Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Dead Hold BDC Riflescope Review

The Vortex Viper riflescope series has gained recognition among shooters for its reliability and solid performance. One notable model in this series is the limited distribution Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Dead Hold BDC riflescope (model VPR-M-01BDC). As a relatively new user of this riflescope, I would like to share my initial impressions and experiences with this optic, which has proven to be a reliable riflescope in previous versions.

The Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Dead Hold BDC riflescope features a lightweight design weighing just 14.2 ounces with a sturdy 1" main tube and a compact length of 12.4", making it suitable for hunters who prioritize mobility. The Viper offers a durable and lightweight solution for shooters seeking reliable optics that can withstand the rigors of various shooting environments. Made in the Philippines, the Viper demonstrates the craftsmanship and quality typically associated with Vortex optics. Positioned as a middle-tier offering in the Vortex lineup, this riflescope strikes a balance between affordability and top-tier performance

Equipped with the Dead Hold BDC MOA reticle, the Vortex Viper riflescope offers a practical solution for making accurate shots while hunting. The hold-over hash marks on the reticle function effectively at the highest magnification, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop and windage. For example, with common rounds like 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor and a 100-yard zero, the first hash mark corresponds to 200 yards, the second to 300 yards, the third to 400 yards, and the bottom post to 500 yards. While I have not extensively tested the reticle in the field, it shows potential for quick and effective target acquisition at varying distances when used with a rangefinder.

The Vortex Viper series is known for delivering clear and bright images, and the 3-9x40mm model upholds this reputation. The high-quality multi-coated lenses ensure adequate light transmission, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the second focal plane design maintains a consistent reticle size, regardless of magnification. Although I have yet to fully assess its performance in challenging lighting conditions, the initial impressions of optical clarity are encouraging.

The Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Dead Hold BDC riflescope is a versatile optic, perfectly suited for hunting applications. I have it mounted on my Kimber Montana 308 Winchester, used for hunting, and I expect this riflescope will deliver in the field. Its Dead Hold BDC reticle simplifies long-range shooting and eliminates hold-over guesswork, enabling hunters to make precise shots at varying distances. This doesn't negate the shooter's responsibility to test the actual target impact at the range with the ammunition that will be used in the field.

One aspect worth noting is the 3.5" eye relief of the Vortex Viper riflescope. While I have yet to encounter any significant issues, it is important to exercise caution, especially when hunting in rugged terrain or shooting at steep angles. Adjusting the scope and ensuring proper positioning will be crucial to maintaining a comfortable shooting experience and optimizing performance. I will continue to be mindful of the impact of eye relief during extended field use.

A significant advantage of the Vortex Viper riflescope, as with other Vortex optics, is the VIP warranty. This fully transferable lifetime warranty provides assurance that any defects or damage will be addressed promptly. Although I have not needed to rely on this warranty with any of my Vortex optics, its existence provides peace of mind and demonstrates Vortex's commitment to customer satisfaction.

My new Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm Dead Hold BDC riflescope shows promise as a reliable option for hunting. With its lightweight design, Dead Hold BDC reticle, I expect it to be a competent performer in the field. While further testing and field use are needed to provide a comprehensive evaluation, the Vortex Viper demonstrates the craftsmanship and quality associated with Vortex optics. I have no doubt the Viper will prove to be a versatile field optic for me, as the model has been around for several years and is well regarded. I look forward to continuing to learn and develop my own experiences and history with this riflescope.

BC Limited Entry Hunting, or LEH

Well, the time has finally come. The 2017-18 Limited Entry Hunting Regulations Synopsis has been released. Reminds me of being a kid and getting the Sears Christmas Wish Book. Even knowing that I wouldn’t be getting much from that catalog, it didn’t stop me from dreaming...much like the LEH synopsis.

Almost immediately upon the release of the LEH, and often before, you will notice the massive number of posts on the hunting forums from people that don’t have clue how the LEH system works. The same questions keep being asked, year after year...but at least there are some new things to talk about for 2017. It should be noted, that the province has very good explanations on the whole system, should anyone be interested. However, I will attempt to explain how it works, just to do my part for humanity. Keep in mind, if I can figure it out, anyone can.

How the LEH system works

The whole process starts in January when the province reviews the data from the previous year. This information is used to recommend changes to the new regulations, and are submitted for the F&W director's approval. After approval, the regulations are drafted into the synopsis and released. That is the quick and dirty explanation. Far more detail and work are done to get them out.

