It's Chili Time in Central Missouri

It's that time of year again when I love making chili for those cold evenings for coming in from hunting or work. This is the recipe I follow. There are many variations, so you can just start adding the extras to suit your taste.

Venison Chili

4 cans chili beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can Great Northern beans
1 can butter beans
2 pounds ground venison
1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
McCormick’s Chili Seasoning Mix
1 large can tomato sauce
1 can Rotel (optional)

Brown venison in a large skillet and drain. Add
onion if desired. Then add the chili seasoning mix
and ¼ cup water. You can use your own chili
seasonings to taste. Stir in the tomato sauce and/or
the Rotel. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Place all the beans in a large Dutch oven or Crock Pot,
then add skillet mixture and stir together. Simmer for
at least 30 minutes, or heat in Crock Pot for four to
six hours.

You can top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese,
sour cream, and jalapenos if desired.

Walk to Defeat A.L.S.

A few weekends ago I participated in a walkathon for A.L.S., a/k/a Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Lou Gehrig’s is a disease that is very near and dear to my heart, as I lost a brother to this crippling, fatal disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a degenerative, neuromuscular disease that strikes without warning and without family history. There is no known cure or effective treatment for this devastating illness. As the disease progresses, a person’s body can become completely paralyzed while the mind and sense remain unaffected. Simple tasks such as talking, walking and eating become increasingly difficult and then impossible as the body’s muscles waste away.

We were a family of six children, and my brother, Randy, was just 15 months older than me. I have always been very close to my sister and all my brothers, but he holds a special place in my heart. He was one of those super nice guys with a great personality. Everybody liked him. I remember one girl signing his high school yearbook saying that he was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

Randy was an avid hunter and fisherman. His true love was deer hunting. He looked forward to opening day of deer season like a child awaiting the arrival of Santa. He loved deer camp, sharing with his dad, brothers and friends all the memories from deer seasons past as they sat around the campfire.

Randy continued to hunt each deer season after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s at the age of 36. Every year became more of a struggle for him to fulfill this annual celebration, but he was determined each year to continue this beloved tradition.

The last deer season of his life, my brothers set him up so he was able to hunt from the cab of his truck, parked alongside an opening into a field known for lots of deer movement and activity. They designed a prop for his gun to rest on, and one of my brothers sat beside him to assist if he felt he needed help.

Unfortunately, he was never presented with a shot at a deer that year, but I’ll never forget the smile on his face as he retold the story of the big one that got away. It was the memories that he loved the most.

It's in the Bag for Kolpin

The Kolpin Field Pouch is a great size bag for use at the range or in the field. I liked everything about the bag, from the classy look and design, to the extreme durability and usability.

The bag features an adjustable web belt with a sturdy, quick release buckle, and twin compartments, which hold up to two boxes of shells on your waist for easy access. It’s constructed of a tough cotton canvas.

One of my favorite features of the Kolpin Field Pouch is the built-in mesh bag, which has a bottom-zipper opening for easy release and/or disposal of empties. Another desirable feature are the two magnetic closure accessory pouches. They’re just right for holding earplugs or extra choke tubes.

I used the bag recently while dove hunting, in which the mesh bag portion of the pouch held the harvested doves. I appreciated the freedom of the belted pouch over a shooting vest, which can be cumbersome at times and hot when worn out in the field.

Hunter's Specialties: No Scent Left Behind

I’ve developed my own new motto for Hunter’s Specialties, No Scent Left Behind. These guys are amazing. They seem to have thought of everything, especially in their Scent-A-Way scent elimination kit. When I opened the box, I was surprised and delighted at all they had packed into one neat little package.

I’m so excited, I’m not sure where to start. Do I start with the Scent-A-Way Laundry Detergent or the Body Soap and Shampoo? Well, I’ll start with the detergent because you’ll want your hunting clothes scent-free when you put them on after showering with the Scent-A-Way soap and shampoo.

The laundry detergent is a color-safe, ultra-concentrated formula that eliminates odor, but doesn’t fade out your camo clothing. Once the scent elimination detergent is used, H.S. has included in the kit a Scent-Safe Storage Bag. The storage bag is about 36” by 28”, so it’ll easily store your de-scented hunting clothes. It’s designed with a ziplock top to ensure your gear remains scent-free.

Calgon now has a new competitor; H.S., take my scent away. The body soap and shampoo is an antibacterial deodorizing product that removes odors from body and hair, plus it contains odorless moisturizers. After showering, they provide a Scent-A-Way extended protection antiperspirant.

