Real Outdoor World Congratulates Nancy Jo Adams Founder of Ladies in Camo

Congratulations to Nancy Jo Adams known as the “Guru Huntress” she has written lots of articles for the Women’s Outdoor News, started her Blog “Shenanigans From The Field” http://njadams1.wordpress.com/ and today has launched her new website “Ladies In Camo” (www.ladiesincamo.com) to learn about Nancy Jo please read her “About page” from Shenanigans From the Field.

Ladies In Camo are giving away a Ladies Wild Hog Hunt and Gear. Please remember to click on the link when you visit their site. The drawing will be held April 30, 2012. Good Luck to you all! Ladies In Camo will be offering lady’s and couple’s hunts. If you’re looking for a new place to hunt with a neat gal and the gang check out the calendar on her website to see what is available. Just a quick note “don’t procrastinate” spaces are limited.

I hope you enjoy reading her stories as much as I did. She is a great inspiration to all huntresses and hunters alike. Nancy Jo good luck to you and we can’t wait to hear more hunting adventures in the field from you and the rest of the gang from Ladies In Camo.

Feb 26 2012

Prois Competition Shooting Vest

Georgette Wood with the Prois Competition Shooting Vest (photo taken by Rick Wood)

I tried on and shot in some vest that I thought were very comfortable, but after trying out this Prois Shooting Vest it’s now my favorite, because of it’s durability and breathable material. I was amazed how well it fit my body. It wasn’t too loose or too big on me. I don’t have to worry about the sleeves sliding down off my shoulders while I shoot.

This competition shooting vest by Prois is very durable and comfortable to wear. It’s made of heavy weight of cotton and polyester canvas, and lightweight polyester mesh. The material makes this vest cool in the hot days to wear and easy to move around in while shooting. It has bi-lateral shoulder pads for those shooters who shoot left or right-handed. It has front expandable cargo pockets with magnetic closure for easy access. It also features a rear mesh pocket with spent hulls with zippers for easy emptying engineered with 100% light weight polyester mesh. This vests also features adjustable cam straps and buckle at waistline. It has a nice feminine cut. The other wonderful advantage is if you don’t want to shoot in the full vest all the time, you can unzip it at the waist for a shooting apron. I like the deversity it offers.

If your looking for a great product for a women’s shooting vest that will hold up well and look nice on. I recommend this vest to all women shooters. This vests comes in two colors Black or Khaki. The available sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL. The retail price of this vest is $139.99. This vest is strong and durable and will hold up to some nice shooting. You can order this Vest at www.Proishunting.com

Feb 25 2012

News Release: WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program plans Spring Workshop

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The WV Division of Natural Resources announces that the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop at Stonewall Resort will be April 13-15, 2012.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but have never had the opportunity to try? Or, have you wanted to take up an outdoor sport but were afraid to purchase all the equipment and then find out later that you hated it? Then the WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (WV BOW) Program is definitely for you! Women who are at least 18 years old can learn a new outdoor skill.

This spring, the BOW workshop will offer outdoor classes that include archery, mountain biking, shooting, camping, fly tying, fishing, nature walk, self-defense and outdoor cooking, to list a few.

Registration is now open with a fee of $200 which covers lodging, some meals, and some class materials during the workshop. For more information or to register for the workshop, please contact BOW at 304-558-2771 or billie.j.shearer@wv.gov. The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm.

Jan 29 2012

Hunting Etiquette Equals Happy Hunting

Have you ever walked out to the woods to climb that awesome tree stand of yours on the first hunting day of the year and found someone in it? Or have your tree stand taken before hunting season begins? I know this happens to a lot of us and we have to confront the person and make it an awkward situation all around. I’m here to give you some wonderful tips so you can have that joyful day in the woods. I think people forget how to respect other people’s property and take it for granted that no one is using it. I have decided to write about “Hunting Etiquette” for your hunting pleasure and mine.

