By Jeff Findley

Congratulations on catching that trophy buck, but now the question is — what are you going to do with all that venison meat? If you’re looking for a challenge, try a few of these recipes. Meatloaf and chicken-fried steak are usually made with beef, but you may be surprised to find out that venison can be just as tasty!

Venison meatloaf with zesty red sauce

Ingredients for Meatloaf

2 pounds ground venison

1 pound ground pork sausage

4 large eggs, beaten

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1 large onion chopped

1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped

1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped

1/2 cup celery chopped

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon fresh pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 teaspoon chili sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons horseradish (or to taste, can be omitted)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine venison, sausage, eggs, bread crumbs, vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.

2. Mix only until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix or meatloaf could be tough.

3. On a greased sheet pan, form mixture into one large loaf or two smaller loaves. (You could use traditional loaf pans, but I prefer the “crust” that this method provides)

4. Cook in a 350 degree oven for about an hour or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.

5. Remove loaf from oven and coat top with red sauce. Set oven on broiler and let loaf cook an additional 10 minutes until sauce is heated thoroughly.

6. Let sit 10 minutes before slicing.

Chicken-fried venison steaks with cream gravy

Ingredients

2 pounds venison cube steaks

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 cups buttermilk

Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper

Cooking oil or shortening

Directions

1. In a deep, heavy cast iron skillet, heat oil to 360 degrees for frying.

2. Set up “dredging station.” In a shallow dish, combine flour and breadcrumbs, season to taste with Cajun seasoning. In another dish, pour buttermilk.

3. Season cube steaks with salt and pepper.

4. Dip steak into buttermilk and then dredge in flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Repeat.

5. Fry in small batches until steaks are golden brown on both sides. About three minutes per side.

6. Move to sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain.

7. Leave 4 tablespoons of oil in pan, discarding remaining oil. Make sure to leave the “brown bits” at bottom of skillet.

8. Add 4 tablespoons of flour to oil, stirring constantly until flour is browned and thickened.

9. Slowly add milk to flour mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until gravy reaches desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

By Justin Schuver

Like many people in Bainbridge, Benny Harrell and his father, Ronnie, are avid deer hunters. It’s no surprise, then, that they’ve amassed quite a collection of massive deer antlers. However, the question soon arose about what to do with the leftover smaller antlers.

Benny Harrell said that they started to keep those extra antlers in buckets in their workshop, and eventually there got to be so many that they had to come up with something to do with them.

“We came up with the idea of putting all the excess antlers to good use by making custom pens from them,” he said.

Harrell explained that his father is an active woodworker, and he has built a number of things together with his father, including deerstands and furniture. It didn’t take them long to come up with the idea of using those same woodworking tools to create antler-based objects as well.

Harrell said that the portion of the pen that is made from the deer antler is called the “blank,” and can be roughly described as the part that is held when writing. The blanks of deer antlers — or ocassionally bits of wood — are typically two inches in length and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter, depending on the style of pen that is desired.

A hole is bored in the center of the blank, in order to accept an epoxied brass bushing. The blanks are then mounted on a lathe, where they are turned to the dimensions needed, and eventually sanded and finished on the lathe while still spinning.

The rest of the assembly is completed by pressing precision-machined metal pen parts into the finished blanks. Harrell said they use super glue as a permanent bond for the most important components. The pens also include a Cross or Parker ink cartridge, depending on the style of pen. All pens have a 24-karat gold plate, or chrome-silver finish.

Harrell said the pens vary in shape and style. Some of the most common types they have created include a traditional pen shape or a “rifle bullet/shell” shape, and pens with deer antlers for the blanks while others have wood for the blanks.

by Dale Kramer

When I first read it, I could not believe it. Statistics published in the Coast Guard Auxiliary magazine cited that most boating accidents occur while a boat is being docked.

After thinking about this, I realized how true this must be. I, myself, can recall several instances of accidents, most of which were due to not knowing how to handle the boat, alcohol and not thinking through a situation.

I have seen a boat full of people, more than there should have been, which, for some unknown reason, run to one side. This shift in weight caused the boat to fill with water quickly and sink.

