The Wisconsin Youth gun hunt went very well at the Van Riper Hunting Camp this year. My son Spencer was fortunate enough to connect on his first deer. My Brother Jim's son Griffin was also able to take his first deer. Two boys in camp for the first time with firearms can be pretty exciting for the little guys. 

      We started out the weekend by rearranging the cabin furniture a little bit in order to accommodate an uncommonly large crowd of characters. Our cabin can sleep 5 comfortably, however this past weekend we had eight bodies in the cabin. We had to move the recliners outside on the deck to be able to fit the cots and air matresses on the floor. We were just plain out of real estate. It was cozy and fun. 

        My brother and his son arrived at camp early in the evening the night prior to the hunt so they went out for a little scouting mission and saw some decent deer activity. The fever was on once the boys connected at camp later that night. We awoke to cold 30 degrees on Saturday morning as the Wisconsin Youth Gun Hunt kicked off. The deer activity was decidedly slow on Saturday morning, so my son and I and Scott put up a new tree stand in an area where no one had hunted in a long time. Right along a great trail. I can't wait to get back to camp and hunt the new set. 

       Saturday evening rolled in and we were sitting in the Shuttle blind overlooking the "Salad Bowl" food plot! almost immediately deer started to show up. First we watched a very large 4 pointer wander around the field and browse, then another small deer, which we had pegged as a nubby buck. Then the deer perked up and their attention turned to something that was coming down the path from the ridge top. It was a nice mature doe. So I offered to my son to take the 30-30 and pinpoint the spot on the mid section of this mama and give the trigger a squeeze. Bang!! the gun barked and the doe fell right in her tracks! Success! The celebration began instantly. 

       Now, you know your young son watches way too many hunting television shows, when right after the doe fell to her death, he turns and looks into the camera and says " G-G-G- Gimme a second folks ". I was falling over laughing! What a great experience. 

       Later that day I was amazed to see my 11 year old so eager to get his hands bloody while fully engaged in the gutting process. He wanted to cut through the diaphragm, He wanted to pull out the gut pile, He wanted to wash out the cavity. I was happy to see him want to be part of the whole occasion we all so dearly refer to as Deer Hunting. I think I have a new hunting buddy for life!

Remember to take your kids out hunting, you will enjoy the memories forever!

Bob Nash

Co-Founder

DeerCampNetwork.com

This weekend marks the Wisconsin Youth Firearms Deer Hunt. Every year in early October the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources holds a two day firearms hunt for youths ages 12 - 16. This gives the youth hunters a slight advantage to try and capitalize on some early season deer action. I can remember back in the early 80's this season was not available then, unfortunately it started the year I was 17 and I was not able to try out a youth hunt. 

Well, this year we will have a full camp of extremely excited young boys who are eager to get in the woods before sun up, or so they claim now from the comfort of their couches, video game controllers in hand. I can't decide if I am more excited for the boys to get in the woods or if my Wife is more excited to be solo. She will get the weekend to relax in peace and quiet at home with no whistles, no arguments, no teasing. 

At the Van Riper Hunt Camp, we have a small but well appointed A-Frame cabin ( with satellite TV ) that is 1.2 miles back in the woods. Nice and secluded. I hope the creature comforts of home don't break the boys psyche and cause them to lose focus on what we are going to Deer Camp to accomplish. There is always trail camera photo retrieval and I plan on letting the boys fire up the laptop and cruise through the pictures, that'll pump em up. A Bonfire, hot dogs and marshmallows. 8 bodies in our little cabin is going to be a challenge..??

I'm sure the squirrels have chewed up all of the toilet paper rolls we left in the outhouse last weekend, so I can't wait to see how the boys figure that one out. Tree rubs are starting to show up, scrapes are going pretty good now, the leaves are falling off of the trees, the understory is all compacted down, so the woods will look pretty opened up by now. The boys are all ages 10- 12, so the learning experience they are going to get from Grandpa and my Brother Jim and I will definitely harken their attention and create some lasting memories. Cousins in Deer Camp with their elders, what more could you ask for!

