sports are a little different, but the same principle applies. A single-shot .22 caliber rifle or youth sized 20gauge shotgun, loaded with only one shell, is plenty of firepower to learn about shooting for the first few times in the field. Some well-known shooting instructors suggest starting youngsters on BB guns before moving on to shotguns and rifles in order to teach gun mounting and swinging techniques.

Parents sometime make the mistake of starting a child who’s interested in hunting on a single-shot 410 shotgun.

kids HUNTING & fishing

While there is some logic to this strategy – the 410 is much lighter than a 12 or 20 gauge and easier for a kid to swing – the problem lies in the smaller shot pattern of a 410 versus a youth-sized 20-guage gun. Trying to hit a dove or quail in flight with the smaller pattern of a 410 requires big-time marksman skills that most kids have not yet developed. Therefore, the 20-guage might be a better choice of gun to learn on.

Bow hunting has become very popular among both seasoned and younger hunters. The bow manufacturers have realized the potential for these youth and female hunters and have started making bows which are easier to use.

Since this type of hunting requires more arm strength and specialized skills, parents should consider professional instruction and youth-sized equipment before turning a young archer loose. For anyone wanting his child to learn about the excitement of bow hunting, showing – not telling – a youngster how a bow is used on the practice range and later in the field would be time well-spent.

Of course, there’s a good possibility that a person who enjoys hunting and fishing already has extra equipment that can be adjusted to a young angler. With regard to fishing, simplifying the rod, reel and tackle is advisable for the first few times on the water and if the kid enjoys fishing, a moderately priced youth spin-casting outfit and their own personal tackle box will add to the fun of the sport.

Choose a Less Aggressive Quarry Most parents, at least those in the right mind, would never take a kid on a wild hog hunt for his or her first hunting experience. What might be a thrill for a seasoned hunter could permanently traumatize a kid and cause him to never want to get out in the field again. Dove hunts or highly managed deer hunts are perfect for introducing hunting to a young shooter.

This strategy is also true with fishing.

Largemouth bass, marlin, shark and other aggressive species are not the best fish to introduce the sport to a young angler. The best strategy for kids is to pursue fish that are easier to catch. Some good choices for first fishing trips include: bluegills, channel catfish, crappie, white bass and sunfish.

As long as kids are catching fish they could really care less if it is considered a trophy fish or not. These kid-friendly fish also tend to hang out near the bank, not requiring a long cast, and do not require having a boat. The best waterways to introduce fishing are neighborhood fishing lakes in parks, small creeks and stock tanks on farms.

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kids HUNTING & fishing Stay Positive and Play it Forward How many sports have been ruined for kids by type-A parents who are determined to make the child an expert? The most important parts of introducing a kid to hunting and fishing are to keep cool and keep it simple.

It’s a mistake to paint all technology as evil. If the kid is enamored with high-tech gadgets, there are now hundreds of smartphone apps that outdoor sportsmen can use to have a more productive trip. Just remind him that first-hand experience is always more fun than the virtual experience of a smartphone or tablet.

Too much detail about the sport and too much attention to landing “big one” is the quickest way to make fishing and hunting another chore for the child. Be ready to skip rocks when the fishing gets slow or talk about the natural phenomenon such as the effect on the fullmoon on fishing and hunting if the kid gets bored.

No matter what, just being outside with your kids, soaking up with nature has to offer, is always a great time! It’s also planting the seed about the fun of hunting and fishing for their sons and daughters. In order for outdoor sports to survive, it’s time for you to take your love of these activities and play it forward.

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Quiet! I’m Hunting Over Here!

A look at the controversy surrounding gun silencers Has this ever happened to you? You have a giant, 12-point whitetail buck perfectly sighted at 50 yards. You gently squeeze the trigger of your rifle and the unmistakable crack of the lead leaving the muzzle is heard for 2 or 3 miles around. Then, one of your buddies, who’s up in a tree stand, puts his right index finger to his lips and urgently whispers, “Shhhhh! Keep the noise down! I’m trying to hunt over here!”

More than likely, this has never happened. Nor will it ever.

The sounds of rifle cracks, shotgun blasts and the whoops of outdoor sports fanatics after making a good shot are all a part of the hunting experience. So, why are very well-organized groups in several states trying to get approval to attach silencers to hunting guns? And why does the federal government want to make it tougher?

There are many reasons, including health and hearing issues, but not everyone agrees that silencers on sporting guns – or any guns for that matter – are a good idea.

Legislation for Gun Silencers The Arizona House of Representatives was one of the first in the U.S. to pass legislation that allows noise suppressors or silencers on hunting rifles in February 2012. In a contentious process, the lawmakers of this state who favored silencers on guns won the day by a vote of 42 to 14.

Legislators, who might be called “pro-silencers,” successfully made the case that allowing these add-ons to rifles will reduce the damage to the hearing of hunters who use them and will reduce the recoil of rifles making them safer to use. The opposition, who might be called the “loud-crowd,” basically held that this legislation harkened back to Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

It’s also interesting to note that even the terminology used to describe these firearm add-ons is different, depending on which side of the issue one happens to be on. The folks who favor them, call this equipment “noise suppressors” and the gun owners and law enforcement officers, who are against them, call them “silencers”.

This is no accident of semantics. Both sides use the term that best advances their agenda.

Another Skirmish in the Gun Control Battle Many firearm owners have gotten around the National Firearms Act of 1934, which requires approvals from local sheriffs and police chiefs to purchases of silencers and highly regulated firearms such as machine guns, by using a legal loophole in the law called a “trust” to purchase these suppressors. However, the Feds have gotten wise and are making an effort to close this loophole.

As reported in October 4, 2013 issue of The Wall Street Journal (a well-known hunting a fishing periodical!) under a new rule, proposed on September 9, 2013 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosions (ATF), “people linked to the trusts also would have to obtain a sign-off from local law enforcement and undergo criminal background checks.”

While the federal law permits ownership of suppressors, they are banned in 11 states. Since there are similar suppressor or silencer initiatives in “fish and wildlife” divisions and legislative committees of the states of Kansas and a half dozen other states, it’s clear that this issue is being driven by more than the concern over a hunter’s hearing.

Needless to say, this proposal has become a part of the on-going disagreement between gun-control advocates and those who favor gun-rights. The gun-control folks, who are joined by many law enforcement leaders – including game wardens – feel that these silencers make a weapon more dangerous. The gun-rights group contend the popular portrayal of these suppressors as the tools of criminals and poachers is off base and, in fact, these silencers protect the hunter’s hearing.

If an outdoorsman wants to hunt in silence he/she can follow the advice of outdoor writer for the Austin American Statesman, Mike Leggett, who noted in his column on this issue: “I already use a silenced firearm for whitetails. It’s called a bow.”

These noise-reduction cans have become very popular. The number of trusts jumped from 840 in 2000 to 40,700 in 2012 according to the ATF as word got around about the loophole. As of April 2013, there were a walloping 494,452 silencers in American homes (see WSJ article above) and that number represents an increase in 73 percent.

Silence is Golden and Expensive The National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed the use of silencers in 2011 and it has used its considerable political clout to encourage states to ease restrictions.

For example, North Carolina and North Dakota approved suppressors for hunting this year.

In states where it becomes legal to attach silencers to hunting weapons, the stealth hunters who opt to use this high-tech contraption will be paying some extra cash for the privilege. First off, all guns are regulated by the ATF and there is a $200 fee and a mountain of red tape to go through in order for a gun to be legally silenced.

Then there is the issue of buying an appropriate silencer.

On the cheap end of the pricing spectrum these little muffler cost about $250. Those that are more sophisticated can cost as much as $2,000. On the mid-range level, MasterPiece Arms which manufactures the MPA MAC line of pistols, carbines and MPAR Rifles also makes a line of suppressors. The latest in this line are the MPA556S-II and the Murmur II. They meet rigorous noise level criteria, the weigh about 15-ounces and both are user-serviceable, which saves the gun owner money. Both sell for about $400.

When one realizes that the sound reduction of any type of silencer is only about 60 decibels and that, unlike in the movies where the sinister bad guys silencer transforms his giant handgun in to a little “twipp” sound when it silenced, even a muffled rifle will have a noticeable retort, it begs the question: why would a hunter want this high-tech accoutrement on his/her gun? Why wouldn’t a hunter just buy a good pair of ear plugs for a few dollars? Why indeed.

Game Wardens Don’t Like Silencers It’s interesting to note that most game warden groups are opposed to silencers on hunting rifles. This is due to a couple of factors. First, most game wardens are old school outdoorsmen who feel that game animals deserve as close to an equal chance of survival as possible and silencers tip the advantage in favor of hunters.

Secondly, since game wardens are charged with nabbing the poachers and other outdoor trash that hunt illegally, this law enforcement groups know that a silenced firearm will be difficult to track down in on a big parcel of land. As has been noted by several outdoor writers and environmentalists, the opinions of game wardens carry weight with the Fish and Wildlife agencies but they don’t have a vote on the issue.

