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Backwoods Bound Bullet Volume 18 - Issue 4

  Welcome to the April 2017 issue of The Bullet. This is an exciting month to be in the woods. The sound of a big tom answering your call then strutting into view really gets the heart pumping just like it does when a 12-point buck steps into view. Your pulse quickens and you start to sweat. There’s not much that compares to that feeling except maybe a 3 lb. crappie on your line!

And speaking of catching a 3 lb. crappie, the fishing action gets even heavier this month. Grab a handful of jigs, a bucket of minnows or a can of worms and hit the water. There’s something biting somewhere near you as the fish start to fatten up after the winter months and get ready for the spawning season.

We have the usual assortment of stuff this month for your enjoyment including a great story from our good friend Buck Thorn. Buck returns to regale us with a tale of turkey hunting with his friend Milo. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Okay. Enough said. Let’s get to it. Enjoy issue one hundred and ninety nine of The Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns, Editor-in-chief.

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In this issue:

~ Backwoods Trivia
~ Recipe: Wild Turkey Enchiladas
~ Article: Time To Control Pond Plants
~ Recipe: Crappie Gumbo
~ Article: Blood, Guts, Feathers and Mayhem
~ What's New
~ Recipe: Uncle Crazi Curt's BBQ Squirrel

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BACKWOODS TRIVIA: Do you know the answer to this month’s question is from Hal Stewart?
 
Baby sharks are known as what?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter. Send your trivia questions to mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE: WILD TURKEY ENCHILADAS

~ 2 cups cooked wild turkey, the legs and thighs are good for this
~ 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
~ 1/2 cup sour cream
~ 1 small can green chilies, drained
~ 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
~ 1/2 cup chopped onion
~ 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely diced
~ tortillas
~ sliced black olives
~ 1/2 cup shredded cheese

* In a pan, mix the soup, sour cream and chilies together. Heat on low until smooth and heated through.

* Spray a 13” x 9” baking pan with non-stick spray.

* In a bowl, mix the turkey, cheese, onion, jalapeno and 1 cup of the soup mixture together.

* Warm the tortillas.

* Place 2 -3 tablespoons of the mixture on each tortilla and roll up. Place seam down in the baking pan.

* Pour remaining soup mixture evenly over the top.

* Cover and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

* Remove foil. Sprinkle on the olives and ½ cup cheese.

* Cook another 10 – 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

* Remove and let set a few minutes.

* Serve with a salad and enjoy.

Thanks to Kenny Settle for sharing this recipe with us. To see more delicious turkey recipes to try, visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zturkey.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

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** RED RIVER GORGE ZIP-LINE **

The Red River Gorge Zipline, was voted the most popular Bucket List Adventure in Kentucky in 2016 and we’re looking to repeat in 2017! Mammoth Cave and The Derby don’t stand a chance!

The Zipline is located in the World Famous Red River Gorge about 60 miles east of Lexington in the Heart of Eastern Kentucky near the Natural Bridge State Park and Daniel Boone National Forest in Rogers, Kentucky.

There are five Zip-lines to choose from with the two highest being 350 feet tall, being the fastest, 50+ mph, and the longest at 1,200 feet and 2,000 feet. These we like to call Racing Lines!

Bring your camera or rent a GoPro from us to record your experience.

Visit our web site for all the details including information about the lodges, cabins and camping available to you.

Visit us on-line at: www.RedRiverGorgeZipline.com

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ARTICLE: TIME TO CONTROL POND PLANTS

  Spring is one of the best times to start controlling weeds in your pond. If you had problems with them last year the odds are you will again this year and spring time is a good time to get a jump on controlling them. A healthy pond needs aquatic plants but too many can limit the ponds use and hurt the fish population by cause an imbalance between the various species you have.

  There are two ways of weed control, chemical and mechanical. Both work better when you start early when plants are just starting to grow and haven’t reached their maximum height. Waiting until later in the season when plants are tall and thick control will be difficult to achieve, will take longer and could cause harm to your fish.

  Herbicides will control the weeds chemically by killing them. More times than not you will have to retreat the pond several times to get season-long control. Make sure to follow the directions so you don’t over apply.