I just picked up a new Kodak High Definition touch screen video camera, so we can film the lads on their first gun hunt. Who knows, maybe one of them will shoot a booner. Then I will publish it on DeerCampNetwork.com for every one to get a look. We've gone to the range and sighted in the 30-30 rifles and we are right on target. We've gone to the store for the essentials. I think we are all set!  Take your kids hunting any chance you get.

Remember, if you are going afield in Wisconsin this weekend you must wear Blaze Orange.

 Let's all stay safe.

I will let you know how the Hunt goes!

Follow our hunt on Twitter at #deercampnetwork

Bob Nash

Co-Founder

DeerCampNetwork.com

Courtesy of The Outdoor Wire

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wisconsin's First Modern-era Wolf Season Opens October 15

MADISON - Wisconsin's inaugural wolf hunt will commence on October 15, marking the transition from wolf recovery to wolf management in the state.

"This is a landmark moment in conservation history," said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. "Hunters and trappers engaging in Wisconsin's first state-managed season can hang their hats on being part of a pivotal chapter in wolf management, a story that can be shared with generations to come."

Between opening day and Feb. 28, 2013, up to 1,160 state licensed hunters and trappers will take to the field, aiming to harvest no more than 201 wolves from a population of more than 850. With wolf numbers and depredations at an all-time high, the goal of the closely managed hunt is to reduce the wolf population to a more biologically and socially acceptable level.

"The recovery of the wolf to being a harvestable species is a remarkable success story in wildlife conservation," Stepp said. "It's amazing to think that some of our hunters and trappers were children when the wolf was nearly eliminated from the landscape, and now will be part of hunting a solid population."

The species was listed for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. With wolf populations eight times higher than delisting goals and far exceeding the goal for hunting in accordance with DNR's state wolf management plan [PDF], wolves were delisted in Wisconsin this past January and management authority was returned to the state.

"This wouldn't have happened without the dedication of hunters, trappers, volunteers, agencies and research institutions that assisted with gray wolf recovery," said Stepp. "We are successfully out of species recovery mode and into species management mode. We look forward to working with these same partners as we continue to write the story of the wolf in Wisconsin."

Season specifics

The wolf season runs Oct. 15, 2012 to Feb. 28, 2013. However, if harvest levels reach the quota for a zone, the department will enact an emergency closure in that zone. If a zone is closed, it would not take effect until at least 24 hours after the department announces the closure.

Up to 201 wolves can be harvested this season, 85 of which are reserved for Native American tribes within the ceded territory of northern Wisconsin.

20,272 people applied for licenses with 1,160 awarded through a random computerized drawing (1,145 Wisconsin applicants and 15 to out-of-state applicants). Those not drawn this year have earned a preference point for future drawings.

Wolf harvest licenses can be purchased at any license sales location or online at dnr.wi.gov now or during the season. The cost is $100 for residents, and $500 for nonresidents.

Successful applicants can transfer their wolf harvest license to a youth or an adult who meets the eligibility requirements. Transfer applications must be received at DNR by Oct. 14.

A wolf license authorizes both hunting and trapping. The license holder must meet the appropriate education requirements for trapping, Hunter Education, or must be participating in the Hunting Mentorship program.

A recent judicial ruling has temporarily prevented or enjoined the use of dogs for hunting wolves, and also the use of dogs to train to hunt wolves. As a result of this ruling, please be advised that the use of dogs for tracking and trailing of wolves is not authorized when hunting wolves under a wolf harvesting license. Also, the use of dogs for training to track or trail free ranging wolves is not authorized at this time.

Anyone seeking additional information about the hunt, or if they would like to receive email updates about harvest and zone information, should call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-936-7463. The Call Center is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information on the wolf hunt, regulations, and maps, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search "wolf."

Contact: 

Kurt Thiede, DNR Land Division Administrator, 608-266-5833 or Bill Cosh, DNR Spokesperson, 608-267-2773

This might become the new State of Wisconsin Archery Record!!

Paul Keller arrowed this massive Buck just three days into the Wisconsin Archery season. This monster scored green at 244" and weighed in 215 pounds. This buck was taken near the Town of Marion in Waupaca County , Wisconsin on September 18th, 2012. 

