Versus Country kicked off the start of hunting season on Friday, August 1, with the debut of three new series, news seasons of returning shows and encore episodes from fan favorite shows.

New series including: TruckVault’s Xtreme Hunts, Winchester World of Whitetail with Larry Weishuhn, Hank Parker 3-D, and Realtree’s Monster Bucks. New seasons of returning series include: Winchester Whitetail Revolution and The Bucks of Tecomate with Jeff Foxworthy and encore episodes from The Best and Worst of Tred Barta, Dangerous Game and The Huntley Way are all part of the lineup celebrating the return of outdoor programming to primetime and the start of hunting season beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Now in more than 73 million homes, Versus is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, Davis Cup Tennis, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cage-fighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12 and Mountain West. Versus features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events that audiences can't find elsewhere.

VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

  The US Army's FM 23-35 - Combat Training with Pistols and Revolvers (2003), states that: "The soldier should use his sights when engaging the enemy unless this would place the weapon within arm's reach of the enemy."

  The field manual also states that: "Usually, when engaging an enemy at pistol range, the firer has little time to ensure a correct sight picture...."

  "As the soldier raises the weapon to eye level, his point of focus switches from the enemy to the front sight, ensuring that the front and rear sights are in proper alignment left and right, but not necessarily up and down."

  "Pressure is applied to the trigger as the front sight is being acquired, and the hammer falls as the 'Flash Sight Picture' is confirmed."

  "... This method should be practiced slowly, with speed gained as proficiency increases."

  Now, obtaining and utilizing a correct Flash Sight Picture sounds doable and plausible, but assuming that you will be able to obtain and utilize a Flash Sight Picture in a real life threat situation, is open to serious question.

  That is because:

  1. It is dependant on achieving and maintaining Basic Marksmanship fundamentals such as the grip with the thumb resting alongside the weapon without pressure, and with the trigger finger placed on the trigger between the tip and second joint so that it can be squeezed to the rear independently of the remaining fingers; and

  2. it also is dependant upon meeting the specific requirements of the Flash Sight Picture technique (the bolded text above); and further,

  3. because of what we know about real gunfights such as: lighting conditions that are likely to be poor, a mottled or dark target that makes the target and sights indistinguishable from one another, or target movement, and

  4. because of the affects of our instinctive Fight or Flight response, which is triggered in close quarters life threat situations, and its results such as: tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, and focusing only on the threat.

  Obviously, if you can't see or focus on the sights, or if you lose your fine motor skills, or if you are threat focused, your ability to use the method will be moot, and that could be fatal for you.

  Aiming involves Sight Alignment and Sight Placement.

  Sight Alignment is the centering of the front blade in the rear sight notch, and the raising or lowering the top of the front sight so it is level with the top of the rear sight.

  Sight Placement is the positioning of the weapon's sights in relation to the target.

  A correct Sight Picture consists of correct Sight Alignment with the front sight placed center mass of the target.

  Sight Alignment is the more important of the two, because if the Sight Alignment is correct, then even if the sight picture is partly off center, the target will be hit.

  There is a natural, fast, and accurate shooting method that can be used to get an automatic and correct Flash Sight Picture for each shot, and regardless of whether or not you can see the sights.

  Details on it and rationales for its use are in the 1835 book: Helps and Hints - How To - Protect Life and Property, by: Lt. Col. Baron De Berenger. (The book was recently digitalized as part of Google's book project. For more info on the book see: www.pointshooting.com/1835.htm.)

  The author states that the method is best used with dueling pistols, and in self defense situations against highway robbers, housebreakers, and etc., who will not allow you to take the time to deliberately aim with the sights.

  Basically, the method calls for placing your index finger along the side of the gun, pointing it at a target and pulling the trigger with the middle finger.

  When the index finger is extended along the side of a gun, the barrel will be in parallel with it, and the sights will be in alignment. And they will stay in alignment for each shot, as long as the index finger stays along the side of the gun.

  There will be no need to take the time to find and focus on the sights, and then check and adjust as needed for a correct Flash Sight Picture, and then shoot, because you already will have a correct Flash Sight Picture.

  And if by some happy chance, you can see and focus on the sights, you can still use them if you wish to, and have the time to do that.

  Also, extending the index finger along the side of the gun helps to naturally "lock up" the wrist, strengthen the grip, and improve recoil control.

  I call this natural, fast, and accurate method of shooting, AIMED Point Shooting or P&S. I only recently became aware of its use way back in 1835.

  The Army's combat pistol manual states that "everyone has the ability to point at an object. Since pointing the forefinger at an object and extending the weapon toward a target are much the same, the combination of the two is natural."

  "Making the soldier aware of this ability and teaching him how to apply it results in success when engaging enemy targets in combat."

  "When a soldier points, he instinctively points at the feature on the object on which his eyes are focused. An impulse from the brain causes the arm and hand to stop when the finger reaches the proper position."

  "When the eyes are shifted to a new object or feature, the finger, hand, and arm also shift to this point. It is this inherent trait that can be used by the soldier to engage targets rapidly and accurately."

