Sportsman's Blog

Microblogging - The Latest Trend In New Media Communicating

Microblogging is a form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates or micromedia such as photos or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, E-mail, digital audio or the web.

via en.wikipedia.org

Hey folks, I'm trying something new here at Sportsman's Blog. It's called micro-blogging and basically what it means is occasionally you will see shorter, informative blog posts often containing no more than just a few sentences. Expect more frequent outdoors blogging during the coming year as I further explore this popular trend in new media communication. Expect my regular blogging efforts to continue along with these new blogging efforts.

©2009 Jim Braaten.   All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Rubutting A Blog Post On Trapping

This blog post is in direct response to Bill Klein’s recent posting on Club Outdoors where he describes an incident involving his dog getting caught in a trap.   You can read his comments HERE in their entirety.

First off, I want to begin by saying that I deeply regret that Bill’s new black lab, Doc, got caught in a trap and that Bill had to endure this truly unfortunate experience.   I can understandably appreciate why he is upset about the events, however, I take great umbrage to the manner in which he channels his emotion.   Let me repeat so this is NOT FORGOTTEN.   I regret Bill had to endure this experience with his black lab and I do not want this statement lost in any of the comments I am about to make in this rebuttal.

I don’t know much about trapping but this much I do know:  whoever wrote the ad appearing in the DNR’s Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook teaching “how to release a domestic animal from a trap” has never actually faced that situation.

Bill, first off, the instructions featured on page 53 of the 2009 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook describes a procedure on how to release a domestic animal from a body-gripping trap (often called a Conibear trap).   The reason these instructions are even included in the synopsis is because this type of trap, when used properly, is intended to kill the animal that is caught.   In other words, time is of the essence in removing the animal and if you’re not familiar with the operation of such a trap this paid advertisement by the Minnesota Trappers Association offers some basic information towards that end.

…The Minnesota Trappers Association ad in the rule book says: Step One: Remain calm and speak soothingly to the dog.  There’s our first clue that the ad writer is clueless.

As a long-time member of the Minnesota Trappers Association I can assure you this assertion made on your part is totally without merit.   The leaders of the MTA are some of the most upstanding and experienced trappers to be found anywhere in this country.   Their advice is sound and proven.   Again, your leg hold trap shown in the picture IS NOT the same type of trap for which this paid advertisement explains a release procedure.   This should be evident by comparing the instructional graphics to your picture.

I ultimately had to leave my dog trapped, run home, get a bolt cutter and my tractor, cut the trap chain and carry Doc, with trap still attached, home in the bucket of my tractor.  A crow bar finally freed him.

With all due respect, as someone familiar with traps and trapping, your choice of actions were a gross over reaction in my estimation.   Cutting the trap chain and carrying the dog (with trap still attached) home in the bucket of a tractor—you really think these actions were necessary, not to mention safe for the dog?   Furthermore, the manner in which YOU CHOSE to handle this situation sensationalizes an already unfortunate incident.   Seriously, a “crow bar” to free your dog?   C’mon, Bill…if you used such equipment to open a leg-hold trap you likely inflicted unnecessary pain on your dog by attempting to pry the jaws apart.   I’m sorry if you couldn’t get the jaws opened by simply stepping on the release levers…but in my experience it takes very little effort or strength to accomplish this task.   Oh, and by the way…I have a trap shed with dozens of traps just like the one shown.   Many have 4–springs and not just 2 like the one that caught Doc.   I know what I’m talking about.

Next day I found the trapper and determined he had no license, no ID on his traps, was setting his snare traps far above 16” off the ground, was setting traps in deer trails and, finally, gave me a false name.

Did you call the Conservation Officer and get him involved?   There’s no mention of that happening in your story.   You state how you found the trapper and how you determined he had no license.   It just seems to me that had a CO been acting in this capacity rather than you our sporting community as a whole would have been much better off.   Not only was this guy trespassing, he did not have proper identification on his traps plus a whole host of other law violations.   You state he gave you a false name.   Wonderful.   Too bad the name wasn’t given to the CO instead, because that would have been yet another law violation.   To you…he’s under no legal obligation to provide any of those facts.   To a law enforcement officer he cannot lie.

But the bigger issue here is whether dry land snare and spring loaded traps should be allowed at all in the Twin City seven-county area.  Certainly trapping has its place.  But is that place where people and dogs are likely to confront them?

