Well, having begun a "Spring cleaning" ritual in the Piercey household over the past month, I find myself reviewing much of my kit, and it's space storage requirements in a house that I share with the Missus, my son, and two dogs. We all are guilty of the same thing. We take up a hobby, and as we progress, we accumulate, we upgrade, we accumulate.....
You start out, and you look at catalogs, websites, advertising, many tout the latest camo pattern, the latest technology in scent control, the latest, the best.....
Much of it actually does what it says. The advancements in garments alone have made it possible that you can, in fact, stand in a -30 blizzard, holding a gun, waist deep in 0 Deg water, and feel relatively comfortable. Gone are the days of a pair of gum rubber hip waders ( Jesus boots to my NL relatives), now you have space age gore tex uppers, mated to super insulated neoprene.......all of which works, until you walk through a hawthorne thicket to get to your favourite duck blind. ( At which point the stouter Jesus boots have a certain appeal, since a warrantee doesn't do you much good when your right legs soaked to the crotch, and the Cabelas is an hour away).
Stuff....
Guns and hardware are no different. Oh, I have fallen prey to some of the more salacious articles on super fast calibers, or the newest most up to date shotguns, with less felt recoil, and let's not forget optics. I have had virtually a small arsenal come through my safes ( yes, plural), and yet, those that remain, don't get traded or sold. I once had an affinity for full Mannlicher stocked rifles, and have had a couple of them, yet when going afield what came out to play? The same stainless, plastic stocked bolt gun that I always go with. Accurate as heck, and will do as a boat paddle in a pinch. The other rifles were far too pretty to take out in the field in less than perfect conditions.
As one moves towards mastery of their craft ( I say this in the abstract, as I am not close to being a master), one tends to review what they have, and what they use, and they then begin the great "paring down"
We look at the vast number of guns, and perhaps realize that quantity is no substitute for quality. We begin identifying those that are most useful, or indeed are the best to use for the job, and we divest ourselves of those which are not. We realize that one garment, which is multi purpose, may be better than a cabinet full of "specialty" gear. ( The popularity of the Mackinaw Cruiser Coat) is testament to this.
We look at the array of calls we have on our waterfowl lanyard, and realize that perhaps only the 3 calls got used last season, so perhaps we pass the other 6 on to new hunters who are beginning their "accumulation" phase. The same is said for guns, because just as we realize that the same O/U shotgun gets taken out every time we hunt upland, we perhaps pass some of the other semis, and pumps on, as there are newer hunters out there who want the fastest, and the best.
Not everyone comes to this phase in the same way, some never get there, and sadly spin in their graves as their widows and families sell off their much coveted treasures for a fraction of what was paid. ( An age old joke, whos humour is in it's truth).
At the end of the day, the best feeling is that of a good pair of boots, a good dog, a warm coat, and a good gun to walk the woods with. Everything else is superfluous.
I find myself mid-way through some of it, but I have an excuse. I have an eight year old boy, who before too long, may want to take up some of the hobbies I have laid the ground work for.....hunting, he's covered in spades, snowboarding, fishing, football, ditto. I gave up golf 7 years ago, but if he wants to take it up....there's a set of Callaways in the shed with his name on them.......just in case.
Enough reading....Go shooting
Monday, May 8, 2017
Ethics, Tradition, and the Modern Hunter
Well, as I write this, the snow's a blowing, the dogs curled up at my feet, and I'm beginning to see the infinite appeal of ursine hibernation. Particularly after a festive holiday season, where feasting can indeed resemble a bear trying to store enough fat for winter.
For many of us the recent open seasons were fairly good, and offered opportunities to harvest some game for the freezer, as well as enjoy some much needed camaraderie out in the field. Which is really why many of us hunt. After all, if was just about the meat, we'd take a quick look at the aggregate cost of licenses, gear, fuel, etc, and quickly come to the economic realization that a trip to the grocery store would indeed yield us a freezer full of rib eye roasts and T bones for what we spend on hunting.
Which comes down to the discussion....
Ethics, tradition, and the modern hunter.
Most of us are not economically destitute enough to say that "if it's brown, it's down". I've enjoyed enough squirrel stew, and gumbo to in fact state that if I'm going out for them, it is in fact because the little chittering, Maple Rats are indeed darn delicious.
We often have a clash of ideals however, and it causes much discussion, and in fact much conflict in the hunting community.
Generationally we have a range of hunters, who at the older end of the spectrum, may not have lived through the great depression, but certainly were raised by those that knew its hardships. To those hunters, it's about limiting out, getting as much in the freezer, and doing so with minimal fuss. These are the skybusters, the sitting duck shooters, the hit 'em where you find 'em hunters. Of course the opposite end of the spectrum are the newer hunters, those who may have come by hunting as a nobler pursuit. The idea of taking and accumulating game is far less important than the experience.
Many of us will fall into more of a "middle ground" between the two. We know the rules, we appreciate the bag limits set out, and the intent of both. We tend to enjoy our game meat more than a regular person might, because it was our efforts that put it on the table.
