posted by Jed on Apr 2

These days times are tough and I find myself shopping around more than ever.  As I’ve aged I do believe you get what you pay for. Now I may buy generic diapers but I refuse to cut corners on my hunting equipment.

I also have learned to avoid the big box stores for these same needs. Nothing makes me giggle more than to have a college student earning minimum wage approach me and offer his opinion on whatever it may be that I am looking at. The extent of their hunting experience was acquired from countless hours on XBOX 360 playing Cabelas Dangerous Game.

So where is this all going? To The Gun Rack of course. Let me tell you what your not going to get at this brand new gun shop. No big box here folks….just a nice cozy mom and pops type store with a friendly atmosphere. Coffee brewing for you all day long. No part time wanna be X Boxers.  From Vance, Shawn, and Ray, all professional, lifetime outdoors man with more knowledge and answers than my ex wife……just ask her! And no high prices to cover a huge over head. Very competitive with all the big boys so make sure you check sales@thegunrack.us

No opinionated arrogant salesmen telling you what you want and how to do it. This crew of guys all came together from a local chain store and decided that they had all learned the wrong way to do it and knew they could do it better…so they did.

Fortunately for them this big box had decided to downsize the gunsmith services as well which put the best custom guy in the area on the free agent list. From basic trigger jobs and scope work on rifles and shotguns,all the way to some serious hand checkering and stippling pistol work, Jesse can do it.  With the lathe  and drill press at his fingertips all he needs is your weapon and an idea to work with to create a personalized custom look.

In the works are both a sporting clays type shooting station and the ability to pick up the pistol of your choice and fire it on the range. Now where can you do that? Looking to sell or buy a used gun? Look no further as The Gun Rack will give you the most for your weapon. They know if they take care of you they have a customer for life. And don’t count out possible archery equipment and crossbows.

The Gun Rack is located north of Coldwater Michigan at 873 Marshall Rd. on the west side of Interstate 69 between Bidwell and Dayburg Roads. Adjacent to Showcase Gardens Nursery.

With small shops closing doors everyday its exciting to see one opening. Support local small businesses like The Gun Rack because the big box stores already have enough. Here you will have a name not a number.

posted by jherbert on Sep 11

Be sure to check out contributing writer Jason Herbert’s newest articles in Bow and Arrow Hunting and North American Whitetail magazines this fall.

posted by jherbert on Aug 30

Be sure to check out John and Chris Eberhart’s new book, “Bowhunting Whitetails the Eberhart Way” at Amazon.com. No matter your experience with whitetails, you’re sure to learn something new from the legendary Eberhart’s.

posted by jherbert on Jul 12

Recently while on vacation with his family, HPS contributor Jason Herbert saw this wolf. She circled downwind at about 30 yards and eventually trotted off. After sharing the encountered with several locals, Jason learned that although this was an amazing experience for his family, seeing wolves isn’t so rare in the UP these days. Every single resident he talked to about the wolves said that they are decimating the local deer herd.

