For pheasant hunters who were in the fields last year, 2008 may offer a sense of déjà vu as South Dakota once again boasts a near-record population of ringnecks. Pheasant brood count surveys last year estimated a pheasant population that recalled the Soil Bank days of the 1950s and ’60s and this year’s brood counts [...]
2008 Big Bucks, Bulls, Stories and Rumors
I always get these emails and you never know if the story attached to the pictures are true. While the pictures are impressive, it would be nice to get the real story. If anybody knows the facts on these, let us know by commenting. In the meantime, enjoy the pics. Possible New World Record Whitetail [...]
Sheds and Dead-Heads
This is going to be an ever-growing (hopefully) gallery of sheds and dead heads from our readers. Send us your pics and we’ll show them off for you.
How to Build a Tree Stand
Start with a small to medium size camping trailer… Pull it out to a likely looking area… Jam some poles in the ground… Use a couple of tractors with loaders… Raise it WAY UP (and fasten it!)… Drink a beer or two and step back to admire your work… Build a deck (so you’ll have [...]
Updated CRP Rental Rates Make Conservation Programs More Attractive
PIERRE, S.D. — Updated rental rates are now available for new Conservation Reserve Program contracts. In many areas of South Dakota, average CRP rental rates have increased 10 percent to 20 percent, making them much more competitive with local cash rent. “This increase in CRP rental rates will make enrolling environmentally sensitive lands such as [...]
Grizzly Attacks Wyoming Bowhunter
This morning I received this amazing story in my email and thought I should share. Here is the email just as I received it: “Many of you know that my brother-in-law, Ron, was attacked by a grizzly bear last weekend in Wyoming , while bow hunting elk with his dad. Ron amazing came through with [...]
Bad Luck Bull
Tiffany P. shot this Idaho bull on October 1st. It fell dead in a crack in a lava flow and even with five men they weren’t able to pry it out. After five hours they got the bull quartered and out. Talk about bad luck.
Bear Bait Pictures
A friend of mine sent me some pretty cool pictures from his bear bait in Idaho. He has had numerous bears into this bait since putting it out on 8/31. Currently there are four bears using the bait, a large chocolate-colored bear, a medium size black bear with a white blaze on his chest, and [...]
Outfitter Report: Another Big Alberta Whitetail
Our Outfitter in Alberta guided his hunter Bill Killmer to this beautiful whitetail buck on his last day of his hunt, “it only takes a second to catch up!!”. The buck gross scored just at 170 with 5″ of extras and a huge 300 lbs body. Congratulations Bill! Learn more about this great whitetail hunt.
More Idaho Bull
He finally scores!!!!! Well, I tried to kill off my buddy for 8 days but he is a little too tough or stupid, not sure which, to give up. As with most hunts you have fun, get frustrated, think about heading home early, and then you can’t wait to go do it again. This year [...]
Outfitter Report: Idaho Wilderness Elk Hunting Success
September Rifle Rut Elk Hunt Tom Lenze Shawna Keller 300-class bull
Outfitter Report: Pope and Young New Brunswick Black Bear
Our New Brunswick outfitter had his first black bear hunt in his new hunting area (zone 10) this week. The hunter saw four bears on a three day hunt. He bagged a 405 lb. boar that will easily make both Pope and Young and Boone and Crockett with his Mathews bow and Muzzy broadhead. Amazingly, [...]
Outfitter Report: Second Day Trophy Alberta Mule Deer
Well yesterday our Outfitter guided his hunter to a huge whitetail. Today it’s a big mule deer. Kenny Layman shot this big trophy Muley with a giant body, the buck gross scores 195 5/8 B&C. Just so you know, there are two whitetail hunts leftover with this outfitter… you’re running out of time fast though. [...]