The point totally being missed in your assertion that trapping should be outlawed is how you encountered one law violator and chose to paint the entire trapping community with negativism and misguided information for the sole purpose to make a point in your blog post.

 

Okay, Bill…let me ask you this.   Forget everything I’ve just said and let’s change this scenario just a bit.   If rather than a trapper let’s say a wandering pheasant hunter was on your property and broke a window in your shed with stray pellets…would you call for the abolishment of pheasant hunting?   Or how about a deer hunter who shoots at a deer clearly on your property when he’s hunting a neighbor’s land?   Should we do away with deer hunting because a few individuals each year engage in unethical and illegal activities in their sport?

 

I guess more than anything I’m deeply disappointed in your breaking the unwritten sportsman’s code of behavior by letting your emotions clearly cloud your good judgment.   Rather than focus on the criminal acts and call them out solely for what they were…instead you chose to condemn a very proud, responsible and legal trapping heritage that many of us enjoy without these sort of incidents.

 

Indeed, in my opinion, your decision to focus disparaging remarks directed toward the trapping community as a whole is equally as unfortunate as the incident that most recently occurred to your dog, Doc.

Guess What I Did Five Years Ago To This Very Day...

Any ideas?   C’mon…I’ll give you a hint.   It has something to do with this blog.   Actually, it makes today sort of a monumental event in this blog’s existence.    That’s right, you probably guessed it…five years ago to this very day I posted my first blog message on this board.

All I can say is WOW…has the time sure flown by.   I entitled that little entry as “Let The Journey Begin.”   Now, as I reflect back, I can definitely say this blog has been a journey.   Oh, sure, there’s been a few bumps in the road.   Every journey worth traveling is going to have them.   But all in all it has been a wonderful experience.   I must say, if nothing else, it has helped me hone my outdoors communication skills.

In that first blog post I kept things pretty short and sweet.   Here’s a snippet of what I said:

At times I will likely write about my daily experiences in the out-of-doors here in southern Minnesota. At other times it will be tackling some tough issues and how they affect the outdoor world we all enjoy. I don't expect you to agree with everything I write...in fact, a good blog site will challenge you to see things from a different perspective. I do expect, however, that the topics covered will be varied and interesting (at least 90% of the time).

Those very words still ring true today.   In fact, I’ve learned that tackling the controversial topics can be very enlightening.   Countless times I have taken a company to task and eventually received a response from the owner or the company’s CEO.   Indeed, I can attest the power of blogging is very real.   I’ve discovered that.   Now, others are discovering it as it seems everyone these days has a blog.

I’ve also had folks strongly disagree with my posts and challenge me to look at a certain topic in another way.   Such has been the case with my last blog entry posted to the StarTribune.com and linked to from this site.   When I posted it I knew it would raise some eyebrows and be controversial in some people’s minds…that’s just how it works for some topics.   Still, I’ve learned to write about what I believe in and let the chips fall where they may.   Besides, if you’re proud of what you do and say isn’t that really all that matters?

Five years ago when I began blogging the outdoors communication world did not take blogging serious.   Ha!   Boy, have they sure learned their lesson.   Today, the term new media (which includes the likes of bloggers, podcasters, vidcasters, etc.) have taken the world by storm.   Many happen to have journalistic training…others, well let’s just say they produce content that appears a little rough around the edges.   Still, folks are getting the word out to the best of their abilities and I have to say it’s all very inspirational.

Lots has changed in my life during the past five years while I’ve been blogging, too.   I left the confines of being employed (doing ambulance work) to become self-employed on a full-time basis.   Oh, it was scary at first…but I had confidence it would all work out.   And it did.

Other life events also occurred.   Nearly 4 1/2 years ago I married the love of my life, Roberta, who has been such a true inspiration to me.   Not only does she keep me in line (somebody eventually had to do it, I guess), but she has added so much to my life in ways I could not have imagined before getting married.   And let’s face it…getting married for the first time at the ripe old age of 42 had some challenges in and of itself.   But, I’ve learned it’s possible an old dog can learn some new tricks, so to speak.

Then came along the next biggest event in my life 15 months ago also to this very day.   My daughter, Elsie, was born and has totally transformed this hard-core outdoorsman into discovering another important life role — that of being a daddy.   Honestly, I am blessed with so much good in my life at times I almost feel guilty.   Instead, I choose to cherish it all and not take anything for granted that the good Lord has provided for me.