Also, I have seen boaters run into docks at a fairly high rate of speed. Then, upon damaging the boat, blame it on someone other than themselves. I have seen this same forward motion throw unsuspecting passengers overboard.

Granted, sometimes docking and undocking is tricky business. Knowing good basic procedures can help make your boating day much better.

Let’s start with the approach. Don’t come in with a grand flourish and at high speed. Come in at no wake speed, then throttle down gradually. This will keep the boat under control. When you see that you have enough speed to reach the dock, slip into neutral and use reverse when necessary to keep forward motion in check.

Remember, boats have no brakes. You need to move slowly. Bring the boat to a stop by using the reverse gear. Never try to stop a moving boat with your arms and legs.

If you were correct in gauging your speed, you will end up several boat lengths from the dock. If you come in at too high a speed, you will be forced to go into neutral a long way from the dock losing maneuverability with the prop disengaged. If you are closer to the dock, you will be able to ease in slowly.

Also, put your lines and fenders out in place as soon as you know which side of the dock you will be on. Then, follow these steps.

First, determine the wind direction. If possible make your approach into the wind. This will give you more control. Then, with boat fenders and lines in place, slowly ease the boat to the dock.

If there is no wind or current, approach the dock at a narrow angle. When close enough, grab the bow line, step ashore and secure the line. Next, swing the stern in by grabbing a line or using a hook. Now tie your line. Don’t shut off the engine until both the stern and bow lines are secure.

If the wind or the current is pushing you away from the dock, then point the bow toward the dock at a sharp angle, about 45 degrees. Approach the dock and secure the bow line. Use reverse, to swing in the stern. Then secure the stern line.

If you must approach down wind or down current, then move as slowly as possible while sill retaining control. Be ready to use reverse to stop and maintain your position. This is one time when you will want to secure the stern line first and then the bow line.

When leaving the dock, it is important to keep the mooring lines tied until you have started the engine. Always be sure you are in neutral. If you have a pull starter, remain seated.

Once you are satisfied that your engine has warmed and is running smoothly, get ready to cast off. You will want to direct the boat away from the dock. If there is a wind or current pushing the boat away from the dock, all you will need is to cast off the lines and give the boat a helping push away. When you are safely cleared, shift to forward and slowly leave.

When you have other boats in front and behind you, leaving can be a bit tricky. To do this, cast off the stern line. Then go slowly into forward gear and turn the steering wheel or tiller as far as possible, steering the bow towards the dock. If needed, increase the speed slowly to kick the stern out and push yourself clear of the other boats. Then back away.

However, if the wind or current is pushing the boat away from the dock, cast off all lines. Push the boat away from the dock making sure that there is sufficient clearance between you and the other boats. When clear, shift into forward and slowly leave.

There are other problems which occur at the dock. Unfortunately, sometimes boats fill with water. It is quite a sinking feeling when this happens to you. There you stand, looking forlorn at your boat which is partially submerged. The natural thing to do is to cut the lines which are holding the boat. This is not the best course of action because most people think that their boat has floatation built in which will keep it afloat or at least be able to stay above water and be even. Usually, this is not the case.

Also, as you cut one line, it increases the strain on another one. This presents the danger of the boat slipping under the dock. Also, other lines can break and fittings can pullout, becoming dangerous projectiles.

Instead of cutting lines, add more and in as many directions as possible. When you do this, it lessens the tension on the existing lines and allows the owner to move the boat in any direction.

When you have your lines tied, you can tighten each in succession and hopefully this will allow the boat to float level. You may even be able to bring the boat up high enough to begin to bale it out.

Remember, just because you have a boat, does not mean you can drive it. Practice and experience will turn the “Weekend Warrior” into a seaman.

Dale is a coxswain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 83 – Lake Seminole. He can be reached at kramers229@aol.com.

by Joyce Kramer

While waiting for a shot at their prey, the modern hunter can not help but think about what it was like back in the days of wooden guns and iron men.

The fact is, there were a lot of superstitious practices that are used by the modern hunter to ensure a good day’s catch. Just like the baseball player who pitches a no-hitter and then refuses to shave — believing that his hairy condition contributed to his good fortune — the hunter also has his sure fire ways to bag his prey.

