Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: X-TREME: CLIMBING CURTAINS OF ICE by Hershel M. Fassbinder

 Some; of my friends think I'm crazy. Some of my other friends think I'm a lot of fun. On the day after Thanksgiving, I was with this second group of friends. There are two "awkward" seasons here in Colorado, late spring and late fall, when recreational fun is limited by the weather and the terrain. Of course, you can slum around in caves any time of year, but there are only so many caves I want to visit.

 But; word had gotten out: "The ice is in!" This meant the awkward season had ended ... and ice climbing season had begun! But of course, my two friends and I weren't the only ones to have come to this realization. There were already two cars at the trailhead to the icefall ahead of us.

 The; hike to this icefall near Leadville, Colorado is rather short. You just walk up the frozen stream a few hundred yards. It's easy if it's really frozen solid. But the stream hadn't quite gotten with the program yet and was still in the awkward season. So we had to step carefully to keep from falling through the ice.

 The; guys who had gotten there before us had already strung a rope from the base of the frozen waterfall to a tree above the top, about 60 feet up. The rope is used to arrest the fall of a climber. One end is secured to the climber. The rope loops up and around by the tree and then back down to the climber's partner. The partner's job is to make sure there's just enough slack in the rope so the ice climber doesn't fall very far should he or she "peel away" from the ice.

 Why; climb curtains of ice? It's spectacular. It's fun. It's great whole body exercise. It requires balance, skill and stamina. And if anybody accuses you of being a little crazy, you can just smile and know it's worth it.

 After; awhile, the group that had gotten there before us realized there was room for two ropes next to each other. They offered to let me climb up using their rope so I could secure our rope. This was what I'd been waiting for! I tightened up my boots and grabbed a pair of ice axes.

 The; first steps were easy because the ice wasn't quite vertical at the bottom. I threw one ice axe into the ice above my head. I also kicked my crampons securely into the ice. Then I threw the other ice axe above the first. Done properly, the ice axes are used for balance above, and all the heavy work is done by your legs by taking steps one at a time up the ice.

 About; two thirds of the way up, I discovered that the icefall itself was still in the awkward season. My ice axe went right through the curtain of ice and into the running water inside the not-quite-frozen falls. I had a brief vision of a Disney cartoon sequence in which the whole icefall would crack and crumble around me and come crashing down on my buddies below. But the ice axe held, and I reached the top of the falls.

 I; rappelled back down and helped my friends take their turns climbing up the falls. Before we knew it, the day was over and we had the kinds of exuberant grins on our faces that you only get from a day of playing hard outside in the sun, snow and ice. Once again, I had survived the awkward season and the winter fun season was upon us.

 About; the author:

 Hershel; M. Fassbinder is often on avalanche and ski patrol. Since staying out of trouble is a full time job for Hershel, he doesn't have much time left over to report on the fun he is having. You can read Hershel more at www.atozclimbing.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRODUCT REVIEW: HUNTIN' HOIST

- This past deer season we had the opportunity to field test a remarkable new product, the Huntin' Hoist. Manufactured by Doyle's Deer Gear of North Vernon, Indiana, the Huntin' Hoist is a self-contained, self retracting rope for raising and lowering guns, bows and gear packs to your treestand.

• The Huntin' Hoist is easily attached to your belt or to the webbing on your climbing treestand with it's built on belt clip. To use, simply make sure it is securely clipped on, attach the patent pending "Gear Cinch" to your gun, bow or pack and start climbing. As you climb, the rope unrolls out of the Huntin' Hoist with no strain and your gear stays safely on the ground. When you reach the top, grab the rope and pull your gear up. As the rope is pulled up, it automatically rolls back into the Huntin' Hoist and out of your way. No more tangled or knotted ropes to fool around with. A nice, neat package.

• The rope on the Huntin' Hoist is capable of handling loads up to two hundred pounds and at thirty feet long, is long enough for those that like to climb really high with their climbers. If you're like me and carry everything but the kitchen sink with you, you might want to check the weight of your pack before hoisting it up a tree. Those extra gloves, hats and food can add up.

• The most unique feature of the Huntin' Hoist besides the gizmo itself is the patent pending "Gear Cinch". This easy to use fastening mechanism is designed to transfer the load back to the rope. To use, simply pull the cap out of the "Cinch", wrap the rope around whatever it is you want to hoist and then replace the cap back into the cinch. The rope not only conforms to the shape of the object you are hoisting, it cinches tighter as pulling pressure is applied to the rope.

