Dunham's rewards

Getting High for the Hunt

BY: SportsFan - 10/16/2012 | 01:56 PM

Hunting from a tree stand can put you one up on the game
 
Some successful hunters like to get above it all – in a tree stand. Hunting from on high can provide a good view of the target and a clear shot. But there’s more to it than climbing a tree. Successful tree-stand hunting requires careful planning and

the right equipment.
 
Where to Take Your Stand
 
It seems obvious that you would locate your tree stand where game is active, yet too many hunters skip the preliminaries and erect a stand without scouting. So, the first rule is learn the habits of the game, then locate the stand. (For tips on scouting, see our trail cameras article on page 28.)
 
When placing a stand, don’t look for a tree that nicely suits your purpose, look for a site where deer are likely to be active, such as along a trail, near food or where bucks have left scrapes and tree rubs.
 
Once you’ve chosen your hunting ground, mount the stand on a tree that allows a good shot at the target area. Don’t locate upwind from the target site. Locate downwind and at least 30 yards away. The further away from the target you can position yourself, the better, providing you’re in range for a shot.
 
How High is High Enough
 
How far above ground you place your stand depends on some factors. If there are few obstructions to block your view, 10 to 15 feet above the ground is adequate. But if undergrowth extends above that height, you might have to mount your tree stand 20 feet up or higher. It’s all about getting to a position where you can see your target area.
 
Covering Up
 
Deer can see, you know, so you should provide cover. One strategy is to locate your stand amidst a group of trees that can shield you. You may have to clear a few branches to open up shooting lanes, but don’t overdo it. And while a duck hunter in the field may wear orange to avoid being shot, you don’t want to do that up in your stand. Camouflage clothing is the order of the day for tree-stand shooters. But keep an orange or red jacket in your equipment bag and put it on before you walk through the woods.
 
Shut Up and Shoot
 
You and your buddy may want to talk about last night’s NFL game. Don’t do it. Deer can not only smell and see, they can hear. And if you start talking sports in their presence, they’re going to hightail it out of there.
 
Selecting a Tree Stand
 
Among the popular tree stands offered at Dunham’s are the one- and two-hunter ladder stands from Big Game Tree stands. Designed to attach simply to a tree, the steel stands consist of a platform with one or two chairs and a ladder. They can be attached to a tree in a matter of minutes, blend well with the tree trunk, and provide a comfortable place to wait out the arrival of Mr. Buck.
 
Conventional steel tree stands from Big Game are similar in design, but come without the attached ladder. They’re available in a variety of sizes. The company also makes a climbing system that can be used with a conventional stand or to help set up a ladder stand.
 
Dunham’s stocks numerous tree-stand products from Rivers Edge Tree Stands. That company’s Twoplex™ Comfort Ladder is an 18-foot, two-hunter stand offering a padded shooting rail, extra-wide ladder and a comfortable mesh seat and backrest.
 
All tree stands come unassembled, but have few parts and go together quickly with common tools.
 
-Deer Abby
 
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Crossbow Evolution

BY: SportsFan - 10/09/2012 | 12:15 PM

Today’s Modern High-Tech Crossbows are Lighter, Stronger, Faster, Quieter and More Accurate!

 

Whether you are a seasoned hunter or searching for the ideal crossbow for your first hunt, you will be amazed by the selection of modern, high-tech crossbows now available at Dunham’s. Choosing the right type and model that best fits your needs and personal style will have a lasting impact on your hunting success for years to come because, with only minimal maintenance and care, most modern crossbows will last a lifetime.

 

A Recurve or Compound Crossbow
 
A recurve crossbow has tips that curve away from the archer. Solid limbs are attached to a sturdy stock. A longer draw length compared to an equivalent sized straight archery bow allows a recurve crossbow to produce tremendous power. Compound crossbows use either single or split limbs along with integrated pulleys or cam systems to capture maximum energy with a relatively short draw length. Although more complex and usually heavier than a recurve crossbow, hunters appreciate a compound crossbow’s more compact size, especially in tree stands or blinds where space is at a premium. The great news is that over the past few years’ manufacturers have pushed the technology envelope to make both recurve and compound crossbows lighter, stronger, faster and more accurate than ever before.

 

Simple Excellence
 
The Axiom SMF from Excalibur Crossbow is a powerful example of simplicity and excellence in a recurve crossbow at an affordable price.
 
