In North Carolina swan hunting has been a tradition and a pastime for years. Each winter as the migration occurs and birds move south thousands of tundra swans make their way to North Carolina. These swans migrate to many fields, ponds, impoundments, and refuges along the NC coast giving waterfowlers the opportunity to harvest one of these glorious birds. Each year the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission gives out 5000 permits, this year I was fortunate enough to be drawn and lucky enough to harvest my first swan.

Duck hunters are a completely different breed, whether it be sleep deprivation or hunger, nothing will stop them from accomplishing another day in the field. With little sleep, 3 am came fast on January 17th as I headed to Washington County to meet a few friends for our hunt. Once I met up with them around 5:45 we headed to a private field close to the Pocosin National Wildlife Refuge to try to fill our swan tags for the year. Arriving around 6:00 am in a bitter 9 degrees we head for the ditch to set up and await our shot at a tundra swan and maybe even a shot at a snow goose or two. We got settled in the ditch and one of the guys realized he had forgotten to put his plug in so away he runs back to the truck and made it back with 20 minutes to spare. As legal shooting time slowly got closer we had the opportunity to watch thousands upon thousands of snow geese make their morning trek across the sky. Next in line were a few swans and ducks in numbers that would make your head spin. Shortly thereafter the swans started to fly and were flying strong. Throughout the morning there was a stream of swans that seemed never ending as they continued to make their way across the sky and giving us the opportunity of filling each of our tags. By 7:30 am we had filled 2 of the 5 tags in the ditch and the swans continued to come. A single swan is headed our way, it’s my turn, I wait for him to get close enough and BOOM, down he goes. It was bitter sweet for me as it was only one shot but unreal as I held a bird many in the US will never have an opportunity to harvest. As we sit waiting to fill the last two tags we notice a snow goose closing in fast and much to our surprise in the decoys he lands. Two of us decide to sneak down the ditch and get as close as possible, as we get close we noticed he is preening himself paying us no mind. We hop out of the ditch to try and jump him and he doesn’t move, finally he jumps and we take him. In one day I harvest not only my first swan but also my first snow goose, UNREAL! By 9:30 am there had been a few misses, some guns that did not want to cooperate, more birds then you can count, and 4 of the 5 tags filled. Finally, the last tag was filled but it wasn’t over head. The swan was hit prior and we never saw him go down in the field. As we sat waiting for the one last swan we notice a swan about 600 yards out in the field and we knew it was the one that had gotten hit that we never saw drop. We gathered our things and head to the truck to drop some things off and head to the injured swan. The last swan tag was now filled and another awesome hunt to tell about for years to come. What a great way to spend a January morning. There is nothing like hunting with friends, meeting new friends, a few “firsts”, and all in all a hunt I will never forget.

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Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. (NIV)

Thoughts
I work with people like this. I’m sure we all know people like this who like to hear themselves talk. They have so much to say, yet they really say nothing at all. We ourselves have to be careful of this trap. Understanding and learning continues throughout our lives and we are never too old for that. Anytime we learn something, it becomes beneficial in two ways. It adds to our knowledge and we get the chance to pass it on to someone else. (Jim C)

Action Point
Always be open to other people’s suggestions. A different point of view can reveal a whole new way to see the picture or situation that you are faced with.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When shooting a shotgun, make sure your eyes remain focused on the target until that target is broken. Taking your eyes off the target will almost always ensure that you miss what you were shooting at.

Bible Study Verse
John 11:3-6
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. (NIV)

Thoughts
Have you ever had a big outdoor adventure all planned out and just about the time you were ready to get it started, something happened that caused the trip to be delayed? Sometimes, God causes delays in our lives for a purpose. Maybe, you’ve been too selfish with your outdoor time and God knows that you need to spend more time with your wife and kid or maybe God is protecting you from an unseen danger. Whatever the reason, know that God has a purpose and a plan for your delay. (Michael T)

Action Point
Jesus delayed not out of a lack of concern, but because He was about to do something extraordinary in the lives of those He loved. Christ knows all things. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He even said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus delayed because it was time to get the wheels in motion for why He was put here on earth. Yes, He raised Lazarus from the dead which was an exciting miracle. This wonderful act did something greater; it set the stage for his own painful death and glorious resurrection. After He raised Lazarus, people either believed that He was God or they began to plot His demise.