Changing gears just a bit, it might interest you to know that over the years my blog site has averaged about 250 unique visitors each day which totals almost a half million visitors during the short lifetime of this blog.   To me that’s just crazy!   Oh, I know many other popular blogs do much better…but these stats far exceed my expectations when I started this crazy thing.

As I look ahead, I hope to have time to do even more blogging during the next 5 years of my life.   It likely won’t happen that way…but in a perfect world it would.   Most of my blogging efforts today are posted over at the StarTribune.com and then linked to from this site.   We’ll see how much longer that relationship happens…but, in the meantime, I hope you will continue to check out my postings on that site, too.

In closing, I want to thank all who have faithfully been along for this fascinating ride.   And to celebrate this anniversary milestone, I’m giving away 10 FREE Sportsman’s Blog Caps to the first 10 people who send me their complete mailing address.   That’s right…simply drop me a line at jim7226@hotmail.com and indicate if you want your cap to be: #1. Fishing themed; or #2. Camo themed; or #3. Blaze orange themed (only choose one).   Limit one per blog reader.   Available only to the first 10 parties who send me their complete mailing address and cap choice.

NOTE: The Sportsman’s Blog caps have all been spoken for…thanks to everyone who made a request. (9/22/09)

Keep enjoying the outdoors!!

© 2009 Jim Braaten.   All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

 

Tags: Jim+Braaten

Don't Forget To Check Out My Other Blog

Remember, currently my primary blogging efforts are now appearing at the Minneapolis StarTribune.com’s Club Outdoors pages which you can directly link to here:

While I will still occasionally make blog postings at this site, they will tend to be more infrequent and sporadic.

Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter.com by linking here (below):

and on facebook by using the following link:  www.facebook.com/jim.braaten

 

 

Tags: startribune.com+club+outdoors, twitter.com, facebook.com

Check Out My New Blog As A Field Reporter For Startribune.com

 

LINK HERE

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Blogging For StarTribune.com

Dear Blog Readers,

   About a week ago I teased that a big announcement was soon coming about this blog.   Actually, the announcement is about another blog I am starting very soon.

   Here’s the deal.   Back in early February I was contacted by staff at the Minneapolis Star Tribune about my potential interest in doing some outdoors blogging for their website.   Negotiations and training have been underway and now the venture is about to launch starting on Monday, May 4^th.   Their revamped online outdoors section will for the first time include blogging as a way to disseminate outdoor information to the public.   The newspaper is calling it CLUB OUTDOORS.

   At this point in time I’m not sure what the exact links will be to access the site, but come Monday the following link should become active:   http://www.startribune.com/outdoors/blogs

   I’m very honored to have the opportunity to blog for this top 20 newspaper in the nation.   More importantly, I’m humbled to know that it was this blog (Sportsman's Blog) that served as my online resume, of sorts, as the opportunity came to me totally unsolicited.

   Moving forward, I will continue this blog but will likely use it for general outdoor matters that have more of a national interest.   I suspect most of my blogging done for the newspaper will instead have a Minnesota (or at least an upper Midwest) appeal.

   Once again, I want to thank all my loyal blog readers over the years.   It is my sincere hope that you will not only check out my new blog venture (once it goes live)…but that you will continue with me here on this site as we close in on our 5^th anniversary coming in September.   Good huntin’ and fishin’.

Jim Braaten

Stay Tuned...Some Exciting News Coming Soon!

Dear Blog Readers,

   In a few short months this blog will turn 5–years old, and for that fact I am extremely proud.   Granted, I haven’t been the most prolific in making new blog posts over the past few years, but I guess marriage and having a new baby in the household tends to tie up one’s available time just a bit.   Still, I consider outdoors blogging to be a very important part of my life.

   With that said, in just days I will be announcing a new outdoors blog venture about which I am extremely excited.   Rest assured, the Sportsman’s Blog will continue to exist, but some of my future blogging efforts will also be done in a whole new venue.   I suspect the announcement will “officially” be made sometime later next week when all the final details become available.

   In the meantime, I want to take this opportunity to once again THANK all my loyal blog readers.   You all know who you are…and if you’ve been leaving comments I know who many of you are, too.   A person doesn’t stick with blogging for this long without knowing there are folks who actually read and care about what a blogger is attempting to communicate.   Indeed, I have always felt as though my writing efforts were warmly received, and to each of you I extend my deepest gratitude.

   Thanks again!

Jim Braaten

Guess Where I Go When I Get Writer's Block?

