October 30th, 2008
By Arthur

After a month of waiting, a ton of great hours with Abby, and a lot of time not spent hunting, this weekend it is on!

It is only fair that I finally head out.  Marc has shot 3 deer already, and I have only been out twice.  Yep, twice.  My priorities were definitely right on, but I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to a weekend of hunting more than this one coming up.  We have had quite a cold spell, and it is suppose to continue right through the weekend.  I just know that a few of the big boys are going to be running around after the does here real soon.  I also know, that even if the chase phase isn’t completely in full swing yet, that this cold is going to get the deer up and moving.

And I can’t wait.

Last weekend I was just as excited about getting out, but it ended up being a bust because of fatherhood and crappy weather.  This weekend, though, the weather looks perfect for hunting, and the wife is encouraging me to get out.  That sounds like a plan to me.

Right now the plan is to take a half-day off of work on Friday, and hunt from the afternoon into the evening.  Then, on Saturday and Sunday, Jeff and I are going to try and sit tight for most of the day.  With it being the time of year that it is, you just never know what you could run into….even in the middle of the day.  Our plan is to hopefully take advantage of that, and maybe catch a good deer cruising during the midday.

I cannot wait for Friday.  And I can’t wait for the weekend either.  Kill or no kill it is still going to be a great weekend to be in the woods.

Note:  Tomorrow we are going to have another Abby update.  Don’t miss it.  The picture will be worth the price of admission.

Popularity: 11% [?]

October 29th, 2008
By Arthur

My sister’s boyfriend forwarded this awesome trailcam picture to me.  I’m not sure if this picture is making its way through forward land right now, but I still thought I would share it with all of you who maybe hadn’t seen it yet.

Can you imagine capturing your shot on camera?  That would be completely awesome.  My chances aren’t very good of having this happen, because I normally don’t hunt near my cam, but I still think that this picture is pretty cool.

I wish I could credit this to someone, but there was no information included in the email.  I also hope this photo is actually real, but until I hear otherwise, I’m going to assume its authentic.

What a great trailcam picture.  You would think this thing, if authentic, would win some huge trailcam contest somewhere.

Very cool!

Popularity: 11% [?]

October 28th, 2008
By Arthur

A few weeks back I was fortunate enough to be contacted by, Emily, from Regency Publishing, Inc.  She was wondering if I would be interested in a complimentary copy of Ted Nugent’s Ted, White, and Blue:  The Nugent Manifesto.  Would I?  Of course I would.

I have been a Nugent fan for pretty much my entire life.  And that being so, why would I turn down an opportunity to receive a free copy of his new book?  I always approach Ted’s viewpoints with an open mind, because quite honestly, he can be a little in-your-face at times.  I have always loved that about Ted though, and with this book, the in-your-faceness is still there, but I found it quite true.

This book isn’t about hunting in any way, shape, or form.  It is a book about Ted’s views of certain things that are happening in today’s world.  I can’t tell you the amount of times I found myself nodding my head in agreement with Mr. Nugent.  Sure, Ted doesn’t sugarcoat his thoughts in any way, but with this book, I found that most of his ideas and thoughts are so straight-forward and honest, that you can’t even try to disagree.  They just make sense.

I am currently about 3/4 of the way through the book, and it has been a quite a thrill to read.  I think if every American just took the time to read this book, that they would open themselves up to a way of thinking that would shape this country into what it really needs to be;  a way of thinking that goes back generations and made this country into the greatest country in the world.

Go ahead and pick up Ted, White, and Blue:  The Nugent Manifesto.  Put your seat belt on, and you definitely won’t be disappointed.

Popularity: 12% [?]

October 27th, 2008
By Arthur

Jeff, after an 0-3 start, finally connected on a doe yesterday morning.  So, after a rough start for Jeff-just like last year-he has finally redeemed himself, and in turn helped with the buck-to-doe ratio on our property.  She was at about 15yds, and she didn’t last long after Jeff’s perfect heart shot.

Of course this weekend I wasn’t able to get out.  When I woke up on Saturday morning it was pouring rain.  And Sunday morning wasn’t happening either, because we didn’t get to sleep until four in the morning.  Ahh, fatherhood….it sure can hinder your hunting plans.

So, Jeff is on the board.  It must have motivated him, because he even started working on the recipe page.

The first deer down for SimplyOutdoors.  Congrats to Jeff.

You can also see that Jeff was sporting his Michigan State Spartans gear for the picture.  We are pretty proud of our BCS ranking and victory over them pesky Wolverines last weekend.

Popularity: 9% [?]

October 24th, 2008
By Arthur

A few of you requested it, so ask and you shall receive.  Plus, I don’t mind showing everyone pictures of little Abby.

She is honestly a very good baby.  She only cries if she’s hungry, she sleeps about 3 hours at a time, and she is usually little miss content.  We love having her around.

She has also been making these funny little noises when she eats, and her facial expressions have made her mom and I crack up more than once.  She also is very audible, shall we say, when she dirties a diaper.  That always gets a laugh or two as well.  Of course Jenn says she gets that from me.

I got to watch her by myself for the first time last night.  I’m proud to say it went very well.  I had her for about 4 hours so mom could go out with some friends.  I thought she was definitely entitled to that little break.  I did get a new appreciation for what she goes through everyday.  At one point the dog was barking to go outside, the phone was ringing, my pizza was done and about to burn in the oven, I was trying to get a bottle ready, and little Abby was screaming like a banshee.  It made for an interesting few minutes, but everyone survived.  And it wasn’t a half hour later that she was full, very content, and sleeping.  It was a good daddy/daughter night.  One I’m sure I’ll never forget.

All in all, things are going quite well.  Having a child sure changes your schedule around, but Jenn and I are starting to get used to it, and we’re adjusting each and every day.

We are definitely not trying to rush anything.  We’re just appreciating all the time with her, because we know that these days will not last for long………and before we know it she’ll want the car keys:)

I hope everyone enjoys the new pictures.  I promise we’ll have her in camo very soon.

Popularity: 10% [?]