Letter From the Editor- John Irwin Hello, and welcome to The Outdoorsman’s Guide. We know that you have a choice when you purchase a magazine, and we would like to take a moment and personally thank you on behalf of the entire produc-tion team for picking up this publication. By doing so you, the reader, allow us to keep doing what we love. We strive to make the best content we can each month to keep you coming back, reading and to eagerly await the next issue.

We hope that you go outdoors and have a great time doing on of the projects from our magazine. Here at the Out-doorsman’s Guide, we have taken the road less traveled and have come up with a great publication this month. We call it our do-it-yourself issue. This issue has been designed for the workingman who on the weekends wants to get his hands dirty. This issue has been carefully designed to never go out of style and to always have relevance. We have included a variety of topics that we know you will enjoy; from outdoor cooking to fishing tips, it is all inside the cover.

The goal of The Outdoorsman’s Guide is to be the undis-puted leader in outdoor knowledge while incorporating in-novative products. When an individual seeks to know how to accomplish a task outdoors, we want to be the first source you go. Whether it is in print or online, we seek to cover all topics in order for everyone to find something within the pages of The Outdoorsman’s Guide. If you have any questions, would like to request more infor-mation, or would like to suggest a topic for our next issue please contact John Irwin at editor@theguide.com. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to serve you for many years to come.

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CONTENTS

The Outdoorsmans GuideEditor-In-Chief , John Irwin Design Director, John Irwin Digital Director, John Irwin Photographer, John Irwin Writer, John Irwin Contributing Writer, Joey Ketchum

Indicates additional content online

Outdoor Cooking p. 6-7

By the Fire: Building the Pit

p. 9-10

Minimalist Backpacking

p. 13

Polarized vs. Non Polarized:

The Clear Difference

p. 15-16Opening Day

p. 17

Bike & Build Across America

p. 19-20 Gear Reviewsp. 21-22

Fishing Tips Blue Gillsp. 25-26

Wild Edibles for Lunch

p. 27

6 Tips to Keep You Safe

p.30

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OUTDOOR COOKINGHoney BBQ Ribs Ingredients4 pound(s) pork spareribs1 pouch Campbell’s dry onion soup mix3/4 c ketchup3/4 c water1/3 c honey1/2 tsp pepper1/4 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced

InstructionsCut ribs into 2 or 3 rib portions. Place ribs in 6 qt dutch oven and cover with cold water. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce to low heat, cover, and cook 45 minutes. Drain.

In 1 qt saucepan, combine soup mix, ketchup, water, hon-ey, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat to boiling, reduce to low, cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

To grill, arrange ribs on rack directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered 30 minutes, turning often and brushing with sauce.

Camp Bread Ingredients1 16 oz. package hot roll mix1 Tbsp snipped fresh rosemary or basil or 1 Tsp. dried rosemary or basil, crushed1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese cornmeal

InstructionsPrepare hot roll mix in a 10-inch Dutch oven according to package directions, adding the rosemary or basil and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to the dry ingredients (omit kneading step). Remove dough.

Grease the Dutch oven and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place dough in Dutch oven. Using greased hands, gently press dough evenly into the bottom of Dutch oven. If desired, use a small knife to make a decorative pattern on top of the bread. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover and let rise in a warm place until dough nearly dou-bles (30 to 40 minutes).Cover Dutch oven and arrange 8 to 10 hot coals around the edge of the Dutch oven and 10 to 12 hot coals on the lid. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.

Carmel Marshmellow TreatsIngredients3 tablespoons butter or margarine1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED MarshmallowsOR 4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal

Instructions1. In large saucepan melt butter over heat. Add marsh-mallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in caramel topping. 2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. 3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool, cut and serve the same day. For best results, use fresh marshmallows. 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows. Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended. Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Three-Cheese Potatoes RecipeIngredients3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes1 medium onion, chopped3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoon minced chives1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt1/4 teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons butter1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon1/2 cup shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

InstructionsIn a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Transfer to a double thickness of greased heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Dot with butter.Fold foil around potato mixture and seal tightly. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 15-18 minutes on each side or until potatoes are tender.Carefully open foil. Sprinkle the bacon cheeses over potato mixture. Grill 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape. Yield: 4-6 servings.

