Why we go outdoors continued...

We hunt, fish, hike and camp because we need to. We don’t need to do these things in the same way previous generations before us did. Instead, we need to experience these times and master these skills to prove to ourselves that we could have survived and made a living back then, without all of today’s modern conveniences and support systems. By support system I mean those things that make it possible to make do in today’s world, like supermarkets, department stores and hospitals.
If you are like me, you probably have had your day saved by a quick meal out at some fast-food place. It seems like those places have been around forever, but in the 1870’s (or earlier) there was no such thing as Taco Bell or the “golden arches”. If you did not get your food during daylight, you did without!!
Today’s world in America is so very different – our economy and monetary system control everything. If we want or need something, and we have the resources to buy it, we can, just about any time of the day or night. We have come to depend on these services to provide for our everyday existence. Ever go without electric power for more than a day or two? Did it seem like your world had come to its end? Or did you break out the oil lamps and candles, or slept around the fireplace after cooking your meal in it? There is the difference, and the need, the need to prove to ourselves that we still are self-sufficient, if we need to be.
I can hear you already…”I’m not like that at all. Why, I only shoot trophy bucks/climb mountains/deep sea fish for giant marlin. I don’t do this because I need to, I just like the competition of it.” Of course you do – so did John Wesley Hardin and Billy the Kid! Nearly all of us have a competitive streak in us. Those that don’t have had theirs driven out of them! That competitive nature in us keeps us employed, helps us find a mate and keeps us alive sometimes!
Today’s lifestyle and frantic pace often turn into a dull grind that numbs the sprit and heart. Nowadays, we call it “burnout”. We search for a cause, a challenge, something that makes us feel alive and a part of the world again. It’s out nature as humans; we just can’t help ourselves (tell that to my loving wife when the house needs painting).

Missing In Action (sort of)

I can't believe it has been nearly two weeks since I last posted...kidney stones will do that to you, if don't already know!

As I missed out on a lot of potential scouting and fishing time, I began to think about why we hunt and fish. Sure, we do it because we enjoy it. After all, only a select few get any kind of compensation for their outdoors time! But saying we hunt and fish and camp and hike just because "we like it" is much too simplistic. Why do we enjoy it, when we can get grain-fed choice beef, or fresh salmon fillets at the corner grocery store, most likely for less money than we spend on guns, ammo, gear, rods, reels, bait, boats, trucks, and on and on. What makes us want to walk in the woods and be eaten by mosquitoes and ticks so when the rainstorm of the year sits overhead, we get to throw together a thin nylon contraption that we huddle underneath while we hope we don't float away?

I was going to give you my answer, but I think it would be better for you to figure out your own answer...why do you enjoy the outdoors? What does being outdoors do that makes you want to return instead of enjoying modern life's conveniences?

Boy's Toys - or serious fun?

I have an addiction to airguns. While I do own a couple collector's model Daisy Red Ryder guns, I love the adult models. There is a HUGE difference between the Daisys and Crosmans sold at WallyWorld and a RWS model 48 - about $600 or so! Then again, that's more than I want to spend, so I keep on shooting my old Sheridan Blue Streak. It's a 5mm caliber, that's .20 caliber if you like inches. It's in between the two most popular calibers, .177 and .22. I think it is the best of both; twice the weight of a .177 with less frontal area and drag than a .22 caliber. But mainly, I love the rifle because it is a pump pneumatic. That means it runs off air I pumped into the gun before each shot. I can adjust the power of the gun just by pumping more or less. No SCUBA tanks for refills, no CO2 cartridges, and variable power!!

I can easily and safely shoot inside my attic by using 4 or 5 pumps, limiting the pellet speed to around 400 feet per second. All I need for a target/backstop is a paper grocery bag filled with layered newspaper or magazines. That allows me to shoot all year round, regardless of the weather. The cost of a tin of good quality pellets is around $7 for 250-300, or around 2 cents per shot. Imagine how much better you would shoot if you could shoot almost every day!Besides, I don't bother the neighbors at all. This is a bigger issue than you may think! Imagine what would happen if your neighbor called the police to report "a man shooting a gun in the yard next door"... Also, some cities and counties in Virginia (for example) do not allow shooting anything in the city/county limits. Best to not frighten the folks next door. Fortunately, my neighbors all know me well and don't mind my little shooting range in my backyard.

Airguns are perfect for small targets at short ranges. My boys and I like to shoot animal crackers set to stand like real animals. My wife thinks we are just too juvenile with this. Still, hitting a tiny cookie from 10 meters away is a real challenge. If we are shooting well, we will challenge each other to only head shots on the little cookie zebras, elephants or tigers. if you think this is silly, I dare you to try it yourself. It's a lot harder than it looks! Besides, I think once you try it you will be hooked on the challenge and how just plain fun it is!

Above all else, be safe!! Make sure you have a suitable backstop that catches stray shots, not bouncing back at you or someone else! Make sure that everyone has eye protection and is WEARING it! And be sure that everyone handles the airguns as if they were magnum firearms. Muzzle control is vital - keep the muzzle pointed only at a safe backstop, even "empty" guns!! As a gunsmith, I can't count how many "empty"guns I had to unload!!
Have fun and be safe!

Welcome!!!

Welcome to my view of the outdoors world. Here I will share my experiences hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. I will post my opinions on various gear and equipment that I have personally used; no sponsors, so just the truth!!!

I will be writing about topics that concern hunters and fishermen (sorry, this is a NO PC site!!!) such as self-defense, conservation and legislation that affects us. There will be plenty of light stuff, so this will not be a stuffy, schoolbook blog!

Please feel free to post your opinions, as well as any suggested subjects. I'll end up doing what I please anyway...

I chose the handle The Gun Dr. because I used to own a gun repair business many years ago. I did not sell guns, just fixed 'em. I ran the place part-time while serving in the military. I planned on going full-time after I finished my commitment; unfortunately, The Clintonistas decided that folks like me were a threat to society and made the licensing requirements too expensive and intentionally difficult for a part-timer like me. I have worked on and off for others in their shops since then, but it is not the same.

That's enough for now. I have to change a poopy diaper on my youngest offspring.