airedale

Some of the Pro Hunter's Africa Blood Tracking dogs, they do a nice job from what I have seen. Al

Making me drool, nothing finer eating than good moose meat as far as I am concerned. I was lucky enough to go on several Moose hunts when I was a young feller and have eaten a lot of it. ENJOY!! Al

One of my favorite firearms was a Remington 1100 20 ga bought new back in the late sixties for $146.00, I killed a pile of small game with that shotgun along with several Deer. Traded it for a new model 51 Ithaca Deerslayer autoloader in 12 ga. One of the best firearms ever made I think and I would say the selling price these days for a used 1100 20 ga would be in the one thousand dollar range give or take a few bucks depending on condition. A 12 ga would bring in substantially less. Special editions can bring in a few more bucks. Al

About 15 years ago I had my little Savage model 24 22/410 OU Barrels done with a black Duracoat finish by Gander Mountain. The Savage is one of my favorite small game guns and I take it for a stroll frequently. I have become very appreciative of that Duracoat finish it now wears, no chipping, peeling or fading so far, it still looks brand new. These new Cerakote-Duracoat Hi-Tech type finishes have it all over the traditional blue finish. They actually protect the metal making it pretty much weather and corrosion resistant unlike a blue finish that can and will rust. They can come in just about any color and look one can want from the traditional black which looks like high polish or matt blue to camo and some pretty crazy colors if that is what one prefers. I have since purchased some other firearms with that type of finish and am totally sold on it, very good stuff. Al

Have a good one Bugs

Hunting with that double side by side he was more than likely using Buckshot. I remember old timers speaking of using Buckshot and shooting the Deer at fairly close range like you would a rabbit, I bet a lot of deer were wounded back then. Al

I still hunt for the most part and yesterday the leaves were like walking on potato chips, wearing the GS Extreme hearing aids amplified the sound of my steps to a whole different level probably what a Deer would actually hear, still hunting was out of the question. A drizzling rain this morning should make the going a lot better this afternoon. Al

Insurance companies will be using the books above or anything similar if they have to cover a loss. Selling privately to individuals or dealers is a whole different ball game. What they are actually worth and what you can get somebody to pay is the name of the game. Al

Love the temperature but the leaves seemed to be extra crunchy and noisy, no still hunting, had a couple of sits and saw two Squirrels and a Chipmunk, that was it. Al

There are several books published that will give a good idea of a Gun's value. Blue Book Of Gun Value Modern Gun Values Gun Traders Guide. You can find these books on Amazon and can save money buying one a year or two old, the values do not change much year to year. When I worked in the business buying and selling used guns I used all the above but like Modern Gun Values best. Al

Got my feet wet last night doing up a couple of batches of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. I have the Superlite Howa sighted in with Hornady 143 gr precision Hunter ammo that I picked up when I got the rifle, the Howa groups it good enough for now and that is what I will use for hunting this season. So what I decide to go with for handloads was the Sierra Game King 140gr SPBT bullet, have used Sierra bullets for over 50 years and when it comes to accuracy they are at the top of my list, they have always worked well on game also. The second bullet I used was the same 123 gr Hornady SSTs that I loaded in the 6.5 PRC. For cases I went a little different from the norm for me, I purchased a couple of hundred Peterson match grade cases. These cases use small rifle primers, the long range target shooters make great claims for them with them having a bit more accuracy and consistency. Whether that is true or not I can't say but the reason I went with them is it is almost impossible to find large rifle primers and when you do they ask an arm and leg for them. Small rifle primers are found everywhere and are priced reasonable. I have to say these are the nicest made new cases I have ever seen. Varget powder was my choice mainly because it has been giving real good overall results in the Creedmoor. So when I get a chance I will see how my loads perform. Al

Could be one of those catch22 deals, as soon as you move to a new spot the Buck will be in the previous spot. Three nights in a row would have me thinking about a move, if he comes out in the same place again I would try a move I think. I don't know much about Deer calls but one of the members here thought highly of the can call. Al

From what I have read there are two sub species of extra large Canada Geese, the Moffit and the so called Giant. The two will interbreed. The Moffit was found mostly on the Pacific flyway and the Giant in the midwest. They can turn up anywhere these days because both were raised in captivity and released all over the US. I raised regular Canada Geese years ago and they will be as tame as any domestic type. Al ======================================= The Moffitt's Canada goose is the second largest subspecies of Canada goose. It possesses a long neck and bill; similar to that of the slightly larger giant Canada goose (B. c. maxima). It can also have small, white patches found over its eyes or forehead, a trait more commonly found on maxima. Their coloration is paler than that of most other subspecies but slightly darker than maxima, sporting a pale gray-brown body and whiteish breast. Many individuals also have a white collar at the base of the neck. They also have large, broad wings The giant Canada goose is often mistaken for the Moffitt's Canada goose. However, giant geese have both a lower call and a larger bill to body size ratio. Another good identifier includes the black on the neck, which starts much farther up the neck than any other subspecies. The giant goose's white cheek patch is very large, reaching the lower bill. Unlike other variants, the underbelly is very pale. A less reliable identifier is the white forehead and eyebrows, which don't always occur and Moffitt's geese less commonly have. The wings measure between 480 mm (19 in) to 550 mm (22 in). The tail is between 147 mm (5.8 in) to 170 mm (6.7 in).[1]

