ckrich

Last year I ponied up and bought a Browning Maxus. One of my hunting buddies had picked one up the year before and let me try it out, and I was very, very impressed. I hunted and shot clays with it all of last year and have never had a cycling issue, no matter what ammo I used(from light 2 3/4" target loads to 3 1/2" high velocity steel). I had previous experience with the SBEII and liked it, but didn't like the price. Inertia driven guns can have some cycling problems with the lighter loads, and I had heard complaints of this from a close friend so I decided on gas driven. I shot a SX3 days before my purchase and was impressed with the smooth action, but the gun didn't really fit me. After a little hands on research, I saw that the SX3 and Maxus were very similar as far as mechanically, but the Maxus has the has a magazine cut-off lever and speed lock forearm where the SX3 does not, and the gun just shouldered well for me. It also comes with adjustment shims and length of pull butt plate spacer, all of which are easy to swap out in a matter of minutes. I fully recommend the Maxus, and I think anyone would be more than happy with it. I can't really speak for the Remington Versa Max other than that I've handled it and it seems like a quality firearm. The Berreta A400's are beautiful guns and I've heard great things from customers, but I couldn't spend $1650 on a duck gun. Then if you want a touch of nostalgia, there's the new Browning A5 with the updated recoil driven system and lighter weight design. I'd really like to get to try one of these out.

Congrats that is a great deer! I like how the tines curve a bit

I didn't get to go this weekend, and I'm still not seeing many birds or any movement to speak of. It sounds like there are birds farther west. My cousin and his buddies took 16 on Saturday moning near Piedmont, mostly widgeon with a gaddy and one lonely pintail.

Congrats on the buck! I haven't been out much either, but I've had two reports of chasing and heavy movement.One from last night and one from this morning. Its ON!

Saweet buck man! Congrats!

Scent Lok vs. Under Armour No. It's a plastic container, it will either have no smell or it will absorb the earth scent. Just like the scent wafers, which are plastic. I think you are putting too much worry into your gear. Yes, it is a good practice to keep your gear scent controlled. But your body is putting off scent constantly.

That's ridiculous. Go to Walmart and buy one of the $18 plastic totes, the kind that looks like a chest with the lid attached. Wash your hunting clothes in scent free/eliminating detergent, dry them and put them right in the tote. If you want to "impregnate" them with a cover scent, get some of the earth scented plastic wafers and drop a couple in the tote with your clothes. Rotate the waffers to recharge them every couple of times you wear your clothes. Take care to reduce what you expose your hunting clothes to, so don't wear them around the house, go to the store, ect. If you're not hunting, your clothes should be in the tote. Whenever possible, carry in one of your layers to reduce sweating. Also, carry a bottle of scent eliminating spray to the stand, and once you are in the stand spray yourself down again. That is taking it to the extreme, but that is what it sounds like you are looking for. I'd say 90% of my hunting gear is UA, and I love it. Don't forget that the most important scent control is achieved by paying attention to the wind and setting up accordingly.

We had one good flight of about 30 birds come in right at first light, and worked outside of the decoys. Got a chance and reworking them after a bit and pulled a few down. Saw small groups(2-4 birds) and singles after that, and we ended up taking 12 for the morning. Not seeing big numbers move, and we definitely need a big cold front to push them down. I've just about given up on hoping for rain. Oh, and Jeramie.... I hunted all morning with one of my own calls! :yes: It still needs a little back pressure work before you get one tho.

Awesome bull! Great job!

That will get the ol heart going! Way to keep your cool. Stick with it, you'll get one soon!

Packing day Good luck!

First bow buck!! Nice buck!

Man, that is rough. Anybody else miss the downtown hardware store?

I am definitely entering next year. Time to start looking for that recurve. It sucks that you struck out on this go round, but at least you have that experience to remember, and have scouted it out for me.

Just got a text from Jeramie. Sounds like he's back at work and playing catch-up, and unfortunately he went home with a tag sandwich.

I'm fairly certain that anything within a half mile could have smelled me as much as I was sweating Saturday evening. 40 degree temp swings are no fun, unless the mercury is dropping.

This should be a near perfect morning, good luck bud!

If you cleaned the whole duck... rub it with Cavendars seasoning and smoke it. Otherwise, pluck the breast, then fillet the breast meat off of the bone with the skin still on it. Take a lighter or torch and singe off all of the little fuzz still left on the skin, and put in a bowl with water and salt for a minimum of 30 mins(better if a couple hours or overnight). When you are ready to cook take the meat out and dry it on paper towels, patting it as dry as you can. Heat a skillet to med-high/high heat with a light coating of oil. Once the pan is hot, place the breast skin side down and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning. After the time is up, flip to the skinless side and cook for 1-2 minutes and season this side as well. Remove from skillet and let rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes. Enjoy! This is my favorite way to prepare duck breast, but it is important that you have the skin on and DO NOT overcook it. Medium at most, medium-rare is best.

Red dirt Oklahoma/Texas country

Glad to hear you are doing well! Still sending prayers your way.

Hunting is a way of relaxation, connecting with nature, spending time with family, ect. I'm sure I could keep going on an on with reasons that many of you undoubtedly share. A few years ago I ran across this question on another forum, and this morning I went back and reviewed what I said then. I think that I now have a greater understanding of why hunting, and fishing, means so much to me, but this is still the easiest, most profound way that I can describe it. Below is my answer from 3 years ago. When I am asked what drives me hunt, I simply answer that it fills my need. That response usually leads to the follow up question "What need?". I can only think of one way to explain it: I ask that person to take as deep a breath as possible and hold it. After 30 seconds their face is starting to turn red and I'm on the recieving end of a very questioning look. "Keep holding it," I say. When a minute rolls around my questioner is starting to turn purple. They can't take it anymore and loudly exhale and begin gulping air, to which I respond, "That need." For me, my passion for the outdoors and for hunting stems from a need that is hardwired into my soul, so basic that the only thing I can possibly compair it to is the need to breathe.

I'd say you were definitely below 50...it was 46 earlier in Kiefer. Looks like you'll have pretty decent weather as long as you don't get blown out of the tree. Good luck bud

Look up Cabela's Hunt Recon. Lots of features and really helps you keep records of your hunts.

Beautiful buck! You look like you're still in shock. Lol

Good work! keep it up