• I used the Huntin' Hoist while using my climbing stand and while hunting from a permanantly built stand. At the permenant stand I clipped the Hoist to my belt, attached it to my gun and climbed the ladder with my backpack on my back. Once in the stand and getting things settled, I pulled my gun up. The hoist performed flawlessly. Very impressive. While using the climber I attached the Hoist to the webbing that supports the seat of my stand. I tried attaching it to my belt, but it would clank against the sides of the stand. Since I only had one Hoist, I used my old pull rope to pull up my gear pack and got it tangled as usual. The remedy for this situation is to have two Hoists. Attach the first one as usual to your belt or stand with your pack on the end. Then attach the second one to your pack with your gun or bow atached to it. When you get up to your hunting height, pull up your pack first. As the pack is coming up the second Hoist will be attached to your gun. Get your pack settled in place and then pull up your gun or bow and start hunting. Next season I'll have another Huntin' Hoist for these situations.

• All in all we were very impressed with the Huntin' Hoist and was proud to see that it is made right here in the U.S.A.. Easy to use and easy to store, the Huntin' Hoist is a must have piece of hunting equipment! For information on how to get your Huntin' Hoist, visit Doyle's Deer Gear web site at www.huntinhoist.com and tell them Backwoods Bound sent you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARTICLE: DROP SHOTTING IN DEPTH by Steve vonBrandt

 Drop-shotting; has been touted as one of the hottest "new" techniques around, but it has been around since the mid 1970s. Drop-shotting has been revived in the last 5 years by Japanese anglers, who started using this technique to catch the bass in their clear, highly pressured lakes, but saltwater anglers, and panfisherman have been using this technique for many years to catch finicky fish suspended off the bottom. In the past few years, tournament anglers have adopted this technique to put hard to catch fish into the boat. It is an excellent technique for catching deep bass, and bass that are highly pressured in many of the tournament waters all over the US.

  The techniques that are used today have been refined, but the basic technique has remained the same for 30 years.

 BASIC TECHNIQUE

 The; most simple explanation of this technique is that drop-shotting is a vertical presentation using light line, over top of fairly snag free structures.

  A sinker is tied to the line, which is usually eight to twelve pound test, and a hook is tied on the line, about one to three feet above the weight. A soft plastic bait is usually nose hooked, and the rig is lowered to the depth of the fish. Most anglers use their electronics to locate the structure, baitfish, and bass, and the rig is brought into the area where the strikes are suspected. The baits action is controlled by a slight shaking, or gentle twitching of the rod tip.

 This; is a very simple explanation, but drop-shotting can be much more refined and more complicated.

 The; types of hooks used for this technique vary greatly with each individual anglers preference. There are many anglers out there today that prefer the short shanked style of hooks for drop-shotting. These are called "Octopus" hooks. Many times these hooks are colored red, which many anglers believe bass see as a wounded bait. There are also many companies who manufacture pre-rigged drop-shot rigs, so you don't have to waste a lot of time tying them when you get on the water. Others prefer to tie the rigs themselves, but this is something that most do ahead of time, so they can save valuable time on the water for fishing.

 Most; bass fisherman, myself included, prefer a straight shanked hook, because in places where there is current, these styles resist some of the line twisting that occurs in these situations. I like to use a ball-bearing swivel myself, which prevents most of the line twisting that can occur. I tie on a swivel as a connection between the line and leader. I always use a black swivel for this and other techniques in clearer water, as I believe it doesn't spook wary bass. I also use the smallest swivel I can get away with. I use a Superline for these techniques also, as I believe it aids in detecting subtle strikes in deeper water. I like a braided line such as "Spiderline" for this. I always use the "Spiderline" in stained water, but at places like Table Rock Lake in Missouri, and some other clear water areas around the country, I use a Fluorocarbon line, as the braids are easier for the bass to see. In most of the clear, deep, highland reservoirs that we fish, this is very important. Also, by using a fluorocarbon line, I can go up in size to a higher pound test without the bass being able to detect it.

 This; type of fishing is really a "Finesse" technique, a term which has been abused in recent years by many anglers. If you aren't delivering a small bait, on light line, in fairly deep water, then I don't really consider it finesse fishing.