posted by Jim on Mar 4

Despite what it might look like outside momentarily winter is winding down and spring is right around the corner. That means it’s time to think about spring scouting. For anyone who is serious about regularly tagging mature bucks the few weeks between snow melt and green up are some of the most important “hunting” weeks in the entire hunting year. What you do now will set the stage for success this fall.
Reading last year’s Sign
The principle reason to scout in the spring is that last fall’s rut sign will still be visible until the woods green up. Sure, there is always the chance that the mature buck that made last year’s sign is long since dead, but if an area is good another mature buck will take his place. Terrain features determine how deer use them, not the other way around. Since you won’t be hunting for the areas you are scouting for about six months you don’t have to worry about spooking any deer, and having them change their routine to avoid your future hunting. With this in mind you can walk and inspect every inch of your hunting areas, including bedding areas, which should give you a clear understanding of how deer use your hunting property.
What to look for
The main types of sign to look for while spring scouting are the same that you would look for in the fall. My favorite hunting areas are usually combinations of a couple different things, and each property will have a unique layout. My best whitetail hunting ambush spots are almost always found near primary scrape areas. My next priority is staging areas, followed by funnels between bedding areas and transition routes between bedding and feeding areas. Generally, your best spots will be a combination of these. Beyond this I look for stand locations for every portion of the season. This means travel routes to known feeding areas for the early season, out of the way secondary locations for the October Lull, for instance lone oaks in soon to be corn fields, or singular trees along out of the way fence rows, and the locations I just mentioned for the pre-rut and rut. I also look for locations that fit special circumstances, such as dry islands in otherwise wet bedding areas, or potential locations for cattail ground blinds, just in case the fall weather conditions offer an opportunity to hunt such a location. For gun season look for escape routes, and for the late season travel routes to and from winter food sources. The main facet of spring scouting is to cover every inch of your hunting area and prepare locations for every eventuality. By doing this you are increasing your ability to adapt to ever changing deer movement, without disturbing them with untimely intrusion in the fall.
Preparing Hunting Locations
The spring is the time to get your trees prepped for fall, all of them, for every situation. Again, since you don’t have to worry about spooking deer, you can take your time and make sure every setup is perfect. This means running your steps up all your trees, setting up your Treesaddle, and clearing out all of your shooting lanes. It also means determining your entry and exit routes to your hunting destinations. If you need to cut a trail through a swamp to get to a tree, now is the time to do it. Deer are very aware of all changes within their home range and will definitely notice what you have done, but since it is spring they will have time to get used to your changes before fall. When you do this stuff in the fall you invariably leave scent and warn the deer of your intentions.
Spring Scouting Advantage
The advantage of having all your hunting spots cleared out in the spring should be obvious. With the majority of your work done now, you will be able to hunt for efficiently and effectively come fall. Your element of surprise increases dramatically when all you have to do is show up and hunt without having to hang stands. It helps tremendously to be able to adjust to any changes immediately. Taking the time to do your primary scouting in the spring will make you a more successful whitetail bowhunter.

This is a very short version of the complete spring scouting procedure. For more: www.eberhartsbowhunting.com

posted by Jim on Jan 27

It has been a while since I sat down at the computer to write. I love to write about hunting and the outdoors, as much as, I love being out there in the elements. The fall of 2009 was fairly uneventful since I last wrote about my Colorado elk hunt. Unfortunately, I did not hunt much this year because we purchased Buck Fever Synthetics, a synthetic deer scent company. Obviously, if you have to run a company in its products peak demand, there is little time left for anything else, including hunting. What I learned due to my absence in the field was worth a lifetime of hunting. I finally learned the meaning of why I hunt and I realized the denial I felt as a diehard deer hunter. I was attacked by the dreaded Antleritis disease, but something magical happened that changed me forever.

What is antleritis? It can be defined in many ways and I am sure all of you have a story which verifies its existence even though it does not show up in any dictionary, psychological hypothesis or field documentation. I will try to attempt to make my own definition of the word which was introduced to me by my good friend Jed Speiser.

Antleritis is a disease which affects many individuals who pursue an antlered animal for the sole purpose of its trophy value and the residual praise and attention it may bring to this individual. It is known to cause loss of lifelong friendships, dismantle family relationships, and will lead to dishonest psychotic behaviors. It is the leading cause of trespassing and poaching in North America!

Now that you know the definition of Antleritis, can you relate to a story or two which affected your life? The more I think about this, the more I can attest and verify that this is a disease of pandemic proportions. I have been affected by it in more than one way. I have been both a victim of its fury and I almost fell into its trap this past fall. I will speak to you with utmost honesty and relate a few stories which will remain a part of me for the rest of my life. Read the rest … »

posted by Jim on Jul 27

I didn’t plan on writing today but I received this email from a business associate at the Outside Hub. I had just been going through some of my pictures and I was planning on my next article being about our commitment to promoting the great outdoors to our children. It was very ironic that I was in deep thought of how the world is changing and values and ethics are literally thrown out the window by most of our politicians. I am not one to speak politics but every day I cannot help to be sickened by our government! I was thinking about the article and how I could reflect on how being in the outdoors can take your mind away from all of the corruption in this world. Then, I clicked on this email and I thought to myself; “Am I am promoting something that our government plans on taking away from our children? Are they going to steal from the hearts of this country’s sportsmen, sportswomen, and children? I do not believe we would ever see the day, but articles like this remind me that we need to get involved and we need to have a very powerful voice in this country. I would hate to see this child’s smile wiped from his face because of a person like Cass Sunstein. Read on to see how nuts our government can be…If this guy is appointed by Obama, Cody doesn’t get to hunt and the turkey he shot might have it’s own legal rights? HMMMMMMM! Read this and do your part to support Senator John Cornyn (R- TX)!

