Real Outdoor World

Women hunters are becoming very popular in the hunting sports of today.   I remember growing up and having to wear my father’s orange coat; because they didn’t make anything at that time for girls. You see in our era of growing up women didn’t hunt or there wasn’t a lot of talk about women hunters. The women were taught to do house chores, become a wife and a mother. You didn’t hear too many stories about ladies hunting.

I shot my first gun when I was around 12 years old. My dad handed me his 300 Savage and I shot that gun. I was all excited to shoot a gun. I couldn’t wait to pull the trigger and hear it go BANG! When I did pull the trigger, the unexpected happened to me.   It knocked me off my feet and I hurt my arm. I was in so much pain and so scared to shoot a gun again. I was so disappointed in the outcome that I could’ve cried.  This almost ruined my love for hunting and shooting.  Later on in my life my husband helped me to become a better shooter, while I also took classes through the N.R.A. National Rifle Association classes from  Women On Target. My husband has been very thrilled to have a new hunting buddy. He keeps telling me that he wishes that I would’ve taken up hunting with him earlier.  He enjoys my companionship and our time together.

When I went to my hunting safety course, I found out something that I didn’t know before. I was informed from our instructor that you have to measure the child’s arm so you can get the right gun for the child. You want the gun to fit the child not a huge gun that they can hurt themselves shooting it. The other thing is you don’t give your son or daughter the biggest caliber gun you own. You give them a proper fit gun and show them the proper way of holding the gun and the safety of its use.   With the managed recoil ammunition they have today it helps to get a younger shooter used to a gun without making it uncomfortable to shoot.

On television you now see a lot of new hunting shows with husband and wives teaming up together.  This is a spectacular change, because it shows them working together as a team. They’re doing something fun as a couple. There are a lot of divorces going on now days, because people want to give up so easily in their relationship.  I recommend couples to go out on an outdoor adventure together; it may help their relationship extremely.  Even if you don’t like to hunt, you could go fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and camping.  It’s definitely a way to get you and your spouse to work together and bond without all the hustle and bustle of today.  It’s a way to take on the world and breathe in the fresh air and let out all the frustration that has been bothering you two.  I find that my husband and I get along so much better when we’re outdoors, rather than being cooped up in the house.  I also have men coming up to me and say WOW! You hunt! I wish my wife would go hunting with me  I would really enjoy that!   I love hearing it from these guys. They want to take their wife hunting with them.  You see when more women hunt it becomes a family activity, and it will get more families involved with hunting and conservation. Then we can conserve our land and our natural resources.

My advice to you women if your husband wants to take you hunting with him; Then go!, don’t pass up the opportunity. You don’t have to take a gun, but sit in the blind with him.  Enjoy the time you have together. Listen to what he says.  You won’t regret it that’s for sure!  My husband and I started hunting together four years ago and during that time. I learned to shoot, I have my own gun and bow, and I wear women’s hunting clothes made by Prois.  There is so much gear on the market for women that the hunting industry is now seeing how popular it is and giving us more choices.  I enjoy packing up our hunting gear and getting ready to go out on our hunting excursions together.

To me it isn’t about killing an animal; it’s about getting close and personal with the wildlife in action, and bonding with my spouse.  If that deer came in my view I will shoot it, because I know it’s going to put food on my table to feed my family.  Since I have been hunting with my husband, I have shot two deer and one antelope.  I haven’t gotten anything with my bow yet, but I’m hoping this year will be the year for it. If not, well than better luck next time! You see I don’t get disappointed if I don’t get an animal down.  I do get excited about being with my husband and showing him how much I care to be in the woods with him watching wildlife.

Members of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team along with Scott Carnahan from Safariland and Bill Abbate from Atlanta Arms & Ammo Welcome Trevor Baucom to the Smith & Wesson shooting team

At the 2011 National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meetings held on April 30th in Pittsbugh, Pennsylvania. Trevor Baucom, a 31 year old, former United States Army Chief Warrant Officer #3 (CW3) and Blackhawk pilot, was announced as the first disabled Veteran to shoot on the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team. He will be the company’s first disabled Veteran to shoot on their team. He will be competing in the upcoming NRA Bianchi Cup held in Columbus, Missouri on May 25-28, 2011.

Trevor, served in the United States Army for 13 years, before his Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Afghanistan in his fourth deployment.  The accident has caused him to be paralyzed from the waist down. He was on a night-time assault mission when the accident occurred. When he arrived in the United States he began his medical Rehabilitation in Franklin, Tennessee, where he met up with “Shooting USA” host Jim Scoutten. They became good friends and a spark started about his shooting career. They spoke to some wonderful people in the industry and gained a partnership to help Trevor meet his goals.  The industry partners are Smith and Wesson, Safariland, and Atlanta Arms & Ammo.