 WEIGHTS

 You; can use almost any kind of sinker for this technique, but I really like to use the "quick release" style of weights. If the conditions on the water change, such as the wind picking up, the current increasing, or if you move to deeper water, you can quickly change to a heavier weight without having to retie. Some examples of this type of weight are the Duel Quick Change Lead Sinker, and the Zappu. These rigs are specifically tailored for drop-shotting techniques. Another really good type sinker that we found recently, is the Bakudan. This weight is ball shaped, as has a swivel-like line tie that reduces line twist. Line twist can sometimes be a problem with these rigs in wind, or deep water situations, and anything that helps reduce this is a definite plus. This type of weight also has something the others don't. It has a line clip that lets you change the distance between the lure and the weight, without having to retie. Another method for changing the sinker quickly is to simply tie a loop at the end of the drop-shot leader using an overhand surgeon's loop. To properly fish this, and other rigs, a knowledge of many different knots is recommended. Practice tying these knots in the off season, and it will increase the time you spend fishing, instead of tying.

 Another; technique for drop-shotting, is to tie a regular bass jig, (usually a 1/4 to 3/4 of an ounce), at the leader end instead of the lead weight. With a surgeon's loop, different weight jigs can be changed quickly. Sometimes, the bass will hit the jig while you are using the drop-shot rig in your usual areas. Some anglers like to use a "pinch-on" split shot also. You can also thread a bullet weight on the drop-shot leader, below the hook and lure, with a split shot squeezed on below the bullet weight to hold it in place. More weight can easily be added to this rig quickly, and you can spend more time fishing.

  TYING THE HOOKS

 Tying; the hooks on drop-shots is a refined technique, and can be done a couple of ways. I always use a Palomar knot, beginning the knot on the hook point side. This is done before tying the rig on the sinker. This is done so that the hook lays at a right angle to the leader. This is a better way to get a good hookset on light biters. Another way can be to take the leader end, after the Palomar is tied, and thread it back through the hook eye, then attach the rig lead. This way the hook shank lays against the line, which I believe, improves hookups.

  PLASTIC BAITS

 I; like to use a variety of soft plastics on these rigs, but most of the time, I use a small 4" finesse worm, or a Yamamoto "Senko," in the 4 inch size. Another good choice is the French Fry worm, and other types of hand poured plastic baits, such as a Roboworm or a Bearpaws bait. A small tube can also be effective, as can a Yamamoto spider grub. This is only one of many great finesse fishing techniques that produce bass when they are deep, or highly pressured. Learning the many different techniques available today, will help you put more bass into the boat when they are hard to catch.

 You; can book a trip or order a videotape from S&K; Guide Service that will help you learn new techniques to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass by simply dropping them an email at [email protected] or by visiting the website at www.skguideservice.com .

  Steve and Kurt vonBrandt are tournament anglers as well as guides and video producers, and have their own radio and TV shows on the Internet and Comcast cable in the area. They are also Redman/BFL regional qualifiers, and the 1998, 99, and 2001 Big Bass World Champs/Deleware.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this issue:

~ Recipe: "Duck Kabobs"

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: Which U.S. state became the forty-ninth state?

Bonus question: What year did this occur?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

Send your trivia questions to [email protected] .

** SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA GUIDE SERVICE **

 We; offer a premium guide service specializing in striper fishing, duck hunting and catfishing on Lake Texoma and the Red and Washita Rivers. We offer over fifty-years combined experience guiding on Lake Texoma. Our fishing boats are all modern off-shore style boats, 23-26 feet in length, that easily accommodate 2 to 7 people. Lake Texoma is the premier striped bass fishery in the United States. In addition, our lake is a major migration transition area for waterfowl on the Central Flyway.

 Our; goal is for you have a rewarding and memorable experience fishing or hunting on our beautiful lake. We are located at Soldier Creek Resort, a full service resort and marina south of Kingston, Oklahoma. Check us out on the web at WWW.SOUTHERNOKLAGUIDES.COM, or contact Doc Walker at 877-664-2208 or [email protected].

RECIPE: ROAST WILD DUCK

* Stuff the inside of the bird(s) with the chopped apples and onions. Sprinkle on the poultry seasoning or garlic salt.

* Place bird in a counter top roaster.

* Fill the roaster with the wine coolers until the bird is half covered.

* Cover and roast at 250 or 300 degrees for at least 4 hours. Time will vary depending on the size of the bird or quantity. Bird is done when you can grab a leg and it pulls off.

