One of the most revolutionary and creative designs belongs to Mossberg with its FLEX Toolless Locking System (TLS). The whole point of the FLEX TLS is to give shooters the ultimate customization ability for their guns. It’s a series of 3 (patent-pending) connectors that allow shooters to adjust or swap out the stock, forend, and recoil pad without any tools.
FLEX TLS gives each shooter the ability to customize their gun for an endless amount of shooting applications. For example, if you want a light, laser, and optic for SWAT or military use, you can simply change the standard forend to the FLEX Tri-Rail.
The FLEX TLS can swap out stocks for an overall shorter shotgun/rifle and you can change the recoil pad to your desired length. The FLEX TLS can be used in conjunction with almost every Mossberg created to enhance your capabilities and ensure you are 100% comfortable with every aspect of your gun.
MOSSBERG FLEX TACTICAL TRI-RAIL FOREND
Mossberg has the FLEX TLS incorporated fully into both the 500 and 590 models, but you don’t have to have one of those models to take advantage of the system.
FLEX was designed to be purpose-driven and guide each shooter to find the best combination of parts for their style or purpose of shooting. I can’t recommend a better system to customize your shotgun than the FLEX TLS.
The fact that you don’t need ANY tools and takes minutes to install makes a world of difference for those who value time.
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Mossberg 6-Position Tactical Stock
The 6-Position FLEX Stock will fit any 12/20 gauge tactical series shotgun with no additional tools and installs within a few minutes.
This pistol grip and stock will instantly improve the ergonomics of the gun by providing a tighter grip and adjustable LOP for specific purposes. It even comes with a hook for a sling attachment to avoid carrying your shotgun for long periods.
This specific attachment is compatible with the FLEX 22 Model due to the specifications of that model.
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Mossberg Flex 590 Tactical Shotgun
The Mossberg FLEX 590 Tactical is my favorite of the tactical shotgun because of the incorporated FLEX technology and the 9-shell capacity. The 590 FLEX Tactical Shotgun sets itself apart by its ability to be customized for dozens of applications.
This shotgun is already equipped with the FLEX TLS for quick and easy installation of everything from optics, scopes, lights, and lasers. The FLEX model is lighter, but it’s also about 5-7″ longer than most other tactical models.
The reason for this is to enhance the capabilities and allow shooters to collapse the stock if they want the length shortened.
Pros
Easily customizable
20″ barrel provides a longer range for a bigger area to clear
9-shell capacity is more than enough to get the job done
Tri-Rail system provides a lightweight and stable platform for a multitude of attachments
Features
Ambidextrous safety lever mounted on top
20″ Barrels with Stand-Offs, Muzzlebrakes
Free Gun Lock/10-Year Limited Warranty Included
Why Should I Buy The Mossberg 590 Special Purpose Tactical Shotgun?
The 590 FLEX Tactical Shotgun is perfect for a 3-Gun shooting competition held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). This shotgun is the jack of all trades when it comes to self-defense and military CQB operations.
If you’re in the market for a Tactical shotgun and want to be able to customize the shotgun to fit your exact needs, this is the gun for you. I’m a little biased because this is the tactical shotgun that I own for my personal defense in case I have to defend my family.
I can tell you that this shotgun is smooth, accurate, has a low felt recoil, and works great with a light and a red-dot sight attachment.
“Backyard Air Rifle Shooting: Know the Rules and Regulations. Discover whether shooting an air rifle in your backyard is legal and safe. Get essential guidelines to ensure responsible and enjoyable shooting experiences within the comfort of your own property.”
can i shoot air rifle in my backyard?
Air rifles are a popular choice for recreational shooting and target practice. However, whether or not you can shoot an air rifle in your backyard depends on various factors such as your location, local laws, and safety considerations. Before engaging in any shooting activities in your backyard, it is crucial to research and understand the regulations specific to your area.
In many residential areas, shooting an air rifle in your backyard may be prohibited due to safety concerns. Backyards are typically confined spaces with close proximity to neighboring properties, which can pose risks if projectiles travel beyond the intended target. It is essential to ensure that you have a safe and suitable backstop or bullet trap to prevent any stray pellets from causing harm.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding firearms and shooting activities. Some areas may have restrictions on discharging any type of weapon within city limits or within a certain distance from dwellings. It is always advisable to contact your local law enforcement agency or relevant authorities to obtain accurate information about the legality of shooting an air rifle in your specific location.
In conclusion, shooting an air rifle in your backyard is subject to local laws and regulations. It is important to check with your local authorities to ensure compliance with any restrictions or permissions required. Safety precautions should always be taken, such as using a suitable backdrop and ensuring that the area is clear of people or pets.
When it comes to geese and duck hunting, the gun gets a lot of attention. Many people believe that having a successful season depends on whether or not you have the right gun. But surprisingly what affects the success of your shot is the choke. As a result, it is critical to choose the best choke for duck hunting. Use these guidelines to help you choose an appropriate choke for your firearm.
A shotgun choke is a narrowing or constriction that is present in the barrel that is usually a few inches from the muzzle. Every shotgun barrel has a choke or constriction that is either manufactured into the barrel, screwed in, or detachable.
When a shell is fired, it goes down the barrel, and the choke’s duty is to compress or constrict it before it leaves. This compression plays an important role in the patterning of the shot.
There are three types of choke tubes:
Full Choke
Modified Choke
Improved Cylinder Choke
Full Chokes
The constriction of a full choke is very tight. This choke is useful for rodents, turkeys, and other wildlife shot at 50-yard and longer distances since the shot holds together further.
