SYH Blog

Nov 9, The Slingshot Works!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:33:06 GMT

Some time ago I mentioned that I was taking up the slingshot. I never had one as a kid. It seemed like the perfect companion to my bow for small game. Slingshots are quiet and shoot somewhat like a bow, but you don't have to carry or retrieve arrows... When a covey of quail came by my ground blind I managed to collect two. I was excited! It's not the trophy, but the hunt, and the skill involved... I'm planning a slingshot page soon. The link's to the bowhunting page.

Nov 4, Excited!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:22:30 GMT

I'm excited to now have a new, simpler, and easier way for you to submit a story and photos from your hunts. I will soon add several new pages and features because of this. This link is to the upgraded "Hunting Camera and Story" page I'm working on.

Nov 1, Missed!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:14:14 GMT

Having a fence between you and the deer is never good. In order to hide, I had to sit about six feet behind a barbed wire fence. It was old and did have a larger than normal gap to shoot through. I sat until my legs and butt had no feeling; except pain. At the last minute of daylight I put my quiver back on the bow, arrow in it, and reached to pickup other things. When I looked up a nice young buck is standing broadside at 20 yards trying to see what's making the noise. He stood there while I fumbled "carefully" to undo everything I'd just done. I 'was' well hidden. It sounds good to say my plan was to ignore the fence wires and just make the shot. Whatever! I nailed the wire! Which made some strange sounds for a while. My arrow? It may be somewhere in space?

This link is to deer blinds, I've added a little to the page.

Oct 27, Repulsive!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:01:52 GMT

A Hunting Ranch where some pay several thousand dollars for what they want to kill, then never get out of their truck, often shooting from their truck, and everything else is taken care of for them. Drive-thru hunting; not funny! This was told to me, and was said to come from one of the hunting ranch's people. It is repulsive to me, degrading to hunters, and to authentic hunting... This link is to my canned hunting page.

Oct 24, deer hunting jokes

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:27:12 GMT

Deer hunting jokes abound, but the dancing deer is actually a true story.

Oct 21, Why?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:03:54 GMT

My brother-in-law and nephew hunted the wheat field with me Saturday. For once; I suggested where they go and I was right! The wide 8 point stepped out into the wheat less than 50 yards from them. I still don't understand why my nephew didn't take the shot. It was special youth gun season and he had a rifle... A couple does got about ten yards from me and spotted me. They were two young anyway. The link is to the deer hunting tips page where I've added a little...

Oct 17, A day off!

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:49:44 GMT

I had the day off yesterday and worked twice as hard. I hunted from sunup till sundown. A north wind and livestock forced me to hunt a canyon near a bedding area that morning. The only event was a close encounter with a coyote who almost walked into where I was sitting. Our eyes met for a second, and he turned inside out, changing his direction, and get'in out of there. Late in the day, after a break, the wind direction was inconsistent. This wind condition seldom happens and my only strategy is to hunt the edge of our wheat field. I can hide in the fence row cover along the edge. The deer often enter from different places and I still have a chance that some won't smell me. With a rifle it's relatively easy (too easy) to shoot a deer there. With a bow they are seldom in range, so it's still a challenge. I watched feeding deer until dark. Seven nice bucks, one a wide, mature, 8 point; I think. I don't try to analyze racks. I would have arrowed any of them, but they were always at least 75 yards from me. Today, this afternoon, I'll sit in a different place, closer, this afternoon, but The link is to my page on the sense of smell.

Oct 10, Should'a, Could'a, Would'a

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:18:59 GMT

This morning I should'a stayed seated. The six-point didn't have a clue until I tried to get up on one knee to shoot over some brush. Too late; I realized I could'a made the shot from the seated position. The arrow would'a arched over the brush. Add one more mistake to many bowhunting mistakes. It was a wet cold day. When it started serious raining about 4:30 I called it a day. Next time!

