2 in 1 Camping Tent 18-LED Light Ceiling Fan with Hook - Black

http://tripleclicks.com/13163614/detail.php?item=254740

Surviving The Wild Outdoors (with MRR)

http://tripleclicks.com/13163614/detail.php?item=256386

Massachusetts 2013 Trout Stalking Schedule

Fish Stocking Information

Here are links to information about waters stocked with various fish species as well as trout stocking information.

• 2013 Trout Stocked Waters
• 2013 Spring Trout Stocking Schedule (updated each Friday)
• Salmon Fry Stocking Help Needed!
• Broodstock Salmon-Winter 2011-12
• Northern Pike & Tiger Muskellunge

2013 Spring Trout Stocking

Spring trout stocking started in the Southeast and Northeast Districts the week of March 11th. Due to water chemistry and access conditions, Central District and Connecticut Valley District staff plan to start stocking the week of March 18 and the Western District staff will commence trout stocking the week of March 25.

Bay State anglers with their 2013 freshwater fishing license in hand can look forward to casting for over 510,000 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout by mid-March. These are sizeable fish; more than 74% of the fish are in the 12 inches or longer size category with more than 32% of the fish in the 14 inches or larger category. Stocking got under way in the second week of March in southeastern Massachusetts-as water chemistry and access conditions improve, other MassWildlife District offices will begin stocking. Anglers are advised to contact the District officesto for information on stocking. "We'll be putting out 295,400 rainbow trout, 84,700 brook trout and 129,400 brown trout," said Ken Simmons, MassWildlife Hatchery Chief. "In addition, just over 3000 tiger trout weighing more than a pound and measuring over 14 inches will be distributed equally throughout the five districts." Tiger trout are a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout, have become popular with folks lucky enough to hook and land one. The larger water bodies will receive the larger fish and the smaller brooks and streams will receive the majority of the smaller-sized fish. Finally, in addition to the trout, approximately 350 broodstock salmon from the Palmer Hatchery ranging from 2-3 pounds will be stocked across the state. Trout stocking schedules will be updated every Friday between March and Memorial Day in May.

Fresh water anglers are reminded that the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than one ounce, regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached "skirts" or some other material, is prohibited. More info on this topic.

Survival TV Show Helps Teen Survive In A Winter Survival Situation

On Sunday afternoon March 3,2013 Nicholas Joy a 17 year old from Mendon, Massachusetts was skiing at Sugarloaf ski resort in Maine when he had got lost,  the path he was on had ended. He tried to walk his way out of the situation but he found himself even more disorientated.When that  Sunday afternoon ended up being  evening he knew he was going to have to spend the night, that's when he started going into survival mode. By watching TV Survivals shows he knew he was going to have to make some kind of shelter to keep out of the winter'y elements on that mountain. At that moment his option was to build a snow cave and hunker down for the night. When Monday morning had come he had decided to start walking in hopes of finding rescue since he could hear snowmobilers in the distance. Nicholas ended up walking over two miles in the snow with no luck of being rescued, even though there where rescue teams searching the hole mountain. While walking he stayed hydrated by drinking water from the mountain springs. After no sign of rescue he       decided to follow his tracks back to his snow cave that he had build. Nicholas had no way to start a fire to keep warm threw the winter'y night, all he could count on was his little snow cave to keep him insulated enough to survive another night. When Tuesday came he ventured out looking for help once again and came across a trail used by snowmobilers where he was then rescued.

I give great credit to this 17 year old who is from a suburb of Boston, Ma. to be able to survive two nights and two day's out on that mountain. For his interest in watching TV Survival shows that just might of saved his life.

When a day of recreation skiing turns into a life or death situation are you prepared ?

Here's somethings that you could easily keep in your skiing jacket that could save your life.

• Emergency blanket
• Fire starter ( matches,lighter,flint & steel )
• First Aid Kit ( small or make shift one )
• Protein Bars or Equivelant
• Multi-Tool
• Something bright or shinny for signaling 
• Pocket size flashlight ( mini mag light )

 You can find all these things at brownsoutdoorretail.com .

