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When I was a boy, I was fascinated with my grandfather’s stories about black bears. My grandfather had worked as a game warden in northern Pennsylvania for about 20 years (from 1930 to 1950). And so he always had an abundance of intriguing stories that delighted my brothers and me. We were especially fond of his tales about black bear encounters.

My grandfather told us a story that took place one year about a month before bear hunting season started. He told me he had often heard about bear wallows, but he had never been fortunate enough to see one. Well, this day he was walking along in the woods when he saw a huge tree that the wind had blown down, with the roots and soil all torn out of the ground to form a large hole. Rainwater had accumulated in this basin to make the perfect bathtub for bears.

Muddy paw prints emanated out of the bear wallow like a bunch of spokes from a wagon wheel. Grandpa guessed that quite a few bears were using the wallow. He told us that he supposed that bears have fleas and vermin to deal with and that they use these wallows to rub off any insects and to keep them off.

The ground around these trees was covered with the tips of hemlock branches. My grandfather observed that bear cubs avoided water like cats and were amusing themselves in the trees while their mothers bathed in the water. Apparently there had been a lot of mothers with cubs at this wallow, because all the hemlock trees nearby were lighter in color than normal, and the bark on the trunks was all worn down.

Grandfather said that he guessed there must have been a whole lot of cubs climbing those trees! However, my grandfather never could come up with a reason as to why the bear cubs wanted to break off the tips of the branches.

Finding a Bear’s Den

Speaking of those branches reminds me of my grandfather’s story about a hemlock thicket he once came across. He was actually out hunting bobcats when he found it. It was a dense thicket about eight or ten feet high.

It was so impenetrable that even the snow could not get through. Inside was a hollow room in which a bear had chosen to make his bed for his winter sleep.

The black bear had broken off the tips of the surrounding hemlocks, similar to what the cubs had done at the bear wallow. With the hemlock tips, the bear had fashioned a neat rug that was around five inches thick. Grandfather noticed that the the forest-green hemlock tips were bunched close together with the branchy part down. Because of this, the edges of this “bear rug” were as neat as a braided oval rug. He told us children that he could hardly believe that a bear had made it! “It was just one of nature’s wonders,” he said.

How to Observe Wildlife Unnoticed

I was curious how my grandfather could see so many wild animals. So one time I asked him, and he told me that he put something over his face and then lay on the ground perfectly still. He said that animals are scared of motion and also your face. If you cover your face, then you can often actually see the animals in action.

He related to us that once when he was lying still, with nothing covering his face but some grass he had stuffed under the edge of his hat, he had seen a covey of grouse walking all around him. He said that at one point, they all perched themselves on a fallen tree several feet away from him and preened their feathers. He supposed they were “chatting” about their adventures that day. However, suddenly, they became edgy about grandfather, because they couldn’t figure out what he was. However, my grandfather lay perfectly still, and so the grouse relaxed again and continued their preening.

On a different occasion, my grandfather was lying on the ground when a weasel jumped on his shoulder and then scurried across the whole length of his body, in hot pursuit of a squirrel.

Tad Brenk lives in the Allegheny mountains of southern Pennsylvania. His house borders a state forest, so he has lots of opportunities to observe wildlife. In fact, every summer one or more black bears visit his home. He invites you to read more of his game warden stories at The Knowledge Universe.

If you collect knives, or even if you don’t there are few people that are not aware of the name Ken Onion when it comes to custom knives. These knives are some of the best that you can find on the market today. Many people look for these knives and are amazed that many times as to how affordable these knives really are. Go to any person that collects knives and mention the name Ken Onion, and you will have their attention almost immediately.

When you are in the market for a quality product that will deliver top of the line results, then many times you will make the decision to get a Ken Onion knife for your personal use. These knives are designed to be sturdy as well affordable to the true knife enthusiast. Many celebrities have been associated with owning various types of these knives.

One model that many people seek out to own is the Ken Onion Kershaw Leek. This knife may have a funny name, but delivers serious results. The minute that a person has one of these knives in their hands, it is quick to see what separates this type of knife from all of the others. These knives are designed to stand the test of time.

The Whirlwind series is one of the more popular types of pocket knife that the Onion name carries. There is a level of quality that is expected when a person uses one of these knives for their personal use.

Another of the popular models that are offered is the Whirlwind model that carries the Onion name. This is one of the more common models that are purchased for personal use.

