Wing Shooters Journal

FOUL HUNTING 1947

2010-03-19T21:35:00.001-06:00

FALL FEVER!

HOW TO FISH 1942

2010-03-19T21:34:00.001-06:00

SPRING FEVER!

Two week update

2009-12-13T09:44:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we decided to do an official count, clean the cage and if necessary dispose of any bunnies that didn't make it. To our surprise... every one of the little guys are doing great. they are covered in fur, eyes open and getting fat.

Total count NINE healthy bunnies.

We will re breed the doe toward the end of the month and with a little luck we should be in new bunnies about every six to eight weeks. I am already looking at bringing on another doe, and doubling our meat production. I am really looking forward to eating the rewards of our work.

Product Review

2009-12-01T20:28:00.003-07:00

Product Description

Berkley's new Vanish line represents a break-through in fluorocarbon lines. Berkley's scientists have altered the molecular structure of Vanish fluorocarbon to create a line that is virtually invisible in the water. It is extra sensitive to detect bites, yet offers shock absorbency for fighting power after the hook set. Also the soft, low-memory formula casts easily, making it ideal for both spinning and casting reels.
Available Lb. Test: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17(200-yd. spool), 20(175-yd. spool).

Product Review

I had high hopes for this line. Berkley began in Spirit Lake, Iowa, in June of 1937, and has a fantastic name for quality fishing products. This line however failed miserably. The line had horrible memory, casted poorly and bird nested frequently. The line also had weak knot strength and I had one specifically memorable break as a nice fish jumped out of the water.

New additions...

2009-11-30T20:07:00.008-07:00

One would think that with their reputations, the husbandry of rabbits would be as easy as well... breeding rabbits. NOTHING could be further from the truth. Getting these Bunnies to procreate has been my challenge of the year. We have had several FAILED attempts and my lack of rabbit palpitation knowledge has left me guessing every 30 days... I feel a definition is in order... Palpitate: to touch or probe the lower abdomen using your thumb and fore finger on the right side, feeling for marble sized bumps in the lower half of the abdomen. If more than one bump is felt the doe could be pregnant, being careful not to confuse pellets for young. This is typically done around 12-14 days from breeding. As of last night... we have success!

I put the nesting box in around 27 days after breeding. The normal rabbit gestation is around 30 days.

I knew we were getting close to success when I noticed her gathering hay in her mouth.

Then she started pulling fur... Looking good!

Then this morning, I went out to check and sure enough there was an even bigger pile of fur and lots of little hairless creatures wiggling around. Now if we can get them to survive longer than a week.

2009-11-25T16:46:00.007-07:00

As everyone knows we own a Deutsch Drahthaar named Otto. He is a disgusting beast, who's favorite treat is rabbit droppings. This was today's Kindergarten Journal.

They are learning to read and write and are encouraged to sound out the words and write them.

The journal says MY JOTHR OTTO... Translation...

My Drahthaar Otto!

I am disappointing people with my lack of posts... sorry, I will do better. Consider this my return.

Chain Of Events

2009-08-30T19:57:00.017-06:00

I was privileged to listen to a re-broadcast story on...

which had on guest Simon Schama....

courtesy of...

who was presenting...

Which introduced me to "Joseph Mallord William Turner"...

Who painted "The Slave Ship"

A painting that evoked a lot of emotion and curiosity about a shameful and brutal time in the history of our nation. Because of this painting I was brought back to Simon Schama and his book "Rough Crossings"...

and finally, after over a year, stumbling on the best book I have read in a LONG time...

Three Days Overdue!

2009-07-12T09:29:00.004-06:00

I have been checking every morning for about a week expecting to find a nest full of baby rabbits and every morning finding nothing. All the signs that she was getting close were there, just no little ones. Finally this morning when I went to check I noticed the most important sign... fur everywhere. It turns out she kindled on the wire floor and not in the nest box.

According to Rudolphs Rabbit Ranch ...

