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Backwoods Bound Bullet Volume 22 - Issue 2

  Welcome to the February 2021 issue of The Bullet. It’s winter time and there’s not much going on. Hunting seasons have wound down but you can still go fishing. Things should start icing over good up north with some truly cold weather on its way. Folks way down south don’t have to worry about that and I envy your ability to drop a line any time you want.

Usually this time of year we can occupy our time by going to shows. It was always fun to spend a Saturday afternoon browsing the new boats and campers on display. Picking out a new one for the year or just picking out your “dream” rig. It’s a lot of fun cruising through all of the displays of guns, knives, rods and reels, tackle, ammo, hiking and camping gear and picking up what’s new and hot. Well it doesn’t look like that’s going to be happening this year. Most shows have been canceled and for good reason and those that will take place are going to be highly restricted. I myself will be forgoing the show season. It’s not worth the risk exposing others to what I may be carrying or to catch anything others may unknowingly be carrying. My heart bleeds for those whose lively hoods are affected by the pandemic but if this thing isn’t stopped there won’t be any one around to enjoy the sports and activities we all hold dear.

Last month I brought up how far behind our postal service was running and mentioned that a couple of our customers hadn’t received their packages, as of the time The Bullet went out, even though they were shipped on December 11th and the 15th. Well I’m glad to say they both finally got their boxes on January the 13th. Seem a little long? I think so but check this out. We subscribe to a magazine that is sent out bi-monthly which means we get an issue about every two weeks. Well we got the December 11th issue on January 11th, the January 8th issue on the 14th (which is about normal) and the December 25th issue on January the 15th. Crazy right? I just hope that truly urgent packages (medical supplies, prescriptions, etc.) are getting delivered in time. Keep plugging away folks! We’re behind you.

Enough said. Enjoy this month’s issue of The Bullet and “wear because you care”. Until next month, J. E. Burns, Editor-in-chief.

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In this issue:

~ Backwoods Trivia
~ Recipe: Easy Cottontail Cacciatore
~ Article: Float Coats Add a Layer Of Safety To Ice Fishing
~ Recipe: Marinated Broiled Goose
~ Article: My Series Of Unfortunate Hunts - Three Strikes And You're Out - Part 2
~ What's New
~ Candid CamShots
~ Recipe: Backwoods Bound Jambalaya
~ Last Minute Stuff

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BACKWOODS TRIVIA: This month’s question was sent in by Rick Peterson. Do you know the answer?

What year was the National Baseball League formed?

Bonus Question: Can you name any of the original teams?


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

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RECIPE: EASY COTTONTAIL CACCIATORE

~ 1 cottontail rabbit, skinned, boned out and cut into large bite size pieces
~ butter
~ 1 packet onion soup mix
~ 1 - 14-16 oz. can Italian style stewed tomatoes - cut up
~ 3 tbsp tomato paste
~ 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
~ 1/4 cup red wine
~ pasta of your choice (egg noodles, rotini, etc.)

* Pound the meat from hind quarters to tenderize.

* Melt some butter in a large skillet and lightly brown rabbit meat flipping as needed.

* Combine all other ingredients in medium bowl and mix well. Pour over browned rabbit pieces.

* Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

* Serve over cooked pasta of your choice

Note: Serves two hungry people; double or triple recipe to feed four or more.

Thanks again to our friend Lloyd Barnhart for sharing another recipe with us. Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zrabb.html for more rabbit recipes to try.

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 $35.95. 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: FLOAT COATS ADD A LAYER OF SAFETY TO ICE FISHING, DUCK HUNTING

  The below article is from the Iowa DNR but the message it conveys can be use by everyone everywhere who ice fishes or who hunts waterfowl. - Editor

 The photos are showing up online and in social media feeds – ice fishing is finally here and is spreading across Iowa.

 “Living in Iowa, we are blessed with four seasons and ice fishing is a great way to enjoy our winters,” said Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 As Iowan’s head out on frozen water to their “go to” spot, they are encouraged to follow ice safety recommendations: don’t go out alone, be sure to bring at least 50 feet of rope and a throwable floatation device, check the ice frequently with a spud bar and cut plenty of holes to check thickness, and it’s always advisable to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Adding a float coat to the safety gear is one more way to prevent a catastrophe if the worst should happen on the ice.