Very near one of our featured Deer Camp Network.com member camps. The boys at The Canadian Club Double 40 camp were at JR's Bar and Grill in Big Falls, Wisconsin to be a part of the registration celebration!

 Great Buck, Great Job! - Paul. Congratulations!

This guy was seen in Port Washington ,Wisconsin on 7-20-2012. This dude would make a cool mount !!

This is a first for us at the Van Riper Camp. We are taking Three young youth hunters out at Camp for the Mentor Turkey Hunt this coming weekend. I am certain we are in store for some wide eyed, giddy, smiley hunting episodes over the next four days. These boys will never forget this opportunity to hunt Turkeys with their fathers for the first time. We are so excited to get these young bucks in the woods!

I know I still haven't forgot the first time I pulled the trigger on a shotgun at an animal. that feeling only grows stronger as we grow older. Now, for the first time my Brother Jim will get to introduce his young son to the world of hunting and outdoor sportsmanship. I get to share in the experience with my two younger sons as well. My older son has hunted with me for 4 years now, and he is as excited to bring his brothers to camp as I am. The best part, these boys will get the chance to hunt their Grandpa. The same man that taught my brother and I to enjoy the outdoors. What a legacy for our Dad!

As the pictures roll in, we will post them at the Van Riper Camp profile. Be sure to check them out! So, in closing, remember to take a youth hunter out as often as you can. And be sure to be patient and teach them the proper, safe way to hunt. They will remember it forever!!

Bob Nash

Co-Founder 

www.deercampnetwork.com 

We had an outstanding show this weekend at the Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo! Our booth was overloaded with interested folks seeking to become the newest members of DeerCampNetwork.com. We featured a Scratch Off ticket prize giveaway promotion at this show. We got an overwhelming response from the promo. 

Field and Stream magazine recently purchased the show rights from the former Owner and the venue was virtually the same as last year. Still held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison Wisconsin, we had our usual booth set up conveniently located near a mobile Beer Bar. The only down side to the show this year was that none of the Outdoor Super Stars were in attendance. The fans that walked the show were less than happy that the Big stars were not there. The New Products section of the show featured some very intuitive, inventive products that I'm sure will help shape the world of hunting. 

We were glad to make a bunch of new acquaintances with industry partners which all shared in the quest to network and market their names and products. We've created some new alliances with hunting industry companies that will be adding their products to our Store segment. All in all a great show!

Thanks Everyone,

Bob 

Co-Founder DCN  

As fall creeps in again, the big question for sportsman is whether to hit the water, the fields or the woods in early November. For those of us who own boats and never had the good fortune of going out fishing that much this past summer, the thought of pulling in a hog of a musky can tend to sway your decision towards fishing rather than hunting. For those who have only a couple of weekends a year to finally get out there and hunt for whitetails, the decision is pretty clear. For me, I wrestle with this decision annually. I belong to a hunt club based out of North Dakota, the waterfowl field hunting mecca, and I seriously love to lay down and shoot snows and canadas and ducks, so my decision for 2011 is made up. I'm going to N.D. after missing a season last year due to hunting Whtietails.

For the avid musky fisherman, the Northwoods lakes are the place to be when November 1st rolls around. For the Whitetail Deer Hunter, the leafless boreal forests are the playground for us. 

Whatever your pleasure, as the High School football games head towards playoffs and the leaves are almost all gone, pick wisely and have fun!!

We are at it again over at DeerCampNetwork.com! Laying down different types of attractants at different trail camera locations proved to be very effective for various reasons. Trying to capture some great trail camera photos can be a challenge sometimes. There have been all kinds of trials and tribulations in my personal trail camera experiences. Battery failures, cameras falling down the tree, cameras getting stolen, other people retrieving cards and not resetting the camera properly, etc... you name it, it's happened. 

As one of the guys in our Camp once said " it's like having all of your presents taken away from you on Christmas morning" - it's a real bummer to get to your favorite camera only to find out that the pictures are not there.? I'm sure we've all had some disappointments in our own trail camera careers as well. After you've mastered all of the ins and outs of your trail cameras and the downloading and uploading goes smoothly, you have only one final aspect to hope for: getting deer to walk by for a quick snapshot! This can be the biggest challenge.