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OUTDOOR COOKING

By T h e Fi re : Bu i l d i ng t h e Pit

9

1. Prepare the Base

Hammer a piece of rebar directly in the center of the fire pit location. Cut a piece of string to half the length of the fire pit’s diameter. For example, if the completed fire pit is to be 5 feet wide, cut the string to 2-1/2 feet long.

Make a loop on one end of the string and slip it around the rebar. Loop the other end around a can of landscape spray paint. Mark the circumference of the circle. Exca-vate the area inside the paint to a depth of 6 inches.

2. Mark for Footing

Cut a second piece of string the length of the first piece minus the thickness of the fire pit wall. For ex-ample, if the wall is going to be 12 inches wide, cut the string to a length of 1-1/2 feet. Attach the string to the rebar and spray paint and mark a second circle inside the first.

3. Pour Footing

Prepare premixed cement according to manufacturer's di-rections. Spread the cement in the area between the outside and inside circles. Leave the center area free of concrete to allow for drainage.

Continue to add cement and level it until it reaches 1-1/2 inches below grade. Tap 2-foot pieces of rebar into the wet cement until completely submerged at various points around the footer. Allow to dry.

4. Lay the First Bricks

When the first course of face stones is in place, move on to the first row of fire brick. Trowel a layer of mortar along the inside edge of the face stones and press the first fire brick into place.

Apply mortar to one end of the next brick before butting it against the first and pressing it into the mortar. Check for level. Remove excess mortar as you work. Continue working in this fashion until the first ring of fire brick has

By T h e Fi re : Bu i l d i ng t h e Pit

10

5. Complete the Fire Pit Wall

Continue building the wall of the fire pit by alternating layers of face stone and fire brick until desired height is reached. Apply a bed of mortar on top of the previous layer of stone or fire brick and then set stones and bricks.

Avoid wall weakness by staggering the joints between pre-vious and subsequent layers of stone and brick. Fill in any gaps between the fire brick and the stone with mortar and stone scraps.

6. Lay Capstones

Apply a generous layer of mortar to the top of the fire pit wall, covering both the face stone and fire brick. Begin setting capstones into the mortar, selecting flat stones that fit neatly together.

Work all the way around the top of the fire pit wall making sure that all stones are as level as possible. Fill joints be-tween capstones with mortar, smoothing when done with a jointer. Once the mortar is almost cured, use a stiff brush to scrape off remaining bits of mortar.

7. Create a Seating Area

Cut a piece of string that extends from the center of the fire pit to the outside edge of the desired seating area. Attach the string to the rebar and spray paint and mark the location on the ground. Excavate the seating area to a depth of 3 inches. Cut landscape fabric to fit and top with crushed stone.

8. Complete the Project

Spray down the fire pit with water to remove any dust or dirt that might have collected on the stone. When dry, spray the interior of fire brick with black stove paint.

Minimilist Backpacking

13

The most important rule when packing a back-pack is never take an item that “you may need”. You will hate carrying something you are not going to use. Every little bit of weight counts. When you pack a backpack, it is not like packing a car with every possible thing you may need. I spent two and a half years walking across the United States to show what you can do on faith in God. I was on the walk for about a year when my brother wanted to join me while I was in the Mississippi Delta. His bus arrived in Greenwood, Mississippi. I went to pick him up at the bus station and when he got off the bus with his Army backpack, he was wobbling back and forth under the weight of the pack. I had been staying with a local family who had taken me to the bus station. We went back to their house and I began to unpack my brothers pack to see what all he had packed. His pack weighed over 100 pounds. It was full of stuff that he felt he “might” need. He did not like it as I began taking things from his pack and telling him he would not need them. He kept saying ” I might.” Remember you will be carrying this on your back for many miles. Maybe over some rough terrain. Pack according to where you are going. Know where you are going and pack accordingly.