7/23/09

Senator John Cornyn (R- TX) has blocked President Obama’s choice for a powerful regulatory position in the White House because of the nominee’s support for animal rights. He’s done his part, now sportsmen need to do theirs. Your support is needed to make sure the block, known technically as a “hold,” stays in place.

Cass Sunstein, the president’s pick to head the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), has been an advocate for the animal rights movement and is an anti-hunter. As a part of the federal budget office, OIRA has extensive authority to block rules, including those that protect hunting and conservation.
Sunstein claims that, “we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation.” He also supports allowing lawsuits on behalf of animals, a right currently only extended to human beings.

Views such as this raise serious concern about the agenda Sunstein will carry with him into this position if he is confirmed by the Senate. This is why it is crucial that the block remains in place.

If calling your Senator’s office, remember these key points:

The OIRA can block or overturn regulations that protect hunting and conservation
Sunstein has a long history of supporting animal rights and expressing opposition to hunting
These radical views do not reflect the majority beliefs of Americans
Sportsmen are the nations #1 conservationists who pay for programs through the taxes paid of outdoor equipment

posted by Jim on Jun 28

First and foremost, I want to apologize to all of the Hunters Prostaff faithful readers out there who are expecting fresh blogs and entertaining articles to read. Unfortunately, we have been preoccupied building a new website for all of you to benefit from. Hunters Prostaff is not going to be replaced by the “new” website. As a matter of fact, the two sites will complement each other and they will both be at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Hunters Prostaff turned 3 years old on June 1, 2009. We have made numerous improvements and tried to entertain over 10,000 faithful visitors per month, however, we knew something was missing because although we are seeing growth in visitors and hits, we were not seeing growth in the one thing that funds the site, our on-line store. So, we set out on a mission to see how the other guys are doing it and we found several things that had to fall in place to be successful as an e-commerce website. We documented what we loved and hated about on-line purchasing, and from the collective data, we made sure all the pros were included and all the cons were omitted, and the result is Hunters Pro Gear.

Hunters Pro Gear is an e-commerce site like no other. Why? Because, we knew we needed to be different to join a very crowded industry, in a very poor economy. We have features on our website which will benefit our direct customers, manufactures and other retailers across the country. You see, there are a lot of “mom and pop” shops going out of business for many reasons; however, the key reason for a local archery shop or ski shops success is moving inventory. Unfortunately, these specialty shops or pro shops are falling prey to the internet and “Big Box Stores”. I know because I personally have a very good friend who owns two great archery shops in the Detroit suburbs. As a matter of fact, they are the last two standing shops from over 20 shops which existed in the area. I also have a very good friend who ran a fantastic Ski, Snowboard and Bike shop, who recently shut his doors for good. We need these shops and their knowledge, but they cannot stay alive on archery leagues and good advice alone! They need to move products. Hunters Pro Gear is providing a place for these shops and manufactures, as well, to get off of their older, slow-selling, or discontinued products. These products will be sold at great discounts in the “Hot Buy Now” section of the site. Everyone benefits! The manufacturers and retailers are moving product and getting some cash flow, where it may be stagnant. The end consumer who purchases from the “Hot Buy Now” store will get great products at very low prices, and Hunters Pro Gear will put it all together.