Take a minute and put yourself in that 17 years old boy's shoes, what would you've done? These are the things that you have to continually think about when your out in the outdoors.

BE SAFE MY FRIENDS!

t

WATER. Water is one of your most urgent needs in a survival situation.

WATER. Water is one of your most urgent needs in a survival situation. You
can’t live long without it, especially in hot areas where you lose so much through
sweating. Even in cold areas, you need a minimum of 2 quarts of water a day to
maintain efficiency. More than three-fourths of your body is composed of fluids. Your
body loses fluid as a result of heat, cold, stress, and exertion. The fluid your body
loses must be replaced for you to function effectively. So, one of your first objectives
is to obtain an adequate supply of water.
a. Purification. Purify all water before drinking, either (1) by boiling for at least one
minute (plus 1 minute for each additional 1,000 feet above sea level) or boil for 10
minutes no matter where you are; (2) by using water purification tablets or (3) by
adding 8 drops of 2-1/2% solution of iodine to a quart  of water and
letting it stand for 10 minutes before drinking. Rain water collected directly in clean
containers or on plants is generally safe to drink without purifying. Don’t drink urine
or sea water -- the salt content is too high -- Old bluish sea ice can be used, but
new, gray ice may be salty. Glacier ice is safe to melt and drink.
b. Desert Environment. In a desert environment water has a tremendous
physiological effect . If  you don'y plan properly your water supply could run out. There are four indicators or signs of
water that you should look for in the desert. They are, animal trails, vegetation,
birds, and civilization.  Adequate water supply is critical in a hot desert
environment if you are to survive and maintain your physical condition
necessary to accomplish getting rescued. You must enforce water discipline.

c. Survival water still. For the below ground still  you will need a digging
tool.
(1) You should select a site where you believe the soil will contain moisture (such
as a dry stream bed or a spot where rain water has collected), where the soil is
easy to dig, and where sunlight hits most of the day. Proceed as follows:
(a) Dig a bowl-shaped hole approximately 3 feet across and 2 feet deep.
(b) Dig a sump in center of the hole. The depth and the perimeter of the sump
will depend on the size of the container that you have to set in it. The
bottom of the sump should allow the container to stand upright.
(c) Anchor the tubing to the bottom of  the container by forming a loose
overhand knot in the tubing.
(d) Place the container upright in the sump.

(e) Extend the unanchored end of the tubing up, over, and beyond the lip of the
hole.
(f) Place plastic sheeting over the hole covering the edge with soil to hold it in
place.
(g) Place a rock in the center of the plastic.
(h) Allow the plastic to lower into the hole until it is about 15 inches below
ground level. The plastic now forms an inverted cone with the rock at its
apex.  Make sure that the apex of the cone is directly over your container.
Also make sure the plastic cone does not touch the sides of the hole
because the earth will absorb the condensed water.

(i) Put more soil on the edges of the plastic to hold it securely in place and to
prevent loss of moisture.
(j) Plug the tube when not being used so that moisture will not evaporate.
d. You can drink water without disturbing the still by using the tube as a straw. You
may want to use plants in the hole as a moisture source.  If so, when you dig the
hole you should dig out additional soil from the sides of the hole to form a slope on
which to place the plants. Then proceed as above.

BE SAFE MY FRIENDS!

REMINDER THAT THE USE OF LEAD SINKERS ARE ILLEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS

Loons, Lead Sinkers & Jigs

January 1, 2012 -- The use of any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce is now prohibited in all inland waters (fresh water) of the Commonwealth.

In terms of this regulation, "lead sinker" or "lead weight" is defined as any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce. A "lead jig" is defined as any lead-weighted hook weighing less than 1 ounce. Prohibited tackle includes lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than an ounce regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached "skirts" or some other material. See the questions below for more details.

Which lead sinkers and jigs are illegal to use when fishing in Massachusetts?

The use of any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce is now prohibited in all Massachusetts inland waters (freshwater). Examples of prohibited tackle weighing less than 1 ounce include but are not limited to: split shot, bottom-bumping jigs, bullet weights, lead sinkers, or jigs which are painted, "skirted", or otherwise covered with rubber or other substance.

