Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: LOW WATER THROUGH THE WINTER COULD REDUCE AQUATIC PLANT ABUNDANCE

  Though last year's drought caused many hardships, there may be one small perk that shows this spring and summer; fewer aquatic plants in shallow water. This is caused by freezing and drying over the pond bottom exposed to the air due to low water through the winter months.

  Many kinds of underwater plants will not survive this overwinter freezing, and once water levels come up in the spring, these plants will not sprout and grow. Algae or pond moss may take the place of the rooted underwater plants if plant nutrient levels are high, though algae blooms are many times short-lived. If having a clear, weed and algae-free pond is very important, this may be a good year to try a pond dye to control algal growths.

  The dye reduces light penetration to reduce all plant growth. Blue and black colors are available, with the black dye resulting in a more natural appearance. Apply early in the spring (April) and follow label directions for best control. More dye may need to be added if rains dilute its concentration.

  If there are no spring rains and ponds continue to be low through late spring or early summer, moist-soil and terrestrial plants may sprout in this drawdown area. These plants will help to create clear water once rains fall and ponds fill.

  This article courtesy of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Visit their site at www.iowadnr.gov for more info on fishing, hunting, camping and everything outdoors in Iowa.

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ARTICLE: ALL ABOUT U RANCH by Kenny Settle

  When deer season is over and it is not time to go fishing or turkey hunting, what is a guy to do? You know what I am talking about, the long cold days of January, February and early March when your inner spirit is screaming at you to get out and do something. Well, I think I have found the solution. What I did this year was I went wild hog hunting.

  When I was invited along to hunt wild hogs at the All About U Ranch near Stratford, Oklahoma I jumped at the chance. I shoot a Black Widow Recurve Bow and every Saturday morning I go to Town Hall Archery located in Belleville, Illinois where a bunch of traditional bow shooters gather. I'vee been shooting for quite a while and was itching to shoot at something besides a target. I eagerly sent in my deposit and on March 7th, seven of us made our way south to the ranch.

  We arrived late Thursday afternoon and got settled in the bunk houses. The accommodations are quite comfortable. The houses sleep 4, have a large deck, a freezer, small fridge, etc. We met up with our guides to discuss the in's and out's of the hunt. We decided to hunt out of blinds until 9:30am then we would get out and do some spot and stalk hunting. They have about 10 blinds on the property and each blind has a feeder in front of it.

  Early Friday morning rolled around and our guides picked us up before daylight. I got dropped off at my blind and the guide told me that the feeder would go off at 6:30. The feeder went off as scheduled and I got myself ready expecting maybe 8 or 10 hogs to come in. I started hearing grunting noises in the woods and to my surprise about 50 to 60 hogs came in to the feeder. I was quite intimidated and did not even draw my bow. The hogs moved off after about 10 minutes and that gave me time to gather myself and get prepared.

  About a half hour later they came back and this time I was ready. Having used my range finder to know the various distances around the feeder I waited until a nice hog got broadside 17 yards away. I drew my bow and released. The arrow found it's mark and hit with a resounding thud.

  The hogs all scattered and I kept my eye on the one I shot. With the guides and fellow bow hunters help we recovered the hog, and I was quite pleased.

  Saturday morning I went to the same blind and took another hog at 11 yards. All total seven of us took 14 hogs and it was a blast. There were many good moments during the hunt, too many to tell as I feel I am getting a little long winded here. You all know what I am talking about as I am sure you all share great times and have many fond memories of your hunting adventures with friends and family.

  The guides provide all the transportation and really work hard for you. For $50.00 they will gut, skin and quarter your hog and put it in your cooler. Well worth it in my opinion!

  In closing I would just say that if you are looking for something to do next winter check out their website allabouturanch.com. I suggest that you book early because they do fill up quick. For now I'm going to enjoy some bbqd pork chops. Sincerely, Kenny

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PRESS RELEASE: WORLD CHAMPION SQUIRREL COOK-OFF 2013

  Do you remember the first time you had squirrel for supper? Do you recall those recipes that your mom, dad, uncle or whoever would prepare. Well we have a place where all of the country's best squirrel chefs can meet up and show off their ability to make tree bacon' (squirrels) the main dish.

  The event is held in Bentonville, Arkansas on September 7th, our event works in conjunction with the Squirrels Unlimited organization, with the goal of providing the public with a fun and entertaining day of enjoying what - nature intended us to eat. Last year's event was filmed by the Travel channel to be shown this season on Bizarre Foods. With the support we have received from people all across the country we plan on having a 100 team cook off this year. Our event will place the top 3 teams, and award them with trophies and prizes, along with the title of WORLD CHAMPION.

