Overview
Laser boresighters provide an essential tool for gunsmiths and shooters to quickly and accurately get a gun sighted in. They are the first step to accurate shooting and can save the shooter money by reducing the amount of shooting at the range. There are many types of boresighters available for a custom fit, but the Bushnell Laser Boresighter is a unique tool that fits a wide range of guns with a quick change of a screw.
Initial Setup
Install 3 LR 44 batteries and turn the boresighter on with the on/off switch located on the top of the boresighter. Make sure you can see the small red laser dot being emitted from the end of the boresighter.
Using the Boresighter
Find the properly sized adapter by finding the largest adapter that will fit in the muzzle of the gun. There are five sizes included with the Bushnell Laser Boresighter, ranging from .22 to .50 caliber. Screw the adapter to the small end of the boresighter and insert into the muzzle. Point the red laser at the target and look through the crosshairs in the scope. Adjust the windage and elevation settings on the scope until the crosshairs line up with the laser.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
How to Install a Bow Release
Overview
The bow release aid is the link between the archer and the bow. It is the most important piece for accurate and safe shooting as it holds the string at full draw and releases the arrow smoothly. Release aids provide more consistent releases and arrow flight. Many bow release aids can be tricky to install but they all function under similar operating procedures.
Step 1
Place the bow release aid on your wrist or palm. Activate the trigger to move the calipers (the "teeth" that attach to the bow string) to the open position. Most releases will stay in this position until closed.
Step 2
Move the release to the bow string and attach to the predetermined spot. This will either be under the arrow nocking point, if the bow is set up for the release to attach to the bow string, or on the loop if installed.
Step 3
Clip the calipers on the string or loop by reversing the position of the trigger to the loaded position. At this point, the bow release is fully installed and attached to the bow string and the bow is ready to be drawn.
Skill
Easy
Things You'll Need
Bow
Bow release
Tips
Practice using and installing the bow release at the archery range.
Warnings
Make sure both calipers are secured around the bow string before you draw the bow.
The bow release aid is the link between the archer and the bow. It is the most important piece for accurate and safe shooting as it holds the string at full draw and releases the arrow smoothly. Release aids provide more consistent releases and arrow flight. Many bow release aids can be tricky to install but they all function under similar operating procedures.
Step 1
Place the bow release aid on your wrist or palm. Activate the trigger to move the calipers (the "teeth" that attach to the bow string) to the open position. Most releases will stay in this position until closed.
Step 2
Move the release to the bow string and attach to the predetermined spot. This will either be under the arrow nocking point, if the bow is set up for the release to attach to the bow string, or on the loop if installed.
Step 3
Clip the calipers on the string or loop by reversing the position of the trigger to the loaded position. At this point, the bow release is fully installed and attached to the bow string and the bow is ready to be drawn.
Skill
Easy
Things You'll Need
Bow
Bow release
Tips
Practice using and installing the bow release at the archery range.
Warnings
Make sure both calipers are secured around the bow string before you draw the bow.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Garmin Nuvi vs Magellan Maestro
Overview
Garmin and Magellan are two of the industry leaders for Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Two of the most popular choices for automotive GPS units are the Garmin nuvi 1450 and the Magellan Maestro 4700.
Price
Prices for the Garmin Nuvi and the Magellan Maestro are typically in the same range. The Garmin nuvi 1450 and the Magellan Maestro 4700 have identical suggested retail prices as of January 2010.
Size
The Garmin nuvi 1450 is sleek and has an ultra-thin design with a display screen size of 4.4 inches by 2.5 inches. The Magellan Maestro 4700 is just .6 inches deep and features a widescreen that's 5.2 inches by 3.46 inches.
Maps
Both the nuvi and the Maestro use the NAVTEQ mapping data. The Maestro 4700 has preloaded maps of Canada, Puerto Rico and the United States. The nuvi 1450 has preloaded maps of North America with the ability to upgrade and add maps.
Navigation
Both models will speak the street name and direction of the upcoming turn. The Maestro has a feature called "Multi-destination Routing" that gives the ability to plan a trip with multiple stops while still traveling the most efficient route. The nuvi has navigational options including fastest time, shortest distance or off road with the ability to add stops, or "via points," once the destination is chosen.
