'Tis the Season of Rifles and Shotguns

Photo Courtesy of FieldandStream.com

The hunting season is in full swing in the land of America. Many hunters are eager to try out their newly purchased firearms. And others are wondering what type of gun they should invest their money into.

What makes a gun a good gun? How do I know what gun is right for me?

These are valid questions when considering what type of gun to purchase because there are as many types of guns as there is days in a year.

Common Gun Sizes
The three most common sizes of deer-hunting rifles are:

•  .273
• .30-06
• .30-30

These number refer to the caliber size of the bullet. Normally the larger the caliber size the more "kick" a gun will have. Also each gun may have a different type of reloading action. Bolt-action, lever-action, and pump-action are the main types.

Personal Experience
When it comes to hunting, I use a Remington pump-action .30-06 rifle. This gun has never failed me. It has a simple action, and is very easy to use and operate. Each type of gun has their advantages and disadvantages. Always be sure to ask questions and look at the different types of guns in the store. Remember, buying a gun is an investment, so be sure to invest your money in a gun that you absolutely adore.

More Information
For those of you who want to learn more, here is a Field and Stream story that picks and gives an overview of the 30 best rifles and shotguns.
The Gun Nut Battery: 30 Essential Rifles and Shotguns

Simple Ways to Start a Fire

You're in the wilderness and you want to start a fire, but you forgot the matches! Now whether this happens to you on a family camping trip in the middle of Yogi Bear state park, or you just want to impress your friends, knowing different ways to start a fire can save you from many problems.
Here are two creative ways to ignite your own personal inferno.

Photo by: Steve Sanford
(Field & Stream Magazine)

Hand/Spindle Method - This is one of the most common ways to start a fire without matches. The only downside to this method is that it takes a good deal of patience.

The materials you'll need are:

• 2 foot long spindle
• Flat board with V-notch
• Tinder (anything easily flammable)

First position your V-notched board close to tinder in order to catch spark. Then take the spindle, insert into the notch, and maintain pressure while rolling your hands down the spindle in short bursts of speed. With some luck you'll be able to build up enough friction to make a spark! Remember, patience is the key!

Battery/Steel Wool Method - This is one of the easiest methods to start a fire! All you need are a couple everyday items.

The materials you'll need are:

• Steel wool
• Battery (9 volt performs best)

First flatten the steel wool into a thin layer. Then apply the contact points of the battery to the steel wool. The steel wool should ignite within seconds! Just be sure to transfer the steel wool immediately to your tinder!

These are but a few methods to start a fire without matches. For more ideas and tips check out Field & Stream.

Fishing Gear 101

Today's post features a Jing presentation that looks at different rod and reel types.  Hopefully it will give you an understanding of which rod and reel would fit your fishing needs!

Fishing Gear - Rod & Reel Combos

Geocaching - Explore Your World!

Today's post includes a Prezi presentation that previews the basics of geocaching. Geocaching is a fun simple way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. For GPS reviews and more information about geocaching visit http://www.geocaching.com/.

"There and Back Again" - Basic GPS Technology

Getting to a location is important, but what about getting back? With the Bushnell Backtrack you can rest assured that you'll never get lost again.

The Backtrack utilizes GPS technology in its most basic format. The Backtrack lets you set your location and later navigate back. This allows you to set the location of your favorite fishing spot, find your parked car, or navigate back to your hotel.

The Bushnell Backtrack features include:

• Stores 3 locations
• High sensitivity GPS receiver
• Self calibrating digital compass
• Weather resistant
• Functions on 2 AAA batteries
• Compact size
• Lanyard included

If you want a GPS unit that has a simple user interface, GPS navigation, and an average price of $45, then the Bushnell Bacltrack is for you.

Here is a video that shows the features of the Backtrack in action:

Essential Wilderness Gear

Included in the gallery are items that can improve the enjoyment of your outdoor experience.

Interview with Andrew - Essential Outdoor Gear

Today's post includes an interview with Mr. Andrew Gable. Mr. Gable is a graduate student and former soldier in the United States Army. He very graciously answered a few questions that provide helpful advice for any person interested in the outdoors.

How long have you been an outdoor "enthusiast"? 

I have been hunting since I was about five years old.  I have since hunted, trapped, and fished in varying capacities. 
 
What is your favorite outdoor hobby? 

Hunting by far. 
 

Why do you enjoy the outdoors?  

The outdoors is magnificent and inspires appreciation for its beauty, but what I think keeps bringing me back is more the challenge, struggle, and wildness of being out.  One must in a way conquer both nature and its various elements to walk out successful at the end of the day.  Within that however there is a peace, a stillness that is both comforting and relaxing. 
 
How can having the right kind of outdoor equipment make a person's outdoor experience safe and enjoyable? any personal experiences? 

While equipment is not the measure of the experience it will measure the enjoyment and level of work found in the experience.  Like having the right tool for the right job in mechanics having the proper equipment can mean the difference between success and misery, between life and death.  The most important gear to the outdoor enthusiast will be the clothing/foot wear that they wear.  They must be able to stay cool, harm, dry, etc...  The second would be a GPS, compass, and or map with the ability to use them.  These two are cardinal requirements above situation specific necessities like canoes, kayaks, rifle, etc... per differing activities.   
 
What piece of equipment should a person always be sure and take with them into the woods? and why? 
Clothing appropriate to the conditions both present and possible future.  This is the one thing that will never change given the knowledge of the land or any other variable.  No matter who is going out they will equip themselves with the best they have for the environment. 

The “EDGE” of Survival

“So you have the map right? No, I thought you had it.” These are some infamous last words. You probably never want to be in a situation like this, but if you did get lost in a deep terrible forest what would you do? What gear could save your life? I would wager that most people underestimate the capabilities of a good knife.

Having a knife in the woods is like driving a Mazarati at a racetrack! The sky is the limit! You can perform many different jobs with a knife, for instance you can: construct a shelter, start a fire, obtain food and water, and protect yourself.

You might be asking, “What makes a knife a good knife?” That's a great question because not all knives are the same. They range in different sizes and shapes, from your everyday Boy Scout knives to Ranbow’s knife of death. I prefer a happy medium between those two.

From experience I’ve found Gerber Knives to be the most durable and easy to use. Gerber just came out with a new series of knives called the Survival Series. These new knives feature a five inch fixed blade, a flint (to start your fires), a blade sharpener, and a sheath to store your amazing knife. If you didn’t want to empty your wallet for a nice knife like this, you could always find a more basic model or an off-brand that will only set you back about twenty dollars.

So the next time you feel like leaving your map at home and getting lost in the woods be sure to bring your knife with you! It could save your life!