  With P&S, your index finger will be extended along the side of a gun, the barrel and sights will be in parallel with it, and the sights will be in proper alignment. And when you point at a target you will have both an automatic and Correct Flash Sight Picture plus an automatic and Correct Sight Picture. Just point-n-pull, point-n-pull, point-n-pull. No more, no less.

  Your gun will be held in the natural, strong, and level shooting platform made up of your thumb, the web of your hand, and your index finger. Your ring and little fingers also help in gripping the gun, and they also add tenacity to the grip. And your thumb and index finger DO NOT have to be held aloof from the gun. You can squeeze the begeebers out of the gun if you wish. And all the increased pressure will do, is strengthen your grip on the gun.

  P&S is the simplest of shooting methods. It can be learned with little or no training and maintained with minimal practice.

  But, it won't happen by magic. It's like riding a bike or tying your shoes. Both are seemingly impossible tasks until attempted and done. And once done, they become almost automatic.

  Finally, after reading what is in the Army's Combat Pistol Manual, I think it is reasonable to ask: Why doesn't the US Army recommend the use of P&S? That's a good question and one I don't have a clear answer too.

  A plausible explanation has to do with a design flaw of the slide stop of the 1911. The 1911 was adopted by the US Military in 1911, and was the standard-issue side arm from 1911 to 1985.

  The design flaw excludes the use of the index finger along the side of the 1911 for aiming. And cautionary language against doing so is in several military manuals published around the time of its adoption.

  Here is text from a 1912 publication:

  ..."(3) The trigger should be pulled with the forefinger. If the trigger is pulled with the second finger, the forefinger extending along the side of the receiver is apt to press against the projecting pin of the slide stop and cause a jam when the slide recoils."

  To me, prohibiting the use of a real and effective shooting method, to accommodate a weapon, rather than making a minor modification to a weapon to accommodate those who go in harms way, makes no sense. More info on the design flaw of the 1911, can be found at www.pointshooting.com/1911.htm

  Finally, the US Army's 2003 combat pistol manual recommends the use of Quick-Fire Point Shooting ..."for engaging an enemy at less than 5 yards...and for night firing."

  "Using a two-handed grip, the firer brings the weapon up close to the body until it reaches chin level. He then thrusts it forward until both arms are straight... the trigger is smoothly squeezed to the rear as the elbows straighten."

  And Quick-Fire Sighting is recommended "for engaging an enemy at 5 to 10 yards away and only when there is no time to get a full picture. The firing position is the same as for quick-fire point shooting. The sights are aligned left and right to save time, but not up and down."

  Again as stated above, with P&S, you get both an automatic and correct Flash Sight Picture plus an automatic and correct Sight Picture, even if you can't see the sights, even if you are using only one hand and even when moving. This author also has used it to shoot aerials (pop cans) with an air-soft pistol.

  The day that finally came for me turned out to be bigger and better than I expected for a 9 year old on his first dove hunt. It couldn't have been a more beautiful, special, Saturday white-wing dove hunt south of Ulvade, TX.

  The night before the hunt I barely got any sleep, not because I was worried how my son would do, but rather anticipating how good the dove hunting would be. I had done my research and I knew the area had lots of grain fields and access to roosting mesquite trees, and plenty of "dove habitat".

  This was a big year for "J-Rod" the nickname he has been given on his select baseball team where he plays third base and pitcher. Oh, did I mention he is also a straight "A" academic student at his local public school, testing above average on his TAKS test. Well deserving of the opportunity to be trusted with an "old school" 20 gauge single shot dove slayer with many hours logged in the field. All his life he has heard stories of the magnificent dove hunts I have enjoyed all through out the southern part of Texas. It was his turn to learn the traditions that have been passed down to me so perfectly by my father so that it can be repeated from one generation to another to ensure that hunting will always be part of our family heritage. The good news is that the finale is still to come, an opening day hunt in the south zone (Alice, TX) with grandpa and dad all at once.

  Did I mention the dove hunting will be just as good or better then the spectacular hunt we had on our special white-wing hunt? In our group of five adults and one student, J-Rod, we dropped 75 birds in about an hour (6:30-7:30 pm). Not unbelievable, but what was incredible was that on his first hunt ever, J-Rod dropped six birds on a box of shells with his single shot 20.

  It was classic dove hunting with flocks of at least 10 birds bombarding our fence line set-up over and over until our shoulders were tired.

  The good day of hunting almost ended up not happening at all with most of our group complaining about high gas and shotgun shells prices. In the end we worked it out, carpooled, and made shots selectively to conserve shells. I was the hero of the day, not only for putting a good group of dove hunters on some birds, but for passing on an opening day tradition that can be continued for many more generations to come. I’m glad to say that I'm proud of Texas, Education, and my son; things are looking bright for the future of dove hunting and the sport in general.

  This has become an annual feature the past two years as we clean out the hunting tips we’ve received in the past year but haven’t used them in past issues or made it to our site. So we present them to you now. Thanks to everyone who submitted tips and please keep them coming. Keep in mind that we haven’t tried all of these and that some of them may not be legal where you live so check the law and stay safe. Enjoy.