Nice! Al

Nice, Those are a couple of big ones, I believe there is a sub species of Canadian Geese that are extra large size, that may be what you have there. Congrats. Al

I like to only endorse with stuff I have experience with, a 1x4 or 5 Leupold will suffice for most hunting, if you want a little more power the 2X7 Leupold is a winner. Life time guarantee so do not be afraid to buy a nice used model and save a few bucks. EBAY can be your friend. Al

A couple of things, first off is the theme of the rifle which is light weight and fast handling. I want to match the scope to the rifle's theme and keep the total package as light as possible within reason. For the way I will be using this rifle the 1X5 Leupold fits the bill perfectly as the outfit weighs 5.83 lbs on my scale. Second, I am for the most part a woods hunter, I do not believe I have killed a Deer much over 100 yds in the last 40 years or so and the longest shot I ever made on a deer was about 250 yds. That 1X5 Leupold will handle any of those type shots easily including the 250 yarder. Also the field of view is huge and what I want in a woods rifle to get on target in close quarters fast. I will most likely have the scope set on 2X power when hunting. Many of my Deer rifles have 2.5 and 1X4 scopes, my slug gun has a 3X Leupold mounted on it and has accounted for probably half the Deer I have ever taken. I just do not see the need for a big mambo high powered scope for Deer where I hunt. One last thing, there is a misconception that a high powered scope is required for longer range shooting, for best results for target and dedicated varmint hunting that is true. For Deer here in NY for the most part a hunter that knows his gun will get along perfectly fine with a scope with a lower range in power and make the longer shot if need be. That is my take, if someone wants to use a high powered scope as long as it suits them I have no problem with it, just not my cup of tea. Al

When I fall in love it does not take me long to act. Went to Davidsons Gun Gallery and put my order in for their version with the muzzle brake and cerakote finish. Guzzled more 6.5 cal Koolaid and got it chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Picked her up at "Gunworks" in Verona this morning, mounted a 1X5 Leupold in Leupold rings and bore sighted. She is SWEEEEEET!!!, I like everything about this rifle, all the online hype was spot on. Will give her a go hunting on my buddy's farm later this week. Al

The libtards, the non citizens, the democrats and closet democrats, the so called independents and libertarians (if you vote democrat you are a democrat) all migrated to the other board or just left. Wonder if they are shooting their big trolling mouths off over there or are they laying low. Many were only here to troll the politics forum on this board and did little to no posting about anything else. Pretty darn hard to argue for the shit show government mess and regulations they voted for as the country continues to go down the toilet. The best part of this politics forum was to expose those who are against us, sorry but they are not our friends, the democrat party is stronghold to every and all organized groups against every activity on this board and a whole lot more! Al

Same rifle in a blue version tested out by Ron Spomer.

One of the advantages of a 27inch computer screen instead of dicking around squinting at a photo on a phone, I blew the photo up and not only do I think I see balls I also believe that Deer has antlers. Al

So the other day I was watching some African Safari hunts and a fellow on one of the shows had a Burris Eliminator scope mounted on his rifle. With an internal range finding laser and computer program matched to the ballistics of your rifle's chambering it will figure out automatically your bullet's path to hit the target at an exact range, just put the crosshairs on the target and touch her off. From what I saw that fellow did well on game with that scope, I expect down the road we will see more of such designs trying to eliminate all human error. As for me I can get along with any hunting I do without it. Al

