Bowhunter Brian Barney hikes deep into the high country mule deer territory. Brian, Eastmans’ Elevated Podcast Host is on his quest for a trophy class, public land mule deer. It’s an early season bowhunt and there’s good potential to find a buck that’s still in velvet. Brian uses his wealth of DIY knowledge to hunt country that’s difficult to access and has few reliable water sources on this episode of Beyond the Grid by Eastmans’.
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Inspired by the many adventures he experienced as a member of the Air Force Pistol Marksmanship Team back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dr. Robert “Doc” Engelmeier from Pittsburgh, Pa., created his own exposé. Documenting his excursions, including to Camp Perry, he goes into remarkable detail about being a competitor during that time period, the awards he accumulated and the friends he made along the way. The CMP will be posting the piece through a series on our online publication, The First Shot, featuring fascinating commentary and vintage photos for readers to enjoy.
This is the third installment of the series.
Travis Air Force Base 1989:
My duty assignment during the 1988 and 1989 seasons was at Travis AFB in Northern California. I was very fortunate there to have Colonel Stan Wellins as my commander. He was proud to have an Air Force National competitor in his unit and was very supportive of my efforts with the Team.
He graciously allowed me time off for major competitions. That enabled me to utilize TDY funds for transportation and lodging. Otherwise, I would have had to use my annual leave and personal funds to cover all my expenses.
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SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is bringing the history of ancient Egypt alive through its launch of a brand-new series, the Gods of Egypt. Debuting with the Anubis, this limited-edition production of only 200 custom Smith & Wesson 1911 Engravers Seriesrepresents one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Thousands of years ago, hungry jackals would dig up shallow desert graves in ancient Egypt. To the Egyptians, this was a fate worse than death itself. As the god of cemeteries, embalming and the protection of graves, Anubis played an important role in the journey to the afterlife. The jackal-headed deity resided over the care of the dead and loved ones of the Egyptians.
“The Anubis is nothing short of a work of art, depicting the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Egyptians,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “We’re in the business of crafting one-of-a-kind collectibles accentuating historical events, influential leaders, rituals, cultures and more. The Anubis is the perfect gun to commence the Gods of Egypt series.”
The S&W 1911 is chambered in 45ACP. Each side of the firearm features Egyptian hieroglyphics working towards the muzzle. The right side illustrates Anubis engraved in 24k gold, while the left side depicts Anubis performing mummification of the deceased. The rear panels symbolize key Egyptian concepts, truth and justice, with a scale weighing a heart against a feather. The top of the slide is engraved with the hieroglyphic Ankh symbol, meaning “life.”
A Uniquely Custom 24k gold pyramid decorates the front sight, while the serrations are deeply etched with a lotus flower representing creation and rebirth. Each grip panel is designed to represent Anubis and the rich history of the ancient Egyptians.
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World-renowned museum and aquarium honors hunters, anglers and conservationists, inspiring new generations of outdoor enthusiasts
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Located within the beautiful Ozark region of the central United States, Johnny Morris’ not-for-profit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest and most important conservation attraction to open in America in more than 100 years.
Wonders of Wildlife is Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris’ gift to sportsmen and women in America. This world-class educational venue is his way of repaying the blessings he has received from a life lived enjoying the outdoors.
There is nothing like Wonders of Wildlife in the world! Johnny Morris’ passionate and unwavering focus to connect folks to the great outdoors reveals his commitment to future generations. Today, Wonders of Wildlife is a leading educational venue serving to pass on the conservation message to visitors of all ages.
Each visit proves to be an inspirational journey into the natural habitats of the world’s most incredible species. Guests are reminded of the amazing natural resources found across our nation’s landscape, the story of our nation’s conservation history, and the unwavering commitment by sportsmen and women – hunters and anglers.
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EDGEFIELD, S.C. —America’s Outdoor Recreation Act was reintroduced today in the 118th Congress with strong bipartisan support, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its members across the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy urge swift approval of this bill so that many more Americans can enjoy outdoor spaces and their associated benefits to health and wellness. This groundbreaking legislation not only boosts local and national economies, it also gives more Americans — especially those in underserved areas — greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters while not costing taxpayers a dime to implement.
