Hunting The First State: The Outdoors Diary of Author Steven M. Kendus

Hunting The First State / east Coast Hunting Blog Has Moved

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Due to the ridiculous amount of spam being posted to eastcoasthunting.blogspot.com, I have created a new blog and moved all of the content to www.huntingthefirststate.com. Please update your RSS reader settings.

I will be deleting this blog soon.

Thanks.

Steven M. Kendus

Getting fit now betters odds later for hunters

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Here's Steven Kendus' latest hunting column for The News Journal.

Getting fit now betters odds later for hunters

HUNTER'S JOURNAL • By STEVEN KENDUS • October 1, 2009

The weeks leading up to the opening days of waterfowl and deer seasons are spent sighting in guns, organizing gear, erecting deer stands, and grassing up duck blinds.
Advertisement

We focus on every hunting-related detail imaginable -- from camo patterns and cover scents to shot patterns and choke tubes -- but many neglect the single most important factor in hunting success: our health.

Let's face it. Many of us are ill-prepared for the strenuous activity that sometimes comes with hunting. Long hikes to and from stands or blinds, climbing tree stands, carrying and setting up decoys, tracking and recovering game, and dragging harvested deer from the woods are all activities that can lead to sprains, broken bones and more serious medical issues, such as heart attacks. While we are all susceptible to such calamities, the risks are greater for those with conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Just as athletes train and condition prior to competing, hunters should engage in some preseason conditioning and take some common-sense precautions before engaging in strenuous activities.

Steve Oldham, owner of OSX Fitness and Training Center in Newport, is helping several hunters get in shape.

"Hunters expecting to hit the fields and woods in November and December should begin working out now," Oldham said. "A simple three-day-per-week workout can help hunters lose weight, increase stamina and prevent injuries."

Oldham recommends hunters begin their preseason training with three 20-minute cardio sessions a week, using treadmills, recumbent bikes or elliptical machines.

"When access to workout equipment is unavailable, brisk walks are just fine," he said.

Increasing the cardio sessions by five minutes each week will challenge the hunter and build endurance.

Chris Antonio, owner of Antonio's Training Systems in Lewes, is a corporate fitness consultant, personal trainer and an avid hunter. In addition to preseason exercise, Antonio sees diet and lifestyle changes as keys to safeguarding against potential injuries and other health issues that can arise while hunting.

"Each year we read about hunters suffering heart attacks, falling out of tree stands and hurting their backs while dragging out deer," he said. "I think the trouble starts when people go from couch potatoes to woodsmen with zero ramp up."
Advertisement

Antonio suggests hunters consider their overall health by reducing calories, fat intake and alcohol consumption and by making concerted efforts to eat five or six small, nutritionally balanced meals per day. He recommends hunters build strength through simple exercises, such as push-ups and crunches, and that hunters incorporate basic stretching into their daily routines.

"I believe it's important for hunters to prepare for each season as if they're athletes training for a sporting event by creating workouts and diet plans that give them the best tools to compete," Antonio said.

Keep in mind that common sense is just as important as good physical health. Visit a doctor before beginning training routines, let friends or relatives know where you will be hunting and carry a cell phone with you when hunting.

New Hunting The First State Blog and Site Coming Soon

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:33:00 +0000

The spam posts in Blogger are driving me crazy. I will be transitioning this blog, as well as www.huntingthefirststate.com to a new WordPress-driven site very soon. I am in the process of building the new site now.

The new blog will be accessible via my site www.HuntingTheFirstState.com within the next couple weeks.

Thanks.

East Coast Hunting Blog has been Hacked by Spammers

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:56:00 +0000

I apologize to all of you about the recent spam posts to my blog.

I am trying to solve the issue, but I have yet to find any assistance from Google. If I cannot solve this within the next several days, I will be switching blogging services.

Thanks.

Steven M. Kendus

Catch-and-Release Deer Hunting

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Well, not really.

But, while bowhunting yesterday, I had three deer within ten yards of me. Of the three, the third one was the biggest. I let the first two pass, and I clipped my release on my bow with hopes of shooting the third deer. As the deer angled toward me, I saw two 2-inch antler points protruding from his head. He was a buck fawn whose antlers were just beginning to grow. He walked within 5 yards and never knew I was there.

