The Memories of Paper Hunting Licenses and stuff.

Everyone probably remembers filling out paper licenses before a certain hunting season started and it probably took place at a local gas station.

The gas station probably had two gas pumps, with only one in working order. But the pump in working order had one dial of numbers that didn’t work, so you were pretty much on the honor system when you went inside to purchase gas.

This gas station probably had a back room where the locals gathered for coffee. Mostly farmers and ranchers with a retired utility worker plus a possible postal worker or two.

I have been in a gas station similar to this, all around North Dakota and the surroundings states, you probably have to.

This gas station probably smelled like cigarettes and coffee. It wasn’t a bad smell, but it was a smell you knew and you looked forward to.

People from cities probably came to this gas station after filling their tank and didn’t realize they needed to tell the person behind the till the total dollars of gas purchased because there was no readout inside.

This gas station probably had homemade donuts and cookies for $0.25.

This gas station was probably open from 7 AM until at least 7 PM. It opened after the newspaper was delivered and closed sometime after Wheel of Fortune.

This gas station probably was always a treat to stop at after a long morning of pheasant hunting for a warm cup of coffee or a bottle of pop to get reenergized for the afternoon hunt.

This gas station probably had a TV running and the radio on constantly. The radio was probably on a station covering a local sporting event.

This gas station was probably open seven days a week and maybe even holidays.

Finding a gas station like this in the middle of nowhere while hunting antelope is probably like winning the lottery.

If you got some gossip from the coffee crew from this gas station, you should probably verify before repeating.

This gas station probably sold coffee for $0.25 a cup, with unlimited refills.

If you needed help trying to find somewhere to hunt a certain critter, don’t worry, the coffee guys at this gas station would probably point you in the right direction.

This type of gas station is probably a dying breed.

This gas station probably always had at least one dog and some random cats. The dog was friendly unless you tried to move him from his “spot” on the floor.

If you tagged a big buck, you probably came to this gas station to show to the coffee crew in the back.

The owners of this gas station probably worked there every day for years and years.

This gas station probably sponsored every broadcast on the local radio station that covered high school sporting events in the area.

If you were lucky, you probably had a gas station just like this.

This gas station probably had all of the snacks and pop anyone could possibly want during your upcoming hunt.

The owners of the gas station probably had names like Dick and Jane.

If you ran out of gas or your car broke down someone at this gas station would probably give you a ride to wherever you needed to go.

This gas station would probably heat up your Pugsley sandwich with the microwave behind the counter if you asked nicely.

If there was a bad blizzard and travel was not advised, you probably still tried to make it to this gas station to get the Sunday paper and grab a cup of coffee to see who else was able to make it.

If you wanted to know who owned a particular piece of land someone at this gas station would probably know.

You probably brought the owners of this gas station some deer sausage that you processed during the off-season.

I think every small community probably had a gas station like this.

I hope you remember those yellow paper copies of hunting licenses that you probably got at gas stations.

The gas station probably had a name like Miller’s Service.

I miss these gas stations, I’m probably not the only one.

Thanks for reading, Clint.

Deer Season Breakdown article for Dakota Country Magazine.

This article was published in Dakota Country Magazine. If you want a print or digital magazine subscription or looking to do some advertising click the link Dakota Country Magazine.

Every deer season you will hear hunters talk about the, “rut.” Rut is a broad term describing the mating period of the Cervid family, including deer, elk and moose. Hunters are interested in this time because increased testosterone in the males makes them reckless while pursuing females. In short, the bucks become dumb in love.

After years of data collection and research by many wildlife agents they have proven that rut is triggered by photoperiod, which means the length of daylight. But other factors do affect the timing like moon phases and weather patterns. But year after year, just like clockwork the photoperiod causes the estrus in the does to flow which in turn makes the bucks change their behavior.

