Extreme Elk Hunting

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 28

The gear required for elk hunting depends upon the accommodation planned for the hunt. If camping in the wilderness is the option, the gear required would definitely be substantially more. Here is a basic list of things needed for a self-guided elk hunt for a three-person hunt team:
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1.??? Camp needs
•??? 2 tents
•??? 3 sleeping bags
•??? 1 cook stove (can be propane stove)
•??? 3 sets eating utensils
•??? 1 set cooking utensils
•??? 1 heating stove (optional)
•??? 1 tarp
•??? 1 5-gallon water jug
•??? 1 large basin for dishes
•??? 1 portable table and chairs
•??? 2 gas lanterns
•??? 1 shovel for latrine

2.??? Survival Kit
•??? 1 space blanket
•??? 1 day food supply (dried food)
•??? 1 pack waterproof matches
•??? 1 20-feet nylon rope
•??? 1 day liquid supply
•??? 1 pack freshwater tabs (iodine) and/or portable water purifier
•??? 1 roll duct tape
•??? 1 cigarette lighter
•??? 1 first-aid kit
•??? 2 water bottles

3.??? Hunting gear (weaponry)
•??? 1 rifle with scope and sling (may want to have a backup rifle in case scope breaks)
•??? 2 boxes of ammunition (plus extra ammunition)
•??? 2 smaller sharp knives
•??? 1 large hunting knife
•??? 1 knife sharpener
•??? 1 belt saw for bone
•??? 1 hatchet
•??? 1 gun-cleaning kit
•??? 1 all purpose tool

4.??? Location and directional needs
•??? 1 pair of binoculars (or more)
•??? 1 compass or GPS or both
•??? 1 roll of orange fluorescent surveyors tape
•??? 1 small flashlight with batteries and extra batteries

5.??? Game “packaging” needs
•??? 1 sturdy frame for packing
•??? 1 sturdy length of rope for tying quarters to frame-pack
•??? 1 sturdy length of rope for hanging quarters
•??? 1 big game bag for covering and protecting meat or 4 game bags for each quarter
•??? 1 large can of black pepper (to cover fresh elk meat to ward off flies and other insects)

6.??? Personal needs
•??? 1 pair of waterproof boots
•??? 1 pair of insulated waterproof boots (in case there’s snow)
•??? 1 pair of hiking shoes (for warmer days or after hunting)
•??? regular socks for length of stay (warm weather)
•??? ?heavy socks for length of stay (cold weather)
•??? clothing for length of stay (warm weather)
•??? clothing for length of stay (cold weather)
•??? 1 set rain gear
•??? baseball-type cap for warmer days
•??? insulated hat for colder days
•??? 1 pair of warm hunting gloves
•??? 1 small bottle of aspirin
•??? 1 bottle of elk scent
•??? 1 bottle of scent eliminator
•??? elk call – bugle or cow call
•??? 1 florescent clothing as state requirement
•??? 1 thermos bottle
•??? 1 can of pepper spray
•???

There is of course other consideration such as transportation and the duration of stay to determine how much gear to carry. Thorough planning will eliminate the need to leave campsite to top-up any of the basic needs.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 25

If you are new to choosing bass fishing lures then this article is for you. Choosing the right lure can determine whether or not you get to catch any at the end of the day! These days, bass fishing lures comes in all shapes, sizes and colors but which ones are good enough?

At the end of the day, fishing lures set out to do one thing – to lure. There are designed to mimic a bait fish (or other food source). Therefore when it comes to choosing a good bass lure, realism is the key. To date, lures are made to “sell to the fisherman” rather than how realistic it looks underwater. It is very common for anglers to buy into the hype of various lures out there so do watch out.

Do keep in mind that these are tips and best practices however understand that there is no magic formula when it comes to picking the right lure. What may work brilliantly for you may be the worst lure that another angler has picked. Spend as much time as you can before deciding which is best for you!