If you are hiking in the south in the summer time, you will not need a heavy duty sleeping bag. If you are travel-ing where it will get very cold, then pack the heavy duty sleeping bag. To start, I would go to an outfitters, let them know what you are thinking of doing. They will help you get your gear together. If you are going on a long trek, have the following: sleeping bag, Tent, dry food, water, water puri-fication tablets, lighter, no more than 3 changes of clothes. Pick your clothes so that you can layer, or take off as weath-er permits. You need a knife, You can pack, one small pan for cooking..do not pack a whole kitchen, nor pack a whole bathroom. If you are going in the woods, take compass and map. Take a small mirror, take a small book, have at least 4 pairs of socks, small spool of fishing line with a hook, flashlight, take your I-pod, camera, journal. and have fun. Put your pack on, if it seems too heavy, it is! No one else will want to carry your pack. It is up to you you are your own pack animal. Have only what you will “need”..and you will have fun. A good rule of thumb to is to ask if an item has more than one purpose.

...you will be carrying this on your

back for many miles...

Polorized V. Non Polorized: The Clear Difference

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It’s 3:30 A.M. You roll out of bed and gear up for the day ahead. You’ve planned this fishing trip with the guys for weeks. You pull on some clothes and put on your favorite fishing hat. You are set for the open ocean. You meet the guys at the dock where you board the boat that is packed with all the necessities. A few hours later you and your buddies are having a grand old time fishing the open sea. As the sun comes up you realize you need to put your sunglasses on be-cause the glare of the sun on the waves is making it really hard to see. You put your sunglasses on, and, although it’s better, there is still a bad glare that is hindering your sight. You continue to squint at the sun’s rays until one of your buddies asks you to try his sunglasses. When you put them on, the difference is instantly noticeable there is not a single glare; every-thing is crystal clear. So what’s the difference? These are po-

larized sunglasses, and your friend claims they are the best thing ever. The question is, are polarized sunglasses better for your eyes or is there is no dif-ference?First, it’s important to understand the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses. Non-polarized sunglasses are tinted and just reduce the intensity of light. They cannot counter the ef-fects of horizontal polarization. Polarized sunglasses

on the other hand are made with vertical polarization, which allows them to block out the horizontal polariza-tion reflected by the sun, according to the website www.shadesdaddyblog.com. This means that the reflection of the sun is almost gone, making everything look a lot clearer. However this does not mean that polarized sun-glasses are better; they are just taking away a glare. To get a more educational perspective as to whether po-larized sunglasses are better for you than non-polarized, we turned to Dr. David L. Hartzok, O.D., an optometrist at Chambersburg Eye Associates, and Mark Anker, an optician from Future Vision.Dr. Hartzok said polarized sunglasses aren’t always worth the high price tag. “Unless you’re fishing then a good quality regular pair of sunglasses will offer you the same comfort that polarized sunglasses will.” Ultimately polarized sunglasses will take away the glare you see on the top of the water. This sometimes will allow the wear-er to see below the water’s surface, which is beneficial for scoping out fish. Anker from Future Vision, felt the benefits outweighed

the cost. “Individuals who are out in the snow or are around water a lot cost aside should definitely choose polar-ized. The only time someone doesn’t purchase polar-ized sunglasses is because of the price. It is never any other reason.”When we wear sunglasses our pupils widen. This allows the sun’s UV rays to enter the eyes more easily, meaning there is more of a risk of eye damage, according to the website www.shadesdaddyblog.com. Some would argue that polarized are the way to go because they offer 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Hartz-ock said this doesn’t necessarily mean polarized are bet-ter in this regards. “UV protectant is clear, there is no tint. Regular clear glasses have UV filters on them that provide protection to your eyes. Varying plastic lenses have different additives for protection against UV rays. Depending on the additives and how thick the lenses

