Duran Martinez - AM Outdoors Radio Show

THORNY ACRES ARCHERY CLUB 1960 - 2010

Back in 1960, a group of Archers got together to create a place where like minded individuals could meet and shoot together. Since then, members have had a place to shoot, gather and enjoy the company and traditions that archery has created from the making of the first bow.

In that 50 years, archery has seen many innovations. From new and lighter materials to create traditional equipment like long bows and recurves to the invention and refinement of the new super-fast compound bows. Innovations in arrows from cedar to aluminum to carbon have all been introduced in that same 50 years, weeding out the weak and saving the strong for future improvements.

As archery equipment has improved for the better, the one thing that made this club strong has deteriorated. The family structure has suffered greatly in American society. Many single parents have been left to work two or more jobs leaving the children to entertain themselves through video games and television. Although I believe they have their place, it seems that their level of importance has been elevated beyond the need to get outside. With these circumstances, clubs all over America have seen a decline in memberships. Current members are getting older and not participating at the level they once were, and enlistment new members is at an all time low. Believe me when I say that “I know money is tight.” Investment in a club may not be affordable at this time, but it’s more than just an investment in the club, it’s an investment in Michigan’s future and the future of your children to become good sportsmen and to keep Michigan’s voice loud and clear from our hunter’s, angler’s and shooting sports enthusiasts.

2010 3-D EVENTS

Each year, Thorny Acres features three, 3-D events that welcome archers of all levels. From the beginner or youth (Cadet) archer, to the seasoned competitor in the sharpshooter division. ( for more info: http://www.amoutdoorsradio.com/events.html) A kitchen with food and snacks is open and the club welcomes all shooters to each event.

NOVELTY SHOOTING

Every year, I look forward to the novelty shoots that the club has set up. From the flying pig, where archers take aim at a large 3D hog that comes flying down a zip line, to the moving “backyard buck,” and “beat the skunk,” where archers shoot at suspended clay targets and try to avoid a hidden black can that drops when the target is broken. My favorite challenge though, is a game called “air ball.” a canister vac blows air through a tube and bounces a ping pong ball on a jet of air. The trick is to not only shoot the ball out of mid air, but to stick you arrow through the ball itself. An accomplishment I have only done once. I have knocked it off many times, just through it once.

   AIR BALL

As I mentioned, air ball is my favorite in the novelty shoot competition. This year, my daughter Eryn tried her hand at shooting the ball out of the air. Being he first full year of shooting, her confidence was not very high. With a little prodding from friends at the club and a nudge from her old man, she took a few shots. On about her 5th shot, SUCCESS! She buried her arrow right through the bouncing ping pong ball at 15 yards. A feat that club founder Jerry Barnum said he has still never accomplished.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

I guess part of the reason for that story was to share a proud dad moment. But it was also to get kids inspired to want to to learn about archery and shooting. Because of friends like Bob Miles of Martin Archery and Tom Nelson and Steve Gruber, I now shoot. I picked up a bow at the age of 39 and have not set it down since. My love of archery has inspired me to teach my daughter and reintroduce my own dad back into the sport. The time spent together teaching and learning with friends and family is priceless. Knowing that someday she might teach her own children gives, me comfort in knowing that my skills as a dad are not as bad as I sometimes think they are.

Please, whenever you can, get out into the woods and waters of Michigan. Go hunting, go fishing and take the kid’s with you. They are the future of our outdoor sports. 

Agoraphobia - The fear of public places. Dipsophobia- Fear of drinking. Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women. As you all well know, I do not suffer from any of these. What do I suffer from? Blogging! As odd as it may sound, I have a serious disdain for writing what I think may drive someone to take a long walk off of a short pier. 

Maybe if I were to own a laptop I could write when the mood struck me. But as much as I am on the road, another bad idea. And no, I’d rather not go the Stephen Hawking route either.  so type, I will. Hopefully you will like what I have forced myself to do.

WHO KNEW?