Outfitter Report: Opening Day Alberta Whitetail
From our Alberta Outfitter: “Hello everybody, we had a great opening day, Mickey Layman shot a huge 195 1/2 B&C yesterday. The buck sports 2 non-typical points totalling 30 inches.” We still have two hunts available for this hunt. I can’t believe they’re not gone yet. If you’re interested, learn more about this awesome whitetail [...]
Huge Utah Bull Elk “Spider”
If you like seeing big bull elk… and I’m sure you do. Who doesn’t Check out this video of a monster bull found this summer in Utah. Some people think that he will score around 500 or so. Wow. His mass is awesome, and points are going everywhere, but his inside spread is average to [...]
No Child Left Inside Act
September 5, 2008 United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Re: Support H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act Dear Representative: On behalf of Sportsmens organizations, we urge you to vote YES on H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act, which will provide significant new support and funding for environmental education in [...]
2010 Duck Numbers Look Good
by Ducks Unlimited MEMPHIS, Tenn. – July 2, 2010 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report today on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. The total duck population is nearly 41 million, which is similar to last year’s estimate and 21 percent above the long-term average. [...]
South Dakota Biologists Optimistic About Prairie Grouse Hunting Forecast
With increased spring and summer rains experienced across much of the grouse range in South Dakota, biologists are optimistic about the outlook for grouse hunting in 2008. According to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Regional Wildlife Manager Andy Lindbloom of Pierre, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken populations in South Dakota are monitored using information [...]
Trophy Whitetail’s Last Rub
A friend of mine emailed these photos to me quite a while ago. What a shame, but I’ve got to say, I’d like to have been the guy to find it.
South Dakota Pheasant Numbers Up Again
PIERRE, S.D.—Favorable weather conditions and good habitat have once again combined to produce a record pheasant crop in South Dakota. Brood count surveys conducted by the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department tallied pheasant numbers that once again hearken back to the days of the Soil Bank era in the 1950s and ’60s. Surveys that [...]
How to Choose a Fishing Reel
There are many types of fish in the world, and many types of gear to use to catch them. As a result, trying to buy new equipment can be quite confusing, especially when buying a fishing reel. Before you head to the local fishing retailer, you need to arm yourself with some information. Know Your [...]
Blogs We Read
I subscribe to quite a few blogs and I come accross some cool stuff while reading them. Here are some of my favorites: Base Camp Legends, always on the move has added a bunch of cool new stuff to their site. You can now share your videos, and check out their forum I think it’s [...]
Herb and Wine Baked Salmon Steaks
Serves: 4 Course: Main Cooking Method: Bake Preparation Time: 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients: -680g pack frozen salmon steaks, defrosted -2 x 15ml spoons oil -30g fish herb selection pack -125ml dry white wine Method: Place each salmon steak on a separate piece of foil brushed with oil. Divide the herb pack evenly between [...]
Tasting Failure
by Brent Martell Success is sweet and failure is bitter. One thing most sportsmen know is the bitter-sweet taste of an outdoor adventure. Many moons ago I was invited to archery elk hunt with a guy in his secret area. I think our connection was in the fact that I had the same morals regarding [...]
Big cat grabs dog from Colorado home as owners slept!
- The Associated Press Edition Date: 08/05/08 IDLEDALE, Colo. – A mountain lion crept through an open door into a house outside Denver, snatched a Labrador retriever from a bedroom where two people were sleeping and left the dog’s dead body outside, wildlife managers said Tuesday. No one else was hurt in the home about [...]
Astronaut Bear Dies On First Mission
Somewhere in Minnesota on July 21, this bear was spotted sporting a jar on his head. Now I know that bears are smart, but I didn’t know they were capable of aspiring to such heights as role-playing. This bruin obviously wanted to be an astronaut… now that’s a lofty goal. Unfortunately though for the bear, [...]
First Confirmed Wolf Packs in Oregon and Washington
Uh oh… we all knew it was coming eventually. A wolf pack that includes both adults and pups was confirmed in a forested area of northern Union County on Friday, the first evidence of multiple wolves and wolf reproduction in Oregon since wolves were extirpated from the state back in the mid-1940s. See the rest [...]
