Trophy Whitetails Free Range, By Don Ott

Gearbox:

• Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat
• Medalist  Base Layers
• Medalist Packable Rain pants and Coat
• Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Safety Vest
• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots
• Kodak Easy Share ZD 8612 LS  Digital Camera
• Canon XHA-1 HD Camcorder 

A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter's Trophy Hunting Lodge!

Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois.  I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze.  The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, "Well Dink's Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned."  I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.

To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, "24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED."  Talk about small town America.  Population 300 SALUTE!  After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations.  Little did we know, eating at Dink's Diner is like eating Mama's home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.

Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles.  After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!

Once we fueled up and found a place to eat we headed to Carter's Trophy Lodge where we were greeted by Nathan Carter.

Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls.  Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa's license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.

Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.

Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement.   A cameraman's dream...double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.

Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS!  For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.

The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe.  An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter's Hunting Lodge.  To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal.  The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours.  Making dreams come true.

With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter's labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire.  The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime.  Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain's ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER!  I call it heaven on Earth!

Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense.  A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day.  The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut...it is off the hook with buck sightings.  Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of.   I couldn't imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter's Hunting Lodge!

Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks.  This was not the case.  We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.

If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter's hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.

See Carter's Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!

To Those That Wish to Give Back

By Don Ott, Sportsmen Portal Field Staff

I won't be redundant in the thanks to everyone involved with the September 19, 2009 3-D Benefit shoot. But as we know if it weren't for those people that see the good in all people and the importance of God in our daily lives the world we live would be in worse condition.   Without our sponsors and those of you who want to make a difference none of this would of been possible.

The preparation for the day was very time consuming. Once you see the outcome and the day comes to an end you can feel the relief and sensation of a task well done.

Once again there were many firsts as are with the great outdoors we all cherish so much.  New friends, old acquaintances, first time shooters, young and old combating the same passion united as one, and smiles that will last a lifetime.  Being blessed with the presence of Tina Pattison, Hunt of a Lifetime Founder, Arianna Evans one of our Hunt of a Lifetime children. Allowing the unknown person to experience the wow factor.

As I listened to so many people comment about the day and ask how to "Get WIRED".  They are pumped and now hopefully they ARE "WIRED".

To those that weren't able to attend you can still be apart of our wonderful family. Get involved, get "WIRED", and continue your support.  Thank you all for your kindness.

Take time to take a friend, loved one or a first timer and introduce them to our wonderful sport.



Above, Pat Gonsman, United Bow Hunters of PA



Sportsman Portal Field Staff, (from left to right), Don Ott, Teresa Patterson, Kyle Schwabenbauer and Andy Traister with Arianna Evans in the center. Arianna was presented with a plaque made by Joanie Haidel, Joanie's Beard Busting Calls.



Buying raffle tickets for prizes.



The "running deer crew", Jimmy Patterson (Teresa's son) and his good friend Nick Eberhardt.



Rex Fahr (right) Teresa's dad organized the 3-D shoot, and Brenda Martz, President of the Loop Sportsman Club.



Tina Pattison's son, Jaimie and his daughter shooting her bow.



The running deer target group effort



Arianna driving her chariot.



Wendy and Mark Blystone some of our "Wired Fans" from Facebook and My Space came out to join us for the shoot that day.



Rex, Jr. (Teresa's brother) and his wife, Larissa Fahr enjoy the concession.





Thanks to all our sponsors.





Jimmy Young and crew came out to support the cause.



Is he milking that deer???



East Coast Archery Manager talking with John Ott.



The "gut gang"



Tanner enjoying the ride.



Ben Fahr (Teresa's brother) and John Lubert out for the shoot.



Nice Sportsman Portal fan truck!