Earlier this year, I took AM Outdoors on the road to Detroit. Hoping to bring some interest to the masses of the Motor-City, I set up shop with a booth full of information and literature on the show. A couple of nice young ladies had stopped by to promote an event of their own. A triathlon for the somewhat athletic. A triathlon that was to consist of Trap Shooting, 3D Archery and Golf. Surely, this was an event that I could not only attend, but actually have a shot at (no pun intended…well maybe). After many phone calls, emails and facebook messages with coordinator, Vicky Warner, it was set. TEAM AMO would be heading to Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club for two days of fun and friendly competition. With all good intentions it seems that a wrench finds it’s way into the works. Difficult work schedules and last minute changes crumble the mighty TEAM AMO to just one member. ME. So when June 17th came, I packed the truck and headed for the UP.

 PRELUDE TO THE TRIATHLON

Making the four and a half hour drive to Naubinway, I made it to my destination the night before so I could rest and get the lay of the land before the event. Located in what is truly God’s Country, Naubinway has the unique distinction of being the largest fishing port on the Great Lakes and is also the northern most point of Lake Michigan. 
My location for the next three nights would be a two bedroom cabin with all the amenities of home. Stove, television, microwave and refrigerator. One of many available to rent. The view that welcomed my every morning and tucked me in at night, was a view of Lake Millecoquin. An average sized lake for Michigan, it features lot’s of pan fish and pike. Having fishing gear in tow, this lake was going to have to wait. Food was the first order and off to a little local place was in. I found a little place that had good sandwiches, but I wanted something with a bit more local flavor. I found it, but not until the next night.

 TRIATHLON - DAY ONE

The first day of the event had me shooting with a team of folks unknown to me. Vicky had put with Team Vallier. What that meant to me at the time, honestly, I was nervous. I was being added to a team of guys that have probably known each other since birth and have no need for some “troll” from Lansing. When I got to the trap range, an older gentleman named Dennis informed me that the team that I was to be shooting with had all four members and that I was misinformed. After a bit of talking, it was decided that I did actually belong and would compete the next day during the golf and 3D archery competitions. Thinking to myself “Great! Not only am I on a team with people I don’t know, I have to wait another day to participate.” “I can only imagine what they’re thinking.” At the end of the days events I headed back to the cabin to freshen up and off to the beer tent after dinner. Oh, did I mention the free concert? Sorry.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

After finding the local bar, I ventured in for dinner. For me, the atmosphere was perfect! Shuffleboard, rope lights and knotty pine covering every wall. I was in heaven. Right on down to the American flag with the image of John Wayne in the middle of it. Being Friday night, dinner was the “Friday Night Fish Fry.” The pool table was converted to a salad bar with the best deviled eggs I dare say I have had. Several different salads and soup graced the green felt of the Valley table at one end of the bar. The soup was also amazing. I overheard the tall gentlemen behind the bar telling someone that he had made the fish soup that was loaded with carrots and potatoes that would make the Soup Nazi green with envy.

The main course was deep fried whitefish and fries. French fries to go with the potato salad that I had previously devoured with my fish soup (also with potatoes). It’s hard to beat freshly caught and cooked whitefish and an ice cold Busch Light. During the course of the meal, it seems that everyone that was working that evening came to check on me. The bartender, cook, everyone. All concerned that I was taken care of. A service that seems to be lost everywhere else in the bigger cities.

To finish the meal, as if I needed more, was homemade dessert. My choice of several sweet temptations were available. Brownies with toasted walnuts or bread pudding with a rum type of glaze. All home made! Absolutely unbelievable to say the least.

After the feast, I lumbered down to the city marina to check out the band Twisted Finster. A pretty good rock band that included a radio personality from Traverse City on bass. 

TRIATHLON TIME

Finally, Saturday rolled around and I was off to the golf course for the weakest part of my abilities. I met up with the gang from Team Vallier, introduced myself and to the first tee we went. Two teams together to keep it honest, eight people per hole. For those of you who don’t golf, neither do I. At least it’s been three years since I picked up the clubs and when I did golf, I was terrible at best. Nervous and feeling sick, I teed off. SMACK! Right down the middle of the fairway. Only about 200 yards (pushing it) I felt pretty good. My new team consisting of Brent Vallier, Geoff Van Hise, Dennis Goerke and myself. A few holes later, the wheels came off as I expected. As much as tried, I’m just not a golfer. But the 9 hole course cut out of the 36,000 acre club was breath taking. Finishing somewhere around 4 over, we moved on to the 3D course. This was what I was waiting for. Or was it? Our shooting time was 2:00 PM so we all had lunch and made our way to the course.