Keith Warren Weighs In For more than 30 years, as host of the popular television hunting show “The High Road,” Keith Warren has shared his skill and passion for hunting. In addition to being broadcast on the Pursuit Channel, Warren has a huge following for his YouTube channel found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/OutdoorAdventures

Woods & Water asked Warren his opinion on this noise suppressor controversy.

He said, “These are not silencers. These are noise suppressors. They reduce the amount of sound that a gun puts out. There are many good reasons to have suppressors. The NRA has been successful in getting suppressors for big game hunting in some states, including Texas. There are lots of people, living in subdivisions around where hunting occurs, who don’t like to hear the sound of a gun going off. So, a suppressor comes in really handy there. If you’re going to be using a suppressor, you’d better be shooting sub-sonic ammo because they are designed for this type of ammunition. There are so many positive aspects to suppressors and I wish that before people voiced their opinions they would learn about the technology.”

Follow the Money So, if some of the oldschool hunters find this silencing of weapons distasteful and the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that are charged with maintaining order and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoMM2LESf74 the natural resources in a state are opposed to this, who’s driving this issue for gun silencers? In the words of that anonymous tipster (Deep Throat) who led Woodward and Bernstein to their Pulitzer Prize: “Follow the money.”

It seems reasonable that the companies and organizations benefitting financially from the selling firearms and associated equipment would have the most to gain from this movement to allow silencers on hunting rifles. Gun manufacturers, firearm equipment companies and every other company and organization connected to this food chain, have more than enough resources and political clout to make gun silencers legal in every state. Plus, keeping sportsmen in the market for new gear is one of the primary reasons these companies can stay in business. In a free market economy, there’s nothing wrong with this.

However, the argument that noise suppressors will save the hearing of a deer hunter who may pull the trigger 3 or 4 times during a hunt has some credibility challenges. Maybe it will and maybe it won’t. The noise decibels are not reduced by that much.

This controversy over suppressors or silencers – whichever you decide to call them – is about whether you believe law enforcement on the federal, state and local levels should have the right to regulate firearms and associated equipment and, if they do, should the process be so onerous as to stifle innovation. It’s not a health issue. It’s a philosophical issue.

Taking the High Road

Warren with UFC fighter Brock Lesnar

with Keith Warren Keith Warren is an icon in the outdoor television industry and a devoted conservationist. For more than 30 years, he has produced and hosted television shows specifically geared to outdoorsmen. He has appeared on networks such as Outdoor Channel, VERSUS, ESPN, ESPN II, Sportsman’s Channel and the Pursuit Channel where his show “The High Road” is currently appearing. He also has a worldwide fan base that has discovered his unique brand of storytelling from the YouTube channel.

Keith is a Texas native who grew up in Dallas and as a youngster he began hunting and fishing with his family. For almost 3 decades, he has worked tirelessly to help motivate more Americans enjoy the great outdoors. “When people are connected to nature, they make better choices,” says Warren. “People in the 21st century need to become better connected to nature and realize that we all share a responsibility to take care of our precious natural resources.”

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WW: What’s the biggest challenge of coming up with the stories on the High Road?

KW: It’s weather conditions, travel and the other elements but it’s also me. I push myself really hard to get the best footage and stories we can possibly do.

I produce a “product” just like someone else produces a car or a house. We produce a TV show. We have a half hour and that’s it. If someone is going to give me a half hour of their time to watch one of our TV shows, I want to make sure we give them the best show possible. That’s not just killing an animal. That’s showing pretty footage and telling a compelling story. It’s also important for me that we get the viewers energized about outdoor sports and realize that, in the scheme of things, there are not very many of us out there hunting. So, when I go out to do a television show, the hunting part is actually pretty easy. It’s all of the other requirements of getting a great story. For example, we had a show about prairie dog hunting in South Dakota. At the time, there was a massive flood in the state and the story ended up being about how the community got together to overcome the effects of the flood – not just the prairie dog hunt.

WW: The High Road is seen every week on the Pursuit Channel.

KW: Yes, and we are also online. Every one of our shows debuts on our website at HighRoadHunting.com. We have a huge audience for our shows online.

Viewers can subscribe to the YouTube channel – it’s free – and then see some of the coolest videos. They can see lots of things that the network won’t let us

Woods & Water: KEITH WARREN

show because they feel that it might offend somebody. I’ve pretty much decided that I’m not going to be worried about offending someone. We’re all sportsmen here. If you make a bad shot, you make a bad shot. So what? The network thinks that it’s better to not show some of these activities. This is where YouTube comes in. We’ve got thousands and thousands of subscribers and we upload videos every day. We want them to be able to see these shows whenever they want to.

WW: You have audience research on your show that suggests most of your viewers are men, 35-55 years old.

However, do you see a trend towards more women and kids watching?

KW: No question. Just look at our Facebook demographics and our YouTube analytics and you’ll see a growing number of women watching our shows. Like men they’re looking for something cool to do and getting out in the outdoors is something really cool to do. For years, the hunting industry ignored the females and now that’s all changed. They’re looking for ways to encourage women to get involved and it’s working. Someone asked me the other day, “what’s your niche?” Some shows focus on bow hunting or longdistance shooting, but my niche is that I don’t have a niche! What I mean by that is that I do it all. I hunt for everything from bullfrogs to elephants. I hunt with everything from an air gun to a hand gun, long-bow to a cross-bow.

I do it all and try to encourage everyone who is interested in hunting to get involved with our shows. There are so few sportsmen, that we need to find things which unite us, not polarize us.

Some hosts, who favor archery, put down hunters who use a gun. I think to myself: “that’s silly.” Most people who hunt with a bow started with gun and they just elevated their sport to include bows. We’re all hunters and we need to stay united in this pursuit.

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WW: How do you get kids involved with hunting and fishing?

KW: People have changed. We all want everything RIGHT NOW. We’re all victims of this fast-paced word and kids are really victims.

Just go to any airport and you’ll notice that kids are not connected to the parents because they have that electronic “joy toy” in their hands where they’re communicating virtually rather than in reality. So, when you take kids outdoors, it’s a scary thing to them because they don’t know what “reality” is. Kids don’t know what it feels like to get a sunburn or dirt under their fingernails. I look at some of these kids and they’re a white as a sheet of paper. They don’t get outside. However, by getting kids outside with something that’s stimulating – something that happens fast – I think we can get them hooked on outdoor sports. Old timers say, “that’s not right…you need to start ‘em out slow.” Well, if you start them out too slow, guess what? They’re going to go play golf or tennis or something else that has a little action. There’s a product called Tannerite and it is an exploding target. It’s safe and it only goes off when you hit it with a high caliber rifle. However, it EXPLODES! When a kid hits that target and it blows up, it’s instant gratification and they want to do it again! I look for things that are exciting in order to get kids involved.

WW: Do you have a favorite kind of hunting?

KW: I like it all. They all have something unique about them. I love elk hunting and I love turkey hunting. The only difference is the elk weighs 700 or 800 pounds and they can smell you! Duck hunting is exciting. I love bow hunting because I like the challenge of getting them in close. I like long gun hunting because I like the challenge of hitting them at a distance. I like it all.

Warren’s daughter Matti

WW: What advice can you give a hunter who only gets out in the field a few times a year to improve their results?

KW: I would suggest doing more research. A typical hunter will use an outfitter to get them out to the field and with the Internet it’s possible to read about the outfitter, the area that you’re hunting and other things that can make or break a hunt. Read the comments that people have made about the outfitter. Do your homework and this will improve the odds of having a great hunt, rather than a disappointment. If you’re going out on your own for a weekend hunt, without an outfitter, the most important thing to do is have fun! That’s why we go. We’re not going to kill a giant trophy. We want to create memories.

So, we need to break it down and ask: what are our expectations? Do we want to sit around the campfire and tell stories? For me, I remember the camaraderie among my friends and me on hunts. That’s what makes hunting fun for me.

Fishing and hunting is supposed to be fun and when people stop having fun, they stop doing it.

WW: You go on so many adventures on The High Road. Where are some of the places you’ll be going in the future?

KW: If someone will follow me on Facebook, they’ll know exactly where I am every day. We just got back from New Zealand and we had a wonderful time. It’s beautiful country, beautiful people and we’ve got some killer shows coming from over there. We just recently got back from Canada and I have an incredible thing happen and it’s on video. I had a nice large buck come in at about 15 yards and when I shot the arrow, it went completely through the deer. He jumped up about 5 feet and started to run. When he looked over and

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saw the arrow, now stuck in the ground, he dropped dead. He did not know that the arrow had passed through him! He didn’t even know he was hit! I’ve shot a lot of deer, but I’ve never had something like this happen. More than likely, the network is not going to let this shot get on the air.

However, our viewers will be able to see it on our YouTube channel in its entirety.

As I mentioned, we debut everything on our YouTube channel so they don’t have to wait for it to show on TV in order to see it. Thanks to the Internet, we now have worldwide viewing and if anybody wants to watch our show, just go to: www.HighRoadHunting.com.

Why Yellowstone park is removing rainbow trout

The natural grandeur of Yellowstone Park has been awe-inspiring for more than a century. It was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872 and is thought to be the first national park in the world. Parts of Yellowstone are located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and this amazing property is known for its wildlife, its subalpine forest, its many geothermal features such as “Old Faithful” geyser and its trout-laden streams.

