Photo by MR+G

Have you ever need to move a deer, but could not make a sound? Many hunter use rocks or something else to try and move a deer. They may throw the rocks or try to make some type of noise to move the deer in a better direction. These techniques maybe okay sometimes, but you often need to move a deer with out a sound and little movement. A compact mirror, yes the kind your wife uses to put make-up on, is a great tool to add to your day pack. A compact mirror is light wieght and easy to carry around. With a well placed shine you can move a deer exactly where you need them to be. If you are trying to only move one deer this technique also works well because you can single them out. With rocks and other methods you often move all the deer not the one you need. A compact mirror will not work in all cases, but works well in day hunts and comes in handy during an emergency. A mirror is one of the most valuable tools you can have during a survival moment. Mirrors can be seen up to miles away and can attract much needed help in an emergency.

If you have any quick tips that you would like us to feature, feel free to contact us.

This is a guest post by Lisa Comer. 

Once birds start visiting your bird feeder, you may see one that you are not familiar with.  The best way to identify an unknown bird species is with a field guide.  There are plenty on the market.  I like the ones that are designated for a specific area or region.  I have the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southeastern States and Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Birds of the Eastern Region.  During the migration season you may need to check out a larger field guide because you might see birds that are not native to the area and not found in the local guides.  Field guides in book form make it easy to identify unknown birds by simply thumbing through the pictures and looking for similarities.  The birds may not look exactly like the birds in your yard, but once you have pinpointed a species, you can look online for more pictures.  Birds look different in the summer from the way they look in the winter.  The juvenile bird in a species doesn’t always look like the adult of the species.  That is also the case between the male and female of a species.  The female usually has a duller color scheme to aid in camouflage, while the male will have the brighter plumage in order to attract the female.  This is a Rose-breasted Grosbeak couple.  Notice how they look like two different species of birds, but it is simply the difference in the male / female coloring.  This male cracked the shell and allowed the female to eat the inner seed.

Watching a bird feeder is a study in bird behaviors.  The Carolina Chickadee likes to eat the black oil sunflower seeds on my feeder, but they don’t sit still for long periods of time.  They will perch close by and wait for their turn.  When they feel safe, they will fly to the feeder, eat for a few seconds, and then fly away.

The male Northern Cardinal is very choosy about who he shares the feeder with.  He will run off other Cardinals before perching on the feeder.  The Red-bellied Woodpecker is the same, but seems to be tolerating this Cardinal.

The female Northern Cardinal seems to be a more sociable eater.  I have seen the female Cardinal eat with almost every species of bird that has been on my feeder.  They don’t mind eating with other female Cardinals, but will usually only eat with the male if he is the mate.  Common Grackles normally flock together on the feeder, but only a pair flew down on this day. 

As I wrote before, you don’t even have to leave your house to go bird watching.  I have seen over 16 species of birds just by looking through the sliding glass door at my feeder.  I was able to get much closer to aid in identification and get a good picture.  You are also able to watch how the birds interact with each other.  By watching birds on your feeder, you will notice that bird behavior is just as different between the species as their appearance.  Each day, you see something new and interesting.  It is a very entertaining and rewarding past time.

As a continuation of the selecting a dog breed series, I will discuss the choices for a bulldog type breed. There are many different breeds that I consider in this group, like the bull terrier, the English bulldog, the American bulldog, boxers, etc. The three I will focus on today are the Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, and the Boxer.

Bull Terrier

Photo by ohsleepless1

Why would I consider purchasing a Bull Terrier? I love bull dog type breeds and my choices today will deal with bull dog types. Although I have never owned a Bull Terrier; they appeal to me in a basic way. Other than a general interest, my consideration for this breed is based on research of the various breeds of dogs from books and watching dog shows. I also have to admit that I loved the Bull Terrier in the movie Patton. My research showed that they are much more versatile than I would have guessed based on their original purpose of fighting. Some have been used to herd sheep and hunt.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose the Bull Terrier is strong, agile, and balanced on it’s feet. Since they are not breed for fighting any longer, modern breeders breed for disposition rather than the desire to fight. Today’s Bull Terrier is not at all quarrelsome, rather they seek to avoid trouble. You can observe their easy going personality at dog shows. An unusual byproduct of its origin’s breeding is that these fighting dogs had to be able to keep its head and think for its self because the owners did not want an out of control dog which would bite them when it was wounded and hurt. This makes the Bull Terrier unusually reliable with children. The most notable mental characteristics of the Bull Terrier are desire for human companionship, longing for affection, unusual intelligence and an apparent sense of humor. He likes to be lead, not forced. He responses much better to positive training rather than a lot of punishment.