Trevor’s goal is to shoot in the 2011 NRA National Action Pistol Championship, where he will be shooting against able-bodied competitors. He will be training under Billy Abbate with Atlanta Arms & Ammo. During his competition, he will be shooting the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro Series pistol, which he has been training with extensively for the last month. The NRA Bianchi Cup will be his first Competition.  Baucom is an Avid Hunter, and a recreational shooter. He is more excited about his experience than worrying about his shooting scores in the event.

His medical discharge from the Army is pending at this time. We look forward to watching his progress as he shoots on this team and to see how his life changes from something so horrific to something so exciting to shoot with some of the best shooters.

“It’s hard to put into words just how phenomenal this whole experience has been,” said Baucom.

“The support from the industry has been overwhelming and at times I find myself still trying to grasp it all. “  

That being said, he has an intense competitive drive and is training diligently to improve his x-count with each practice sessions. “For, me this is about breaking down barriers,” said Baucom. “I have never been one to sit still for very long and this opportunity presents a unique challenge for me to push my abilities. I hope that my participation will lead to other wounded warriors taking an interest in competitive shooting and that more matches like the Bianchi Cup will take a look at how they can open up spots for other disabled shooters.”

Julie Goloski-Golob presents Trevor Baucom with his official Smith & Wesson team jersey

I was so excited to have seen this event take place and I look forward to writing more about Trevor’s adventures on the Smith & Wesson team.

Georgette Wood, 2010 Antelope Hunt Winner; George Dvorchak, 2011 Antelope Hunt Winner; Annie Wood, Wyoming Business Council (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

I won the hunt last year from the Wyoming Business Council Meeting.  Annie Wood announced my name as the winner, and  I was so shocked.  It was my first time going to the meeting to represent Women’s Outdoor News.  I was very impressed that so many people came over and congratulated me on winning. Rose Marie Dvorchak was one of the women to come over to congratulate me on winning the antelope hunt.  She was happy that a girl won this hunt, and informed me that I was the  first girl to win it.

Georgette Wood with winner George and Rose Marie Dvorchak-Congrats to you for winning the Antelope Hunt for 2011! (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

I sat there in the front row of the round table and was just amazed on how beautiful Wyoming really is.  I watched the video of Wyoming and thought WOW!  I would love to go there sometime.  I have never been to Wyoming or to Colorado at this point in my life. I had no clue that I would be the next winner to go see beautiful Wyoming and Colorado so soon.

The Wyoming Business Council Meeting was held on Thursday the week of Shot Show.   It was my turn to speak about how my hunt went with my husband Rick. I was so nervous about speaking in front of a large crowd that I was almost in tears and my voice was all nervously speaking.   I don’t get the opportunity to speak in front of big crowds of people; if I did I may not have been so nervous. My wonderful husband Rick, bailed me out. We together told our hunting story and had the crowd laughing.  By the time we ended our story, I was so relaxed and thought that wasn’t so bad.  I could probably do that again!

I tell you this story, because I get to pull the winning name out of the basket and guess who wins the 2011 Antelope Hunt from the Wyoming Business Council.  George Dvorchak is the name I pulled out; He is the writer for The Varmint Hunter Magazine.  His wife Rose Marie came over last year to congratulate me on my winning the Antelope Hunt for 2010.  He sat in the same seat as I did last year when I won the hunt, and just one more common denominator they are from Pennsylvania close to wear my husband and I grew up. How Bizarre? His name is George too!

I’m so happy for George and Rose Marie for winning the Antelope Hunt. I know they will have a great time just like Rick and I did. We had so much fun with Kelly Glause and Casey Miller with Cold Creek Outfitter.  We had a fantastic vacation shooting our trophy antelope, and touring Wyoming.  We even made time to meet up with our WOMA member Stacey Huston with Focus on the Wild in Cody, Wyoming. We tasted some delicious Buffalo Steak and my husband Rick kept saying this is like a second honeymoon. So I’m so glad that they both hunt and can enjoy their special time together just like Rick and I did. I wish them good luck on their Antelope Hunt in 2011!

Annie Wood, Wyoming Business Council with George Dvorchak (winner of the 2011 Antelope Hunt) with his wife Rose Marie (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

Ladies, are you looking for an accurate rifle?   The one that doesn’t kick like a mule when you shoot it! I have the rifle for you.   It’s the Remington Model 700 Bolt Action VTR-ATACS featuring the newest innovation in camouflage from Digital Concealment Systems and comes chambered in the two most popular calibers in today’s market-The Remington 223 and 308. I saw this rifle at Shot Show back in January 2010. I liked how it looked and how it fit to my standards.   The rifle is rated very high on accuracy.