1. The Plastic Worm – We often related fishing baits to live worms but nowadays companies like Berkley has revolutionized the plastic or rubber worm industry. Not only do they look like the real thing, they also have been impregnated with fish catching scents.
2. The Crank Bait – Crank baits are also known as plugs. They are usually made of wood or hard plastic and are designed to move a certain way. Therefore, crank baits are very versatile bass lures. The most important thing that makes crank baits effective is that it looks and imitates real bait underwater.
3. The Top Water Lure – Top water lures are very effective for bass. One of the most popular lures of all time is the Jitterbug. Top water lures brings out the excitement and fun in fishing as it as you need to have the bait on the surface of the water in order to bait the fish.

Just to recap, these bass lures are recommended but it should not be exhaustive. You should always mix things up and play around with various different lures in various locations. Although we are tempted to think that every lure will works the same, do not!

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 24

Traditionally, the term fishing is used to describe small scale commercial or survival practices. In the bygone days fishing was done by applying some traditional techniques such as arrows, tackle, harpoons, throw nets, rods and drag nets. However, nowadays fishing is considered as a recreational sport and the equipments differ from that of the yesteryears. Those interested in fishing use several equipment like fishing tackle, rod, reel, line, hooks and different types of baits or artificial lures like spinners or dry flies. Being considered as a recreational activity in European countries, there are special coarse fishing vacations destinations for interested fishing enthusiasts.  

Most of the British anglers carry out long fishing trips to some famous fishing sites around the world. However, some of the best fishing destinations are located in United Kingdom. UK with its rich cultural history also leads in several other spheres and activities in life, and fishing is known as one of the olden recreational activity carried out here for thousands of years.  British aisles are the most preferred destinations for the anglers to spend a holiday with all modern fishing amenities. Anglers all around the world visit these places to satisfy their coarse fishing pursuits.

Now, what is coarse fishing you must be thinking? Coarse fishing is carried out in countries like United Kingdom and Ireland for angling coarse fish. A coarse fish is a special type of fresh water fish. This type of fishing is especially carried out in United Kingdom and Mainland Europe. There are many famous coarse fishing destinations in Europe and are often visited by anglers all over the world.     

South-western England with great number of lakes and reservoirs is no wonder a paradise for fishermen.  Especially popular is the ‘Wimbleball Lake’ located inside the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. This popular coarse fishing destination is all surrounded with lush grasslands and dense forests. This lake offers a memorable fishing experience and usually remains crowded with anglers from all around the world.

Another famous coarse fishing destination is ‘Hamsphires’, located few kilometers from the capital city. The Test, Itchen and Avon, flowing across this country, offer excellent fishing experience. The place remains crowded all through the year. You can easily book some reasonably priced cottages or else select luxury hotels before and after visiting this place.  

Last but not the least is the ‘Butterwell Fishery’ in Cornwall especially visited for its private coarse fishing stretch on the Camel River. You can go for catching some of the rarest coarse fishes from the hordes of salmon, or from the nearby coastlines. You can have some great opportunity of catching fresh trouts from the Avon Dam near South Brent in Devonshire. Remember to carry an Environment Agency Rod License with you while visiting the place.

There are many fishing tackle shops around from where you can shop for all types of coarse fishing accessories like fishing tackle, rods, reels, rigs, weights, swivels and baits.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 24

They say ignorance is bliss, but if you want bliss on your next fishing trip, be sure to do your research. Some fishing lodges and fishing resorts have secrets – the kind of secrets that can make or break a customer’s experience. Here’s an inside look at some of questions to ask and things to be aware of.

Guided fishing trips can provide many anglers the best chance to keep the line tight and the coolers full, and many fishing lodges and fishing resorts do this. Unfortunately, many do not. Instead, some lodges are plagued by having a fixed location or substandard guides. In order to ensure the best possible fishing experience, potential customers should ask sufficient questions to find a guided-fishing experience that lives up to its claims.

Location, location, location. While location is not everything, when it comes to fishing it is definitely a big deal. When choosing where to go, investigate the catch quality of the prospective location. Many fishing lodges and fishing resorts have fixed locations, and to stay in business they aim to bring in as many customers as possible, whether or not the fishing is productive anymore. In some locations, fishing has declined drastically over the last decade or two, but fishing resorts still charge visitors thousands of dollars to fish mediocre areas.

