The Oklahoma Outdoorsman

Which Caliber

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:22:46 +0000

I get asked a lot about what caliber is the best to use for white tail deer, or what’s best for mule deer. Sometimes they ask about specific calibers based on different areas of the country. Well determining what gun and or caliber to use is very simple.

When deciding on what gun to use, there is a wide variety of choices when it come to calibers. There are so many choices that it can become extremely overwhelming to new hunters.

There is really a very siple way to understand gun calibers if you follow these simple trains of thought: The bigger the caliber, the more power it has to stop whatever it hits. However, the bigger the caliber, the harder it is to also control. So basically, the larger the animal that you want to hunt, the larger the caliber that you will need. Keep in mind though that this also means a much higher recoil, or kick, that you will receive when firing this gun.

So, what we need to do is match the correct amount of power for the animal you want to hunt, with the amount of recoil you can handle.

For instance, lets say you are interested in hunting smaller animals such as rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and so on. The best choice of caliber would be the .22. This caliber has enough power to humainly take out the animal that you intend to hunt, but will have next to no kick at all.

If you are more intrested in hunting larger animals such as white tails, mule deer, and elk, you will want to move up to a larger caliber.These can range from .243 to 300 mags. You still need to follow the same rules however. FOr the larger animals, use the larger gun. For instance, a .243 may work fine on small to medium sized deer, but if you are going after elk, you should always have at the minimum a gun that will shoot a .270.

Well that pretty much sums it up in the short version. Now if you want some really in depth information, grab a chair and take a look at this.

Free Fishing Gear?

admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:54:25 +0000

Well it about that time of the year. The spawning season will soon be starting and the fish will be more predictable. So, let’s get out those rods and reels and and clean out those tackle boxes. BUT WAIT! What happened to that favorite lure that was working so well last year? Oh yeah, it’s proably still hanging in that tree from the time you had to make that really tight cast. No problems. Now you can get $250.00 worth of free fishing gear from your favorite sprting goods store.

All you need to do is click HERE and you are on your way.

admin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:50:35 +0000

Rifle Range Safety Tips

admin — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:06:53 +0000

It’s once again that time of year when the weather has warmed up and we want to spend more time relaxing on the range. It’s also that time of year when I like to revisit shooting safety. Some people may think that being out on the range is a safer environment than being out in the woods, but actually it can be more dangerous. First of all, you feel more relaxed and may have other things on your mind. You also have other shooters that you need to be aware of.

When carrying a gun of any kind, always make sure that you are pointing it in a safe direction. It doesn’t matter if it’s “unloaded”. More people seem to get shot every year by “unloaded” guns than the previous years. Always assume that your weapon is loaded. I myself had a rifle go off near my head because of a friend who thought it was “unloaded”. You should also always keep the safety on and you finder out of the trigger guard unless you are ready to shoot.

When picking up a gun make sure that the first thing you do is check to see if it’s loaded. Never take the word of another person that is isn’t. Make sure that the chamber is empty and open until ready to fire.

Always make sure that you know what is in front and behind the target area before you get ready to shoot down range. Some ranges such as the one I am a member of have target set up at different distances on the same lanes. Make sure that you aren’t shooting at a nearer target without checking to make sure the lanes are cleared behind to the rear targets. Also make sure that there aren’t any dogs or other animals roaming out in the area.

Always unload your weapon as soon as you are done shooting. Never leave a gun loaded when going downrange to check your target. Leave the actions open and put them in their cases if you are leaving the area. Use trigger locks when they are not in use.

Never play around when there are loaded weapons in the area, or especially when carrying one. Don’t climb over fences or climb up and down trees. And never ever look down the barrel of a loaded weapon. If you do take a fall while carrying a weapon, make sure that you immediately clean it before you forget.

When on a range, you should still wear some form of hunters orange so that other shooters will easily see you. If you are dressed up in your old camouflage that you no longer wear when hunting, you may not be noticed by others. If you at least have on a hat that is orange there is more of a chance that others will notice you when you are down range checking your target.

Always be in control of your emotions when you are using firearms. If you are busy arguing with someone else, you have a greater chance of doing something careless. Always keep your thoughts clear on what you are doing.

Wear eye protection and hearing protection when you are at the range. Even if you are not shooting, the percussion from a muzzle blast is very damaging to your ears. Take care of them and you will be able to hear better while out in the woods when it’s important. You will also want to protect your eyes from ejecting shells, burnt powder, and gasses that are escaping out of the chamber.

