Outdoor Life has a great article about mounting your own antlers, it's certainly much cheaper than a full mount from a taxidermist and an excellent way to preserve your trophy.
I can't wait until my trophy is back from the taxidermist this year. I will be posting pictures as soon as I get my eight point buck back! Please feel free to send in photos of your hunting season.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Public Land Hunting
Outdoor life has a great article about hunting on public lands here in Pennsylvania. Hunters this year have taken some outstanding
Whitetail deer on public land as you can see from this picture. As a person with a disability I find it much more difficult to hunt on public land. Gaining access to the woods with my wheelchair is very difficult and I find private lands much more access friendly.
I have a plan for gaining access next year that involves a Polaris four wheeler and cart. I will talk more about that in a future blog.
What are your thoughts on hunting public land? Do you prefer private property or public game lands?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Man, 86, hunts from recliner, bags buck
Man, 86, hunts from recliner, bags buck What a great story! " NEVER GIVE UP " is right ! It's so nice when things work out for someone who loves to hunt.
I feel so lucky to have taken two deer this year, I know how this gentleman must feel.
I feel so lucky to have taken two deer this year, I know how this gentleman must feel.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Pa Bear Season 2010
Bow hunters took 224 bears during the first-ever statewide, five-day bear season, and 2,815 bears were taken with a rifle during the restructured three-day season, which included a Saturday-opener this year.
The total number of bears taken was 3,039 in 53 counties throughout the Commonwealth. The top county this year was Clinton with 248 bears. The record for bears taken in Pa is 4,164 harvested in the 2005 season.
I was never fortunate enough to harvest a bear in Pennsylvania or anywhere else. I did take one Hunting trip to Canada but did not even see a black bear. That's a story for another blog entry.
If you were successful in harvesting a bear this year, I would love to see your pictures and hear your stories.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Rare White Deer
Local hunter bags rare prize in white deer - The Item: Local Sports
Wow, can you imagine taking this trophy with your rifle or bow? Congratulations on a once-in-a-lifetime trophy buck!
Wow, can you imagine taking this trophy with your rifle or bow? Congratulations on a once-in-a-lifetime trophy buck!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Pennsylvania Whitetail
My friend Chris was fortunate enough to bag this Pennsylvania Whitetail on the opening day of rifle season 2010. Congratulations Chris on a beautiful deer, all of your hard work and dedication paid off again this year.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Teen bags six-point bull elk from wheelchair
Teen bags six-point bull elk from wheelchair Here is a great example of what can be accomplished with a little bit of time and effort. Congratulations Mikey on a trophy Bull Elk !
41 Elk were taken in 2010 here in Pa. You can read about them HERE
41 Elk were taken in 2010 here in Pa. You can read about them HERE
Monday, November 29, 2010
1st Big Game Hunting Certificate
Today is the first day of rifle season here in Pennsylvania for white tailed deer. If you are fortunate enough to be taking your first white tailed deer today, the Pennsylvania game commission has a beautiful certificate on their website suitable for framing. Check it out by clicking here
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cold-Weather Hunting
One of the difficult things about enjoying the outdoors and being a person with a disability is, I cannot regulate my body temperature. This goes for heat as well as cold.
When the cold weather comes and I still want to do some hunting I take a few precautions. In addition to a heavy jacket and balaclava I try to be sensible about my lower extremities.
Because I cannot feel from the chest down I cannot tell how cold my legs and feet become. So I usually put a blanket on my legs and wear boot blankets over my normal tennis shoes.
I know my tennis shoes are not going to bother my feet, causing a blister or sore to develop. The boot blanket's slip on easily overtop, camouflaging my white sneakers not to mention adding a little style to my roll.
When the cold weather sets in, what do you like to wear?
When the cold weather comes and I still want to do some hunting I take a few precautions. In addition to a heavy jacket and balaclava I try to be sensible about my lower extremities.
Because I cannot feel from the chest down I cannot tell how cold my legs and feet become. So I usually put a blanket on my legs and wear boot blankets over my normal tennis shoes.
I know my tennis shoes are not going to bother my feet, causing a blister or sore to develop. The boot blanket's slip on easily overtop, camouflaging my white sneakers not to mention adding a little style to my roll.
When the cold weather sets in, what do you like to wear?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Join an Organization
One thing I really recommend doing is joining your local Sportsmen's Club. It's a great way to meet men and women who enjoy hunting and recreational shooting. It's also an opportunity for you to educate them regarding individuals with disabilities.
I belong to a fantastic club called Falcon Archers and have met some really great people. The clubhouse itself is not completely accessible, but I'm able to get into the building with my portable threshold ramp. I enjoy using the outdoor range for my crossbow and plan on spending a lot more time there this summer.
