North Dakota Hunting

The Isles of Scilly are Cornwall’s subtropical paradise. Though every island is worth visiting, St Mary’s is the Scilly Isles gateway for most people.

St Mary’s, the Isles of Scilly gateway
St Mary’s is the biggest, most populous island in the Scilly Isles (more correctly, ‘the Isles of Scilly’), and the location of many of the isles’ banks, shops, hotels and accommodations, as well as St Mary’s Airport. It’s a delightful starting point for a relaxing sojourn

Getting around St Mary’s
Despite its remoteness, St Mary’s offers a variety of transport including an efficient community bus, open-topped bus tours (with commentary) and rides in one of St Mary’s vintage cars! Alternatively, why not work off last night’s delicious seafood on a rented bike, on horseback or on foot.

So much to do on St Mary’s
As a microcosm of Scilly Isles beach life, St Mary’s offers three superb beaches at Pelistry, Porthcreassa and Town Beach. Windsurfers, kayakers and sailors too will love the plentiful wind. But don’t worry if you haven’t brought equipment – just hire it from St Mary’s Sailing Centre on Porthmellon Beach. There’s great golf too: how about a round at the Isles of Scilly Golf Club on St Mary’s, with its magnificent views and 104 year history.

Fishing fans and divers will adore the crystal clear waters (and many of the Scilly Isles’ wrecks) off St Marys. And if you fancy less activity, St Mary’s will delight you with some of Scilly Isles’ most interesting historic monuments: ranging from the megalithic Bant’s Carn village to sixteenth century civil war fortifications and the historic Star Castle (built in 1593).

And with the Scilly Isles’ renowned light and scenery, St Mary’s (as for the whole Isles of Scilly) makes a great place to sketch – or just to visit local artists and potters’ studios.

Walking our largest island
For many St Marys is best explored by walking its coastal paths and numerous cross-island trails. Typical of the Scilly Isles, St.Mary’s offers huge contrasts including woodland, marshland, dazzling white beaches, heathland, and rolling dunes. Whenever your visit (don’t miss St Mary’s during Walk Scilly week, 23rd to 29th March 2009), there’s a surprise over every marram-covered dune.



By: Neil Tufano

The American explorers, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, knew long before they left on their westward 1804 Corps-of-Discovery exploratory expedition that the success of their journey depended on their careful preparation beforehand and the experience and readiness of their crew. During that epic 28-month journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back, they roughed it through the unexplored northwest wilderness via the Missouri, Columbia, and smaller rivers, and the Rocky Mountains. They met and, in most cases, befriended 50 Native American tribes along the way. They also faced multiple dangers and hardships daily. To make that hazardous 8000-mile round-camping trip alive, they needed healthy, skilled crew members and sufficient supplies and luck to do it successfully. Four of their accomplishments are listed below.

1. They made their way to the Pacific Ocean and back with only one loss of life, apparently to appendicitis.

2. They informed the Native American tribes met on the way of their new U.S. leadership, and bartered with them for food, survival, peace, and future trade.

3. They discovered and documented 300 new plants and animals.

4. They kept hand written journals of their journey, and made numerous maps of it.

Much of their success can be summarized in the following five areas.

1. Preparing for the expedition (experience, training, and supplies)

2. Diplomacy among the Native Americans

3. Diversity and teamwork

4. Exploratory river route taken

5. Making it back alive.

1. Preparing for the expedition

* Spearheaded by President Thomas Jefferson, the expedition was a government-sponsored military project that took many months of advanced preparation and training together with the gathering of large amounts of supplies. Thus, when the expedition departed from the St Louis area in May of 1804, it comprised three large armed boats carrying 30-tons of supplies and more than 30 skilled crew members, mostly soldiers. The soldiers were dressed in military uniforms and regalia. Their supplies included food, water, bedding, baggage, clothing, 21-bales of gifts for the native tribes, and much equipment for navigating, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, trading, blacksmithing, constructing (two winter forts), doctoring, writing, map-making, exploring, and defending themselves. The expedition had ample manpower and supplies to start the trip.

* Lewis and Clark were healthy, seasoned, highly capable leaders. Before departing, Lewis received extra training on astronomy, medicine, and natural science in Philadelphia.

* The selected crew members were disciplined, rugged outdoors-men, trained for failure, success, and dealing with the wilderness and the unknown.

* Unexpectedly, the Louisiana Purchase occurred just before the expedition departed. Thus, except for the northwest Oregon region, the corps explored the Louisiana Purchase as a new section of their own country.

2. Diplomacy among the Native Americans

* Most of the northwestern tribes were friendly. They were receptive to future trade with the U.S. for modern wares and hunting equipment. As a result, the corps enjoyed many councils, gift exchanges, peace-medal presentations, marching parades, pow-wows, feasts, dances, demonstrations, and outdoor games with these tribes.

* Yet, on the way northwest, a large South Dakota tribe wanted ransom for river passage. But their level-headed chief kept it from going too far, which prevented a heated argument early in the trip.