I held my bow up, put my sight pin on his vitals, and imagined myself drawing and releasing my bowstring. Rather than shooting the small buck, I let him go.

Sounds like catch-and-release to me!

Delaware Bowhunting Updates - Sept. 4 and 5

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:02:00 +0000

I bowhunted Delaware deer Friday evening and Saturday evening September 4 and 5.

On Friday evening, I was surprised by about 8 deer (does and fawns) that appeared out of nowhere behind my stand. I was busy watching in front of me and to my left where I could see into a meadow, but when I peeked over my shoulder, I saw the deer milling around about 25 yards behind me! They were so quiet, I never even heard them approach!

Throughout this summer, northern Delaware has averaged about 8 inches of rain above normal. All of this rain has caused the weeds and underbrush to grow like a rainforest. Between the dense cover and the moist ground, I couldn't see or hear the deer approach.

I had a possible shot at one of the larger does, but I opted not to shoot. I would rather let them go than risk wounding one and scaring the entire group.

On Saturday evening I returned to the same woods but hunt a different location. Rather than using a stand, I set up on the ground. I hunted the last 90 minutes of shooting time, but saw nothing.

I will head out this afternoon.

Tonight's Archery Hunt: Three Does within 15 Yards

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:24:00 +0000

My buddy John and I got out for a 90-minute bow hunt tonight.

I set up on the edge of creek with some really thick bushes lining the banks. I saw two does as I was walking to my spot, but they were about 300 yards away.

Around 7:15, I heard deer walking close to me, and then I heard a bleat about 15 yards from me. I couldn't see the deer, but I knew they were close. Within 5 minutes, two fawns darted in front of me and ran away. However, I still heard more footsteps nearby.

Around 7:30, a deer started blowing about 10 yards from me, but I still couldn't see it. I then heard it run the opposite direction.

I saw two other does about 500 yards away, but that was it. I got no shots.

After the hunt, John told me that the 3 deer were directly across the stream from me, on the other side of the bushes. They would have been range if the bushes weren't so think.

We'll get them next time.

This September, put down the fishing pole and get a jump on duck and geese hunting

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Although the area between the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Bay is regarded as one of the best waterfowl hunting locations in the eastern United States, most hunters don't even consider pursuing ducks and geese until frost covers pumpkins and skim ice forms on the marshes.
Advertisement

But for those of us who wish to trade sunburns and mosquito bites for fast shooting and generous harvest limits, teal and resident Canada goose seasons are open in September.

Read the Entire Article in Today's News Journal

Kendus Fishing in Maui, Hawaii

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:19:00 +0000

I just returned from a family vacation in Hawaii. We first visited the Big Island and then spent a week on Maui.

As I am busy with preparing for opening day of bow season here in Delaware (September 1), I will spare you a ton of detail about my Hawaii trip.

However, I want to mention my fishing trip with Luckey Strike Charters out of Lahaina, Maui. My brother-in-law and I hired Luckey Strike for a private, 6-hour charter on August 20. I was told that the trip could yield marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo (ono), and other large gamefish.

Within the first hour of fishing (which was all trolling), we hooked a wahoo (or ono as they called it in Hawaii). I got in the fighting chair and reeled the fish in. It was about 15 pounds. We then drove around for the next 5 hours and had no bites.

After checking with the other boats that left the harbor, about a dozen boats fished that day. A TOTAL of TWO fish were caught between all of the boats. I guess I was "luckey" to get one.

The charter boats usually keep a good portion of the fish caught, but I told the captain that I would like to keep enough fish to feed 12 people. Since we only caught the one fish, I kept both of the fillets.

On the way back to our hotel, I bought a styrofoam cooler and ice to store the fillets. I then set off to find a restaurant that would cook our fish. None of the restaurants at our hotel (The Grand Wailea) would cook my fish, citing 'liability reasons.'

