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.

Wish List

So, every year at this time I start going Gun Crazy!! I can't get enough of the hunting shows in the mornings on NBC Outdoors, I watch my Bone Collector DVD's over and over, Benny Spies is back on, and I check KSL Classifieds every day just for the hell of it. What can I say, fall is here! We're talkin World Series, Football, cool weather, and HUNTING! So, I have compiled my wish list of guns for your viewing pleasure.

First off, here is what I already have:
1. Smith and Wesson AR 15
2. Winchester 12 Ga Auto
3. Remington 20 Ga youth pump
4. Remington 870 Express 12 GA
5. Kahr 9mm pistol
6. Remington Nylon .22
7. Ruger .22

8. Savage Model 110 .270

and as a family we have and AK 47,  2 marlin .22's, a Henry lever action .22 mag, and two 16 ga shotguns. Then Matt has a .270, a lever action 30-30, an 870 express, a bolt action .22 mag, a diamondback .380, and a ruger .22. Mom also has a .22 pistol and a .410.

You would think that those would pretty much cover whatever you wanted to do but NOPE.... so without further adieu, here's the list:

1. Savage Axis or TC Venture Predator in 22-250

These guns are entry level rifles but still very nice. I prefer the savage but love the look of the venture in camo and the scope is also camo.

2. Christensen Arms 300 Ultra Mag

For those of you who have had the opportunity to handle one of these puppies understand why I have it on my list. These things are like butta. They are totally light and  and totally saaaweet. I need this for when I draw that once in a lifetime desert bighorn tag.

 

3. REMINGTON r25 IN .308

I have always wanted an AR that looks like the origninal M16 with the non adjustable stock and then these came out. I would love a .308 to add to the collection and what better than in an AR style platform? I could hunt varmints and big game with this rifle and not even skip a beat.

4. LEVER ACTION COLT .44 (or I would settle for one in .357 mag.)

I have also always wanted an old lever action cowboy gun that shoots a small caliber. How fun would it be to go shoot up stuff with one of these and feel like you're back in the old west!

5. SAVAGE LIGHTWEIGHT VARMINTER -T IN .204 RUGER

This is one of the most balanced guns I have EVER put to my shoulder. I will never forget the  day I looked at one in Cabela's. I have wanted it ever since. It's a saucy gun and fits me perfectly!!

6. HOME DEFENSE 12 GA

I think a short barreled shotgun is the perfect home defense shotgun. You how intimidating does this look?? I want mine tricked out with flashlight and laser sight. I haven't really decided on a brand yet.

7. SAVAGE HUNTER 10 BRUSH (.223 22-250, or .204)

I know I already have varmint rifles on here but I LOVE this one too. I can't decide on a caliber. If they made it in a .22 hornet I would jump all over it. I guess I would settle for a .17 cause I don't have one of those or it would be nice if they made it in .220 Swift. Then I would have all the varmint calibers pretty much covered.  It is a little heavy and has a heavy barrell but it is bitchin' and I want one!

8. A 1911 PISTOL

I don't really care about the brand. I just want a sweet one. I wouldn't turn this Kimber down if somebody wanted to give it to me





9. TC MUZZLELOADER

After bowhunting the last 3 years I think it's maybe time to mix in a little muzzleloading. I would prefer this one:

I also wouldn't mind the Pro Hunter with the thumb hole stock.





10. OVER/UNDER SHOTGUN

I grew up bird hunting and never did it with an over/under. Is that even allowed?? I don't really have a brand preference and wouldn't mind a 12 or 20 as long as it is lightweight and feels nice against my shoulder

That's it folks. There is my wish list (as of right now... until I see something at next year's shot show or in next month's Guns and Ammo. BUT...... I have also compiled an Honorable Mention category so here it is in no particular order:


HONORABLE MENTION:


1. ONE OF THESE 2 SUPER FAST AUTOLOADING SHOTGUNS
EITHER THE WINCHESTER SX3 OR THE REMINGTON VERSA MAX

2. AN AR STYLE SHOTGUN

I saw one of these at the SHOT show in Vegas in January and my Jaw dropped. Talk about bad A intimidator for home defense!?!? And, can you imagind hunting rabbits in LOA with this thing?

3. CHRISTENSEN ARMS AR15

Staying with the AR theme. I LOVE this AR and would get this one above any other if I had the means. Mike, when you asked me what I would get if I could choose as far as AR's go... this is the one for me!

4. SMITH AND WESSON AIRWEIGHT .38 SPECIAL OR .357 MAG

It's light, durable, and good for the ladies. I wouldn't mind this for a carry gun.

5. TAURUS JUDGE OR SMITH AND WESSON GOVERNOR

6. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST.... A DROZD FULLY AUTOMATIC BB GUN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__sK3zUs4Qc&playnext=1&list=PLAD14963457CDFB63&feature=results_main

Can you imagine all the shinanigans you could get in with one of these as a kid?? I still want one as an adult.

So... if any of you have any ideas as to how I can accomplish my acquiring everything on my wish list, I'm all ears. Thanks for your time.

Quinn