It comes equipped with a Remington X-MARK PRO adjustable trigger that is set at the factory with a pull weight of 3 ½ pounds with a 2 pound range of adjustment (3 to 5 pounds).  The trigger pull is so smooth and crisp that makes it easy to shoot it accurately.  It has a uniquely triangular contour on the 22” barrel with a three port muzzle brake that’s machined-in during production to decrease recoil and muzzle jump.  Remington spent years of rigorous research and development  in designing the barrel to reduce the weight, enhancing the rigidity,  and promoting rapid heat dissipation all while maintaining the most accurate barrel in a production firearm. The twist rate is (1 turn in 9 inches) in the 223 Remington and (1 turn in 12 inches) in the 308 Winchester. The Barrel Finish is a Satin Black Oxide.  To complete the rifle off the stock package has a single rear and duel front sling swivel studs and Remington’s revolutionary Super Cell Recoil Pad which provides recoil reduction up to 54%.   The Magazine Capacity is five plus one in the 223 and four plus one in the 308.  The length is 41 5/8”.  Average weight is only 7 ½ lbs. So it won’t kill you to carry it all day. The MSRP is $872.00.

 I used this rifle in 308 on my Antelope Hunt in October 2010.  I was very amazed on how well this rifle can shoot.  I recommend this rifle to all ladies and gentleman who would like a rifle that doesn’t kick like a mule, and is extremely accurate.  I have my gun decked out with a Harris Bipod and DOA 600 Scope from Bushnell. Check out this review at http://womensoutdoornews.com/

I saw these Zippo Hand Warmer at Shot Show Media Day, I love it! It’s great for an emergency.  You can  keep it in your glove box of your car, in your backpack, or hunting gear.

Zippo Open Field Hand Warmers With its rugged, metal construction, the reusable Zippo Hand Warmer allows the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s cold. Thanks to its slim and sleek design, the Hand Warmer can easily fit into any pocket, and it burns Zippo lighter fluid to produce safe and reliable heat for up to 12 hours.  The odorless hand warmer is great technology for us hunters or huntresses who don’t want to relinquish our hiding spot.   It won’t take up any room in your

Zippo Hand Warmer, A must have in my Emergency Kit!

hunting gear or back pack.  The Zippo Open Field Hand Warmer features a Realtree AP warming bag decorated with an NFL team logo patch or you can get it in black.

 The first step you would do is to fill the filler cup with Zippo Lighter Fluid,  the second step would be to light the burner on top with a Zippo Pocket Lighter; and the last step would be to place the lid on the top and place it in the pouch.  It will last up to 12 hours to keep you warm. This is one little item you will want to keep with you for an emergency situations or on those chilly days when you least expect the weather to turn on you.  If your car breaks down this would be helpful to keep in your glove box of your car, to supply heat until help arrives.  This is one little gadget that I will use to keep me warm in my tree-stand. The retail price is $19.95 from www.zippo.com.

At the 2011 Shot Show held at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. PrimaLoft held their press conference on Wednesday Morning. Their representative Diane O’Connell introduced their new synthetic material used in such product lines as Browning, LLBean, Scentlock, Under Armour, and Russell Outdoor.

PrimaLoft insulation products offer superior performance for high quality cold-weather gear. PrimaLoft is incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable with excellent water repellency so you can remain dry, warm and comfortable—even under the most extreme conditions.

The patented PrimaLoft ultra-fine microfibers are specially treated in a proprietary process, creating a core with incredible insulation properties. PrimaLoft has expanded its product line and developed new products to meet specific needs for outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, and the military. PrimaLoft has manufacturing facilities in the US, China and Italy.

The Primaloft line has a new PrimaLoft® Eco Footwear insulation that keeps your feet dry, warm and comfortable and helps to make the environment healthier. PrimaLoft blends 50% virgin fibers with 50% recycled materials to create a resilient, performance insulation ideal for active outdoor footwear. You can also find socks made with this material that will wick the moisture away and keep you dry. They are made of Primaloft and merlino wool. These socks are very comfortable. After wearing the LL Bean Primaloft socks around Shot Show 2011. They kept my feet dry and comfortable. The price range of these socks starts around $12.95 a pair.

PrimaLoft Eco Footwear is warm, lightweight, water resistant, and breathable it has excellent compressional recovery. Since staying dry is not always an option, it’s good to know that PrimaLoft Eco Footwear helps to keep your feet warm even when wet. You can find Primaloft Eco Footwear in boots by Under Armour and LL Bean for hunting and hiking.