Read all of John 11 and carefully see how this entire great story played out. When God delays you, get ready for something greater!

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
The next time rain or a delay interferes with your great adventure, pull out some games or your Bible that you purposefully brought along. Enjoy the time given to you to get to know the people in your group.

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 14:27-31
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (NLT)

Thoughts
One hot July morning the fishing on the Texas lake was over for the most part until later in the cool of the evening. We had fished the mouth of a slough and caught a few crappie and white bass earlier. I had a large minnow baited line in deep water (about 50 feet) over the side of the boat on a new rod and reel combo while just floating in deeper water preparing to have an early lunch.

I was busy digging out our lunch when suddenly the rod flew straight off the boat and landed a full six feet from the side of the boat! It was a long second that passed as it could still be seen slowly moving in the water away from the boat. I dropped my lunch took a step and prepared to dive and grab my departing rod and reel in the lake. My dad saw everything unfold and yelled “NO!” just as I was about to leap and dive into the lake. The rod & reel combo was already just a dim shape under the deep water and still heading deeper. “You know better than that!” he chided. He was right; you don’t dive into unknown deep water after a rod & reel that was hooked to who knew what. It was way too dangerous! Over the years the size of that fish that snatched that combo off the boat got larger after each telling, but we were able to tell the story! (Marshall M)

Action Point
When Jesus called Peter out of the boat, it was a lesson on faith. Jesus was walking on the water when he told Peter to leave the safety of what Peter knew, understood, and to completely trust in Him. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Christ, Peter was able to do the impossible. He walked on the water. When his attention was on his circumstances, he began to sink.

If Jesus asks you to do the impossible, He will require you to trust in Him not the circumstances. The impossible can happen, but only when we fix our attention and our will on following Jesus.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
It’s written in every boat we own and on the side of public docks: Do not operate in the water without a life vest. It matters not your experience or ability to swim, the size of the boat, or the water depth. Always wear a life vest when fishing and boating. Comfort and movement restrictions are no longer an excuse. Wear a life vest and be around to tell your own fish stories.

Bible Study Verse
Luke 5:4-7
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. (NIV)

Thoughts
The cap had “Fear No Fish” written on its side. However, it was the ichthy with an attitude on the front of the cap that got my attention initially. The normally sedate, unassuming little fish with Greek lettering for scales, frequently found swimming innocently across the trunk of a car. In this case it was emblazoned prominently on the front of a G-Loomis hat with barred, razor-sharp teeth, hackles up, and daring the unexpecting observer who dared approach to “catch me if you think you’re prepared for the challenge!” I could almost imagine this particular fishing cap issuing me the ultimatum: “Go ahead punk, make my day!”

O.K., so I’ve watched too many movies over the years. I do imagine the marketing folks thought this caricature would “hook” passing fishermen and elicit our innate desire to prepare for the fishing season by considering any and all occasions or species and stock up on the latest, greatest gear. After all, we can never have too much tackle.

Jesus issued the challenge to be “fishers of men”. This was issued to those who made a living fishing. They knew the trade, had the skills, had the equipment, knew where to fish, and knew how to fish or so they thought. After an evening of spectacularly unsuccessful fishing in their traditional spot; they were instructed to cast their nets in a different place. Faced with the undeniable reality of not catching any fish, they ultimately cast where they were instructed and had drastically different results!

Why didn’t they consider changing their location on their own? Perhaps they were afraid to change their location. After all, why commit time and resources to fishing in an unproven spot when they could wait for the fish to eventually come to them. They were ready for the fish when they arrived. But, that was not the plan and that was not what they were to learn on this particular fishing expedition. In order to catch the fish, they had to change their mindset, their hearts, and then their location. They had to prepare themselves not only with the appropriate skills and equipment, but with the correct location. Once they were located in the right spot, the fish were irresistibly drawn to the net. (Jay C)

Action Point
Perhaps we’ve been fishing in the same spot too long. Maybe the fish in our favorite pond are used to our bait. Perhaps we need to move to a different location. Maybe we need to not worry about the logistics of a move. Perhaps we need to set aside the rationality of staying where we are. Maybe we need to give all the “reasons why it’s not a good, prudent, and responsible idea” to the Lord. Perhaps, maybe, our years of fishing, the skills, the patterns, and the techniques we’ve acquired are ready to be used for the ichthy with attitudes the Lord needs reeled in over there.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Always wear a light-colored, ventilated hat that protects not just the top of your head, but your neck, face, and shoulders. Your fishing stamina will be dramatically improved if you’re not fighting the sun all day.

