Tips for the Fellow Waterfowler
February 20, 2012 by GrantMoore · Leave a Comment
Ideas for the Worn Out Waterfowler
As the long 2011-12 season comes to an end, the majority of us waterfowlers that spent a large amount of time in the field or water are usually tired, beat down, and the last thing you want to do is pick up a call or pull up a pair of waders. But as we all know, we will get the fever soon and will be looking forward and preparing for next season. Proper maintenance and storage of all of your equipment will result in less of a headache when it comes time to pull it back out. Here are a few tips that will help us out for the next season.
Pull all of your equipment out, being as it is probably nice and damp or smells terrible from a long season. Wash your bibs or jackets, hang them up and store them away in whatever closet doesn’t get you griped out over. Clean up your waders and check for holes by filling them up with water and patching if need be; then hang them upside down and let them completely dry out for a few days in a safe place before storage.
Go through your decoys, whether you Texas Rig them or have them in a bag. Clean them up and untangle everything and string them up or hang them along with your waders in a high place like your garage, shop or barn; that way you can keep the rodents off of them. I also like to go through my blind bag and get rid of all the trash and loose shells and reorganize everything.
The most important thing to me is taking care of your calls. This is crucial to the longevity and the quality of sound you’ll get out of them next season or for an upcoming contest. Take them off the lanyard, open them up and pull the reed and cork out if you’re comfortable with that. I usually use Q-tips to clean everything out and make sure it’s all good and dry. Check the quality of the reed in the call and make sure there are no tears or warps. Additionally, if you’re able and the call has cork, replace the cork inside of the call as well. Make sure everything is good and dry and once you’re sure of that, put your call back together and put them away.
Also, as waterfowlers, we never are very good with keeping our guns clean. As long as they shoot we are content. At the end of every season I like to give it a good cleaning, oil it up and properly store it until the next season.
These are just a few things I like to do at the end of a long hunting season. Now pull the clubs out and hit the golf course, or pull out the fishing gear, grease up the reels, replace line, organize the tackle box and hit the lake!
A Season to Dance
February 17, 2012 by MattTruesdale · 2 Comments
Can you feel it? The days are starting to get longer, the weather is beginning to get slightly warmer, and the snow is starting to melt away. It’s time that a new season gets into full swing, and no, it is not outdoors related. It’s time to dance! Yes. That’s right, dance. Every spring an ambience of enthusiasm engulfs Happy Valley and the students of Penn State for a full 48 hours at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. (Commonly referred to as THON). Yes, this two day season is short compared to others that we are used to, but the work put forth by everyone involved is a dedication to life and love that cannot be challenged.
So what exactly is THON? THON is the largest student run philanthropy in the entire United States. THON is a student organization comprised or numerous chairmen, committees, volunteers, and student dancers, that strive to raise both awareness and funding for the Four Diamonds Fund. THON is a grueling 2 day endeavor where students stay awake and on their feet for a single unified purpose. And trust me, it is very tough. I’ve participated in THON during my time at PSU.
The Four Diamonds Fund is an organization that is dedicated to help in the fight against childhood cancer. Revenue generated by THON that is donated to the Four Diamonds Fund is used to “assist children treated at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.” Most recently, in 2011 the Penn State students involved with THON were able to raise a total of 9.5 million dollars. After budget costs needed to run THON, nearly 97% of that money generated goes directly to the Four Diamonds Fun. Amazing, right?
THON has raised more than $78 million collectively since the dances humble beginning in 1973. In 1973 the very first dance marathon at Penn State lasted only 30 hours and featured a little over 40 dancers, raising $2,000. Currently, THON includes over 700 dancers, 3,300 Committee Members, and 15,000 student volunteers. The majority of these numbers are involved during the THON weekend dance marathon, but many other volunteers are utilized months prior to THON as they go “canning”, or seek donations throughout Pennsylvania and many other states along the east coast.
As you read this blog entry the masses of volunteers, dancers, families, and supporters are flocking to the Bryce Jordan Center on the Campus of Penn State for THON weekend, February 17 – 19. For the next two days students will be on their feet dancing in the hope that the money raised will be able to find a cure for childhood cancer. If you would like more information on thon please visit www.thon.org. You can also donate to THON by clicking the yellow “DONATE NOW” tab at the top right hand corner of www.thon.org. Also, starting Friday evening, a live video stream of THON (via www.thon.org) will be made available to view for the entire duration of THON so you can enjoy the celebration even miles away from State College!
More information regarding the Four Diamonds Fund can be found at http://pennstatehershey.org/web/fourdiamonds/home
“Together, we’ll make a difference in the life of a child!”
