In addition to bringing Shockey, Thompson/Center Arms, the Official Firearms of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, will feature an extended booth that includes: a display area highlighting all the new muzzleloaders and bolt-action rifles in the Thompson/Center Arms line; a “Build Your Own Pro Hunter” booth where you can design and purchase the gun of your dreams; and an area offering logo apparel and other Thompson/Center Arms items for purchase.

Shockey will be signing autographs and taking pictures from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6th and Sunday February 7th at the Thompson/Center Arms Booth (#5029) located in the Wild, Wild West Hall.

“We are really excited that Thompson/Center Arms, one of our major sponsors, is bringing one of the ‘big guns’ in the hunting world to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Shockey is an award-winning outdoor writer, television host and professional big game outfitter whose career has spanned more than 20 years. Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures television show is a top Nielsen-rated hunting program airing year-round on Outdoor Channel. In 2010, Shockey and team will launch their newest television production, Jim Shockey’s The Professionals debuting in July on the Outdoor Channel.

Shockey’s thousands of published writings and photos have appeared in all of the major national outdoors magazines, his hunting DVDs are distributed worldwide, and his website is one of the most highly trafficked sites among outdoors celebrities.

Shockey is the winner of SCI’s prestigious CJ McElroy Award and Professional Big Game Hunter of the Year Award. His personal hunting experiences include travel to the most remote, wild, and beautiful places in the world. To date, he has taken more than 200 big game species across the globe, including more than 190 different species with muzzleloader. His energetic and adventurous approach to worldwide big game hunting and conservation have made him one of the most respected hunting personalities alive today.

For more Show information, including a complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, now in its 55th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,100 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors –by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting and fishing related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

So many things to talk about and so little time! For those who think we are in the off season with not a lot to do, I am quickly learning that there is no off season. We have had a lot of great things happening at Wired Outdoors. First, I wanted to take a minute and thank the Parker Polar Bear Club of Parker, Pennsylvania for raising over $1700 for our “Hunt Of A Lifetime” kids! The Polar Bear jump into the chilly waters of the Allegheny River was a tremendous success and there were many Wired Outdoors fans in attendance. Due to the short notice this year, I wasn’t able to make it, but I promise you, I will be there next year. Thanks again to the Polar Bear Club and all the Wired Outdoors fans who joined us on this special day for a great cause.

Wired Outdoors Crew at the Parker Polar Bear Jump

This time of year when we aren’t jumping in freezing cold water we are looking for other adventures.  One thing I have always wanted to do is chase free ranging wild hogs and I recently had the opportunity to chase some pigs in North Central Florida with Florida Cracker Outfitters.  I was definitely under the perception that hunting hogs was a slam dunk and they are a dumb animal.  I couldn’t have been more off base.  Not only are they very fast and never stop moving, they have a nose every bit as good as a whitetail and if they smell you, it is all over.  We only had a two day hunt planned and were able to close the deal on two pigs, but I was the odd man out and didn’t get it done.  However, I will be heading back to Florida on March 2 to not only get a pig with my bow, I also plan to wrastle one.  You are probably saying, “What are you talking about, wrastling a hog?”  You will just have to stay tuned for more details, but I will guarantee it will be very entertaining.

Myself, Mike Switzer and Mike Bell with Mike Switzer’s first hog

Myself and Mike Bell with Mike’s first hog

Last but not least we are very excited and can’t wait to meet many of Wired Outdoors fans at this year’s Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We are a corporate sponsor of the show and look forward to this event every year.  It is a great way for us to meet and talk to many of our fans.  If you have never been to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show or maybe you haven’t visited in few years, if you love the outdoors, you owe it to yourself to visit the show.  It is the largest show of its kind in the world!  If you can’t make it to the show, we will be streaming live video all week long with people like, Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany, Stan Potts, The Bennoits, and more.  Visit our website at www.WiredOutdoors.com for more information and schedule of all the interviews.

