http://www.bowhunter.com/feature_articles_bw_1207_09.html

 

Preparing to Travel with Firearms

 

If your intention is to grab your shotgun from the safe and stick it in the case on your way out the door without considering some safety measures in advance, you’re just looking for trouble. Do your homework! Study the requirements and procedures applicable to your trip before you travel so that you are prepared and won’t have any surprises.

If you’re traveling by airline to San Antonio or another destination, that is especially important. Here are some considerations:

• Check the TSA website before you travel to verify your understanding of their requirements. Regulations and requirements change, so don’t assume the policies in place during your last trip still apply.
• Specific airline requirements and procedures vary. Check with your airline before you go to the airport.
• If you’re traveling with shotshells or other ammunition, be aware that it must be packed in an appropriate ammo container. Make sure there is no ammo in your firearm case. Specific airline requirements will vary, so check with your airline before you go to the airport.
• Do not try to place any ammo or parts of your firearm, such as the bolt, scope, or bipod, in your carry-on.
• If you are traveling internationally, do your research before you travel. Know the requirements of your destination country, plus the requirements of any countries that you will be passing through and the requirements of your airlines. Ignorance of the rules will only lead to disappointment and delay.
• Do not decorate your gun cases or vehicles with shooting or firearms-related stickers or decals, i.e. no decals for NSCA, NSSA, ATA, SCI, or a brand of guns or ammo.
• When flying with your firearms, place your gun case in a cardboard shipping container after the required inspections. Carry a small roll of tape in your carry-on for this purpose.
• If you are shipping your guns to San Antonio or elsewhere via FedEx, UPS, or other carrier, be sure to declare it as a firearm and to follow their shipping guidelines.
• Guns should be packed securely in their cases with no room to move around, especially along the length of the gun. If possible, remove bolts and scopes from your firearm and secure them in the case in order to prevent damage. Pack your gun case in a cardboard shipping container, if available.
• Shipping addresses should avoid any reference to guns, firearms, shooting, etc. For example, instead of “National Shooting Complex,” use “NSSA Headquarters.” Or use the name of an individual at the recipient address, or initials or an abbreviation that deletes any reference to firearms.
• Use appropriate cases when shipping or traveling with guns. Cases should be hard-sided, be lockable, and close tightly. Don’t use a $100 case for an expensive gun!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, make sure your guns are insured before you travel. Have you bought a new gun or other equipment? Is your coverage up-to-date? SIAI has provided discounted, worldwide firearms insurance to NSSA and NSCA members since 1991, and we highly recommend their coverage and service. See theSIAI website for more information.

http://www.nssa-nsca.org/index.php/2012/09/protect-your-firearms-while-traveling/

 

NWTF Works to Save Struggling Species

http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/upland_habitat.html
As the late-morning sun beats down on a brushy mesa in Crawford, Colo., a group of 15 citizens and land management professionals set out to tour the site of a landmark project that will help bring back the Gunnison sage grouse.Gunnison Sage Grouse

Photo Credit: Geoff Tischbein, Colorado Division of Wildlife

A Species in Trouble

Only seven small populations of Gunnison sage grouse exist in Colorado, the birds are just one step away from being listed as an endangered species.

In 2010, 15 Gunnison sage grouse were trapped, banded and transferred from Gunnison to a site near Crawford, an area of critical environmental concern. Improvements made to the Bureau of Land Management-owned lands include installing a 4,000-gallon water storage tank, a 25,000-gallon tank with drip lines to provide wet meadow habitat for wildlife and installing devices to deter raptors from perching near the Gunnison sage grouse spring breeding grounds.

 

Dean Brown

By Andy Cameron

Aug 06, 2012 | Discuss

 

Dean Brown, a Bass Pro Shops Pro Staffer and  freelance graphic designer, is, perhaps, reinventing the way we experience the visual media of the sport. His online kayak angling journal, Up Down Bass, has been featured in several outdoor publications, and offers to the kayak angling public a variety of artistic photographs, poetic syntax, and good old fashioned stoke. Dean can often be found searching the North Texas countryside for signs of his favorite pursuit, the largemouth bass.

What first drew you to this style of angling? When was that?

My good friend, Jason, set everything in motion a few years ago. He was catching some really good fish out of his kayak, and eventually, I started to do some research. What I found was this interesting culture of people who spoke their own language, and most importantly, were approaching the sport of angling from an athletic perspective. Something about their ethos resonated with me in a very profound way. I felt connected to them immediately.

Do you remember the first fish that you caught from a kayak?

My rookie launch stands as one of my favorite and most productive outings. From one minute to the next, I could feel myself progressing and gaining an early understanding of this challenging dance. Of course, my clumsiness and inexperience prevented me from completely landing the first fish, so I doubt I will ever forget it. The first official fish came soon after.

 

 

A rarity in the kayak angling world, you are an angler targeting largemouth bass, eschewing tournaments, and having to your name a Pro Staff title. Explain to us, if you can, the etiology of the components of this trilogy, and how it is that you have come to harmonize their individual notes.

I serve as a Fishing Team Lead for Bass Pro Shops, and ultimately, as a Pro Staffer. This, coupled with my design and communication skills, allows me the opportunity to represent the sport in a unique fashion. You don’t necessarily have to be a tournament angler to have a voice.

