The event will be held on July 16, 2011 at the Manual Lujan Building on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, NM. The doors open at 3 p.m. with dinner being served at 5 p.m. Dinner will be be catered by Whole Hog. There will be thousands of dollars in door prizes, outdoor sport vendors and demonstrations.

Guest of Honor and Speaker will be Alton Jones, 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion. Music and Entertainment will be provided by Dennis Agajanian.
Tickets are $30 adults and kids 12 and under $15.

For more information contact Garland Peek at gpeek@sandiabaptist.org, 505-292-2713.

All hunters, regardless of age, must have a valid hunting license ($20-$62.50), a Habitat Management and Access Validation ($4), a Habitat Improvement Stamp ($5), a Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) Number ($1), Waterfowl hunters 16 years or older need a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp $15) and free Bernardo and La Joya Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permit (available only at Department offices or online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.)

Nontoxic shot is required for hunting any species with a shotgun on all open Wildlife Management Areas and State Game Commission lands. Nontoxic shot includes steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-matrix, tungsten bronze, tungsten-iron (2 types), tungsten-nickel-iron, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, iron-tungsten-nickel, tungsten-bronze, tungsten-tin-iron, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten-tin-iron-nickel shot.

The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, no more than than 5 mallard (only 2 may be female, Mexican-like ducks are part of the mallard bag limit), 2 redhead, 2 wood duck, 2 scaup, 2 hooded merganser and 15 American coot. Pintail and Canvasback may not be taken until Dec. 18, 2008 – Jan. 25, 2009. The Light Goose daily bag limit is 20 and includes snow, blue-phase snow and Ross’s goose. Canada goose season opens Jan. 3-25, 2009 may only be hunted by free special goose permit only, available only at

Department offices or online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.

For more information contact Lance Cherry, 505-620-6883 or by email, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.

C4C DUCK HUNT ___________________________________________

The following information is provided for Belen, Valencia County, New Mexico (longitude W106.8, latitude N34.7):

SUNRISE: 6:53 am   SUNSET: 4:57 pm 

LEGAL SHOOTING HOURS: 6:23 am – 1:00 pm

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;” - Job 12:7

In 2009, C4C will offer the following workshops:

JANUARY 23
DRAW INFORMATION BANQUET: Learn the tips and trick to increasing your odds of success in the big game draws. Insights into new rules and regulation changes and New Mexico’s hunting forecast will be covered in-depth.

FEBRUARY 17
GPS NAVIGATION: Take a hike in the woods with the confidence to find your way out. This workshop will teach you critical tips and tricks needed to use the full potential of your GPS.

APRIL 13
TURKEY HUNTING & CALLING BASICS: Gobble! Gobble! Turkey can be one of the best family hunting trips. This workshop is designed to help you find the big Toms in the woods. Scouting, patterning, dressing for success and basic calling skills will be taught.

MAY 18
FLY-TYING BASICS: There’s no thrill as great as catching a fish on your own fly. From Wooly Buggers to Copper Johns, you can learn to tie your favorite fly and enhance you fly fishing experience.

JUNE 15
ON TARGET WITH ARCHERY: Learn international style archery from the pros. Improve your technique, sharpen your accuracy and ignite a passion for one of the nations fastest growing shooting sports.

JULY 20
SHOT-GUNNING FOR SUCCESS: Have you ever missed an easy shot? Of course you have. Learn how to improve you shot-gunning skills.

AUGUST 17
THE ELK BUGLE: Learn how to call a big bull elk in so close you can feel his breath and swallow your own fear. This workshop provides an opportunity to learn when and how calls work.

SEPTEMBER 14
FIELD DRESSING GAME RIGHT: This invaluable workshop will teach you how to get the most out of your harvest. From the time you pull the trigger and connect with your game, the clock starts ticking. Learn step-by-step what to do and when.

OCTOBER 19
MONSTER MULIES: New Mexico is home to trophy class mule deer, but where are they?  Learn the skills necessary to find the big bucks in the deep woods.

