Lately there have been several stories in the national media regarding GPS units and how people are becoming so reliant on them it could lead them to harm. Do you remember the couple that was following their GPS to visit someone last winter and it routed them to the shortest route, which just so happened to be an isolated mountain road with no winter maintenance? Yes, they got stuck in the snow and barely survived.

That’s just one of many stories I’ve heard how people simply look or listen to their GPS unit, and don’t have a real clue where they are in the world.

How many people do you know that have those talking GPS units? Sure they are great in a crowded city, but as noted they can get you in real trouble when you’re not paying attention and following a computerized voice instead of common sense on a rural country road.

I see GPS blindness all the time in the backcountry. Whether its friends or people I bump into in the woods, fewer and fewer actually have any idea where they really are at any given moment. They are simply following their GPS around. Last year I was with a hunter who I won’t name, but after several hours of chasing elk I decided to test their knowledge on our location without using a GPS. Had I let them take us back to the trailhead we would have ended up in southern Montana instead of northern Wyoming. That person had no idea of the twists, turns, ascents and descents we had been taking and was instead relying on a waypoint for the return trip.

GPS units are great. I pack mine along with me on all backcountry trips, but I still use maps in conjunction with the electronic guide, and common sense.

As for those talking units, either as a stand alone or part of a smart phone, I get plenty of interaction and conversation with real people. I don’t need a machine chattering at me as well.

Slow down and repeat that. You want me to turn left in 100 feet at the dead porcupine?

It’s tax season again and I’m reminded of it weekly as I receive statements in the mail, tally year-end payments and expenses, and watch my wife enter the entire mess into our computer for what else; computing.

As the government grapples with how to cut spending and ultimately erase the nation’s deficit it burns me to discover how much of our tax dollars are spent defending anti-hunting groups and environmental extremists. These folks are bent on keeping you and me from hunting, or even from using our public lands, and they get money from the government to push their agenda.

These groups have discovered they can get their legal activities reimbursed by the federal government via the Equal Justice Act. It’s actually quite simple. Groups or individuals who file lawsuits against the federal government get their legal fees paid back by you and me. There are limits on who can get the money based on net worth of a company, but many are nonprofit groups and they are exempt, regardless of their net worth.

In fact, one leg of this act is called the Judgment Fund and is used exclusively to pay back litigation tied to the Endangered Species and the Clean Water acts. Can you say “no wolf hunting season?”

What’s ridiculous is that many of the groups using this fund have more money than the government when the printing presses at the Treasury Department aren’t printing. PETA, HSUS and Defenders of Wildlife are a few that come to mind.

If you think this is as crazy as a black bear drunk on fermented berries, then contact your congressional delegates and point them in the direction of the Open EAJA (Equal Access to Justice Act) Act of 2010. This act would make it public knowledge who is getting the money since the government doesn’t currently keep records of the payouts.

Thanks for helping to save my tax dollars.

That's it! I'll start litigating against the government to get some of my tax dollars back.

If you happen to be within an easy drive of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you may want to take in the granddaddy of all sport shows, the Eastern Sport Show (www.easternsportshow.com). It opens tomorrow, Feb. 5, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Opening weekend is a mass of outdoor enthusiasts so I might suggest going later in the week or the following weekend. I also have a selfish reason for directing you later.

I’ll be there along with the crew from North American Hunter and we’re going to be presenting “You Call The Shots” live at the show on Feb. 10, 11 and 12. It should be great entertainment and possibly educational. At the end of the segments I’m sure we’ll all be happy to meet with club members.

If that weren’t enough on its own, you also have the opportunity to shop through nearly 1,200 exhibitors, attend seminars by outdoor experts and likely bag a funnel cake. That’s top quality entertainment for one low price.

Now let’s just pray the East Coast isn’t clobbered again with another snowstorm. I’ll see you in PA!

This would make a great "You Call The Shots" scenario except it's snowing so hard I can't even call the shot.

 
COMMENT WEEK IN REVIEW

My coyote hunting posting earlier this week prompted a couple of questions.

One was from a hunter having difficulty calling coyotes in Ohio farm country and the second was from a hunter in Virginia wondering when coyotes breed.

Regarding calling in farm country; it can be tough. Here are my suggestions.

Hunt the darkest windows of the day at dawn and dusk. Coyotes feel safer moving then. Enter the area silently as well. Next, choose a distress call that mimics prey in your area like mice, rabbits or fowl. Fawn distress can also work. If you want to howl use simple, long howls that are nonthreatening. Finally, set up near the nastiest cover around, but near an opening that is downwind. This forces the coyotes to show themselves as they circle downwind to get your scent. Keep mixing up your style until you find something that works.

As for coyote breeding, it basically occurs across the continent from January through March. Throughout this time period coyote vocalizations will work as will standard distress calls.

Good luck!

February is Valentine’s month. Don’t forget about your sweetie or your sweetie might forget about you. February is also when coyotes starting making the moves on their sweeties. I think I saw a bit of that this weekend. Saturday morning my buddy Gale and I called in four coyotes on two stands.