Let us get acquainted with some of the more common things that were used by Indians and early Georgia settlers. Who knows, maybe one will work for you!

Here are some that are specifically for the duck hunter. One tells us that for success while duck hunting, lie down, then get up, then lie down again three times in the direction in which you hear the ducks quacking.

Another is for you to hang onions around in your duck blind. It will keep you from getting bruised by the recoil of your gun.

Some early Georgians thought that wearing a piece of raw cotton, on a string tied with nine knots, around your neck would improve your aim.

If your hunting partner becomes upset by his lack of success, place a pan of cold water on his seat without him knowing about it. Then, when he sits down, he will be calm. Let us hope so, because there are not too many places to run in a duck blind.

To make you unstoppable when it comes to hitting your target, take a piece of your undershorts and bury it at midnight in your yard. Finish by putting a brick over them. Now, hope that your neighbors didn’t see you.

If your buddy is a better hunter than you are, get some red dirt and sprinkle it around the door of his house, and he will not be able to hit a thing after that. Another solution is to find another buddy, one that is not as good a hunter as you are.

Make a wish while watching a duck in flight. If he flaps his wings, the wish will come true and he will be in your boat.

To ensure good luck while on your boat, don’t step over anyone, don’t bring an ax with you, don’t step over a gun and don’t turn over your camp chair. All of these make sense, especially the ax thing. Axes have been known to make holes in boats and can be lethal in the hands of enraged hunters. In either case, the consequences leave a lot to be desired.

Of all of the duck hunting success suggestions, this one may be the most practical. If a flock of ducks fly over your head, you will get a messy message.

Another bit of sage advice comes from those who interpret dreams for a successful hunting day. This one tells us that if you dream of catching a train, you will fall overboard. I guess this means that you better not daydream while you are waiting for the ducks to come.

Some hunters put more faith in good luck charms than actual actions. The rabbit’s foot and four-leaf clover are popular talismans and are fine for everyday life, but when hunting you will need something with extra mojo. Here are some good luck pieces for your hunting day.

Bring along a fork from the breakfast table that was used on a Sunday morning. Shoe strings made of corn shocks should be placed in your shoes. A rabbit’s foot carried in the right hand pocket will bring a good hunting day, as will throwing a pocket full of money on to the boat before you get on. Also, it is good luck to wear socks of different colors. This should be accompanied by wearing a garment inside out.

Try to have a spider web brush across your face. You can also carry the dried breast bone of a frog for good luck.

Sometimes, comfort is foremost on the duck hunt. It can be too hot or too cold. It can be buggy and crampy being out on a boat tucked in the weeds for long periods of time. So, to keep yourself comfortable while out on the water, smear your hair with soft butter and tea. This will keep the bugs away.

If you pick pine needles and bruise them, then cook them into a broth and drink, you will be busy shooting ducks — or some other activity could be keeping you busy.

If by some chance you slip and bruise your ribs, rub them with a chicken gizzard.

Well, we have armed you with some very helpful hints and some very useful charms for your success in hunting So gather everything up and get going. Those ducks are out there waiting.

Joyce is an officer, and Dale a coxswain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. They can be reached at kramers229@aol.com.

By Justin Schuver

The Silver Lake Management Wildlife Management Area is one of the more pristine, naturally beautiful parts of Decatur County, and Greg Flood is determined to help keep it that way.

Flood was hired earlier this year, to serve as the first full-time manager of the 9,828-acre property, which is currently maintained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The property, which is a part of the larger 16,900-acre Lake Seminole Wildlife Management Area, had been previously managed by the International Paper Company.

At that time, it was a playground of sorts for company officials and their guests to hunt or fish. International Paper sold the property to the state in 2008, with the DNR specifically planning to use it to manage wildlife and habitat preservation.

Recreational activities offered at the public site include hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking, with some restrictions. The property is also significant because of the number of threatened or endangered species that have habitats there, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrow and gopher tortoises.

Flood, who is originally from Pennsylvania, said one of the main projects under way at the Silver Lake WMA is an initiative to foster growth in the bobwhite quail population.

