Category: HFTBlog

Sunday Morning Musings – Sometimes a Punch in the Face is Needed

Sometimes I have no idea how I got here.

Sometimes I get sucked into situations I have no business being in.

Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew and then smack myself in the forehead in regret and mutter “what was I thinking???” .

I do however, find some solace in thinking I’m not alone in this.

It’s funny, I’ve never aspired to be famous or a promoter of women in the outdoors or anything like that. I’m just a chick with a podcast and a blog that enjoys hunting and fishing and I just really like doing what I do. Continue reading “Sunday Morning Musings – Sometimes a Punch in the Face is Needed”

Sturgeon Camp 2014

Spending several days with a group of buddies, getting up at the crack of dawn and heading out into the frigid Wisconsin temps to try to kill a really big animal….could be an interchangeable description for either Deer Camp or Sturgeon Camp. Continue reading “Sturgeon Camp 2014”

Saint Patrick was a bow hunter…well ok, not really.

Saint Patrick was a bow hunter 001He was actually too busy getting kidnapped by raiders and escaping to study Christianity and to eventually become an Irish Saint.

March 17th is the day of his death and became forever called Saint Patrick’s Day.

I’m telling you right now, nothing would make me happier if someday I could have my own holiday where people party and drink green colored Harp beer or Black and Tans all day and celebrate all that is right in the world in remembrance of me! Continue reading “Saint Patrick was a bow hunter…well ok, not really.”

Gear Review: Carbon Express X-Buster and the X2 Series Easton Aluminum Arrows

Paper Target archers are sometimes stuck between two masters – the NFAA and World Archery.  The NFAA doesn’t have an arrow restriction.  If you can fling it, it’s 27/64″ in diameter, and someone produced it – you can shoot it.  World Archery, on the other hand, has a restriction on maximum arrow diameters – which is 9.3 millimeters (or 23/64″) in diameter. Continue reading “Gear Review: Carbon Express X-Buster and the X2 Series Easton Aluminum Arrows”

Reading and Understanding Topographical Maps

The use of topographical maps is one of the most useful tools you can use in search of big game.  Knowing how to read and understand topo maps is a skill that has taken me quite a few years to fully understand.  I will try and explain some of the things I have learned throughout the years.  Continue reading “Reading and Understanding Topographical Maps”

#HuntFishTravel 056 – Modern Pioneering with Georgia Pellegrini

Georgia joins me for a chat about being the ultimate Girl Hunter


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click tracking

Five Strategies for Hunting Spring Snow Goose

Snow Goose conservation season offers waterfowl hunters a way to extend their season.  Also known as “light geese” snows have become so incredibly prolific that they are quite literally eating themselves out of house and home, along with causing serious damage to the ecosystems that support them. Continue reading “Five Strategies for Hunting Spring Snow Goose”

Weight a Minute: A Look at Traditional Draw Weight

Now that you are interested in hunting with a traditional bow, it is time to consider draw weight and the absence of let-off, which I feel is the compound’s greatest advantage. Traditional bows do not assist you once fully drawn. Holding an 80lb longbow at full draw is monumentally tougher than an 80lb compound with let-off, which makes choosing a bow with the correct draw weight Continue reading “Weight a Minute: A Look at Traditional Draw Weight”

Warming Up, Exercises and Training for Archery

Archery appears to be a low impact sport where injuries are not common.  One can walk up and down the shooting line at any club or event and think most archers could use a diet.  I am going to go out on a limb here and ask you some questions.  How many of you have a burning pain under your shoulder blade?  How about your elbow?  Anyone have arthritic pain in the joints of your fingers?  If you answered yes to any of these question, chances are you have a repetitive sports injury.  Continue reading “Warming Up, Exercises and Training for Archery”

Finding the Correct Draw Length for Your Compound Bow

When it comes to shooting your bow to the very best of your ability, it’s critical to find your correct draw length.  So many people walk into an archery shop, spread their “wings” out over a ruler on the wall and have it declared, for example, “YOUR DRAW LENGTH IS 28.5”.  A bow in that draw range is selected off the wall, adjusted to the declared draw length and, more times than not, it appears to fit the person perfectly.  I know this because I’ve done it over and over myself while working in an archery shop during the silly season of July and August.  Continue reading “Finding the Correct Draw Length for Your Compound Bow”

Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin

Here in Wisconsin; like most northern states, ice fishing is a common occurrence. A favorite pastime for many and a way to fill the freezer while enjoying some time outdoors.