In addition to the great “Hot Buy Now “category, Hunters Pro Gear will retail over 15,000 products in our initial opening and we plan to add over 50,000 new products by December 2009. We will have a great assortment of outdoor related products, which will include some very specialized and custom made products, which are exclusive to Hunters Pro Gear. Furthermore, we will be introducing our own line of products in the near future. Hunters Pro Gear will sell everything from hunting and fishing gear to Mountain Bikes and Kayaks to Snow and Water Skis, Wakeboards and Snow Boards and everything in between! In case the current Hunters Prostaff members were wondering, the Lifetime membership discount will be honored in the new Hunters Pro Gear retail store. As a matter of fact, Hunters Pro Gear will now be the official store for Hunters Prostaff, so your current 10% discount will now apply to thousands of products. We will still offer the buying club membership for $20.00 and it will still include our great DVD and a decal. So, please spread the word because we feel it is still the best deal in the business! We will also offer gift certificates which can be mailed or emailed to the recipient. A great way to send a gift to someone out of town! All of this and more will be offered in the most secure checkout process in the industry. Multiple payment options will offered through Authorized.Net, Chase Paymentech and Paypal. Our shipping options and procedures will be the most unique in the industry as well, so our customers can choose and pay proper shipping costs, based on the origin and destination of each product. No gouging our customers to make extra money on shipping and handling fees! All these features are what will benefit our consumers and set us apart from the competition!

Hunters Pro Gear will be live by July 1, 2009 and our commercials will be seen by over 30 million households on 4 outdoor related networks. Currently, we are advertising on three very entertaining TV shows; My Outdoor Zone’s “Own the Zone TV”; Arctic Cats, “Outdoors Management Makeover TV”, and Hunting Lease Television Magazine. These shows offer a very different mix of content and they will capture different crowds in all parts of North America. Our advertising campaign will have many benefits as we hope to drive people to the site and provide our retailers a new customer who may have never walked in their shops front door. The advertising should help to build our client base in our retail store as well, and allow us to expand our product lines in the near future.
Lastly, we would like to thank all of our faithful members and guests who have been with us the last 3 years. We look forward to your constructive feedback! We may have some growing pains but we will strive to continuously improve both websites. Most of all, we look forward to helping you “GET THE MOST OUT OF THE OUTDOORS”!
Thank you,
Jim Lombardi
Blake Wollenberg

posted by Jim on May 12

I had done a few chores around the house, and then the bug bit me. The Fishing Bug!!! I knew that if I didn’t leave the house and throw a line in some water, I was going to be consumed by the thought of monster fish for the entire afternoon. So with the sink still full of dishes, I packed up the fishing gear and headed out.
Instead of fishing alone, I decided to go get Dustin, a buddy of mine, to leave work early and fish-bum it with me on this awesome Colorado afternoon. I showed up during the lunch hour and told him that we were going fishing. As soon as I told him what we were doing, he mentioned that his grandfather, Harold, was in town and might like to go with us. I was excited at the idea of having a partner in crime, but even more excited at the thought of taking his grandfather to catch some fish. We loaded into my truck and headed to Wal-mart to buy them fishing licenses.
Although I had excitement coursing through my veins, I now felt a little under the gun. If Dustin and I got skunked when fishing, then so be it. But if grandpa didn’t catch anything, I was going to feel like I should just hang up my rod and quit for the season. We drove to a little pond about half a mile away to begin the afternoon of fishing. I set up our three rods with different lures, crossed my fingers and began to cast. No one was getting and action, not even the slightest nibble. I was changing lures about every five minutes, hoping to pull some sort luck out of my hat! A few other fishermen walked by and we exchanged the usual hubbub about what works well for this lake. I changed lures accordingly and still we weren’t getting anywhere. About an hour or so into the game of “Lake-1, Fishermen-0” we were stopped by the local game warden. She asked to see our licenses, which we promptly showed her. I asked her if she knew of any other close lakes that might provide better luck. We discussed another lake just down the road, and she told me of a few spots to work were she had seen people catching fish.
Now at our second lake, I was squirming in my shorts. I wanted Harold to catch a fish more than I wanted to catch one myself. We walked over to a honey hole that I hoped would change our luck. I changed all our set-ups to some spinners that I had used in this lake last year with some success. Once again, I crossed my fingers and the three of us casted out our lines. Then I felt it, my rod tip bent towards the water and I set the hook. I reeled in a decent 14 inch rainbow trout. As the excitement arose, I still felt the need to produce fish for my partners in crime. I managed to hook a few more, and Dustin hooked a couple, but the success that we were both looking for hadn’t come yet. Grandpa hadn’t caught one!
About fifteen minutes later, I heard that familiar whizz of a fish on the reel. As I turned to my right, my blood rushing, I noticed Harold’s rod tip curved like a beautiful rainbow. Now it was on!!! The three of us began to catch fish like it was going out of style. They weren’t the largest of fish, but they were making us enjoy every second of life. As I sit here and recall this afternoon’s adventure, I still cannot wipe the smile off my face. Then I remember…the sink full of dishes. So I must end this story before my wife returns from work to find the dishes undone.
Please remember, this was not one of those monster fish days, but it is one of the best days I have ever had fishing!!

