WINTERIZE 2012

Every year at this time, a sad day arrives....the day we are forced to Winterize Doug. It was a little more painful this year because we just didn't get Doug out on the water as much as we would have liked to. This year however, we got the whole staff out to the winterizing party. We will make any excuse to get together.....

Before we know it, we will be at the Antelope Point Marina burning off all the fogging oil for all to see!

Until then, hopefully a few more coyotes and perhaps a little ice fishing trip or something. Hang in there Doug!

Mark J. Hadley Memorial 2012!!

Well.. I can't believe it's over! We wait all year for something and then it comes and goes... Good thing for us this year was as memorable as ever!

Things got started off right when we picked up Mike and he had is piping hot chili waiting for us. That, and the drive there would have been fun enough. But, little did we know, everybody had all kinds of things up their sleeves that night when we all got together at the hotel.

We got to Loa, did our usual spot lighting below chapel cheese and by the lot. Then got to the Aquarius where Emil and Lois were watching the Jazz game and awaiting our arrival. Bryce and Jerome pulled in just as we were tossin' mike vick around on the parcel. (thanks to nick and bronzen's efforts to restring him on the way over).

And, THAT'S when the craziness began...

Just the fact that Sheila surprised us with her famous Pumpkin Cookies would have been enough. But, We did do our traditional "get all our guns out and place them on the bed for a pic" picture. (there are actually less guns than last year I think. I know I only brought 3 this time). Anyway, it was at that moment that Nick decided to surprise us all with a new purchase. So. without further adieu, here it is:

Yep! Savage Lightweight Varminter in .204 Ruger!! If that doesn't look like a coyote killin' machine, I don't know what does....

So, that was pretty good right there right? Well, he also had purchased a little 20 Ga Pump as well.

THEN, all of the sudden, from out of no where, there were hats being handed out by Nick, so then, I decided you can't have a hat if you don't have a shirt to go with it.

 Shirts courtesy of Abe Dalebout and Intermountain T-Shirt Company, Ogden, Utah
http://www.intermountaintshirts.com/ THANK YOU ABE!

THEN... Bryce unveiled his competition 9mm pistol he acquired from his pops. From the looks of things, Bryce could almost participate IN a competition with it. He shoots it as well as his .22 rifle.

THEN...just when all the excitement was winding down and we thought we'd seen enough, there was one more gun that was hiding in the closet

Anyway, WHAT A NIGHT SO FAR.. and, we hadn't even been out hunting yet! (This was also about the time Bryce surprised us with his new SLAM Outdoors sweatshirt he had acquired)

First morning out, the Vice Pres. kept the momentum from the night before rolling! We weren't out a half hour when his new .204 rang out! Here's the results:

YEP!! Nick smoked his first yote with is new rifle It was literally the first shot fired since he had it sighted in right out of the box. How's that for a debut!? Great Job Nick!

Moving on now, please enjoy this onslaught of pictures and sideways videos:

Nick's Perch

 The Male Model member of our staff

Check out these next 2 pics....

Great pic of the Vice Pres!

 Bryce enjoying some much needed thinking time in the piece and quiet.

Liberal-filled pizza joint (above) one of our favorite stops on the trip. You're sure to see a prius with California plates in the parking lot. This year was no exception! Love seein' the looks on their faces as a bunch of camo-clad, heat packin' rednecks walk in. Priceless!!(notice Bryce's sweatshirt?)

Royal's Food Town!

RANGE TIME:

How about this little grand finale!?

Well, what can I say? This year was EPIC! We had a heck of a time. Next year is Definitely gonna be hard to top.The weather was great, Emil couldn't have been more hospitable, and the Boulder Mt. was as good as ever. This was the first year I can remember we didn't go to the Rocks or to the Ranch but we dedicated more time to coyote hunting, spent alot of time just chillin' as a staff mingled with the laid back country folk. We had a ton of laughs, some great conversation, and some good groceries. Well done guys. We pulled off another successful trip!

Great final pic of the Staff

In closing, the Vice Pres conducted a little survey upon our return home. Here are the results:

He posed these questions:

What was best food item that you consumed?

 

What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?

