Advertise on podcast: North American Outdoors

Hunting season is not only for adults. Many kids look forward to getting in the field with their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or any other adult role model. This is especially true if it is a kid’s first-time going hunting. Unfortunately, many adults do not understand what a huge responsibility this is. What happens on a kid’s first hunt can be a big factor in his or her decision to continue hunting. The next generation of hunters are who will ensure that our hunting heritage continues. It is up to us to make sure that we recruit this new generation. How we recruit this next generation makes a difference. Adult mentors must take their role seriously. This means dedicating the time, expense, and providing the right equipment to first-time hunters for the best outdoor experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From as early as he could talk, he could sing! Luke loved to belt out the latest and greatest songs from an early age, and fortunately that has continued until his early teenage years. I can only hope he continues his journey growing his voice and talent! He's been in choir during elementary and middle school - and has earned solo spots over the years. Although he was a bit hesitant, he quickly overcame his shyness after he warmed up his pipes! We do not own the rights to any of these songs - only using them in the background so Luke could sing along and keep the rhythm. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since Luke was a baby, our family takes an annual summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Over the years we've ventured further and further around the local communities throughout Wyoming and Montana in search of the best fishing spot. His memories have always included a summer adventure to the Northwest and across the woods and waters of the great outdoors. We did what we could, fishing the banks and shorelines with the gear we had. Without much luck, we learned from our mistakes and struggles, and each year we did a little bit better. We'd visit with the local sporting goods stores, grocery stores which doubled as bait shops, and chatted with the individuals who lived in the communities. We'd gather tips and tricks, and heard of great spots to add to our fishing 'bucket list.' This year we did something completely different - we bought an inflatable boat! We were tired of watching from the shoreline, everyone else catch fish on their boats over the years. We wanted to be "those people" too! And we were! It was one of the best trips we'd ever been on, and Luke said so himself! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most visited National Parks in the world is Yellowstone National Park, located in Northwestern Wyoming. Yellowstone is an incredible place to view wildlife. All the large mammals that were present when Yellowstone first became a National Park in 1872, are still roaming the landscape today.  These wildlife species include grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and bighorn sheep. Not to mention the hundreds of other species ranging from birds to small mammals, reptiles to amphibians and aquatic life. For these larger animals, there are rules in place to keep not only the visitors safe, but the wildlife safe as well. There are strict guidelines in place to keep everyone and every animal safe. One of the most important rules strictly enforced in National Parks is to never approach wildlife. If you are hiking or picnicking in an area and you see wildlife emerging nearby, leave the area safely. Never follow or approach an animal to attempt to touch it or try to get closer to it to take a picture. Never feed a wild animal. If a wild animal is fed by humans, they may soon become desensitized to people and start approaching humans and become aggressive, resulting in the animal being trapped, relocated, or dispatched and removed from the population to prevent future human encounters. There is a saying “a fed animal is a dead animal.”    Be a courteous and respectful wildlife watcher. Those around you are doing the same. Wildlife is here for everyone to enjoy. Those who abuse that privilege not only risk their own safety but the safety of the animal and rob others of the enjoyment of viewing these magnificent creatures. When an animal is removed from the population because someone did not follow the rules, the next generation of that animal is lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all take our safety and security seriously when we are at home, going to and from work, and while running errands around town. Sometimes we let our guard down and are lax when we go on vacation. Afterall, vacations are supposed to be fun and carefree, and a time when you should not have to worry about your safety and security. Many times, when you are on vacation, these are the times when you are most vulnerable and need to be most focused on safety.  Depending on your destination there are certain things you need to be aware of. Many times, based upon your activities and what you are doing, you may need more than one firearm and different types of ammunition. Just like when you are at home, there is not one firearm for all purposes, just as there is no one correct type of ammunition for every purpose. Do your research and plan accordingly.  There are four areas you need to be concerned with when vacationing with a firearm.  1. Know the laws in all the jurisdictions that you will be in; 2. Traveling to your destination; 3. What to carry while at your destination; and 4. Knowing the correct ammunition to carry to address the potential threats you may encounter while at your location. For many, summertime means vacation time. The last thing we want to happen while we are enjoying our time off is an unexpected encounter with a deadly threat. Do your research and be prepared. The safety of you and your loved ones depends on it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I conduct a basic rifle class or lesson, I will get questions regarding trapdoor, rolling block, and falling block rifles. The questions will not be centered on the types or the operation of these rifles. Rather, the questions will be much more basic. Most of my students will have a puzzled look on their faces and ask, “What are these?” If a student likes old guns and history, he or she knows what I am talking about when I mention trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, or falling block rifles. Unfortunately, most new gun owners are more interested in the latest and greatest innovations in firearms, not the classic guns that paved the way. Knowing and understanding these “primitive” firearms leads to the admiration of the soldiers who had to use them. Single-action revolvers have a storied past that many young shooters are unaware of. Samuel Colt patented the first functional revolver in 1836. That is the year Texas won its independence from Mexico.   