“We believe that when you’re hunting, simple is better,” says Steve Scheffel of Excalibur Crossbows. “The biggest advantage of a recurve crossbow is the simplicity of it. There are very few moving parts. If you cock that string centered every time, it is going to shoot exactly the same every time. We also continually strive to improve our quality and performance each year. Hold our Axiom SMF in your hands and you’ll see that it’s an exceptionally well-designed and quality-built crossbow with a surprisingly affordable price.”
 
Lightweight construction, including a space-age composite stock, helps make the Axiom SMF one of the lightest recurve crossbows available. With a mass weight of under six pounds, it is incredibly easy to carry, easy to travel and easy to shoot. A computer-machined frame ensures precise arrow alignment and field accuracy. Capable of producing arrow speeds in excess of 305-feet-per-second, the Axiom SMF also features the same high-quality multiplex scope and trigger

safety system as some Excalibur models costing hundreds of dollars more.
 
Two impressive advantages the Axiom SMF also offers is that it can be decocked safely without shooting an arrow and, if necessary, the string can be replaced in the field without using a bow press. In addition, the Excalibur Axiom SMF kit available at Dunham’s also includes a rope cocking aid and arrow quiver, plus four Firebolt arrows complete with field points.

 

Size Does Matter
 
If you’re searching for a quality built, high-tech, dependable compound crossbow with plenty of performance, look no further that the Titan Extreme from TenPoint.
 
“We precision-engineer every detail of each crossbow we make, and that’s why TenPoint crossbows deliver the most dependable, accurate and high-performance shooting experience available today,” says Brian Osterwalder of TenPoint Crossbow Technologies. “What makes our Titan Extreme really special is that it is only 16 ½ inches wide in the cocked position. That compares to some compound bows that are up to 27 inches wide. We’ve also made the Titan Extreme lighter, quieter and easy to cock. Our patented DFI system (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor) prevents dry-firing when not loaded. And for better accuracy and shooting distance we’ve also increased speed up to 333-feet-per-second.”
 
A new longer and narrower thumb-hole stock and light-weight, quick-disconnect quiver contribute to reduced weight. A quiet operating automatic safety system reduces noise and accommodates both right and left-handed shooters. The Titan Extreme is also surprisingly easy to cock for hunters of all ages and physical abilities or limitations. In fact, TenPoint’s patented ACUdraw cocking mechanism requires only about seven pounds of pressure to turn the handle at the maximum position.
 
The Titan Extreme kit available at Dunham’s includes TenPoint aluminum arrows plus a ProView scope with a wider field of view compared to a typical rifle scope. As an added bonus, the scope is pre-sighted from zero to 50 yards at the factory. Multiple crosshairs also illuminate in low-light conditions and can be switched to either green or red, just by turning a dial.

 

Scary Fast and Quiet
 
If power is your passion and stealth is your style, the Barnett Ghost 400 with Step thru Riser in CarbonLite™ technology is the crossbow to own. The patented ultralight, super strong riser lengthens the power stroke without placing the cocking string beyond arms length. Durable CarbonLite technology removes nearly 43 percent of weight from the front end which dramatically shifts the balance point to the shoulder. The MIM (Metal Injection Molding) trigger contains the added safety precaution of an ADF (Anti Dry Fire) feature which eliminates unintentional dry firing.
 
Barnett Crosswire® strings and precision-engineered whiplash cams ensure smooth, quiet and accurate shots at up to 400-feet-per-second. The Ghost 400 also features Barnett’s high-tech, anti-vibration isolation technology (AVI) which uses a special soft-touch material molded over quad laminated limbs to help reduce noise and vibration up to 30 percent over standard limb designs. AVI also helps prevent damage from unintentional contact with objects in the field or during transit.
 
“We are devoted to quality and committed to excellence,”

says Jackie Allen of Barnett Crossbows. “In the last few years we have developed our largest range of lightweight, dependable, adjustable and powerful bows based on the changing needs and desires of today’s hunters. Barnett in conjunction with Dunham’s offers a bow to fit most everyone’s needs.”

 

Only at Dunham’s
 
The Barnett GameStrike crossbow is available exclusively at Dunham’s. With high-tech features such as a patented Step thru Riser in CarbonLite technology, MIM Anti-Dry Fire trigger and AVI technology, the Game Strike produces arrow speeds up to 375-feet-per-second. An adjustable stock also includes an adjustable cheek piece. A picatinny universal rail allows accessories such as an action camera to be quickly and easily undermounted. The GameStrike is value packed, complete with a quiver, three Carbon Arrows, a 3 x 32 illuminated scope, a rope cocking device and a convenient travel sling.
 