Here in North Texas, the Largemouth Bass reigns supreme. I have spent most of my life chasing these native predators, and to be perfectly honest, I really don’t know anything else. My involvement with Bass Pro Shops is simply a natural and logical relationship. To say that I am proud to be a part of their efforts would be a massive understatement.

 

 

What food and/or music fuels your drive to the put-in?

I have an iPod port in my car, so I change out my selections on a fairly regular basis. Right now I am listening to John Cougar Mellencamp, Explosions In The Sky, Lucero, and This Will Destroy You. For breakfast and snacks, I like to bring along some trail mix, a banana, and plenty of water.

Who, specifically, is shaping the future of kayak angling?

I am so proud of our global community. Every month it seems like a new part of the world is organizing and voicing their local contribution. The internet, coupled with social media, has made it hard to ignore the kayak angling movement. The water is warm, and all of the amazing possibilities leave me awake at night. Here in North Texas, our scene is really starting to elevate. I can’t cover the entire scope, but I will try my best to word a few of the specifics.

Jim Dolan, of Heroes On The Water, calls North Texas his home. I doubt I need to elaborate on this one. The HOW project continues to grow and flourish, and many of our local anglers are heavily involved.

Josh Neumeyer comes to mind. Josh truly understands the kayak in a scientific manner, and while he has spent several years working for the HOW Project, he now runs the North Texas Kayak Trail. The NTKT just completed its first year, and as far as I can tell, the sky is the limit.

Two of our local anglers, Rob Milam and Shaun Russell, have recently joined the Hobie Fishing Team. In addition to this, they represent one of our most prominent kayak shops, Mariner Sails. Not only are these guys true southern gentlemen, but they are tournament-winning machines. They really work hard to spread the message.

My good friend, Bert Rodriguez, recently launched The Lone Star Chronicles. While this online publication isn’t completely kayak specific, the quality content is difficult to ignore. With the help of his son, Dan Rodriguez, the project is really starting to turn some heads. In fact, Dan takes some of the best kayak-related photographs I have ever seen.

 

 

With regard to kayak angling, what issues are important to you? What, if anything, can be done about them?

I recently taught a kayak angling class for Bass Pro Shops, and in this particular instance, for whatever reason, it dawned on me that I spend more time talking about safety than anything else. The ease and immediacy of our sport contributes, in no small part, to its success and popularity. Unfortunately, it also creates an obvious safety issue. Anyone can buy a kayak and head straight to the lake, so I think it is important for our community to talk about safety as much as possible. For the record, I wear my PFD at all times, with no exceptions. I don’t want my float plan to be the last thing I leave behind.

 

 

Barring money or logistics, what is your dream kayak angling trip?

The Canadian wilderness has always captured my imagination. There are thousands of small lakes that cover this mountainous and rugged land, and a majority of them are completely inaccessible. Like most anglers, I DVR all of the fishing shows. A few weeks ago, I saw Babe Winkelman strap a few canoes to the pontoon section of a floatplane. I think it’s fairly obvious where I am heading with this.

 

 

What’s in your milk crate?

I swapped out my milk crate for a standing Kelty backpack with removable tackle boxes. In fact, I actually use my backpack as a small tripod for photographs. As far as tackle goes, you can always expect to find Grande Bass Rattlesnakes, Berkley Chigger Craws, Bass Team Tackle Texas Rig-Jigs, and Buzzbaits in my assortment. One of my favorite tools, and a tool that every kayak angler should own, is a pair of fish grips. The last thing you want is a fish flopping around in your lap, especially if it has a mouth full of treble hooks.

Tell us about your best day on the water.

One thing that all kayak anglers tend to agree on is that our sport involves a total experience. The idea of the total experience absolutely fascinates me, and in this light, it’s hard to imagine a bad day on the water. You may not be locked into a solid and productive pattern, but you will most definitely be in the moment: breathing fresh air, listening to the rhythms, and getting some pure exercise.

 

 

Your photographs truly evoke a sense of place; when viewing your sometimes granular and muted imagery, one cannot help but feel the still and warm Texas air upon one’s face. There is also a certain aura of hipness and freshness to your work, and, as such, it is not hard to imagine your name being cited as one who swung the sport’s imagery toward the artsier side of the scale. To what do you attribute your unique stylistic approach to kayak angling-themed photography?

Well, first of all, thank you for your kind words. My design work is often systematic. I approach every project from a mathematical standpoint, using a rigid set of guidelines to ensure an appropriate and unbiased final solution. In contrast, my photography work for Up Down Bass is very personal and organic. I don’t hold anything back, and I try to create a space where I can freely express myself. Perhaps my love of the sport shows up in the photography, as cheesy as that may sound.

Technically, I make good use of a few basic design principles. Most importantly, I utilize a grid system. The grid system makes it possible for me to tell a literal story and a purely visual story at the same time. My photographs, on their own, aren’t particularly strong, in my opinion. However, when they are arranged in a calculated manner, they sing. The visual elements, such as balance and direction, support the literal story and the overall composition.

 

 

What is the kayak fishing lifestyle?

Again, I think it involves the idea of a total experience. Exploration, adventure, physicality, sport, competition, solitude, exercise, and angling are all equal components.

Tell us a story, any story.

My Grandfather believed wholeheartedly in the purple worm. In fact, I can still see the look on his face when I would tie something else to the end of my line. “Boy, you ain’t gonna catch a thing on that monstrosity.” For the most part, he was right. I have successfully expanded my lure selection, but I constantly go back to this staple. It’s a soothing reminder of a very important piece of my life. I am very lucky to have come from a long line of avid anglers.

