Trophy Game Outfitters

Finding the perfect firearm can be a difficult task. There are many different makes and models to choose from. You must consider function, ammunition, durability, and a whole host of other factors. One of the foremost factors is comfort and ease of use. With so many models available, you are bound to find a fit somewhere. However, if you want a model that is comfortable for left-handers, such a firearm can be difficult to find, and is often out of your price range. Although a vast majority of the world is right-handed, left-handers still make up a large demographic. Due to the lack of left-handed firearm models available, many learn to either shoot right-handed, which may force you to use your non-dominant eye, or shoot a right-handed firearm with the left hand. Shooting a firearm with the incorrect hand may cause a number of issues, such as hot shells being ejected onto your arm or difficulty accessing various components of your firearm.

In the shotgun world, there are few left-handed options for less than $1000. It is nearly impossible to find a new left-handed semi-automatic shotgun in this price range. The Remington 1100 G3 and some Benelli models come close, if you are lucky enough to stumble across one, but you are still very limited in options. Other options include over and under or side by side shotguns. With an ambidextrous safety and shells that don’t eject to either side, this is definitely a popular option for left-handed shooters. Unfortunately, most models are fairly expensive, and even if you can afford them, you may not want to take them into the wetlands for a hunt. There are several over and under models for under $1000, and for some shooters they are the route to go. However, these shotguns will always be sub par and often have quality issues.

From a cost aspect, if you are willing to shoot a pump action shotgun, there are two major players for the left-handed shooter; the Remington 870 Express left-handed model, once again with limited options, and the Browning BPS. The Browning BPS is a bottom ejecting pump action shotgun that will stand up to any shotgun out there. Although this gun was most likely designed for right-handed shooters, it seems as though it were designed for left-handers. The bottom loading and ejection feature not only allows the BPS to be easily loaded with either hand, but keeps the shooter from having to hunt down the hulls once he is done shooting. Another added benefit is that the hulls are ejected below the shooter’s line of sight, reducing the amount of distractions. The ambidexterity of this gun does not stop with the bottom ejecting mechanism. The BPS also features a thumb safety on the top rear portion of the receiver. Similar to the safety found on most over and under shotguns, this safety is easily accessible with either hand, and you won’t have to search around for the safety when you switch between this shotgun and your over and under. The slide release button is also easily accessible with the trigger finger from either hand.

Perhaps the best part about the Browning BPS is that all models are ambidextrous. This means that left-handers are not limited with options and finishes. In fact, the BPS has many options to choose from. Some models will even shoot up to 3 ½” shells. This also means that you won’t have to worry about whether or not you will come across aftermarket accessories that won’t fit your model. Many left-handed shooters claim that they are just fine shooting right-handed models. They resign themselves to adapting to and working around the design of the gun. The truth is that it is the manufacturer who should adapt. Left-handers should not settle for anything less than a comfortable gun that is designed for their use. Whether you shoot right-handed or left-handed, the Browning BPS is a durable shotgun with Browning quality.

You can purchase downriggers with positive ion control at Trophy Game Outfitters.

In a recent study by the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR), it was determined that red snapper are currently being overfished in the South Atlantic. The results of these findings have been used to bolster calls for increased conservation efforts in the area.

Red snapper populations are currently 3% of the desired size in the Atlantic Ocean and 6% in the Gulf of Mexico according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the federal agency responsible for marine wildlife management in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Due to these low levels, fishing policies have become more stringent in the last few decades. What started as a 12 inch minimum size limit in the South Atlantic in 1983 was expanded to a 20 inch size limit in 1992. Today, the 20 inch size limit and a 2 fish per person per day recreational bag are in effect. In the Gulf of Mexico, the current bag is the same as in the South Atlantic, but the size limit is more relaxed at a 16 inch minimum for recreational fishers and a 13 inch minimum for commercial.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, whose jurisdiction only includes the area from North Carolina down the east coast of Florida, recently voted in a 7 to 6 decision to request that the fishery in federal waters be closed for 180 days with a possible 186 day extension. The purpose of this closure is to stop overfishing until more long-term measures can be put into place. The request is now awaiting approval by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The population numbers that SEDAR compiled were estimated using a number of analyses including spawning stock biomass (SSB) and the amount of red snapper landings. The SSB is the amount of fish in a population at reproductive maturity, and the landings are the amount of red snapper brought to land. The study estimated that recreational fisheries have a release mortality rate of 40% and commercial fisheries have a release mortality rate of 90%. Because data shows that fishing occurs at greater depths in the Atlantic Ocean, it is expected that the release mortality rates are lower in the Gulf of Mexico.

These numbers indicate that in addition to the regulations already set on the annual quotas, the release mortalities caused by fishing greatly exceed the limits that would foster a sustainable supply. Some fishermen claim that they are seeing as many red snapper as they ever have, but the study by SEDAR disagrees.

