Total Pageviews

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Getting old and maybe wiser…


It sucks when you realize that you cannot do what you used to do in the past. I have been in a chair for 20 years and it is starting to catch up with me. Now don't get me wrong I still do a lot, probably more than most do in my situation but I am beginning to slow down. I used to get in the chair every day for at least eight hours. And I did that for quite a few years. Especially through college and about 10 years afterwards. I would get in the chair around 10 AM, get to class around 11 AM, come home around 4 PM and stay up till at least 10 PM. Now if I am in the chair over six hours a day I am not going to be able to be in the chair the next day. Unless it is something very important. This last year I have rarely been in the chair in back-to-back days. It takes a lot more planning now, knowing when and where and how long I will be up in the chair. Now when I get in the chair it is for a purpose and not just to be up. The six surgeries over the last seven months probably haven't helped anything. But what can you do. Shit happens. All you can do is improvise, adapt and overcome… Speaking of that motto, hopefully getting some new padding/supports for my electric wheelchair in the next couple weeks. Hopefully this will alleviate some pain and let me get back to what I used to be able to do.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Paralyzed North Dakota Man Takes Mountain Lion


From left to right, Beau Wisness, Dusty Hausauer, Chase Wisness, Rusty Christophersen, Chaston Lee and Hailey Schaper pose with the mountain lion that Chase Wisness, who is paralyzed from the waist down, killed on Monday. It was the last mountain lion allowed to be hunted in western North Dakota this year. (Submitted Photo)


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The easiest and safest way to let down crossbow after a hunt


Usually I just shoot an arrow into the ground after my hunt to release the crossbow. But when the ground is frozen this is the only safe way to de-cock the bow. 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Still at it

About three more weeks to go until the end of the North Dakota bow season and I still have not slayed  a whitetail. It isn't for lack of trying. I have been sitting in my stands 16 times so far. They just seem to be there when I ain't. But that is why they call it hunting and not killing. Here are some pics from my latest hunts. Plus a couple pictures from trail cameras. Good luck to all who are still hunting.






Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Slow hunting season so far

I haven't sat as many times this year as I usually do. My next hunt will be my 12th day in the field chasing Mr. Whitetail. It has been pretty slow compared to past years. I believe I have only seen three bucks, no shooters and I had another buck within ear range but he would not come in. I played with him for a while with my grunt tube but to no avail. We are right in the middle of the rut here in North Dakota so it should pick up. Hopefully you are having better luck than I. Aim small, miss small…


#mossyoakprostaff

Good stuff.

My happy place.

A view deer do not want to see.

Monday, September 28, 2015

2015 Twist of Fate Banquet & Hunt

Another successful year for the  Twist of Fate hunters and guides. They were able to fill eight of the 12 tags on some pretty nice whitetails. No matter how many are killed it is always a success. Here is a link for some pictures from this year with all of the hunters/guides with their whitetails.
Twist of Fate pictures 2015

Here are some pictures that I took during their fundraiser/banquet/meal on Saturday night. The silent and live auctions did well as usual. It is a great time for everyone involved. And you cannot beat the setting in the beautiful sandhills of North Dakota.


Here is a picture of the big tent during meal and live auction.


Dave, one of the guides that has been there since the beginning in 1998 when I first met him and myself after the banquet. #mossyoakprostaff


Took a picture as we were leaving the camp. That right there says it all…

Friday, September 25, 2015

2015 Hunt #1

I got out hunting for the first time this year earlier this week. A little later than normal. Had some complications from a surgery that sidelined me for a bit. But it felt good to get out. Good luck this Fall everybody…


Going down the green mile to one of my hunting spots. #mossyoakprostaff


Not a bad view.



Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Block Targets


Well I learned one thing yesterday while shooting Slick Trick broadheads at my new "Crossbow Block Target." It blows right through. Well almost all the way through. The broadhead just sticks out the other side. The "Crossbow Block" is rated for crossbows shooting up to 400 ft./s. My crossbow is shooting 365 ft./s. I imagine if I tried shooting my bullet points they would fly right through. I forgot to take picture while shooting. But here is an after shot. First pic is front side. Second picture you can see where broadhead went through.


Thursday, August 27, 2015

Crossbow Friendly States.


Here are a couple websites that explain the different laws and regulations in each state concerning the use of crossbows during hunting and non-hunting seasons. Remember when you read these sites they should never be considered to be the equivalent of legal advise. Laws and regulations concerning weapons change frequently in each state and this information could be inaccurate or outdated by the time it is published. Your best source of information is to contact the state in which you want to hunt to verify the crossbow regulations. These websites are for reference only. 




