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Blog Entries from the WeHuntSC.com blogging crew


American Hunting Lease Association

As many of you know we had  a booth & gave presentations on coyote hunting at this past year’s Sportsman’s Classic . While at the show I met a guy from an organization called “American Hunting Lease Association (http://ahuntinglease.org)”. Their COO, Sean Ferbrache came by the booth and connected with us. It initially took me a bit to understand what services they provide, but once I saw the light it made sense. 

Hunting lease liability insurance

If you are a land owner who is hesitant about leasing your hunting land or if you are a hunting club who wants a written agreement between your club and a land owner then the information in the below video will be helpful to you. So without trying to explain everything in text here in this blog I’ll let Sean’s interview explanation do the talking. Ultimately I just wanted to make everyone aware of their service in the case that you have a need for it.


2015 Sportsmens Classic Recap

This past weekend we had a booth at the 2015 SCDNR Sportsmen’s Classic and we also gave 3 presentations (one each day) on coyote hunting. We had been looking forward to the Classic and preparing for some time so it was good to see March finally roll around. At the event there were hundreds of booths set up and there were products, services, and speakers of all types. It was really amazing and it was also a well organized event.

You can see our booth setup below:

Gavin Jackson at the WeHuntSC.com Booth at the 2015 SC Sportsmen's Classic


Activity at the Booth
We had a lot of good traffic by the booth. Since we don’t do a lot shows there were numerous individuals we met who had never heard of WeHuntSC.com before. We had the coyote competition promo video playing on repeat (shout outs to Yellow Cape Communications for some awesome video work) and as people walked by they would see the video and hear the howl of the coyote and check things out. Several coyote hunters said they’d never heard of the competition and that they would definitely be entering it this coming year and some even said they would be the next winners!

One thing that was really amazing to me was to see how many farmers, turkey hunters, and deer hunters stopped by our booth and showed pics of dead coyotes on their phones. These people weren’t specifically coyote hunters yet they had pics of them on their phones. Regardless of the type of hunter nearly everyone at the show had pics of coyotes and I think that is very telling. We all recognize that coyotes are prevalent across the state and to see the evidence first hand from outdoorsmen from around the state just validated it for me.

We even had people stop by and thank us for what we’re doing… that is trying to work to raise awareness for what coyotes are doing across the state & motivate people to start hunting coyotes. Several individuals shook our hands and told us to “Keep up the good work”. Overall we had a good location with good foot traffic and the booth side of the show was a good experience for everyone.

Celebrities at the Event
There were also a number of celebrities or famous people on TV at the event. The crew from Lizard Lick towing were on hand, Captain Wild Bill from the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" was there, and Bruce from "Swamp People" was there as well. We were even able to get a quick pic of Sam with Bruce.


Presentation Recap
Each day at the event we also gave sessions on “Intro to Coyote Hunting”. We had an average of 22 people at the sessions and the sessions seemed to go well. We fielded lots of questions and you could definitely sense the feeling that the people in the room really cared about the coyote problem. We provided background information on coyotes and also tips on how to get started hunting coyotes. I’m going to post some subsequent blogs on each topic we covered in the presentation later this week. We also had a few organizations inquire about if we would speak to their groups about coyote hunting. If you are interested in that then please let us know and we can line something up.


See You Online & At The Check-In
We were glad to be able to participate in the 2015 Sportsmen’s Classic. It was great to meet a lot of new hunters and connect with other outdoor organizations in the state. We hope to be able to do it again sometime. In the meantime we’ll see you online at WeHuntSC.com & hopefully at next year’s Coyote Competition check-in!


Blake Hodge & Youngbloods TV

Youngbloods TV If you follow the site then you know that our fellow WeHuntSC.com blogger Blake Hodge stays busy in the outdoors and travels around a lot competing in Duck Calling Competitions. Blake’s recently got some exciting news that he’s too humble to share so I’m pumping him up here on the site even though he’s gonna get on me about it.

From winning multiple duck calling competitions, giving seminars for younger duck callers, being active in Ducks Unlimited, and being on a few different pro-staffs, Blake has gained notoriety in the waterfowl and broader hunting community. You may have read or previously seen some of Blake’s blogs here on the site and even a few of his videos. Blake and his dad (Daryl) also run a guide service called “The Wrecking Crew”.  Add all that up and you have a well-rounded individual.