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage (46.084662,-90.188828) is about as north as you can get in Wisconsin. Full of Bluegill, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike and Walleye, we had no doubt this 13, 545 square acre flowage would produce. Continue reading “Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin”

Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin

Recently I stayed at Haven by the Falls in Mercer, Wisconsin. The local area is heavily wooded and the privately located side by side duplex sits on the water near the small falls. If you are into hunting, fishing or anything outside it can be done from this centrally located property. The parking outside has plenty of room to accommodate boat trailers, other larger trailers or multiple vehicles. I found the property to rate at 3 out of 5. It is fairly average for condition and rates but could use improvements. Continue reading “Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin”

Product Review: Fuse Products Mossy Oak Portable GPS Case

As modern hunters in a high tech world, I am sure a lot of us have a hand held GPS units that we carry when venturing into the wilderness.  The handheld GPS is arguably one of the most influential innovations in the hunting industry.  It has single handedly change the way we hunt.  With all the good things that this technological marvel has brought us, it has its drawn backs. Continue reading “Product Review: Fuse Products Mossy Oak Portable GPS Case”

5 SHOT Show Products That Stood Out Among the Rest

SHOT Show is huge.

I mean GINORMOUS.

And to a gal that’s an admitted archery snob, a gun really, really has to stand out to grab my attention.  I do love my hunting rifles and my S&W pistol but I don’t own any guns that get me all gooey inside.

So as I’m wandering up and down the 12.5 miles of aisles in the SandsExpoConvention   Center, I really scrutinized the products, looking for the few I knew would stand out among the rest. Continue reading “5 SHOT Show Products That Stood Out Among the Rest”

Hunting the Traditional Bow Part One: Watch those Limbs

Imagine you’ve decided to give the whole “trad” thing a spin – maybe not forever, but at least for a little while. You aren’t sure if it’s your thing, but love the way the string feels in your hands and watching the arch of the arrow in flight. You appreciate the simplicity of it all – being gadget free – and find you are bringing the stick to the range more than your brand new iEVISORATOR5000XZ. Continue reading “Hunting the Traditional Bow Part One: Watch those Limbs”

Mechanical vs Fixed Blade Broadheads

For many years archery camps has been divided into two camps.  One half favour fixed blade broadheads and the other mechanical.  One would think that the older hunters would be in the fix blade camp, the younger in the mechanical but this is not the case.  One thing all archers can agree on is that broadheads must be sharp, balanced and well-tuned.
Continue reading “Mechanical vs Fixed Blade Broadheads”

An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild

Hello outdoors world!

Being mid January here in the brutal Northwood’s, I am sure most of us locked up inside our houses, sitting very close to our fireplaces (or heating vents for you city folk) just trying to stay warm. It has been an extra voracious winter here in Wisconsin, and most would think it crazy to want to venture outside for longer than it takes to get to your car, our worse case scenario, the mailbox. As I sit here writing this it is -20 wind chills! So what is it that makes it worth doing more? If you ask me lots of things will be getting me outdoors very soon. So I figured I would take this time to let you know of a few of the things that make Wisconsin, a sportsman’s paradise, even in the dead of winter. Continue reading “An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild”

Yet Another Sneaky Gun Grab Proposal from Illinois

Illinois policy makers force medical cannabis patients to choose between medication and firearm ownership.

Continue reading “Yet Another Sneaky Gun Grab Proposal from Illinois”

Now’s the Time for a New (Almost New) Bow

If you’ve wanted to upgrade your bow for a while, now is a great time to do it! The new bows are out and last years bows are being sold for up to half their original price.

