The site focuses on legislative issues insight and reports which sportsmen and women nationwide expect from the USSA. The site also includes information on USSA collaborative projects and programs (such as Trailblazer and Families Afield), and features cutting-edge news in the shooting sports and angling industries.

Visitors can also search the website for blogs that provide perspectives on Protecting What’s Right, and insider views on where legislation is—or could be headed—in the nation’s and states’ capitals. From time to time the website features special deals on gear and keen insight from the pro staff and manufacturers who comprise the important USSA Outdoor Business Council.

But it also includes many useful features to help you enter the field. An interactive map will take visitors to active and current weather reports, game laws, and regional information. Short videos will entertain and educate visitors on a wide variety of outdoors topics. The new website also provides a quick link to sign up for the USSA’s popular Sentry program and makes getting involved with USSA watchdog efforts easier.

“The Sportsmen’s Daily” offers a searchable database where you can determine what has been happening in your state. The popular “Eye-on-the Antis” articles continue to expose the methods and tactics of radical anti-hunting and anti-trapping groups.

The best news is that The Sportsmen’s Daily can be delivered to your computer each morning much like the newspapers of yesteryear landed on your door step. Use your mouse to make this your home page and to help you make accurate decisions on what action to take—or what to pursue that day.

Take a tour at www.ussportsmen.org.

If you will notice, at the top of TomRemington.com, on the menu bar, you will see, “Tom Remington’s EBook Sales“. If you click that link you will get information on “The Legend of Grey Ghost” as well as future books coming soon. The Legend can be purchased currently in two formats. At the bottom of the page, readers can click on the “BUY NOW” button. Through PayPal you will be able to purchase the book and download it to your computer hard drive. From there you can open and read the book or if you have other ebook reading devices, there are processes that exist to get this pdf version uploaded to those devices.

Or, you can follow the Amazon.com link and quickly and easily download “The Legend” to your Kindle.

Steven and I are excited about providing this opportunity for you. In addition, writing is underway and plans made for more ebooks coming soon. You don’t want to miss out.

Thank you.

Tom Remington

When it comes to mountains, Vermont has the Greens, New Hampshire has the Whites and Maine has the Blues. The Blues, better known as the Longfellow Range after Maine’s most famous poet, extend northeast from Bethel to 5,268 foot Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The section of the Blues from the Androscoggin River to the Bear River in Grafton Notch is called the Mahoosucs, likely an anglicized Abenaki Indian term for “land that is hard to hunt in” or “abode of hungry animals”. Some historians believe the term means pinnacle or mountain peak.

Since the 1870’s travelers have visited the Bethel area to hike the peaks and neighboring foothills, breathe the clean mountain air, spark their creative spirits and cure their blues. Not to be over-shadowed by the more publicized and well-known Presidential Range and White Mountains, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to visitors of all ages and abilities to hike, walk and backpack the variety of trails found in the western Maine region.

There are over two dozen day hikes in the area including the Mt. Will Trail, Step Falls Nature Preserve, Table Rock Trail and Wright Trail leading up Goose Eye Mountain. The Grafton Loop Trail provides a three night backpacking trip for the adventuresome. In town, the Bethel Pathway along the Androscoggin River, Paradise Road and self-guided walking tours of the town’s historic district satisfy the casual, exercise walker.

Recently rebuilt, Table Rock Trail is a favorite with families. The 2.4 mile loop follows the Appalachian Trail’s white blaze to the blue-blazed trail. It rises gradually to a height of 900 feet above the trail head. An alternate route takes a steep ascent with minor case that challenge and enchant the youngsters. From aptly named “Table Rock”, the vista includes 4, 180’ Old Speck Mountain, the third highest mountain in Maine. Step Falls near Grafton Notch was the Nature Conservancy’s first preserve in Maine. The 24 acre preserve trail follows Wright Brook, a braided stream of steeply cascading pools dropping over 250 ft-making this one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. This is an ideal hike for nature photographers. The Mt. Will Trail, developed by the Bethel Conservation Commission, climbs 730 feet through the Bethel Town Forest. The North Ledges Section is highlighted by a descriptive nature trail, followed by a hike to south facing ledges that afford views of the Androscoggin valley and Bethel village. The final rocky descent completes the 3.25 mile loop. The Wright Trail is a full day’s loop hike up to the 3860 foot summit of Goose Eye Mountain. This trail is part of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands’ Mahoosuc Unit.

For its hiking visitors, Bethel offers a variety of lodging from restored Bed& Breakfasts, historic Inns, to resorts with swimming pools and golf courses, motels and campgrounds. Dining options range from a half dozen pizza places to Chinese, Korean, BBQ, vegetarian, English pub, microbrewery and fine dining. Day hikers can pick up a pack lunch at the local supermarket or specialty food stores. There is an outdoor outfitter right in town for those in need of hiking, backpacking and camping gear. The Bethel Chamber of Commerce office has trails maps for day hikes in the area and the staff will provide direction to the trail heads. For information on walking, hiking and backpacking contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-442-5826 or on-line at www.bethelmaine.com.