NOVEMBER 16
WATERFOWLING BASICS: You don’t have to know a lick about waterfowl hunting to become an immediate addict. Participants will learn waterfowl identification, improving shooting skills, blinds, decoys and calling.

DECEMBER 14
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY: Learn how to improve your photographic skills and capture the moment from a professional wildlife photographer. This hand-on workshop will teach you all the basics of operating your 35 mm or digital camera while tuning your skills.

SUMMER 2009
HUNTER EDUCATION: New Mexico State law requires all hunters under age 18, to possess a certificate proving completion of a state approved hunter education course. Each class will meet the required minimum of 12 hours classroom time, study time, hands-on instruction, practical and written examination. Parents are required to attend with all children 10 and under.

Bring a friend and come have an evening of fellowship and fun.

Soul Rio Church is located at 2003 Southern Blvd SE, Suite 128-131, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. For more information contact Lance Cherry, 505-620-6883 or by email, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.

When I got to college I took a job with the Forest service I absolutely loved. I lived for being outside 100 percent of the time, never knowing what to expect. My experience offered quite an adventure and I gained a tremendous amount of independence during that time.

The next year I took a job as a grasshopper surveyor. Each day I was to catch as many grasshoppers as I could and put them in jars and bring them back to an entomologist. I hate grasshoppers, but I loved being outside.

After that summer life kind of took over. We as women tend to put our old loves on hold for the new loves. I don’t regret my new loves; children, marriage, work and church. All have been a wonderful adventure for me.

A RENEWED ADVENTURE

Last year my husband asked me to go hunting with him. Of course the answer was no the first 20 times. But then I broke down. How could I say no when my birthday gift was a 20 ga. Remington model 870 and brand new camo. After it sunk in that my gift was gear, I thought how cool is this?

Since then I have been on one spring turkey hunt, a duck hunt, were I actually got one, and one elk hunt. I feel like another person when I am out there. I think when I am out there I just get back in touch with that fearless side of me. The wild streak comes out and I all the stress and pressure of life goes away.

Also, I love being with my husband. We connect on a whole different level when we are out there.

As an example, when he took me duck hunting for the first time we just had such a great time. It felt like it was something we had always done together. It was just comfortable and no pressure for me. I didn’t have to prove anything. Apparently the comfort level was mutual because in the midst of some small talk Lance looks over at me, in all seriousness and asks hey do you want to smoke a cigar?

Now I have been asked to do a lot of things, but that was a new one. I just casually said no and we went about our business.

CONNCTING IN THE OUTDOORS

Ladies, I plea with you to get out there and experience the connection.

Men if you want your favorite girls out there, just ask. And if she says no, keep asking. Remember the clincher is the shotgun. Outfit her no less than you would yourselves.

I want you to know that the purpose of this article is not to tell you about all of my adventures. Rather my hope would be that I inspire some of you to get out and find your own adventure.

I can’t begin to describe what it is like to be trudging chest deep in water for 45 minutes in the cold. Certainly to some of you it sounds like torture. But you know for me it is when I honestly feel the most alive.

When you are out there and you look around you realize that you are probably among only a handful of people that have experienced the view from where you are standing. And when you see wildlife all around you, you realize how very small you are. It gives you perspective into God’s design. You know that everything is the way it is supposed to be.

FACING THE BOOGIE MAN

If that’s not reason enough, then get out there for your children. Our kids don’t have the passion for the outdoors like we used to. The outdoors has become the boogie man. It’s too dangerous. We worry about our kids getting hurt.

The report by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports indicate 2/3 of American children can’t pass a basic physical fitness test. Forty percent of our boys and 70 percent of our girls, ages 6-17, can’t manage more than one pull up. Forty percent show early signs of heart and circulation problems.

So who is the real Boogie man? Maybe he’s the x-box.

THE DISCONNECT

It is apparent kids are becoming disconnected to the natural world. They lack an understanding of our natural food sources. Society has become so urbanized that children and even adults have an unhealthy view of wildlife and domestic animals.

They want to protect and humanize them all. Some even have an irrational fear of them. You have the power and responsibility to teach them otherwise.