It's when the two ends of the spectrum meet, that the discussion gets heated. One hunter will happily shoot a grouse standing next to a trailside ditch, where some may take exception. Did the shooter violate the rules? No, was it ethical? Well, to some yes, to some, no. Some upland hunters eschew shooting any bird that isn't "on the wing". Now, being an avid upland hunter myself, I can say there's no finer moment in hunting, than swinging up on a covey of birds, and knocking down a true double, out of the sky. Truthfully however, most of my miles spent hunting upland have been a mix of knocking down single birds, and occasionally taking the odd ground shot at roughed or spruce grouse, in Northern environments where you almost have to kick them to get them to wing.
Shoot at a running buck, vs. standing? Well that may very well be argued that it's completely up to the skill of the shooter. Many Eastern deer hunters know all too well that the optimal "standing broadside" shot is just what you see in books, or what Western hunters in open country get to see. Many times the shots made on whitetails in the Eastern Canadian brush, are not optimal, and take place if not on the run, at least while moving.
Bait? Well, therein lies an entirely separate article altogether. Many States / Provinces have loosened the rules and regs around using bait, or attractants. What could be considered "ethical" by some, most hunters of a certain generation would have a large problem with.
It comes down to this. Ethics are subjective. Most can agree on a baseline of practices that are ethical, but certainly the world of hunting is no stranger to deviance's. It's how we treat each other, and the mutual level of respect we have for others that unify us as a community. There are already enough anti-hunters, anti-gun advocates out there, let's try and keep it civil, and respect one another as a member of this fraternity. ( that includes lady shooters / hunters too).
Enough reading....go shooting.
For many of us the recent open seasons were fairly good, and offered opportunities to harvest some game for the freezer, as well as enjoy some much needed camaraderie out in the field. Which is really why many of us hunt. After all, if was just about the meat, we'd take a quick look at the aggregate cost of licenses, gear, fuel, etc, and quickly come to the economic realization that a trip to the grocery store would indeed yield us a freezer full of rib eye roasts and T bones for what we spend on hunting.
Which comes down to the discussion....
Ethics, tradition, and the modern hunter.
Most of us are not economically destitute enough to say that "if it's brown, it's down". I've enjoyed enough squirrel stew, and gumbo to in fact state that if I'm going out for them, it is in fact because the little chittering, Maple Rats are indeed darn delicious.
We often have a clash of ideals however, and it causes much discussion, and in fact much conflict in the hunting community.
Generationally we have a range of hunters, who at the older end of the spectrum, may not have lived through the great depression, but certainly were raised by those that knew its hardships. To those hunters, it's about limiting out, getting as much in the freezer, and doing so with minimal fuss. These are the skybusters, the sitting duck shooters, the hit 'em where you find 'em hunters. Of course the opposite end of the spectrum are the newer hunters, those who may have come by hunting as a nobler pursuit. The idea of taking and accumulating game is far less important than the experience.
Many of us will fall into more of a "middle ground" between the two. We know the rules, we appreciate the bag limits set out, and the intent of both. We tend to enjoy our game meat more than a regular person might, because it was our efforts that put it on the table.
It's when the two ends of the spectrum meet, that the discussion gets heated. One hunter will happily shoot a grouse standing next to a trailside ditch, where some may take exception. Did the shooter violate the rules? No, was it ethical? Well, to some yes, to some, no. Some upland hunters eschew shooting any bird that isn't "on the wing". Now, being an avid upland hunter myself, I can say there's no finer moment in hunting, than swinging up on a covey of birds, and knocking down a true double, out of the sky. Truthfully however, most of my miles spent hunting upland have been a mix of knocking down single birds, and occasionally taking the odd ground shot at roughed or spruce grouse, in Northern environments where you almost have to kick them to get them to wing.
Shoot at a running buck, vs. standing? Well that may very well be argued that it's completely up to the skill of the shooter. Many Eastern deer hunters know all too well that the optimal "standing broadside" shot is just what you see in books, or what Western hunters in open country get to see. Many times the shots made on whitetails in the Eastern Canadian brush, are not optimal, and take place if not on the run, at least while moving.
Bait? Well, therein lies an entirely separate article altogether. Many States / Provinces have loosened the rules and regs around using bait, or attractants. What could be considered "ethical" by some, most hunters of a certain generation would have a large problem with.
It comes down to this. Ethics are subjective. Most can agree on a baseline of practices that are ethical, but certainly the world of hunting is no stranger to deviance's. It's how we treat each other, and the mutual level of respect we have for others that unify us as a community. There are already enough anti-hunters, anti-gun advocates out there, let's try and keep it civil, and respect one another as a member of this fraternity. ( that includes lady shooters / hunters too).
Enough reading....go shooting.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Hunting in the off season - A cure for the Winter blahs
Well, it's mid-Feb, most hunting seasons have closed ( here in Ont there's still rabbit). You're looking through all your hunting magazines you didn't have time to read when you were busy actually hunting last Fall, and you're really wishing there was something to do. The dogs starting to get a little fatter, since she's not going out as much either.....