Also available at Dunham’s, the Barnett Quad 400 Extreme features a comfortable high-tech composite stock with a contoured cheek piece and parallel limb design which produces arrow speeds over 345-feet-per-second. Ready to go out of the store and on your next hunt, the Quad Extreme kit includes a quiver, 4 x 32 scope, three arrows and an installed crank cocking device.

 

Make Sure It Feels Right
 
Even with so many choices and models available, choosing the right crossbow that matches your needs and personal style does not need to be difficult. “The more you know, the happier you’ll be,” says Allen. “Knowledgeable Dunham’s sales professionals can help you make an informed decision. Remember to also take some time to hold the crossbow in your hand. Feel it, touch it, and make sure it’s the right size and shape for you. It’s a very personal choice, and you want it to be right.”
 
-Deer Abby
 
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Smile! You’re on Candid Camera

BY: SportsFan - 10/02/2012 | 12:53 PM

A trail camera can help you scout your hunting area – all year long.
 
You take hunting seriously. Your weapons are first rate and maintained in near perfect condition. You research game counts and have access to top properties. You can shoot with the best of them. But if you’re hunting without the benefits of trail cameras, you’re at a disadvantage.
 
You’re also missing out on off-season fun. Most hunters are wildlife enthusiasts and enjoy studying the animals and their behavior. A trail camera extends the hunt to summer and spring, because capturing an image of a noble beast in its environment and observing its routine can be as rewarding as the hunt itself. And if you know where the game is and how it behaves, you’ll have better in-season success.
 
Choose Your Weapons
No, we’re not talking guns here. We’re talking trail cameras: inconspicuous digital cameras that reliably produce good results without spooking the game.
 
Many of today’s trail cameras use an infrared or “black” flash that is invisible to game and humans. Most are earth toned and blend well with a tree trunk. Some can produce both still photos and video, although video will fill a memory card more rapidly than will still photos.
 
Dunham’s carries a wide range of trail cameras, so there’s one – or more – to fit every budget. For example, the Wildgame Innovations Lights Out camera with infrared flash is palm sized and can produce four megapixel images. It can also generate 30-second video clips. Big Game’s Eyecon QuickShot Trail camera produces five megapixel color photos has a 50-foot range and a 1.2 second trigger speed.
 
The compact and camouflaged Moultrie Game Spy D-55IRXT is a five megapixel trail camera that can shoot color photos in the daytime and infrared at night. The flash has a range of 50 feet. Continuous shooting, time-lapse and video modes make it a versatile performer. It’s an affordable choice for hunters who scout with several cameras
 
Getting a Jump on Game
Preseason scouting with a trail camera is an excellent way to prepare for your hunt, and it can begin in the spring. That’s when deer are relaxed and recovering from winter hardships and the rut, so you can get a good idea of how large the population is in your area. In summer, you can study the bucks as they grow antlers and learn about the herd’s feeding habits and physical health. You won’t be firing a weapon,

but you’ll be hunting.
 

Time to Get Serious
Late summer and autumn is the time when trail cameras provide lots of information about the habits of the herd. Camera placement becomes critical, as well-located cameras can help you predict when and where deer will make an appearance when the season begins. Place cameras near food sources, near streams and along trails that appear to be frequently traveled.
 
What qualifies as a food source for deer? Generally, our whitetail friends like to snack on acorn, corn, alfalfa, and apples. So placing a camera near an orchard, farm field, or stand of oak is a good choice. And in regard to the travel plans of those deer, look for trails that lead from food sources to protected bedding areas.
 
Scrapes, where bucks have cleared the ground with their hooves to claim an area, indicate that a big guy may return. Scrapes are usually located on a trail and frequently a tree branch will be hanging low above the scrape. Place a camera nearby and aimed at the trail on which the scrape is located.
 
Marks on trees in early fall, where bucks have rubbed their antlers to remove the velvet, are another sign of activity, but there’s no guarantee that a buck will return for another massage. However a tree rub does indicate deer in the area.
 
Whether you’re scouting with a single camera or multiples, it’s best to stay away. Switch out memory cards as quickly as possible, at a time when you don’t expect deer to be nearby.
 
If you’ve been scouting the herd, you should now know where and when deer are most likely to

be seen. So as summer turns to fall, you can build your stands and blinds based on data you’ve accumulated.
 
