MIKE BRAUN Journal lets you pass on a heritage
Want your outdoor adventures to be more than just a pleasing thought in the back of your mind? Looking for a way to pass along the heritage of the hunt to succeeding generations?
A new offering from longtime outdoor publisher Stoeger Publishing will provide you with a way to do just that and in an aesthetic way.
Stoeger's new "The Hunter's Journal" is a nice, lether-bound book that offers a practical and attractive way to record whatever outdoor memory you like.
Termed as a "Diary for Outdoor Experience," the 96-page journal also includes 90 delicate line art images, lined pages for writing and field notes by author Paul Brown.
Needless to say, the journal would also make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift for any outdoorsman or woman -- young or old.
The journal retails for $21.95.
Stoeger is also offering "Shotgunning for Deer" by Dave Henderson.
Henderson delves into shotgun history, selection and use and also describes current technology and innovations in firearms of all types, from slugs to buckshot.
Some of the information covered includes types of slugs, shotgun barrels, the evolution of the shotgun slug, and quirks of high-velocity slugs.
"The Hunter's Journal" and "Shotgunning for Deer" can be found at Benelli and Stoeger firearms dealers, local bookstores, sporting goods shops or online at www.StoegerPublishing.com. Specific local dealers listed by Stoeger include Miller Rod & amp; Gun, 5149 Youngstown-Poland Road, Poland, and Duke's Sport Shop, 1403 E. Washington Street, New Castle, Pa.
Similar types of journals and related outdoor books and information -- perfect for the outdoors lover on your holiday or birthday gift list -- are available at any area outdoor outlet such as Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, bait and tackle shops, bookstores and department stores.
While it is fast and convenient to shop online for items such as these books, it is also important to remember that local businesses are the lifeblood of your community and deserve your patronage.
Final deer season
The year's final chance to harvest a deer begins Saturday when the Ohio Statewide Primitive Weapons Deer Season opens.
The four-day special season will allow hunters to head out with either muzzleloading rifles, muzzleloading shotguns, longbows or crossbows. During the 2002 season, hunters checked 22,088 deer.
Big doings
If you are looking to combine a vacation with some time to gather information on hunting or shooting sports, then there's one upcoming event that could fill your bill.
The Safari Club International Hunter's Convention will be Jan. 21-24 in Reno, Nev.
The SCI event will offer 1,300 exhibitors, information on all types of hunting trips in nearly any place in the world, artwork and collectibles, all manner of gear from firearms to archery to vehicles, boats, taxidermy and more.
Notables expected to attend the event include former President Bush, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf (U.S. Army, Ret.), comedian Jeff Foxworthy, singer Lee Greenwood and actor Gerald McRaney.
More information on the event is available at www.safariclubfoundation.org or by calling toll-free (888) 746-9724.
Ohio's got it going on
It's nice to know that Ohio can hold its own against such states as Texas when it comes to prime hunting opportunities.
In a special December-January double-issue of Field & amp; Stream Magazine, a listing of the top seven late hunting season spots in the United States finds Ohio among the chosen.
Hunting for Canada geese in Ohio was selected by F & amp;S because "open water and fertile farmland make central Ohio a magnet for Canada geese," according to article author Dave Hurteau.
With hunting going on as late as Jan. 28 in some of Ohio's waterfowl zones, the F & amp;S review claims that some of the best hunting actually starts this month here.
Ohio shares the top seven spots with snow geese in Texas, quail in California, deer in Arizona and Alabama, ducks in Louisiana and pheasant and quail in Kansas.
This special issue is on newsstands now.
braun@vindy.com