Oct 5, Bow-season!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:58:31 GMT

Bow-season, not a great start! I hunted hard from sunup till sundown Saturday and saw one doe, a porcupine, and an armadillo. Usually I come back from the first weekend with a least a good story or two. Excuses, I came back with those: I don't have control of how the land is used. I have not been able to scout effectively because the cattle trample most of the sign. My nephew and a friend were there the day before me, riding four wheelers, and messing around. If that's not enough. I'll get'em next weekend, deer maybe, excuses for sure

Oct 2, Well Said!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:05:37 GMT

At the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo I talked with a fellow bowhunter. I was interested in how the bows and arrows he builds from natural materials compared to my more modern recurve... I became even more interested in his feelings about bowhunting. He said as a primitive bowhunter he was up close, intimate, and often developed a feeling of a personal relationship with his quarry. He mentioned the contrast in how he feels after a harvest when compared with game taken at long range where we often see that hunter run up, grab it's antlers, and show them off for the camera. Not to put down the other hunter, but to express the difference... After a successful harvest he said he would thankfully and reverently approach this beautiful creature he had taken the life from, gently stroke it, while feeling a little remorse. Well Said!

Sep 28, Wow!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:47:31 GMT

My TV has never looked so good before. PBS is airing the Ken Burns series on our National Parks. It will run for several nights, I thought the first one tonight was great, interesting, and beautiful. Wow!

Sep 22, Shows, Events...

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:41:23 GMT

Now is the time for many outdoor shows and events around the country which interest hunters... One of the best (I've attended) is the "Oklahoma Wildlife Expo." this coming weekend Sept. 24,26, & 27th. This link will get you more information.

Sep 18, Find the deer pictures!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:40:51 GMT

I've added a picture I shot last year to the "Stalking, Still Hunting Page" The picture has several deer for you to try and spot. There's another picture at the page bottom to show where the deer are.

Sep 16, Bow Practice

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:47:53 GMT

I've been out shooting my bow lately. I have a huge lawn where I can shoot only a couple of blocks from me in town. Being a traditional recurve shooter, I simply toss golf balls out at unknown distances and start shooting with judo tips. I'm always surprised that after no shooting for months I can shoot well from the very first shot. It's like riding a bike; the brain remembers, and muscle memory is still there. I have an old recurve I bought for $20. It is only 40 lb. draw and I use it until the muscles get toned. It is actually easier to shoot accurately than my hunting bow which draws 52 lb. Part of that is because the old bow is 62 inches long and my hunting bow is only 52 inches. But! Most of the difference is the 12 lb. less draw weight. I know because I shot a similar 62 inch bow with a draw of 53 lb. until a few years ago. Just as it is easier to shoot a lower powered gun, it is also true for the bow. I have not shot enough compound bows to know, but have read they are also easier with less draw weight. I continue to believe in a balance of enough power, but not excessive in gun or bow. This link is for my "Shooting a Bow" page.

Sep 14, Magnum Cartridges

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:15:01 GMT

Magnum cartridges seem to live and die more than other popular cartridges.

Sep 13, Most Popular!

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:36:17 GMT

My most popular pages for September, up to now, are: rifle calibers, pellet rifles, deer rifles, deer stands, bowhunting, authentic hunting, deer hunting tips, and on down. The only surprise is the pellet/air gun pages which have been very popular. I've loved guns since I was born, but I'm actually more of a bowhunter today. As a boy I read Jack O'Connor (a very popular gun writer of that time) and dreamed of doing what he did. That was long ago, but I suppose I'm living that dream in a small way. Winston Churchill said, "Never! Never! Never! Never! Give Up!" This link is to the pellet rifle page.

Sep 13, Do as I say, not as I do.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:53:33 GMT

Confession is supposedly good for the soul. So here goes... I make great list so that I won't forge anything... I write about them here to help you; I hope. Then I go on my first hunt of this season I don't need to check a list to go dove hunting... Thirty miles from home I realize I forgot my folding stool, go ahead and laugh... This is the link to my list page, maybe I'd better look at it again...

