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Use Your Smartphone To Plot Sunrise/Sunset Angles

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Jim Braaten

Just a quick blog post about a cool smartphone app I think you’ll want to consider. Now, keep in mind this app was not designed for the hunter in mind per se, instead it was developed for landscape photogs who need to know precisely when and where the sun rises and sets each day.

But let’s assume this spring you are building some permanent deer stands or blinds and you would like to know what angle the sun will rise and set come October. This app will help you figure that out…and best of all it will do so showing any date you put in for the calculation overlayed over a real map.

Assume you expect deer to come down a certain trail and you want to avoid being “skylighted” by the horizon. This app will help you calculate it…not only for today, but also for during hunting season when the sun will present itself at much different angles.

Maybe you’re a hunter trying to position trail cameras but you want to avoid direct sun into the camera lens. You can stand in the spot of your choosing and it will show you precisely when and where the sun will rise and set. This can also help you avoid those areas which might produce harsh shadows and poor pictures.

The potential application list goes on and on. But I think you get the idea.

Much like a landscape photographer who might use this app to get stunning sunrise/sunset photos using nature to their advantage, the hunter can benefit in much the same manner.

I urge you to download THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EPHEMERIS (for iOS $8.99 / for Android $4.99) to give you this edge and start learning how to use it. I think you’ll be quite pleased with the results.

Filed under: Hunting, Nature (General), Web/Tech | 2 Comments »

Thanks For The Letter, But The Answer Is…

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Jim Braaten

NO!

(Click on letter to increase size to read)

Tags: Hunting+Land

Filed under: Hunting | 3 Comments »

Heading Off To The SHOT Show Soon

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jim Braaten

Just to let you know this blog will likely not be too active during the coming week because we will be off to the 35th annual SHOT Show held in Las Vegas. Because there is too much to see and do at SHOT, several years back I decided how I wasn’t going to spend precious time sitting down writing about the experience when I should be living it. Sorry, that’s my policy.

In the meantime, however, I urge you to follow my Twitter feed:

www.Twitter.com/jim7226 (@jim7226)

And/or LIKE my Sportsman’s Blog Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/SportsmansBlog

as this is where I will be actively communicating the SHOT Show experience in realtime.

I do, however, understand the desire to hear about what new products are being introduced and may be on the marketplace soon. Therefore, I urge you to also follow these two blogs as they do an exceptional job of delivering the new firearms products information quickly and with skillful knowledge on the topic:

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/

http://blog.predatorbdu.com/?m=1

Viva Las Vegas!

Filed under: Events, Gear, Hunting, Shooting Sports | Comments Off

Embrace Bloggers and Social Media To Get Message Out

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Jim Braaten

I just have to laugh! Some notions take a long time to die. I could easily make this post my annual rant against the Minnesota DNR and their communication peeps who seemingly don’t have a 21st Century clue when it comes to communicating their message, but if I did the blog posting would largely look like it did last year. (SEE HERE)

So, I’ll spare you all those details once again. Point is I’ve been an outdoors writer here in Minnesota since 1987 and now because most of my communication efforts are online some entities, like the MN DNR, apparently fail to see the value.

Once again, the MN DNR is conducting their annual 2–day #RoundTable and I was not included. Last year I sent a note in advance to DNR Communication Director Chris Niskanen (@ChrisNiskanen1) asking to be included, but alas, the note was never received. Certainly after the blog post I wrote last year I figured I’d be on the radar for the 2013 #RoundTable session…but no such luck once again.

Here I am willing to invest my time and money to report happenings of my state’s fish and game department, but the take away is such information dissemination is not apparently that important. What a shame. Whether it is the MN DNR or even some manufacturer of a new outdoor product, you would think they would be doing their due diligence to include both bloggers and people from all other facets of social media.

Recently I attended a blogging conference and discovered how one of the most aggressive segments harnessing the power of blogging, Twitter and similar online communication tools targets the so-called “mommy blogger.” That’s right, companies who promote diapers, sell mac and cheese products, encourage the use of real butter for cooking, and so on are light years ahead of others when it comes to tapping into these emerging forms of new media.

Back at the farm, I cooked up some brats to serve my hungry hunters during the fall 2012 firearms deer season.

One particular company I’ve been impressed with on Twitter is Johnsonville (@JvilleGrilling) Not only do they tweet often and with content that adds value (not just self-promo), but they also do one of the best jobs of engaging their followers of any company I have seen. I posted a picture back during deer hunting season that they found of me grilling their brats…and days later they were using it, with my permission of course, all over their online marketing efforts.