However, I found a great chef at the small Blue Moon Cafe at 362 Huku Lii Pl, Kihei, HI‎ who agreed to cook our fish. This guy was great! His restaurant was like a diner with a Chinese flair. He stayed open late for our party and cooked the ono superbly! It was prepared in an Asian style with a terriyaki- and seasame-based (I think). The fish fed 14 people. Check out his restaurant if you are on Maui.

16th Annual Colin Kelley Catfish Tournament in New Castle, DE

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:57:00 +0000

It's always a great time when neighborhood friends get together to fish the Delaware River in the Colin Kelley Catfish Tournament.

After a two-year hiatus, the Captain John Antonio, Paul Antonio, and Steven Kendus team got back in the tournament, which was held Saturday August 8, 2009. While we caught about 10 catfish and about 6 eels, we caught nothing worthy of weighing in.

Photos are below.

Finally, a nice color shirt!

Boats were lined up waiting to launch at Delaware City.

Captain John Antonio with a not-so-big catfish.

One of the 6 eels that Kendus caught.

Fishing near the Delaware Memorial Bridge makes you hungry.

Use final days of summer to perfect your aim

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Here is my latest column (August 2009) for The News Journal.

Use final days of summer to perfect your aim

HUNTER'S JOURNAL • By STEVEN KENDUS • August 6, 2009

Although the late summer heat has many of us thinking fishing instead of hunting, let me remind you that deer and dove hunting seasons will be here before you know it.

Delaware's mourning dove and archery deer seasons open Sept. 1, so we have few days to prepare and practice.

Every August, I find myself asking where summer went, and I curse myself for not devoting more time to practicing my shooting -- both bow and gun. I have been to the gun range twice this summer, and I usually shoot a few arrows several nights a week.

While I realize that some practice is better than no practice at all, I ask, "How much practice is enough?"

Hockessin's Tim O'Neill, a bowhunter and former professional archer, believes that practicing five days a week during the offseason is a good routine for any bowhunter.

"Your practice routine doesn't have to be as strict as a competitive 3D shooter's. Try to shoot for at least 15 to 30 minutes per session around five days a week," O'Neill said. "Bowhunters really shouldn't practice for long periods of time because muscle fatigue will alter their shots. Practicing in two 15-minute sessions separated by a couple hours rest is a good idea."

O'Neill recommends that bowhunters practice in their hunting clothes, including gloves and facemask, and stresses the value of tree stand hunters practicing shots from elevated platforms.

"Most importantly, shoot the same broadhead and arrow combination you will be hunting with," he said. "Now is the time to know exactly how your arrows are flying."

Practicing with a gun is equally important. There's nothing more humbling than shooting a box of shells at fast-flying doves and having nothing more than a sore shoulder to show for it.

Take the necessary time during the preseason to visit a shooting range and to shoot at moving and stationary targets. Practice as often as necessary until you are confident in your skills and equipment.

Practice with the gun or guns that you will use on your hunts, and be sure to practice with the shells that you will use in the field. If you hunt birds, practice shooting flying targets at various speeds, angles, and distances. If you hunt small game, visit a sporting clays range where you can practice shooting both flying and rolling targets. And if you hunt deer, practice on deer-size targets at various distances, making sure you determine the maximum range you are comfortable with.

It is an ethical hunter's responsibility to make sure that shots [from a bow or gun] are well placed and effective. No matter how well we think we shoot, practice can only make us better.

Application change

Deer hunting application procedures for Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges have changed. Applications will no longer be mailed. They can be picked up in person at the headquarter offices of both refuges.

Completed applications for the October muzzleloader season must be received in person at the appropriate refuge office or postmarked no later than Sept. 14. The application deadline for the rest of the firearms hunts is Oct. 8.

Call Bombay Hook at 653-9345 or Prime Hook at 684-8419 with questions.

Steven Kendus' Hunter's Journal appears monthly in The News Journal. Kendus is the author of "Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting." Follow his blog and podcast at www.eastcoasthunting.blogspot.com. Contact him at skendus@HuntingTheFirstState.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Steven M. Kendus is Guest on NRA's Cam & Company Tonight

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Steven M. Kendus, author of Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting and freelance columnist, will be a guest on Cam & Company tonight, July 2. Steven will discuss his recent article, "Invigorate interest in outdoor sports by passing on tradition to youths" and his book, Hunting The First State.

