This Is What Deer Hunting Is All About…

Actually, this is what all types of hunting should be about. Get. Kids. Into. The. Outdoors! Seriously, youth need to learn how spending time hunting and being outdoors can be a very natural activity in their development. Unfortunately, far too often in today’s world it doesn’t happen that way for many different reasons (or should I say…in some cases, excuses).

“GIRL POWER” During The Minnesota 2018 Deer Hunting Opener.

Not in our deer camp. Nope. We embrace the notion of exposing kids to the outdoors. And yes, often it’s at the expense of adults being successful bagging a deer…but we don’t care. When you take a kid deer hunting the adult is achieving something much more important.

Indeed, the child is learning how it’s okay to step away from the computer…the iPad…or the smartphone. It’s okay to get off the couch and occasionally experience wet toes or cold fingers for several hours each fall. Moreover, for many kids it’s perfectly fine for them to understand shopping for their food from a hunting blind rather than a grocery store aisle. Kids need wholesome experiences during their maturing years and the deer woods certainly provides that incredible learning opportunity.

This past weekend (and again this coming weekend) we welcomed kids to join us during our organized deer hunt. Six adults were hunting in our woods…and so were 4 kids all under the age of 12 years. Not only that…each of the children shared something else quite special—it was “girl power” time. Yes, it just so happened there were 4 girls the first weekend and possibly there will be 5 tagging along this coming weekend. How cool is that? Seriously, it’s one thing to have the youth out hunting…but it’s even better when you teach young women just how much fun it can be hunting with their dads.

Elsie Taking A Break From The Boredom To Do Some Reading.

Actually, my 10-year old daughter, Elsie, has now been hunting with me since the ripe old age of 4 years old. Last weekend for the opener I think it was safe to say she was even more excited about hunting than her dear Ol’ Pops. I say this because even though we had to rise from bed early for opening morning…she informed me how she had experienced a very sleepless night waking 5 times due to the excitement of what was to soon occur the next morning.

And that’s wonderful. It’s important to harness that excitement from an early age and then find ways to turn it into fond, lasting memories. At this point, Elsie can’t remember spending early Novembers doing anything other than deer hunting. She was too young to remember the days when deer hunting meant staying home with mom waiting for dad to return with stories from the woods. Now, she’s out living the stories and developing the vivid images of what she experiences in her own mind.

Honestly, whether you duck hunt, pheasant hunt, fish, or whatever you do in the outdoors it’s so important to involve your kids. Don’t have a kid…borrow one from a sibling or even a trusting neighbor. It truly is that important to expose all youth to the outdoors at an early age if they’re to develop a life-long appreciation for living a life as a sportsman.

When I look at so many other hunters and fishermen I see their reasons for not taking youth along to be rather selfish. Oh, sure, quiet time in the blind or tree stand is probably not going to happen. You bet…you can count on kids to move or make a noise when it’s least opportune. And, of course, they will cough or sneeze without ever even trying to suppress such bodily actions…but they’re learning.

With Elsie, I’ve discovered that if we’re going to sit in a blind for 5+ hours we need to seek creative ways to fight boredom. I often encourage her to bring a book so she can read. In fact, that book reading was rather challenging last weekend in the rain. Oh, we were in a blind offering some protection…but with windows open there was constantly water spraying as it hit the screen windows. You can bet dad, as well as Elsie, kept a watchful eye on the school library book to make sure nothing was damaged.

Smiles In The Deer Stand Is Always A Good Sign.

But there are other ways to fight boredom. Play guessing games…quietly sing songs by changing the lyrics to use the word “deer” and mention things found in the woods…heck, occasionally we even watch and look for deer or other wildlife movements.

Certainly for me when (or if) the day ever comes to go hunting without my little partner it’ll be a sad day, indeed. We do some of our best bonding while together in the woods sharing various outdoors experiences. Every once in a while I get to teach her something about the outdoors to better help her develop into an outdoors savvy person. Then, every once in a while, she reminds me just how wonderful it still is to view the natural world through young eyes willing to appreciate even the simplest of things nature has to offer.