Even some “floating lodges” have a similar problem. While they claim to move to the fish easily because they are built on a barge, large leasing space is difficult to come by in many areas. Because of this, some floating lodges occupy the same parking spot in the same harbor for many years, whether or not the fish are still biting there.

Finding quality, experienced guides can also be problematic for fishing resorts. In areas where fishing has declined and the bites are few and far between, the best guides have little motivation to stay. Instead, to keep staffed, these resorts pick up new guides or whoever will apply. The customer experience can decline significantly at lodges and resorts with high turnover rates and inexperienced guides. If an area has slow fishing and the guide has yet to master the art of when to wait for a bite or find a new location, there is a good chance that the cooler will stay close to empty.

Another possible guide-problem is substance abuse. While this issue is by no means exclusive to fishing lodges and resorts, it does seem to run rampant in the industry. Usually, if guides are hard to come by, troublemakers will be tolerated longer. Some guides wake up with hangovers on most mornings and still take out customers to fish.

Luckily, while some people’s lodge and resort experiences are impacted by these factors, there are still great options for guided fishing. By having awareness of these issues, potential customers can ask questions and read reviews that will help determine the quality of the lodge and guides.

Guided charters can offer an alternative to lodges as well. Some charter operations offer a lodge-like experience without being tied to a fixed location. Since charters can change their location to follow the productive fishing, they may have an easier time attracting qualified guides.

Whether fishing with a fishing lodge or a charter company, customers should do research and ask questions about the catch sizes and numbers throughout the season. Every location and lodge is different, as are customer expectations. Having an idea of potential issues helps possible customers ask educated questions to find the trip they want.

For further reading, visit www.salmoneye.net/fishing-resorts-lodges

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 23

Despite low salmon numbers in many North American fishing areas, Canadian salmon fishing showed surprisingly good numbers and a strong finish to a healthy fishing season.

Due to poor spawning returns in 2008, many fishing areas in the northwestern United States launched the 2009 fishing season with low limits and strict regulations. Washington, for example, announced a late start to the season while Oregon and California closed salmon fishing in some areas altogether. Some fishermen wondered if great salmon fishing was a thing of the past. British Columbia, though, did not have to lower salmon limits and had a surprisingly strong season of King salmon fishing.

The fishing rebound in areas of British Columbia was aided by returns of larger Kings and high volumes of Silver salmon. Many visiting fishermen returned home with tubs of fish. Fishing charter owner Sam Vandervalk noted that in Ucluelet, where he owns and operates Salmon Eye Charters, there were so many Silvers that a fisherman could catch and release 200-300 fish a day.

The success of the 2009 fishing season helped keep lodge and charter owners from feeling the full effects of the recession. Vandervalk reported, “Like everyone else, I was concerned with how the economy would impact business this year, but the salmon fishing in Ucluelet was so good that we were 20% busier than last year. Despite the down-economy, good fishing kept us virtually one hundred percent full throughout the season.”

While Fisheries and Oceans Canada forecasted a better salmon fishing year than 2008, 2009 surpassed their predictions. Though for many this was unexpected, the areas of Canada that brought in these large Kings are known for consistently productive fishing. “We weren’t surprised by the good year. We have a lot of good years. In fact, an old fishing guide from Sitka, Alaska recommended that his friends come fish Ucluelet, Canada because of how consistent it is,” commented Vandervalk.

Forecasts for 2010 are calling for another year of good salmon returns, and many charters have already started booking for next season.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 22

Hey ladies, you do not need to be a “tom boy” to like to fish. I am certainy not your typical fishing person and I am not shy to show it either. I am a “girly girl” at heart who loves the sport of fishing. I am who I am and like what I like.

Last week, I over heard some locals mentioning that the Salmon were running.  The Salmon are running…I thought to myself, boy, I would surely love the experience of catching such a large fish.  So, I decided to take action and plan a fishing trip on the Muskegon River with local fisherman, Jim Churchill, of Riverside Outfitters LLC.