These legendary streams and the trout that inhabit them have become a battleground of sorts between the anglers who fish them and the park’s managers who want to restore the populations and purity of cutthroat trout. Their restoration tactic involves removing several non-native species, including rainbow trout. As with many current, natural anomalies the destruction of the cutthroat species was an unintended consequence of the goal of enhancing the trout in the streams within the park.

Cleansing the Yellowstone Streams

As a recent Wall Street Journal article noted, “Rainbow trout have been swimming the waters of Yellowstone, the U.S.’s first-ever national park, for more than a hundred years since early park administrators introduced them to enhance the fish offerings. For decades, fishermen have reveled in catching the prized game fish.” After much research and (no doubt) many heated discussions among the wildlife biologists who manage this natural asset, owned by every American, these officials have concluded that these rainbows are pushing out the native cutthroats and they must be removed from the streams running through the park.

The park’s chief scientist and nemesis of one group of Yellowstone fishermen is Dave Hallac. He is leading the charge to require anglers in the park to “catch-and-thennot-release” any fish that is not a cutthroat. Many anglers find this killing policy distasteful at best. The goal is to “increase the cutthroat fish stocks, benefitting both the park’s biodiversity and anglers’ fortunes.” This may be a worthwhile long-term goal, but it’s painful to trout fisherman in the short-term.

The Painful Process

of Fixing

Nature

Rainbows, Cutthroats and Unintended Consequences Rainbow and cutthroat trout are both wily, difficult to fool and hell-on-wheels when hooked. Outdoor sports writers, grizzled old fishing guides and first-time anglers with their brand new fly rods have endlessly rhapsodized about these two game fish.

A rainbow trout gets his name from its unique coloration. It has a silvery body with pale pink streaks and black speckles. The cutthroat trout earned its moniker from the distinctive blood-red slashes along its jawline.

The Yellowstone Park managers started planting non-native fish such as rainbows, brown and brook trout in 1889 according to park records. It was said this was done to meet the goal etched in the towering stone arches which greet visitors: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

By the 1950s park records showed they had stocked more than 300 million fish whose offspring swam in the park’s waterways. The unintended consequence of this stocking of non-native species is the invasive fish eat the cutthroats or breed with them to spawn a hybrid called “cutbows.” Studies now reveal that the native fish only exists in a small fraction of its historic range and it is mostly in and around Yellowstone.

Biologists have determined that the cutthroats – what’s left of them – are a key link in the wildlife food chain. They have gillnetted hundreds of thousands of non-native lake trout and to clear them out of the rivers and streams, they are stunning the fish with electricity or spraying the chemical rotenone, a root-based chemical that asphyxiates fish.

The Effects of Restoration While this effort to eliminate non-native, invasive species from Yellowstone Park streams is based on science, the anglers who love to catch these fish and the businesses that rely on these anglers to stay afloat are not impressed. In fact, they are not at all happy.

Park records show that every year more than 40,000 anglers are drawn to its lakes, rivers and creeks. These people support a multimillion-dollar industry of tackle shops, hotels and tours. Many feel that this restoration effort will reduce the number of fishermen and cause the economic dominos to fall accordingly.

Conservation groups such as Trout Unlimited support the restoration efforts. However, professional fly fisherman and artist, Jeff Currier was quoted in the WSJ article as saying, “When do you decide what’s native and what’s not.” Currier is also a part of the Wild Trout Conservation Coalition which feels that the restoration program will destroy the fisheries that make Yellowstone the fishing mecca that it has become.

The wildlife managers of Yellowstone Park have had similar results with other restoration efforts for native wildlife.

Unfortunately, these efforts have also proven to be mixed blessings.

The park’s bison population was at one time near extinction and the management took steps to rejuvenate this species. Now, the bison are plentiful but destroying wooden fences found around the park. Similarly, the Yellowstone wolf population had all but disappeared and after efforts similar to the cutthroat program, the wolves are back in healthy numbers. Unfortunately, they are now killing off elk to the chagrin of hunters.

The annual gear guide It’s a proven fact that outdoor sports fanatics can never have too many or too much of any category of equipment, apparel or gadgetry.

Anyone who loves to hunt or fish, takes a secret oath to always want: (1) whatever their buddies have that’s cool and (2) anything that has even the slightest, most remote chance of helping them have more success in the woods or on the water. Almost anything, at any price-point, if it meets one or both of these criteria, is perfect.

for Under $100 It’s really astounding how much great gear is available at less-than-$100 price point.

Here are some under $100 priced ideas and their approximate U.S. cost.

Motorized Dove Decoy ($39.99) Best gadget in the history of dove hunting

Slam Talker Deer Call ($19.99) Music to the deer’s ears

Survival Strap bracelet ($24.99) A strong cord that can save a life

Faulk’s

Classic Double-Reed Duck ($29.99) Incoming ducks!

Cabela’s Alaskan Guide X White Headlamp by Princeton Tec ($39.99)

Call

Wildgame Innovations Range Finder ($89.99) Great bargain

Trekker 10” 800-Gram waterproof hunting boots ($59.99) Great price, light boots

Buck Omni Hunter Folding Knife ($49.99) Perfect for field dressing

Other options: FlameStower fire-activated charger ($79.99) Amazing invention for charging phones Finn Utility Fly Wallet ($58) Built in the U.S. and will last for generations Duck’s Unlimited Membership ($35) Duck hunters will love this and a great cause Vero Vellini Marine Binocular Strap ($24.99) They float and so will your binoculars

RADIO FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS Woods & Water Radio is the first radio station dedicated to hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. You can hear us on your smartphone, desktop or tablet‌just about anywhere. Woods & Water Radio is a mix of great music and information that celebrates the outdoors! Give us a listen. Click on Woods & Water logo below to listen now!

Outdoor Gear Priced Between $100 - $250

Avery Layout Powerhunter blind ($149.99) Mobility for duck and goose hunters

Fishpond Dakota Rod and Reel traveling case ($159.00) Nice design, protective case

Costa RealTree Camo Sunglasses ($189) The future’s so bright, you gotta wear ‘em

Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knife ($109.99) Great fishing tool

RealTree Bushmaster Treestand ($179.88) Who doesn’t need a treestand?

Easton Gamegetter backpack ($99) Made for running and gunning

Outdoor Gear Priced Between $100 - $250

Hunter Safety System TreeStalker harness ($99) This is a life-saver

Cabela’s Prestige Fly Fishing Outfit ($129.99) Perfect for beginning fly fisherman

Leatherman Multi-tool ($149.99) Millions of these have been given for gifts for a reason

Redfield Rebel Binoculars ($129.99) Powerful and rugged

Ameristep Leafy Deluxe Tent Chair ($200) Great, mobile deer blind

Midland HD Wearable Video Camera ($169.99) great HD video in a wearable cam

Wish List

Vicious Fishing ORCA Cooler ($399.99) Keep the game fresh with one of the best coolers on the market

JCB WORKMAX go-anywhere Utility Terrain Vehicle ($12,500)

African Safari ($7,000) Trip of a lifetime www.likhulusafaris.com

Liberty Safe – Home safe ($1,500) Keeps your valuables and children safe

an outdoorsman’s dream

A new Dodge Ram Truck OR A new Chevy Siverado Truck

In addition to these hunting and fishing gear and gadgets, outdoor sports enthusiasts might really enjoy books and videos about their favorite sports, wildlife prints and original artwork, GPS and weather-oriented apps for their smartphones, certificates for 3-4 day fishing and hunting “schools” such as the ones put on by Orvis and dream vacations at hunting and fishing lodges around the world. Hey, it’s only money.

If one happens to be reading this and would like to be the recipient of one or all of these, it would be a good idea to email a copy of this article to the appropriate gift giver in your life.

Once they get a copy of these suggestions, it’s a good idea to re-email the person with an apology for sending the article. Say something like, “oh, I thought I was sending this to: (insert the name of any buddy who likes to fish and hunt).”

An Adequate Catch

Editor’s Note: We’re happy to introduce a new voice on Woods & Water Magazine this month – Anne Vandewalle.

Here’s how Anne describes herself: I am a photographer, fly fisherman and certifiable cowgirl that has been happily hunting carp and retrieving trout out of Colorado streams for a few years. Now an aspiring documentarian, I'm heading out on an incredible journey to teach horses to fish and provide mobility for the disabled.

She’s also very funny. Want proof? Read on.

Dating and fishing share the same truths.

Everyone is in search of the “Perfect Catch.” You wade into that foreign environment, tie on the fly that will catch fish, and have hope that you read the water right. But, be prepared for your hatch not to match.

In the pursuit of the “photo worthy fish”, the “Walter” of your existence, keep in mind the small ones eat too. Neither dating nor fishing have to be a disheartening competition where the sweet, blue collar fingerlings go unnoticed. Lighten up. A tricked out Land Rover driven by the understudy for “A River Runs Through It” may not be what you think. I’d much prefer Jim Gaffigan in a beat up F150.

SYSTEMS, INC.