Modified Chokes
The constriction in the modified choke is moderate. The bullets stay together for longer, resulting in a fuller shot string that is more helpful at longer distances. This choke is frequently utilized for duck hunting and geese hunting. Improved modified chokes are a significantly tighter version of the modified choke.
Improved Cylinder Chokes
A minor constriction exists in the improved cylinder choke. This choke helps gunshots spread rapidly. It is usually used for shooting at close ranges. It is a great option for small birds, rabbits, and other highland animals.
Whether you’re a waterfowler or a duck hunter, your goal is twofold: first, you must determine how far away the bird is when you’re firing and then choose the choke tube that produces the best pattern at that range. The only way of knowing what your choke will do while outdoors is to test it with your firearm and ammunition.
Notches on Choke Tubes
Credit: The Yorkshire Gent
Most choke tubes have notches on them. These are not accidental. The number of notches reflects how much constraint the choke provides; the more notches, the more constraint, and the more constraint the choke provides, the greater the distance of your shot pattern. However, not all chokes are made equal, and various ammunition will react differently, so it’s always a good idea to pattern your shotgun before going out hunting with it.
List of Best Chokes for Duck and Goose Hunting
Here are the best chokes for duck and goose hunting:
1) Fatal Shot Choke Tube by MOJO Outdoors
The MOJO Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke Tube is suitable for a wide range of shotguns and was developed after years of data and testing of shot patterns. It even runs different ammunition and cartridge varieties. This makes it the ideal choke tube for target sports and duck hunting. The choke is available in three lengths and has a screwless setup, allowing you to change it out as required in the field.
2) CARLSON’S 12 Gauge Choke Tube
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Choke Tube is made for goose hunting at long-range distances and gives results similar to a full choke. The internal rings present slow the bullet down, allowing the shot to divide as it leaves the muzzle. If you’re looking for a complete package, this is the choke tube to have.
3) CARLSON’S Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington
Another one from Carlson’s, this choke tube is typically recognized as one of the best and most precise designs available for turkeys. Turkeys and other birds don’t always fly in regular patterns, and they don’t always remain close, so this waterfowl choke tube comes in handy when you’re out in the woods. This can survive even the harshest weather during hunting season, thanks to its stainless steel metal body.
4) Primos TSS Turkey Choke Tube
The Primos TSS Choke Tube is a great choke for turkey hunting. The unique design offers a lengthier, more progressive taper, resulting in thick shot patterns that constrict more consistently. As a result, you get more shots. The choke is compatible with all Benneli, Remington, and Invector shotguns.
How do You Clean a Choke Tube?
Credit: Rifleshooter
A rusted-in tube is costly to remove, and it’s frequently impossible to do so without damaging the choke and maybe the chamber. Take out the choke tube at the end of each season and whenever the gun gets wet, dry it, scrub the threading on the barrel and tube, apply a dab of grease to the threads, and reinstall the choke tube in the gun. A fresh or rethreaded cylinder costs a lot more than a little grease and sweat.
What Kind of Shots Should You Shoot With Your Choke Tube?
Credit: Richard Faulks
This is entirely reliant on the choke tube’s capacity. Some choke tubes can be used with almost any shot. Other choke tubes will only allow to shoot with a lead or steel shot. Before patterning your shotgun with a certain type of shot, read the instructions on your choke tube carefully.
Summary
Because the most acceptable contact range for ducks or geese is 40 yards or less, the ideal choke for duck or goose hunting is an improved cylinder choke. If you’re going to shoot ducks or geese from a greater distance, a modified choke is the way to go.
Do you want to improve your shooting skills during hunting season? Practicing on shooting targets is the greatest way to do it. Introducing EasyShot: your best bet to improving your shot. Check us out today.
Field Labrador is another way to describe a working, or American-type, Labrador. The term field Labrador is used because these Labs are most often seen out working in the field on a hunt. And that’s where this type of Labrador is bred to excel. The better known name American Lab is used because they were developed in the United States. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t meet them in other areas of the world today, or that every Lab you meet in America is necessarily American-type!
Field Labs are taller and longer than English, or show-type, Labs. Some field Labs and their owners take part in field trials, and earn championship titles which can be included on their pedigree.
There is only one Labrador Retriever breed. But selective mating choices in different breeding lines have gradually created two distinct types of Lab. This is frequently confusing for prospective owners researching their first Lab. Not least because each type of Lab is known by multiple names! The two Labrador types are:
English Labradors, also known as show Labradors, or bench Labradors (after the show bench)
and American Labradors, also known as working Labradors, or field Labradors.
How Does A Field Lab Compare To A Show Lab?
So how can you tell a American-type field Lab and an English-type show Lab apart? Well, there are tell tale differences in the way they look, and also in their temperaments. They can seem subtle at first, but if you’re lucky enough to meet a lot of Labs, you’ll soon discover that you can tell them apart quickly – like meeting human twins.
Field Labrador Looks
Field Labs are taller, longer, leaner, and more athletic looking than show Labs. Front-ways on, their face and neck tend to look more slender and elongated. Of course, these things are all relative, and the field Lab is still a robust and sturdy looking dog! At the back, working lines are increasingly losing the classic Labrador otter tail too, in favor of a much slimmer tail.
By comparison, show Labs are bred to exemplify the physical description in the breed standard, which is shorter, stockier, and still in possession of a wide-based otter tail. The field Lab’s drift in appearance from the breed standard is an indirect result of basing mating decisions primarily on working ability rather than looks. But field Labs which don’t perfectly match the physical description in the breed standard are still purebred Labs, if they have the pedigree to prove it.