  Currently we still have open slots available for new teams who desire the opportunity to show off their skills and have a great time. If you are interested you can find out more information at www.squirrelcookoff.com or at www.squirrelsunlimited.com.

  The World Champion Squirrel Cook-off prides itself on providing solid donations to charities that provide opportunities to children. We donate to charities that have shown they will help pass on the ethical values of hunters, along with giving children who are not as fortunate equal opportunities.

  Join us if you can! Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

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• Welcome to the May 2013 issue of The Bullet. What difference a couple of months can make. Once again parts of the country have went from no water to too much water and the worse may be yet to come once the northern snow pack melts. We ain't got time for all of that. We just want to go fishing, plant our crops and mow the lawn. Well maybe not mow the lawn. We send our prayers and best wishes to those affected by the floods. As a wise man once told me, • Mother Nature can be a finicky gal. Some days she'lll let you suckle at her breast and other days she'lll kick in the ass. How true that is.

We hope everyone had a successful turkey hunt last month. According to the reports I'vee seen it looks like the season went pretty much as planned. Harvests were down slightly in some spots but decent numbers of birds were taken. We'd love to see some pictures and hear some stories of your hunts so send them in!

Since the last issue there has been another cowardly act perpetrated against innocent people in this country. Of course I'm talking about the bombing in Boston. How can people justify killing folks just for the sake of killing folks? I don't get it. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but don't all religions teach peace and tolerance? What excuse will these cowards give on their judgment day?

I'm waiting for some politician to introduce a law saying we'lll need to pass a background check to buy fireworks or a pressure cooker.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong. Send your thoughts and comments to me at [email protected].

Enough said. Let's get to it. Enjoy issue number one hundred and fifty two of The Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns, Editor-in-chief.

In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: - This month's question was sent in by Julie Thomas . See if you know the answer.

"What two animals can see behind them without turning their heads?"

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter. Send your trivia questions to [email protected].

RECIPE: PAN FRIED BLUEGILL

* Rinse and dry fillets.

* Place flour in a zip lock bag. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Don't skimp on the seasonings.

* Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer.

* Place fillets a few at a time in the seasoned flour and shake.

* Remove and place in hot oil.

* Fry to a golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

* Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Our thanks to Jonathon Rose for sending in this recipe. To see more fish recipes to try this summer visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zfish.html.

Send in your favorite recipe to [email protected] and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

Sometimes you have friends who just have everything, and shopping for them is not fun. So let us "kreate" a special set of wine charms that will be something they can cherish forever!

Place a custom order in the month of May and receive a coupon for 10% OFF your next order!!!

Also this month take 25% OFF EVERYTHING we make!

And we will add a name to our charms for free! Any charm can be changed in color to fit your needs! Contact us to see how we can help.

This sale ends May 31, 2013! Visit our site at: www.karensglabels.com or e-mail us at [email protected] with your questions or comments and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive special discount coupons!

"Because no wine glass should ever be naked!"

FUN FACT:   "Rainforests are very important to the Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air, store the carbon and release oxygen for us and all animals to breathe. They also help regulate our temperatures and weather patterns." to Don Meyer

Send your Fun Facts to [email protected]. For more Fun Facts visit www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html.

RECOMMEND AND VOTE FOR THE BULLET

Tell a friend about The Bullet. Just go to: www.ezinefinder.com/rec.html?ez=backwo and follow the instructions. It's free and easy!

To vote for The Bullet follow this link: www.ezinefinder.com/backwo-vote.html.html.

Thanks for your help.

** AFTER THE SHOT TROPHY PLAQUES **

Our handcrafted plaques are made from solid oak not plywood or particle board giving your trophy a solid base to anchor to. Each plaque comes with a wall hanger(s) installed and the Picture Plaques come with glass and picture backing for your 4 x 6 photo.

Special designs are no problem! Just tell us what you have in mind and we'lll make it happen. No matter what type of trophy you want to display, we have a plaque to fill the need. Contact us at [email protected] with your ideas.

Don't settle for an ordinary looking plaque! Go one better and order your AFTER THE SHOT Trophy Plaque today. Prices start at $26.95. Don't wait, order today!

"It only takes a little more to go first class."

Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/ats.html for photos and information on how to order your plaque. Order with our secure on-line ordering system and pay with confidence using Paypal.