I still have a couple of the old Herter's catalogs, they are fun to look through and remember those days gone by. Al One of old George's favorite terms was the word "HOKUM", it was used for describing his competition's slogan's for selling their wares, funny because to me he was the King of Hokum. 29Herter's catalog is long gone, but not forgotten George Herter made his peculiarities obvious with his catalog, but he also changed how outdoors products are marketed. By Doug Smith Star Tribune Gallery: Herter's model 339 black duck decoys, 1942. Photo courtsey Doug Lodermeier Before there was an Internet or a Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop or Gander Mountain, there was Herter’s — the first outdoors gear juggernaut. ¶ Say the word “Herter’s’’ and a legion of mostly men, now middle-aged or older, in Minnesota and nationwide nod their collective heads in fond recollection. ¶ Herter’s mail-order catalogs were legendary, hundreds of pages jammed with hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear that could be delivered to your doorstep. Those catalogs included lengthy descriptions, instructions and bold, often audacious claims — entertaining readers while also enticing them to buy. ¶ Herter’s was the Sears, Roebuck of the outdoor industry and was perhaps best known for its waterfowl products. Launched and headquartered in Waseca, Minn., the company was the inspiration for today’s huge mail-order and big-box outdoor retailers. ¶ And at the center of it all was George Herter, an eccentric and reclusive entrepreneur, a marketing genius who made brazen, bombastic claims to boost sales of his products. Though he died more than 20 years ago, he remains an enigma — and one of the most interesting characters in Minnesota history. “He was an icon in Minnesota, and had a lot to do with influencing waterfowling, not only in Minnesota but throughout the United States,’’ said Doug Lodermeier, 60, of Edina, a waterfowl historian and collector who gave a presentation on Herter’s legacy Saturday at the annual Minnesota Waterfowl Association’s waterfowl symposium in Bloomington. “It’s easy to dismiss him as a crackpot and goofball, but the reality is he was a genius,’’ Lodermeier said. “He was way ahead of his time.’’ Herter labeled most of his products “world famous” or “model perfect,” and he claimed many were endorsed by the North Star Guides Association — which didn’t exist. Said Lodermeier: “As a kid I couldn’t wait for the Herter’s catalog to come because me and my friends just rolled on the ground reading his claims and outlandish stories. We loved it — and we bought his stuff.’’ Herter reportedly wrote all of the copy in his catalogs, instruction manuals and pamphlets and also was a prolific author — among his books: “How to Get Out of the Rat Race and Live on $10 a Month.” In a cookbook he wrote, “The Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, was very fond of spinach.’’ May 1, 1953 George L. Herter, president of Herter's, Inc., Waseca, Minn., sits down to tie himself a few flies for the trout season.Quirkiness aside, Herter built an outdoors empire, starting around 1935 in Waseca. It began as a catalog business that focused on fly-tying, but it grew to include virtually every outdoor product imaginable — and some unimaginable. Eventually Herter opened stores in Waseca, Glenwood, Mitchell, S.D., Beaver Dam, Wis., Iowa City and Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Olympia, Wash. But after decades of success, a “perfect storm’’ led to Herter’s demise, Lodermeier said: The overexpansion of those retail stores at a time when oil prices were skyrocketing, the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prevented firearms from being bought and sold via the mail, and federal bans on the importation of some feather species Herter’s used for fly tying. Herter’s went bankrupt in 1977, and the though the man has become mostly forgotten, his name lives on. Cabela’s now owns the brand, and customers can order an assortment of Herter’s gear and ammunition. Herter’s story has endured The Waseca Historical Society offered a Herter’s display last year, and plans to do another this year, focusing on Herter’s gear. Local residents who worked at Herter’s attended and brought items. Next year, the Historical Society plans to assemble a show on George Herter himself. “I think the story is just starting to be told,’’ said Joan Mooney, co-executive director of the society. Virtually anything sold by Herter’s is collectible today, said Jeff Hedtke, 63, of Norwood Young America. Many Herter’s products, including his decoys, game calls and gun stocks, were considered top-quality and fair-priced. “You could get a good walnut duck call for $3.50 after the war [World War II],’’ Hedtke said. Herter called his decoys “the best in the world,’’ and Hedtke said “they were very good.’’ Some hunters still prefer them, Hedtke said. Among the more unusual products George Herter sold was a fish call. “That’s one of my favorites,’’ Lodermeier said. “It was a can painted like a lure,’’ and operated like a bell. “You put it down in the water and pulled a string. It was guaranteed to attract fish.’’ Wrote Herter in his catalog: “We tried for years to produce sounds which would be attractive to fish and we have finally succeeded. With the cost of fishing trips what they are, why take a chance on spoiling them for a mere $2.47?” Herter’s also manufactured fishing tackle, snowmobiles and even boats. “George’s model was to look at what was the best on the market, and improve on that,’’ Lodermeier said. “He copied everybody, and made no friends doing that. He copied the Mepp’s Spinner and called it the Pepp’s Lure.’’ The Johnson Silver Minnow became Herter’s Olson Minnow. ‘I don’t want to be known’ George Herter saw combat in Europe during World War II, earned a Purple Heart and may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Reclusive even at the height of his success, Herter apparently didn’t give interviews, and few photographs of him exist. The man who left an indelible mark on the outdoors industry is relatively unknown. He died in 1994 in Minneapolis at age 83, leaving behind no autobiographies or interviews. “I don’t want to be known and rarely tell people my right name. I never allow anyone to take my picture,’’ he wrote in one book. In the end, a Sports Afield writer perhaps aptly summed up George Herter, calling him “a dazzling mixture of bamboozle and brains, snake oil and savvy.’