 

 

The visual aesthetics of your blog speak of your self-proclaimed minimalistic philosophy of design. You have, however, admitted to extending this alignment to include your approach to kayak angling. Explain to us how minimalism has affected your relationship with the sport.

When I was in design school, as you can imagine, we spent most of our time studying theory. I will never forget the first time that everything clicked – that special moment when I realized that design is much more than making cool graphics on a computer. We were looking at some images, and I asked my professor how I should go about recreating a particular shape. My professor responded, “You are asking the wrong question.” She went on to explain that it is always more important to ask why than how. You can easily add a bunch of entertaining shapes to a composition, but they are absolutely irrelevant if they aren’t objective and appropriate. It wasn’t long before I started applying this same thought process to my life, and I realized that most of the “stuff” that I surround myself with is utterly useless. I want my belongings to work for me, not the other way around. In a kayak, this theory rings very true. As such, I focus on efficiency and versatility. At some point your tools start working against you, regardless of your hobby or profession. It’s very important to be conscious of this dilemma.

 

 

What does the future hold for you?

Many graphic designers dabble in screen printing, and my story is certainly no different. The hobby eventually spawned a respectable home printing studio, and it was only a matter of time before I started thinking about using these skills in a professional context. Having said that, I am excited to announce that I will be starting a kayak-themed clothing brand. My early efforts will focus on shirts and a few accessories, and you can expect to see some high-end pieces that seamlessly tie into the ethos of our sport. The project is still in its early stages, and I will be sure to let you guys know when I am ready to launch.

Apart from the clothing label, I am really looking forward to teaching some more kayak angling clinics for Bass Pro Shops. In fact, I am in the early stages of planning an event that will go above and beyond anything we have ever done before. The clinic will feature several of our top local kayak anglers, and we will be utilizing the small pond at the Grapevine BPS location. From an event perspective, the pond is absolutely perfect. The spectators can stand or sit on the small bridge stretching across the water, while the anglers meet them face to face from the seats of their kayaks. Very exciting.

 

 

The deer is the most sought after game animal in North America, and its popularity is ever increasing. The reason for this popularity is because of the vast populations and the somewhat easiness of the hunt. It is practiced by all sorts of hunters, starting with youngsters and ending with the expert experienced hunters that have been around for ages and know all the tips and tricks of this activity.Deer hunting is a sport that requires all the basic necessities as any other hunting kind: patience, preparation and strategy, but at the same time, a higher determination level because the results often appear long after you would expect.

 

Deer Hunting Guns

The first issue that must come in our minds when choosing a gun for deer hunting is what the gun will look like. Bolt action is considered by many as the best solution, while others use on a regular basis pumps, semi-auto loaders and levers.

Deer hunting with gun is done usually less than 100 yards but there are areas where shots are taken from 200 yards and beyond. When browsing the selection of deer hunting guns, the barrel length is something to be taken seriously into consideration.

 

Deer Hunting Rifles

A shorter barrel for deer rifles will be more maneuverable and will result in a quicker shot in heavy brush at running game. These barrels are also lighter, very good for steep country. The disadvantages are loss in stability and velocity. Our users have come to the conclusion that the best all-around model of a deer hunting rifle would have to be the following: Winchester M94, Marlin 336, Savage Model 110, Winchester Model 70 and the Browning A-Bolt.

 

Deer Hunting Shotguns

For those of you interested in deer hunting with shotgun, the choice of barrel is very important. The accuracy of rifled barrels and saboted ammunition is incredible, but many smoothbores still prove very efficient in many various circumstances. Many experienced hunters have killed more deer with a 12 gauge smoothbore than most guys take with rifles. As always, it is where you put the slug that counts. A deer hunting shotgun must be light weight and offer enough power to take down the animal. Our  trusted users recommend the following deer shotguns: Mossberg’s 930 Slugster, Lightfield’s Hybred, Beretta 391, Mossberg 935 and Winchester Super X2.

 

Deer Hunting Scopes

Regarding the deer hunting scopes used, there is a lot to consider. Magnification should be 3x-9x, more than enough for deer. Brands to take into consideration would have to be Sightron (the most affordable) and Leupolds (the most expensive). It is recommend to acquire models that have a matte finish so that they will not shine when going into the woods. When it comes to choosing a crosshair or reticle (that is what you will actually see - usually a cross - when you look through the scope), it is quite hard to beat the tried-and-true cross with lines that are thicker towards the outer ends of the "hairs" and thinner in the center, where they cross. Different manufacturers call them by different names, but usually they will be named "plex" or some variation thereof. From the long list of available scopes suitable for deer rifle, visitors of the site recommended the following 5: Leupold 2.5-8x Vari-X III, 7mm-08 Leupold VX III 1.75-6, 270 WSM Nikon 3-9, Nightforce NXS and the BSA Huntsman RGB.

 

The topic of best rifle for deer hunting has been discussed for a thousand times and hunters have come up with a thousand answers. There is no such thing as the best deer hunting gun, but of course some are them are more recommended in comparison with others. However, from all of the options available today, it is worth mentioning that the Marlin Model 336C is without any doubt, the most reliable and popular deer rifle of all times. With its 20” barrel and full length magazine, it is capable of targeting fast and swing quite smoothly. This astonishing famous lever action carbine offers a rock solid top receiver for strength and easy scope mounting, forged steel parts, and a checkered, pistol grip stock made from genuine American black walnut. When you heft a Model 336 and cycle the action you can feel the quality. For these reasons many avid hunters consider it to be one of the best, if not the best deer hunting rifle available today.