Portions of the kit can be tucked in your pack for use in the field. For those times when you need a little spruce-up, H.S. provides the Scent-A-Way Field Body Foam. This product cleans without water, yet still eliminates odors. It also includes Aloe Vera for skin conditioning. I told you, they’ve thought of it all.

Another great in-the-field item is the odorless, advanced formula Scent-A-Way spray. Simply spray the outside of each layer of clothing as you dress in the field, including the outer layers, such as coat, boots, hat and gloves. This formula eliminates odors by neutralizing them.

For those of you who don’t leave home without your Chapstick, they’ve even included an all natural, SPF 15, Scent-A-Way Lip Balm in the packet.
We all know human scent can spook wary game. I’m glad I’ve found a well-rounded product line that gives me the advantage when going up against nature’s best.

Tying the Knot

Tying the Knot…Saying I Do to Hooking the Big One

We all have our favorite knots we use in every day living, but when it comes to tying on fishing lures or hooks, the knot you tie could ensure that you land your trophy. A good fishing knot is an essential factor. Most break-offs are due to poor knots.

Spend some time learning a few basic knots. The average angler needs no more than three or four basic fishing knots. Select only those few knots that are of the greatest use to you, and then practice tying them until it becomes second nature. It is best to choose knots that can be tied in an easy to remember fashion, so you don’t have to rely on a book or pictures when you’re out in a boat or standing on the bank getting ready to tie on your favorite lure. Good, sound fishing knots need not be too complicated to remember, nor too difficult to execute.

A good idea when first learning to tie a knot, take a length of fishing line, a hook with the point cut off, and practice until you can tie each knot correctly. Fishing knots are intended to be pulled extremely tight before use. To ensure the knot tightens smoothly, and to avoid generating heat, the knot should be moistened with water first. The most conveniently available source of water is saliva, which is probably used more than anything else. When available, a better lubricant is vegetable oil. This prevents damage to the line and allows the knot to pull tight.

When learning knots, the tag end is the end of the line used to tie the knot. The standing end is that part of the line coming from your fishing reel. The ends of most fishing knots should be trimmed closely against the knot. The best tool for this purpose is a set of nail clippers. A good knot that is pulled tight will not come loose. Close trimming prevents the knot from catching on weeds or snags.

One of the first knots you need to learn is the Arbor Knot. This knot is used to tie new line to the reel. It doesn’t have to be that strong, and it’s easy to learn, so that makes it a good knot to start off with. Run the line around the spool hub, then take the tag end around the standing part of the line and tie an ordinary overhand knot. Tie a second overhand knot in the tag end as close as possible to the first one. Pull on the standing part of the line and push the two knots together against the spool of your reel. Most new reels come with line already on the spool, but not knowing how long the line has been on the reel sitting in a factory somewhere or a store location, it’s a good idea to pull off all the old line and replace with new line. It’s also recommended to change the line at the beginning of a new season.

The following are just a few examples of the myriad of knots that have been tried and true through the ages. There have been hundreds of books on fishing knots published, and the internet is an extremely valuable resource of fishing knot how-to’s. Many websites also offer video-clips of knot tying. Find one that is fairly easy to learn, and then practice with the video until you feel confident in your abilities. When you catch that Big One, you’ll be glad you had a strong knot to hold him with.

I’VE SEEN THE LIGHT…through my Bushnell Trophy 10 x 42 Binoculars.

I’m probably not the traditional Christmas shopper, because I tend to do a lot of my shopping at the outdoor sports retailers. Most of our family is very outdoors oriented, so it makes it fun to buy them gifts I know they’ll use while out making memories. So my husband in turn likes getting me hunting gear because he knows I love it.

Last year for Christmas he gave me a pair of Bushnell binoculars, which I desperately needed. I had hunted for years with a very inexpensive pair that, after looking through the Bushnell Trophy 10 x 42 binos, I wondered how I had ever seen anything in the woods and fields.

These binos were perfect for me. They’re not too big and bulky, nor too heavy to carry around your neck. The clarity was amazing, giving a bright, clear view of whatever I wanted to bring up close. They were designed with an easy-to-reach focus knob for precise adjustments.

A couple other things that impressed me about the Bushnell Trophy binos were they are waterproof and engineered for fog-free performance, which are two important aspects when using them in the field.

I’ve seen the Bushnell Trophy 10 x 42 binos at Cabelas and Bass Pro, and I’m sure most any major sporting goods retailer carries them. They are middle of the road cost-wise, but well worth the price. These days I don’t hunt without mine.

LADIES MOSSY OAK HANDBAG

I have just started carrying the Ladies Mossy Oak Break-Up canvas handbag, and can tell you that I absolutely love it. I have had so many compliments on it, several women wanting to know where they can get one.