The rules of the 3D course were simple. Split the teams up to two members from each team per target station. The opposite team keeps score. Paired with two members of the opposition, we walked through what could’ve easily been over a mile of pristine hills and tall Michigan pines. The lack of elevated stands was overshadowed by shots down and uphill alike. The funniest being the cougar target. Joking about the discovery of the predator in the UP and contemplating photos for the DNRE to review, made for some good jokes along the way. 25 stations later and a million laughs, we exited the course with a need for side stapler and tissues from the tears of laughter brought on at the expense of poor Carl. A member of team Goerke and a damn good sport. Needless to say, we didn’t win a trophy for our team efforts, but one member of the opposing team, Joel Piatek, won individual honors for his overall efforts. A new shotgun and trophy as a prize to the young man from Harsen’s Island, Michigan (a la Ernie Harwell).

THE BANQUET 

As with all good events, the event finished with a huge banquet with all of the teams together. Food and beverage were made available as a part of your entry fee. A mere $80.00 for all of it.  9 holes of golf, team trap shooting and 3D archery. Even in tough times, that is a steal!

One person deserves recognition for this event above all. If not for the chance meeting with Vicky Warner and her drive to make sure that we were all informed, I can’t see this being the success it was. It may have not been the success that some of the vendors were looking for, but I see a much bigger and brighter future for this event in years to come. So, for all who extended a hand in friendship, I say “thank you!” “It was the best time I have had in a long time.”

Finally - Final Thoughts

As I hope you have endured this blog, please know that it was to share with you an incredible event with some new friends that I truly hope I get to see again.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an incredibly beautiful wilderness that goes beyond Mackinac Island and the tourist shops (troll traps) of St. Ignace and Sault Saint Marie. Fine cities in their own right, but not what I consider the heart of the UP. The people of Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club were amazing. I was met with a friendly wave by every passing vehicle. What some would consider going out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable, was a part of the personality of all in the service industry. If there truly is a time machine that can take you back to 1959 and the true spirit of Michigan sportmen, it’s US 2 heading West through God’s Country. Also known as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

-Duran

 For more info: www.hiawathaclub.com

 WDNR TEAMS WITH HSUS FOR WILDLIFE PSA

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that any Department of Natural Resources would stoop to the level that Wisconsin’s has.

In a press release on May 13th, the Wisconsin DNR delivered a pressrelease  stating that “The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Humane Society of the United States have joined forces on a public service announcement (PSA) campaign to educate Wisconsinites about the importance of allowing wild animals to remain in their natural habitat. The PSA’s also inform citizens what to do when they find wildlife truly orphaned or injured. The radio announcements are airing from May 10 through June 13 on stations statewide.”

What amazes me is the absolute ignorance on the part of the WDNR to think that this would be acceptable by the hunting and angling community that is such a large part of the state’s economy. Many phone calls and emails have already been placed to the department stating the general displeasure of the move.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Time and time again the HSUS has proven to be a “lamb in wolves clothing” and will stop at nothing, until all hunting and fishing of any kind has been eliminated. Their polished looks and army of litigators have infiltrated every state in the country in one way or another. With no affiliation to local humane society efforts, they hide behind a name that deceives the general public. 

Granted, our economy has led many of us to drastic measures. But to take money from the enemy to save the state a few dollars, may have cost more than they bargained for. All in all, I can only hope Wisconsin’s loss is Michigan’s gain. At the same time, I think our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin eliminate the positions of the decision makers in this process!   

WIN A THERMACELL LANTERN

OK. So I normally don’t use the blog for this, but I have to tell you, this is a great item. I used the Thermacell  for the first time last year during the early doe season. I had a doe come in about 15 yards from me and stayed for about 45 minutes and ate. When she decided to walk away and present me a shot, it was over. A 40 yard shot produced some wonderful venison.

