Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Wrap Up

Finding time to get outside this past month has been almost impossible, but we had the next best thing, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg. The Sportsmen Portal was the internet coverage sponsors of the show and streamed live video all week long.

Lee & Tiffany with Team Sportsmen Portal

We had an opportunity to meet and interview many big names including, Lee & Tiffany, Michael Waddell, Larry Weishun, Greg Ritz, Drury Outdoor Team Members, Bone Collectors – T-Bone & Nick Mundt, Matt Morrett, Alex Rutledge, Benoits, Eddie Salter and many more. I think one of the best things I took from the show and meeting all these folks was realizing that they are all just like you and I, really down to earth people who love to hunt and fish.

Eddie Salter Interview

My favorite interview was with Eddie Salter of Hunter Specialties. He was a character and it was all I could do just to keep up. What a great guy! Of course meeting and chatting with Michael Waddell was a highlight, and he really is in person just like he is on tv. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that Tiffany is definitely as cute in person as on screen.

Michael Waddell Interview

Lee & Tiffany Interview

We also got a first hand look at a lot of new products out there including, the new Hunter Safety System Vest, Summit Treestands, Muddy Treestands and accessories, TimberTall Treestands, new waterfowl calls, turkey calls and more.

Greg Ritz Showing The New Bone Collector Thompson Center

It was also nice to see a lot of folks get out and forget about the terrible economy for a while. We spoke to many vendors who said they sold more goods at the show than the previous 3 years put together, which told me that people were enjoying themselves. This was the busiest I have ever seen the show with packed aisles everyday of the week.

For me personally the most enjoyable part of the week was seeing all our hard work payoff and the guys and gals of the Sportsmen Portal team get a chance to meet and talk with some of the celebrities that they look up to and admire.

I also wanted to thank all of those site visitors who stopped by to say hello. It was great meeting some new people and some of the same faces we already know. I especially wanted to thank all of those who were wearing our new Wired Outdoors and Sportsmen Portal gear at the show. It was great to see so many supporting us and our efforts. If you haven’t already purchased your new Wired Outdoors or Sportsmen Portal t-shirt, they are now available online – Click Here.

 Until next year’s show, I look forward to seeing you all online!!

Here are some photos from the show!

Nick Mundt & T-Bone Turner, Bone Collectors with Jason Say

Drury Outdoors Team Member Greg Day and Rick Malik with Team Sportsmen Portal

Jason Say with Michael Waddell

Team Sportsmen Portal with Michael Waddell

Sportsmen Portal Gals, Teresa and Anna with Michael Waddell

]

Jason Say with Greg Ritz

Jason Say with Eddie Salter

Jason Say with Don and Kandi Kisky

Winter Jig Fishing

By Eric Richards, Coveted Waters Guiding

Every winter our rivers and the fish that reside in them go through many changes. We cannot predict the weather and water levels. However the predictable thing is that the walleye, musky and bass will be on the move. The transition to wintering pools and movement from there to suitable spawning habitat. During these migrations the need for energy is critical to the development of eggs and the necessary fuel to undergo the rigors of spawn itself. Winter fishing is the jig fisherman's time and many of the largest fish of the year of all three species come during this time.

The art of jigging few master. There is more to it than just slowly bouncing the jig over the bottom. The jig must be manipulated to appear alive to the fish. I enjoy fishing jigs because it is fishing in a true form. The way fish want to see the retrieve will change through out the season. The skilled will pick up on these subtleties.

First we can all be better jig fisherman by understanding some basic principles. The diameter of your line used will affect many things. The friction of both water and air against heavier line will affect the action of the lure and your ability to stay in touch with your lure. You can effectively fish a lighter jig with lighter line. Many times the fish will prefer to see the jig falling slowly this can best be done with lighter heads and line weights.