Luck wasn’t with me as every coyote came in on Gale’s side, the downwind side, giving him the best position for shooting. Not only was I disappointed, but so was my dog Sage who missed out on the action except for recovery duty. The only coyote I even had a chance was trying to hook up with two other coyote’s dancing in front of Gale. About the time I was moving my rifle and ready to let Sage do some decoying, Gale tipped over the closest coyote and my target disappeared in a sea of sagebrush.

I’ll quit whining now and tell you how to deliver a Hornady V-Max valentine (www.hornady.com) on your next coyote outing. Switch calls and use more coyote vocalizations. Coyotes that don’t have mates will be looking for a date and coyotes that are paired up will start defending denning territory. I used coyote talk all morning via diaphragm calls and my Johnny Stewart PM-4 caller (www.hunterspec.com).

Next, sit longer. When you use coyote vocalizations it generally takes longer for coyotes to show. That wasn’t the case Saturday as two showed up to my howls immediately, but a later coyote took 20 minutes to show.

Finally, toss in a bit of coyote yipping, growling and snapping. Any coyote conflict sounds will work and will sound like two coyotes in a love spat or even fighting over a meal.

Don’t use these tactics on your valentine. I’d suggest a candle-lit dinner or cash.

Put me in coach. I can handle my untamed cousins.

Geez, add a little filler, some seasoning and consistency products and the whole world claims your tacos aren’t made with beef. That’s the hubbub surrounding Taco Bell these days. An advocacy group claims the meat isn’t meat and Taco Bell claims the added ingredients enhance the beef that is in the filler. All I can say is add more of it and everyone will be happy.

For the best tacos and Mexican cuisine I look to my freezer and my wife. The question isn’t “where’s the beef?” No the questions are “is this elk, pronghorn, deer or Hungarian partridge?”

I enjoy eating out as well as the next guy and during the fall I get enough of it to last a lifetime. I personally know Jared from Subway after my North American hunting tour last fall and don’t be surprised if Burger King sponsors me and you see me wearing one of those crowns on a hunt.

Nevertheless, the best eats come from our game-stocked freezer.

If you’re wondering what to cook up this weekend or for the upcoming Super Bowl weekend, think game. Venison chili, pronghorn nachos, elk chislic, pheasant hot wings and the like are all great ways to enjoy the weekend, the game and remember the enjoyment you had putting the meal on the table. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to tend to a batch of elk chili calling my name.

Touchdown? I knew I’d miss something going back for that second bowl of elk chili.

 
COMMENT WEEK IN REVIEW

Last week there were some comments posted regarding whether John M. Browning patented a water-cooled .50 caliber machine gun. According to the information I received from Browning, he did indeed patent that firearm along with .30 caliber versions. Keep sending in the comments.

I’m back in from a successful SHOT Show in beautiful and well-lit Las Vegas. The show itself was the third most attended event in its history with 57,390 industry and media members attending. I was there and trust me; it looked like 57,000 people were crammed into the large event center.

Here are a couple of things to look for in 2011. First, if you like to dress casually, yet find the best fit in your camouflage attire, you now have another choice. I’ve worn Under Armour clothing for years and love the comfort, feel and performance of the garments. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get that same feel in work clothing. Those days are gone now that UA has introduced an entire lineup of work wear. Hoodies, pants, vests, jackets and gloves are all in the lineup. If you want quality footwear check out UA as well for their Always Lethal lineup of boots and functional footwear.

A couple years back Nikon introduced the EDG binocular and it has been reintroduced for 2011 with major changes to the lineup. Look for a sharper image and a new body style to boost your glassing opportunities during a hunt. I especially like the configuration of the 10×32 version with its sleek and lightweight form.

For fans of the Thompson Center lineup, especially handguns, take a look at the Larry Weishuhn signature series Pro Hunter. Besides being a well traveled hunter, Larry only puts his name alongside products that match his reputable history. Now you can own a limited edition Pro Hunter in either .308 Winchester or .460 S&W Magnum. The signature is scrolled in gold and the handgun comes in a classy presentation case for display.

You may have seen this next item out there already, but it’s getting a big push for 2011. It’s the I-Kam Xtreme from Hunter’s Specialties. The I-Kam is a set of glasses equipped with a video camera so you can film your own adventure. They are lightweight, have a long battery life and provide great quality footage. Who needs a video photographer along with you have the I-Kam?

Finally, if you don’t mind toting a little extra weight to get the best shot possible, check out Caldwell Shooting Supplies and their new DeadShot Fieldpod. It’s simply a shooting rest mounted on a sturdy tripod to give you a benchrest everywhere and anywhere you need it.

That’s a brief view of what I saw in Vegas besides the lights, glitz and glamour. Oh yes, I did see Elvis. He pulled up beside me in a van advertising karaoke. I didn’t realize he was gold, but this guy had enough gold paint on him to grant him access to Fort Knox.

I forgot to tell you. I bought the I-Kam eyeglass video camera apparatus. You're fired.