When my scheduled fishing day finally arrived, I was so excited that I could hardly stand it, like a kid in a toy store.  I headed off to meet my hired fishing guide, Jim, at the designated launch.  Once I arrived, I got out of my vehicle and proceeded to walk towards him.  Jim stopped and looked at me in surprise and asked me if I was planning on fishing in high heels.  I laughed and said “you betcha, these are my lucky shoes”.  He said that he had thought he had seen it all until that day.  So, he invited me to step on board his riverboat.  Jim started the motor and away we went down the river in search for Salmon.  We traveled for a while, and then proceeded to slow down and stop and anchor.  Anxious to fish, Jim then outfitted me with all the proper gear and explained exactly what I needed to do to catch a Salmon. 

 So I cast, one time, two times, three times and then four times and WHAM…!  I suddenly realized that I just hooked a fish!  Jim was instructing me every step of the way, pole up, pole down, reel in, let the drag out etc… it was so exciting that my heart was racing from the thrill and the challenge of getting that enormous fish into the boat without losing it…the 30lb power pro test line was held up great…Finally after 10-15 minutes, the Salmon tired out and we netted it and got it into the boat.  We were both truly amazed at the size of the fish. Not just any fish, but a huge 18lb male Salmon.  I told him it was attributed to my lucky high heel shoes and my natural casting ability and he chuckled and said, “you amaze me…it very well could be”.

 Jim then gave me my 18lb prize fish and showed me out to handle it properly.  I struck a pose and held the fish while he took my picture.  Boy, it was quite a day and an experience that I will never forget, like a first kiss.  I can’t wait to go out and fish again.

 I then realized that sometimes you just have to take action and create your own experiences in life or it will pass you by before you know it. 

 Taking “time out” by fishing can be a great way to offset some of the many challenges and stresses that we women all seem to be faced with today. Sometimes just being some where away from the fast pace of life – even if just for a few hours – can provide a new perspective and a fresh outlook.

Fishing as a hobby is continuously growing with women and that is why the estimated number of women who acquire fishing licenses each year is more than 12 million

So ladies, I encourage you to support our local fishing guides and take “time out” for yourselves, get out the pole, put on your lucky high heels, step onto the boat to see what you can do. Most of all have fun and good luck!

For more information on Western Michigan fishing guides log onto www.HessLakeRentals.com

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 21

Are you looking to buy a boat?

There is no doubt that one of the most exciting things to own is a boat and the market is better than ever right now. With economy today, many people are simply not able to make the payments on these toys. However, that really opens up the market for great deals on boats for sale.

Whether you want a speedboat, a houseboat, or a sailboat, you can find one for sale in a variety of locations.

Wondering where?

Well as I said, it can be in a varriety of locations.But I will give you 2 options.

One of them is at the criaglists.

To get started, visit Craigslist.org. Select your state and nearest city. For example, this could be Florida and Daytona Beach. You are now on your city page and ready to search. On the left-hand side of the page, you will see a search box. Use this. Default search settings are already set to for sale items, so key in your phrase. To get a wide range of results, search with the phrase boat. If looking for something in particular, such as a speedboat, houseboat, or sailboat, make that your search phrase.

You will get a list of results. These are boats for sale and more. Right now, your goal may to be to buy a boat for sale, but you will find other options too. Some individuals are willing to barter. They may trade a car, condo, or another expensive item for their houseboat. It is your decision if you want to trade or outright buy. Whatever you do, make sure you get a good deal.

The second one is The repossesed boats.
This is where even the dealers get their deals.There are two ways to this.

#1 – Banks and Financial Institutions:

Repossessions are growing at an alarming rate. Many people lose their new boat after only a few months. If you can find a bank that has repossessed boats for sale, you may be able to get a great deal. Many times, the banks only hope to recoup part of their investment. Storage costs can also add up quickly. The banks will want to move the boats quickly to avoid paying these fees.

#2 – Auctions

The best way to locate one of these auctions is to join a website that lists all the boat auctions, not only in your area, but throughout the country. Most of these sites have only a nominal fee and some are for a lifetime membership. You’ll also find tips and techniques to getting a great deal on repossessed boats for sale.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 21

Deep sea fishing is an angling experience like no other. If you have never tried it, you definitely need to plan a trip soon. Deep sea fishing seems a little bit more adventures because you take a boat miles away from land and out to sea. Out there, an angler feels part of a different world where the fish outnumber man. There are fish miles offshore that are great for fishing. Many deep sea fishing charters like to hunt Tuna, Shark, Marlin, and other species. Marlin fishing and swordfish fishing is popular down in Florida. Shark is also a popular fish to catch because they put up quite a battle. Be prepared to really struggle with pulling in a fish that catches your line while deep sea fishing. Most of the species are large and they don’t take well to getting hooked.