"If the doe kindles on the wire and at least some kits are discovered alive (possible depending on elapsed time since kindling and temperature), place live kits in the nest box and cover them with fur. "

So I put on some gloves and did as I was instructed.

My initial count was seven but after relocating the little ones I found two rogue kits hiding underneath the mother. It was difficult moving them because their little legs were stuck in the wire. Final count NINE!

Bella... Proudly serving Dinner and the VGP for six months!

In the mean time...

2009-07-06T20:30:00.003-06:00

While photos are being gathered from our early summer trips check out the following...

We're out of here!

2009-06-10T17:21:00.003-06:00

Uncle Doug

2009-05-30T19:33:00.002-06:00

Two Years Turkey Hunting...

Two Turkeys Harvested!

Catching Up

2009-05-17T19:48:00.010-06:00

We have been pretty busy this spring with...

Breast Cancer Walk

We miss you mom!

SOCCER

Both big people and little people!

And of course a lot of...

FISHING!

This spring has been hectic but fun, I cant wait to see what summer brings!

Friday Night Browns

2009-04-03T22:28:00.002-06:00

It was tough fishing on the Provo tonight, but if it was easy we probably wouldn't be so obsessed. The poison that seemed to work for me tonight was the Panther Martin Regular Black and Gold Spinner. Webb tried about every fly in his arsenal and eventually switched to a Spinner as well. It was cold, overcast and perfect. We had a huge stretch of the river all to ourselves.

LUNKERS!

2009-03-19T20:38:00.008-06:00

The boys and I hit a little local fishing spot tonight.

The boys fought several "LUNKERS" this evening and were rewarded handsomely. The proof is in the pictures.

Spring

2009-03-16T21:49:00.005-06:00

Usually this time of year I am throwing out sentences that include, but are not limited to the following: Adams, Damsel, Blue Wing, Wulff and Hopper... however this year, I am assuming much to the disappointment of family and friends, my vocabulary has changed slightly with a few new additions like... Mepps and Panther Martin! Yes I'm SPINNING!

I LOVE my Abu Garcia... Spinning Reel and I cant wait to try out the new line I just installed.

Cabelas No-Vis Fluorocarbon Line.

Reviews to follow.

Urban Farming

2009-02-28T12:05:00.005-07:00

The newest additions to our little Urban Farm... Rabbits.

The boys named them on the drive home.

Gabe with his rabbit... Bella.

Janet even got in on the rabbit action. She doesn't like the idea of butchering the cute little bunnies. Wait until she has some Cafe Rio style rabbit burritos!

Ethan and his rabbit... George.

The boys feeding their new pets.

Meat production will begin in July... I can already taste those little bunnies now!

Casa De Rabbit

2009-02-20T18:03:00.002-07:00

The rabbit pen is DONE! I couldn't have built these lush rabbit accommodations with out the help of my lead carpenter.

Side / door view

Rabbit Pen - Day 2

2009-02-18T21:11:00.002-07:00

Casa de rabbit with front attached. One more night and we should receive our Certificate of Occupation! Rabbit Parade of Homes here we come...

Rabbit Pen - Day 1

2009-02-16T18:31:00.003-07:00

As a result of much encouragement from friends and family (JAKE) the pen building process has started.

Casa de rabbit

LUKE'S PIG

2009-02-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

MOAB

2009-02-05T19:57:00.004-07:00

I was in south eastern Utah on business this week and was lucky enough to stay in Moab for a night. I was even luckier to get a chance to run a nice trail. The trail takes you along the base of these spires that seem like they are 1000 feet tall. Words and pictures cannot describe how amazing they are in person.

Fisher Towers

It was amazing being there as the sun was setting. The Castle Valley always makes me feel so small and insignificant.

Check out here... FISHER TOWERS for more information!

2009-01-21T18:50:00.005-07:00

Introducing the newest member of the family... Ruby.

She is a Brazilian Red and White Tarantula.

I'll be running her through the VJP (VDD puppy test) this spring. She has a great nose for crickets!

2009-01-08T17:40:00.009-07:00

I love my Automatic for waterfowl hunting, but I have a new interest. Interest could be too tame of a description!