Never consume alcohol or drugs while handling firearms. I should not even have to touch this one, but it happens all of the time. Save your drinking for when you are back home sharing stories about how well you shot that day.
Range safety is a must if you want to be able to hit the woods again next season. Every year people hurt by not taking a few safety precautions while at the range. Don’t be one of them.

Happy shooting.

New GPS Systems for 2009

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:10:35 +0000

I read an article the other day about how men refuse to ask for directions. It has been a long standing joke that this is something that men simply will not do. Fortunately we don’t have to worry about that any more. With todays technology, GPS systems have made it a simple process to find your way without having to ask.

2009 has brought out three new systems that I will briefly review here.

The first GPS system is the Tom Tom 1. It’s as basic as it gets, but is a very inexpensive way to find your way around. At an RRP of 150BGP which has now been dropped to 95GBP online it is by far the cheapest effective GPS system on the market. It’s size is compact but accurate. The only downside to this system is that it doesn’t do anything fancy, or have any special gimicks. It is simply a GPS system. It is the perfect setup for those of you that want to save money and just be able to find your way around.

The second is the Tom Tom Go 730. This system is a step above the Tom Tom 1. The only thing missing are the maps of North America and this combines the legendary TomTom simplicity with extra features such as Bluetooth and FM radio to keep you busy, even your incoming text messages can be linked with GPS. The price is probably the only issue as 300GBP is a lot to pay for not asking directions.

The last one is not technically a GPS model but a Bluetooth connection that will turn your mobile into a GPS. For 60GBP you can turn your mobile into a navigator with the Wayfinder Bluetooth GPS receiver. It is effective with quick satellite pick-up and it is compatible with any software. The issue is not the performance, but the cost. The initial outlay is reasonable however you have to pay an annual charge to avoid astronomical call costs in receiving.

Newer tchnology has made the way we travel much easier. These GPS models have advanced lane guidance which can also let us know which lanes to be in when driving. When you think about it, it can make you a little nervous thinking about how satellited can monitor your movements everywhere you go. However, this loss of freedom may well be worth never having to ask for directions again.

Deer Hunting Secrets

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:04:53 +0000

Over the years I have learned many secrets that have made my hunts very successful. However as the years go by and I get older I always continue to use the same old methods and the same old tricks. Occasionally I may try a new trick that I picked up from my favorite hunting magazine from NAHC, but most everthing there is still the same old thing with a different title.

This past month however I took a look at something new. It’s a book called Deer Hunting Secrets Exposed - Expert Deer Hunting For Big Bucks I stumbled on to the website by pure accident, but stayed because of the photos of some very nice bucks. I decided “what the heck, it’s only a few bucks”, but was was really amazed at the wealth of information that was given.

If you are the type of person that only dreams of getting the Big Buck, but usually end up with the buttons or does, then you really need to pick up a copy of this book. You will be amazed at what you can learn in just the first couple of chapters. I’m already planning out a new strategy for this next falls hunting season. In fact, it’s only February and my blood is already pumping and raring to go. I haven’t felt this excited about a book since my younger years shooting my bow in the back yard.

I recommend picking up a copy of Deer Hunting Secrets Exposed - Expert Deer Hunting For Big Bucks here.

Let The Hunting Games Begin

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:28:34 +0000

Well the traditional hunting season has ended. It’s time to once again turn to our magazines and computer games to pass the time.

You can find these games have a number of different names but the theme is identical.

The web games will alter from the straightforward hunt to the complex and challenging deer trek hunt.

As the hunter you’ll need to make certain that you are hunting in the deer hunting season and in elected areas. You will also need to become familiarised with a hunting rifle which will give you the power of a good clean shot. As the hunts will change in theme you’ll have to stock up on a specific quantity of ammunition. These deer hunting games online are an alternate way to experience the buzz of the hunt. In short for the individual that does not have the capability of hunting for real these online games are a great alternative. The engaging aspect about these deer hunting games online is they cater for a wide audience.

In other deer hunting games you as the hunter pit your abilities and bravado against the deer found in the game. This implies you’ll have only certain deer which you are able to hunt.

You have to learn how to read their body movements so you don’t lose your target deer. These deer hunting games will make you to think and to act. In these games as the hunter you have to survive likely attacks by grizzly bears and other threatening animals. You also need to choose what deer you would like to bring down. After all you have to reload the deer hunting games online and you are set to bag your prize prize deer.