THON Participants and brothers of Tau Phi Delta Eric Bailey and Corbin Rinehart
Volunteers "canning" for THON. Picture thanks to (http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/hpa/news/2006/thon_06.html)
It’s Your Right to Choose!
February 15, 2012 by Jenny Romanin · Leave a Comment
February 14th in the year 2012 wasn’t just for Valentine’s Day… As many of you have heard, an anti-gun group prepared to boycott Starbucks for abiding by state and federal laws by allowing those who choose to legally carry firearms to do so. As a result, those who elect to live a pro-gun lifestyle will be showing their support by making purchases with $2 bills to offset any financial losses due to this cause.
While Starbucks may not be pro-gun, they give their clients the respect to allow them to make their own decisions regarding the 2nd Amendment.
While many have their reasons for choosing what they believe, it is up to that individual to decide. If you are a firm supporter of the 2nd Amendment and the Constitution I encourage you to grab a cup of Joe, a calming tea or a hot chocolate to warm up in support of Starbucks.
We’ll be following this story to see what happened.
Want to find out more information? Go to http://gunssavelives.net/blog/gun-owners-show-your-support-to-starbucks-on-feb-14-2012/.
Pro Staff Member Giving Back
February 15, 2012 by CollegiateCamo · Leave a Comment
Pro Staff Member Matt Aarstad helping a young man learn the how to’s of archery! Aarstad is a member of the East River Strutters Chapter of the NWTF located in Bon Homme Co, SD and the Chapter began hosting a youth archery program for the youth in the area, thus far the program has been a hit with both young and old!
Special Valentine’s Day Wishes from Our CollegiateCamo Family
February 14, 2012 by Jenny Romanin · Leave a Comment
In honor of Valentine’s Day… We would like to let those we love know it. Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!
It takes a special woman to put up with me. I’ve definitely learned that the past three years. My girlfriend, Brittany, supports me in everything I do. I couldn’t love her more. Even though I have traveled more this year than ever, she never seems to care too much because she knows I love hunting more than anything in the world. I really hope she knows I will always be her Valentine.
I love you, Brittany. Happy Valentine’s Day.
~Brad
This will be the 15th Valentine’s Day that I have had the opportunity to celebrate with my wife, Amy Rogers. Over those 15 years I’ve been late getting back home from hunting and fishing trips more times than I could count, I’ve spent more money on my love for the outdoors than I’ll admit to, I’ve left her kitchen covered in blood, feathers, scales, and bones, I’ve put my hunting dog on a higher pedestal than an animal should ever be and so on and so on and she has never once complained. She supports me in everything I do. Thank you Amy, for being the beautiful, supportive wife and mother to my kids that you are. I love you Amy, Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
~Jeremy
Happy Valentine’s Day to my wife, Mary Beth. The last few years have been the best years of my life. I am so thankful to be blessed with such an amazing girl who shares the same values as I do. I love you with all my heart baby!!
All my love,
~Jimmy Tyler
I would like to wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my friends and family. These are people that have shown me love and support through the years and I am very grateful for each and every one. My relationship with each one of you is as unique and special as the next. I hope you all have a wonderful day! I love you all dearly!
~Jenny Romanin
Light a Fire This Valentine’s Day
February 1, 2012 by Jenny Romanin · Leave a Comment
It’s that time of year once again…. It’s just around the corner… The holiday often dreaded because you don’t know what to get your lover. Valentine’s Day is only a couple weeks away. Time is running out to get them a special something to “light a fire” and show that you care!
Ladies… Are you pondering what to get your huntin’ hunny this year? Guys, still lost on what you get your huntress hottie? No need to fret!
How about our sexy lingerie that will work as a gift for both!
We have lingerie in several styles, patterns and colors that can bring spark to your evening of romance. CollegiateCamo will be offering a special on lingerie through Feb 15th. In order to get your 20% off be sure to use discount code “heart20” at the check out when you purchase our “hot” Wilderness Dreams Lingerie for your Valentine.
CollegiateCamo is Coming to You! Be Sure to Come Visit Us January 27-29, 2012!
January 23, 2012 by Jenny Romanin · Leave a Comment
Come visit us in Topeka, KS for the Monster Buck Classic at Booth 139.
The highlight of our booth will be Miss January from our “Women of the Outdoors” calendar. She will be autographing copies of the calendar (we expect her to have her Duck Calls with her too & boy does she know how to use them!)
CollegiateCamo will have discounts on our items, especially our signature outdoor college themed decals. Kansas State, University of Kansas and Fort Hays State will have the premier spot at this show, however we’ll be selling all school logos at a discounted price.
This show offers many opportunities for entertainment and education for the entire family. There will be many exhibitors, seminars, contests and celebrities for your enjoyment!
