Well, the arrows have been flung.  The bows have been tuned and re-tuned.  Trail cam pics have been analyzed and bucks have been chosen for the "Hit List".  Stands have been hung, camera arms have been installed.  Clothes have been washed and packs have been packed.  Knives have been sharpened, food plots have grown and are full and green.


dreams of heavy horns have been dreamed...


We hope yours come true.


Good Luck!


TEAM WETSA

It's All In the Wording...

I came across this fact recently and thought it would be fitting to share it this weekend...


Webster's Dictionary 1828:
Patriotism:  Love of one's country; the passion which aims to serve one's country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting it's rights and maintaining it's laws and institutions in vigor and purity.  Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.


Webster's Dictionary 2004:
Patriotism:  Love for or devotion to one's country


I guess a lot changes in a 125 years... and oftentimes not for the better.

Wild Enough To Shoot At

Ancient Hunting vs. Modern Hunting

Stomach to the ground; covered in buffalo hide- smelling and looking like his prey.  He waits patiently for the perfect shot.  Spear in hand-with a freshly sharpened arrowhead at the tip-strong enough to pierce through to the buffalo’s heart.  Wearing moccasins, this skillful Native American was undetected from his prey’s sensitive ears.  Catching such a prize didn’t mean bragging rights or a head above his fireplace—this meant food on the table for his family and tribe.  The Native Americans were savvy hunters, making innovative and progressive tools to help keep their bellies full.  

Not only did the Native Americans have to be skillful but any ancient ancestor of ours had to use their imagination to stay alive on a daily basis.  Reading books and pieces of information online about the different tools our ancient ancestors used to use to hunt for animals to keep them and their families alive is nothing less than fascinating! Could you imagine a world without fire, guns, knives, call boxes or even modern day conveniences such as grocery stores, where you can pick up any kind of meat you want?  To survive you had to get creative. We are spoiled today with all of the technology we have.  

The ancient art of hunting is quickly getting lost.  However, some folks in Missouri are trying to salvage an ancient tool used to hunt in ancient times, called an Atlatl.  The state of Missouri has complied to let people use the Atlatl for deer hunting during any firearms season in Missouri—with the exception of muzzleloading season.  It might seem strange to see someone out hunting with the Atlatl, but I think it’s great we are bringing back an ancient tool and honing our hunting skills.  Celebrating the ways of our ancient ancestors is a powerful message that we appreciate and respect them.  To read more about the Atlatl click on this link 

http://www.conservation.mo.gov/newsroom/ancient-deer-hunting-method-back-use

Rachel Lipsky

WETSA Prostaff

The 10 Commandments of Gun Safety

I know what you're sayin... "I've been handling guns for YEARS!  I know how to be safe!"  We'll I think the same about myself.  But last weekend I had the opportunity to film a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Hunter Safety Class and... well, it made me stop and think...

So, with turkey season upon us, I think everyone who heads into the field with a gun should take a couple of minutes to review these safety tips!

The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety

1. Watch that muzzle!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.

2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. 

It might be, even if you think it isn’t.

3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. 

Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop—don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.

4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard (and the safety on) until ready to shoot. 

This is the best way to prevent an accidental discharge.

5. Check your barrel and ammunition. 

Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm.

6. Unload firearms when not in use. 

Leave actions open; carry firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area.

7. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot. 

Avoid all horseplay with a gun.

8. Don't run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm. 

Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.

9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely. 

Store each in secured locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during shooting. 

Also avoid mind- or behavior-altering medicines or drugs.

We here at Wild Enough To Shoot At hope that you have a GREAT turkey season, but most of all we hope you always keep these tips in mind and return home safe to your family and friends!  And with a big ole THUNDER CHICKEN in the back of the truck!

Team WETSA

Getting The MENTAL Edge on Hunting

While it's true that practice with your weapon, be it bow or firearm, is a crucial part of preparing for any upcoming season..., in my humble opinion, being MENTALLY prepared is just as important!

