Scouting Trash Removal

Since I am going to try and remove trash every time I go....I will post a pic every time I can remember to do so. Trash is not the most fun thing to take a pic of so we shall see. In any case, This is a bag I picked up in about 1 minute in one of my hood spots as I was checking a cam by the road. It really takes no time. I chucked it in my trash can when I arrived home.

Litterbugs get on my nerves.

I was running around the lake near my house the other day. (Im trying to get my self in shape....trying) I was running down the home stretch near the spot where all the kids jump in the lake from the esplinade and I caught something floating in the water out of the corner of my eye...WTF....It was a brand new bottle...some jackass had thrown it in the lake. Here I am running by and my water bottle was empty. Maybe I should just throw mine in the water too??? Maybe we all should and then it will be a big floating trash can....I still had a mile to go but I carried mine home....This is not the first time I have seen trash in the lake. One of the last times I was down there bow fishing I took some home in my carp bucket. Sorry I just had to vent!!!

Cherry tree setup.

Jeff and I were were scouting and setting up the new cherry tree spot. I guess its called the sassafras tree now...hehehe
We cleared some lanes and hung a new set. It looks pretty killer. Now if we can just get some critters to cooperate and walk into the trap.
















































I cleared a little trash as well as the debris from our trimming. Only takes a second.

Taking out the trash!!!

Doesn't it upset you? Getting all geared up to hunt and heading to your favorite spot only to see evidence that someone before you has trashed the parking area with bottles, wrappers, napkins, etc. I have forever been disgusted and ashamed by the actions of some of my fellow sportsman. There are some instances that stick out in my mind. I grew up hunting on Maryland's eastern shore. My Grandfather owned some pretty big properties that we hunted deer on. He also leased some of the properties to waterfowlers. I can remember numerous times rolling up to hunt and finding empty shell boxes, soda cans, and candy bar wrappers. It infuriated me...Not only because this was our land but because.........This Planet is "Our Land"!!!

This brings me to some of the other times I have been appalled at the sight of litter... I was in Sedona Arizona hiking a while back and was blown away by the amount of litter I came across as I traversed some of the most breathtaking scenery I have been fortunate enough to see. As I looked around I saw lots of notes and pictures stuffed in bags and tucked in the rocks. I know this place has special meaning and power for some so I kind of understood this, but besides all of these things there were tons of water bottles and wrappers from beef jerky and granola bars. I put as many items as I could in my pockets and walked them out myself. It wasn't that much of an inconvenience. This really doesn't have anything to do with sportsman but it brings me to some other multi use public places where we as hunters end up looking like a bunch of losers from the mess left behind.

Trash at the Seneca Creek parking area this morning.

I remember when Seneca Creek opened up to bowhunting a few years back. The battle was fought to get hunters in to this heavily over browsed park to control the deer. It was a tough enough battle to win over the public enough to get us in there so do we really need to have a bunch of slobs leaving litter at the parking areas? I remember pulling in there for the first time to scout being greeted with piles of garbage and it wasn't even actually hunting season yet. Was this all from hunters? Maybe not... but it did not take much effort to throw some of it in the bed of my truck to throw out the next time I got gas.

After taking a few pics of the trash I picked it up and put it in a bucket to take home to the trash can.

I guess what pushed me over the edge was the amount of trash I found while hiking some public parks this past spring looking for Morel Mushrooms. I mean...I would get into a little patch where I could tell other mushroom hunters had been and it wasn't only from their leaf scrapings or stems of shrooms left behind. It was the large amount of beer cans and soda/water bottles that these folks carried all the way in but could not carry out...even though they are carrying bags of mushrooms out....

This is the trash by the parking lot found after mushroom hunting.....

I hear stories every season about guys losing prime hunting spots for one reason or another. Bad public image is one that could cost us some of the great public hunting we have right now and it definitely wont help us get any new doors opened. If the property you are hunting is private...wouldn't the Landowner be happy to know that the guy or group that he is letting use his property was taking it upon themselves to not only remove their own trash but others as well. It may be something that could save you down the rd. If someone else causes an issue for the landowner that he/she knows that it could not be his responsible permitee because that does not fit your profile.