The exciting news is that Blake has been asked to be the co-host a new and upcoming TV show called “Youngbloods TV”.  Blake will be co-hosting alongside of Buck Cumbo, an NC hunter and the “Youngbloods” will start out the initial season airing their show on the web and as they gain traction roll into the TV networks in the following year. Blake says that footage will come from hunting all game types, but we all know there will be some epic Waterfowl footage going on 

So congratulations to Blake on yet another milestone in his outdoor career. Join me in congratulating Blake on being selected as a co-host of a TV show. We hope to see you on the TV soon and you better be pumping up some WeHuntSC.com!

For more information on Blake, Buck Cumbo, or the Youngbloods TV show check out http://www.YoungbloodsTV.com


Unseen Dangers of Hog Hunting

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I have posted and just this past week something hit very close to home.  The article below happened right across the river from our hunting land in Laurens County.  We have killed a few hogs on our own land so this was very scary.  My Dad called the Laurens County Department Health Department to confirm this and called our Game Warden we are friends with who said this type of disease 'brucellosis' is all over the state of South Carolina with hogs. I highly recommend you all read it and take the necessary precautions when hog hunting.  What are your thoughts?

Man Hospitalized With Illness After Hog Hunting Trip

 

 


SC Organization Feature: CROSS Outdoor Exchange

WeHuntSC.com - CROSS Outdoor ExchangeCROSS Outdoor Exchange of Boiling Springs, SC is a multi-faceted organization that truly embraces the outdoors. One side of the organization is a non-profit youth ministry that uses the outdoors as a means to share with, mentor to, and help guide children and youth ages 7-15.  CROSS Outdoor Exchange has monthly and seasonal outings to keep kids involved.  As part of the program CROSS Outdoor Exchange offers individual hunts/fishing trips to youth that are part of the program.  This year CROSS Outdoor Exchange has added a youth deer hunt. The hunt is a fund raiser for the youth injured in the Cleveland Park train wreck earlier this year.  This will be an annual event and will help these families in the future.

WeHuntSC.com - CROSS KidsThe other side of CROSS Outdoor Exchange is a for-profit Archery and tackle shop.  The store is used not only for sales, but to be a place in the community where folks can find the CROSS ministry.  The store carries bows by Bowtech, Strother, and Elite.  The archery and tackle shop is also set up as dealers for Bass Pro, Lone Wolf, Lucky Buck, and Rhino.  With a full line of fishing tackle and live bait, they also offer a consignment area as a way for outdoorsmen to change some of their older gear for newer models.  The consignment area also helps the kids in the ministry get the gear they need at a lower price.

If you?re ever in the Boiling Springs, SC area be sure to check out David M. Pizor & CROSS Outdoor Exchange at  www.crossoutdoorx.com
 
Regards,
 
Clint 
 

 


It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Hello all! Just a short entry before I take off for the weekend festivities.  Well, the weather is getting cooler (and almost down-right cold today in the Upstate) and I can feel fall! Bow season officially came in yesterday for me but I will not have a chance to go this weekend. How many of you have been and have you had any luck? I'm excited to get the season off to a start!  College football is in full swing and deer season has arrived.  This is the most wonderful time of the year!  

 
'Babes, Bullets, & Broadheads' Logo  

I am also excited to announce that I was one of the girls all over the country who got selected for the 'Field Staff' position for the women's outdoor company: Babes, Bulletts, and Broadheads. This awesome company represents/encourages women in the outdoors and our goal is to educate and get more women and children involved in the great outdoors. I'm so excited for this opportunity (and all the free gear I get too!). If you get a chance check out the webiste and if you have a Facebook account 'Like' the page to support us!  We appreciate it! 

Wish you all the best this season! 

 


The Huntress' First Blog
   Me waiting for that big buck
   Me waiting for that Big Buck

Hey y?all! Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Jamie Barnes, I?m 25 years old and yes I am a huntRESS.  When asked to start blogging for Wehuntsc.com I jumped at the chance.  The world needs more huntresses and I was eager to share my outdoor adventures with you all! 

I grew up in Greenville, SC as one of three girls (my poor Dad, bless his heart).  I am considered to be the ?country one,? out of the girls and probably the biggest Clemson fan you will ever meet.  My two sisters are the type who loves clothes, fashion, etc., but for me I prefer to be a little outdoorsy.  I?m not your typical girl.  Sure I love to look cute, wear cute things, etc., but I love nothing more than to be outdoors. Hunting, fishing, being around animals, watching the sun set on a fall evening in the woods, country music, camo,  anything John Deere, my dog, Jimmy Buffett, laughing, and Clemson football/sports are some of my favorite things.

