1. Stag Bone Bowie
Stag bone Bowie knives are the epitome of simplicity and strength. Featuring a stag bone handle and an 8 ½ inch stainless steel blade, the stag bone Bowie is perfect for almost all of your outdoor needs. Most stag bone Bowies come with leather sheaths and brass accented handles from appearance and to absorb shock. Expect to pay around $100 or more for one of these blades.

2. Damascus Bowie
The Damascus style Bowie is known for its length and durability. Made out of 100% stainless steel, the Damascus blade is 11 inches long and sits inside a stag bone handle accented with steel and brass. The tip of the Damascus blade lies just a bit lower than a normal Bowie, giving the knife more accuracy and precision. Damascus Bowie knives run for about $200.

Damascus Bowie Knife

3. Hardwood Bowie
The traditional hardwood Bowie knife has been a standard among hunting knife enthusiasts for generations. Featuring a huge 14 inch overall length, the hardwood Bowie blade is stainless steel and the handle features a brass guard and pommel. The handle is also fitted with finger grooves for better gripping.

If you are looking for a great hunting or fishing knife, or just need a knife for general outdoor uses, look no further than a high-quality Bowie blade. They also make a perfect gift for any hunter or outdoor enthusiast in your life.

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Coast C609
A traditional skinning knife, this 10½-inch wonder features a stainless steel blade with a blood groove, a hardwood handle and a leather sheath. At only $32 a pop, this should be a staple for any serious hunter or angler.

Hardwood Hunter
This is a nice all-purpose blade. It has a 4-inch stainless steel blade and a hardwood handle with brass accents. Pair it with its complimentary leather sheath and its $16 price tag seems like nothing short of a steal.

Grandpa Brands Stag Bone Hunter
Despite the name, the Grandpa Bone Hunter is nothing to laugh at. This tough, durable knife features a stainless steel blade, a stag bone handle and a leather sheath. It costs a mere $28 — need I say more?

Coast CSH-50
Another great skinning knife from Coast. This knife features a stainless steel blade, a Krayton handle and a Nylon sheath. At 9½ inches in length and only $17.60, it’s a lot of knife for not a lot of money.

Black Z-Frame
This large retractable knife features a stainless steel drop point blade with partial serration. Clip it to your belt and never be without a durable, compact blade. At only $18, you might want to buy two.

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One of the biggest threats to our forests is manmade lead items. Lead has no biologically beneficial role, yet it is often used in ammunition for upland hunting, line sinkers and other forms of fishing gear. Wildlife will often ingest spent lead shot and bullets, hooks and sinkers, which causes them to suffer negative behavioral, physiological and biochemical effects. In many cases, lead poisoning will lead to death.

Even animals that don’t ingest lead themselves can be exposed to it if lead products have dissolved and entered the groundwater. Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure the hunting equipment and fishing gear you are using is lead-free. Metals such as tin are much safer than lead and are readily available. Some companies even offer biodegradable fishing equipment.
• Safely remove any discarded metal items you find while hunting or fishing. Old bullet casings or sinkers can harm wildlife, even if an animal doesn’t ingest it.
• Educate others about the dangers of lead. The more people know how dangerous it can be to wildlife and plant life, the less likely they will be to use lead-based products.

For more information about lead, contact the United States Geological Survey.

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Z-Frame Knife
This bad boy features a stainless steel drop-point blade, belt clip, liner lock and open frame handles. It is rugged, compact, and at a mere $16 it certainly won’t break the bank.

Nano Tac Torch
For the father who has everything comes this compact, handy LED light. With a 13 lumen output and crystal reflector tube system, this light packs quite a punch for its size (2.5 inches). And priced at only $8, you can afford to buy dad two of them.

Folding Saw
Great for campers, the Coast folding saw features a stainless steel saw blade with double cut teeth, a rubberized grip handle and a safety button lock. At 10.75 inches total length, this tool is small enough to carry with you but strong enough to get the job done. Another great feature? It’s only $10!

Folding Fishing Tool/12-Piece Bit Set
This 24-function fishing tool is stainless steel, comes with a convenient carrying pouch and is only $19.99. ‘Nuff said.