Like many, you just spend the remainder of the Winter in hibernation mode. If you're lucky enough to have a beagle, or have a really good friend with one, then you'll get out the odd Saturday for some bunnies. Many folks circle the date for the Turkey opener, and keep going back to count the days.
There are other options.
Ontario, as does many other areas, has a Late Winter goose season. For two weeks, it opens up, and allows you to get out in the field for Canada's and Cackling geese. Now spending a day out in a pit or coffin blind may not be ideal, but beggars can't be choosers. Dig out the shells, silhouettes, and flags, and have at it for a day or two.
The other option, one that I have opted for the last three years running, is a game farm hunt.
Now, wait. I know there are a ton of you who will sneer while reading this snug at home in your camo Snugglies, and snort derisively that "Game Farms aren't hunting".....well, not in the purest sense. But in a long Winter, it is an activity that will get you out in the field, shooting, working the dog, and putting birds in the freezer at days end.....which isn't a bad proposition. If you happen to know a newer hunter who didn't get out as much last season, or has recently completed their license, it's a great way to introduce them to hunting as well.
I recently fielded a day at our local game farm. It was not only a nice mild February day, but also got a couple of newer hunters out on some birds, as well....the dog slept better than she has in months.
I've used the same place for three years. High Point Pheasantry near Dundalk ON. The host Andy Rennie runs a large 150 acre parcel, which is a combination of hayfield, fallow field, scrub, and bush. Andy seems to always have great quality birds, as well as a great clubhouse area where guests can warm up, have lunch, and relax between or after hunts. High Point typically stocks both pheasants and chukars, however during the cold months, they don't stock chukars, as they don't seem to fly in colder temps. Typical cost for a day is $100 per person. Andy will usually do a combination 3 phez, 2 chukars for that, or 4 phez's.
With three hunters for the day, I packed us a lunch, and we arrived at High Point between 0930 and 1000. Once unpacked, and kitted up, Andy took to the field with the first 6 birds.
Now driven field hunting is pretty much the same the world over. You set out at one end, spread out with shooters in a line spanning the field, and you walk the field, letting the dog cut the field in search of scent. Now, some folks may set up differently, but I have found that two experienced at each end of the line, with novice shooters in the center works best. As birds flush, the middle shooters have an opportunity at more shots, and the experienced shooters at the edges tend to act as blockers, and shoot clean up for birds that are missed and flushing away from the field, typically moving towards the thicker cover at the field edges.
Another factor is your dog. If you have a pointer, or a spaniel, for upland, you're golden. However, if you own a retriever, you will have to do some very specific work up training for any kind of upland hunting. Just showing up with a lab, chessie, or golden to the field with the expectations of a good hunt will likely wind up with disappointment, and frustration for you and the dog. Remember, all retrievers will happily swim out and retrieve a downed bird, but they don't necessarily have the tools in the "tool kit" at scenting birds in cover, and flushing them out for shot.
I happen to be blessed with a great Labrador, from very good American Lab lines. She has taken to upland training, and hunting as well as any retriever would to retrieval training. For the upland hunter, having a dog that will cut a field is important, the main difference is that a pointer, or spaniel will point, or whoa when bumping a bird. A lab, will "get birdy", meaning they will start doing 180s to get on the strongest scent, and tail will become very active. As a hunter, it's important to have your lab trained to "hunt close", as they will bump birds out of gun range otherwise. Once zero'd on a bird, the lab will literally push it's head into the cover, and produce the flush. A dog is a must, as a hunter will literally have to step on a bird in cover to get them to flush.
The first go out, 6 birds were placed in cover on a field approx 250m x 150m. The field started out as a cleared parcel, but quickly grew thick with cover and timber at the far end. With only three hunters, it can be difficult to cover the terrain adequately, as placed birds don't exactly stay put, but we covered a lot of field, and watched the dog diligently. At the end of the field, we had 4 birds in the bag, and two flushes which went into far thicker cover. So after coming up with a game plan, we started to move through the thicker cover and scrub. After moving through the area of trees interspersed with tall grasses. The dog worked her usual magic, and produced both birds, which were flushed out, and summarily put in the bag.
Break, for lunch. Now, I'm one of those folks who like to organize these trips, and act as the outfitter, so lunch is usually a pretty good affair, put on by yours truly. Wild game chili, stew or some other hot, and rich offering, coupled with warm bread. Usually there aren't any leftovers.
Back out for the afternoon, and another 6 birds. Warmer temps meant the birds were moving a bit more, and were a little quicker to flush.
we began in a thick area of mixed timber, and open pasture, the birds typically flushed straight up, and then pulled a mid air 90 degree, towards the thick stand of woods. I'm happy to say that our new hunter took his first bird that afternoon with a clean flush, two shots, and an enthusiastic retrieve from the dog. The smile couldn't be wiped off with a boat paddle as the expression goes. Not to say that there weren't a few flushes where a gun got emptied, and I had to mop clean up with my gun, but that's all part of the experience.