Searching for quality deep sea fishing charters can be confusing and time-consuming. You must make sure that you are going with a well-regarded charter to ensure your safety and good results. Word of mouth is the best way to know you are going with a great deep sea fishing charter. The internet is actually a great place to harness the power of word of mouth to see what other people like you are saying about guides. Check out FishingGuidesWorld.com, it is a great site for checking out user reviews of deep sea fishing charters. Once you pick a charter, you’ll need to make sure you have all the proper documentation to catch fish in that area. Check with the deep sea charter to see if you need to get a state fishing license before you come. Also, check out the local weather conditions to make sure you pack properly. Heading offshore without enough clothing can ruin your trip.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 20

A leisurely Sunday morning with the sun shining brightly and a cool wind blowing, you head out to the local lake with your fishing boat and spend an idle day with your tackle box, fishing merrily.

If this is your idea of the perfect weekend, read on.

The first thing you need to do to make this little idea into reality is to buy a fishing boat. This article will help you in that respect.

First of all, know the purpose of your fishing boat. Will you be taking it out to the sea, or do you plan to use it at a local lake? The kind of boat you should buy will depend a lot on your answer to questions like these. How much you should spend on a boat, the size of the fishing boat, etc. will vary with its purpose.

1. If you think you might have to spend the night in your boat, make sure to buy a boat with a hull. This will help you ride the waves better than something without a hull.

2. Boats can be a major investment. Have a clear and thorough understanding of your needs and your budget. Boats meant for the sea are usually larger, with hulls, and are therefore, more expensive than those meant for the local lake.

3. Most boats will come with a warranty. Before you choose which boat to buy, have a clear understanding of any warranties it might have. Fixing your boat can be mighty expensive and you don’t want to have to shell out a ton for it just because you didn’t read the warranty properly.

4. Always buy a boat that has proper certification from the NMMA. The NMMA (National Marine Manufacturer’s Association) tests boats manufactured by various companies and certifies them on their sea/water worthiness. A boat certified by the NMMA would invariably be superior in quality and will give you a lot more safety.

5. Remember to stock your boat adequately with life jackets, first aid kits and other safety gear. Take a few water safety classes and learn some basic first aid skills such as CPR, etc.

posted by Extreme Elk Hunting on Sep 20

Ask almost any angler and they will tell you that there is something magical about fishing for tuna. The power and speed in which they hunt is simply unmatched. Here are a few tuna fishing techniques that will help you land more tuna the next time you pull away from the docks.

Yellowfin tuna is perhaps one of the world’s most important game fish. Hundreds of thousands of pounds are caught each year to satisfy the demand. It is one thing to buy your tuna fish from a can. It is an entirely different thing to fish for your own tuna.

Yellowfin tuna can weight up to 400 pounds, while Blackfin tuna typically grow to about 30 pounds. It is, therefore, essential that you use the right equipment each time you go tuna fishing. At the very least you are going to need a high-quality two speed trolling reel and a few heavy duty fishing rods. I tend to use Penn International reels because I like how they handle bigger fish. Ensure that you are using 25 – 50 pound test lines, as these tuna are well known for their fighting ability.

Tuna tend to like hunting in lower light conditions, such as late afternoon. More often than not, trolling at slower speeds, 5 to 8 miles per hour, works best. You can use either live bait or artificial baits depending upon your personal preference. I prefer using artificial lures but both can be effective methods of fishing for tuna.

Many people also report having success with drift fishing. This method works extremely well for catching Blackfin tuna, especially off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, I have seen anglers catch 5 to 10 Blackfin tunas each weighing between 20 and 30 pounds.

Whether you are fishing for Yellowfin or Blackfin tuna, carefully consider the tuna fishing techniques you plan to incorporate.