The bow companies’ business year is basically November to November. Each year from October through the trade shows in January, the new bow lines are being released. If you are looking for the latest, greatest, new car smelling bow, they are there for your fondling. If the price new bows have soared to lately, give you sticker shock, last years models are out there as well. Continue reading “Now’s the Time for a New (Almost New) Bow”

So You Want To Try a Traditional Bow…

You’ve probably read about us in magazines. We’re the guys that do things a little bit differently than everyone else. The old fashioned; the romantics, the guys who are still wearing plaid shirts and bringing heirlooms into the woods. The “odd ducks”

We shoot a little differently than you – without releases, sights, and let-off and our groups aren’t nearly as tight at the range, but our quivers are never empty and we always have a story. More importantly, we always have fun with our bows in hand. Always. Continue reading “So You Want To Try a Traditional Bow…”

#HuntFishTravel 052 – Deer Stewards, Buck Poles and Late Season Food Plots

This week on the Wild World of CarrieZ Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Podcast Carrie Zylka chats with Matt Ross; Certification Programs Manager for the Quality Deer Management Association about the two different deer steward courses and why everyone should consider taking one. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 052 – Deer Stewards, Buck Poles and Late Season Food Plots”

Refuges, Rest Areas, and Restricted Zones

Refuges, Rest Areas, and Restricted Zones 007If the sign says no admittance, no trespassing, no access that means everyone. Including YOU!

I have noticed a disturbing trend this year – more and more people blatantly and blithely overlooking signage on both private and public lands that clearly states an area is closed or clearly states its intended usage. Continue reading “Refuges, Rest Areas, and Restricted Zones”

ATN-DNVM-4 Gear Review by Lindsay Alm

My husband and I recently took the ATN DNVM-4 digital night vision monocular into the field for testing and were quite pleased with what we found.  The DNVM-4 is part of the ATN night vision family of entry level digital monoculars which also includes the DNVM-2 and DNVM-6 models.  The three models are all the same product except for having different objective lenses that provide various zoom capabilities.  The DNVM-4 is the mid-range model featuring a 42 mm lens delivering 4x magnification.
Continue reading “ATN-DNVM-4 Gear Review by Lindsay Alm”

Our Dwindling Public Lands

Hello outdoors world!! In this article I would like to talk about the disheartening occurrence that has affected a lot of hunters since the beginning of civilization. The loss of hunting land, and the loss of the traditions that go along with it. Unless you have been one of the lucky few whose family has owned the land that you hunt, you have probably had this happen to you.
Continue reading “Our Dwindling Public Lands”

3 Steps to Cure Target Panic

A few weeks ago I stepped out of my house to do a little archery shooting. It was a beautiful fall afternoon. I stepped up to the line and knocked an arrow, pulled back, settled into my anchor and watched as my arrow found its mark. I shot another dozen arrows with similar results. And then it happened. I drew back and found my anchor point. I started to settle my pin on the X and then I did a whole body convolution as I jerked the trigger on my release. I said to my self “What the HELL was that?”. Continue reading “3 Steps to Cure Target Panic”

Gear Review: Turkey Tool by Real Avid

CarrieZ hopes the turkeys won't bust her.
CarrieZ hopes the turkeys won’t bust her.

In May of 2013 I had the privilege of participating in the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writer’s Mega Media Cast and Blast in South Dakota.

I was there to turkey hunt for Merriams and mingle with both corporate members and other media members of AGLOW.

