Doing The Best We Can With What We Have

Doing The Best We Can With What We Have

Mission Statement

With the expanded use of social media today, it is easy to look at others' lives and wish you were them. There are a handful of fortunate individuals who get to hunt and fish for a living. There are others who's circumstances allow them to spend more time in the outdoors than most. The truth is.. the majority of us are average people. Average men and women who do the best we can with what we have. For us, every hunt is public land. Every hunt is DIY. We will most likely never own a Yeti, our Igloos will have to do. Never look down range through the lens of a Swarovski or wear anything adorned with the Sitka logo. We will never have a hunting magazine, never be the stars of our own hunting show, become prostaff members, or receive free gear. We have a limited number of days off each year, and limited funds to spend. This does not however crush our spirit or curb our enthusiasm for the great outdoors. We will take every opportunity we get to enjoy the Streams, Lakes and Mountains.

We do not criticize those more fortunate than us. Our hope is to appeal to hunters just like us. Those with limited time, limited assets, limited resources, marginal gear, yet, 100% passion.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

South Carolina



The Vice President has headed out to South Carolina for the weekend on a little fishing trip. It's the first time that SLAM Outdoors had been represented outside of the Western United States. (unless you count me catching some little fish with a cane pole in Brazil)... Nevertheless, Show em how it's done Nick! No, wait.... scratch that, pay attention so you can come back home and show us how to do it.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Bow Hunting........

Ok, I officially SUCK as a bow hunter! Even though SLAM Outdoors has had some very exciting nights of hunting lately, the hunt came to a close last night without a single tag being filled :( Thurs night, Matt and I headed to Pine Valley to hunt and wondered why we hadn't just been going there the whole month! Immediately we started seeing deer just inside the tree line by the forsyth trail head. Matt found a tree stand to sit and had several deer walk right under him and even had 2 coyotes run by. I headed to the tree line just before a big grass field. I could have shot a spike at 40 yds right off the bat but decided against it. I sat the tree line that feeds into a field and ended up seeing one of the biggest deer I have ever laid eyes on. Something spooked him and he came running past at 50 yds and I didn't have time to do anything.
Friday, I headed back up there and again, could have shot a spike at 30 yds as soon as I left the truck but he was just standing there looking at me and I had about 2 minutes to decide what I wanted to do. I drew an arrow and then decided I had just gotten there and that was way to easy... what was I thinking?? I kept going out to the grass field again and before I got to my spot, I spotted 3 does just as they saw me. Then, I saw him..... A HUGE symetrical 4 pt at about 75 yds. I got to anxious as always and started a stalk. I moved to quickly to get in range. I had one patch of trees to left between he an I was all and as I got to where I could see him, it was too late. He had spotted me. Why didn't I take more time?? I had over an hour of daylight left but got to anxious. I got to within about 60 yds when he spotted me and ran off with the does. I was SO Frustrated!! That was my chance! I woul have done a full cape mount on him. He was that nice. Then right before dark, I spotted another nice 3x coming out of the tree line. I launched an arrow from about 75 yds in desperation just to see him and my bow hunting hopes trot off into the sunset......... All I can say is, Next Year. (it's gonna be a long wait and now I have to remember the big one I let get away from me till then) We need something else to occupy our time.... QUICK. Loa can't come fast enough.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

SLAM Weekend!!




WOW, where do I start?? What a weekend! SLAM Outdoors was out in full force this weekend doing a number of activities. Here's a quick rundown:

Thursday Night: Nick, Noah and I headed up to the Ence's in search of that elusive Buck. We only saw a few does here and there but I heard the "snorter" again. I'm gonna get him some night this week!

Friday Morning: Nick and I (and Doug) headed to Sand Hollow for a little fishing. Nick got things started off early with a drop shot rig and a sweet beav. So, I tied on a beav and also started catching em. By the end of the day, we had caught about 20 large mouth including this nice 2 pounder. On the way in, we mentioned to the lady and the gate that we were with SLAM Outdoors when she asked our name. That must have gave her an indication thaat we meant business and we ended up getting in free. It was a great morning on the lake! Doug ran flawless and the water was warm. We even had a little time for a swim.


That afternoon, we loaded up the bikes so we could head to Pine Valley hunting again. Aint this a beautiful sight?...

Friday Night we headed up to Pine Valley to hunt. Matt and the boys met us up there and that's when all the action happened! First, Nick and I took the 4 wheeler up the trail almost to communication point and we saw a few deer that had they been bucks we would have probably had us one. Then, that night, Matt and the boys met us up there. Matt saw a few deer and was getting pretty close to them but nothin happened. Then it really got good. Nick and I were together and walking down the fence line when he spotted a coyote in the grass about 50 yds in front of us. It stopped and I wasted no time drawing my bow and letting an arrow fly but I missed it by literally inches. All those times out trying to shoot coyotes and I could have killed my first one with a bow!! I am so mad that I missed. But... then, we were sitting in a small grove of trees and had a doe come within 20 yards 3 different times trying to check us out. We were busy watching her when nick looked behind us and I saw his eyes get huge. So I turned around to see coyote 8 ft behind us!! It was freaky! I couldn't quite get my release on my bow before it was too late and he had scampered away. That would have been so sweet to get that little bugger!

Friday Night: Our fun was just beginning... we met Mike back at the cabin and had some grub and watched the tele. And that's when we realized things just how great of a weekend it was and was going to be. We thought we were not going to get to see Gun it with Benny Spies. Once we finally found the VS. channel, The satelite schedule said that it was supposed to be Whitetail Revolution. Just as I was changing the channel, the 1st episode of the new season came on and we were all right there to witness it!!