Training Your Dog To Ignore Decoys

admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:28:28 +0000

I was duck hunting with a friend of mine this past December. He brought along a young lab that he trained on his own because he wanted to give it some experience on the water. His lab, cypher, was pretty good at retrieving, however, he wanted to retrieve more than just the ducks. He had a bad habit of also wanting to bring in the decoys. This actually a common problem with dogs that are trained by someone that is not a professional, but is a problem that can be easily avoided and even corrected.

It is always best to prevent bad habits than it is to correct them, so I’ll explain the proper procedures of early training. To correct this problem just use the same methods explained here. However, it will take a little more patience on your part and a bit longer to accomplish.

Training your dog to ignore decoys should never be attempted while the decoys are setting on the water. Always do this in your yard, or a field where you are able to walk the dog easily on a leash. Start out by placing several decoys scattered on the ground upright. When you have your decoys set, walk your dog through the decoys. If he wants to pick one up, firmly tell him no. Don’t even let him sniff at the decoys. We want him to learn to just ignore them completely. Continue to do this daily for a few days while moving the decoys closer together each time you set them up. Then start skipping days to see how well he remembers that the decoys are to be left alone.

After just a few days of this your dog will understand and it is now time to take it to the next level. Set your decoys with a good amount of space between them at first. Now throw out your training dummy with some duck scent on it and have your dog fetch it. We want to use a good training scent because we don’t want the dog to get confused when he is out in the middle of the decoys. He may appear a little shy at first, but as any good hunting dog will, he will happily retrieve the dummy. If he starts to look at any of the decoys, make sure to give him a firm no, but if he retrieves the dummy without touching any of the decoys make sure to give him all of the praise that you can. Continue to throw the training dummy out amongst the decoys until you are sure that he understand. Then start moving the decoys closer together until it gets difficult for him to fetch it without touching one of them. If he retrieves the dummy while it is touching a decoy, but leaves the decoy itself alone, you know he’s ready for the next step.

Now it’s time to practice this on water. Set up your decoys as you would if you were hunting. Try to make it as realistic as possible. Use your blind, or boat if you use one. Bring along your calls to give distractions. However, make sure that you don’t bring your gun if it’s not duck season. I don’t think the game warden would believe you are just training.

Once you are all set up, make some calls and then throw your training dummy out into the water just like you did on dry land. Continue this until you are comfortable that your dog is ready.

So what happened to Cypher? Well he was through hunting for the season and somehow I got selected to spend some afternoons with him on my lease this summer.

A Tribute To Deer Hunting

admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:19:24 +0000

Now that deer hunting season is in full swing I thought this video is very fitting. It reallys gets your blood moving. I think I’ll take the day off and head to the wood……..see ya’

Dove Season Opens In Oklahoma

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:24:30 +0000

September 1st was the opening day of this years 60 day season and reports are looking good. Not only are the numbers up for our group, but the state is reporting larger than usual numbers of dove over public dove fields.

Dove hunting is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing hunting sports in Oklahoma. There is always some fast action available, it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by both adults and their kids, and you don’t have to travel very far to hunt. All you need is a grain field and you will find the doves. In fact, the State of Oklahoma has several fields in the WMA’s set up just for dove hunting. Check out your local WMA’s for available fields. If you hunt in the northeast as I do, Keystone is one of your best bets. They have 5 wheat fields that are managed just for doves. We took our limit within a very short time on opening morning. Skiatook has 2 fields, but they are usually packed with hunters during the earlier part of the season.

Tips for hunting doves:

1. Choose a good area with a variety of terrain when you want to hunt doves. Look for open fields with trees along the sides where the birds can roost. Look for areas where a water hole is nearby. Ponds next to these fields are attractive to doves. Find a field that has lots of wild flowers and wheat since doves are drawn to eat there.
Wear camouflage clothing to blend in with the surroundings when you hunt doves. Stay as still as possible with no sudden movements because doves are very skittish and sensitive to movement. Raise you gun to your shoulder slowly and quietly. Stand at the edge of a tree line, not out in the open.

2. Study the flight pattern and path of doves as you wait for a chance to shoot. If a flock of doves has just flown across a particular area, chances are good that another flock is shortly behind.

3. Hunt doves using a 12 gauge shotgun. Most experienced hunters use ammunition that is 3 ¼ drams and 1 1/8 oz. of number 8 shot. Most prefer to use a modified cylinder on the shotgun. For new hunters, most experts recommend using skeet chokes on the shotgun. Skeet chokes provide a wider pattern of pellets when shot, thus giving a better chance to hit more birds when you hunt doves.

Happy Hunting!