A New Mule Deer Record for Oregon
Archer Chris Dunlap shatters the Oregon State Record Non-Typical Velvet buck according to the North West Book for Oregon Big Game Animals. The buck scores 221 2/8″ Pope and Young. The former Oregon record has stood since 1960. Read the full story at Base Camp Legends. You will also be able to see the story [...]
NRA-ILA: Here today, gone tomorrow- 2nd Amendment
The Supreme Court has ruled, affirming what you, I, and the Founding Fathers already knew — the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right! While this is great news, this ruling is only as good as a future Supreme Court allows it to be. The work of five Supreme Court justices today can very easily be [...]
Preparing your Rifle for Hunting Season
Recently I was at my gunsmiths shop discussing the work he was doing for me. Like a couple pigs in mud we were rootin around the spare parts bins and grunting away about our latest exploits. The conversation turned to a discussion about a rifle leaned up against the wall that looked very much like [...]
Web Site Tracks Waterfowl Populations, Habitat
A special Web site offers waterfowl hunters up-to-date information about all four of North Americas flyways. The site, www.Flyways.us, a joint effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, was developed by biologists and waterfowl manager across the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific flyways. “This Web site represents an excellent [...]
Equipment Preparation for Hunting Season
by Brent Martell Equipment: According to Webster’s equipment: 1. the equipping of a person or thing. 2. the state of being equipped. 3. the set of articles or physical resources serving to equip a person or thing: as (1) the implements used in an operation or activity, (2) skip this part- something about farm stuff, [...]
Wolves Returned to the Endangered Species List
A federal judge in Montana has ordered gray wolves in the Northern Rockies be returned to the endangered species list. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy granted a preliminary injunction Friday, July 18, 2008, restoring federal protections for the wolves. Apparently, he feels that the 1,400 documented wolves in the tri-state region of Idaho Montana and [...]
Spring Sharptails Look Good
Statistics from the 2008 South Dakota spring sharp-tailed grouse census indicate an increase in the number of male grouse counted compared to last year. Statewide, 6,861 sharptails were observed on spring dancing grounds this year compared to 6,035 in 2007. Male grouse recorded per square mile increased from 5.9 to 6.7. More than 1,000 square [...]
Extended: Deadline for Comments Regarding Right-to-Carry in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges
 Please take a momement and respond. This is directly from the NRA. Department of the Interior Extends Deadline for Comments Regarding Right-to-Carry in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges Until August 8 Like a quarterback taking a knee in the fourth quarter, two of Congress’s most ardent opponents of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms [...]
Apply For Special Texas Hunts
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be conducting special drawings for hunts, and applications for these quality, affordable hunting experiences are available online now. During the upcoming hunting seasons, more than 5,700 hunters will be selected through random computer drawings allowing access to some of the states high-quality managed wildlife habitat. Wildlife management areas, [...]
Apply for Wyoming Preferance Points
You can apply for Preference Points for future Wyoming big game hunts between July 1 and September 30. 75% of the premier licenses in Wyoming go to those with the most Preference Points. If you want a quality Wyoming hunt, start building your points. Wyoming’s Preference Point system began in 2006 for Elk, Deer, and [...]
Memberships: putting your money to work
If you are like me and don’t have a strong political back bone but want to somehow be involved then perhaps it is time to spend a little extra money on the clubs and organizations who can stand toe to toe with the opposition. I have been a member of the NRA for a long time but [...]
Clifford Casey – Custom Hunting & Fishing Portraits
I recently built a site for Clifford Casey. He’s an artist who specializes in custom hunting and fishing portraits. He does great work and he’s very affordable. If you’re having trouble finding a gift for a sporstman in your life, this might be just the ticket.