The first day we were there, we had a breakout session where we were introduced to new products.  One of them caught my eye immediately.
Continue reading “Gear Review: Turkey Tool by Real Avid”

3 Tips for Booking an Overseas Hunt

Highly recommended outfitter. Black Bear - Taken With Ken Gangler www.cansubarc.com
Highly recommended outfitter. Black Bear – Taken With Ken Gangler www.cansubarc.com

Booking a hunt is a big commitment. It can be very expensive, and it is something that takes time away from work and family… it is incredibly important to do your due diligence to insure that you have a successful trip! (By successful, I do not necessarily mean a kill, I mean a well put together, enjoyable adventure! But a kill sure does add to it!) Continue reading “3 Tips for Booking an Overseas Hunt”

Gear Review: Slumperseats Simple 16

Slumper SeatsLast summer as I was hanging treestands and preparing for the upcoming archery season I noticed that most or all of my treestand seat cushions were wore out.  I needed to purchase some new ones from the stand manufacturer but my esteemed colleague Carrie Zylka told me about Slumperseats.  After doing a little research I decided to give them a try and I can tell you that I was not disappointed.
Continue reading “Gear Review: Slumperseats Simple 16”

Gear Review: Moultrie M-880

Moultrie M-880 Gear Review 001At the first of every year I go through my hunting equipment and evaluate what items need to be upgraded.  This year I decided to upgrade my trail cameras.  I started researching the different makes and models out there and decided to purchase the Moultrie M-880.  I have used Moultrie products in the past with great success.  I have a Moultrie M100 and have never had any problems with it.  Which made my decision to stay with Moultrie products that much easier. Continue reading “Gear Review: Moultrie M-880”

Smoke’m If You Got’m: Taking the Anxiety out of Maintaining your Muzzle Loader

Wild Ones Blogger – Fay Walker - Fay-vorite PastimesNorth Florida       COORDINATES XY: Anywhere, Florida

I have noticed that it is not uncommon for women to act a bit shy of firing the muzzle loader (black powder). The kick-back; the smoke; the maintenance, and the effort it takes to reload can be a bit intimidating. While my preference is to hunt primitive, I must admit that I will continue to hunt with quiver and bow long into muzzle loader season. Why – because I do not want to be bothered with all the little details associated with firing black powder. Continue reading “Smoke’m If You Got’m: Taking the Anxiety out of Maintaining your Muzzle Loader”

#HuntFishTravel 049 – Saugers and Walleyes on Lake Wisconsin

In this episode we’ll be chatting with Joel Ballweg, a fishing guide from SE WI, in our interview we’ll discuss tactics for catching more fish, a special metal line used for trolling, and you’ll find out if I actually caught anything!
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 049 – Saugers and Walleyes on Lake Wisconsin”

The Things We Like

The Things We LikeIt’s that magical time of year where the mornings are getting crisper, the air has a bit of a bite to it.  The trees start to turn to magnificent oranges, reds and yellows.  Tis the season that we have been dreaming of since the last one closed.  All the time spent this summer preparing is about to payoff.  From stringing decoys to hanging tree stands and checking trail camera pictures.  The time is near.   Continue reading “The Things We Like”

Success – 2013 Elk hunt

Success - 2013 Elk hunt 001As my elk season comes to a close I would like to take a minute and reflect on the roller coaster ride this last month has been.  The first few days of the season resulted in not even seeing a single elk.  I was getting a little down in the mouth and then to top it off I had a big rain storm move through the area. Continue reading “Success – 2013 Elk hunt”

Dear Congress; Let These Kids Hunt!

the children are our futureI try to stay out of most of the political wars on social media, around the tables in local eateries and pubs. After all, my mama always told me that sex, politics, and religion just weren’t good topics for polite conversation.

But this whole raft insanity that has come out of Capitol Hill in the last week  has –   well  might as well be frank – flat pissed this old lady off.

Specifically the closure of federally funded public lands. Continue reading “Dear Congress; Let These Kids Hunt!”

What’s In Your Bow Case? What if?

What’s In Your Bow Case 001With Archery Season around the corner and many indoor leagues starting soon, it’s easy to get caught up with excitement and anticipation.  My original idea for this blog post was to break down archery equipment to the basics and how to maintain, adjust and repair.  As I started to write, I thought lets go open my bow case and take an inventory of what I carry with me?  Wow is all I can say, I didn’t think I had jammed that much stuff into that single case!  Do I really need all of it?  Heck yes!  What if’s start to run through my mind.  Like what if I am at the club shooting and my sight bar comes loose?  What if my serving comes undone?  What if my peep turns? What if I forget my finger tab?  PANICK sets in.  Relax Jay, you’re a pack rat and you know it, just keep telling yourself you need it all.  Better to have than not to have. Continue reading “What’s In Your Bow Case? What if?”