Once the synopsis is released and the LEH application portal is opened we can start applying. The province expects over 175,000 applications for about 25,000 authorizations. This translates into about 1 lucky winner per 6 applicants. Naturally, the odds vary depending on species and location.

Starting in 2016 the LEH went online, with some remnants of the previous paper system still in place. For 2017 it is all online. This doesn’t mean you can’t go to Service BC, FrontCounter BC, or your local vendor to apply, it just means no more paper cards. With the new online system there came an updated Hunter Number called the Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). Essentially this is your old hunter number preceded by 3 new numbers. This was put in place for the online LEH, and 2017’s new online Hunting License and Species Tags. I will touch on that later.

A couple advantages to going online is that all applications will be entered into the same database regardless of when and where they were submitted. It also allows the applicant to see the status of their application. No more wondering if your LEH postcard made it to Victoria and got entered, or frantically rushing to the courier and throwing $50 at them to deliver your applications on the last day. Now you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, lounging in your camo y-fronts, sipping a Lucky, and hoping like heck the rest of the lollygaggers don’t crash the computer system while frantically entering their applications at 11:59 pm on May 26 (this year's deadline).

The online system makes sure you have your contact information updated, and helps reduce errors. In the past, delays were caused by difficulty in reading the cards, and this often resulted in an application being tossed. Incorrect address resulted in returned authorizations. It also eliminates the fear that many hunters had that their included bribe wasn’t big enough to get their card drawn.

The LEH is a lottery – pay your money, take your chances.

With 175,000 applicants for 25,000 authorizations, getting a draw is all up to chance. You will increase your chances by picking authorizations that are less in demand due to species and location/access. The LEH system has also adopted Enhanced Odds for all species except Mule deer.

Enhanced odds means that anyone that has previously been drawn will have their odds reduced for a period of time. For all Moose draws, and Elk in Region 1&2 a successful applicant will have their odds reduced by 66% for the next 3 years. So if you were drawn for Moose in 2016, your odds of being drawn for a moose in 2017, 2018, and 2019 are reduced by 66%. For all the remaining species (excluding Mule deer), the odds are reduced by 50% for one year. I will do an example of how this works a little later.

How the computer does the draw

The first thing that happens to an application is a check against a previously successful drawing. For example, the lucky guy that got the moose draw in 2016 will get his 2017 moose application flagged.

Once all the applications have been checked the computer randomly generates id numbers and assigns one to each application. These id numbers (and associated applications) are then reordered low to high. Having a randomly generated number ensures that nothing on the application has an influence on whether it is picked or not (other than the possible flag). The number itself does influence the chance of being drawn – the lower the number, the sooner it will be chosen.

First Choice Hunts

Now that the numbers are assigned and put in order, the First Choice hunts are drawn. The computer looks at the first application (lowest random number) and the First Choice hunt code it requested. Assuming this application hasn’t been flagged, the computer assigns an authorization to this applicant. The computer moves to the next lowest number/application and continues the process until every application has been gone through once.

During this first run, a couple things will happen. Once a hunt code has become fully allocated, and your application comes up requesting that hunt code, the computer skips by to the next application/random number in line. The other thing that happens is that when the computer comes to an application that is ‘flagged’ it ignores either 50% or 66% of them depending on the previously discussed reductions. I will give an example in a bit.

After the computer has finished the first run from lowest to the highest number it starts over again with all the applications/numbers that haven’t been allocated an authorization, and this time it doesn’t reduce the odds of the remaining flagged applications. The rationale is that any authorization that is left is of such low demand that there is no reason to deny the previously successful.

Second Choice Hunts

The computer then starts the 3^rd round of drawings for any application that wasn’t assigned a first choice hunt. The applications are checked for any Second Choice requests, and hunts are assigned if authorizations remain. If the hunt is fully allocated, the computer moves on to the next application. As with second round, flags are not penalized. 

You will note that before the Second Choices are allocated, First Choice requests are given 2 chances at any remaining hunts. Essentially, this means that unless a hunt is under-subscribed, meaning fewer hunters requested it than allocations available, no Second Choice has a chance of being allocated. So, if a hunt code shows last year First Choice odds of 10:1, there is no sense in putting it down as a Second Choice. Just in case 10:1 doesn’t mean anything to you, I will explain. If there are 10 allocations available and the odds were 10:1, it means 100 applications were received for that hunt. So 10 lucky guys, 90 losers. All 10 will be allocated on the first run.