TIME FOR CHANGE

There are so many reasons for more women to enjoy the outdoors. I am not saying you need to hunt. You don’t’ need to hike or bike. It doesn’t need to be anything strenuous at all. But because nature is Gods creation, we have on obligation to, at the very least, admire it.

Ladies I know it’s hard to find time, but what are you waiting for? I think you are ready for something different.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “… to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works within us…”

Every woman has the desire for adventure in her soul. God, says you have the ability to do “exceedingly abundantly” beyond what you think. Perhaps, you just never asked yourself about it. I promise if you try something new it will change you. And even if you hate it, you at the very least will love the fact that you tried it.

Mark Twain was quoted, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Don’t live for regret. Don’t let that spark that’s in you go out. Get out there and find your adventure.

_________________________________________________________

Jaime Cherry is the Women’s Ministry founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Jaime, Jaime@crosshairsforchrist.org

Sportsman’s Devotional.com is free and provides the Christian outdoorsman a daily email Bible study that Sportsmen can relate to. The study is short and to the point and it has a new photograph and outdoor tip each day.

Sportsman’s Devotional.com is written by a Christian sportsman, each day as a regular part of their personal Bible study. The Sportsman’s Devotional.com team is made up of regular guys from various professions ranging from a commercial airline pilot, a warehouse manager, hunting-fishing guides, ministers, to game wardens. All have one thing in common: they love the Lord, His awesome creation and the sporting lifestyle.

To sign up for your daily devotional, visit Sportsman’s Devotional.com online at  www.sportsmensdevotional.com.

© Copyright 2005, Sportsmen’s Devotional. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sportsmen’s Devotional may not be reproduced for any financial gain.

The Children’s Outdoor Adventure Foundation was established in August 2008 to help fulfill the dreams of children with physical disabilities or life-threatening medical conditions. Some of the activities the non-profit foundation offers are camping, fishing, hunting, field trips, train rides, and visits to State and National Parks.

Foundation directors, Rob and Lise Holloway work tirelessly in an effort to raise funds and connect volunteers and families with these special children. In addition, the Holloway’s travel the country, selling raffle tickets for trophy hunts and show their Wildlife Display Center to various Schools and Community Centers. “We want to give children the chance to make a personal connection with wildlife,” said Rob Holloway. “We let the kids touch the various animal mounts and pelts, while showing them examples of the different tracks the animals make and educating them about conservation and the role sportsmen play in wildlife management.”

To volunteer, make a donation or purchase raffle tickets please contact Rob or Lisa Holloway, by phone at (505) 286-4444 or email livethedreamnow@yahoo.com or mail P.O. Box 141, Tijeras, NM 87059. You may also visit the Children’s Outdoor Adventure Foundation online at http://childrensoutdooradventurefoundation.com.

It began with a mother’s determination to make her son’s dream of going on a Canadian moose hunt come true. Tina Pattison’s son Matt was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Tina knew if she was going to give her son this gift she had little time left. She began by making a call to the Make-A-Wish Foundation only to learn that after intense harassment from animal-rights groups when it granted an Alaskan brown bear hunt, the foundation no longer granted those types of requests. Still Tina would not give up.

Call after call turned up little results until finally she contacted the Pittsburgh chapter of Safari Outfitters and received a glimmer of hope. In August of 1998 an outfitter, Clayton Grosso, based in Nordegg, Alberta, Canada, agreed to fulfill Matt’s dream. And the adventure was on.

The following year Matt lost his battle to cancer.

Determined to keep their son’s memory alive and help famlies avoid the difficulty they have faced in fulfilling a dream, Tina and Matt’s father Chester started the Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation in August 1999. The Pattison family knows first hand about the  pain and suffering not only of losing a loved one to a terrible disease but of being shut out of opportunities by organizations set up to make dreams come true for all but those who wish to hunt and fish.

Like all foundations of this type, your help and support is greatly needed. Financial support, volunteer work and making contact with hunting opportunities, no assistance is too small. 

