Deer Hunting 411

State Facts About Hunting

admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:59:02 +0000

The National Hunting and Fishing Day website has some facinating state facts regarding hunting that was put together by United Stated Congress.

I looked up my home state of Minnesota and was amazed by the number of hunters and anglers in the state. Minnesotans are known for their love of the great outdoors so it shouldn't be that suprising that are close to 3 million hunters and anglers in the state.

Below are the Minnesota statistics on hunting and fishing. To look up your home state check out the National Hunting and Fishing website.

Minnesota

Hunters     597000
Anglers     1.6 million
Total Expenditures     $2.17 billion
Total Jobs     41000
Salaries and Wages     $1.04 billion
State Tax Revenue     $182 million
Ripple Effect on the State Economy     $4.18 billion

STATE TAX REVENUE INFORMATION
Sportsmen in Minnesota annually pay $181.7 million in state sales, fuel and income taxes – this could pay 4,564 teachers’ salaries or fund the annual education expenses for 21,375 students.
JOBS
Sportsmen support more jobs in Minnesota than 3M Corporation (40,840 jobs vs. 32,200).

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

More than three times as many Minnesota residents hunt or fish each year as attend Minnesota Vikings games. (1.7 million* vs. 513,322).
One of every three Minnesota residents hunt or fish.
Annual expenditures by Minnesota sportsmen are more than the cash receipts from corn, the state’s top agricultural commodity ($2.17 billion vs. $1.45 billion).

Spending by Minnesota sportsmen is 36% of the Gross State Product from printing and paper products ($2.17 billion vs. $5.9 billion).
* The figure for sportsmen is less than the combined number of hunters and anglers because a respondent who is both a hunter and an angler is counted in each category above

National Hunting and Fishing Day

admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:42:44 +0000

September 22, 2007 is National Hunting and Fishing Day. It's a day that celebrates the great contributions to wildlife conservation and management provided by hunters and anglers all over the United States.

The earliest wildlife conversationalists were hunters and anglers. They were the first to notice the dire results of unregulated overuse of our natural resources.

It was President President Theodore Roosevelt a fellow sportsman that began to enact laws and regulations to protect our great outdoors. They lobbied for sustainable use of fish and game, creating licensing requirements for hunting and fishing, setting hunting limits, and creating hunting seasons to ensure this wonderful sport would be around for generations to come.

President Nixon signed the first proclamation on May 2, 1972 of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations."

Soon thereafter Governors from all 50 states and hundreds of mayors had joined in by proclaiming state and local versions of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most popular and organized event to promote outdoor sports and conservation on a national level.

The status of the event is also a great public relations initiative to share hunter and anglers love of the outdoors with the general public who might have an incorrect stereotype of hunters.

This year comedian and TV star Jeff Foxworthy will serve as 2007 honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Join in the celebration this and ever year check your local state's department of natural resources website for information on activities such as open houses for National Hunting and Fishing day but your best resource for this great celebration of hunting and fishing is the National Hunting and Fishing Day official website.

Field Dressing Your Deer

admin — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 06:13:43 +0000

Introduction

Proper handling of the deer is essential to avoid contaminating the carcass. Follow these steps to ensure dressing your deer is done correctly and safely.

Once you've shot your deer and it's down approach it cautiously from behind the deer's head away from it's legs. Have your rifle ready in case you need fire a finishing shot but don't shoot again unless necessary. Set your rifle aside only after you are certain the deer is dead. You can confirm the deer is dead if the eye does not blink.

How to field dress your deer

Place the deer on its back and spread the hind legs. Support the carcass in this position by using rocks or sticks. Always wear heavy rubber or latex gloves when field dressing deer.
Cut along the midline of the belly from the breastbone to the anus. Avoid cutting into the intestines and stomach by turning the knife blade up during the cutting process.
Slowly remove the skin from the incision.
Cut through the sternum to open the body cavity surrounding the lungs and heart.
After opening the body cavity, reach inside and begin cutting the diaphragm, lungs, and heart away from the body wall. Remove the
internal organs all in one step. Take care to avoid puncturing or tearing the stomach and intestines during this process.
To promote cooling of the carcass, place a stick between the ribs to prop open the body cavity and allow airflow.

Transportation and Processing

Once you have dressed your deer you're ready to transport it but you also have to be careful during this process. Here are some helpful tips for transporting and processing your deer.

Drag the deer with the back or side down to minimize contamination of the meat. If possible, drag the deer on a tarp or use a deer cart.
Keep the carcass cool during transport to the locker plant.
Transport the carcass to the locker plant as soon as possible. If the carcass cannot be taken directly to the plant after harvest, it must be stored at a temperature
of less than 41° F.
Rinse the carcass with cold water prior to storage to remove debris and bacterial contamination.
When transporting the deer in a vehicle, pack the body cavity with ice to promote additional cooling.
Allow for adequate air circulation around the carcass and keep it out of direct sunlight and warm temperatures during transportation and storage,

Follow the steps above to ensure proper handling of your deer during the dressing and transportation process will ensure you're deer carcass isn't contaminated and you can enjoy your venison meat without issues or health concerns.

Outdoor Safety Tips

admin — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:51:38 +0000

Introduction

The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Established in 1905, The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. The USDA FSA has extensive information regarding safety while enjoying the outdoors.

I've compiled the FSA information from various sources so it can be easily reviewed from Deer Hunting 411. Although these are deer hunting specific there are great safety tips and advisories which will ensure everyone's safety while deer hunting or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Travel Advisories

Travel with a companion. You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated, and when you plan to return. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out. If an area is closed, do not go there. Know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
Be in good physical condition. Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance. If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can't always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing.
Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead. Be sure to pack emergency signaling devices.
Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.
Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
Alcohol and cliffs don't mix! If you drink, stay away from the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.