Fueled by Service

Life Safety & Mass Notification Dallas-Fort Worth 817-640-2223

And don’t pretend that YOUR waders fit differently than anyone else’s. Everyone hooks the trees. We all own many “killer” flies that we bought as greenies from a fly shop only to realize the owner was just thinning last year’s un-fishable crap.

For a woman who fly fishes, I haven’t hit the honey hole yet. Some say that women attract fish easily - something about pheromones. I contest that it is often just the t-shirt I’m wearing. But I’m not looking for the best, biggest brown in the stream; my hopes are on that feisty, adequate catch.

I know that fishing is just one jerk standing on a bank waiting for a jerk on the other end. And I know that unless I frequent NASCAR races and fly shop tying demonstrations, my chances of meeting multiple available men are slim. I’m single, with a marriage behind me, more than one experience with a divorced, “enlightened” man, and a keenly developed, sarcastic bent on life. And, I’m holding out for normal. An unfavorable EBay rating and a lifetime membership to Walmart won’t necessarily deter me...I might just run a quick criminal check. (Of course, bonus points if you can tie your own Wooly Bugger.)

Last Saturday night, I hesitated as I approached a “Best Of” restaurant on a blind date. My friend boasted about this hot entrepreneur fisherman with many start-up success stories. As I pulled in, I hoped the Jaguar in the lot belonged to the restaurant’s owner. It’s not that I can’t keep up; it’s that I want something in common. Just as if I was standing in a stream, I want to have a bug in common with the fish. I want to match the hatch, not outthink the fish.

(Though, on this particular date, my bug might as well have been a rancid turkey neck.)

I sat in my well-worn Target jeans as I faced a $400 suit and tie. He fished only on the River Thames I guess. Better get out my cashmere caddis.

Predictably, before the bone marrow and brioche arrived, I found myself more concerned if my frozen muffins would defrost in time for breakfast as opposed to my “dream” date across the fancy tablecloth.

I desperately hoped another vintage 10 year bottle of wine was on its way as I listened to Austin drone on about his Harvard years, his latest trip to the Miramichi, and how I could live a bigger, better life. I was bored by him.

He thought he was all that and a bag of chips (with SEA salt). It deteriorated quickly. And suddenly I wasn’t sure it had even been two weeks since he’d been released from his straitjacket.

As he gazed into my eyes over dinner, I watched him slowly pull out a puppet from his briefcase and pretend to feed it. Yep. Couldn’t make that #%@* up. At least he had dependable friends.

Skunked again! We rationalize fishing. We rationalize dating.

Can’t get a bite? We proclaim it’s the bugs, the hatch, or maybe he has a penchant for a hot chick with a tramp stamp and a pile of “daddy” issues. I don’t want to figure out what they want to eat. I want them to eat what I HAVE on my line. Instead of the size 32, eagle haunch feather, salmon fly with 24K gold wrap, I hanker for a tried and true size 14 Adam’s dry.

Here’s the rub gentleman; it’s not the size, it’s.... the expectation that my heart will only skip a beat at the sight of something over 8 inches.

Okay, I might gasp.

Everyone enhances themselves. “Creative Outlook on Life” means unemployed. “Young at heart” means they still use their high school driver’s license picture. And, “Independent Thinker” means nobody likes their Facebook page. Brush up on your math. Subtract three inches from his height, double his weight, and halve his income. (Please exchange any careless “him” for “her” as the situation may warrant; I am an equal opportunity cynic.)

Still having a little stage fright from my date with the puppeteer, I decide to go straight to a fisherman. I planned a destination guide trip. Mike strode into the shop...hot, smart and equipped...with a nice rod. (Okay, that was a gimme.)

He started out the day styling me in the dirtiest truck I had ever been forced into. And that says a lot if you peruse my dating inventory. Careening down the canyon in his truck, I perked up a little. This was a good sign. Fisherman, including myself, need bumper stickers identifying their sickness for fishing; our eyes are never on the road but always looking for that killer hole without a care for any other person choosing to share the pavement. A sliding grind on a rocky pullover never fails to be the solution. As we slam to a stop over the yellow line, Mike says, “Advice, don’t drive like a woman in this canyon; pony up and have some balls or you’ll lose your good water.”

Okay. I have balls and am not offended. I hate women drivers too.

We hike down and he watches me cast. Even though I fish, he insists on “breaking my bad habits.” A swing, a wiggle, a waggle, a slow drift, a fast drift, split shot, big freakin' flies, size 32 blue wing olives tied on a 10X weight tippet, keeping your elbow in, hauling on the back, hauling on the front, brand of my rod… the advice is endless. I always preface my trip or a date with saying: “I just want to enjoy it.” If we skunk, I’m fine. Here we go again, trying to make this “perfect”.

Suddenly, I feel him close behind me.

He presses himself into me, grabs my hand, tells me to look at the water and starts casting. First of #%*@ all, ASK. Fishing doesn’t automatically grant you access to me and it’s a start to things rolling downhill. I’m not adverse to a little romance, but this wasn’t about the “final rose”, it was about copping a feel.

Not perfect. Not even adequate.

Skunked again.

So where can you a man with the goods? Sit at a bar. And there next to you, drinking a Budweiser sits the adequate man. He’s the fish that you catch all the time, not the record breaking river donkey, he’s the scrappy cutie you catch when you’re not paying attention.

He’s good looking enough to not make you ask the bartender to line up six beers on the bar, and rich enough to afford to pick up the tab if you did. The option to take a chance, put on your big girl pants and start a conversation that might go somewhere seems so much better than tying up your Saturday nights sitting in front of a bright computer screen. Besides, Brad Pitt doesn’t frequent BJ’s Brewpub. (I would like to fish with him though, since I know he can.)

I still search the stream for my boy. So, c’mon guys. Don’t be ashamed. Embrace your adequateness. Stand with pride and declare, “I can offer you a dinner for two... at the Wing Shack, a pair of “Husky” waders and as MUCH as five inches!” You’ll be surprised how adequate you really are. ‘til they bite, Anne

Please help me raise funds to film a documentary about training my horse to fish!

Inspired by the healing power of a river and a horse, I want to help the disabled, including veterans, illness survivors and children use the horse as a mobile tool to fly fish. And heal.

Let’s get out into the back country where the REAL fish are.

Come along and be part of a truly an amazing ride...

teachahorse.com bitethatfly@gmail.com

can you teach a horse to fish? a documentary by anne vandewalle

GE A

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Carhartt and Realtree Team Up for Tough Camo... And it’s made in the USA

M

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Since it was founded in 1889, the Carhartt brand of clothing is well-known as a

rugged work line of apparel. Recently the company announced an extension to its

camo apparel partnership with Realtree ®, the world’s leading camouflage designer,

marketer, and licensor. Two leaders in the categories of workwear and camo have teamed up

to create a line of camouflage apparel that will be made exclusively in facilities in Tennessee and

Kentucky. Realtree’s new Xtra® camo pattern will be used on popular Carhartt styles and will be the

only Realtree camo line made in the USA. “

This partnership with Realtree will give outdoorsmen a one-of-a-kind camo product because it combines an industry-leading camouflage pattern with tried-and-tested outerwear,” said Deb Ferraro, vice president, product design. “Carhartt has a long, rich history of manufacturing in the United States and we’re proud to be the only Realtree camo apparel made in the USA.” The Carhartt/Realtree products have been popular among outdoor sportsmen for many years. Brad Schorr, VP of Licensing for Realtree thinks he knows why. “That’s largely due to the fact that many of Carhartt’s large and loyal consumer base love their camo Carhartt gear! This new USA Camo program is only going to make that relationship between Carhartt and its fans that much stronger. We are thrilled to be involved.”

The new line of Carhartt Realtree apparel includes five items: Thermal-lined Duck Active Jac, Quilted-Flannel-Lined Duck Active Jac, Dungaree, Duck Bib Overall and Quilt-Lined Duck Bib Overall.

Carhartt spokesmen note that all five items will feature Realtree’s new Xtra pattern, which blends perfectly year round in a variety of habitats. It blends best from the leaf change of fall through winter, then again in early spring before green-out.

Using proprietary printing technology, Realtree layers sharp foreground elements over a progressively ghosted mid-ground and very soft background. The versatile new camo design includes tree trunks, large and small limbs, leaves of many types and colors, and large open areas.

The Carhartt Realtree Xtra line of apparel is available online at www.carhartt.com and select stores. The camo line continues Carhartt’s strong manufacturing presence in the United States. Carhartt is the largest producer of workwear made in the United States.

If you would like to win a FREE Carhartt Realtree Quilted Flannel Duck Lined Jacket, just LIKE Woods & Water Facebook page and watch for details.

www.theoutpostlife.com

M E OR

Gerber’s New Tactical Flashlights Work Well for Outdoor Sports

R

If you hunt and fish, you’re going to be in the dark about half the time. This is why an outdoorsman can never have too many flashlights, especially if they’re made by Gerber.

A GE

The Cortex series have multiple power options

The company, well-known for dependable, tough flashlights has introduced its new Cortex flashlights.

While these flashlights were designed for the military-tactical markets, sportsmen will find these hard to beat.

