Yamaha Outdoors Tip of the Week: Using Four-Wheelers This Spring

This spring turkey season is about two-thirds over: done or nearly done down south, but just starting up north; especially in the northeast where it just opened. We’ve got some good weeks of hunting to go. Three ways to enjoy your Yamaha ATV or Side...

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Delaware DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter for Dec 21

To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents responded to 42 complaints and issued 18 citations between Dec. 12 and 19. Incidents of particular note included:

• On Dec. 13, Ronald W. Spencer, 47, of Clayton, was arrested and charged with two counts of felony possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, plus two hunting-related charges: hunting with an unplugged shotgun – and failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season. Spencer was released on $1,000 unsecured bond pending trial at a later date in the New Castle Court of Common Pleas.

Citations issued by violation type included the following, with the number of charges in parentheses:

Wildlife Conservation: Consumption/possession of alcohol while hunting on state wildlife area (2), carrying a loaded shotgun in a motor vessel (2), trespassing to hunt (1), hunting deer during a closed season (1), and hunting deer with a prohibited weapon (1), New Castle County; Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (2), New Castle and Kent counties; Hunting with an unplugged shotgun – capable of holding more than three shells (2), possession of unlawfully taken turkey (1), shooting turkey with prohibited weapon/rifle (1), and possession of unlawfully taken game/waterfowl (1), Kent County; Hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal stamp (1), Sussex County.

Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets aboard (1), Kent County.

Public Safety: Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (2), Kent County.

Are you AWARE?

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section would like to remind the public that 2012 Delaware fishing licenses expire on Dec. 31, so anglers will need a new license before going fishing in the new year. The 2013 recreational fishing licenses are available for sale on January 1 and can be purchased at DNREC’s license desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover (starting Jan. 2), at license dealers throughout the state, and online at www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries.

Enforcement also reminds those who receive ATVs, dirt bikes or other off-road vehicles as holiday gifts that it is illegal to ride these vehicles on state wildlife areas or other state-owned lands. ATVs, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles may only be operated on private property with permission of the property owner.

Read and join the discussion on Delaware DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter for Dec 21 at OutdoorHub.com.

Top Seven ATV Accessories for ATV Hunting

Utility ATVs are great fun but they are also helpful around the farm and while hunting. ATV hunting has gained popularity not because of the ATV itself but the accessories that make getting to and from the hunting area much easier. The following are the top seven ATV accessories for ATV hunting.

• ATV Racks and Baskets – Having a gun rack or bow rack on your ATV makes for safe and easy transport of your firearms. Adding baskets to your ATV makes it easier to haul game and supplies. There are also aftermarket racks and baskets for UTVs.
• ATV Winch – Every utility ATV should have a winch. They are not used that often but when they are they are invaluable. An ATV winch can help free a stuck ATV or help pull your game out of a ravine or ditch.
• Power-Loader – Load big game without physically picking up one pound! With the help of your ATV winch the Power-Loader can do the work of 2 – 3 men regardless of your age. Easily load and carry your treestand.
• ATV Backpacker Trailer - When hunting big game such as elk or moose the ATV Backpacker trailer is a hunters best friend. With its unique drop-down design, loading your kill is a breeze. You can use this trailer year round for hauling your camping gear to those remote back country campsites.
• ATV Luggage and Bags – A set of ATV luggage or bags provides a great place to carry extra ammo, your field dressing tools, a spotting scope and whatever else you may need on your ATV hunting adventure. Many of the ATV bags are available in camo.
• Camo ATV Cover – Many areas don’t allow the ATVs off the trail except maybe to retrieve your game. So the ATV is parked as close as possible and the hunter pursues the hunt on foot or from a treestand. So protect your ATV and help conceal it with a camouflage ATV cover.
• Handheld GPS Units - Most successful hunter have already scouted the area before hunting looking for animal signs and tracks. By marking their coordinates in a handheld GPS unit ensures they find find their idea hunting area when they return for hunting season.

These top seven ATV accessories for ATV hunting will help your utility ATV work harder for you on your next hunt. Need hunting gear and more ATV accessories? Check out the broad selection at CampingATV.com.