The Browning Citori Waterfowl Edition... with 3 1/2" Chambers in Mossy Oak Duck Blind Camo!

I have a fondness for Double Shotguns and this gun and I go together like a hand in a glove. It's like finding out you had a long lost twin brother. I was incomplete until now.

I will not rest until it's mine.

January Teal

2009-01-03T21:26:00.012-07:00

It was cold, windy, overcast and a little rainy... perfect for ducks. We headed out to one of our favorite spots near the Great Salt Lake. With the wind blowing about 40mph the Teal were screaming into us and just as quickly passing by us. Half the time we couldn't even shoot they were in and out so quick, like little dive bombers!

Webb

Cody and Chief

Corey

This was Corey's gun with a wad that got stuck in the choke tube. This same thing happened to me last week except I didn't notice the obstruction, shot another shot and blew the end of my barrel off. Luckily nobody was hurt in either situation. We both have switched to BLACKCLOUD and so far we are very impressed!

We had a great day with a lot of shooting, a big bag of Drake Teal... and even one Drake Merganser!

Merry Christmas Otto!

2008-12-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Christmas like 9 lbs of cow leg bone!

Finally

2008-12-12T19:17:00.002-07:00

As much as I HATE snow on the valley floor, I am looking forward to this freeze. We are in much need of a good freeze not only here in Salt Lake but up North. The reports are saying the ducks and geese are just hanging around up in Montana and Idaho getting fat and complacent. Hopefully this will start to bring them down.

Johannes Hevelius

2008-12-09T21:27:00.003-07:00

"Map of the Moon"

Soon to join the Urban Farm...

2008-12-09T20:49:00.004-07:00

This is a New Zealand White Meat Variety

We will be adding two doe's and one buck to our little "Urban Farm". Each doe should produce around 30 fryers per year. Plenty of yummy rabbit meat for our little family and plenty to share with family and friends. Rabbit hutch production is already underway!

New Adventure

2008-11-17T18:42:00.005-07:00

The research is nearing the final stages...

The preparation has begun...
For the arrival of our newest friends...

After much research, the breed we have decided on is also the breed my Grandpa loved.
I guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree.

The Rhode Island Red

This is one of the most famous and all time popular breeds of truly American chickens. Developed in the early part of this century in the state of the same name, they have maintained their reputation as a dual purpose fowl through the years. Outstanding for production qualities, they have led the contests for brown egg layers time after time. No other heavy breed lays more or better eggs than the Rhode Island Reds. Baby chicks are a rusty red color and the mature birds are a variety of mahogany red.

Web sites I have been living on:

Backyard Chickens & McMurray Hatchery

Back Home

2008-11-08T19:50:00.003-07:00

I have been in Las Vegas on business for most of this week. We miss Vegas a lot (having lived there for two years) and we always love going back. People think we are crazy, but until you have lived there you wouldn't understand. I was by myself this time so it wasn't nearly as fun. I couldn't wait to get back home to my family and the stormy weather... and shoot a few ducks.

Friday night duck hunt on one of my favorite spots.

This is a little pond just off the river, this is a great little Mallard spot.

Saturday night hunt on another river.

This is a great Pin tail and Teal spot with the occasional Mallard and Shoveler.

Spencer's last day buck

2008-10-26T22:23:00.001-06:00

Gregs "Big Game" in Yellowstone

2008-10-20T20:41:00.001-06:00

Josh 08

2008-10-19T19:22:00.002-06:00

2008-10-14T21:08:00.004-06:00

Shane, somewhere in Idaho. Exact location NOT RELEASED!

Cody and Chief. (Chief's first hunt)

Dinner

2008-10-08T20:42:00.010-06:00

Tonight was the first taste of the deer I harvested this season. Mule Deer has a tendency to be kind of... nasty and very gamey. Much MUCH different than the White Tail Deer my friends and family back east harvest. This young buck had been feeding on alfalfa and as you can see from previous posts, pretty young. The verdict is... INCREDIBLE! Tender and full of flavor. I personally couldn't taste any strong gamey taste. The boys and even my wife ate it up. Then again everything tastes great off the BBQ!