Get Your Wired Outdoors Season 1 – “In the Beginning” DVD – www.WiredOutdoors.com

I would also like to announce that our DVD – Wired Outdoors Season 1 – “In The Beginning”, will be available at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and online by February 6 by visiting www. WiredOutdoors.com.

This year was a very hard hunting year for me in PA.  Archery season produced only one shooter buck out of range.  I did have an opportunity at a doe but had a clean miss.  She too was just out of range and I misjudged the shot distance.  Only several other deer were spotted during the many hours in the field of archery here in Pennsylvania. I found hunting public grounds pretty tough. There was very little feed due to the gypsy moths and that pushed the deer into other areas. So all I could hope for was better luck during the Pennsylvania rifle season.

Winter is such a magical time of the year as we watch the woods transform into a silent escape.  Food sources being covered whitetails seem to minimize movement.  Then there is the invasion of orange disrupting the stillness with echoes of gun fire.

 I put in a great deal of time but couldn’t get a shooter buck within my sites during archery or rifle seasons here in Pennsylvania.  Unable to put that buck on the ground I longed for venison to fill my freezer.  I decided that I would take a mature doe as soon as the opportunity would present itself. That opportunity happened the first Wednesday of rifle season.  The morning only produced about 2 shots in the far off distance on the Game Lands we were hunting. Then around 10:00AM around 100+ yards I could see 5 deer moving through the timber up the hill from me.  About 5 minutes later the turned and headed down the hill at an angle right to me. The first one leading was a big mature doe.  I let the rifle bark and she dropped within 30 yards from where I was standing.

The first Saturday of rifle I headed back out hoping to possibly connect with a buck.  The snow started about an hour after we were in the woods. And it snowed and snowed and at one time looked like  a blizzard.  There was no way to keep the camera dry so we packed it away. Within 2 hours we had several inches of snow on the ground. Everything was covered. There was no movement and no shots.  It sure didn’t seem like the first Saturday of rifle season in Pennsylvania. We saw only one other hunter and by 8 AM he got up and left. The snow wasn’t letting up and I knew without hunters moving, the deer weren’t going to be moving much either.

Since Don didn’t have a rifle he decided to sit looking one way and I would keep an eye on the other. It was so hard to see and it was totally silent. If you weren’t seeing the deer you sure weren’t going to hear them! Shortly after 9 AM Don sees 2 deer sneaking up behind us. I quickly scope them, no horns. I quickly decided to fill my second doe tag. 30.06 cracked and down went my second mature doe. 

I have hunted for many years and in all the years I have hunted I have NEVER shot 2 deer in one year. I never felt the need. I usually was blessed to shoot a buck in archery or rifle and then I was done. It was enough meat to last the year. So this was a first. Jimmy hadn’t been having luck at that point hunting either so I told him if I could shoot another doe I would so he could get his deer bologna he likes made.  And I don’t know if any of you have seen the size of my kid lately?  Well he is 13 and 6 foot tall.  So we can use more than one deer a year now. 

The rest of the season I hunted for a buck but mother nature didn’t cooperate much either. Ice, Snow, rain, high winds we had it all.  I still went out with the hopes the Lord would bless me with a shooter buck. But it just didn’t happen. 

I was tickled to finally put a deer on the ground this year. Well, two actually.  It will definitely be a Pennsylvania hunting season to remember. Spending time afield is a blessing! The harvest, that’s the bonus!

Listening to my loved ones and friends recreate their hunting adventures and sharing my hunts with them brings smiles to everyone’s face. Creating memories that will last a lifetime and reinforces our heritage in the minds of those who cherish every trip afield. 

 Here are some pictures from family and friends who were successful this year during the PA whitetail season.

Dad with his archery doe.

Don with his archery doe.

Brandon with his archery doe.

Don with his rifle buck.

Jimmy’s friend Cody with his first buck.