Late last week it was announced that Jan. 24, 2011, would be John M. Browning Day in Utah. The Utah State Legislature made the official designation to commemorate Browning’s lasting contributions to the development of firearm design and the military defense of the United States.

I’ve got two things to say. First, it’s about time. Second, why are we not making this a national commemoration?

It only takes a brief glimpse back into history to see how critical and beneficial Browning’s innovations were to the security of our country. His forward thinking can be seen in numerous patents, particularly in the arena of semiautomatic firearms including shotguns and the time-spanning model 1911 .45. Additional contributions include the Browning automatic rifle or B.A.R., and the .50 caliber water-cooled machine gun. These are just a few of the many ways he changed firearm history.

I did much of my youth hunting with a Browning A-5 shotgun and I still have an A-5 Belgium original that my great grandfather used. My grandfather also gave me his BAR in 7mm Remington magnum that I used to shoot several deer while I attended college.

Can you imagine World War II without the .50 caliber? The model 1911 is so popular today that even special ops soldiers carry it. In fact it’s celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Yes, I think the nation deserves to commemorate Mr. Browning. We live in a much safer world because of him and his innovations.

What does the B.M.G. in .50 B.M.G. stand for? It's Browning machine gun, of course.

I’m in flight to Sin City for the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show. It’s called SHOT for short and believe me, after several days I’m shot from walking around and meeting with the dozens of manufacturers who help me annually.

To be granted access to the SHOT Show you either need to be employed in the outdoor industry, work in a sporting goods store or be a member of the media. It’s not open to the general public, but if it were it would knock your socks off. Imagine the largest Cabela’s store you’ve ever walked in and then multiply its size and inventory by 100 times. That may be close to the size of the SHOT Show.

Basically, it’s a way for manufacturers to introduce new products to buyers like Cabela’s or the small sporting goods store down the street from where you live. It’s also a venue for the press to see what’s new in outdoor gear.

If you do have access to the show next week and would like to say hi, I’ll be at the Versus booth, number 16221, on Jan. 19 from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. I’d love to meet with you and swap a hunting tale or two.

That’s all for now. We’re about to land and I can hear the slot machines calling my name. That’s a little Vegas humor. Those of you that know me realize I’d be looking forward to dropping quarters in a slot machine like I’d enjoy attending a PETA convention.

I don't think I'm in Wyoming anymore.

I admit to being a wildlife watching junkie. As I write this blog I’m watching a cock pheasant, a dozen Hungarian partridge and two mule deer foraging in my front yard. I’ve always had a fondness for watching animals. It lead to an interest in wildlife photography and, of course, an insatiable appetite for hunting.

Watching animals and noting behavior is a definite bonus to you as a hunter. Not only do you pick up on small and distinct mannerisms, but if you have the opportunity to watch animals in a natural setting you might catch a glimmer of bedding and feeding preferences.

You don’t need to hike miles into the wilderness to have a front row seat, either. I have a small wildlife park in my front yard. The bird seed I put out attracts all grain-loving creatures, and you can do the same. Plus, nearby urban parks, state parks and national parks can all offer glimpses of wildlife to quench your interest.

And don’t forget about zoos. If you can’t get out in the field this weekend, a winter visit to the zoo can also feed your wildlife interest. A couple weeks back we visited the San Diego zoo, and I’d likely still be there gawking if the family didn’t drag me to another attraction.

Watching wildlife is a great way to spend a day and it will definitely make you a better hunter. Enjoy the weekend even you can’t be on the hunt!

Is that mountain lion watching me and smacking its lips?

It’s wicked cold here in the West and from the looks of national weather maps everyone is getting a taste of the cold this winter. Hunting in severe cold weather requires special planning with clothing, gear and tactics. I layer myself with clothing like Under Armour Coldgear (www.underarmour.com) and make sure my guns are lightly oiled to prevent frozen components. When you’re planning your tactic for any species remember that cold weather can change the habits and patterns of game from waterfowl to elk.

Here’s one simple rule to remember. Animals go into conservation mode when temperatures plummet. One would surmise that during an Arctic blast animals would race to eat to fuel their furnace. Instead, many hunker down to conserve the calories they have already gathered. Sitting tight in mini hibernation actually extends their energy longer than braving the conditions to scrounge for more food.

I’ve seen this over the years. While goose hunting the Missouri River country during below zero days the geese would sit on their roosts until midmorning or even midday day before heading to feed. They’d feed just once instead of off and on all day.

I’ve seen similar behavior from deer and predators. Instead of being up and feeding at sunrise on a subzero morning, animals wait for the sun to warm the landscape before they begin to hunt for food.

What this means to you and me is that we should tailor our techniques to conserve energy as well. I usually start a bit later on a subzero morning realizing the game is going to do the same. If I’m out there before sunrise I may be a frozen Popsicle by shooting light and even then the game may not be out and about.

Here’s hoping you’re having some hunting luck in the Siberia-like conditions we’re battling right now.

What makes you think I'm not having fun? Could you pass me that ear? I didn't realize it had fallen off.