 Outdoor gear is becoming more technical in design and function, including improved safety features. Float coats incorporate the floatation aspects of a lifejacket into the coat, offering protection against hypothermia with the added benefits of drowning prevention. Float coats come in a variety of colors including camouflage, making them a great option for duck hunters as well.

 “Ice fishing is a social activity where we get together – while personally distancing - and spend quality time outdoors. The ability to have your coat serve as a floatation device provides an additional level of safety and peace of mind,” Stocker said.

 For all of the information you’ll need about the outdoor adventures waiting for you in Iowa, check out their web site at www.iowadnr.gov.

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FUN FACT:  The largest diamond ever found weighed 1.33 pounds or 3,105 carats! It was found in a diamond mine in Pretoria, South Africa in January 1908. It was eventually cut into 106 smaller stones. The diamond cutter Joseph Asscher studied it for six months before trying to cut it.

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

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HUNTIN' TIP:  Since it’s cold and flu season you’ll probably going to need something for a sore throat eventually. Buy the type of spray in those little spray bottles. Save the bottles when empty and wash them out. Use them to put your cover or doe-in-heat deer scents in. They’re small enough to pack around easy. You can also fill one with hydrogen peroxide to spray around looking for blood after shooting your deer. Blood will foam up when sprayed with hydrogen peroxide

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: "If it’s free, it’s advice; if you pay for it, it’s counseling; if you can use either one, it’s a miracle." – Jack Adams

 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 **

It’s a new month and with it comes a new sale. Take 28% OFF ANY order on any theme this month!

ANY order from our huge selection of wine charms, book marks, ear rings, zipper pulls and more are 28% OFF this month.


You can stock up for upcoming birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

This offer ends on February 28th so go to our web site at www.karensglabels.com and place your order! And remember we can make items from your special photographs for a small upcharge.

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: MARINATED BROILED GOOSE

~ breast meat from 2 geese, skinned
~ 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
~ 4 tbsp grated carrots, be sure to add any juice
~ 1/2 tsp minced garlic
~ 1 tsp sage
~ 1 tsp salt
~ 1/2 tsp pepper
~ 1 tsp marjoram
~ 1 bay leaf
~ 2 cups white wine

* Combine all of the ingredients except the meat in a bowl.

* Place the breast meat in a zip lock bag and pour in the marinade.

* Seal and refrigerate overnight. Flip a couple of times.

* Remove the meat and drain well.

* Place in broiler and broil 10 minutes per side.

* Remove to warm platter, cover and let rest before slicing.

* Enjoy with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies.

Thanks go out to David Steward for sending in this recipe. For more goose recipes to cook up go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zgoos.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 – THREE STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT! Or Game Called On Account Of Rain - Part 2

  Two shots, two misses. That pretty much sums up part one of my muzzleloader hunting trip to Oklahoma last fall.

 The first miss was a doe on Saturday afternoon. After over an hour of searching I found no deer or any sign of hitting her.

 The second one should have been meat on the pole. I took a shot at a doe right outside my blind at 15 yards. Instead of shooting her I shot through the side of the blind throwing the bullet who knows where. The view through the scope was clear but I failed to make sure the muzzle was out the window before pulling the trigger. The inside of the blind filled with smoke obstructing my view and everything else.

 Part two began the afternoon after the “great smoke out”. I was back in the blind about 2:30 ready to make up for my mistakes.

 About 15 minutes later I saw some movement through the brush over there and saw something brown moving. It was a hog and another and another. I lost count of them. The last one being the biggest damn hog I’ve ever seen. Had to be a big ‘ol sow. She had to have went over 250 pounds! Huge! Luckily they were going the other direction but if they had come close I would have either shot a small one or gut shot the big sow so she’d wonder off and die putting an end to her breeding days.

 Around four I heard some noise on the right and looked to see a nice 8 point buck coming down the hill. He had his nose down and was on a mission.

 He came down the right side, went down the hill and crossed in front of me about 30 yards away, went a little up my left and onto the trail I used to walk in on and turned away from me. I could not get him to stop. He had something in mind and it wasn’t hanging around with me.

 Now I had to keep an eye peeled out of the right side since they seemed to be traveling from that direction and the left side hoping the buck wondered back around.