The Rut Begins
The rut kicks off a number of weeks prior to the regular firearm hunting season, so deer behavior toward the beginning of October will be similar to what it will be when you take to the field. Bucks will be on the move, looking for a mate, so cameras placed on trails and scrapes may provide the most important information.
 
-Deer Abby
 
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Baiting the Big Buck

BY: SportsFan - 09/25/2012 | 12:11 PM

When trying to lure in that big trophy buck, it’s just as much about technique as it is about being in the right place at the right time. Through the use of various technologies, luring a buck between your crosshairs has never been easier. Food plots, attractants, mock scrapes, salt licks, and different types of deer urine give hunters a plethora of options when it comes to baiting your trophy. And thanks to brands like C’mere Deer, Wildlife Research, and Tinks, it’s never been easier.
 
The smell is a deer’s strongest sense, so it’s something hunters need to exploit. Ron Bice at Wildlife Research Center explains that a deer can smell somewhere around 1,000 times stronger than a human, and offers some great products hunters can use.
 
“When you are using hunting scents, the method that you use to set up the scent can increase the effectiveness of the product,” Bice explains. “We have developed several scent dispensers and methods, which we feel are the most effective ways to use hunting scents. Our Magnum Scrape-Dripper® is for use at natural and mock scrape locations.”
 
Bice also recommends a scent wick, which effectively disperses the scent into the air. This results in a wider range being covered, thus attracting more deer.
 
“The Key-Wick® by Wildlife Research Center® is the world’s favorite scent wick and it’s easy to see why. The economical, convenient shape, extreme absorbance, and high scent dispersion of the Key-Wick®, revolutionized the industry. Their convenient shape even allows users to dip them right into a bottle of liquid scent and hold an unbelievable quantity.”
 
There are also varying options when creating a food plot. Jedd Culler of C’mere Deer explains that using a product like 3-day Harvest is ideal for shorter-term hunts, like if you were to head up north with the boys for the weekend.
 
“…If you just have a weekend to hunt, you can use the 3-day Harvest mixed with patented C’mere Deer root extract to attract the dominant bucks,” said Culler.
 
Terry Rohm of Tinks explains that scent bombs can be an effective technique to use all around a hunter’s scope area. However, wind must be taken into consideration for them to be as effective as possible.
 
“Hunters should hang three or more scent bombs around their hunting location with Tink’s #69 in them, or if it is early season, then Tink’s #1 Doe-P would be a better choice,” Rohm explains. “The reason for three or more is because of changing wind directions. One must remember for a deer lure to work, the animal has to be downwind to smell it. The scent bombs are bright orange and can be hung in trees. Also bow hunters can use them as yardage markers.”
 
While deer use their sense of smell as an advantage, they use rubs and scrapes as ways to communicate with each other. Rohm explains that when a buck rubs his head against a tree, a gland secretes a scent on the tree. Other ways they communicate is by rub urination, in which case the buck paws the ground, then urinates down over his tarsal glands, leaving scents in the dirt.
 
This is where mock rubs and scrapes come in to play. They essentially give a buck the illusion that another is trying to take over its territory. It lures the buck back to his area, so it can investigate the foreign scent.
 
“A mock scrape is one you create to mimic the natural scrapes in the area, to fool a buck into thinking a new buck is trying to take over his territory,” Bice explains. “In the fall of the year, a scrape is made by a whitetail buck to mark breeding territory. The fall’s decreasing sunlight triggers extremely elevated amounts of testosterone released in his body. This begins to happen during the end of August and beginning of September.”
 
So you have your mock scrape. What next? Bice advises hunters find the freshest scrape that a hunter can find in the area. An item to keep in mind is the Magnum Scrape-Dripper® which can be added to a mock scrape. This will drift a scent downwind, alerting the deer of a foreign scent at or near his original scrape. Scrape drippers can also last up to three weeks, and shut off when it’s too cold or when inclement weather arises.
 
With all of the options available to hunters at Dunham’s stores this season, there’s no reason not to get that trophy buck every hunter desires. And with the help of great brands like C’mere Deer, Wildlife Research, and Tinks, you’d better clear off some wall space.
 
-Deer Abby
 
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Working Out With a Cold: It’s Nothing to Sneeze At

BY: SportsFan - 09/18/2012 | 12:03 PM

[Written by Peter Nielsen].
 