Positives:

1. Great companion and faithful protector.

2. Usually a calm breed.

3. Intelligent

Negatives:

1. Do not tolerate teasing from children.

2. Can be possessive and jealous.

3. Need a lot of companionship or they can be destructive.

Boston Terrier

Photo by property#1

Why would I consider purchasing a Boston Terrier? Although I have never owned a Boston Terrier, my Uncle owned one and loved him. The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds developed in America. Like all bull dog types, the Boston Terrier was used for fighting. At one time the Boston Terrier was one of the most popular show dogs in America.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose, the Boston Terrier should be lively, highly intelligent, smooth-coated, short round headed, compactly-built, and short tailed. They should convey an impression of determination and style with easy carriage in its movement. They should not weigh over 25 pounds. Most Boston Terriers are black with some white markings generally on their shoulders.

Positives:

1. Well mannered and intelligent.

2. Easily trained.

3. Friendly with a sense of humor.

4. Great with children and the elderly.

Negatives:

1. Skin and heart tumors are common in the breed.

2. Can be difficult to house train.

Boxer

Photo by dclimb510

Why would I consider purchasing a Boxer? I have always liked Boxers and have owned a couple plus one half Boxer/half Bull Dog. The Boxers were great family dogs but the half Boxer was the most un-trainable dog I have experience.They are beautiful dogs in my eyes, especially the brindled ones. Boxers are very popular in America and Europe.

Brief Description: The Boxer is a clean-limbed dog of great strength. This characteristic is greatly enhanced by their sturdy beauty, good nature, good sense, and utter dependability. They are widely used by law enforcement and security agencies. The boxer is a median-sized, sturdy dog, squarely built, with a short back, strong limbs, and short tight-fitting coat. His muscles should be well developed, clean, hard, and appear smooth (not bulgy) under taut skin. His movements should denote energy.

Positives:

1. Playful and curious.

2. Highly intelligent.

3. Loyal and affectionate.

4. Great guard dogs

Negatives:

1. Love to jump.

2. Very energetic and need a strong owner.

Photo by JimFrazier 

Milkweed pods make incredible natural wind indicators. You can collect milkweed post in the Fall when they start to dry out and store them away for hunting season. Keep them in a dry area and do not store them in anything that will retain moisture. Paper sacks make a great storage place until the pods are completely dry. Before each hunt remove a few from storage and keep them in your pockets. Break them open and let nature take its course. The seeds will fly through the air like little butterflies and show you exactly the direction and flow of the air. You can also add a drop or too of your favorite cover scent and let it float around you. Milkweed pods are simple, natural, cheap, and one of the best wind indicators around.

If you have any quick tips that you would like to share feel free to contact us.

Over the next few weeks I will be writing articles about tasting wild food. I will introduce about four or five edible wild foods in each article. What better way to enhance a camping trip than to harvest some wild plants, nut, or fruits? Can you imagine the conversations generated by just mentioning it? What a wonderful way to introduce the ancient way of “living off the land”. Don’t stop reading, my intent is to only introduce the subject and not to get one to live on wild food.

The tasting of wild food could become the cornerstone of teaching your children or even yourself about conservation. What’s wrong with a few botany lessons while we enjoy the great natural world? What’s wrong with learning a few lessons which might be helpful in surviving in an emergency?

All regions have a good many wild edible plants, fruits, and nuts. I will cover plants that are at least in the south east. Many of the plants covered can be located in most other regions. Beginners should build their knowledge of wild foods slowly and carefully. Learn to identify a dozen or so species, and learn how to use them in their full potential. Check out plant books from your local library, search the Internet, or buy a plant key book for your region and start learning a few wild plants very thoroughly. Better yet, maybe a grand parent or elderly friend could assist you while taking a slow walk around a park or farm.

Below are some common wild edible plants:

Photo by keylime pie 

Arrowhead (also called swamp potato, tule potato): It is a plant of marshy soils, found in shallow, mud-bottomed sections of ponds, lakes and rivers. The large arrow shaped leaves and three pedaled white flowers make identification easy. The plant may grow to three feet with it’s roots growing up to five feet. The entire root section is edible but the best food is contained in the tubers attached to the root.. Although the tubers can be peeled and eaten, they are much better boiled for 30 minutes before peeling and seasoning with sat, pepper, and butter. In an emergency you may wrap them in the leaves and roasting them in fire coals.