This model of pocket knife is popular among hunters for hunting and fishing. The big draw for these people is the fact that with one hand you can open and close this knife with ease. You will see a lot of avid hunters using this knife while out in the field. There are a lot more great uses for this model of knife than just hunting and fishing. Buy one for yourself and you too will fall in love.

There will be a lot of collectors that will be on the hunt for these knives as they know the value that these knives have. When you think knives, think Kershaw Ken Onion Knives for price and quality.

You can find a fabulous collection of Ken Onion knives fast and easy on the internet! Kershaw Knives are designed to meet every need and requirement that you’ll encounter in your life.

The Kershaw Outcast is a knife built for the outdoors. There are several reasons why this tool is exceptional in the wild. If you happen to be searching for such a knife that will add some ease to your camping or hiking excursions then it could be one you want to look into.

The knife blade is approximately ten inches in length and made of D2 tool steel. The blade is intended to hold its edge and remain effective while cutting away brush or cleaving small branches in order to make kindling or even firewood. The knife can even be used in place of a hand axe or other cutting tool due to its construction.

The design of the handle of the blade is intended to be comfortable while also allowing for significant control. As you use it this will possibly reduce the chance of injury while also making your swings more effective and precise. Because of this the blade has received several good reviews from campers and hikers around various websites.

Another benefit people mention after buying it is the sturdiness of the knife. Its blade is weightier than some others, and with the edge being ten inches long there is plenty of it to handle. Along with that its construction allows for it to be reliable when you are camping or hiking through nature. What it means is that the knife will have less chance of breaking or being damaged with even extreme use.

Because the knife is made using D2 steel, many users have said that it can be easy to sharpen. Not only that, but it has been said that the blade also holds an edge fairly easily. This is also a benefit to those who travel outdoors as it means less time sharpening or honing the knife edge and more time being able to do other things.

If you happen to know somebody that enjoys going outdoors then this could make a great gift. The Outcast can be purchased at a variety of outdoor retailers and may make a fine investment. It may also be gifted to those who prefer smaller knives as well because, despite its size, it is not necessarily one of the larger blades available. However its strong construction and design may make sure that it does not leave them wanting something larger as they make their way through the wild.

Feel free to look around of course as there is plenty more information on this knife available. Just remember that first hand reviews given by those who have used the knife can be helpful in determining if its right for you. Often these testimonials can be hard to ignore since they are so valuable. Good luck to you.

You can find a spectacular selection of Kershaw Knives fast and easy online, and you can test the benefits of a Kershaw Outcast for yourself.

It is considered a responsible decision for families and singles to create a disaster checklist. Many know this is a good idea, but very rarely is it done. This is largely because it can be a bit overwhelming in trying to understand how to do this and what needs to be put in an emergency preparedness kit and checklist.

The first basic step is to put together what is often termed a survivalist supply kit. This kit should have items that would be necessary or beneficial to have on hand while an emergency is taking place. It is important that the item be easy to carry and portable. Some good suggestions might be a larger sized backpack or a container made from plastic with handles.

Once you have determined the nature of the container for your kit, you must then gather together the various items it needs. The first item you should have deals with information. Having a written list of your family’s basic information, such as your family doctor and contact numbers, is necessary as well. If there are any children in your family it is a good idea to have their names and ages included, as well.

First aid items and supplies are mandatory. Accidents can and do happen during emergencies, especially drastic ones such as floods, avalanches, or earthquakes. If you or a loved one is taking a prescribed medication, they should be included in the kit as well, along with any additional aid, such as glasses or hearing devices.

Water is a necessary part of life, and as such should be included in either your kit, or within easy reach of the pack. It is recommended you have one gallon for one person per day. Aside from nonperishable foods, like canned meats and granola or protein bars, it can also be a good idea that you have a hand operated can opener included, too.

Aside from rain gear and good footwear, extra or backup clothes need to be with your pack, too. Other items, like a flashlight, sleeping bag, blanket, and battery powered radio and extra batteries are important, as well. Two other items often overlooked in a emergency preparedness bag are duplicate car and house keys, as well as a moderate supply of money. Both these items need to be in your emergency kit. If young children or infants reside in the home, think about having their required necessities in the kit, as well.

An escape plan is very important, for a lot of the time an accident in a disaster will occur without them. In order to create this plan, just draw and map out the essential floor plan of your home, paying close attention to basic areas of interest. These can include doors, windows, and staircases.