The Gerber Cortex series is comprised of three lights: The Cortex Flashlight, the Cortex Compact Flashlight and the Cortex Rechargeable Flashlight.

Each of these lights employs Gerber’s patented “Omnivore” technology, which allows them to operate on multiple power sources. The Cortex and the Cortex Compact can operate on either AA or Lithium CR123 batteries, while the Cortex Rechargeable includes a Lithium Ion 18650 battery but will also accept two disposable Lithium CR123 batteries.

With a maximum output level of 675 lumens (with three CR123 batteries), the Cortex provides a level of light useful for overwhelming an aggressor or identifying a threat when used in a tactical situation. This can also be useful in a hunting environment. The Gerber Cortex Flashlight is 6.15 inches long and weighs 4.8 ounces While this flashlight is not cheap - it sells for about $104 at retail – the flexibility and toughness of the light makes it worth the price. For more information on this new Gerber Cortex series of flashlight, visit the website www.gerbergear.com.

If you’d like to win great gear like this, keep watching Woods & Water Facebook page for more details.

Just LIKE the page and watch for the contest. www.theoutpostlife.com

GE A

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Great Video Shots of Your Great Rifle Shots

With XTC Cameras

New Midland cameras ready for the field and home

M

OR E

There are two new High Definition Wearable Video Cameras available from

Midland Radio Corporation. The XTC280 and XTC285 cameras are in full HD for a

crisp, clear picture with a lens that focuses from five inches to infinity. With this range, outdoor

smen will never miss a shot. These cameras also feature one button record for simple operation and

image stabilization for a steady picture when filming.

Both models are easy to mount. These mounting accessories were created to fit the needs of any outdoor

enthusiast – from mountain biking to swimming with the family. Mounting options range from a car mount to \ head straps and handlebar mounts. A goggle mount can be used for scuba diving or skiing.

Hunters and shooting sportsmen will appreciate mounts designed specifically for these sports, including a picatinny rail mount, an over/under shotgun mount and rifle mount. These cameras and mounts ensure that that great (rifle or shotgun) shot becomes a great video shot!

The XTC action cameras are budget-friendly. The suggested retail price for the black and silver XTC280 is $149.99 and $169.99 for the XTC285 which comes in Mossy Oak Break Up camo.

This camera doubles as both a family video camera and one that works well for action videos. As such, it is a great value.

To learn more about the Midland XTC Wearable Video Cameras and other Midland products, visit their website www. midlandusa.com . If you would like to see samples of video filmed with the XTC camera in 1080p HD, take a look at their YouTube channel www.youtube.com/midlandusa.

www.theoutpostlife.com If you’d like to win great gear like this, keep watching Woods & Water Facebook page for more details.

Just LIKE the page and watch for the contest.

6ʋXVDȰɏ 6HDVʝɚ

Step-by-step making your wild game wildly amazing (ɵȵȭʑɚ &Oʋʁȴɏ

Eileen Clarke has been hunting wild game and preparing it for the table for more than 30 years. Along the way, she’s learned a lot about the factors that affect the taste of meat she has harvested.

Recently, she completed a new book called Sausage Season: Step-by-step making your wild meat wildly amazing and it’s an easy-to-read handbook on the proper techniques for making moist, creamy-delicious wild game sausage.

The book also contains 66 fresh sausage recipes, the right fat ratio, the right cooking method and the right cooking temperature for mouth-watering sausage.

Why Write a Book on Sausage?

It’s been noted that there are two things that one should never watch while they are being made. These are: laws and sausage.

“And that’s why I wrote the sausage book,” Eileen laughed. “I wanted to see what I was doing.”

So, why does sausage get such a bad rap? There must be a colorful backstory on this meat.

Eileen picks up the story. “The sausage story starts off pretty well. Every culture in the world makes sausage. Since America is an immigrant country, from largely European countries, we’re used to the sausage from those countries – the Polish sausage, the brats, the hot dogs. Sausage started out being muscle meat with a little fat thrown in and made at home. So individuals were in total control of their sausage.

It became so popular that eventually, companies took over making the sausage. The companies got bigger and bigger and it became very commercial and the ‘bottom line’ counted for a lot. Now, if you read the labels of commercially-made sausage there are a lot of ingredients that are filler. Plus, instead of adding fat, which is getting more expensive, they’re adding things to make it more moist.

I believe pork fat is the best fat for sausage but this is becoming too expensive for commercially-made sausage.

So companies will add dry milk or soy powder to get that wonderful texture of sausage.”

Wild Game That’s Wildly Amazing Eileen’s new book, “Sausage Season: Step-by-Step Making Your Wild Game Wildly Amazing” has recently been released. Since most people reading this magazine enjoy harvesting wild game and bringing it back to the freezer we asked her how this wild game can become wildly amazing as sausage.

“We all have a lot of venison in our freezers. If you hunt mule deer in the rut, as my husband and I do, that meat can be a little gamey. Bow hunting elk in the early season can also make for gamey meat because they’re out chasing elk does. It’s not all great meat in your freezer but you don’t want to waste it. You’ve spent a lot of time harvesting it. So, sausage is the perfect answer.”

How did she start making her own sausage?

“I always made it in bulk and in patties because I when I would go to case it, it would get dry. My friends would bring me sausage from other people and it’s was too dry and often over-salted and smoked to within an inch of its life! I was unhappy with what I was seeing out there, so I started this journey.”

How long did it take to get the recipes right?

“It took me two years to work up the recipes and months and months to do the research to determine how the texture gets right. If you make sausage with the meat, fat and spices but don’t know the right technique, you’re going to end up with crumbly and dry sausage. You can add more liquid, but that just makes it crumbly with liquid.

That’s a lot of what “Sausage Season” is about. There are 44 pages on how to get the right texture.”

The Book is Stuffed with How-Tos Most hunters bring back the game from the field and then turn it over to a processor to butcher.

These folks also make sausage, which is sometimes great and sometimes not-so-great. Clark’s step-by-step approach includes such chapters as: • Troubleshooting Sausage: The Many Ways It Can Go Wrong, But Doesn’t Have To • The Importance of Enough When Casing Sausage • Equipment, Equivalents and the Level Head • Sausage Making: Step-by-Step • How to Cook Cased Sausage After a great deal of background on the proper techniques, the book offers some outstanding recipes for sausage. Here’s one for venison.

Cajun Breakfast Sausage Ingredients: 12 ounces ground venison 12 ounces ground pork fat/jowls ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon dried leaf thyme ½ teaspoon dried leaf oregano ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher (or non-iodized) salt A pinch or two of cayenne pepper (to taste) For casing: ¼ cup of beef bouillon Directions: Grind together the venison and pork meats In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt and cayenne Add the spice mixture to the water, then mix thoroughly into the meat.

To taste test: Before adjusting the flavor, chill the mixture 8-24 hours to let the flavors fully develop, and the salt to work on the meat protein (myosin). Once chilled, microwave a ½ inch ball of sausage in a cup for about 15 seconds on high, or fry a small patty until all the pink is gone.

For patties, cook on medium low in a cast iron skillet until the pink is gone from the middle.

To case, use smaller link-sized casing and follow the directions for casing starters starting on page 34 of “Sausage Season,” adding the bouillon in the paddling step.

Then cook in skillet over medium-low heat, turning 2 to 3 times, until the internal temperature is about 160 degree F.

What Animals Make Great Sausage?

We asked, Eileen if she had a favorite wild game to prepare for sausage. She said, “There one thing I wish we had in Montana (where she lives) that we don’t have and that’s wild pigs. They make wonderful sausage!” Based on this response, it was suggested that she grab her gun and come South because there are plenty of wild hogs just waiting to be turned into delicious pork sausage!

Eileen also shared a story about making sausage from wild goose – a game bird that’s notoriously difficult to prepare for the table. “We have a friend who is a goose hunter coming over and I made some venison, elk and goose sausage, put them on a platter and didn’t tell him which was which. He asked what the mystery sausage was (after stuffing himself on it) and I told him: goose. He loved it.”

So what makes the great texture of these sausage recipes? Eileen said, “In the technique of making sausage it’s the protein and the salt that are the science behind it. There’s this protein called myosin and if you mix it properly with salt, that’s what makes the creamy texture of sausage.

She also has a great recipe for wild turkey sausage that uses all of the bird, including the legs. Since most hunters breast a turkey for cooking and toss the legs because the meat is so tough, this sausage recipe uses all the parts. Here’s a wild turkey recipe that sounds delicious.

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Ingredients: 12 ounces of ground turkey 12 ounces of ground pork fat/jowls ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil) 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano 2 teaspoons roasted garlic 2 teaspoons dried leaf tarragon ¾ teaspoon kosher (or non-iodized) salt ½ teaspoon white pepper ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes For casing: 1 tablespoon soy powder, dissolved in 1 large egg, lightly beaten Directions: Combine turkey and pork in a large bowl Add rest of the ingredients (except the soy/egg mixture) to the meats. Mix thoroughly To Taste Test: Before adjusting the flavors, chill mixture 8-24 hours to let the flavors fully develop and the salt work on the meat protein (myosin). Once chilled, microwave a ½ inch ball of sausage in a cup for about 15 seconds on high, or fry a small patty until all the pink is gone.