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 19:21-22
“If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.” That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go. (The Message)

Thoughts
It was a good kind of tired. The cooler was so full of big crappie and bluegill bream that water squished out when we closed the lid. My thumb was sore from taking fish off of the hook. We refer to that as “crappie finger”. We had been drifting a small 1/32 ounce blue and sparkle jig around the Cyprus knees in the oxbow waters of the lower White River with the fish cooperating! There’s nothing quite like enticing a nice keeper to bite a little rubber jig! (Brian H)

Action Point
When we stop to think about it, our entire outdoor lifestyle is built around fooling game. We use calls and scents for hunting and we use realistic looking plastic bait for fishing. It works!

Our world is full of fakes. These are the pretenders that have their own agenda and really don’t care about God’s work. You know the type. They look very spiritual on the outside, but on the inside they’re full of corruption, sin, and destruction. Cross one of these deceivers and it’s war. In our passage, the young ruler was asking the questions that made him look spiritual. But when Jesus asked him to act on it, he walked away. Friends, keep a sharp eye out for imitations. God is the real deal and so are His people. Don’t fall for any substitute when it comes to a relationship with God. Put a careful distance between yourself and a pretender. Pray for them and try to lead them to a right relationship with God, but keep your distance lest you be snared.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Summer tasks: Keep your game calls in a temperature controlled environment. Make sure your decoys are touched up to look as realistic as possible. Put a drop of baby oil and a dusting of salt on rubber jigs to help prevent melting. Make sure you’re ready to imitate when it’s time to hit the woods or the water.

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (TNIV)

Thoughts
This is the time of the year I begin to lay out my plans for the fall. The deadlines for draws are coming due, so it forces me to plan ahead if I want to hunt in certain states. The bad thing about the planning right now is that it is not set in stone, because it depends on which tags I draw. I want to know if I draw a tag, I will have good places to hunt. I don’t want to do all kinds of extra work to find it isn’t needed, because I can’t hunt there. I like to know when I plan something, it will happen. If something happens, I have thought about it and have a plan. (Ross G)

Action Point
When it comes to our faith we can be certain of things. One of those is that we can store up treasures in heaven. These treasures aren’t trophy animals we harvest, but how we build into other people. What are you doing to not just build a great trophy room, but to build up God’s kingdom? You can do this by: loving people toward God, giving words of encouragement, sharing the gospel, giving financially to kingdom based causes, and so many other ways as God directs you.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When looking at going on a hunt to a place where you have to draw a tag, be sure to do your homework. Use the internet and other resources such as conversation officers to figure out where the best places are. When you figure out the best places, try to find out what the chances are of drawing a tag. Some states have a point system where you will have to apply for several years before you even have a chance at the draw.

Bible Study Verse
Acts 17:11
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)

Thoughts
At first glance when you see a flock of brown headed cowbirds in a buffalo herd, you would think,”Wow! What beneficial birds. They’re riding on the backs of those huge creatures picking the ticks and other irritating bugs out of their hides.” But if you take the time to examine the habits of cowbirds, you will discover their dirty little secret. The brown headed cowbird often times will parasitize other bird nests. They are way too busy gorging on insects that they may not even take the time to build their own nest. Instead a female cowbird puts her egg in some other unsuspecting bird’s nest, leaving that bird to raise her young, often at the expense of her own young. (Ron T)