The day closed out, with 11/12 birds being taken. Big smiles on all faces, and a dog that started snoring before we turned off the driveway on to the concession. All in all, a great day of hunting spent in the "off season".
Enough reading....go shooting.
Like many, you just spend the remainder of the Winter in hibernation mode. If you're lucky enough to have a beagle, or have a really good friend with one, then you'll get out the odd Saturday for some bunnies. Many folks circle the date for the Turkey opener, and keep going back to count the days.
There are other options.
Ontario, as does many other areas, has a Late Winter goose season. For two weeks, it opens up, and allows you to get out in the field for Canada's and Cackling geese. Now spending a day out in a pit or coffin blind may not be ideal, but beggars can't be choosers. Dig out the shells, silhouettes, and flags, and have at it for a day or two.
The other option, one that I have opted for the last three years running, is a game farm hunt.
Now, wait. I know there are a ton of you who will sneer while reading this snug at home in your camo Snugglies, and snort derisively that "Game Farms aren't hunting".....well, not in the purest sense. But in a long Winter, it is an activity that will get you out in the field, shooting, working the dog, and putting birds in the freezer at days end.....which isn't a bad proposition. If you happen to know a newer hunter who didn't get out as much last season, or has recently completed their license, it's a great way to introduce them to hunting as well.
I recently fielded a day at our local game farm. It was not only a nice mild February day, but also got a couple of newer hunters out on some birds, as well....the dog slept better than she has in months.
I've used the same place for three years. High Point Pheasantry near Dundalk ON. The host Andy Rennie runs a large 150 acre parcel, which is a combination of hayfield, fallow field, scrub, and bush. Andy seems to always have great quality birds, as well as a great clubhouse area where guests can warm up, have lunch, and relax between or after hunts. High Point typically stocks both pheasants and chukars, however during the cold months, they don't stock chukars, as they don't seem to fly in colder temps. Typical cost for a day is $100 per person. Andy will usually do a combination 3 phez, 2 chukars for that, or 4 phez's.
With three hunters for the day, I packed us a lunch, and we arrived at High Point between 0930 and 1000. Once unpacked, and kitted up, Andy took to the field with the first 6 birds.
Now driven field hunting is pretty much the same the world over. You set out at one end, spread out with shooters in a line spanning the field, and you walk the field, letting the dog cut the field in search of scent. Now, some folks may set up differently, but I have found that two experienced at each end of the line, with novice shooters in the center works best. As birds flush, the middle shooters have an opportunity at more shots, and the experienced shooters at the edges tend to act as blockers, and shoot clean up for birds that are missed and flushing away from the field, typically moving towards the thicker cover at the field edges.
Another factor is your dog. If you have a pointer, or a spaniel, for upland, you're golden. However, if you own a retriever, you will have to do some very specific work up training for any kind of upland hunting. Just showing up with a lab, chessie, or golden to the field with the expectations of a good hunt will likely wind up with disappointment, and frustration for you and the dog. Remember, all retrievers will happily swim out and retrieve a downed bird, but they don't necessarily have the tools in the "tool kit" at scenting birds in cover, and flushing them out for shot.
I happen to be blessed with a great Labrador, from very good American Lab lines. She has taken to upland training, and hunting as well as any retriever would to retrieval training. For the upland hunter, having a dog that will cut a field is important, the main difference is that a pointer, or spaniel will point, or whoa when bumping a bird. A lab, will "get birdy", meaning they will start doing 180s to get on the strongest scent, and tail will become very active. As a hunter, it's important to have your lab trained to "hunt close", as they will bump birds out of gun range otherwise. Once zero'd on a bird, the lab will literally push it's head into the cover, and produce the flush. A dog is a must, as a hunter will literally have to step on a bird in cover to get them to flush.
The first go out, 6 birds were placed in cover on a field approx 250m x 150m. The field started out as a cleared parcel, but quickly grew thick with cover and timber at the far end. With only three hunters, it can be difficult to cover the terrain adequately, as placed birds don't exactly stay put, but we covered a lot of field, and watched the dog diligently. At the end of the field, we had 4 birds in the bag, and two flushes which went into far thicker cover. So after coming up with a game plan, we started to move through the thicker cover and scrub. After moving through the area of trees interspersed with tall grasses. The dog worked her usual magic, and produced both birds, which were flushed out, and summarily put in the bag.
Break, for lunch. Now, I'm one of those folks who like to organize these trips, and act as the outfitter, so lunch is usually a pretty good affair, put on by yours truly. Wild game chili, stew or some other hot, and rich offering, coupled with warm bread. Usually there aren't any leftovers.
Back out for the afternoon, and another 6 birds. Warmer temps meant the birds were moving a bit more, and were a little quicker to flush.
we began in a thick area of mixed timber, and open pasture, the birds typically flushed straight up, and then pulled a mid air 90 degree, towards the thick stand of woods. I'm happy to say that our new hunter took his first bird that afternoon with a clean flush, two shots, and an enthusiastic retrieve from the dog. The smile couldn't be wiped off with a boat paddle as the expression goes. Not to say that there weren't a few flushes where a gun got emptied, and I had to mop clean up with my gun, but that's all part of the experience.
