I have an Uncle who is an avid game hunter in Indiana and he just has the coolest collection of mounted game. I can still picture the largest bear head I've seen up close (there may be a larger bear head but on a living bear). These animals look so life like as much as you'd like to be revolted, you are in awe of a part of something rarely seen up close.

While I hinge my jaw, this started my fascination with Taxidermy. This is the art and science of creating a three dimensional replica of an animal with its skin mounted on a mold. The effect is life-like when done right, when you surf the net, taxidermy specialists are a handful which makes it easier to spot a good animal trophy maker.

Taxidermy has been around since the 1700's. While establishing the science of taxidermy, this practice was seen as horrible and can scare anyone. This started when hunters brought the skins of their game to furniture makers, paying them to sew the pieces of skin together an maybe patch up where its wound is then stuff it with cotton or fiber. Picture a lopsided pillow and relate it to a wounded animal patched up and stuffed with lumpy cotton, hideous!

As years passed when hunters liked the ferocity and the reputation it'll add to anyones hunting skills for being able to bag a menacing looking creature, taxidermy caught on. As years passed, upholsterers and furniture makers branched out to this practice until it became a specialty service for those who had visions for this skill and craft.

Stuffing became mounts which were made from molds of the animal's body according to its real size. Fishing became big game too and often when the 'big one' didn't get away, it got mounted and displayed for everyone to marvel at.

Today, taxidermy is often referred to more as an art rather than a science which it is (chemicals are used for preservation you know). Most mounted game are 95% accurate and real, synthetics are used for the mouth, soft tissues around the mouth and tongue. While clay and maybe silicon is used for the eye lids, while eyes are of glass. Fish mounting has made a turn which is much appreciated by environmentalists (even the slightest relief). Fishes are measured precisely and then thrown back into the sea- unless it is pictured tail-up in a winch then we can assume it to be dead.

For lack of space, preservation of species may be unlikely so I guess people will turn to Taxidermy for future generations to have an idea what a specie of bear or deer look like…

 

Teaching the 'Fetch!' command is basic in gundog training. Without this training your gundog breed will just be a dog who hunts, tracks, listens to the shot and follows you when YOU retrieve the game. It is funny that some have the idea that just because their dog breed is a gundog, fetching is second nature.

Most of the dogs I've known do get the hang of fetching at a young age, there is even a gundog mix breed that takes more to the buc naturally than one gundog true blue. If by chance you want to buy a good pup, buy from breeders who hunt. They would better understand your need. Beware of breeders that don't really care what you do or those who just don't know one end of a great gundog from a gun shy pup.

In my book, unless you breed your own dogs, breeders who outright offer or suggest to force break  means the pup just doesn't show any retrieving skills. Force breaking for me works if done professionally, a botched try would just break the dog the other way.

Survival Kits are emergency measures that every hunter and camper NEVER leaves home without. Let's face it, movies just don't get it straight, getting lost and caught unawares is one way of admitting your not thinking well. An emergency is never pleasant, show me a person who enjoys being caught flat-footed and in danger and I'll show you someone who's paid for a grave marker with epitaph….

When hunting or camping or just going up to your cabin a Winter Emergency Pack can be your only hope in surviving a snow storm. An Emergency Pack is made up of several kits you'll need…

First Aid Kit with everything on it (anti-venom may not come in handy, but still bring it)

Heat and Light, handy candles and weather proof matches

Extra socks (thermal)…best when stranded in snowstorms!

Survival Kit…extra compass, knife, shovel, dried or smoked food, energy bars

Clear trash bags and chlorine tablets…for water to drink

Being equipped to face the challenge of survival while waiting for rescue or until the storm eases is bearable. People adapt better when the materials for survival is available. An Emergency Pack gives a sense of hope and relief when the need arises.

Looking at the brochures for a vacation was just like looking at fast food menus where everything has anything on it. Most destinations are familiar by sight (T.V.) and sound-my ears hurt from numerous and endless details of those who have gone…its like I have been to a place because I've explored it through relatives and friend's eyes.

Wonders of wonders a page from a magazine featured French Polynesian island New Caledonia with a picture of a tree plagued resort with blue waters up till the horizon. Now where is this, I wonder? The New Caledonia is part of the South Pacific islands that enjoy beach weather even in winter. Now how's that for you? I know I wouldn't mind being there this winter…more like a December festivities and sem-break rolled into one.

There are 5 things do when I get there…
Diving- next to the Great Barrier Reef theirs is the next magnificent one. Snorkeling just ain't the same without some corals and marine habitat flourishing.
Tour by Horse- this is a 3-day adventure on horese back going aroundNoumea (the capital) and her scenery peppered by trees and Norfolk Pine.
Parasailing is another pleasure the island offers…flying feet above the island…Great!
Take a dip in the waters of their beach. I don't know but beaches have their own distinction sometimes the sand and the way the sun shines down on you make a remarkable  difference.
After all's said and done the last would be to try every morsel the island can offer all fresh from the sea.
Might as well brush up on some French- its their language there.

Some hunting dogs reach the ripe old age of 12 years. Several stories of some old gun dogs still go on hunts since they aren't just right doing anything else. As a gun dog gets older and the rigid activity taking a toll on its bones stopping your dog from activity altogether may do no better. The best pet owners can do is provide a proper resting place for his weary bones. A good dog  bed, usually the orthopedic ones is just right for old bones and weary muscles after going on a hunt. Just like an old uncle trying to keep pace with youngsters our old pet kids need the feeling of favor and usefulness. As long it won't harm them, having an old one tire himself on a hunt means activity for him. Orthopedic dog beds are firm and have certain texture to it that will make you old dog rest well.

These dog beds are also for dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis. The latter is an ailment which is attributed to old age and diet while the former is genetic- dogs with dysplasia don't hunt. Aside from old hunting, sporting and working dogs orthopedic dog beds are also said useful for dog breeds prone to bone and muscle problems-often working as a preventive measure or as a precaution.

A good dog bed for your old faithful is the least that can be done by pet and gun dog owners alike.