I’ve been writing for newspapers, magazines and for radio on outdoor topics for over two decades now.   Sometimes the words and ideas flow rather easy.   At other times, trying to generate a thought and put it on paper is like sticking a pocket knife in my thigh and twisting it wildly.   Writers can be fickle that way.   Sometimes it’s easy and downright fun.   Other times, well…you might as well step away from the computer and go hunting or fishing…or even take out the garbage.

A few years ago I developed sort of a silly strategy for breaking free of the writer’s block so many of us occasionally face.   Okay, are you going to promise not to laugh?   Seriously, when all else fails I pick up my wife’s magazines and browse the front cover (and/or table of contents pages).   I’ve discovered that reading the titles only of the articles contained in those publications is a great exercise in generating ideas for outdoors writing.

Here’s an example of what I mean.   Take this magazine:

Look at the great possibilities here for outdoor story ideas.   Imagine a story explaining 15 projects for the sportsman that can be accomplished in 15 minutes.   Or how about organizing that tacklebox to reduce the clutter.   You get the idea?   Of course, not all woman’s magazine titles translate quite so well…but with just a little thought playing with the words or the clever ideas ever so slightly, it can help break you from the chains of writer’s block.   Hey, it sometimes works for me, anyway.

Now, the next time you’re sitting on the couch and you see one of your significant other’s magazines just laying there…pick it up and play this little game.   Just be careful who might see you…we don’t want to give any false impressions to the fairer sex that we’re actually interested in some of those relationship articles.

2008 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Tags: Outdoor+writers+block

Thoughts On Turning 4 Years Old

Four years ago this month I embarked on this blog called www.SportsmansBlog.com not knowing where it would take me.   At the time very few folks in the outdoors were doing it…and to be honest, most of them were not all that diligent about making regular posts.   Still, “blogging” was becoming the new fad and for about $80/year I paid for hosting to launch this site and to go public with my outdoor thoughts and experiences.

During that first year I really wondered if it all was worth it.   To be honest, when I looked at the stats back in those days I was lucky to get a dozen or so readers each day.   Those numbers grew…but even after the first year or so I was lucky to average a total of a few hundred readers each week.   Contrast that with today, I now have several thousand readers per week and the numbers keep building all the time.

When I first started this journaling experience I did it mostly to relax and unwind.   There were no editors critiquing my work…and I felt I could just let the words flow in a conversational manner as the mood struck me.   That’s pretty much how it’s been for the past several years.   I’m sure I’ve ruffled some feathers at times even among my most loyal readers.   And that’s okay…even my best friends don’t agree completely with me on everything in life.

Some might wonder exactly what does blogging do for the blogger.   Well, I can be the first one to admit it does not make you rich.   In fact, unless you really market yourself and land on the pro staff for several outdoor companies it probably reimburses you for expenses and that’s about it.   But that’s okay…not everything a person does in life ought to be for the monetary gains.   Sometimes…yes, just sometimes…you need to do something in life because that’s what you love to do.   For me during these last four year I have loved blogging.

Probably the biggest satisfaction I get out of blogging is knowing that when I write on a particular subject it often eventually gets read by the people most passionate about the topic.   Take for instance a few years back when there was the major recall of Diamond Brand Dog Food.   I wrote quite critically on the topic and soon thereafter the COO of the company wrote a comment to state his company’s side of the story.   This scenario has happened so many times that I am now convinced that when I blog about a particular product, organization or topic that it’s only a matter of time until the people touched by my blog make contact with me either stating their appreciation or dissatisfaction, whichever the case may be.

I’m also quite intrigued by all the e-mails I now get from folks who read this blog.   Not long ago I had a gentleman contact me requesting an autographed picture.   It seems he believed I am on the verge of greatness and wanted to secure the picture/autograph now before it is too hard to come by later.   Wow!   Of course, I also get e-mails almost daily from product manufacturers simply looking for a little free advertising.   One, in fact, I received yesterday was from a company selling outdoors-oriented T-shirts for only $4.00 each.   Check it out.   Sometimes it’s knives, sometimes it is books, other times it happens to be various hunting/fishing gadgets…in any case it is something new all the time.

Just a few days ago I actually received a very passionate e-mail from a game biologist from Alaska urging me to inform my blog readers how Sarah Palin, McCain’s new V.P. nominee was terribly wrong for sportsmen.   Even though he stated a very good case, I chose that my blog was not going to be the mouthpiece for his political message.