The Problem With The New Blaze Pink…It’s Not Being Seen!

So, last Saturday I went shopping for some new hunting gear.   On the list was a jacket sporting the new BLAZE PINK look which is now allowed in Minnesota as an alternative to the ever-recognizable BLAZE ORANGE.   No…don’t be silly…it wasn’t for me, rather it is for my 9-y/o daughter who loves hunting with daddy and also just happens to like wearing pink.

Excerpt from the 2017-18 Minnesota hunting synopsis.

Now, to be honest, the fluorescent pink hunting wear craze is not something nationwide.   In fact, according to my quick scan on Google it appears there are only 4 states (Wisconsin, New York, Colorado and now Minnesota) that even allow it as a safety color to be worn during the hunting seasons.   Yet, I suspect more states will be added in the years to come.

One problem I am seeing is there does not appear to be a legal standard for Blaze Pink.   At least with orange there was a daylight fluorescent orange (usually under the brand name Ten Mile Cloth-trademarked since 2004) that had certain characteristics for brightness as could be measured on the nanometer light scale.   With pink, well…at least with what I’m seeing…the cloth coloration appears to be all over the board.   Nothing appears standard, at least from the limited selection I have inspected first-hand.

Well, discussing the legalities of what constitutes LEGAL Blaze Pink is going to vary from state to state and my guess is it will be left largely up to the eye of the beholder.   At least at this point, however, much of this is rather moot.

The real trouble with Blaze Pink here during Minnesota’s inaugural hunting season allowing it appears to be availability.   Maybe even familiarity.   Case in point…here is how the discussion went at my local Cabela’s store in Owatonna, Minnesota last Saturday:

Cabela’s Employee: “Can I help you, sir?”

Me: “Yes, can you point me in the direction of your Blaze PINK hunting clothing…I would like to buy some for my daughter for this fall’s deer hunt.”

Employee: <slight pause…while employee looks at another employee standing with him> “All we really have is that pink camo over on that display.”

Me: “Oh, yes, I see that…but the pink camo is not Blaze Pink so that is not a legal option for safety.  You guys do know that the Minnesota legislature approved Blaze Pink as a legal option for hunting this fall, don’t you?”

Employee: <by this time two more employees were walking by> “Hey, Roger(not his real name)…do we carry any Blaze Pink?”  <Roger looked confused and simply replied> “If we had anything it would be in this area.”

At this point I thanked the staff and walked away.   To be honest, these employees seemed oblivious to what I was asking of them.   I concluded how Cabela’s is a big chain store where I assume most of the buying decisions are made at corporate located several states away from Minnesota.   The bottom line is my impression was that, at least for Cabela’s, Blaze Pink was not even on the retail radar with only 35 days out from Minnesota’s Firearms Deer Hunting Opener.

Okay, so not to pick on Cabela’s as they were not alone.   I contacted the Scheel’s store in Rochester, Minnesota and asked about their Blaze Pink options.   There I spoke with a buyer who admitted they do not currently have any options in their store, either.   They have some on order…but do not know when it will be in stock.   For sure not this week…he was hopeful for next week, but could not confirm exactly when.

The few other small stores I checked with did not have any Blaze Pink options, as I suspected.   Now, one store that did have Blaze Pink was the Fleet Farm chain of stores.   Much to their credit, being based in Wisconsin I suspect that Blaze Pink being legal in that state has brought it on the radar for their buyers for some time now.   So, not all hope was lost.

Now, I’m sure there are some folks who will debate the value of Blaze Pink vs. Blaze Orange.   Personally, I am not one of those individuals who really cares…orange or pink…whichever color makes you happy just wear it.   Honestly, I like pink in the woods.   When I use flagging material to mark trails I always prefer pink.   To me it just seems to stand out better with the vibrant fall colors.   I’m sure that as time goes on…Blaze Pink will be commonly accepted(and available) just like the more traditional orange.

If allowing Blaze Pink helps to enable more females to get outdoors and to enjoy hunting…well, then I am all for it.   I’m sure by next fall many more stores here in Minnesota will jump on the retail bandwagon by making sure they have items for sale.   I’m just surprised this year how many local sporting goods stores were seemingly caught off-guard with absolutely nothing Blaze Pink for sale.   That will change.