Cam & Company, broadcast from 9 PM to Midnight ET on NRAnews.com and SIRIUS Patriot Channel 144 (on SIRIUS satellite radio), covers breaking stories and coverage of current events plus lively debate and discussion with lawmakers and newsmakers engaged in the battle to preserve American freedoms.

Invigorate interest in outdoor sports by passing on tradition to youths

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Here is my column from today's issue of The News Journal.

Delaware hunting license sales have declined nearly 30 percent since 1982, and the number of licensed hunters throughout the United States is following a similar trend.

One of the main reasons for declining numbers of hunters -- and participants in outdoors sports -- is that fewer young people are being introduced to hunting, fishing and shooting sports.

With that in mind, Wildlife Habitat Inc., with support from the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Delaware 4-H Shooting Sports Program, and other local sporting organizations, hosted its annual Melvin Rust's Kids Day & NRA Shooting Sports Fest Camp last Sunday.

The camp, held at Lake Melvin in Dagsboro, provided an alcohol-free, family-oriented event where nearly 400 families received instruction and hands-on experience in freshwater fishing, archery, rifle shooting and shotgun shooting.

Wildlife Habitat Inc., created as an organization devoted to wildlife conservation, worked with William Crewe and camp owner Melvin Rust to establish Melvin Rust's Kids Day nearly 15 years ago.

"It's nice because I know a lot of kids ... got nowhere to go," said Rust, who lives in Dagsboro. "They get a day out to go fishing. [The camp] keeps them out of trouble, and they learn a lot because today there's so much stuff out here that kids get [into] drugs and all that mess. It's terrible."

Staffed by volunteers, the event's main goal is to safely introduce children to the shooting sports, but not necessarily hunting.

"We look at it as a training session," volunteer Alan Joseph of Bridgeville said. "We're not trying to make professional shooters and professional hunters. We don't even care if a kid hunts. Our goal is to show that you can have fun with firearms without injuring something. The goal really is to get families together in the shooting sports."

While many view shooting, fishing, and hunting as male sports, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there are more than three million female hunters in the United States.

Dominique Henson, 11, of Seaford enjoyed her introduction to archery at Melvin Rust's Kids Day.

"It's fun," she said. "It's going to take me far if I ever need to know about shooting my own food."

Jillian Campanella, a 10-year-old from Wilmington, said she enjoyed trying archery.

"I learned how to handle guns and bows and arrows safely, and I saw a lot of other kids who liked fishing and shooting, too," she said. "My favorite thing was learning to shoot the bow and arrow. I turned back around and went up to shoot several times. Now I told my dad I want to buy my own bow and arrow and practice with him."

Using Melvin Rust's Kids Day as an example, we should all move to preserve and pass on the tradition of shooting, hunting, and fishing to interested children.

Take a Kid (Boy or Girl) Fishing

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:59:00 +0000

After 4 days of rain, this past weekend was beautiful in Delaware. I visited my parents, who live in Sussex County, Delaware on a nice lake, and managed to get some fishing in.

Each of my twin daughters caught fish from the dock, but Dominique wanted to fish from the boat with Dad. Using nothing but a push-button Spider-Man rod and a small Mepps spinner, Dominique caught three largemouth bass by herself. Awesome!

Now, while I was taking one of the fish off the hook, a bass hit my floating buzz bait and wrapped itself around an underwater log. See the photo.

I also caught a nice pickerel on a crank bait. Check out those teeth!

For more hunting opportunities, try expanding your horizon

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0000

My article from today's issue of The News Journal

HUNTER'S JOURNAL • By STEVEN KENDUS • June 4, 2009

I frequently ask local hunters if they hunt anywhere other than Delaware, and I am usually surprised by their responses.
Advertisement

In most cases, Delaware hunters rarely venture beyond the state's borders, and even fewer have pursued game in other countries.

While Delaware offers plenty of hunting opportunities, I encourage Delaware residents who limit their hunts to the fields, forests and waterways of Delaware's three counties to expand their hunting horizons.