Back about two years ago the blog also introduced me to a person who subsequently has become a very good friend of mine.   At the time, Michele LeQve, had recently become the very first woman to ever shoot a polar bear with a bow.   A feat I found to be incredible.   Unfortunately, she was being raked over the coals by her local “home town” newspaper so I came to her defense on this blog.   Eventually Michele read my post, contacted me to thank me for supporting her, and soon thereafter a new outdoor friendship was born.   I even interviewed Michele on one of my podcasts that appeared on this blog.

Speaking of podcasts.   I know, I know…what ever happened to them you probably asked.   I think in all total I produced 7 show episodes back during the spring of 2007.   It was a fun experience, and one I still want to someday resurrect…but the truth of the matter is producing a podcast is one hell of a lot of work.   Especially the way I tried to do it by doing the guest interview format.   I just about pulled the remaining hair out of my head trying to coordinate guests and schedule the interviews.   Maybe someday we will get it going once again.

Okay, so I’ve done a little reminiscing here about the past four years.   What about the future you might ask?   Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.   I’m seriously toying with the idea of doing some video-casts right here from the blog.   It probably won’t launch until late winter or early next spring, but my goal is to produce short little videos (maybe 3 to 5 minutes in length) interviewing celebrity guests or having an expert in their craft teach a new outdoor skill.   Stay tuned.

Aside from the technology side of blogging, whether it be “podcasting” or “vidcasting” I just want to have fun and take the reader along for the ride by sharing my life experiences.   I know this blog has suffered from neglect at times…and I apologize for that by not posting more consistently.   But the truth of the matter is blogging can be a lot of work and there are phases a person goes through in life which regrettably takes that “extra” time away from a person otherwise used for sitting down at the computer.

In closing, I want to extend a special thank you to all who regularly read this blog.   Thank you both for your time and your continued support.   Indeed, the past four years went by ever so quickly…and I suspect the next four years will continue on the same warp speed pace.   One thing is for sure, I have no plans of quitting the blogging anytime soon.   In fact, when this blog turns 10–years old let’s all plan to have a big party for that milestone.   Are you with me on that?

2008 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Tags: Sportsman's+Blog, SportsmansBlog, www.SportsmansBlog.com

Wanna Meet At The 2009 SHOT SHOW?

CALLING ALL FELLOW OUTDOOR BLOGGERS!   Hey, you know who you are…please listen up.   I want to float an idea your way and now is the time to start planning to properly develop it.

Here’s my idea.   I would like to hook up with other fellow outdoor bloggers who will be attending the 2009 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show to be held in Orlando this coming January.   For those readers who are not aware, this is “THE GATHERING” where most anybody who’s anybody in the outdoors attends to see what is new for the outdoors industry during the coming year.   Aside from that, the gathering is also one big networking event bringing media, outdoor personalities, outdoor equipment manufacturers and the retail trade all together for one intense 4–day event.

I guess the idea I would like to suggest is simply to have an informal (and brief) “meet and greet” with other fellow bloggers attending.   Please understand this is a trade-only event, so to attend you will need to be credentialed as described here.   If you would want to attend and don’t think you qualify, just drop me an e-mail describing your situation.

Likewise, be sure to drop me an e-mail if you think this is a good idea and perhaps with enough interest I will try to set something up formally through the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to help officially promote it.   Personally, I think meeting one another not only helps build camaraderie among our blogger ranks, but it also helps take another step toward legitimizing the role we play in the outdoor communication field.

Let me hear your thoughts on this idea.

2008 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Tags: Outdoor+Blogger+Meet, 2009+SHOT+Show

Where Has The Year Gone?

By now most of my loyal blog readers have probably written me off…and rightly so.   Blogging has become…well, shall I say obviously not a high priority in my life.   Gosh, I hate to admit that but between work, family and playing a bit in the out-of-doors there just has not been enough time to sit down at this computer and web journal about all the things currently on my mind as it pertains to the sportsman’s world.

I don’t know about you but this year—and especially this fall—went by WAY TOO FAST!   I can hardly believe that we are about to put another year to bed and launch into 2008.   Man, doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were all concerned about Y2K and all the feared computer consequences?   Now THAT life milestone was experienced a full eight years ago!   Can you believe it…where does all the time go to?

Speaking of life’s milestones, I must do a little bragging here from this fall.   Actually, I am not bragging about myself (I hate those sort of people), but giving some much deserved accolades to a young hunter who has made two fabulous achievements during the past 12 months.   Recall back in November of last year I showed a picture of a young hunter who had shot his first trophy deer on my farm.   Well, that 14–pointer gross scored at over 180 points and in the mind of most folks would be a once-in-a-lifetime “wall hanger.”