I belong to a fantastic club called Falcon Archers and have met some really great people. The clubhouse itself is not completely accessible, but I'm able to get into the building with my portable threshold ramp. I enjoy using the outdoor range for my crossbow and plan on spending a lot more time there this summer.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
How to cock using Side Winder
Sometimes I am hunting with a partner that does not have the physical strength to cock my 175 pound Parker crossbow using a cocking rope . That is where this little item comes in, it is the Sidewinder cocking crank, and easily cocks my crossbow with very little physical strength required.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Range Finders
One of the most important things you need to know when bowhunting is precise yardage. The first thing I have my hunting partner do after I'm all set up in the ground blind is use a laser rangefinder to give me some exact ranges to known objects.
I like to know what landmark is 20 yards, what tree is 30 yards, 40 or 50 yards. That way when my target walks through I can easily judge the yardage accurately.
We owe it to the animal to make a quick efficient shot. Many misses occur by misjudging yardage. Spend the extra time to get familiar with your equipment, use it in practice and while zeroing in your bow.
I like to know what landmark is 20 yards, what tree is 30 yards, 40 or 50 yards. That way when my target walks through I can easily judge the yardage accurately.
We owe it to the animal to make a quick efficient shot. Many misses occur by misjudging yardage. Spend the extra time to get familiar with your equipment, use it in practice and while zeroing in your bow.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Shotgun and Rifle Season
Here in Pennsylvania, shotgun and rifle season for deer always opens the Monday after Thanksgiving. All the schools are closed and it's the day some hunters wait all year for. I say some hunters because at my core I am a bow Hunter.....
I did have the opportunity to hunt with a shotgun this year in Allegheny County. It was a doe only hunt October 21 -- 23, South Fayette Township sponsored a disabled hunt which was very well organized and thought out.
I used a Mossberg 535 ATS 12 gauge shotgun with rifled barrel for this hunt. The shotgun also comes with an additional barrel and choke tubes for hunting Turkey, Ducks etc..
The great thing about the shotgun is, it still uses two and three-quarter inch shells. They do not produce as much recoil as a 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch magnum shell. Since I am unable to physically hold the shotgun, recoil is a big concern.
Prior to my injury I shot all forms of rifle including the 300 Winchester Magnum. I would not attempt to do something like that now from my wheelchair. The largest caliber I personally shoot is a 270 Remington and even that pushes the limit.
If I was recommending a rifle to shoot from a wheelchair it would be the 243 Winchester . The 243 shoots flat and has enough power to knock down the Pennsylvania Whitetail. What are your thoughts and suggestions?
I did have the opportunity to hunt with a shotgun this year in Allegheny County. It was a doe only hunt October 21 -- 23, South Fayette Township sponsored a disabled hunt which was very well organized and thought out.
I used a Mossberg 535 ATS 12 gauge shotgun with rifled barrel for this hunt. The shotgun also comes with an additional barrel and choke tubes for hunting Turkey, Ducks etc..
The great thing about the shotgun is, it still uses two and three-quarter inch shells. They do not produce as much recoil as a 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch magnum shell. Since I am unable to physically hold the shotgun, recoil is a big concern.
Prior to my injury I shot all forms of rifle including the 300 Winchester Magnum. I would not attempt to do something like that now from my wheelchair. The largest caliber I personally shoot is a 270 Remington and even that pushes the limit.
If I was recommending a rifle to shoot from a wheelchair it would be the 243 Winchester . The 243 shoots flat and has enough power to knock down the Pennsylvania Whitetail. What are your thoughts and suggestions?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Scent
As hunters we should all realize the importance of controlling our human odor in order to be successful. It's been estimated that the nose of a Whitetail deer is 10,000 times as sensitive as our own. That's why I like to use a scent elimination soap like this
But as a person with a disability, I also have to be conscious of my wheelchair. That's why I like to use scent away towels and have someone wipe down all the hard surfaces on my wheelchair, trying to eliminate all the human odor that I can.
It may seem like a lot of preparation, but to be successful, I believe you have to go that extra mile. It's my opinion that a whitetail deer will believe it's nose before it believes its eyes.
But as a person with a disability, I also have to be conscious of my wheelchair. That's why I like to use scent away towels and have someone wipe down all the hard surfaces on my wheelchair, trying to eliminate all the human odor that I can.