In the northern Rocky Mountains the return of wolves has restored key predator-prey dynamics in and around Yellowstone National Park that have resulted in changes throughout the entire ecosystem. To remove protections for wolves before the best available science tells us recovery is ensured would place one of our country’s greatest conservation success stories at risk.

It may be for that very statement alone, “Yellowstone is Dead” was created. There have been “changes throughout the entire ecosystem” alright but not all are changes for the good and it is far from this country’s “greatest conservation success stories”. In addition, even those responsible for the wolf experiment admit wolves are recovered.

Our world is infiltrated with wildlife propaganda put out by environmentalists and agenda-driven “scientists” whose goals all too often resemble those of someone seeking financial security rather than truth in science. “Yellowstone is Dead” is a 2-hour documentary that crushes all the other misguided reports about wolves and other predators in Yellowstone National Park.

Scott Rockholm, producer of the film, dares to step outside the socially acceptable Mainstream Media, to present a fresh and honest look at the the truth behind wolf recovery. It’s not the huge success story faux scientists are claiming. Covering the history of illegal wolf reintroduction to present day wolf-caused demolition of the largest elk herd in the world, this documentary is nothing like anything that’s ever been available for the public’s education.

Deemed America’s Park, Yellowstone is dead in many aspects and yet is being hidden from the public. Dr. Charles Kay, one who is featured in the documentary, predicted nearly 20 years ago precisely what would happen to Yellowstone with wolves introduced. Jim Beers recounts the theft of millions of sportsman’s excise tax dollars being used to illegally import wolves from Canada into Yellowstone and Central Idaho. Rockholm uses world renowned scientists and the most seasoned of outfitters as well as the “boots on the ground” guys and covers aspects of wolf recovery and predator distruction never before put to the screen.

If truth doesn’t scare you. If you are not frightened to hear things you may not like, then I strongly urge you to watch “Yellowstone is Dead“. There’s nothing quite like it!

Tom Remington

HuntAndFishGuides.com, the website that matches hunters and fishermen with reputable hunting and fishing guides, announced today that it has engaged in phase one of operations by partnering with guides and outfitters all across North America to assist in the company’s aggressive growth. Steve Remington, Director of Operations, believes this will “substantially change the way sportsmen seek out guides for their upcoming expeditions”.

The website service makes finding guides and outfitters quick and easy by allowing the hunter or fisherman to provide a few details about their trip request, then matches them to the guides that can provide the service, and they receive free quotes by email.

This exciting new venture has been enthusiastically endorsed by Michael Lee, host of Backwoods Life TV (currently airing on the Pursuit Channel). “It’s quick, simple, and easy! HuntAndFishGuides.com takes the guess work out of booking a hunt with an outfitter or guide and provides an exceptional resource for hunters and fishermen alike.”

Kenneth Chesson, Freelance Videographer currently with Tom Miranda Outdoors says, “Kasey and Steve have hit a HOME RUN with HuntAndFishGuides.com! These guys are revolutionizing the way we look for guides!”.

For guides and outfitters looking to find new customers and grow their business, they can contact HuntAndFishGuides.com by emailing them at support@huntandfishguides.com. Right now, they’re running an introductory special where guides and outfitters can try out the service for free for 30 days, plus receive a free directory listing on the HuntAndFishGuides.com website. Looks to be a pretty good deal.

Tom Remington

HuntandFishGuides.com has a mission statement that is direct and to the point:

“HuntAndFishGuides.com is in the business of CONNECTING hunters and fishermen with reputable guides throughout North America, allowing our website users to receive multiple, competitive, quotes for their upcoming hunting or fishing trip.”

Please visit HuntandFishGuides.com today and discover how simple it is to get connected to the best guides in the business for your dream outdoor experience.

I can personally attest to the quality and authenticity of this website and service business. While not owned by Skinny Moose Media, it is owned by my son. If you are the owner of a guiding and outfitting business anywhere in North America, I encourage you to get listed as a reputable business at HuntandFishGuides.com. It’s very easy to do. And of the many thousands of readers of the Black Bear Blog, before you consider your next hunt or fish excursion, visit HuntandFishGuides.com and get perfectly matched to the service that will best meet your needs.

Tom Remington

Gray Ghost Productions, a Manchester, New Hampshire outdoor adventure film company unites once again with Maine Public Broadcasting Network with an edited version of the 2009 film “East by North East,” premiering Saturday February 5, 2011 at 11am and re-air on February 10, 2011 at 10pm.