The day closed out, with 11/12 birds being taken. Big smiles on all faces, and a dog that started snoring before we turned off the driveway on to the concession. All in all, a great day of hunting spent in the "off season".
Enough reading....go shooting.
Friday, September 11, 2015
1st Rifle Considerations
Much discussion has taken place over the years, around campfires, in cabins, at gun clubs, sitting on tailgates, and just about everywhere else folks gather to talk hunting, dogs, and guns, all around what typically makes a good "first rifle".
Having fielded several discussions / questions from newer hunters over the years, I find myself saying the same thing, so here it is.
Often the subject of 1st gun comes up in the context of specific game. Well, for the purposes of this discussion, we'll just skip the varmint hunting and move right on into big game. To drill that down further, let's limit this discussion to North America, as discussing it in a world context, where a .416 Rigby might be handy on the dark continent, yet is far too heavy for typical NA hunting.
Action?
Many Eastern deer hunters will swear by their lever guns, due to a fast cycle, and short OAL ( Over All Length). I for one am not a fan of the "spray and pray" mentality. Any ethical hunter will take the time and make his shot count, using the 2nd shot as a sure follow up should the 1st not result in an instant kill. As a wise man once said, "If the 1st and 2nd didn't do the trick, there's not a hope in Hell the 3rd is going to do anything". For hunting purposes, I discourage using semi-auto for much the same reason. Not to mention that the few semis that are available are limited in caliber availability, and often, the gas operated system is subject to fouling / jamming in less than ideal conditions. So, lets round up the remainder shall we?
Winchester Model 94
Effectively eliminating lever, and semi from the list leaves three. Pump, bolt, and single shot. Pump is a nice choice, and for many years, lots of folks that got their start on ducks bought pump rifles, so they wouldn't have to re-learn muscle memory for cycling the action. However, only one manufacturer of pump action centerfire rifles remains, Remington. They make a nice gun, but since only one real choice is not optimal, let's eliminate it. Single shot are budget friendly, and indeed there are a few manufacturers making decent quality single shot rifles. A new hunter could do worse as a starter. There is however only one real choice as a 1st rifle, and that is a bolt action, repeater. There are literally 100s of options, manufacturers, and chamberings to fit every preference, and need, from "Budget guns" which can be bought new for under $400, often with scope included, to more elaborate offerings, with exotic wood stocks, and other beautiful finishing touches.
Remington 700
Bolt guns are accurate. With modern factory ammo, and a decent day at the range, even some "budget guns" deliver MOA accuracy. They also allow for the aforementioned 2nd, or follow up shot. They are typically the strongest of the actions, and can handle loads, and cartridges that develop very high pressures. For a 1st rifle, the bolt action should get the nod.
Caliber?
Probably subject to the greatest number of conversations ever....
In North America all "big game" can be taken with a .30 caliber of decent weight, and velocity. There are even some that will argue that the .270 will suffice ( The late Jack O'Connor was a huge proponent of it, but even he hunted with a .30 for bigger game). There certainly have been enough chamberings in .30 over the years to choose from. Off the top of my head.....303 Brit, .308 Win, 30-06 Sprng., 30-30Win, .300 Savage, .300 Win Mag, .300 Weatherby, .300 WSM, .300Blackout.....etc.
Well now....that certainly is a big pot to pick from, isn't it?
Here is the advice I give every hunter on cartridge selection.
Imagine you have saved up for years for a fly in big game hunt. You pack everything you need, and you're standing on the tarmac in an isolated airport, looking at the baggage that's sitting there out in a rainstorm.....your rifle is fine, since it's been packed in a nice hard sided case, but your ammo is out there getting soaked......
Now you are in an isolated area of the continent, and you have the rifle, but need ammo....
Of the calibers listed above, you're going to walk into a mom & pop general store, and only find 2, if you're in Canada, you'll likely find 3......which ones? .308Win, 30-06 Sprng, and in Canada you'll likely find .303 Brit in stock as well......all of the others are great calibers, but I tend to believe in Murphys Law, and it will happen, maybe not soaked ammo, but maybe it's left on the dresser, or top of the gun safe.....The other point of consideration is that the 3 listed are originally military calibers, lots of them were available over the last 50 years, as such, ammo is not very expensive, where some of the other chamberings like the .300 Weatherby can be as high as $3 per round.
Even having a soft spot for all things Canadian, one must dismiss the .303Brit as a viable round, as not only is ammo only available in limited types and offerings, but no bolt guns currently being manufactured are being chambered in it. ( Now if you look around and find a nice older Enfield MK4 with a professionally sporterized stock.....well buy it, and discard everything else I'm about to say.....)
