SHOOTING - HIT MORE BIRDS

A FITTING PROPOSAL
By Jim Foster

On a recent pheasant hunt there were the usual gathering of upland hunters, and a small faction of shotgun carriers. Personal abilities were as varied as the choice of headgear. This was not to be a day for the easily frustrated.

On this morning the birds were running, as pheasants will do, and many of the shots were on the long side. Then when the long shot was expected, a cover-hugging rooster would hold until you passed by a few steps then cackle into the air, testing the nerves of the closest hunter. If there were a formula for missing, this would be it.

As is many times the case, some of the hunters were doing well, while others were providing only holes in the Kansas sky. These are the times when getting some shooting help crosses the mind. These are big pheasants, we won’t even talk about mourning dove season.

So what can a person do to improve his shooting? The answer is simple and the time to improve is now, during the off-season.

The first thing one should remember right off the bat is a shotgun is NOT aimed, it is pointed. So, it stands to reason that if you “point” the shotgun at something you will hit it, right?

Wrong!

All shotguns shoot differently. Most of today’s off-the-rack shotguns are made for the “average” shooter. The only problem is there is no such thing as an average shooter. We are all different.

The "average" shooter, according to the experts is right-handed, is 5-foot-9, weighs 165 pounds, has a 33-inch arm length and wears a size 40-regular suit. That leaves out most men over 40, many women and children and all lefties.

If you have the inclination and cash, you can order a custom-fitted, custom-made English shotgun from one of the established old gun makers. In doing so you would know from that point on you had a shotgun that was really you. The problem is that this shotgun would cost you the equivalent of a new 4x4 Suburban. I can’t afford to even hold a shotgun that pricey.

Having your shotgun fitted could be a much more affordable solution. In many cases the whole process can be accomplished in an hour.

I had two of my nice little TriStar doubles fitted by one of the top gun-fitters and shooters in the country Jim Jamison of Denver, Colorado. In addition to being a master gunfitter, Jim is a shotgun instructor. Not a stranger to the competitive circles Jim was the 1989 NSCA National Champion, 1991 USSCA All American, and was a member the Perrazzi Sporting Clays Team.

The way “fitting” is accomplished by adjusting the pitch and length of the gun stock. Although the process sounds simple, it’s not and should only be done by an accomplished gunsmith.

“On 98 percent of all the shotguns I fit, the “cone” (where your face rests on the stock) needs to be adjusted.” Said Jamison.

It stands to reason that adjusting the shotgun to fit the way you stand, mount the gun, and even the way you shoot will improve your shooting.

Lastly to improve you must spend some time on the shooting range between the end of this hunting season and opening day of the next season. Now is the time to work on the shots that are the hardest for you to make. Spend an afternoon shooting a left to right passing shot, or an overhead going away (like a dove flying over a brush line) until you can hit on a regular basis. Then move on to another shot.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please Email him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com

JIM'S GEMS - THE COURT RULES

OUT TO GET THE GUNS
By Jim Foster

Many in this country do not realize the importance of this weeks – June 26, 2008 - United States Supreme Court ruling and the message it should be sending out to the voters of this country.

In its 5-to-4 decision, the court ruled the Constitution protects an individual's right to own guns, not just the right of the states to maintain regulated militias. They went on to rule the District of Columbia's requirement that all lawful weapons be disassembled or limited by trigger locks, was unconstitutional because it made the guns virtually useless.

Although it was not considered a full National Rifle Association (NRA) victory comments from the association were quickly heard.

"I consider this the opening salvo in a step-by-step process of providing relief for law-abiding Americans everywhere that have been deprived of freedom," Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice president of the NRA, said in a statement.

The Anti-Gun people were also there to sound off. In Chicago, Mayor Richard Daley, leader of his cities anti-gun movement called the decision "frightening". He plans to fight with the gun people and I would think the Supreme Court of the US. Daley thinks nothing of using the grief of victims to promote his political agenda.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a former mayor of San Francisco, another city in violation of the Second Amendment, told a reporter she was "viscerally affected" by it and worried for the nation's safety. How liberal and stupid can one person be?

At the annual conference of the Outdoor Writers of America (OWAA) the news was met with pleasant smiles and great relief. Hunting and shooting are part of American life. In direct contradiction to the anti-gun crowd OWAA members for the most part believe the choice should be up to the individual person and not legislated by cities and states. I have always wondered what about the Second Amendment they couldn’t understand. The Liberal mentality is hard for a reasonable person to understand.