Saturday, August 15, 2015

Opportunities for the Disabled Outdoorsman.


North Dakota along with many other states have expanded the opportunities for the disabled to enjoy the outdoors, whether that be fishing, hunting or just getting out there. You do not have to look hard to find a place, events or opportunity, all you need to do is go to your state's game and fish page and there will be a page dedicated solely for this purpose. The following are opportunities in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.

The North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) has a great page for all of this information. The NDGF has a track wheelchair that is available at no charge for use at department sponsored field events. The tracked wheelchair is also available for offsite use up to 72 hours.

NDGF also provides special permits for shooting out of stationary vehicles and shooting crossbows. For both of these permits there are applications that need to be filled out by your physician, you and the Game & Fish.

There are also many opportunities in North Dakota provided by the Game & Fish Department for the disabled to fish many different waters in North Dakota. On their website they have a map that shows all of the handicap accessible fishing facilities. These fishing facilities have accessible fishing piers and accessible restrooms.

The NDGF page also has links to nonprofit organizations in North Dakota that are catered towards people with disabilities. These nonprofit organizations include Injured Military Wildlife Project of North Dakota, Wounded Warriors Guide Service, Twist of Fate and Sporting Chance.

North Dakota Game & Fish:

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a great page that has many outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. The DNR accessible outdoor page has three categories starting with accessible "Places to go" including state forests, parks, trails and wildlife management areas. The second category are accessible "Things to do" including assessable state park trails, assessable camping, hunting and fishing. The third category is "What to know."

Here is a great page that shows all of the accessible campsites, lodging and trails in Minnesota state parks.

Here is a link to the special permits that are available in Minnesota for fishing, hunting and state park use.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Accessible Outdoors page:


The South Dakota Game Fish & Parks (SDGFP) has quite a bit of opportunities for disabled people with outdoor interests. On their ADA/Accessible page they have permits to use crossbows and permits to shoot out of stationary vehicles. The SDGFP has a Designated Shooter Permit. This permit allows a designated shooter to legally hunt or take game on a disabled person's behalf. They have reduced fees for disabled South Dakota residents who qualify. There are Game Production Areas and State Parks that are enhanced for accessibility.

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks ADA/Accessible pages:
https://gfp.sd.gov/accessibility-permits/
https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt-accessible-areas/


The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has quite a few permits and licenses available to disabled individuals. Wyoming is a crossbow friendly state so that is one less thing you have to worry about. Their   Game & Fish has a great link that explains everything that is available to residents and nonresidents. Here is the link: 
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Permits/Forms-Applications/WGFD_DISABLEDPERMITS

Wyoming Game & Fish Disabled Forms and Applications page:


The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have quite a few opportunities no matter what you want to do outdoors. If you are a disabled resident of Montana you receive a 50% discount on camping fees. If you are a Montana resident you can also apply for a Disability Conservation license. Another license for residents is a Lifetime Fishing License for the blind. Nonresident and resident have to apply for shooting out of a stationary vehicle permit and to modify archery equipment permit. This information can be found here:

Montana also has a Crossing the Barriers Implementation Plan that has worked to remove outdoor barriers for the disabled since 1989.

To apply for shooting from vehicle permit for adaptive archery equipment permit follow the link:
http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/buyApply/

Many hunting opportunities exist in Montana for hunters with disabilities. For the most up-to-date lands that are available for hunting contact the Regional Fish, Wildlife & Parks office where you want to hunt and they will be happy to let you know what is available.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Outdoor Recreation Opportunities page:

I have been lucky enough to take part in some of these organizations, events and have used some of the permits. I have in my possession right now crossbow permits in North Dakota and Minnesota plus shooting from a stationary vehicle permit in Wyoming and North Dakota. These permits are there to make life easier. And they are easily obtained with the correct information. All I have to say is that the opportunities are great and hopefully if you or you know someone that might be interested, get involved or let them know.

Thanks for reading, Clint.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Helluva Hunt: An Antelope Hunt For Disabled Hunters.


Helluva Hunt is an annual antelope hunting event in Wyoming for handicapped and chair-bound hunters. This event is totally funded, the only cost to the hunter and one guest is for their transportation to and from Douglas, Wyoming.