Florida: Where Everything Bites – A Quick Look at Venomous Snakes in Florida

By: Fay Walker

There exists a dark underbelly in Mickey Mouse Land. Yes – in Florida, everything bites. From sunburn to stinging nettles, biting flies, ticks, insects, and snakes; Florida is home to a variety of flora and fauna that can cause anything from uncomfortable rashes to life threatening illnesses.

Ticks, spiders, and snakes are the most common threats with the most likely candidates for exposure to these threats being hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. While I could write a book about the poisons and toxins existing just outside our door, let us take a look at one of type of threat in particular – venomous snakes.

Continue reading “Florida: Where Everything Bites – A Quick Look at Venomous Snakes in Florida”

The One That Got Away

Doe in the WoodsWelcome back, and thank you for taking your time to stop and read the newest installment of “The Willes Way”. The topic in this issue is the basis of many nights of poor sleep and haunted dreams. A topic that brings out fear and dismay in many a bow hunter, and will forever be a concern of ethical hunters everywhere. Here is how the scenario started for me, just a short time ago. Continue reading “The One That Got Away”

The Carp War – Fighting Invasive Carp One Arrow At A Time

Gretchen With an invasive carp taken from flood water in a field.
Gretchen With an invasive carp taken from flood water in a field.

It seems like we’ve been bowfishing for the invasive carp a long time now – even though to many in the outdoor world bowfishing is a seemingly new and trendy sport.

For those of us that are river rats – it’s not a sport.

It’s  a war. Continue reading “The Carp War – Fighting Invasive Carp One Arrow At A Time”

#HuntFishTravel 047 – Introducing Your Young Child to the Sport of Archery

Kids and archery; I  don’t have an interview this week so in this short episode we’ll be talking about a topic that’s raised its head in my world lately.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 047 – Introducing Your Young Child to the Sport of Archery”

School of Fishing is in Session – Taking the Kids Fishing

Taking the Kids FishingLast weekend was boy’s weekend and that meant fishing!  So we woke up early had a great breakfast of Apple Jacks for the boys and coffee for me.  Loaded up all our gear and headed to my hunting partners farm where we have a great stretch of river to fish.  After a short walk down the bank path, the boys talking a mile a minute about who’s going to catch the most and biggest, we hit our first spot to try.  Continue reading “School of Fishing is in Session – Taking the Kids Fishing”

Gear Review: Fishing Baitz – Bass Worms & Pro Series Lizards

Gear Review Fishing Baitz Bass Worms & Pro Series Lizards 001Recently I arrived home from work to a parcel full of soft plastic baits from Fishing Baitz.  There was a mix of colours from watermelon, red flak, June bug to salt n pepper just to name a few.  The first package consisted of 6“ Bass worms and the second package 6“ Pro Series Lizards.  Both packages are extremely well package which is important to any soft plastic fisherman, no one likes leaking oils sliming up and bleeding through into their other baits.  These baits are poured extremely well; there is no extra flashing anywhere on the bodies or tails.  Even colour mixing and transition from body to tail.  Great glitter and shine throughout.  The Pro Series Lizards have long action legs none of which rip off easily and supply extreme action in the water. Continue reading “Gear Review: Fishing Baitz – Bass Worms & Pro Series Lizards”

What Do You REALLY Need To Start Bowhunting

What Do You REALLY Need To Start Bowhunting 001It seems as if it was 100 years ago when I had to ask myself that very important question. What do I really need to start bow hunting? I hope that with writing this article, I do not lose any future sponsorship. I am not out to knock any companies out there, just helping the person new to our game. Well, if you decide to take in some of the fine outdoors programming, on one of the numerous channels dedicated to the outdoors sports, here would be what you would conclude to need. Continue reading “What Do You REALLY Need To Start Bowhunting”