Whitetail bucks will start making scrapes and rubs to mark their territory by spreading their scent. Scrapes are when bucks scrape the ground bare while adding urine and rubs are when bucks rub their antlers on trees and branches to spread their tarsal gland scent. During this time when daylight is diminishing, the velvet on the antlers start to shed. As soon as their antlers are hard enough, they will begin sparring. Just for play at first but then it becomes aggressive for the right to breed. Physically the buck’s appearance will change also, their necks start to swell in order to look bigger against their competition.

Pre-rut:

Deer will begin feeding mostly during dawn and dusk. Their patterns will begin to limit daylight movement each day, every day. Middle to late October in the northern states, bucks will begin making rubs and scrapes. During this time their necks will begin to strengthen and swell as they begin sparring to establish dominance. Where there is a scrape there is usually an overhanging tree branch which becomes a marking spot for deer in the area. Both bucks and does will lick and rub their foreheads to mark their territory. These rubs, scrapes and licking branches allow bucks to find receptive does and rival bucks.

While hunting pre-rut find the areas with rubs and scrapes. If you have a trail cam this is a great spot to find out what deer are in the area. Rubs and scrapes can be found anywhere but target field edges and travel routes in between food sources. Bucks will be keeping tabs on their rub and scrape lines searching for does that are active. 

Rut:

Rut takes place early to mid-November depending on your area and daylight hours. During the rut bucks become more and more active searching for does that are in estrus. Bucks become very aggressive towards each other trying to establish hierarchy in their territory. Sparring becomes a real fight for dominance between bucks with similar rank. Their typical routine goes out the window as they only have one thing in mind and that is to find an open and ready doe. Bucks become distracted and are in some cases easier to hunt. During the rut you can find bucks chasing does throughout the day and night. Bucks have been known to chase does over a day or more until the does are ready. Bucks even forget about eating during this time. 

Hunting during the rut can be very productive. During the rut you can hunt all day long and have a good chance seeing deer movement. As mentioned, bucks throw caution to the wind and become less concerned with their surroundings. If hunting during the rut, set up your stands between bedding spots and on trails to food sources. If you find does, bucks will be there also. Does tend to stick to their regular routine and trails while bucks will be going every direction. Grunt tubes during the rut can be used very successfully to challenge other bucks for breeding rights. Also, during this time doe bleat calls can be used to call in bucks looking for does. To bring in deer from a little farther away you can try rattling antlers to mimic fighting bucks. But with calls and antlers, start quietly to not scare away deer that might be close that you cannot see. With the deer cruising everywhere, deer attractants including different urines can help lure deer in and cover your scent.

Sometimes there is a lull in activity when bucks in your area are locked down with hot does. This could last a of couple days. Don’t get discouraged because they will start moving again.

Post-rut:

As winter begins to take hold deer rut starts to shut down. Bucks that have been chasing and does that have been running are now focused on making it through the winter. Food becomes the number one objective to regain strength and weight lost during the rut.

Bucks will still be interested in chasing and breeding does but the pickings are few and far between. You begin to see less and less deer during daylight hours. While hunting post-rut, target in between food sources and bedding areas during dawn and dusk.

Second rut was not mentioned earlier but happens every year. This is for the few females who were not bred during the first rut. Bucks will seek out these few does the first couple weeks of December.

Clintism #62: "You're an inspiration and stuff."

As most of you know I get out and about quite a bit. I seem to meet new people wherever I go. A lot of them always say, “It’s good to see you out. You’re such an inspiration.” I’m always taken back by those two statements.

When I hear the first part (it’s good to see you out), I always think to myself, where else would I be? I have lived in an apartment building with mostly disabled people and I would say 1/3 of them never went outside. I could not do that. I would be crazier than I already am. To me it’s not a choice to be out and about, I have to be out and about. I would not be me if I wasn’t out on the town or chasing some tag somewhere.

When I hear the second part (you’re such an inspiration), I always think to myself, you must be mistaken because I am no inspiration. I was born able-bodied and I put myself in this situation to be disabled. The kids that were born disabled and are still trying their best, they are the inspiration. They didn’t have a choice, I did.