Try to reference other appliances, too, that could become dangerous in a disaster, such as stoves or refrigerators. Your emergency kit must be noted in this escape plan, too. There also needs to be a minimum of two different escape routes from every room in your home. A meeting zone should also be established for all members of your household to meet at once they have safely existed the building.

Adhering to an survivalist checklist can be very advantageous for your family, and even possibly save their lives. No matter if you live alone or have a big family, it is very important that you follow the above suggestions so that you can be more prepared if a disaster occurs.

If you should ever find yourself in an emergency, you may have to depend on a survival gun or survival knife in order to make it through the emergency. That is why knowing how to choose one and using one is so important. Get these survival skills if you don’t already know them!

The story of the Kershaw Knives - Kershaw Ken Onion Knives line of products begins with the story of an extraordinary man names Ken Onion. A long time collector of knives, Ken saw that there was a breech in the market between fixed blade knives and switchblades. Granted there were folding knives on the market that were not switchblade but they were not very durable, were unreliable and were many times hard to open or grip. Ken found himself recovering from comprehensive back surgery and with a lot of time of his hands. He decided to finally do something about the vacancy that he saw in the knife world, he decided to design a knife that would be easy to use and open, while at the same time was top quality, durable and looked great. He decided that his knife would not be switch blade but a manual folding knife that a guy could wear and use on a daily basis but could also pass down to his son when the time came.

Ken Onion designed his first knife while he was recovering from back surgery. He had been an avid knife collector for some time and has always been fascinated with the idea of folding knives. During the development of his knife he wasn’t to create folding knife that was easy to use but what not a switch blade. After he developed the basic design that would become the first of the legendary Ken Onion Knives he decided to go further and improve the knife design by making it easier to hold, more sturdy and finally by making it unique with customized engravings and handles. It was these additions that made the Ken Onion knives stand out from the rest of the knives on the market. Following the initial development of the first Onion knives, Ken went to work for Kershaw knives as a product designer.

These knives have a repetition for being some of the more quality built in the world. Few companies can beat the job that a Kershaw Knives - Kershaw Ken Onion Knives knife can do when it comes to cutting. Some people use these to cut fruits and veggies, while others are more of a collector of these knives. There are few bad uses for these knives.

The Ken Onion knives are great by themselves but the ones that have been developed in co-operation with the Kershaw knife company are some of the most famous and well respected knives in the world. The quality is unsurpassed and the style is unmatched in any knife brand. For someone who is looking for a knife that they can wear and use proudly on a daily basis but also can pass along to future generations, the Ken Onion knives by Kershaw are the best choice on the market.

There is a long line of knives that has yielded the name Onion on them. These knives have be described as the best in the business. Kershaw Knives - Kershaw Ken Onion Knives are able to be used in a number of ways.Hunters see these knives as being useful when they are in the field. This can be a useful place for the Onion name t earn it’s reputation.

The most amazing things about the Ken Onion Knives by Kershaw are the fact that they are not only made of extremely high quality materials and are expertly crafted but that they look so damn good as well. A Ken Onion Knife by Kershaw is one of the most intricately designed knives on the market, routinely they possess engravings or hand painted inlays on the handle that make them true show prices but they also have an incredibly sharp blade that is made of surgical grade steel and has an edge that is comparable to Japanese chef knives.

Without a doubt the Story of the Kershaw Knives - Kershaw Ken Onion Knives line of products is one that is based in quality, and pride. Those who are looking for a great knife at a reasonable price should look no further. These are knives that will last for generations and at the same time can be used to get any job done for you today.

Knife making is an old and respected art, but Ken Onion made the design modern. Kershaw Knives took his design and made it popular with knife aficionados around the world.

There are a lot of people that have a one track mind when it comes to thinking about buck knives or hunting gear in general. Whenever any hunting equipment or outdoor equipment is spoken of, they generally tend to group this equipment with men. Even though in the past, knives used to be symbolic pieces that marked the transition from boyhood to manhood, these days anyone that chooses to have blade in their possession has the right to own one.

Even though, these blades are given to individuals for different reasons these days, the feeling of obtaining one of these pieces still remains the same. Technology has found a way to make this ordinary knife even better, thus causing the interest in these blades to increase as well.