Big Game

2008-10-07T19:50:00.007-06:00

These are a couple of my friends that have harvested animals so far this year. Hopefully we'll have more pictures and more animals in the near future. Juston and Shawn, lets see some of these monster bucks we keep "hearing" about.

Jake with a great two point.

Luke with his nice Wasatch Bull.

I know, I know... he's little. But it was late and he had horns and given the chance to take this monster next year on the opener... I would take him again! Talk about an easy drag.

Thanks to Spencer and Josh for all the help before and after the shot... and for dragging Jake's deer!

Opener 08

2008-10-04T15:12:00.005-06:00

The much anticipated "Opener" was a little anti climatic.

As we were setting up, everything was looking great. Birds were coming into the decoy's, and the weather was windy, cold and rainy, or in other words... perfect.
At shooting time however, the birds just disappeared.

Otto did his job when required... and we shot nearly everything that came within range.

Maybe next weekend will create better results.

Fall has officially arrived!

Whoa Reminder

2008-09-28T18:40:00.005-06:00

Otto pointing on a very planted pheasant wing. This game is not as fun as his favorite backyard games "find the frozen duck" or "lets eat all the tomatoes from the garden"!

We are really working on steadiness on point this fall. Last year we had a little pointing problem, Otto tends to be slightly selfish with his points. We are going slow with this training and I am hoping to have him steady to wing and shot by the end of this hunting season.

Interesting Place of the Week

2008-09-25T20:49:00.003-06:00

Cove Fort Utah

Birthday Boy and September Scouting

2008-09-24T20:16:00.004-06:00

For Ethan's Birthday he really wanted to go out (for his first time) in the Duck Boat. So Webb and I thought what a great opportunity to go out and scout as well. It was great, Ethan had a great time and Webb and I did as well... THE DUCKS AND GEESE WERE EVERYWHERE! We have seen a lot of birds, but not like this. We explored all morning and Ethan even got to drive the boat. This was the first time in a new area, that was highly recommended (by a reliable source) and according to the source and the DWR it is relatively unknown, and it is amazingly close to home!

Webb and the Birthday Boy.

One of the canals throught the marsh, narrow and shallow.

We are excited because the rule is once the boys turn five they get to go duck hunting with Dad. Early season hunts are the best for kids, mild weather and lots of birds! We'll hold off on the 0 degree January hunts for a few years.

Work Travels

2008-09-18T20:39:00.006-06:00

With my job I get the opportunity to travel around the Western United States. My travels get me to some very interesting places. I am going to to start posting my most interesting... or least interesting place of the week.

First stop...
Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) is the owner of the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) located in the great basin of western Utah. IPP generates an average of more than 13 million megawatt hours of energy each year from its two coal-fired units. The energy is delivered over the project’s AC and DC transmission systems to 36 participants in the project that principally serve Utah and Southern California. Additional generation capacity at the IPP site is now being studied.

I couldn't believe the size of this of this facility. As I came out of the canyons via Eureka, Utah, I could see the towering stacks looming off in the distance. Security was high with check points and identification checks. With this plant providing much of the power to LA and Salt Lake, I can see the importance of security. I love being a part of the safty and security of such a massive facility.

Back Yard Pre-Season Tune-Up

2008-09-13T15:35:00.003-06:00

We kept it simple today.

Platz (place in German), heel and some simple fetch drills.

I don't know how he knows, but he knows it's getting close.

I think he can smell OCTOBER!

Now if I could only get him to retrieve it...

2008-09-08T20:13:00.004-06:00

25 Days until the Water Fowl Opener!

Pictures of the new paint job on the duck boat will soon follow.

It's just too bad I have to waste all those days for the Muzzle Loader hunt Sept 24th - Oct 2nd. I can only hope to get my deer the first morning... then an afternoon of Chukars!

I can't wait to be cold and wet and I can't wait to see WINGS!