  Follow these five steps with any herbicide application: 1) correctly identify the plant to be controlled; 2) measure the area to be treated (surface area and average depth); 3) read the herbicide label to determine the correct timing and amount to apply; 4) identify possible restrictions on uses of the water (e.g., irrigation or watering animals) and 5) apply according to label directions. All aquatic herbicides work best if applied on a calm, sunny morning.

  For those of that don’t like the idea of your fish swimming in poisonous chemicals, removing the plants mechanically is the alternative.

  Mechanical methods include bottom blanketing, shading, removal, and water draw-down. Weighted commercial blankets are available or use thick black plastic weighted down over an area. To be effective, keep it in place at least 30 days. Make sure to puncture it to allow gases to escape.

  Shading consists of applying a pond dye early on to reduce the amount of light the plants need to grow. There are many dyes, black and blue, available. Aquashade and Admiral are the only products labeled by the EPA to limit plant growth so choose wisely. You’ll have to re-apply them throughout the spring and summer as inflowing water will dilute them and they break down from sunlight. Also, dyes work best in small ponds. If you have questions or concerns about applying dyes, consult your local county conservation office or farm bureau.

  Removal is a cheap way to eliminate plants from your pond. It can be done by rakes, cutters or even by hand. There are several types of rakes on the market. Some look like giant garden rakes that are dragged across the bottom then onto shore to dispose of the weeds. Others are drummed shaped that you drag or tow behind a boat that “dig” up the plants roots and all. You’ll then have to drag them out onto the bank.

  Cutters are just that. They cut the plants off at the base. Again, you’ll have to drag them out.

  Draw-down is probably the cheapest way of controlling plants. Basically you draw the water level down the expose the plants so they will freeze and/or dry out limiting their growth in months to come. This method is best done in the fall so you have the cold winter months working for you. Through the winter you can drag out the dead stuff and cut and/or spray the remaining plants. When spring comes, the pond can naturally refill from the spring rains.

  Find more information on aquatic plant identification and control on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website at www.iowadnr.gov/ponds or consult your state’s DNR. A link to them can be found at www.backwoodsbound.com/stgamedepts.html.

  Thanks to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for being a source for this article. Visit them at www.iowadnr.gov for all things outdoor in Iowa.

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** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

Get ready for the Wedding Season by taking 30% OFF ALL wedding theme items this month! Visit our Wedding Shop at http://www.karensglabels.com/wedding_shop.htm to pick your items!

All item colors can be customized to your tastes! We can also make custom charms from your photos! Just send us a picture and we’ll make a charm from it. It’s easy.

Don’t need wedding items? Then take 20% OFF all other items this month! Our wine charms, bag tags, earrings, bookmarks, zipper pulls make great gifts or make any special occasion special. We’ll personalize them for free!

Remember to look for specials, up to 40% off, all month long by regularly visiting our site. Make it easy to get news about specials by signing up for our newsletter. It’s free and easy!

These deals end April 30th so place your order soon!

Visit us at www.karensglabels.com or e-mail us at Karen@karensglabels.com or call 618-257-1365. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive special discount coupons!

"Because no wine glass should ever be naked!"

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FUN FACT: Some species of vultures can fly as high as 36,000 feet! Keep an eye out on your next flight.

 Send your Fun Facts to mail@backwoodsbound.com. For more Fun Facts visit www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html.

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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.
 
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FISHIN' TIP:  Fishing line dries out over time and becomes brittle and easy to break. Also being spooled for months on your reels puts a “memory” on the line that can cause trouble. Spurge now on new line and restring your reels so you’ll be ready to go when your buddy calls and says they’re biting. - Rocky

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.

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** BACKWOODS BOUND CHILI SEASONING MIX **

The cold winter weather triggers the hankering for a big pot of the best tasting chili around! With its unique blend of herbs and spices, Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix makes a hearty tasting pot of chili the entire family will love with NO added fillers or MSG.

Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix also makes great dishes like tostadas, enchiladas, stuffed peppers, manicotti, Mexican lasagna and a killer jambalaya. We’ve had customers also use it as a marinade for beef and deer roasts. See our collection of great recipes at www.backwoodsbound.com/zchili.html.