The interesting thing is she stayed there the whole time that my Thermacell unit was smoking and keeping the miserable mosquitoes away. She did smell something, but it did not bother her one bit. The synthetic chrysanthemum scent that keeps the mosquitoes away is close enough to natural to fool even a wise old doe. In my opinion, the most wary animal in the Michigan woods.

The more registrations we can send, the better. The prizes are great and you even have the chance to win enough for you and all of your friends plus, a huge Bass Pro Shops gift card.

I would never promote something I don’t use or believe in and this I do on both accounts. A great gift, and tool for any sportsperson! Good luck and HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

-Duran 

GONE FISHING

If it’s one thing that can bring new people close or old friends farther apart, it’s fishing. As anglers we can talk to complete strangers, ask what the fish are biting on and then go on our way. There are other times that we can go out and end up mortal enemies because one friend constantly “borrows” expensive tackle and then never returns it.

This week I had the opportunity to go out on the Detroit River with Captain Mike Pttiglio of Muskie Mania and Captain Kristov Foksinski of Walleye Mania Charters. Not having much experience on big river systems like the Detroit, I was happy to make my way to the Motor City. With my friend Ron Spencley in tow, we headed out of Lansing at about 4:30 AM.

Having met Captain Mike at the Ultimate Fishing Show earlier this year, I later had him as a guest to talk about fishing for muskie on Lake St. Clair. From then I would run  into him at the other sport show and it was there that I was introduced to Captain Kris of Walleye Mania. After talking with them both I decided to book a trip for Walleye on the Detroit River. Originally, the trip was set for late April. But, because of the early warm weather the walleye bite was on early and the fishing was hot. We moved the date up to the 10th, and that is what brought us to this particular entry.

When we arrived at the marina at 6:00 AM, we loaded gear and got ready to shove off. Talking with other anglers at the marina only brought the anticipation level up. But it was talk of the “cow pasture,” “whiskey plant,” and  a few other landmarks known to this group that made me tilt my head like the RCA dog.

Having loaded up, we made our way to the Canadian boundary waters to see how the fishing was going to go. It was quite cool in the morning and the water temperature was at 43 degrees. Not an optimum temp but we would see in short time how things were going to work. We stopped off at one area that contained about 20 other boats all with the same goal in mind. We set our lines out and in a short time we had one in the boat. It looked like we were going to be in business. After about another half hour, we pressed on to the next location. After a little while longer, persistent jigging brought in another fish. Finally, I had my first fish on. A good fight and there it was…smallmouth! Not exactly what we were after.

We continued on drifting and jigging, jigging and drifting. After numerous passes and a few jigs lost, we finally ended up with nine in the boat. Nine is always better than zero! To the credit of our guides, no one was catching much of anything that day. Reports of 4 and 6 were quite common.

Jigging 3/4 ounce jig heads with rubber worms and stinger hooks was the preferred method. Natural soft bodies seemed to work, but it was the stinger hooks that really made the difference for me.

All in all I had a great time. I went out on the river with one friend and came back with three. I learned that “staying vertical” was the key to success when jigging a big, fast body of water like the Detroit River. And that a good guide is not only made up of someone with good equipment, but the time and patience to make sure that your technique is right to help you insure success, not only on your charter, but in the future as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

After talking with my friend Ron after the trip. We both decided on one thing. That neither one of us would ever want to be a fishing guide! Not because it would take time out of our schedule, it’s the pressure to produce. When you book a trip weeks or months in advance, you risk the variables of nature. Wind, sun, rain, weather systems and the ever changing mood of the fish. All things beyond our control.

Make sure to give these gemtlemen a look on thir website at:

www.muskiemaniacharters.com

www.walleyemaniachartes.com

MARCH HARE

Most of the dogs that I have owned have been of the non sporting variety. When I was a kid we had an Irish Setter, beautiful dog but not trained. We also had a couple of mutts that weren’t around long. My dad actually went and bought an English Pointer but alas, not a hunter either. The first day we brought him home he hunted out a soft place on the couch and that was it. I think our best dog was a Yellow Lab mix that was a great dog, but again, never trained for hunting.

