[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Does this sowbelly make me look old? #17993

Threw a half-dozen arrows for a photo shoot. They hummed along noticeably faster than from my longbows, even in comparison to the one that is just three pounds lighter. Shoots nice and straight. Having started on a recurve as a kid (and foolishly lapsed), followed by taking up the longbow six years ago, it won’t be too tough to switch back and forth. A new string, a camo bow sock, and beware ye gobblers of the world in two weeks …

The pics:

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Question for David Petersen #54051

Ahem. My Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish forebears would not allow me to let this one pass. 😉

Helle knives, like many knives from Norway, Sweden and Finland, have a so-called “Scandinavian” bevel. They should be sharpened according to the instructions in this handy guide from Ragweed Forge, one of the leading U.S. distributors:

Sharpening Scandinavian knives.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: The Trad Knife Thread #28715

From left, Roselli Hunter (old style, which I prefer), Helle Fjellkniv, KJ Eriksson/Mora 746-G and Brusletto Speiderkniv (again, old style):

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: I need some advice on stalking and getting close to game #20468

When I was a kid I practiced a version of “foxwalking” that has paid dividends in later years. I knew an area where foxes hung out. I would go there after school, slide quietly into the woods and wait. Sometimes I was rewarded with the appearance of a fox. Then it was game on: Follow the fox without it being aware of me.

The same thing can be done for any game species you care to mention, and it is as close to hunting as you can get in the off season. If you want to hunt deer/turkeys/elk/moose, etc., go “hunt” them in all seasons. You’ll eventually teach yourself how to be quiet and limit your motion. Each time you spook an animal, you’ll probably know why. Pay close attention to your scent, the wind, your movements, your noise and your outline against a background. Then next time you won’t make the same mistake.

Personally, I think the biggest challenge is to find a bear and follow it. I’ve never succeeded for any length of time, but it’s a real kick when the opportunity presents itself. But I advise against doing that in Alaska …

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Interests #60738

Constantly since I was a kid: Camping and backpacking in all seasons (winter is my favorite!), canoeing (kayaking was added recently), Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, birding. Intermittently since the onset of adulthood: outdoor photography.

For seventeen years I was a volunteer SAR dog handler, the demands of which meant that I got started as a hunter fairly late in life.

I used to fish fairly often, but living in Alaska spoiled me and I find it hard to get excited about doing that here in NH. I buy a combo hunting/fishing license annually, but the latter part usually ends up just being a donation for habitat and stocking measures by the NH Dep’t of Fish and Game.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Boots? #39612

BuckyT wrote: Are the LL Bean Boots made in China??

“Each pair is still handstitched and checked for quality right here in Maine.” Men’s Maine Hunting Shoes®, 10″

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Oldest Regular Equipment #33641

Pretty sure I have all of you beat for the oldest bow being used. The one in my avatar was made for my dad when he was sixteen years old. That was a couple of years before he went into the Navy … to fight the Empire of Japan. I haven’t taken a deer with it yet, but I hope to next year – when it turns seventy. It was made by a bowyer and archery mentor of my dad named Buck Doran, in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1943. And yes, I shoot it constantly.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Leave Strung in Woods? #53084

Oops, I saw “ME” where it’s actually “MI”. Never mind. 😳

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: How to find a Alaska or BC hunt #52878

The aforementioned forums include one specifically dedicated to Float Hunting. The forum owner (for the entire Alaska Outdoors Forum site) has published what is probably the definitive book on the subject: Float Hunting Alaska’s Wild Rivers. I believe he has a DVD out, and I think he’s started to do online seminars on the subject as well.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: How to find a Alaska or BC hunt #49665

An excellent source of on-the-ground info on Alaska hunting (in addition to input from certain busy members of this forum) is the Alaska Outdoors Forums. I’d take a look first at their excellent Hunt Planning Primer and then explore their forums from there.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Things seldom seen or never seen before #47895

Although a Kite is possible (we’ve had Mississippi Kites breeding way up here in NH the last few years), I agree that a Northern Harrier is most likely what you saw.

Just so you know: Harriers are sexually dimorphic. No, not THAT.

This:Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Boots? #42658

jaytbuzzard wrote: Also where do yall find the sno seal. I have seen it online but I would rather buy it locally. Any Ideas?

9755 Northlake Centre Pkwy.

AKA the REI store in Charlotte: http://www.rei.com/product/764880/tectron-sno-seal-waterproofing. 😉

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Nothing is wasted … #37669

Excellent trail cam shot – thanks for sharing!

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Ethics #24702

The Boone and Crockett Club established a “Hunt Fair Chase” website several years ago that dealt with these questions. It seems to be pretty moribund these days, but there’s still a Resources list there that might be useful for such discussions.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Boots? #18949

David Petersen wrote: Well Charles, should that happen, at least you’ll have died with your boots on. 😛

More painful than a blister … 🙄

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