Friend Tom’s nice rifle buck.

Brandon’s friend Scott with his flintlock doe.

Jimmy with his first ever muzzleloader kill.

Scene from last year’s jump!

In Wired Outdoors fashion, when we get involved in something we are all in!  So we will be filming this event and we will be taking the plunge with many of our Wired Outdoors fans!  So all you Wired Outdoors fans, band together and we are asking you to join us and have a great time for a great cause as we take the plunge into the Allegheny River in Parker, Pennsylvania.

• Event: 4th Annual Parker Polar Bear Plunge – “Freezin’ For A Reason!”
• When: January 1, 2010
  Registration 11:00am-1:30pm
  Safety meeting, at 1:45pm
  Plunge at 2:00pm
• Where: Parker City Boat Launch (311 North River Avenue, Parker, PA 16049)
• Who: Parker Polar Bear Club
• Why: Benefits Hunt of A Lifetime and Parker Parks and Recreation
• Cost: $10 registration fee (free t-shirt to all participants)

Additional Information:

• $50 prize for “Most Unique Plunging Attire”
• Chinese auction for items donated by local business.
• 50/50 raffle.

While the cost is only $10 a person, we are encouraging folks to go out there and get sponsors and help us raise as much as possible for our kids who we will be sending on their “Hunt of A Lifetime”.  Questions or comments should be directed to Tony Davenport at 724.659.5114 and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!

An all-star lineup featuring Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Stan Potts, Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo, Mark Menendez, Bob Clouser and many more will present seminars and meet those attending the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

“Our 2010 lineup of seminar speakers is like a who’s who of hunting and fishing. The amount of experience, knowledge and skill that will be shared with attendees will be huge. If you want to be a better hunter or angler, the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is a must,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Michael Waddell– Appearing February 11-14

Through his Outdoor Channel shows Bone Collectors, Realtree Roadtrips with Michael Waddell, Hunt Masters, and Turkey Call, Waddell has become one of the most popular and entertaining personalities in hunting world. Waddell drives over 20,000 miles each year to hunt, and his real-life experiences make him a favorite on the outdoor show circuit.

“Michael Waddell was a huge success at last year’s show and a valued member of our Whitetail Deer Panel. We are thrilled to have him back at the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. He is just as knowledgeable and entertaining in person as he is on his television shows. He takes the time to personally speak with everyone that comes to the booth to meet him, so the visitors to our Show love him.” says O’Hara.

Michael Waddell will share his deer hunting experiences and tips and tricks during daily seminars during his appearance days, as well as participate on the Whitetail Deer Panel with other deer hunting experts.

Lee & Tiffany Lakosky–Appearing February 6-14

Husband and wife hunters, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, are best known as stars of Getting’ Close–one of the highest-rated shows in outdoor television–and their newest show, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany.

“What can I say… people just love Lee and Tiffany,” says O’Hara.

In addition to being celebrities, the Lakoskys are very accomplished hunters. They spend countless hours sharpening their hunting skills and actively managing their land for trophy whitetails in eastern Iowa.

Many hunters recognize the couple from the widespread use of many of their trophy photos and magazine articles which have appeared in dozens of high profile publications and catalogs over the past few seasons.

Stan Potts–Appearing February 6-8

In 40 years of hunting, Stan Potts has harvested numerous whitetail bucks with a bow, three of which scored over 200 inches. He also took another 200 incher with a TC muzzleloader.

Potts gives hunting seminars all across North America and has been the subject of many feature magazine articles. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetail magazine and several other media sources. He has appeared in several hunting videos and television shows, including Realtree Outdoors and Hunter’s Specialties Prime Time series. He is a co-host of North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. He is also featured on Whitetail Country on ESPN and Hunt Masters on the Outdoor Channel. Pots hunts 100% wild whitetails on public and private property and is well known for his expertise in treestand placement and patterning bigger, mature bucks.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo–Appearing February 6-9

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, of Lanark, Illinois, are co-hosts of the award-winning Archer’s Choice and The Choice television shows.

