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Backwoods Bound Bullet Volume 21 - Issue 1

  Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2020 issue of The Bullet. Did you make a resolution? Did you resolve not to make a resolution? I guess it doesn’t matter. The Earth keeps spinning as it takes us around the Sun one more time. Time stands still for no one and time is running out for deer hunters and trappers but time is just beginning for those who enjoy ice-fishing. You need to get your stuff together and enjoy your time outdoors while there’s still time.

As we begin another trip around the Sun I’ll take this time (pun?) for what has become an annual thing for me, mentioning the family and friends I’ve said good-bye to this past year.

There’s not enough room to write about every one of them but they all touched my life in some way. Here are their names; Gary L. Fitzgerald, Jeanne Wilde, Donald E. Bridges, Paula Vaughn, Carolyn Herbstreith, Pauline Burns, Bill Bridges and Perry Falconer. May God smile on them as they bring a smile to me, their families and friends every time we think of them.

This issue we pulled some of the favorite soup, chili and stew recipes from the site. Give them all a try. We also have a new chapter of My Series of Unfortunate Hunts for your reading enjoyment as well as the usual stuff. Okay. Enough said. Let’s get to it. Enjoy issue two hundred and thirty one of The Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns, Editor-in-chief.

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In this issue:

~ Backwoods Trivia
~ Recipe: Flood's Bean and Bunny Soup
~ Article: Increase In Winter Coyote Sightings Is No Cause For Alarm
~ Recipe: South Texas Chili
~ Article: My Series Of Unfortunate Hunts - One More Chance
~ What's New
~ Candid CamShots
~ Recipe: Canada Goose Stew

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BACKWOODS TRIVIA: This month's question is from Tom Simmons. See if you know this one.

Seiko introduced the first successful quartz movement wristwatch in what year?

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

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RECIPE: FLOOD’S BEAN AND BUNNY SOUP

~ boneless meat from 1 rabbit, cut into 1" chunks
~ 1 – 11 1/2 oz. can bean with bacon soup
~ 1 - 12oz. can pinto beans
~ 1 cup water
~ 2 carrots, cut into 1/4" thick slices
~ 2 - 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2"pieces
~ 1/4 cup dried cranberries
~ 1 tbsp brown sugar
~ salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, curry & cayenne pepper to taste

* Place meat, soup, beans, water, carrots, bacon, cranberries and sugar in a crock-pot.

* Season to taste with the spices.

* Cook on low 4 hours.

* Soup is done when carrots are tender.

* Serve and enjoy.

“Squirrel or chicken can be substituted for the rabbit.” - Eric

Our thanks to Eric Flood for sharing this recipe. For more rabbit recipes to try, visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zrabb.html. And for more wild game soup recipes, go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zsoup.html.

Send in 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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** 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 arrowheads 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 $33.95. 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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ARTICLE: INCREASE IN WINTER COYOTE SIGHTINGS IS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM

  If coyotes live in your area, the tips contained in this article can be helpful to you. They can also be used while hiking, camping, fishing or hunting. - Editor

  It’s that time of year again – coyotes are on the move, and Indiana residents might see them more, but this should not be a cause for alarm.

  Coyotes are common everywhere in the state, even in urban areas. Coyotes become more active during winter, and the bare vegetation this time of year increases the chance of catching a glimpse. Young coyotes leave their parents to find a new home, making them more likely to be seen during winter. And in January, coyotes will be looking to breed, making them even more active. Seeing more coyotes does not mean they are increasing in number.

  Where people are, coyotes follow. Coyotes like to eat animals and plants that thrive around yards and homes, including rabbits, mice, fruit and squirrels. They thrive around people because of the abundant food that comes with human development.

 Coyotes are a common member of Indiana’s urban wildlife community, as are raccoons, red foxes, and opossums. Coyotes are also an important member of Indiana’s wildlife community, helping control rodent populations and cleaning up carrion.

 Coyotes typically weigh between 20-30 pounds and are similar in height to a German shepherd. Winter fur, which is thicker, makes coyotes appear bigger than they actually are, potentially causing concern.

 To reduce the possibility of pets having a negative interaction with coyotes or any other wildlife, keep pets leashed, in a kennel with a secure top, or indoors.

 Problems between coyotes and people are uncommon. Follow these tips for making your property less attractive to coyotes:

 - Clean up fallen fruit from trees or gardens.
 - Keep garbage secure.
 - Make sure pet food and treats are not left outside.
 - If you see a coyote around your yard, take down birdfeeders; coyotes could be attracted to the rodents eating the seeds.
 - Never intentionally feed a coyote, which could result in its losing its fear of people.
Making a coyote feel unwelcome around people can help maintain its natural fear of humans, but never corner or chase a coyote – you should always allow it to have a clear escape path to get away from you.