Field Labrador Temperament
All Labs are energetic, but field Labs have more stamina than show Labs, and need more daily exercise. Field Lab owners also tend to believe that their dogs are smarter than show Labs, and quicker to learn new commands. They usually have greater confidence working at a distance from their handler. People looking for working Labs value these qualities when it comes to long days retrieving on game shoots. But outside of a working context they can also make field Labs seem stubborn compared to show Labradors. But it’s simply that they find making their own decisions rather rewarding!
Field Lab owners have to make more effort to be sufficiently fun, stimulating and rewarding, that their dog will always be more interested in looking to them for cues, than making up their own mind about what to do next. Which is why many people think that modern field Labs are great working dogs, but the comparatively sedate modern show Lab makes a better family pet.
Field Labs And Field Trials
Field Labs are smart, enthusiastic and tireless. Even if they’re not going to work in the traditional sense, most owners participate in agility, scentwork, and retrieving activities with their field Lab. These give them an outlet for their energy and ability.
One of the most popular activities for working field Labs and amateur field Labs alike are field trials. Field trials replicate all the requirements of a day out on a hunt – following commands from a distance, and completing retrieves on land and from water, under different levels of distraction. They’re co-ordinated and judged by kennel clubs. Dogs who enjoy success in several field trials can earn titles to include alongside their name on the kennel club’s pedigree record.
U.S. Field Labrador Titles
U.S. field Labrador titles are awarded by the American Kennel Club (AKC). There are two possible titles to work towards: Field Champion and Amateur Field Trial Champion. Labs with these titles can have the prefix FC or AFC placed before their name on their pedigree.
U.K. Field Labrador Titles
In the UK the only field trial title is Field Trial Champion. Dogs with field trial champion status can have the letters FTCh placed by their name on their Kennel Club pedigree. In theory, it’s also possible for working Labs in the U.K. to hold the title of Dual Champion (DC). This is automatically awarded to dogs who achieve both Field Trial Champion and Show Champion Titles. However, the difference between field- and show-type Labradors is now so great that it’s been many decades since one held the title of Dual Champion.
Alternatives To The U.K. Field Trial Champion Title
If you’re looking for a litter of working Labs in the U.K., you might also come across dogs described as FTW. This stands for Field Trial Winner. It’s not an official title, but it indicates that a dog has completed some of the milestones on the way to becoming a Field Trial Champion.
UK field Labs can also take part in gundog working tests organized by The Gundog Club. These graded tests are a fun way for working and non-working Labs to develop the skills they were bred for and have fun together. Certificates from these tests aren’t entered on a dog’s pedigree. But they’re an enjoyable entry point to field trials for people with Labradors from working lines.
Australian Field Labrador Titles
In Australia, the field Labrador titles are Novice Retrieving Ability, and Open Retriever Ability. These titles are earned by completing the relevant Retrieving Ability Test For Gundogs, administered by the Australian National Kennel Council.
The Significance Of Field Labrador Titles
Field titles are an indicator of excellent field work in retriever breeds. Labradors don’t have to be field Labs to secure them – English or show type Labs can work towards them too. The judging criteria are intended to cover innate qualities of well-bred working retrievers, and learned abilities of well trained dogs and accomplished handlers.
If you’re looking for a field Labrador because you want to work with them, or participate in field trials yourself, then looking for litters with field trial champion parents is a good way to set yourself up for success. Even as an amateur, if you catch the field trial bug, putting yourself forward for titles is a fun way to challenge yourself and celebrate you and your Lab’s progress. But it doesn’t matter if you ultimately choose to enjoy the training, but forego the assessments.
Earning Field Labrador Titles
If field trials are something you’re interested in doing with your Lab, visit your regional kennel club website and look for local events to attend as a spectator first.
Organisers are usually happy and enthusiastic to show you what they’re all about and encourage new people to get involved! Kennel Clubs also run training courses to prepare new competitors for what to expect. Don’t forget that in the U.K. the Gundog Club is also a great place to start learning these skills. Your trainer will help you judge when you’re ready to start entering field trials.
Field Labradors – Summary
Field Labrador is simply another term for an American or working type Lab. Unsurprisingly, field Labs are best known for their field work, but field Labs and show Labs can both participate in gundog training, and both compete for field titles. These activities are fun ways to engage a Labrador in the kind of work he was bred for. He gets the satisfaction of doing what he was meant to do, and you get the pleasure of watching him at his finest!
Do You Have A Field Labrador?
Do they hold any field titles, or have you considered working towards them? Let us know in the comments box down below!
In essence, most cuts of meat from a wild hog are good, which makes it difficult to pick the best.
Much of the decision comes down to what you want to eat. The flavor profile is the same through most cuts, and it’s primarily textural differences that make one cut stand out above another.
Some cuts are more suited to specific tasks, like a backstrap is most suitable for jager schnitzel.
However, if I could only choose 6 cuts, these would be my choices:
Tenderloin
The tenderloin is the king of all cuts across a range of large animals, and this is no different for wild hogs.
Arguably the only cut better than the tenderloin is the fillet mignon, which of course, is actually part of the tenderloin.
However, for wild boar, I like to use the whole tenderloin.
Wild boar tenderloins are not very large but what the lack in size they make up for in texture and taste.
They are a very versatile cut of meat that can be roasted, grilled, fried, or smoked.
My favorite recipes with wild hog tenderloin are stirfry and roasted.
Because the tenderloins are not very large and extremely tender, they cook fast.
Backstrap/Loin
If the tenderloin is the best cut of meat from a wild hog, the backstrap has to be the second best.
The backstrap or loin is the long muscle that runs along the top of the back.
If you were to divide the top of a wild hog into four, it would go top of the head, blade, shoulder, loin, then leg.