 

As a conclusion, the development of deer hunting guns has come a long way and the variations today are quite impressive. Here are other reliable examples of efficient deer guns: Browning A-Bolt II Medallion, Remington Model 798 and the Remington Model Seven CDL/LS. Guns are now very accurate, lightweight and efficient, exactly what an avid deer hunter needs.

 

Outdoors Essentials of Adults!!

Friday, May 18

• 6 pm Hiking Basics Learn about the best equipment to use for a successful hike
•  7 pm Campfire Cooking Discover a new way to prepare tasty, over the fire meals
• 8 pm Kayaks & Canoes Receive tips on selecting the best kayak or canoe for float trips

Saturday, May 19

• 1 pm Life Jackets Learn about proper life jacket fit and how to choose the best one for your needs
• 2 pm Inflatable Life Jackets see how they work
• 3 pm Camping Essentials Learn about the best equipment for beginners
• 4 pm GPS Tips & Techniques Bring your GPS for hands-on advice
• 5 pm Backpacking Discover the latest features & benefits of backpacking equipment

Sunday, May 20

• 1 pm Dutch Oven Cooking Learn the tips & techniques of this delicious cooking method
• 2 pm Inflatable Life Jackets See how they work
• 3 pm Tent Set-up Learn about tent set-up and the importance of choosing the proper tent
• 4 pm Smoker Tips & Techniques Learn the tips & techniques of smoker selection, food preparation, and cooking

 

Memorial Day Weekend! May 26 & 27

Free Summer Kickoff Challenge! 11AM - 4PM

• Tent Set-up
• Sleeping Bag Race
• Metal Detector Treasure Hunt

Plus FREE Photo Downloads, Crafts & Coloring!!!

 For more information find us at  Bass Pro Shops - Grapevine on Facebook

 

What’s not to like about Bass Pro Shop? They have anything and everything related to the great outdoors that you’d ever want. Plus they bring the great outdoors indoors with their ponds, waterfalls, fish, and animals scattered throughout the store!

 

I met with John McLaughlin, the General Manager, and it was immediately apparent to me that he really cares about his customers and employees. Throughout the interview John would refer to his employees in the hunting department as guidance counselors, and I’d have to say he’s so right! While watching the employees interact with store customers, there was not even a twinge of impatience on the “counselors” faces as they answered question after question from inquisitive customers. Actually, you see nothing but a sea of smiles in the hunting department and that sea reaches quickly and effortlessly from corner to corner of the store as you stroll down each aisle taking in everything Bass Pro has to offer. That type of positivity and cohesion is a direct result and testament to John’s great leadership. He actively seeks input concerning his sprawling store and implored me to pass along any feedback I receive from this post. He was especially interested in hearing any bad comments, which I doubt we’ll get, so he could make Bass Pro even better!

For 13 years, Bass Pro Grapevine has been a family friendly environment with places for kids to hang out and play throughout the store as well as equipment, apparel, and accessories for the entire family. If you’re looking for a fun way to get your kids playing outdoors bring them in on Saturdays to meet Aunt Mikki. Every weekend Aunt Mikki takes kiddos out to the pond and they go fishin’ off the dock.

 

Bass Pro does a lot to promote firearms education. In fact, Miss Pistol will be exhibiting at the upcoming “Set Your Sights” event May 4th-6th. The event goes from 6pm Friday until 5pm Sunday and is geared toward introduction and education of firearms and related topics. Here are a few seminars that will be happening throughout the event:
-Guns and Accessories for your Modern Sporting Rifle Project
-Concealed Carry-laws, permits, and equipment
-Reloading Basics
-What is CHL

It’s hard not to be attracted to a store that has literally everything you could ever need for any outdoor venture that suits your fancy, and a wonderful and friendly staff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer is approaching us fast and with it comes outdoor fun with family and friends. One of our favorite outdoor activities is to have a fish fry. Bass Pro Shops has all the ingredients you will need to have an amazing time.

Choosing the right fish batter to use is one of the harder decisions to make, at Bass Pro Shops we have a variety of batters to choice ranging from Mild to Hot & Spicy. The Uncle Buck's Original Fish Batter is a popular style. It has a classic taste with a little extra kick! Uncle Buck's Original Fish Batter Mix brings a little spice and another layer of flavor to your favorite fish. You'll find instructions on the label for baking, deep frying, and pan frying methods. Try this mix on french fries or vegetables to liven up an ordinary side dish! Only $3.99 for a 19 oz re-sealable container.

One important item is the Better Breader. The Better Breader is easy to use, now you can bread or batter the entire fryer-load at once, quickly and cleanly, with just a shake of the pan with the Bass Pro Shops® Better Breader Pan. This handy breading tool features a removable sifter that keep the food being breaded out of the dry mix to keep it from clumping up. This separation helps ensure a perfect, even coating for fish, chops, chicken, onion rings, corn dogs or vegetables. This dishwasher friendly item is priced at only $14.99.

The Masterbuilt Electric Fish Fryer is an easy to use fryer that even a first time user will have no trouble. Plug it in, fill it up, and start frying! Countertop-safe design makes frying easy with an extra-large basket, one-gallon oil capacity, and a powerful 1,650-watt electric element with a breakaway magnetic power cord. The digital timer helps you cook your batch of fish, fries, chicken, and more for just the right length of time, and the adjustable thermostat maxes out at 375ºF to prevent the possibility of overheating. Basket features a detachable handle for easy storage. Priced only at $99.99.