The current changes will likely only affect the South Atlantic for now. Although a 2005 study concluded that overfishing is currently occurring in the Gulf of Mexico as well, the two areas are being addressed separately. The Gulf of Mexico regulations are already more lax than those of the South Atlantic, and its current stock appears to be in slightly better shape. However, it is likely that the Gulf of Mexico will see additional regulations in the future.

Electroreception is the biological ability to sense electrical fields and impulses. Although very uncommon in mammals, electroreception is a common ability in many fish species. Since air is a very poor medium for electricity, electroreception is a trait found primarily in water, both freshwater and saltwater.

Since electrical impulses cause muscle contraction, every muscle movement produces an electrical discharge. This is particularly useful for predators, such as sharks, who are seeking prey. Normal movement causes low levels of impulses, while a wounded fish would cause large levels of impulses. Because sharks are among the most sensitive to electrical impulses, they are also among the greatest predators of the ocean. Through the darkness of the depths of the ocean or the cover of murky water, sharks can easily find their prey. Aside from enabling a fish to find its prey, electroreception is beneficial in a variety of other ways. It allows fish to evade predators, communicate with other fish, navigate at night or during other moments of low visibility, find objects in the water, and it aids in reproduction. Electrical currents caused by the earth’s magnetic fields can also act as a biological compass for animals that possess this incredible ability.

Some downriggers offer the ability to use positive ions to create electrical fields in the water. This is referred to by the Cannon line as “positive ion control”. This process involves a voltage difference between the downrigger wire and the boat that causes an electric field. The size of this field is somewhat dependent on the size of the boat and the materials of which it is made. Some fish are attracted to a small positive charge, while a strong positive or negative charge will repel them. Positive ion control can be extremely useful when targeting these types of fish. Catfish, trout, salmon, and bass are among the species of game fish attracted by positive ion control. Since different voltage levels tend to attract different types of fish, it is important to know what species is being targeted. When used correctly, positive ion control offers a competitive edge to both the serious and the occasional fisherman.

You can purchase downriggers with positive ion control at Trophy Game Outfitters.

I’ve always had an incredible love for the outdoors. As I leave the city and journey out into nature, I see the world the way God intended it to be seen. I leave behind the bustling businesses and crowded creations of man, and enter a word full of miraculous wonder that only God could create. I love and fully support the Boy Scouts of America because of the ideals which they instill in America’s youth; a love of God, a love of country, and a love of freedom. I know this love first hand because I was once a Boy Scout.

As life goes on, we slowly shed our childish attributes and take on the challenge of adulthood, ready or not. At times this evolution is accelerated. I can recall specific moments in my life where I found myself quite different than I had been a few days earlier. Philmont was one of those experiences for me.

Philmont is a large scout park full of mountains, trees, bears, and just about anything else that belongs in a wilderness. There are several paths which can be taken, and these are selected ahead of time. Some trails are more about the hiking, while others revolve more around activities held at each campsite. I went to Philmont when I was 14, and we decided to take the longest trail possible. I must have been a sight to see. I was a scrawny little teenager with my size 8-1/2 feet tucked away in size 11 hand-me-down hiking boots. My hiking pack towered over my head with a bulky sleeping bag, which was crammed into a duffel bag, strapped to the top.

The first couple of days saw me struggling beneath my pack. And then miraculously, on the third day, my bag felt weightless in comparison. I marched up mountain peaks and over fallen trees, through rain and more rain. It rained 9 out of the 10 days we were there. When all was said and done, I had hiked nearly 120 miles through stormy weather, I saved a 65 year old man’s life from an oversized rattlesnake, and I had nearly forgotten what a shower was. This was a pivotal point in my life for me. As I transitioned from middle school to high school, I also shed a little more of my childhood and accelerated the transition from boy to man.

You can find Garmin nuvi GPS and downriggers at Trophy Game Outfitters.

Geocaching is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages. Whether it is done in a large group or alone, the end result is usually a sense satisfaction and accomplishment. Particularly when done in rural areas or extreme terrain, geo caching is safest when done with others. The buddy system is still recommended in urban areas when at all possible. The city still has its own hazards as well. Snakes and other wildlife still make their way into even the busiest parts of town. Traffic can also present a danger. And when looking for that cache that just isn’t there, two sets of eyes are definitely better than one.

In the city, hiding spots abound. However, so do people. It is important to hide a geocache so that it will go unnoticed by the casual observer. If it is found by someone who is not geocaching, the cache may disappear altogether. Not only is this a wasted effort on your part, but it could cause hours of frustration for those who might actually try to find it. Major landmarks, scenic views, and unique locations are excellent places to hide a cache. By analyzing the location and the terrain that must be covered to get there, you can make the outing more enjoyable for everyone.

One final key consideration for urban geocaching is to respect the property of others. Do not trespass or place the cache in a location that will jeopardize the safety of anyone. There is no faster way to ruin an outing. By following these tips and using your head, you will find that geocaching can be a rewarding and safe activity.