They also have the Ascent Primaloft Hooded Jacket; it folds up in itself by stuffing it into one of its own pockets so it won’t take up very much space in your bag. This is a great jacket to have for those mornings that are chilly and when the afternoon warms up just fold it up into it’s pocket. It makes a very nice package so you don’t have the bulkiness of the jacket. It’s very lightweight, quick-drying PrimaLoft One polyester insulation is as warm as down and yet stays effective even when wet. The outer shell is made with a rugged nylon, that is wind and water resistant. The insulated cinch hood fits snugly for protection while skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and any other outdoor sports. This jacket comes in colors that are cool blue and bright Lapis. The retail price is $129.00.

We had a fantastic time fishing with our guide/friend Katherine Browne

Rick catching his last big fish of the day!

After we received our instructions from Katherine on how to fly fish; making sure we cast out properly.  She told us the key to catching Kokanee Salmon is you have to set the hook hard; and so she demonstrated how to set the hook hard. “When in doubt set the hook, because you never know when one might be on the hook”. We started our fishing adventure around ten o’clock that morning and had so much fun catching our first Kokanee Salmon and Brown Trout. I caught the Brown Trout and Rick caught the Kokanee Salmon within five minutes of fishing. Katherine laughed at us, because she said alright you two! “Do you have to do everything together?” Since just six days ago we hunted down our first antelope together one hour apart. We had so much fun fighting those fish on our line and listening to Katherine yell “Ripping Lips!” I never caught a big fish like the ones we caught in Gunnison, Colorado. I always caught the little sunfish back home, and when I caught my first big trout I was a happy girl!

There is a wrong way to fly fish and the right way to fly fish. I’ve experienced the wrong way and the right way to fly fish. I had my line in tangles a few times, the fish would break my line, and I even had my fly lost once.   Rick and I were casting the same time and ended up having our lines cross.  We didn’t realize that we were going in the same spot to fish. It just shows you that two great minds think alike! So Katherine was very patient to get us untangled. She always makes sure when you are fly fishing with her that you have fun! She makes it exciting, relaxing, enjoyable, and she even keeps you from falling into the water. (Hahahaha)

Double Trouble

 While we were on our way to a new fishing hole to try out some dry fly fishing.  Katherine seranaded to the eighties music and we ate our lunch provided to us from the outfitter.   When we arrived at the river  it was very peaceful, quiet, and beautiful.   We had a great time dry fly fishing after we were trained by Katherine on how to cast; and what to expect on this dry fly fishing adventure.  Rick didn’t catch as many fish as I did in the river when we were dry fly fishing, but I did catch my first cut throat trout.   The day ended that Rick caught the majority of Kockanee Salmon and I out did him on the trout. We lost count on how many fish we did catch; but the point was we were catching them and having fun fishing. 

We would like to thank Katherine Browne for making our first fly fishing trip a memorable one!  We had a marvelous time fishing with her in Gunnison, Colorado and we can’t wait to do it again in the future!

It was just luck! I took a nap to wake up to this Buck!

My first day of deer hunting in West Virginia, was a very good day. I was so excited about going out and seeing all the wild life up close.   My husband Rick and I got up at 5:00a.m. to get ready for an exciting day. We loaded up our truck and headed to our friends farm. We stopped at Sheetz to get gas, coffee, and a snack like everyone else in their hunting clothes were doing the same thing.

The weather man was calling for it to be in the high 50’s, it was foggy out as we were driving to our friend’s farm.  There was also a full moon, which means the deer were up feeding all night long. The deer will be off their normal schedule. I was wondering what kind of hunting adventure we would have today.

My husband and I arrived at our destination.   We started loading up our gear and heading out to our stand.  We couldn’t see anything in front of us, because the fog was so thick. So we walked slowly and quietly out.  I was so excited to be out hunting with my husband. We have such a wonderful time together.  I am thankful for him for giving me this opportunity to spend time with him and showing me about what the outdoors is all about. It’s not about killing an animal; it’s about being thankful for what all God has provided for us. It’s about enjoying the outdoors and taking in the fresh air. 

It’s now around 6:00 a.m. and were in our blind settled in sitting quietly.  It wasn’t really cold out, and it wasn’t raining or snowing just foggy so you couldn’t see more than 30 yards.  So I’m sitting here, listening and decided to fall asleep a little. I didn’t have to stay awake I knew my husband would wake me up if something came my way. He was hunting on the right side and I was hunting on the left side. So I dozed off, and woke up to the sound people shooting around us.  When I woke up it was still foggy outside, and I was wondering why people were shooting. It was so thick and you couldn’t see anything even though it was 7:00 o’clock and it was the beginning of hunting season.   We kept hearing something making noises around us, but we couldn’t see anything. We kept listening and before you know it we saw the largest Raccoon I ever seen coming out of the wood pile next to us. We sat there and watch it as it disappeared into a corn field.  We sat there all morning long and didn’t see anything except for the Raccoon so by 11:30 a.m. we decided to leave, and go get lunch.