Our thanks to Sheryl Walter for sending in this recipe. Sheryl says, "This can simmer all day if you want and it still tastes moist and delicious." For more great recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html

** WINTERTIME IS CHILI TIME **

• Winter is here and so that means chili time! Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix is a unique blend of spices makes a perfect pot of chili every time. Besides making a hearty pot of chili, give it a try for delicious tasting fajitas, enchiladas, jambalaya and now tostadas! Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix, it's simple to use and great tasting too! What else could you want? Use our secure on-line ordering system at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html. Or pick some up today at Columbia Mini Mart in Columbia, Illinois or Evansville Food Mart in Evansville, Illinois.

• Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix - "Not To Mild... Not To Hot. Treat Yourself And Make A Pot!"

RECOMMEND THE BACKWOODS BOUND BULLET TO A FRIEND!

Know a friend who enjoys the outdoors as much as you do? Recommend The Bullet to them. It's easy to do, just follow this link or copy and paste the url into your browser! http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/backwo.ezine Thank you!

HUNTIN' TIPS: This month's tips were sent in by Henry Kenneson and they make good use out of those little spray bottles that sore throat spray comes in. (everyone will probably end up with a few by winters end)

Tip # 1, Use an old throat spray bottle filled with hydrogen peroxide to check for blood after shooting an animal. Blood will foam up when sprayed with the peroxide.

# 2, Use an old throat spray bottle filled with glass cleaner to clean lenses on eyeglasses, binoculars and scopes. Wipe gently with a soft rag.

Thanks Henry for sharing your tips. For more tips visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/tipshunting.html.

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

• Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaques will add a special touch to your trophies. Our plaques are made from real hardwood not that imitation wood? you get in other plaques from the discount chains. They are handcrafted right here in the heartland of America not overseas. Americans working for Americans. Mount your trophy on something unique this year and have it stand out from the rest.

Don't forget about that trophy fish you caught this summer or that trophy trout you caught this fall. Tell your taxidermist that you'll supply your own plaque and order a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. ALL states and Canadian provinces are available. ORDER TODAY!! You'll be glad you did! For more information and photos or to place your order go to www.backwoodsbound.com/catalog.html .

WHAT'S NEW

• We have a lot of new recipes on the site. New recipes for duck, goose and deer have been added. Give them a try along with the recipes in this issue. Send your recipe to [email protected].

Sales for our Chili Seasoning Mix have been through the roof the past month. People are discovering that it makes a lot of great tasting dishes besides chili. Sales for our State Shaped Trophy Plaques have also been brisk. With a little luck and some hard work, we were able to get all orders delivered before Christmas except one. The order came in five days before Christmas for a Texas plaque and we didn't have one made. Not a problem. The customer gave a certificate instead and will receive the plaque this week.

We are also working on bringing a new mail system on-line. Due to the holidays and our staff playing pass the flu, we are behind schedule with it. We hope to have it implemented by the end of the month so please bear with us.

We wish to thank everyone for their continued support this past year whether you sent in a tip, recipe or photo or placed an order for one of our products. We appreciate you all.

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See this month's Crazy Captions photo at: www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos.html and send us your Crazy Caption. Have a photo that would make a great Crazy Caption? Send it to [email protected].

INTERESTING QUOTE: "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield

Seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote? Send it in and we'll post them next month. Send them to: [email protected]

RECIPE: • DEER ORGAN STEW

* To a crockpot add the beef broth, beer, oregano, garlic and hot sauce. Cook on low for 1 hour.

* Add the remaining ingredients. Stir together.

* Cook on low 12 to 15 hours.

Thanks to Bill Hicks for sharing his recipe. For more great recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html

FISHIN' TIP: - When sight fishing, make sure you wait until you see the bait disappear or part of it. Then wait about half a second before setting the hook. Our thanks to Johnny Zakarian for send this tip.

Send your tips to [email protected] and we will post them on the site or use them in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

** ADVERTISE HERE **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by 1400 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. Contact us at [email protected] for details.

FUN FACTS: - These fun facts about sharks were sent in by Alisa Solomon. Thanks Alisa. Sharks have no bones in their body only cartilage. Great White sharks can give birth to live young up to 5 feet long and the Mako shark can go 60 mph making it the fastest shark in the world.

Thank all of you for sending in your fun facts. For more Fun Facts visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html .

RECIPE: • DUCK KABOBS

* Season the duck to taste with salt, pepper and garlic.

* Wrap each chunk of duck with a small slice of bacon.

* Place on skewers so that the bacon is held in place.

* Fill each skewer alternating the duck, mushrooms, green peppers and pineapple.

* Grill or broil over medium heat until the bacon is cooked. Baste with the bbq sauce.

Many thanks to Big Jim for sending us this recipe. For more great recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html