The loin would be second on the scale of tenderness, only second to the tenderloin.
However, unlike venison backstrap, wild boar loin tends to be a little drier, which also makes it a little more challenging to cook.
For this reason, I recommend using a good brine if you are baking or roasting.
If you are confident in your cooking skills you can also use a marinade to add flavor and tenderize the meat a little more.
There are a plethora of dishes that you can make with wild boar loin, which is why it is on our list of best cuts.
One of my favorite dishes is a simple German dish, wild boar Jagerschnitzel.
This dish is simple to make, the meat does not dry out, and it’s tasty.
Ribs
This may be an unpopular opinion simply because of the work involved, but if you are not afraid of a little work to get some of the best flavors any wild game has to offer, then you could easily move wild boar ribs to the top of the list.
Earlier I said most cuts of wild boar meat taste the same, and the main difference is the texture and versatility; well, ribs change all that.
They are only moderately versatile but probably the most flavorful cut of meat from wild hogs.
The downside is there is a lot of work in preparing them, and there is not much meat.
Unlike your regular pork ribs, wild hog ribs have much more membrane, which is also tougher, and a lot of silver skin to contend with.
I like to treat them similarly to shanks; I sear them on the grill to get a nice char, after which I continue with whatever recipe, such as smoking, barbecuing, or simply baking.
Shank
Yet another controversial cut, the shank, makes it to the top of my list. Just like the ribs, most people aren’t willing to put in the effort for shanks, which is a shame because they really are one of the best cuts of meat.
Like the ribs, the shanks are very flavorful. Also, like the ribs, they are covered in silver skin and membrane.
The shank is an extremely tough cut of meat, but with the right approach can be turned into very tender meat.
A classic shank dish is osso buco, which is not traditionally made with wild boar, but forgive me if I say I prefer it to venison osso buco.
Another way to get fall-apart tender meat is in the pressure cooker, and you could use my venison recipe to make pulled shank tacos.
Whatever you choose to make, give it time, and you will not regret eating wild boar shanks.
Boston Butt
Another choice cut of wild hog that may not get as much love as it should is the Boston butt.
The name may be confusing because this cut of meat comes from the shoulder.
The Boston butt is from the higher part of the shoulder, above the picnic shoulder.
This is one of the best cuts for pulled wild hog. The Boston butt is typically well-marbled and tender due to its limited activity.
This cut can be used in many different ways. I have sliced and grilled it, made sausages and burgers, and made pulled pork from it.
One thing worth remembering is that it is a little on the fatty side, and most people find the taste of pork fat unpleasant.
In pulled pork, the taste may be unnoticeable, but for other dishes, you may want to cut the fat out unless you have a smaller hog.
Ham
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning ham. Wild hog ham is just as good if not better than pork ham.
I know this may be hard to believe, given that pork ham has all that juicy fat to add flavor.
The difference is when it comes to smoking. The flavor of wild hog works so much better with smoking than pork.
With a simple wet brine and your favorite wood for smoking, you can turn a wild hog ham into a masterpiece that will impress the fussiest of your friends.
Final Thoughts
Like most people, it’s difficult for me to choose my favorite one of anything. I’d rather have them all.
Choosing the best cut depends greatly on your skill level and what cooking methods you have access to.
If I had to choose one cut from the list as my favorite, I would probably opt for the ribs. They have so much flavor, better than any beef or pork ribs you have ever tried.
Also, it has a muzzle brake at the tip hence you have more leverage added to your hands when cocking.
Black Ops Tactical Sniper Stock
This gun is made of synthetic material.
Unlike wood stock which is heavy and easily affected by outside conditions, the synthetic stock is much lighter and is durable in any weather condition.
Therefore, the synthetic stock is a great choice for shooters hunting in the fields or for gunners who don’t want to bother with stock preservation.
The maximum velocity is 1250 FPS (Feet per second).
Since the speed of sound is 1100 FPS (may vary with different temperatures and altitudes), this gun provides supersonic velocity and belongs to the magnum class of air rifle.
With this jaw-dropping power, small animals and pests like squirrels, groundhogs, rabbits, crows, magpies, etc don’t stand a chance.
You can finish those annoying critters in 1 clean shot.
For Black Ops Tactical Sniper air rifle, various shooting tests have been conducted from various shooters with positive results.
The common shooting groups are:
0.2” at 10 meters,
dime sized group at 55 feet,
and 2” at 75 yards.
This gun is exceptionally accurate up to 75 yards.
Black Ops Tactical Sniper Sight
This gun doesn’t have any traditional open sight.
Instead, the manufacture put the 4×32 scope on it for best shooting precision.
32 is the diameter of the objective lens (the front lens), measured in millimeters.
4 is the magnification ability of the scope.
It magnifies the picture 4 times when you look through it than when you look with your own eyes.
The 4×32 scope has a crosshair so you can see clearer, aim better, and shoot more accurately at long distances.
The optic rail is made in a Picatinny style.
A Picatinny rail is almost identical to the weaver rail, except that it has a series of ridges located at precise intervals along the rail.
The Picatinny rail gives you a lot of benefits.
First, you have more mounting options.
Second, you can swap the scope from one gun to another and use the different scopes on the same gun as well.
Last but not least, no more worrying about eye relief, tube length, etc because you can mount the scope at any place that you want.
In conclusion, Picatinny rail is the handiest and flexible of all optic rails.
Noise
This is a supersonic gun that makes a loud crack sound because it breaks the sound barrier,
If you want a quiet shooting session, I recommend you use heavy pellet-like RWS 8.3 grain
Since a heavy pellet goes subsonic and only makes a small sound.
Shooting range and intended use
The effective shooting range for this gun is up to 75 yards.