Action Point
There are a lot of different messages out there on the TV, radio, and from the pulpit to name a few venues. It’s a good idea to examine what you hear (just like the Bereans did). Check to see if the messages you hear line up with God’s word by examining the Scriptures. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” II Timothy 3:16, (NIV). If what you hear lines up, cool! If not, let it go out the other ear.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
If your matches are wet, you can use a 9 volt battery and a chunk of steel wool to get your campfire going. Pull the wool to get a thin, long strip. Hook each end to the terminals and have your tender on top of the loop of steel wool. As it gets red hot give a few puffs of air to ignite the flame

Bible Study Verse
Colossians 1:28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (NIV)

Thoughts
On my daughters 2009 Javelina hunt we encountered some challenges, but were eventually rewarded with a well placed shot resulting in a very quick kill. The hunt didn’t start out that way though. We began our hunt by tracking a herd of pigs into a mesquite thicket and decided to “call” them out. As soon as we started calling, we were over ran with pigs. They were running all around us and my daughter was unable to make a good shot.

Lesson learned? Turn the scope down from 9X to 3X when in close quarters with your game, and don’t put yourself so close next time. The next time, an hour later, resulted in a similar situation, but with an excellent shot. What made this hunt so much different from all her previous hunts was when I gave this somewhat surprised 15 year old girl step by step instructions as she completely field dressed her kill by herself.
(Ruben C)

Action Point
Like a hunter teaches his son or daughter all aspects of hunting, God has always provided ways for His people to mature and to become complete. Not only is God focused on maturing our faith, but as we see in the passage above he uses his children to mature one another also. Discipleship can be accurately defined as “the voluntary instruction process that leads to strengthening and joy”. It can take on many different forms, such as peer relationships (two mature Christians calling each other higher and deeper in Christ), or mentoring by a more experienced believer. Whichever you choose, just remember God calls us to let our light be seen (Luke 11:33) and share the hope we have in Christ with others.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Our javelina hunt only lasted a day, but we had three days to hunt. Whenever you limit out or bag your trophy before it’s time to go home, take some time to do some after-hunting scouting. The pressure is off and you may have enough time to scout out of the way areas you always meant to get to.

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (NIV)

Thoughts
My journey into backpacking actually began with my family doing “day hikes” while we were camping. My wife and I loved the outdoors, but we had small children to take care of. We didn’t want to sacrifice their safety, but we also didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to experience God’s creation. So, we just decided to take them with us! What that meant was that both my wife and I would be wearing backpacks with children in them. It also meant bringing along more equipment (toys, bouncy seats, etc.) for our camp site, but it was worth it to us. As we continued hiking, there were many times where my wife or I had a sleeping child laying limp in the backpack. They weren’t able to maneuver the path yet, so we just carried them. (Dave M)

Action Point
There are times in our lives when we need God to carry us. Too often we try to do things on our own. We end up making a big mess. We were designed to need God. If you are experiencing a hardship in your life right now, stop trying to manage or fix the situation yourself. Turn to God and let Him carry you.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
There are some great child backpacks out on the market right now. Make sure to get something that is safe for your child as well as comfortable for you to wear. When purchasing the pack, take your child with you to the store and try it on with them in it

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. (NIV)

Thoughts
The three Gagliano brothers and I did everything together when we were kids. During football season we tried to find the biggest mud hole to make a goal line stand, basketball season we dribbled the rock, and baseball season we swung for the fences. One Christmas we all got BB guns. The doves and robins were never safe again.

One Sunday we were sitting together in the back of the church singing, “Sweet Sweet Spirit.” You know how it goes. “There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the spirit of the Lord.” Skip to the chorus: “Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet Heavenly Dove.” Kenneth, the middle brother, shoulders like he is shooting a shotgun at a dove. That song took on new meaning that day. I still giggle to myself, 25 years later, when we sing that song in church. (Bink G)

Action Point
We were kids being kids. Admit it, it was pretty funny. We were “hunters” and completely “ate up with it” to say the least. Our actions reflected our infatuation with hunting. Thankfully, we all grew up and matured. Our posteriors planted in the pews every Sunday had a lot to do with it. If someone looks you in the face, what do they see? Do you reflect someone with a heart full of Jesus or a heart full of pain, contempt, scorn, envy or pride? Go to the water and take a look.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Shooting a BB gun is a great tool for young hunters before introducing them to a shotgun. You can teach the basics of gun safety and how to shoot with both eyes open.