Battery
Battery life for the nuvi is up to three hours with a rechargeable lithium-ion. The Maestro is also up to three hours with a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Unique Features
Garmin and Magellan have both developed features that make their GPS unique. The nuvi features Garmin Lock that serves as an anti-theft feature. The Maestro has Predictive Traffic Routing that automatically provides traffic information and can help you avoid delays.
Garmin and Magellan are two of the industry leaders for Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Two of the most popular choices for automotive GPS units are the Garmin nuvi 1450 and the Magellan Maestro 4700.
Price
Prices for the Garmin Nuvi and the Magellan Maestro are typically in the same range. The Garmin nuvi 1450 and the Magellan Maestro 4700 have identical suggested retail prices as of January 2010.
Size
The Garmin nuvi 1450 is sleek and has an ultra-thin design with a display screen size of 4.4 inches by 2.5 inches. The Magellan Maestro 4700 is just .6 inches deep and features a widescreen that's 5.2 inches by 3.46 inches.
Maps
Both the nuvi and the Maestro use the NAVTEQ mapping data. The Maestro 4700 has preloaded maps of Canada, Puerto Rico and the United States. The nuvi 1450 has preloaded maps of North America with the ability to upgrade and add maps.
Navigation
Both models will speak the street name and direction of the upcoming turn. The Maestro has a feature called "Multi-destination Routing" that gives the ability to plan a trip with multiple stops while still traveling the most efficient route. The nuvi has navigational options including fastest time, shortest distance or off road with the ability to add stops, or "via points," once the destination is chosen.
Battery
Battery life for the nuvi is up to three hours with a rechargeable lithium-ion. The Maestro is also up to three hours with a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Unique Features
Garmin and Magellan have both developed features that make their GPS unique. The nuvi features Garmin Lock that serves as an anti-theft feature. The Maestro has Predictive Traffic Routing that automatically provides traffic information and can help you avoid delays.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
How to Process Elk Meat
Overview
Harvesting a mature elk is no easy task but the work has just begun. The real work starts after the kill when it is time to process the elk. Elk can weigh 1,000 pounds, which makes it difficult to maneuver on the side of a mountain. Efficient field care is the start to a long process to get the meat into the freezer. Having several friends join in the processing of the elk meat can make the job much easier.
Step 1
Field dress the elk as soon as possible after the kill to cool the carcass. Keep the hide and meat clean and dirt free during transport by using game bags. Put ice in the chest cavity if necessary based on the temperatures. Allow the carcass a couple of days to age if you can control the temperature range, allowing natural enzymes to tenderize the meat.
Step 2
Remove the hide and skin from the carcass by starting from the rump and pulling the hide down over the rear legs and shoulders. Cut around the joints in the legs so the hide will continue to pull all the way over the neck.
Step 3
Debone the rear quarters by cutting around the pelvis and femur. Remove the front shoulders by cutting inside the shoulder socket. Take your time removing the backstraps from both sides of the spine. Finish by cutting off meat from the neck, ribs and brisket.
Step 4
Lay the meat on a cutting board and separate into smaller muscles. Follow the natural lines in the muscles and remove any fat, silver skin, blood clots, dirt or hair.
Step 5
Cut steaks from the backstraps and other muscles from the rear quarters. Extra meat from the rear quarters can be made into roasts or stew meat. Shoulder and neck meat can be put through the meat grinder for hamburger or cut into stew meat. Put the ground meat in meat tubs and prepare for packaging.
Step 6
Label the vacuum seal bags with the cut of meat and date of processing and fill with the appropriate meat. Vacuum seal the meat to remove any air that can lead to freezer burn. Place the bag in the freezer as soon as the seal is complete.
Skill
Moderate
Things You'll Need
Knife
Game bags
Cutting board
Grinder
Meat tubs
Vacuum sealer
Vacuum sealer bags
Freezer
Tips
Keep the meat cold and get it to a freezer as soon as possible after the harvest.
Keep your knife sharp by routinely running it through a knife sharpener during the process.
Warnings
Avoid contamination by always washing your hands and sanitizing the processing tables and equipment.
Harvesting a mature elk is no easy task but the work has just begun. The real work starts after the kill when it is time to process the elk. Elk can weigh 1,000 pounds, which makes it difficult to maneuver on the side of a mountain. Efficient field care is the start to a long process to get the meat into the freezer. Having several friends join in the processing of the elk meat can make the job much easier.