Photo by see what you want to see 

Blueberry: Most are very aware of commercially grown blue berries. Many may not know that wild blueberries and their wild relatives such as Huckleberries are common in the wild. Look for wild blueberries in burnt over woodlands, and along the edge of log roads and trails. They are delicious eaten raw but may be cooked and added to oatmeal. Maybe even better, gather them and cook a blueberry pie back home! Double this treat by making home made ice cream and your kids might nominate you for the hall of fame.

Photo by withrow

Bulrush: This tall, green-stemmed plant is another edible plant located around marshes and wetlands. The shoots and young root stalks can be eaten raw or cooked. The root stalks need to be peeled before boiling. Bulrush stall can be added to camp stews. Even the roots can be roasted after carefully wiping away their root hairs.

Photo by gavatron 

Burdock: This sunflower family member grows in disturbed soils all over the country. The young shoots and leaves make an excellent salad or they can be cooked like spinach. Young stalks may be also be eaten raw or added to stews after the outer rind is removed. Burdock roots may be roasted and ground into a coffee substitute.
Please let me of your favorite wild foods and adventures you had in gathering and preparing them.

We are glad to welcome back guest author Lisa Comer.  Lisa lives in Silverhill, Alabama and will become a regular guest author on Living 4 Outdoors. Lisa is a very talented writer as well an amazing amateur photographer. All the photos in her post have been hers and are excellent quality.

You don’t have to travel far to become a birdwatcher.  You don’t even have to spend money on an expensive pair of binoculars.  All you have to do is put out a bird feeder, fill it with seed, and sit back and watch. It may take a day or just a few minutes, but once the birds notice the seed, they will start to visit your yard.  Of course, you will have to make a few decisions before you can get started and there is some expense involved.  When I decided to put out a bird feeder, I found out that there are a lot of different types of feeders to choose from as well as different types of bird seed.  If you know the kind of birds that you want to attract and if they are native to the area, then that will narrow your choices.  I choose a platform feeder because I wanted the birds to have a lot of room to move around.  Also, it is easier to view birds on a platform feeder.  I like to watch Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays, so I found out that they liked to eat black oil sunflower seed and cracked / chopped corn.  Some stores have a wild bird mix that includes millet, but when I used it, the millet was always left on the feeder.  Since then I’ve stuck to purchasing a 50 lb. bag of each.  I buy my seed at the farmer’s supply store, because it is a lot cheaper than a specialty bird store.  It is usually fresher, too.

Cardinals like the sunflower seed.

Before long, other types of birds will be visiting your feeder.  I’ve found that a lot of different birds like the black oil sunflower seed.   The only drawback is that it is very messy.  The birds that remain on your feeder to eat, will crack and drop the shell on your lawn.  After a while, there will be an island of discarded shells underneath your feeder.  My feeder is in a natural area, so the shells don’t bother me.   I am well compensated by the hours of enjoyment I’ve had watching a variety of birds vie for a place on my feeder. You can see that both the Warbler and the Tufted Titmouse are attracted to the sunflower seed.

The Tufted Titmouse will pick up one seed and then fly away.  A few minutes later, it will fly back to take another seed.  If you plan to get its picture, then you better have your camera ready, because it won’t be on the feeder for long. Another thing to consider when you are trying to attract birds to your yard, is if there is a water source close by.  If you don’t want the birds to use your pet’s water bowl, you need to have a bird bath.  Luckily, I have a stream running on the back part of my yard.It may not seem like it, but keeping a bird feeder is a long term commitment.  In order to keep birds visiting your yard, your feeder must be kept full every day.  The feeder must be kept clean.  Always remove empty shells or wet seeds.  You don’t want bugs on your feeder that might be detrimental to the health of any visiting birds.  If your feeder remains empty over a period of time, the birds will find another source of food.  Since I have been maintaining a supply of seed on my feeders for the past sixteen years, I have seen a steady stream of birds in my yard.  Beautiful birds to watch while looking out of my sliding glass door, and beautiful bird songs to listen to as I walk in my back yard.

As promised in my first article about considerations selecting a dog, I will be writing a few articles about different breeds and explaining my initial interest in that breed. I would appreciate input from readers on my view point. Some of the breeds, I have owned or been around them quite a bit. Others are solely based on research or recommendations from friends. Let’s plunge off into the deep water and select a canine family member!