It is suggested for plinking, target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting.
If you’re an avid trout fisherman, you’ve probably wondered if you can eat trout raw. Saltwater fishermen talk all the time about catching Spanish mackerel or tuna and eating right on the boat. But saltwater fish and freshwater fish live in very different environments. So can you eat trout raw?
The quick answer is that yes, you can eat trout raw if you’re desperate – but otherwise, you should not. It’s not recommended and could be bad for your health. Freshwater fish (including trout) have a higher chance of carrying parasites that could harm you.
On the other hand, saltwater fish are less likely to have harmful parasites in them – and are safer to eat raw. But even then you can still get very ill from eating any type of raw fish.
But what are your other options then? What are the best ways to prepare trout if you’re camping and if you do have to eat trout raw (like if you’re trying to survive without a fire), how would you go about doing it as safely possible?
We’ll answer all these questions and more in this article. Let’s get to it!
Before we get into what you should do if you absolutely have to eat trout raw as well as ways to prepare trout you’ve just caught, let’s go into a bit more detail as to why you cannot eat trout raw.
Author Note: With any raw fish, you run the risk of picking up any parasites that might be living in its meat. These parasites could be tapeworms, lung fluke, or other digestive bugs that will cause you serious harm if transferred to your digestive system.
As we mentioned earlier, saltwater fish don’t have nearly as many parasites that survive in human bodies and are there for less risky to ingest raw. That being said, health experts recommend you freeze all raw fish (saltwater included) at -4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 7 days to kill any parasites that might be living in them.
This is the standard that sushi restaurants live by and applies to all raw fish.
Can Trout Be Eaten as Sashimi?
Sashimi is small pieces of raw fish – so aligning with our previous answer, you should not eat trout as sashimi. It’s still raw and can harm you for all the same reasons you shouldn’t eat trout raw.
Just because it has a fancy name does not make it any different from eating plain raw trout!
What to Do If You Have to Eat Trout Raw
Now that you know you should not be eating trout raw unless you need to to survive, let’s go over the things you try and do before eating it. It’s worth noting that we are NOT medical experts so if you do take our advice we are not liable for your health.
The first thing you should do is make absolutely sure you have no way to start a fire to cook the trout. Can you use friction to start a fire with two sticks?
Do you have a lighter somewhere on you or someone in your party that you may have forgotten about? Be absolutely sure you can not start a fire before proceeding.
After you’ve checked that, you should focus on cleaning the fish properly and quickly. You’ll want to eat the trout as quickly as possible after you catch it to ensure it doesn’t go bad.
The longer you wait after it is dead the more time bacteria have to grow on it and cause you harm.
How to Clean a Trout
Once you’ve caught a trout (maybe with a bobber setup or using a stick to spearfish) that you want to eat, you should immediately cut its gills to let it bleed out.
This will preserve the flavor of the meat and remove some of the stronger flavors in the blood.
Author Note: After cutting the gills you should clean it as soon as possible. Here’s how to clean a trout. The process is similar for all species of trout, whether it’s a rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, or lake trout.
Instructions
The first step in cleaning the trout is to make sure you have a sharp knife. Considering you’re in survival mode, even a pocket knife will work fine. If you don’t have a knife. We recommend finding a sharp rock and trying to follow these steps.
Begin by cutting down the trout’s belly starting from the anal fins up to the pelvic fins and the beginning of the collar. We like resting the fish on a big rock to get leverage.
Next, reach up inside the trout and pull out the innards. You may need to use both hands to pull them loose if they are stuck to the rib cage.
Wash away the blood and extra gut from your rock then cut through the collar and remove the head.
Next, it’s time to cut out your fillets. Make a cut across the end of the tail on both sides. Then connect the cut your already made on the belly to the end of the tail.
Make a cut from the top of the backbone starting at the collar and going all the way down to the tail. Move your blade all the way down the spine while cutting through the skeletal bones.
You can then use your knife to cut away the fillet from the collar of the trout.
The last step is to remove as many of the pin bones as you can with your fingernails. This step can be time-consuming but will give you bone-free fish.
The last step is to inspect the meat for any visible parasites or worms. They should be relatively obvious. If you see something weird, don’t eat that part of the fish or try and catch another one.
How to Cook Trout Properly
Luckily you will find yourself in this situation instead of the above. You’ve caught a trout while camping and you are ready to prepare it over a fire! This is a much safer option than eating trout raw. Let’s go over how to cook trout properly while camping.
Instructions
First, you should follow the above steps we laid out for cleaning the trout properly. This will ensure you avoid eating bones (which can be dangerous) and will make the trout taste better. Bleed the fish first then remove the guts. If you brought any seasoning with you (salt, pepper, etc.) this is when you should add it.
After cleaning the raw trout, find a long thin stick with a tip you can sharpen with your knife. This is going to be the skewer that you will use to hold the trout fillets over your campfire.
Slide each filet onto the stick. If you don’t have enough room on your stick, you should find another stick and sharpen it so you have two skewers. Make sure the skewer holds the filet flat and maximizes its surface area. This will help the fish cook quickly and evenly.
Once you build your fire, wait until the big flames have died down. This is the most common mistake when cooking trout while camping – you don’t want to cook it over open flames! You can, but it will impart a bad tasting charcoal flavor from the smoke.
Once the big flames have died out, push the logs apart so the coals are exposed. This is where you are going to cook your trout.
Hold the trout filets over the coals to cook them. You should start smelling cooked fish. Pay attention to the surface of the meat as well – you don’t want it turning black or burning.
The best way to tell if the trout is done is to feel it. If it is firm like the muscle of your thumb and index finger, it’s done.