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Yamaha Outdoors Tips: Waterfowl Gear Checklist

We’ve just weathered the first heat wave of the 2012 summer, with more to come for sure. As a result, I’ve spent plenty of time in the cool of my basement, down in the “Waterfowl Warehouse.” It’s a way I conduct an inventory for the coming duck and goose seasons. You should too. There’s still plenty of time to buy or borrow the following items before the start of resident honker seasons in September …

Decoy Bags

Slotted bags protect your investment. Floating bags allow you to set fakes with more ease. Mesh bags can be carried on your back like the others and hold a lot of decoys when budget is a factor. Most can carry your fakes, motion stakes and flags in one effort. Need some? Order them now.

Duck and Goose Calls

Some argue that a good location and realistic spread of decoys are all you need for a successful hunt. That’s sometimes true—calling waterfowl doesn’t always matter. Then again, it’s clear at times single honkers and small groups (as with ducks) can be pulled in vocally. Practice now in the off-season.

Binoculars

Other than having ducks and geese dropping down on your spread, there’s no better way to identify waterfowl species than by glassing distant birds in flight or at rest. Invest in a pair.

Haul It

Your decoys, motion stakes and flags are all stashed neatly (or not so tightly) in several decoy bags. You and several buddies could do the long walk in with that stuff on your back. We all do that. Better yet, with calls and binoculars hanging around your neck, and helmet on your head, why not haul it all out to your blind. Is it time to buy a Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side?

For the last three essential items of waterfowl gear, go to Yamaha.com.

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Stealth Electric Vehicles to Sponsor Gregg Ritz’s “Hunt Masters”

Stealth Manufacturing, makers of the UTV industry’s leading electric and hybrid electric utility vehicles, announces an exciting partnership with Gregg Ritz’s Hunt Masters. Hunt Masters is one of the most popular big game hunting shows on The Outdoor Channel. Not only is Stealth an official sponsor of the fan-favorite show, now Stealth UTVs are the official utility vehicle of Hunt Masters Lodge, one of the Midwest’s premier trophy whitetail destinations.

For the 2012 season, Gregg Ritz and the crew at Hunt Masters Lodge will use Stealth UTVs exclusively, and will promote the unbeatable performance, craftsmanship and innovation that has made Stealth the choice of discerning hunters and outdoorsmen and women across the country. Specifically, the highly acclaimed Nighthawk Hybrid will be the official UTV of Hunt Masters Lodge.

“The new Stealth Nighthawk was delivered to Hunt Masters Lodge just in time for turkey season, and it was immediately obvious that this awesome off road vehicle redefines the marketplace” said Gregg Ritz, host of Hunt Masters television. “The 72 and 64 volt hybrid design will never leave a hunter stranded, and it’s onboard, gas powered generator rechargers the batteries on the fly! The Nighthawk Hybrid is yet another example of Stealth’s commitment to innovation and quality. It’s truly an awesome vehicle that will undoubtedly change a lot of people’s opinions on the power and range of electric UTVs.”

For more information on Stealth Manufacturing and the dynamic Nighthawk Hybrid, visit http://www.stealth4x4.com . To learn more about Gregg Ritz’s Hunt Masters, log on to http://www.wildcomm.com/hunt-masters.aspx . To learn about the world-class whitetail and turkey hunting at Hunt Masters Lodge, visit http://www.huntmasterslodge.com

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Ride, Fish, Scout and Hunt

The month of May offers plenty in the outdoors. You can ride your Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side. When enjoying your four wheels, fishing and even some late-spring and summer hunting are also options. “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal,” the saying goes. Get out there and enjoy yourself.

FISH: It’s safe to say, residents of all 50 states are enjoying fishing right now.

If you’ve got kids, it’s a great time to start them angling. Choose a bobber and bait for easy introduction. Graduate to fly fishing later if the interest continues. Panfish and stocked trout provide steady opportunity as do youth fishing events.

As backcountry rides and angling go, there’s no better time to get out there. Check rules and regulations as always for trail use, plus overnight camping and fishing laws. Be safe.

SCOUT: If you’re a hardcore hunter, scouting is a year-round deal.

It might include seeking new permission from landowners. Have your longtime hunting spots been developed? Maybe you want to plot where to hang tree stands.

Waterfowl hunters might gauge how to use their spots more wisely. Blinds will be built. Plans hatched.