 Sometime later I noticed something out of place way out to my left through the trees. Something just didn’t look right so I grabbed my binoculars and gave it a closer look. It was antlers!

 “The buck is messing around over there” I thought “and he looks to be coming back this direction.”

 The buck emerged onto the open path and stopped, looking around. It was a different buck and a nice 8 point at that! He walked down the path to his left going away from me. I kept my scope on him but the only time he stopped he was partially behind a small bush and I didn’t feel good about the shot so I watched him trot on down the hill and out of sight.

 That was 4 deer in only a couple of hours and my excitement only got stronger. I was sure I’d score before that day ended. Yeah right.

 A little later, out of nowhere a deer walked right in front of the blind! Couldn’t have been 20 feet away! I never heard a thing. The doe was just there!

 I was trying to decide whether to lean out the front window to take a shot or go out the left side since that’s where it now was. While fiddling around with my new shooting stick I remembered to bring with me, a fork horn appeared coming up the hill toward the blind.

 The two deer stood looking at the blind as I stuck the rifle out the front window not wanting to repeat the previous day’s mistake and took aim at the doe.

 The firing pin struck the primer with a muffled thud but there was no boom or smoke. Not sure if it was a going to be a delay fire I kept the rifle pointed at the deer waiting to see what would happen. Both deer continued to look at me while I cocked the hammer back once again and pulled the trigger. Just another thud. “Well son-of-a-#&^%!”

 As I eased the rifle back inside, keeping the muzzle pointed safely away from me the fork horn decided he had had enough and walked away. The doe just mingled around eating acorns.

 Not sure if it was just a bad primer or what I broke open the action, discarded the primer, removed the breech plug and pushed the bullet and Pyrodex out. I then ran some patches I had with me through the barrel and did a complete reload. The whole time the doe was still outside munching away even though I wasn’t trying to be quite.

 After getting everything cleaned and reloaded I looked out to see if I could try that shot again. The deer was behind some trees and did not offer me another chance. I think it was taunting me. I watched it go on its merry way.

 I was kind of glad that the whole miss fire incident happened with the doe and not early on one of those bucks! I was sure I was in the groove and felt pretty good about the last hour of shooting time.

 Short time later I heard some footsteps over my left shoulder I turned and looked out the left window as another doe walked right past the blind about 25 feet away. “I’m in a hot spot here!” I thought.

 She stopped and I took my shot! I tried to watch which way she ran but the smoke obstructed the view. At least it wasn’t in the blind this time. I ran a couple of patches down the barrel and reloaded. Knowing dark was coming I set out to find her.

 My heart sank as there was no sign of me hitting her where she had been standing and started the search. After looking for 30 minutes or so and with a light rain falling I figured I needed help so I headed back to camp.

 After supper, Josh went with me to search once again in the dark. We made circle after circle around the blind going through brush, deadfalls, gullies and other obstacles but came up empty.

 Strike three! You’re out!

 I have no idea how I didn’t knock that doe off her feet as close as she was. Did the bullet pass through so fast it didn’t expand and cause no bad immediate damage allowing her to go really far away before succumbing to her injuries? Only she knows for sure.

 I stuck my head out of the camper door the next morning and it was pouring. I went back to bed.

 The forecast called for rain all day lasting into the evening. The day was going to be a washout. Since Josh had been called out to a job he was leaving that morning and since David was also leaving I didn’t want to stay there by myself in the rain. If it hadn’t been so wet and rainy I would have stayed and left the next day but I wanted to be sure I got back out to the main road. If I was by myself and had trouble there would have nobody around to help me. So I decided to bug out.

 Game called on account of the rain.

 Josh stuck around and helped me load up. We basically just threw stuff in the camper and once the four wheeler got loaded, stuff in the truck. We had it all shoved in somewhere in a little over 2 hours. As long as I got it home it could be sorted and dried out later.

 I’m glad I left when I did. There was water over the gravel/dirt road in places. The ditches were running full with more water coming out of the hills. I may have gotten trapped a few days waiting for the water to go down if I had waited until the next day.

 It rained the entire way home. And to make things real interesting, my windshield wipers stopped working on the regular cycle but would work on the fastest delay setting. Needless to say I said a prayer of thanks when I pulled up in front of the house some nine plus hours later. The trip taking longer than usual because of the rain and the wiper problem.