Step 1
Field dress the elk as soon as possible after the kill to cool the carcass. Keep the hide and meat clean and dirt free during transport by using game bags. Put ice in the chest cavity if necessary based on the temperatures. Allow the carcass a couple of days to age if you can control the temperature range, allowing natural enzymes to tenderize the meat.
Step 2
Remove the hide and skin from the carcass by starting from the rump and pulling the hide down over the rear legs and shoulders. Cut around the joints in the legs so the hide will continue to pull all the way over the neck.
Step 3
Debone the rear quarters by cutting around the pelvis and femur. Remove the front shoulders by cutting inside the shoulder socket. Take your time removing the backstraps from both sides of the spine. Finish by cutting off meat from the neck, ribs and brisket.
Step 4
Lay the meat on a cutting board and separate into smaller muscles. Follow the natural lines in the muscles and remove any fat, silver skin, blood clots, dirt or hair.
Step 5
Cut steaks from the backstraps and other muscles from the rear quarters. Extra meat from the rear quarters can be made into roasts or stew meat. Shoulder and neck meat can be put through the meat grinder for hamburger or cut into stew meat. Put the ground meat in meat tubs and prepare for packaging.
Step 6
Label the vacuum seal bags with the cut of meat and date of processing and fill with the appropriate meat. Vacuum seal the meat to remove any air that can lead to freezer burn. Place the bag in the freezer as soon as the seal is complete.
Skill
Moderate
Things You'll Need
Knife
Game bags
Cutting board
Grinder
Meat tubs
Vacuum sealer
Vacuum sealer bags
Freezer
Tips
Keep the meat cold and get it to a freezer as soon as possible after the harvest.
Keep your knife sharp by routinely running it through a knife sharpener during the process.
Warnings
Avoid contamination by always washing your hands and sanitizing the processing tables and equipment.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Homemade Deer Mineral Attractant
Overview
Food plots are a valuable tool for game and trophy management. They can be expensive if maintained year round, leaving the deer without essential minerals. Homemade deer mineral attractants provide an inexpensive alternative to the high-priced food plot and commercially processed minerals. Homemade minerals can also be customized based on your specific soil composition. The three ingredients to a homemade deer mineral attractant can be found at your local farm supply stores.
The Ingredients
Purchase one 50-pound bag of dicalcium phosphate from your local feed store for around $11. Dicalcium phosphate helps in food digestion and weight gain. The second ingredient is trace mineral salt. Find the salt without medications and purchase two 50-pound bags for around $5 per bag. The final ingredient is stock salt, or ice cream salt. One 50-pound bag will cost around $2. The salts help to attract the deer and keep the deer coming to the attractant. It also provides trace minerals like magnesium and potassium that aid in antler growth.
Preparation
Mix all four bags for a total of 200 pounds of mineral attractant in a large barrel and use a small coffee can to spread it over stumps and other vegetation. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and mix the mineral mixture into the soil. Put up a trail camera nearby to track deer movement. Replace about every four to six months or as necessary based on the deer herd.
Food plots are a valuable tool for game and trophy management. They can be expensive if maintained year round, leaving the deer without essential minerals. Homemade deer mineral attractants provide an inexpensive alternative to the high-priced food plot and commercially processed minerals. Homemade minerals can also be customized based on your specific soil composition. The three ingredients to a homemade deer mineral attractant can be found at your local farm supply stores.
The Ingredients
Purchase one 50-pound bag of dicalcium phosphate from your local feed store for around $11. Dicalcium phosphate helps in food digestion and weight gain. The second ingredient is trace mineral salt. Find the salt without medications and purchase two 50-pound bags for around $5 per bag. The final ingredient is stock salt, or ice cream salt. One 50-pound bag will cost around $2. The salts help to attract the deer and keep the deer coming to the attractant. It also provides trace minerals like magnesium and potassium that aid in antler growth.
Preparation
Mix all four bags for a total of 200 pounds of mineral attractant in a large barrel and use a small coffee can to spread it over stumps and other vegetation. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and mix the mineral mixture into the soil. Put up a trail camera nearby to track deer movement. Replace about every four to six months or as necessary based on the deer herd.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Guide to Purchasing Hunting Property
Overview
Owning your own piece of hunting property is a dream for many hunters. Finding the right piece of land that meets your needs can be difficult, but there are resources available to help ease the process. And remember: While buying hunting property requires time and attention now, it can provide years of fun and pleasure later.