For patties, cook on medium low in a cast iron skillet until the pink is gone from the middle. To case, follow the directions for casing in “Sausage Season” starting on page 34, adding the egg/soy mixture in the paddling step. Then cook on a medium grill for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature is about 160 degrees F.

Field Dressing Affects the Meat It’s important to know how to take care of wild game before it gets in the sausage grinder. Eileen wrote another book about this and it’s entitled: “Slice of Life”.

“If hunters are bringing back lots of game, they need to look at their field dressing, aging and other factors.”

So, what happens to the meat of a deer or elk after running either before or after being hit?

“As soon as he feels fear, maybe he’s just seen you or he’s been shot and starts running, adrenaline begins pumping through his body and adrenaline is a terrible marinade for the meat! When an animal is in the rut, he’s been running and not eating much for sometimes weeks at a time and he’s not going to taste very good. About

the only ways to prevent this is to be sneaky (so he doesn’t know you’re there) and practice shooting so that you can make a good, clean kill and he doesn’t run.”

What about field dressing? Does it make any difference if the buck is gutted and then lays around for the rest of the day before being taken to the processor?

“The biggest problem is cooling the animal down.

If it’s warmer than 30 degrees, you’re going to have a problem cooling the animal down properly. If it’s warm, as it sometimes is in the southern climate during deer season, there will be a problem getting the animal cooled enough. When field dressing, splitting the sternum and pelvis of the animal and thereby opening up the cavity will help some. You can also cut the lower legs of the animal off, quarter him and then pack with ice”

What Affect Does Bait Like Corn Have on the Taste?

We have a feature in this month’s Outpost about using attractants such as corn or minerals to draw deer in.

Does this attractant affect the taste of the meat?

Clarke notes, “In areas such as Texas, where there are lots of corn feeders, it would affect the taste of the meat. It probably makes the meat taste better. It puts on more fat on the animals and this is always good for flavor. While we are not allowed to bait deer in Montana, but I know if I happen to take a deer on a sugar beet field it will taste wonderful because of the food it’s eating. There are also lots of calories from the sugar beets, so the animals get very fat.

Eileen Clark’s two books, Sausage Season and Slice of the Wild are available from Deep Creek Press, P.O. Box 579, Townsend Montana 59644. You can order online from her website: www.riflesandrecipes.com. To contact her by phone, call 406.521.0273.

If you call her, just remember, she’s probably in the blind waiting for a big buck to come into range so you might as well leave a message.

From the time you pick up a firearm, you become part of a system over which you have complete control.

You are the only part of the system that can make a gun safe or un-safe.

Cabela’s and NSSF Support Firearm Safety Injuries and deaths from accidental shootings unfortunately happen every year during hunting season. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Cabela’s Inc. recently announced a new partnership to promote firearm safety in support of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program.

“Both Cabela’s and the National Shooting Sports Foundation place a premium on firearm safety and responsibility,” said Scott Williams, Cabela’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Cabela’s is proud to support Project ChildSafe and help educate firearm owners on the importance of safe and proper firearm storage.”

The well-known sporting goods retailer joins a growing list of leaders in the hunting and target-shooting world-including USA Shooting, the Outdoor Channel and many of the nation’s largest hunting, shooting and outdoor publishers--that have endorsed and supported Project ChildSafe’s mission this year.

“We’re thrilled to have Cabela’s involved in this effort,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF President and CEO. “This is another powerful testimony to the strong belief in and commitment to firearms safety and responsibility in the sporting community. The hunting and shooting community is the largest audience and the best source of ambassadors for these messages--the more we can empower them to deliver those messages to their families and others in their community, the more we can help prevent firearm accidents.”

Remember S.A.F.E. The announcement comes as NSSF and Project ChildSafe are in the midst of a “Hunt S.A.F.E.” campaign launched at the start of the fall hunting season and focused on the sporting community. “S.A.F.E.” is an acronym for Secure your firearms when not in use; Be Aware of those around you who should not have unauthorized access to guns; Focus on your responsibility as a firearm owner; and Educate yourself and others about safe firearm handling and storage.

“We want to remind everyone that the hunt isn’t over until you are S.A.F.E.,” Sanetti said. “With proper storage being the No. 1 way to prevent firearm accidents, all gun owners must accept responsibility to treat firearms with the respect they deserve in the field, on the range and everywhere in between.”

For more information on the National Shooting Sports Foundation, visit their website www.nssf.org. To find the Cabela’s nearest you, click here for a map of locations: http://www.cabelas.com/stores/stores_home.jsp.

Venison is on the Menu Now that you have gotten that monster buck and had him processed, what are you going to do with it? Some of the best tasting and healthiest food is venison.

Hey, you can even tell all your friends that it is organic.

Want more recipes like these? Check out our “Grill Your Kill� tab at:

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Venison Stew Ingredients: 1 lb. venison, fully trimmed 1” dice 1 cup flour with ¾ tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper added ½ cup clarified butter or olive oil 2 tablesoons garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons red onion, diced fine 2 cups burgundy (red) wine 4 oz. dried porcini mushrooms (Italian) 1 quart rich veal stock 2 small Idaho potatoes, medium dice 1 yellow onion, julienned 1 poblano pepper 2 ribs celery, diced fine 1 small carrot, julienned 1 red bell pepper, diced fine 2 dashes Tabasco© 1-½ tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 1-½ tablespoons salt ½ teaspoon white pepper Directions:

• Heat butter or oil in a heavy bottomed pot until it just begins to smoke, about 350°.

• Toss venison in seasoned flour, dusting off excess.

• Add venison and brown in small batches.

• In the same pot, add garlic and red onion and sauté briefly. Add red wine and mushrooms, and reduce to one cup.

• Add veal stock, potatoes, vegetables, and sea sonings. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are softened.

• Serve with cormbread

Venison Lasagna Ingredients: Meat Sauce 1 pound ground venison 1 medium to large chopped sweet onion 2 garlic cloves chopped 1 8 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 8 ounce can tomato paste 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce 2 tablespoons dry red wine (look I didn’t meausre, just give the bottle a small shake over the sauce and say your favorite Irish blessing).

1 teaspoons basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon parsley 1 teaspoon fennel 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon honey Cheese Filling 2 cups low fat cottage cheese (even people that hate cottage cheese like this but you can use ricotta) 1 extra large egg beaten 1/2 cup grated Romano and Parmesan cheese mixture 2 teaspoons parsley 2 teaspoons basil 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

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Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Make sauce. Sauce onions until starting to caramelize. Add venison and garlic and cook until meat is no longer pink. There isn’t enough fat to drain, so just leave it.

Stir in tomatoes and seasoning and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer on low, covered, for 30 minutes. Add wine and honey and simmer uncovered on low for an additional 15 minutes.

Make filling: Whisk egg and then blend into cheese and spices, stirring well to break up cottage cheese and egg into a smooth mixture.

Cook 10 lasagna noodles and drain, patting dry with a paper towel. Layer half of the lasagna noodles in a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Spread with half the cheese mixture and half the meat sauce, repeating the layers. Sprinkle the top with a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, until it is beginning to brown and bubble just at the edges.

RECIPE BY: http://mausersandmuffins. blogspot.com/2006/12/venison-lasagna. html

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Check out these four CDs We sometimes get asked what the criteria are for the new CDs featured in this space. If you’ve been reading Woods & Water for the past two years, you know there is no real rhyme and the only reason is our love of all kinds of music – country, rock, bluegrass, gospel or jazz. If it’s good, it’s good and here are 4 good choices for you.

Foreverly - Billie Joe Armstrong & Norah Jones Don and Phil Everly had two giant rock ‘n roll hits in 1957 – Wake Up Little Susie and Bye Bye Love. They became rock icons almost overnight and then did something unusual. They completely changed directions and recorded a country album as a tribute to the father, Ike, who was a country singer and had put the boys on stage in his act.

Many rock ‘n rollers were scratching their heads at the time, but the album became and remains a classic.

The album, entitled “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us,” was real country and made up of traditional country standards.

The music was low-key, limited instrumentation and none of that evil rock ‘n rock, but still sung by the best two voices in the business. Now, two other amazing voices – Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones – have cut a tribute to these same tunes and they call it “Foreverly.”

The harmonies of Green Day’s Armstrong and jazz/pop/country singer Jones are nothing short of amazing on this CD. They sound, well, like the Everly Brothers only different. However, even if the phrasing and harmonies are similar, this is not karaoke night. These are two brilliant singers and musicians, at the top of their game, producing an incredible collection of songs. For the music historians/geeks, take note: Armstrong took Don Everly’s baritone part and Jones sang Phil’s tenor part.

Billie Joe and Norah play guitar and pump organ, respectively on some cuts. Jones plays piano like Floyd Cramer (“Last Date”) on “Long Time Gone” and “Silver Haired Daddy of Mine.” Also on the record: Tim Luntzel (bass), Dan Rieser (drums), Charlie Burnham (harmonica, mandolin and violin) and Jonny Lam (pedal steel).