FISHIN' TIP: - "Late spring can be a good time for some fast catfish action. Catfish become real active once the water reaches 60 degrees as they eat more to make up for the weight they lost during the winter months. Unlike other fish like crappie and bluegill, catfish don't eat much when spawning so fishing the pre-spawn and post-spawn times are the best late springtime times to go after them." to Ralph Curtis

Send your tips to: [email protected] and we'lll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

INTERESTING QUOTE: "I use to be a narrator for bad mimes." to Steven Wright, comedian.

If you'vee seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote send it in and we'll post it next month. Send them to: [email protected].

RECIPE: ITALIAN DEER

1 large deer roast, trimmed

* Place roast in crock pot or pressure cooker.

* Add the broth, onion, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper.

* Add the peppers and just a little juice. Save rest of the juice.

* If using crock pot, cook on low 8 - 12 hours or until deer is tender adding water or pepper juice if needed.

* If using pressure cooker, cook for 90 minutes at 12 pounds of pressure.

* Pull meat apart and shred when tender.

* Serve juice and all on hoagie rolls. Top with a slice of mozzarella and more peppers if desired.

Thanks to Sandy Olson for sharing this recipe. For more deer recipes go to our web site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zdeer.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to [email protected]. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

HUNTIN' TIP: - "Carry one of those cans of compressed air sold at office supply stores used to blow off electronics in your gun cleaning kit. Use it to blow out the nipples and breech plugs of your black powder pistols and rifles when cleaning them. You can also use them to blow dirt and dust out of tight areas on all of your guns." to Duffy

Send your tips to: [email protected] and we'lll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

** ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE HERE! **

Close to 4000 potential customers could be reading YOUR ad right now instead of ours!

Place your ad here for $8.00 a month! Discount rates for multiple issues.

For more details, visit our site at: www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html. Or e-mail us at: [email protected].

Deer season is fast approaching so place your ad now!

WHAT'S NEW

Things have been busy around here and as a result we'vee gotten behind posting new stuff on the site. We'vee got several new pictures to post and lots of new recipes to add to our huge recipe collection. So be patient with us and we'lll get some new stuff on the site real soon.

If you have any recipes for wild hog, buffalo, fish and seafood, or anything - exotic, send them in! We want to add more to those sections and need new stuff. Send any and all recipes you want to share to [email protected]. In the meantime surf our huge collection of wild game recipes at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html.

We also need some new trail camera pictures for the Candid CamShots feature! We don't care what they'ree of or who they'ree of as last month's picture proved. Be sure and send the who, what, where, etc along with them. Send your pictures to [email protected].

Remember if you're looking for a new fishing adventure this spring, check out the listings we have on our Fishin' Guides and Charter Services page at www.backwoodsbound.com/guidesfish.html.

And check the fishing rules and regulations in your state or fishing destination at www.backwoodsbound.com/stgamedepts.html. It's a good place to start.

RECIPE: CROCKPOT GOOSE

* Place breasts in crockpot.

* Cover with equal amounts of beer and water.

* Cook on low 8 - 10 hours.

* Remove the meat and allow to cool slightly. Discard liquid.

* Shred meat like pulled pork and return to crock pot.

* Add bbq sauce and cook on high until heated through stirring occasionally.

* Serve on toasted hamburger buns and top with your favorite toppings.

* If you don't want bbq sandwiches, after you return the meat to the crock pot add the 2 cans of chilies juice and all instead of the sauce.

* Heat through and use in any Mexican dish like burritos, tacos, tamales, etc.

"No one will know it is goose." - Dan

Thanks to Dan Wilson for sharing this recipe. To see more goose recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zgoos.html.

Send your favorite recipe to [email protected] and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

LAST MINUTE STUFF

We received this response to our Letters From The Inbox feature we ran in the March issue (www.backwoodsbound.com/zznewv14i03.html) and decided we couldn't wait until the next time we cleaned out the Inbox to share it. So here it is for your enjoyment.

I just received my March BBB and appreciate that. I read the input section and here are my thoughts.

There are a bunch, and I mean a big ol' bunch of people with low self-esteem or simply nasty thinking processes that are just hangin' round waiting on their chance to be offended. Their lives just aren't very exciting or they have so very little going on that they can only find any justification for their lives by attacking what others do, say or believe in. And now, with the anonymity of this here internet thingy, they can be as mean and hateful as possible without any recourse against them. That is why folks who have something nice or even constructively critical will sign their name while those chronic bitchers use a pseudonym.

I believe the only way you can avoid offending anyone these days is to say nothing, do nothing and have nothing. The point is, I for what it's worth really, really like this darn Backwoods Bound dealie! - J. Ison