It may seem like a lot of preparation, but to be successful, I believe you have to go that extra mile. It's my opinion that a whitetail deer will believe it's nose before it believes its eyes.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hunting Backpack For Wheelchair Users
Before I get into the specifics of a hunting day pack and its contents, I would like to talk about quickly and easily attaching the backpack to the wheelchair. On my current Permobil C-500 wheelchair I have Backpack Clips installed.
On each backpack strap, I attach one heavy-duty plastic wire tie that easily clips into the carabiner. With this system I can easily switch my hunting backpack with my regular everyday backpack.
If need be, an individual can quickly unclip the backpack from my wheelchair and set it on my desktop so that I can direct them to retrieve an object. This is very helpful when relying on others for assistance.
I use a small camouflaged Remington day pack for all my hunting gear. It does not have to be camouflage as I'm always hunting in a ground blind, but that's just how I roll. Here is a picture of it.
It's important to organize your day pack and know exactly where everything is, so that you can direct your hunting partner / assistant when you need something.
I recommend using different colored zipper pulls so that you can say for example " it's on the left side with the blue zipper pull ". It just makes life so much easier, but that may be the OCD in me .
Here is a basic list of what I carry when crossbow hunting:
On each backpack strap, I attach one heavy-duty plastic wire tie that easily clips into the carabiner. With this system I can easily switch my hunting backpack with my regular everyday backpack.
If need be, an individual can quickly unclip the backpack from my wheelchair and set it on my desktop so that I can direct them to retrieve an object. This is very helpful when relying on others for assistance.
I use a small camouflaged Remington day pack for all my hunting gear. It does not have to be camouflage as I'm always hunting in a ground blind, but that's just how I roll. Here is a picture of it.
It's important to organize your day pack and know exactly where everything is, so that you can direct your hunting partner / assistant when you need something.
I recommend using different colored zipper pulls so that you can say for example " it's on the left side with the blue zipper pull ". It just makes life so much easier, but that may be the OCD in me .
Here is a basic list of what I carry when crossbow hunting:
Balaclava
Black diamond headlamp
Buck 110 knife
Crossbow cocking rope
Doe bleat
Doe decoy
Drag rope
Extra wire ties
Facemask
Hunting license/tags
Laser range finder
Rubber gloves/washcloth
Sidewinder cocking crank
I hope this information helps you, everyone has their own needs and way of organizing their backpack. These are just my suggestions, I would love to hear yours.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Deer Decoy
Meet Miss November
She arrived at my house yesterday and I plan on using her ( that sounded bad ) on Saturday along with the can from Primos. I don't believe it will only draw in bucks....... I'm hoping for a mature doe to come check out the decoy and the sound. What are your thoughts on deer decoys?
She arrived at my house yesterday and I plan on using her ( that sounded bad ) on Saturday along with the can from Primos. I don't believe it will only draw in bucks....... I'm hoping for a mature doe to come check out the decoy and the sound. What are your thoughts on deer decoys?
Adapted Trigger
Many people write to me and ask how I am able to squeeze the trigger with no finger movement. It's simple and inexpensive using the BMF activator from Cabelas . I do not squeeze the trigger I just pull back the crank with my wrist and it fires my crossbow, shotgun or rifle.
The trigger activator can work for a right or left-handed shooter, installs in minutes using two screws. I have one on everything I shoot just to make it easier.
You could just purchase one and move it from crossbow to shotgun to rifle in a matter of minutes. Good luck with your season and don't forget to send in your harvest pictures.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ground Blinds
Since hunting from a tree stand is no longer an option, I had to find a good ground blind that would accommodate my power wheelchair. I have three and each has its attributes and issues.
1. Primos Double Bull Blind
In my opinion this is one of the best blinds to hunt from in a power wheelchair. It's big enough for my wheelchair and an additional Hunter to sit comfortably. I can position my wheelchair on the back wall, and my crossbow does not stick out the front window. The black interior allows me to disappear inside the blind.
The only problem with this blind is it's very difficult for one person to set up. The Hubs are tight and it requires a great deal of strength to push out the walls and roof. People tell me this will eventually loosen up, but right now it's a problem.
If you have the opportunity to set the blind up once and leave it all season, this will not be an issue. This is also the most expensive of the three blinds.
2. Ameristep Doghouse
This blind is a little smaller than the Primos Double Bull, but it does accommodate my power wheelchair and another hunter. It is one of the easiest ground blinds to set up, in fact it practically sets itself up. All you basically do is remove it from the bag and the steel supports spring open.
Even sitting with my wheelchair against the back wall, my crossbow is still very close to the open window. It does not provide the complete interior camouflage as the double bull blind, even though the inside is also black.
Practice setting up and taking down this blind, watch the video, otherwise you will have difficulty getting it back into the bag. Once you understand it, it's very easy.