For more information contact  Tina Pattison, President, 6297 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA 16421 or visit www.huntofalifetime.org.  

Days-even minutes-can mean the difference between a terminally ill person fulfilling his or her dream or going out of this life still wishing.

The key to calling ducks is practice, practice, practice. Good callers learn to master the techniques used to make quacking sounds on a call, but great callers study real ducks in their natural environment and learn to mimic the quack. Volume, tone, rhythm and technique are critical to your success. Before you blow your first note on a call, take a field trip to the local duck pond and spend some time listening.

After you begin to identify the vast variety of sounds ducks make, you are ready to learn the basic calling techniques.

The Basic Quack ___________________________________ 

Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit
The basic quack, a single note, is the foundation for every other sound you will make on a duck call. There are several mental words callers use to mimic a duck quack. Hut, hit, whit, dwit, or kwit are among the most successful used.

To begin, hold the duck call in one hand and place your mouth on the call like you are drinking out of a coke bottle. Reach deep into you diaphragm and push the air through the call while saying one of the keywords. Try the various sounds until you strike the sound that most mimics what you heard on the pond.

For several weeks do nothing other than practice the single note until you have mastered the sound and have developed control over the volume and tone.

The Lonesome Hen ___________________________________
Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit

The lonesome hen is simple, slow three note call and is often the most effective sound in your calling arsenal. Imagine you are blowing six notes, skipping every other note. Picture yourself as the hottie hen of the duck world, seducing the big, bold drake. Each note should be slightly drawn out and have a gravel tone, but still remain crisp and clean.

This is often one of the most effective sounds a caller can make, often drawing in call-shy ducks even at a distance.

Practice.
The Greeting Call ___________________________________
Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit

The greeting call is a series of 5-7 clean, crisp notes in a descending, steady rhythm used when ducks are still at a distance. Never use the greeting call when you can see wing tips or tail feathers. You will likely scare the birds away and miss your opportunity for a good shot.

World Champion Caller, Buck Gardner of Buck Gardner Calls describes the rhythm as a mimic of the old nursery rhyme, “Three Blind Mice,” with a couple notes following to finish it up.

Again, practice until you have mastered the cadence and once again sound like a duck. Learn to control your volume and tone while focusing on the rhythm.

The Comeback ___________________________________
Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit

The comeback is basically a greeting with a sense of urgency and speed. Again focus on 5-7 notes and keep it simple. The comeback is used when the ducks simply will not respond to your greeting. I prefer to save this call for tail feathers and imagine that I am yelling, “Hey you! Over here! Comeback, comeback, comeback!” Often you will see the birds begin to turn back for a second glance. Don’t get over zealous and learn to control your excitement at this point.

Again practice. Combine your greeting practice with your comeback practice and learn to control the rhythm between and intensity between the two calls.

The Hail or Highball ___________________________________
Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit

The hail or highball is the screamer of the calling techniques. It should be loud and bold. It is the sound made most famous at competitions and can easily be over used. Most experts would agree that you should never use this call when ducks are within 100-200 yards.

To produce a proper hail, blow between 15-30 notes beginning with a long, loud note and tapering off in volume at the end. Make sure to keep each note crisp and clean cutting off air between each note.

Practice, practice, practice. The most common error callers make is to lose control out of the blocks and squawk the first note on the call.

The Plea ___________________________________
Hut, Hit, Whit, Dwit, Kwit

The plea is a short version of the hail, between 5-7 notes and is used to get the attention of high flying ducks. The first note is drawn out followed by shorter, crisp notes. It is a plea to draw ducks out of the sky and into your decoy spread.

Practice this call with your hail call until you master they volume, tone and rhythm.

The Feed Call  ___________________________________
kitty, kitty, kitty or chucka, chucka or ticka, ticka, ticka, or dugga, dugga, dugga

A good hunting scenario feed call can and should be simple. Remember the exercise at the pond and the tone and pace you heard live ducks make as they fed at the pond. A simple and broken up “ticka, ticka, tocka, tocka, ticka,” was realistically what you heard. Learn to mimic the pace and control your rhythm. Try the various keywords as you learn what works best for you.