Some of these buck knives are made for hunters. The blade that is included with the piece is a fixed blade that will not break or bend for hunters to be able to use the blade to engage in quick kills during their hunting excursions. The primary reasons why these blades have become so popular is because hunters tend to use them when they are left with no other option but to stab the animal that they are electing to hunt.

Even though these simple blades sound threatening, a lot of men will use them for more than their hunting activities. The pieces can be used to cut different things, or a man can choose to have one of these gleaming blades simply because they appreciate the way that they appear.

Not only are these pieces functional, but they are also kind of exciting to gaze at. The pieces can even be custom made. For instance, a father may want to have the handle portion of the knife specifically made to symbolize him and his son. There are a variety of different patterns and pictures that can be included on the handle of the piece.

Giving someone a knife as a present may seem a little bit odd to individuals these days. However, in the past boys were only given knives as a way to mark the fact that they were becoming a man. These days there are some men that still choose to give their sons one of these pieces as a means to show that they are maturing. But, for the most part a lot of people choose to obtain a blade because they require it for outdoor activities that they are electing to participate in.

There are a lot of people that tend to alter their buck knives to fit their needs. For instance, the blade may be shortened or elongated, and the handle may be replaced with a foam like material and things of that nature. Generally, these knives are used for different outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping.

Buck Knives continue to be leaders in the knife industry today. If you are looking for Buck Knives, shop smart by finding them online at a fraction of there retail value.

Snakes. No one enjoys even the thought of these little reptiles that can appear with little or no notice at all. Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors should make sure that they are protected from the chance of being bitten by one of these vipers which can often prove deadly. You should take the time to purchase a good pair of snake proof boots. Here are a few tips to help you find a pair best suited to your personal needs.

Know Your Budget. The manufacturers of this type of boot can range from the elite brands to those found at any mass marketing store. So where do you start when choosing a pair? The easiest way to narrow down your options is by choosing a price range for yourself. If you only have $100 to spend, that will eliminate much time being wasted by looking at items you cannot afford anyway.

Know what you will use the boots for. If you spend a lot of time in and around water, your needs will be different from the hiker. You will need slip-proof rubber soles, and possibly even a waterproof boot.

If you plan to do a lot of hiking and backpacking while wearing your boots, it could be quite helpful to choose a pair designed for this. Look for a good quality pair that is comfortable and durable.

And what about the terrain? Those hiking in marsh wetlands will need something entirely different from one trekking a desert like area. Keep all these factors in mind, as well as temperature.

Do some online comparison shopping to give you a good idea of different options that you have. Using the Internet gives one a great opportunity to quickly and easily compare similar items and get a good idea of what you are looking for.

If you want to know more about snake proof boots, then check out that site, or this one that is also all about ladies snake boots.

An integral part of being a responsible knife owner, whether you use a Bowie knife or something different, is knowing how to keep a blade sharp. A dull knife is a useless tool, but also a considerable danger. Dull blades can cause serious injury, and can ruin whatever it is that you might be cutting. Of course, not everyone wants to use a bench stone to sharpen his or her knives. What other options are out there, though? What systems are worth trying?

Rod Systems Work Well: While rod systems certainly do use stones, they are very different from your traditional bench stone. What do rod systems offer? To sum it up in a single word - guidance. Rod systems use a rod connected to a whetstone, which runs through a hole in a metal guide. Your Bowie knife is attached to the metal framework. This ensures that your knife is stable throughout the entire process, and that you do not create uneven edges. Why does this matter?

Some of the sharpeners that work best for Bowie knives are made out of composite substances. These may include ceramics or silicates. Generally, they are pressed into a small stone that can easily be carried in a pocket or a pack. These stones are usually a bit harder on the blade than are natural stones, and will pull away more steel with each pass. Be sure to use gentle pressure when sharpening on these stones.

Guides for Bench Stones: If you prefer to use a bench stone, you can still alleviate much of the problem with getting the right angle for your blade. Guides attach to the spine of the blade, and you then run the knife across the whetstone. This can be an excellent way to sharpen a knife without having to worry that you will have uneven edges on your blade. Of course, like many other systems, there are drawbacks to using guides such as these.

Your Bowie knife can definitely be sharpened in the field using these devices, but a good sharpening is usually done on a bench stone. Simply because the stone is mounted to the bench, it’s easier to make sure that you’re getting the right angle and pressure on the blade. You should practice, however, sharpening large blades on small stones, as you may well have to do so at some point when you’re in the field.

Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knives store featuring combat knives.