I can relate many similar examples of how companies or groups are in-step with those of us who blog and tweet. I once ripped a company in these blog pages several years ago about their product in how it was poorly designed. They got upset with me and fired back…but in the end they changed their product design because they new I had some valid points that needed to be addressed.

I will be so bold as to predict that within five years most traditional forms of how people obtain their news will largely lose significance. I’m talking newspaper, magazines, and to some lesser extent even nightly TV news coverage. We are living in a transition period where people demand their news immediately, in a succinct fashion, and when it’s convenient for them to view it. Blogging, social media and videos on demand delivers the message.

Yes, indeed, I find it somewhat odd how a company peddling baby diapers is far better at engaging their audience through the blogger network than my state’s game and fish department continues to be. <Okay, this is where I would ordinarily insert a joke about shit, but I’ve chosen not to do that at this time. Ha!>

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Department of Natural Resources, Fish/Wildlife Research and Management, General Outdoor Topics, Hunting, Outdoor Media (TV/Newspaper/Radio), Weblogs | 3 Comments »

How Will You React In The Face Of Protesting?

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Jim Braaten

Back in November 2006 when I hosted then Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty at my farm as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener event, part of our prep work covered what if we have protestors. Quite frankly, protestors were avoided in the first place because the location where the hunting took place was a well-guarded secret until AFTER the deer hunt had taken place.

When protestors get in your face how will you handle the emotionally charged situation with proper tact?

But not all events can be conducted in secret. I’ve dealt with protestors at rodeo events, circus events, heck…even the occasional protestor who proclaims their disdain for fur sales at some high-end fashion store. The point is protesting is meant to grab the public’s attention in a striking way and then twist it for the benefit of their cause.

So, as hunters and gun owners why should any of this really concern us? Well, our day is coming and the best outcomes generally require at least a modicum of preparation so as not to fall into their public relations trap. It should be no surprise to you how we live in strange times and the current climate is not exactly favorable to those of us who carry guns and/or kill animals.

That being said, I want to offer up some tips on how best to deal with protestors to diminish the impact of their misguided acts. Carefully consider these actions when confronted by any protester:

AVOID PHYSICAL CONTACT of any kind. The media is drawn to these events like moths are attracted to fire. You don’t need your name appearing on the evening news nor does the gun owning/hunting community need a big black eye caused by aggressive actions taken against a protester.
ANTICIPATE DISRUPTION. These folks will do whatever it takes to be seen and heard. Don’t allow it to affect your day.
AVOID ANY VERBAL INTERACTION. Remember, if they can engage you in conversation you are slowing falling into their trap. You won’t change their minds…nor will they change yours.
KEEP WALKING. If they get in your face simply smile and walk away. It’s tough to do…but critical you don’t linger and fuel the hostilities.
KEEP EMOTIONS IN CHECK. They are trying to get under your skin so don’t give them that satisfaction.
DISREGARD THEIR ABSURDITY. Accept in advance how their message will be full of lies and other outrageous claims trying to get you to negatively react.
PROFESSIONAL PROTESTERS? It’s possible. These folks may not even hold these deep-seeded feelings, but are moved to be protesting because it only pays the bills.
PAY THEM NO ATTENTION. They are seeking attention so quickly move from the area, especially if you don’t have to be there. Avoid making them the spectacle they so desperately want to become.
IF MEDIA IS PRESENT, AVOID THEM TOO. Most of us are not versed to be articulate spokesmen for our side of the cause. If asked by media for a comment kindly decline and walk away.
NOTIFY EVENT ORGANIZER OF THIS SITUATION. If the protest is just getting underway, quickly notify the event organizer what is happening. Most large events have a protestor reaction plan and will implement it quickly if they know what is happening. Let the professionals defuse what could quickly turn into a highly charged incident.

There you have it. I certainly don’t expect you to memorize all these points, but take some satisfaction in knowing most points are just plain old common sense. By being prepared for what could happen you take away their element of surprise, as well as the emotional shock of what they are saying/doing.

In 12 days I fully expect that Las Vegas 2013 SHOT Show® attendees could potentially see this sort of protest given the current negative climate toward guns. But, in just 8 days I will be attending my local gun show and this same protesting could easily take place there, too. It behooves each of us to be prepared with a plan as to how we best deal with the situation. For the sake of our cause, don’t fall victim to their tactics meant to destroy our heritage in the public’s eye.

Let’s hear your thoughts. Have any of you encountered protestors and what was your experience?