 If you see a coyote and want it to go away, try to make it uncomfortable:

 - Yell.
 - Wave your arms.
 - Spray it with a hose.
 - Throw tennis balls or small stones at it, but don’t throw anything that could be food, like apples.
 - Carry a jar of coins to shake or a small air horn to make noise.

 Learn more about coyotes at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5688.htm.

 Learn all about the great outdoor adventures in Indiana by visiting https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/.

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FUN FACT:  President Andrew Jackson was the only U.S. president to wipe out our national debt. – David Cormeny

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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HUNTIN' TIP:  Now is the time to apply for your spring turkey permit. Most deadlines are the end of January so get your application in now! Find a link to your state’s department of conservation/wildlife web site at www.backwoodsbound.com/stgamedepts.html for the info in your state.

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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INTERESTING QUOTE: "Kindness is a language we all understand. Even the blind see it and the deaf hear it." – Mother Theresa

 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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** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

Start off 2020 with big savings! Ring in the New Year and a new decade by taking 20.20% OFF ALL Orders this month!

That’s right! Take 20.20% Off your entire order in January. Items made from your personal picture are only $1.00 more.

We make charms and more for just about any theme you can imagine! Visit our web site www.karensglabels.com for ideas!

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 get news about our monthly specials and new items!


"Because no wine glass should ever be naked!"

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RECIPE: SOUTH TEXAS CHILI

~ 2 lbs finely chopped boneless venison roast or beef roast
~ 1 tbsp oil
~ 1 small serrano pepper chopped or substitute a small jalapeno
~ 1 small white onion, chopped
~ 3 tbsp paprika
~ 1 tsp salt
~ 1 tsp garlic powder
~ 1 tsp dry mustard
~ 1 tsp onion powder
~ 1 tsp dried oregano
~ 1/2 tsp cayenne
~ 1/2 tsp ground cumin
~ 1 tsp pepper
~ 2 cups beef broth
~ 1 can refried beans

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the meat in the oil until brown.

* Add the serrano pepper and onion. Cook for one to two minutes at medium high heat.

* Add the rest of the spices and cook scraping the bottom of the pan to get all the brown parts.

* Add the beef broth and the refried beans. Stir until mixed.

* Simmer for at least 30 minutes. Add more broth or water if the chili gets too dry.

* Top with shredded or melted cheese or sour cream if you desire.

* Serve and enjoy!

Many thanks to Jason Hunter for sharing this recipe. For more deer recipes to enjoy visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zdeer.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: MY SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE HUNTS – ONE MORE CHANCE

  My 2019 deer hunting season wrapped up a couple of weeks ago with the last weekend of the Illinois muzzleloader season. There are other tales to share about this past season but I’ll start with the last one while it’s fresh in my memory.

  I was able to hunt the first firearm weekend but couldn’t make the first weekend of muzzleloader season as the “boss” had a hip replacement a few days before it was to start. I had reserved myself to the fact that my season would be over and I’d be hanging up my blaze orange cap for a white nurse’s cap after the first weekend.

  The “boss” or as I call her “yes dear” was recovering very well and since my daughter the nurse was off that weekend, I was allowed to go and try to get one more deer for the freezer.

  The first morning I was running behind schedule (seems like I’m always running behind on opening mornings) but managed to get to my stand and get all set with 10 minutes to go before shooting time.

 About five past seven I saw a deer across a small field to my left we call the Pea Patch working its way into the trees heading away from me. It was not a big buck and the binoculars revealed it to be a doe. It was good to see a deer early on and figured they were up and moving and I’d be seeing more.

  It took another 3 hours before I saw another.

 I have these earbuds made by Walker’s that amplify low sounds but shut-off instantly during loud ones such as gun shots. They’re not their top-of-the-line model but they work for me and I try to wear them the whole time while hunting.

 So it was past ten when I heard something crunching leaves that sounded right next to or under the stand. I looked right then left trying to figure out if it was a squirrel playing around or if it was a deer that had crossed the fence behind me from the neighbor’s property and sneaking up on me.

  I kept looking when I finally saw where the noise was coming from. Two deer were approaching straight out in front of me through some brush and trees along the edge of the field near a fence. Just as I leaned forward to grab my rifle the lead deer stopped in the only clear window between it and me catching just enough of my movement to make it and me halt in our tracks.

 It only took 5 seconds before it, and I say “it” because it was either a doe or a button buck bolted to its right, across the fence and through the trees. I watched it run across the hillside with another deer that I never saw on its trail.