 

Who was the best person that you saw or met? 

 

What was your favorite conversation topic?

 

What was your single most favorite event?

 

What was your funniest moment?

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?

 

Here is everyone's answers:

 

QUINN:

 What was best food item that you consumed?
  Probably the Pizza, I probably could have downed several more slices (and that's why I looked the way I did at the landfill road :)

 
What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday? 

Thursday Night! Friday was awesome and Saturday sucked when I learned I might not have a job when I got home
  

Who was the best person that you saw or met? 

That sweet old lady at the Sunglow that smiled at me like I was her grandson or  something. Good thing she couldn't hear, given her proximity to our table.

 

 What was your favorite conversation topic?

Swum, Swass, Swesticles, Swoob. Mike, Matt and I also had a pretty good convo on the way home.
 

 What was your single most favorite event?

  The Exploding Target and the Yote

 
 What was your funniest moment?

Mine was also Bryce's "fish rock"... the whole time we were backing up..."please be a fish, please be a fish, please be a fish"

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?
I always enjoy Mike's timely and subtle comments.

 

 

 NICK:

 What was best food item that you consumed?

I would have to go with the Boulder Mountain.  It filled me for almost 34 hours.

 

What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?

Friday because of the bloodshed.

 

Who was the best person that you saw or met? 

That sugar daddy in the pizza joint that was rubberneckin the whole time.

 

What was your favorite conversation topic?

The funny sex convo at the sunglow.

 

What was your single most favorite event?

Killing SLAM's first Coyote!!

 

What was your funniest moment?

Bryce's fish

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?

 Jerome: I had an exceptionally great time with Jerome this year.  I could tell he was really trying to relax and make this year an adventure we would not forget.  His knowledge and private social media facts continued to put a smile on my face.  Thanks Rome

 

 

MATT:

What was best food item that you consumed?

Boulder mtn, pie, dr. pepper, hot cocoa

  

 What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?

Friday: first coyote, new guns out in the field, first fish seen on that road, really good fried chicken, decent rabbit hunt. 

 Who was the best person that you saw or met? 

The gal at the market was nice and kinda nice to look at too. 

 

 What was your favorite conversation topic?

I liked how Bronzen didn't even bother to stick around for our conversation at the top of the hill while rabbit hunting. He was either really interested in finding more rabbits or he had already had enough after the first talk by the coyote.  

  

 What was your single most favorite event?

Thursday night, I may have shed a tear in the next room after receiving one of my bucket list items.

 

 What was your funniest moment?

Sunglow conversation

 

 Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?

Bryce, because he chose me and I liked that

 

MIKE:

  What was best food item that you consumed?
  Always love the Turkey, Chili, Pizza, Sun Glow, Snack Bin Items.

 

What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?
Both

 

Who was the best person that you saw or met?
I really liked the cashier at the market, she was helpful.

 What was your favorite conversation topic?

All convo was great.

 

What was your single most favorite event?
Coyote kill

 

What was your funniest moment?
I liked nick cause I slept with him. Not Quinn and Rome cause they were having a snoring war.

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?
That's not fair that's like saying who do I like better Kristi or Scarlett and I would answer I love them both the same, but differently.

 

  

BRYCE:

 What was best food item that you consumed?
Pumpkin cookies, I consumed at least a dozen.

 

What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?

Friday, the only full day of fun.

 

Who was the best person that you saw or met?

The sweet old lady that thought she would have a non eventful breakfast at the sunglow. She soon realized that the table in the corner was having a conversation that would make Dr. Laura blush.

 

What was your favorite conversation topic?

Our Dixie days

 

What was your single most favorite event?

Thursday night, lots of man-love

 What was your funniest moment?

The look on all your faces when it really was a fish!

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?

Matt, he always has something nice to say

 

 JEROME:

What was best food item that you consumed?

 Fritos and CHedder CHeese Who would have thought.  Pizza was a close second.  Turkey was a Third.  What did you guys think about the Salsa?

 

What day did you like better, Friday or Saturday?

 Friday for the Kills, Saturday for the "chill"

 

Who was the best person that you saw or met? 

 That old couple at the Grocery Store that saw my outfit and said he looks like he's ready for Bed.