3. Ameristep Outhouse
The outhouse is the smallest of the blinds and definitely a one-person hunting set up. My crossbow completely sticks out the front window and I have been busted by a few does that refused to walk in front of the blind. As with the doghouse it sets up in seconds, takedown is a little confusing if you're not used to it.
I guess the old adage, you get what you pay for is true with ground blinds. I hope this information helps you in your selection. If you have other ideas please let me know! Good luck on your hunting season.
1. Primos Double Bull Blind
In my opinion this is one of the best blinds to hunt from in a power wheelchair. It's big enough for my wheelchair and an additional Hunter to sit comfortably. I can position my wheelchair on the back wall, and my crossbow does not stick out the front window. The black interior allows me to disappear inside the blind.
The only problem with this blind is it's very difficult for one person to set up. The Hubs are tight and it requires a great deal of strength to push out the walls and roof. People tell me this will eventually loosen up, but right now it's a problem.
If you have the opportunity to set the blind up once and leave it all season, this will not be an issue. This is also the most expensive of the three blinds.
2. Ameristep Doghouse
This blind is a little smaller than the Primos Double Bull, but it does accommodate my power wheelchair and another hunter. It is one of the easiest ground blinds to set up, in fact it practically sets itself up. All you basically do is remove it from the bag and the steel supports spring open.
Even sitting with my wheelchair against the back wall, my crossbow is still very close to the open window. It does not provide the complete interior camouflage as the double bull blind, even though the inside is also black.
Practice setting up and taking down this blind, watch the video, otherwise you will have difficulty getting it back into the bag. Once you understand it, it's very easy.
3. Ameristep Outhouse
The outhouse is the smallest of the blinds and definitely a one-person hunting set up. My crossbow completely sticks out the front window and I have been busted by a few does that refused to walk in front of the blind. As with the doghouse it sets up in seconds, takedown is a little confusing if you're not used to it.
I guess the old adage, you get what you pay for is true with ground blinds. I hope this information helps you in your selection. If you have other ideas please let me know! Good luck on your hunting season.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Crossbows, Bolts and Broadheads
If you talk with five different people and ask them.... what's their favorite crossbow? You will certainly get five different answers. I'm curious to hear yours, but here is my favorite crossbow.
The Parker Buck Buster 175 is an unbelievable crossbow, costing hundreds of dollars less then comparable models. It carries a lifetime warranty and sends bolts downrange at 330 fps. I shoot very tight groups with this Parker out to 50 yards.
I shoot 20 inch carbon Hunter Crossbow Arrows which fly straight every time. They are also durable during the practice season in the summers. I may get a few refletched this spring with some fluorescent orange fletching in order to make them easier to find after the shot.
I practice with 100 grain field points all summer long and then switch to the Two Blade 100 grain Rage Broadheads for deer hunting in September.
This is my favorite set up, I'm interested in hearing yours.......
My brother uses the same type of crossbow ect. and look at his results this year.
The Parker Buck Buster 175 is an unbelievable crossbow, costing hundreds of dollars less then comparable models. It carries a lifetime warranty and sends bolts downrange at 330 fps. I shoot very tight groups with this Parker out to 50 yards.
I shoot 20 inch carbon Hunter Crossbow Arrows which fly straight every time. They are also durable during the practice season in the summers. I may get a few refletched this spring with some fluorescent orange fletching in order to make them easier to find after the shot.
I practice with 100 grain field points all summer long and then switch to the Two Blade 100 grain Rage Broadheads for deer hunting in September.
This is my favorite set up, I'm interested in hearing yours.......
My brother uses the same type of crossbow ect. and look at his results this year.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Let's get to know each other
My name is Greg and I am a disabled Hunter. Specifically I am paralyzed from the chest down due to a diving accident where I broke C4/C5 in 1999.
Prior to my injury I was a fanatical bow Hunter, hunting several states each year for Whitetail deer and Turkey. It's taken me a long time to get back into the sport of hunting and I would like to share this experience with all of you. We can learn from each other's experiences, maybe save each other some time and hopefully be more successful in our outdoor adventures.
The season just ended for archery here in Pennsylvania, at least until after Christmas. I'm not sure if I will get out for the second season to fill my remaining two Doe tags. Snow and my Permobil C-500 power wheelchair do not always get along.
This October I was extremely fortunate to be a part of a special needs hunt sponsored by Whitetail Management Associates of greater Pittsburgh . A group of dedicated men and women gave up their Saturday to help me bowhunt again.
Friday evening I tried to sleep but my arms were aching and burning twice as bad as normal, It was really bad. But I kept thinking about the possibilities of Saturday morning and the opening day of buck season in Pennsylvania.