What Kind of Trout Tastes Best?
Author Note: We also get this question all the time, and the answer is that it depends on your personal preference! Smaller species of trout like rainbow trout and brook trout tend to have firmer meat – like bass or pike. They also tend to taste like perch or other small predatory fish.
Larger species like lake trout tend to be softer and oilier. This is because they don’t have to work as hard to find food and have a higher fat percentage in their meat. If it was up to us, we would eat rainbow trout and steelhead the most.
We think they have the best texter and a mild flavor that tastes great with very little seasoning. Steelhead are a unique type of trout in that they can be caught year-round – even in the winter.
But if you’re in survival mode and purely eating the trout because you need sustenance, you probably won’t care what kind it is or what it tastes like. Hopefully, you don’t find yourself in that situation!
Parting Thoughts
We’ve been camping many times, and inevitably someone asks can you eat trout raw? It might be tempting at first – how much more fresh could the fish get? But as you now know eating trout raw can be dangerous to your health and should be avoided at all costs.
If you do have to eat trout raw, you should make sure to clean it properly first. Hopefully, you’ll have the resources to start a fire and avoid eating it raw.
We hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have additional comments or thoughts about eating trout raw, feel free to shoot us a note in the comments below.
Many wing-shooters, especially those with years of hunting experience, would likely share the story of harvesting a banded bird as one of hunting’s greatest memories. Some hunters might pursue doves, ducks, or other game birds their entire lives without ever holding an aluminum leg band in their hands. Still, others may be fortunate enough to have a lanyard covered with these trophies. In addition to becoming prized possessions, bands serve an important role by providing a wealth of information about the birds that wear them and the hunters who pursue them.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has actively banded migratory birds through-out its history. Most of them are game birds that are important to Mississippi hunters, such as wood ducks, mourning doves, and mallards. Banding helps to understand things such as how long a bird lives, how many birds are harvested, and migration and dispersal patterns. The data helps the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies like MDWFP develop sound hunting regulations and gain useful information to improve management.
How Banding Works
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) provides all per-mitted banders with numbered bands of the correct size for the species they intend to band. All are inscribed with contact information for reporting the band. Depending on the age of the band, this could be a telephone number, mailing address, website address, or a combination of these (most of the currently used bands include the website www.reportband.gov). In addition to the reporting information, each band also has a unique band identification number. When biologists place one of these small aluminum bands on a captured bird’s leg, they record the band number, bird species, age, sex, and the location and date of banding. All of the banding data are provided to the BBL, which enters it into a central database. This central database holds all of the information from every bird banded by a permitted bander.
When banded (or “marked”) birds are released, they become potential data sources to be collected by hunters or birdwatchers who might encounter them. Biologists sometimes use other marking methods in addition to the standard aluminum leg band. Other common markers include neck collars, nasal markers, dyes, colored leg bands, web tags, radio (or satellite) transmitters, and wing markers. Sometimes ducks or doves can have two bands, one of which could be a reward band. The USFWS began using reward bands decades ago to encourage hunters to report the bands they recovered. Original reward bands were worth $2, but now some of them are worth as much as $100. Reward bands are now used to determine the rate hunters report bands, which helps the USFWS and state agencies estimate harvest rates.
Waterfowl Banding
Hunters know that waterfowl are highly mobile and wide-ranging. Similarly, band-ing efforts are distributed widely across the continent and throughout the year in an attempt to mark a representative sample of the wild population. Most banded waterfowl harvested by hunters are banded during the late summer period while on or near the breeding grounds of the U.S. and Canadian prairies. MDWFP assists with these efforts through membership in the Mississippi Flyway Council, which provides funding and staffing to accomplish banding goals annually in southern Canada.
Banding waterfowl during late summer allows biologists to identify places where ducks nest and their migratory routes to the wintering grounds. For instance, a mallard identified as a newly hatched male (known as a Hatch Year Male) and banded on a prairie wetland in Saskatchewan in early August could be harvested by a hunter in the flooded timber of O’Keefe WMA in the Mississippi Delta in late January. If the hunter reports the band to the BBL, then the harvest data is recorded and can be paired with the banding location information. Through many years of hunter co-operation in data reporting, MDWFP has learned that portions of Saskatchewan are extremely important to Mississippi water-fowl hunters, as these areas produce many of the ducks harvested in the state. Knowing which areas contribute large numbers of ducks to Mississippi allows MDWFP to allocate funding annually from the sale of state waterfowl stamps to conserve waterfowl breeding habitat in Saskatchewan. This targeted habitat delivery, funded by Mississippi waterfowl hunters, helps to ensure harvestable populations for the future.
In some years, MDWFP and USFWS band waterfowl during winter to maintain further sustainable waterfowl populations. MDW-FP biologists and partners have banded approximately 13,000 mallards in Mississippi since 1949. The peak of MDWFP winter banding occurred during the 1970s and into the 1980s. Winter banding helps to understand better how vulnerable waterfowl are during winter, and thus determine their survival rate during the wintering period (and hunting season). For instance, if survival of these winter-banded birds is low, that can suggest there is not enough high-quality waterfowl habitat in the Mississippi Delta. Also, capturing mallards on the breeding grounds that were banded in Mississippi during the previous winter helps pinpoint key waterfowl breeding areas and populations important to hunters.
Resident Wood Duck Banding
There is no doubt that wood duck banding is extremely important to Mississippi hunters. The state’s swamps and bottom-land hardwood forests produce many wood ducks, but, until recently, it was not known how much hunting pressure this important resource could sustain. During the busy months of July-September, MDWFP biologists, WMA managers, and conservation officers worked diligently to band wood ducks on WMAs and private lands throughout the state. In 2008, this hard work was rewarded.