Another thing to consider with a Second Choice is that success means a reduction in odds the next year, the same as a First Choice win. So a Second Choice throwaway for a December cow Elk in 7-17 with odds of 0.3:1 counts the same as one in 8-04 at 125.4:1...you will have a 50% reduction for the next year.

Group Hunts

Group draws are those applications that are entered by a ‘group’ of hunters in which every member of the group gets an authorization. There can be 2-4 members in a group, and the computer assigns only one random number to the entire group. In addition, if any one member of the group is getting reduced odds, then the entire group will be flagged. If the computer draws the groups number, every member gets an authorization. However, if there aren’t enough authorizations left to assign all members, the entire group is skipped and nobody in that group gets a draw. The group draw goes through the same order of picking as previously described.

Shared Hunts

Shared hunts are only available for Moose and Bison. They are available for 2-4 hunters and are a bit different than group hunts. One authorization will be assigned to a shared hunt with 2 applicants, while 2 authorizations will be assigned to shared hunt with 3 or 4 members. The computer considers each application individually in the Shared Hunt, so a group of 4 will have 4 chances to getting drawn, however, the entire group is flagged if any member is flagged. Once a member has been drawn, the group is assigned one or 2 authorizations, depending on the number of members.

Unlike the Group Hunt, if a Shared Hunt member is drawn, and there is only one authorization left for a group of 3 or 4, the computer will assign the team the one authorization. The LEH synopsis describes the rules around participating in a Shared Hunt so I won’t describe them in much detail. All participating members must have a species license, any member can shoot the moose/bison, but only one per person and all members must be in communication and document when an authorization has been used. Shared hunts give more hunters the opportunity to participate in a hunt without increasing the number of authorizations.

Applying for a Shared Hunt is a bit easier in 2017 compared to 2016. New for this year, a member can initiate a Shared Hunt and add all the members at once, or generate a Group ID and share it with other members. If the group initiator decides to add all members at once, they will need each members FWID, and last name, and first initial. They will also be responsible for paying for each applications fee. Worth noting that an agent will not look up the FWID and names of members for you.

Finally, the draw is done

Once the draw is finished the results will be available online (historically the end of June, early July...hopefully, earlier this year). Successful authorizations will be mailed out with details and special instructions (shared hunts). This year there isn’t a requirement to carry the paper authorization while hunting. You will need your species license, however. Unfortunately, members of Shared Hunts will have to carry a paper Record of Harvest form...so the paper-system hasn’t been completely eliminated.

Ok, how do some guys always get a draw?

Yeah, you know the dude...gets a moose draw every damn year. Permanently installed horseshoes. Well, the secret is....luck of the draw. And of course, some guys put in for areas that have lower odds or a less desirable area, or Shared Hunts with 3-4 members to increase the odds of being drawn. That is all you can control.

So, let us run an imaginary draw for a First Choice hunt...and only use one hunt code to make it simple.

We will choose Moose in 7-23D, Oct 1 to Nov 5, Hunt Code 4315. There are 13 authorizations available and 2016 First Choice odds were 2.5:1, which means 32 applicants applied for this draw. We will use the same odds and applicants for this simulation. We will assume all applications are individual to make it easier (for me).

Our randomly assigned numbers are 1-32 and one is assigned to each of the 32 applications. The numbers are sorted low to high, and all those applicants that were previously successful for a Moose draw from 2014-2016 will be flagged. We have several flagged applications, as the successful hunters from last year had a great time and want to go again....and the odds are only 2.5:1, so why not?

Number	Flag	Result	Number	Flag	Result	Number	Flag	Result	Number	Flag	Result
1		😁	9	⚑	😁	17		😁	25		😢
2	⚑	😁	10		😁	18		😢	26		😢
3		😁	11		😁	19		😢	27	⚑	😢
4		😁	12		😁	20	⚑	😢	28		😢
5	⚑	😢	13	⚑	😢	21		😢	29		😢
6		😁	14		😁	22		😢	30		😢
7		😁	15	⚑	😢	23		😢	31	⚑	😢
8	⚑	😢	16		😁	24	⚑	😢	32		😢

The computer starts the first run, and 1 is given an authorization. Number 2 is looked at and the flag is noted, but it is the first, so it gets an authorization. 3 and 4 are lucky. 5 comes up and the flag is noted, and because this is flag 2 out of 3 will be skipped, so 5 doesn’t get an authorization. 6 and 7 get authorizations, however, 8 is flagged, and as it's the third flagged application, it's skipped. 9 is also flagged, but it's now the first of the next 3 flagged applications, and there are authorizations left, so it's a lucky recipient. 10-12 get lucky, but 13 is the second flag after 9, so doesn’t get lucky. 14 is lucky, but 15 is an unlucky third flag that doesn’t get one. 16 and 17 get lucky with authorizations. However, when 18 gets the call there are no more authorizations left, so every application from 18-32 do not get drawn for this hunt code.