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Events, Gear, Hunting, Outdoor Potpourri, Safety | 5 Comments »

Consider These 5 Tasks To Beat The January Doldrums

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Jim Braaten

I completely realize that depending upon where you reside in the country hunting and fishing can be a year-long activity. But let’s face it…here in the upper Midwest when the cold winds of January begin to blow strong the options for outdoorsy things to do can get somewhat more limited.

Oh, sure, I understand predator hunting is just cranking up. And yes…I am fully aware that the ice fishing season is just getting going for many anglers. Likewise, chasing bunnies with beagles or some midwinter trapping also holds possibilities for this time of the year.

Still, there are those winter days when the body yearns for a nice indoor project huddled near the fire. Here’s a few ideas of things I like to do during some of my idle time in the mid-winter season:

Clean and Maintain Guns — I usually spend the better portion of a day going through and tearing down, if necessary, all of my guns for a proper cleaning. I check things over for worn or missing parts, I use the proper lubricant on all mechanisms, and in general I ensure it will go back into my safe in a rust-fighting condition. This is also a good time of the year to get those guns needing professional repair in for service. On the other hand, if guns aren’t your thing this same principle for maintenance holds true for archery gear or for any outdoor investment requiring routine attention. One final thought…this is also a good time to take a photo inventory of all your equipment for insurance purposes. I take a picture and include the serial number right on the picture.
Start Planning For Next Season — Believe it or not, in the outdoors world there are deadlines to apply for hunts nearly all the time. Make sure the hunting or fishing activity you want to embark on next season doesn’t have a fast-approaching application deadline. January is the perfect time to browse those department of fish and game websites to become better acquainted with the rules and the process.
Build Some Birdhouses — I’ve found that one of the best ways to foster enthusiasm for conservation with kids is to spend time building bird houses together. Not only does it help develop certain craftsman skills, but the project can also be quite rewarding when the youth actually sees nature using something they built with their own hands.
Last year while at a local sports show my daughter tried to convince dad to buy a new boat…she will need to try harder this year as it didn’t happen in 2012.
Attend A Sports Show — I know during the upcoming several weeks until spring there is at least a dozen sportsman and outdoor shows I can attend within an hour’s drive of my home. I’m guessing there’s plenty of opportunities for shows in your area, too. Check your newspaper’s listings for such upcoming events.
Try A New Recipe — C’mon, you have all that wild game in the freezer. Be bold and make a commitment to try something new. Whether it be a new chili recipe, a novel new way to prepare a venison roast, or heck…maybe you’ll try to delicately smoke some pheasant breasts. Now is the time to once and for all attempt that wild game or fish recipe you’ve always wanted to try…but were too busy to mess with at other times during the year.

How about you? What types of indoor sportsman related activities do you like to engage in during the winter. I’d like to hear just how many other good ones I missed. Leave a comment below.

Filed under: Gear, Hunting, Nature (General), Outdoor Potpourri, Travel | Comments Off

Hounds, Headlamps And Houdini Of The Night

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Jim Braaten

Hey Folks! Sorry for the rather sparse posting on this blog as of late. I figured it’s about time to check in once again and how better to do that than with a bunch of pictures from a recent coon hunt. I think the pictures pretty much speak for themselves. A mild night woods, energetic dogs, hunters on foot wearing headlamps, and, of course, raccoons on the run help create all the fun. Take a look:

Filed under: Hunting | Tagged: nature | Comments Off

2012 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener–In Pictures

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Jim Braaten

This past Saturday was the Minnesota Firearms Deer Hunting Opener and what has been the tradition now for 10 years running, Minnesota’s sitting Governor honors the blaze-clad sportsman of this state with a special celebration. Each year the event bounces around to various areas of the state, but the last time it was in SE Minnesota was back in 2006 and that time I am proud to say Governor Tim Pawlenty hunted on my farm. Read more HERE about that very special day.

But this time around things have changed slightly. This time the event was held in Winona, Minnesota and not Rochester (or more accurately rural Kenyon, MN). Moreover, Governor Pawlenty who created the special hunt no longer is Governor. Now, it is Governor Mark Dayton who maintains the event by making an appearance, but does not partake in the hunt like Pawlenty did each year.

Even so, I give Governor Dayton credit for continuing the GDHO event and for taking the time to make a short appearance. After all, with over a half million deer hunters in this state helping to stimulate the Minnesota economy to the tune of nearly a billion dollars annually, a Governor should honor the sportsmen and women of the Gopher State.

But enough of the boring stuff. Let’s show some pictures and check out the fun. What follows is how we spent Friday at the event enjoying what makes deer hunting in this state so proud.