This gets us into presentation. If the fish want to see the jig falling then the more times you can make it fall during a retrieve the better. When the jig is allowed to fall to the bottom it is then retrieved with short hops by raising the rod tip or squeezing the rod. During real cold water temps it may be necessary to fish extremely slow. The jig stays on or near the bottom for the duration of the retrieve. Basically the size and speed of the hop is varied to determine which is best. The fish will decide. I remember one night in particular. The best jig man I know and I were out braving the cold and after two hours had nothing to show. I thought that maybe the fish needed enticed to bite. I made my cast and waited for it to make contact the bottom. I then ripped the bait hard and fast like I would a jerk bait. I was thrilled by a take on the third rip. The next cast was rewarded on the second rip. I told my friend what I had done and for the next 45 minutes we had constant action.

The last retrieve is what we call swimming. This is a slow steady retrieve, ticking the ledges and rocks from time to time. This is a very effective retrieve for walleye even in very cold temps.

The good jig fisherman is concentrating on his lures every move. When it hits a rock, he knows it's a rock. Many times after plucking my jig off a rock I am rewarded with a strike. A jig jumping off the bottom imitates a fleeing bait fish or crayfish effectively. The takes vary from a good pluck of the line to just added weight but sometimes and the hardest to detect is the lack of weight or resistance. This happens when the fish takes coming towards you. The only way I know too detect this take consistently is to fish with a closed face reel. By holding your index finger in front of the reel while you cup the reel itself in your rod hand the line travels over your finger allowing you to feel this take. I can't get that sensitivity with an open face reel. The bait caster is an alternative but an unnecessary one and at a cost. The retrieve rates are also faster than what I like for this type of fishing. I like simplicity. Much of the fishing done by the serious walleye fisherman is done in the dark as well. This is entirely all feel and you need every advantage for slow winter jig fishing.

I have heard nymph fisherman say that they must fish nymphs for weeks on end before they develop the feel. I believe that the jig fisherman is the same. I know a few old boys on the river and believe me, experience is hard to beat. . One last thought, keep track of where you find fish along with the current water level and cfs. I hope you find the enjoyment in winter jig fishing as I have.

My 8 Point Buck

By Shane Hutton, Clairton, PA

My name is Shane Hutton from Pittsburgh, PA. I am an avid outdoorsmen and more than anything love to hunt. I have been getting deer (doe) every year with the help of my father since I was 12 years old. Now hunting has become the thing that I look forward to the most all year, not Christmas, not birthdays, not summer. Hunting. Over the years being successful at bagging does with my rifle but only one buck in 11 years kinda turned me off of rifle hunting and put my passion into archery hunting. I think there were about 39 days in 2008 you could go archery with the pre-season for doe only in Allegheny county and I did a total of 36 sits. My friends joke and when someone asks me for directions and they say "Shane will get you there by trail". I have seen a lot of big buck around the city of Pittsburgh and have a lot of luck seeing them; but getting them is a different story. I missed and wounded so many deer I literally was about to give up on archery, when finally I got a doe, and then a small buck in 2007. Awesome year for me. With three years of bad, rainy, hot weather for opening day rifle season at my family camp I figured my only shot this year was archery and thought nothing of rifle season. That's why I put so much time in. Well I had a great archery year and seen a lot of different deer, wildlife, and neat things but couldn't get a shot at a nice buck. So I figured I better make the best of my rifle season. With low expectations I went to my archery spot and got my hanging tree stand that doesn't have a rest and took it down and brought it home. I then bought a piece of conduent pipe and a bender and some hooks and bent me a rest to put on the front of my hang-on stand. I took it to Elk county at my family camp and scouted the area and put it up in the tree. I seriously only go rifle hunting to spend time with my family, and get into the woods. Its such a great experience being there but I don't go expecting to see the things I do in archery season. Well all my hard work, perseverance, and dedication paid off this year because at 720am I had this giant 8 point walk within 30 yards of my stand and I dropped this  beauty with the first shot. I never expected this, and I was so happy.

We have about 10 people that live permanently up there and they along with a couple camps were looking at my deer all week. I was the biggest buck taken by far. This might not be a giant on a farm, or Canada but for a mountain deer its one of a kind. It was just a great experience, maybe once in a life time experience; and too see my hard work pay off I am just grateful, and happy. This is the only great buck I have ever got and surely could be my best ever. It scores in the 140 class, with 20''main beams,  a 19'' spread, and 4'' diameter main beams.

