Jim’s Hunting and Camping

When it comes to camping, hiking, and backpacking, it’s important to have the right tent to provide ideal accommodations based on the location, season, and weather conditions.  Tents come in various different sizes and shapes, and some provide unique benefits.  For example, dome tents are most common amongst four season tents because their simplistic design allows them to support the weight of snow.  Not all four season tents are dome tents, but a wide range fall into the dome tent category.  Backpacking tents tend to have more unique shapes, and are also designed to be lightweight.  For backpackers, it’s essential to have a tent that can store all their gear, thus tents with vestibules and gear lofts tend to work the best.  When traveling in an area where rain is possible, it’s a good idea to have a tent with a rain fly.  You might find yourself spending a lot of time inside the tent if it’s raining, so make sure it’s comfortable! 

The ideal tent will also have a solid warranty, because those tents that have poor craftsmanship are liable to rip or break.  Don’t be afraid to spend a lot on a tent; having adequate shelter outdoors is essential.

Hi Everyone;

Here in Michigan Trout season is just underway.  Fishing on the lakes and streams is just getting started with the weather starting to warm up and spring is dripping rain all over us today.  Darn if it isn’t going to make my grass grow and I’m going to have to mow the lawn.  For someone that wants to get to the out of the way lake or stream an inflatable boat is an ideal way to get there without being so tired you can’t move.  We here in Michigan have lots of lakes that you have to walk to that provides outstanding fishing.  Some lakes are also restricted against motors so this is a great way to fish.  Come try our lakes and streams and see if you don’t agree that Michigan has some outstanding lakes and streams to fish.  Remember to be safe and let us know how you did.   Jim

Hi Everyone;

Some of the very best exercise is walking, and hiking through the woods or park or down the road, it is a great way to get outside with the whole family and marvel at nature.  My wife and I just love to go hiking through a Pine forest and smell the Pine fragrance.  Taking a hiking pole is a good way to help keep yourself balanced and moving through some rough terrain.  Also make sure you have water and maybe a snack for some quick energy as well.  If you are hiking in an area where there have been some Bear sightings you might want to consider wearing a bell on one leg or some kind of noise maker just to be sure that if there is a bear around they will hear you and leave before you get to close.  Whatever you do be safe.

Thanks for stopping by,  Jim

Hello Everyone;

When you are going to go camping or hiking into the back country you need to be prepared for spectacular views of new scenery, animals and  birds.   You also might want to take along some walking poles and depending on how long you are staying you will want a great water microfilter.  Having water to drink is a must when you are hiking for miles into the woods and the lighter the load the better.  Be sure to pack all of the necessary items for your stay.  Good radio or cell phone in case of emergency, store your food in a place where animals can’t get to it, and be safe whatever you do.  Have a great time and let us know how it went, Jim

When spending time outdoors, you need to have the right gear and gadgets to accompany you on your trip.  You might need a good two-way radio to be able to communicate with people in your group.  And this two-way radio is perfect for camping, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

There are Midland two way radios that are perfect for any outdoor activity.  You just have to choose the right one for your needs.  There are few things to consider when buying your Midland two way radios:

~How far away do you need to talk?
~What is your budget?
~What features do you need?
~Where are you going to use these radios?

Hi  Everyone;

When you are out hiking and you get to that beautiful quiet spot where you can commune with nature.  It is great to have a spotting scope with a tripod along so you can get an up close look.  Spotting scopes are a great way to see birds, deer, bear or just a great view of the scenery.  My wife and I have a spot in Hartwick Pines State Park where you can sit and just hear nature, and boy is it great.  We just love camping there and highly recommend it if you get anywhere close to Grayling, Mi.   I-75 runs just 2 miles from the park and there is a very good state road running right in front of the park.  Grayling is 8 miles from the park and there is a blacktop bike path all the way into Grayling.  There is a logging camp, and several hiking trails that you can take as well as a logging museum.  It’s a wonderful place to go with the kids or just the two of you.  Whatever you do be safe.

Thanks for stopping by.    Jim

Hi Everyone;

When you are hiking into the backwoods to camp be sure you have a great tent that is lightweight and easy to put up.  After all you are going into the backwoods to fish, bird watch or just to get away and enjoy nature.  Whatever your reason making sure you have good equipment is essential.  Being safe and prepared for the week-end or week, however long you are gone makes it a much happier experience.  When you pick the spot where you want your tent, be sure you are not on any tree roots or stones.  Thanks for stopping by and remember to be safe.   Jim

Happy Spring Everyone:

We have been talking a lot about camping and fishing because these seasons are upon us.  You don’t want to forget about that great dog you have for bird hunting.  A great picture of that German Short Hair that you have or a picture of a Bear walking through the woods or perhaps a picture of a  Moose would be a great addition to your den where you have all of those beautiful mountings from earlier hunts.  These pictures will provide enjoyment for years to come.   Have a great day and stay safe.    Jim

Hi Everyone;

When you go camping and you are hiking trails it is fun to have a spotting scope with you so you can look at the newborn fawns.  Deer are very cautious with their babies but if you have a good spotting scope you can see them without scaring them away.  Also if you have a good rangefinder you can tell just how far away they are.  It is fun for the whole family to see all of the different wildlife in the spring.  Good luck on finding those newborns and remember to always be safe.

Thanks for stopping by,  Jim

Hi Everyone;

It’s still early here in middle Michigan especially since they are forecasting snow tonight but it is supposed to be in the 60’s this week-end so camping is possible even for us folks that don’t like the temperature down in the 30’s at night.  Having a great tent for camping with the family is a great idea especially if it rains or is sunny.  If the tent has a covered sitting area for enjoying all kinds of weather without the rain or sun hitting you is also fun.  The best times we had as a family was tent camping with the kids and I’m sure you folks agree that family camping is the best.  Keeping that in mind my whole family still gets together twice a year to go family camping only now there are 22 of us to get together.  Most of the family are tent campers so I know they are having just as much fun as we did 30 years ago.  Remember always be safe and your camping trip will be an enjoyable one as well.

Thanks for stopping by.   Jim