My current dog [Bella] is a mix of half Springer Spaniel and half Coon Hound. I started out training her for birds but after a while realized that I was not very good at it. She has all of the ability and still gets going when she hears the word “bird” or “hunt” but I have yet to get her on any real birds to she how she will respond. I still think there is hope and will be taking he out in the next few weeks for some running.

BEAGLES AND BUNNIES

A couple of years ago my friend Ron Spencely introduced me to hunting rabbits with dogs. Beagles to be more specific. He had a couple that he hunted with and offered to take me out and show me how they worked. From then on, he need not ask twice. Oddly enough, today was twice.

His friend Greg had a piece of property to hunt and with the dogs we went. Ron, Greg, our friend Mark and myself all headed out to a piece of property that was about 150 acres of woods and field. Now the textbook on rabbit hunting says the dogs should have no problem and the rabbits will be enjoying themselves sticking to the sunny, warm portions of the fence row. No one told the rabbits or the dumb animals don’t know how to read. It seems they were not going to move unless they were stepped on. The first one jumped took a loop around and doubled back to Mark and me with itchy trigger fingers. All it took was a quick shot from my Remington 870 and one bunny was in the bag.

If you have never hunted with a good beagle, I encourage you to find someone who does and ask them to take you. Please remember there are a few things when hunting with these great dogs: Wait, wait, wait. Oh yeah, and listen. What I learned on my first hunt it that a good dog(s) will can manipulate a rabbits path back to you. The rabbit jumped from a spot that it probably knows and it will come back to a familiar hiding spot. Or, the will run like hell to the first hole or rock pile and never come out. Much like today. After all was said and done we jumped about five and took two. I was lucky enough to get three shots and take both. Even if we had not been successful, meeting a new friend and hunting with old ones was great! A beautiful day of sunshine howling dogs and fast game beats a day at the mall or watching television anytime.

GONE TO THE DOGS

Aside from the great time with friends, I really should thank the little ones that worked harder than everyone else. So to Ron’s dog Radar and Greg’s dogs, Lucy and Pepo, Thanks!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Looking back to my first real hunt with my dad, it was rabbit hunting. I remember jumping one and it ran for about 15 yards and stopped. Almost like it was waiting for me to shoot. Having not been fast enough to get the first shot on it, I looked down the barrel of my Remington .410 and shot. A quick flip and it was over. A flood of emotion raced through my body having shot my first animal. I can remember standing over it and wondering what next? Quickly I decided to keep hunting and for that I am thankful. Because my dad too the time to take me hunting, I now share the same love of the outdoors with my own daughter. She helps me clean what we kill and is happy to help cook and eat them with equal enthusiasm.

I know I have said it countless times, but please: “Take the kids out hunting and fishing and educate them.” Today’s children are bombarded with bad choices that were once intended to be good choices. Fast food and video games have taken the place of the family meal at home and outdoors time. I am just as guilty of letting myself go but with this final thought, I am going to make an improvement in my own health and hope that I can make an improvement also. Today was the first day of much needed exercise and I hope to have many more with my family and friends.

AMERICAN IDOL

Frankly, I never thought that American Idol would make me want to do much more than change the channel. But it seems tonight, the show that features 24 “wanna be’s” and produces one “maybe” at the end of it’s run at February sweeps has inspired me. Inspired you say? Yes, to write. It seems the FOX network staple has inspired me to lay down another version of my mindless ramblings.

THE NEXT SHOW

Every week a new problem on AM Outdoors rears it’s ugly head. What will the next show bring? Who will I talk to and why? Sometimes I never know. Then, something clicks in my head and away we go. To the phones and computer to make calls and write emails in hopes of a response of any kind. In the past three and a half years, I feel that we have comprised quite a contact list of the best and brightest in the outdoors world. The greatest thing about having a list like that is it keeps my amount of talking to a minimum!

THIS WEEKS SHOW 2/27 - 28, 2010

This week my good friend Steve Gruber joins me in studio as a “co-host” of sorts. Steve is the founder of Wolf Creek Productions which has brought us great television shows such as Outdoor America, The American Archer, American Bird Hunter and most recently Deer City USA. Steve is a great wealth of knowledge and has a bit of a sense of humor as you will hear.