Consult a Real-Estate Agent
Contact a real-estate company that specializes in recreational property, including hunting property. Agents will do the research on the land and can typically show you several options within your price range and preferred location. They will save you time and energy, as they narrow the choices by looking for hot properties and making sure you get the most out of the investment. They might also be able to help find financing options.
Research the Property
Define your long-term hunting goals and focus your search around those goals. For example, if your goal is to harvest mature whitetail deer, look for property with crops and timber. Talk to the neighbors and find out if they hunt and how they manage the wildlife. Building a relationship with the neighbors will help to produce a successful long-term hunting property. Review aerial maps of the property using Google Earth or MyTopo to locate wildlife travel routes, pinch points and funnels that could potentially lead wildlife to the property.
Review the Details
Analyze the land access and road system leading to the property. A trespassing problem might exist if the general public can access the property easily. Find out how you can access the property to ensure that you do not have to cross private property. This could potentially be a problem if a landowner refuses to allow access in the future. Review the fine print in the property details that cover water and mineral rights.
Owning your own piece of hunting property is a dream for many hunters. Finding the right piece of land that meets your needs can be difficult, but there are resources available to help ease the process. And remember: While buying hunting property requires time and attention now, it can provide years of fun and pleasure later.
Consult a Real-Estate Agent
Contact a real-estate company that specializes in recreational property, including hunting property. Agents will do the research on the land and can typically show you several options within your price range and preferred location. They will save you time and energy, as they narrow the choices by looking for hot properties and making sure you get the most out of the investment. They might also be able to help find financing options.
Research the Property
Define your long-term hunting goals and focus your search around those goals. For example, if your goal is to harvest mature whitetail deer, look for property with crops and timber. Talk to the neighbors and find out if they hunt and how they manage the wildlife. Building a relationship with the neighbors will help to produce a successful long-term hunting property. Review aerial maps of the property using Google Earth or MyTopo to locate wildlife travel routes, pinch points and funnels that could potentially lead wildlife to the property.
Review the Details
Analyze the land access and road system leading to the property. A trespassing problem might exist if the general public can access the property easily. Find out how you can access the property to ensure that you do not have to cross private property. This could potentially be a problem if a landowner refuses to allow access in the future. Review the fine print in the property details that cover water and mineral rights.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
How Important is Scent During Hunting?
One of the most important factors to successful hunting is scent elimination. A deer's sense of smell is 60 times as sensitive as that of humans. By applying a system focused on scent elimination, a hunter can gain an advantage and increase his odds for success.
Function
Eliminating scent during hunting gives the hunter a wider hunting window based on the wind. Deer will detect human presence when the wind blows the scent in their general direction. But eliminating or reducing the amount of scent creates a wider hunting area that will not be detected.
Types
There are several different companies producing scent elimination products. Follow a system of washing clothes in special detergent and storing the clothes in scent-proof bags. Take a shower with scent-free soap and apply scent-free deodorant, lotion or powder.
Benefits
The number-one defense system for a deer is his nose. Eliminating scent reduces the effectiveness of this system and increases the likelihood that the deer will walk within shooting range.
Considerations
Do not forget to apply scent-free spray to all of your hunting gear, including backpack, boots and bow or gun. These items can pick up scent from your home or vehicle that can be detected by deer.
Warning
Stay scent-free by avoiding sweating as you hike through the timber to your stand. Scent is immediately produced once you start to sweat.
Function
Eliminating scent during hunting gives the hunter a wider hunting window based on the wind. Deer will detect human presence when the wind blows the scent in their general direction. But eliminating or reducing the amount of scent creates a wider hunting area that will not be detected.
Types
There are several different companies producing scent elimination products. Follow a system of washing clothes in special detergent and storing the clothes in scent-proof bags. Take a shower with scent-free soap and apply scent-free deodorant, lotion or powder.
Benefits
The number-one defense system for a deer is his nose. Eliminating scent reduces the effectiveness of this system and increases the likelihood that the deer will walk within shooting range.
Considerations
Do not forget to apply scent-free spray to all of your hunting gear, including backpack, boots and bow or gun. These items can pick up scent from your home or vehicle that can be detected by deer.
Warning
Stay scent-free by avoiding sweating as you hike through the timber to your stand. Scent is immediately produced once you start to sweat.
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