In recent seasons I have become increasingly more involved in hunting in suburban areas. Homeowners are more likely to see trash left behind in their yards than say a busy Farmer would in the woods surrounding his fields.

I am going to make an effort to remove trash every time I go in the woods this season starting with the next time I head out scouting. I mean how hard is it to carry a small empty bag in with me in my backpack or pocket. In the suburban areas that I frequent it is shocking how much waste I see in the woods and parking area. It will not be that big of an ordeal for me to pick up a few items after a morning hunt as I walk to the truck. I know it does not sound like much but figuring that I will probably spend around 50 or 60 days in the woods this season it will add up. Just think...1 bottle a day will fill up a giant hefty bag by the end of the season. I am going to ask all my Overkill boys to join me in this effort. We always try to stay in good graces with our Landowners and have a great relationship as it is so this can only solidify our place on their land for the future.

Imagine running into a landowner and having them ask "what's in the bag"?
I can promise they will feel like they made the right decision in letting you hunt their property.


I challenge every one of my fellow sportsman to take the time to take out the trash on your next hunt. It's a small step but a step in the right direction to giving hunters a cleaner image.

Youngs Wildlife

The Buckwild Expo in Boonesboro was the debut for the 2 new whitetail mounts that Tim Young did for Kevin and I. We were both asked what we wanted in our mount and we both had the same answer….Surprise us!!!
I have plenty of typical deer heads in my mancave so I have been trying to add some more unique pieces.
Tim has done some pretty dramatic pieces in the past. I think the different types of material he has used pretty much covers them all. Each time I set foot in his shop I seem to find at least one unique display that I either missed the previous time or is awaiting pick up from another satisfied customer. From a frozen icy pedestal base to corn stalks made of bronze, Tim can design a little something for everyone’s taste. While all of the pieces may not be what you are looking for, He is able to work with you to find exactly what to do with your mount to fit your taste and style.
After a few chats about what I like in a mount, I have not looked back. I basically let Tim know my price limit, and whether or not I want a wall or floor pedestal mount and let the artist give me what he thinks the animal deserves. I could just as easy get your typical everyday whitetail mount but why? There is such a variety of options to dress up an average mount.
The latest deer I was having mounted was an old freak buck that the Overkill gang has had some crazy history with. The deer had a crazy attitude and was very visible to us for about the last three years. He was an oddball, having two completely different antlers. So weird in fact that if you were to have found them while shed hunting and had not known the deer…No chance you would have guessed them being from the same critter.
I wanted something special done but had no clue what. In fact, being in between trophy rooms right now I wasn’t even sure where he was going to be hanging out. I basically left the deer at the shop and said have at it….
Tim Knew that I needed the deer back before the show in Boonesboro as we were releasing the dvd and wanted the critters for the display. Young’s Wildlife would be in the same room as us so Tim said he could deliver them to the show. I was already excited about seeing my buck again but even more so after the phone call I received. Tim called and asked…”Do you trust me?” I of course said yes….He said…” Are you sure you trust me?” I laughed and said absolutely…He then proceeded to tell me that my freak was going to be mounted as such….freaky!!! I have never been dissatisfied so I was real excited to see what the outcome would be!!!
I saw some unfinished pics of the two pieces on MarylandWhitetail.com and although unfinished they looked better than some taxidermy I had seen in my day. Kevin’s was given a little attitude with a slanted head that differs from a normal form while mine had the strangest look. I had already been told that mine was going to have a background habitat added that would incorporate the look of the deer so it looked kinda funny to folks as they responded. Some said it looked like it was having a stroke while others asked if it was missing an eye??? I didn’t flinch. I could see what was about to happen.
These are the early shots taken of the 2 deer
The big day arrived and we were greeted at the show with two of the coolest mounts. The added flare of a background habitat worked so well against the barn wood. Kevin’s beautiful 146” 9 point was showed some head bobbing attitude while my Freak Buck was on the other side rubbing his eye and ear on a stick that was coming out of the habitat. I was told Tim searched for hours to find the perfect stick for the job and I can see why. The curve is stiff enough to let you see what is happening. The deer looks like a cat when you scratch under the chin or behind the ear. Its eye is closed and its ear is down and the ole boy looks like he is enjoying the branch that he found. It is easy to see why their slogan is “Everything but the heartbeat” as the feeling of movement is given to a mount like this.