The end result is that of 32 applications, 13 were drawn, and 2 of those drawn were at reduced odds. This is a rather simplistic example, but it does show how some lucky SOB appears to get drawn every year despite insurmountable odds, and other poor saps get nothing year after year. Just luck of the draw.

My brother sent me an exasperated email last year, following my 4^th out of 5 moose draws. He couldn’t fathom how he had applied for Shared Hunt, with no reductions, in an area of such low odds that they were practically begging people to take the tags and still get skunked. Obviously, it was a nefarious government conspiracy, but I assured him some people got the looks, others got the horseshoe.

Other obvious tidbits

You must have a valid hunting license, and a valid species license for the authorization you have received, should you chose to go on the hunt. Getting an LEH authorization doesn’t allow a person to exceed the allowable bag limit as outlined in the BC Hunting Synopsis. For example, if you get a Moose LEH authorization, you can only take one moose whether it is during the LEH period or during a general open season.

2017 Hunting Licenses

New for 2017, is the news that Hunting license and Species licenses are now online like the LEH. Gone are the little books. Now you will purchase a Hunting License and Species License online. You will not receive a paper Hunting License, and will not be required to carry one. You will be required to carry the individual Species License. If purchased online, they will be mailed out and will probably take a week or so. If you are needing them quickly, you have the option of purchasing at Service BC, FrontCounter BC, or a local vendor as in the past. The tag itself is similar in size to the old hunting book pages but made of water and tear resistant paper. It will have a barcode and will be linked to your FWID so a Conservation Officer can check online. The tag will also have the familiar outside edge notches to cut for antlered/antlerless, region, month and day.

Concluding thoughts

Well, that was rather long, but hopefully, makes it a bit clearer on the how and why of the LEH system. If you are looking for a detailed explanation all you need to do is check out the province’s LEH page. Here, let me google that for you: BC LEH

Tactical Research MINI-Mil

I’ve been meaning to write a long term review of the Tactical Research MINI-Mil TR101 by Belleville Boots for a while now…so here it is.

      

I got these boots in April 2013 and proceeded to wear them nearly every day for the next 2 years. I use them for walking and not running, so I wore them to work in the office, and for outdoor recreation, and everything in between. They are just now starting to show signs of wear and tear with some small cracks in the leather, so they get saved for hikes and other fun outdoor activities these days.

When they first arrived, I was very impressed with the fit. The wide, natural-shaped toe-box, and the minimal heel-toe drop and a very nice Vibram sole, made for a great fitting boot. Mine are 10.5 wide, and it seemed like I’d finally found a shoe that really fit. Most shoes aren’t made wide enough, and they certainly aren’t cut to fit your natural toe shape (a couple companies are doing so these days, but not with boots). In my opinion, the sizing is pretty accurate for modern shoe size. I don’t wear dress shoes, so can’t compare to that, but for running shoes and light trail hikers, I usually take a 10.5 US. I did experience a bit of rubbing in the ankle area, but that generally went away after some use.

The Vibram soles are fairly thin, and you can feel the odd rock now and then, but they provide plenty of traction for off trail use. I wore them through a couple winters and they are surprisingly grippy on ice and snow. I have Yaktraxs but don’t bother using them with the MINI-Mil.

The upper is Cordura and leather, so not waterproof, but the light leather with vents dries pretty quick when you are walking around. The advantage is they are very breathable and cool in the summer, and they will dry faster than a boot with a waterproof lining – that doesn’t always work.

I have to say I’ve been very pleased with these boots. The only things I’d like to see are a 5 or 6” version, and all leather. I rarely lace them to the top, and the full leather could increase the life and resist a bit more water. I do wish they were easier to get in Canada, but I will probably try the Black, TR102 in the near future. I think the smooth Black leather will be more durable, and likely hide the wear a little more. Bottom line – Very happy with these boots, and pleased to see they are still being made. 