“This is a commonsense, no-cost bill that will help equalize and improve access to green spaces and wild outdoor places in every state in the country,” said Chris Perkins, Senior Director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We are seeing unprecedented interest in outdoor recreation, but many of the policies supporting outdoor recreation are outdated. This package will make it easier for Americans to access the outdoors and provide agencies with new tools to address long-standing outdoor recreation needs. We need solutions that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting America’s public lands and waters, and AORA is an historic step to update these policies.”
Outdoor recreation is an $862 billion industry, providing 4.5 million American jobs and boosting economies in communities large and small. And studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person’s mental and physical health.
“Thanks to the work of Senator Manchin (D-WV), Senator Barasso (R-WY), and the many other champions of the outdoor industry in Congress, Americans will have the opportunity to reap these benefits for generations to come,” Perkins continued. “ORR encourages swift, bipartisan action to send this bill to the president’s desk.”
America’s Outdoor Recreation Act would:
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KEEP YOUR CATCH FRESH WITH SMITH’S CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Whether fishing from boat, kayak, beach, bridge, dock, or pier, fish bags—or what are often called “kill bags”—are a convenient way for storing and transporting the fish you keep. Transferring fish from a boat’s fish box to a cooler and then to the location where you clean the fish is much more efficient if you store and move the fish using a fish bag (plus, if you put your fish directly into the kill bag, you don’t have to clean the fish boxes on your boat). On the beach, pier, kayak, or bridge, putting fish into the fish bag makes transportation easy and the insulating properties of the bag keep fish fresh, unlike using a bucket. Likewise, many fish bags also double as live bags, fitted with aerators for transferring live fish from live well to weigh stations at tournaments or for keeping live bait. So, fish bags can be important and efficient parts of your gear, but it is important to understand what to look for in a fish bag to find the right one for your fishing applications. These are the primary criteria to consider when selecting a good kill bag:
Kill bags are available in a range of sizes. Two factors play into deciding what size bag to select.
First, your targeted fish species should be the primary guide in what size bag you need. A 40-inch pike or a 40-inch snook isn’t going to fit in a 30-inch bag. If you’re targeting panfish or mangrove snapper, you probably do not need a 60-inch bag (unless you plan to keep a lot of fish).
SIZE
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Mark your calendars as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will again welcome competitors and guests to its annual Talladega D-Day rifle and pistol event, set to be held June 7-11, 2023, at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Registration is currently open, so sign up now to join in on this commemorative occasion!
Talladega’s D-Day celebration honors the anniversary of the 1944 Allied Forces landing at France’s Normandy Beach. The event allows visitors to pay homage to the valiant heroes of the World War II generation through diverse marksmanship competitions and activities scattered throughout the 500 acres of Talladega Marksmanship Park. Guests will also be able to fully immerse themselves within the Talladega Hall of Heroes display in the Club House, which displays authentic memorabilia from local veterans.
The 2023 D-Day event will include the return of contemporary match favorites like the Garand Iron Man EIC Rifle Match, where competitors fire a Service M1 Garand or As-Issued M1 Garand toward possible Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) points. A Rimfire Sporter Rifle Benchrest Match, which incorporates the use of sandbags for increased stabilization for competitors as they fire .22 rifles in O-, T- or TU classes, and a Benchrest Vintage Match are ideal for those just beginning in rifle competition or those with ailments, eager to get back on the range.
The Roosevelt Commemorative Match, using vintage M1903 Springfield or U.S. Krag rifles, will further tribute military firearms of the past through friendly, recreational competition. CMP’s traditional schedule of select Games events such as the GSMM, Carbine and Vintage Sniper rifle matches will intertwine with a series of popular pistol competitions, like the 1911 As-Issued and Military & Police matches.
For the first time at D-Day, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles will have the chance to earn points towards a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Marksman Medal. Like other disciplines within CMP’s Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA Marksmanship Medal will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated events.
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TALLADEGA, Ala. – Chuck Cranford, 56, of Albertville, AL, was the High Overall competitor in the Main Event category of the most recent NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) match held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Cranford reached a total score of 97 out of 100 for the win.
The match was held March 4-5 on Talladega’s own 15-station Sporting Clays Loop, facilitated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). A total of 57 shooters participated in the event, with eight becoming new members to NSCA.
“We had a wonderful and beautiful weekend for our March Monthly NSCA Shoot,” said William Chapman, CMP Talladega Archery/Shotgun supervisor. “Participants commented on how well the targets were set during the shoot. We had lots of positive feedback.”