You feel it coming on, the sore throat, the sniffling. That first loud sneeze makes it official: you have a cold. You would really love to stay in bed and rest rather than go to the gym. Now rest is a great thing, no doubt about it. But sometimes it can cause you to lose your hard earned training groove. But you’ve also heard the advice not to work out with a cold. So what do you do? I’m going to help you take the guess work out of it right now.
 
The first thing you have to determine is whether you have just a cold or the flu. Numerous doctors say it’s okay to go ahead and work out, as long as you are only suffering with a cold. In fact a recent study sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine found exercising moderately while you have a cold does not affect the severity or duration of the symptoms. During the study researchers injected 50 moderately fit volunteers with cold germs and divided them into two groups: exercising and non-exercising. Over a ten day period each volunteer kept a daily log of their physical activity. The exercise group worked out for 40 minutes every day by either running, using a stepper or biking, at no more than seventy percent of their maximum capacity. After the study, researchers looked at their symptom severity and mucus measurement. They found there was no significant difference in the symptom severity or duration in the exercise group compared to the group that did not exercise. The study determined that exercising at a moderate rate does not increase the intensity of cold symptoms or compromise the immune system.
 
BUT-previous studies have found that high intensity exercise such as weight lifting or high intensity aerobic exercise can have a negative impact on the immune system. Because it can be very difficult to tell whether you have the flu or just a cold, a small group of doctors still strictly advise you to avoid exercise completely while suffering with a cold. “We wouldn’t even think of suggesting that men who are sick should be vigorously exercising,” says Dr. David Neiman of Appalachian State University. Neiman cites lab studies showing that strenuous exercise can weaken the immune system. Yet no one has proven that minimal changes in the immune system will have a significant influence on the common cold. There does not, however, appear to be any studies on the healing rates of athletes suffering from colds who choose to work out, versus those who prescribe to a complete rest.
 
So how do you determine whether you’re too sick to exercise? Definitely if you’re suffering from more than just a cold, if you’re

suffering with the flu, you should throw in the towel for now. The flu is a far different consideration for the man who exercises. The common cold more or less remains in the cells lining your nose, but the flu and flu-like viruses can invade muscles, and even invade the lining of your heart. Such heart infections can be very serious, even deadly.
 
So how do you know the difference? If your symptoms are all from the neck up, sneezing, scratchy throat, mucus free cough, slight sinus headache-you more than likely just have a cold. In that case, go to the gym as usual, but take caution. Don’t work out with maximum intensity. If you feel okay after the first ten minutes of exercise, continue your regimen in a moderate fashion. If you don’t feel great, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you do continue to exercise, make sure you drink plenty of fluids so you don’t dehydrate.
 
About 200 separate viruses can cause the common cold. But certain flu viruses can also cause cold-like symptoms. So it’s sometimes hard to determine whether you’re suffering with more than just a cold. Here’s a tip. Draw an imaginary line across your neck, you already know cold symptoms are from the neck up, if you have any symptoms below that line, from the neck down-especially vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite or a cough that produces mucus-you could be suffering with the flu and should avoid exercise, until the infection is gone.
 
As a genuine exercise enthusiast, it’s time for you to confront the issue of colds versus workouts. Draw that imaginary line, carefully check your symptoms, make a realistic assessment of your condition and make a decision accordingly and most importantly, don’t over do it! Remember nothing is impossible, even good health. Because all I want for you and your family is to seize the moment of each and every day.
 
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PAINTBALL – COMBAT WITHOUT THE HURT

BY: SportsFan - 09/18/2012 | 11:29 AM

What if they gave a war and nobody got hurt?
 
That’s the appeal of paintball — shoot your opponents with paint and they live to play another day. It’s a way to satisfy an innate instinct for combat, but without the blood and violence. Think of it as war that’s good, clean fun. Okay, maybe not so clean. But the appeal is undeniable. Paintball started in New Hampshire in the early 1980s and today more than 11 million people take part all over the world.
 
The Paintball Arsenal
 
The basic equipment for a paintballer is the same as for a soldier — weapon, ammunition and safety gear.
 
The weapon is a gun that uses compressed gas to propel the paintball. (Paintball equipment manufacturers prefer the more civilized term “marker”). One mistake beginning players often make is to shoot too quickly. That’s not just bad strategy — it can get expensive. “With an automatic marker that can shoot up to 20 balls a second, you can go through a lot of paintballs,” says Tippmann, which developed one of the first semi-automatic markers. More controlled firing means less money spent on paintballs.
 