Vicki Cianciarulo is credited with taking the largest wild white-tailed deer by a female on camera, with her Colorado buck scoring over 200 inches. She also has numerous black bear, caribou, moose, dall sheep, whitetail, mule deer, antelope, a turkey Grand Slam, and many different African species to her credit. Her history includes outfitting and guiding for both bear and deer, serving on conservation boards and editing and producing television shows.

Ralph Cianciarulo is a well-known international bowhunter, a noted videographer, a seminar speaker, and a TV personality for the Outdoor Channel.

“North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple,” the Cianciarulos have worked from the bottom up to earn a reputation that is second to none in the hunting industry.

Bob Clouser– Appearing February 12-13

Clouser’s love of the outdoors, especially fishing, led him into the fishing business. He continues to guide, teach and share his enjoyment with others. He will present casting demonstrations, using visual aids and casting weighted flies and lines, as well as lectures on “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass” about catching smallmouth from top to bottom using flies and “Fly Fishing Adventures”, about various species that can be caught on fly rod and flies.

Clouser has received numerous awards for his strong conservation work including his induction into the national Fresh Water Fishing Hall of fame as Legendary Angler. In 2000, he was named National Angler of the Year by Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.

Mark Menendez– Appearing February 6-8

There are few bass fishing professionals on the national scene like Mark Menendez, who is currently ranked 17th in the world. On the water, the 44-year-old Paducah, Kentucky angler has spent the past 18 years earning the reputation of a warrior on tour. He finished fifth in the Angler-of-the-Year points, after winning the Lake Dardanelle tournament on the BASS Elite Series in 2009. His career earnings of more than $900,000 along with success in individual tournaments (three wins and 18 top-ten finishes) and season-long point standings are testament to his dedication and skill.

Menendez, who has fished the Bassmaster Tour since 1991, has held the record for the biggest bass, weighing 13-pounds, 9-ounces, ever caught in a bass tournament.

Entering the contest is easy. Just go to www.easternsportshow.com, click on the Chuck Adams contest box and fill out the entry form.

Even if you don’t win the contest you can still learn from the master. All Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show attendees are invited to watch, listen and learn from the legend himself at these once-daily clinics.

“No one knows more about bowhunting than Chuck Adams. And, Chuck really enjoys sharing his knowledge and hunting experiences with hunters of every ability at the Show,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Adams will also host a western USA big-game hunting seminar once per day February 6-12.

Adams has authored 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books on bowhunting. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN’s Whitetail Country and Advantage Adventures shows.

Adams is the first archer to accomplish the “Super Slam” by taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He also has 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records to his credit–more than any other hunter. Adams is the only bowhunter to complete five Grand Slams on American deer, and hold five Pope & Young World Records. And, he is the youngest archer ever inducted into the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame and SCI Bowhunters Hall of Honor.

Wide Range of Contests Showcase Skills and Talents

NEW! Predator Hunting Contest
New for 2010, the American Predator Federation Predator Hunt hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Feb. 12th through 14th.  100 percent payout for this single or team hunt, it features six starting locations around Pennsylvania.  Visit the Show website for the official registration form at www.easternsportshow.com .  Monies and trophies for coyote, red fox, gray fox, and bobcat to be awarded after weigh in.