The Helluva Hunt got started over one evening when Gary and Jane Stearns got a call from their friend Bill Brown asking them to come in to meet Jim Zumbo, outdoor author. Gary and Jane were outfitting at the time and Jim had asked the manager if he knew of any good outfitters in the area.  So Gary and Jane went in and met with Jim and Bill to do some brainstorming over a few drinks. Zumbo had gotten a letter from a disabled sportsman and he was touched by learning how much his articles meant to individuals who could no longer get out in the field the way they used to hunt. They discussed how all of them might be able to come together to make this happen and they decided an antelope hunt might be the best since the Game and Fish issues a disabled sportsmen permit to allow shooting from a vehicle. So Gary and Jane got together with several ranchers and they were all excited about the idea of the hunt and were more than happy with allowing the Stearns access for the hunt.  The total area available to the Helluva Hunt ended up being approximately 60,000 acres. Gary and Jane have been overseeing the hunt every year since 1985.

2016 will be the 31st hunt and they have had 15 hunters participate most years, but due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances there have been some years where they have had as few as 12.  The Helluva Hunt has had a 100% success rate every year except for one. That year the tags were not filled because of blizzard conditions. The whole country was shut down. So they have had over 400 hunters and all but four took home antelope!
 
Helluva Hunt has about 30 guides on their list to cover the hunt if some guides can't make it.  Many of the guides are from all over the United States and they show up year after year.  Jane explains, "We couldn't do this without all these big hearts!" There are about 150 volunteers that help with the fairgrounds, the trap club, the rifle range, the lunches, dinners, awards ceremony, the guides, and auction.

One of those guides is Andy Gallina, who travels every year to Douglas from a Chicago suburb to be part of the hunt. He has been making the trip for 20 years. The hunters are what keep bringing him back, he says "No matter their circumstance, they are also genuine and humble." The job of a guide is to make the hunter feel at home and to make sure the accommodations suit them explained Andy. "Each hunter brings with them their own challenges for us guides but we are up to the challenge," said Gallina.

The hunters and guides have access to about 13 ranches and the distance from Douglas range from about 5 miles to 50 miles. Hunters have come from all over the United States. One of those hunters that has participated in this event is Jon Lee who traveled by plane from Dothan, Alabama in 2013. Jon is in a paraplegic after an accident shattered his L1 vertebrae. Lee heard about this hunt by surfing the Internet.


Here is the story of Jon's hunt in his own words. "We drove several miles out to some farm land and started scanning for bucks.  We watched one and passed.  We found another one tending does and passed.  We found another good buck but one of his horns wasn’t perfect and I passed because I wanted a good representation of the animal for a mount.  We went back to the area where we passed on the 2nd buck we saw and he was running a smaller buck off.  We sat there for about 10 minutes and he came back at about 320 yards going back towards the does and I took the shot nailing him.  My buck ended up being the largest on this hunt in 2013 and I won the free mount."

Lee explained, "The guides were some of the best guys I have ever met and for sure the funniest guys I had ever met. I had one of the best times of my life and still keep in contact with the guides I was with.  Helluva Hunt is the best hunting event I have ever been too. The volunteers were great and made you feel at home. I really had one of the best trips of my life on this hunt and just wish I lived closer to be a part of it more often to be honest." Jon highly recommends Helluva Hunt to anyone.

The whole community of Douglas really supports this this event. Jane can't say enough about the wonderful community and the never ending support that they have gotten over the years. Stearns explains, "The people in town are so willing to donate time, items for the auction, free mounts from the taxidermists for the awards, free meat processing to each hunter." She can't even name how many businesses and agencies help out.

On the first day it is a meet and greet, also hunters finish the paperwork for the licensing. All licenses are paid for. After lunch the hunters go to the shooting range south of town and shoot a handful of times. The first night that the hunters arrive there is a big meal where everyone gets to meet their guides. Everything is centrally located at the fairgrounds/dormitories in Douglas. During the meal the guides explain where they are going to hunt and what time they are leaving in the morning. The night of the first hunt there is meal plus a silent and live auction at the Moose Lodge in town. The next night there is a supper at the American Legion. Here they give away prizes to the hunters including free taxidermy mounts to the longest shot, shortest shot and the biggest animal taken.


Applications for participation in the Helluva Hunt are accepted all year long. Fifteen hunters are chosen in February to participate in the October Antelope hunt that year. The accepted applicants are immediately notified and licenses are applied for. Each hunter receives at least two volunteers to assist in their kill at the event.

For more information or an application, please contact:

The Helluva Hunt
Gary and Jane Stearns
1562 Esterbrook Road
Douglas, Wyoming 82633

(307) 358-6580

Friday, July 17, 2015

Bow season can't come soon enough…


Have never had him on camera before. In fact I have never seen him before. Giggity.