Admission Pricing Show Hours
14 and over: $10.00 Friday: 1 PM – 9 PM
Youth (8 – 13): $6.00 Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Children 7 and under: Free Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
*Paid admission is good for the entire weekend so attendees can come and go as they please!
There is a $1.00 per person for parking cost to be collected at the ticket window.
For additional info about the Monster Buck Classic visit http://www.monsterbuckclassic.com/.
Additionally, we will be in Omaha, NE (Century Link Center) for the Nebraska Big Buck Classic at Booth 700. This show offers many opportunities for entertainment and education for the outdoor enthusiast. This show will include exhibitors, seminars, contests and much more for your enjoyment! A great idea for families too!
Nebraska fans will enjoy discounts on all items “Big Red”!
General Admission Show Hours
Single day tickets: Friday: 4pm to 9pm
Adults: $10 Saturday: 9am to 8pm
Kids 7-12: $5 Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Kids Under 7: FREE
Friday Night is Youth Night !!! Free General Admission for All Children Under 12!!!
For additional info about the Big Buck Classic visit http://www.nebraskabigbuckclassic.com/index.html.
Monster Buck Classic and Big Buck Classic
January 22, 2012 by CollegiateCamo · Leave a Comment
Get the Heck out of Missouri
December 29, 2011 by DaveWest · Leave a Comment
This trip to Nevada actually started in Arkansas at the “World Duck Calling” Championship. My buddy was headed back to Nevada and the invitation to tag along to hunt was irresistible.
After 27 hours of driving we reached Fallon Nevada; the nearest town to good hunting. The first day was spent scouting waterfowl; mainly ducks and Tundra swans.
Sometimes it happens like this and the first day of hunting was a bust…we zeroed out.
The next day made up for it. This was the first time I had swan hunted; it’s not legal to hunt swans in Missouri & Kansas where I spend most of my hunting time so this was exciting.
We used about 40 floating swan decoys and a special swan call by Allan Stanley Game Calls.
Our calling was successful. They are BIG birds! What’s cool is that the ducks in Nevada follow around the swans since the swans dig up the food from the bottom. Most of the time if you find swans there are plenty of ducks, too.
The limit for the season was two swans and I shot my first one the second day of hunting and my 2nd
was taken the 3rd day out.
On the 2nd day there were 5 of us hunting and 5 swans were shot which was the most my buddy had ever seen killed in one day. We were all victorious.
Then the rest of the fun followed…the feast was great. The swans were marinated in Italian dressing and teriyaki sauce and then grilled.
Nope…doesn’t taste like chicken but more like steak.
This trip is one I would recommend to any waterfowl hunter.
Tundra Swan
Outdoorsman’s Style: “Night Before Christmas”
December 24, 2011 by Jenny Romanin · Leave a Comment
Twas the night before Christmas and all though the house,
I was cleaning and prepping the Christmas dinner grouse.
Tired, I turned on the TV to the Outdoor Channel to see,
The committed ducks that the Commander promised me.
I grabbed me some chips and popped a top on a cold beer,
As I drooled over the screen covered by the huge whitetail deer.
I glanced out the window across the man cave with glee,
HOLY SMOKES! there was trophy deer standing under the tree.
I grabbed my Browning BAR 30-06 and started to sneak,
Because I knew very well my family were all sound asleep.
I stalked across the yard for a better shot, my heart filled with hope,
To get the huge buck in the crosshairs of my seasoned scope.
Then I heard the old man, “Shoot my star reindeer and you’re dead.”
My kids would be mad if I put a 180 grain in that buck’s head!
The old man gleamed and said, “Buck Fever gets the best of us Boss.”
“I’m the fat guy from the greater North they call Santa Claus.”
My thoughts changed to holly and I smiled back at old Saint Nick,
I didn’t want him to think I was just some backwoods, dumb hick.
The guy looked plum tuckered so I asked if he needed a hand,
With hopes to discover a Parker bow or brand new tree stand.
He nodded with a smile and reached out his Grizzly Bear sized paw,
He looked towards the house, worrying that someone just saw.
I knew what his worries were, and like him I had some of mine
If my wife saw what I just did she’d put me in a box made of pine
The house stood silent, everyone still asleep, bless our good luck
Thank the lord that I didn’t take the shoot on St. Nick’s bold buck
We rushed back to work, bringing in the presents one by one,
When we were finished we clinked our glasses to a job well done.
He assured that my mishap would be a secret put to rest,
Like a kid I once again believed, knowing his word was the best.
We polished off every Christmas cookie in the house and he left for his sleigh
Before I had the chance He and his reindeer were up, up and away….
But I heard him exclaim, “Keep good will in your sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
