Impromptu Powell Trip

So..... on Tuesday, Nick had the day off and Matt was in between work so the only logical thing for me to do of course was to also take the day off. I did some maneuvering and was able to switch. We were all ready to head to Sand Hollow for a nice little fall morning of fishing. The boat was hitched and we were about to head out when another idea was presented to us. What if we were to buzz on over to powell and bring home a van to take to Loa next weekend. Easy enough right? Think again. It started off great. We met our pilot at the SLAM Outdoors hangar and we were off. It was a quick little 30 min flight over and before we knew it, we were at the houseboat. It was a a perfect day!

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We were feeling a little guilty that we were there without Doug and that we weren't fishing. We went over to work on the houseboat so that it will be all ready for us in the spring. We did a few things on the dock (this was also where my onside kick practice on the dock came in handy when I saved a part from falling in the lake). Then after working, we took the boat over to be dumped so it can be winterized. Everything was going fine until all of the sudden, a storm kicked up out of nowhere! We didn't dare try to get back in the slip in that wind so we decided to wait it out. So we waited, and waited and waited. Finally Ron made the call for a pilot to take us back in and that's when things got ugly. There were white capped waves but he went for it anyway even thought he said he wouldn't in that wind. So, he decided to gun it just before we got to the slip and promptly Slammed into the dock and another boat crunching in the side of that boat and the top corner of ours. Then an onslaught of profanities ensued as he tried to get the boat to straighten out and go into the slip. That was about the time when Ron went to the top, and we convened on the back to laugh as the pilot continued his expletive laced rant. It was there that we watched and listened to him put at least 10 years on the motor going back and forth at full throttle over and over again. Finally, he was able to get the boat in and tied on and promptly enjoyed a smoke. We surveyed the damage, took pictures and then left. We then took our pilot back to the plane but it was too windy for him to take off. So... we went to gas the van and check the tire pressure, went through the taco bell drive thru (where we witnessed some indian urinate in public) and then back to the houseboat we went so he could stay the night. We were finally headed for home. Of course, we had to stop in Kanab for a quick bite and it was at that point when we looked at each other and said "what in the hell are we doing?, let's get home!" So, we finally pulled into St. George at 11 p.m. when we had planned on being home at 4. The day definitely had its moments but mostly frustrating. But we do have a vehicle for Loa now which is nice. Moral of the story?? That's for you to decide and comment......

Just checked the countdown widget....10 days boys!!!

I can't wait! I 've heard rumors that there are plenty of rabbits this year which means there will be plenty of

shooting, please plan accordingly.

Hopefully Emil has the pool and hot tub up and running for us.

Also, don't forget about the Boulder Mtn. breakfast at the Sunglow and

a slice of pinto bean pie afterwords.

Maybe Bronzen can show us how big his pancake is again.

Baker Res

We were invited on a quick evening fishing trip up to a favorite childhood fishing spot of mine. Baker reservoir still has those elusive native brown trout lurking around the rocky banks. With the spawn in full swing I was hoping to get one to latch onto my "secret" jig. Unfortunately, we just landed planters tonight . Noah landed a nice rainbow all by himself! He was pretty excited when his rod started to bending and that little spiderman reel started squealing.

The fish wouldn't stop moving!

I snapped this photo as I was enjoying

the brisk fall evening.

East side!

As many of you are aware I did have the opport

unity to travel back East and represent SLAM on a weekend filled with adventure. We started things off with a little skeet shootin'.

Then we hopped on a few horses and trotted around the thick timbers. We headed out to the coast for a little in-land fishing for some "Reds" and some shrimpin'. I caught my first redfish and was able to learn the art of shrimpin'. We had a great time. I can say that SLAM Outdoors was well represented.

Shrimp

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.

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.

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...........

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....

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

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

The SLAM Outdoors staff was out gettin' it done this week! Here's a quick rundown:

Monday: Matt and I headed to communication hill. Saw a couple small bucks. Only had one 4 wheeler but made it out and back. Tried to put a stalk on a small buck but was too noisy and too impatient.

Thursday: Colby and I headed back up on top. I got the other bike fixed so we had 2 that night. Colby saw and shot at a nice 4x but missed. I drew on a small 2 point just after dark and couldn't see my pins. I was able to put a stalk on a group of 3 deer. Had the buck well within range but too dark to see my pins so I let my arrow down to try and get closer and he took off

Friday: Nick started out the day with a quick morning trip to Sand Hollow. They brought over 30 fish to the boat, the biggest being a 4 pounder!! Then, in the afternoon, He and I, Matt and Mike headed up to Nick Ence's property to hunt deer. we stopped in Veyo on the way of course for the $1.50 hot dog and drink special. We unloaded the bikes at the cabin and headed to a nice water hole. I sat there and had a doe and a fawn come down to drink and they didnt even have a clue I was under 30 yds away!! Thought a buck was coming next but 2 longhorn steers came to drink and scared them off. Matt saw over 20 deer in the cedars but could never get a shot off. We stopped in veyo on the way home to gas up and threw mike vick around at the pumps a while.