After celebrating the release of their third fly-fishing film in three years, Carter Davidson, creative director and president of Gray Ghost report’s “It is both an honor and a pleasure to have our 2009 release of ExNE be a part of the MPBN line-up. If you are looking to escape the normalcy of everyday life and in need of a cabin fever reliever, this film is a solution. East by North East presents something more than the typical fly-fishing film. I think what it does is extend an invitation to anyone with even a small interest in the outdoors to take a closer look at the addiction that is fly fishing on the East Coast.”

East by North East was filmed in locations from the British Virgin Island’s to New Brunswick and throughout New England, with everything from fresh to saltwater, trout to bonefish. ExNE examines the motives of a wide range of anglers who fish in areas ranging from urban such as downtown Lewiston Maine to the remote waters of Maine’s Magalloway River, and seeks to explain the unknown element that drives the fly fisherman to distraction between outings.

“There is an unexplained element to fly fishing – I don’t know if you’d call it obsession, or addiction, but whatever it is, there is an interesting cast of characters for whom fishing is more than a hobby. It becomes a way of life. That’s what we wanted to focus on. Its even sweeter to share these experiences with the larger audience that Maine Public Broadcasting Network has to offer,” Davidson adds.

As with most of Gray Ghost Productions offerings, East By North East makes a point to examine the current state of conservation with a closer look at the Androscoggin River Watershed, ponders where fishing is going and where it’s been, and introduces the viewer to some of the sport’s biggest stars.

dv Gear Review – Victorinox Hunter Camo Knife

This week I review Victorinox’s Hunter Camo knife they graciously sent me for dv’s African Archery Safari.

Overall Rating:  *** (3 stars of 5) 

Specifications:
 
*Large lock blade with side, slide-button release
*Philips screwdriver
*Wood saw
*Gutting blade
*Cap lifter with can opener
*Flat screwdriver
*Wire stripper
*Reamer with sewing eye
*Key Ring
*Tweezers
*Toothpick

Model# 54641 
    
Cost:  ** (2 stars of 5).  $52.00 MSRP, around $43.00 street price.
  
Performance:  **** (4 stars of 5). 

The knife was sharp out of the box and maintained its edge, which has been my experience with Victorinox knives. This was my first exposure to the combination cap-lifter-can-opener and I admit to being skeptical, but it worked like charm. I carried the Camo Hunter during late whitetail season 2009 and for turkey season, whitetail scouting, my African Archery Safari and whitetail season this year. I’ve cut shooting lanes with the saw blade, tweezed splinters, tightened screws, opened cans as previously mentioned and cut things with it. Whatever I asked of it, it did well.

Pros:

*The tweezers and toothpick are handy, especially for outdoors use
*Came sharp and maintained its edge
*Locking blade
*Gutting blade is scary sharp
*A multitude of handy tools

Cons:
 
*Bulky for a pocket, but it does fit. Excellent for a back or fanny pack tool.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service:  Not rated, but they provided this knife in response to an inquiry from me so that is pretty nice customer support.
 
Source:  Victorinox USA

General notes:  I’ve carried a Victorinox Tinker knife almost daily since my deployment to the first Gulf War. Properly maintained the blades hold an outstanding edge. The innovative designs provide a multi-use tool for nearly everyone. Additionally, Mrs. dustyvarmint and I own six of the outstanding Victorinox-Forschner, see Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later knives. I don’t see how one can go wrong with a Victorinox Knife.

happy hunting, dv 

AXT’s new PRIMAL X5 series bow sight with RMEF logo will be available this year at retailers nationwide. Each sale will generate funds for wildlife habitat enhancement and protection, elk restoration projects, securing public access and more.

Mark Garcia, founder and president of AXT, said, “If you’re a serious bowhunter, you have to love what RMEF is doing to protect the future of our sport. Like elk, hunters also depend on great habitat. That’s why we’re dedicating one of our new, flagship products for a very worthy organization and cause.”

In 2010, RMEF passed the 5.8 million-acre mark in habitat conserved and helped launch elk restoration initiatives in Missouri and Virginia.

Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF, said, “Mark Garcia has been a leader in the archery industry for years and we are proud to partner with his new company, Archer Xtreme. Mark aims to provide bowhunters with the highest quality accessories and the PRIMAL X5 is a great example of this effort.”

Select features of the PRIMAL X5:

* Center Core Pin stainless steel tube-pins for superior strength and protection
* Fiber Harness (patent pending) bracket system allows maximum light for each pin
* Rubberized vibration absorbing coat
* 2-inch sight housing for maximum field of view in low light conditions
* Easy-set micro adjusts with tool-less locking knobs
* RH/LH adjustable
* Rear LED deployment for easy access
* Full lifetime warranty on all manufacturer defects
* Fully machined 6061T6 aluminum construction from solid billet

For more information, visit www.archerxtreme.com or look for RMEF licensed gear wherever bowhunting products are sold.