Lee Enfield MK4 No1 "Sporterized"
Out of the remaining two chamberings, both have their advantages. The 30-06 is available with a heavier factory loaded cartridge offering ( 220 grain vs. 180 for the .308). The nod however must go to the .308, for the following reasons.
1. It is a "short action" caliber. There is less motion required to cycle the bolt.
2. Being a civillian version of the 7.62x51 NATO round, it has lots of inexpensive Mil-surp ammunition available.
3. It has a ballistic advantage over the 30-06 when it comes to ballistic co-efficient, and in fact accuracy. It was used for decades as the rifle of choice by police and military snipers, and remains in service by many professionals for that use.
There will be many folks out there who will howl and scream at this article, and they will argue until they're blue that their .257 Roberts, or their .375 H&H Magnum should have made the cut, or the 7mm Rem. Mag. However, this is done with the idea that it's a shooters 1st gun, there will always be room in the safe for more........after all....the dark continent beckons.....
Enough reading.....go shooting......
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
In the Beginning Part III - Now What?
All right. You are now an eager...soon to be hunter. You sally forth to go buy your license that will get you out in the field, and are confronted with the bureaucratic nightmare that is the rules, and regs, as well as the inevitable choices of what to hunt and where.
Let's just start off with the Licensing part, shall we?
As a successful hunter safety graduate, you now can walk into any place to purchase the applicable hunting licenses for your quarry. These are usually outdoor stores, sporting goods retailers, and in the case of Ontario, you can also purchase all licenses at ServiceOntario branches. Typically there is a card fee, and you then add licenses to it.
Most are self explanatory, but as a bit of an overview.
Deer: This will provide you with a license to hunt a buck ( antlered), permits to hunt antlerless ( does) are available on a lottery system for the different WMUs across the province.
Moose: This will provide you with a tag to hunt a calf. Tags for Bull / Cow are available through the lottery system.
Bear: This will give you a tag to harvest either male or female black bear. There are very specific WMUs that allow hunting for black bear. Please do verify with the regs as to where you are looking at hunting.
Elk: There in fact is an introduced elk population in ON. There are tags available via lottery for them.
Turkey: There are two seasons for Turkey in ON, Spring and Fall, one license for each. Turkey also has it's own education component, which needs to be completed before being able to purchase tags.
Small Game: This will likely be the first license that a new hunter will aquire. With it the hunter can take a variety of game birds ( pheasant, grouse, quail, partridge, etc), as well as smaller mammals such as rabbit, raccoon, fox, coyote, wolf, and squirrel. It is also the base hunting license that other Federal Permits require.
Migratory Wildfowl: This is the one permit that cannot be purchased at the local license seller. As Migratory birds not only cross provincial boundaries, but national ones, it falls under Federal jurisdiction. The "Duck Stamp" as it is customarily known is sold in the one Federal presence that exists in every small town from coast to coast......the post office.
This is a strict overview only. There are several nuances, and regs that must be reviewed, but this should provide a general point of reference for the licensing system.
Now you're licensed. Where?
Well, as mentioned in an earlier entry, technology can be your friend. There are lots of online presences like hunting and outdoor forums which not only are valuable sources of information, but also as social hubs where new(er) hunters can make some connections.
Find a mentor. You'd be surprised at how many people hunt. Conversations around the subject will no doubt reveal a few potential hunting partners / mentors.
There is always of course the tried and true, joining a gun or sportsmens club, however these are often expensive, and quite often have a very long waiting list.
You can always also go it solo. Many varieties of small game require little except just getting out there. Living in ON, there are vast tracts of Crown Land which are not only free to hunt, but plentiful in game opportunities. A quick scan online of areas,and overlaying them with topographic maps can often develop into excellent, and closely guarded "hunting spots" which you may find yourself mentoring other hunters in, in years to come.
Hunting, like many pastimes ( obsessions) is not an instant gratification activity. The effort spent in cultivating partners, areas, and a community is far greater reward than the act of simply taking game. "If I wanted meat...I'd just go to the store" is an adage many hunters use to describe the experience. The amount of effort put in, results in exponential benefits taken out.
Enough reading...go shooting.
Let's just start off with the Licensing part, shall we?
As a successful hunter safety graduate, you now can walk into any place to purchase the applicable hunting licenses for your quarry. These are usually outdoor stores, sporting goods retailers, and in the case of Ontario, you can also purchase all licenses at ServiceOntario branches. Typically there is a card fee, and you then add licenses to it.
Most are self explanatory, but as a bit of an overview.
Deer: This will provide you with a license to hunt a buck ( antlered), permits to hunt antlerless ( does) are available on a lottery system for the different WMUs across the province.
Moose: This will provide you with a tag to hunt a calf. Tags for Bull / Cow are available through the lottery system.
Bear: This will give you a tag to harvest either male or female black bear. There are very specific WMUs that allow hunting for black bear. Please do verify with the regs as to where you are looking at hunting.
Elk: There in fact is an introduced elk population in ON. There are tags available via lottery for them.