If you struggle with its mastery continue to practice, but save it for another day. A feed call or lack thereof should not keep you from enjoying the hunt and enjoying the thrill of calling birds into your spread.

The Rolling Feed Call ___________________________________ 

The rolling feed call is the Cadillac of the calling techniques. It is most often heard at competitions by pros who spent countless hours into developing and working on their technique. The rolling feed call is among the most difficult to produce. It takes a ton of practice and with intention, why I left it for the end.

Much like the regular feed call, you put together the kitty, kitty, kitty or chucka, chucka or ticka, ticka, ticka, or dugga, dugga, dugga to produce the sound. The difference here is speed. With practice you will be able to produce the sounds in a machine gun fashion, creating the illusion that your sound is rolling. Make sure to not allow your tongue to roll like you are pronouncing an “r” in Spanish. Listen to the pros and stick with it. In time you will be capable of producing the sound at will.

Lastly, leave your rolling feed call technique at home when you hunt and save it for the competition.  On the stage is great for adding variety and showing your mastery of your call, but on the pond the only response you are likely to get is from other hunters who will view you as a showoff rather than a sportsman.

WAV SOUND FILES ________________________________________________________________

Sound files are copyright Ducks Unlimited – All rights reserved
 

Hail Call l Greeting Call l Feed Call l Comeback Call l Lonesome Hen

Pleading Call l Basic Quack

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;”  - Job 12:7

_______________________________________________________

Lance Cherry is a Field Staff Pro for Buck Gardner Calls. A native of New Mexico, Lance has worked several years in the outdoor industry, with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division. Lance is a founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Lance Cherry, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.

You are hunkered down in the duck blind as the sun begins to break over the horizon. A flock of birds lingers on the skyline as you begin to scream for their attention. “Hail” call, “Hail” call, “Hail” call and the flock turns in your direction. As the flock jets in your direction you welcome them with the “Greeting” call. Hello!, Hello!, you shout and follow with the chattering or “Feed” call declaring this pond scum tastes great. Suddenly, without notice the flock averts the landing and begins to peel away. “Comeback,” “Comeback” rings your call and you drop back to your “Feed” call as you bring them in for the landing. You offer a warm “Greeting” and finish them off with the “Lonesome Hen.”

These calls should be completed in this order and wrapped up as close to the 90-second time limit without going over. Judges are waterfowl experts and are placed out-of-sight in order to listen to only the sound and quality of the routine. They identify callers only by number with no knowledge of who the participant actually is. Judges will score the routine based on the richness of the tone, volume and your ability to create the illusion of a real hunt.

Learn More: www.callingducks.com

WAV SOUND FILES ________________________________________________________________

Sound files are copyright  Ducks Unlimited – All rights reserved

 Hail Call   l   Greeting Call  l   Feed Call  l   Comeback Call  l   Lonesome Hen 

Pleading Call   l   Basic Quack

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;”  - Job 12:7

_______________________________________________________

Lance Cherry, is a Buck Gardner Calls, Field Staffer. A native of New Mexico, Lance has worked several years in the outdoor industry, with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division. Lance is a founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Lance Cherry, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.

7 Steps For Proper Field Dressing Of Your Game

FIELD DRESSING KIT

•   Large Ziploc Bag
•   Bottled Water (2 Liters)
•   Latex Gloves (2 Pair)
•   Hand Sanitizer
•   Moist Towelettes
•   Dry Rag
•   2 Sharp Knives
•   Skinning Knife
•   Knife Sharpener
•   Keyhole Saw or Hatchet
•   Plastic Drop Cloth
•   Rope (10-12 Foot)
•   Twine (1 Foot)
•   Head Lamp

Then God said, ” Let us make man in Our image, in Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26

When God set man up as ruler over all creatures, he put a great responsibility squarely on our shoulders. He made us wildlife managers, which demands that we learn and understand every aspect of our role on this earth.