Everybody has challenges and everybody has obstacles they need to get over and get through, it doesn’t matter if they are disabled or not. To me, everyone is an inspiration as long as they try and face whatever is in their path.

This little blurb isn’t to argue. I truly am grateful for the comments and the support. But when I hear those statements, that’s what I think. Hard to explain, but at least I tried… I am not an inspiration. I’m just a person in a motorized cart.

Thanks for reading, Clint.

Trail Cameras article for Dakota Country Magazine.

This article was published in Dakota Country Magazine. If you want a print or digital magazine subscription or looking to do some advertising click the link. Dakota Country Magazine.

This article was published in the September 2023 edition.

When some people think of trail cameras, they only think of using them during hunting seasons. But for others they use them year-round to learn as much about their game and area as possible through a lens. Of course, laws and regulations are different in every state and make sure to check if there are any limits to how long you can have trail cameras during different seasons.

There are positives to each cellular and regular trail cameras. Having not to disturb hunting habitat to switch cards is a big plus and less intrusive using cellular. You can check cam anytime as long as you have your phone. Using cellular means spending more on data plans from a cell service provider to receive your pics.

Cellular cams can send pics and videos as long as there is a cell signal. To help with connectivity there are also options for extending the antenna on cellular cams. Advantages of cellular include saving time by not having to check and change cards manually. You can change options on the cameras remotely with some cellular cams. You also spend less time and money on gas checking cameras.

Non-cellular cams are more affordable but they have their disadvantages. Regular trail cameras don’t rely on a cellular signal so they can be placed anywhere and take pics without interruption or connectivity of cell service. But with regular cams you need to change SD memory cards every time you want to see what pics have been taken.

There are also options when powering your trail cameras besides regular batteries. Rechargeable batteries save you money while putting fewer batteries in the landfill but these do not typically last as long. Lithium batteries give you the longest battery life and are the most reliable, but the price of lithium can add up quickly. Solar panels are also an option instead of depending on batteries. Solar panel technology has come a long way in the last few years. Of course, this means added expense but it will pay for itself in the long run. As long as you can get consistent rays of sun on the solar panel, this option could work year-round without physically checking the camera.

When setting up trail cameras there are many options depending on what you need in that specific area. Not everywhere has trees or even trees that are straight to hang a camera. Thankfully there are many different mounting bracket options when setting up trail cameras. But sometimes the homemade camera stands work the best. Many people use electric fence posts with adapters to connect to the back of trail cams. These are great for when there isn’t a tree or there isn’t a tree in the right place to get the best angle for the camera.

It also matters which direction to face the camera to get the best results. If possible, facing cameras to the north seems to work the best to avoid sunlight activating the camera. Aiming down a trail also helps get more consistent pics of animals rather than perpendicular to a trail. Avoiding or trimming branches and tallgrass will help avoid getting hundreds of unwanted pics of wind.

There are too many different brands on the market to list here, no matter what kind of trail cam you choose. Everyone seems to have their favorite brand. It will take time to find what brand works the best for you.

Trail cameras are like everything else in the hunting industry, each year there is always something better. But that doesn’t mean you have to go buy it. Find what works for you, stick with it and it will help you be a better hunter and outdoors person.

Some of the most interesting things I have discovered in my years of using trail cams is the random wildlife that visit occasionally without ever seeing them. A few years ago, I captured a fisher on a cam that was located 2 miles from the nearest river. 

After running trail cameras for years, you come to realize that even the newest and best cameras don’t catch everything. You can set up two identical cameras side-by-side and one cam will miss taking pics of some movement and the other will capture the movement. But with that said, trail cameras are well worth the money for the info they provide throughout the seasons.

Twist of Fate article for Dakota Country Magazine.

This article was published in Dakota Country Magazine. If you want a print or digital magazine subscription or looking to do some advertising click the link. Dakota Country Magazine

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. 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 Enderlin.

The hunters usually arrive Thursday. When they get to the camp, 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. Hopefully they hear some honking. It is customary for the guides and hunters to honk their horns coming into camp if they are successful. In total, 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