We have placed trail cameras over real scrapes, mock scrapes, food plot pinch points, rubbing trees, road edges, trails... you name it, we've placed cameras on all the spots. For the last two years now we have been placing attractants down in front of the cameras and getting great results! So this year we decided to try something a little "twisted up", we placed Acorn based attractant down below an Apple tree and in another spot we placed Apple based attractant down in front of a great acorn producing Oak tree. The results were very surprising to us.

First, the Apple tree was absolutely loaded with beautiful apples and they were dropping like mad. We could see the grass and brush around the base of the apple tree was destroyed for a 10 yard radius, we thought there was no way the deer were going to care about a little attractant in this spot. They were seemingly eating all of the apples as they were falling. there were not many apples laying around on the ground. Well, 393 trail camera photos and only 4 days later and we were sure surprised to discover that the bucks were all over the attractant and they cared less about the apples. In fact, in most of the photos, the bucks were sparring and hogging up the attractant and not touching the apples at all. You can see apples laying on the ground right in front of the attractant for days untouched. In that span of 4 days we only captured 6 does on film from this location.

The Oak tree location was only about 300 yards away at the other end of the same long field. The Oak tree, however, was not a great producer at all. We captured only 60 pictures in the same 4 day time span. Almost all of the photos were does. At the Oak tree, remember we placed Apple based attractant and there were a couple thousand fresh hulled Acorns laying all over the ground around at the base of this Oak tree. the does could have cared less about the Apple based attractant and munched up all of the Acorns they could find. Not a one Buck on film here. Very surprising!

This might be a tale of which attractant worked better or it could be a lesson in camera placement, either way the cameras operated smoothly and the pictures we got were great. I am sticking with the Acorn based attractant for the rest of the season and my trusted Cuddeback IR cameras, I can't say enough good things about. Good luck hunting this season and hopefully everyone can effectively take great photos from their trail cameras. To be able to view your inventory is one of the most positive ways to stay confident on those long tree stand sits.

Bob Nash

Co-Founder

Sitting around discussing the pros and cons of climbing tree stands vs. hang on tree stands with my 15 year old son this evening. We discussed every angle of the comparison:  safety, comfort and mobility. The difference we found is whether or not you have the right land for the stand.

If your land is private land and has many stationary stands, then you probably have little need for a climber stand. If you hunt large tracts of land and enjoy the ability to move at will, then the climber is for your style of hunting. On our property, we have at last count, 17 fixed or hang on stands and we all switch off taking turns hunting all of our stands. Our land is loaded with white and red oaks as well as birches and beeches. This I explained to my son presents a challenge for using a climber stand. His wish for Christmas was to get a climber stand and I told him that we have a hard time using them at our place while still being stealthy. 

As an ambitious young hunter, my boy wants to experiment with freelancing around our property and climbing trees to hunt in many different spots. We hunt a total of 300 acres amongst 5 hunters, so the place is very mapped out and us "wise old hunters" have the stands placed in all the spots where deer travel and feed and bed. With a limited amount of land and an abundance of tree stands already strategically placed, I have to reassure him that the stands are set in good spots. Also, we would have to go around our land and prune a bunch of select mature trees up to about 20 feet above the ground in order to make climbing stands usable. It is just not practical to saw branches off of trees on your way up each time and still have a quiet, effective hunt.

As he pressed for the gift, I explained the not-so-safe aspects of allowing a 15 year old to use a climber stand with little to no experience. For one if the foot hold portion of the stand falls away, it's extremely hard to shimmy down the tree to safety, not to mention all the noise it causes. Been there done that. If the tree stand itself fails, there is no ladder stick or climbing aid to pull yourself onto to get to safety and undo your safety harness. 

So for now the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to climber vs. hang on. If you practice hunting wild animals from a Hang On or a Climbing Stand, the choice is most likely related to the type of land you hunt on. If  you practice hunting from a tree stand in general, always wear a safety harness and hunt safely.

Good luck this weekend and let the little ones pass on by.

Bob