Saturday morning: We headed out (a little late) but saw a spike right off the bat by the cabin and for some reason we talked ourselves out of shooting it. Then we drove up the road and saw a few does crossing and there was a nice 3x4 with them. Matt jumped out and actually got a shot off (and a few others) at him. That would be pretty much the extent of the deer action of the morning. So.... we took a quick picthen headed back to the cabin to load up because Benny gave us a great idea. The night before, his show was on dove hunting so we decided we would dove hunt during the afternoon. Not before we threw Mike Vick around though of course:


So, we went home, made a quick pit stop and headed to "Jack's Spot" in Hurricane to hunt Bugs..... I mean, Doves (nice shot mike). It started to pour right when we got there and cooled things down. We got a few early shots and then it slowed up a bit but we ended up shooting a couple.
It was awesome to do a little dove hunting and now I think we're all hooked. Since I have been home, I have missed 3 or 4 in the back yard but feeling a little more confident since Mike dropped off the Benjamin last night. I will keep you posted.

Friday Evening: Matt and I headed out to Bloomington for and Elders Quorum shooting activity and we were a little nervous going in because you never know who you are going to get out to those.... ya know? We kept it conservative though and only took about 6 guns between us... we wouldn't wanna scare anybody off....(see post from the Mark J. Hadley Memorial Loa trip 2010).
But it was a good night and we shot a lot. Some guy had spinner targets, plates, knock down plates and all kinds of stuff and it was awesome!



And finally, that night, me, Nick and Mike got together to watch BYU vs. Texas that Nick had tivoed. (sorry, no picture) What a way to top of the night. Nick also made me a meal.... something I had been lacking all day. Also, before I went to Nick's, I decided to take a shower. It was at that point that I had to take off my SLAM Outdoors t-shirt and I have to admit, it was a little sad even though it smelled like B.O.

But, WHAT A WEEKEND!! I think we got it all in and it was awesome!! Thanks to all who participated and made an effort to attend these important events. And thanks to our wives for turning us loose and watching the kids all weekend long.

Quote of the trip from Benny Spies on Bacon, "Applewood smoked bacon....... this stuff would make a dog turd taste good"

In closing, I would just remind you all that we still have some important events coming up in the near future
1. Nick and I are going to try and make a run to Lake Powell next week if the report is any better for all who want to make it out with us. It would be wed night and thursday day.

2. The annual Mark J. Hadley Memorial Loa trip and Youth Coyote hunt has been scheduled and is in it's early stages of planning. It is going to be the 2nd weekend of November. I have taken the days off already. We will be turning in our application and booking our rooms at the Aquarius soon.

I would also just like to remind all of you to remember to label your posts for easy access later. I would also like to see someone try to get a calendar on the side of the blog where we can post our events. Maybe take the place of the powellapalooza count down or something. Also, I am having Abe make us some new shirts for people similar to the spring trip shirt but with only the SLAM logo. Give me a head count if you know of people who want them and also anybody you would like to be notified each time we make a post...

Well, that's all folks...........

Friday, September 9, 2011

First report of the weekend: successful morning at sand hollow. Brought 15 or 20 to the boat including a nice 2 pounder. So far so good

SLAM Fall Weekend

So, in case you haven't heard.... SLAM Outdoors is having a huge weekend. We had originally planned to be out at the lake but the fishing report just isn't where we would like it to be. (see www.wayneswords.com) So, with that in mind, we have planned a series of events that were kicked off tonight by Me, Nick and Noah. We headed up to the Cabin after a late start........... and got there just in time for the deer to be moving and start bedding down. I headed down the fence line and within 5 minutes, had several deer in range but not a single buck!! I could have taken several does including some in their beds. So, it was unsuccessful but we are learning alot and will try to implement some changes the rest of the weekend.

Here is what is planned for the rest of the weekend:

Friday a.m. Meet at Nick's at 6 am sharp. (ouch, I gotta go to bed) cause we are mixing it up a bit and heading out to Sand Hollow!!!! I haven't been out on Doug all summer so I am super stoked!

Friday p.m. Head to Pine Valley. Get un packed and head for the hills to deer hunt. Then, back to the cabin for the night.

Saturday a.m. Deer Hunt.
Saturday afternoon: Back at base camp, shoot the bows, and maybe the AR

Saturday Night: Elder's Quorum shooting activity. I will be taking my pistol, AR-15, .22, shot gut, and maybe the AK. Then, it's back home to watch BYU vs. Texas that we have recorded.

Should be one hell of a weekend!!! We will post updates from the field as the action happens!

More Bow Hunting

I headed out by myself on Friday night. As I was driving in, right at the Almost Heaven gate, I ran into Pres. Ence and he said we could hunt there anytime, including the Water Hole... So, that's exactly what I did. I was super optimistic until the 4 wheeler wouldn't start once I backed it off the truck. So, I walked all the way to the water hole. I sat there and NOTHING came to take a drink. The ducks even hovered over but didn't land. So then, I had to walk back all that way in the dark. When I got to the truck, I thought the bike would start for sure but of course, it didn't. So, I had to push it up the ramp into the truck by myself while swearing and sweating. Needless to say, it was just another one of those nights..... It was the first night we didn't see any deer out there. We'll see what next week holds....

Monday, September 5, 2011

Quinn: "Nick caught 30 fish the other day at SH" Mike: "from the bank?" Quinn: "Mike;..... please"

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Update from the field: another unsuccessful night. Tons of close does and no bucks.....