I recently heard a story about a hunter that bagged his first elk on a Friday, then waited until Saturday morning to field dress it and finally delivered it to the meat processor on Sunday only to learn the meat had spoiled and all was wasted. Now a putrid green, the loss of the meat and the hide, could’ve easily been avoided.

What went wrong? Everything went wrong. It’s a sad situation when a novice hunter takes the life of an animal only to ask “what do I do now?” Proper field dressing is not difficult and should begin as soon as the animal has fallen. Prompt action, clean removal of the organs and proper cooling of your harvest can mean the difference between harvesting all and harvesting nothing.

Furthermore, it’s our responsibility to know what to do before we take a life. Wildlife population control is critical for assuring healthy herds and the longevity of a species. Your role as a hunter is necessary, but don’t put yourself in the position of a novice. Follow these seven tips and finish your hunt like the ruler God ordained.

Step One – Just Chill

Take a breath and give yourself a few minutes to “chill out”. You’ve just harvested your game and chances are your adrenaline is still flowing. The last thing you want to do is start slashing away at the animal. Begin by positioning your harvest with the head uphill. Remember the three most important factors to avoid spoilage: Keep your game cool, keep your game clean and keep your game dry.

Step Two – The First Cut Is The Deepest

Put on a pair of rubber, latex, and disposable gloves. Gloves help keep the meat clean, and will keep you safe from contaminated meat. (Be cautious of the musk (scent) glands on the lower hind legs. Avoid contact with them as the scent may cling to your hands and taint the meat. Some hunters cut these off before beginning the field dressing steps and discard their first pair of latex gloves.) Next make a small cut into the belly of the animal with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut any of the internal organs. Slit the animal from back to front, using your fingers to guide gently through the hide, muscle and into the cavity. Remember to take your time. A good clean cut will pay off in the end.

Step Three – Pelvis Presley

Cut a deep circle around the anus and tie it off with a small piece of twine. Split the pelvic bone with a small saw, knife or hand ax, careful not to rupture the intestines. Separate the hindquarters and stake the legs open.

Step Four – Chest Cracker

Split the chest cavity, cutting through the breast bone with a small saw, knife or hand ax. Cut the muscles of the diaphragm away from the rib cage.

Step Five – Messy Clean-Up

Reach into the chest cavity, pushing the lungs aside, and cut the windpipe and gullet from the neck. Pull the heart, lungs, liver, paunch and intestines from the chest to the tail, leaving your gut pile behind outside the animal. You may have to do some additional cutting to free the entrails from the cavity. If you were able to place the animal uphill, they should easily roll out downhill between the hindquarters. This is often very messy, so don’t hesitate to roll your sleeves up and simply dig in.

Step Five – Hang Your Harvest

Find a cool shady place to hang your harvest. Use sticks to prop the cavity open. This will assure good circulation of air to reduce body heat. Use a cloth or paper towels to remove any remaining blood in the cavity. Let hang for about an hour before proceeding to the next step, unless the temperature outside is warm. The important part to remember is you are working to cool the animal as quickly as possible so the meat doesn’t spoil.

Step Six – Skinn’er Done

To skin your harvest begin by re-hanging your animal by the hind legs. Make a cut through the hide on the hindquarters. Cut down each leg, cutting and pealing the hide from the meat at the same time. Continue the process to the neck and cut the entire neck from the body. The process of skinning an animal can be a time consuming process, so be patient. Many hunters cut the hide from the neck and shoulders and remove just the head. However, it is best if you remove the entire neck, leaving the hide attached and get it to your taxidermist as quickly as possible. They will complete the removal of the hide to ensure the best outcome for your mount. For full body mounts, bring your harvest in fresh for the taxidermist to skin.

Step Seven – Butchered To Perfection

Butcher your animal on your own or transport your harvest to the nearest meat processor. There are many resources available with diagrams of meat cuts and techniques for proper butchering. If you’ve followed these steps and kept your harvest cool, clean and dry – be confident that you delivered properly prepared game, with the best chance for returning the most meat.

_______________________________________________________

Lance Cherry, a native of New Mexico, has worked several years in the outdoor industry, with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division. Lance is a founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Lance Cherry, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.