I think in time the sale of Blaze Pink could come close to rivaling Blaze Orange sales.   I hope so, anyways.   Because seeing more Blaze Pink in the woods would be a good barometer, of sorts, for the gender health of our hunting sport.   Retailers time to wake up and watch it happen.

Game Fair Still Going Strong After 35 Years

I figure it has been about 20 years since I last attended Game Fair in Anoka, Minnesota, so when the invite reached my desk to come back I was certainly anxious to check it out once again.

For those who are not familiar, Game Fair is the annual event held over two weekends each August to prime everyone’s pump, so to speak, for the fast-approaching hunting seasons.   It’s an event celebrating guns, shooting, dogs and just about everything related to the shooting sports we all enjoy each fall.   Situated on 80–acres of land containing woods and waters, the location provides all the sights, sounds and tactile pleasures that sportsmen associate with the best season of the year—fall.

I was amazed at all the changes that had occurred over the past 20 years.   Now, with over 300 outdoor exhibitors from 28 states and provinces, this has easily tripled in size from what I last remember back from the mid ’90s.   Duck and goose calls, decoys, dog equipment, home decor, you name it…if it appeals to the outdoors person it will likely be found at Game Fair.

I think the biggest purpose Game Fair serves annually is to scratch the itch many outdoors oriented people get about this time of the year.   With big game seasons now happening in the western states in a matter of days, and seasons in many Midwestern states only weeks away, there’s nothing better than to rub elbows with like-minded folks who share the same passions of life.

Now, because Game Fair is rather visual, I think the best way to further explain the unique experience is with pictures(and captions).

When most people think of Game Fair they think of dogs--you'll see just about all of the sporting breeds.

When most people think of Game Fair they think of dogs–you’ll see just about all of the popular sporting breeds on display.

Indeed, dogs receive lots of attention at Game Fair.

Indeed, dogs receive lots of attention at Game Fair.

Some dogs even put up with more attention than they care to receive. Ha!

Some dogs even put up with more attention than they care to receive. Ha!

But for sure, Game Fair is about enjoying the companionship sportsman have with their canine partners.

But for sure, Game Fair is about enjoying the companionship sportsmen have with their canine partners.

Game Fair is one of the few events where bringing your dogs (on leash) is encouraged.

Game Fair is one of the few events where bringing your dogs (on leash) is highly encouraged.

No dog? No problem. At Game Fair you can come without a dog and go home with a energetic puppy willing to provide years of love in your home.

No dog? No problem. At Game Fair you can come without a dog and go home with a energetic puppy willing to provide years of love in your home.

Then again, some folks come just for the FREE dog training lessons taught by world renowned experts like Tom Dokken.

Then again, some folks come just for the FREE dog training lessons taught by world renowned experts, like Tom Dokken.

Tom Dokken is truly one of the most generous guys sharing his time and experience to turn your pet into an obedient partner.

Tom Dokken is truly one of the most generous guys sharing his time and experience to turn your pet into an obedient, capable partner.

So, you think your dog is already well trained? Prove it! Game Fair offers several events where your partner can prove he's Top Dog in the field.

So, you think your dog is already well trained? Prove it! Game Fair offers several events where your canine partner can prove they’re “Top Dog” in their field.

Some of these timed events give dog owners an opportunity to showcase just how good their canine partners will be performing this fall.

Some of these timed events give dog owners an opportunity to showcase just how good their canine partners will be performing this fall.

But events aside, Game Fair is also a chance for dogs and their owners a chance to socialize and enjoy a late summer day.

But sanctioned events aside, Game Fair is also an opportunity for dogs and their owners to socialize and just enjoy a late summer day.

Most folks, however, are content to walk the grounds and enjoy Game Fair without dogs.

Most folks, however, are content to walk the grounds and enjoy Game Fair without dogs.

They walk around enjoying all the exhibits and the food.

They walk around enjoying all the exhibits and the great food.