As pure game watching goes, you can see how the turkey hatch has been, note duck and goose broods, and even watch deer with fawns later on, and summer bucks in velvet.

For information on what hunting offers for the month of May, please visit – http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/events/dynamicevent/2/1638/yamaha_outdoors_tips_-_ride_fish_scout_and_hunt_.aspx.

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Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

The 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway sweepstakes is a nationwide drawing sponsored by the WorldCause Foundation. By making a tax-deductible donation and entering to win one of three incredible prize packages, entrants can financially help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protect their rights to hunt, fish and trap. This Giveaway ends May 31, 2012. Act now!

Grand Prize winner receives a truck, boat and an off-road vehicle!

The winner of the 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway grand-prize package will enjoy endless fun in the great outdoors. Some of the best outdoor vehicles on the market today are featured in this grand prize package, including: a 2011 Ram 2500 Outdoorsman Mega-Cab 4×4 diesel truck with a pop-up, roof-top camper; a 21-foot Ranger Reata boat with a 225-horsepower Evinrude outboard motor sitting atop a custom trailer; and a Can-Am Commander 1000XT side-by-side, 4×4 off-road vehicle. Also included in this prize package is a id=”mce_marker”0,000 prepaid gas card and $30,000 cash to help pay the prize taxes!

2nd Prize winner enjoys a five-day elk hunt with firearm plus spending cash!

The second-place Dream Getaway prize package includes: a five-day elk hunt in northern Utah’s pristine Wasatch Mountains for the winner-and a guest observer. The winner and a guest will be joined by Bill Miller, former Executive Director of the North American Hunting Club and expert big-game hunter. Miller has hunted and/or shot competitively in more than 40 states and 8 Canadian Provinces, plus South America, Europe and Africa. The winner of this second place prize will also receive a Ruger M77 Hawkeye African .375-Ruger caliber rifle with a satin blued finish complete with a riflescope courtesy of Leupold. The winner will also receive id=”mce_marker”,000 cash! Accommodations for this Dream Getaway include: transportation to and from Utah, roundtrip airport transportation, top-shelf lodging, necessary licenses, and food.

3rd Prize winner enjoys a 4-day fishing trip in Costa Rica plus spending cash!

The winner of the third-place Dream Getaway prize package will be traveling with a friend to Crocodile Bay Resort for a four-day fishing adventure. The Crocodile Bay Resort, located on 44 acres of tropical gardens in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, has 40 air-conditioned rooms overlooking the surrounding gardens, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an elevated hot tub, and a 5,000-square-foot luxury spa. The winner and a guest will board a 33-foot Strike Yacht Tower Boat and motor out into the Gulf where they will enjoy some of the best inshore and offshore fishing available anywhere. Those anglers will be joined by celebrity-guide Steve Pennaz, former head of the half million-member North American Fishing Club and host of the North American Fisherman on NBC Sports Network. Accommodations for this Getaway include: transportation to and from Costa Rica, roundtrip airport transportation, necessary licenses, and food. This prize also includes some top quality fishing gear plus id=”mce_marker”,000 CASH!

Entries to the drawing and official rules can be obtained by calling 855-459-6400 toll-free or by visiting www.outdoorgiveaway.com. By using the Promo Code UA1412, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance receives a portion of the proceeds of your donation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

The 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway sweepstakes is a nationwide drawing sponsored by the WorldCause Foundation. By making a tax-deductible donation and entering to win one of three incredible prize packages, entrants can financially help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protect their rights to hunt, fish and trap. This Giveaway ends May 31, 2012. Act now!

Grand Prize winner receives a truck, boat and an off-road vehicle!

The winner of the 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway grand-prize package will enjoy endless fun in the great outdoors. Some of the best outdoor vehicles on the market today are featured in this grand prize package, including: a 2011 Ram 2500 Outdoorsman Mega-Cab 4×4 diesel truck with a pop-up, roof-top camper; a 21-foot Ranger Reata boat with a 225-horsepower Evinrude outboard motor sitting atop a custom trailer; and a Can-Am Commander 1000XT side-by-side, 4×4 off-road vehicle. Also included in this prize package is a id=”mce_marker”0,000 prepaid gas card and $30,000 cash to help pay the prize taxes!

2nd Prize winner enjoys a five-day elk hunt with firearm plus spending cash!

