Sparks light up the sky.
Wind and rain chase me inside.
Can you feel the change?

Storms offer a chance to sit and wonder. Is there anything more awe-inspiring than watching a lightning show? A thunderstorm shows you just how small you really are. Nothing can stop it. Nothing can change its course. And the storm always changes something. Adding and taking away. The rain feeds the trees, but the wind rips at the branches. You just get to watch it come and go… a lot like life.

Bushnell revolutionized GPS technology by making it simple for everyone to use with the popular BackTrack. The BackTrack allows you to set a location you want to get back to with a press of a button. Simply follow the arrow and the distance shown so you never have to worry about getting lost again. For 2010 they have introduced two new BackTrack models to the market with a greater host of features, while maintaining the simple operation of the original model.

The new BackTrack Point 3 and Point 5 models are compact and lightweight. The Point 5 has a carabiner clip and the Point 3 comes with a key ring to make it easy to secure them to a backpack, purse, belt loop or any attachment point.

Both models feature improved screen graphics and have the latest in GPS technology for quick satellite acquisition and enhanced signal sensitivity so users can quickly mark a location or take a compass reading.

Like the original BackTrack, the Point 3 allows users to mark up to three separate locations or waypoints. In compass mode the arrow points north and displays the direction you are facing in degrees.

The BackTrack Point 5 can store up to five separate locations. It has an integrated digital compass that resembles an actual compass. The Point 5 also includes latitude and longitude coordinates when in compass mode. It displays time, temperature and altitude as well, giving the user a wealth of valuable information for their hike or trip.

Both units display an arrow pointing in the direction of the marked waypoint with the distance to the destination. They have a backlit screen feature for low light conditions. The auto off feature turns the units off 5 minutes after the last button is pushed to conserve battery life. Measurement readings can be changed from U.S. to metric and the clock on the Point 5 can be set for civilian or military time.

The BackTrack Point 3 sells for a suggested retail price of $69.99 and the Point 5 for $89.99.

There is no easier GPS than the Backtrack. Get one.

Wow! The trip to Norfolk was great, but the schedule was very full. Between breaking down doors, shooting guns, learning about new gear and drinking beer, there was hardly time to sleep. So I missed Haiku Wednesday. I will make that up here. But first, a new prduct for you.

The new Pack-N-Go Sport Utility Blind from Final Approach is the perfect layout blind for hunters who don’t have a pickup, or are short on storage space. The S.U.B Blind has all of the great features of the Original S.U.B. but quickly and easily collapses and compresses into a package small enough to fit into the trunk of a compact car, while retaining its structural integrity.

The lightweight rust-free aluminum frame is rugged and built to stand up to years of hard use.

The blind comes with backpack straps and a built-in scabbard to make it easy to carry both the blind and your gun into the field in one trip.

The S.U.B Blind is covered in durable rot-resistant 600D poly fabric with a waterproof backing. It has the original Stubble Straps attached for adding local vegetation for extra concealment.

The S.U.B. Blind measures a roomy 36”W x 85”L x 18” H. It has a padded head rest and gun rest. The blind collapses flat to 18”W x 44”L.

For more information, visit www.fabrand.com or call 800-423-3537.

Light and easy to haul the SUB is great in the field.

The early goose season will start soon. Are you ready.

Birds in formation
Looking over lakes and fields
Where will they lead me?

I wonder, if I could chase geese all day, every day, would I? There is some deep-seated philosophical question in there… and it is not just about the geese

I’m down in Norfolk, VA right now at a law enforcement gear seminar at Blackhawk. But as luck would have it, Blackhawk also has a very cool line of hunting gear. They have everything from recoil reducing stocks (great for turkey hunters and big game hunter) to some of the finest backpacks the world has ever known. If you get a chance to check out the hunting gear, log on to www.blackhawk.com, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Iron graced with walnut
Stands alone against the sky.
Is one gun you dream?

Don’t you just love a good gun. There is so much more to a firearm than wood and steel. The sum of the parts give the gun a life, a personality and a warmth that transcends the utilitarian aspects of the gun as a tool. In fact, to many people a gun is art… functional art. Something that must be held, used and passed on to future generations to be fully appreciated.

When headed out in the field for a day-long hunt what extra stuff do you carry? First-aid kit? Canine treats/food for the dog? Any water or food for yourself? Do you go anywhere you might need a compass or GPS?

Me, I’m a big fan of dry socks and trail mix. I also carry a small first-aid kit and a bottle of water.

I’d like to say I just forgot to write a Haiku on Wednesday, but I just wimped out. My office is in the upstairs of my house, without the benefit of conditioned air… dang… it was 92 degrees up there. That’s just too hot, so I put it off until later and got busy… and it slipped my mind until today.

But today is rainy and cool.. finally.

The duck boat is coming along… just need some trailer lights and I should be ready to go… There is always something. Can’t wait to get the kids out squirrel hunting this fall. Soon… the time is coming soon. Get your gear ready.

It’s like living on a hot sponge. Could there be any more humidity? I guess the waterfowl hunters will be happy come this fall. Seems the whole world is trying to get South Dakota Non-Resident Waterfowl licenses. Several of my friends have told me they didn’t draw. Oh well, people know a good thing when they see it.

It’s that time of the year. County and state fairs are getting underway all over the place. That means 4H clubs are busy as all get out and everyone is thinking about how much the grand champion steer will sell for. Will it be enough to put the kid through college? Who knows.

This time of year also means guys at my office are showing up at work toting their bows so they can practice at lunchtime. I haven’t gone bowhunting in 13 years, but maybe it is time to start again. Pretty soon the days will get cooler, treestands will be hung and the fun of fall will begin.

How can I forget an entire Wednesday… Too many deadlines. That’s got to be it. I owe you a haiku… I know you are waiting for this.

Wind, rain, rolling clouds.
Shadows dancing on the grass.
Who makes summer days?

The old saying, it’s summer time and living is easy does not always apply. But there are days that stand out; days that remind you how good things can be. Sometimes it is the tug of a fish at the end of a line or the cry of hawk hunting over an open field. Little things go a long way.