 Come into Bass Pro Shops and visit with our camping associates they will find the right fit for your summer cook-out needs.

Elizabeth Brown

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Grapevine, Texas

 

 

 

 

There is a new and exciting item to the Bass Pro Shops footwear world, SKELE-TOES by FILA.

Whether kayaking down a river, hiking through the great outdoors, or enjoying a day at the lake Skele-toes is great for all types of outdoor activities. It combines the comfort and benefits of Skele-toes' individual toe slot design with a shoe that's not afraid to get wet. Skele-Toes are lightweight and very flexible.They features individual toe slots with combined two smallest toes, a integrated heel pull tabs and EZ slide 4-way stretch/2-ply nylon upper with bungee cord lacing and hook'n'loop straps for a custom fit.

Skele-Toes comes in Men's and Women's style's with a variety of colors pink, blue, black and camo. Whole size's only Women 5 - 12 Men 7 - 14. Price range from $59.99 to $49.99.

Also stay comfortable while wearing your Skele-Toes shoes with the Fila Skele-Toes No Show Socks for Men and Women. Sporting a five toe design that aligns the toes for improved posture/balance, this sock helps prevent friction and blistering while you enjoy the natural feel of barefoot running shoes. Sock features Fila's QWICK-DRY moisture management to draw perspiration away from the skin and keep your foot dry and comfortable. The built-in mesh ventilation panel allows moisture and heat to escape to help keep your feet cool and dry. Priced at only $9.99.

Find these items at http://www.basspro.com and in our store. 

 

Elizabeth Brown

Bass Pro Shops

Grapevine, TX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan your visit to join us for the FREE Need-To-Know Seminars!

• $25 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card Drawing at Each Seminar!
• FREE Gun lock to the first 50 Customers to attend seminars Saturday, May 5!
• Register For a Chance to WIN a Remington 700 ADL or OtisTechnology Elite Gun Cleaning System!

 

 

Friday, May 4

 

• 6 pm Guns and Accessories for Your Modern Sporting Rifle Project
• 7 pm Conceal-Carry. A descussion of laws, permits, and equipment.
• 8 pm Reloading Basics. Why Should You Reload? Learn about selecting equipment, proper reloading techniques, and tips and tricks to ensrure success

Saturday, May 5

 

• 1pm Guns and Accessories for Your Modern Sporting Rifle Project
• 2pm Conceal-Carry. A descussion of laws, permits, and equipment.
• 3pm Reloading Basics. Why Should You Reload? Learn about selecting equipment, proper reloading techniques, and tips and tricks to ensrure success
• 4pm What is CCW? Learn what you should expect from a Conceal and Carry Weapons class, what it costs, who is eligible to get a CCW permit, and how to sign up for a class.

Sunday, May 6

 

• 1pm Guns and Accessories for Your Modern Sporting Rifle Project
• 2pm Conceal-Carry. A descussion of laws, permits, and equipment.
• 3pm Reloading Basics. Why Should You Reload? Learn about selecting equipment, proper reloading techniques, and tips and tricks to ensrure success
• 4pm What is CCW? Learn what you should expect from a Conceal and Carry Weapons class, what it costs, who is eligible to get a CCW permit, and how to sign up for a class.

 

 

 

 

Hello Everyone,

It's Tournament Time!!  The time of year for which every Tournament Angler lives.  We're busy reading all the outdoor ads to pick up on the latest Lures and Tactics we can add to our arsenal.  We're also going over in our mind what maintenance we need to do on our Bass Rig or planning to get the new Electronics we got for Christmas installed.  These are big issues and do require some thought but let's not forget about some of the other issues that can be just as important.  Regular maintenance is critical to the life we can expect from our equipment.  The better we are at maintaining our equipment, the longer it should last us.  With this in mind, I've divided things up into 4 categories: tow vehicle, boat trailer, boat and engine.

Tow Vehicle -

Since my tow vehicle is my primary vehicle, I know that my registration and inspection is current and that I have good tread on my tires - including my spare tire.  Some things to consider that may not be checked regularly are:

• the condition of your brakes,
• the condition of the serpentine belt on your engine,
• is your wiring receptacle still in good condition?...no breaks in wiring, wires pulled out or a worn/smashed connector,
• how about spare fuses,
• is the tow-bar bolted securely to the frame? (sometimes these can loosen over time if a thread-locker is not used)
• is the hitch ball in good condition and secure?
• is the engine starting battery in good condition?
• when was the last time you changed your transmission fluid? flushed your radiator coolant?
• are all lights working properly?

Walk around your vehicle and give it a good inspection.  This is a good habit to develop and should be done regularly, even if you're not headed to a tournament.

Boat Trailer -

The easiest way to check your trailer is to start at the rear passenger side(the Port Side), move to the front (the tongue) and finish at the rear driver side(the Starboard Side):

• in what condition is the trailer wiring harness?
• is the hitch-ball latch functioning properly?
• do you have the required safety chains or cables?
• if equipped with hydraulic brakes, is the fluid reservoir full?
• and don't forget the brake pads or shoes...
• what about the winch and strap?
• are all the lights working? any reflectors missing?
• is there good tread on the tires? including the spare tire?
• when was the last time the wheel bearings were removed & packed with grease?
• if you have oil-bath hubs, make sure they are full of fresh oil and not leaking.
• is your license plate secure and is the registration current?
• are the bunk boards & guides secure?  any missing screws?
• check the guide-on roller(s) for wear...