We met up with a couple other hunters who also hunt on the same land as we do, and they didn’t see anything either. So we hung out and visited with them before we went to get lunch. We had a nice visit and decided to be back around 2:00o’clock. So we headed to the house and I made us an egg sandwich and coffee. Then we were on the road again, the sun was shining, and it was warmer than we liked it to be when we are hunting. I was a really nervous, because if one of us would get something we couldn’t let it lay until the other one got something.

We made it back to the farm and met up with the other hunters and we discussed where we were setting up for the evening hunt. I wanted to hunt toward the front of the property in a small patch of woods. I didn’t like being in the back of the property, because there was just too many people hunting on the adjacent properties around us.   The one hunter was hunting on the other side of us in a tree stand and the other was hunting in another pasture. So we decided to go up front where no one was hunting except us. My husband and I usually hunt side by side, but this afternoon I wanted to hunt away from him a little.  I was hunting below the tree line on our chair and he was hunting to the right of me facing his back toward me. I was dozing off and when I woke up this buck was walking right toward me. I was so nervous my heart was pounding and I couldn’t tell my husband or I would scare the deer away.  So I waited and watched it eat as he walked closer toward me.   I picked up my Remington 700- 308 model Atac and chambered a round in the gun and put him in my sites when he turned broadside I pulled the trigger.  When I shot him and he jumped around and went down. My shot startled my husband. He stood up and asked did I get him?  I said yes I did. He congratulated me! He said I scared him because he didn’t know I was about to shoot. When he stood up and was walking toward me my deer got up and started running away; but it didn’t go very far before going back down for good. I was so happy and excited! I had a great shot on him and I guess he wasn’t quite down and the movement from my husband scared him. I shot my first six point buck without any assistance from my husband and I was so proud of myself.

Our Trophy Antelope

Our First Antelope Hunt

I was so excited about going out West to hunt Antelope.  I have never been to Wyoming or on an antelope hunt. The chance was such a great opportunity for me and my husband.  I won an antelope hunt for two offered as a door prize at the Wyoming Business Council meeting at the Shot Show  back in January 2010.   I was the first girl to ever win this hunt, and knowing that I was representing The Women Outdoors Media Association (the WOMA) makes it even more special.

The outfitter that put the hunt up was Kelly Glause of Cold Creek Outfitter in Evansville Wyoming.

Georgette Wood with her first Antelope, Casey Miller and Kelly Glause of Cold Creek Outfitter

We were having breakfast when Kelly and Casey met up with us in the lobby at the Super 8 Motel in Casper, Wyoming.    We grabbed our gear and started our day off by sighting in our rifles. We then started our hunt in area 25 around 9:30a.m.  By this time it was a beautiful clear sunny day, but a little bit breezy. 

Our guides Kelly and Casey made our trip out to the field fun and exciting.  It was interesting talking with them and hearing what they had to say about how they got into being Outfitters.  Kelly is the game manager for a farm with about 80,000 acres available to hunt on in central Wyoming.  

We arrived at our first hunting location; we could see the antelope on the range.  We started to stalk them down hoping they wouldn’t spot us. We did some walking, kneeling, and crawling to try to get in position. Antelope have excellent eyesight, it is said that it is equivalent to 8 X binoculars. If they see something that is out of the norm they will raise the white hair on their rump as an alert to the other antelope and run off. They can run up to 60 miles an hour. So that’s why they are such a challenge to hunt.  Unfortunately on our first stop the antelope saw us first and took off running.  I had an encounter with a cactus out there; I had put my hand on the ground and right on top of one then sat on another.  So my first hunting adventure was pulling the cactus thorns out of my hand and my leg. We had to stop hunting momentarily to get them out of my leg.  My guide warned us of the cactus and I was so excited about seeing the antelope that I forgot about them. Those are some wicked things and you definitely want to stay away from them.  TRUST ME!! We had a great time tracking the antelope down and observing how fast they can run, but getting stuck by the cactus is not what I had in mind.  We put on a few more unsuccessful stocks. The antelope either were too small or just didn’t do what we hoped that they would do.