Sep 6, Profile?

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:08:02 GMT

I recently read an old note on a forum from a hunter who said he didn't fit our profile. Profile? What he said was not negative, was thoughtful, well written, and even complimentary. That's why it bothered me. I don't want SYH to project a profile. Especially to reasonable, good hunters, like he seems to be. I want it to be for all hunters. I worry now that I can't see the forest, because I'm in the middle of the trees. I may be overselling my ideas in some way. My idea is not to change any good hunting, or good hunters. Not to try to get everyone hunting the same way. The idea is only to have hunters talking and thinking more about what real authentic hunting is. What's different about us: 1st we're only trying to sell you on the idea of real authentic hunting. Scoring is just a way to get everyone thinking that way. There are some ads. and things to buy, because we're not rich, and we pay for this website. But since we're not trying to sell much, we can be honest about things. You won't see page after page about our huge trophy deer, never miss tips, things to buy to make your hunts easy, elaborate dream hunts... Because we don't do that. We don't always have perfect hunts and kill trophy deer. We just like hunting, and the things associated with 'real' hunting. We're not expecting to change the world, but just to make it a little more honest. The guy complimented this page (linked here) and said he did fit its profile. ?

Sep 6, News To Me

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:25:12 GMT

As I mentioned in a previous blog. We should check for changes each year in our Hunting Regulations. I've had a Lifetime License since 1994, and the evidence here is that I don't read the Oklahoma Hunting Regulations as carefully as I should each year. I only noticed this requirement when I got the HIP permit for dove hunting. It may have been there for years, but is news to me. I have always tagged my deer, and luckily that is all I'm required to do. But! "In addition, all annual license holders are required to complete the 'Record of Game' section on the license form." Immediately! We must stay informed or some regulation could sneak up and bite us on the butt. Ouch! Here is a link to a page with all the State Wildlife Departments:

Aug 30, Outdoor Events

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:07:45 GMT

Not only is it time to seriously plan, check guns and gear, but it's also the time when many local outdoor events happen. Outdoor, hunting, camping, RV... events or shows often start in August. They can be a source for fun and new ideas... They are often advertised on radio, TV, or in the newspaper, but check your state wildlife website also. Ours has a news page. Follow this link, to our links, there you will find a link to all the state wildlife department links. (Was that confusing?:-)

Aug 26, Magazine

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:46:13 GMT

Looking at an outdoor magazine's best items for sportsmen. Knife $440, Bow $869, ATV $13,000, Camo jacket & pants about $500, binoculars $1250. The things I use serve me well and compared to these prices they were dirt-cheap. The one that bothered me: The binoculars, not the price, really good glasses can cost that much. But they were 8x33s and stated to be bright. They may be great in good light, but they are not bright for early or late in the day hunting. That part is misleading. This is a link to my binoculars page:

Aug 21, Dove Season

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:03:50 GMT

Dove season opens in only a few days in many places. I'm not a real serious dove hunter, but it's fun. You need a shotgun, a shell vest full of cheap #8 dove loads, a folding stool to sit on, and a place to hunt. This weekend I'll look for a place to hunt. I just drive back roads and look for concentrations of doves flying or sitting on high-line wires, trees... Sometimes I hunt sunflower patches or grain fields, but more often a watering hole late in the day... I always look for deer sign while I'm out too. Note: This link is to the "Deer Hunting Tips" page, I don't have a page on dove hunting.

Aug 18, Scouting

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:37:35 GMT

Scouting is something that we 'should' do all year. Most of us don't, for one reason or another. If you can't visit your hunting area, study maps, or even Google maps. Even if you know your hunting area well, looking at a map, may give you a new perspective...

Aug 16, Getting ready.