Kevins 146" 9 Point from TOK Season 3 DVD





The two pieces were a hit at the show and it works out quite nice to be able to send folks over to Young’s booth for more of Tim’s work and he can also send folks over to see an extension of his booth in ours. I recommend Young’s to do a mount to everyone I know. You may want a typical mount and that is no problem for Tim but its nice to know that the sky is the limit and you can get a one of a kind piece of art for your trophy room at the same place.






"The Freak"
and Troys freak buck from season 3....hehe

I took these pics when I got home from the show and hung freaky in his new spot. I cannot get over the detail and action that this mount has. I LOVE IT!!!

What is everybody doing to get ready for bow season? Besides the normal hanging stands, checking cams, and target practice.... I set a goal to get below 170 from almost 200. I am 11 pounds from 169. I ran my farthest today and finished 10k!!!

Somebody check my PULSE

This Pulse is rapid.........rapid like 300fps!!!

Here is my 2011 Elite Pulse
I picked it up at Jefferson Archery and had Jeff come with me and give it the JLH treatment.
So after having only shot it a few times, here are my thoughts...

The look.... Ninja... Really sleek black look, fantastic lines and awesome machine work which is always the case with any Elite I have owned. Topped off with a set of Maryland Flag Gold strings and red G5 meta peep, the bow is a real looker.

The feel.... Smooth, Steady, and at the same time aggressive. Pulling the string back with ease, I forget that I have the bow set at 64 pounds. The draw cycle of this thing is the best I have had on any "speed bow".

The sound....

The performance.... Smokin'!!! at the shot you realize you just unleashed fury but you don't feel it. I was surprised to get the kind of speeds I was getting because to date any bow I could achieve these numbers with would remind me at the shot.

The set up.... I equipped the bow with a B-Stinger stabilizer.... Minimal weight on the end...the bow just points.
One of Vapor Trails Limb Drivers is on the shelf to cradle my Carbon Express Mach 5's
Then I added a Sword Site and one of Jeff's own P.O.S suppressors.

Here are the specs...27" draw. (Which feels 100% comfortable even though I have been shooting just over 26" for years)
64# shooting a 26 1/4" arrow weighing in at 328 grains.

Is giving me a blazing 300 fps!!! (Ok well the chrony at Jeff's said 298/299 but the one at Jefferson said 302.........once) So Im going with 300!!! Hey its a big deal for a stumpy armed guy like my self to get that kind of speed with that light a draw weight.

To say I am a fan of this new bow would be an understatement...I am a little sad though to see the GT500 I have loved so much be put on the bench. I am giving her a new set of strings and dedicating her to a life of 3D.

The best part of the set up that we are shooting on these bows is that I can jump right off of the 3D course and into the woods with nothing more than a swap of arrow points!!!

Tim Young is at it again!!!

I cannot wait to see the finished product on these two critters!!! These deer are featured stars on TOK season 3 "Community Service" Kevins big ole 9 point and my 5 year old freak!!! Tim asked what I wanted done with mine and I once again told him to have at it and surprise me... He only told me that the finished product will have a piece of habitat behind the wall pedestal form and I can only imagine what it will be from looking at the unfinished work!!!

















One look at kevins buck and you can see that it too is not an average form...I believe that this is the type of thing that will keep me going back to Youngs Wildlife for years to come... I am a big fan of knowing that there is not another mount out there like the one hanging on my wall...Tim will work with you on any idea you may have but I prefer to let the Artist work!!!

