posted by Jim on Mar 19

Lets face it; an American Heritage is a lifestyle! Your American Heritage is what you were born with… if you were born in one of the 50 states. If you were not born here, than hopefully, you have kept true to your heritage, but you support the economy and traditions in which you live! As deep or as shallow as your individual legacy may be, if you live in America, you need to support American made products! I am going to be on my soapbox for a while, but when I am done, I hope I can make you think about what you do to support your country. There are many ways to support your great country, but I am going to discuss a few which touch me personally; Hunting, American Traditions and Chevy Trucks. Yes! They are all part of our American Heritage.

No one in this country would be here today if our ancestors did not hunt, fish and live in the outdoors. Whether, you are an anti-hunting vegan or a die-hard hunter and trapper, your roots began with hunting in this fine country. The early settlers were not just gatherers, they were hunters and gatherers. And, the original and most true Americans, our native Indian brothers and sisters, were dependent on the true nature of the hunt. It provided all of the essentials for life; food, shelter, clothing, sport and recreation, and a spiritual foundation of faith in God. Today, hunting has become very commercial and unfortunately, it is losing ground as we move on from generation to generation.

American Traditions are also becoming a thing of the past. Families spent time in the outdoors. Families took long trips together, camping, skiing, and participating in multiple outdoor activities. Hunting camps with three or more generations occupying the same cabin on the same opening day are becoming lost traditions. Just eating dinner at the same table is a challenge for most families. Needless to say, our children are turning to technology to keep them occupied; IPods, Xbox, Play Station, Wii to name a few have replaced the ball and bat, the long bow and target and the fishing rod. It is amazing how little bikes are used to get to and from a friend’s home. Obviously, I can go on and on, but I hope you get the point.

I don’t know if everyone reading this recalls the jingle…Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet…however, it is part of how I grew up in my middle class hard working family. We were hunters, we participated in traditional activities, we ate dinner at the same crowded table, and we drove American cars and trucks, like Chevrolet’s.

As an outdoorsman, living in today’s economic turmoil, I personally cannot understand why anyone would drive a foreign vehicle to their favorite honey hole. If hunting is an American tradition, than how can we contradict our heritage by driving anything but an American truck! And, what is more American than a Chevrolet?

This is a tough thing for me to discuss. You see, I am one of thousands working for an American auto company who does not know if I will have a job in the very near future. I am employed by General Motors and I have been an Engineer for over 20 years; designing, engineering and testing many of the parts which are on our vehicles today. When I see a Chevrolet truck, I know I personally have my heart and soul wrapped in that vehicle. There were many long days away from my family, trying to be sure that my job was done to the best of my ability to create a great product.

Today, we were told not to take vacation during the last two weeks in April. We must be at work during the time headcount reductions will be in full swing. It is not the first time I have faced the stress of working and wondering if I will be tapped on the shoulder. Obviously, this is a very stressful time for me because I am not happy with the way GM is taking care of its employees. On the other hand, I understand they need to do what is necessary to survive! There are many factors to blame, but the ultimate blame must be laid on those who were not true to their American Heritage.

As unsure as I am about my future with GM, I am sure that Chevrolet trucks will always be something I view as an American tradition. I have personally owned eight Chevrolet trucks and three other American made pickups. Every truck I owned was driven and used to its maximum potential. I have trekked across many states, in muddy farm fields and up and down tight mountain roads. I have towed and carried heavy loads and I am proud to say that I have pushed my trucks to the limit and they have performed above and beyond my expectations. Read the rest … »