The balls themselves are gelatinous capsules filled with water-based paint, similar to bath beads. They explode on impact, and the resulting paint splash makes it clear the “victim” is out of the game. The balls are biodegradable and water washes away the paint from most surfaces.
 
Paintball is not a dangerous game, provided you use common sense and proper safety equipment, which begins with goggles. Eye protection is extremely important, but paintball goggles have evolved to also offer protection for the ears, temple and all the way down to the chin. It’s very important to get a good fit, not just for safety, but for comfort on a long afternoon of combat. That’s why when purchasing goggles, the player needs to try them on in person.
 
Let the Battle Begin
 
There are no set rules for paintball. Usually there is some sort of “capture the flag” element, and just like in real combat, offensive and defensive strategy, teamwork and physical performance will determine the winner. Paintball can be as basic or as sophisticated as you want it to be. At paintball parks you can pay to play on a specially designed course that will allow a challenging test of your abilities.
 
The number of participants also is flexible. In “woodsball,” groups of about 50 compete in wooded areas, but the scale can get much higher. The Oklahoma D-Day and Invasion of Normandy Events attract about 4,000 participants each.
 
“Speedball” takes place in smaller fields with 3-, 5- or 7-man teams in a variety of games.
 
How sophisticated can paintball be? Professional leagues, nationally televised tournaments, and endorsement contracts; that’s how sophisticated. In fact, in 2006 Oliver Lang signed an endorsement deal for $100,000, making him paintball’s highest paid player. Call him the ultimate paintball mercenary.
 
-Paintball Warrior
 
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Water

BY: SportsFan - 09/11/2012 | 01:33 PM

[Written by Peter Nielsen].
 
Your recommended daily intake of water is _______ ounces (one half of your ideal body weight).
 
Water is the forgotten nutrient. It is crucial to every function in the body; temperature regulation, circulation, metabolism, immune system and waste elimination.
 
Don’t drink water 15 minutes prior to eating. Give your stomach up to one hour after eating to digest your foods undiluted by water. Mealtime is not the time to take in large amounts of liquid. Skim milk is the only beverage that serves as an exception, as it becomes a semi-solid in the stomach.
 
Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body is not getting enough water, it perceives a threat to its survival and tries to hold on the every drop. The best way to overcome this problem is to give the body what it needs, plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fats. An overweight person needs more water than a person at their ideal/healthy weight.
 
Water helps aid the body in waste removal. During weight loss, the body has more waste to get rid of. All the metabolized fat must be shed. Adequate water intake helps to flush out the waste. The average person loses two cups of water daily through the respiratory process. An additional two cups are lost through perspiration, even when no strenuous activity is being performed. The intestines and kidneys combined lose another six cups daily. Therefore, taking into consideration that approximately four cups are provided by food metabolism and ten are lost through normal functions; a person needs to drink between six and eight cups of water daily to keep the functioning properly.
 
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Kick It Up!

BY: SportsFan - 09/11/2012 | 10:32 AM

The worldwide popularity of soccer is undoubted. There’s scarcely a corner of the globe where the game is not played. More nations belong to the

Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) than to the United Nations. There are over 301,000 clubs, 1.7 million registered teams and over 240 million registered youth and adult players around the world.
 
Over 15.5 million people in the United States participate in soccer. National youth organizations have over 3.8 million registered participates under the age of 19. More than six million females play. There are over 600 teams and 12,000 female players at the college level. More than 700,000 boys and girls play at the high school level.
 
A Natural Game
 
One reason for soccer’s popularity is that it’s a natural game to play. If you roll a ball to a toddler who has just learned to walk, their first instinct might be to pick it up, but they are just as likely to kick it instead. They’ll soon discover that a kicked ball will go farther and it’s also a fun thing to do.
 
Simple and Exciting
 
Many factors contribute to soccer’s popularity. The rules are very simple. Anyone can understand the basics in just a few minutes. It doesn’t require much to get a game together. A few players, a ball, something to use as a goal, and it’s game on. Soccer can also be played and enjoyed at a very early age. It’s fun for children and spectators alike because there is plenty of action and excitement on the field. In addition to scoring goals, it’s also exciting to see players deftly dribbling through defenders, completing pinpoint passes to teammates, and making exciting runs down the wings.
 
Getting Game Ready
 
Another reason for soccer’s popularity is that it doesn’t require pricy equipment. Once you’ve got a ball, some cleats and a pair of shin guards, you’ve got pretty much everything the pros have. “By making cost-savings equipment packages of high-quality balls, shin guards, cleats and socks available, brand manufacturers are now making soccer even more affordable for players of all ages,” says Adidas.
 