* During their sub-zero winter encampment in North Dakota, a large agricultural tribe nearby traded their stored dried corn for the expedition’s blacksmithing and medical skills. This corn gave the expedition a more balanced diet than the wild game alone.

* Further west, a large mountain-plains tribe provided the expedition with a guide, horses, and several human pack carriers for their climb over the Rocky Mountains. These provisions were made even though the tribe itself was starving, and was eager to go find meat at the time.

* On the other side of these mountains, another powerful tribe wanted to kill the weary expedition for its guns and plunder. But, an old woman there who had been treated well by the whites earlier in Canada intervened. She saved them. This same tribe then fed the cold starving expedition who had been eating everything from candles to colt meat during their late-season mountains passage.

* During their return from the Pacific and while waiting for the mountain snows to thaw, the corps earned their keep with a large friendly tribe by medically treating the old and ailing tribespeople there. In one case, a completely paralyzed old chieftain began to move his limbs after the corps gave him daily steam-bath treatments.

* Throughout the entire journey, the native tribes gave the expedition geographical tips, directions, rough maps, food, lodging, support, and services. They lodged their horses, and taught them how to burnout and use log canoes.

3. Diversity and teamwork

* As rugged woodsmen and, in some cases, half-breeds, the crew members had diverse abilities. They worked well together. They were scouts, hunters, sharpshooters, guards, fishermen, boatmen, boat/canoe makers, horsemen, soldiers, blacksmiths, gunsmiths, repairmen, trappers, campers, hikers, carpenters, traders, fiddlers, entertainers, cooks, tailors, negotiators, salt makers, nurses, and interpreters (English, French, Spanish, Indian, and signing).

* The presence of a woman, Sacagawea and her baby son, among the corps was a sign of peace to the tribes along the way. This fortunate situation prevented many potential conflicts with the tribes met. Sacagawea was the cool-headed wife of one of the hired interpreters. She was also an excellent gatherer of wild edibles and part-time guide. Additionally, she turned out to be the sister to an important tribal chief, the one who gave the expedition the horses and guide for crossing the mountains. Toward the end of their return journey, Clark wrote to her interpreter husband, “Your woman…diserved a greater reward for her attention and services on that rout than we had in our power to give her.”

* Clark’s personal slave, York, was tall, strong, and personable. The plains tribes and their children admired him greatly. He, along with Sacagawea, became highly important members to the expedition.

* Lewis’ black 115-pound Newfoundland dog, Seaman, guarded their night camps against wolves, bison, and grizzlies.

4. Exploratory river route taken

* The expedition’s route was far enough north that four armed companies sent out by a southwestern Spanish governor to find and stop them, never did.

* Much of the route was done on rivers and waterways, which gave the expedition a clear pathway to follow with minimum surprises, except for the strong turbulence of the Missouri River and the difficulty of crossing the Rocky Mountains. Yet, they were able to boat and canoe these rivers, and to cross the Bitterroot Range on horseback over known native trails.

* This route also allowed the Corps to see and experience firsthand the West’s vast native cultures, endless masses of game and wildlife, and lush pristine vistas in all seasons.

5. Making it back alive

* The expedition overcame endless hardships and close calls daily. Such hardships included lack of privacy, sickness, boils, sores, accidental injuries and knife/gunshot wounds, falls/spills, biting insects (many), poisonous snakes, thorny plants, bad weather, extreme temperatures, violent storms, hail, flooding, getting lost, stress, starvation, exhaustion, aches, pains, encounters with wild carnivorous animals (bears), depletion of trade goods, and potential death.

* After crossing back over the mountains on their return trip, the expedition divided into four groups to explore certain sections near two rivers, the Marias and Yellowstone. This temporary division spread them thin. All or any of these smaller groups could have been wiped out without the others knowing what had happened to them. Eventually, however, they all regrouped successfully on the Missouri River.

* When the corps made it back to St Louis, they were in dugout canoes and one boat, wearing buckskins, and “looking like Robinson Crusoe’s.”

In summary, when the expedition returned to St Louis in September of 1806 to the surprise of everyone, the welcoming crowd was ecstatic. By that time, most of the U.S. had thought the corps had died or vanished. No one had heard from them since the spring of 1805. Thus, after their return, many speeches and celebrations took place in St Louis and elsewhere. Lewis and Clark were appointed the Governor of the Louisiana Purchase and the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, respectively. Also, Lewis, Clark, and their crew members received sizeable land grants in Missouri for their successful journey.

Much of the corps’ success can be attributed to their being diversely well-prepared for that long dangerous journey, and to their ability to work well together while making their own luck along the way. They also had ample supplies to start with, which allowed them to adapt to their changing situations routinely, and to overcome the numerous hardships they encountered.



By: J Delms

Believe it or not, one of the most important kinds of hunting is South Dakota pheasant hunting, and is something that many people try and do at least once in their hunting careers. Even if you don’t live in the state, it’s worth a trip or two to try it out, and I think you’ll probably return again and again.