“There are not a lot of state-owned properties where you can hunt quail in Georgia,” Flood said. “We believe that this area can be well suited to hosting that population, and boosting the quail will also help the hunting for deer, turkeys and doves because they have similar habitats.”

Part of the management plan is to create open fields to serve as nesting and brooding cover for quail, as well as additional land for feed plots and dove fields.

The Silver Lake WMA has 12 boat ramps and 32 seasonal ponds for fishing, as well as the massive Silver Lake. However, the vast majority of management deals with the forest. One of the most important ways the forest’s growth is managed, is through controlled burns.

“Fire is always one of the most important ways that a forest remains healthy,” Flood said.

Flood earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from California University of Pennsylvania, and has experience working with pine management and surveying threatened and endangered species in Michigan. Although Flood admits he sometimes “misses the snow,” he is getting used to life in the South.

“This is a beautiful part of the country, and I’m excited to do what I can to help keep it beautiful,” he said.

The Silver Lake WMA is effectively divided by a dam that traverses over Silver Lake. One side, the “Silver Lake tract,” is more cleared out and developed, while the Hog Farm tract is more thickly overgrown. Flood said the future focus will primarily be on the Hog Farm tract, which will serve as the site for much of the planned bobwhite quail habitat.

Other changes on the way include improvement and widening of the roads, and lengthening of some of the horse and hiking trails.

Silver Lake WMA is located approximately 10 miles south of Bainbridge, off Yates Spring Road south of Spring Creek Road. For more information, call (229) 430-4254 or visit online at www.georgiawildlife.com.

By William Hand

From decoys, calls, waders to well-trained dogs, finding the right remedy to control your duck fever can only be tamed when the limit is reached.

With the massive movement of the Robinson boys (stars of the hit television show Duck Dynasty on A&E) down in Louisiana, non-duck hunters have tuned in and gained a heavy interest in the fast-paced world of waterfowl. Yes, it is television, but a love for duck hunting and the business sense to make millions have transformed a redneck hobby to a Duck Dynasty.

This article is not going to chronicle the life and times of the Duck Commander, but it is meant to give a suggestion as to what gear needed to stalk from the water. Grant Lambe, with McCoy’s Outdoors in Marianna, Fla., is the man to talk to when it comes to bagging nature’s aviation experts.

License and stamps

Above all, a state license is the most important item that needs to be secured. Once the license is processed, a federal duck stamp for each duck harvested is required.

Ammunition

Lead shot is illegal, so make absolutely sure that steel shot is used. If caught using lead shot, the fine could be up to $500,000. Grant recommends Winchester Drylok steel shot shells. Relatively inexpensive, these shells may be used for other forms of shotgun hunting as well.

Firearms

With a plethora of guns available on the market, it may be confusing for some, especially intermediate hunters. The Browning Maxus and the Beretta A400 Xtreme are great suggestions from Grant that will narrow the decision when selecting the perfect gun.

The Maxus is a 12-gauge, recoil-operated gun that offers a selection of 22-inch, 26-inch, 28-inch, and 30-inch barrel lengths. The Beretta A400 Xtreme is also only made as a 12-gauge and offers a variety of different barrel lengths. The Beretta A400 Extreme, like the Maxus, will hold up to 3 1/2 inch shells, which make it a beast for creating a heavy downpour of ducks.

Decoys

When asked about decoys, Grant responded with, “Mojo is where it is at, because these things look so life-like that the hunter can easily mistake the decoy for a duck.” Grant recommends Mojo because ducks seem to land right near the decoys with little, if any, hesitation.

Calls

A critical art form of duck hunting is learning the language of the prey. Each call is specifically designed to the tune of each species. McCoy’s offers both Primos and Duck Commander calls. Calls range from Wood Ducks all the way to Teal and Mallard.

Apparel and Footwear

Grant is a strong advocate for Under Armour jackets, bibs, overalls and pants, because the fabric is not only waterproof but also extremely quiet. Muck Boots are Grant’s No. 1 choice in footwear for duck hunting. He and his brothers all use Muck boots, because of the stability and comfort provided while moving in and around the water. McCoy’s also offers face paint to help dampen the reflection from hunter’s eyes.