2008-08-26T21:29:00.009-06:00

We had the Webb's over for a little BBQ and waterfowl prep.

The night consisted of the following:

Red Meat with Spade L seasoning.

(Poor mans steak)

My wife's FREAKING AWESOME potatoes!

Surprisingly great Costco Veggies.

Working on the boat lights / wiring.

Getting the new decoy's anchored and bagged.

Kids / dog running crazy.

The kids even helped with the decoy's. I am looking forward to this fall more than any other fall I can remember.

2008-08-11T10:18:00.003-06:00

http://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2008-09_upland_game/

Chukar partridge
• Season dates: September 27, 2008–February 15, 2009
• Areas open: Statewide except closed areas
• Bag limit: 5, Possession limit: 2 bag limits
• Footnotes: Antelope Island is closed to upland game hunting.

DWR proposes spring light goose hunt

2008-08-08T14:30:00.003-06:00

Now I cant say my least favorite month of the year is February! It looks like August now stands alone as my Least Favorite Month!

Get ready, Utah goose hunters. Utah's first-ever spring light goose hunt would provide hunters with a unique opportunity. It would also help light goose populations (snow, blue and Ross' geese) and reduce damage to grain and alfalfa crops in Utah.

All of the DWR's waterfowl hunting proposals are available at

www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings

"We don't see many light geese in the fall, but in the spring, more than 50,000 light geese — most of them snow and Ross' geese — stop over in Utah," says Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR.

"In addition to providing hunters with a unique opportunity, hunting light geese in the spring would reduce the agricultural damage the geese are doing," he says. "Most of the damage is happening in Box Elder and Millard counties, where the geese are eating grain and alfalfa that's just starting to grow."

"The population in the western part of North America hasn't become overabundant yet, but it's growing," Aldrich says. "In December 2007, for example, the population exceeded 1 million birds.
"We want to help stabilize the population before it becomes overabundant. Once the geese become overabundant, it's hard to bring them back."

Summer Prep

2008-08-02T17:16:00.003-06:00

We are rapidly approaching the hunting season which means time to get the dogs back into October form. This summer has been a bit relaxing for both Otto and myself. We still trained several times a week but not like we did last summer preparing for the Armbruster (HZP).

Otto Presenting

Cody and I headed out to our secret training area, which is such a sweet spot people would probably kill for it's location, and its just minutes from our houses.

Cody and Chief

We worked on blind retrieves (not marked) through dense cover. The dogs did great.

I also will be increasing my cardio training by starting to run more hills at increased distances, and eating better. There is nothing like Chukar country to get the old heart pounding and the knees aching!

Location...

Happy Birthday

2008-08-01T13:33:00.002-06:00

I've had this picture a long time. I wish it was in better condition. This is Dog and I probably about 25 years ago... time flies when you're "Havin' a good time" Happy birthday!

Canine Heat Stroke

2008-08-01T13:14:00.002-06:00

To protect our four legged friends during these dog days of summer, check out the following link.

BIRDDOGDOC'S CHRONICLES

24th of July

2008-07-24T11:33:00.006-06:00

Today celebrates the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

70,000 saints set off to escape persecution and to find a place where they were free to practice their religion. The 1,300 mile trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley was difficult and arduous, losing almost 6,000 saints along the way, but worth it. I have relatives who made the trek and I will be forever grateful for their sacrifice.

In honor of their sacrifice I will eat vast quantities of red meat, hot dogs of various makes and meats, liters of soda and sugar in all of it's various forms!

Check out the trail history here... Pioneer History

Happy Birthday Amigo!

2008-07-13T10:44:00.002-06:00

Greenhead Gear Puddler Pack

2008-07-02T18:39:00.009-06:00

Webb and I picked up a couple of the Puddler Pack decoy sets. We are looking for a little diversity in our decoy spread. We are hoping this will do it.

I cant wait for fall. I am really looking forward to a few rainy 40 degree days in lieu of the sunny 103 degree days we currently are experiencing. I am however not looking forward to January and February. They are horribly cold and long!

