[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Going Cuckoo #22901

According to the books, the home range of the yellow-billed is virtually the entire Lower-48, while the black-billed inhabits almost all the states east of the Rockies. I find this interesting, because I have been paying a lot of attention to birds my whole life and have never seen either. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Things That Might Bite #20923

There must be something about bugs in Texas (my ancestors came there in covered wagons, so I can say that.) Some years back I was fly-fishing for redfish in the Laguna Madre, wading the flats about a mile from the nearest land. Suddenly, a honey bee was buzzing around my head. No big deal, right? Then there were ten, then there were hundreds. Finally one landed on my hand and stung me, and that was the attack signal. The light went on in my brain: Africanized killer honey bees! The water was to shallow for me to get below the surface, so I took a visual bearing on our boat, closed my eyes to keep the bees out, and started to run. Fortunately, daughter Nicole was paying attention, realized something was really wrong, and initiated a dust off. By the time we were out of there I’d probably been stung 300 times. Had I been allergic, Traditional Bowhunter would have another Co-Editor. Sorry for rambling, but I’ve never been able to figure out how to work that instructive encounter into a hunting story. Give me grizzlies anytime. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Grilling Game Meat #14174

Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook venison, and I agree with most everything that has been said. Personally, I like to reserve grilling for the tender cuts–backstrap and tenderloin. Everything else usually benefits from some slow cooking. There are all kinds of marinades and sauces, but with good venison, less is usually more. Outdoor grills and campfires are great, but I find that I have more control in a heavy cast iron pan over a gas flame stove. The window between perfect and over-cooked is narrow with wild game because of its low fat content. When using a meat thermometer, I aim for an interior of 130 degrees. Make sure everything else for the meal is ready to go and on the table, and serve at once. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Mitten's article in the current TBM #12326

Interesting discussion. As I read Bruce’s note earlier, I released that I hold several of the views he identified as potential sources of conflict. I feel strongly about some of the subjects and will be glad to discuss them with whoever wants to listen. However, I have always taken pains to separate discussion of the ideas from personal criticism of those who hold opposing opinions. Name calling and personally derogatory statements do not advance any point of view. If we keep this principle in mind, we can all look forward to lively campfire discussions and still remain friends while working together for the benefit of wildlife and hunting. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Hunting Kauai? #10519

I have done a lot of hunting in Hawaii, but not on Kaui. Each of the major islands is quite different, so much of what I know won’t be of any specific help. However, I can tell you that unless the regs have changed, you will need to be able to produce a hunter ed certificate (NOT bowhunter ed) to get a license. You had best start working on that now. Once you are in the HI system, it is best to get your license on line, which is easy now. I also know that the magazine has run at least two pieces on hunting Kaui in the last decade. I am at our Alaska place right now with terrible Internet (the forum will be lucky to get this) but I bet our beloved Webmother can help out with the index. Best, Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Just what the doctor ordered: "One Hundred Days" by Don Thomas #54378

Go get ’em, eld. I’ve never figured out how a digital device on your wrist is supposed to help you get up the mountain. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Fight the fat-cat land grabbers #58946

This may be the most important topic any of us discuss for a long time. There will be a TBM editorial coming out shortly. Neither I nor anyone else should have to remind people here what is at stake. Paradoxically, one of the biggest loser groups should this insane idea somehow fly is one of the stakeholders that is pushing for it most vigorously: western ranchers! The 1934 Taylor Grazing Act now allows ranchers with BLM leases to run their livestock on public ground for about 10% of the cost of a private pasture lease. Does anyone really think that the new owners of this land are going to do the same? If you have friends in the ranching community, please point this out to them. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Cross-Dominance and Instinctive #58935

This is a highly controversial subject. I have to say that based on my knowledge of the human brain, no one “becomes” right (or let) eye dominant. It is the way your brain is hard-wired from birth. Some can adapt, others cannot. I am extremely right eye dominant, as I learned when I made a few attempts to shoot “lefty” after shoulder surgery. Disaster. The general rule is to go with the dominant eye, but by all means do what works for you. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Killing Elk… #55557

Artificially concentrating wild ungulates for any reason is almost always a bad idea, although I have to admit that doing so in order to facilitate the collection and sale of elk antlers lowers the ethical bar even more than usual. In Montana, people who feed bighorns during the winter can’t grasp that doing so exposes the animals to several respiratory illnesses that are a leading cause of death among wild sheep. Opposing feeding programs seems counter-intuitive. We’re just helping the poor critters through the winter, right? Wrong! I could go on with countless other reasons why this practice is bad for wildlife, but some people are just never gong to get it. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Our Arizona Javi Hunt #22228

I have to chime in since, as Bruce knows, Lori and I were in the same basic area at the same time–matter of fact, I told him I would put some x’s on the spot where I have seen pigs before. I’ve been on the same ridges from which some of those pictures were shot. I have to object ever so slightly to the comment about “fat cat” quail hunters, since we were hunting quail there too (I still can’t shoot a bow and mostly worked dogs while Lori shot quail), and as everyone here should know, we aren’t fat cats by any stretch of the imagination! Here’s the deal: Mearns quail have become trendy, and if you hunt in their habitat you are going to see quail hunters. The live oak ridges in the photos are ideal for Mearns. If you have a problem with other hunters sharing pubic land with you,hunt farther north or even at lower elevations in the area where you were. Means habitat is very strictly defined. Javelina habitat is not. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: My condolences Don #63660

Once again, my family and I can’t thank all of you enough. I understand that CBS did something on my Mom this morning, but we are currently in a no-TV location so I can’t confirm. I realize now that the best things in my life took place because I listened to my parents and the rest took place because I didn’t. Best wishes to all of you. Don and Lori

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: My condolences Don #59539

Thanks to you all for taking time to express condolences. Our extended community is indeed remarkable. Both of my parents lived long, happy lives that did the world a lot of good, and that is all any of us could ask for. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Paper Tuning Results – 10/4/14 #60438

Bruce–It’s a left brain/right brain issue. My father was the scientist in the family–that’s why he won the Nobel Prize. When I was a kid he’d have me out there counting holes in that 30″ circle all day long. He was also the best wing-shot I’ve ever seen, but I don’t think that had anything to do with patterning shotguns. You hit ’em or you don’t. Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Kayak hunt fail.. #60430

Jim–I’ve actually spent a lot of time in Townsville and have seem great makes there. I never got to where you were, but I did some flyfishing for barra closer to shore. As I said when I returned from my first visit, if I were 20 years younger my next ticket would be one-way! Don

[Don Thomas]

in reply to: Kayak hunt fail.. #59252

Jim–Having spent a lot of time along Australia’s magnificent coastline, I’m really curious as to where this trip took place. (The map on the Kayak isn’t much help.) Not asking you to reveal any secret spots, but maybe the approximate general area? Don

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