This is Matt saying "hi"

This is Nick getting ready to hike.

Frank brought his jumpers.

Nothing heard this jolly fellow trompin' around with his new foot thingy's.

Saturday: Me, Matt, Mike and Bronzen headed back up to the cabin. I sat near the Pasture hoping for some deer to waltz in but it never happened. Just after dark, I headed out to the flats and was walking through the trees when I had a fawn just about run me over. Bronzen had spooked it and it didn't know I was there. I saw it and a doe and that was it. Matt saw a couple but no shots. He did though, have a coyote growling at him 5 feet away and took a shot at him but missed high. Mike saw a couple coyotes as well. One was bout 15 feet away and didn't know he was there. No mike vick throwing tonight.

So far, the hunting has been pretty frustrating. We have been in good spots, seen deer but haven't gotten everything to come together yet.

Reminder: We do have the last Lake Powell fishing trip planned for the 8-10 of September. See you all there!!

ALSO: Be looking for a SLAM OUTDOORS Facebook page coming soon!!

Quinn Hadley
President, SLAM Outdoors

Sand Hollow

SLAM Outdoors was able to make a summer stop at Southern Utah's great bass fishery, Sand Hollow. There were many storm clouds passing by that would cause the occasional sprinkle. It kept the temperatures down and made for a pleasant outing. SLAM Outdoors is always looking for the opportunity to make others dreams come true. Two special guests had the experience to try there luck on the lake. And get a taste of what SLAM Outdoors is really all about. The only fish caught that was worth documenting was caught by SLAM Outdoors one and only Vice President. A nice 3 1/2 lb Largemouth.

Great Spring!!

The members of SLAM Outdoors experienced a tremendous spring fishing trip out at Lake Powell. We were able locate those special spots on the lake that continue to produce for us. We came home with some nice striper filets and good memories. With a few special guests and new activities the enjoyment was overflowing this year. Because of our success we were unable to get some above average footage (I believe we forgot the camera too). I was able to snap a few photos with my cellular device. Below are the images.

That is me.

This is Bryce.

This is our special guest Rod Kimble.
"Stuntman Extraordinaire"

These are Billy's friends.

The Moment We've All Been Waiting For

Yes Folks, its that magical time of year again! The long winter is officially over and we have made our first trip to the lake.

It is just nice to see that all of our hard work, studying, boat tweaking, meetings and homework in the off season actually paid off.

Here is the proof....




We drove out on Tuesday night late and only had wed to fish. We headed strait to the dam and (tied off) on buoy #1. The secretary got things started with his first striper! Then, the rest of us followed his lead. (no, that is not the same fish in all 4 pictures) in fact, there were several times when all 4 of us had one on at the same time. We had to put up with old Jim Beam over on buoy #3 but it was well worth it! Here are some pics of our spoils...



And then this happened........

I mean, and then THIS happened....

Look at that water!

Yep, as you see here, The Vice President is proudly displaying his 3lb Large (big) Mouth. What a catch! He flopped his trusty paddle tail jig down by a ledge and out came this guy. He gave it a couple bounces and he hit it!! Now that's what we're talkin' about!!! Well Done Uncle Donnie, Well Done!!

Then we headed up the lake to Navajo in search of the murky water. and this is what we found hiding up near some branches bv the rock wall...

Don't I look great in these pics!?!?! (long night, no sleep)

I flipped a spider jig next to some branches in the murky water and gave it one little bounce when this guy hit! He immediately took off under the front of the boat and I was worried I was gonna lose him to the trolling motor but as you can see, I landed him in the net!

Is Slam Outdoors' luck beginning to change??? It's hard not to believe it is after this trip. I just can't say enough about my gear! And I can't stress enough the importance of off season meetings.


So, as you can see, the vice president and I have now landed our first 3+ ponder large mouths on the same trip!!!


Here are a couple more pics just to sweeten the pot...


I can't get the videos to work for some reason so I'll have to add them later. But to make a long story short, we wondered if and one day trip would be worth it at as you can see, it was!! So let's go do it again in a couple weeks. What do ya say??

And lastly, to start a new Slam Outdoors tradition; quotes from the trip:
- The Teller? No I couldn't tell her, cause she was with her husband
- Campinas? (you fill in the blanks)
- It looks unfinished
- "Where's Zak"? "Oh, he still doesn't feel well." "Well then, we'll sail without him."
- Oh you mean old Chris Walken?

Feel free to add to this list as you wish

Well Done Slam Outdoors. Let's keep up the good work all through the spring!