Fly Tying Contest
Hosted by the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this contest will take place on Saturday, February 13th at 10AM. Cash prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Junior, Amateur, and Open categories. Application forms, rules and fly patterns can be found at the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s website at cvtu.homestead.com

20th Annual Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest
Join elk callers from the East coast as they compete for top regional elk caller honors. The contest takes place at 5:00 Thursday, February 11 in the Small Arena. Trophies awarded to top 3 winners. New this year: Youth Division. Registration is anytime before the contest across from the Rocky Mountain Elk display.
PA 3D Bowhunter Challenge
Presented by the PA 3-D Bowhunters, events include a Fun Shoot, as well as Individual and Progressive Pot Money Shoots. Qualifying rounds take place 6-14th, with finals beginning on Saturday, February 13th and continuing on Sunday, February 14th. Class winners and top 3 Progressive Pot Shooters each day are notified to return for the finals. Competition in 17 different classes is provided. Four person team shoot will be held during the individual qualifying rounds with the first score a shooter turns in used for the team score. For more info, call Jesse Schertzer at (717) 944-2069 after 3 PM.

Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals
Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals and the 14th PA Indoor Bowhunters Challenge presented by Keystone Country Store. Hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show and PA 3-D Bowhunters. Pre-registration is a must! There are only 30 spots available per time listing. Call 1-877-999-9898 for times and registration.

Antler Scoring
Co-sponsored by the PA Deer Association–PA State Chapter, Quality Deer Management Association, and Trupes Quality Hunting and Wildlife Management. Any legally obtained Whitetail Deer Mounted Head or Antlers with the skull plate intact may be submitted for scoring. An entry fee/donation of $15 for an official score and $10 for non-official score will be charged. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded along with merchandise prizes. For further information contact: Steve Trupe, event coordinator at (877) 806-6993 or via email at steve@ezsowdeerfood.com.

Keystone Regional Duck & Goose Calling Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association. The contest is on Wednesday, February 10th. Registration starts at 1 PM. The registration fee for each contest is $20.00. The Junior Duck and Goose calling contest is at 2 PM and the Keystone Regional Duck calling contest is at 3 PM. For more information, call Sam Palumbo at (717) 756-5032. Top prize of $500 for Keystone Regional Duck Calling!

PA Turkey Calling and 35th Annual Owl Hooting Contests Presented by the Michaux-Yellow Breeches Local Chapter of the PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Professional Friction, Professional Open, Youth and Amateur Adult competitions, as well as an Open Owl Hooting competition take place at 1 PM on Sunday, February 7th in the Small Arena. All contestants must be members of the NWTF. For more information, call Randy Rakers at (717) 245-3631.  Entry forms are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Amateur Wildlife Photography Contest
Presented by the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (C.O.P.A.). Open and Children’s divisions in a number of categories, including: flora; birds; aquatic/reptiles; mammals; scenic; and open. For more information, call Linda Swank (717) 529-9064.

Decoy Painting
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 6th. Registration from 10 AM – noon, painting from 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as two honorable mentions. For more info, call Brian Gayman at (717) 357-0719.   Freshly painted decoys from the decoy painting contest will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Knife & Hawk Championship
Presented by The PA Federation of Muzzleloaders. Daily winners are invited to return for championship competition on Saturday, February 13th at 6PM. Knives and tomahawks must meet modified NMLRA rules. There is a $2 entry fee. Contestants have 5 throws each with knife and hawk for a combined score and must complete one full turn before striking target. For more information call Neal Panzarella at (717) 235-3993.

Professional Taxidermy Contest All are welcomed to enter this competition, compete for prizes, and have the top honor of having your work on display at The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. As an added feature, live taxidermy demonstrations to be held throughout the week and professional taxidermists will be on hand to answer any questions about a career in taxidermy or handling your next trophy in the correct way for your taxidermist to ensure the best possible mount. Be sure to drop by and check out the wonderful wildlife artistry. Contact: Cathy Popp at (daytime) 717-367-5585 or (evening) 717-367-7998. Visit www.pataxidermy.com.

Gunning Decoy Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 13th. Prizes will be given for Best of Show, 2nd, and 3rd Best of Show as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each species class (Marsh Ducks, Diver Ducks, Geese and Confidence). Ducks are auctioned at the end of the contest.  For more info, call Shawn Trent at (717) 395-2341.

Entry forms for contests are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Show visitors are encouraged to visit www.easternsportshow.com for dates and times of seminars, panels and contests.