Take a minute to walk around the trailer and look for any loose step-plates or fenders.  We should also look for any sign of zebra mussels or giant salvinia.  These organisms are invasive species and are very destructive to our environment.  The more we can do to control these organisms will help preserve our fishing and wildlife habitats for future generations.

 

The Boat -

Once again the easiest way to check your boat is start at the rear (the Aft) and move to the front (the Bow):

• Check the fuel and oil fill caps...are they secure and not loose?
• Are the batteries accepting a charge?  are the terminal connections clean and free of corrosion? (I carry battery cables on my boat for emergencies)
• are the hatch-lid gas-shocks weak? (nothing hurts worse than having a hatch door fall on your head because of a weak shock)
• is the wiring to the trolling motor in good condition?
• if your trolling motor is not digital, what is the condition of the steering cables? the worm gear?
• is the trolling motor prop in good condition?  do you have a spare?  is there fishing line wrapped around the prop-shaft?
• is the bow eye in good condition? solid and not bent or loose?
• is the bow light in working condition? both green/red lights?
• are all cleats solid? how about rails and handles, are they solid?
• on the dash, are all guages working properly?
• are any switches broken or in need of replacement?
• is there any slack in the steering? is the system rack/pinion or hydraulic?
• check the adjustment in the throttle/shifter linkage for slack? (don't forget the hotfoot)
• do you have enough oil in the reservoir? extra oil? enough fuel? (and additives for fuel treatment)
• are you compliant with all Coast Guard regulations?

The Engine -Unless you are a Certified Marine Technician, I would not recommend tackling this section as a "Do-it-Yourself" project.  I would definitey pay for the services of a qualified technician to perform everything but the first two items on the following list:

• remove the prop and check for fishing line.
• grease all zerts and apply 2-4-C lube to the steering rod.
• when was the water pump impeller last changed?
• when was the lower unit lube changed?
• what is the condition of the hub inside your prop?
• how is the tilt/trim pump functioning? is the fluid level correct?
• if you have shallow water anchors, are they functioning properly? (www.power-pole.com/, minnkotamotors.com/products/shallow_water_anchor/talon.aspx)

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of things to check but something to get you thinking and try to prepare for what could happen.  Nothing takes the place of regular inspections and maintenance of your rig and even with regular maintenance, things sometimes can and do go wrong.  The thought process here is to be pro-active and prevent them from happening at all.

Best of luck to all of you this season.  Be safe, be ethical and be a conservationist.

Michael Lawson
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Grapevine, Texas

Hello Everyone,

This week I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the field with a couple of my good friends that I have not seen in some time.  I've hunted Ducks, Geese, Deer and now Hogs with Kevin McCullough (www.downwindguideservice.com) and fished for Stripers, Hybrids and White Bass with Omar Cotter (www.luckotheirish.net) but never on the same trip.  This one day trip to a new place close to Jacksboro, Texas, was a lot of fun for all of us.  Kevin is guiding Day Hunts for a place named Wimberly Ranch in Perrin, Texas.  So, we all meet at the local convenience store at 5 am and follow Kevin to the Ranch.

I have driven by this place at least a dozen times over the years but never before been on the Ranch.  This place is huge - 4,000 acres of ponds, mesquite trees, prickly pear cactus, wild grass - and game.  We saw several Gadwall and Pintail ducks on one of the ponds.  There were also a few lesser Canadian Geese, Speckle Belly's and one very nice Canvasback.  We were not interested in hunting them today, though.  We were looking for extended season Does and Spike Bucks to cull from the Land Owner's herd or  - Hogs!  Now, this was the first time I've hunted hogs with a bow and I wasn't sure if I'd even get a chance but I was excited about the opportunity.

I saw 3 nice deer that morning but none of them presented a clean, ethical shot, so I gladly passed on them.  About 9:30 am, Kevin drove to my location, I loaded up and we went to get Omar.  After loading him up, we went to check on a new feeder and Tree Bow stand that had just been put up a few days before.  Kevin said, "Get your bow Mike, we may see some hogs."  All of sudden, I felt a little shot of adrenaline...and my excitement began.  As we approached the feeder, there was obvious hog activity in the area as the ground was completely disturbed by the rooting of the hogs.

As Kevin was checking the game camera, I saw a boar hog about 50 yards away and pointed him out to the guys.  Kevin said, "Well, go get him".  Once again, I've never done this before but it was very exciting.  I'm doing my best to sneak up on this 120 lb. black boar hog as he is rooting around some trees.  As I'm easing closer and closer, he keeps moving a little at a time - 40 yards, then 30 yards, then 25.  At this point, I'm standing just behind a couple trees and I can see this pig that I hope is soon to be filling my freezer.  I'm still amazed that he has not detected me.  Now, I'm about 20 yards from the critter and getting ready to draw my first shot at any wild animal with my Redhead Bow (www.basspro.com/Archery-Bows-Bows/_/N-1z11cvj).  As I begin the draw, I have to focus and tell myself - CALM DOWN, LAWSON!!  IT'S JUST A BIG, BLACK WILD BOAR HOG!!  A HOG WITH 2" CUTTERS...that probably runs faster than you ever thought about...the only consolation was that I knew I didn't have to be faster than the hog, just faster than Kevin and Omar.