 

What was your favorite conversation topic?

 Sunglow talk was informative.  Me and Mikey had a good visit just before breakfast that morning as well.

 

What was your single most favorite event?

 When we were in the room and bam Nick pulled out the hats and then bam Quinn pulled out the shirts and double wham Quinn acts like there is a gun he forgot to pull out and hands Matt His new Rifle.

 

What was your funniest moment?

 When I heard the response about the guy being tickled with the feather in his ass.

 

Who is your most favorite SLAM member and why?

 I really would have to say Quinn.  He thinks and plans this trip out months in Advance.  He wants everyone to come and have the best time they can.  When he gave his brother the gun he knew how important it was to Matt.  And how important it was to make matt feel Apprieciated.

 

Great responses guys! It WAS an awesome trip and everybody contributed. Good Times!!

 

Until next year....

And now....... we wait for the Spring Fishing Trip. only a mere 5 months away...

MJH memorial

2hrs and counting....

ITS GOOD TO BE A MAN

Technically, this will be number 7 in my week long tribute to manhood but in all honestly, it should probably be number 1.

Because I am a man, I get to be married to a woman. I love Nicole and she is the reason I get to do all the man things I have mentioned. She works hard at her 2 jobs and at home. She is an awesome mom, and LOVES being one. She gave me 2 pretty awesome daughters. One of them is a little fire ball and sure keeps us on our toes and the other is sweet and calm. Nicole thrives as a mom. She is so good with the kids, always stays calm and loves them no matter what. And... she has to be married to me, so right there she deserves some kind of patience award.

I'm glad I don't have to be a woman but still get all the benefits by being married to one. I am a pretty lucky guy and am glad I can get out and do man things like hunting and fishing without too much trouble from the wife. I love being the dad of a family. I love being the provider, and protector. I love when I get home from work and have 3 girls there waiting for me and I get to have that little 2 yr old run and jump into my arms. None of the things I have previously mentioned would be possible or worth it if I didn't have my family. I would give up all those things to keep them if it came down to it. I love them and am proud they are my wife and kids.

This post wouldn't be complete without recognizing that I have a pretty awesome family, extended family awesome brother in laws, in-laws and group of friends as well. I am surrounded by some pretty awesome people that make life great. Especially the SLAM Outdoors staff, their families and our loyal fan base.


IN CONCLUSION:

I love this commercial and think it pretty much puts a stamp on all 7 reasons why I love being a man.

Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXJ6nL3gomM&feature=related

IT'S GOOD TO BE A MAN

All of the before mentioned things wouldn't be complete without one thing that I feel like goes hand in hand. That one thing is:


6. COUNTRY MUSIC

What better to listen to as you are rollin' down the road in your truck, working, hunting or fishing than Country music? Many people cringe just at the thought of it and it gets a bad redneck reputation. Truth is, in many cases, there is nothing more real life, and more american than country music. I mean.. honestly, what would you rather listen to, a song where every other word was B's and Ho's? If it weren't for sex, rap music would be extinct. Country music speaks to the heart, it is realistic and just makes you feel good while out doing man stuff.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of EVERY country music song and some of them are a little cheesy and redneck. There is nothing I hate more than somebody making a song in the name of country. I just want to throw up when I hear some of these new songs from these new guys like Luke Bryan, Eric Church etc... Leave it to the professionals, ok guys. On the other hand, I have a personal rule that whenever George Strait comes on the radio, I have to hear it out. No changin' the station when the King come on.

My life just wouldn't be complete without some good country music to get me goin', make me happy and make me proud I am a man. I love it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_KxM4rU38Q




 

IT"S GOOD TO BE A MAN

WATCH THIS! (best one I could find..sorry)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9TD8s0TBY&feature=related




Another final day of regular season recap:                                             
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGwVYVrYUug

Have you guessed #4 yet?? This one should be on every Man's list and shame on them if it isn't

4. SPORTS

What would we ever do without sports?? Can you imagine a life without Sportscenter? I know I can't. Sports provide so much excitement, drama and entertainment and just make life great. I especially love baseball but will watch just about any sport.

