Monday, July 30, 2012

WPA Wounded Warrior shoot

I thought I would post my index card targets in case you are not familiar with a Ham and Bacon shoot.  These are from the www.wpawoundedwarrior.org  shoot this past Sunday. 

I came close on target number one (closest to the X) but only put 3 bb's in the circle for shoot number two (most bb's in the circle).  I didn't win any ham or bacon but had so much fun supporting a great cause.  Not to bad shooting for 30 yards either...

Saturday, July 28, 2012

A History of The Wild Turkey in Pa

Taken from http://sewickley.patch.com/articles/seen-any-wild-turkeys-in-the-sewickley-area-lately#photo-10760646

The wild turkey at one point almost suffered a fate similar to that of the passenger pigeon, the once-common North American bird that was hunted to extinction by the early 20th century.

Fortunately, turkeys have made a substantial comeback, thanks in no small part to efforts by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.



Here is a timetable of the wild turkey's history in Pennsylvania, adapted from A Look Back by Joe Kosack, wildlife education specialist for the agency.
  • Pre-1683 – The wild turkey's range covers most of Pennsylvania and much of the eastern United States. Along with passenger pigeons, they are a relatively dependable, tasty food source for Native Americans.
  • 1683 – William Penn mentions hunting turkey in a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, a reference that signals the bird's decline with the coming of European settlers, who are unrelenting in their forays afield for game.
  • Circa 1780 – Benjamin Franklin proposes the turkey as the United States' national symbol, but the bald eagle ultimately assumes the role.
  • Early 1800s – John Audubon observes that turkeys are noticeably in trouble: "They are becoming less numerous in every portion of the United States, even in those parts where they were very abundant 30 years ago."
  • 1888 – Ornithologist B. H. Warren writes in his book The Birds of Pennsylvania, "This noble game bird, although rapidly becoming extirpated (exterminated), is still found in small numbers in the wooded, thinly populated and uncultivated districts of this Commonwealth."
  • 1900 – It is presumed that only a few thousand wild turkeys remain in the state. Not even tracks are easy to find.
  • 1913 – Gov. John K. Tener signs legislation closing the statewide turkey hunting season in 1914 and 1915. Another closure follows in 1926.
  • 1929 – Game Commissioner Ross Leffler announces the agency will establish the world's first wild turkey propagation farm. The following year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission purchases 938 acres of contiguous farm and forested land in Lack Township, Juniata County.
  • 1930s – The game commission begins to target land acquisitions that are beneficial to wild turkeys.
  • 1945 – The turkey propagation farm is moved to Lycoming County.
  • 1954 – Pennsylvania holds its first statewide wild turkey season in decades.
  • Late 1950s – The game commission begins to trap and transfer wild turkeys as a way to accelerate range expansion into areas where they have not yet re-established themselves.
  • 1968 – The game commission estimates the state has a minimum fall population of 60,000 turkeys and overwintering flock of 30,000. It occupies about 13,000 of the state's 25,000 square miles.
  • 1980 – The success of Pennsylvania's wild turkey trap-and-transfer program spells the end for the agency's turkey farm, which stops propagation in October.
  • 1987 – Trap-and-transfer work concludes, paving the way for the self-sustaining wild turkey populations that now occupy most suitable habitat in the state.
  • 2000 – The wild turkey population is estimated at more than 400,000 birds, a far cry from the few thousand estimated to be found in the state a century before.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Bear Hunting

Apparently I have been doing it wrong..... I should be going to the Pittsburgh Mills Mall where the Krispy Kreme smell has been bringing in local black bears.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Get the Stick

No CWD in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was not found in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state's 2011 hunting season, according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.

In 2011, 3,766 samples from hunter-killed deer were tested, and CWD was not detected. This marked the tenth year for testing hunter-killed deer. In total, nearly 35,000 deer and elk have been tested. CWD was not detected in any samples from previous years.

Results showing that the CWD tests of hunter-killed elk from 2011 were all negative were announced on Feb. 14.

"We are pleased to report that Pennsylvania continues to have no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD in wild deer or elk," Cottrell said. "By conducting these tests from hunter-killed deer and on all hunter-killed elk, we continue our efforts to find the disease in wild deer and elk in the state."

Friday, July 13, 2012

Spotting Scope



BARSKA® Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope

    • Variable zoom magnification
    • Fold-down eyecups
    • O-ring-sealed construction and nitrogen purged
    • Rubber-armored body
    • 20 - 60 x 60mm
The Colorado merges rugged durability with fully coated optics for bright, crisp images and high-definition color contrast at higher powers compared to other scopes in this price range. Lock on to your subject then zoom in for greater detail using the variable zoom magnification. Fold-down eyecups ensure adequate eye relief. Scope features O-ring-sealed construction and is nitrogen purged for waterproof, fogproof integrity. Rubber-armored body and attached lens cover adds protection. Smooth-focusing knob for microadjustments. Includes panhead tripod and soft carry case. Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
 
I picked up this spotting scope on sale and love it.  It looks great and provides a clear view of the targets down range.  Fairbank Rod and Gun Club has a 200 yard rifle range.  I can't wait to try it out there.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Fishing in Erie Pa

Looks like my brother John and his buddies had a good morning on the water !

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Fairbank Rod and Gun Club

I am heading out to the Fairbank Rod and Gun club today.  I'm joining today and can't wait.  It's nice to be a part of this great club.

They put on a fantastic pheasant hunt last year and did the day of fishing for www.wpawoundedwarrior.org this year.  I am glad they ask me to join and I'm looking forward to shooting at the range.

My first day as a member and this is what I see....

Friday, July 6, 2012

Hog Saddle Adapted for Wheelchair Use


Here is the Hog Saddle mount I have been adapting for shooters who use wheelchair's.  I need to camo the base and get it to the range !  Thank you Hog Saddle for all you do for shooters with and without disabilities.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Bass Tournament for Wounded Warriors







September 15, 2012 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

$70 Entry Fee





Owners Name: ______________________ Make of Boat_______________
Address __________________________________________________  Horsepower _______________
Pa Reg # _________________
Phone ___________________________ Riders Name & Address________________________
Send Entry Fee To:
Whip Em Baits
PO Box 397
Meadowlands, Pa 15347
Payable to: Whip Em Baits






By signing this application, I hereby waive and release all other contestants, the host, sponsors
and tournament officials from claims or injury and/or other damage incurred in connection with
this tournament






Owner___________________________ Rider______________________
----------------------------------------------------------

Cut Here -----------------------------------






(Click)






Information
1st Place $700
2nd Place $600
3rd Place $500
4th Place $400
5th Place $300
Optional Lunker pool $10 per boat

 70% Payout, Balance Benefits the Wounded Warriors
Boat starting position determined by receipt of application
Payout Based on 50 Boat Field

For more information call

Henry Likar @ 724 206-0265

Matt Marsula @ 412 726-1018






Wounded Warrior Benefit Bass Tournament

Visit www.whipembaits.com for details






Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Mossberg 715T Tactical .22 Rimfire

Mossberg 715T Tactical .22 Rimfire

Ok, I think this would be really fun to shoot.  How about you, do you enjoy shooting a 22 ?  Here is the model I would like to have...