Trail Tips

Before starting out, do warm-up exercises. Stretching gradually increases heart rate, temperature and circulation to your muscles. Also, after a night's rest, your muscles need warming. Stretching gets the body going and increases your flexibility.
Start out slowly, gradually increasing your pace and distance traveled.
Let the slowest person in your hiking, paddling, and biking or cross-country skiing party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a apart of your group.
Plan the trip ahead of time and assign tasks that people enjoy. If someone doesn't cook, don't force him or her. The goal is to have a good time outdoors.
Take turns leading the group and sharing decision-making responsibilities.
Hike, bike, or ski only on marked trails in wilderness areas unless bushwhacking is allowed and you have excellent navigation skills.
Hike and travel in groups as much as possible, especially during winter and in hazardous terrain.
Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
Learn basic repair skills for changing a bike tire, fixing a backpack or mending a snowshoe. Remember to take repair kits on your trail.
Mountain weather is generally cooler, cloudier, and windier than in lowland areas. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, the temperature often drops three to five degrees. Thus, it's best to dress in layers. Polyester clothing worn closest to your skin will trap warm air next to the skin and transfer or wick body moisture away.
Wear sunglasses and a hat or visor when you hike, ski or paddle. Snow blindness, caused by the sun's glare on snow, can also be caused by sunlight reflecting off water and boulders. Keep your eyes and face covered especially during your first few days outdoors.
Bring sunscreen no matter the season. You can get painful sunburn even in subfreezing temperatures.
Bring a customized first aid kit tailored to your outing.
Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
Take frequent rests or vary your pace to recover from strenuous activity spurts. A steady pace will get you there with less discomfort than the sprint-and-catch-your-breath approach.
Drink plenty of water. Water is heavy to carry, but thirst on the trail is a hazard. Take a tip from athletes: before a hike, drink some water so you're well hydrated and energized. Never drink your total supply between refills.
Backcountry water supplies are unpredictable. It's better to arrive at a gushing stream with 1/3 quart of water left, than to arrive at an empty stream and have no water left at all. Treat or filter all water.
Pack carbohydrate-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit. They provide an instant pick-me-up on the trail.
Give yourself about two hour's daylight to set up camp.
Many national parks and forests and many state parks prohibit dogs. Be sure to keep pets on leashes in restricted areas, especially in cattle and sheep country. Bring water for pets and make sure they have nametags. Watch for injuries to your dog's footpads in rocky areas, on ice or in extremely hot terrain.
Pay attention to local regulations, particularly concerning campfires. In many desert or drought areas, fires are prohibited and you must use a camp stove.

Camping Tips

Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.
Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.
Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times.
Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.
Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.
Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.
Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to reignite later.
Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper recycling bins if available.
Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove as a cooking appliance only - never leave it unattended while it's burning.
Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly - instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.
Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area.
Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.

Lightning

High on the list of activities where people are injured by lightning are mountain hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, boating, and golfing.

Many vacationers are unaware of the measures they can take to lower their risk of being struck. They should educate themselves about lightning strikes. They should be near safe shelter and try to avoid high terrain, golf courses, and bodies of water during high lightning activity (late morning to evening).

If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly. Avoid isolated trees. It is better to run into a forest.
Electric storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your odds, don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.
Hikers, golfers, and others should run into a forest if a shelter or car is not nearby.
Drop metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets, umbrellas, and packs with internal or external metal frames.
Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and golf carts. Metal bleachers at sports events, metal fences, and utility poles are also to be avoided.
If you are caught in an open field, seek a low spot. Crouch with your feet together and head low.
If Someone Is Struck - People who have been hit by lightning carry no electric charge and can be safely tended to. Also, victims who appear dead can often be revived. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent as well and you know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin CPR. Stay with the victim until help arrives.
Don't sit or lie down, because these positions provide much more contact with the ground, providing a wider path for lightning to follow. If you are with a group and the threat of lightning is high, spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everybody getting hit (see "If Someone Is Struck").
Don't return to an open area too soon. People have been struck by lightning near the end of a storm, which is still a dangerous time.
Swimmers, anglers, and boaters should get off lakes or rivers and seek shelter when storms approach. Drop any fishing rods. Boaters who cannot get off the water before the storm hits should crouch low. Once on land, get at least 100 yards away from shore.
Remember: This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a health-related concern, consult a physician. Also, the tips discussed here may lower injury risk, but the unpredictability of lightning affords no guarantees.

If You Get Lost

Pay close attention to your surroundings and landmarks, and relate this to your location on a map.
Stay calm if you get lost. Panic is your greatest enemy. Try to remember how you got to your present location.
Trust your map and compass, and do not walk aimlessly. If you are on a trail, don't leave it.
Stay put if it is nightfall, if you are injured, or if you are near exhaustion.
As a last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This can be hard going but will often lead to a trail or road.

Outdoor Safety Checklist

Candle
Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks, and rain gear)
Compass
First aid kit
Food (bring extra)
Flashlight
Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)
Hat
Insect repellent
Map
Nylon filament
Pocket knife
Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
Prescription glasses (an extra pair)
Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions
Radio with batteries
Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
Water
Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin
Water purification tablets
Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)

Deer Hunting Secrets

admin — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:51:38 +0000

The purpose of Deer Hunting 411 is to provide deer hunters at all levels (new all the way to the highly experienced deer hunter) with information, tricks, tips, and resources about the sport of deer hunting.

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