Well, this year Chris proved most of us deer pundits wrong again who told him not to expect great things two years in a row.   Almost a year later to the very same day and hour he ended up shooting this monster.   Again, the deer was taken from my farm and within 150 yards of where he shot the other deer last year.   Truly incredible.   Take a look at this trophy green scoring (with deductions) 163:

I’m inspired to know that in two consecutive years the land where I hunt has yielded a spectacular trophy to a much deserving young hunter.   On the other hand, it is sort of depressing to accept the fact that I have hunted on this same 160 acres of land now for nearly 30 years and have yet to waylay an animal of this caliber.

It just goes to show you that success is a product of TIME, KNOWLEDGE and GOOD FORTUNE.   In most cases you need some combination of each of these factors to score on a trophy such as this one.   Chris put lots of time in hunting which was a key factor.   He’s also learning a great deal about deer hunting which also added to his repeat achievement.   But let’s face it, all of his hunting partners are expecting that after this year it’s about time the horseshoe falls out of some unspeakable body orifice.    Here’s hoping that in 2008 “Lady Luck” chooses to shine favorably on this blogger and that it will be me in next year’s picture with a smile nearly as wide as my ears.

2007 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Tags: deer+hunting

Life After The Crash

Computers.   You have to love them…but then, of course, there are times when you simply want to load up the 12–gauge shotgun with some buckshot and blast away releasing some of your frustrations.   That’s the sort of month it’s been for me.   Computer problems and more computer problems.   When the time you spend on the telephone with customer support is measured in hours, rather than minutes.   Well, it can’t be good.

That’s what is going on with me.   Yea, I haven’t blogged a whole lot lately as you well know.   Please understand that doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted to.   Trouble is, when you lose your main computer for business and your outdoors writing because of a hard drive crash life in the aftermath sort of sucks as you try to get back to where you once were.   That is, if you even can.

There’s a saying many computer geeks have and it couldn’t ring more true.   Simply put, it’s not a matter of IF your computer will someday crash…it’s more like a matter of WHEN it will happen.   So you think this isn’t true because you’ve experienced no problems with your system?   So did I.   Been on this old workhorse running Windows XP Professional now for over four years with nary a problem.   I was tempting fate.   Even when a few glitches would appear they have always gone away in the past.   But, unfortunately, not this time.

I had most of my files backed up…but restoring a system and getting back to some normalcy is not always that easy.   Hopefully in another week or so I can be at that point.   Thanks for your continued patience with me.

On another note, next week I will be spending time in Minneapolis for the annual Professional Outdoor Media Association business conference.   If any of you will be there, be sure to look me up.   I plan on taking lots of pictures and will report on the event afterward if any newsworthy happenings result.   In the meantime, thanks for occasionally checking in with this blog.   I do sincerely have intentions of getting this thing back on track with daily entries and updates very soon. 

2007 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Sorry For The Absence...Trying To Get Back On Track

Hi Folks!   Sorry for the absence.   During the past three weeks or so I have succumb to other demands in my life and I’m sad to say blogging has taken an unfortunate back seat.   Indeed, I hang my head in shame and ask your forgiveness as I attempt to get back on track here shortly.

Aside from the week spent with my wife traveling on winter vacation, the other big thing I’ve been working on is my podcasting efforts to get that project launched.   The new audio studio I’ve set up in my office has required a big learning curve.   I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I guess I under estimated just how much time and familiarity it would take for me to become functional with the equipment.   Thanks goes out, in large part, to my friend, Mark Jensen, over at Studio1A Productions for spending many hours on the phone helping me to get things set up and properly adjusted.   Without Mark’s help it would have been virtually impossible to achieve the production sound quality I believe we are now achieving with the set-up.

While I’m on the subject, allow me to give a quick plug to Mark and his efforts.   Without a doubt Mark is one of the main movers and shakers in the podcasting world, also referred to commonly as “new media.”   With over two decades of radio station and broadcast production experience, Mark has become a tremendous resource not only for me, but for many other podcasters who strive for high-end audio quality in their podcasts.   Essentially Mark has two web sites, PodSqod.com that reviews equipment and also a new forum where you can post questions about the topic and get advice located at NewMediaGear.com.   Check it out…if you’ve ever thought about podcasting it pays to learn all you can before diving in or investing any money.