For some, duck hunting is the most enjoyable and rewarding season. Recent advances in television and technology have made the sport much more interesting and fine-tuned. For the hunter just getting started, following the suggestions above will provide guidelines in selecting the most effective gear for that special time of year. To get prepared for the hunt, make sure to give Grant and the other knowledgeable staff members at McCoy’s Outdoors a call today.

By BRENNAN LEATHERS

A new Georgia law has loosened the requirements for carrying firearms in public, and has increased interest in concealed-carry weapons permits within the state.

Once a person has a concealed-carry weapons permit, they are able to legally carry a firearm or knife concealed on their person in public or keep them out of plain sight in their vehicles.

Previously, Georgia law prohibited the carrying of weapons in public, unless the gun was holstered and clearly visible to others. Anyone who wanted to carry a weapon concealed in their clothing, in a handbag or purse, attache case or brief case was required to have a concealed-carry permit and also holster the weapon.

A new law passed in 2011 allows anyone with a “Georgia Weapons Carry License” to also conceal it on their person, with no further permitting necessary. Those without a carry license can carry weapons, provided that they are enclosed in a case and unloaded.

No weapons carry license is necessary for a person to carry a weapon or long gun on their own property, inside their vehicle or inside their place of business. Loaded long guns must be carried in an open and fully exposed manner.

Under the new law, a person with a valid weapons carry license can carry it in all state parks, historic sites or recreational areas, including in buildings located in those areas.

People with licenses can also carry weapons in public places except for those specifically prohibited. However, private property owners or people in charge of those properties can forbid possession of weapons on their property.

Prohibited areas where guns are not allowed include state, federal or local government buildings, in a courthouse, in a jail or prison or in general, any public parking garage.

Weapons cannot be carried on the campuses of any public or private elementary or secondary schools, nor on the campuses of any public or private technical school, vocational school, college or university.

Guns are also prohibited in a place of worship or a bar, unless the church’s leaders or the bar’s owner permits the carrying of weapons or long guns by people with carry licenses.

In the event they unintentionally violate Georgia’s weapon carry laws, people with valid carry licenses are only guilty of a misdemeanor, while people without a license can be found guilty of a felony and face fines and prison time.

People with valid hunting licenses, but who don’t have weapons carry licenses, can legally carry firearms on their person as long as they are actively going hunting with the permission of a property owner.

The process

To qualify for a concealed weapons permit, people must be 21 years of age, and have a clean criminal and mental history. They must also be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the state where they are applying for a permit.

People interested in getting a permit in Decatur County must fill out an application at the Probate Court Judge’s office, located in the newer section of the County Courthouse in Bainbridge.

A fee of $72.25, payable either by a cashier’s check or a money order, must be paid to the Probate Court. The fee covers the application charge of $30, plus a $5 charge for fingerprinting and a $37.25 fee charge for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct a criminal history background check.

Applicants also have to get their picture taken, as the concealed carry permit essentially looks like a driver’s license, said Probate Court Clerk Yvonne Jenkins.

Once the application is complete, the applicant then goes to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office on Spring Creek Road on the same day, to be fingerprinted for a background check.

The Sheriff’s Office then returns the results of the background check to the Probate Court, and if everything checks out okay, the Probate Judge signs off on the license. The information and picture are then sent off to be printed and several days later, the concealed carry license is available for pickup, Jenkins said.

The Probate Court office then calls the applicant, or a person the applicant has designated beforehand, to pick up the license.

“Typically, it takes about 10-15 days from the time a person applies for a license for them to be able to pick it up,” Jenkins said.

Georgia weapons carry licenses are good for five years.

Practice makes perfect

Investigator Redell Walton of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, who also works part-time at Southern Trading Company in Bainbridge, said advantages of taking a firearms course include: learning how to properly clean a gun, safely load and unload it and to become comfortable with the characteristics of different types of firearms.

“There are people who go into a store to buy their first gun, and without a course on how to use it, they end up being nervous about handling it and so it sits in a closet,” Walton said. “After taking a class and getting some practice, they become more familiar with their gun — it becomes more enjoyable to do target practice and go hunting.”