After many years of data collection, analysis, and cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Flyway states (including Mississippi) received approval to allow an extra wood duck in each state’s daily bag limit. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks took advantage of this opportunity and increased the wood duck daily bag limit from two to three birds per hunter. This was great news to Mississippi duck hunters in general, as this species is usually near the top of the statewide harvest every year. For areas outside of the Mississippi Delta region of the state, this increase in the wood duck bag limit was extremely important.
Resident Mourning Dove Banding
Mourning dove banding also occurs statewide during the summer months. MDWFP biologists attract birds to open areas with repeated feedings. After the birds become used to finding grain in the area, funnel traps are placed over the top of the food source. Each trap, made out of wire mesh, has two entrances that open inward, and once the birds are inside, the hole narrows so they can’t escape. Biologists record data, band the birds, and release them immediately.
Hunters should inspect harvested doves closely to check for leg bands. Those fortunate enough to harvest banded doves are strongly encouraged to report the information by visiting the website on the band. Similar to waterfowl banding, the data collected from doves banded in Mississippi (i.e., age and sex of the bird and site of banding) helps track when they move and where there go. It also provides estimates of survival and harvest rates. This information then allows MDWFP to improve dove management in Mississippi.
The information obtained by band reporting is critical to maintaining harvestable populations of waterfowl and mourning doves and improving their habitat in Mississippi and throughout North America. The next time you share a hunt with someone on a dove field or in a duck blind, take time to educate them on the importance of banding and band reporting. For more information on MDWFP’s waterfowl management efforts, visit www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl.
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Houston Havens is MDWFP Waterfowl Program Coordinator.
“Do deer indulge in soybeans? Discover the feeding habits of these graceful creatures. Unveil the truth about whether soybeans are part of their diet or if they prefer other foliage. Explore the intriguing relationship between deer and soybeans as we delve into their dietary preferences.”
Soybeans are a popular food source for deer, especially during the winter months when other vegetation is scarce. The fuzzy bean pods that stay on the plant provide a high-quality food source for deer throughout the winter. These pods contain essential nutrients and proteins that help sustain deer during the harsh winter conditions.
When considering planting soybeans as a food plot for deer, it is important to choose the right variety. Some varieties of soybeans are specifically bred for wildlife consumption and have higher protein content than traditional agricultural varieties. It is also recommended to select soybean seeds that have been inoculated and coated, as this can provide a fast start to planting and increase the chances of successful growth.
In addition to being a nutritious food source, soybeans also offer other benefits for deer management. They can attract and hold deer in specific areas, making them easier to monitor and manage. Soybeans can also be used strategically to create travel corridors or funneling areas, directing deer movement in desired directions.
Overall, soybeans can be an excellent choice for providing deer with a winter feast. Their high nutritional value and ability to attract and hold deer make them a valuable addition to any food plot strategy. By selecting the right variety of soybeans and ensuring proper planting techniques, landowners can help support healthy deer populations during the challenging winter months.
2. “Exploring Deer’s Dietary Preferences: Are Soybeans on the Menu?”
In the article “Exploring Deer’s Dietary Preferences: Are Soybeans on the Menu?” the focus is on understanding whether soybeans are a preferred food source for deer.
One of the main points discussed in the article is the high nutritional value of soybeans. Soybeans are rich in protein, which is essential for deer’s growth and development. They also contain important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which contribute to healthy bone formation. Additionally, soybeans provide a good source of energy for deer, helping them maintain their body condition during harsh winter months.
The article also highlights that soybeans can be an attractive food source for deer due to their palatability. Deer have been observed to readily consume soybean plants and pods when available. This preference may be attributed to the taste and texture of soybeans, making them a desirable option for deer seeking nourishment.
Furthermore, it is mentioned that planting crimson clover alongside soybeans can enhance their appeal to deer. The fuzzy bean pods of crimson clover stay on the plant throughout winter, providing a high-quality food source for deer during this time when other natural food options may be scarce.
Overall, the article emphasizes that incorporating soybeans into food plots can potentially benefit both deer populations and hunters alike by providing a nutritious and appealing food source.
3. “Soybeans as a Nutritional Delight for Deer: What You Need to Know”
Soybeans are an excellent source of nutrition for deer, providing them with essential proteins and carbohydrates. These legumes are highly palatable to deer and can be a great addition to any food plot. One of the key benefits of soybeans is their high protein content, which is crucial for antler growth and overall body condition in deer. By planting soybeans in your food plot, you can ensure that deer have access to a high-quality food source throughout the year.
In addition to their nutritional value, soybeans also offer other advantages for both hunters and deer. The plant’s foliage provides excellent cover for deer, allowing them to feel secure while feeding. This can be especially beneficial during hunting season when deer are more cautious and tend to seek out areas with ample cover. Furthermore, soybeans produce bean pods that remain on the plant even into the winter months. These fuzzy bean pods provide an additional food source for deer during the colder seasons when other vegetation may be scarce.
When considering planting soybeans in your food plot, it is important to choose the right variety and prepare the soil properly. There are several different types of soybean varieties available, each with its own characteristics and maturity dates. It is recommended to select a variety that is specifically bred for wildlife use, as these varieties tend to have higher protein content and better tolerance to browsing by deer. Additionally, preparing the soil by removing weeds and ensuring proper drainage will help promote healthy growth of soybeans.
Overall, incorporating soybeans into your food plot can greatly benefit both hunters and deer alike. The nutritional value they provide, along with the added advantages of cover and extended food availability, make them an excellent choice for attracting and supporting a healthy deer population on your property.