LL7853/7854 Car Charger
For the dad on the go, this handy car charger will have your rechargeable batteries ready for action again in no time. Plug it in, charge ‘em up and go. It’s well worth the $9.99 you’re going to spend on it.

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Flashlights make great outdoor gifts for children. Not only are they sturdy and fun to play with in the dark, but LED flashlights such as the Coast V2 Triplex or V2 6 Chip Dual Color Tactical Torch also help kids stay safe. Of course, outdoor playtime should be carefully monitored when the sun goes down.

Fishing is another great way to introduce kids to the outdoors. Fishing poles, reels, and tools make great gifts, too. For older kids, the traditional rod and reel may be boring or unnecessary. Gifts such as the Coast Mini Fish Scissors or Folding Fishing Tool are fun and functional, making any fishing trip a memorable one.

If your teen is an avid hunter, you might consider tools that will make the hunting experience more enjoyable. The Coast Hardwood Hunter knife makes a great gift for any responsible young hunting enthusiast. The Coast Light Knife is another, combining the durability of Coast folding knives with the power of the latest LED technology.

Always remember to monitor your children during outdoor activities, and never give dangerous outdoor tools to children too young to handle them safely.

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The workshop, for women 18 years or older, emphasizes both safety and enjoyment of the outdoors and includes all meals, lodging, instruction, materials and equipment. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. If you go, be sure to bring your necessary camping gear as well as your essential outdoor survival kit.

Becoming an Outdoor-Woman workshop
May 28-30 | Drift Camp Creek, near Lincoln City
“Come join the fun and camaraderie of this charming camp nestled deep in the Coastal Range near Lincoln City while learning the outdoor skills that will help prepare you for a year of exciting new adventures.”
Cost: $130
Contact: Mark Newell, mark.newell@state.or.us

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“He had fallen several times, knocked himself unconscious at one point and lost his flashlight and cell phone,” said Don Taylor, the county’s search and rescue coordinator. “He’s an experienced outdoorsman, but if we hadn’t come on when we did, I’m not sure he would have made it.” (Read full Oregonian news story.)

Although Mahanna was found roughly two miles from his home, he was in dire need of attention and care. This story shows once again that even the most prepared and knowledgeable hunters must do everything they can to protect themselves, including:

• Having a well-stocked survival kit that you can carry easily.
• Carrying flares or other device to mark where you are and get the attention of search and rescue.
• Knowing your hunting destination and sticking to it – don’t wander off your intended route.
• Carrying multiple light sources, if possible, such as a flashlight and a headlamp – see LED lights available at DLK.
• Telling people where you are going and when you plan to return.

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While there is speculation over why the sale of hunting licenses increased last year, some people say the recession is a contributing factor. With unemployment rates soaring all over the country, people have more time to go hunting and are more likely to take the less-expensive route of acquiring meat by going out and killing it themselves.

The NSSF’s study looked at the sale of hunting licenses in 11 states, including Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Minnesota, Indiana, Texas, and Utah. Nine of the states reported an increase in sales during 2009.

Have you purchased or renewed your hunting license for 2010 yet? Requirements, costs and duration vary from state to state. If you don’t know where to start, check out the “Licenses, Permits and Registrations” page on your state’s website, or ask someone in your local Parks and Recreation department for help.

Many hunting and fishing licenses can also be bought along with hunting gear at local sporting goods and outdoor supply stores. There are often even discount and free licenses available for senior citizens, long-time residents, and those with disabilities. As always, be sure to employ responsible hunting practices.

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There’s a reason this show is known as The Big One. If you’re hooked on tackle, trophies, travel, or outdoor tech, there’s plenty here to reel you in.

A 35-year regional tradition, this all-in-one sporting show features hunting and fishing displays, interactive virtual outdoor tours using GPS and sonar, and free seminars on outdoor survival, camp cooking, bait rigging, and more. There’s also a trout pond where budding anglers can catch their first fish.

Huntsmen who have been busy this winter hunting season can bring their trophies for scoring in the Head & Horns competition, which attracts more than 300 entries each year. Prizes include Ruger rifles and a Fort Knox Guardian-22 gun safe; the top entries will be displayed throughout the show. You can also see how your trophy stacks up to the five world-record Columbia Blacktail deer that will also be on exhibit.