By this time it was almost lunch time and we were all getting hungry. We have been hunting now for three hours walking and crawling over knolls and trying to avoid the cactus. So we started heading towards the archery camp to meet up with Kelly’s son and another group of hunters for lunch. On the way we saw a group of antelope with a nice sized buck. We stopped and stared the stalk, Kelly and I were coming around a knoll from the left to sneak up on the group not knowing that they would come out right in front of us. We ducked down in the high grass hoping we didn’t get spotted. I loaded my gun very quietly trying not to disturb them. I tried to get comfortable enough to take a shot. I was in my shooting position, bipod adjusted, trying to spot them through my scope, my finger was on the trigger, and I was trying to slow my breathing down. I shot once and it was too low, I shot again and it was too high. Then off they run! I was so upset with myself; I guess I was not set right on the terrain and too excited. I was trying my best though. I didn’t realize they were so hard to shoot. I missed my first one he had a really nice rack and was only 60 yards from us. It should have been an easy shot. As he ran off we decided to name him Lucky.

Then we came across the next group of antelope, my guide Casey and I got out of the truck on the right very slowly. We used the truck as cover as we positioned ourselves to a spot where we could take a shot. I had my eyes on the big antelope; I used Casey’s knee as additional support. My breathing was so relaxed this time I could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet. I slowly pulled back on the trigger and shot. My shot hit him in a little far back towards the stomach. He arched his back and just stood there. Casey said shoot him again. This time I shot him in the intersecting lines of the white and brown right in the shoulder. I was so happy when he went down. We ranged him at 164 yards, I was so proud of myself for shooting my first antelope. Everyone was thrilled, and I proved to myself that I can shoot long distances.

Rick giving me my congrats kiss for getting my first Antelope down

After taking photos and loading him up in the truck. We were traveling around back to go to the archery camp to eat lunch; we saw another heard of antelope off to our right. I stayed in the truck with Kelly and this time my husband Rick and Casey walked quietly to the top of the knoll. They crawled the last 50 yards on their bellies to get in position to shoot his antelope.  We heard a shot go off and I could see them all excited. He shot his antelope at 1:30p.m exactly one hour after I shot mine. His shot was at 265 yards. I was so thrilled and excited for him knowing that we had two trophy class antelope down within one hour. It was such a wonderful experience for us both.

As we were driving out we once again came across Lucky and his harem of lady friends. This time we shot at him with the camera. He was such a beautiful antelope his horns make a heart shape and he’s still out there waiting for someone else.

Kelly Glause and Casey of Cold Creek Outfitter were very pleasant and professional.  I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fantastic time hunting in the wonderful outdoors of Wyoming. We met them as strangers and walked away as friends.  They really know their business when it comes down to tracking and hunting antelope. We had so much fun with them and they made the hunt fun and exciting. 

You can reach Kelly at:

Cole Creek Outfitter

P.O. Box 797

Evansville, WY 82636

(307) 234-8940.

Did you ever want to experience something new?  I do all the time.  I told my husband that I wanted to learn how to shoot a bow and go Archery Hunting this past fall.  I was so excited about this event, because I never did anything like this before.  I shot my first deer with my Remington model 700 the year before and really fell in love with hunting.  I mentioned to him about bow hunting and before I knew it.  We were both shopping around for a bow for me.  We looked on the internet, read articles in the bow magazine to help me find a nice bow.   I came across the Parkers Bow Sidekick XP Extreme Pink package set.  I was so excited it was in our price range and everything came with it and it’s ready to shoot.   I wanted a pink bow; but not a bright pink bow.  I wanted something a little girly for me.  I also wanted something that stood out from my husbands’ bow.  I saw it and read about it and I e-mailed my husband the information on it.  He saw that Bass Pro Shop has it in stock so before I knew it my bow was ordered.  Yeah!!!  

My husband says honey “Happy Anniversary!” my bow was my Anniversary present.  I was all excited about it, I just had to learn and practice shooting it.  I worked out every day and practice shooting my bow every weekend.  I was desperate to learn how to shoot my bow and do it effectively.  I will admit the first time I tried pulling my bow I couldn’t get it to full draw I tried and tried and tried.  I was taught not to give up, and to try until you succeed.  My husband helped me and we laughed about me trying to pull my bow.  So he stated “If you’re really interested in learning how to shoot this fall?  We need to get you in shape.”  So he gave me an exercise routine and equipment to help me called a Bow Fit.  (www.bowfit.com)  Bow Fit is unique exercise equipment for archers to help strengthen your arms and upper body.  I loved it!  I could take it with me where ever I went, and didn’t take up  any space at all in my suitcase.  I worked out at every opportunity I could.  (I’m still working out even after the season is over just to stay in shape.)  I started my practice shooting at 20 yards, then to 30 yards, then to 40 yards.  Then he had me shoot at 10 yards.  I was so excited about how well I was learning how to shoot my bow.  I couldn’t wait for Archery Season to come in.  I knew I could hit a deer with my skills I was learning.  (Thanks to my wonderful husband and trainer)

 Archery Hunting is in and I’m ready! I have my Safety Harness on, which he taught me how to use it.  I have my gear and I’m ready to go and get in my tree-stand.  Yippee!  I was all excited about this day. I never really thought of what I would expect out in the field.  Our first day out in the morning, we saw a skunk that was walking around scavenging for food.  My husband shined his flashlight on him to confirm that it was a skunk and we avoided him for sure. 