At the conference, open to members and speakers, the liberal doom sayers were there toting the “Green” banner and trying to sell their drivel, like the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, and the thinly veiled anti-gun group calling itself the Hunter’s and Shooter’s Association. This group tried to join OWAA several years ago but because of hard questions by many of the members their true colors were reveled.

There is a problem – it can being the scary, look at the 5 to 4 count from the court. Just one more liberal on the court and the vote would have been tied and two liberal judges would have set the writers of the constitution spinning in their graves.
The solution – YOUR VOTE for president.

McCain praised the decision today, and used it to renew criticisms of his Democratic rival, Senator Barack Obama.

Obama, however, was moderate in his statements. Being a liberal he is not who we want appointing our Supreme Court Judges. Even if he stands for the ruling now his history proves he can reverse himself in a split second and only endorses programs that will advance his political goals.

So yes, gun owners and shooters rights were advanced by the courts decision but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. When it’s time to vote, do it.

Like Larry the Cable Guy says, “Git-er-done”. You can bet I will.

Good Shooting and Hunting.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please Email him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com

WILDLIFE - YOUNG RED FOX

THE CUNNING RED FOX

Once again I was called to photograph wildlife. I enjoy these "tips" from friends. Most of them are quite interesting and I enjoy visiting with others who enjoy wildlife.

This time the location was near Challis, Idaho and was a den of young red fox. I spent a good part of the morning watching and photographing these amazing little predators. I was interrupted several times by a colorful western tanager male wishing to be included in the photo shoot. I happily snapped away till a rain shower sent the kits to their den and the photographer on my way home.

The Red fox is found all around the world and in many diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. They also adapt well to human environments such as farms, suburban areas, and even large communities. It was in close proximity to a farmstead where these foxes were found.

Known for their legendary reputation for intelligence and cunning the red fox is a solitary hunter who feeds on rodents, rabbits, birds, and other small game—but their diet can be as flexible as their home habitat. Foxes will eat fruit and vegetables, fish, frogs, and even worms. At times they will even invade a henhouse in search of a meal.

The fox's thick tail helps it maintain its balance while hunting and running. The tail has other uses as well, like a warm cover in winter and as a signal flag to communicate with other foxes. 

In winter, foxes meet to mate. The vixen (female) typically gives birth to a litter of 2 to 12 pups. At birth, red foxes are actually brown or gray. A new red coat usually grows in by the end of the first month, but some red foxes are golden, reddish-brown, silver, or even black. Both parents care for their young through the summer before they are able to strike out on their own in the fall
.
An interesting and intelligent animal they fit well into their environment and help keep small rodents under control.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please Email him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com

PHOTO - A REAL ENDANGERED SPECIES

FISHING - BALLYHOO THE BAITFISH

*** READ Jim's regular columns in the Port Isabel Press and the San Benito News each week. Find out all about ROCKY MOUNTAIN MULE DEER in Jim's article in the June Issue of ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE. ***

REAL BAIT – FISHED LIKE A LURE
By Jim Foster

“You know I fish artificial lures”, I said with a sheepish grin. “What is this and what do I do with it?”

From over the windshield Capt. Bode looked at me with one of those, “just shut up and do what I tell you”, looks on his face. He finished threading fresh bait on the hook, took scissors and cut off the tail, and handed me the rod.

“Now fish it like a lure.” Bode said over his shoulder as he grabbed the net for one of my companions who was just finishing his fight with a nice redfish.

As I have written before Capt. Bode is one of the hardest working guides I have ever fished with, never failing to help an angler net his fish. That’s right, some guides don’t. If they happen to have a fish on at the time the customer’s fish is ready for the net he or she is out of luck and on his own.

Casting out the strange rig it felt somewhat like a lure but maybe not as stable on the retrieve. Several casts later, and after hooking a bit of grass, something gave the bait a tug, then another, and then tried to change direction. Bringing the rod to a vertical position gave me the information I wanted. Red On!

The bait was one that has become very popular along the lower Texas Coast, the ballyhoo.

The bio boys tell us there are three species of Ballyhoo in the Gulf of Mexico, having a shorter upper jaw and the tip of its lower jaw is orange-red. Ballyhoo is a common baitfish in our southern bay systems. Fishermen like to buy them fresh when they can; however, they will work frozen also and are available this way at several area bait stands.

The Ballyhoo, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, is a species of halfbeak, is commonly used, as a baitfish on the East Coast, but it is not found in the Pacific Ocean. It is found in the Gulf of Mexico and in the shallow bays. Many South Padre guides have special people who will catch ballyhoo fresh daily for their charters.