I was up at 4 AM and getting dressed for the field. My brother John and I met the group from WMA at 6AM, and went to our hunting site. By 6:45 AM my double bull archery blind was set up and I was hunting, with my Parker 175 buck buster crossbow!
All morning long I was entertained with watching a red fox, squirrels, chipmunks and the sound of nature all around me. But unfortunately no deer....
Lunch time came around and the guys from WMA provided a great pizza and Ice-T lunch for John and I. It was back into the blind for me while my brother John decided to take a nap behind my blind. It wasn't 20 minutes later when a group of deer came by stopping 24 yards from my ground blind.
I was able to get my safety off independently, take aim and send the bolt at my target, a mature doe. The 100 grain Rage broadhead found its mark and quickly dispatched the doe. She only traveled 20 yards downhill !
The sound of my Parker crossbow going off, awaken my brother who asked me if I got one. I quickly told him the story and he walked out to retrieve my arrow which had completely passed through the doe.
He called the guys from WMA and they quickly retrieved my trophy. I thought my day could not get any better but they told me it was early afternoon and now it's time to get a nice buck.
For the rest of the afternoon they concentrated on getting me a shot at a beautiful eight point buck. When the time came I was able to make the shot and with a little tracking they recovered my 8 point!
It was one of the best Saturdays since my injury, I really love Bowhunting and the opportunity to be in the field.
I would like to thank Kips Deer Processing in Carnegie Pa, for processing both of my Deer at no charge and preparing my 8 Pointer for the taxidermist! Parker crossbow's also donated one dozen arrows to help make this dream hunt come true. Thanks to everyone who played a part in my success!
Prior to my injury I was a fanatical bow Hunter, hunting several states each year for Whitetail deer and Turkey. It's taken me a long time to get back into the sport of hunting and I would like to share this experience with all of you. We can learn from each other's experiences, maybe save each other some time and hopefully be more successful in our outdoor adventures.
The season just ended for archery here in Pennsylvania, at least until after Christmas. I'm not sure if I will get out for the second season to fill my remaining two Doe tags. Snow and my Permobil C-500 power wheelchair do not always get along.
This October I was extremely fortunate to be a part of a special needs hunt sponsored by Whitetail Management Associates of greater Pittsburgh . A group of dedicated men and women gave up their Saturday to help me bowhunt again.
Friday evening I tried to sleep but my arms were aching and burning twice as bad as normal, It was really bad. But I kept thinking about the possibilities of Saturday morning and the opening day of buck season in Pennsylvania.
I was up at 4 AM and getting dressed for the field. My brother John and I met the group from WMA at 6AM, and went to our hunting site. By 6:45 AM my double bull archery blind was set up and I was hunting, with my Parker 175 buck buster crossbow!
All morning long I was entertained with watching a red fox, squirrels, chipmunks and the sound of nature all around me. But unfortunately no deer....
Lunch time came around and the guys from WMA provided a great pizza and Ice-T lunch for John and I. It was back into the blind for me while my brother John decided to take a nap behind my blind. It wasn't 20 minutes later when a group of deer came by stopping 24 yards from my ground blind.
I was able to get my safety off independently, take aim and send the bolt at my target, a mature doe. The 100 grain Rage broadhead found its mark and quickly dispatched the doe. She only traveled 20 yards downhill !
The sound of my Parker crossbow going off, awaken my brother who asked me if I got one. I quickly told him the story and he walked out to retrieve my arrow which had completely passed through the doe.
He called the guys from WMA and they quickly retrieved my trophy. I thought my day could not get any better but they told me it was early afternoon and now it's time to get a nice buck.
For the rest of the afternoon they concentrated on getting me a shot at a beautiful eight point buck. When the time came I was able to make the shot and with a little tracking they recovered my 8 point!
It was one of the best Saturdays since my injury, I really love Bowhunting and the opportunity to be in the field.
I would like to thank Kips Deer Processing in Carnegie Pa, for processing both of my Deer at no charge and preparing my 8 Pointer for the taxidermist! Parker crossbow's also donated one dozen arrows to help make this dream hunt come true. Thanks to everyone who played a part in my success!
New Blog
For the past year I have been looking around the Internet for accessible hunting information with limited success. So I decided to start a blog that would concentrate on the information a person with a disability needs to start hunting or return to hunting.
If you have any information on hunting from a wheelchair please drop me a line, I would love to hear about your experiences! accessiblehunter@gmail.com
If you have any information on hunting from a wheelchair please drop me a line, I would love to hear about your experiences! accessiblehunter@gmail.com
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