Kimber 84M Hunter

I've been a fan of light rifles for a long time. The first new rifle I purchased was a Ruger 77 UL 243 with a slim 20” barrel and a total weight of 6 pounds. Since then I've tried many other lightweights in the search for the 'ultimate'.

The Kimber 84M Montana was introduced in 2003 and epitomized what I felt the ultimate should be. Naturally, I was heavily invested in other rifles, so several years went by before I finally bought a Kimber 84M Montana in 243. I had previously owned a Kimber 84M Classic in 7mm-08, and very pretty 84M French walnut Select Grade 260, but the stainless synthetic Montana was the real winner.

In 2016, the Kimber 84M Hunter was introduced. This rifle came with a composite (plastic) stock and detachable magazine, and a substantially reduced price when compared to the Montana. I ordered a 7mm-08 from Korth Group (Canadian distributor for Kimber) and had one of the first to land in Canada. My first impression was favorable, and I couldn't wait to get a scope mounted and take it to the range, especially as this rifle carried Kimber's new SUB MOA Accuracy Standard.

Despite my eagerness to shoot it, I did what I always do, and started collecting the actual weights and dimensions of all the components.

• Rifle with magazine: 5 pounds 7.8 ounces
• Barreled action: 3 pounds 4.8 ounces
• Hunter stock: 31.7 ounces
• Detachable magazine: 2.7 ounces
• Muzzle diameter at 22”: 0.564”
• Overall length: 41.25”
• Trigger pull: 3.75 – 4 pounds

While I had it out of the stock, I tried the Hunter stock on my Montana action, and vice versa. Both configurations functioned fine, and showed the barreled actions were the same for both the Hunter and Montana, with the only observable difference being the barrel stamping “Hunter” versus, “Montana”. As the Hunter stock is about 6 ounces heavier than the Kevlar Montana stock, it also shows why the Kimber Hunter is slightly heavier overall than the Montana.

The Hunter stock is made of a reinforced composite polymer and colored FDE (Flat Dark Earth). The trigger guard is a molded part of the stock, and the forend has an internal honeycomb pattern to provide stiffness. The grip texture is also molded into the stock. There is a soft 1” recoil pad and stainless sling studs. The stock is pillar bedded both front and rear. The magazine attaches to molded notches in the stock.

The stock shape was about the same as the Montana and felt quite nice when shouldering the rifle. The molded grip texture made for a secure feeling. The forend is stiff, and the barrel was free floated back to the shank. While the aesthetics of the molded trigger guard aren't my favorite, it certainly was sturdy and didn't cause any problems. Although the stock is pillar-bedded, the action was quite loose in the inlet. The recoil lug slot is very generous and allowed the action to move back and forth. It shot fairly decent, but I skim bedded the stock to ensure it wouldn't cause any problems.

The Hunter detachable magazine has a metal liner with a polymer follower. The bottom of the magazine has a thick polymer with the Kimber logo molded in. The magazine will hold 3 rounds and is a staggered stack that center feeds.

 The detachable magazine was easy to insert and detach, had a flush fit, and seemed quite secure in the stock. It would be very difficult to accidentally detach. I'm not a big fan of detachable magazines, and the Kimber version didn't change my mind. I found that 3 rounds was a very tight fit, and had very little room to compress any further so that when inserting the full magazine, it wouldn't fully catch unless the bolt was open. This essentially made it a 2 round magazine. Most of the time it did feed fine from the magazine. I'd much rather Kimber had made this an identical copy of the Montana and provided a blind magazine. When I buy another one (I'm hoping Kimber will be making it in 6mm Creedmoor with a fast twist barrel), I will be changing to a blind magazine stock.

April 16, 2017 Update: I just learned of a tip for the tight fit of rounds in the magazine. The follower has a curved left side and this forces the first round down to sit slightly to the right. This is enough to increase the stack angle and therefore decrease the magazine capacity. If the first round is inserted and held to the right (it will want to slide to the left) as the following rounds are inserted, you will gain a little space and create a better stack angle. Haven't tested it myself, but it seems logical and worth trying...thanks, Chuck.

Finally, it was time to shoot the Hunter. I mounted a Leupold FXIII 6x42 in Talley Lightweight Alloy mounts and went to the range with a few boxes of ammunition.