There’s a fly casting competition for anglers, as well as the chance to meet pro fisherman and guide Jack Glass. Each day is jam-packed with fishing demonstrations and seminars at the warm water demo tank.

A two-day pass costs $16, and you get $1 off for paying with cash. For more on scheduling, pricing and other details—including coupons—check out the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show website.

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Keep in mind that hunters who pursue wolves after Dec. 31 will need a 2010 wolf tag and hunting license. For more information on hunting wolves in Idaho, or to find out which state zones are still open, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.

If you decide to get in on the extra-long season, here are some tips on wolf hunting to ensure success and safety:

• Watch for tracks on roads and trails; wolves regularly traverse them, just like hunters. Wolves will walk single file in each other’s footsteps, so what may appear to be a single wolf could be a pack.
• Pay attention to the behavior of deer and elk. If they are alert, it could mean a wolf is nearby.
• Listen to the way the wolves communicate. A well-timed howl could draw one in.
• Make sure you have a strong, sharp hunting knife with a sturdy blade for field dressing.
• Idaho law requires you to report within 24 hours of harvesting a wolf and to present the hide and skull to a Fish and Game official within five days.
• Do not skin a mangy wolf. Instead, tag it and report the kill to Fish and Game.

Check out this article on Big Game Hunting for more advice about field dressing a large kill.

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While I am sure that the downturn does have some impact on this rising number of hunters, I doubt it means that hunters are out spending a lot of money on expensive gear. While money may be available for a license, pennies are most likely being pinched for any extras. That’s why it is good that there are several hunting knives available today that can get the job done and are priced moderately.

Below are a few of our favorites.

The C927 Stainless Steel Bowie Knife by Coast
14″ full length
Hardwood handle
Brass Guard/Pommel
Priced at $48.00USD

The C602 Stainless Steel Skinning Knife by Coast
8.5″ full length
Hardwood handle
Brushed Stainless Steel Guide/Pommel
Priced at $20.00USD

The C652 Stainless Steel Hunting Blade by Coast
4″ blade
Hardwood handle
Brass accents
Priced at $16.00USD

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Regardless, the reporting process is quick and painless and does actually help the sport as a whole if hunters would take the time to do it. Below is what you need to know to report your hunts to the ODFW.

Online:
Go to www.dfw.state.or.us
Click on hunting
Click on Mandatory Reporting OR My Hunter Information

Phone:
(866) 947-6339

You’ll need this information for reporting:

• Hunter/Angler ID number
• Two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number of unit hunted the most
• Number of days hunted
• Number of day shunted in the WMU

Other Resources
A Hunter’s Must-Have Multi-Tool
A Tactical Torch Great for Hunting This Fall

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Order now before your next hunting excursion.

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When going pheasant hunting, the experts recommend a few basics:

• Make sure you have the right clothes. For pheasant hunting, hunters of all ages should wear a blaze-orange hunting jacket, pants suitable for the weather and moving through tall brush and a brightly colored cap that makes it easy for others to see you. Depending on where you are going, your shoes can be very important. Wear comfortable boots that provide ankle support if you will be hiking or walking a great deal.
• New to pheasant hunting? Go hunting early if it’s possible. Most hunters will tell you that you will have a better chance of getting a pheasant in the early season. This is because the younger, inexperienced birds will be out at that time and will be easier to shoot. As the season goes on, those birds get a bit smarter. The only downside? You will have a lot more hunters out early in the season to compete with.

If you or your child is interested in pheasant hunting, one of the OFW events may be a great place to start. A child will need to have passed hunter education before they can participate.

Pheasant Youth Hunt
September 5-6, 2009
9:00am – 3:30pm
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area (see web site for other locations and dates)
26969 Cantrell Road, Eugene, Oregon
** Participants must have passed a certified hunter education class
** Participants must be accompanied by an adult, age 21 or older

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Here in Oregon, there is a Hunters Education Class taking place Wednesdays and Fridays January 6 – 29, 2009 at Fire District No. 13 in Banks, OR. The cost is just $10.00 but you get all the information you need about safety and equipment for hunting the area. The class is from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. For more information call Arne Harrang at 503.324-3102.

For more great gift ideas for the hunter in your family, check out our DLK Holiday Gift Ideas.