Enjoy at home or hunting camp in single pot packets or the triple value pack.

Order your supply at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html.

"Not too mild.... Not too hot.... Treat yourself and make a pot!"

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INTERESTING QUOTE: "Real happiness is when you marry a girl for love and find out later she has money." – Bob Monkhouse

 If you’ve seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote send it in and we'll post it next month. Send them to: mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE:CRAPPIE GUMBO

~ 1 pound crappie fillets, cut into bite size pieces
~ 1/4 cup butter
~ 1/2 cup chopped onion
~ 1 small green pepper, chopped
~ 1 clove garlic, chopped
~ 1/2 cup chopped celery
~ 1 can, 28oz. tomatoes
~ 1 pound okra, fresh or frozen
~ 1 cup water
~ 1/4 tsp thyme
~ 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper; amount depends on how spicy you want it
~ salt and pepper to taste
~ 2 cups cooked rice
~ Tabasco sauce

* In large soup pot melt the butter. Sauté the onion, green pepper, garlic and celery until tender.

* Add the tomatoes, okra, water, thyme, red pepper and salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

* Add the crappie and cook for 10 - 15 minutes or until the fish starts to flake.

* Serve over cooked rice in individual bowls. Season to taste with Tabasco sauce.

* Enjoy!

Many thanks to Rocky for sending in this recipe. To see more fish recipes to try out or to submit yours, visit www.backwoodsbound.com/zfish.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

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ARTICLE:  BLOOD, GUTS, FEATHERS AND MAYHEM by Buck Thorn

  Turkey hunting is not for the weak at heart nor the squeamish.

  As a matter of fact, it should be the domain of the mature adult at least for those over 18 or accompanied by an adult. After all, this sport should be rated "R" since it's all about sex and violence.

  Oh yeah, the hunters with their sexy calls and clucks promise romance, but deliver mayhem.

  Let's take the fall hunt of 2003 in an undisclosed section of East Tennessee. It's undisclosed because I don't want a bunch of flat-landers rushin’ in and decimating my "private hunting preserve".

  Okay, maybe it's not actually mine nor is a hunting preserve. It's a couple hundred acres of woods and pastures owned by my father-in-law number 3. Or is it number 4? No matter, that's all bank accounts and property under the bridge so to speak.

  Where was I? Oh yeah, back to that fateful hunt.

  This was my very first attempt to bag a gobbler and I had read all the literature, talked to all the "experts' down at Doshie Boatwright's Grocery and Bait Shop, even bought a new set of Phorest Phantom camos. Complete with hat, gloves and face mask.

  I had determined that this year's Thanksgiving bird would be one from the wild and I was gonna be the mighty white hunter to bag it.

  To further improve my chances, I had convinced my buddy from South Carolina, Milo Pernham to accompany me and allow me the benefit of his vast knowledge and expertise in turkey hunting. I knew he had vast knowledge and expertise ‘cause Milo had told me so. Time and time again.

  Besides, I had stopped squirrel hunting a few years back after raising a baby gray. I just couldn't bring myself to shoot ‘em since they all reminded me of that little guy, Merle. Besides, squirrel, grouse, rabbit and deer season had all closed by now and I had never chased after those bearded weirdies.

  Milo brought along some calls he said never failed to bring the Toms a runnin’.

  We chose a spot he determined was the perfect place to wait and we did.

  Two hours.

  Four hours.

  Six and a half hours.

  I had cramped up three, four hours ago. My bladder was fixin’ to burst and my lips were numb from rubbing that Quaker Boy.

  I asked Milo what happened to all his expertise and turkey hunting abilities.

  He replied something like, “Wahl, some days you get the bear and some days the bear gets you!”

  I shot him three times and walked on back to the truck.

 

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** 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 stained with a wall hanger installed. Clear-coating is an available option.

We specialize in unique designs! We’ve done everything from lightning bolts to walleyes to shields to light bulbs, hanging and stand up designs! Just tell us what you have in mind and we’ll make it happen!

No matter what type of trophy you want to display, we have a plaque or trophy to fill the need. Contact us at sales@backwoodsbound.com 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 $32.95. Don’t wait, order today!

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.