The First Day Of Rifle Season

by Brad Barkdoll

The first day of rifle season was one I had been wishing for. Not only was the sky clear, but the temperature was great, not to cold, but not hot enough for deer to slow down and not move as much.

Me and my dad, Danny, made our was across the open field in which to get to our 2 person stand. But as we came closer to where we enter the woods, the creek we need to cross is way to high for our boots to cross it. So our only other choice was to walk through the woods, right next to our stand and risk messing up the hunting for a portion of the day.

Once we finally got situated in the stand around 6am, we sat for around 2 hours with no signs of life coming from the woods. Another 3 hours went bywith a few sounds of cracking limbs, but nothing major to worry about. Not only was it a tad thick to see from our stand, but the night before, it had rained which made it hard to hear if anything was coming or going.

Finally, 10:30 came around. My dad and i were debating whether to stay in that stand, or switch to the other across the property. Then my dad took a quick turn to the left, and he kind of jumped, because there was an 8 point, about 25 yards away. He told me to get my gun up, but the brush was so thick, there was really only one place to shoot at him, around 60 yards away. So after about 3 minutes of watching the buck, he finally stopped right in a clearing. My dad hit a bleet call and the bucks head sprung right up. I aimed for the neck, fired, and watched this beautiful 8 point drop right right in front of me!

My dad and i were overjoyed, even cheering loud enough for our friend Jeff to radio us from across the property to ask whats going on over there.

For my first buck kill, i was so excited. But then again, my dad always joke at how i "set the standards high" for a first buck, and shouldn't expect anymore big ones like this.

End Of A Season

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• Medalist Silvermax Jumpsuit


• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots


• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Camera

Well it has been awhile since my last journal. To be honest with you it has been so busy. First was hunting season. I didn’t get a deer I saw quite a few smaller bucks. Filming put an all new twist on things. So my picture taking took a back seat and made writing a journal hard . Waterfowl hunting had also taken a back seat. Days I was able to go the weather wasn’t fit even for the birds. We literally had NOTHING except a few cripples on the local pond. With the extreme cold weather this year everything flew south. We did have a lot of fun at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg. Although it made for a long week. I would do it all over again. We met some great people from the site and My Space friends. Not to mention all the Outdoor TV personalities we got to meet and interview at our booth. We also had the privilege to meet some great people in the Outdoor Industry that hopefully we will be working with in the future. I am also excited about some of the great hunts we have planned with Outfitters we met at the show. It should be a great year!

One of the nicer bucks

Smaller buck. Jimmy actually missed this buck in muzzleloader season.

Drake with his deer leg

deer leg bone

Canvas Back Drakes

Wood Ducks

Common Merganser Drake

Widgeon Drake

Ring Necks

My favorite duck Red Head drakes and hens. However, I haven't been lucky enough to ever shoot one.

I did manage to finally get out last weekend. I did a little shed hunting with Jimmy, Don and Drake. We had been getting some smaller bucks on the trail camera and a couple nicer ones that made it through the season.

It felt great just to get outside! We covered a lot of territory but nothing to show. Though Drake did find bone. On three different times, Drake ran off sniffing around and would come running back to us with a bone…not antler though…deer bone. He would find a leg bone from a dead deer and bring it back to show us his prize.

A dog’s ability to find bones is amazing. Last year Drake found a deer skull under the snow with a 6 point rack still attached. So we were sure if there was a shed around Drake would be able to help us find it. I talked to several people at the show that either had labs or were looking to buy a Labrador for just that reason, shed hunting. Which is pretty cool.

Later we took a ride. We saw a great variety of ducks. Not geese. They seemed to just be showing up in the past few days. Just in time for the season to be out. Go figure. But the variety of fly way ducks was unreal! I was able to get a few pictures of those.

Only wishing they had arrived about 6 weeks earlier. But isn’t that how it usually goes? I still enjoy seeing the smorgasbord of waterfowl sitting on nearby water ways. My camera was busy and it was great to get outside.