Supreme Court Ruling on 2nd Amendment
Directly from the NRA-ILA alerts: Sorry, this post is a little late. I thought it was published but it wasn’t. Still some good information. Supreme Court Declares That the Second Amendment Guarantees an Individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Thursday, June 26, 2008 Fairfax, VA – Leaders of the National Rifle Association (NRA) praised [...]
The Cost of Liberty
I recently came accross the following post and it hit home. We must stand up and speak up. Around two and one-quarter centuries ago, a document called the Declaration of Independence was adopted in the soon-to-be United States of America. The anniversary of that notable date is rapidly approaching, and is something America will celebrate [...]
Another Record Deer Harvest in South Dakota
According to the South Dakota Division of Wildlife, South Dakota hunters can look back on 2007 as another record-setting year for deer harvest. According to harvest surveys, last year saw the all-time highest recorded deer harvest in the state and it was the eighth straight year that deer harvest has increased. GFP Game Harvest Survey [...]
South Dakota Submits ‘State-Sponsored’ CRP Proposal to National Office
PIERRE, S.D.—On behalf of more than 50 partners from across the state, the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department presented a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program proposal to the Governor’s Office last week. With the submission of this proposal on June 3 to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency by Gov. Mike Rounds, there is excitement among [...]
Pheasants and Other Upland Birds in Peak of Nesting Season
With the prairie winds waving around waist-high grass that has benefited from above-normal precipitation this spring, many nesting birds including pheasant, grouse and waterfowl are at the peak of their critical nesting and brood rearing time. “Although it has been cooler and wetter than average along with localized hail and flooding, much of the state’s [...]
Desert Bighorn Sheep Permit Auction
The Wild Sheep Foundation had been authorized to auction a Desert Bighorn Sheep Permit for the 2008 hunting season. The highest winning auction bidder will have first choice of hunt dates. The hunt will take place in the Ejido Alfredo V. Bonfil, located inside the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Outfitting, guiding, and all necessary permits to [...]
Get Your Kids Outside
Over the last twenty years childrens playtime has declined by 25 percent, unstructured outdoor activities have declined by 50 percent and family dinners have decreased by 33 percent. How can you gain back some of that lost time while increasing your childs interest in the outdoors? Call me an old (young?) sap, but as a [...]
Idaho Wolves To Be Hunted Soon… Hopefully
Wolves are a hot button topic here in Idaho right now and the title of this post is sure to cause a stir, but I aint skeerd. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has released its proposed hunting regulations for wolves in Idaho. As in Montana and Wyoming, Idaho now manages wolf populations [...]
Hydration
Concerned about your fitness level for the big hunt? Most of us are. One thing to keep in mind while prepping to hunt, hike, etc is to be properly hydrated and maintain hydration during the activity. Water alone is not always the best as we need electrolytes. Proper nutrition will help but it can be [...]
Antler Shed Hunting Mania
There are a lot of people crazy about shed hunting for deer and elk antlers these days (myself included). For those of you out there like me, check out this site I came across recently: Amazing! I’d say this guy takes shed hunting to the next level!
Client Review: Big, Old Idaho Black Bears
Bear season started slow due to all of the snow this spring, but things are heating up now. Father and Son, Jerry and Pete S. each shot bears on Saturday. Pete’s bear was so old he only had one tooth and it was hanging by a piece of skin. Skull size of these boars measured [...]
Our South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Video is Finished!
Finally! The new video for our South Dakota pheasant hunts is finished. We’ve been working with Eef Productions on it and they did a great job. Check it out. If you are interested in pheasant hunting in South Dakota with us, contact an Outdoors International broker. Outfitters: If you are interested in a professional promotional [...]
Explaining Chukar Population Fluctuations
Idaho chukars must endure heavy snows By Andy Ogden For the Idaho Press-Tribune Andy Ogden is a Wildlife Habitat Biologist for Idaho Department of Fish and Game — Southwest Region. Idaho’s chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) is native to a wide swath of southern Europe, Asia Minor, Northern India and China. Several chukar subspecies occupy these [...]