Runner Up behind Cranford was Bob Carleton, 61, of Pell City, AL, with a score of 89, as Bruce Park, 54, of Huntsville, AL, took third with 84.
The next Talladega Monthly NSCA Shoot will be held April 15-16. Other upcoming monthly NSCA Shoots at Talladega in 2023 include: June 3-4, July 8-9, Aug. 5-6, Sept. 9-10, Oct. 14-15 and Nov. 18-19. Talladega’s Monthly NSCA Registered Target Sporting Shotgun Shoots are open to new or experienced competitors, featuring 100 targets for score. Cost to register is $55.
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Owning a gun is a right of passage for many people. They keep you safe and offer a way to relieve stress for people who spend time on the shooting range.
However, owning a good is a big responsibility. With gun deaths as high as they are, it’s on you not to contribute to increasing those numbers.
Before you decide to purchase a gun, you must understand gun safety and how to do it right. Read the guide below to learn how to stay safe with firearms.
Many people take it easy once they unload their guns. They point it at others because they feel safe. But doing this is a big mistake.
You never know what can go wrong when you point a gun at others. This leads to accidental firings and people getting hurt. Treat your gun as if it’s always loaded, and never point it at something you don’t want to shoot.
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Buying an RV is an important if not daunting financial decision. It’s a significant purchase in price alone. And then you have to consider the lifestyle costs, including everything from fuel to RV-specific insurance to maintenance to off-season storage. The key to a financially successful RV lifestyle is an in-depth knowledge of what things cost, what you can afford, and what steps you can take to budget. And that’s especially true when it comes to financing the purchase of an RV — the most significant cost of the lifestyle.
The experience of buying an RV falls somewhere between buying an automobile and buying a house (appropriately). It’s a significant investment because of the sheer dollar amount and because of its long-term value. What you pay now will be relevant in ten or twenty years when you are either still paying off a loan, selling the RV, or trading it in. But pay the wrong price or get the wrong financing term and it could affect you later.
You can secure good financing terms now that will be of considerable benefit further down the road. There are things you can control to impact your terms. Here, we’ll cover factors like down payment amount, credit score, loan type, and financing options — all of which play an important role in determining what you will pay overall for the RV portion of the RV lifestyle.
Daunting? Nah. Empowering. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be at the dealership to find the RV that makes the most sense with your budget and to secure terms you understand and are capable of maintaining.
Holey Moley Everybody! In this video Chris Bee and his wife travel to Kansas to bowhunt on public land and what happens is astonishing. Chris rattles and grunts in a giant 180″ class buck.
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Third Hand Archery Accessories has been inventing, designing and manufacturing high-quality and innovative archery accessories since 1992. Our DIY Bowhunting Target will be the best target for broadhead practice that you have ever used.
Our products are designed by bow hunters, for bow hunters. CLICK On The Video BELOW…
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Are you ready to pack up the kids and the RV for summer vacation? There are a lot of great destinations to explore across North America — the only problem is picking just one and planning YOUR ideal vacation.
My sons always enjoyed the Phineas and Ferb cartoon, and as summer approaches, I always think of the theme song: “There are a hundred and four days of summer vacation ’til school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it.” Since my husband and I are both teachers, we’ve always tried to make the most of those 104 days each year. Our RV took those adventures to a grander level.
The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station. Getty Images
Start planning today, because reservations fill up quickly. Here are a few of my best tips and some destination inspiration for your summer RV vacation:
1. Consider the age of your children. Some destinations are more child-friendly than others. For example, Yellowstone National Park is truly amazing, but it’s better for older kids due to the open boardwalks perched over boiling springs. On the same token, teenagers may or may not be feeling the theme park vacation.
Here are some of the most common mistakes RV owners make:
Overloading: One of the biggest mistakes that RV owners make is overloading their vehicle with too much weight. This can cause damage to the RV's tires, suspension, and other components, and even lead to accidents on the road. It's essential to check the RV's weight capacity and stick to it.
Not maintaining the RV: Another common mistake is not maintaining the RV regularly. Regular maintenance includes changing the oil, checking the brakes, and ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly. Without proper maintenance, the RV can develop serious issues that may require costly repairs.
Forgetting to check the weather: RV owners often forget to check the weather conditions before setting out on their trip. This can be a significant mistake, as harsh weather conditions can damage the RV's exterior and create dangerous driving conditions.