Other guests include Dr. Russ Mason, Director of Wildlife for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Dr. Mason will give us information on the deer season that was 2009 and what the DNRE and NRC are working on for 2010.

Bill Parker, Editor of Michigan Outdoor News will fill us in on the next issue of MON and Dr. Gregory Peter of Chelsea offers information on what Michigan’s feral swine problem.

Add some bashing of yours truly and a few good stories from the news wire and you have this weeks edition of AM Outdoors.

WE NEED YOUR PICTURES

I have been asking our listeners for photos of your successful hunts and fishing trips. I am also looking for photos that you may have from years gone by. I would like to update the website with some new content. So pleeeaaasse, send photos. I would really like to show off our listeners proud moments caught in time. If it’s a trophy to you, it’s a trophy to us! Send us an email with your photos to outdoormailbag@gmail.com.

THE TRAIL AHEAD

In two weeks my producer will be taking some much needed time off. It’s bad enough he is a soccer fan, but I can’t have him going crazy and join a curling team! So this show is up to you. Let us know what past show you would like to hear again and we will search the archives for that segment and bring you the best of AM Outdoors.

Thanks again for listening!

-Duran Martinez

 SOUTH RILEY, MICHIGAN. SA-LUTE!

NO APOLOGIES 

Before I get too far into this entry, I must fairly warn the anti-hunters that I will not apologize for the photo of these fine coyotes taken at the annual Coyote Camp for 2010! I will not waiver in my efforts to promote and protect the rights of Michigan hunters and others alike. If this offends you, don’t look. If my written words offend you, don’t read them. If my radio show offends you, change the channel. If you take a stance to impede my legal right to hunt or to deprive me of my 2nd amendment rights, you better be ready for a legal battle that you cannot afford to win.

COYOTE CAMP

Earlier this week my good friend Kevin called me and told me of the annual Coyote Camp in South Riley, MI this year. A camp that brings folks from as far away as Traverse City and Indiana. Now South Riley is little more than a blip on the radar but is rich in character and personality. The only business in town (that I know of) is a little party store and bar. You literally have to walk through the party store to get to the bar. The food is great and all are treated the same. 

Since the inception of AM Outdoors, I have been fascinated by predator hunting. I am intrigued by coyote hunting in particular. The stealth of these animals is unmatched by any other predator in the Michigan woods. The coyote’s keen sense of sight, smell and it’s ability to see the hidden changes in it’s territory make it a more than worthy adversary to even the most experienced hunter. So as an observer, I went. Watching the way coyote hunters worked with their dogs and each other was a true thing of beauty. With technology and fast running hounds, you wouldn’t think the coyote would stand a chance. Wrong! Speed and cunning can even outrun Motorola, believe it or not.

After meeting up with one of the hunters we heard chatter on the radio that they had one on the move and the dogs were in hot pursuit. Much like rabbit hunting with a good group of beagles, you could hear the dogs off in the distance and you knew that the coyote was coming in fast. Seconds later a shot rang out. Then another. Both shots had turned the predator our way and before Suzie (one of the hunters) could get set, it had crossed a different way and it was off to the races. We spotted it high tailing across a field like the wind itself. I knew they were fast but “boy, it was cruizin’.” Driving across foxtail and cut corn back to the road to catch up with the dogs, the rest of the convoy met up to regroup and get the dogs rested and to give others the chance to get on the scent.

When we got back onto the road, we followed some other local hunters around a similar perimeter we were hunting. One particular hunter had a directional antenna on the roof of his truck searching for his dogs. With one coyote on his dog box, I can only imagine that he was out for more. It was that time I had to part and say “Thank You!” My first taste of predator hunting has instilled a passion in me to learn more. I truly can’t wait to get back out and try this again. Thanks to all of the Myszak family and their friends for taking me out and giving me this first taste of coyote excitement.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Seeing how all of these folks from different areas worked together made me think of something. Why can’t we as hunters and anglers get together to protect what we love. There seems to be a constant fight within our own. The most recent argument was with the crossbow. Before that, the dove issue. Why can’t we equally respect the right to pursue legal hunting here in Michigan. For example: As a deer hunter, I will defend the right for you to hunt waterfowl or to trap fur bearing animals. As a compound bow shooter, I will protect the right for you to use a crossbow even though I might not ever own one.