Recently I was working in Downtown St. Louis on a job as a freelance court reporter. As I was leaving home in a hurry that morning, I didn’t have time to change purses to a dressier style, so I proudly shouldered my Mossy Oak Break-Up bag and set out on my way. I was standing in line at a busy cafeteria during a lunch break and a lady came up and asked where I found such a unique handbag.

As a professed camo-holic, I must admit I’m quite impressed with the purse myself. It’s a perfect size, measuring about 12.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall and 4 inches deep. It has an 11.5-inch handle drop, so they can easily be slung over your shoulder in a very stylish carry. The Mossy Oak emblem and brand name is located in a very subtle, and pretty, pink on the flap closure. There are two snap-closure pockets located at each end on the outside of the purse. Inside the purse is a zipper pocket and two open pockets for organization. A portion of the lining is made from a heavier duck cloth for durability.

Not only does the handbag appear to be well-made, it is a popular style and design. They are available online at huntsmart.com, and also the Nite Lite catalog.

The Clear Picture

GETTING THE CLEAR PICTURE

I can see clearly now.

Going from iron sights to a scope can be a challenge for women shooters. I first started hunting when I was in my 20s with a .30 caliber carbine. It had peep sights, which are great sights for beginning shooters. A peep sight makes it very easy for quick target acquisition.

The carbine had another endearing feature – a shorter stock meant the length of pull fit me perfectly. The length of pull is one of the most important aspects of the gun. It needs to be fitted to you so that you not only feel comfortable and confident when shooting, but also so that you pull the gun up to shoot the same way every time you get ready to pull the trigger.

Being able to shoulder the gun and sight down the barrel quickly and efficiently will help to hone your shooting skills tremendously. With a peep sight, you are simply looking through a small hole on the portion of the sight mounted at the receiver of your gun, following down the barrel to a V-shape sight with a post in the center on the muzzle. You merely put the post of the “V” on your target while looking through the small peephole, aligning the two.

After a few years of experience and many hours of hunting, I felt ready to move up a notch. I decided on a Remington .243 with open iron sights, which was a bigger caliber, enabling me to shoot out a greater distance. With the larger bullet came a little more recoil. Again, I wanted to choose a gun that fit me well so that when holding the gun up, I could place it securely against my shoulder and still have a clear view down the barrel of the gun through the sights.

Those iron sights were a little more forgiving, in that I didn’t have such a limited view as the small hole on the peep sight had given me. There was a small notch in the middle of the sights on the receiver and a bead rear sight on the muzzle of the gun, and so I had to line up the bead in the notch with my target. This also gave me a little more peripheral freedom to see more of what was happening with the target.

With each year of hunting experiences, my confidence level increased. I wanted to be able to shoot at still greater distances. It had also been a dream of mine to go out West to hunt elk and mule deer. And I knew I definitely needed to increase my firepower and shooting distance capabilities. To cover both of these venues, I purchased a Model 7 Remington 7mm08, in a youth model. What a great gun. It offered the punch-power I needed for taking larger game, and the go-power for reaching out at least 350 to 450 yards, plus it fit my length of pull to a tee.

This caliber demanded that I learn to use a scope with greater power and a farther distance. I started with a Tasco World Class 2.5 x 10 x 44. I was somewhat hesitant about using a scope, but with the great fit I found in the Remington youth model, I was able to place the gun solidly against my shoulder, and with the small amount of recoil in the .708 cartridge, I didn’t worry that the scope would come back and pop me in the eye.

This set up resulted in the best of all worlds. The scope enabled me to acquire my target at a much greater distance. It took some getting used to after shooting open iron sights for so many years, but it was well worth the adjustment.

The stages and levels of my gun purchases have been a lot like human development. I started with what I felt suited my needs as a beginner. The gun itself was lightweight. It fit my physical requirements. The cartridge had the knockdown power for the game I hunted. The sight aperture was easy to use, and very effective.

Moving on into early adulthood, I went with the Remington .243 – a little heavier gun, with a larger bullet that would travel a greater distance. The open iron sights allowed freedom to venture out to a greater sight picture.

As a novice adult, the choice of the Remington 7mm08 was one of the greatest decisions of my hunting career. It is one of the best all-around calibers available. But what really opened up my opportunities was the scope. It was like finally getting a pair of glasses after years of not being able to see well.

Last year I moved into my “prime” as an adult shooter. A friend of ours had a Winchester Model 70, .270 short mag for sale. I had been contemplating what gun to buy next, because my hunting desires had increased to bear and moose, and I knew I would need a larger caliber for pursuing that game. So we went to try the gun out, shoot it a couple times to see how I liked it. I pulled the trigger one time and told the man I’d take it.