Not planning ahead: RV travel requires careful planning, and many RV owners fail to prepare adequately. This can lead to problems such as not having enough food or water, running out of fuel, or getting lost on the road.
Wild Turkey seasons are open or opening around the country and many folks will be headed south or west to try and bag a gobbler or two. If you happen to be lucky enough to tag out early, you might want to take advantage of the extra time at your destination. Many southern lodges and outfitters offer wild hogs as a bonus, or for an additional nominal fee. But if you plan to hunt them with a bow, there’s a few things you should know.
Wild Hogs are a lot tougher than deer. They have heavier hides, thicker and heavier bones and more fat. If you have a specialized turkey bow, you may want to up-size to something more powerful for Wild hogs. That means heavier draw weight, heavier arrows, heavier broadheads and more kinetic energy.
They’re also built differently than deer. Males especially have a thick, rugged shield of gristle and bone around their shoulders. That means a smaller vital area. Study anatomy diagrams in advance and stay away from the shoulder. Quartering away is a much better angle than even broadside, and don’t even consider quartering-to.
Bacon makes an excellent side dish for a spring turkey hunt.Make no mistake, wild hogs are very intelligent and they have keen noses. However, their eyesight isn’t great and though they have good hearing, they don’t seem to be nearly as skittish as whitetails. That makes spot-and-stalk hunting a very viable option for the bowhunter, even on open ground but preferably with some cover. Just take your time and don’t move when they’re looking your way.
Now that I’ve gotten your attention… If you have a choice, you’d be well advised to choose a sow over a boar, at least if you’re more interested in meat than a trophy. While they lack the sometimes impressive cutters and whetters of big boars, a sow’s meat tends to be more tender and flavorful. Steak the loins and grind the rest up for sausage.
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Saddle up for a stay at Quiet Woods Green River Stables Horse Camp & RV Park in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Located south of Lexington and Louisville, the equestrian-friendly campground welcomes both horses and their human counterparts, with 50 stables and 93 sites for RVers.
The park sits near the shore of Green River Lake and serves as the perfect spot for horse lovers visiting the Bluegrass State, which is known for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Horse Park, and a slew of equestrian-related attractions.
When visitors aren’t riding or hiking the many trails that wind through the nearby forest, they can launch a boat on Green River Lake, with fishing and waterskiing.
Quiet Woods Green River Stables Horse Camp
The park serves folks who travel with their horses; it’s ideal for those who travel in hybrid horse trailers with living quarters for people. The park has several big rig sites and many sites with full hookups. Wi-Fi is available at several sites and supports streaming. Seasonal sites are available for long-term guests and fire rings help keep campers warm.
Part of the Hunt Club Kids Book Series, “Hide and Seek” is a wholesome, yet thrilling book for kids who love hunting and outdoor adventures
After experiencing success with his first book, “Birthday Buck,” Alabama author, pastor and avid outdoorsman, Dr. Jimmy Tidmore, is launching the second book of his Hunt Club Kids book series.
“Hide and Seek” is the story of a boy named Wyatt, his dog, and their hunt to prove the existence of a giant whitetail buck. The stakes are much higher than finding the big buck, though. Getting his father to believe may be Wyatt’s only chance to rekindle his dad’s lost love for hunting. This book offers the thrill of adventure while teaching kids some valuable life lessons.
“Hide and Seek” is another wholesome, family friendly, yet thrilling adventure with several unexpected twists and turns. It will keep kids excitedly turning the pages, eager to discover what’s going to happen next, while also teaching timeless lessons about life, family and friendship.
Tidmore is a husband, father and pastor serving at a small church in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his son, Jet, enjoy pursuing a variety of outdoor adventures together that serve as the basis and inspiration for The Hunt Club Kids Series.
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Hobie® Eyewear will attend the 53rd annual Bassmaster Classic, the world’s most prestigious professional bass tournament, in Knoxville, Tennessee, with competition on the Tennessee River. Qualifying anglers will compete for three days for the oldest championship in professional bass fishing.
The 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota will return to the Tennessee River, March 24-26, with takeoffs from Volunteer Landing in Downtown Knoxville. Daily weigh-ins will be held in the Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee Campus. The fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held Friday through Sunday in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
Bassmaster Classic attendees will get hands-on access to the world’s leader in polarized sunglasses, Hobie® Eyewear. Consumers can purchase sunglasses at a show-special price at booth #4211 on levels 2 and 3. Representatives from Hobie® Eyewear will help people select the right sunglasses to get the most out of their outdoor experiences.