Ronnie Boyce, the co-owner of Southern Legends Plantation, is a National Rifle Association certified instructor and teaches basic firearms courses at the plantation in southern Decatur County. It’s an eight-hour course that starts in the classroom and ends with training on the plantation’s pistol range.

The course meets the requirements of Florida’s concealed carry permit law, but can also be taken by residents of other states who just want to become more familiar with firearms.

“The course is designed so that someone with no knowledge of a gun can learn what they’re about,” Boyce said. “I want to make sure everyone understands how to be safe with their weapon.”

After Boyce goes over safety topics in the classroom, class participants take a 50-question written test they must pass before they are allowed to shoot on the pistol range. Boyce helps first-timers become comfortable with holding and firing their weapon and then after finishing a basic aiming test, they get a certificate.

“After taking the basic pistol class, people will be fairly efficient with their weapon, but not necessarily proficient,” Boyce said. “So I encourage people to practice shooting their gun after the class ends.”

By Justin Schuver

Christopher Webster, an 18-year-old from Bainbridge, has already made a name for himself in the sport of competitive shooting.

Webster, who is a 2012 Bainbridge High School graduate and currently a freshman at Valdosta State University, has been competitively shooting since his days as a student in the county’s 4-H program.

“I started in 4-H, with their modified trap shooting program, and I did pretty well at it my first year,” said Webster, the son of Mike and Marcella Webster. “The next year, I wasn’t quite as good at it, so I wanted to find a coach who could help me improve, and it just went from there.”

That coach was Mike Simpson of Hartsfield, Ga., who coaches at the Bridge Creek Clays and South Georgia Youth Shooting Club. Simpson is also an assistant coach for the USA Shooting Junior National Team.

Earlier this year, in February, Webster was named to the men’s double trap team, on the U.S. Junior Olympic Shotgun Team, one of just 22 shooters named to the team and one of four double trap shooters on the team.

Webster has competed in competitions across the country, including Colorado, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts and Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. In a recent “fall selections” competition in Kerrville, Texas, he placed third in his division and came up just short of qualifying for a World Cup competition. The top two finishers qualify for the World Cup; however, as the first alternate, Webster will be able to attend if either of the top two are unable to participate.

Webster participates in the double trap team, which is so named because shooters must hit two targets in rapid succession.

“Doubles might be considered a little more difficult because you basically have one shot at each target,” he said. “With singles, you only have to shoot one target but you get two shots at it.”

Another good quality about doubles, according to Webster, is the community.

“In singles, you might have 100 or more shooters competing, but with doubles it’s usually a smaller group of competitors,” he said. “It helps form a closer-knit group, and I’ve made some friends that I see over and over again at competitions.”

Webster said that a shooter typically has only about half a second to react to the release of the target, and then to hit it. He explained that the best shooters are almost robotic in the consistency of their movements.

“It’s important to have good reflexes and hand-eye coordination,” he said. “But really the biggest thing you need is a strong mental focus. While you’re up there, you can’t really shoot with your conscious mind. You almost have to stop thinking and let your subconscious guide you.

“You actually have to go into that ‘zone’ and let your subconscious reflexes guide you. That’s what really separates the top shooters from the bottom. I’m still working on that part of my game, definitely.”

Webster shoots a Perazzi MX-2000 12-gauge over-and-under shotgun, and uses primarily Winchester AA shotgun shells and reloads. He said he only has one gun that he uses for competitions, but it has lasted his entire career.

“The competition guns are a little more expensive than other shotguns, so I really only have one, but it’s still in excellent shape despite having thousands of shells put through it,” he said.

Webster typically practices about three to four times a week in Hartsfield during the busiest times of the competition season. In the slower off-season he practices less often, but still has to work out enough to keep his reflexes sharp.

Although most competition sites have standardized measurements for the targets and shooting bunkers, each site has its own different idiosyncrasies that shooters must understand. Webster said most competitors typically practice on-site for at least a day before the competition to get used to any adjustments they might have to make.

“For example, at Kerrville, the machines are a little older so they can be a little finicky at times,” Webster said. “It’s also built in a valley where there’s some high-wind warnings, so you really have to get used to the wind and adjust to it.”