Here is a close-up. He has a lot of junk. Split G3. Hope to see him on the hoof.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

I am a new member of the Mossy Oak ProStaff.


1000 members strong, the Mossy Oak ProStaff is a group of dedicated men and women who are passionate about the outdoors and obsessed with getting closer to critters. Members of the ProStaff share and promote the ideals of the Mossy Oak brand in all they do. There is not an outdoor event in America where a local Mossy Oak ProStaff member will not lend a helping hand. Whether it be a retail store promotion, a conservation group banquet, a deer or turkey classic, a kids event, whatever it may be, the Mossy Oak ProStaff are full-fledged ambassadors of the Great Outdoors and the Mossy Oak brand. They love to share their own insights and experiences.



Thursday, June 11, 2015

Set up trail cameras.


One of my favorite times of the year is the time for setting up trail cameras. It is like Christmas morning every time I go and retrieve a memory card. You never know what you are going to find. Of course I am looking for Mr. Big Whitetail but I enjoy any critter that gets captured on a card.

I have only used one brand of camera and that is Moultrie. I have a Moultrie M 80 and D 55, and have had good luck with them so I have had no need to change. I try to set them up sometime in June and hopefully don't take him down until January. I only take them down earlier if the snow gets too deep to retrieve the cards. With our cold temperatures battery life usually isn't very good. Especially when it consistently is below 0°F. But even with those temps, these cameras work great.

I might try some other brands in the future. What brands do you like?


Friday, May 29, 2015

Twist of Fate: More than a hunt…


Twist of Fate is an archery hunt based in North Dakota designed for disabled archers no matter what their disability. The four-day hunt takes place south of Leonard in the beautiful sandhills. The hunt is scheduled every year during the last full week of September for 12 hunters that come from all over the nation. This year's hunt is September 24-27. The Twist of Fate organization was formed in 1999 by a group of sportsmen who wanted to make archery more accessible for everyone who wants to participate.

The organization is made entirely of volunteers, like David Erdmann from West Fargo, who has been there since the inception of the organization. An army of volunteers do everything for the hunters to make their hunt a success whether they fill their tag or not. Everything is taken care of for the hunters except travel to and from their homes. Even the archery equipment is provided if the hunters do not have their own. Food, shelter, hunting license and processing of their deer meat is provided by the organization. The only thing the hunters need to bring is a sleeping bag and toiletries.


Volunteers set up the camp usually about a week before the hunters get there. The camp is set up in a perfect location. Setting up the camp is not an easy chore. The hunter's living quarters are put up, which are tents that have heat and electricity. The main dining hall, which is a huge wall tent is constructed. The road into camp has to be maintained or sometimes repaired. Plus, trimming and mowing the grass. After all, it is in the middle of a pasture.

Some of the volunteers are also guides. The guides put in more time than just taking the hunters out during the hunt. They spend months finding good locations that are active with deer. These locations can't just be in any location either, they need to be accessible by people with varying mobility. When Erdmann started guiding he said, "I was kind of scared, fear of the unknown. I didn't want to break the people in the chairs. But it has turned out great, I have found it is really rewarding for them and me." Some of the spots need to be wheelchair accessible and some spots don't need much depending on what their hunter needs. Each guide usually has two or three preset spots ready for their hunter depending on the weather elements. The guides also have relationships with some 35 landowners throughout the region. The landowners are generous enough to provide their land to the hunters for the event. Without the landowners this hunt would not be possible. Hunting spots can be anywhere from Kindred all the way to Anslem.


The hunters usually arrive Thursday. When they get there they meet their guide if they haven't already. "Usually we have already talked to our hunters well before they arrive to find out what their needs are and what they will need help with," said Erdmann. "We also have them shoot to see how good of a marksman they are," explained David. Then midafternoon they head to their hunting locations, which average around 10 miles away from camp. That night they come back for a meal at the dining hall and to share stories of the first day. And hopefully they hear some honking. It is customary for the guides and hunters to honk their horns coming into camp if they are successful. There is a hunt Friday and Saturday morning, plus Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.


Saturday night is their banquet and fundraiser night. Twist of Fate invites the landowners, volunteers, donators and general public to a free will supper. During the evening there is a silent auction, live auction and a live band after everything else is over.