Cost
$32.49 online

Product features

• Patented, precision-engineered, multi-angle flip-over knife clamp
• Sharpening hones on color-coated, finger-grooved safety holders
• One guide rod for each honing stone
• Specially formulated honing oil
• Extra long knife clamp screws
• Custom molded storage/carrying case to hold all system components
• Complete easy-to-follow multi-lingual instructions

Lansky sharpening angles

• 17 degree – A severe angle recommended for razor blades, X-Acto blades, scalpels or similar tools.  Provides an extremely sharp but delicate edge.
• 20 degree – A commonly used angle for higher quality blades and provides an excellent edge for kitchen cutlery and filet knives
• 25 degree – The recommended angle for most knives that need a durable, sharp edge.  Ideal for hunting and outdoor knives
• 30 degree – An outstanding angle for knives that see the heavy use of cutting cardboard, wire or carpets.  Recommended for heavy duty use.

Personal Assessment of product

Until coming across the Lansky Sharpening System, I was never able to put a sharp durable edge on my knives.  I’ve tried whetstones and though I could put a serviceable edge on my knife, it was never truly sharp.  I had friends, and family who were willing to sharpen my knives for me, but I was always bothered by not being able to do it myself.  I came across the Lansky Sharpening System from a co-worker.  He was telling me about his knife sharpening kit and offered to let me try one of my knives on it.  After receiving the kit and a few instructions from my friend, I gave it a shot.  I took the system home that evening and brought my dull hunting knife to a razor sharp edge on my first try.  This was the first time I was able to get a truly sharp edge on my hunting knife.  I was amazed at how easy this system was to use and purchased a Lansky that night.  After receiving my system in the mail, I had all my hunting knives honed and ready for the upcoming hunting season.  The great thing about this sharpening system is that it takes the “art” out of sharpening knives.  Just put your knife in the clamp, decide what angle you want on your blade, attach the rods to the hones, and use the slots built into the clamp to bring you knife to a razor sharp finish.  Though I already had an idea how to use the sharpening kit, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow.

Product Limitations

There are only a couple of things I could mention as “limitations” when using the Lansky Knife Sharpening Systems.  This system is used by running a hone over the knife as the fixed surface, as compared to running a knife over a whetstone as the fixed surface.  A little more care is needed when using the Lansky Sharpening System. The same friend, who introduced me to this kit, also cut himself bad when the hone slipped off the blade and ran his finger into the knife edge.  This is completely avoidable ,and the system is safe to use, but always use care when dealing with knives.  Also when doing large knives (above 6-7 inches) it is recommended to do ½ of the knife at a time.  When trying to sharpen the whole knife at once, the angle changes too much and the rods might not be long enough.  I have done our chef’s kitchen knife ½ at a time, and though it took a little longer, the end result was great.

Recommendation

The Lansky Sharpening System is easy to use and has brought out razor sharp edges on knives I have never been able to get sharp before.  The process of sharpening my knives before owning the Lansky Sharpening System had been frustrating and often times impossible.  After using this system, I believe this product would work great in any outdoorsmen’s home.

Location: Milton, Illinois, Pike County

Species: Whitetail

This year I met with Carter’s Hunting Lodge at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. During that time I made arrangements with Randy Hall and Nathan Carter to hunt with them during the rut.  Carter’s Hunting Lodge offers TROPHY whitetail archery hunts in Pike County, Illinois. (You can see the story of my hunt under my Field Journals) Needless to say, I was in for a true hunter’s delight.
Lodge: They offer a comfortable laid back stay at their hunting Lodge. When entering the Lodge you can’t help but be astonished at the big Pike County bucks hanging all over the walls. Not to mention the wall plaques of pictures of hunters with bucks taken over the years. That alone gets you excited for getting in the woods. The Lodge is roomy yet cozy and comfortable. When you came home from hunting the ladies would have a wonderful warm meal ready with all the fixings!  Catered from the local eatery Dink’s Diner.

