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Ken Hammel (Preacher) of Mountain Hollow Game Calls

Ken Hammel (Preacher) of Mountain Hollow Game Calls

Ken Hammel and deer (not from VT) Ken Hammel is the owner of Mountain Hollow Game Calls.  He is called “Preacher” by some, because he is also a preacher…as in real preacher, from a pulpit preacher.  His preaching skills are evident when Ken speaks to fellow sportsmen.  He is also refreshingly candid when recounting his own outdoor adventures.* I had the opportunity of meeting and speaking with Ken Hammel during the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic, January 18th through 20th, where Ken…

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Jack wrestles the bear -NY Sportsman’s Expo

Jack wrestles the bear -NY Sportsman’s Expo

Brother Jim & the power of focus Catchy title for a post, but if you had been paying attention you’d know that the NY Sportsman’s Expo doesn’t have bear wrestling anymore. What better way to hone your concentration skills prior to going to the New York Sportsman’s Expo than a game of Scrabble?  Now, you may ask, “why are these concentration skills needed?”  I’ll let you know.  I really just wanted to post the picture of Jim. My brothers and…

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Yankee Sportsman’s Classic

Yankee Sportsman’s Classic

I’m still digesting all the information from the speakers and exhibitors at the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic held this past weekend, from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, January 18th – 20th.  I won’t go into what products I bought, publications I subscribed to, or organizations I joined because there is always the chance, remote as it is, that my wife could start reading my blog.  Let’s just say I did my part to defend our Second Amendment rights and I will…

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New York Sportsman’s Expo, Jan. 25-27, 2013

New York Sportsman’s Expo, Jan. 25-27, 2013

Looks like the 2013 New York Sportsman’s Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds will be a family reunion of sorts.  The Boushie boys will be heading home to Mom’s good cooking to attend the Expo on Saturday, January 26th.  The Expo may never be the same. Last time I attended was when Katie and Maddie were just little pumpkins and the Expo still had bear wrestling.  That’s right, bear wrestling.  It was a fantastic show and probably about as…

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The older I get, the better I was

The older I get, the better I was

I have always enjoyed the company of old people.  I just never thought I’d become one.  Older people have the most, if not the best, hunting and fishing stories.  My cousin Sonny certainly has the most and, if not the best stories, some pretty good ones. Over the holidays I saw many friends and heard a lot of hunting stories, many repeated at different parties we attended.  I also became aware of a recurring sub-theme, “I’m not as good as I once was.”…

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Yankee Sportsman’s Classic 2013

Yankee Sportsman’s Classic 2013

I’m looking forward to the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic this coming Friday through Sunday, January 18th through 20th, at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. My tentative schedule for seminars is: Friday 1 PM  Trophy Whitetail Calling Tactics: Ken Hammel 2 PM  Coyote Hunting: Bob Howe 3 PM  Tactics for Hunting Mature Whitetails: Scott Kirkpatrick 4 PM  Hunting Big Woods Bucks: Hal Blood & Chris Dalti 5 PM  2012 Big Buck Adventures: The Benoit Brothers Saturday 11 AM  Hare Hunting:…

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A hunter’s prophylactic

A hunter’s prophylactic

I can just see my daughters cringe at this post.  Yes, I am going to discuss a hunter’s use of condoms.  “Don’t say that word!” When I was hunting with Jim and Paul during muzzleloader season this past year, I noticed that Paul put electrical tape over the end of his barrel…to keep his powder dry.  I had not done that before and was wondering whether it was necessary and whether it would impact shot ballistics.  (To impact shot ballistics…

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Mountain Gazette, January 10, 2013 Edition, page 7

Mountain Gazette, January 10, 2013 Edition, page 7

New Year’s Resolutions  New Year’s resolutions are often focused on making things better, usually ourselves.  These resolutions often fail because despite our best efforts to live healthier and rid ourselves of our bad habits, resolutions are usually no fun and are difficult to keep. What if resolutions were enjoyable, good for you, and good for those around you?  I have been accused of offering advice when none was requested.  In that spirit of helpfulness, if you are looking for assistance in coming up with a…

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A great product for the outdoorsman or woman

A great product for the outdoorsman or woman

You are away at hunting camp with your buddies. You shoot the biggest buck of your life and are dragging it back to camp when you take a bad fall and break your leg. Luckily one of your friends finds you, gets you out of the woods, and gets you to the local clinic. You are in quite a bit of pain can can’t think straight – can’t recall your wife’s cell phone number; can’t recall your medications or the…

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A corrosive story

A corrosive story

Winter has finally come to Vermont.  Winter is defined by our household as having enough snow to snowshoe and cross-country ski.  Downhill skiing doesn’t factor into this definition since the ski resorts can manufacture their own snow. So winter is here; a good opportunity to go snowshoeing with my wife (who is in very good shape and weighs about as much as my right leg).  Some would say that it is also a good time to give my wife another…

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