The Ball
 
Adidas offers a wide variety of machine and hand-stitched soccer balls. Choose the one that best meets your game and training requirements. A ball with high durability, all-weather construction is ideal for a 5-year-old just learning the game. A 12-year-old honing her ball handling and passing skills might prefer a ball with a softer touch. Serious players will opt for a ball FIFA-tested for circumference, weight, rebound and water absorption.
 
Another consideration is size. Adult-sized soccer balls are marked with a 5, smaller size 4s are more appropriate for players age 8 to 12, and players under 8 will probably fare best with

a still smaller size 3 ball.
 
Shin Guards
 
Shin guards are essential for keeping young and older legs safe from all those other flailing limbs out there. The best combine lightweight construction, a hard protective front plate, and a soft synthetic lining. Guards without strapping usually include a compression sleeve. Some offer adjustable widths and built-in ankle protection. “To ensure a proper fit,” says Adidas.
 
The Cleats
 
Adidas, Nike, Under Armour and Puma offer a wide selection of cleats for children and adults. Quality-crafted kid’s cleats feature lightweight, supportive synthetic leather uppers and outsoles designed to provide a steady grip on firm, natural surfaces. Different adult cleats feature asymmetrical lacing systems for better ball contact, leather uppers for a more natural fit, and advanced cleat designs for more aggressive traction, surer turns and sudden stops. When fitting a shoe for a child or adult, remember to lace it, hit the back of the heel onto the ground and then place the foot firmly down. If there’s one finger width of room across the area of the big toe, it’s the right size. If not, go up to the next size.
 
Soccer is hot, booming and a whole lot of fun. Cost-saving equipment packages from brand manufacturers now make it even more affordable for players of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the game!
 
The Coach’s Corner
 
Barry Brodsky has coached club and high school soccer for 15 years. He’s only one of the few coaches to guide both senior boy’s and girl’s high school soccer teams to state championships. Coach Brodsky was also voted Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association (MHSSCA) Division One 2010 Boy’s Coach of the Year, as well as MHSSCA Division Two 2010 Girl’s Coach of the Year.
 
Q: What are the skills of the sport?
 
A: As a high school soccer coach I know players need to be extremely fit to play at a high level. Depending on the position, a player may cover over two miles during a high school game. Centers and mid-fielders work at a very high rate. Recovery time is precious. Foot skills and the ability to control the ball while dribbling, passing and receiving are also very important. Keepers need excellent vision, good eye-hand coordination, outstanding flexibility, and the ability to anticipate where a shot will go.
 
 
Q: What type of conditioning works best?
 
A: Interval training is the most effective. We combine 10 to 15 yard sprints with jogging for short distances. We try to simulate game conditions as much as possible, using rapid starts, stops and short rests between sets. Cross training with other sports is a plus. Hockey and basketball players make fine soccer players. Female soccer players who practice yoga and dance usually have superb strength and flexibility.
 
Q: What type of drills do you recommend?
 
A: We use a system called Coerver ball handling drills to teach players to change direction with ease while keeping their head up and the ball close to their feet. Passing and receiving with a partner, dribbling exercises and target practice all translate well on the field. There are plenty of drills one player can do to increase their confidence level with the ball. They can practice using the inside and outside of their foot, touching the ball only with their laces or the side of the shoe. They should practice rolling the ball back and forth, alternating touches only with inside, outside, laces, heel and top of the foot.
 
Q: Does size matter?
 
A: Winning the ball in the air is important, but good soccer players come in all shapes and sizes. The game offers ample opportunities to put yourself in a position where you don’t need great size to accomplish great things. Small players can and do excel. Most of the time it comes down to conditioning, confidence and heart.
 
-Soccer Mom
 
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Getting Cozy With A Crossbow

BY: SportsFan - 09/04/2012 | 09:45 PM

Used correctly, the crossbow is an accurate and reliable weapon.

Riding a wave of relaxed hunting regulations and good results in the field, the crossbow has become the weapon of choice for many hunters.  “The crossbow market is still growing,” said Jackie Allen of Barnett Crossbows, ” and we’re happy to be part of it.”

 

The crossbow’s surge in popularity is good news because it enables more hunters, but crossbow hunting is not something that should be rushed into without preparation.  Like all weapons, a crossbow is only as accurate as the man or woman releasing the arrow.