Here is some information on South Dakota pheasant hunting in order to help you get started as quickly as possible. The fist thing you obviously need to know about is a hunting license, as it’s the foundation of any hunting expedition.

Regardless of whether or not you live in South Dakota, you can buy license via the internet for smaller game, and the only requirement is that you have a credit card to make the purchase with. in addition, you can buy these from agents anywhere in the state.

However, if you do live in the state of South Dakota and will be hunting yearly, you will need to purchase a new license every year. If you don’t reside in South Dakota you will need a no resident license, which will run you about one hundred dollars, and is valid for ten days, and must be separated into two separate hunting trips.

This obviously makes choosing the time of year critical, because pheasant are out stronger at some times than others, and find out when the best time for the area you are going is.

So where are the top South Dakota pheasant hunting locations? The number one place I’d recommend is Rock Creek Cattle Ranch, which contains thirty nine thousand acres of hunting land for pheasant (obviously) and in addition, turkey and grouse. This is in southern South Dakota, and is certainly one of the top places in the whole state to go.

Another location you might consider is R and R Pheasant Hunting Lodge, in middle South Dakota, which has eighteen grand acres just for hunting pheasant, and nothing else. While there are many top notch South Dakota pheasant hunting, I’d recommend you start out your search with these two, and branch out from there, if need be.



By: Jimmy Harris

7 guys going to college go out and kill a limit of early season canada geese. My buddies’ shooting skills weren’t too great but they got better towards the end. One guy learned the hard way not to bring his 20 GA. along when you’re shooting honkers! —Wide Open Waterfowling—

Duck hunting in Minnesota and North Dakota, 2008. … Hunting “Duck Hunting” “Minnesota Hunting” “North Dakota Hunting” “Goose Hunting”

Quail hunting is not a pastime that normally attracts a lot of attention, although it has a popular following in many parts of America and Europe. Also known as one part of upland hunting, quail hunting involves the use of shotguns to bring down the bird.

Quails are normally medium sized birds from the same family as pheasants, and are prized by hunters. In a typical situation dogs are used, either to make the birds leave their heavy cover, or to retrieve birds that have been hit by pellets. Quail hunting will therefore involve an open space, alongside the heavy cover. It is the open area that hunters will stand waiting for the quails to try and make their escape.

There are a number of states that actually get a large financial boost from quail hunting, states like South Dakota, as well as many rural areas of the United Kingdom. All of this though generally goes unnoticed, and unpublicized.

The sport hit the headlines in 2006 when Dick Cheney, the U.S. Vice-President shot a Texas attorney when they were both out hunting quail. In February 2006, Cheney and Harry Whittington were at a ranch in Texas in order to take part in some hunting. A period of upland hunting has already taken place as the day made its way into the evening. The group of hunters was looking for a bird that had been downed already. As the search was being undertaken, another bird flew from cover, and Cheney took a shot. Whittington was hit by a couple of hundred pellets from the shot.

There are many rules that should be followed during organized quail hunting, not least of which that it is always the shooter’s responsibility to ensure that it is safe to shoot. Other rules, like no alcohol during the shoot and the wearing of orange safety gear, are also normally strictly followed. The most important rule, however, is to make sure that it is safe before shooting. In the Cheney incident this obviously wasn’t followed.

Quail hunting may not be to everyone’s liking, but it is a popular hobby for many people. This popularity is especially widespread in America although there are strong hunting areas in the United Kingdom and other areas of Europe as well. Although in these latter two areas the anti-hunting lobby has had an impact in the number of people taking part in the hunt.



By: Katie Appleby

North Dakota Devils Lake Duck Hunting drahtar drahtaar

a joke on Adrien, leo + dakota’s hunting trip.

So, I know this is the same question you’ve all read and been asked a million and a half times, however, there’s a twist:
My boyfriend is turning 19 and lives ohhh about 1,300 miles away (try North Dakota). That means that picnics, naughty things, concerts, dates, movies, restaurants, and basically most of the traditional things are all out of the picture. He was supposed to be spending the Thanksgiving break and his birthday (right after) at my house, but airfare got too expensive. He tells me not to get him anything but Obviously I’m going to get him something, and not socks.
I also have to be able to ship it for less than hundreds of dollars. I mean, I’m spending $200++ going to see him for Christmas, but I need to get him something else too, not too expensive.
He’s into hunting, aviation (big time), and riflery, and kinda sports… I dunno. Ideas? I know this question’s hard but I need help!
P.S. I also have to be able to buy it (I live in a very rural place) within the next week to be able to send it to him on time.

I have a goal to go to all the lower 48 states. I have left Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. I was thinking about going spring/summer. Is there anything particularly great that it might be worth planning my visit around?

I’m not into hunting and fishing. I’ve met several people from Wisconsin that mentioned drinking in Milwaukee. But I thought if there was something like an azalea festival or a big lawn festival that was really worth going to, I don’t have a specific month set to visit. Anytime I’m not likely to get snowed in works for me.

When would you visit Wisconsin?