Turkey: There are two seasons for Turkey in ON, Spring and Fall, one license for each. Turkey also has it's own education component, which needs to be completed before being able to purchase tags.
Small Game: This will likely be the first license that a new hunter will aquire. With it the hunter can take a variety of game birds ( pheasant, grouse, quail, partridge, etc), as well as smaller mammals such as rabbit, raccoon, fox, coyote, wolf, and squirrel. It is also the base hunting license that other Federal Permits require.
Migratory Wildfowl: This is the one permit that cannot be purchased at the local license seller. As Migratory birds not only cross provincial boundaries, but national ones, it falls under Federal jurisdiction. The "Duck Stamp" as it is customarily known is sold in the one Federal presence that exists in every small town from coast to coast......the post office.
This is a strict overview only. There are several nuances, and regs that must be reviewed, but this should provide a general point of reference for the licensing system.
Now you're licensed. Where?
Well, as mentioned in an earlier entry, technology can be your friend. There are lots of online presences like hunting and outdoor forums which not only are valuable sources of information, but also as social hubs where new(er) hunters can make some connections.
Find a mentor. You'd be surprised at how many people hunt. Conversations around the subject will no doubt reveal a few potential hunting partners / mentors.
There is always of course the tried and true, joining a gun or sportsmens club, however these are often expensive, and quite often have a very long waiting list.
You can always also go it solo. Many varieties of small game require little except just getting out there. Living in ON, there are vast tracts of Crown Land which are not only free to hunt, but plentiful in game opportunities. A quick scan online of areas,and overlaying them with topographic maps can often develop into excellent, and closely guarded "hunting spots" which you may find yourself mentoring other hunters in, in years to come.
Hunting, like many pastimes ( obsessions) is not an instant gratification activity. The effort spent in cultivating partners, areas, and a community is far greater reward than the act of simply taking game. "If I wanted meat...I'd just go to the store" is an adage many hunters use to describe the experience. The amount of effort put in, results in exponential benefits taken out.
Enough reading...go shooting.
Cecil the Lion
Cecil the Lion
An op-ed piece for those who feel they have a valid opinion on the subject of big game hunting on the continent of Africa.
1. Do not take 1st world views and values and place them in the 3rd world and expect your moral outrage to mean anything. Unless you've been boots on the ground in Africa, and have seen firsthand the imbalance between the money a country spends ( or doesn't) on it's people, and what hunting brings in, and directly assists, just shut up...period...full stop.
2. The amount of money that hunters bring to regions devastated by poverty, outstrips any and all funding that is funneled through animal rights and conservation groups. How much did PETA spend in Africa last year? ZERO. How much did PETA spend on marketing, and photo-shopping ads and marketing pieces in support of their views? MILLIONS. Each hunter that lands in a region contributes $15-20K directly through license fees, this is not including any accommodation expenses, direct compensation to local businesses, nor the fact that many Africans can not afford to hunt, yet foreign hunters are compelled to donate the meat and products from game animals for local consumption.
3. The world is not Walt Disney. Animals do not have names. That is a North American affectation that we place on them. It personalizes, and humanizes that which is not. The lion in question was just that....a wild lion. Not endangered, as some would attest, not a local favorite, as many would assert. Simply a wild lion. Collared...yes, and off limits as he was part of a study, yes.
4. Lions are not endangered. In fact, in many African countries their deaths bring joy to villages that live near their populations. There are many African people who know at least one person with a lion attack story....many do not end well. No one living in Africa is weeping for the death of this lion, except those few who have seen an opportunity to exploit North American guilt.
5. The fault is not with the Dentist who made the shot. He arrowed the lion, then as part of an ethical hunt, spent a very long period of time tracking his quarry. He did so under direction of his guide. The fault lies with the guide, not the hunter. The rules in many countries for foreign hunters are expressly that a hunter must use a professional guide, so that all rules and regs are adhered to. In this case, the guide erred, but why villianize a poor native Zimbabwean, when the world press can crucify a white American dentist.
6. There has been much discussed about the head and cape that was taken. Well folks, in the hunting world, if you wish to have a mount done be it moose, deer, bear, or any other game animal, you take the head and cape, which the taxidermist then uses.
7. As reprehensible, and offensive as some may find the act of hunting on safari, or taking trophys. The fact remains that it actually has done more for wildlife population controls, and in fact improvements, than any other group on this Earth. When a value has been placed on licenses and tags, the governments of those nations also put a focus on population protection, and preservation. This includes the prosecution of poachers.
If you take issue with any of these arguments, that's fine. Do the world a favour, shut up, and get off your wallet and do something about it....talk is cheap, so is your moral outrage at non-facts as reported by the media.
Monday, July 20, 2015
In the Beginning Part II - Your First Gun
In Part I, we discussed how to get into the shooting sports. The necessary steps to 1. Become a lawful firearms owner, and 2. Be able to purchase a hunting license.
Now, you have your shiny new license in hand, and you have your PAL, which lets you go into any store, and buy that object of your affection.....a new, or even new to you, gun.