Polorized V. Non Polorized: The Clear Difference

16

are will determine how much UV rays are blocked. So some polarized glasses might be better than some regular glasses. It just depends.” Hartzok confirmed that all polarized sunglasses pro-vide UVA and UVB protection. He explained one of the biggest differences between the quality of po-larized and non-polarized sunglasses- “Most sun-glasses will block out the harmful UV rays, however the cheap lenses that you might buy at a gas station might have imperfections in the optics of the lenses. This is what may cause the wearer to have headaches or to not see very clear. When you purchase polar-

ized sunglasses those imperfections rarely occur. If you want a good pair of sunglasses, polarized is the way to go.” Polarized sunglasses remove the glares that we may see. These glares are typically on a flat surface like an open lake, so unless one is fishing, regular sun-glasses offer the same comfort as polarized. When it

comes to really protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays there is no winner between polarized and non- polarized; it all comes down to the make of the lenses. But you have a better chance of getting a good quality pair of sunglasses if you purchase polarized. Ultimately, if you are going fishing or are hiking outdoors in the snow then polarized glasses are a good investment. They are an investment that may be the difference in determining whether you come home with a big fish on the end of your line or return empty handed. So the ques-tion is do you want bragging rights among your friends at the end of the day?

Opening Day

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I never thought opening day mattered that much. Until it looked like I might never see another one.

The routine surgery I had scheduled for mid-summer resulted in severe complications. I regained consciousness in an intensive care unit, fighting for my life. And if I survived, I faced eight months of physical therapy. Deer season was in three.

Forty-six years of hunting mountain deer had kept me in shape. Tough. Focused. Invincible. Yet the setbacks were severe. The phantom of discouragement crouched low in the shadow of my bedside for weeks, like a hungry wolf sniffing around its weakened prey, waiting patiently to move in and finish it off.

But even on my back, the woods were never far away. When nurses stuck me with countless needles, I felt only the annoy-ance of greenbrier thorns as I imagined stalking a buck through a thicket. I breathed deep the foul-tasting nebulizer medi-cine to battle pneumonia, but my brain sensed only the crispy tang of autumn leaves. The stabbing pain from surgeon’s cuts was leg-shaking muscle burn from pushing up a mountainside.

Rehab required me to walk at least 200 yards per session. Using trekking poles for balance, I hobbled anywhere from one to three miles a day through wooded trails to absorb nature’s healing energy. The sounds, smells, and sights of the deer woods I had almost lost forever were a tonic that forced my legs to move when they could not.

Given a second chance at life, I had journeyed beyond the physical hunt. My mind and body merged to become the essence of the hunt: the camaraderie, the solitude, the predator, the prey. The message was clear. Deer hunting isn’t a thing we do, but rather who we are on every opening day of our lives. That became my medicine, more than any complex amalgamation of chemicals delivered in a tube or a bottle.

When the time came, I eased into the woods and sat behind a large sycamore because I couldn’t climb into a tree stand. Months of anticipation condensed into a few indelible moments: The sight of a forkhorn. Holding steady. Watching the crossbow arrow fly true. I could barely lift the buck’s head off the ground, so I placed grass in its mouth to honor it. I held one thin antler as my brother did most of the dragging to the car.

I now celebrate opening day every day of my life, a new life that was given back to me through the therapeutic power of hunting.

Bike & Build...

embarked on this expedition with no one he knew and said the people who participated in Bike and Build were “very kind people with incredible energy.” The organization is responsible for creating four homes constructed by each rider on each summer trip. This charitable organization has compassion for the homeless; it cares about people in general and the power of lending a hand to humanity. This year, Bike and Build donated $625,210 to affordable housing organizations in the United States. While contributing to the American community, Rhone’s bicycling group decided to do some things you might not think of doing on a cross-country bike ride. He confessed that his entire team rode naked on their bikes for 12 miles on an empty highway in the middle of Nevada. Since Neva-da is a massive state with a smaller percentage of the popu-lation located in the deserts, it is permitted, and sometimes suggested, to ride bicycles naked. On some occasions the trip included biking up the12,000-ft Rocky Mountains, exchanging those birthday suits for snow jackets and ped-dling through ice. “Nothing about it was easy, but the work that each of us was doing was more than I expected.” By the conclusion of the trip, he said, “I was extremely tired almost ev-ery day, but the work I was doing paid off for a lot of people. When we reached the Pacific Ocean, I just wanted to jump in it and cap it off.” Rhone and his team not only donated time and money to a great cause, but they aided in constructing homes for individuals in need. In the end, Rhone also found new life and a new home for himself in San Francisco with fellow group members he rode with.

