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Backwoods Bound Bullet Volume 20 - Issue 3

  Welcome to the March 2019 issue of The Bullet. The official start of spring is this month and I think most folks are ready for it. It has been a brutally cold and wet winter for most of the country and we’re ready for some warm spring days to enjoy. So until that happens, put on your long-johns. Grab your waders and head to the nearest stream or lake and catch some trout! Some fresh fried trout will help shake the winter blahs and get you ready for the upcoming crappie season.

I’d quickly like to mention the passing of a good friend of mine and regular contributor of ours this past week, Gary L. Fitzgerald. Gary’s Art of Nature articles have graced our pages for many years and he has shared photos of his many wilderness trips, mostly to Alaska with us on our site with his Rustic Originals Photo Collection.

Gary served in the Air Force back in the day and was an avid hunter for years. He loved to fish but it was his love of photographing wildlife that sent him to Alaska over twenty times to photograph the bears. He saw them all; brown bears, grizzly bears, black bears, Kodiak Island bears, polar bears and even the rare spirit bear.

Gary came across as rough and gruff to a lot of folks with his b-s but you just had to give it back to him. I think that’s why we got along so well. He could be a bit of a grouch but when the chips were down, he’d do anything for you. His family and friends will miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend.

Enough said. Let’s get to it. Enjoy issue number two hundred and twenty one of The Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns, Editor-in-chief.

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In this issue:

~ Backwoods Trivia
~ Recipe: Lemon Onion Fillets
~ Article: Second Amendment – America’s Original Homeland Security
~ Recipe: Bacon Fried Rabbit
~ Article: Nature - God's Gift!
~ What's New
~ Candid CamShots
~ Recipe: Slow Stewed Pheasant

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BACKWOODS TRIVIA: See if you know the answer to this question sent in by Harold Sharp.

What was the original name of the Frisbee?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter. Send your trivia questions to mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE: LEMON ONION FILLETS

~ trout fillets, also good with walleye or catfish
~ 2 cups Blooming Onion mix
~ 2 cups cornmeal
~ 1 cup lemon juice
~ margarine

* Place rinsed fillets in salt water and refrigerate at least an hour.

* Mix 2 cups of the blooming onion mix with the cornmeal.

* Place the lemon juice in a shallow dish.

* Remove and drain the fillets.

* Melt 1/4 stick or so of margarine in a large skillet.

* Dip the fillets in the juice and then in the cornmeal mixture and add to the skillet.

* Cook over medium to low heat until light brown on both sides or until they flake easily with a fork.

* Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep warm until they are all cooked.

* Serve and enjoy.

A great recipe shared by David Fuller. For other fish recipe to try this spring fishing season, visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zfish.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

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** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

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Visit us at www.karensglabels.com or e-mail us at Karen@karensglabels.com or call 618-257-1365. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get news about our monthly specials and new items!

"Because no wine glass should ever be naked!"

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ARTICLE: SECOND AMENDMENT - AMERICA’S ORIGINAL HOMELAND SECURITY by Jerry Ison

  Blaming the device a criminal uses to commit a crime is like the current practice of blaming a gun rather than the perpetrator isn’t a new idea. The first mention of that ridiculously silly ploy was made 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome by philosopher, statesman, orator, Lucius Anneaus Seneca. “A sword (gun) never kills anybody; it’s a tool in the killer’s hand.”

 The incredibly stupid assertion that the gun is at fault is akin to blaming Thomas Edison for electrocutions.

 I was going to say blaming the medical profession for fatal mistakes in administering treatment. Then I realized that when compared to the number of deaths by firearms to those of medical errors, those far outnumber gun fatalities 6 to 1!

 That’s right. A John Hopkins study shows that more than 250,000 deaths per year are the result of medical mistakes. Two hundred, fifty thousand! Look it up.

  The really shocking thing is that there are only 1.1 million doctors in the US, but 393 million guns held by about 50 million people.

  The bottom line here is that the procedures themselves, the wrong drugs being prescribed, the unhealthy environment isn’t what’s killing people; the medical professional’s errors are killing people. Should we shut down all those care centers? That would certainly limit the number of people dying as a result of those mistakes.