Happy Birthday Otto

2008-06-26T12:57:00.004-06:00

Otto turned two this week... time flies when your having fun!

From this...

to this!

2008-06-21T21:55:00.003-06:00

The Netherlands lost today to Russia eliminating us from the Euro 2008 tournament. I'm very proud to be Oranje!

Euro 2008 Quarter-finals

2008-06-19T07:59:00.003-06:00

Netherlands vs. Russia at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on Saturday 21st of June

• The Netherlands reached the quarter-finals in 1976 and then did so again at EURO '96, EURO 2000 and EURO 2004. They are targeting a fourth consecutive last-eight appearance.

• Russia have not reached the quarter-finals since the collapse of the Soviet Union. As part of the USSR, they reached the last eight of the 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976 competitions.

NEXT!

2008-06-18T12:33:00.005-06:00

Down goes Romania with Hollands second team!

Oranje

2008-06-15T22:21:00.002-06:00

A three-goal second half lifted the Netherlands to a 4-1 rout of France on Friday and a place in the Euro 2008 quarterfinals.

EURO 2008

2008-06-09T18:20:00.004-06:00

The Netherlands ended a 30-year wait for a victory over Italy in emphatic fashion as they began their Group C campaign with a rousing 3-0 win against the world champions in Berne.

We are trying to expose our kids to as much of their roots as possible. With me being half dutch (my mom immigrating when she was a child) and my wife's side being German / Italian, the kids get to enjoy a lot of different cultures and traditions. We love all things European.

Last Day down on the Jordan River

2008-06-03T21:06:00.004-06:00

These were a few shots on Jason's last day of his visit few weeks ago.

This the spot on the Jordan River where Webb and I always duck hunt.

Like always there were ducks coming in from all directions.

Above is a nice little Cinnamon Teal and below that a Mallard.

Otto on a bumper retrieve.

This cow kept charging Otto and Otto wouldn't back down.

That cow doesn't know what it was messing with, or Otto is dumber than he is brave.

It was so much fun having Jason here, I miss having him around all the time. I cant wait for fall, when he is planning to return. Next time however the duck's will be shot with a 12ga instead of a Nikon!

Otto's Stud Registry Picture

2008-05-23T12:37:00.011-06:00

It has taken us about two months and probably 200 pictures, but we have Otto's Stud Registry Picture for the VDD Stud Registry.

Fabio vom Wasatch "Otto"

11 Conformation x 10 Coat

66cm x 67cm

My cousin from Indiana took the wining shot. Thanks for taking the picture Dog, it was great seeing you and playing around in the mountains. I cant wait to see you again in the fall, and chase some birds!

Hiking with "just the boys"

2008-05-22T16:23:00.009-06:00

Last Saturday we got up early and headed to REI to get Ethan a hydration pack. We had previously tried them on and Ethan loved them. When we arrived we got Ethan his pack and Gabe wanted to try one on as well. He looked so cute I couldn't resist getting him one also. We then stopped for some snacks and headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon to find the trail that leads to Lisa Falls, a short little trail with a great reward at the end that I thought the boys would love. Unfortunately when we got to the parking area the place was covered with search and rescue vehicles and all access was closed. So we headed up a ways, and found a short, well used trail rock climbers use to get to some great climbing routes.

My two little mountaineers

Snack time

Near the top of the trail, where we stopped to watch some climbers on the granite.

I have never enjoyed a 1.6 mile trail more. My guys are the best, maybe next year Kings Peak!

Ethan and Gabe love "Just the boys days"

Deseret Peak Attempt

2008-05-20T21:28:00.012-06:00

My cousin from Indiana and his family have been in town for a few days and he and I have taken advantage of his visit to Salt Lake as a great opportunity to hit the hills.

As we got to the entrance of the canyon we were greeted by this sign. We couldn't believe the gate was still closed in the middle of May. We talked to some DWR people and they said there was still a lot of snow a little higher. We decided to check it out and hiked the FOUR MILES up to the trail head. We were pretty optimistic about the extra challenge placed in front of us. But were determined to try to summit.