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Pair one of these raffle tickets with a stainless steel Coast Skinning Knife and a tactical LED flashlight for the perfect hunters gift this Christmas.

Read the complete press release

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“This is a service our customers have been asking for—they can now buy license documents at their convenience,” said DeAnna Erickson, ODFW License Services Manager in the press release.

Hunters and fishermen can view what tags and licenses are available on line and the amount of time it takes to have the final paperwork delivered to you at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/what.asp

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Sales Site

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Sandra Jonker, regional wildlife manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife explained the program, saying “As before, the amount of timberland that will be opened to hunting will be directly proportional to the number of volunteers that sign up.’’ To participate, visit the department’s Vancouver office at 2108 Grand Blvd., or the agency online site at http://wdfw.wa.gov/volunter/sthelens_land_access.htm.

If you’re thinking of joining am Elk hunting party, check out Coast’s array of hunting tools and lights. The Bore Light shown at left attaches to any firearm of .25 caliber or higher, and will shed clear light on your prize.
Learn how to care for hunting knives.

Top photo by David K.

Source

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For instance, if you are heading to the lake this Saturday (June 7), you would want to consider putting your hook in the water between 2:54am-4:54am or 3:18pm-5:18pm for excellent potential of a good catch or 9:21am-10:51am or 9:45pm-11:15pm for good conditions.

For more on fishing at night and the equipment you may need, check out “The Uses of Colored LED Bulbs in Flashlights and Lamps”

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Until deer season begins, however, hunters in Kansas and Missouri can enjoy pursuing a much less noble creature– the turkey. Turkey hunting season runs through May 31st. If you’re hoping to bag a couple gobblers yourself, check out the National Wild Turkey Federation’s printable Turkey Hunter’s Checklist. And be sure you remember the most utilitarian tool of all: a good knife. DLK offers a number of excellent hunting knives. After all, knives is (like) our middle name. For example, the CG004 at right is not only affordable– it’s also backed by Coast’s lifetime guarantee.

Curious about how to choose the right hunting knife? Follow the link.

Top photo by Manjd98.

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In general, colored LED flashlights are used primarily while wearing night vision. This is because regular white light bleaches temporarily bleaches the chemical that allows biological night vision, rhodopsin. It can take up to a half hour for night vision to return to full sensitivity after an exposure to white light, especially the powerful white light of an LED flashlight. As you can see, it’s crucial to use non-white light to extend and preserve night vision.

Fishing enthusiasts often prefer green LED lights. This is because green light doesn’t affect night vision. Additionally, unlike white light, green LED light won’t spook fish and doesn’t attract bugs. DLK’s Dual-Color Hunting Light is a good green-light choice that uses the Cloverleaf system to focus light.

Some people prefer red LED flashlights for night vision. Red LED light typically provides greater contrast, but keep in mind that any red lines on charts maps will be difficult to read. Military operations often use red light, since it is much harder to detect with the naked eye from a distance. If you’d like your nocturnal movements to be tricky to trace, try the v2 6 Chip Dual Color flashlight or Coast LED Lenser’s Dual Color Headlamp, shown  above.
Like red and green light, blue light won’t hurt night vision. This specialized light is preferred by detectives and police units, as the blue light picks up body fluid that is otherwise invisible to the human eye. Hunters may find this application handy as well– a bleeding animal may be easier to track with a blue light.

Green, blue, and red light will all preserve your night vision, so which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your needs. If you can’t choose just one shade, why not choose the Coast LED Lenser 4 Color Recon Torch? That way you can have all three colors and bright white light, too.

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You may recall, this reviewer made a similar suggestion to campers, hunters and hikers last month after purchasing an LED Lenser LL7468 Revolution headlamp by Coast. LED headlamps really are the smartest piece of equipment you can have – and now I have some expert endorsements to prove it!

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Dear and elk hunters that feel rushed to get in their hunting before the season’s end will get a little extra time since the DST date has been changed from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday of November. 

How does this help, you ask? Well, most legal hunting begins one-half hour before sunrise and ends one-half hour after sunset each day of the hunting season.  The addition of seven hours of daylight gives the hunters that value the evening hunting season, a bit more time for quality hunting in areas like Montana.

The changes made to the daylight savings time date were made as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which made the extension in hopes of reducing energy consumption during the winter.