For Delaware hunters interested in new hunting opportunities that are nearby and that won't break the bank, consider hunting sika deer on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore, black bears in western Maryland or Pennsylvania, ruffed grouse in northern Pennsylvania, or wild turkeys and coyotes in New Jersey.

As with Delaware, neighboring states have specific rules and regulations that govern their hunting seasons, and in some cases necessary permits can only be obtained by state-run lotteries. These formalities should not deter interested hunters. Lottery permits are frequently issued to out-of-state hunters, and even if hunters are not selected in species-specific permit lotteries, plenty of public-land hunting opportunities exist.

Think of hunting licenses for neighboring states as insurance policies that protect against getting "skunked" in Delaware. A public-land deer hunter in Delaware, for example, knows how difficult it is to get his "perfect spot" for the Delaware shotgun season. Rather than limiting his deer hunting to his few available public spots and days in Delaware, he can take a quick drive to another hot spot in one of our neighboring states. Chances of a successful harvest are greater because the time spent in the woods is increased (no matter what state the woods are in).

The hunting seasons in neighboring states frequently do not run concurrently with Delaware seasons, so hunters can gain additional hunting opportunities with each license purchased.

Delaware hunters looking for more exotic hunting excursions should turn to reputable outfitters and travel agents who can book hunts for everything from alligators in North America to zebras in Africa. Many of these "once-in-a-lifetime" hunting trips are actually more affordable than many people realize.

Adequate research will find hunting trips that meet all budgets, and many destinations are family friendly. When booking hunting excursions, careful planning is necessary.

Hunters should always talk with outfitters' references before finalizing a deal, and they should understand all related expenses, such as airfare, lodging, licenses, firearms permits, trophy fees, taxidermy and shipping.

Wishing "The Best" for Tred Barta

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Tred Barta, host of “The Best and Worst of Tred Barta” on Versus Television and avid fisherman and hunter, suffered a spinal stroke last week. After losing feeling in both legs up to a point halfway between his chest and navel, he was treated at Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colo., and is now at the Craig Rehab Center in Denver.

I had the opportunity to interview Tred Barta for a Versus Television podcast in September 2008. He is one of the most energetic, entertaining, outspoken, and knowledgeable supporters of hunting, fishing, and shooting sports, and we all benefit from his contributions.

I wish him well. His positive outlook and strong faith should help him overcome this adversity.

For additional information, see:
Celebrated boat captain paralyzed by 'spinal stroke'

Barta hopes for return to Beaufort after suffering stroke

Interesting Searches that Lead to Hunting the First State

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:30:00 +0000

I got this idea from Jody Narantic over at The Hunter's Wife blog. It's pretty interesting.

So for those of you who don't know, it is fairly simple to track various web site statistics, including the number of visitors, the locations of the visitors, the number of pages viewed, and even the search words and phrases used that brought visitors to a site.

Out of curiosity, I checked the search phrases that people typed in Google over the past month that directed them to the Hunting The First State blog. The search phrases, listed below, are interesting.

coyote delaware
coyote hunting delaware
coyotes in delaware
steve kendus
delaware hunting clubs
don travis taxidermy
east coast hunting
turkey hunting podcast
"coyote" "delaware"
"deer hunting" "little creek" navy base
"hunting gemsbuck"
2007 2008 delware hunting season dates
2008 delaware turkey season
2009 deer hunting season in the state of delaware
author of hunting
brandywine hundred rod and gun club
brandywine rod and gun
chukar hunting gun
chukar hunting video
chukar hunting videos
coyote hunting in delaware
coyote in delaware
david neck turkey hunting
delaware council on wildlife and freshwater fish
delaware coyote
delaware coyotes
delaware crow season dates 2009
delaware snow goose hunting
gemsbok hunting
hhunting.blogspot.com
how to try hunting
hoyt 38 bow review
hoyt 38 pro
hoyt 38 pro reviews
hunt the first state
hunting columns deer
hunting diary journal
hunting spring turkey in the rain
hunting sunrise east coast
hunting the first state
hunting the woods outdoors
hunting turkeys east coast
hunting video the woods outdoors
kendus
kendus safari
kimber montana rifle
kimber raffle
late morning spring turkey hunting
nj turkey hunting
owl decoy hawk
peregrine falcon crow hunting
should foxes be hunted yes/no
south african little deer
spring turkey hunting in n.j.
spring turkey hunting new jersey
state of de turkey season
tred barta
turkey hunting blogs nj
uv paint decoy reelwings
what was the first state to require hunting licenses
wood outdoors hunting
woodcock hunting guides new jersey
zebra hunting games
zebra stallion
delaware turkey season dates 2007/2008