Across AmericaDo you think you could bicycle across the United

States of America? Bike and Build, a volunteer organization established in 2002, gathers bicy-

clists from all over the country. This cross-country trip organized by Bike and Build includes building homes to support the idea that shelter is a basic human right. According to “Raise the Minimum Wage” website, the minimum wage was last increased in the year 2009 from $6.55 to $7.25. This means that it has been over six years in which the minimum wage rate has remained idle while the cost of living has risen. “On a single night in January 2014, 578,424 people were experiencing homelessness — mean-ing they were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program” (www.endhomelessness.org). This is one of the many causes of why Bike and Build believes in building shelters and homes for those less for-tunate around the United States. Those dedicated riders who put forth the time and effort to be a part of Bike and Build train for months, riding constantly, strengthening their abilities, in order to help communities in need as a team. At times the group can ride up to 78 miles a day with the record longest being 118 miles. The average duration of a cross-country bicycle trip is two to two and-a-half months. Any individual with the time and money can apply to join these bicycle trips by going online to their website www.bikeandbuild.com. The best part is, you don’t need a bike. Bike and Build will provide anyone with a suitable bike for their expedition. To sign up for this trip, an individual needs to raise $4,500. This money is then put towards the building of shelters and costs to run the charity. Since its creation, Bike and Build has donated more than $4.5 million to affordable housing charities to fund youth volunteer projects. Dalton Rhone, a member of Bike and Build, said the experience was “the best thing I’ve ever done in my life…the peo-ple I met were all amazing.” The journey was 3,700 miles, crossing state lines, and breathing in the American heartland. The nine participants rode across the United States starting in Maine and ending in San Francisco. Rhone’s route to San Francisco included abandoned road-ways, hidden waterfalls, and people “who stay in your mind after just a brief conver-sation. It’s something about the kindness of a stranger that makes it seem genuine.” He

Gear Reviews

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DETAILSThe Esbit Solid Fuel Stove and Cookset is a self contained complete cooking system that works with solid fuel. Space and weight efficient for hiking and backpacking. Durable and light 585 ml pot included. Features: Constructed from extremely light, hard-anodized aluminum Pot and have volume indicators in liter/oz, and 2 hinged stainless steel grips, solid fuel stand and wind deflector can be used with esbit solid fuel cubes (not included), lid, solid fuel stand/wind deflector which stores in convenient mesh bag.

SPECIFICATIONSBest use - BackpackingFuel type- TabletFuel- Esbit fuel tabletsBurn time- 12 minutesUltralight- YesDimensions- 4 x 3 x 0.75 inchesWeight- 3.25 ounces

REVIEW“This is a great little stove for short backpacking trips. It works very well for making simple stuff like ramen noodles or lipton noodle meals. I’ve also used mine to cook fish, sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs. The walls fold-straight up like in the photo or can be locked in halfway up to bring your pot closer to the flame. I can fit four fuel pellets into the stove when it is folded up, and it fits into my pocket. It’s much quieter than the cannister varieties and for the price it can’t be beat.”

Esbit Pocket Stove

DETAILSBushnell Powerview Binoculars are designed to provide high-quality optics in a versatile and durable format--at an affordable price. Constructed with a rugged, shock ab-sorbing rubber armor for a comfortable, non-slip grip and equipped with the porro prism system to enhance the field of view, Powerview Binoculars are suitable for multiple applications both indoors and in nature.