I draw the arrow and get the pig in my peep sight and at that moment, the pig raises his head, snorts loudly and high-tails it away from me.  You see, as I'm focusing on stealth and quietness, the wind changes.  This hog catches wind of my scent, looks in my direction and immediately runs in the opposite direction...toward the rest of the pack...man were there a lot of hogs!!

I failed to get a shot at this hog but I can tell you - this was the most fun I've had on a hunt in long time.  The opportunity to stalk a wild boar hog and get within 20 yards of him was extremely exhilarating.  As I walked back to Omar and Kevin, I was shaking a little from the adrenaline, both of them asking me "What happened, Lawson?  Can't you even sneak up on a dumb ole' pig?" laughing all the while.

After hunting again that evening for deer, we met back at the barn before heading home and all agreed - we have got to do this again next year...but I don't think I'll wait until next year.  Kevin told me that they will start up hog hunts again in February and I'm already on the list to try this again.  I'm sure our next adventure will yield as much fun but hopefully, with more success.

Although I was unsuccessful in harvesting that wild boar, I consider myself blessed and fortunate to have spent the day with my good friends Kevin and Omar.  Take time out from your daily grind and call a couple good friends to enjoy the day outdoors fishing, hunting or just hiking and exploring.  You won't regret a day outdoors with good friends.  Thanks guys.

Next topic will be about Getting your Bass rig Tournament Ready, as the 2012 Tournament season is about to get under way.

All the best to everyone,

Michael Lawson
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Grapevine, Texas

Happy New Year, Everyone!!  Guess What?  It's Boat Show Time!

It may be Winter but it's the time of year when most boat manufacturers schedule events to showcase their products.  The DFW Metroplex is well represented with Bass Boat brands like NITRO (www.nitroboats.com), Skeeter (www.skeeterboats.com), Ranger (www.rangerboats.com), Stratos (www.stratosboats.com) and Bass Cat (www.basscat.com).  If your in the market to purchase a new Bass Boat, make sure you're in good health before you look at the sticker price on many of these.  You know, it's a lot like shopping for a new truck or car.  Every manufacturer builds base models with standard equipment and then provide you a list of options (or upgrades) you can select to fit your personal preferences.  You look at the list, add what you want, take away what you don't want and end up with a selection.  Then you look to see how your changes have affected the price you're going to pay.

So, I thought I'd try the "build a boat" feature you see on some of the boat manufacturer websites, just to get an idea of what a boat equipped with my preferences might cost.  Now, I didn't try to add every option out there but I did add equipment that I would want if I were purchasing a new boat.  As I began to put together the boat, I noticed one critical piece of information was missing - PRICING!!  I tried another manufacturer and again, pricing was not available.  This was not helping at all!  I wanted to know what it was going to cost me.  With these programs, I could easily put together a boat, print out the selections I made and take it to a dealer, only to find out I had created a boat that only Donald Trump could afford...and I'm in no position to be spending Mr. Trumps money.

Then I went to the Nitro Boat website - www.nitroboats.com. In this build a boat program, I could see everything - including pricing.  This tool allowed me to add optional equipment, delete some equipment that didn't interest me and kept a running total of all the adjustments I made to my boat.  At the end, I was able to see a list of all my selections, including the price changes.  I could even print out the boat I had just created that included all my custom colors and options (including the Lowrance HDS-10 & HDS-8 w/ Structure Scan (www.lowrance.com) and the upgraded Mercury 225 Optimax Pro XS with Torque Master (www.mercurymarine.com).  So I did, I printed that bad boy out.  Now, because I had just created this boat, I knew there would not be one with this color selection and equipment in stock anywhere but just for fun, I went and asked my Tracker Sales associate if he had this boat.  He said, "I'm sorry, sir, I don't have this particular boat in stock.  Would you allow me to place the order for you?"  I asked him what additional charges and fees would I have to pay for him to order this Bass Assault Vehicle I had just created, to which he replied, "There are no hidden costs with a Bass Pro Shops boat."  I thought this was just incredible!  I could actually design and build my boat, print out a detailed listing of all my equipment and take this to my local Bass Pro Shop and order it.  Best of all, I knew exactly how much this rig was going to cost me before I ever left the comfort of my house.

If you're in the market to purchase a Bass Boat, Family Fish and Ski Boat or Pontoon Boat this year, you owe it to yourself to visit the Tracker Boats website dallas.trackerboatcenter.com.

Here you'll find links to all the Boat Brands Bass Pro Shops carries and YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN BOAT AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT WILL COST YOU.  Once you've created the boat of your dreams, print it out and bring it with you to your nearest Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Tracker Boat Sales Consultant to experience unparalleled customer service.  Remember, your adventure starts here.

Michael Lawson
Bass Pro Shops
Tracker Marine Boat Center
Grapevine, Texas

Larry Beerer
Lead Sales Consultant
Bass Pro Shops
Tracker Marine Boat Center
Grapevine, Texas

Hello once again everyone. 

Recently, I accepted an opportunity in our Bass Pro Shops Tracker Service Center and let me tell you, I am extremely pumped about this opportunity to serve our customers.