 I’m real excited to hunt that new area again this fall. I might set up the blind again or I might take the climber so I can get above the smoke. Either way, I just hope it doesn’t rain! Until the next chapter, Jim Bob.

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** LUNAR CREATIONS **

It’s a new year with new opportunities to buy your special someone or even yourself something new and exciting!

Our selection of hand crafted, unique products will bring smiles to all of your friends and family. We offer clothing and accessories, home decor, and drink tumblers in a variety of styles and sizes. See our site for our complete product line.

You can find us at www.facebook.com/LunarCreations636 or on Instagram @LunarCreations636.

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FISHIN' TIP: Check to see when your fishing license will expire. They usually do around this time of year so beware. Get your new one before you head out. Better to get it now than risk a getting a ticket.

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

  The shop continues to be busy with lots of orders on the schedule. Inquiries also continue to come in daily with folks asking about different sizes and designs. It’s a good time to get your trophy on the wall. 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 special shapes and designs. Give us a try!

  As we stated last month that there have been big increases in the cost of lumber so unfortunately we had to raise our prices across our entire line of plaques. We’ll monitor the situation in the coming months and see if costs go down. If so, we’ll make adjustments accordingly.

  Sales of our Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix continue to go strong. There’s no better meal on a cold winter day than a pot of delicious chili made with our seasoning. And remember it makes a ton of other great dishes too. Be sure to stock up at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html.

  Always needing new recipes, tips, stories, fun facts and trail camera pictures for upcoming issues. Share what you have and we’ll all be grateful. Send everything else to mail@backwoodsound.com.



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** ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE HERE! **

Over 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: sales@backwoodsbound.com.

Fishing season is fast approaching so place your ad now!


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CANDID CAMSHOTS

  Not sure what this southern Illinois doe was doing when James Burns’ camera took this picture in October of 2019.

Illinois Doe


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

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** IT'S CHILI SEASON! **

  Whether at camp or at home this no better meal on a cold day then a hearty bowl of chili. A delicious pot of chili made with Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix hits the spot as is sure to satisfy. 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 meals you’ll love like jambalaya, enchiladas, stuffed manicotti and lasagna. Also try it as a dry rub or marinade on your beef and deer roasts or steaks.

  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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RECIPE: BACKWOODS BOUND JAMABALYA

~ 1 packet Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix
~ 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breast, cubed
~ 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into pieces. Andouille sausage is good to use.
~ 2 - 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes
~ 1 large onion, chopped
~ 1 green pepper, chopped
~ 1 cup chopped celery
~ 2 cups chicken broth
~ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
~ 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
~ 2 cups minute rice

* Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot except for the shrimp and the rice. Stir.

* Cook on low for 6 hours.

* Add the shrimp and cook for 1/2 hour.

* Add the rice and cook for another 1/2 hour stirring a couple of times.

OR

* Cook the rice separately then spoon rice into a bowl and top with the jambalaya after the shrimp is cooked.

* Serve and enjoy.

See more tasty recipes using our Chili Seasoning Mix at www.backwoodsbound.com/zchili.html. It makes more than just chili!

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: The National Baseball League aka National League was founded in 1876 on February 2nd by Chicago businessman William Hulbert.

The original teams were the Chicago White Stockings later changed to the Cubs, the Boston Red Stockings, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the Hartford Dark Blues, the Louisville Grays, the St. Louis Brown Stockings, the Philadelphia Athletics and Mutual of New York.

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LAST MINUTE STUFF

   We received this email on January 15th from John Pound telling of his troubles with the delays at the Post Office. We hope his problem has been straightened out.

  I want to respond to your problem with the Post Office. I mailed a package on 12/08/2020 to Virginia Wildlife Resources in Verona, VA. (65 miles from where I live) and they haven't gotten it yet.

  It has gone to Richmond, VA. (distribution center) 3 times, back to Hot Springs, VA. (where it was mailed out) 3 times and today I got a notice from the Post Office that "my package was out for delivery".

  Thirty minutes later the Hop Springs Post Office called me and said they had received my package again and was going to re-box it and send it back to Verona, VA. I'm not making this up and can show you the Post Office Tracking Record on my package. Just wanted to let everyone know what's going on in my neck of the woods.

 John

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