The second-place Dream Getaway prize package includes: a five-day elk hunt in northern Utah’s pristine Wasatch Mountains for the winner-and a guest observer. The winner and a guest will be joined by Bill Miller, former Executive Director of the North American Hunting Club and expert big-game hunter. Miller has hunted and/or shot competitively in more than 40 states and 8 Canadian Provinces, plus South America, Europe and Africa. The winner of this second place prize will also receive a Ruger M77 Hawkeye African .375-Ruger caliber rifle with a satin blued finish complete with a riflescope courtesy of Leupold. The winner will also receive id=”mce_marker”,000 cash! Accommodations for this Dream Getaway include: transportation to and from Utah, roundtrip airport transportation, top-shelf lodging, necessary licenses, and food.

3rd Prize winner enjoys a 4-day fishing trip in Costa Rica plus spending cash!

The winner of the third-place Dream Getaway prize package will be traveling with a friend to Crocodile Bay Resort for a four-day fishing adventure. The Crocodile Bay Resort, located on 44 acres of tropical gardens in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, has 40 air-conditioned rooms overlooking the surrounding gardens, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an elevated hot tub, and a 5,000-square-foot luxury spa. The winner and a guest will board a 33-foot Strike Yacht Tower Boat and motor out into the Gulf where they will enjoy some of the best inshore and offshore fishing available anywhere. Those anglers will be joined by celebrity-guide Steve Pennaz, former head of the half million-member North American Fishing Club and host of the North American Fisherman on NBC Sports Network. Accommodations for this Getaway include: transportation to and from Costa Rica, roundtrip airport transportation, necessary licenses, and food. This prize also includes some top quality fishing gear plus id=”mce_marker”,000 CASH!

Entries to the drawing and official rules can be obtained by calling 855-459-6400 toll-free or by visiting www.outdoorgiveaway.com. By using the Promo Code UA1412, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance receives a portion of the proceeds of your donation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

The 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway sweepstakes is a nationwide drawing sponsored by the WorldCause Foundation. By making a tax-deductible donation and entering to win one of three incredible prize packages, entrants can financially help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protect their rights to hunt, fish and trap. This Giveaway ends May 31, 2012. Act now!

Grand Prize winner receives a truck, boat and an off-road vehicle!

The winner of the 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway grand-prize package will enjoy endless fun in the great outdoors. Some of the best outdoor vehicles on the market today are featured in this grand prize package, including: a 2011 Ram 2500 Outdoorsman Mega-Cab 4×4 diesel truck with a pop-up, roof-top camper; a 21-foot Ranger Reata boat with a 225-horsepower Evinrude outboard motor sitting atop a custom trailer; and a Can-Am Commander 1000XT side-by-side, 4×4 off-road vehicle. Also included in this prize package is a id=”mce_marker”0,000 prepaid gas card and $30,000 cash to help pay the prize taxes!

2nd Prize winner enjoys a five-day elk hunt with firearm plus spending cash!

The second-place Dream Getaway prize package includes: a five-day elk hunt in northern Utah’s pristine Wasatch Mountains for the winner-and a guest observer. The winner and a guest will be joined by Bill Miller, former Executive Director of the North American Hunting Club and expert big-game hunter. Miller has hunted and/or shot competitively in more than 40 states and 8 Canadian Provinces, plus South America, Europe and Africa. The winner of this second place prize will also receive a Ruger M77 Hawkeye African .375-Ruger caliber rifle with a satin blued finish complete with a riflescope courtesy of Leupold. The winner will also receive id=”mce_marker”,000 cash! Accommodations for this Dream Getaway include: transportation to and from Utah, roundtrip airport transportation, top-shelf lodging, necessary licenses, and food.

3rd Prize winner enjoys a 4-day fishing trip in Costa Rica plus spending cash!

The winner of the third-place Dream Getaway prize package will be traveling with a friend to Crocodile Bay Resort for a four-day fishing adventure. The Crocodile Bay Resort, located on 44 acres of tropical gardens in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, has 40 air-conditioned rooms overlooking the surrounding gardens, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an elevated hot tub, and a 5,000-square-foot luxury spa. The winner and a guest will board a 33-foot Strike Yacht Tower Boat and motor out into the Gulf where they will enjoy some of the best inshore and offshore fishing available anywhere. Those anglers will be joined by celebrity-guide Steve Pennaz, former head of the half million-member North American Fishing Club and host of the North American Fisherman on NBC Sports Network. Accommodations for this Getaway include: transportation to and from Costa Rica, roundtrip airport transportation, necessary licenses, and food. This prize also includes some top quality fishing gear plus id=”mce_marker”,000 CASH!

