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Hunter numbers seem to be declining every year and the reasons could be many. What can be done to help those who do not get initiated into the hunting fraternity by family or friends? I am sure that there are many who would at least LEARN about hunting and then some of those would actually begin to become hunters and keep the tradition alive. Here's an idea! Dicks SG's, Gander and Cabela's all sell equipment to hunters. They have a vested interest in ensuring that their customer base keeps growing and evolving. And my local Gander store already hosts hunter education workshops/classes. What better way to partner with one or all of these outlets to start a mentoring program? They already have the facilities and equipment what remains is the mentors capability and willingness to teach. The store can do the marketing and maintain a list of mentors. The pairing can be done by being at the hunter education class and a sign up list can be posted at all the sales counters. The store could offer a limited time 10-20% mentor program discount to participants and the mentor. This could be a self sustaining program if managed and promoted properly. I plan to meet with our local store managers to see what they think. I think it will work! It will be a three way win - a win for the store - a win for the participant and a win for the mentor. Can a list of mentors be maintained on this site? It should include, name, location to mentor in and contact information. What do you all think?

Lots of that is probably true... although I would say that most hunters today make way more money proportional to their parents back in the day who somehow still found the time and money to hunt... I think the money has more to do with hunters believing they have to "Cabela" up to enjoy hunting... my dad wore Kmart packboots, cotton long underwear, jeans, and a wool jacket... and carried a Sears & Roebuck 12 gauge that he bought at a garage sale for $25... he enjoyed hunting just as much as the "Cabela Catalog Models" you see hunting today...It's more of a different mind set today. The reality is.. if you REALLY want to hunt.. you'll find an inexpensive way to get out and do it... if thats what you have to do.

All you have to do is GOOGLE beer can chicken here's one http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/beer_can_chicken/

I have forgotten to pack a good cigar ... I hate when that happens!!

It's easier to name what I haven't forgot over the years, bow and gun. Lucky my heads attached. lol.

this is by far the best pic i've seen off trail cam this year..

My buddy Wally drove to PA with another guy to archery hunt for a few days. First night he walks to his stand, climbs up and goes to nock an arrow and finds out he left his bow quiver at home, in Buffalo. He climbs down, heads across the field to his buddies stand and whispers, "hey Gerry, can I borrow a couple arrows"? (Maybe you had to be there to appreciate it?) Classic!

I see we have another priming for the idiots list.

a couple years back when i came back from a hunt and realized i didnt forget a thing that day i made a list of everything i took out of my pockets and every piece of clothing/gear i took off. then i forgot where i put the list!

Can't wait.. Hopefully we can start a thread about deer taken on opening day. Good Luck.

i hate it when i get poked in the eye with a branch.I know it isn't exactly an encounter but nothing worse than trying to navigate my self out with my eye burning and watering and barely being able to see.

boiling water ins the ultimate for older powders. How do you think the pioneers and mountain men did it before all the fangled cleaners? But if you plan to use borebutter and the like, be dire you dry the barrel completely. Those type lubes will trap water against the barrel if there is any in there and cause rust for sure. At the range, I use cheap windex as mentioned. I only clean with boiling water and patches when I return home. Then a couple patches with rem oil inside. I have used this method for over 30 years with no problems.

Cool. I wear mine under my jacket, in the pines and NEVER wash it!! Shoulda/coulda last 200 years? <grin>

What goes clip clop , clip clop , bang ? ans.... An Amish drive by !

I manage 32 acres of land small but effective I started by clear cutting about 4 or 5 acres right through the middle.it was trees and heavy brush.I brush hogged the brush cut and rented a stump grinder for the trees.I cleared a 20 ft path around the pond on the property.Then went about setting up my food plots.I put more sweat then money in it at first.this took about 3 yrs to get it the way i wanted it.Just remember come up with a plan first, don't compromise on how you want it,take your time and your reward is the saticfaction when your done of knowing that this was your plan and your sweat,time and money.Then enjoy it to its fullest.