You never know just what you might find checking out the exhibits.

A person just never knows what they might find checking out the exhibits.

It can range from someone hand lathing a new duck call from a chunk of wood....

It can range from someone hand lathing a new duck call from a chunk of wood….

To vendors selling 100s of different wild game calls where there is one to suit your needs.

To vendors selling 100s of different wild game calls where there is surely one to suit your needs.

All the way to vendors who want to ensure your home decor reminds you about your passion in the outdoors.

All the way to vendors who want to ensure your home decor reminds you about your passion in the outdoors.

Quite honestly, Game Fair will find a way to put a smile on your face. Guaranteed!

Quite honestly, Game Fair will somehow find a way to put a smile on your face. Guaranteed!

The event covers two weekends (Friday-Sunday) each August to allow 6 full days for fun.

The event covers two weekends (Friday-Sunday) each August to allow 6 full days for fun.

Wildlife art has long been a part of Game Fair with some of the best artists in the world on display.

Wildlife art has long been a part of Game Fair with some of the best artists in the world on display.

Best of all, Game Fair is an OUTDOOR event unlike many other shows held in stuffy convention centers.

Best of all, Game Fair is an OUTDOOR event unlike many other shows held in stuffy convention centers surrounded by bricks and cement.

...So bring your sunscreen and rain gear, depending on what the weather forecast promises for the day.

…So, bring your sunscreen or rain gear, depending on what the weather forecast promises for the day.

Game Fair also caters to kids as they are the future. Supervised games that allow kids to put down their iPhones and pick up a slingshot, shotgun or bow are highly encouraged.

Game Fair also caters to kids as they are the future of our outdoors heritage. Supervised games that allow kids to put down their iPhones and pick up a slingshot, shotgun or bow are highly encouraged.

Indeed, Game Fair is often the place where kids discover shooting a slingshot is more fun than a smartphone app.

Indeed, Game Fair is often the place where kids discover shooting a slingshot is actually more fun than most smartphone apps.

Game Fair is also learning about the natural environment. You can talk to expert hunters, trappers, and conservation officers to get all of your questions answered.

Game Fair is also learning about the natural environment. You can talk to expert hunters, trappers, and conservation officers to get all of your outdoors questions answered.

It's also a place to meet Master Falconers like Frank Taylor who has spent a lifetime working with these special birds of prey.

It’s also a place to meet Master Falconers, like Frank Taylor, who has spent a lifetime working with these special birds of prey.

Game Fair's new Birds of Prey display allows attendees an up close look at these marvelous birds.

Game Fair’s new Birds of Prey display allows attendees to get an up close look at these marvelous birds.

Folks from the Minnesota Falconers Association share their love for these creatures and explain how this form of hunting has evolved over time.

Folks from the Minnesota Falconers Association share their love for these creatures and explain how this form of hunting has evolved over time.

Let's not forget Game Fair is also about shooting.

Let’s not forget, Game Fair is also about hands-on shooting.

Game Fair allows hunters to touch and feel (and yes, shoot) some of the newest guns, bows and similar equipment on the market.

Game Fair allows hunters to touch and feel (and yes, shoot) some of the newest guns, bows and similar equipment currently on the market.

Game Fair also gives attendees an opportunity to view the masters who are at the top of the shooting world.

Game Fair also gives attendees an opportunity to visit with the masters who have skills that are at the top of the shooting world.

But let's face it...people also like to come to Game Fair to eat.

But let’s face it…people also like to come to Game Fair to eat.

And unlike most events, the one comment I heard folks saying is how reasonably priced the food here is.

And unlike most public events these days, the one comment I heard folks say is how fairly priced the food is at Game Fair.

After all, who likes to be price gouged when you're trying to enjoy some cotton candy?

After all, who likes to be price gouged when you’re trying to enjoy some cotton candy?

If you haven't made plans yet to attend...it's time to make tracks this coming weekend before it is all over again for another year.

If you haven’t made plans yet to attend…it’s time to make tracks this coming weekend before it is all over again for another year.

For more information about Game Fair click HERE.   This coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 19-21) is the final weekend in 2016.