.22 Henry - Card Cutting - Cool Toys

Typically Memorial Day is spent at the coast bathing a pent up saltwater addiction with sun and sand.  Fore casted 30 mph winds and overbearing grass in the surf re-directed us to the ranch.  Caleb turned 13 this month.  So we turned this opportunity a day of dad / son time before 5 of his buddies came along to celebrate his birthday and hunt hogs (come back for later posts for that).  

Despite the blowhard forecast - Thursday afternoon was a 95 degree pressure cooker in deep south Texas.  No wind to speak of. 

A particular habit the boy and I developed comes from my youth.  Hours and hours farting around with an old friend - Lance Fox.  As long as I can remember, if we read about it in a book or saw it on TV, we'd try it.  Hand tossed dimes, quarters, marbles, with BB guns and .22's we did it.  50 - 75 yard shots with multi-pump pellet guns, crappy scopes and some serious hold off - you bet!  Flying stuff with bow and arrows - no problem.  There are saltwater issues.  Kingfish, offshore, on medium action bass fishing gear and 12 pound line.  Done!  We never could stop blackfin tuna on 8 lb line though.   Tons of stuff people say can't be done - can....you just gotta try it. 

Caleb is a talented shot and kids think everything is possible.  Passing on the "can do" philosophy is easy.  Incoming clays with a pellet gun and .22 - he's done it.  Hell on wheels with a shotgun, blowgun, and very solid at 25 yards shooting 9mm brass with my RWS.  500 yards with a .223 or 30.06, trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end!  So we're always pushing the limits because paper punching is boring.  So we decided to cut a playing card in half with a .22 since we'd seen some guy do it on TV.  A sawhorse, handy grooves - nice!

 

Your target awaits.

 

 

20 yards away - the cards view.  Do notice he is not pointing at me....just for artistic effect.

 

 

Well, it took 4 shots.

 

 

First of all, you gun guys and gals will notice the rifle.  It is a full sized Henry lever action .22 with a Truglo red dot sight on top.  This rifle is super accurate, including a silky smooth action - solid as a vault.  They ain't cheap, but nothing good is cheap, so don't skimp on your kids.  This gun will be around when I am laying under the daisy roots.

Now it's time for the old man -  5 shots.  Maybe we need to back it up!  Gotta tell you, it is very satisfying to hit something that small.

 

 

My more fastidious readers will notice all the scratches.  Well, yeah, uh, it slid off the roof of the ranch house and fell to the ground last November.  It was a much safer situation than it sounds - while sounding completely stupid.  Thus I am justifying the actions of a mismanaged situation.....on the upside we proved durability at a level you won't see on a comment or message board anywhere else! 

Dad and son, easy times, relaxing a bit and pushing the limits of marksmanship.  It is a great way to become a superb shot.  If you can hit the edge of a card, everything else is easier.

 

Take a kid outdoors, teach them to participate in the ecosystem because apex predators rock. 

Especially when they have cool toys.

 

Small Boy with Laugh Lines

A.D.D. is AWESOME

Youth Hunting – Feral Hog – Shot Placement – Cheek Grenades

I realize Traditional Bowhunter printed a very similar article this week.  Hey, I am on a roll and decided to round it out for rifle wielding folks, here’s a tip for youth hunters that just might work for us old guys too!:

 

            Reality TV has taken hate to a new level.  Poor hogs, I guess it’s okay to hate some things. That is too bad!  This outdoor correspondent gets the giggles every time he can pursue them.  Think about this.  Our pork friends are available year around, they have no curfew, no season, and remain high in number; what could be better?  Significant behavioral problems – that’s what!           

            Anthromorphically, imagine a psychotherapist describing feral hog behavior as such:  “The subject is easily pre-occupied while showing no regard for other species in its daily activities.   Intensely self absorbed and moderately aggressive while seeking the presence of its own kind.  The hog is a peculiar case.   Of note, when confronted with a food source the subject exhibits A.D.H.D behavior.  Given this erratic combination of behavioral opportunities; the subject in not recommended for a traditional classroom setting.”  

            Moving on -

            Kids are literal.  An interesting thing happens when you describe a head shot as follows: “It’s easy kid.  Just shoot them in the head.”  Or what I used to say is more descriptive but apparently still confusing, “wait till they are broadside and shoot them right under the ear.”  The kid doesn’t really know which part of the head or “exactly how far below the ear?”  Coach them this way and you’ll get the Labrador retriever head tilt and the kid just goes along.  So, make it more concrete.  Tell them, “take a broadside shot.  Shoot them in the cheek.”   (Noted: if you coach kids to shoot a pig in the cheek, they will wait for a broadside shot because the cheek is on the side of the pig; handy.  Man I wish I was smart enough to have figured this out before making all those other mistakes!)