This will be one of the year’s best sellers, so if you have someone who likes Norah Jones, Billie Joe Armstrong/ Green Day, the Everly Brothers or just appreciates a tour de force in two-part harmony, grab this record for Christmas. You won’t regret it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uedu4ieDH64

Peace - Anders Osborne New Orleans-based singer guitarist Anders Osborne has created a masterpiece with his new CD Peace. This album has layer after layer after more layers of sound – sometimes chaotic and sometimes melodic – punctuated by deep blues guitar and a vulnerable, soulful voice. The songs are tied together through a thematic link - Peace.

As Osborne explains, “Peace is light from darkness. The songs are written from the outside looking in. They are not making any judgments. I’m just stating facts. I’m writing from a brighter perspective. There’s less dusk and dark, and much more sunlight. The results are greater than I expected. The driving tones and sounds are free and natural. This is one of the coolest records I’ve ever made.”

Recorded at one of the coolest studios in the country – Dockside – located in the tiny town of Maurice, Louisiana, this CD is a rare combination of raw emotions, funky hard rock and sweet ballads. As the chorus of the title cut of this record suggests, Osborne has been toiling on the road for decades. He has clearly picked up some desperation along the way and has applied it to his craft.

Playing all my songs

All the way from Woodstock

To New Orleans This first, title cut of the CD is worth the price of admission. It sets the stage for the intense, selfobservation that is to follow on the remaining cuts.

If you’re interested in looking at the concept of “peace” from all angles, pick up this beauty from Anders Osborne.

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Muse - The Wood Brothers

The Wood Brothers, Chris and Oliver, grew up listening to their father sing folk songs. However, when it was time to leave the nest, the both went in different directions – literally and musically. Chris split for NYC to play instrumental jazz and Oliver started a band that played more Americana music. After their respective bands played a gig together, both brothers realized that they might enjoy collaborating on a mixture of musical genres.

As Chris noted later, “Hey, my brother has the same job, he’s really good at it, he’s a great player, and a great singer and a great songwriter. It makes sense that we should do something together.” Now, Chris and Oliver both live in Nashville and have been joined by drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix to form the Wood Brothers.

The latest CD from the Wood Brothers – entitled Muse – is a delightful collection of hard-to-categorize songs, and that was probably the idea. The melodies and lyrics represent a combination of the influences of the band, including, but not limited to: Robert Johnson, Willie Nelson and Charles Mingus. Fans of Zac Brown will be interested to note that Muse was recorded at Brown’s Southern Ground Studio and is being released on the Southern Ground Artists label. It’s produced by a man with two of the best ears in music – not just Nashville – Buddy Miller.

The songs on Muse are predictably eclectic. A few of the best include: Neon Tombstone, Who the Devil and, of course the album’s title cut. Listeners will dig the harmonies that only a couple of brothers could produce, great acoustic guitar work and the tasty stand-up bass. Go get Muse from the Wood Brothers for anyone on your list who loves music.

Want more music like this? Want to hear the best of today and yesterday’s country music plus some great southern rock along with some alternative country? Check out Woods & Water Radio at:

www.TheOutpostLife.com

THE NEW OUTPOST RADIO IS LAUNCHED Radio for the Great Outdoors Woods & Water Radio. At any given time on this unique station, you can hear Stevie Ray Vaughan, followed by Blackberry Smoke, followed by George Jones. While all of this is going on you can be given a chance to listen to podcasts that feature tips on hunting whitetail deer, or catching crappie in the Atchafalaya Basin or learning why blue quail would rather run than fly.

In the words of more than one recently converted Outpost Radio fanatic: “I’ve never heard anything like this station.” Exactly.

This combination of music and outdoor sports information, presented 24/7, available wherever you are, worldwide on your mobile device has never been offered. Until now.

The stories in Woods & Water Magazine are about the simple joys of living an authentic life. This includes outdoor sports such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and biking. It involves good food and strong drink and it also includes music – from every genre – that sportsmen and sportswomen enjoy.

Unfortunately, most of the music you hear on traditional (terrestrial) radio is so sanitized, analyzed and ‘peroxized’ that the tunes and words are cotton candy for the brain. Plus, most of the outdoor sports radio programs come on the stations between 3 and 4 am. That’s a little too early for most of us.

It’s is for this reason that we joined some friends who are experts in the radio business and launched Woods & Water Radio.

We’re calling it Radio for the great outdoors and that’s more than just a catchy phrase.

A typical radio station would never play the diversity of songs you’ll hear on

42

If you can do without the little girl pop stars and auto-tuned crap that passes for country and rock and roll these days, you might want to try Woods & Water Radio. If you want to know the weather wherever you’re sitting in a duck blind, it’s here. If you’re on the way to hunt pheasant or fish for walleye and you’d like to know if anybody’s seeing any, this might be your new favorite radio station.

Zac Brown Band The Wind

HAPPINESS IS A BELT-FED WEAPON

Our annual machine gun shoot saw twelve marksmen all get to shoot some of the most famous automatic weapons. Our customers all enjoyed the belt-fed machine guns and several enjoyed the AK 74.

All in all the Bar-b-que was great and the shooting was even better.

The Mavericks Back in Your Arms

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42

Click here to watch video: http://bit.ly/KK4iWm

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Shout! - Government Mule

After four, long years of hibernation, Warren Hayes and Government Mule are back…with a vengeance.

As a special gift to those fans who have been patiently waiting, the new CD – Shout! – has 22 great cuts. It features 11 tracks recorded by the band in Los Angeles and Stamford, CT plus a bonus disc featuring an all-star lineup of vocalists interpreting The Mule’s new songs. Special guests Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, Glenn Hughes, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Vintage Trouble’s Ty Taylor and Steve Winwood appear on Disc 2 of Shout! The double album also marks Gov’t Mule’s Blue Note Records debut.

The CD opener, “World Boss,” is typical rocking Mule. Great rhythm guitar featured here, due mainly to keyboardist Danny Louis’ expanded role as multi-instrumentalist. This track, with the opening line “Have you heard the news” is a throwback to the 2004 “Bad Man Walking” from the band’s “Deja Voodoo” .

In a nod to early Mule, “Whisper In Your Soul” will be familiar to most fans . Drummer Matt Abts is featured on this track, and the inventive bass of newest member Jorgen Carlsson is equal to that of his predecessors. This new incarnation of Government Mule has obviously been in the practice studio because each member manages to be heard without crowding the other players.

The soulful vocal chops of band leader Warren Hayes are featured on the cut “Captured.” This tune has one of the best lyric lines from the CD: “Never thought I’d love someone more than I love myself”.

The cover versions of GM found on the second disc are equally interesting. Grace Potter, Elvis Costello and Dr. John kill on their Mule tracks. Given the new material and this “special guests” disc, Shout! may be the best bargain of the year!

Want more music like this? Want to hear the best of today and yesterday’s country music plus some great southern rock along with some alternative country? Check out Woods & Water Radio at:

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH

71

Is it Legal to Bait Deer?

The answer varies from state to state

As much as the mainstream media tries to paint every hunter with the same broad stroke, there is a great deal of diversity of opinion among the group of men and women who think of themselves as hunters. These differences of opinion usually show up on subjects that relate to the conservation of habitat and the game species.

For example, there is a large group of whitetail deer hunters who think deer farming – where deer are kept within an enclosed area, surrounded by 9 foot fences and bred for larger antlers and spread – is an abomination of nature. On the other side of this controversy are those landowners who want to monetize their property by raising giant bucks with giant racks by means of artificial insemination and growth hormones and then selling hunts to city folks who want to get ‘em a big ol buck without having to spend the time to really hunt ‘em.

Deer baiting, with corn or other attractants, is another area where hunters have strong opinions, pro or con.

Plus, the hunters are not alone. The rules for baiting vary from one state to the other. So, even the wildlife biologists, fish & game bureaucrats and elected officials from state-to-state can’t agree on this issue.

Just the Facts

However you feel deer baiting, there are a few facts that are indisputable. First, selling deer bait and attractants is not illegal. Retailers – large and small – can sell the heck out of deer corn, special minerals, salt licks and liquid attractants made from apples, corn or old gym shoes. It’s perfectly legal even in the states where deer attractants are outlawed during the deer hunting season.

Buying these products is also legal.

The only stipulation in those states where baiting is not allowed during or immediately before the season start is that this material is removed from the area where hunting is to take place.

This can make for an interesting challenge in cases where pre-season baiting – for purposes of getting trail-cam analysis of the deer on the property – occurs and is not completely removed on opening day. Usually, game wardens are not very understanding when they come up on a hunter, in a state with no baiting, and find a few kernels of corn, a tiny sliver of a salt lick or other attractant still on the ground where hunting is happening.

The situation is further complicated by laws about killing or baiting bears. If the deer bait happens to attract bears in these states, most consider this a violation of the game laws.

Typically, the laws in states that ban attractants note that all feed must be removed from any feeding site prior to September 1. They also note that a site where bait has been placed is considered to be baited for 10 days after the bait has been removed.