Unless properly cared for, a dog bite can be one of the most severe of animal bites. Thousands expire each year because of rabies transmitted by the bite of a rabid dog. It is unwise to neglect these types of bites, however, many fail to recognize the severity of such bites when they think that a good cleansing of the lesion is all that is needed to treat it or by simply taking an antibacterial drug. What they don’t seem to realize is that a bite like this can cause dangerous infections, disfigurement, impairment and even death.

You can escape from an attacking dog through several means. Keeping a safe distance between the canine and yourself is the best way. Another effective way is to avoid provoking the dog to attack you. If you encounter such a scenario, slowly retreat and move away from the animal. However, there may come a time when you will find yourself in this scenario, no matter how careful you are. This is where the dog pepper spray comes into action.

A dog pepper spray is an animal repellent used specifically against a threatening canine. It comes in an aerosol container which you can take along in your knapsack, handbag, or attach case. For further ease of use, you can even affix it to your belt or key chain. There are several advantages of using defense sprays. Once it is sprayed on the animal, the symptoms of dog pepper spray will be straightaway. The effects of the spray last long enough giving you enough time to get away from the animal to safety. The pepper spray will cause so much agony and discomfort that the dog will turn his attention from attacking you to recuperating from the burning sensation. If you a lover of animals, you don’t need to worry about these chemical substances because they do not cause lasting or critical injury to the animal. The effects of the spray are non-lethal and will disappear in about half an hour. One other reason why this type of animal repellent is used widely is because it is legal to use anywhere in America, providing it is used only for self defense. There may be restrictions in some cities or states, so always check your local law enforcement agency for any state’s ordinances covering the use of pepper sprays.

What is the difference between oc pepper spray used against human attackers and dog pepper spray? One difference is that the pepper resin in dog spray is not as potent as the resin found in the human version. More often than not, the pepper resin in found in dog repellent is less than half of that found in human spray. In times of an emergency, you may use a human pepper spray on an attacking canine, but dog pepper spray will not be very effective on a human attacker.

Even dog lovers may find themselves in a situation where they will need to defend themselves against an attacking canine. Animals can be very unpredictable, it is wise to never underestimate a dog’s capacity to cause you injury. Carrying dog pepper spray is one effectual and humane way to defend yourself and loved ones from an attacking dog.

Find out more about dog pepper spray and other animal repellentsincluding bear spray by visiting www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com.

Serious outdoor enthusiasts are divided on the question of whether to pack a lensatic or baseplate compass. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two types of compasses in terms of ease of use, precision, and packability to help you take sides.

A baseplate, compass, also called a protractor or orienteering compass, uses a magnetic needle dampened by fluid in a clear, plastic housing. A rotatable dial, called a bezel, is used to set the compass. Many models have a folding mirror that is used to read the compass bearing while sighting a distance object at eye level.

A lensatic compass uses a lens to allow the user to read the compass bearing with just a quick downward glance while sighting. These compasses generally use a magnetic disk rather than a needle, and dampening with either fluid or, in the best models, electromagnetic induction.

Ease of Use

The lensatic compass is very easy for beginners to use because a dial does not have to be set as it does with the baseplate compass. A person can face different directions and watch the card move to indicate the direction seen through the lens. A baseplate compass, in contrast, must be set by adjusting the dial before reading the direction. This is an extra step, but it allows the baseplate compass to have an adjustable setting to correct for magnetic declination rather than having to make a mental calculation as is required with the lensatic compass.

Which Has the Highest Level of Precision?

Used properly, both types of compass can produce reasonably precise readings, but the lensatic compass has a slight edge. The narrow, magnified field of view seen through the lens, with just a glance down to read the direction, is a powerful combination. However, for most outdoor recreational activities like backpacking and hunting, a degree or so extra precision probably isn’t going to be the deciding factor.

Packability

Weight is factor that could be very important in any type of long-distance activity. A Suunto MC-2G weighs less than half of the lensatic compass’ 7oz., and is only about a half inch thick. A Lensatic compass, by comparison, is closer to two inches thick and much less streamlined. That weight and bulk is due to the sturdy aluminum design. Lensatic compasses like the Cammenga Model 27 have a reputation for being nearly indestructible.

Want to learn more about choosing a lensatic compass? Go to Compass-HowTo.com to learn everything you need to know about finding the perfect compass for your needs. You’ll also see compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning to use a compass.