This weekend we are at the Jaffa Sports Show in Altoona. If you are out there be sure to stop by and see us at the East Coast Gun Sales Booth. Then a few short days after we are off to film our snow goose hunt in Missouri. You can be sure I will have a journal and plenty of pictures of that adventure! Jimmy is so excited he can barely contain himself. He has even been practicing laying flat in a field and sitting up quickly to shoot. Dad is going along too and this is his FIRST EVER waterfowl hunt. Those of you that can remember your first waterfowl hunt and seeing a flock or two or if your lucky maybe 3 flocks of a dozen geese coming in…imagine going on your first hunt where there is already over 500,000 snow geese in the area. I don’t know if I am more excited about the hunt itself or just experiencing the excitement with so many family and good friends. Wish us luck! Until next time!

Zebra Midge

By Joe Hnatishion, Berks County, Pennsylvania


There is one fly that will catch fish on the Tulpehocken Creek twelve months a year. One fly is all you need. It is the zebra midge, a simple fly that imitates the most abundant insect life in this stream. A midge, in its larva state, is distinguished by an enlarged head that is fused to a segmented thin body, usually dark in color and is smaller than a dime. Trout in the Tully depend on this aquatic life for nutrition throughout the year.

The midge is often overlooked by fly fishers due to the popularity of the caddis hatches that begin in late April and the trico hatches that begin in late June. What makes this fly so unique is the ability to fish it twelve months a year with great success, as compared to the caddis and trico imitations.

The zebra midge imitation can be fished by a number of methods. It is a sinking fly, so most of the time it will be fished dead drifted on the stream bottom with or without a strike indicator. The secret with this fly is to keep it rolling and drifting with the current down deep. Trout key on midge naturals as they get dislodged from the rocks and debris in the stream and drift with the current. This is exactly what the fly fisher is trying to imitate.

To better your chances with strikes, a tandem rig (2 fly set-up) with a strike indicator can be used. In one version, the zebra midge can be tied 12-16 inches behind the first fly, usually a type of bead head nymph, with a strike indicator further up the leader. When fishing this set-up, both flies should be drifting along the stream bottom. A good rule of thumb: if you’re not getting snagged every few casts, you’re not on the bottom. One need’s to be where the trout are feeding and that is down deep. Make sure there is enough line between your strike indicator and the first fly to achieve this. A simple technique to use to estimate stream depth is to look at the water height on your waders and add another 12 to 16 inches to compensate for stream flow. The flies will not hang directly under the strike indicator when fished, due to the differences in drift rates between the strike indicator and flies, thus the need for extra line length.

In times of high fast water, like the springtime, a weight may be added between the strike indicator and first fly to get the tandem rig down deep. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this set-up. That’s what makes this fun.

A third way to fish the zebra midge is solo through the strike zone of feeding fish. Many times feeding trout can be seen thrashing and slashing in a stream’s current a foot or two below the water’s surface. Carefully cast to these fish a few feet upstream, adjusting for stream flow, and let the midge dead drift through their strike zone. This is one of the most exhilarating moments of fishing a midge pattern, sight fishing to feeding fish just under the stream’s surface and actually seeing the “take”. Fish-on!

Zebra midges may be purchased locally at Tulpehocken Creek Outfitters (TCO), West Lawn. TCO will be glad to answer any questions about fishing this pattern and the equipment best suited for the presentations described.

The next time you head out to fish the Tulpehocken Creek, don’t forget about that small fly that will produce big results all year long, the tiny zebra midge.

Mission Menace Bow Product Review

Product Review by Mike Bell, PSP Field Staff

Cost: $269 MSRP

Product features

Axle to Axle  - 31 in
Let-off - 70%
Brace Height - 7.25 in
Extruded Riser
Draw weight - 16 – 52 lbs (adjustable)
Draw Length - 17-30 in (adjustable)
Bow weight - 2.92 lbs
Rubberized Grip
Zebra Bowstrings
2 Cam Perimeter Weighted Modular
Available in Black, Blue, Red, Pink, Yellow, Real Tree Advantage Max 4 HD, Real Advantage Max 4 HD