You can draw your own conclusions about the phrases listed, but I wanted to call attention to a few phrases that stand out.

coyotes - Look at the number of times people searched for information on Delaware coyotes. I know for a fact that coyotes are in Delaware, but it seems that people are unwilling to believe. Judging from these search phrases, it looks like a lot of people have been seeing coyotes in Delware.

Hoyt 38 Pro - I bought a new Hoyt 38 Pro last year, and I love it. The bow is longer than most bows on the market today, and that's why I like it. It seems that others may have the same feelings.

Don Travis Taxidermy - Quite simple, Don Travis Taxidermy of Chetertown, Maryland is one of the best taxidermists in the region.

Delaware Turkey Hunting - It looks like more people are pursuing turkeys in Delaware. I should have statistics on this year's turkey harvest within a few weeks.

Offseason is here, but there's still plenty to do

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Here's my monthly column that ran in The News Journal on May 7, 2009.

Let the long offseason begin.

True, I could be referencing the first-round playoff exits of the Flyers or the Sixers, but instead I'm talking about the four-month gap that we hunters must endure between the end of turkey season in May and the beginning of the dove and deer archery seasons in September.

For diehard hunters, some summertime hunting opportunities exist, but most of us choose not to pursue the likes of bullfrogs, groundhogs and crows in the hot sun. Many of us trade our shotguns and bows for fishing rods as warm weather arrives, but there are other important pieces of business to take care of during the offseason.

It's easy to place your guns in your safe and throw all of your hunting gear into a closet at the end of the season, but you should take the time to ensure that all of your firearms and gear are in top condition before storing them for the summer.

In fact, now -- not a week before deer season -- is the time to fully disassemble and clean your firearms. Thoroughly clean gun components and be sure to inspect the parts to make sure they are in safe operating condition. Take note of any damaged or worn parts, and see your local gun dealer or gunsmith soon. It is much easier to repair and replace gun parts now, before the preseason rush.

The spring cleaning does not stop with your hunting firearms. It is also time to sort through your other hunting gear, including backpacks, clothing, boots, scents, calls, decoys and all of the other stuff that seems to accumulate in our basements, garages and truck beds.

Remove all items from your packs and clothes pockets, throwing out trash and unwanted gear. If the packs and clothes haven't seen the inside of a washing machine in a while, now is a good time to reacquaint them. Better yet, if they are in poor shape, get rid of them. Summer is a great time to find bargains on new gear.

Additionally, take some time to do all of the little things that we keep putting off during the season.

Apply touchup paint to your decoys. Apply waterproofing to your boots. Throw out all of the old deer scents that migrated to the bottom of your backpack. Clean your waterfowl and deer calls with some compressed air and a bit of alcohol. Pull the burrs and "hitchhikers" off your hunting camo. Sharpen you knives. Clean out your game freezer. The list is seemingly endless.

Most importantly, the offseason is the time to practice and learn. As ethical hunters, we want to be as skilled and as efficient as possible. Use the summer months to become an even better hunter.

Read books. Attend training seminars. Shoot targets, skeet, trap and sporting clays. And share the hunting tradition by introducing a kid to the outdoors.

Kendus Kids and "The Bull"

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Kendus girls and Greg Luzinski at Phillies game.

Kevin Shaffer's Nice Gobbler

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:41:00 +0000

From my previous post, you know that Keven Shaffer of Delaware City, Delaware harvested a nice New Jersey wild turkey last week. His gobbler weighed 22 lbs, had a 10.5-inch beard, and one-inch spurs.