Single-action revolvers are still in use today and are still very popular with gun enthusiasts. Colt, Ruger, and many other gun manufacturers still produce and offer new models of these “Old West” firearms. There are also Cowboy Action Competitions, where competitors use the classic single-action design in their events. Many firearms trainers are starting to use single-action revolvers in their training. These firearms are proving to be invaluable in teaching new and old shooters alike, the proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes in properly and safely using a handgun. Shooting a single-action revolver takes considerably more muscle memory than modern striker fire semi-automatic pistol. There are many more steps to follow from the time you load one to the time you fire it.  These firearms have a very interesting history. Trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, and falling block rifles as well as single-action revolvers should be on every gun enthusiast’s shooting wish list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the shotgun world, trapshooting is a specific form of clay target shooting. Trapshooting is a game of movement, action, and split-second timing. It requires the accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire and break the 4 1/4" disc which is hurled through the air at a speed of 41 mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter. Shooters need to know that we have our roots in shooting. We have a responsibility to teach others we come in contact with, train or introduce to the shooting sports, our shooting history, tradition and proud heritage. Trapshooting started it all. Trapshooting began in England in the late 1700's using live birds placed in shallow holes or under hats. Lines were attached to the hole covers or hats and when the shooter called "pull" the cord was pulled, knocking over the hat and freeing the bird to make an elusive target. We've come a long way in the development of biodegradable, environmentally-friendly clay birds and clay throwing machines. Visit your local shooting club to meet the league or squad of trap shooters, watch them, interact with them, and ask questions. Soon you will be invited into this very competitive and challenging game of trapshooting that will keep you coming back to the range frequently and often to improve your skills! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2nd Amendment is for all Americans, not just those who traditionally exercise their gun ownership rights. The 2nd Amendment was written by our framers to give everyone the ability to protect themselves from tyranny, and from those who seek to do them harm. There are many reasons why Americans own guns. Some of these reasons include hunting, recreational and competitive shootings, collecting, self-defense and for personal protection. But the most complete and thorough answer is because we can! We all deserve a “seat at the table” when it comes to gun ownership and gun rights.    Men dominate the market when it comes to firearms ownership, training, and even writing about this topic. Since men dominate the world of firearms, it would make sense that men have the most “seats at the table.” Generally speaking, this is because men own more firearms than women, take more training than women, and go to the range more often than women. But wait, do not give up hope!   The “table” is getting larger. Much larger! Women make up the fastest growing demographics in the gun world.  It is important to remember that just because you deserve a seat at the table, does not mean you are going to get one! It takes more than pulling out the proverbial “chair” and just sitting down at the “table.” Like any subject matter, it takes work to become proficient in any topic. As an experienced participant in any activity, it takes research, dedication, training, and practice. Firearms are no different. Unfortunately, we live in a world today where people equate watching YouTube videos with becoming proficient or an “expert” in any topic. There is no shortcut to excelling in any given activity. You have to put your time in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we age, there are things that we cannot do as well as we could a few years ago. We all slow down, but it is the degree of that slowdown that affects how well we can instruct the next and younger generation. We all will, at some point, experience decreased strength, mental acuity, and stamina.  This is just a fact of life!   Firearm Instructors, Trainers and Coaches are no different from any other type of instructors. Not only do instructors become physically and mentally compromised, but they become stale. This means that you get stuck in a rut. Everything changes; there are new advances in technology and equipment, and you have to become familiar with these new trends. Remember, your students are taking your course to learn about all types of firearms and actions, not just the ones you like.  There are ways aging instructors can stay relevant. It might just take changing the way you teach. Small changes can make a big difference in the quality of your class. There are techniques to deal with physical and mental changes, as well as things to avoid being stale that instructors can do. But remember, when all else fails, recruit a teaching partner. If you do not know anyone that is familiar enough with guns to help teach, you can always approach one of your more outstanding students and ask them if they are interested in “team teaching” with you.    Be mindful of your teaching techniques and style, stay current and recruit help when necessary! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an instructor, it is your responsibility to keep all your students safe, including those who may need a bit more special attention. Your responsibility of meeting the needs of your students begins long before the class starts. When you advertise a firearms training course, there is usually a way for potential students to register for the class or some type of communication between the individual seeking training and the instructor. One of the first things I look at what someone registers for my class is their age. I also send an email to each student with the particulars of the class such as starting time, how to dress for live fire activities at the range, and asking if there is any special needs or request. If there is no request for special accommodation, I take it upon myself, based on their registration information, to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Many times, the individual is embarrassed to admit there may be vision, mobility, or any other issues normally associated with age. I do my best to accommodate these individuals both in the classroom and on the shooting range to not only keep everyone safe, but to give my students the best experience they came to receive! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to author Ms. Morin, there are 13 things mentally strong people do not do. By following each of these items, you can become a stronger person in your daily life. Each of these items can relate to the outdoors and shooting sports, as we teach, learn and are always on the quest for training. Not only must we train ourselves physically, it is equally important to train mentally as well. Do not waste time feeling sorry for yourself: Mentally strong people do not indulge in self-pity. Instead of dwelling on their problems, they focus on finding solutions and taking action to improve their situation. Do not give away their power to others: Mentally strong people take responsibility for their own lives and choices, and do not allow others to control their emotions or actions. They recognize that they are in charge of their own destiny and make their own choices. Do not shy away from change or avoid taking risks: Mentally strong people are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and take calculated risks to achieve their goals. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Do not focus on things you cannot control: Mentally strong people focus their time and energy on things that are within their control, rather than worrying about things they cannot change. Do not worry about pleasing everyone: Mentally strong people recognize that they cannot please everyone and focus on being true to themselves and their values. Do not dwell on the past or make the same mistakes repeatedly: Mentally strong people learn from their mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth. They do not dwell on the past or let it define their present or future. Do not fear alone time or being by yourself: Mentally strong people are comfortable being alone and do not depend on others for their happiness. They use alone time as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Do not feel the need to be constantly busy or productive: Mentally strong people recognize the importance of rest and relaxation and do not measure their self-worth based on their productivity. Do not expect immediate results or overnight success: Mentally strong people understand that success takes time and effort, and are willing to put in the work and be patient in pursuit of their goals. Do not dwell on negative thoughts or let them consume them: Mentally strong people acknowledge their negative thoughts and emotions, but do not allow them to control their actions or decisions. They focus on positive self-talk and taking constructive action. Do not make the same mistakes over and over again: Mentally strong people learn from their mistakes and take steps to avoid making the same mistakes repeatedly. Do not ignore emotions or fail to express them: Mentally strong people are aware of their emotions and communicate them effectively to others. They do not bottle up their feelings or suppress them. Do not give up easily or lose hope when faced with challenges: Mentally strong people are resilient and do not give up easily in the face of challenges. They remain hopeful and focused on finding solutions to overcome obstacles. Some of these items come easier than others, but overall if you practice each of these 13 suggested items, you will be amazed at the results and your changed behaviors and attitude! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eye dominance is important when shooting a rifle or shotgun because it affects how the shooter aims and where the shooter places their shots. Eye dominance refers to which eye the brain primarily relies on for visual information, and it can be either the right eye or the left eye, and not necessarily the same as your dominant hand. When shooting a rifle, the shooter must align the front and rear sights with the target and maintain that alignment while pressing the trigger. If the shooter's dominant eye is not used to align the sights with the target, the shooter may experience difficulty in aiming and may end up shooting inaccurately. For example, if a right-handed shooter has a dominant left eye and uses their right eye to aim, they may have difficulty lining up the sights and could end up shooting to the left of the target. In contrast, if the shooter uses their left eye to aim, they will be more accurate and more likely to hit their target. Therefore, it is important for a shooter to determine their eye dominance and use the corresponding eye to aim their firearm. This can be done through a simple eye dominance test, which involves pointing at a distant object with both eyes open and then closing each eye one at a time. The eye that remains fixed on the object when the other eye is closed is the dominant eye and should be used for aiming. Knowing which is your dominant eye and shooting your rifle and shotgun on the shoulder which falls under that dominant eye, will significantly improve your shooting performance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices