Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: FEDERAL GRANT TO EXPAND TEXAS ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM

  AUSTIN, Texas - The sand-bottom Gulf of Mexico provides almost no natural reefs for marine life, which is why the Texas Artificial Reef Program was created to provide structures for a thriving ocean ecosystem of aquatic invertebrates and the fish that feed on them. A $1.5 million federal grant will fund creation or enhancement of seven reef sites off the Texas coast in coming years.

  Artificial reefs provide a home for species such as barnacles, corals, sponges, clams, bryozoans and hydroids. They function like "an oasis in the desert" for many species that otherwise would not flourish. Artificial reefs form the foundation of food chains that ultimately support popular game fish, and they provide outstanding new opportunities for SCUBA divers and fishermen.

  The Rigs-to-Reefs effort is one component of the overall Texas Artificial Reef Program, which is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For these projects, production platforms or "rigs" are cleaned and toppled, towed to an existing reef site, or left in place and cut down to a depth of 85 feet below the surface to become reefs. Oil and gas companies must remove a decommissioned structure and dispose of it on shore unless it is donated to the Rigs-to-Reefs program. Along with the donated structure, the company donates 50% of their cost savings to the Artificial Reef fund.

  Also, at various points along the coast, this innovative conservation initiative has transformed materials from roads, bridges and even obsolete ships into man-made reefs. These projects encompass the Ships-To-Reefs and Near Shore Reefs initiatives, also part of the overall artificial reef program.

  The program currently consists of 58 reef sites, composed of materials donated from entities such as the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as from private companies. The sites range in size from 40 acres to more than 160 acres. Near shore reef sites range from 5 to 9 nautical miles offshore and are designed to provide fishing and diving opportunities for those having smaller boats or who do not wish to travel too far offshore.

  The new federal grant of $1.5 million is coming from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program administered by the federal Minerals Management Service, a grant program operated in Texas by the General Land Office. It will fund the construction and improvements on seven reef sites. For four projects, which had already been completed when the grant was awarded, the funds will reimburse the Artificial Reef Program.

  The grant will also fund the creation of three new reef construction projects and the improvement of several other pre-existing reef sites. This includes reefing of concrete and 1-ton quarry blocks at new reef sites at Port Arthur (Jefferson County), Matagorda County, and Corpus Christi/Port Aransas (San Patricio/Aransas County).

  Additionally, TPWD will extend the reef site permit at SALT reef near Pt. Arthur and the George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef off Galveston with concrete culverts and quarry block. More than 800 concrete culverts will be reefed at the Port Mansfield reef in Willacy County.

  In addition to the grant, several groups such as the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and the Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association (SEA) will provide additional funding and assistance in reefing projects. Private groups such as ReefMan, LLC have already deployed smaller individual reefs at the George Vancouver Liberty Ship reef.

  The ultimate success of these projects will be judged by the impact of the artificial reefs on fish populations in the Gulf. Research has shown that marine organisms not only are attracted to artificial structures, but many live and reproduce on the structures. This is important for reef fishes, such as red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), a highly prized game and commercial fish in the Gulf. Other marine fish species found at artificial reefs include: gray snapper, vermillion snapper, ling, amberjack, jack crevalle, spadefish, shark, grouper (including Goliath grouper), sheepshead, and mackerel. If the projects are successful, they will serve to create additional habitat for these fish species while providing additional recreational and commercial fishing and diving opportunities in the Gulf off Texas.

  More information can be found on the Texas Artificial Reefs Program Web site: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/overview.phtml

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ARTICLE: MY FIRST BULL ELK by Tiffany Wiser

- It had been about 7 or 8 years since I'd last hunted for a bull elk. The last time I came close to killing a bull elk was when I was hunting with my father when I was 13 or 14 years old. It had been the last day to hunt when my dad and I bumped into 3 bulls in thick timber. The snow was so deep it came up to our horse's collars. We chased those bulls for awhile but they headed deep into the timber and there was no way we could get through to them plus our horses were about to give out on us. Since that time I've been helping other hunters get their trophy bulls. But I was finally able to hunt one for myself and this time it was with my best friend and husband Jimmy. I had taken him out earlier and helped him get his bull and now he was helping me.

- We got real excited the night before I got my bull as we saw close to 200 elk crossing the road in the middle of the night. The next morning we were up at 4 am and knew we would have a field day since I had a bull tag and a cow tag to fill. We went out and did some scouting before dawn but didn't see any elk. They had disappeared into the night!

- We finally figured out that it was ghosts that had made the elk disappear. Black, grey, brown and white ones that appeared and disappeared through the bushes. We then heard them howl and spotted them just before dawn. Ten huge wolves led by a big black alpha male. As the dawn drew brighter we found that there was one elk, one that the wolves had torn apart. It's weird because that night I had dreamt about wolves terrorizing my fathers stock at home.

- We were a little frustrated since the wolves had scared the elk away. We covered a lot of country on horseback trying to find them. We never found a trace of them. How that many elk could just vanish is just amazing. By the afternoon we had decided to give up for the day and head back to the trucks.

- As Jimmy and I were going through this ravine we couldn't believe our eyes as a huge bull elk came sneaking his way through the trees towards us! We were down wind of him so he didn't smell us as we stood our horses still. He walked to within a hundred yards or so and stood and looked at us for a while before taking off down into the ravine. We raced up on top of the ravine and saw him in a thicket down below. I hurried and pulled my rifle out of my scabbard and got off my horse. I held my breath and squeezed the trigger. BANG! He went down with one shot in the spine. We rode our horses off a bit to give him time so we wouldn't push him further.

- By this time it was getting dark. We thought we would easily find him but things look different when it gets dark. After searching like crazy for what seemed like an eternity we finally found him. He was way bigger then we thought he was. When I got a good look at him I couldn't believe it! "It's a monster" I said to Jimmy! Jimmy was also amazed at how big he was too.

- We had no pack horses with us so Jimmy loaded the head onto my saddle horse and we led it out on foot the 3 miles back to the truck. By the time we reached the trucks we were exhausted. It was pushing a 22 hour day for us but I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so tickled and I still can't believe it! I think it will take a while for it to sink in but I am so happy! Thanks for reading my first bull elk story. Take care and happy trails, Tiffany.

- Written by Tiffany Wiser of Wyoming Country Outfitters, www.wyomingcountryoutfitters.com. To see a larger photo of Tiffany and her trophy elk, Click Here!

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ARTICLE: JUDGING DISTANCE: JUST A MINOR DETAIL? By Bill Phillips

  I learned a couple of interesting facts in high school physics that I'vee managed not to forget.

  1) All objects fall at the same rate, regardless of their weight. A medicine ball, and a pebble dropped from the same height at the same time hit the ground at the same time.

  2) A bullet fired parallel to the ground will hit the ground at the same time as a bullet dropped from the same height.

  These facts have a lot of implications for a bow hunter's need to accurately judge distance. A bullet fired from a rifle at 2500 feet per second will fall less than a quarter inch over the course of the first 30 yards. An arrow fired at 240 feet per second will fall over 2 feet over the same distance. An arrow fired at 400 feet per second will fall less than a foot over that first 30 yards. The faster arrow gives an advantage over the slower arrow, but you can't be a foot off target at 30 yards and hope to be a successful bow hunter. You have to be able to accurately judge distance. Here are a few tried and tested methods for you.

  Comparison Method

  The comparison method involves comparing a known object to the target to estimate the distance. For example, when you're holding your bow up getting ready to shoot, you can compare your thumb nail to the relative size of the target. You'vee determined beforehand that the average white tail deer appears to be the height of your thumb nail at 20 yards. Then, if the deer in your sights appears to be the height of your thumb nail, you know it's 20 yards away. If it appears half the height of your thumb nail, then it's 40 yards away. Of course, you have to determine the relative size of the animal you're hunting before going out hunting. This method doesn't translate well to hunting other types of game without being thoroughly prepared. On the other hand, you can get an accurate determination while holding up the bow, preparing to take the shot. It's a very quick way to judge distance.

  Landmark Method

  When you arrive at your hunting location, you can determine the distance to several landmarks, such as trees or bushes. To determine the distance, you can use a laser range finder, or just pace off the distance. As the animal wanders past your markers, you have a very good idea of its distance. If it's in between your land marks, it's not too hard to estimate the distance.

  The drawback to using the existing markers is that it may be difficult to remember the distances to the markers. Rather than relying on the existing markers, you might want to set up your own markers or decoys at specific distances. For instance, when turkey hunting, if you set up a decoy at 20 yards away from your position and a turkey nears your decoy, it's very easy to estimate the distance accurately enough to get a good shot off.

  Step Method

  Many great competitive archers use the step method. You envision a certain length, and determine how many steps of that length are required to reach the target. Use whatever length you feel most comfortable with. Some people use 20 yards; some use 10 yards. For example, if your length is 10 yards, and you determine that the target is a little less than three lengths away, you know the target is about 27 to 29 yards away. This requires practice, but this is a good method for judging distance on a slope, which is a situation that often arises when hunting from a tree stand.

  Errors in your distance judgment ultimately lead to heart breaking misses. With all of the time, and money we spend to go bow hunting, it's that much more important to take the time to practice judging distance.

  Bill Phillips has written articles on many recreational activities. He's currently working on an airsoft guns website, www.1st-airsoft-guns.com, which offers a wealth of information and advice about selecting and using airsoft guns, including automatic airsoft guns, airsoft spring guns (www.1st-airsoft-guns.com/airsoft-spring-guns.html), gas airsoft gun (www.1st-airsoft-guns.com/gas-airsoft-guns.html) and more.

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• Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and welcome to the December 2009 issue of The Bullet. We are in the middle of what arguably could be the best hunting month of the year. Deer, geese, duck, rabbits, squirrel and pheasant just to name a few are all in season this month. The winter trapping season is also under way. We'vee said it before and will probably say it again, get out and enjoy whatever your passion is. Remember to try and introduce someone new to your sport.

Bringing up the subject of introducing someone new to hunting, my young nephew Isaac approached me at the annual Thanksgiving family get together and said he was interested in hunting. Since no one in his immediate family is into the sport I said I'd be glad to take him under my wing and teach him what I can. Since we have some time until next fall there's plenty of time to get him ready. First and foremost he will need to take a hunter safety course. Luckily I had saved my booklet when my son Josh and I took it so I dug it out to pass it along to him. Hopefully his enthusiasm will contain to build in the coming months as he takes the necessary steps to become a responsible and conscientious hunter. I know my work is cut out for me but I feel up to the challenge. With a little help from the guys in my hunting group I'm fairly confident Isaac will enjoy the sport of hunting. I'lll report on his progress as we go along.

We'vee got another packed issue this month with some great recipes, an elk hunting story along with the usual features so we hope you enjoy it. Enough said. Let's get to issue one hundred and eleven of The Backwoods Bound Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns - editor-in-chief.

In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: - Here's an old one from Ron Kendall for you football fans. See if you know it.

"In American football, where did the term quarterback come from?"

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

RECIPE: KRISTY'S ELK BURGERS

* Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to low heat. Add the onions and sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook until tender. Stir often so they don't burn.

* Once the onions are tender, stir in the brown sugar. Heat over low heat until bubbly stirring often to keep from burning and sticking. Remove from heat but keep warm.

* Shape the meat into 4 - 6 patties. Season to taste with the steak seasoning. Set aside.

* Heat the bacon grease in a large iron skillet over medium heat.

* Once grease is hot add the patties and fry until golden brown on each side or desired doneness. Drain on paper towels.

* Spread A1 on one side of a bun and mayo on the other.

* Place patty on bun and top with a spoonful of the warm onions and a slice of cheese.

We want to thank Krissy Hundertmark for sending us the first elk recipe! Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html for more delicious recipes.

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

** FUNSLIDES CARPET SKATES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS **

Funslides are a new spin to indoor fun. Just like socks on a hardwood floor, FunSlides give you that same fun-powered-glide on carpet. When an indoor activity is needed, children will forget about the rainy day and strap on these cool new skates to participate in the newest carpet craze! Click here http://tinyurl.com/ylocqny to buy.

Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuIf_SNAIpM

FUN FACT: This month's facts come from Libby Johnson. Thanks Libby. There are more than 150 Native American languages still spoken in the United States. The Native Americans of New Mexico have been eating popcorn for over 5,000 years.

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

** WILDTKY'S WILD OUTDOOR SPORTS **

Wildtky's Wild Outdoor Sports featuring tips, tactics, books and gear up to 50% off. Fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and more.

Visit our web site at: www.wldtky44.com.

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Thanks for your help.

HUNTIN TIPS: "When hunting for grouse, walk a few yards and make sporadic quick stops. Hidden grouse will think you have spotted them and will often flush." - Lasha

"A good idea I use is to get an old sock or breathable mesh cloth and make a bag. Then I put cedar brush or any kind of tree leaves that give off a scent. I then place with my hunting clothes. Thanks for the other tips fellow deer slayers." to Aaron

"When still hunting, put a pair of old heavy hunting socks on over your boots. This will 'soften' your steps and help eliminate noise. Remember to look long and step slow!" - Rich Waller

** THE TOUCH N' TROPHY PLAQUE **

The wait is finally over. We are proud to present another addition to our line of State Shaped Trophy Plaques, the Touch n' Trophy Plaque!

