From what I have heard this is suppose to be the last big show before the hunting seasons kick in. It sure sounds like it will be a good show.

By: Rick Kratzke

As promised we took our son Tyler to the New England Air Museum this morning. We had a really good time and saw a lot of history. We spent a good two hours there just looking at all the planes. I did not mention this before but, Tyler is pretty interested in planes and what I myself am interested in WWII planes.

As we entered the main building which there was a total of three the main lobby area had all these cool models hanging from the ceiling. That big one in the front is a B-25 Mitchell which was considered to be a medium bomber of WWII.

This next picture is a Triplane just like the German ace The Red Baron used during WWI. Tyler actually has this one hanging in his room that his grandfather made out of cardboard and masking tape and then finshed with a couple coats of paint which was my part of the project.

Here Tyler in an authentic flight simulator. I think he wanted to take it home.

Now this we had a hard time getting him to move on. In the middle of of one building they had an area where the kids can drive these pedal powered planes around. I have a feeling he is going to be asking me to make one of these.

This was a very old DC-3 that we were actually able to get inside and look around. We were even able to get inside the cockpit which was small but pretty cool with all the gauges and switches and stuff.

Even though the air museum was destroyed back in 1979 from a tornado it was rebuild and extensively enlarged. There is so many things to look at and so many planes that I can not post them all but, these next couple are what I think is the best of the best. A B-29 Superfortress which was considered to be a strategic bomber. This thing is so big that it had a hanger all to itself.

Here is Heidi and Tyler standing by and old wooden propeller. Here is me trying to land computer generated planes. Personal note, don’t give up my night job I can’t fly a plane.

Hope you enjoyed the post and sorry for all the pictures but, we really did have a good time.

By: Rick Kratzke

From my family and I here at Tails and Trails we wish everyone a happy and safe July 4th. Fire up the BBQ grills and light up some sparklers and enjoy family and friends.

Remember: Please support our troops and pray that they all come home after the job is done.

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I hope you all can take the day and enjoy your time with the family. I for one am going to spend the day doing just that.

ALSO,

Way back near the beginning when I started THIS blog one of my first posts was a dedication to my Dad who had recently passed away and I feel it only right to re-submit that dedication now. I miss you Dad and always think of you and keep you close to my heart.

By: Rick Kratzke

“Right Place at the Right Time”

This story is dedicated to my Dad who passed away in March 2006 who always told me Rick it’s all about being in the “Right Place at the Right Time”.

One of my most memorable hunting experiences was the day after Thanksgiving. After going out on a traditional Thanksgiving morning hunt during Connecticut’s shotgun private land season I noticed on my way out to go have dinner that there was a lot of active deer sign around one of my other favorite places to sit. Thanksgiving morning was a bust but, I had a feeling about this spot.

It is a small plateau of hardwoods with two high ridges of laurel bushes on either side. The funnel in between the two ridges are scattered with small hardwood saplings and all that leads to a swamp on the other end. You could only imagine what I was thinking about all that sign coming from the swamp.

I placed my fixed position API stand at the base of the funnel and proceeded to figure out the best way in as to not spook any deer. I did not sleep much that night even though I ate more Turkey than I care to admit but, the anticipation of getting in that area was making me crazy with thoughts of a huge buck.

The next morning came and I geared up and headed out. I noticed that the wind direction was very much in my favor which made me fell better. The wind was coming out of the swamp down the funnel which is where I thought the deer would be coming from. So I got situated as quick as I could and sat comfortably and waited for the sun to rise.

The morning was perfect with a crispy temp of 32 degrees and the wind out of the southeast . I was pumped up to say the least, so I started to go over scenarios in my head of how I thought things would happen. Sunrise came about 6:15 and the forest just seemed to come alive with life. . The birds were chirping and the squirrels were running around looking for breakfast and the occasional flock of Canadian Geese flying overhead, I truly love that time of day.