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

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HUNTIN' TIP:  "For an effective homemade turkey call: Shape and smooth an old roof slate and affix it to an empty tuna can or plastic screw top from instant coffee jar with silicone glue. For a striker, use an old acrylic tooth brush." - Lloyd Barnhart

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.

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WHAT'S NEW

  We’ll be announcing two new plaques in the coming weeks! First up is a new style of European Skull Mount Plaque. This design takes the skull out away from the wall and displays it at an angle giving your trophy and your trophy room a unique and different look. We’re sure it will become a hit! Keep an eye open for details.

  The second new design will allow you to mount your trophy turkey fan to the back of the plaque. We’re still working out the kinks on this one and it will be available soon. See the announcement in this issue about this one. There’s a special offer up for grabs so check it out.

  As always we need trail camera pictures for our Candid CamShots feature so send yours in for all of us to enjoy. We’ll take anything as long as it’s not obscene and even then we’ll get a laugh from them but can’t put them on the site. Send them as attachments to mail@backwoodsbound.com. See this month’s photo at www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos2.html.

  Things have slowed some in the shop but orders continue to come in for our After The Shot Trophy Plaques. Texas, Illinois and Alabama have rolled out lately. Go to www.backwoodsbound.com/ats.html for all the information on our line of After The Shot Trophy Plaques. And remember we specialize in custom designs!

  We’ve been receiving new recipes lately and we thank all who have contributed but we need more. All recipes are welcome but some geared for the spring season would be helpful now! Turkey, trout, crappie, goose, duck, pheasant, deer, grouse, moose, alligator, turtle, frog, buffalo and on and on are wanted! Send your recipes to mail@backwoodsbound.com. Thanks and we look forward to getting them!

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RECIPE: UNCLE CRAZI CURT’S BBQ SQUIRREL

~ 2 – 3 squirrels, cut into serving pieces
~ 2 cups flour
~ salt and pepper
~ bacon grease or oil
~ 1 medium onion, chopped
~ your favorite bbq sauce

* Season the flour to taste with the salt and pepper.

* Heat some grease or oil in a large iron skillet. Sauté the onion until soft.

* Roll the squirrel in the flour and add to the skillet.

* Cook, flipping as needed until browned on all sides. Remove.

* Spray a cooking sheet with non-stick spray. May need two pans.

* Place the squirrel on the sheet and bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour.

* While squirrel is cooking, heat you grill to medium heat.

* Remove from oven and dredge in your bbq sauce.

* Place on grill and cook 15 – 20 minutes turning and basting often.

* Serve with fried potatoes and hot cornbread.

* Enjoy.

Thanks to Curt Brown for sharing this recipe with us. For other great squirrel recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zsquir.html.

Send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

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** ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE HERE! **

4300 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: editor@backwoodsbound.com.

Deer season is fast approaching so place your ad now!


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HELP WANTED!

  We are developing a new style plaque that enables you to display your trophy turkey fan on the plaque and need a little up from our friends.

  There are a few kinks to work out with the design and since we have no turkey fans setting around the office to help in the development we need two people, guinea pigs if you may, to help us out. So, the first two people according to the time stamp when it hits our inbox, who sends us a picture of their successful turkey hunt this month (April 2017), will receive a free plaque in the state of their choice to display their fan!

  Since there are seasons throughout the month of April this will start on May 2, 2017 to be fair to everyone. This gives hunters who hunt on April 30th time to get home and settle in. Also the turkey taken has to be a tom. Only makes sense, right?

  We ask that once you receive your plaque you give us your feedback on how the plaque worked or didn’t work. Any ideas on how to improve it and any changes that are needed to make the plaque better will be needed. Your cooperation will be very important so if you don’t want to give us honest feedback, uncomfortable corresponding with us or don’t want to abide by these simple rules, don’t participate. You’ll also be required to send us pictures, front and back, of the plaque when you get your fan mounted.

  Make a note and post it on your desk, wall or frig that this starts on May 2, 2017. Send your pictures to mail@backwoodsbound.com. Good luck on your hunts and we look forward to working with two of you on this project.

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ANSWER TO BACKWOODS TRIVIA: Baby sharks are called pups. They can fend for themselves right after birth so even baby great whites are dangerous.

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