So you're at the local sports store, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Gun Shop, etc.....with your hard earned money, and in some cases, a weekends crash course in what guns are and how you handle them without shooting yourself, or someone else in the foot. Intimidating? You betcha.
Here is a plain talk strategy, and a bit of an advice piece, on the selection of your first gun.
1. Budget.
Let's have a frank chat about this.
Getting into hunting is not an inexpensive proposition. By the time you have both your courses done, you are likely to have spent $300+. Add the cost of hunting license, and you're upwards of $350, and you don't even have a gun yet. Before you go shopping, realize that you're likely going to want to spend money on some other hunting gear, as well as ammunition. If you are single, and independently wealthy...well that's all in your favour, but many of us have families, and spouses, who are going to make financial decisions as well. As a good rule of thumb, it's probably wise to budget $1000.00 start to finish...and that's at a bare minimum. After licensing, you'll have $650 with which to go forth and buy a gun ( or two) and some related gear. Do not neglect to factor in some of the equipment required to ensure that once you have your new firearm, you are in fact storing it legally. Soft case, and trigger lock as a minimum.
2. Need
OK. Need is a relative term. Unless you're living in the wilds, 100s of kms away from the nearest grocery store....need is a bit heavy of a term. Let's say "requirements".
As a new hunter, your first hunting experiences are going to be mixed bag. Likely you're going to be getting out on public land, or other areas, and very few new hunters start right into big game, before starting on birds, and other small game.
So, small game, birds ( as well as waterfowl), and the ability to go after larger game? That about sum it up for a "new hunter"?
3. One word: Shotgun
As sexy as centerfire rifles are, and as nice and cheap as plinking with a .22 is, if you are buying your first gun with hunting in mind, then it should without a doubt, be a shotgun. There are several options, but in my experience with new hunters, I have always recommended buying a pump action shotgun, usually packaged with several different barrels for different hunting opportunities. With the purchase of one shotgun, with a standard 26"-28" barrel with chokes, a shorter turkey barrel, and a rifled slug barrel with either sights or scope mount, there is very little you cannot hunt, at least in Eastern North America.
With a standard barrel, and removable chokes, you can shoot every variety of small game, up to and including coyote. This includes all species of birds, and waterfowl. If the option exists for only a standard barrel, and a rifled barrel, the standard barrel with full choke will certainly work just fine on turkeys. With a rifled slug barrel, your gun will be accurate out to 100M for larger game, such as deer and moose. Depending on your locale, there are also areas that have "shotgun only" seasons for deer. This will enable the new hunter to take advantage of those areas.
Mossberg 500
Both Remington, and Mossberg market their best selling pump action shotguns ( the Remington 870, and Mossberg 500) in multi-barrel combos, for just this reason. I will not debate the merits of a Mossberg over a Remington. Field and Stream Magazine did a head to head comparison a while ago, and both guns came out even. the Mossberg was given the edge, because at the end of the day, it made a better boat paddle. Both are also highly customisable. You can take either and with the amount of aftermarket accessories and goodies, you can take a simple, hunting gun, and make it into a short tactical, home defense, zombie killer, or any variation in between.
Remington 870
There are quite a few other manufacturers out there making pump action shotguns, and some are even sold packaged with different barrels. I use the Remington, and Mossberg as example only. The Remington combo with 2 barrels, and the Mossberg 500 with 3 barrels both retail for around $600CDN.
I won't get into the debate over 12 gauge vs. 20 Gauge. Both have their merits. Perhaps I'll open that up for discussion on another day.
4. Buying used
Do not be afraid to look at the purchase of a used gun. Many hunters buy these "Plain Jane" workhorses, and when they find themselves with more funds, they often sell them in order to upgrade to something a little nicer. Buy and sell pages, classifieds, etc are often a great place to find a deal on a gun.
Now, there will be many detractors on this point. There are many used guns out there that are on the market which only shoot 2 3/4" shells. During the "magnum revolution in the 1990s, there was a big push to market 3.5" shells. Ergo, many newer guns have chambers that accommodate them. As mentioned in a previous post, 2 3/4" shells are still responsible for more birds down, than 3" and 3.5" together. Do not be afraid of a decent deal on a gun with a 2 3/4" chamber. Besides that, 3.5" shells are brutal for felt recoil.
If you find you have enough money to buy more than one gun to begin with. A .22 rifle would be a welcome addition to any starting gun collection for the following reasons:
a: Ammo is cheap, this means you can shoot it a lot. Your marksmanship and ability to hit a target goes up exponentially with the amount of ammo you send down range.
b: They're fairly inexpensive, and fun to shoot. Little felt recoil means doing all that shooting wont punish you.
c: they can actually be used for some small game hunting. If / when the new hunter decides to possibly get into bigger game hunting more seriously, the little .22 will still be a valuable training tool.
The selection of a centerfire rifle is an altogether different conversation, and I'll save that article for a later date. Suffice it to say that guns are like potato chips...you don't usually stop at one.
Next: Part III - Now What?
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