I received my undergrad degree from the best college in the world, Clemson University (Go Tigers!) with a BA in Psychology.  I then tortured myself and went against my religion when I was forced to go to "that other school" in the state to get my Masters degree in Social Work (MSW).  Currently, I am a counselor for kids with mental health issues for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.  

My Dad is the one responsible for giving me my ?love-for-the-outdoors gene?.  He always took me hunting, instead of my sisters, since I was the only one that could be still, be quiet, and took it serious.  I?m thankful he did.  I grew up tagging along with him on his hunting trips and at 5 years old I remember running as fast as my little legs could go, with my tiny fishing pole in hand, trying to catch up with him before he took off in his boat without me to go on one of those ?man fishing trips? with the boys.  On one of my very first hunting trips with my Dad on our hunting land in Laurens County, I was about 7 years old and a small fawn came out at the edge of the field.  It looked so big to me and I begged, literally begged, my Dad to shoot it.  I kept whispering, ?Shoot it Daddy, shoot it!?  We still laugh about this to this day. 
 
My First Deer  
   
I started using a gun in 2004 and killed my first doe in October of that month on our land.  Since I started using a gun for the first time I still hunted with my Dad at this point and let me tell ya, he was more excited than mewhen that doe dropped right where I shot her.  She came out about 100 yards to my right with some other does.  She  was the biggest one of the bunch so I put my rifle (30-30 Marlin at that time) on her as my Dad kept saying, ?Okay, just take your time, and just squeeze the trig-? BAM! I shot her before he even finished his sentence.She just fell right over and that?s when my obsession really began.  
 
I started hunting by myself after that and Dad bought me my very first rifle after my first kill: A Remington 7mm .08 and I absolutely love it.  I have killed 10 deer with it since my first doe kill including two bucks.  I have been stalking two ?bid daddy?s? on our land that I hope to kill this season (if I don?t shake so bad I can?t pull the trigger when I see them).  My goal is to kill a bigger buck this season with my new bow I bought myself: A PSE Chaos. This will be my first season bow hunting and I?m looking forward to killing a deer or a wild hog since we are being overrun with hogs, unfortunately.  I enjoy turkey, dove, duck, and coyote hunting but nothing compares to my love for deer hunting.  Being in a deer stand sitting close to God on a fall night as the sunsets is one of the greatest pleasures in life.  I?m counting down the days till the season comes in like I?m sure most of you are.
 

  Me and my bow
 
 
My Features/Spotlight:
  • Outdoor Girl of the Month for 'TheLodgeman.com' for the month of May (see below)
  • Contestant for South Carolina in 'Miss Huntress USA 2011'
  • Featured in the 2011 'Backwoods Barbie Clothing' Calendar (see below)
  • Featured in the upcoming 2012 'Wilderness Babe Productions' calendar 
  • Blogger for 'Huntressworld.com'
 
Please check out the following links featuring me:
I look forward to sharing my adventures with y?all and I?m honored to have this opportunity. Happy Hunting!!
 
 

Jamie

 

 


A Few Good Books

For those of us who love to read, there are a few good books that help shape our lives.  When I come across a book that I truly love, I am not one to read it once and set it aside.  I like the familiarity of a book that I've come back to time and time again over the years.  It doesn't matter to me that I know how the book ends, because it's not the destination that matters... it's the journey itself that gives me joy.

There is no book that I've read from cover to cover more than Robert Ruark's classic The Old Man and the Boy.  If you're a sportsman and a reader and have not read this book, then you really need to drop everything and go get a copy.  The choices that Ruark made in his life were often tragic, and he died far too early, but the glimpses of his early life that he gives us in this book (and, to a lesser degree, in The Old Man's Boy Grows Older) are nothing short of magic.  No outdoor writer before or since has come close to giving us the gift that Ruark gave us when he wrote this book.  I make sure to read the original book once a year, and I read Grows Older once every two or three years.

I also hold his book Horn of the Hunter in high esteem, since it deals with African safari, which is another passion of mine.  In this book, Ruark gives us the details of his first safari in brutal honesty, from the highs to the lows.  Though not nearly as good as his Old Man books, Horn gives us a glimpse of the man that Ruark became, and his love for Africa shows through in every page.