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:40:05 GMT

Thinking about the coming hunting season, especially if your are doing anything different. Now is the time to begin working, checking, practicing...

Aug 15, It won't be long.

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:32:32 GMT

For many of us hunting seasons will open soon. Now is the time to begin getting ready. A good first step is to check the hunting seasons for any changes or new information. This link will take you to a page where there is another link to all the state wildlife departments.

Aug 6, Pellet Rifles & Pistols...

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:20:08 GMT

You may wonder why pellet guns on a deer hunting site... There is a lot of interest in air guns, and they are great for practice, some pest and small game hunting. I'm trying to include any information which may be helpful. I've also been moving some pages, and changing some links to try and make them easier to find, more descriptive... I'm always working on this site; it just doesn't always show up much.

Aug 6, The Pellet Pistol

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:29:11 GMT

A pellet pistol is useful for practice, plinking, and very limited hunting.

Jul 28, Air Rifle Hunting

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:40:46 GMT

Air rifle hunting is similar to bow-hunting in several ways.

Jul 26, Bow, Back, or Hip Quiver?

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:48:06 GMT

Is it best to carry arrows on the bow, the back, or in a hip quiver?

Jul 24, Links/Games

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:59:22 GMT

I found some simple hunting games which are fun, so I added the link.
It's almost at the bottom of the page I now call "Links/Games".

Jul 24, Video Added

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:53:52 GMT

I've added a video, which promotes hunting, to the bottom of the
"Why Teach Hunting" page. It's good, I wish everyone could see it.
Especially those "on the fence", and the anti-hunters.

Jul 21, New Page & New Store

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:53:31 GMT

I added a new page a couple of days ago on the different "Rifle Actions". See July 19 for the link. I've also added a new store to my clothing page. That's what I call it.
It's really a lot more than just clothing. It features a new quote.
I like it; maybe you'll like it too.

Jul 20, Before we know it!

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:07:52 GMT

Mid-summer you may not be thinking about hunting season, (or maybe you are) but either way, it'll be here before we know it. More important; it may be here before we're ready for it. My suggestion is to consider your hunting now; while you have some time to think, learn, practice... Especially if you going to do anything different this year? Do you need to plan, prepare, practice for it. I remember when I started shooting a bow. I began learning and practicing only a little earlier than this time of the year. I thought I'd be ready to hunt in October. I later wished I'd practiced more; started even earlier. Think seriously about your hunting now...

Jul 19, Rifle Actions

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:34:21 GMT

Different rifle actions give us some choices, and there are some important differences.

Jul 15, Cabin Fever!

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:59:02 GMT

I'm always saying that we don't live in the real world. We are insulated from nature by living inside most of the time. Many people see electronic images of animals, lakes, streams, leaves, trees... more than real ones. When we feel a breeze it's often from a fan or air conditioner. When something smells good it's from the kitchen, a spray can, or a device plugged into the wall. I'm somewhat happy about that right now, but I also realize it's not the best. We are having our tenth day in a row with temperatures of over 100. I can't, ever, remember that kind of hot before. I'm grateful that I don't need to get out in the stifling heat much, but I'm also tired of staying inside. I have a bad case of cabin fever . I'm a little bored, stiff, achy, lazy... If it were January or February it wouldn't be anything new, but it's midsummer. Still I'm grateful, and pray the AC keeps working...

Jul 12, New Hunters

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:49:27 GMT

This morning I'm thinking about how new hunters are introduced to the sport. Before you or I introduce a new person to hunting, fishing, the outdoors; we should step back and take a good hard look at what we usually do and say. We are about to make a lasting impression on this new hunter. Sometimes we may justify something we do in one way or another. This new person is going to be listening to what we say, but especially watching what we do. Most often we are introducing a young person to the sport. We want to teach them to be better than we are. They don't have the information, background, outdoor knowhow... to make good judgments and decisions yet. They can easily misinterpret or misunderstand something we do or say. We have a huge responsibility as the teacher. Sometimes we are working with a young mind who really looks up to us. Sometimes that mind is like a fresh new snow. When we make the first footprints, we want to be sure they are going in the right direction.

