Babbs in the Woods: He was a ‘lusty wench’

He was a big man wearing a mighty big tee shirt. It read, in bold letters across the front, “Lusty Wench!” He was spotted wearing this shirt in public in our local Walmarts, as the locals call it.

We’re still snickering about that one. I snicker when I see tee shirts that outdoor folks wear that proclaim to the world that they are deer, bass, you-name-the-wild-game slayers. That’s as bad as grown men wearing their favorite NFL team’s jacket everywhere. No actually, it’s worse. Because you know those guys aren’t actually playing linebacker for the Rams, but some of these folks are actually out there in the woods – with the whole slayer attitude that frankly does not help educate the general public about why we hunt. Read the story »

Outside My Comfort Zone: Deb, Aliy and Ted at the Iditarod

In her continuing video updates from the 2010 Iditarod, Deb Ferns interviews Aliy Zirkle, the only woman to win the Yukon Quest, and a competitor in the 2010 Iditarod. Aliy introduces Deb to one of her dogs, Teddy Bear. She also announces plans for Ted’s future, and those do not include competing any longer. Read the story »

Camo Mom: Women’s Only Dove Hunt

Last fall I headed south for a women’s only dove hunt.  Now, I don’t mean south to Argentina, I mean south Missouri.  My friend, Marti Davis, had invited me to join her and three other women to hunt doves near her home in Willard.  I could hardly wait to get there, excited not only about the hunt, but also about meeting other women that shared the same interest in the outdoors that I do.

The group was a nice blend; an outdoor writer, an Outdoor Program Director for the Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council, a Court Reporter, a RedHead Pro Field staffer/quarry dispatcher and a licensed massage therapist/fishing guide.  No preaching the Second Amendment to this choir.  We were all avid shooters and hunters, and there was a mutual love and respect of guns among us. Read the story »

My Job … My Outdoors: Casting ‘across the pond’ to Lucy in the UK

Someone needs to feature this woman in a documentary. She’s 22. She’s been fishing with her dad for 17 of those years, and already, she’s giving back to society by hosting fishing events for women, for cancer patients, and for those who want to learn to fish. She is a public speaker about women and fishing, and she works for Hardy & Greys, Alnwick, England — a world-renowned fishing tackle manufacturer. We found her online because of her women’s fishing clinics, and in particular, her website called “Fishing for Everyone with Lucy Bowden,” and know that you will enjoy reading about Lucy Bowden’s lifestyle, too. We admire her spirit, youth and passion for beautiful fishing. Read the story »

Guru Huntress: Making the call — with Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series

At last, opening day of turkey season is visible at a glance on my wall calendar without flipping pages. Turkey season, for most hunters, is the true beginning of the hunting year. For me, it is a time to take stock of my gear and prepare for the kick-off of my hunting season.

One, of many things, that I start doing several weeks prior to opening day is practice with my turkey calls. There are several things that are crucial for turkey hunting, but the most important are calls. The type of call you choose will not only be determined by the type you prefer, but also by your skill level of using the various styles of calls. The most imperative thing to look for in any call is its ability to mimic true sounds and the capability of doing that at varying levels – from soft to loud. Read the story »

Gear Court: Crime prevention … Moultrie’s Camera Security Box deters theft

When hunting on public land, a person thinks long and hard about the gear you leave in the woods while you’re away because it just may not be there when you get back. That’s why I trust my game camera’s safety to the Moultrie Camera Security Box.

This box is made of heavy-duty,18-gauge steel and has a powder coat finish for protection against the elements. It comes with easy-to-follow mounting instructions and all the hardware needed to attach it securely to either a tree or pole. A nice feature on this security box is that it works with other Moultrie mounting accessories, such as a tripod, so that you can achieve that desired shot of your subjects. Read the story »