"No doubt, in a heartbeat I would recommend it," said Tory Taszarek a three-time participant of the hunt. A North Dakota native, Tory is a T5 paraplegic who was injured when he fell out of a tree stand in 1989. On his experience at Twist of Fate he explained that, “To be honest it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not so much about the hunting itself but because of the bonds of friendship that were made. I was able to meet a lot of great people who I would have never known otherwise. That was the best, but don’t get me wrong the hunt was awesome too and it is so nice to have all the help you get while there." In 2012 Twist of Fate helped Tory take his first deer with a bow since being in a wheelchair after trying numerous times in 24 years. "It was a little doe but meant as much to me as any trophy buck," said Taszarek.


Twist of Fate's mission statement says it all, "To provide a quality outdoor experience for those who are unable to do so on their own regardless of the circumstances."

If you would like to volunteer, the meetings are the second Thursday of the month starting in April. For time and location contact: twistoffatend@gmail.com

If you would like to go on this hunt or you know someone who would be interested, go to this website to fill out an application: twistoffatend.org

 Thanks for reading, Clint.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

We are our own worst enemies.

Please take the time to read this article. He hits the nail on the head. Below is an excerpt, follow the link for the entirety:

"As hunters we face a brave new world each and every year as we ward off various threats to our lifestyle and the wildlife we love to pursue. Habitat loss due to urban sprawl and the ever increasing demands on our natural resources, environmentalists and anti-hunters lobbying against us at the local, regional and National level and the near viral expansion of technology and its effect on our youth and their interest in the natural world around them all pose a significant threat to the future of hunting.

Yet I would argue these threats are not our primary concern. No, it is the “cannibalism” within our own ranks that will be our ruin. The infighting between hunters around the world over topics such as “trophy” hunting, long range hunting, and high fence hunting to name a few and their ethical and conservation implications will be the demise of hunting and hunting opportunities if we do not take action on a personal level first. It is our personal responsibility to educate ourselves on the facts and science behind some of these contentious topics and apply reason and logic to the discussion before forming strong opinions. Emotions have no place at the table, and it is only emotions that will allow us to be divided and conquered."

Monday, May 4, 2015

Turkey call that works with no finger dexterity.


This Primos® Bombshell Push-Style Hen Turkey Call works great for people with no finger movement. I have no dexterity in my fingers and I can work this call with no problems. I attach the call with the velcro strap that comes with the call to my crossbow mount. Then I hook my fingers into the string that is attached on the other end of the turkey call and give it a tug to make sound. There are many different ways to attach this to your shotgun or crossbow. There are also a wide range of calls you can produce depending on how you pull or push on the call. It produces realistic yelps, cutts and purrs. Below is a picture of it mounted to my crossbow mount and a video showing how the call works.



Not a very good picture but you can see it is attached to my crossbow mount.


Friday, April 24, 2015

Hands-free, easy to use grunt call.


One of the most useful and easy-to-use products I have found that works is this grunt call. It is totally hands-free once it is hooked up. It is not only for disabled hunters but able-bodied hunters would also find it useful. I have it mounted on both of my crossbows so that the tube is within reach of my mouth. Another good thing about it is does not freeze. I have hunted in 0°F temperatures with no problems of it freezing up. I have had it hooked up to my clothing, which worked. But I really like it hooked up to my weapon of choice. It is designed to attach to your sleeve and the tube is long enough that it will reach your mouth. It attaches using a safety pin thingamajig. It is easily attached and unattached. There are four different sounds you can use fawn, doe, buck and dominant buck. The tube also has a flexible extender if you need to make a call louder. I have called in numerous deer with his call through the years. I highly recommend it.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Pictures of rifle mount.


Here's a picture of the mount attached to my wheelchair. It is not attached like it is supposed to be because my electric wheelchair would not allow it. Had to do some modifications. Every wheelchair is different, so you will have to find what works for you. This rifle is my Remington .243 Model 7400.


This is another picture close-up. This is before I had the trigger that I use now. This was first time shooting rifle after my accident and first time using this rifle mount. This is just an old .22.




Monday, March 16, 2015

Neat video of coyotes on a dead cow that my buddy took.

You need to have an account on YouTube to watch this video. Evidently some people get put off by watching nature in action. Good grief.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

My electric fishing reel, rod and mount.


My electric reel was purchased years ago. I am pretty sure my uncle picked it up somewhere in Minnesota. They do not make this particular reel anymore. The name of it is John's Reel II. The closest electric fishing rigs that I have found are on the website below. My rod holder is homemade. It attaches to my chair and also has the button/switch attached to it, so I can reel in.