Entries to the drawing and official rules can be obtained by calling 855-459-6400 toll-free or by visiting www.outdoorgiveaway.com. By using the Promo Code UA1412, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance receives a portion of the proceeds of your donation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Act Now on 2012 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway

A Lesson in ATV Safety Can Mean Happy Trails

With 16 million Americans, including many hunters, riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), safety can’t take a back seat.

Like hunting, riding an ATV takes training and practice to build your skills and knowledge of how to stay safe. It’s also important to be realistic about your current skill level.

“ATV riders’ inexperience combined with an overestimation of their skills can spell trouble,” said Ed Huntsman, OHV education program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “People never expect to be on the evening news when they start out in the morning. However, if riders don’t take basic precautions, they are vulnerable to accidents.”

From 1982 to 2009, more than 10,000 people using an ATV died, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of that number, 26 percent were youths under 16 years of age. In 2009 alone, there were an estimated 131,900 ATV-related injuries, with children under the age of 16 making up 25 percent of those injured.

Fortunately, most accidents are avoidable. Huntsman advises that new and experienced riders heed the following recommendations.

• Use your head by covering it with a helmet that has a sticker confirming it complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation or Snell regulations. In addition, always wear goggles or a face shield when you ride.
• Protect yourself with a sturdy pair of gloves and over-the-ankle boots. Also, wear long-sleeve shirts, jackets and pants that offer padding for knees, shoulders and chest.
• When riding on unfamiliar or rough terrain, slow down to a speed that allows you to control your machine. In addition, be on the lookout for rocks, logs, ditches, mud and other conditions that could cause an accident.
• Riding to your hunting spot in low light conditions also can present challenges. Make sure your headlights are working and clean. Wear reflective gear so you’re more easily seen. Plus, keep a good distance from other riders, and don’t overdrive your headlight. You should be able to stop within the length of the headlight beam.
• If you’re transporting gear or game, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t overload your ATV. Make sure your headlights aren’t covered and that you can move around unrestricted. In addition, all firearms should be unloaded and fully enclosed in a gun boot or scabbard.
• Ride on designated trails, and be safe and considerate when you stop. Avoid stopping side-by-side, in the middle of the trail, at the crest of a hill, or around a corner on the trail. Also, never block an intersection. Don’t forget to shut off your engine when you take a break.
• ATVs are designed for off-road use and can be difficult to handle on paved surfaces. Riding on or crossing a road illegally or improperly is a leading cause of ATV rider fatalities. If you must cross a road, pick a spot where you can see oncoming traffic from both directions. Drive straight across when the coast is clear. Take it nice and slow and stand up for maximum visibility.
• Be weather wary. Rain, ice and snow can change trail conditions, making the ride more difficult.
• Accidents are more likely to happen at the end of the day when you’re tired. Fatigue impairs judgment and slows reaction time. Counteract that by making sure you dress for the weather, take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
• Get official training to learn how to safely and responsibly operate an ATV as well as laws and rules regulating ATV use. Many states require new riders to receive training. You can take a state-approved off-road vehicle safety course at www.offroad-ed.com.

Don’t forget these additional tips to ensure you stay safe.

• Don’t ride alone.
• Leave your travel plan and a map with a trusted family member or friend.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age, size, strength and skill level.
• Supervise riders younger than 16 years of age.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

ATVs are not only fun, they can be a great tool for planting food plots, traveling to your hunting area and transporting harvested game out of the woods. Taking a course at www.offroad-ed.com and then practicing your new skills is your ticket to a safe ride.

About Kalkomey

Kalkomey, parent company of www.offroad-ed.com, is the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states. Our print and Internet courses have been providing official safety certification since 1995. We provide safety courses in boating, hunting, bowhunting, and off-road vehicle (ORV) and snowmobile operation. For more information, visit http://www.kalkomey.com/.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - A Lesson in ATV Safety Can Mean Happy Trails