I sighted it in with Hornady American Whitetail 7mm-08 139g Interlock SP. Hornady projects a muzzle velocity of 2840 fps from a 24” barrel, while the Hunter's 22” was showing about 2760 fps on my Magnetospeed chronograph. My first 3 shots grouped 1.5” at 100 yards, with subsequent groups going a bit under 1”. So far, so good.

Next, I tried Hornady Superformance 139g SST. The rounds were a little tight to chamber and a three shot group netted me a rather poor 3” group. The box reported a muzzle velocity of 2950 fps, and my chronograph showed 2930. Although I've had very little luck with Superformance in other cartridges, and this was proving to be the same, I did eventually shoot some good groups with this ammunition. The barrel had been broken in a fair bit by then and might have contributed to the decrease in group size.

I had some Federal Fusion 140g that had shot very well in other 7mm-08s, and it did a decent job in the Hunter. Muzzle velocity was about the same as the factory predicts, and the accuracy was acceptable in the 1-1.5” range.

The Hunter seemed like it was going to be reasonably accurate. Other than the Hornady American Whitetail ammunition, which the Kimber appeared to like from the beginning, the other ammunition didn't perform it's best until the barrel had quite a few rounds down it. The American Whitetail ammunition is loaded fairly mild, and it appeared this Kimber Hunter shot much better at these velocities. In fact, I eventually traded the 7mm-08 for a Montana 308 and the owner sent pictures of some great groups he shot with a similarly moderate hand load using a Hornady 139g SST. 

Every rifle has it's own set of rules....even with the included SUB MOA Accuracy Standard, as defined by Kimber: “Kimber rifles are designed to be capable of shooting a 3-shot group of .99” or less at 100 yards by a highly skilled and qualified shooter using factory ammunition”.

The Kimber Hunter 84M is a bit of a departure from the usual firearms that Kimber is producing. While most of their rifles tend to be getting a bit fancier – camouflage paint; muzzle brakes; fluted barrels, bolts, and bolt handles – it is nice to see they have made an effort to produce a rifle that an average dude like me can afford. Although it's MSRP is about $1300 in Canada, they can be found for a bit less. And in case you haven't been paying attention lately, that isn't much more than a similarly configured rifle from Remington or Tikka. With the Kimber, you get a stainless, controlled round feed action that is a full pound lighter. For the hunting I do, and my affinity to lightweight rifles, I will take a Kimber Hunter any day of the week.

Welcome to the BC Outdoor Life.

BC Outdoor Life is about my experience in British Columbia's incredible outdoors. Whether hiking, hunting, fishing or cross-country skiing, spending time outside in BC is a privilege.

I will be sharing my thoughts on gear, trip preparations, and the outdoors in general. I find myself becoming more of a gear minimalist these days. I've always been interested in the lightest equipment, but now I'd like to minimize the amount of stuff I pack and own, as well as reduce the weight of individual items.

The blog will give me the opportunity to review the gear I use in the outdoors. On occasion, I've been fortunate to receive a discount on outdoor equipment, and some I've got for free. I will not let that bias my thoughts on the product, and will always strive to provide an honest review. The equipment is stuff I think will be useful in my outdoor pursuits and probably would have bought anyway. So, even though I'm reviewing lots of equipment, my goal is to find things that make my load lighter, smaller, and more efficient. I'd rather not have a basement full of duplicate equipment, but if I can find gear that is multipurpose, as well as being light-weight and more efficient, it will replace what I already use.

About this time every year, my thoughts turn to the upcoming fishing, camping, or hunting seasons. Winter is a great time to start to plan for the next trip, big or small. I will be making posts about the preparation and planning of these trips. This will tie into gear reviews, DIY, and fitness.

I plan on posting about DIY projects as well. Most of my outdoor activities come with do-it-yourself opportunities. Fly-fishing has fly-tying and rod-building, both of which I really enjoy. Backpacking has a well established light-weight community, and DIY is very common. I will be making a tarp-tent and backpack quilt at some point. With hunting, I reload and do a little basic gunsmithing. At some point, I will be making leather boots. The outdoor experience is even more enjoyable when you can make some of your own gear.

My goal is to use this journal to share my experiences and learn a bit about writing along the way. Hopefully, the learning curve isn’t too painful for both the reader and me. I do hope I’m able to provide some entertainment and a few useful tips or reviews. I never get bored of reading about the outdoors, and really appreciate all the information available on the internet, so would really like to pass on some of the same enjoyment to others.