Bode explains how to fish a ballyhoo bait.

“The ideal size is between 4 and 5 inches with the bill trimmed. Cut the ballyhoo to this size and thread a #1 wide gap hook through the chin and out the hard part of the nose. Cast your bait and try to keep it just under the surface of the water like you would an artificial lure. The results on redfish and trout are at times astounding.”

Neil Hagar of the “Fishing Coyotes” got this method down pat and during his last trip to the island caught several just under the upper limit keepers and two oversized redfish.

“The key for me was learning how to keep the ballyhoo out of the grass.” Stated Hagar.

So if you are a bait fisherman and are tired of the popping cork and shrimp give ballyhoo a try. They do catch fish.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com

FISHING - A NEW MAGAZINE REVIEW

WHEN IT'S GOOD IT SHOWS

My regular readers (Thanks, guys and gals!) know that from time to time over the last several decades I have not been kind to certain facets and issues promoted or conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

It is also a known fact that when someone does something of merit I will give him or her credit – with only a few exceptions.

So, what’s this column about? The answer is the USFWS – not about some bonehead maneuver but about a quality product just released spring of 2008.

It’s the new magazine “EDDIES – Reflections on Fisheries Conservation”.

I just finished reading my copy and must say that it was well written, well edited and photographed. It was even more exciting to learn that the Editor is my long time friend and fellow wing-shooter Craig Springer.

The Publisher is well credited Gary Farzer, Assistant Director USFWS of Fisheries and Habitat Conservation.

The first issue covers issues on economics, fisheries news, hatchery news, history, steelhead, traditions, articles on locations to fish, and plenty of just plain fishing stuff. Editor, Craig Springer also adds his ability of writing prose to this issue making for great reading. Take a look and see what you think.

For information and subscription e-mail Craig Springer at craig_springer@fws.gov or call 505-248-6867 0r write, Eddies, USFWS Fisheries Rm 3118, 500 Gold Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87103.

Good job Craig – I can’t wait for the next issue.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com

LIFE - YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH FRIENDS

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS
By Jim Foster

After living past 50 – that’s all I will admit to – I find the need to be around my friends grows stronger. If there is one thing this outdoor lifestyle of mine has done, it is to provide me with long-time and good friends, not all that many but each has real quality. Each spring brings a renewal of sprit and heart.

Long-time readers of this column and my blog know each spring there is a gathering of kindred souls who call themselves the “Fishing Coyotes”. At one time they (except me) were neighbors in San Antonio and started making fishing safaris to the coast.

When O. L. Tripp was called to his reward I was asked to join. It has been a pleasure each year to involve myself in their lives and share three days on the bay with them.

The Coyotes also provide me with the pleasure of fishing with another old friend Capt. Herbert Bode. Herbert takes his job as a guide seriously and works harder than anyone I know to please his customers. This year there was something special added.

THE GOOD NEWS -

After the Coyotes departed another long time friend Rip Masters joined Herbert and me for an afternoon of chasing specks.
Valley folks bemoaned the news the well known Harlingen tackle shop, Hook, Line, and Sinker, was closing it’s doors and owner, Capt. Rip Masters was going to retire.

Rip is the guy who made my beautiful #5 weight fly rods that is the envy of all the guides on the Madison, Yellowstone, Bitterroot, and Bighorn Rivers each year.

So three friends took off on a Saturday afternoon to see what might be tempted to take our Gulps. Two hours later we knew – three limits of trout filled our ice chest. As usual the conversation was great, we laughed constantly, and caught fish. It ended to soon and we were heading back to the dock – a great day with great friends on a wonderful body of water.

Then the trip headed north for a visit with old and dear friends John Artz and Julian MarDock in Houston and McKinney, Texas. The visits were once again had a soul renewing quality. I have fished and hunted upland birds with both gentlemen and will be looking forward to the 2008 Texas quail and pheasant seasons – which brings me to the sad part of this column.

As many of you know I put great stock in the hunting of upland birds following behind a good dog. This past year I had the pleasure of hunting with a new dog for me, Tater, a Brittany that came, not from a breeder but from the animal shelter. Tater hunted like a champ, found birds, was completely house broken and was a pleasure to be around. Tater and I hunted birds in Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas this past season.

THE BAD NEWS -

This past Tuesday morning Tater passed on to the place where good bird dogs go - there is a large empty place in my heart. He appeared healthy but this morning Tater just wouldn’t wake up. He is already missed, and my hunts this year will not be the same.

So my friends of the outdoors, enjoy your friends when you can, be they human or of the canine persuasion.

Life is short.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com