Jul 4, Happy Independence Day!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:19:06 GMT

I hope your not reading this! (On the 4th that is.) I hope your doing something special and celebrating. Why am I writing this on the 4th?
It's something I enjoy doing. In the past I've often thought of the 4th as a day of independence from work. In today's economy I'm thankful that I have work. It's not Thanksgiving, but I'm thankful: To live in a country which allows me to to freely express my thoughts, to dream, to be creative... Thankful that I expect to have even more independence soon. To have this website, it keeps me excited about the future. That I found someone to show me the way. If you've read the "About Us" page, 'between the lines', you may have 'read in' some problems and struggles. You don't want me to write about those, we all have those. I'm sorry if you are struggling to find something to be thankful for. There is good in each life. There is someone or something waiting for you, "Search and you will find it.", "Ask and it will be given." It probably won't come looking for you, or asking what you want. I had to: Look harder and ask for more! Have a great day!

Jun 29, Dangerous Critters

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:04:45 GMT

We now have a fair population of black bear in Oklahoma, but in the east, not where I live. I've only been near one wild bear; a New Mexico black bear. He ran down the river. He was drenched, but his picture worked for the Teddy Roosevelt page. It's somewhat remote where I hunt, and we have a few cougar. I think of them occasionally, especially when using a turkey, deer, or predator call. In parts of Wyoming the Grizzly population may be growing. One writer talked of eleven encounters on a week long bow-hunt. He was even "false-charged" as he called it. If the bear hadn't stopped... He probably couldn't have stopped a charging grizzly with his bow. The Problem: If we shoot a protected animal, we may have to prove the animal intended us harm. We could loose big time! We could loose our hunting license, have to pay fines, have equipment confiscated, even go to jail. This is to protect these animals from those who would shoot first and make up a story later. This is certainly something to think about if you hunt in an area with potentially dangerous critters.

Jun 23, A little correction.

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:48:39 GMT

It turns out the fish caught in Oklahoma was a member of the Piranha family which looks very much the same, it has similar teeth even, but it is not a flesh eater. The important point is that the fish is still a long way from it's home waters.

Jun 22, News Items

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:57:16 GMT

Wow! I just wrote here this morning about animals getting relocated around the world. On the local news tonight: A fisherman caught a PIRANHA in a lake in Oklahoma. As a gun lover I was sad when the original Winchester went out of business. I can't help but mention the national news made note of the end of Kodacrome Film. Surely the most popular film for professional journalistic photographers was Kodachrome when we all used film. Many, probably most magazine images, and many other images were made on Kodachrome. It was one of the first color films, and to many of us the best. For me it's not a surprise, but still a sad passing.

Jun 22, Animal Problems

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:55:54 GMT

Unless your new here you probably know how I feel about feeding wildlife. I watched a program on public TV about problems with animals around the world breaking into cars, homes, stores... to get food. We're taking their habitat, but we're also sometimes giving them easy access to unnatural food sources which increases the problems. Perhaps an even bigger problem is that we are moving animals and plants to new places. They are riding in the products we ship around the world. Most of us have heard of fire ants, and killer bees, but there are many more fish, frogs, plants... They often grow or increase rapidly when introduced to a new area. Small animals, insects, or plants, but they are causing big problems. This is already a devastating problem for many lakes. I'm concerned that some of these new species may eventually cause problems with game animals. In my lifetime I have seen changes. For example: The deer population has exploded in the areas of Texas and Oklahoma that I know well. The quail population was good when I was a boy growing up in NE Texas; now it is poor. In Oklahoma it was great 25 years ago, but it is not so great now. Change is to be expected, what we have now, we may not have in a few years...