Sports just don't get any better than in the Fall. Football Starts, college and pro, and then there's the World Series. Being a Yankee Fan, I have had the opportunity to have some pretty memorable Octobers' in my life. I mean, from '96 to'03 the Yankees won 4 WS titles and lost 2. It was great! Sooo many things happened during those years. Life was good as a Yankee fan. But, honestly, last year was probably the most memorable season I have EVER seen, between the last regular day of the regular season (seen above) and also the World Series.

World Series Game 6 highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th--PlmGPZY

 But... I have also seen some pretty awesome things in person. When we were in New York, all kinds of sporting events were always at my fingertips. I went to the pre season college NIT, saw #1Duke play #2 Texas at the Meadowlands and saw JJ Reddick go off for 44. Went to countless Yankee and Mets games AND.. hoped on a train and went out to the US Open at Winged Foot. That's where my love for PGA tour events began. I was then able to go to the US Open again with my dad at Torrey Pines in San Diego. This was seriously probably THE BEST trip I have EVER been on. We saw a few days of amazing golf and I will NEVER forget being there with my dad.

 Which brings me back to my dad. When he came out to New York, we were able to catch a Yankee game at the stadium he grew up watching games at. Before the game, we saw monument park.

Then we drove up to Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dad grew up playing baseball and was quite good at it from what I hear. He loved the game and he passed that love on to me and Matt. We enjoyed playing or watching sports together. As a kid, he bought tickets to two Jazz playoff games. He took me one night and Matt the next. I will never forget that. It couldn't have been cheap. A few years ago, he got us tickets to the Padres game in San Diego while the Yankees were in town. We left St. George at 5 am, drove to California, caught the game, and drove back in one day. That was the FIRST time I ever saw the Yankees play in person. I took him on a work trip to LA with me and while we were there, we saw an Angels in Anaheim. I will always cherish those times.
He also coached every one of my teams growing up:

A couple years ago, me and a few friends went to Salt Lake to when one of the rounds of March Madness (don't even get me started on March Madness)... and we witness one of the best nights of basketball in a long time in that tournament. The games we saw were the BEST ones of the tourney including the Championship games and we were lucky enough to be there.

What can I say, I LOVE SPORTS and glad they are a big part of my life. 

This is why Justin Timberlake likes sports (2008)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c48JtDNRydE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH4HcVSUkwE&feature=related

Favorite Sport: Baseball
Favorite Teams: Yankees, Cardinals, Braves, Dodgers, Twins, Rays
Runner - Up: College Football and Basketball
Favorite Teams: Duke, Texas Longhorns
Favorite Golfers: Phil Mickelson, Brandt Snedeker, Dustin Johnson, Mike Weir

And finally, to put the SLAM Spin on this one, we always get together for the biggest games and have a heck of a time and enjoy some great grub... which leads me right into #5...

You Guessed it..

5. MAN FOOD/DRINK

This one's pretty simple really. Men LOVE their food and we here at SLAM Outdoors are no different. We don't need too much of an excuse to get together and have a wing. Chicken wings are the epitome of man food! We rarely get together without a wing there also. How fun is it to get together, surround a plate of those little puppies and just go to town!?
Any meat in general really is acceptable at man gatherings whether it be wings, burgers, brats, or steaks, we have to have it at our get togethers. Something about the fall, sports and hunting season just brings this craving to life!

No shindig is complete without bev. Let me just say that I don't know too many people who enjoy their bevs more than I do. I LOVE going to the gas station to get a drink! I probably shouldn't for my health and wallet sake, but I love it and it is one of life's pure enjoyments. There are few things better than the sound of an ice cold can of pop being opened or taken out of cooler filled with ice!

In conclusion, #5 wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of man's greatest inventions.... the Garage Fridge! I am convinced that the day some guy decided to put a 2nd fridge in his garage ranks right up there with the moon landing and many other great feats and inventions. What a concept!!! A fridge purely devoted to easily accessible drinks while working outside!?!? Go figure.. and, not to mention, the freezer being used for fresh venison or elk steaks. I am a proud owner of a garage fridge and can't imagine life without one.