It’s a small bit of time back to the hunters but in the end, winter will win out, the days will be shortened, and hunters will have to do their best to get out during the normal hunting hours.

You can read more at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/article_5992.aspx

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New figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show that the number of hunters 16 and older declined by 10 percent between 1996 and 2006. This is a change of 14 million hunters to about 12.5 million. The drop is most dramatic in the New England, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific states – around 400,000 hunters lower in these areas.

The reason for the decline has been attributed to both the loss of hunting land to urbanization and the growing perception that hunting is a timely and costly activity.  Hunting has long been a traditional activity, passed down from father/mother to daughter/son.  When hunting stops being household tradition, it is hard to put that experience back on the list.  Rarely to non-hunting families just “pick up” the sport.

The number of American fishermen has also dropped which creates an even greater concern for the Fish and Wildlife Department.  Fishermen numbers have dropped 15 percent, from 35.2 million in 1996 to 30 million in 2006. The problem is that most states rely on hunting and fishing license fees for the majority of their revenue – very little comes from the state’s general fund. 

Not everyone is worried however.  Many wildlife activists see this as a positive trend that coincides with a 13 percent increase in wildlife watching started in 1996. 

So what’s the solution? In the past, increased fees have been met with much negative backlash in a few states. Conservation of hunting lands by the government can also maintain hunting grounds and rebuild the sport.  There are certainly a few presidential candidates out their displaying their sportsman leanings – Bill Richardson and Mitt Romney are two that come to mind. Other states are sponsoring youth hunting weekends and lower-cost youth licenses to help rebuild a new generation of hunters and fishermen. In either case, the new figures have definitely put a fire under a number of sportsmen organizations and groups to help find remedies to the shrinking numbers and ensure the sport is around for future generations.

You can find the full report at http://federalasst.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html.

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• Nylon Cord: A large quantity of 1/4″ nylon cord in a couple of different lengths is useful for steadying a carcass if you are on a hill and can be a second pair of hands if you are hunting alone. 
• Game bags: Purchase a brand and size you prefer, but in this case, price and quality do go hand-in-hand
• Lightweight-Tarp: A tarp can come in handy while dressing an animal, keeping the meat clean and away from potentially wet or dusty ground.
• Plastic Garbage Bag: A garbage bag or other vessel to carry away the internal organs will keep them out of the path of other predators. 
• Hunting Knife: Ensure you have a strong, sharp knife with a sturdy blade. Experts recommend you have two lockback hunting knives with a 3 ½’ blade with you when hunting big game.
• Knife Sharpener: Cutting through touch, thick hides will dull any knife very quickly.  Make sure you have a sharpener with you so that you can dress your animal completely.
• Folding Saw: A folding saw with a small-toothed bone blade will be needed to cut through the ribcage, pelvis and other tougher bone segments.

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Visit the New York Department of Fish and Wildlife web site for more information on Canadian Geese Hunting.

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DNR is allowing soldiers from all branches of services, including the National Guard, the opportunity to fish and hunt small game without a license for two years from their discharge.

“Many Minnesota soldiers have put their hunting and fishing trips on hold while they serve abroad,” said Mark Holsten, DNR commissioner. “The free license is a small way we can recognize their sacrifice, welcome them home, and extend an opportunity to be with friends and family in Minnesota’s great outdoors.”

A free deer license will be issued to residents who provide military discharge papers and proof of residency at any of the 1,800 businesses that sell deer licenses in the state.

For more information and details on how to obtain a hunting or fishing license in Minnesota, read the official press release.

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Sleek and sophisticated, the Puma Shark hunting knife is a sturdy, well-constructed knife that can be relied upon for a number of touch uses.  This folding knife is durable enough for hunting, fishing or outdoor survival applications because of its 3 3/16”, 440A stainless steel blade.  A notched thumb rest allows for a firm grip when cutting through bone or wood and the liner locking blade ensures user safety while in use. The knife features a quick-action thumb stud that allows the user to open the knife with one hand – perfect for if you are hunting or hiking alone and don’t have an extra pair of hands around. While durable and sturdy, the knife is also a beautiful piece with wood inlays and a curved, sleek handle.  The knife is reasonably priced for being such an incredibly functional piece ($59.76 on the DLK web site). 

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