In addition to showcasing Hobie’s latest products and talking with factory experts, the booth will have many other activities. An appearance from 2x Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry is scheduled at 2 pm on Friday, March 24. Also, Hobie® Eyewear will be running giveaways each day, so stop by for a chance to win!
Since 1982, Hobie® Eyewear has made being on the water easier and more enjoyable – pioneering a better, clearer, and more precise kind of vision. Merging expertly crafted designs with premium polarization, durability and innovative technologies has been at its core, following in the footsteps of visionary creator Hobie Alter. Hobie’s growing product catalog includes the ultra-light Floating Collection, HydroClean repellent lens coatings and Quick-Swap Interchange lenses to fit every outdoor enthusiast’s needs. Find out more at www.hobieeyewear.com and follow their adventure on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at @HobieEyewear.
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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—Wildlife and conservation solution leaders, ASciS—the creators of the iSportsman solution, will participating in the 88th Annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference that is co-hosted by National Military Fish and Wildlife Association (NMFWA) in St. Louis Missouri from March 20-24th. ASciS first attended this conference in 2007 when it released the very first version of the iSportsman platform. iSportsman originated as a solution designed to help the Department of Defense remain in compliance with the Sikes Act through their hunting and fishing programs. From there, the company has expanded their solutions to include the needs of commercial and private lands with their iSportsmanARX solution, individual outdoor recreationist needs via iSportsmanX, and overall outdoor safety and situational awareness with the HazRDS mobile tool. Every year this conference showcases research and solutions for the full spectrum of wildlife management and conservation initiatives.
“For the team that supports iSportsman, the conference provides a great opportunity for us to learn what is new in the industry and for us to showcase the latest features in our wildlife management tools,” says Aneil Kumar, CEO of ASciS. “We always look forward to the opportunity to get some one-on-one time with our existing clients, reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people.”
Many of the clients in attendance are utilizing the iSportsmanGX service, an improved version of the original iSportsman software. iSportsmanGX is currently utilized on over 50 military installations nationwide, covering 11 million acres of mountains, forests, prairies, and plains. Trusted by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, iSportsmanGX provides an unlimited user experience with fully customizable options for any area. While in attendance, iSportsmanGX Product Specialists will be available for on-site product training and refresher courses.
In addition, product experts and company representatives can discuss the capabilities of the full iSportsman suite of services, as well as some of the extra value features already available to iSportsmanGX users, such as HazRDS. This additional feature allows recreationists to directly report suspicious activity, trapped or wounded wildlife, and hazardous materials utilizing GEO-forms which are updated in real time and easily accessible to CLEOs and range control.
“Our GX solution is so highly customizable that it can be easy to overlook certain aspects of the system’s capabilities,” Kumar says. “But they’re readily available and increase the data collected leading to quality conservation and wildlife management.”
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Bear Forest Knives has been hard at work and is happy to announce the restocking of their ever-so-popular bushcraft knife, The Simple (1/16”). It doesn’t get much simpler than a 4-inch handle and a 4-inch long blade. This Simple bares the same size proportions as its two siblings, with an overall length of 8 inches but with a slimmer blade stock.
Outdoorsmen and women will appreciate the ultralight 3-ounce knife (5.5 oz with KYDEX® sheath) if gear weight is an issue, especially on a tiresome hike. The slim design has a few distinct advantages, especially in the slicing category, which is inherently noticeable with the first slice of crisp carrots, potatoes, and that sirloin roast for dutch oven camp pot roast.
The true zero Scandi is a woodcarver’s delight. Whether removing large amounts of material with a power cut or taking thin, controlled slivers of wood off a hand-carved gnome—the true zero Scandi delivers! Trade-off?
Toughness has less to do with thickness and more to do with heat treatment and steel. Bear Forest Knives uses 52100 high carbon steel for edge-holding capabilities and ease of sharpening, with a Rockwell hardness of 58 to 59. The slimmer Simple has the Bear Forest Knives signature rock tumbled acid wash providing a rustic, one-of-a-kind blade finish. The comfortable handle is available in attractive natural and green micarta.
The Simple (1/16”) is ready to be a constant companion on the next hike, overnighter, or marshmallow and hotdog roast in the backyard.
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