 He helped me get in my tree-stand, before he went across the field to get into his stand.  I was ready I had my radio, cell-phone, munchies, chap-stick, tissues, gloves, and my journal.  I was all ready to go and I just couldn’t wait for daybreak to see all the wildlife.  I didn’t see anything at first, except I saw a red squirrel in my tree with me.  I had two different ones at different times in it. Later, I told my husband about the squirrels he said “you need to watch out for them they are mean and will give away your position by barking at you.”  Now he tells me after the fact.  It was all good no problems here. Then the deer started coming out I didn’t see anything in the morning; but I did see a lot in the evening time.

 I’m ready now to pull my bow, at first I had a little trouble with it.  As soon as I made it over the hump of pulling my bow, it was very easy and I aimed for the deer.   I was trying to remember what all he informed me to do.  I was aiming my sites on the deer, but every time I shot at the deer they just stood there and looked at my direction.  They didn’t even see me or even know I was there.  So I shot again and again and again. Well I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t hitting the deer and they just stared up at my direction.  I called my husband on the radio and said this “Honey I’m all out of Arrows what do I do?” I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong.  I did everything I thought I was doing right.  I never did this before and so I didn’t know how to fix my errors.  I sat in my tree-stand pondering on my aim, my shots, and trying to figure out how to fix it for next time.  I was really desperate on learning this new sport.   I thought this is probably something I could fix; but how do I fix it.  I laughed about how the deer just stood there and didn’t move.  I wish I would’ve had my camera with me, I saw some really good photo opportunities.  It was dark when my husband caught up to me after the day of hunting.    He shined his flashlight down on my arrows and they were almost in a row.  He couldn’t figure out how I could manage something like this.  The next day we went out and he climbed up in my tree-stand and took the same shots I did with my bow.  The arrows landed right where they were suppose to so my bow wasn’t off.  Then he asked me “Honey! Where were you aiming?” I said “at the heart Why?”  Honey you are shooting from a tree stand and your elevation changes the aiming point you aim on the side of the deer. I was shooting too low and the arrows went just under the deer. He told me I need to aim a little higher so when the arrow gets there it will be right where you want to hit it. Think about where the arrow will exit the deer on the other side.   Awe gees! I said I forgot about that, I was so used to shooting my rifle and being on target.  I forgot that I needed to aim higher on the side of the deer when shooting from a tree-stand.  Well I learned my first lesson about bow hunting.  Honestly, I think he told me that, but I was so nervous about everything, and trying to remember everything he told me.

 I forgot the most important things he taught me aim at the right point on the deer and to Aim Small and Miss Small. (If you aim for a small point and miss you will still be close. If you aim at a big area and miss you missed big).  Oh yes! I remember now, but I will remember that for next time for sure.  This little mistake has taught me a vital lesson about bow hunting.  I never did get a deer with my bow; but next fall will be different for sure.  I will be ready for Archery Season.

 It was a cold and rainy day for the first day of deer hunting in Western Pennsylvania.  I was all excited about my first day out.  I was the first one up at 3:00 a.m.  getting my shower, putting my make-up on, and getting my hair done.  I really wanted to look good for the deer, and for my articles.  I invited the longtime neighbor over Patty who is a real outdoor huntress to the pole-barn for breakfast.  I was also hunting with my husband Rick, my brother-in-law Roger, and their friend Richie.   I made a delicious French Toast Breakfast Casserole for all of us and served grapes, orange juice, and coffee for our morning energy.  It was a great time with great friends and family.