  How about vehicle accidents? They killed more people last year by a margin of 3 to 1 comparing homicides to automobile accident deaths. Should we ban cars and trucks?

  Both of those measures are absolutely stupid and untenable asinine thinking. So is unbridled gun control that merely limits law abiding citizens their constitutionally protected right. The only right we must pay to enjoy by the way.

  That’s correct. In so many situations involving owning a firearm, we must pay for that right. I don’t see the media jumping on that infringement. Why? Cause there is no fee involved in the free speech right. None in the rest of the Bill of Rights; only the right to keep and bear arms.

  But, guess what? Those of us who feel that right is very important, those who feel it is an absolute guard against subjugation and loss of freedom are willing to pay, whether forcing payment is right and lawful or not. That’s the kind of thing patriotic Americans do.

  Gun control advocates simply do not understand why the Second Amendment was at the top of the list of citizen’s rights. They do not understand us who believe the Second Amendment is important and they certainly have no understanding of gun owners. They believe that owning a gun is something only blood thirsty Rednecks suffering from some homicidal blood lust need.

 If that be true, how does anyone survive attending a gun show? Why is the crime rate, the suicide rate so low in Switzerland and Israel where people are required by law to possess firearms?

  The answer is simple, gun control people haven’t a clue or don’t wish to know. It’s the “Don’t confuse me with facts, I’ve made up my mind!” mentality.

  And an ever increasing number of people these days want to blame something rather than someone for tragedies they can’t understand. Apparently, they want to excuse people who are really at fault. There are evil people in the world and no amount of wrong-headed legislation, restrictive laws, rallies or displays of “solidarity” is going to change that fact. There will always be deviants, psychopaths and disturbed people who will kill others. There always has been from the time Gronk picked up an assault weapon of the time, a rock or stick, and bashed in Oog’s skull.

  If you don’t believe owning a firearm is important, you aren’t in agreement with one of America’s fiercest enemies.

 Japanese Marshal Admiral of the Navy and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II, Isoroku Yamamoto, once said the reason an invasion of the U.S.A. would be a disaster for the invaders is because, “There is a gun behind every blade of grass.”

  That belief is held by every despot since the War of 1812, the first and last time we were invaded, and has kept enemy armies well away from our shores. And, so long as we have an armed citizenry, it always will.

 “…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

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FUN FACT:  According to folklore, St. Patrick’s Day is the day to plant your peas. Cabbage seeds are often planted as well but according to old-timers you need to plant them in your nightclothes to make them grow well.

Send your Fun Facts to mail@backwoodsbound.com. For more Fun Facts visit www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html.

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RECOMMEND AND VOTE FOR THE BULLET

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HUNTIN' TIP:  If you get a couple of nice days of weather, it’s time to check out the ol’ turkey gun. After shooting rifles, slug guns and goose guns all winter you need to get the feel of it again and to check the pattern with the ammo you plan to use. If possible, practice some from the sitting position like you’d be in during the hunt. Also wear the jacket you’ll be wearing so the gun mounts correctly.

Send your tips to: mail@backwoodsbound.com and we’ll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

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** AFTER THE SHOT TROPHY PLAQUES **

Our handcrafted plaques are made from solid oak not plywood or particle board giving your trophy a solid base to anchor to. Each plaque comes stained with a wall hanger installed. Clear-coating is an available option.

We specialize in unique designs! We’ve done everything from arrowheads to walleyes to shields to light bulbs, hanging and stand up designs! Just tell us what you have in mind and we’ll make it happen!

No matter what type of trophy you want to display, we have a plaque or trophy to fill the need. Contact us at sales@backwoodsbound.com with your ideas.

Don’t settle for an ordinary looking plaque! Go one better and order your AFTER THE SHOT Trophy Plaque today. Prices start at $33.95. Don’t wait, order today!

Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/ats.html for photos and information on how to order your plaque. Order with our secure on-line ordering system and pay with confidence using Paypal.

"It only takes a little more to go first class."