What equipment can I use legally when freshwater fishing?

You may use lead sinkers and jigs weighing 1 oz or more. Other examples of hooks and lures which anglers may continue to use include artificial lures such as:

• buzz baits,
• rooster tails,
• metals and spoons,
• spinners and spinner-baits,
• jerk or stick baits,
• swim baits,
• lead-core fishing line,
• and weighted flies. 

Is there alternative equipment available?

Ecologically safe alternatives to lead sinkers and lead jigs (such as steel, tungsten, bismuth, copper, brass, and tin) are readily available from many sources and come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, weights, and sizes to meet every type of fishing need.

BACKGROUND

In 2009, after a DFW staff review and public hearing, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board unanimously voted to prohibit the use of lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than an ounce with the provision that the regulation go into effect January 1, 2012. This delay was designed to give manufacturers and anglers time to adjust to these changes.

The regulation was implemented primarily to protect the state's small population of Common Loons (Gavia immer). Common Loons are a state listed Species of Special Concern.

The Common loon (Gavia immer) nested in Massachusetts historically but was extirpated in the late nineteenth century. In 1975, however, a pair of loons was discovered nesting at Quabbin Reservoir. Today, there are approximately 32 nesting pairs of loons on 14 different lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the Commonwealth. Loons are listed on the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list as a Species of Special Concern. Common loons reach the southern limits of their North American range in Massachusetts and their population growth in this state is limited by habitat. In general, loons require approximately 1000 acres of water per nesting pair, islands for nesting, and limited human disturbance. This is in large part why Quabbin andWachusett Reservoirs support the core of the state's total loon population with 16 and 4 nesting pairs, respectively.

Lead Poisoning

Ingestion of lead fishing gear is the single largest cause of mortality for adult loons in New England. Veterinarians at Tufts University - School of Veterinary Medicine examined over 483 dead adult loons from fresh waters and determined that approximately 44% of these birds died as the result of lead poisoning from the ingestion of lead fishing gear. Their ongoing research has documented that ingestion of lead sinkers (including split shot) accounted for approximately 79% of the dead adult loons from fresh water. Just a single lead sinker can poison a loon. A bird with lead poisoning will have physical and behavioral changes including loss of balance, gasping, tremors and impaired ability to fly. The weakened bird is more vulnerable to predators and may have trouble feeding, mating, nesting, and caring for its young. It becomes emaciated and often dies within two to three weeks after eating the lead.

How do Loons Ingest Lead?

There are at least two ways loons are ingesting lead sinkers. One way is when loons take minnows being used as bait. In eating the minnow, the loon breaks off the line and then swallows the hook, line, swivel and sinker. A second way appears to be when loons ingest small pebbles from lake bottoms and inadvertently swallow lead sinkers or are actively selecting them for some reason (perhaps because of their unique size, shape or shininess).

Regulatory Actions To Protect Loons

In 2001, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board prohibited the use of all lead sinkers for the taking of fish in Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, the loons' primary habitat in the state.

In 2009, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board unanimously voted to prohibit the use of lead sinkers, lead weights, and lead fishing jigs with a mass of less than 1 ounce in all inland waters of Massachusetts. As previously noted, to give manufacturers and anglers time to adjust to this change, this regulation was scheduled to take effect January 1, 2012.

Through this new conservation regulation it is possible to reduce the chance of lead poisoning of loons, a goal all sportsmen should support. Most anglers who have experienced the presence of loons would agree that sightings of these magnificent birds and the enjoyment of their iconic, eerie calls adds to the quality of any fishing experience.

Help Us Get The Word Out!

Sporting and fishing clubs, bait and tackle stores, watershed associations, marinas, and other conservation organizations can help get the message about the new regulation in several ways: making announcements at meetings, publishing the information in newsletters or email blasts, or posting a flyer (Get the Lead Out) announcing the lead sinker ban available from the DFW website.