Do take a Hunter’s Safety Course and stay refreshed on the materials. I know people have hunted for years and sometimes forget about the rules, safety and etiquette of hunting.
Always get permission from the land owner to hunt on their property. There may be other hunters hunting it and you don’t want to disturb them or trespass.
If the land is posted or not posted you should make sure you get a hand written permission slip for your safety.
Always try to scout the area where you’re planning to hunt so you know where the best areas are. You also want to look for other hunters stands so you don’t disturb them when entering and exiting the woods on that big day. Don’t destroy the crops while you’re doing this.
If you’re hunting with other hunters make sure you all know exactly where everyone is going to be. You don’t want any hunting accidents.
Make sure you dress in the proper hunting clothes for the climate, and for your safety where orange when required and always while you’re hunting with your rifle or shotgun.
If you’re using a tree stand make sure you get permission from the land owner. They may not want you to be tying into the tree. So let them know exactly what kind of tree stand you will be using. There are several on the market that won’t harm the tree.
If you’re using a tree stand make sure you secure your tree stand properly and always make sure you wear a safety harness when climbing and sitting in a tree stand. There have been many fall accidents from hunters that think they don’t need one. It’s your life play it safe!
If you’re planning on using someone else’s tree stand make sure you ask the owner before you use it. They may be planning on using it. If the land is posted and you get into someone’s tree stand. Then you’re in the wrong. You will be asked to leave, which in return just ruined your day of hunting.
If you’re going to use any accessories that require screwing into a tree get permission from the land owner. For example a Bow Hanger. They make many new styles that strap on to the tree rather than screwing in. You can always consider using one of them.
If you’re planning on using a ground blind ask the land owner if you can use it on their property don’t ever assume that it’s alright.
If you use a blind make sure you put some orange on the top of it, so other hunters know where you are.
When you’re going to shoot, never Point a gun in the direction of any other hunter and know where your bullet is going to go when you’re ready to pull the trigger.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, you don’t want to accidentally set it off.
Always use binoculars or a spotting scope when looking for game. Never use your rifles scope.
Never shoot through brush if you can’t see exactly what you’re shooting. It could be another hunter walking around.
You should never poach an animal. If caught you could lose your hunting privileges, driver’s license, or pay a fine, and some cases end up in jail. In many states they will confiscate any equipment used in the crime. So you could lose your firearm and even your truck.
You should never hunt from your car. You don’t know who is in the woods hunting.
Observe safety zones. Make sure you keep enough distance away from the road and any buildings.
Never mix alcohol with Hunting.
Always respect the game laws and the land owners while hunting. You don’t want to ruin it for the rest of us hunters.
Always remember safety first! Use common sense, and be courteous to your fellow hunters and land owners. It makes for a rewarding happy day in the field for everyone.

Jan 23 2012

Women Hunters Are Becoming Very Popular In The Hunting Sports

: My first buck with my husband! I’m wearing my Prois Hunting Clothes. (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

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.

May 15 2011

Disabled War Veteran Joins The Smith & Wesson Shooting Team

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.

Feb 1 2011

Congrats To George Dvorchak on Winning 2011 Antelope Hunt!

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)

Jan 30 2011

Zippo Hand Warmers For Those Cold Days

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.

Jan 24 2011

PrimaLoft Introduces New Product at Shot Show 2011

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.

Dec 13 2010

First Day Luck

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.

Mar 12 2010

The One That Didn’t Get Away

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.

Mar 11 2010

Lunch In The Blind

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.

Feb 14 2010

My First Bow Hunting Experience

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.

Feb 3 2010

The Unexpected in the Woods

Keeping it Real at ROW!

I had a tough situation this past year hunting. I had a personal problem that arose, I wasn’t quite prepared for or even thinking about until the problem had risen this fall.

I am all snuggled up in my treestand waiting for that perfect opportunity to shoot a nice deer. I am up high for everyone who was around me hunting could see me. When all of a sudden I realized I had to go to the bathroom. Oh No!!! I thought what do I do? Here I am all strapped up in my treestand with my Safety Harness on and being very very quite so the deer don’t realize I’m up in the treestand. Then this came along to bother me, and I ’m holding my bladder. I am holding it! and holding it! Until I couldn’t take it any more! I had to climb out of my treestand to what! You guessed it to go to the bathroom. I came out of my treestand and unhooked my saftey harness. I snuck into the tall corn field where I felt I had a little privacy; but to my amazement I was still bothered by this certain matter. The whole time I kept saying to myself “If the deer were going to come my way they won’t now, because I just scared them away!” I wasn’t quite prepared for this certain situation of letting your bladder go when it needed to.

I explained the situation to my hunting partner my husband and he laughed at me; but he wasn’t really laughing at me. He was laughing with me and about the problem I was having in the woods. So after this little episode he ordered me three “Go Girls” which I haven’t quite used them yet. I’m still embarrassed about the men hunting around me to watch the girl next door in the tree stand using a “Go Girl” in the woods.

So my questions goes out to all of you female hunters. Did this happen to you? and How did you deal with the situation that I had this past fall?

Real Outdoor World

Keeping It Real Outdoors

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