            Now on to rifle skills before we wrap this up:

            The typical new hunter (including adults) will lift their head at trigger pull looking over the scope for a neatly dispatched critter.  End result is high bullet impact or a pulled shot.  On the pig’s end of the deal, a squeal and missing parts followed by bulldozing into brush a fast moving rabbit would avoid.  They say mean things about your family too.   If you like adrenaline, it’s a hoot.  Try it at night with that dim flashlight we all own.  You know the one.

            Or shoot the cheek.  Here’s a picture I pulled off of biggamehunt.net.  A contributor named gknutson used this diagram to describe shot placement for archery.  I borrowed it with permission, then added the red lines to show the cheek shot I am recommending.

 

  

 Photo located at: www.biggamehunt.net/tips/hit-mark-feral-hogs

 

           What you have is a shot delivered to a large, lethal, area.  It is all bone.  Bone is good!  I know this is graphic but I am literal, just like the kids.  Bone turns into a grenade when your bullet arrives on target.  Anatomically, all the major arteries and spinal nerves funnel together here.  Sheer impact breaks the neck.  It is very humane.  Shots pulled high, previously discussed, result in direct brain impact and bone grenade scenario.

            End result – dirt nap.

            A .223 along with a kid is a great combination.  55 grain soft point, loud whop, you got pork.  Low recoil helps young hunters (and old guys) place that little pill in the bone/grenade area.  If you think it takes a .300 Weatherby Magnum to get this done.  Go for it.  That will work too.  But please do not give your .300 to a kid!!!!

            Go get yourself some hog hunting action.

             

 Small Boy with Laugh Lines

A.D.D. is AWESOME

Rifle Rest - Aimelss - Purpose - Pointless?

John Wayne can still swing two .44 caliber lever actions in circles, on horseback.  He is preserved on film.....many a bad guy falls to his shooting.  I have explored un-aided off hand shooting, the basic kind with feet set on Mother Earth.  My Choreographer is not as skilled as Mr. Wayne's. 

Alas, resting my rifles helps my score and one handed riflery is no longer sought for my bag of "man" tricks. 

Kids focus on results.   Trust me, you want results because kids need Midol when they miss.  Especially if the rifle is bouncing around with a case DT's before the shot.   In a typical blind or "hide" set up I suggest sand bags or your back pack.  Bed that gun down solid like you are cheating - Mr. Murphy has enough options you cannot control.

On our ranch in Texas, we participate in the aimless wander.  Before I continue, let me just say many people fail to address the wander correctly.  Wandering has subtle nuances.  There is the pointless wander - meaning you don't really care where you end up.  The meaningful wander - you are going to do something, somewhere but final destination many change.  Then there is the purposeful wander - you are going somewhere ending in a measurable result.  This one is known as chores.

The aimless wander has no destination, no clearly defined goals, but may become pointless if nothing happens or purposeful wander should a snake or crawdad is available.   At least that is the best way to wander.  Pigs and seasonal animals of pursuit are included in the "option" list while still retaining aimless status.

Aimlessly messing around with a water moccasin, in a place you weren't planning to end up, the distraction allows a sounder of feral hogs (the pinnacle of aimless wanderers) within 150 yards of your snake.  Your son's rifle upgrades you to a purposeful wander.   The 10 pound rifle offering minimal recoil is available (because you are smart and maybe I influenced you a bit) but you have no rifle rest.  Damn rules - forgot to tell you, a rifle rest is a purposeful part of being aimless but not pointless. 

Shooting sticks are a nice option, I made these after a norther turned my Double Bull blind into a sail.  Added a bit of duct tape, perfection.  We have wandered up on all kinds of critters and whacked them with these.

Should you have no extra fiberglass poles around, go to Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops and look for a Bi-Pod.  The unipods are okay, marketing literature is full color, tidy, and convincing.  I don't think the marketing team actually uses them - total crap.   Tripods are better than bipods.  The one below is a camera tripod.  I cut a piece of 3" PVC in half, and modified it to mount just like a camera.  (I'll post details of the assembly later on) It stays in the back of the truck for purposeful wanders begun aimlessly and brush blind hunting.  Notice how the gun just sits there, kid stands behind and it requires very little work.  It swivels as far as you can go.  This Model 700 ADL 30.06 is content.

Pointlessly aimless and all that has passed, it is time to wrap up.  What I have noticed using a bi-pod or tripod most people use the barrel as point of contact.  I had one of our cousins Caleb demonstrate stupid for us.  He was just following my advice......so, uh....?  This is the stupid way to do it - it causes misses.  Very simple - physics.  The gun is heavy in comparison to said youth hunter.  Said youth hunter tends to look up and drop the rifle at trigger pull - shot goes high because all the weight is behind the "rest".  (Adults do the same thing but just forget that because it isn't you - just other guys).

Rest the rifle on the balance point which is usually about the middle of the scope and you'll get accuracy!  If the gun leans a little barrel heavy - fine.

This is the way to do it.