Congressional Leaders Reach Farm Bill Agreement
Washingon, D.C. – May 09 – After nearly four months of extensions, House and Senate Farm Bill conferees have reached an agreement on the main elements of the 2008 Farm Bill. Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) urge both the House and the Senate to pass the legislation, and for President George W. Bush [...]
S.D. Offering More Opportunities for Young Hunters
PIERRE, S.D.—Two South Dakota hunting seasons have been expanded to allow more opportunities for young hunters and more opportunities are on the way. The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission has approved changes in the youth pheasant season that lengthen the season and allow hunting to start earlier in the day. The 2008 season will [...]
Huge Elk Sheds
Check these out. Pretty impressive.
Preparation For Your Upcoming S. Dakota Pheasant Hunt
I’ve put together a little checklist of things you need to bring and/or be aware of if you are going on a pheasant hunt with our outfitter there. We want you to be fully aware of everything you may encounter so you can fully enjoy your experience. Required equipment: South Dakota Small Game Hunting License. [...]
Battle of the Fish Studies Continues
Recent scientific and economic continue to be cranked out by both proponents and opponents of breaching of the three dams on the lower Snake River downstream of Lewiston, Idaho. Legislation entitled the Salmon Economic Analysis and Planning Act (SEAPA H.R. 1507) has been introduced in Congress. SEAPA would authorize independent studies form the National Academy [...]
New Law Relies On Parents to Decide if Children Can Hunt
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s hunting heritage has traditionally been passed from one generation to the next. Recognizing that linage, and wanting to help it along, the S.D. Legislature approved a bill this year that allows children as young as 10 years of age to take part in mentored hunting opportunities. “Having youngsters in the [...]
Longer Pheasant Season Proposed
South Dakota’s pheasant hunting season might get longer under a proposal being considered by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission. The proposal lengthens the season through January. In the past, the season has ended on the first Sunday in January. “We have a lot of birds on the landscape, thus bringing many requests and questions [...]
Pheasant, Sage Grouse Habitat Enhancement Program
PIERRE, S.D. – The S.D. Game Fish and Parks Department, Pheasants Forever and USDA Farm Service Agency are pleased to announce that the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement program is ready for enrollment. Under the enhancement program, also known as SAFE, state agencies along with other groups were given the opportunity to submit proposals to [...]
South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Trivia
The first pheasant hunting season was in 1919. South Dakota first implemented a 12 noon starting time for shooting hours in 1931. The 1944-45 pheasant hunting season set records for: The largest bag limit of 10 pheasants. Five of the 10 could be hens. The longest pheasant season when it opened on September 20, 1944 [...]
Pheasant History in South Dakota
In the Beginning I doubt the one-day season in Spink County carried much resemblance to the festive atmosphere of opening days of modern times. It’s hard to imagine that a bird that currently numbers somewhere near the 10 million mark was once non-existent in this state. This arguably most prolific game bird known to man [...]
A Basic Guide For Aging and Sexing Upland Gamebirds
Pheasants A hunter needs to know the difference between a hen and rooster pheasant before he or she pulls the trigger. Most of the time, the identity of the bird flushing at your feet is obvious. There are situations, though, where it is good to hesitate or hold back. Birds flushing into a rising or [...]
Pheasant History
The Ringed-necked Pheasant was imported to America from Asia, and no other game species introduced to this continent has been as successful at flourishing as the pheasant. One of more than 40 species originating in Asia and Asia Minor, these birds from the genus Phasianus are perhaps better known than any of the other 15 [...]
Youth Pheasant Hunting in North Dakota
In 2005, lawmakers established the option for a youth pheasant hunting season on Saturday and Sunday preceding the regular pheasant season. At that time, legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 12-16 were allowed to hunt roosters statewide. In 2007, the law was changed to allow the Game and Fish Department to establish a pheasant hunting [...]