Jason and Otto at the trail head

Otto and I at the trail head

As we found out they were correct, there was snow... a lot of snow!

Otto didn't have any problems in the steep snow, in fact I think he found an extra gear designed specifically for steep hill sides covered in snow. He was very busy marking anything standing taller that six inches as "HIS TERRITORY". I dont think he missed a square inch of the canyon.

Due to some time constraints and EIGHT FEET of SNOW, this was as close to the summit as we could get. You cant see it, but the summit is somewhere in the clouds. We had a great time and Jason shot a lot of pictures. Webb, Otto and I will have to return in June and summit this peak. It has been a lot of fun climbing with him again.

Deseret Peak

2008-05-12T08:49:00.004-06:00

My cousin should be in early sometime today. Our first task will be to summit Desert Peak.

Elevation (feet): 11,031
Elevation (meters): 3,362
Range: Stansbury Mountains
State: Utah
Latitude: 40.4597 N
Longitude: 112.626 W

The Stansbury Mountains start at the southern end of the Great Salt Lake and continue south. Deseret Peak is the highest point on the range. The summit is one of several other bumps along this point of the range. The summit itself is not very big, and there was at one time a shelter made from the rocks on the summit. The wind can be very strong at times. To the east, you get a great view of the Oquirrh Mountains. To the north you see the Great Salt Lake and the northern Wasatch Range. To the south and west, the expanse of the Great Basin and the various ranges on into Nevada. This is a designated wilderness area of 25,500 acres, and it is wild still despite the increasing recreational activity in the area. Bobcat, mountain lion, and deer frequent this area as well. The range was named after Capt. Howard Stansbury, who surveyed the Great Salt Lake in 1850. The Mormon pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, named the area "Deseret". In the Book of Mormon, the word deseret means honeybee. Historians believe the the peak was named by a Mormon pioneer as they worked to tame the surrounding country in the mid-eighteen hundreds.

I have bagged a lot of peaks and find myself always returning to this summit, I love it.

Last Day of the Turkey Hunt

2008-04-30T22:40:00.004-06:00

We started out hiking about four miles up our canyon. We settled in and started calling with no response. We decided to reposition ourselves a little lower in the canyon near a known roosting area. As we were walking down the canyon we heard a faint gobble so we stopped and clucked a little. We walked a little more and heard more gobbling. As we rounded a bend a big Tom dropped out of a tree and up a little slot canyon. I then spotted another Tom about 80 yards away. I tried to get a little closer but he was on to us. I took a quick shot at about 70 yards and hit him. I thought I hit him well, but he flew a ways up another slot canyon and hit the ground running and disappeared in the thick scrub oak. We looked and looked but couldn't locate him. We had an opportunity, not a great one, but at least I was able to get off a shot. We had a great hike in a blizzard and a shot at a Tom. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a couple of spring days in the Utah back country. Yes that is a moustache, how many cats do you know that can rock a stache? NOT MANY! Janet doesn't think I am funny.

Shawn eating seeds and calling birds

2008-04-30T08:30:00.001-06:00

Dear JASON :

Thank you for your recent applications for the Big Game Draw. Your results are:
Appl # Hunt Result

644041 GN-999 GENERAL BUCK SUCCESSFUL for hunt
GN-999 SOUTHERN
644044 ELK BONUS POINT ELK BULL Bonus Point Earned

Sorry Ben... there's always next year!