Merriam Madness

---

• Medalist Anchorage Bibs and Coat


• Medalist Base Layers


• Medalist Hat & gloves


• LaCrosse Alpha Burly Rubber Boots


• Remington 870


• Winchester Supreme Turkey loads


• Canon XHA-1 Hi-Def video camera


• Kodak EZ Share Camera


• Joanie Haidle Beard Bustin Turkey Calls

By Don Ott, Sportsmen Portal Field Staff
I received a phone call from Jason Say asking if I would be available to film Arianna's Hunt of a Lifetime. There would be a possibility I may have the opportunity to hunt Merriams in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It took no time for me to answer "Yes." I hung up the phone and got online and ordered my Non-resident license and broke out my credit card. My tag cost only $85.00.  I never dreamt that I would get to use it. Our main focus would be to get Arianna on film with her Merriam first, then possibly Jason. Being and avid turkey hunter I know the challenge we were about to face.  All in one week, that's a tall order.

Jason and I set out on public ground with the mindset that due to not being familiar with the area and having 8 to 10 inches of snow we would put on as many miles and cover as much terrain in an attempt to locate a few birds. In our course of travel we cut 5 sets of turkey tracks. Four of which were gobbler and one lonely hen track. I was thinking, "boy this doesn't look too promising!" Although I did see three of the four gobblers. But like all weary birds they saw me as soon as I saw them and the "turkey scurry" commenced.

The Black Hills of South Dakota is very rocky with tall stands of Ponderosa Pines, not providing much ground cover. I decided to hunt above a peak of jagged rock that jetted out from the hillside on a bench that overlooked a mountain meadow. Earlier that morning, Jason and I watched 19 birds; two long beards, 8 jakes and 9 hens descend down the jagged rock point into the meadow below. They would respond to our calls, but had only one thing in mind. Getting to the food source.  The snow was melting and the meadow was green.

I know we heard two dozen gobblers as the darkness faded and turned into daylight. But all we could do was sit and watch. I peered over my shoulder at Jason and stated, "it wasn't going to happen". This wasn't something Jason was used to hearing. I think in a four day period I must of told him that a dozen times. He didn't understand why and would respond with "Then let's move and make it happen!" I would give him a look, shake my head and laugh. This time I stated, "You just can't move when you have birds all around us and birds at 60 yards. We need to sit still; wait until they descend further down the mountain . We can depart and set up a make-shift blind. Then maybe we can work some magic!"  We both agreed a blind needed to be built.

We erected a blind from downed timber and some pine limbs. Set out a hen and jake decoy 30 yards behind us up the hill. Hoping to have a bird focus on the decoys allowing Jason to get the camera ready. We no sooner got in the blind when I gave out a few series of yelps and purrs with my "Joanie Haidle Beard Bustin' call" and one gobbled some 200 yards below. I called again and he cut me off. I looked at Jason and told him he was coming and to get ready.

One hour later, I see not one, but 8 gobblers strutting and chasing each other while calling violently to my calls. Finally with a few soft purrs, the birds turn and start our way. Approximately 25 minutes lapses and I hear wing beats and foot steps. Just some 30 yards below the point a big mature gobbler flies up into a tree and peers up toward our blind. He was attempting to see the hen that has been calling. I thought my heart would pound out of my chest!

At this point, Jason is getting tired of sitting and wants to move. I stated, "What? You can't move! They will bust us again and it's over!"  I slowly bent forward to pick up my glass call and coming around the big rock 40 yards out was a mature gobbler. He sees something he didn't like and turned to run. I stated to Jason, "To your right! Do you have the camera on him? I'm gonna have to take him!"  I shot and crushed the bird!  I couldn't believe I had just harvested a beautiful Merriam on the last day we could hunt.

Jason will tell you he is a novice turkey hunter. After 35 years of hunting birds, I still consider myself to be a novice. Because every bird is different and I'm still learning.

In Jason's defense, yes, we did get busted more times then we want to admit. But we really didn't have time to conceal our setups due to running and gunning, and having so much success with our calling.
Best advice, patience and concealment. What a magnificient hunt!

Untamed Wilderness Through The Eyes of A Cameraman

By Don Ott, Holidaysburg, PA

Don’s Gear:

• LaCrosse Alpha Pack Boots


• Medalist 3 in 1 jacket


• Medalist Anchorage bibs


• Medalist Base Layers


• Canon HiDef Camera

The whole crew, myself, Jason Say, Carl Say and our guide Ryley Hunter

Being from South Central Pennsylvania, Alberta Canada was a dream hunt not a reality. But, this past week it became a reality and one hunting memory that will be instilled in my memoirs for the rest of my life! I went on a hunting trip as a videographer with Jason and Carl Say. This trip was a father and son hunt with the intentions to capture Carl Say put the smack down on a monster Canadian whitetail while the camera was rolling. If you can recall when you were old enough to remember your first Christmas or the time you harvested your first buck times TEN wouldn’t compare to what was in store for the three Pennsylvania boys that had never hunted for trophy whitetail in Alberta Canada.