Banner greeting event attendees.

Da Bad Axe traveling trophy presented to the team who competes and wins the MN Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener Outdoor Olympics series of events.

Of course, we formed a team consisting of Michelle Scheuermann (@LadySportsman), Todd & Dick Rost, and yours truly, Jim Braaten.

There were several events such as archery shooting, outdoor knowledge such as guess the hides, guess the animal tracks, guess the pistol/rifle cartridges…

Even the uniquely outdoorsy axe toss, which by the way, Michelle Scheuermann had never done before. So, we let her represent our team.

Whoa!!! Did Michelle kick butt. She got to throw three axes and the team only got a score if they stuck in the target. SHE STUCK ALL THREE!!! WooHoo!!!

Although only two axes are shown here…they removed the first one so it didn’t get chopped by her pinpoint accuracy. Way to go Michelle!!

There was also a timed obstacle course. Here, Todd is shown getting dressed and he had to do several things such as shoot at a target, pull a deer drag some distance…

And eventually hoist it up into a tree. Talk about working up a sweat! Great job, Todd!

In the end, Team Sportsman’s Blog crushed the competition with our superior skills and knowledge on the outdoors. Psst! In all honesty it was mostly Michelle who now possesses legendary woodsman skills. In fact, she is the only axe-wielding PR guru I know, so look out.

But the MN Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener is more than adults playing silly games. On the serious side of things is the community children by the 100′s who also take part in the learning.

Professionals, like these MN Conservation Officers, teach various stations to instruct more about nature, hunting safety, and how to properly respect the outdoors.

Here, a local Conservation Officer assists a youth in properly fitting a tree stand safety harness to his body for a live demonstration.

But the learning was fun for the kids, too. The shooting duo of Aaron and Steve Gould put on a trick shooting performance showing the kids just how much skill and fun gun handling can be.

While always emphasizing safety, the brothers showed one of the many ways shooting can be fun.

They shot clay targets while doing push-ups.

Their antics typically involved shooting multiple targets. The kids really seemed to enjoy the performance.

But eventually Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton showed up and was most gracious to the folks in attendance.

He spent time talking about deer hunting and answering questions about the importance of hunting to this state.

Eventually the press conference got underway and media was present from throughout Minnesota, including several neighboring states.

Mark Johnson, Executive Director for the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association–one of the lead organizers of this event–took the stage to announce the special guests.

Tom Landwehr, Minnesota’s DNR Commissioner, took the stage to emphasize the importance of deer hunting in Minnesota.

Eventually Governor Dayton spoke and thanked all the volunteers who make this event possible.

A special group of local volunteers are shown here who the next morning would be taking media and other guests out to their carefully chosen deer stands to hopefully see some action.

Great food was catered in consisting of burgers and chili.

But really there was so much going on throughout the day. Here Todd Rost is down on the range shooting one of the big handguns that shot so sweet.

And Michelle again…what can I say. She test drove one of the new Polaris Rangers and the guys who gave her the keys never thought she would bring it back.

Indeed, another Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener is in the books. We’re told that next year we have to bring the trophy back and defend our coveted title of champs! I suppose so. Look out Fergus Falls, MN…looks like we’ll be coming back again with even more to prove next time around.

Filed under: Department of Natural Resources, Hunting, Organizations, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Media (TV/Newspaper/Radio) | Tagged: deer hunting, governor tim pawlenty, minnesota economy, MN Deer Hunting, MN Governor's Deer Huntinig Opener, winona minnesota | 1 Comment »

Hunter Captures His Bad Luck In Pictures

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Jim Braaten

Last weekend I was talking to a buddy of mine about an interesting situation he found himself in during the spring turkey hunt this year in Wisconsin. Seems he had told his wife he would go to church one Sunday morning with her which forced him to delay his venture out into the woods by several hours.

As Jerome approached a brushy fence line where he intended to sit, he could see that standing near his decoy was this large tom all fanned out. Certainly, this made his approach more difficult if he expected to score any action on that day…but he belly crawled in an attempt to close the distance between him and the turkey. Eventually, he needed to get up from his prone position and stand in order to get off a shot.

That’s when all hell broke loose.

You see, this wasn’t a game just between Jerome and his turkey. Nope, as so many sportsmen have learned when out hunting there are always other factors at play. Today, it happened to be a deer. That’s right, either the buck caught wind of Jerome or heard the slight noise associated with his approach…but in any case the deer got spooked.