HUGE TENT SALE

HUGE TENT SALE

FROM 10% - 20% OFF

CHECK OUT THE SPECIALS AT

brownsoutdoorretail.com

HOW TO & WHAT TO PACK FOR A BACKPACKING TRIP

Packing a backpack seems like a simple task, but are you really packing correctly and including the things that you should? If you plan to take a backpacking trip there are certain things to think about like the length of your trip, the weather etc. The information about your trip will then help you know what you need and how much you need to pack. Aside from understanding what you need, how much you need and how to pack everything into your backpack. Learning and understanding what items are of the up most importance could in fact save your life if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Backpacker's Basics

• Backpack
• Tent & Stakes
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Day Pack
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight/Headlamp and Extra Batteries

Backpacker's Essentials

• Full 1 Qt. Water Bottle
• Matches or Lighter
• Compass and Map
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Whistle with neck cord
• 50 Ft. Nylon Cord
• Pocket Knife
• Emergency Blanket
• Energy Bar
• Sunglasses

Ski Accessories

• Waxes/skins
• Scraper
• Cork
• Skis
• Poles
• Boots
• Spare parts
• Tools

Clothing

• Boots, well sealed
• Camp shoes and sandals
• Liner Socks
• Hiking Socks
• T-Shirt
• Shorts
• Warm Shirt
• Pants
• Extra Underwear
• Thermal Underwear
• Warm Jacket/Fleece
• Rain Gear
• Gloves Fleece/Wool
• Hat with brim
• Warm Hat
• Clothes for drive home

Group Equipment

• Camping Stove
• Windscreen
• Small Lantern
• Fuel and Funnel
• Matches or Lighter
• Water Filter/Chemical
• Insect Repellent
• Toilet Paper and Towel
• Trash Bag
• Repair Kit
• Large Firs Aid Kit
• Water Storage Container
• Bear Canister
• Biodegradable Dish Soap
• Scrub Pad
• Dish Towel
• Large Utensils
• Pots and Fry Pan
• Small Cutting Board
• Pot Grip
• Drink Mixes
• Food
• Spices
• Snacks
• GPS
• 2-Way Radios

Winter Camp Equipment

• Avalanche probes, beacons
• Boot protection/sealant
• Snow Shovel
• Extra Dark Sunglasses/keeper
• Small piece of sleeping pad (ensolite) for stove
• Extra pot for melting snow
• Snow stakes
• Snow Shoes
• Crampons
• Ice Axe

How to Pack
Start with your sleeping bag in the bottom for a solid foundation. Put the heaviest items like your clothing, food, and cooking gear in the main compartment, keeping the weight close to your back, nearest your center of gravity. For men, this is higher, and for women it tends to be lower, towards the small of the back. Top off your pack with lighter items like your tent, maps or guides and anything you may need quickly at any particular moment like cameras, or chap stick etc. If you are unsure if everything is packed correctly try it on and walk a few steps around and see how it feels. Remember that the heaviest part of your pack should be towards the center or small of your back

Get all the backpacking gear you need at brownsoutdoorretail.com.

BE SAFE MY FRIENDS !

  

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF STRANDED OUTDOORS

Every survival situation is different. There are many different scenarios  that you could find yourself in. From a day hike that went wrong to a snowmobile break down on a trail, or even the worst  case scenario a medical emergency while out in the woods.

Here's just a few tips to keep in mind:

• Stay calm- If you start panicking your body will go into a survival mode, in which adrenaline will kick in and that could lead to hasty decision making.
• Orientate yourself- Try to get a sense of where your at. Take a moment to sit down and listen to your surroundings for vehicles, running water, barn animals, and even human voices. Look for terrain features like hill tops, ridges, valleys, saddles, depressions, draws, spurs, and cliffs. If you have a map and and a compass available orientate yourself to the map and determine a magnetic azimuth to the nearest road, river, terrain feature, or man made object like a cell tower or fire tower.
• Stay put- If your on a road with a vehicle, known trail, logging road, or a well used river. If your not on or near one of these places your going to have to move to an area where you will be more likely to be found. For instance wide open areas, hill top, or a tower.
• Signal- If you want to be found its all about giving away your position and movement. If your moving to another location on your way mark your movement by breaking tree twigs and limbs, if there's snow on the ground every 5-10 meters draw an arrow towards the direction your traveling to let rescuers know where you're moving to. Keep using verbal communication, yell for help.Once you get to a good area where you feel like your most likely to be noticed start building a signal fire.
• Start preparing to spend the night- It might take a day or so to be rescued so your going to have to switch into a survival mode. First you should have a fire started, by making a fire it will mark your area for rescuers to find you, it will keep you warm, and for psychological means it will keep you calm and make you feel safe.Next your going to have to make yourself some kind of shelter to protect yourself from the outside elements. This could be naturally made by a rock formation, down trees, or small cave. You might find yourself having to build a shelter, there are different types you can build depending on the resources you have available. You could build a lean-to, tepee, hootch, or a snow shelter. Be sure that your shelter is water resistant and has insulation on the roof and floor. Make sure that you don't over exert yourself your going to have to conserve as much energy as possible.
• Reconnaissance- Once you have a fire and shelter established you're going to have to do a recon of your area looking for water and possible food sources. While out looking for resources to use make sure you're making as many visible markings as possible for rescue'res to find.
• Be prepared to signal rescue'res- Keep some green foliage near your fire so you can make thick smoke for rescue'res to see, also have something shiny or colorful ready to use.
• Make a plan- If it's been at least two days and there's no sign of rescue'res your going to have to start making another plan to move to another location.

I hope these basic tips could help you, if you find yourself in a situation where you get disorientated and need to be rescued. Just remember anything can happen out in the outdoors so be prepared.

In the next upcoming blogs look for:

• Packing for a hiking or exploring trip
• Land Navigation
• How to build a fire
• How to build a shelter
• Ways to filter water
• How to make snares and traps

BE SAFE MY FRIENDS!