Pheasant Facts
Roosters will range in weight from 3.5 to 4 lbs (1.6 to 1.8 kg) Hens will range in weight from 2 to 2.5 lbs (.9 to 1.1 kg) The insulating effect of habitat moderates windchills, thus providing a warmer and less energy-demanding microclimate for pheasants (and other wildlife) Birds, like dogs and cows, do not [...]
Client Review: Mind Boggling Pheasant Hunting
WOW! I’ve hunted pheasants for over forty years from Minnesota, to Colorado in some good area’s where the numbers were fairly strong. I have never seen the number of wild birds as I’ve seen in southwestern North Dakota. It was mind boggling. The first day of the hunt we hit the field at about noon, [...]
Client Review: Anniversary Sheep Hunt
See this story in the Summer 2008 Issue of Trophy Hunter Magazine As with all stories, this one starts with a simple impulse. On April 30th, 2007 I was in the Driggs Idaho Corner Drug store getting what I hoped to be the summer supply of allergy medicine for my 6th summer in Teton Valley [...]
Outfitter Report: High Pheasant Numbers for 2007 Hunting Season
South Dakota is experiencing historically high pheasant numbers. Brood count surveys by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department estimated that statewide, this year’s pheasant population was 23 percent higher than last year’s and 18 percent greater than the 2005 pheasant population, which was at a 40-year high. Nick Cochran, a conservation officer with [...]
Client Review: Dan W. Gets His Bull!
Dan bought this elk hunt from one of our Outfitters at a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet. It was his first elk hunt and he had a blast and got this great bull to boot. Also, he was able to take his wife along because they stayed in the outfitters lodge in Idaho’s Frank Church [...]
Outfitter Report: Idaho Shiras Moose
Chuck drew a coveted Shiras Moose tag in Idaho. Due to some health problems, he couldn’t make it for the opener, so he had to schedule his hunt a little later. By the time he flew into the hunting area, elk hunters had a camp set up in the main moose hunting area. They hunted [...]
Hunting Smart Late Season Pheasants
Hunting late season birds can be frustrating if you don’t know what your doing. Smart birds will run until they have no other option but to fly. Figure out how to hunt them and you can have some of the best hunting of the year. Get organized before you even get close to the field [...]
Pheasant Counts Up
PIERRE, S.D. Pheasant survey routes indicate that hunters who take the fields in 2007 will be greeted by one of the largest pheasant populations in South Dakota history. Brood count surveys by the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department project pheasant numbers the likes of which has not been seen since the Soil Bank years [...]
Outfitter Report: A Note From South Dakota about the Upcoming Pheasant Season
We just recieved the following email from our Outfitter in South Dakota: The 2007 pheasant nesting season has been a tremendous success. Numerous large coveys of various sized young birds are noted and we anticipate further progression for a highly successful hunting season. We have spent most of the spring and summer on habitat – [...]
How Our Service Works
We call what we do work, but I can’t think of a better job. At Outdoors International, we connect our clients with the hunting trip of their dreams. Some of our clients just want a place to take their kids for some fast-action fishing and at the other end of the spectrum, other clients want [...]
Client Review: Self Guided Mule Deer Drop Hunt
I would like to tell everyone about our wonderful experience with Outdoors International’s Partner Outfitter. As non residents from Virginia, we put in for the early season unit 39 controlled mule deer hunt. In the two previous years, we were DIY (DO-IT-YOURSELF) hunters in western Wyoming. We put in extensive Internet research and talked with [...]
Outfitter Report: Hunting Outlook for the 2007 North Dakota Season
Pheasant Hunting A string of mild winters has helped ringnecked pheasants.Add in the Conservation Reserve Program, which has put about 3.3 million acres of nesting habitat on the states landscape, and you have the ingredients necessary to increase not only pheasant numbers, but also their range. However, things change and so does the states pheasant [...]
The LockDown uses a pliable cover for a low profile fit & ShockCord Security Straps to fasten optics...