 I never saw another deer the rest of the day.

 On my way out that evening I took the camera I had setup across from my stand with me. I figured do it then as it would be one last thing to gather up on Sunday and besides I wanted to see what information it held.

 After supper I grabbed the camera, card viewer and a bourbon and water and settled into a chair by the heater to review the pictures.

 There had been deer in the food plot that morning an hour before I arrived. The camera also revealed that deer were frequenting the plot from just before dawn to about eight and then after four until dark. My prospects looked good for the next couple of days. I just needed to get there early and stay late. Be there when they showed up.

 The next morning I was up and out early and arrived at the stand well before shooting time. It was a misty, foggy morning and everything was still and quiet. I had taken my drag line and a bottle of doe-in-heat scent figuring that the secondary rut was on and that the stuff wouldn’t be much good next fall so why not use it up. Any edge this time of year could only help. Right?

 I didn’t drag it but instead hung it over a branch 15 yards in front of me and soaked it down. I also squirted the scent in all directions empting the bottle.

 I climbed up and settled in for the action.

 At 6:35 I noticed something out in the Pea Patch. It was a deer. I couldn’t see it too good but took it as a good sign that the deer were on the move. It stood there a bit and then trotted away from me and around a corner to the left.

  At 6:40 the duck hunters let loose a couple of shots down in the bottoms a few miles away and I knew it was for sure legal shooting time. I just needed the fog and mist to clear for any shot further than 20 yards.

 It wasn’t two minutes after the duck shots the deer I had seen came trotting back around the corner and across the Pea Patch toward me. It trotted across the field zig-zagging like a dog does when it’s sniffing a trail and for an instant I thought it could be a dog by its mannerisms. It wasn’t sniffing the ground but had its head up looking around.

 The deer got closer and I cocked the hammer back on the CVA getting ready for a shot. It wasn’t a big buck as I saw no antlers. It was either a doe or a button buck. Either way, if I got a shot I was going to take it. This late in the season pretty much all bets are off.

 The deer trotted up to the fence and turned to its left blocking any chance of a shot because of limbs. I watched as it by-passed the gap in the fence and paralleled the fence a short distance then turned to its left heading into the trees the direction the two deer the previous morning had made their escape.

 I was able to de-cock the rifle safely and sat back to see if the deer circled back across the Pea Patch.

 A minute later it did circle across and back around the corner it had come from.

  What was it doing? It was looking for something.

 No sooner had it went around the corner it came back around and headed straight back to me with its head up looking around.

 It came back to the fence and once again shielded itself with limbs but this time I saw it coming through the gap. If it didn’t deviate it was heading straight into the food plot out to my right and hopefully into my crosshairs.

 As the deer came through the gap I leaned out the right side of the stand going around the trunk of the tree waiting for it to come into view.

  It cleared the tree trunk and instead of going straight out in to the plot it turned toward me.

 The click-click of the hammer cocking sounded really loud thru the earbuds and it was loud enough the deer heard it too. It froze 15 yards away slightly quartering to its left.

  In situations like this it feels like time stands still but a lot of things happen in a short amount of time. I’m sure you’ve experienced the feeling at some point.

 I thought it was now or never. Aiming for the exit wound I put the crosshairs on the right side of its neck kind of near the base and pulled the trigger.

 Moving my head around the smoke cloud I watched as the deer ran into the food plot then turn left through a path I have cut through a 30 yard finger of trees that separate the plot from an upper field. It had its tail down so I figured I had hit it for sure.

  When hunting with the slug gun I like to wait at least 10 minutes before going after a deer. The exception being if I can see the deer and know for sure that it’s down. With the smoke stick I like to wait 15 – 20 minutes if I can set still that long.

 While I was running a few patches thru the barrel to make it easier to reload my phone buzzed. It was my brother-in-law Tommy texting me. Tommy and my sister were up early and had heard the shot 2 miles away while taking the dog out. He wanted to know if I had shot. Replying in the affirmative I said I was waiting until 7 to start the tracking. It was 6:47.

 After gathering my cleaning bag and answering nature’s call it was well past 7 before I headed out. I found no blood where the deer was standing but didn’t worry as that’s not unusual. I knew the way it had went and headed for the path.

 I found no blood when I got to the path so I started zig-zagging back and forth across it working my way toward the upper field. I was starting to get that sinking feeling I’d had a couple of weeks earlier (that’s another story) when almost to the top I spotted some blood.

 The trail petered out at the upper field. Damn! The Johnson grass had died back but it was still head high in some places and I was hoping the deer wasn’t lying out in it somewhere.

 I stood there looking around contemplating my next move when I saw the white rear-end of the deer lying in the brushy fence row about 15 yards away. It was a spike buck! Dang!