Now if I could just be as lucky...

New Jersey Gobbler are Falling Today

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:16:00 +0000

I saw my friend Ken Mullen, a local artist who creates phenomenal wildlife sketches, at a great turkey hunting spot around 5:00 this morning.

We wished each other luck and went our separate ways.

Our stories are much different.

I set up about 60 yards from roosting birds. I heard them calling at first light, and they flew down from their roosts at about 6:15. They walked off into the woods, and I never heard nor saw them again.

Here's Ken's story:

"I set up right underneath them this morning and didn't realize it. They were all around me this morning. The 1 I got was in a tree about 10' away and about 15' up, he started clucking and looking at the decoys and flew down right in the middle of them and it was only about a 10yd shot at most. There was probably 15-20 birds there. Saw a boat load of deer too many to worry about counting."

I heard Ken's shot at 6 AM! Great stuff. He bagged a 22-lb gobbler with a 9-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. His photos are above.

My good friend Shaffer (another Delaware hunter) bagged a nice New Jersey gobbler this morning. I am still waiting on details and photos.

No Turkey for Kendus in New Jersey Turkey Season A

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:27:00 +0000

I am sorry that I haven't updated my turkey posts. Getting up at 3 AM, hunting until 8:30, then working 8 hours is exhausting!

I hunted wild turkeys in New Jersey every day but Tuesday of Jersey's week A season. I saw birds every day, and I even managed to get within 60 yards of two monster gobblers. However, I ended up empty handed at the end of the week.

Monday morning April 13 started out promising. I arrived at my spot around 4:00 AM. I finished getting set up around 4:45, and tree gobbling started promptly at 6:00 AM. I roosted the birds the night before, so I knew they were close. Unfortunately, they roosted in the back yard of a house across the street from where I set up. In order for them to come to me, they would have to cross a road, walk through a patch of woods, and come to a field. After they flew down from their roosts, they walk away from me, not toward me. I did see one hen in the field, but that was it.

Tuesday was a wash out with heavy rains, but I did hunt Wednesday morning in a cold drizzle. I heard a few gobbles around 6:20 AM, but it didn't sound like the turkeys were happy about the rain. I had one hen walk by within range, but that was it.

On Thursday, I got lucky and saw two hens! Whoo hoo! I packed up and went to scout a new spot. While driving, I saw several nice gobblers strutting in the woods. I parked and set up for them. The birds were still all 'henned up,' so they wouldn't come to my calls. They would gobble when I called, but instead of running toward me, they just puffed up and strutted. I tried to call them for a while, but gave up. I had open woods between me and them, so I couldn't get any closer than 60 yards.

I roosted 18 birds Thursday night, including five gobblers. I set up close to them Friday morning. I had a 33% chance of the birds coming off the roost and right to me. As it turned out, the birds played the odds and went the opposite direction. Ugh! Again, I couldn't get close to them, so I packed up and headed to work. Wouldn't you know it! While driving past the spot where I set up the previous three days, I noticed 8 birds right in the field!! Are you kidding me! I parked and tried my luck on them. I had a 40-yard shot at some tiny jakes, but I opted not to shoot. Let them go, let them grow!

Since I don't have a permit for the Saturday season, I was able to catch up on some sleep today. I'll try again next week!

Let's See How Turkeys Act in the Rain

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:12:00 +0000

It has been raining for two days here in NJ and DE. It is 5 AM, and I
am in the turkey woods. Check back later.

Sent from my iPhone

Fwd: Turkeys Everywhere (But Out of Range)

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Steven Kendus <skendus@gmail.com>
Date: April 13, 2009 12:17:22 PM EDT
To: Kendus Blog <skendus.eastcoasthunting@blogger.com>
Subject: Turkeys Everywhere (But Out of Range)

I hunted for the first two hours of opening day this morning. Had gobblers and hens all around, but they wouldn't come to my calls. It may still be a little too cold. I will try again soon.

Sent from my iPhone

Turkeys Everywhere (But Out of Range)

skendus@huntingthefirststate.com (Steven M. Kendus) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:17:00 +0000