Healthy Kids Outdoor Act

Healthy Kids Outdoors Act Supports Strategies to Connect Kids with Nature  Congressman Ron Kind (WI) and Senator Mark Udall (CO) Introduce Legislation to Bolster Outdoor Recreation, Address Childhood Obesity and Strengthen the Economy  WASHINGTON, DC (November 3, 2011) — Congressman Ron Kind (WI) and Senator Mark Udall (CO) introduced the Healthy Kids Outdoors Act today to support state, local and federal strategies to connect youth and families with the natural world, improve children’s health and support future economic growth and conservation efforts. This legislation will help get Americans active outdoors through natural play; outdoor recreation such as camping, hiking, hunting and fishing; public health initiatives; outdoor learning environments; service learning and other initiatives. “Children today are spending less time outdoors than any other generation in history,” said Rep. Kind. “To tackle alarming childhood obesity rates and encourage healthy lifestyles, we must encourage our kids to get active, especially outdoors. I am committed to providing access and opportunities for our families to get active in nature and will continue to treasure every chance I get to take advantage of Wisconsin's abundant natural resources with my two young boys.” “I introduced the Healthy Kids Outdoors Act, along with my House colleague Rep. Ron Kind, to help Americans, especially kids, connect with healthy, active, outdoor activities,” said Sen. Udall, the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's National Parks Subcommittee and co-chairman of the bipartisan Senate Outdoor Recreation Caucus. “Connecting with the outdoors is an excellent way to promote good physical and mental health and bolster America’s conservation legacy. It also supports our vibrant outdoor economy, which is especially important in Colorado and to our rural mountain communities.” Today’s children are spending less time in nature than their parents or grandparents. At the same time, one in three American kids is overweight or obese; more than half of all children in the United States are deficient in Vitamin D; instances of attention deficit disorders are on the rise; and stress, anxiety and depression rates among youth are increasing. The Healthy Kids Outdoors Act would provide incentives to states to develop cross-cutting, five-year strategies to get children and families active in the great outdoors. It would also direct the president to involve federal agencies and national partners to create a similar plan at the national level and support research further documenting the health, conservation and other benefits of active time spent outdoors in the natural world. “The nature of childhood has changed, and there isn’t much nature in it,” said Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation’s president and CEO. “National Wildlife Federation commends Congressman Ron Kind and Senator Mark Udall for introducing legislation that will strengthen the economy by getting Americans moving through recreation and active outdoor play.” The Healthy Kids Outdoors Act has the support of the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK), a national strategic partnership of non-profit organizations and corporations from the conservation, health and outdoor recreation sectors with a common interest in expanding opportunities for children, youth and families to connect with nature. “Providing access to the outdoors is at the heart of our business. We believe in the virtuous cycle--the simple concept based on the idea that if you get people outdoors, they will love that experience. The more they come back, the more they grow to care about protecting our natural playgrounds and living healthy active lives,” said Todd Spaletto, president of The North Face. "We’re excited about our partnership with OAK and support policy solutions like the Health Kids Outdoors Act as it means more opportunities to get people outdoors.” “At a time when more than one in three children in the US are overweight, we applaud Congressman Ron Kind and Senator Mark Udall for successfully introducing the Healthy Kids Outdoors Act,” said Dave Alberga, CEO at Active Network. “We look forward to continuing our support in getting kids active and participating in outdoor activities.” "Through our Mission Outdoors programs, we have witnessed shy children grow into leaders from the confidence they gain after hiking up a mountain. We have seen military kids get a much needed break from the daily stress they face when one of their parents deploys by spending a week outdoors at summer camp," said Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. "But, fewer kids are spending time outdoors and many don't have the opportunity to get outdoors. Rep. Kind and Sen. Udall's bill could help reverse this trend, improve our kids' health and open up a new world for them." Americans are paying a steep price for less time spent outdoors. Obesity not only decreases the quality of life for many Americans – it is straining our nation’s economy through steep increases in healthcare costs. In addition, local and state economies have suffered as the drop in outdoor recreation has translated into less revenue for outdoor retailers, local tourist destinations or “gateway communities,” and state fish and wildlife agencies. The conditions are right for making lasting changes in the ways youth and families relate to nature. The Healthy Kids Outdoors Act will support the goals of the President’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative and the First Lady’s effort to address childhood obesity through Let’s Move! ### About the Outdoors Alliance for Kids: OAK is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with the common interest in expanding the number and quality of opportunities for children, youth and families to connect with the outdoors. The alliance was launched by Sierra Club, YMCA of the USA, REI, National Wildlife Federation, Izaak Walton League of America, Outdoor Foundation, Children & Nature Network and the National Recreation and Park Association in June 2010. Since then, OAK’s steering committee has grown to include the National Association of State Park Directors, The North Face and Active Network. OAK’s membership continues to expand and now includes 35 nonprofit organizations and corporations. Learn more at www.OutdoorsAllianceForKids.org. Communications Contact:  Max Greenberg, National Wildlife Federation, greenbergm@nwf.org or 703-438-6018

Start Planning For Spring Vacations

      Start planning your spring vacations now! The sooner you start making reservations the chances of finding good package deals and discounts are greater. If you are a camping, hiking, or outdoor enthusiast start going threw your gear. If you need to replace or upgrade your equipment check out www.brownsoutdoorretail.com . You can find good deals during the off season.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Ten Great Ice Fishing Safety Tips

From www.about.com

Going Into this 2013 Ice Fishing season the New England temperatures have not been co-operating with the ice fishing enthusiast. Do to the temperature changes the ice has not had enough sustainable cold temperatures to freeze appropriately. Here is some good safety tips to follow.

Here are some safety tips every person venturing out onto frozen lakes should observe:

• Leave information about your plans with someone -- where you intend to fish and when you expect to return.
• Wear a personal floatation device and don't fish alone.
• Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed.
• Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land, bridges, islands, and over reefs and springs. Current causes ice to be thinner over these areas.
• Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes.
• Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off!
• Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way out onto the surface of the ice if you go through. Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies.
• Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice.
• Leave your car or truck on shore. Every year several motor vehicles go through the ice on Vermont lakes, and people have drowned as a result.
• Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow n fresh air.