 We were all upset, because it was raining really hard.  We waited as long as we could to go out to the pasture before it became daylight.  The weather wasn’t on our side this morning.   I have a one person tree stand and it’s only big enough for me.  The guys don’t fit into it comfortably.  So my husband Rick helped me get in my tree- stand before he went off into the Ameristep Bone Collector Blind, which was set up about 700 yards from me in the woods next to the pasture.  He had it made! He had a light, heater, a place for his gear and chairs to sit on comfortably.  The rest of us were hunting from our tree-stands in different areas on the farm except Patty; she was hunting from a different farm.  Rick was out of all the harsh weather conditions.  He was spoiled the first day of buck season.  Here I am in my one person tree-stand with the rain and the wind waiting patiently for a nice buck to come my way.   The weather that morning was really crazy, because it would rain softly, stop, then start again. Then it would get windy.  It did that all morning long.  I sat there the whole morning with the bad weather.  I was waiting patiently in my tree-stand for a nice buck to come my way.  I could see does all around me eating and walking below my stand; but had no bucks in sight.  I knew I would have a great shot if one would walk in my direction.  In the meantime, I watched and listened to the sounds of the wind and rain.  I had a squirrel in my tree with me, but it didn’t bother me.   I was praying for good weather soon; because I was getting cold and wet.

 It’s almost lunch time and I haven’t heard anything from my husband Rick.  The rain had stopped and the sun is starting to shine.    I called Rick on the radio and he invited me over to have lunch with him in the blind.  I was really excited to hear that I can get out of my tree-stand.  This was the best news I heard all morning.   I had packed our lunch for us both, so we didn’t have to hike back to the house.  I had made us sandwiches, brought along celery, carrots, pickles, grapes, chips, and tea.  I even brought along a breakfast bar.   We had so much fun exchanging notes on what I saw, and what he saw.  I told him about the squirrel in my tree.  Then I find out later from my husband Rick that my brother-in-law Roger had to go inside his house that morning to dry out and warm up.  I was surprised to hear this news.  I didn’t even think about going in the house, because I was afraid to jeopardize my hunting adventure.  He apparently was really cold and wet, since the rain and wind was hitting him straight on.  The way my tree-stand faced it wasn’t that bad on me.  My sleeves were wet and the back of my jacket was wet, but other than that I kept pretty dry.  My husband Rick called me an extreme huntress, because I stayed out there all morning waiting for that perfect shot.  I was also afraid to get out of my tree-stand in case one did come my way.  Plus, I didn’t know that I could get out of my tree-stand.  I thought I had to stay there until I shot my buck;  (with my luck the deer would come after I climbed down from the tree)  so I was afraid to leave.  He then told me that Patty was the first one to get a nice buck on another farm.  I was so happy for her! 

We sat there in our blind and waited for the deer to come our way.  I sat there in my chair all comfortable as I watched out the window for deer.   I had the heater on me and I fell asleep in my chair, while my husband kept watch for the deer.    I really do appreciate hunting with my husband Rick.  Having lunch together in a blind is what made this an enjoyable and memorable event.   I really enjoyed hunting even though we didn’t see anything to shoot at.  It was another experience we both enjoyed.

My husband and I went fishing 4th of July weekend, at the wonderful Cacapon State Park in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. It’s a beautiful park to visit.  We really enjoyed ourselves, but some things never change. When I was a little girl, I used to go fishing with my dad.  He would catch the big fish, and I would catch the little fish.  He would tell me, “Georgette, you need to take your fish off and put it back in the water.” It was too small to take home.

Well, guess what? This time too, I caught the little fish, a cute little fish. I wasn’t upset that I caught a little fish. I was very glad to catch a fish at all, because we were there for a long time, and I didn’t think I was going to catch anything. My fish bit my hook and I reeled him in, thinking for sure I had a good-size fish. It was doing all kinds of stuff to try to get away, but it was hooked well. When I reeled my fish in and picked him up out of the water, I just laughed.

The fish had my worm hanging out of its mouth. He was so cute and funny-looking that my husband and I just laughed; and of course he had to take lots of pictures of me and my little fish.  So once again I had to place my little fish back in the water to grow bigger for another day.  My husband and I enjoyed our time together, and really enjoyed fishing. Overall, it was a nice, relaxing weekend–except when I had my fishing line all tangled up.

If you are looking for a terrific place to visit in West Virginia with your family, Cacapon State Park in Berkeley Springs is a beautiful destination. There are lots of family activities, and you get to experience the great outdoors. There are even beautiful cabins and lodges to rent.

You can rent paddle boats, rowboats and kayaks by the hour. They also have a beautiful golf course and horseback riding. If you are into fishing, there are two lakes.  They have a beach and a concession booth. Volleyball, tennis and basketball courts are available.  There’s a shotgun range, but you need to make reservations to use it. You can shoot their guns and shells, or bring your own equipment.

For those who like to hike, there are beautiful hiking trails. There’s also a playground for the kids. You can reserve a pavilion for weddings and family reunions in the park.   They also have a lodge with a nice restaurant. You can check out the Cacapon State Park website.