ITS GOOD TO BE A MAN

Well... tonight's was supposed to be a lengthy post about a topic I am fairly passionate about. But... due to the late hour and the fact that I'm on call tonight, I'm not going to devote this post to that. So.... I will skip down on my list and steal something from my previous post.

3. TRUCKS

GO HERE ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf7GfUORHtw

Don't get me wrong, there are few things hotter than a chick that owns a big truck. But lets be honest with each other... trucks were made for guys and I for one, have always been a big fan. One of my biggest goals in life is to be able to one day, go to the dealership and drive away with a brand new truck. That's when I'll know I've made it in life (if that ever happens)

Growing up, I wanted the Toyota truck on Back to the Future. I found an old elementary school assignment the other day where I had to describe something. I chose to describe my dream truck. You know, the KC lights, roll bar, stereo, big tires etc...




As I got older, I wanted one of these:






An Old school Chevy Silverado. I still wouldn't mind one of these If I could find one in good condition.


                                                                          





This is the closest I ever got.. A K5 Blazer in High School with the top removed. That thing was Bad A my friends... it went EVERYWHERE!















Now days, I have set my sight a little higher: It is now time to unveil my absolute DREAM Truck:

GO HERE------> http://www.gmc.com/2012-sierra-2500hd-denali-pickup-truck.html

GMC SIERRA DENALI HD

 Yep... there it is.... I salivate every time I see one of these rolling down the road. To be fair, I should just tell you my 2nd and 3rd choices just for fun

2. Dodge Ram SPORTSMAN EDITION or Chevy Silverado
3. Ford F350 Super duty (I wouldn't take a Ford F150 if somebody gave me one)

As far as I'm concerned, anything else just isn't a truck.

Lastly, while we are on the topic of manly vehicles, there are a couple that I would love to have If by chance I ever have disposable income.. I won't go into them in great detail but you can look em up if you want. Here they are:
1. Jeep Rubicon 4 door
2. 1969 or 70 Chevelle SS with a 454
3. 67 or 68 Camaro SS
4. 68 Pontiac Firebird

I love how versatile trucks are. I love throwing gear in the back and headin' the hills or throwing equipment and tools to get a job done. How fun was it just barely when we had the bed of Nick's truck packed for the bow hunt? I mean.. we had bows, guns, clay pigeons, coolers, packs, mike vick, etc... And...even don't get me started on that feeling you get when you first kick a truck into 4 wheel drive!

IT'S GOOD TO BE A MAN

As promised, here's #2 on my week long look at why I'm glad to be a man.

This one's pretty simple really. I simply call it...

2.. MAN STUFF

 Brad Paisley - I'm Still A Guy .mp3

I'm not talkin' about the men that half of the articles are about in a Men's Health Magazine that has a survey of where you can get the best jamoca latte. You know, I'm talkin' about REAL man stuff like TRUCKS, TOOLS, TRACTORS, CHAINSAWS, GLOVES, BOOTS, HATS, 4 WHEELERS, GUNS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, KNIVES, CAMOUFLAGE,  and WORKIN' OUTSIDE. Not that it's always a bad thing that some guys don't know how to get their hands dirty, but I feel bad that not everyone has at least a little know how when it comes to a power tool or say... an ATV. I'm glad  I like to be outside, I like to put my work clothes on and get after it, and I'm friends with and surrounded by friends that know how and like to do the same.
My dad was a general contractor and worked very hard. After work, he would come home and take care of the yard and house. I can't ever remember him hiring out something that needed to be done at home. He just knew how to do stuff. My Grandpa Favero had a farm in Taylor and I always went to work with him (hated it at the time). He taught me how to use tools and how to fix things. I would ride on the tractor with him as he baled hay. He always had an ice cold Shasta cola or black cherry soda when we got done.
Now, don't get me wrong, I wear a shirt and tie to work every day, I know my way around New York City, I know a nice Suit when I see one, one of my favorite movies is The Devil Wears Prada and I get my hair cut once a month at a Spa/Salon. But needless to say, I am still a man and I don't mind gettin' dirty and workin' hard.