 With the fog and mist I couldn’t see his spikes. He was pretty big for a spike weighing in at 84 lbs. field dressed.

 Things were going great and I had just finished dragging him into the open when it started to rain. It wasn’t a hard rain but just enough to get everything wet. Luckily I was wearing my rain jacket. Of course when I got to the truck, loaded everything, it stopped.

  Thinking later about the buck’s weird behavior I can only think he had smelled the scent I had out. His tarsal glands had been wet so who knows. When he came through the fence gap he walked right past the drag line but I didn’t see if he had reacted to it as I had leaned out to the right with the tree blocking my view.

 Once skinned out I could follow the bullet path. It had entered the base of the neck, went thru the shoulder blade and into the vitals. There was no exit wound hence the poor blood trail. I did find a piece of the green plastic tip from the bullet where it went through the shoulder.

 So there you have it. Earlier in the season I would have let him pass but as I told my buddies, my wife is off work for the next 2 months and we need all the meat we can get in the freezer. All I need to do now is head down to the local government office and pick up my cheese, peanut butter, rice and other free commodities. Until next time, Jim Bob.

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FISHIN' TIP: Remember while bass fishing in the winter that bass inhale their meals gently so watch for the slightest tap of your bait and be prepared to set the hook at a moment’s notice.

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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** CHILI TIME! **

  The winter weather is here and the urge for a pot of that hearty and delicious chili made from Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix is overwhelming! Its unique blend of herbs and spices makes a great pot of chili everyone loves without the aid of added fillers or MSG!

  Try it for all of your cooking needs! Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix makes all sorts of great dishes like jambalaya, enchiladas, stuffed manicotti and lasagna. Also try it as a dry rub or marinade on your beef and deer roasts or steaks. 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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WHAT'S NEW

  The deer season maybe winding down but our shop is rolling along at full speed fulfilling orders for our After The Shot Trophy Plaques! Plaques for North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota, to name a few, have gone out lately as well as some custom work. Orders for more North Carolina plaques, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin are on the schedule. 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!

  Need new recipes for the winter issues so dig them out and send them in! We could use some new recipes for everything with duck, goose, elk, quail, rabbit, buffalo, antelope, alligator and pheasant topping the list. Send your recipes to mail@backwoodsbound.com. Thanks and we look forward to getting them!

  The cameras are coming down and the pictures are being reviewed so why not share a couple with us? Send in your trail camera pictures for the Candid CamShots feature! We’ll take anything as long as it’s not obscene. Send them as attachments to mail@backwoodsbound.com. See this month’s photo at www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos2.html.

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** ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE HERE! **

Over 4400 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: sales@backwoodsbound.com.

Fishing season is fast approaching so place your ad now!


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CANDID CAMSHOTS

  This picture was taken on December 13th on Josh Burns’ camera out in front of his stand but he wasn’t able to hunt that weekend. The correct time was 6:43am. Camera clock wasn’t set-back from daylight saving time. Taken in southern Illinois.

Illinois Buck


Send your trail camera or outdoor pictures to mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE: CANADA GOOSE STEW


~ 4 goose breasts
~ 1/3 cup salt
~ 2 tbsp baking soda
~ water
~ 1 large onion, chopped
~ 1 stalk celery, chopped
~ 4 tbsp butter
~ 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
~ garlic powder
~ hot sauce
~ 48 oz. beef consommé
~ salt
~ cubed vegetables like carrots, potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, etc.

* Soak the breasts overnight in 1/3 cup salt, baking soda and enough water to cover.

* Remove and pat dry. Cut into 2" cubes.

* In a Dutch oven or large pot, sauté the onion and celery in butter.

* Add the meat, worcestershire sauce, a liberal amount of garlic powder and hot sauce to taste.

* Cook about 10 minutes over medium high to high heat or until brown.

* Add the beef consommé and stir together. Salt to taste. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

* Add your veggies and simmer 30 minutes or until the veggies are tender. Stir occasionally.

* Serve and enjoy.

"This turns out very tender and very close to beef stew that even non-goose eaters won't know the difference." - Tammy

Thanks to Tammy Brown for sharing this recipe. For more great goose recipes to use in your kitchen visit this page on our site, www.backwoodsbound.com/zgoose.html. And for more wild game soup recipes, go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zsoup.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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ANSWER TO BACKWOODS TRIVIA: Seiko released the first successful quartz movement wristwatch in 1969. The mineral quartz always vibrates exactly 32,768 times per second when an electric current passes through it. Using crystals allow clocks to be much more accurate than clocks ran by mechanical gears and springs.

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