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INTERESTING QUOTE: "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have." – Eckhart Tolle

 If you’ve seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote send it in and we'll post it next month. Send them to: mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE: BACON FRIED RABBIT

~ 2 rabbits, cut into serving size pieces
~ water
~ 1/2 cup vinegar
~ 1/2 tsp salt
~ 1 1/2 cups flour
~ 2 tsp salt
~ 1 tsp pepper
~ 4 – 6 slices of bacon
~ 1 large onion, sliced

* Place rabbit pieces in a large pot. Cover with water. Add the salt and vinegar.

* Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 – 20 minutes or until just tender.

* Remove meat.

* While meat is simmering, fry the bacon in a large skillet until just done. Remove bacon, crumble and set aside. Save the grease.

* In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt and pepper together.

* Reheat bacon grease over medium heat. Add about half of the onion slices.

* Dredge the rabbit in the flour lay on top of the onion.

* Add the rest of the onion, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.

* Turn the meat and cook another 15 minutes.

* Remove the lid and turn up the heat for a few minutes to crisp up the outside if desired.

* Serve with the crumbled bacon on top and enjoy.

Thanks to Bucky Cotton for sharing this recipe. To see more rabbit recipes to try visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zrabb.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

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ARTICLE: NATURE - GOD'S GIFT! by Gary L. Fitzgerald

  Through all my years, now 71, my greatest gifts, memories, are of nature and its creatures.

  As our son was growing up we hunted, fished and enjoyed time spent together watching nature. Even when hunting ducks, geese and deer, the main focus was not the harvest but watching the show as if they were performing just for us. Great times! When Scott got older and college and career came into view, it just wasn't the same. So he suggested that I might want to get into photography. I did so and for the past 30 years I have found much satisfaction and peace of mind being out there, wherever it may be, photographing nature and its creatures.

 I have watched, listened to and photographed nature from our backyard, with the birds, flowers, rabbits, squirrels to the raw wilderness of Alaska. The wilderness of Alaska is probably my passion and in it photographing bears. It is my belief that the human race can learn a lot from bears! Treat them with respect and they will do the same. Don't do anything stupid and they seem to understand and will not become aggressive. Of course, something can always go wrong. However, I believe it is usually caused by someone being stupid! I believe that as human beings, if we treated others with these same efforts, the world would be a better place.

  As I said, I have traveled to many places from the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, arctic ice of Churchill, Manitoba to photograph polar bears, to the raw wilderness of Alaska to photograph mainly the coastal brown bears. Each trip I returned with great memories of an eye-opening experience with nature.

  This year my friend in Alaska could not join me for our annual nature romp and since going into the wilderness by oneself is not a smart idea, I was determined to make a trek somewhere up north. I checked around and because of my love for bears heard of the “Spirit Bear”.

  The Spirit bear is neither an albino nor a polar bear. The Spirit Bear, also known as the Kermode bear, is a white variant of the North American black bear. It is exclusively found in the Great Bear Rainforests of Princess Royal Island and Gribbell Island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. Due to their limited numbers, approximately 400 are known to exist, they are a protected species.

  I did a web search and found a company that offered tours to view and photograph the Spirit Bear. I quickly signed up and started packing my bags.

 I went with a small group of people with the same interest as the sizes of the tours are limited.

  Prince Royal Island is a rain forest, and did truly live up to its name. On one day the natives took us on a long hike to a viewing area where the spirit bears visit to lunch on the salmon in the stream. At first the light rain and fog was not good for photography and no bears were in sight. An hour or so later, the rain stopped, the fog lifted and believe it or not, it turned into a nice day.

  One black bear boar and one sow with cubs came out and started eating salmon in the stream. It was so neat to watch and photograph them. About an hour later, I caught sight of something kind of white to off-white in color coming through the brush. It was a spirit bear! It was so exciting because some people look for them for weeks and never do. I was so excited to see this one-of-a-kind beautiful bear! I had a hard time holding the camera still. After it ate a few fish, it returned to the heavy brush.

Spirit Bear

 Low and behold, a short time later another spirit bear came out! This experience was truly a super highlight in all my years of photography!

  Now that I have returned home and looked at my photos, I realized how blessed I was for this experience! I say a special thanks to God for nature and its creatures. After all, they are His gifts to us. He created them all!