The rifle is balanced and yes, the kid (or adult) may look up and all that.  We addressed Mr. Murphy earlier,

When you are playing "Bwana Gun Bearer".  Stand to the side, hang on to the bipod and cover your gun side ear.  I know it looks like yoga. 

This yoga move retains proper hearing and a secondary benefit.  You will often hear the bullet hit the animal with your off side ear.  It is a delightful "POP"ing sound.  Not covering your ear gives you a reason to avoid conversations at home....for a few days.

In closing, remember to purposefully take the essentials for being aimless.  Rest the rifle in the middle and get close.  You will get results.

Small Boy with Laugh Lines

A.D.D. is AWESOME

Ranch Birthday - Spongebob - Rock River

Most boys like the idea of a ranch birthday.  Well, since I am an outdoor blogvangeist expanding the hunting and fishing world, I am the perfect ranch birthday party guy.  There happens to be a ranch as well.  My son Thomas on the far right turned 9.

I feel all creative this morning and will use a "start at the end and take it back to the beginning" writing trick.  Linear is so straightforward, it ain't fun.

At the end of the trip the boys gathered for a picture at the gate.  Another successful ranch Birthday.

Then there were ranch Fairy duties.  Basically, I am the ranch fairy.  If something breaks, or the feeders run out, or...about 9,234 other things "just call Uncle Troy" is the standard response.  Well, today we arrive to a broken pipe spewing water all over the bottom of the house.  I am glad it is on piers or things would have been tough.  A little glue and a handy 3/4" cap - water is tight and the house is back to normal.  (Showers are great at the ranch!).

Quick unload and we started the barrage of .22 shell popping - a required ranch birthday activity.  Mitchell getting warmed up with a Henry single shot.

(This is an excellent starter rifle for kids - as safe as a rifle can be)

Like grannies rushing a girdle sale "more, more, more, give me MORE!"

Two of my buddies own sweet AR - 15's with retractable stocks (yeah I know most of them are that way).  But alas, here is the teaching part.

Low recoil, relatively inexpensive ammunition, and a 500 yard target at the ranch make for some significant rifle work. 

Here's Rick ripping away with the new Rock River.

This is a FACT:  Boys are gun curious.  If you do not teach them how - they will never learn how and then you get some serious issues later on in life.  Like I say every time at the ranch,

"Boys" I bellow out -

"Guns, knives, chainsaws, fast cars and women will always be interesting.  They will also kill you" 

We'll work on the cars and women part later.

Introducing every anti-gun weenie's nightmare!!!!

Mind you - these guys are shooting 500 yards at 9 and 11 years old, which proved quite difficult in 25 MPH SE wind, when you hit the steel target (the size of your chest) it was barely audible.  The military might want to put in a draft pick......

Of course there was Spongebob cake - what do you think - I am a southern, redneck, tough guy, lift kit truck driving, tied down knife wearing "wanna be?"  Oh, yeah, those guys DON'T TAKE THEIR KIDS........they are home tire shining the "33's.

There was pig population control, I will report later - waiting on photo's.

If you don't teach the next generation, who will?

I told you I was going to use a writing trick.  I started with harmless gate pictures and a little plumbing problem, brought in some subtle (ha!) pro-gun nuances, then spun it back to finish with boys standing like runway models, on a cistern, below a harmless spongebob cake.

Not bad for a wanna be tough guy outdoorsman who is building the next generation of outdoorsmen.

Small Boy with Laugh Lines

A.D.D. is AWESOME

Youth Hunting - Rant - Complain - Fat Southerners

I promise not to do this too often.

But today is a "Special" day where I feel fiesty.  I am going to point the finger at the outdoor industry as a whole.  Why on this good green Earth are there no hunting and fishing shows or print articles focused on youth?   Why do MOST of the outdoorsmen and magazines all say "Take a kid fishing or hunting!" 

Like we're all supposed to do it.

Then they produce a whole year of content with NO KIDS.  As you well know, we have plenthora of fat, southern, camo clad, chin bearded yuckity, yucks out there encouraging us to do what they won't.  (Maybe I should get fat and grow facial hair - then people would listen to me!!!)

 

Yes, there are kid pictures in some of the print stuff - that's about it. 

Here's food for thought.  Apple puts their computers in every school possible.  Interestingly as I travel for my real job, I see more than half the young professionals (say under 30) dragging around a Mac.  It's called planning for the future, building a customer base, brainwashing is the 60's way to say it.

 

Oh, and by the way.  If one of you outdoor personalities, manufacturer's, or sales reps thinks putting kids on TV and in print is a good idea.

Forget that.

They are web, blog, you tube, and social media focused.  Print is going to die, TV has too many channels and in 10 years will evolve.  Why wait for TV when you pick and choose video clips on the web.  Your target market is also dying off - literally.   Follow my blog and holler at me sometime, I have some ideas to reach out to the youth hunting and fishing world.

Maybe those folks at Apple computer know what they're doing?

 

Small Boy with Laugh Lines

A.D.D. is AWESOME