We must protect each others right to fish, hunt and bear arms. Even if it is not within my interests to participate in the exact same sports as you. Anti hunting and gun groups are well funded. They have those who are ignorant to how much sportsmen and women put into our nations economy and protection of our natural resources. “Together we stand, divided we fall.” Let’s work together to protect what we hold sacred.

 Good Hunting!

-Duran

2010?…Oops!

So I realized that the blog has been horribly neglected and that it’s been over a month since I have posted anything. A million apologies enter my mind, but I will spare you the Steve Martin impression.

ON THE ROAD 

In the past month I have been out shaking babies and kissing hands trying to let the world know that AM Outdoors exists and that we are serious about what we do. Four days in Novi at the Ultimate Fishing show brought us into the Detroit market where we featured USA Custom Rods“Camo Stix for the first time as well as giveaways from our new friends at Northland Tackle. Then it was off to Columbus for the Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show.

ATA was not what I had hoped. There were a few interesting items, but not much on the wow factor. It seems that everyone has got themselves in the business of manufacturing bows. The quality seems to be there but how many times can you reinvent the single cam, compound bow. I will say that the Hoyt Carbon Matrix did catch my eye. Then again, the price tag is a bit out of my league. Not to mention, I’m a Martin shooter!

VIVA LAS VEGAS

With a whole 30 hours at home with the family, it was off to Detroit to fly out to Las Vegas and the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show.

For most guys, booking the wrong date in Vegas for a trade show and being there a day and a half early would be a great mistake…not so much. I’m from Michigan. The whole state is on a budget and and I have been selling plasma for a month to get this trip financed. Well, not exactly plasma but I did find out that ebay fees can be a little pricey.

For anyone that has never been to SHOT, it’s the ultimate toy store for anyone that likes guns. Not just shotguns and rifles, but tactical firearms of all types. .50 cals and AR’s, small arms and those high end Italian side by sides whose name I can’t pronounce let alone get my thoughts around the price tag. Every type of gear that you can imagine. Even TASER! That’s right. The folks that brought you the most feared ”less lethal” form of defense.  Now even they feature a bright yellow shotgun that looks like a kids toy, but instead fires a projectile that can be reactivated multiple times. Not that’s an episode of COPS I can’t wait to see!

SHOT also offers it’s attendees the opportunity for swag. Samples and information on all of the new products that will hit the shelves in your local sporting goods store this fall or even the following year. Samples that they hope will get written or talked about by the media members in attendance.  Who would’ve thought that the most impressive sample received this trip would be a pair of socks.

THE EMPEROR’S NEW SOCKS

S-O-C-K-S! No. I am not pushing a new way to help you speak and learn Spanish (Esso si. Que es?) I am giving you the skinny on a new pair of socks that I had the opportunity to field test. Darn Tough Vermont is a producer of quality socks for many applications but it was the Boot Sock from the hunting and fishing line that I was set to try. It wasn’t really my intention to test them that day, but I was flying back home to Michigan where the cold weather was coming back for a while.

The initial feel of the socks were much like that of any new sock. The initial fit was comfortable, especially for someone like myself, sporting thick calves from hauling all the extra lbs. on my frame. Not thinking much about new socks, I headed off to the airport. Little did I know what I would be in for. Without going in to detail about airport shut downs and missed flights, let’s just say that I spent over 36 straight hours in the same pair of socks.  The Merino wool blend had a nice cool feel and really kept a good consistent temperature. My feet also felt nice and dry, unlike the feel I get from a typical cotton sock.  The bands never cut into my legs like some of the taller socks do and let’s just say that “you couldn’t tell I took my shoes off when I got home.” Keep in mind that this is just the preliminary test, but a good one to be sure. I will keep you all informed on future use.

THIS WEEK’S SHOW

In the past I have always listed the upcoming show guests here on the blog spot. I have found it easier to put a new link on the front of the website with a link to a separate page. If this does not appeal to you, make sure to let me know. Your input drives this show and I hope that you all enjoy the product of our labor.

Happy New Year!

Duran