4. “Unveiling the Truth: Do Deer Find Soybeans Irresistible?”
Soybeans have long been considered a popular food source for deer, but do they truly find them irresistible? This question has sparked much debate among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. Some believe that soybeans are highly attractive to deer due to their high protein content and palatability, while others argue that deer may not be as fond of soybeans as previously thought.
One argument in favor of soybeans being irresistible to deer is their nutritional value. Soybeans are known for their high protein content, which is crucial for deer during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. Additionally, soybeans are rich in carbohydrates and fats, providing a valuable energy source for deer. These nutrient-rich qualities make soybeans an appealing food option for deer seeking to meet their dietary needs.
On the other hand, there are factors that suggest deer may not find soybeans as irresistible as believed. One consideration is the availability of alternative food sources. In areas with abundant natural vegetation or other agricultural crops, deer may have a variety of options to choose from. This could potentially reduce their preference for soybeans and lead them to select other available foods instead.
Furthermore, the taste preferences of individual deer can vary. Just like humans have different food preferences, it is possible that some deer simply do not find soybeans as palatable as others do. Factors such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and plant maturity can also influence the taste and quality of soybean plants, potentially impacting their attractiveness to deer.
In conclusion, while soybeans are undoubtedly a nutritious food source for deer due to their high protein content and energy value, whether or not they are truly irresistible remains a subject of debate. The availability of alternative food sources and individual taste preferences may play a role in determining how attractive soybeans are to deer in a particular area. Understanding these factors can help hunters and land managers make informed decisions when planning food plots and managing deer populations.
5. “Discovering Deer’s Palate: The Attraction of Soybeans”
Soybeans have long been recognized as one of the most attractive food sources for deer. These legumes offer a high protein content, making them an excellent choice for promoting antler growth and overall health in deer populations. Additionally, soybeans are highly palatable to deer due to their rich flavor and aroma.
One of the main reasons why soybeans are so appealing to deer is their high energy content. This makes them an ideal food source for deer during the fall and winter months when they need to build up fat reserves to survive the harsh conditions. The high energy provided by soybeans helps deer maintain their body temperature and stay active during these colder periods.
Furthermore, soybeans provide essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are crucial for deer’s overall health and development. These nutrients support muscle growth, bone strength, and reproductive functions in deer populations. By consuming soybeans, deer can enhance their physical condition and increase their chances of survival.
Benefits of Soybean Food Plots for Deer:
– High protein content promotes antler growth
– Rich flavor and aroma make them highly palatable
– High energy content helps deer survive winter conditions
– Essential nutrients support overall health and development
In conclusion, soybeans are a highly attractive food source for deer due to their nutritional value, taste, and energy content. Planting soybean food plots can greatly benefit local deer populations by providing them with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and survival.
6. “Feeding Frenzy or Passé Preference? Examining Deer’s Taste for Soybeans”
Paragraph 1:
Deer have long been known to have a preference for soybeans as a food source. These legumes provide a high protein content that is essential for the growth and development of deer, especially during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. However, recent studies have shown that deer’s taste for soybeans may be changing.
Paragraph 2:
Researchers have found that deer are becoming less inclined to feed on soybeans compared to other available food sources. This change in preference could be due to several factors, including changes in agricultural practices and the availability of alternative food options. As farmers increasingly use genetically modified soybean varieties and herbicides, the taste and nutritional composition of soybeans may have altered, making them less appealing to deer.
List:
– Genetic modification: The use of genetically modified soybean varieties in agriculture has increased over the years. These modifications aim to improve crop yield and resistance to pests and diseases. However, these changes may also affect the taste and nutritional value of soybeans, potentially making them less attractive to deer.
– Herbicide use: Farmers often use herbicides to control weeds in their fields, including those growing alongside soybean plants. While herbicides can effectively eliminate unwanted vegetation, they may also impact the flavor and quality of soybeans. Deer may be able to detect these changes and choose alternative food sources instead.
– Availability of alternative food options: As agricultural practices evolve, other crops such as corn, alfalfa, and clover are being grown alongside or instead of soybeans. These alternative food sources may offer different nutritional profiles or flavors that are more appealing to deer.
Overall, while soybeans have traditionally been a favorite food source for deer, their taste for these legumes may be declining. Understanding the factors influencing deer’s food preferences can help landowners and hunters make informed decisions when planning food plots or hunting strategies.
In conclusion, while deer can and sometimes do eat soybeans, it is not their preferred choice of food. Other crops and plants are more appealing to them, making soybeans a less likely target for deer consumption.
“Exploring Felon Firearm Rights: Air Rifle Ownership in Michigan”
Can a felon own an air rifle in michigan?
In Michigan, the ownership of firearms by felons is heavily regulated. While state law allows for the possession of certain types of firearms by individuals with felony convictions, it remains unclear whether this extends to air rifles. Although an air rifle may not be classified as a firearm under federal law, Michigan statutes do not specifically address whether felons can possess or own such weapons. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with felony convictions in Michigan to seek legal advice or clarification from local authorities regarding the ownership and possession of air rifles.
One potential avenue for felons to legally own an air rifle in Michigan is through obtaining a restoration of their firearm rights. This process involves applying to the court and demonstrating that they have been rehabilitated and are no longer a risk to society. If successful, felons may regain their firearm rights and potentially be allowed to possess an air rifle. However, it is important to note that this process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring the assistance of an attorney familiar with firearm laws in Michigan.
In Michigan, felons are prohibited from owning firearms, including air rifles. State law treats air rifles as firearms, subject to the same restrictions. Therefore, a felon cannot legally own an air rifle in Michigan.
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