To see these 2 bruisers in their all their finished glory come to the 2011 Buckwild Tri-State Hunters Expo in Boonesboro Md. this coming weekend!!!

Rogers Elite Pure

Roger began sending me picture of his groups in what seemed like minutes of him telling me he had picked it up...After a few days of this I got a review of this sweet shooter via email!!!

I decided on the Pure over the Hunter due to the Axle to Axle length. I am 6' 2" and weigh a biscuit shy of NFL offensive lineman. The Hunter felt like a toy in my hands while the Pure felt more like my Tour (Elites Target Bow), well balanced, smooth drawing and holds like a rock.

I purchased the 30.5" 70 pound Ninja. Fellow Team Overkill Member Chris Johnson had the 30" Pure. His felt short to him while mine felt long so we swapped out the draw elements. After some timing , draw weight and holding weight (draw stop) checks and adjustments I was ready to go.

I like having a 65% to 70% holding weight over the factory set 80%. Using a back tension release or even a thumb release used with proper back tension form, having the extra holding weight helps in your holding and release. Normally I shoot a 29.5" but with the 30" draw element adjusted down to 70% letoff it holds the same as a 29.5"

Now set with Hinky Strings, QAD Ultra Rest HDX (love these rests), 10.25" 11 ounce B-Stinger Stabilizer and my last year Sword 3rd Axis sight I was ready to start sighting in. I set the rest at the normal 7/8" up off the shelf and the 13/16" over for centershot. One shot through paper let me know I was on.

I shot one shot at 10 yards to make sure the sight was close then stepped back to 20 yards and shot 3 shoots (camera phone photo attached). All three were low left of center but touching. Great start. Easy to make sight adjustments when you can group like this. A slight adjustment was made to the whole pin housing then I stepped back to 40 yards (my middle pin) and shot one. Very close to center but still slightly low left, let's go back to 60 yards. At 60 yards I shot 2 shots, both touching just slightly low left (camera phone photo attached). Another slight adjustment and back down to 20 yards and shot again - dead nuts on. Nine total shots and I had the bow sighted in out to 60 yards - how easy is that!


























Next was the true test - broadheads - this is not a target bow - this is a hunting bow. I use 50 yards as my check (normally the max I would attempt to shoot at a deer, so if I am good here I should be better even closer). I shot 2 field points then 2 broadheads. The broadheads hit slightly right of the field points. I adjusted the rest slightly out (just a fraction), shot again and we were hitting in the same spot. Locked it down and have been practicing solid ever since. From my 2010 GT500 to the 2011 Pure I did not have to make any adjustments in the pin gaps. I am getting the same speed from the Pure as I was with my GT 500 hunting bow. The only difference I feel is the Pure has a smoother draw all the way to a solid back wall. The GT 500 had just the slightest bump, not bad but now with the Pure it is completely gone.

I am not a Speed Demon, I would rather have a bow that is easy to draw, holds great and does not feel like it is jumping out of my hand at the shot. The Pure has all of that. At 70 pounds and 30" draw I can easily hold this bow at a 45 degree downward angle and come to full draw with no problems. With the Pure I can focus completely on the shot and not the draw cycle.

My arrow setup is a 29" Carbon Express (CX) Maxima Hunter 350 with 3 Bohning Blazer Vanes, CX Bulldog Collar, CX Lazer Eye Nock and 100 grain Rage 2 Blade Broadheads. Total arrow weight is 400 grains. With shooting 290 fps I am obtaining 74.72 foot pounds of energy. More than enough for any whitetail around.

I loved the GT 500 last year (so much so I had two - one is still setup for 3D - the other has been setup by Jeff Harrison with Cuda Cams, Hinky Strings and 50 pound Ultimate Camo dipped limbs for my wife) but I think I have a new lover for the fall 2011. Still in the Elite family, just with the younger hotter sister of the GT 500. My wife is going to be a hunting widow again this year. As long as I can keep the nerves in check I should be easily filling freezers again this fall.