  As the title says, Nature – God’s Gift! is all around us to watch, learn from and listen to. From our backyards to wilderness areas, it can be found and enjoyed by everyone! I believe the world would be a better place if we took time to watch, listen, learn and appreciate nature and each other. Take a moment from time to time and enjoy God's gifts to us. Say thanks you to Him and I’m pretty sure you will find peace within yourself and your so called “regular” days will be better. – Gary L. Fitzgerald

  Editor’s Note: This story first ran in the November 2011 issue of The Bullet. We thought it would be nice to share it again in honor of our friend Gary who passed away on February the 26th.

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** IT'S CHILI TIME! **

  Winter is here and a hot bowl of chili will warm you up after being outside. Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix with its unique blend of herbs and spices makes a great pot of chili the family will love with NO added fillers or MSG!

  Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix also makes great dishes like tostadas, enchiladas, stuffed peppers, manicotti, Mexican lasagna and a killer jambalaya. We’ve had customers also use it as a marinade for beef and deer roasts. See our collection of great recipes at www.backwoodsbound.com/zchili.html.

  Enjoy at home or hunting camp in single pot packets or the triple value pack.

  Order your supply at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html.

  "Not too mild.... Not too hot.... Treat yourself and make a pot!"

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FISHIN' TIP: When fishing this time of year, use baits that resemble forage the fish are used to seeing now. In other words, baits like frogs, grasshoppers and leaches are things that aren’t around in the winter and will look unnatural to the fish. The same goes for large dry flies. So try using baits that look like crawfish or minnows. Small plastic worms and tube baits, midge and nymph flies are good to use too.

Send your tips to: mail@backwoodsbound.com and we’ll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

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WHAT'S NEW

  Not much new to report from these parts. The shop continues to stay busy filling orders for our After The Shot Trophy Plaques. Illinois and Ohio are a couple of designs that have shipped in the past week with more Wisconsin plaques being made. Go to www.backwoodsbound.com/ats.html for all the information on our line of After The Shot Trophy Plaques and remember we do special designs!

We’re starting to gather things for the upcoming spring issues and need your stuff! Everything is needed from recipes to trail camera pictures to hunting stories! Send all of your stuff in now so we can sort through it and get things lines up. Send everything to mail@backwoodsbound.com. Thanks and we look forward to getting them.

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** ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE HERE! **

Over 4400 potential customers could be reading YOUR ad right now instead of ours!

Place your ad here for $8.00 a month! Discount rates for multiple issues.

For more details, visit our site at: www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html. Or e-mail us at: sales@backwoodsbound.com.

Fishing season is fast approaching so place your ad now!


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CANDID CAMSHOTS

  Is this young in-velvet buck the older brother of these two fawns? Perhaps. Picture was taken in August 2018 and sent in by Tommy Vaughn.

Buck and Fawns


Send your trail camera or outdoor pictures to mail@backwoodsbound.com.

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RECIPE: SLOW STEWED PHEASANT

~ 2 pheasants, thighs and legs separated, breasts removed from the bone
~ olive oil
~ salt and pepper
~ fresh minced garlic
~ cheese cloth
~ 1 can mushroom soup
~ 1/4 cup white wine
~ 1/4 cup water

* Heat some olive oil in a large skillet.

* Season the pheasant to taste with the salt and pepper.

* Add to the hot oil along with some fresh garlic.

* Brown the meat on both sides. Remove and drain.

* Wrap the legs and thighs in cheese cloth. This keeps the small bones from getting into the pot while cooking.

* Pour the soup, wine and water in a crock pot. Stir together.

* Add the meat. Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or until tender.

* Remove the meat from the pot and then remove the meat in the cheese cloth.

* Serve with mashed potatoes using the liquid in the pot for gravy.

* Enjoy.

Thanks to Paul Bertolasi for sharing this recipe. To see more pheasant recipes go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zpheas.html.

Send your favorite recipe to mail@backwoodsbound.com and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet

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ANSWER TO BACKWOODS TRIVIA: The Frisbee was first sold in 1948 under the name “Morrison’s Flyin’ Saucer”. The name was changed to Frisbee in 1958.

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