After years of preparation, I felt ready for a gun of this caliber. What an incredible feeling. I could use this gun for everything from whitetail hunting in my home state of Missouri, to moose hunting in Alaska. This was the gun for me.

The scope I’m using on this gun is a Burris Signature Select 3x10x40 mil dot. I love the mil dots, because I always know where to hold on the animal at whatever distance it may be.

Talk about a clear picture.

QuikCamo, Game Face Gear Review

I LOVE THIS HAT. . . As with all hunters, I’m always looking for new, innovative ideas for hunting gear. At the National Wild Turkey Convention held in Nashville, Tennessee, this past February, I had the opportunity to try on the Quik Camo hat and face net created by a company called Game Face Gear. The owners of the company, Doug Niedrich and Warren Nichols, demonstrated the convenient and advantageous use of their product. By the end of the show, they had sold out of the hats and had orders for more to ship out to convinced customers.

I finally got to put my new gear to the test during the Missouri spring turkey season. I will tell you, I’m extremely satisfied with the featured designs, material and usability of this hat. When the need arises to conceal your face in a hurry, this is the one to rely on.

The Quik Camo hat is constructed with a built-in facemask. The material of the facemask wicks moisture, is breathable and quick drying. It drops down easily right in place where you need it each and every time, unlike the traditional facemasks that you have to tug around on to get in the position you need so you can see through the eye holes.

With this product concept, you can move around in the woods with the facemask tucked underneath the hat so you’re not catching it on limbs and brush. For a quick cover-up, simply tip the hat up off your head, the net drops down in place, and you are set to go.

The company also designed a hat for bow hunters, allowing the bill to be turned around, out of the way of your bowstring, and the net coming down on the opposite side.

The Quik Camo hat is an extremely well-thought out design. It has a Scent Bandit anti-microbial sweatband. The face net also has small holes for the earpiece of your glasses or sunglasses to fit through, which have been stitched around so the material doesn’t fray. The portion covering the ears is designed with a netting material so as to not block any sound for the hunter.

This is a great product that should be a part of every hunter’s gear. Check it out at www.quikcamo.com.

I took this photograph one evening while on my daily five-mile walk. There's so much going on around me, it doesn't even feel like I've walked that far (well, maybe by the end of the trek). I can truly say I know what they mean by it's the "journey." Not only are the sunsets incredible at that time of day, but the evening sounds are very blissful. Some people use their iPOD or some form of music to listen to while walking or jogging, which I can understand it helps to pass the time, and some just really enjoy listening to music. I too love music, but the hum of the night sounds takes me to a whole different realm. It's so soothing and relaxing hearing the frogs, katydids, cicadas and the birds. The whole scenario makes me feel very blessed to live in a country where I'm free to enjoy all these elements surrounding me. I soak up the sights and sounds, so it's not just physical exercise, it's mental, emotional and spiritual.

Speedy's Pheasant & Wild Rice

1/4 Cup margarine or butter
3 Boneless skinless whole pheasant breasts
1 Cup chopped onions
1 Can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 Can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 Jars (4 1/2 oz. each) button or sliced
mushrooms, drained
1 Can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts,
rinsed and drained
1 Cup water
1 Cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and
drained
1/2 C cooking sherry
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 Cup slivered almonds, toasted (opt.)

Heat oven to 325. In 10-inch nonstick skillet,
melt margarine over medium high heat. Add
pheasant pieces and onions. Cook for 10 to 12
minutes, or until meat is browned, stirring
occassionally.

In 3-quart casserole, combine pheasant
mixture and remaining ingredients, except
almonds. Cover. Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours,
or until rice is tender and kernels are open,
stirring once during baking. Sprinkle almonds
evenly over top. Makes 8 servings.

My Hunting and Fishing Background

HUNTING:

Deer and Elk Hunting. I have deer hunted for over 30 years. Currently, I hunt with a Winchester .270 short mag, sporting a Burris Signature Select 3 x 10 x 40 scope. In the past, I’ve used a Remington 7mm .08 with a Tasco World Class variable scope, and a .30 caliber carbine, a Remington .243, and a Marlin 30-30, all with iron sights. I have also deer hunted with a Ruger .45 long colt single-action pistol and a Martin bow.

Many of my hunts have been from ladder stands, climbing tree stands, and ground stands, although I do occasionally hunt and stalk. I have hunted whitetail deer throughout the state of Missouri, and have hunted mule deer in the state of Colorado, with both rifle and bow, and have had successful harvests. I have also hunted elk with bow and rifle, but have never gotten an elk.