2008-04-29T12:33:00.000-06:00

Dear BENJAMIN :
Thank you for your recent applications for the Big Game Draw. Your results are:
Appl # Hunt Result

741721 16-351 ELK BULL UNSUCCESSFUL
741720 GN-988 GENERAL BUCK UNSUCCESSFUL

Big Game Results

2008-04-29T11:42:00.000-06:00

Dear CHET :
Thank you for your recent applications for the Big Game Draw. Your results are:
Appl # Hunt Result

563912 16-388, 16-389 ELK BULL UNSUCCESSFUL

563913 GN-997, GN-995, GN-996, GN-998 GENERAL SUCCESSFUL for hunt GN-997 CENTRAL

Turkey Hunt Day1

2008-04-26T17:39:00.003-06:00

We were told the turkeys were going to be in a ravine where we hunt, We arrived at the ravine at about dawn and called a little with no response. So we hiked and hiked and hiked... and hiked. We finally ended up in a familiar canyon where we hunt deer. Upon arrival the signs were all there, droppings and tracks, just no turkeys. We set up a short distance from a roost and started calling. Unfortunately we had to get out early because Juston coaches his son's little league baseball team, and they had a game. We'll hit it again next week, I think we have a pretty good chance at a Tom, then again...

Webb

Juston

Forecast

2008-04-24T08:59:00.002-06:00

We are heading south for the Turkey Hunt tomorrow. The forecast for Friday was going to be cold and wet/snow, but things are looking slightly better. I wasn't able to go on the opener due to my wife's grandmother passing away, so I am really looking forward to this weekend.

Pictures

2008-04-23T10:32:00.003-06:00

My cousin from Indiana sent me a dozen or so pictures, here are some of my favorites. These are my top five. He will be here in May to see everyone and for a little backpacking, it's been over two years since I have seen him, I can't wait!

Afternoon Training

2008-04-18T19:47:00.008-06:00

CHIEF

Today we exposed Chief to some gun shot sensitivity drills.

He had a little sensory overload last year on a hunt and Cody was worried about gun shyness. With a little work this spring, he was hitting the water to retrieve (with gun shots) like a champ. As "Chief" would swim to retrieve the duck we would shoot a proximity shot at the duck. No hesitation at all! I cant wait to see him in action this season.

Chief presenting

OTTO

Otto on the other hand has a problem with listening! On occasion I will send him on a blind retrieve, he will see a duck swimming across the way and go after it thinking it is the duck he needs to retrieve. Once he makes up his mind there is nothing that can change it. Otto's stubbornness has been a constant challenge throughout his training process. Force Fetch helped a lot, but on occasion it rears it's ugly head. We were in a great area where he couldn't get hurt so we let him go after the swimming ducks. Once he figured out he couldn't catch them, he got back on task, and started his search again and retrieved the duck.

Otto presenting

Pictures from my cousin Jason, in Indiana

2008-04-18T15:16:00.004-06:00

Congratulations Uncle Doug

2008-04-15T16:03:00.002-06:00

My Uncle Doug was lucky enough to draw one of the few coveted Monroe, Utah turkey tags this year. He and my aunt Willy have a second home in Monroe, so the tag was also convenient. A little calling, a lot of scouting and one shot of 2oz lead ended this Tom's strutting days! Congratulations on a great Mariam Turkey!

Der Freischütz

2008-04-15T12:37:00.005-06:00

I have been listening to Der Freischütz and it has become one of my new favorite operas.

Der Freischütz is based on a folk tale by J.A. Apel and F. Laun, familiar to German huntsmen, that whoever would seek the aid of the Demon-hunter may have in exchange for his soul, seven magic bullets certain to hit the desired mark. If, within a given time, the huntsman fails to allure another within the Demon’s power, his life becomes the Demon's. If, on the other hand, he provides a fresh victim his life is extended, while the newcomer is furnished with a supply of the magic shot, in this case our hero is pardoned and all ends happily.

Composer: Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826).
First Performance: Berlin,Schauspielhaus, June 18, 1821
Setting: Bohemian forest in the 17th century

Banded Mallard

2008-04-08T17:47:00.005-06:00

After more than 14months of waiting, the banded Mallard is almost done, the taxidermist sent me this picture today. I went with Darin Gardner because he came very highly recommended and is considered the one of the best. I am pretty excited to get the duck back... now if I can only get Janet to let me put him somewhere on the main floor of the house!

2008-04-04T19:38:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the new and improved Wing Shooters Journal. Due to some operator errors the old blog was deleted.