More From Jim Shepherd

• Start Of 2008 Bass Tournament Season
• Profile Of Jim Shepherd And List Of His Articles

Be Safe My Friends !!

News Update

Three people injured in an avalanche in New Hampshire

 http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/boston-north/Several-hurt-in-avalanche-at-Tuckerman-Ravine/-/11984708/18179762/-/htq8fhz/-/index.html

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS ICE FISHING DERBY'S

Here is the upcoming fishing derby schedule for central Massachusetts. You can purchase your tickets at Wickaboag Valley Bait & Tackle. www.wickaboagbait.com

DERBIES 2013:
Please get us information about your derby and we will post it on this site.

-Rutland Sportsmen's Club: 1/19/13 6 am to 5pm. 1/20/13 6am to 4pm. $20 entrance fee. Tickets at the shop.
-Wickaboag Sportsmens Club: 1/20/13 6am to 3pm.  Lake Wickaboag town beach.
-Lions Club Derby: 1/26/13 7am to 3:30 pm weigh in.  $20 entrance fee. Tickets at the shop.
-Spencer Fish and Game-Trout and Perch Derby: 2/2/13 7am to 2:30 pm.  $5 per hole.  Two hole max.
Food and refreshments will be served from 5am.  Ice out date is 2/9/12
-Lake Lashaway Fishing Derby: 2/16/13
-Boy Scout Derby: Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield TBA.
-Camp Joslin Derby to Benefit Kids with Diabetes: Long Pond, Rutland, MA.  TBA

Winter Safety Tips

Winter Safety Tips

• Don't let children play outside in the snow for more than 3-4 hours at a time and monitor them.
• Don't over exert yourself from shoveling or other outdoor activities.
• Wear the appropriate clothing.
• Use layering when dressing for the cold (do not use clothing made of cotton).
• First layer of clothing should be a pair of thermal pants and shirt made of polypropylene or a synthetic fiber.
• Socks also should be of a synthetic fiber, polypropylene, or made of wool.
• Next layer of clothing pants and light jacket should be made of wool or fleece.
• The outer layer of protective clothing would be your jacket and snow pants. The jacket and snow pants should be insulated and water resistant.
• Hats should be made of wool or a synthetic fiber.
• Gloves should be insulated and water resistant.
• Boots also should be insulated and water proof.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your car made of the following

1) Flashlight w/batteries

2) Spare warm clothing

3) A warm blanket or sleeping bag

4) Lighter, matches, or flint

5) A three day supply of non-perishable food

6) First Aid Kit

7) Flares

8) Multi-purpose tool

• Be aware of the types and symptoms of cold weather injuries.

1) Frostbite

2) Hyperthermia

3) Trench Foot

4) Snow Blindness

One saying to keep in mind that is taught to us in the military 'cotton kills', and it will. Cotton will keep moisture close to your body in return when you stop doing physical activities you will start to get cold fast. By using wool, polypropylene, and synthetic fabric, the moisture will wick away from your body keeping you warmer.

KEEP SAFE MY FRIENDS!

Grand Opening

Welcome to the Grand Opening of Brown's Outdoor Retail!

Hi, my name is John Brown, I 'm the owner of Brown's Outdoor Retail. I have always had a passion about the outdoors ever since I was a young child when my father used to take me hunting and fishing with him. I ended up being in the Army for 12 years in the infantry, I was always in the outdoor elements where my passion was. Now I am finally fulfilling my dreams of having my own outdoor store.

I am committing myself to offering my customers the lowest prices possible so that every family has an opportunity to be able to enjoy the outdoors, like I did when I was growing up.

I'm looking forward to being your outdoor supplier for all your recreational and professional needs.

• Backpacks 
• Cookwares
• Tactical and Law Enforcement Gear

• Coolers
• Furniture & Tents
• Hydration Systems

• Instruments
• Light Sticks
• Sleeping Bags

• Sleeping Bags/Mattress/Pads
• Opticals
• Stoves

• Survival
• Tents
• Accessories