I’ve been in the process of interviewing guests over the past few weeks in preparation for the inaugural podcast still scheduled to post this coming Friday.   The format will likely be tweaked as time goes along, but currently all shows will be interview based where I sit down with an industry expert to share their given knowledge on a topic.   Look for the shows to last about 30 minutes or so (that’s my goal) and to post either on Friday or Saturday of each week.

That brings me to another point.   Let me ask you this…what (or maybe I should say who) would you like to hear interviewed?   I believe I’ve got some interesting shows lined up to launch this thing, but my efforts are with you in mind.   Is there a timely sportsman topic you would like to learn more about?   Is there an interesting outdoor personality who deserves some recognition that would also make for some lively show interaction?   If you have ideas, please drop me a line.   Often times I need to schedule the interviews several weeks in advance because I’m quickly learning guests are busy and often times schedules don’t go as originally planned, so we need to allow for backup interview dates.

In closing, again I’m sorry for letting so many days slip by without checking in on the blog.   Time has an uncanny way of slipping by when a person gets busy…but I know, that shouldn’t be an excuse.     We’re gonna strive to do much better here in the upcoming weeks.   Thanks for your patience and by sticking with me.

Oh, before I sign off…check out these photos.   A friend sent these to me claiming they actually show a deer stand…well, if it’s true this is the Taj Mahal of all deer stands.   What do you think?   It’s a far cry from the hunting experience that I am familiar with doing here in Minnesota. 

© 2007 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction Allowed Without Prior Permission.

Don't Take Your Sight For Granted

Dave Richey is without a doubt the most dedicated and consistent outdoors blogger to be found in the so-called blogosphere.   His blog found here hasn’t missed a beat for nearly 3 1/2 years.   A real testament to putting his readers first by making a daily writing sacrifice come hell or high water.   Loyal readers know that Dave has written in his daily blog extensively about his knowledge on the outdoors, even on days when he has dealt with personal tragedies such as losing a twin brother and also a father.   In some ways, I suppose, and yes I can also relate, writing has a very cathartic effect on the hurting soul.

Recently Richey has been dealing with yet another personal life challenge.   Yesterday his blog reports he underwent eye surgery on the only eye from which he is still blessed with sight.   As is typically his style, he prepared the readers several days in advance about what is going on.   Not to make excuses, mind you, in case he misses a few daily entries.   Nope, it was out of respect for his readers who have come to depend on his daily jottings.

Well, I’m happy to relate it appears all went well with his cataract surgery.   But how scary is that?   Having only one good eye and then having to undergo major surgery on it.   Makes a person stop to realize just how important vision is to the way we all enjoy the outdoors.

I was thinking about Dave’s situation and it made me stop to take some stock in the fact my eyes have been a bit “sore” lately.   This feeling has happened to me before…and probably can be attributed to the fact I rarely use sunglasses even on those bright sunny days when the glare of the sun off the snow can be blinding.   Yet, Dave’s predicament made me stop to better realize that as a sportsman you just can’t take your eyes for granted.   Think of how much fun you have in the outdoors and how most of that wouldn’t be possible if suddenly your vision was somehow taken away.

Considering it has been about three years since my last visit, I made an appointment for a routine exam for next Thursday morning.   I don’t expect any problems…heck, even though I have passed that magical age of 40 I still feel I have great vision.   But when it comes to eye exams a person shouldn’t guess about such a thing.   Nope, eyesight is a matter for an expert to evaluate.   And let’s face it, if we claim our eyesight is as good now as it was 20 years ago then you are only kidding yourself.   Generally eyesight doesn’t improve…it deteriorates, and luckily for some of us that process is slower than for others.

You know, I would hate to think I missed that buck sneaking out of the woodlot because my vision wasn’t as acute as it once was…or perhaps could have been.   I’d also hate to imagine that predator was bee-lining in to my calling but then got spooked and darted off and I didn’t know anything differently.   Or how about that huge musky I almost landed by the boat but only caught a momentary glimpse before it swam off after shaking off my jerkbait.

Honestly, so many experiences in the outdoors rely on our good visual sense.   It has to be downright frustrating not to get as much pleasure out of shooting a scoped rifle at the range because the crosshairs and the target just don’t align like they once did with younger eyes.   That scenario happens all the time for sportsmen…and even though the occurrence is somewhat an inevitability with advancing age, proper care of one’s vision, I’m told, can delay the onset of those difficulties.