When arriving in Edmonton we were met by Dale McKinnon, Owner and Operator of Percival-McKinnon Trophy Outfitting.  We had a short meet and greet and then an introduction to our personal guide, Ryley Hunter. With a name like that, how could we go wrong? We loaded up our truck and headed to the Lodge which was a 2 hour journey into the untamed wilderness. Where the wildlife have an undisturbed calming that allows the animals to have behavioral traits inductive to the wild animals they were created to be. With the hour glass ticking away with every minute being one closer to the end of our journey the anticipation mounted.  One can relate to it as how we Pennsylvanians yearn for the opening day of hunting season as it was our first time hunting.

We arrive at the Lodge and are met by Dale McKinnon’s wife Deborah with a smile and a warm welcome. We were then shown to our room to unpack and dream about the next day’s hunt. One can’t say enough about the lodge itself and the hospitality shown to us. The lodge had pine inlaid walls, log support beams, log stair case, plush carpeted floors. It was a dim lit setting with a glowing fireplace in the center of a large diarama of mounts. All trophies taken by Dale McKinnon a wilderness icon.  A dining eatery that you would expect from a most elaborate restaurant.  The McKinnon’s are a very close family with every member playing a role in making sure that your stay and hunt is more than you could ever imagine.

Our cook and host, Deborah McKinnon - We were always greeted with a warm smile!

Some of the mounts included, European mounts, fox and coyote pelts, shed antlers, multiple trophy deer mounts with track lighting and a stone inlaid bar with log planks. The stone inlaid fireplace was always emitting an iridescent glow and casting warmth that one would feel from the McKinnon’s and your guide that made you feel right at home.

The next day the hunting began with and hour and a half drive to the “bush” consisting of matted pine, tall stands of popular and willow thickets surrounded by muskeg sleuths.  Hunting was from a tripod stand suspending the hunter 15 feet in the air overlooking cut blocks, cut lines and power lines in hopes that one of the magnificent elusive creatures would appear.

Typical terrain

The next six days we would have sightings of bald eagles, mag pies, ravens, coyotes, moose and multiple whitetails. All accompanied by the vocalization of wolves and coyotes at different intervals of the day.  The sun would rise and fall leaving a brilliant pinkish red glow amongst a vibrant blue back drop.

Typical blue and pink sunset

Moving Stands on the back of Quads

The hunt would consist of a quad ride sometimes up to 3 miles deep in the bush or as little as 1000 yards. It all depended on what the Guide encountered as they bounced their way in and out of cut blocks seeking sign and visual encounters to move the hunter for the best opportunity to fulfill their quest to harvest a big monster Alberta Whitetail. I developed a renowned respect for the term “Guide” this past week. Ryley woke up at 4:30 AM stayed out in the Bush all day seeking sign and sightings, placing stands only to return to the Lodge well after dark to partake in the meal and call it a day. Then start all over the next morning until his hunters are successful. The only thing expected of the hunter was to climb into the stand and pull the trigger on your firearm if you desire then descend out of the stand. Everything else was provided by the Guide and your Outfitter.

Our Guide was a 23 year old British Columbia man with an Elementary Education Degree. Ryley had an uncanny ability to adapt and overcome diversity assuring more time for the hunter to be on stand.   I must say there was nothing “elementary” about Ryley. He has an unprecedented knowledge of the bush.

Our guide - Ryley Hunter

Even though we didn’t bring home a monster whitetail we were given multiple opportunities but unable to seal the deal. However, we were successful in capturing the whole experience on film. I had my camera rolling from the time of our departure until the time we returned home.  I can honestly say it was the best hunting trip I was ever on. And I didn’t even pick up a firearm or harvest an animal! If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime…contact Dale McKinnon! You can look him up at the eastern outdoors show in Harrisburg  and book your dream hunt.