When it comes to more modern books, Joe Hutto's Illumination in the Flatwoods provides an absolutely facinating look at the wild turkey.  In this book, Hutto comes into possession of a clutch of turkey eggs, which he incubates and hatches, and then joins their "family", walking with them in the woods and even roosting with them on occasion.  A must-read for turkey hunters.

For Christian men, I have to recommend the books of John Eldredge; particularly Wild at Heart.  Eldredge and his books have literally changed my life, showing me how to live with an understanding of what Christianity really means and what it is to live in what he calls the "larger story."  In 2008 I attended Eldredge's "Wild at Heart Boot Camp" in the mountains of Colorado, and although I was sick for most of the weekend, I went away from the conference with a different outlook on my spirituality.

Finally,

 

 


Evan Peterson to blog with WeHuntSC.com

The WeHuntSC.com crew is excited to announce that Evan Peterson will be blogging on WeHuntSC.com! Evan hails out of Blythewood, SC and is very passionate about the outdoors and hunting.  Evan is an aspiring outdoor TV show host and is very connected in the industry.  

We recently met with Evan and from speaking with him one can feel the energy and motivation he has towards hunting and the outdoors. We look forward to the good hunting stories, experiences, and videos that Evan will bring to the site in the coming hunting seasons.  Join us as we welcome Evan to the site and to the blogging crew.

Regards,

Clint


3 Seventeen
This blog entry has nothing to do with hunting or the outdoors! If you don?t like football or good documentaries then don?t read further!
 
    WeHuntSC.com - Yellow Cape Communications
   
If you remember my blog entry about our state championship bid this past season then you?re already aware of what happened in early December in the 2010 SC AA football state championship game.  What you may not have been aware of though, is that my friend Jason Fararooei of Yellow Cape Communications was also at the game and was making a documentary of the weekend, the game, and the overall experience.  It?s been a couple months since the game and the documentary has been completed for a while too. We wanted to wait until the team received their championship rings at the banquet to premier the documentary. For this reason we?ve kept everything ?undercover? until now.  We?ve had to fight some of the guys wanting to see it off, but it was worth the wait as you will see below.  
 
Jason and his team at Yellow Cape Communications created one of the best pieces I?ve ever seen? a very emotional short film that gives a realistic glimpse into the core of Eagles? program.  What?s impressive is that Jason, an outsider to the program, was able to pick up on, and reproduce in video, all the passion and emotion that is woven into the fabric of one of the most successful football programs in the state.  Everyone wants to know what the ?x-factor? is or what the ?secret? to our continued success has been for the past 35 + years, and, from this video it?s easy to see what the difference is?.love!  
 
Give the documentary a look and let me know what you think
 
 
The video says a lot about the program and our recent state championship run.  However, what the video did not allude to (and purposely so) was that the Eagles have averaged 10 wins a year for the past 35 years in a row!  That is pretty impressive considering that we?ve had one losing season in school history.  The video also did not mention the fact that because of budget cuts our head coach?s salary got cut to $10,000 and that, in one of the best examples of servant-leadership I?ve ever seen, he stayed on to coach the team anyway.  It did not mention the numerous state championships, upper state championships, conference championships, former collegiate, NFL, Canadian, & European players that the program has produced over the years.  It did not mention the numerous volunteer coaches who show up every day at practice and on the weekends throughout the season to give their time and talents to the youth of our community.  It did not mention that the same core of coaches has remained since the school was built. It did not mention the family atmosphere and environment that is created by the coaching staff that brings the best of the players.  
 
The result of all of this is seen in stats that can be measured in wins and losses, but there are many more intangibles that can?t be measured that the program has also been producing over the years such as teaching young men how to be men, how to love, and what good character means.  These facets of the program are not seen by many fans, not written about by sportswriters or critics, and they can?t be measured, but they exist?just ask anyone who?s played football for the Eagles.
 
All of this information was purposely left out because Yellow Cape Communications is pursuing a larger documentary on the Central High School Eagle football program.  If you are interested in supporting, partnering with, or seek more information about the larger documentary then contact Jason Fararooei of Yellow Cape Communications.  
 
You can also find more information at YellowCapeCommunications.com/Eagles 
 
Regards,
 
Clint

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