Personal Assessment of Product
I purchased a bow for my wife several years back from a friend of mine.  I wasn’t going to spend big money on a bow because I wasn’t sure if she would like archery.  This bow really didn’t fit her, and the draw weight was a little heavy for her, but we made it work.  After showing interest in the sport, I made up my mind to purchase a new bow this year which would fit all her needs.  I went to my bow shop and asked for opinions on which bow I should be looking at.  Her draw length is 23 inches, and she is limited on how much she could pull due to an injury to her shoulder.  The Menace was immediately suggested, and I couldn’t wait to get my wife to the shop to try it out.  Last weekend was our first opportunity, and she was finally able to shoot the bow.  Immediately, she was shocked at how smooth and quick her arrows were coming out of the bow.  I was amazed at how smooth and quiet this bow shot even cranked down at 52 lbs with a 30 inch draw.  The strength of this bow comes with the modular system which leads to almost infinite adjustability.  This bow is perfect for small framed shooters and entry level archers.  That being said, after shooting the Menace, I could tell there were no corners cut in quality or performance of the bow.



Product Limitations
I used the word quick in my assessment of the Mission Menace.  This bow is not built to be a speed demon, but the speed was respectable.  Unlike many high end bows today, this bow is built around versatility and forgiveness rather than speed.


Recommendation
This bow sold itself to my wife the first time she shot it.  The feel and forgiveness of this bow ranks with some of the best I’ve ever shot.  I would suggest the Mission Menace to any entry level or smaller framed shooters wanting to upgrade to a very solid bow.

The Next Best Thing

.!.

• Medalist


• Estemerwalt Log Homes


• Big Shot Targets


• East Coast Gun Sales

Impressive African Display

Recently, my family and I made a trip to Harrisburg PA to attend the Eastern Outdoor and Sports Show.  I have been at this show for the last 5 years and enjoy all it has to offer.  This was my families’ first year attending, and they were impressed as well, with all aspects of the show.   I had my doubts in taking Nate (my 5 yr old son) to the show but, I soon realized he would have a great time with the many activities the show has for children.

Cabela's Mountain Lion

Jason, Up Close and Personal with a Cape Buffalo

Nate and I with a huge Brown Bear

Saturday, my wife and kid made plans to visit family in Myerstown PA, while I attended the show.  I hung around the booth, and had the opportunity to visit with many members and sponsors of this site.   Upon arrival at the PSP booth, I was taken back.   Estemerwalt Log Homes did a beautiful job on this booth and after going around the show several times, I believe it was one of the most impressive sets at the show.  It was no surprise, there were several vendors asking about the booth before, during, and after the show.  During the show, the PSP booth was a busy place.  First and foremost, it was great seeing so many people stopping by to sign up and become a member of this site.  I’m excited at the number of people we signed up, and look forward to talking with all of you on the forum boards.  Aside from that, there was a constant flow of outdoor celebrities stopping by for their video cast interviews, and many people stopping to check out the 50 caliber at the booth for the East Coast Gun Sales giveaway.  It was a great way to spend my Saturday and I was looking forward to bringing my family on Sunday.

Some Impressive Sets Of Antlers

Upon arrival Sunday, our first stop was going to be at the PSP booth.  We were early, and I wanted to introduce my wife to the staff manning the booth.  After the introductions, we were off to see as much of the show as we could before it got busy.  As you can see from the pictures, there were many impressive mounts at the show, and both my wife and son seemed to enjoy naming all the animals they saw.  After roaming through many halls of the complex, we found a trout fishing pond.  Nate was excited to try his hand at catching at least one of the many fish in the pool.  After a couple of unsuccessful tries, Nate decided they didn’t have the right bait so we gave up for some paintball shooting.  At the paintball shooting booth, Nate enjoyed taking out several of the Styrofoam targets and was soon ready to move on.  It was soon time to start our long ride home, and we wanted to stop back at the booth to say our “good-bye’s” so we only had time for one more activity.  Nate saw the mechanical bull, and knew the wanted to give it a try.  Though he isn’t destined to be on the PBR, he had a good time and probably did better than his dad would do.  As you could see, the Eastern Outdoor Show has something for everyone, and both my wife and son are looking forward to coming back next year.