 

Crossbow Basics

Hunting with a crossbow requires stalking capability, because you must get within 40 yards of the prey.  But crossbow hunters have an advantage over bow hunters in

that the crossbow can be pre-cocked, so when a deer is in range, the mechanics of shooting are less likely to spook it.

 

Two types of crossbows are in general use today: compound and recurve.  Both offer advantages.  A compound crossbow is capable of generating more energy, but a recurve crossbow produces less vibration and is quieter.  A recurve crossbow can be serviced in the field if the string breaks, while string replacement on a compound crossbow is more complex.

 

Shooting either type of crossbow is a matter of drawing the string until it locks into place, loading an arrow, releasing the safety and pulling the trigger.  Crossbow arrows — sometimes called bolts — are shorter and heavier than standard arrows.  As with all weapons, a steady hold is essential.

 

A crossbow should never be fired withour an arrow loaded.  Doing so can damage the bow.  It’s also important to use arrows of the size and weight recommended by the crossbow manufacturer to ensure good performance.

 

While many crossbows make excellent hunting weapons, some are easier to use than others.  The Quad 400 Xtreme is one of the most hunter-friendly compound crossbows available and is capable of delivering a  400-grain arrow at a speed of 345 feet per second.  It’s available at Dunham’s in a package that includes a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, a quiver with three arrows and a crank cocking device that makes it possible for hunting.

 

Like all crossbows, the Quad 400 Xtreme is equipped with a safty that engages when the cross is cocked.  Never release the safety until you’re ready to fire and the bow is pointed safely.  It’s also important to make sure that no fingers are in the bowstring’s path.  Upon release, the string moves with abundant energy and can cause severe injury.

 

Achieving Accuracy

Many factors affect accuracy, including damaged arrows, misaligned sights or scopes, hunter technique and mechanical defects.  When shooting with a recurve crossbow, it’s important to achieve an even draw when cocking.  In other words, if one of the crossbow’s limbs is displaced more than the other, the arrow won’t fly true.  A compound crossbow will generally draw equally if it is in good mechanical condition, but care should be exercised when cocking.

 

Crossbow hunters should do some target shooting before going out in the field.  This will not only allow time to achieve a smooth and steady release, but will also provide an opportunity to sight in your weapon and compensate for arrow drop over distance.

 

All crossbows have a sighting system that compensates for drop at a specific arrow speed and range, usually 20 to 50 yards.  This compensation allows you to aim directly at your target.  When the arrow leaves the crossbow, it drops continuously until it reaches the target.  So a properly calibrated sighting device will cause the arrow to leave the weapon on an upward trajectory when you aim directly at your target.  The arrow will then travel in an arc and arrive at the target.

 

Since arrow drop is continuous, the sighting adjustment is only correct within a specific range. But many sighting devices are gauged with multiple reference points that allow accurate aim at varying distances.  Some

scopes display reticles, essentially lines, while others use dots.  A three-dot scope, for example, might be set up accurate targeting at distances of 20, 30 and 40 yards.  Range-finding reticle scopes are equipped with a scale that allows you to measure distance from target before selecting a reference point.

 

Sighting-in your scope is critical and best accomplished with a stationary target and the arrow you’ll use in the field.  All scopes have an adjuster for windage, which determines the targeting accuracy left and right of center, and another for elevation, which dials in targeting above and below center.

 

Begin by shooting from 10 yards away to make sure you’re in the ballpark.  If your results are close to target center, move out to 20 yards away.  IF they’re not even close, your scope might be incorrectly installed or way our of adjustment.  At 20 yards, you should be able to achieve a tight grouping of three shots within a 3-inch circle.

 

If you can’t achieve a tight grouping, there’s no point in twisting adjustment screws.  you should practice your aim and make sure you’re shooting with a smooth motion and steady grip.  Once you achieve a tight circle, you can tweak the adjustments to position your grouping of arrows at the target center.  If your group of three arrows is consistently to the left or right of the bulls eye, you should turn the windage adjustment to compensate.  Similarly, if the group is above or below the bulls eye, you should turn the elevation adjustment to compensate. Then retest and make further adjustments if necessary.

 

If your scope has multiple reticles or dots, you should dial in the top line or dot for your minimum shooting distance, then the other dots or lines will serve as targeting marks for longer distances.  So if the top dot of a three-dot scope is adjusted for accuracy at 20 yards, the two lower dots may will be accurate at 30 and 40 yards.  Test and verify.  The extra time on the range will serve you well in the field.

 

-Deer Abby

 

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