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Be mindful of your shot before pulling trigger

I tend to lead a fairly active lifestyle. I’ve bouldered and climbed mountains and rock faces. I’ve bungee-jumped, parasailed, jet-skied in the waves of the ocean, and zip-lined through the rainforest of Costa Rica. There are gobs of people who will not even think about doing some of those things because of the risk factor, but if it’s an adrenaline rush, I’m generally on board. I say this not to brag, or to gain attention, but rather to bring attention to a particular issue. In all the years I’ve been participating in semi-dangerous, “all about the thrill” activities, ...

Missouri man breeds dogs to hunt deer antlers

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Shed hunting is a popular pastime for many outdoors enthusiasts, and an assist from man’s best friend can help take that hobby to the next level. Roger Sigler, of Smithville, Missouri, breeds and trains dogs that are specialized in finding deer antler sheds. He will be one of the featured speakers during the 2019 Topeka Boat and Outdoor Show, which runs Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 at the Kansas Expocentre. “We invented the sport of hunting horns with the dogs 13 years ago and we’ve trained almost 500 of these dogs, and we have them all over the United States ...

Tips for shooting game – with a camera

You’ve done it. You’ve made your shot perfectly and as your heartbeat begins to slow to a normal speed, you gather up your gear. It doesn’t matter if it was a gun, a bow, or slingshot, you’ve accomplished what you had set out to do. As you weave your way through the thick woods and underbrush, or through knee-high cornstalks of a freshly picked field, you follow the path that will lead you directly to the final resting place of the game animal you’ve successfully harvest. Once you’ve reached your trophy, you take a moment to stare and admire it. It doesn’t matter if ...

ND coyote catalog connects landowners, hunters

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — In an effort to keep coyote numbers in check, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department have teamed up to produce the Coyote Catalog. The catalog connects landowners who want coyotes removed from their land with hunters and trappers willing to help out. “One of the reasons we started this a few year ago is that livestock producers expressed concern about high coyote numbers,” said Doug Goehring, the state’s Agriculture Commissioner. “The beauty of this is that we play matchmaker. We facilitate a service. If a ...

Commission changes rules, expands mentoring

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a measure that would simplify requirements to wear fluorescent orange material while hunting. There would be no changes to the requirements that apply in many seasons. And the use of orange will continue to be highly recommended for all seasons, whether required or not. The measure will be brought back to the April meeting for a final vote, and any changes would be put in place for the 2019-20 license year to begin July 1. The proposal would eliminate the requirement to wear ...

Calling champ a humble legend

In 2015, on a stage crowded with extreme talent, extraordinary turkey knowledge and calling experience, Billy Yargus heard his name called as the winner of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Calling Champion contest. One of the greatest accomplishments you can achieve as a caller, he had secured the Grand Champion title as he proudly held his trophy with a million dollar smile. I had a chance to interview Billy recently, and what a treat it was. The incredible knowledge he possessed was one thing, but I doubt I’ve ever met a champion of anything that is more ...