All of a sudden I heard a loud crash in the funnel and it was moving, as I turned to look in the direction of the noise I saw two deer coming down the funnel from the swamp. It was a very large doe and behind her was a respectable eight point buck with his nose to the ground. By the time I stood up and turned to aim the doe had stopped right behind me broadside at twenty yards. I quickly looked over and the buck had stopped at forty yards and was acting real spook. I hadn’t filled a tag as yet and my time was running out to fill my freezer so I figured I would harvest the doe.

I aimed for the front shoulder and squeezed off a round out of my twelve gauge Mossberg and the doe jumped and ran ten yards before falling over. I quickly looked over to see where the buck was and realized he was still standing in the same spot. I noticed he was about ready to bolt out of there so I had one more tag and figured I would try to end my season on a good note. The shot area was not that great but I did not have any other option so I pumped my last round in and aimed ,squeezed and the buck turned and ran. It did not act like it was hit but I climbed down and went to check anyway, I owed it to the deer at least.

I made my way over to where the buck was standing and saw nothing but where he turned and ran. I tracked him for about fifteen yards when I started seeing blood. I went another 40 yards where I found him laying under a laurel bush. After that I had to go home and tell my Dad he was right.

Dad, I will miss you and think of you often and I always will remember It’s a matter of being in the Right Place at the Right Time.

Yesterday I went on my first field trip with my son Tyler and his kindergarten class. I actually had a great time and enjoyed being able to spend time with Tyler and see how he does with his class mates. Where we went was called Bakerwoods and they are located right in our town of Ashford Connecticut.

What it is is a very well kept farm and around the pond you will see in the next picture they have nature trails.

All along the nature trail there are little gnome’s with clues. The clues are small items like a lantern or keys or maybe a clock. What the kids have to do is try to find the items and check them off on the list where they can claim a prize afterwards.

After the nature trail and the gnomes clue search which they called it “Eye Spy” the kids had their snacks and then we all got to visit with all the animals. They had everything from a Rooster to a Peacock.

But I think Tyler’s favorite and mine was the pet Turkey that wondered around free and did nothing but strut and gobble. That was really cool and I had to remind Tyler as well as myself that we could not take it home.

As you can see we got pretty close.

It was a great day and a great time spent. That is what it is all about and I am glad I got to spend it with Tyler.

By: Rick Kratzke

This is quite the day for all of us to enjoy and little did I know it has been in effect since 1971. So mark the day on your calenders. Hunting and fishing as been a big part of my life for the past 18 years and wildlife conservation even longer than that. This is an important day for all to enjoy so get out away from that computer and show your support.

By: Rick Kratzke

Welcomes Smith & Wesson

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Legendary handgun maker and rising star in hunting rifles and shotguns, Smith & Wesson has become the newest sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

The annual celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation is set for Sept. 27, 2008.

Congress designated the fourth Saturday of every September as a formal reminder that good conservation depends on hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these outdoor enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

Presidents from Richard M. Nixon through George W. Bush have issued official proclamations of support for National Hunting and Fishing Day, one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

Smith & Wesson’s sponsorship supports the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Wonders of Wildlife museum.

“Thanks to the generosity of Smith & Wesson and our growing list of sponsors, the museum is developing communications campaigns, event-planning tips, promotional items and free online (www.nhfday.org) tools to help the public understand and appreciate hunters and anglers,” said Denise Wagner, national coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife.

“Since its inception in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day has served as a reminder to all of us in the outdoor industry on the value of our natural resources and what must be done to ensure their longevity for future generations,” said Paul Pluff, director of marketing for Smith & Wesson. “Smith & Wesson is very proud to be a part of this effort as our company has a long and notable history in helping to promote conservation and proper stewardship of the outdoors.”

Sponsors for 2008 include Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsman Channel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Realtree, Cabela’s, Woolrich, GunBroker.com, Outdoor Channel, Safari Club International, Hunting Heritage Trust, and Smith & Wesson.

Outdoor television personality Michael Waddell is serving as honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

By: The Idaho Examiner