Vintage Outdoors

I was young once. I hunted and fished a lot then, too. Of course this thing we call the internet wasn't much of a presence in our lives then either, so many of the memories we captured on film, rather than digitally. Here is a look at some dogs, deer, fish and friends from the past.

The dogs:

Riley

Maggie

Paulo

Austin

A couple of deer

A few NY fish

My buddy Byran training Riley

Things You Should Check Out; Media & Style

     If you're like me you never get tired of reading and learning about things outdoors. Reading magazines, and books, and watching television show and videos about the outdoors have a tendency to get me pumped up for my next fishing trip, or dog training session, as well as often providing fuel for my blog. Sometimes that fuel is an idea pulled from some content. Other times it's a conflicting view. Sometime,unfortunately, it's the quality of the product that drives me create my own content as I'm doing now.

     One place where outdoors enthusiasts can find fresh, interesting, alternative views is the Outdoor Blogger Network. The OBN is a blogger network which lists outdoor related blogs. My blog has been listed on OBN for a year, and I'm sure you've seen their logo posted in the right hand margin. Whether you're looking to find more interesting content on the web, or dipping your toe into the blogging pool, OBN is the place to go. Check it out.

     More mainstream in it's styling, Integrated Digital Publishing is a web based publishing company that currently has two e-published magazines of interest to sportsmen, and a third in the works. The Contemporary Sportsman, and The Contemporary Wingshooter are currently available to subscribers, while Backcast is still in the works. These are high quality productions, and sure to provide you some entertainment. As a grouse hunter, I do however have an issue with IDP's slogan "Read Green". Surely they must know that to have grouse you need early growth forest, and to have early growth forest you need timber cutting. Perhaps the good folks over at IDP need to spend a bit more time reading ASO? Anyway, subscriptions to IDP's magazines are FREE. Check them out.

     This next bit has nothing to do with media, and everything to do with style. As does sometimes happen, and hopefully will one day happen to me, Americans travel across the pond to partake in the British tradition of driven game shooting. Many shoots still uphold the tradition of dressing sharply, adorned in tweed. Personally, I like tweed. I've amassed a small collection that serves a daywear, and often sees the sporting clay, or skeet field. Should the day come that I travel abroad to shoot, or join The Vintagers (much more likely, and yes, I shoot a double) I will be prepared. Should you be gearing up for a trip to the UK, a Vintager in need of new duds, or just a fan of nice looking tweed outfits, then you need to take a look at Bob Parratt Countrywear.  Bob can supply you with everything you'll need, and he'll do at a great price, too. Shipping will cost you a bit more as your good are travelling from overseas, but a complete outfit from Bob will still cost you less than buying just a coat at your local Barbour retailer. Check it out.

Lessons From The Show.

     The Worcester Sportsmans show has come and gone once again, like it does every February. I must say, I was surprised and dissapointed with this year's show. For whatever reason the show was significantly smaller. By my estimation the show decreased in size by more than 50%. In fact, I'm not so sure it's worth the $10 anymore. Hopefully next year it can get back on track. If not I'll be looking for another show to attend. I did come away from the show with a couple of things of interest, which as interested, responsible sportsmen, I will share.

     There is a move afoot here in massachusetts to get the striped bass reclassified as a game fish. This effort, and the bill, H792, A bill to designate wild striped bass as a game fish in the waters of Massachusetts, is being headed by the organization Stripers Forever. This bill would put a stop to the commercial fishing of striped bass in Massachusetts, and hopefully lead to an increase in the population which has plummeted. The SF website provides plenty of information, as well as a petition caring sportsmen can sign. As a sampling of the information which can be found I'll provide you with this; In 2008 there were 4241 commercial permit holders who took a combined total of 1,155,150lbs of striper. If you wish to do more, SF is having a hearing on the bill at the state house on February 28th. Please consider supporting SF.

     Another interesting bit of information came from the booth of Mass Dept of Agriculture Resources. By now I'm sure we've all seen the signs and posters warning us to not move firewood.

     Well maybe it's just me, but I never really stopped to think about it too much. But there is indeed a problem with the Asian Longhorned Beetle. This beetle is an invasive species that spreads easily, and is killing our hardwoods. MDAR has lots of info concerning this beetle on their website, and has a team that can visit your property if you think you might have an infestation. It's time we all paid a little closer attention when we're in the outdoors, and try to take a little better care of what we have been provided.

Things You Should Check Out; This and That.

     It's that time of the year again. With most hunting seasons behind us, and in many places freshwater fishing seasons closed sportsmen are searching for an outlet. That's where the various sporting shows come into play. Two that have captured my attention are:

     The Worcester Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Expo, held at the DCU center in Worcester, Mass. This year the show is held February 10-12th. This is my local show, and I attend every year.

http://www.sportshows.com/worcester/index.html


     Another show which I'm interested in is the National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. Held February 17-19th in Kansas City, Missouri, this show is bound to be exciting. Sponsored by Cabelas, as well as Pheasant Forever, and Quail Forever, no doubt there will be lots of good information available. Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance (unless some unexpected funds come along/ All Seasons Outdoors HQ needs a new water heater), so if anyone makes the trip I'd like to hear about it.

http://www.pheasantfest.org/


     The last thing I'd like to feature is Sir Jack's. This up scale, online retailer has a few nuggets which I find are quite interesting, and make an appropriate addition to any hunting, or fishing camp.  Every camp needs a quality cocktail/ mixology book. Sir Jack's has them. Harry Johnson's Bar Tender's Manual not only tells you how to mix, but how to serve, and how to host. In addition, you'll find shooting related flasks, a Warthog tusk cork screw, and some fine upland and trout stream themed stationery for writing invites to camp, and thank you notes. Check it out.