You can find Garmin nuvi GPS and downriggers at Trophy Game Outfitters.

If you are going on a short hike, you may be able to carry just about whatever you want. However, if you trip is several miles, and possibly several days, you definitely want to reduce the amount of weight you are carrying. Only by practice will you know what you can carry, but the lighter you load is, the more likely you are to enjoy the hike.

In order to facilitate this goal, many companies make products at a reduced weight. You can find light sleeping bags that will not only reduce the weight, but fit in a more compact area and still keep you nice and toasty. Hiking stoves come at a minimal weight and yet still warm your stomach as you sit in around the campfire. Lightweight tents can be one of the smartest weight reductions you make as tents can often be heavy and bulky. Lightweight tents are often quite simple to set up as well. In order for these items to provide weight reduction without the loss of function, higher grade materials and new technologies are often implemented. You can find many of these state of the art products at Trophy Game Outfitters.

I was recently searching for a good family dog, when I came across the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. These dogs are quite rare, but I was absolutely astounded by the beauty of this canine. I cannot believe they are not more common! However, they are thriving quite well, considering they were almost non-existent a century ago. In fact, they were only introduced into the United States 40 years ago.

Growing up I have always loved Rottweilers, but I would never own a dog that I felt could be a threat to my own family or neighbors. I wouldn’t, however, mind a dog that was a threat to intruders. I feel that I should be able to leave my children alone with the dog, even if I don’t intend on doing so. The GSMD seems to have this type of temperament. It is territorial, but not overly aggressive. It is a large dog that weighs some 130-135 lbs., and can take all the abuse that most little toddlers can muster.

Another aspect of the ideal dog, for me, is that I have always wanted something different, something unique. This dog is definitely unique. It looks similar to a Beagle, but is much larger and thicker. Although it has a thick undercoat, it still has relatively short hair, and appears to be able to take the Texas heat, despite its mountain dog status. A Newfoundland might be an ideal dog, but its thick coat probably wouldn’t do well in the Houston humidity.

There are several other aspects that I enjoy about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, but these are probably better saved for a more formal article in the future. Instead, I would like to invite any comments on any experience you have had with this dog breed. I realize that this is a relatively rare breed, but if you have had experience with the GSMD, please respond.

A simple grass rope is easy to make. The first thing you need is some grass with some length to it. I should probably be at least 5 inches long, but much longer would be better. Put several strands together, more or less even with each other. The more strands you use, the thicker your rope will be. Fold the graph in half, but make sure you still keep the two ends separate. Now take one end and fold it over the other end. As you do this, twist the rope away from its direction of motion. For example, if you fold the left side over the right side, twist the left side clockwise as you do this. Now the original right side has become the left side. Grab this new left side and fold it over, twisting as you go. This design is basically two strands twisting around one another. As the end of your grass gets shorter, take more grass and twist it into the rope. This will allow you to extend your rope as long as you want to, regardless of the length of the grass. The sooner you start the process of adding in more grass (with respect to the remaining length of the strands you are twisting), the stronger your rope will be. The type of grass, its condition, and the thickness of the strands also have quite a bit to do with the strength of the rope. When you have finished twisting your rope, you may tie off the end with some grass or string to keep it from unraveling.

Another method of making a grass rope, and often a bigger and stronger rope, is to braid it. With this method, there is no need to fold the grass. You may either twist the strands or leave them straight. Let’s say you are braiding with three strands. Tie one end together and spread the three strands out flat. Take the strand on the left and move it to the middle. Then take the strand on the right and move it to the middle. Repeat the process over and over again, working in more grass strands as you see fit. You may then tie it off at the other end when you are finished.

If any old spider will do, the best time to find them is at night. This is not because they are more prevalent at night, but because they are easier to spot. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s true. The secret is to go outside, turn on a flashlight, and hold it up next to your face, like a mini headlight. The beam should be shining straight in front of you. If you scan the grass enough, you should be able to find several spiders in any location (assuming the climate permits). They will look like little dew drops because their eyes will reflect back at you. It will surprise you how many spiders you will find. Most of my success has come in the short grass of someone’s yard. Wolf spiders are the species I have found the most, but they are all over in Texas.

This is your article, so please comment. I want to know where the best place in the world is to bag a white-tailed deer. I don’t want some overstocked ranch or some cheesy video game. I want real deer in real life. I want a natural source of whitetail. I’ll let you know the best place I’ve seen. For white-tailed deer, I’ve never seen a better place than my hometown. That may sound small-time, but I’ve been around, and I’ve never found a better whitetail hunting location than the Texas Hill Country. This area includes from San Antonio up to Austin, and west to Kerrville. That’s a large area, but it’s all loaded with deer. In the Texas Hill Country, if you haven’t hit a deer with your vehicle, you haven’t been driving long enough. In a land where steel bumpers and deer whistles reign, this is a hunter’s paradise. Where do you think the best place to hunt whitetail is?