These unique plaques feature a cut-out of the state, country, or continent of your choice where you can then mount a piece of your trophies tanned fur/hide through the back allowing you to then touch and feel it from the front.

With the Touch n' Trophy Plaque you'lll not only be able to see the differences in animal furs but you're able to feel the distinct differences in their textures as well. You can mount practically every kind of tanned fur in it like deer, rabbit, fox, elk, antelope, mountain lion, bear and even zebra! The possibilities are endless with the Touch n' Trophy!

For a limited time buy the Touch n' Trophy Plaque for the introductory price of only $49.95!

Go to www.backwoodsbound.com/antlerplaqf.html to order on-line with our secure ordering system and pay with confidence using Paypal.

INTERESTING QUOTE: "No matter how big you get, the size of your funeral depends on the weather." to Roger Miller

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

RECIPE: SUPREME BURRITO CASSEROLE

* Brown the burger in a large skillet. Drain if necessary.

* Mix the burrito seasoning with water per package instructions.

* Mix the seasoning and beans into the meat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

* Assemble the burritos using 2 tablespoons of the meat/bean mixture, some cheese and your choice of fillings. Once rolled up place in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Reserve 3/4 cup of the meat mixture, some cheese and fillings (optional).

* In a bowl, mix the soup, tomatoes and taco seasoning together. Pour over the prepared burritos.

* Top with the cheese and fillings. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 - 20 minutes or until bubbly.

* Serve with the sour cream.

We want to thank Smitty for sending in this recipe. Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/deer.html for more delicious deer recipes.

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

FISHIN' TIP: - Try using a spring bobber when ice fishing. When fish are just holding the bait in their mouths and not moving a spring bobber lets you raise your pole slightly to reveal you have a bite. Then you can set the hook. Using one lets you catch fish you would otherwise miss by using a floating bobber.

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

WHAT'S NEW

If you didn't get the news we announced the addition of a new product in our great line of State Shaped Trophy Plaques, the Touch n' Trophy Plaque. This unique plaque has a cutout of the state or country of your choice in which you can mount a piece of your trophies tanned hide or fur into it. You can then touch, feel and enjoy your trophy like never before! Pictures and details can be found at www.backwoodsbound.com/antlerplaqf.html. Check out this exciting new product. There's still time to place your order and receive it by Christmas. But hurry!

We are proud to say we finally got an elk recipe. It's only taken over a year but like fishing, the first one is the hardest to get. Hopefully they will start rolling in as we set to expand our already huge recipe section. Anyway, thanks to Krissy Hundertmark for sending in her recipe for Elk Burgers.

Other recipes we want to have are buffalo, antelope and sheep. If you or someone you know have any, send them in. Our e-mail is [email protected].

Keep sending us your tips, stories, fun facts and recipes. We truly appreciate everything sent in. Send your stuff to [email protected].

** ART OF NATURE COLLECTIBLES **

Art of Nature Collectibles by Rustic Originals has fast become the source for custom rustic picture frames. Browse through our Spirit Series, One-of-a-Kind, Rustic Collection and Special Edition Collections of unique, hand-crafted, real wood rustic frames. Each one is a collectible!

Each frame comes complete with glass, hanging hardware and a Rustic Originals Wildlife photo for your enjoyment or add your own special photo to the frame for years of admiration. We have frames to fit most sizes of photos.

Hurry to our site at www.rustic-nature.com or www.rusticoriginals.net for the best selection!

RECIPE: RABBIT WITH CABBAGE AND APPLES

* Season some flour to taste with your favorite seasonings. Heat some oil in large skillet.

* Roll the rabbit in the flour and add to the hot oil.

* Cook until browned on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.

* In a slow cooker, layer in the cabbage, salt and pepper, rabbit, apples, cabbage, etc.

* Cook on high for 5 - 6 hours or until the cabbage and rabbit is tender.

Sarah Leach sent in this recipe and we thank her for taking the time to do so. To see more rabbit recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/rabb.html.

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

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

We have a complete line of plaques for all of your trophies! We offer sizes for mounting your antlers, trophy fish, full shoulder mounts, plaques for your memorable photos, plaques for awards and plaques for European Skull Mounts!

All of our plaques are handcrafted from solid oak not plywood or particle board. They all come with hangers installed and the Picture Plaques come with glass and picture backing for your 4" x 6" photo.

Don't settle for an ordinary looking plaque hanging on your wall! Go one better and order your Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque today. Prices start at $24.95. Don't wait, order today!

Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/antlrplaq01.html for photos and information on how to order your plaque.

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