  When attaching sights, arrow rests, quivers or anything to your bow riser with the steel screws that come with it, coat the screw threads with bow string wax. This will stop the chemical reaction that occurs between the steel and aluminum so they won't seize together and you won't strip out the allen heads or the screw slots and you will have ease of removal and tightening. - Robert Buskirk

  When rattling for deer always be ready. The buck of a lifetime might more ready for your sounds than you are. - Robert Summey

  Start scouting for deer a month before the season. Use Google-earth and print out a picture of your site. Mark where you have seen deer and where you should be sitting. If you use doe estrous or anything else mark it on your map. You’re guaranteed to know where the deer are opening day. – Bob Swain

  I'm not sure if you've had these as of yet, but when hunting deer, listen for blue jays that are making a lot of racket. It usually means there is a deer nearby (or possibly a gray squirrel). Also listen for robins that are going nuts! It's a sure sign of a deer coming! - Dean

  For a cheap compound bow sight light, go to a major chain department store and purchase a kids toy called a ‘finger light’. Blue is the best. Glue the light directly pointing at the pins. You can also paint the outside of the light, but careful around the lens. Less than $3.00 you got a light. – Mike Michael

  When stalking, try to walk toe to heal. You have more control over breaking sticks with your toes than the back of your foot. - Sean

  If hunting with a gun, you can use the sling to steady the gun by wrapping your arm around it and pulling it back into your body. - Adam Coull

  When squirrel hunting if you spot a squirrel, only move when they are cutting nuts. The sound they make over powers the sound of you walking giving you a better shot. - Bryan Gondringer

  It is often hard to judge distance in the woods when bow hunting. So take some caution tape or something easily seen and mark spots 30 - 40 yards from your stand that way you'll have a better idea how far away the deer is. – Clay Finley

  When deer hunting to make a doe snort clinch your teeth together and blow out. Deer will come out to see what is wrong. - Michael Everett

  If you hunt for deer were there is pine sage or hemlock trees break off a bow from one and rub yourself down for a natural cover scent. - Kyle Biloski

  For home made cover scent-take some acorns and pine needles and put them in a pillow case and before washing clothes dampen pillow case with water throw it in the washer with hunting clothes. - Brandon

  When deer hunting from a stand, nail the cap of a peanut butter jar to a tree in your shooting lane. Then cut the bottom of the jar off and screw the jar on. Deer love the peanut butter! Warning don’t go to high with the jar. - Adam Haithcox

  For an all natural mosquito repellent use crushed Wax Myrtle leaves. You just crush them a little in your hand and rub on. – Steven Harris

  While deer hunting use surgical gloves while handling scent wicks and scent to keep human smells off of them. - Ken Knisley

  An easy way to skin a deer is to place a tennis ball in side the skin and tie a rope around the ball on the out side and pull with your 4-wheeler. - Charles Thomas

  For a cheap and easy drip lick, place molasses into a clean milk jug. Then take it to the woods and tie it to a tree limb. Punch a tiny hole in the bottom using a small knife. The deer will paw and lick the molasses. - Steven

  When using a squirrel call, most people over call them. Push the call down halfway and then up fast. Do that quickly about 5 times and then push it all the way down 3 or 4 times. - John Gilbert

  For some good carry along kindling, get some dry thick pieces of wood and some dead pine needles put them in a zip lock bag. Keep them in your pack for that cold, wet or snowy morning when you go out hunting. It starts a fire wonderfully. – Patrick Hardiman

  A good squirrel call is the Mr. Squirrel baby distress call. It brings out squirrels from all around. - Sam Jackson

  To sight in your rifle shoot at a desired distance at a target and move the cross hairs on the hole and you will be accurate. I learned this from my uncle who was a sniper in the marines. – Joe Andreico

  When we are lost in the woods alone, we tend to favor our dominant side. Lefties will make a slow circle to the left and righties will circle to the right and eventually arrive where they began. If there is a member of the group who just happens to be ambidextrous, let them lead as they will follow a straight path. No kidding! - Tim

  Send your tips to: mail@backwoodsbound.com and we’ll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

  Last month we shared some the letters we received from folks on a variety of topics. Some are flattering and others are really out there. (See: www.backwoodsbound.com/zznewv09i09.html) So we thought we’d pass along one of the responses we received.

Reply to Miss Wilson and other anonymous whiners,

I read the emails in your newsletter from Miss Wilson and the 2 anonymous whiners crying over their dear sweet relatives the deer and squirrels, and had to reply. First off, cannibals eat their own species. If you're going on a tirade at least know what you're talking about. Second, if you don't like killing these animals, don't kill them. But, who do you think you are telling me how to live. Just because it's easier for you to buy your meat already cooked and feel superior because you didn't do the killing doesn't mean it's easier for the animal that died to feed you.

On the other hand if you're a veggie-head. I won't waste my time or the other readers answering to you here. Just go to http://fishinfanatic.tripod.com/ and read my article entitled Don't Eat Plants. It says it all I think. I will apologize if I offend anyone with this, however, understand you too need to apologize to all those you've offend with your ill advised words. Yours in Christ, William L (Bill) Webb Jr.

Thanks Bill. We’re sure this isn’t the end of this discussion.