In this post, I'm writing about something I knew about because I own a boat and fish every chance I get.  Many of us, boat owners, that have owned a boat for at least a few years are familiar with the acronym associated with "BOAT" - Break Out Another Thousand".  Today, I have a good example of how managing the little things can prevent them from building on one another when they go wrong and eventually make a mountain out of a mole-hill, or a $1,000 expense rather than a $100 expense.

We all burn fuel in our Outboard engines and this fuel can contain anywhere from 3 to 10 percent Ethanol and this Ethanol is having adverse affects on our fuel lines.  If you do not have an Ethanol resistant fuel line that runs from your tank to your engine, you have a potential problem on your hands.

In the photo at left, this is where the problem begins.  Notice how the inner lining of the fuel line is separating from the outer part of the line.  This inner lining becomes hardened by the Ethanol and begins to break up into small pieces over time.  At this point, we are our own worst enemy because as these smaller pieces begin to accumulate, we pump them into our engine when we prime the fuel using the primer bulb sending the tiny pieces into the fuel filter.


Once your fuel filter begins collecting the tiny pieces, it will not take long for you to notice the difference in your engine's performance.  It will sputter and idle rough.  This is because the pieces are hindering the flow of fuel to the engine.  These two parts of the fuel system are relatively minor in expense to repair.  You can purchase the fuel line and filter from your local Bass Pro Shop Marine Accessories  Department or Tracker Service Parts Department and install them yourself.  If caught early enough and replaced, this may be all you need to do to remedy the issue and prevent additional expenses.  If you have neglected to listen to your engine, you may be in need of the services of a professional technician.

This photo shows a Fuel pump littered with tiny pieces of inner lining from a non-Ethanol resistant fuel line.  In this case, the tiny pieces will continue to break up into smaller and smaller pieces until they eventually pass through the pump into either the filter or carburetor.  This will cause serious performance issues with your engine and increased service costs.  In this case, the fuel pump was removed, cleaned, a new diaphragm was installed and the pump put back on the engine.  Fortunately, it was not necessary to rebuild the carburetors.

Even with the expense of the fuel pump rebuild, replacing the fuel filter and replacing the fuel line, these costs were much more tolerable than what could have been incurred.

Please note, I am not an engine technician nor an expert in engine maintenance.  I only know what I've learned from my own experiences as a boat owner.  And believe me, I would much rather replace the fuel line and fuel filter annually than suffer the expense of a carburetor and fuel pump rebuild.  Besides, the less money I spend on engine maintenance, the more money I have for worms and crankbaits.

Until next time,

Michael Lawson
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Grapevine, Texas

Hello again friends!  Today's piece is titled Kids and Fishing.

One of the bonuses about being an associate of Bass Pro Shops is the opportunity to network and establish relationships with like-minded individuals - people who genuinely love to fish.  I have found that these same people also love to pass on their experiences and knowledge of the outdoors and fishing to kids - and you KNOW Bass Pro loves kids!  That's why we have kid-fish events. 

In my particular case, I have had the opportunity to help with our Kid-fish events and it is truly a rewarding activity...for the kids who successfully catch a fish but for me, as well, as I get to see first hand the excitement and joy with each kid.  I've also enjoyed the good fortune of being involved with helping a group of special needs children and students with disabilities go fishing at a local pond in Denton, Texas.  In each of the past 5 years, it has been my honor to help this group of kids go fishing.  The first year included only about 30-40 kids on a Saturday morning from about 9 am-2pm.  The kids used equipment and tackle donated by our Bass Pro Shops store in Grapevine.  After each kid had tasted the success of catching a fish, (yes, bass and bluegill alike succumbed to our tasty offerings of worms and hooks), we had a hot dog lunch and then a brief but special presentation of an Angler Certificate to each kid who caught a fish.  Now, 5 years later, the program has grown to 5 fishing dates with 30+ kids at each event.  Remember, these are special needs kids...and each one of them loves fishing just as much as any individual without the challenges they face every day.  In fact, seeing the level of excitement of these kids when they catch a fish is...well, as they say, PRICELESS.

Thank You! to my good friends Linda and Helen for getting me "plugged-in"!

Til next time - catch one for me - Michael Lawson

Hello Everyone,

This is a new process for me - blogging - so please be patient...I promise to become more proficient at this new means of communication.

I can honestly say, I have the Best job in the World!!  I am thrilled to work for Bass Pro Shops.  And I'm extremely happy to be at work today.  A friend and I decided to fish on Tuesday, even though the winds were strong and conditions not the best.  We felt we needed (well, really we wanted) a fresh fish dinner and the best way to have one is to catch it yourself - not go purchase it from a local grocer.  Besides, we'd have missed getting soaked and testing the bilge pumps and flotability of my old Hawk Bass boat...and who would want to miss all that fun?

That is why I titled this piece "Boating Safety".  Even though we are experienced boaters and we understand "windy conditions", it is critical we keep a calm head, have a back up plan, just in case things don't go as expected, and be conscious of our surroundings because conditions are continuously changing - especially this time of year here in Texas.  Just a few weeks earlier, I had checked the bilge and recirculating pumps and replaced two because of poor performance.  I had also replaced all the batteries so I knew they were good for a tough day on the water.  A throwable cushion was on board along with the anchor and paddle if necessary.  And most importantly, we had our Life Vests!

You can never be too safe - especially on the water.

By the way, we did have our fresh fish dinner Tuesday night - in spite of the rough and tough day on the water.  And the Hawk handled extremely well in 3-5 foot rollers on the lake.

Till next time - Michael Lawson