Irish Setter

Photo by  bri-1970

Why would I consider purchasing an Irish Setter puppy? When I was about 13 or 14 years old, my Aunt Susie gave us a grown Irish Setter. I will never forget how beautiful he was running in the pasture behind our house. When I hear the phase, “grace in motion”, the Irish Setter comes to mind. Unfortunately, he was not much more and we did not keep him very long. I also recall that he chased our chickens which did not set well with my Mother. He was not that bright and uninterested in learning anything.  Even today, many people think that they have been breed for beauty and not for intelligence or hunting ability.

Brief description: The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic mahogany red bird dog, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight fine and glossy coat. Afield he is a swift moving hunter; at home he is a sweet natured companion and very loyal. He can easily become a one person dog.

Positives:

1. One of the most beautiful dogs in the World.
2. Very loyal companions.
3. Friendly and outgoing.

Negatives:

1. Daily grooming of their coat.
2. Some experience hip dysplasia.
3. Require lots of exercise if they do not have a large yard.

Collie

Photo by  Leo-Avalon

Why would I consider purchasing a Collie? Once again a dog from my past is part of my consideration of a Collie. My cousin had a rough coated Collie and he was a great dog. He was with us on our childhood adventures for many years. I can still remember how watchful and protective he was. We never doubted that he would protect us from any potential enemy, people or animal.

Brief Description: The Collie is an intelligent, strong, responsive, and active dog which stands naturally straight and firm. They have deep and moderately wide chest which shows it’s strength. It’s face shows high intelligence and quiet confidence A Collie presents a proud picture of balance, no part of his body is out of proportion. In summary a Collie is a beautiful herding dog that makes a wonderful companion.

Positives:

1. Very loyal and protective companion.
2. Very intelligent and capable of learning almost any task.
3. The breed comes in many different sizes and styles (rough, smooth, miniature, etc.).
4. Generally healthy if purchased from a reputable breeder.

Negatives:

1. Some may have a problem with temperatures in the South.
2. Very popular, so be sure to buy from a reputable breeder. Many dogs are out there that have health and genetic problems.

Airedale Terrier

Photo by WaechorWhy would I consider purchasing an Airedale? My consideration for this breed is based on research of the various breeds of dogs from books and watching dog shows. I have never been around an Airedale and probably have only seen one or two. From my research they seem like one of the most versatile breeds. It has been said by many owners that an Airedale can do anything that your dog can do, but do it better. Obviously, that is a huge boast and probably overstated in most cases. However, it shows how intelligent and courageous an Airedale is.

Brief Description: The head should be well balanced with little difference between the length of skull and fore face. The eyes should be dark, small and full of terrier expression, keenness, and intelligence. The dogs should measure approximately 23 inches at the shoulder; females slightly less. Movement should be free and quick.

Positives:

1. Good companion and protector.
2. Versatile and intelligent.
3. Can be trained at a high level.
4. Very healthy and hardy.

Negatives:

1. Some times challenge dominance.
2. Rowdy if not trained properly.
3. Very energetic and need a lot of exercise (especially the first 2 years).

This article is written by guest author Lisa Comer.  Lisa lives in Silverhill, Alabama and is a media specialist at Stapleton, Alabama Elementary School. She loves to take pictures of birds and other outdoor scenes. Lisa is a very talented writer as well an amateur photographer. This story shows how great outdoor memories last forever.

My dad grew up in Selma, Alabama.  His father and two of his uncles worked on the Southern Railway.  At that time, Selma was a railroad town.  Now like many other places in Selma, the depot is on the National Register of Historical Places. A few years ago, we visited the Old Depot Museum and toured some of the places that my dad remembered from childhood.  We saw where he would ride his stick horse to town, where he went to high school, and where his paper route was.  We also rode past the house where he grew up, the church where he was baptized, and the cemetery where my grandparents are buried.  We couldn’t visit the one place that I had always wanted to see because it was closed to the public.  When my sister and I would ask my dad about his childhood, he would usually include a story about riding his bike to Kenan’s Mill to go swimming or how when he was older he would go with his dad to Kenan’s Mill to fish.  It always sounded like a really great place.  Kenan’s Mill is a grist mill that was built in 1861.  It used the creek running behind the mill to grind meal, grits, and corn.  The Kenan family donated the mill to the historic society in 1997 and it has been renovated so that the mill actually works again.  They now have a Kenan’s Mill Festival in the fall and the place is open to the public.  As soon as my sister and I heard of the festival, we knew that we had to go.  This year was my dad’s 75th birthday so we decided that this would be a great way to celebrate his birthday.  My dad, mom, and I met my sister and her two children in Selma and then we all drove out to the mill. 