Food: When you came home from hunting the ladies would have a wonderful warm meal ready with all the fixings!  Catered from the local eatery Dink’s Diner. The food was delicious and there was plenty to go around! They provide you with two meals per day Noon and Night. A complimentary breakfast will be provided the morning of the hunt. The food was delicious and there was plenty to go around!

Stands: Carter’s has over 8000 acres of prime hunting ground managed with various food sources. There was no need to worry about being crowded by other hunter’s there was plenty of room.  They have over 250 stands anywhere from 20-24 feet.  All stands are double hung stands mostly done for the purpose of filming.  They were either a hang on stand or a permanent built stand. All stands had a ladder which made climbing easy.  Carter’s can place you in a stand giving the hunter every opportunity according to wind direction and deer movement. Guides will take you to your stand locations and pick you up mid-morning to go in for lunch then back out in the evening. Or you can opt to stay out all day and hunt as we did.

Deer: Carter’s does have an antler restriction of a 140 inch minimum and there is a fee assessed if you choose to shoot less than 140 class bucks.  That is why it is TROPHY hunting. By having this restriction Carter’s assures that their bucks are reaching their full potential and maturing.  Thus providing the hunter with quite possibly a buck of a lifetime! The big bucks we saw were in the body size of up over 200 pounds with massive antlers.  The bucks have interesting characteristics of kickers, drop tines, split brows and so on. A lot of character running around their property!  The bucks were big, healthy, big, and did I say they were BIG??

Guides: Carter’s has a Guide for everyone. Some of the return hunters chose to go to their stands on their own and so forth. Which is an option to those repeat clients that are familiar with the stands, property, etc. The Guides will take you and drop you off to your stand each day, recovery and processing of your deer and give you guidance according to your feedback from each days hunt. I know there wasn’t a Guide at Carter’s that you wouldn’t like. All the guys were personable and made you feel welcome as soon as you introduced yourself.

Carter’s has over a 76% return rate with their clients.  Which is totally understandable. I know I wanted to go back before I even left! During the week Don and I saw around 50 bucks and more does and fawns than we could count. The stands were comfortable and numerous!  They have food plots and water sources all through the property. I absolutely loved my hunt with Carter’s. Everyone treated you like you were family and the Lodge was laid back, comfortable, good food and fun.  These boys know how to manage deer!  We saw proof of that!

Carter’s also offer hunting property and land for sale in Pike County and surrounding areas with their Real Estate Company, Carter Realty Network.
If you are looking to harvest a Trophy Whitetail in the mid-west with a great group of people, I would highly recommend Carter’s Hunting Lodge.

They are at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor show  each year in February, or you can contact Them at:
Randy Hall  1-217-779-0404,     P.O. Box 259, Milton, Illinois 62352     randy@carternetworkrealty.com

A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter’s Trophy Hunting Lodge!

Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois.  I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze.  The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, “Well Dink’s Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned.”  I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.

To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, “24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED.”  Talk about small town America.  Population 300 SALUTE!  After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations.  Little did we know, eating at Dink’s Diner is like eating Mama’s home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.

Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles.  After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!

Once we fueled up and found a place to eat we headed to Carter’s Trophy Lodge where we were greeted by Nathan Carter.

Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls.  Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa’s license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.

Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.

Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement.   A cameraman’s dream…double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.

Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS!  For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.

The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe.  An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter’s Hunting Lodge.  To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal.  The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours.  Making dreams come true.

With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter’s labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire.  The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime.  Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain’s ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER!  I call it heaven on Earth!

Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense.  A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day.  The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut…it is off the hook with buck sightings.  Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of.   I couldn’t imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter’s Hunting Lodge!

Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks.  This was not the case.  We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.

If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter’s hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.

See Carter’s Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!