IT'S GOOD TO BE A MAN

Yesterday was the first official day of Fall and also National Hunting and Fishing day in America. So, it got me thinking..... I LOVE fall!! Every year, I dread the beginning of summer and somehow just try and survive until September rolls around. Well, it's finally here and it's great! I become an completely new person in the Fall and I thrive! So, what makes this time of year so great??....... Just being a MAN! So.... every day for the next 7 days, I am going to post my top 7 reasons why I'm glad that I am a man. No dis-respect to you ladies, some of them will be unisex and some will not. Some of them will be directly related to fall but some will not as well. So, here goes:

1. HUNTING SEASON(S)

As archery hunters, we get a little bonus of getting the season started off early in August and sets the tone for the rest of the year. It's barely fall and we already have an entire season under our belt. (just wish I had another tag this year, but I don't) BUT.... Every year for as long as I can remember, my Dad has taken us on a rabbit hunt the day after Thanksgiving. We started out going to Park Valley when we lived up north and then when my sister married Dak, we began going to Loa. This has been one of the longest standing traditions in our family that I'm proud to say, still lives on today even though my Dad is no longer with us. In fact, weeks before he died, just he and I went over to Loa for the day. He slayed em' with his winchester 12 ga. auto that day. I will never forget that day! Although, we are unable to still go the day after Thanksgiving these days, we still make an effort to go sometime in October or November and it is called The Mark J. Hadley Memorial Rabbit Hunt. It will take place the first weekend of November this year and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

In year's past, we have also done a little deer and elk hunting over there. When I was living and going to school in New York City, I came home one time (and I didn't even go home) My Brother-in-law Ryan picked me up right from the airport and we headed for Wayne County. My dad had drawn a coveted Fish Lake Bull Elk tag. After the hunt, I went straight back to the airport, flew back to New York and was in class the next day.

I also grew up bird hunting. I can't ever remember not going out on opening morning of the pheasant hunt with my dad and brother until we got a little older. Since then, we have duck and dove hunted a little here and there as well.

Hunting season is much more than the hunt. It is a chance to get out in the hills with the people you love most and get away from it all. I am so glad my Dad took the time to hunt with us and share his passion with us. We never got to know our grandpa but I feel like that is one thing he was able to pass on to us through our dad.

Stay tuned for numbers 2-7

KOLOB

This Thursday, I got invited up to my good friend L.J. Benson's 1200 acre ranch on Kolob Mt. We threw some cokes in a cooler and headed out of town. My phone was dead since right after we got there but managed to take a couple shots. Fall was in the air folks and all the oaks were turnin red. From the minute I stepped out of the truck, we had elk buglin'. There aren't too many better sounds than that.

His place is up above the Kolob Fingers.. here's the view:

well.... for some reason, I have a hard time uploading pics and videos from my phone sometimes. I HAD another sweet pic of their cabin. It sits up in a clearing with real life grass in front of it. I has a nice kitchen, living room bedroom and bathroom downstairs and a little loft upstairs. It has power and running water. I also had a video of us throwing fish food out in their spring fed stocked pond. They stocked it a couple years ago. When we threw the food in, it was like the water came alive. I caught one on literally every cast including a couple 16 inchers. Those suckers will be huge in a few years. Anyway, sorry for the lack of footage but it was a great day off and a good chance to get up in the mountains. And, L.J, if you see this, I'd be glad to be invited back up anytime!

2012 ARCHERY HUNT

We gave it our best shot this year.  We learned some things and I think our wives learned a little more about how much hunting season means to us.  They did a great job at taking care of the household while we were away.  It comes once a year.  We could have done a few things different.  I believe we did give it a solid effort.  The next string of pictures and videos will not show any bucks that were stuck with meat missiles from the SLAM Outdoors staff.  I will leave the option up to you whether or not you want to continue viewing the post.

This is Matt hunkered down opening morning.

This is the beginning of the trail we walked many times.

Candid shot of the secretary.

President's smiling face after he fired off a meat missile into a rump roast.

Brothers 

This is about the time when our patience and focus started to diminish a bit.

The SLAM staff spent one evening enjoying a nice relaxing sauna.

Quinn with his prized rock chuck!

Check out that saucy nylon .22.

These next few videos tell their own story.