However, if a shooter believes that the conditions are wrong for a shot — such as if the machine throws a broken target or a target completely off the normal flight path — he can request a re-shot with no penalty if the judge agrees.

Webster said that he is “a little” into regular hunting, but doesn’t consider himself a large outdoors fan. However, he quickly became interested in competitive shooting and hopes to take it as far as he can.

“Right now my immediate goal is to make it to a World Cup,” he said.

Webster is studying computer engineering at Valdosta State University, and plans to focus on his engineering career rather than try to make a living as a professional shooter. However, it’s always going to be a hobby that he’ll return to, for the fun and the challenge.

“It’s just a really great, competitive sport,” he said.

Special to Rifle & Rod

Georgia hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts now have an app of their own, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The Official Georgia Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife Guide, powered by “Pocket Ranger” technology, is the official app of the Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. This free, mobile app gives both novice and seasoned sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts essential information in the palm of their hand.

Features include:

• Species profiles.

• Weather information.

• Georgia rules and regulations.

• Licensing information.

• Boat ramp locations.

• Maps of public wildlife areas.

Advanced GPS technology enhances any trek through the woods by allowing users to track friends’ locations, mark trails with photo waypoints and keep track of wildlife sightings. Sportsmen can even cache map tiles for offline use.

The Wildlife Resources Division manages nearly 1 million acres of public lands for wildlife and habitat in Georgia. These Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas are featured on the app.

App updates are already in development and will include enhanced birding trails, expanded saltwater species list, a “Trophy Case” for posting photos and comments and universal formatting for horizontal and vertical viewing.

Download the free app now on your mobile device through the Apple App Store or the Android Market and search “GA Fish & Wildlife Guide.” Visit www.pocketranger.com/apps/ga-fw/apps.php to learn more.

By William Hand

Children are generally easy to shop for, when it comes to Christmas presents. Kids make the list and aggravate the parents about what specific items to have under the tree.

For the outdoors-loving parents out there, a new game by Cabela’s may be the perfect tool for learning techniques, as well as providing the child with pure excitement. Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013 is the latest installment in its line of hunting games. Dangerous Hunts 2013 is available for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii consoles.

The game’s storyline consists of two brothers, whose relationship divided after their father was tragically killed by a notorious grizzly bear. The two reconnect later in life to pursue wild game in Uganda, Africa, as it was their father’s favorite place to expedition hunt. Another infamous beast has risen and it is up to the two brothers to embark on a dangerous journey after the beast to provide some form of justice for their father’s death.

Like other Cabela’s hunting games, Dangerous Hunts 2013 has the option to include a wireless gun for a more realistic digital hunting experience. Previous guns from older Cabela’s games are compatible with the new edition. The complete 2013 package includes a new gun labeled as the Fearmaster. Unlike other gun controllers, the Fearmaster is loaded up with two heartbeat sensors, to force the player to reduce heart rate and movement to ensure the highest quality shot. Once the player’s heart rate has settled, the scope will zoom in further revealing an x-ray picture of the animal’s vital organs.

You might think that if you’re just hunting and stalking an animal, what would be so hard about calming down, zooming in, and harvesting it? It’s just a video game, for crying out loud.

This is where the word “dangerous” comes to fruition. Not only is there a target animal to hunt, but there are other animals hunting the player. The player can be focused on taking the shot, when, out of nowhere, a pack of wolves circle around. The initial target is forgotten in lieu of the hungry pack of wolves and the hunter then becomes the hunted. If the player is stressed in the slightest, with wolves flying in and attacking from all directions, the screen will begin to blur, which makes defense much more difficult.

For families with multiple children the game offers a horde mode called “Maneater,” which allows two players to defend against multiple attacking animals. The ultimate goal is to survive through consecutive waves and earn points, while taking down as many animals as possible.

There is absolutely no better hunting experience than actually being outdoors, pursuing nature’s vast array of game. Even so, Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013 is a great tool to teach youngsters how to remain calm and collected while aiming a firearm. It also makes for a great hunting substitution, when being outdoors is not an option.

The game is rated “T” for teen, and may not be appropriate for very young children.