Jun 19, Oklahoma Black Bear Season! Yes!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:56:31 GMT

Oklahoma Black Bear Hunting License will be available July 1, 2009. Bear archery season opens Oct. 1, 2009, bear muzzleloader season Oct. 23, 2009. The season is limited. Hunters are to check daily by phone before hunting to see when the quota of 20 bears are harvested. The seasons appear to be concurrent with the deer season and very similar in most respects. No baiting is allowed on wildlife management areas. Shooting of cubs or females with cubs is prohibited. No den shooting of bears. Pursuing bears with hounds is prohibited. Yea, authentic hunting!

Jun 19, Summer

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:59:34 GMT

I've been in Texas visiting my family. Summertime, not hunting season, I haven't worked much, but SYH is still growing with more visitors than ever. I'm excited!

Jun 13, Hunting Guns

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:03:47 GMT

When choosing hunting guns few consider being a "One Gun Hunter".

Jun 12, Coyotes / Deer

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:03:41 GMT

The current issue of "Field & Stream" has an article about a study of how many fawn coyotes are taking. It much more of a problem than I realized. Another reason to go varmint hunting...

Jun 12, It's good to feel validated.

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:53:52 GMT

I still love photography, but don't "keep-up" as much as when it was my profession. I believe hunters pictures are important to them, and have a few pages about photography. One of those pages is about why cameras should have viewfinders. Today I picked up an issue of "Consumer Reports" which had information on the "best" cameras. I was pleased to see that they are also wrote a little about the problems with not having viewfinders on many of the new camera models. Interesting; that they focus on the need for a viewfinder in bright light where you have trouble seeing the screen. I focused on the need for a viewfinder in low light where camera movement is often a problem.

Jun 8, Off Season

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:22:50 GMT

Off season is a good time to get ready for next year. You may have more time. Reconsider how you hunt, and what you use. Look at the "Deer Hunting Tips" page for some ideas: get more organized, up-date some of the things you use... Add something new, or loose some things which are more of a burden than a help. Practice is a no-brainer. How about some varmint hunting, or small game hunting. Maybe even pest hunting with a .22 rimfire, pellet gun, bow, sling-shot... Learn more about whitetails, camping, photography... Learn some new skills. Start with my pages, and move on to the library, bookstore... Remember: Preparation is often the key to success.

Jun 6, Urban Critters

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:38:01 GMT

A quick personal story. My oldest daughter lives near me, in a mobile home on the edge of town. I keep my canoe and fishing tackle in her little backyard shed. Thursday afternoon I picked up my life-jacket, and coiled underneath was a little two foot long bull-snake. My left hand probably brushed against the little fellow. For the first few seconds it didn't matter that he was harmless. I can move quickly, when motivated! I don't like snakes, especially surprise ones that close to me. There is more... Friday evening my daughter calls, she is frantic, there is a snake in her kitchen cabinet. Yep! It looks like the same little guy, and he escapes again. I hope that is the end of him. She has lived there for more than ten years. We've only seen one snake in the yard. But she lives near a big drainage ditch and has seen skunks, possums, coons, a fox... This is not the nicest place in town, but it's not a run down trailer trash place either. He was small enough to get in; somewhere. The point, if there is one; there is always wildlife, even in town.

May 30, Un-Broke? (financially sound)

Sat, 30 May 2009 04:58:25 GMT

This is not about hunting, but "We're all in this together." ABC TV says we don't teach about money in school. They ran the "Un-Broke" program tonight. I hope my 4th graders watched, much of it was on their level... The information was good, basic, financial information which everyone should know. The way it was presented was insulting to an adult. If we need that kind of entertain for our adults to learn about money, our country must have few real adults.

May 28, Busy

Thu, 28 May 2009 12:00:12 GMT

Sometimes I get busy, or think I'm busy. I'm thinking about what I need to do... I sometimes miss the important things in life; living. Sometimes I wonder if I'm missing the dance; as the old Garth Brooks song goes.