SPECIFICATIONSVariable Magnification: 8xObjective Lens: 25 millimetersClose Focus: 6 feet / 1.8 metersField of View: 340 feet at 1000 yards / 130 meters at 1000 metersEye Relief: 12 millimetersExit Pupil: 3.1 millimetersWeight: 9.1 ounces / 260 gramsModel: 139825Size Class: Compact

REVIEW“Having lost or broken several pairs of expensive compact binoculars in the past, I was determined that this time I was going to get a product that wouldn’t break my heart or my wallet when it was gone. When I opened the package I was impressed with the hefty feel and rubberized coating of the Powerview. The optics are crys-tal clear and light gathering capability seemes to be excellent. These binocs

Bushnell Powerview 8x25

Gear Reviews

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DETAILSWith a stylish look, this packable go-anywhere pack is for super-minimalists who make every gram count. The back-pack is perfect for day-to-day use or occasional travel. Folds into zippered inner pocket to fit anywhere. Unfolds from pocket to backpack. Must have on every trip. Features a classic shape with several pockets for storage and organization. This backpack has a roomy main com-partment, two front zipper pockets to hold small acces-sories, one internal security zippered pocket for valuable items and two side pockets for water bottle or umbrella.

SPECIFICATIONSLightweight (0.7 Pounds)Dimensions: Unfold: 20x13x7.5 inchesFold: 8.5x8.5x1.2 inches

REVIEW“It is so lightweight that it feels like nothing. The separate pockets are just enough to balance your load and not so much that you have to hunt around for your things. The top outer compartment was perfect for my small SLR and a medium length lens so access for quick shots was seam-less. It’s hard to believe that something so perfect could be so reasonably priced.”

Outlander 30L Daypack

DETAILSNamed after the rugged Selkirk mountain range beginning in the Northern Panhandle of Idaho, the Selkirk is a mid-sized knife with added features to help maximize survival in rugged and tough conditions. Buck lifetime warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS4-5/8” drop point 420HC blade9-1/2” overall length 7.6 oz.Brown and black CNC contoured Micarta handle with steel bolstersInjection molded nylon sheath; Can be configured into horizontal or vertical belt carry2-1/2” Ferrocerium striker with whistle integrated in the grip; Rear bolster can be used as an improvised hammer.

REVIEW“This is an excellent all purpose outdoor knife which I’m sure will last for years. Very hefty and nicely weighted yet not to big. I love the blade grind and it arrived very sharp. It is a very handsome rugged looking knife which should have a wide appeal. Great grip and handle as well, becomes an extension of your hand. I would have no problem tak-ing just this blade and rig into the woods and survive off it

Selkirk Buck Knife

F i s h i n g T i p s : B l u e G i l l s

Bluegills (Lepomis Marcochirus) are the most recognizable pan fish to anglers. Depending on the region bluegills can also be referred to as bream, brim or copper nose. One of the most interesting traits of the bluegill is how bold they can be. Many bluegills have no fear of the angler trying to catch them. In fact, at Lake Scugog in Canada there are bluegills that will allow humans to actually stroke them. Many anglers catch bluegills to in turn use them as bait for larger species of fish, such as largemouth bass and catfish. Bluegills are a great fish for new anglers or young children to go after since they can easily be caught thus encouraging interest in fishing for children at a young age.

Bluegill Caught on a WormBluegills are commonly found in shallow water or in slow moving sections of a stream or river. They are easily identifiable by their deep blue color, purple face and gill flap, along with their dark olive colored bands on their sides and the beautiful orange to yellow belly. They can grow to be over 12 inches long and over 4 pounds. Bluegills are schooling fish and you’ll usually find them in groups of 10 or more and that can include other types of pan fish. De-pending on the size of the bluegill they eat aquatic insect larva, crayfish, leeches, rotifers, small fish, snails, water fleas and if there is a lack of food they will consume aquatic vegetation. They are most active when spawning which starts in May and can extend all the way out to August.