I have taken my children and grandchildren on many of these hunts. I deeply believe that these traditions should be passed on down to their generations. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures to be with one of your children or grandchildren when they get their first deer or turkey.


Turkey Hunting. I also have a great passion for turkey hunting. I’ve turkey hunted for over 20 years, and have been successful many of those seasons. I hunt with a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag .12 ga.

The first year I decided I wanted to learn to hunt turkey, I bought a box call, a slate call, a Quaker Boy mouth call, and an instructional tape. I practiced these calls until I felt confident in my ability to call up a turkey. To tell a funny story on myself, the first time I called one in, I was so shocked that I actually did it, that I didn’t even shoot, I just looked at it. Since that time, I’m ready and waiting.

I have also taken my children turkey hunting many years, and now they’re taking me. It’s a great family sport.


Bird Hunting. Bird hunting is quickly becoming another favorite pastime of mine. I have dove hunted for several years, and have also hunted quail and pheasant. Hunting with sporting dogs during these hunts is quite rewarding. Watching them work the terrain in search of the birds is a very moving experience. A Beretta .20 gauge shotgun is my gun of choice for this type of hunting. It's lightweight for carrying in the field.


Small game hunting. Rabbit and squirrel hunting are right up there near the top of my list for hunting. I have spent many, many hours in the woods squirrel hunting, looking for hickory trees where they’ve been working on the hickory nuts. We have always had beagles for rabbit hunting, and I especially enjoy rabbit hunting when there is a snow on the ground. I have hunted squirrels and rabbits with a Remington 870 .20 ga. shotgun, but to really tighten up on the target, I carry a Ruger 10/22 rifle.

For the past several summers, we have gone to a ranch out in Wyoming to go prairie dog shooting. We shoot anything from handguns, .17 caliber rifles and pistols, .220 Swift, 22-250, to 6mm-285 and 6.5mm 285 water-cooled rifles.

Hunting the wiley coyote is also a great sport. I had the opportunity in the past connect on one with a 400 yard shot using a Remington 7mm-08. He ended up about 40 yards out on the ice of our lake, so I was unable to retrieve him. Later that day I had the breathtaking experience of watching a Bald Eagle feed on the carcus.


TRAPPING:

When our youngest son was still in high school, I’ve spent many early mornings and late evenings setting and checking his traps with him. We have trapped muskrats, beaver, otter and bobcats. He later sold his furs to a local fur trader or took them to a fur auction.


FISHING:

Bass fishing. Now, bass fishing takes me to a whole new realm. It is an obsession of mine. We have a nine-acre lake on our property that has been stocked with bass, catfish, and hybrid bluegill, that we fish in from early spring to late fall. We have also fished in Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Osage River, Missouri River, and many other rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds throughout the state of Missouri.

I use the Bass Pro Extreme baitcasting reel, and also use a Johnny Morris baitcast reel, and I'm also familiar with closed-face reels and underspin reels. I have fished with artificial lures, plastic worms, minnows, cut bait, night crawlers, and anything else I think might work.

I have fished on Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake for white bass, crappie, drum and catfish. I am familiar with the operation of a boat, trolling motor, fish finders, and depth finders, although, my husband is usually the operator when we go, I’m too busy fishing.


HARVESTING:

I am a firm believer in processing any game or fish (unless it’s a catch and release). I have field dressed deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, doves, quail, pheasant, and fish, and feel that this also needs to be passed down to our future generations. It is an essential part of the hunt.


MEMBERSHIPS:

The WOMA (Women's Outdoor Media Association)
Writer - The WON (Women's Outdoor News)
NWTF
Women in the Outdoors
NRA
Women on Target
Missouri Hunter Education Instructor
Women Hunters



GOALS:

It is my goal to pass down any knowledge in the shooting sports I have had the honor to experience.

When Camo Wasn't Cool

I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember wearing Woodland Camo
Long before the birth of Mossy Oak
Real Tree was just something we
saw in the woods
And Advantage was what we’d take
if we could.

There was no Wetlands camo
Not even Nat Gear
But simply hunting camo
Like the Army would wear.

And I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember walking in for groceries
Camo pants and all
I’d get lots of stares
And I’m sure not all in awe
But I always held my head high
Proud what I stood for
Because camo was more for me
Than just something that I wore.

I was carrying on a tradition
which I had grown to love
I want to be able to take care of my family
If the world comes to push and shove.

I’m thankful for our freedom
And our right to bear arms
And I’ll stand toe to toe
With those who wish us harm.

So when I wear camo clothing
It’s not just when I hunt
I wear camo clothing
To make a statement.