Several years ago a study was done where an average high school basketball team was randomly divided in half.  The first group practiced as usual, working on technique and practicing shots from the free throw line.  The second group sat on the bleachers, closed their eyes and "visualized" standing at the line, looking at the net, preparing and then making a successful shot.  This went on for  three weeks.  At the end of that time the team was gathered together and practice resumed as usual... with some astounding results!  The group which practiced with the ball in hand and physically took shots had improved by some 15%.  The group which "visualized" their shots had improved their free throws by as much as 30%.  And they hadn't TOUCHED a basketball in three weeks!

So, how does this relate to us in the hunting world?  Consider how powerful the mind can be... Let's say you're planning on taking a turkey hunt next weekend.  You plan what time you need to leave, where you're going to hunt, what you need to take with you, maybe you're stopping by to pick up a buddy so you consider the quickest route.  The night before the hunt you check your gear, set the alarm clock, wake up in the morning and put your plan into action.  Chances are you don't remember THINKING about any of these things, they simply come naturally, you've done them many times before.  And there in lies the secret...

Preparing for that shot at a buck or bird of a lifetime needs to take place in the MIND as well as in the field!

Let me be clear, I'm not advocating we sit around and burn incense and chant... but take this exercise into consideration...  The next time you're sitting around in your lounge chair close your eyes and see yourself in that treestand or blind, see that buck or gobbler coming in, feel yourself making the decision to take the animal, raising your bow or gun, waiting for the right moment, taking careful aim and making the perfect shot...

BUT DON'T STOP THERE!...  see yourself trailing and recovering the animal, hefting it up, taking pictures and all the memories of the moment that you'll have for a lifetime!

Though we don't realize it, we are constantly preparing ourselves for living everyday life.  When was the last time you had to THINK about making coffee and getting ready for work... you just DO it.  And that's the power of the MIND!... simply repeating an action that has been done before.   Many professional athletes, when interviewed about their success, will say that it's "25% train and 75% brain".

The key is that the mind doesn't recognize the difference between actually PHYSICALLY doing something, and THINKING about doing it.  Remember the last time you had a nightmare and woke up scared to death, shaking and in a cold sweat...  you weren't really running from a psycho killer with a big knife, but your mind THOUGHT you were and your body responded to the stimulus.

So, the next time it's pouring rain and you can't go to the range or do any scouting, sit back and visualize what you'll do the next time you have an animal coming in to you... every little detail... and then do it over again!  It just might make the difference between filling a tag or coming home with an empty truck bed!

Shawn Thomas Christian

co-founder, Wild Enough To Shoot At

A Turkey Hunter's Prayer

I stand here this morning surrounded by Your beautiful creation and watch as the spring sky slowly fades from darkness to light.  I have come to pursue the Longbeard, and through Your grace, I have been given this chance to do so. 

As the first sparrow begins it's morning song from the tree above my head, I am reminded of the last time I stood in this spot, leaning against this oak and listening for the first sound of my prey.  Only one bird broke his silence that day, but I was persistent and my aim was true.  Later, as the sun rose above the treetops, a fine Longbeard lay at my feet.  

I knelt beside him for a time, brushing my hand across his feathers, fanning his tail as it had been when he stepped into my view, admiring the length of his beard and his spurs.  Then, as a feeling of remorse washed over me, I lowered my head and thanked You for my life... and for the one I had taken... for the beauty of this world... and for the precious freedom to chase this wonderful creature.

I am brought back from my memories as the silence is stirred by a distant gobble... 

If this is the last time I stand here beside this oak, the last sound that stirs my heart, if it is my last day on this earth, if this is the last breath that I take... I will use it to thank You for all that I have been given.

Amen.

                          Shawn Thomas Christian

Keep up with TEAM WETSA through our weekly blog!

Hey folks!  We're gonna start a blog here to post stories, tips, info, and other interesting tidbits we come up with!  Stay in touch and stay informed with everything Wild Enough To Shoot At!

Thanks,

Team WETSA
www.wildenoughtoshootat.com