Get Your Bearings:
One way to determine direction without the aid of a compass is to drive a straight 3-foot-long stick into the ground in a sunny location and set a stone where the tip of the shadow falls on the ground. Wait 20 minutes and then place another rock in the spot where the tip of the shadow has moved. The first marker indicates the west end of a line running beteween the two rocks, the second marks the east.
(source: Outdoor Life)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Survival Tips 2 of 5
Rig a Snare:
In a survival situation, snares are a good way to catch some food. They can be made from wire, fishing line, twine, strips of leather or cloth, rope or even shoelaces.
Step One:
When using wire or other stiff material, bend the tip over and twist several times to form an eye. The run the wire's other end through the eye to form the noose. When using more pliant materials, make a loop that's closed with a slipknot.
Step Two:
Suspend the noose in a game trail, den hole entrance or other spot where animals are likely to pass. The noose should be large enough for the animals head to pass through, but not its shoulders, so it will draw tight and hold the forward-moving animal.
Step Three:
Attach each snare to a solid anchor such as a nearby tree or a stake driven into the ground.
Check them frequently.
(source: Outdoor Life)
In a survival situation, snares are a good way to catch some food. They can be made from wire, fishing line, twine, strips of leather or cloth, rope or even shoelaces.
Step One:
When using wire or other stiff material, bend the tip over and twist several times to form an eye. The run the wire's other end through the eye to form the noose. When using more pliant materials, make a loop that's closed with a slipknot.
Step Two:
Suspend the noose in a game trail, den hole entrance or other spot where animals are likely to pass. The noose should be large enough for the animals head to pass through, but not its shoulders, so it will draw tight and hold the forward-moving animal.
Step Three:
Attach each snare to a solid anchor such as a nearby tree or a stake driven into the ground.
Check them frequently.
(source: Outdoor Life)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Survival Tips 1 of 5
Build a Solar Still:
- A solar still is one of the best methods for obtaining water in apparently dry areas. In a low, unshaded area, dig a hole 1.5' deep and 3' in diameter. Place a can or jar in the center of the hole and cover the hole with a large sheet of plastic, sealing the edges with dirt and rocks. Put a rock in the center of the plastic directly above the container. Moisture is drawn from the earth beneath the plastic and condenses on the underside of the sheet. The water then runs down and drips into your container. Greenery, such as chunks of cactus, lining the hole will increase production. Depending on conditions, you might produce on pint to one quart of water daily.
(source - Outdoor Life)
- A solar still is one of the best methods for obtaining water in apparently dry areas. In a low, unshaded area, dig a hole 1.5' deep and 3' in diameter. Place a can or jar in the center of the hole and cover the hole with a large sheet of plastic, sealing the edges with dirt and rocks. Put a rock in the center of the plastic directly above the container. Moisture is drawn from the earth beneath the plastic and condenses on the underside of the sheet. The water then runs down and drips into your container. Greenery, such as chunks of cactus, lining the hole will increase production. Depending on conditions, you might produce on pint to one quart of water daily.
(source - Outdoor Life)
Monday, April 25, 2011
My Favorite Outdoor Pursuit - T Shirt Contest Winning Entry
Below is the winning entry from our recent contest, asking our fans to tell us about their favorite "Outdoor Pursuit" - congratulations Andy Wheatley, you've won yourself an OPC T Shirt!
Although I am an active , Fisherman, Hiker, camper and overall outdoor enthusiast. My Favorite outdoor pursuit is Pond Hockey! There is nothing more gratifying than hiking into an area with a shovel, My Skates and stick. Finding an Ice surface. Testing it, clearing it and then having a good old fashion game of shinny with my buddies! I am 40 and have been doing this my whole life. It is by far my favorite part of being Canadian. I Have yet to find anything else that brings such a rush and such a great time! In my time finding Ice to play on I have seen a wealth of animals, some of the most beautiful scenery ever and some of the most fantastic sunrises and sunsets! We have even camped at sites to make a weekend out of it. The food always tastes great and the beer is always cold! The best kind of "outdoor pursuit" I can think of!
Thanks
Andy Wheatley
Although I am an active , Fisherman, Hiker, camper and overall outdoor enthusiast. My Favorite outdoor pursuit is Pond Hockey! There is nothing more gratifying than hiking into an area with a shovel, My Skates and stick. Finding an Ice surface. Testing it, clearing it and then having a good old fashion game of shinny with my buddies! I am 40 and have been doing this my whole life. It is by far my favorite part of being Canadian. I Have yet to find anything else that brings such a rush and such a great time! In my time finding Ice to play on I have seen a wealth of animals, some of the most beautiful scenery ever and some of the most fantastic sunrises and sunsets! We have even camped at sites to make a weekend out of it. The food always tastes great and the beer is always cold! The best kind of "outdoor pursuit" I can think of!
Thanks
Andy Wheatley
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Where have all the meat hunters gone?
The other day I was on a job site, talking with some guys, naturally the conversation amongst outdoorsmen turned to hunting. The one guy proceeds to pull out his I-Phone and show off several photos of a ram he had killed last fall. I will give kudos to the guy for a nice trophy ram, taken on what looked like an epic hunt. Then he goes on to tell the story of how he killed the animal, note: how he killed the animal, not how he hunted it. Explaining in great detail how the rams face got to be covered in blood (nobody bothered cleaning up the animal for the photos), due to the Big-horn falling over a 100 feet down a rocky slope. Now, you may be thinking, "Big-horn hunting often ends with a ram being shot and falling" and so and so... That is true, however, should this be the part of your hunting story that makes you smile the most?
This guy then asks a few of those around how their seasons were, a few nods and some reciting of antler measurements later, I decide to show him a picture of a mule buck my hunting buddy harvested (having had mostly a "meat hunters" season myself). Now this buck was a beauty. Not the biggest one out there by any means, but the story behind it made the hunt, and the trophy, worthy of being talked about. It was his first mule buck taken by archery, after a awesome rattling sequence (not to mention countless hours of scouting and prep). I myself drove out that day to the spot to see the results of my buddies eventful morning, and then proceeded to lose 5 arrows in the snow, as all of the deer seemed to be on high alert.... but that is another story. Anyhow... I show this guy the picture, it is a great pic BTW, animal is positioned just right, cleaned up, very respectful and even melancholy to those who appreciated the feelings of accomplishment that come from the hard work of taking an animal with a bow. First thing buddy says, "oh. what did he score?". Not a question about the hunt, no comment on the quality of the photograph, no care in the world except numbers. I answered (to the best of my knowledge), and got back a "oh. that's it?, oh well", and then goes on to talk more about his bloody (literally) ram.
Walking away I am thinking, this is the type of attitude that breeds ignorance and perpetuates the anti-hunter sentiments of those who have a jaded view of the lifestyle and sport. Why have antlers become
(for many) the sole means of measuring ones success as a hunter? Now don't get me wrong, I like big antlers, horns, and whatever other means of measuring a trophy animal are out there. But that isn't the only reason I like hunting. The "kill" and the "trophy" have become the sole reason to hunt for some, and has turned many of these into a newer breed of quasi-unethical sportsmen/women. Sure TV is somewhat to blame, who can't help getting hyped after watching a well known TV personality pass up a 175" 6x6 because "we are gonna wait for the big one..." But does that hype and show really need to become the way of the average hunter?
I recently read an article that spoke of a community, where most of the families were involved with hunting in some way or another. There was a healthy spirit of competition, but instead of scoring antlers, they weighed animals. A trophy in their books was a freezer full of meat. We all need to do a little more of this. I am not saying pass up a shot on a monster whitetail because there might happen to be an even more monstrous doe also within range, but don't get down on the guy who is spilling over with excitement over his first doe, or spiker buck, or cow elk. The last thing we need in a sport that is already shed in a bad light by some is dissension from within our ranks. As sportsman we strive to encourage others to embrace the lifestyle and get exposed to a real outdoors experience. And encouragement may come from flattery, interest and genuine kindness when talking about somebodies hunt, especially if it resulted in success. Not success in a record book, but personal success that breeds an addiction to the outdoors, the fuel of our passion for excitement and exploration.
I have to go now my wife is cooking whitetail backstrap....
This guy then asks a few of those around how their seasons were, a few nods and some reciting of antler measurements later, I decide to show him a picture of a mule buck my hunting buddy harvested (having had mostly a "meat hunters" season myself). Now this buck was a beauty. Not the biggest one out there by any means, but the story behind it made the hunt, and the trophy, worthy of being talked about. It was his first mule buck taken by archery, after a awesome rattling sequence (not to mention countless hours of scouting and prep). I myself drove out that day to the spot to see the results of my buddies eventful morning, and then proceeded to lose 5 arrows in the snow, as all of the deer seemed to be on high alert.... but that is another story. Anyhow... I show this guy the picture, it is a great pic BTW, animal is positioned just right, cleaned up, very respectful and even melancholy to those who appreciated the feelings of accomplishment that come from the hard work of taking an animal with a bow. First thing buddy says, "oh. what did he score?". Not a question about the hunt, no comment on the quality of the photograph, no care in the world except numbers. I answered (to the best of my knowledge), and got back a "oh. that's it?, oh well", and then goes on to talk more about his bloody (literally) ram.
Walking away I am thinking, this is the type of attitude that breeds ignorance and perpetuates the anti-hunter sentiments of those who have a jaded view of the lifestyle and sport. Why have antlers become
(for many) the sole means of measuring ones success as a hunter? Now don't get me wrong, I like big antlers, horns, and whatever other means of measuring a trophy animal are out there. But that isn't the only reason I like hunting. The "kill" and the "trophy" have become the sole reason to hunt for some, and has turned many of these into a newer breed of quasi-unethical sportsmen/women. Sure TV is somewhat to blame, who can't help getting hyped after watching a well known TV personality pass up a 175" 6x6 because "we are gonna wait for the big one..." But does that hype and show really need to become the way of the average hunter?
I recently read an article that spoke of a community, where most of the families were involved with hunting in some way or another. There was a healthy spirit of competition, but instead of scoring antlers, they weighed animals. A trophy in their books was a freezer full of meat. We all need to do a little more of this. I am not saying pass up a shot on a monster whitetail because there might happen to be an even more monstrous doe also within range, but don't get down on the guy who is spilling over with excitement over his first doe, or spiker buck, or cow elk. The last thing we need in a sport that is already shed in a bad light by some is dissension from within our ranks. As sportsman we strive to encourage others to embrace the lifestyle and get exposed to a real outdoors experience. And encouragement may come from flattery, interest and genuine kindness when talking about somebodies hunt, especially if it resulted in success. Not success in a record book, but personal success that breeds an addiction to the outdoors, the fuel of our passion for excitement and exploration.
I have to go now my wife is cooking whitetail backstrap....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Trip Plan and Travel Essentials
Things you should know and have when going on any outdoor adventure whether it be little or monumental!
1. Current map of the area and compass, KNOW HOW TO USE THEM!
2. Large orange coloured plastic bag - useful as a emergency shelter, signaling device or rainwear.
3. Flashlight and spare batteries (keep batteries warm in cold weather)
4. EXTRA food and water.
5. EXTRA clothing that is stored in a watertight plastic bag - rain and wind clothes, toque and gloves, sweater and warm pants (not jeans!), and proper footwear.
6. Sun/Insect protection - sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, long sleeved shirt and pants
7. Sturdy pocket knife or multi-tool
8. Candles and/or firestarter (efficient firebuilding in adverse weather MUST be learned before you venture out!)
9. Check weather forecasts and travel concerns prior to departure. When boating always wear a PFD.
10. First aid kit - (training is required to develop skills needed for proper first aid)
11. Whistle, small lightweight ground insulation, projectile-type flares, tarp, space blanket, flagging tape, notebook and pencil.
BE PREPARED and equipped to spend the night outdoors if needed. REMEMBER: unexpected delays, bad weather or injuries can turn any outing into an extended crisis.
Completing a Trip Plan prior to leaving on an outdoor excursion is very important. Leaving the Trip Plan with a responsible person is essential, your life may depend on it. In the event that you do not return from your trip as stated in your trip plan, it will be given to police and search & rescue organizers.
1. Current map of the area and compass, KNOW HOW TO USE THEM!
2. Large orange coloured plastic bag - useful as a emergency shelter, signaling device or rainwear.
3. Flashlight and spare batteries (keep batteries warm in cold weather)
4. EXTRA food and water.
5. EXTRA clothing that is stored in a watertight plastic bag - rain and wind clothes, toque and gloves, sweater and warm pants (not jeans!), and proper footwear.
6. Sun/Insect protection - sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, long sleeved shirt and pants
7. Sturdy pocket knife or multi-tool
8. Candles and/or firestarter (efficient firebuilding in adverse weather MUST be learned before you venture out!)
9. Check weather forecasts and travel concerns prior to departure. When boating always wear a PFD.
10. First aid kit - (training is required to develop skills needed for proper first aid)
11. Whistle, small lightweight ground insulation, projectile-type flares, tarp, space blanket, flagging tape, notebook and pencil.
BE PREPARED and equipped to spend the night outdoors if needed. REMEMBER: unexpected delays, bad weather or injuries can turn any outing into an extended crisis.
Completing a Trip Plan prior to leaving on an outdoor excursion is very important. Leaving the Trip Plan with a responsible person is essential, your life may depend on it. In the event that you do not return from your trip as stated in your trip plan, it will be given to police and search & rescue organizers.
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