Nate Trying Hard To Catch a Fish

Interviews from Day 8 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Jeff Foiles

Gregg Day & Rick Malik

Greg Hood with Southern Game Calls

T-Bone & Nick

Interviews from Day 7 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Jack Mundy with Estemerwalt Log Homes

Timbertall Treestands and Outfitting

Michael Waddell

Jeff Keyes with Keyes Hunt Gear

Al Morris with Hunter's Specialties

Gregg Ritz

Rick White with Hunter's Specialties

Interviews from Day 6 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Aaron Martin

Chris O'Hara

Interviews from Day 5 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Jeff Sterner from Medalist: Part 1

Jeff Sterner from Medalist: Part 2

Jeff Sterner from Medalist: Part 3

Jeff Sterner from Medalist: Part 4

Don & Kandi Kisky with Whitetail Freaks

Colin Say

Muddy Outdoors

Quaker Boy Game Calls

Interviews from Day 4 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Chuck Adams

Eddie Salter

Carter's Hunting Lodge

Travis Benes with the United States Outfitters

Monday, February 9

Leithen Valley Trophy Hunters

Monday February 9

Interviews from Day 3 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Mountain Hollow Game Calls - Interview with Ken Hammel, Owner

Monday, February 9

Hunter Safety Systems: Part 1 - Interview with David Langston

Monday, February 9

Hunter Safety Systems: Part 2 - Interview with David Langston

Monday, February 9

Big Shot Archery - Interview with Al Perelli, Owner

Monday, February 9

Sportsman Channel Interview with Bill Prange

Monday February 9

Interview with Chris O'Hara, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Monday February 9

Red Indian Lake Outfitters & Tours - Interview with Shirley Thorne, Owner

Monday February 9

Interviews from Day 2 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Woo Daves Interview

Thompson/Center Arms Interview

East Coast Gun Sales Interview

Spring Lane Hunt Club

Summit Tree Stands Interview - Part I: Blind

Summit Tree Stands Interview - Part II: Harness

Summit Tree Stands Interview - Part III: Tree Stand

Interviews from Day 1 of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Benoit Interview

Mark Menendez Interview

Lee & Tiffany Interview

Matt Morrett & Alex Rutledge Interview

Larry Weishuhn Interview

John Bulgrin Interview

Hunter Safety System Muff-Pak

Product Review by Teresa Patterson, PSP Field Staff

Features:

• Fleece lined


• Fitted pockets for gear


• 2 zippered pockets


• Fully adjustable belt


• Ergonomically designed


• Retail price usually around $30.00

Available on line at www.huntersafetysystem.com or at most larger outdoor retailers.

For whatever the reason it seems I get cold very easy when it is damp or chilly while in the woods. Even in archery season. However, like most archery hunters I don’t like the bulk of big gloves or a big hand warmer around my waist.  This can hinder shooting. This year I found a great alternative. The Hunter Safety System Muff Pack.

I usually carry a fanny pack in to the woods in archery to carry my calls, range finder, etc. The HSS muff pack has the pockets built right in to carry these items you need. It has fitted front and back ventilated pouches and 2 zipper pouches. Keeping your hunting accessories at your  fingertips.  I also liked the fit. It hung almost in a V shape off your waist.  You can tell this accessory was designed by a hunter.  The fit allowed for the muff to sit low enough not to get in the way of your bow string. The openings are almost facing upward and you can place your hands in and out of the pack with ease of movement. It was a “natural” position for your hands.  The fleece lining kept my hands warm while waiting for a shot to present itself.  The muff was also fully adjustable to fit over any type of clothing you may be wearing.  I also liked that the muff pack was not bulky. It was stream lined, again with an archery hunter in mind. Although I have used mine for archery, rifle, muzzleloader season, late season waterfowl and while out hiking and ice fishing.  The material is noise free, made of soft quiet fleece.

I feel that to any hunter, quiet, simple and easy to use, and cost effective, will  help dictate what gear he or she will use in the field. Well I have to say in my opinion the Hunter Safety System Muff-Pak, helps keep hands warm, gear at the ready without a lot of movement or bulk, and ease of use. I would recommend the item to any hunter.

Wired Outdoors

Wired Outdoors is pleased to announce our intention to dedicate an entire show next season to all our fans out there who have helped put us on top! So grab those cameras and get out there and film your hunts.

Read more to learn rules and details »