Hey, I don’t mean to preach to you about getting an eye exam or even a medical exam, for that matter.   We all know we should do them regularly in our lives…but it’s just so damn easy to come up with excuses to put them off for another day.   Why did I decide to schedule the exam now…well, to some small degree Dave Richey’s situation raised my awareness to the importance of good eye health.   But not only that, this is such a perfect time of the year to get these pesky routine health matters out of the way so you can enjoy the more active seasons of the sportsman’s year.

I make note of the fact that even on the very day Richey had his eye surgery he persevered and produced a short blog.   I take my hat off to his commitment to his journalistic craft.   But I also thank him for blogging about something we all need to think about, because the very thought of possibly losing our vision should be enough of an incentive to get each of us fumbling through the yellow pages for a qualified ophthalmologist, especially if we don’t already visit one on a regular basis.

© 2007 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction Allowed Without Prior Permission.

New Year's Resolutions For 2007

In Roman Mythology Janus was the god of beginnings and endings and was thusly depicted in lore as a character with a double-faced head (one looking in opposite directions).   This mythological character represented a time of transition in life…a chance to look back while also looking ahead.   As you can probably conclude, the month of January is aptly named for this character and affords us a time in each of our lives to reflect back while carefully anticipating what the future might hold.

And so it brings me to my New Year’s Resolutions version 2007.   Before I get into a bunch of goals for the upcoming months, let’s first take a look back to see how I did on last year’s resolutions.   After all, highlighting the successes and failures of last year is what helps keep a person honest, wouldn’t you say?   You can read the entire blog post by clicking here, but I will summarize the points as follows:

• Do a better job blogging (well, this was going pretty well up until about Labor Day or so.   Sorry folks, I got out of the daily routine and found it increasingly difficult to allocate the time necessary to blog on a regular basis during the fall months.)
• 2006 was also to be a year of change in me not holding either my fishing camp or deer camp.   (I failed miserably at both.   Not only did I hold my regular fish and deer camps they were both quite memorable for all participants).
• I said goodbye to several friends who betrayed me and I pledged to do a better job appreciating all the loyal friends in life who are steadfast and stick with me in my endeavors.   (for the most part I think I have succeeded in this one.)
• Get in better shape…get a complete physical which I hadn’t done in over 15 years.   (well, I don’t know that I can say I achieved the getting in shape goal…because I certainly did not.   But, thanks to my loving wife, I did see a doctor which was long overdue.   Discovered I had no real health issues…except for the fact I need to lose some weight and get in better shape).
• Show my stepson the many wonders of life outdoors.  (I did this…but certainly could have done an even better job.   Now that he turns 10 and has received his first BB gun…he has an investment in wanting to discover more about the outdoors and learning to become an outdoorsman.)
• Take more pictures with my digital camera and post them on the web.   (I think I did this…but wait until this year.   Read my new resolutions for 2007.)
• Honor and celebrate the fact my ancestors arrived 150 years ago to this farm.  (I think I did a pretty good job with this…I hosted a big family reunion that turned into a sesquicentennial celebration as well as hosted the Governor of MN for deer hunting on the farm in November.)

Okay, enough with the old…let’s get on with the new year by looking ahead.   What are my resolutions for 2007?

• Do a better job blogging and with greater regularity.  I know, I know…I say this every year.   Believe me I honestly do give it my best effort.   Some people read books for relaxation.   Some people do woodworking or work on restoring cars to pass the time and relieve stress.   I have tried to blog…and I dare say done a fairly decent job at that over the past couple of years.   Oh, sure, there’s room for improvement and I certainly recognize that.   Maybe this will be the year??!!??
• Do more freelance outdoors writing.   Not just here on the blog…but seek out some new freelance writing and photography projects.
• Speaking of photography, I have also recently heavily invested in some professional DSLR camera equipment.   I also pledge to do more quality outdoors photography and post it on the blog site.
• Podcasting.   Yea, I know last year I started out with great intentions and it sort of fizzled.   Discovered the way I was doing it was way too time consuming and lacked audience appeal.   That has not deterred me in those efforts, however.   In fact, I am gearing up and completing my broadcast studio that will incorporate some new state-of-the-art equipment to do telephone interviews with various outdoor experts.   I hope to have this up and running by February…so stay tuned for a whole new effort in delivering an audio blog (or podcast).
• Of course, what would some New Years resolutions be without the perennial pledge to get into better shape and to take better care of my health.   This year it WILL happen.   Trust me.

© 2007 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction Allowed Without Prior Permission.