1. Best Artificial Lures – You are going to have a lot of success with small-scale artificial lures. Specifically, the Micro Power Minnow is ideal for bluegills and other type of panfish. And if you like soft plastics, then be sure to try out this cricket bait– some anglers swear by it.

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2. Best Live Bait – Let’s face it, is there really anything a bluegill won’t eat? While they will strike on anything there are specific types of bait that work better than others. Crickets (while not a traditional bait store bait) are a great weapon when hunting for monster bluegill. If you can’t get your hands on any crickets then wax worms and beetles are also very effective.

3. Use the Right Equipment – The right rod and fishing line is crucial when fishing for bluegills. You’ll want to use equipment that is small and lightweight. In most situations an ultra-light spinning fishing rod and reel is the best choice. Unless you have issues with snagging, you’ll want to use a monofilament fishing line that is 3-4 lbs.

4. Catch Bluegills, Don’t Feed Them – Every experienced angler knows that bluegills are bait thieves, especially when they’re not what you’re fishing for. If you’re fishing for bluegills and you’re using worms then you will need to present the bait right on the hook to prevent theft. You don’t want to just thread the worm onto the hook, this will prevent the worm’s ability to move about and attract bluegills. Instead place the worm on the hook in a pleated manner, this will allow the worm to attract bluegills and provide easy access to the hook.

5. Don’t be in a Rush – When using lures to catch bluegills it’s important to retrieve slowly. This is due to the fact that bluegills mostly eat things that are slow moving. Bluegills, like many other pan fish aren’t used to chasing down food. Remember, just keep it slow and steady when using lures for bluegills and you’ll start hitting them in no time.

6. Size Does Matter – No matter what they say, size does matter when it comes to fishing for bluegills. You’ll want to use jigs that are no bigger than 1/32 ounce. When fishing with live bait you’ll want to use either #8 sized hooks or #12 hooks.

Wild Edibles For Lunch

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All too often, homeowners and gardeners wage war in their lawns and gardens against the plants that grow incredibly well there, but that aren’t

intentionally planted, and many times, the justification for these battles all comes down to the words we use to describe them. The quintessential garden and lawn weed, dandelions have a bad reputation among those who want grass that looks as uniform as a golf course, but every part of this common edible weed is tasty both raw and cooked, from the roots to the blossoms. Dandelion leaves can be harvested at any point in the growing season, and while the smaller leaves are considered to be less bitter and more palatable raw, the bigger leaves can be eaten as well, especially as an addition to a green salad. If raw dandelion leaves don’t appeal to you, they can also be steamed or added to a stir-fry or soup, which can make them taste less bitter. The flowers are sweet and crunchy, and can be eaten raw, or breaded and fried, or even used to make dandelion wine. The root of the dandelion can be dried and roasted and used as a coffee substitute, or added to any recipe that calls for root vegetables.

This common lawn weed (not to be confused with the tropical fruit also called plantain) is not only a great me-dicinal plant that can be used topically to soothe burns, stings, rashes, and wounds, but is also a great edible green for the table. The young leaves of plantain can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or sauteed, and while the older leaves can be a bit tough, they can also be cooked and eat-en as well. The seeds of the plantain, which are produced on a distinctive flower spike, can be cooked like a grain or ground into a flour, and are related to the more well-known psyllium seeds, which are sold as a fiber supple-ment and natural laxative. Plantain is a useful herb that is often considered a weed by most people. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but was said to have been in-troduced to North America when the settlers came from Europe. It’s scientific name is Plantago Major, and it likely grows in your yard. The leaves are actually edible and somewhat similar to spinach, though slightly more bitter. They can be used in salads or other culinary uses. The leaves can also be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally.

6 Tips to Keep You Safe 1. Travel with a companion. You don’t want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equip-ment you’re bringing, the weather you’ve anticipated, and when you plan to return. If you’ll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help.

2. Be in good physical condition. Set a comfort-able pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid.

3. Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can’t always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas.

4. Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in day-light, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.

5. Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it’s likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.

6. Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.