Driving down the lane was like stepping back in time.  The water turbine was running and you could purchase a bag of water ground corn meal.  You could look out the back windows to see the creek.  When the water is high, there is a small waterfall, but we visited during the drought.  Even though the water was low, the creek was deep in some places and you could imagine a bunch of boys jumping in and cooling off in the cold water.  I think my niece and nephew could well imagine doing it themselves.

We had a great day at the festival.  Everyone enjoyed seeing the mill, crossing a swinging bridge, going on a hay ride, listening to music, but most of all we enjoyed spending the day with my dad.We are still trying to solve a mystery about the mill, though.  My dad remembers there being a water wheel on the mill.  One year, we found a painting of the mill at the Art Festival in Foley, but the mill was minus the wheel.  My dad talked to the man who was grinding the corn and he said that the mill never had a wheel and had always used the water turbine.  The funny thing about that is the side of the mill has an opening that looks like a wheel could have been attached and the festival T shirt shows the mill having a wheel.  If anyone reading this entry can shed light on this mystery, I’d sure appreciate finding out who has the better memory;  my dad or the miller.

Photo by pietroizzo

We recently lost our family dog, Minnie, a ten year old yellow Lab. We are considering getting another puppy and I thought I would write an article about how to select a puppy or new dog.  Man’s best friend provides so much pleasure for us in the outdoors. One of my favorite times with my grandson was shared with a chocolate lab puppy who had escaped his yard and took a walk with us.

The first question to ask is why do you want a dog? Many people see a beautiful puppy and purchase it. Consider asking yourself the following questions: Do you want only a companion? Do you have job for your dog such as herding animals, hunting, etc.? The answers to the above questions may assist you in deciding whether to adopt from an animal shelter or buy a pure breed from a breeder. An estimated 2 million puppies or dogs are not adopted each year and are put down. Many of these animals would have made great family pets. Also part of this decision is whether or not you only want a young puppy or will an older dog meet your wishes.

Second: Decide on a breed. There are hundreds of different breeds which have special abilities or talents. Each breed also has it’s own needs and exercise requirements. Breed selection is the cornerstone of the puppy selection adventure. I will write following article on the 15 or 16 breeds we are considering.

Third: The size of the dog may be a factor for some people but is not really an issue for us. We live out in the country on a two acre lot. Apartment dwellers should generally have a smaller dog.  Most large breeds are not suited for apartment living due to the exercise needed. 

Fourth: Type of coat is a consideration for most individuals. If your animal is to spend considerable time inside, how much do they shed may be a factor. How much grooming would your dog require is a factor.

Fifth: The energy level of the breed and your own energy level should be considered. Directly related to this is the required exercise required. I think it’s unreasonable to keep a hunting type dog in a kennel all day. I know many people do but I do not think it’s fair to the dog.

Sixth: Can you afford to feed and care for your dog as it should be cared for? Good nutrition and regular vet visits are essential to the well being of your dog. Therefore, one should pay a great deal of attention of the health of the puppy or adopted dog. Look around the owner’s kennels to see if they are clean and well maintained. Many pound dogs have health issues and may have been exposed to various diseases.

Seventh: Consider your neighborhood and neighbors. A constantly barking dog is never appreciated and sometimes may be illegal. This leads to another point; research the local laws to determine any restrictions which need to be considered.

Photo by This Year’s Love 

How to make a cheap and reliable scent dispenser?

Take a empty glue bottle (there are many different styles and sizes to choose from) and wash it out well.  Remember to clean the top out really good so the dispenser will not clog up.  After a through cleaning, tap up all the moving parts and paint it in your favorite camouflage colors.  You can also use camouflage tape or even make a bag for it out of camouflage fabric.  One of the most inventive ideas that I have seen is using an old hunting glove to house the bottle and simply cutting one finger out for the nozzle.  After getting the bottle prepared and camouflaged, fill it with your favorite scent and tie it near the scrape, rub, or trail that you are hunting.  These bottle also will work well for cover scents that you can place around your stand.

Good luck and good hunting, I hope this Quick Tip will help you think out side the box and use items that you use everyday as tools to enhance your hunt!