So, what about hunters and landowners growing food plots for attracting deer? They are clearly cultivated to nourish the deer during the off-season and attract them during the fall hunting season. Are they considered illegal baiting? As best we can tell, no. However, that will probably change as the uproar over deer farming gets louder.

Know the Law or You’ll Pay the Fine

Since we live in a highly mobile society, deer hunters will travel far and wide, from state to state to find that big buck. Unfortunately, many of these hunters might violate the law on baiting without knowing it. Before you hit the field, check the regulations of the state in which you are hunting.

The below information is only our interpretation of state regulations. It is your responsibility to check with your state government for an up-to-date interpretation. This information was last collected and updated on 9-23-2013

2013 State Laws for Feeding & Baiting Deer Alabama Legal to feed deer but it cannot aide your hunting. In other words you can’t hunt over a bait pile but you can use bait for trail cam photos, etc. All deer bait must be removed a minimum of 10 days prior to hunting in that location. The exception is pure salt which can be bait. Cannot place any mineral or bait in National Forest areas at anytime. *NEW 2013* You can place mineral or supplemental feed during the hunting season as long as it is beyond 100 yards from your stand/blind and not within your line of site.

334-242-3465 Arizona *NEW 2013* It is now illegal to bait while hunting. any mineral supplement designed for deer are considered bait because they are not specifically manufactured for livestock.

Pure salt or a water trough are not considered bait. 602-942-3000 Arkansas Hunters may bait deer on private land ONLY throughout hunting season. Baiting is not allowed on wildlife management areas.

800-440-1477 Colorado bait is illegal to hunt bears, deer, elk, pronghorn or moose. Bait means to put, expose, distribute or scatter salt, minerals, grain, animal parts or other food as an attraction for big game. 303-297-1192

Connecticut Legal to feed deer out of hunting season. Legal to use mineral supplements during hunting season only on private land in zones 11 and 12. Any bait designed for consumption is illegal in zones 1 to 10 and on all public land. Scent attractants are legal.

860-424-3000 Delaware Legal to feed deer. Legal to bait deer on private land only. 302-739-9912 Florida Taking game on lands where substances considered to be bait have been placed is illegal.

However, there is nothing we can find that restricts the use of mineral supplements during the growing season. 850-488-4676 386-758-0525 Georgia Legal to place feed or mineral for deer on private property only. Not legal to hunt within sight or within 200 yards of deer bait in northern zone. Must be removed 10 days prior to hunting. Legal to feed or bait deer all year in southern zone on private land only.

912-685-2145 Idaho It is illegal to hunt deer by means of baiting. Bait is defined as any substance placed to attract game animals, except liquid scent for deer and elk. However use of mineral supplements during the growing season does not appear to be restricted.

Illinois NOT legal to feed or bait anything for deer, anytime of year, on public or private land.

217-782-6431 Indiana Legal to use mineral supplements, but it must be removed a minimum of 10 days prior to hunting.

317-232-4080 Iowa Not legal to bait deer. However use of mineral supplements during the growing season does not appear to be restricted. 515-281-5918 Kansas Legal to feed and bait deer except state land. Prohibited within 100 yards on public land.

Bait must be removed 10 days prior to hunting. Liquid scents and sprays are exempt.

785-296-2281 Kentucky Illegal to bait or feed deer on public land and wildlife management areas. There do not appear to be restrictions for private land. 800-858-1549 Louisiana Illegal to use bait in wildlife management areas. However use of mineral supplements during the growing season does not appear to be restricted. 318-371-3049 Maine Legal to feed deer but cannot hunt over or near bait. 207-287-8000

Maryland No restrictions on private land. It is legal to feed deer anything, anytime on private land with the exception of the CWD management zone in Allegany County.

410-260-8367 Massachusetts No baiting deer during hunting seasons. Bait must be removed 10 days prior to hunting season. Legal to use mineral supplements during the growing season.

508-389-6326 Michigan From Oct. 1 to Jan. 1. hunters may place any type of bait, no more than two gallons at a time, across a 10-foot by 10-foot area per hunting location. Recreational Feeding: Property owners may place two gallons of bait on their property within 100 yards of their residence year-round. Baiting and feeding will still be prohibited in Deer Management Unit 487 and/ or in Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle Counties.

517-373-2329 Minnesota Legal to feed deer. Bait must be completely removed 10 days prior to hunting. Not legal to feed or bait within a CWD zone (deer area 602). Minerals ARE CONSIDERED BAIT if it contains an apple flavoring. However it appears to be legal during the growing season outside of hunting.

888-646-6367 Mississippi Legal to feed deer with grain products as long as the feeders are elevated. Feeding and mineral supplments are legal all year as long as they are not hunted within line of sight.

Bait must be removed 10 days prior to start of season if hunting near mineral/feed site.

601-432-2400 Missouri Legal to feed deer until 10 days prior to hunting. Then, no food sources are allowed for deer bait. *NEW* Due to recent CWD cases there is now a feeding ban in parts or all of Adair, Chariton, Linn, Macon, Randolph and Sullivan counties. Please check with local regulatory agency before placing mineral where deer can access it in these counties. (see pg 3 of regulations) 573-751-4115 Montana It is illegal to hunt with the aid of bait, including salt. Regulation Nebraska Legal to feed deer. Cannot hunt over anything within 200 yards that was placed within 60 days. 402-471-5442 For more information check out the rules and regs tabe at:

www.TheOutpostLife.com

New Hampshire Not legal to feed deer from April 15th - Sept. 1st. Legal to bait deer after Sept. 1st with anything but 100% salt, but you must have a permit if you do not own the land. You also must post a sign over bait, even if you are the property owner, identifying the bait and any hunters who have permission to hunt that bait site. This creates a problem if you want to feed mineral supplements for improved antler growth in the spring and summer.

603-271-3127 New Jersey Legal to feed deer and bait deer, except on national wildlife refuges.

609-259-2120

New Mexico Hunting over anything that entices deer into an area is considered baiting and is illegal.

New York Not legal to feed deer or bait deer. 518-402-8883 North Carolina While many processed food products are illegal to feed or bait deer with, any “commercially available mineral supplements specifically and exclusively marketed for attracting and feeding deer is allowed anywhere in the state except game lands.� This means you can lawfully use mineral supplements to improve the health of your North Carolina deer herd.

919-707-0030 North Dakota Private land baiting is legal except in deer hunting units 3C west of the MO River, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2. It is not legal on any public land. 701-328-6300 Ohio Legal to feed deer or bait deer anywhere in the state anytime on private land.

614-265-6300 Oklahoma Legal to feed deer or bait deer anywhere in the state anytime on private land. On public land there are some limitations, but non-grain supplements are still legal to use. 4 0 5 521-3852 Oregon The use of bait is prohibited in units 21 & 23 of the North Bank Management Habitat Area. This includes salt and minerals.

Pennsylvania Legal to feed or bait deer up to 30 days before hunting season. Thirty days prior to hunting season and during it is considered baiting and is not legal. All residue of mineral or bait must be removed prior to hunting season. Baiting for deer is no longer permitted on private lands in the southeast special regulations areas. 717-783-6527 Rhode Island Not legal to feed deer or bait deer with anything.

401-789-0281

South Carolina Legal to use bait any time of year. Restrictions on baiting in zones 1 & 2 have been removed effective March 2013. 803-734-4002 South Dakota Cannot place bait or feed including minerals on public or private land from August 15th through February 1st. Supplemental feeding of minerals does not appear to be prohibited during the growing season when it is most beneficial.

Tennessee It is legal to feed deer but not to bait deer from 10 days prior to season start through hunting season. The following is not listed on their website or regulations digest, but has been confirmed with a wildlife officer: A salt or mineral lick is legal to use if it is at least 51% salt and has no grain products.

615-781-6580 Texas Legal to feed or bait deer on private property with land owners permission.

512-389-4505 Utah - Legal to feed or bait deer. 801-538-4889 Vermont - It is illegal to feed or bait deer anytime of year. 802-583-7186 Virginia It is legal to feed deer EXCEPT September 1st through January 4th. It is illegal to feed deer year-round in Buchanan, Clarke, Dickenson, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, & Wise Counties. It is never legal to hunt over bait - must be removed 10 days prior to hunting over where bait was established. If hunting with dogs an area is considered baited for 30 days following complete removal of bait.

804-829-6580 Washington There does not appear to be any restrictions concerning baiting or feeding deer.

360-902-2936 West Virginia It is legal to feed deer anything with the exception of parts of Hardy, Hampshire, & Morgan Counties. This is a CWD containment area and it is not legal to feed or bait in this area. The rest of the state is legal to feed deer on private land anything. On public land feed/bait must be removed from September 1st - December 31st and during spring gobbler seasons.

An area is considered baited for 10 days after bait is removed.

304-558-2784 Wisconsin Basically feeding and/or baiting is allowed in certain counties mostly in the north part of the state, but with a 2 gallon limit. See regulation link to the right for specific information.

Wisconsin is one of the few states that gives a clear and well defined summary of its baiting regulations. 888-936-7463 Wyoming Baiting of big game is prohibited except for hunters with certain handicaps or special licenses. However use of mineral supplements during the growing season does not appear to be restricted. 307-777-4600

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