Worse yet…the deer spooked and created a so-called domino-effect by scaring the turkey, as well. What had seemed like a well laid out plan to score on a turkey turned out to be a disastrous result. There would be no turkey that day. In fact, the only thing that could make this story any better would be to have a visual or what happened.

Trail camera picture showing the action described in this blog post. Note the turkey decoy between the deer and the tom. Also, the arrow denotes where in the woods the hunter was in the process of standing to shoot.

Well, guess what Jerome started thinking. He had placed his trail camera up a short distance away so he thought I might as well check it to see what it contains. Just what he thought. The camera contained evidence of his hunting attempt gone awry. It’s tough enough to outwit a turkey alone, but when they team up with deer…even the best of hunters are often disappointed.

Now, you might think Jerome was frustrated and upset that he didn’t get his turkey. Truth is, nothing could be further from the truth. What happened on this particular April afternoon is what memories in the outdoors are made of. Oh, sure, when you pose with a turkey, tail all fanned out for pictures, those are happy times in the woods. But even the days when things just don’t go as planned…well, as Jerome stated, “This made my hunting season. That is what hunting is all about. Some days are just better than others.”

Indeed, Jerome…no matter what happens to a person out in the woods it’s usually good times. It takes the right attitude and it certainly helps to laugh at your own misfortune. And thanks to a well-placed trail camera…we all get to visualize what could have been for you on this Sunday afternoon.

Filed under: Hunting, Outdoor Potpourri | Comments Off

Take Your Daughter To Work Day

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Jim Braaten

How about take your daughter to the turkey blind, instead?

Last week was my chosen hunting period here in Minnesota for the spring wild turkey hunting season. In Minnesota, we must draw a permit for a selected 5–day hunting period to hunt turkeys. I’m going to be quite honest with you in saying the turkey hunting was largely unremarkable in terms of relating any success stories or having a great “what if” story.

Here, Elsie and her dad wait patiently for a big tom turkey to walk by the blind. Note the coordinating pink camo and Hello Kitty boots.

Yet, what will likely be the most precious memory in my mind was taking my almost 4–y/o daughter with me to the blind. She begged me to go turkey hunting. Moreover, when we finally had to leave the blind to go back home she cried because she wanted to stay longer.

Needless to say she is excited about the outdoors and starting to develop the passion just like her “old man.” In fact, this week all she can talk about is heading “up north” on Friday for the Minnesota Fishing Opener which begins on Saturday.

I’m convinced we need to start these kids early to instill in them a love of the outdoors. In an age where children are bombarded with fancy toys, high-definition television, fast-paced video games and the like…the outdoors is in a competition for young minds like no previous generation has ever experienced.

It certainly behooves those of us as outdoorsmen to do our part to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to experience all the wonders of nature. To this day some of my fondest memories were those moments spent as a youth doing outdoor related activities. Let’s not deprive our children of those same great memories by failing to involve them in the activities we so dearly cherish.

Todd Rost and Elsie pose for a picture outside the hunting blind.

I’ll be perfectly frank…taking a young child with a talkative, inquisitive personality to the turkey blind will likely not increase your chances for bagging game. That’s not the point. Unlike video games where a player can shoot a trophy animal every 5–10 minutes with some make-believe scenario…it’s important to show kids that REAL hunting is not all about killing.

Indeed, REAL hunting is about spending time (often with people you care deeply about) participating in an activity that should be as natural as anything else you could possibly do in life. Like it or not, kids tend to learn and develop who they will one day become based on watching those adults who make an impression on their lives. Again, I contend, if you leave a kid at home each time you go hunting or on a fishing trip…what sort of impression are you making?

If I don’t shoot another critter or catch another fish that would be perfectly fine so long as I am giving the kids in my life the opportunity to do the same. When you start living the hunt through the eyes of a youngster, you’ll quickly regain some of that invigorated excitement you once had as a youth learning about the outdoors.

Long before my daughter, Elsie, starts growing interested in boys…I want her first love to be deer, turkeys, walleyes, ducks, crappies, pheasants…well, I think you get the picture.

Filed under: Hunting, Outdoor Education | 7 Comments »

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Use Your Smartphone To Plot Sunrise/Sunset Angles

Thanks For The Letter, But The Answer Is…

Heading Off To The SHOT Show Soon

Embrace Bloggers and Social Media To Get Message Out

How Will You React In The Face Of Protesting?

Consider These 5 Tasks To Beat The January Doldrums

Hounds, Headlamps And Houdini Of The Night

2012 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener–In Pictures

Hunter Captures His Bad Luck In Pictures

Take Your Daughter To Work Day

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