Hunt Smart Think Safety

If I were given to an appreciation of irony, I would really enjoy this post. Somehow it seems fitting that the last post on this blog should be on almost the same day as the first. I'd laugh, except seeing things end is sad, so I really don't feel like laughing.

This blog began on June 27, 2006. Now, over 500 posts later, it ends on June 25, 2009. I'm going to miss writing here and talking with all of you and promoting this company.

When I started writing this blog, I was green as grass when it came to the outdoor world. I knew nothing about it, and I made the decision that I wouldn't pretend that I did. Luckily, the decision paid off, and I met some wonderful people who taught me so much, who encouraged me as I took my first shaky steps as an outdoor writer, an outdoor advocate and a outdoorsperson, and who supported this company through blog posts and comments and lending us space on their blogs and web sites. I'm eternally grateful to all of you.

Sadly, as hard as we all tried, it wasn't meant to be. A combination of circumstances, which I won't go into here, decreed that this company would run into some hard times. Eventually, the decision was made that times were too hard. Logic and emotion fought, but logic eventually had to win, and the decision was made to close GSI down.

In a few days we will be closing down the web site and the blog. I requested and was granted the favor of being able to write one last blog post to say thank you and goodbye to everyone who had supported us. I appreciate your comments on this blog, and your support of me and the company more than I can say.

We are actively looking for buyers for the remaining GSI inventory, so if anyone has any suggestions for us about that, please do share them. It is entirely possible that a different company with a different set of circumstances could succeed with this product. Unfortunately, the stars did not align to allow us to be able to do so.

There's a lot more I could say, but I think I'll just end with this:

Thank you.

While things didn't end as I might have liked, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

This blog has been silent for over a month now. At first I told myself it was silent because I was busy with other things. That is the truth, but not the whole truth, and I’ve always sworn that I would be truthful here. The real truth of the matter is this; the downturn in the economy has hit GSI hard. Our main product appeals to a very specific segment of the hunting population, and it isn’t something, like a gun or blaze orange gear, that you have to have to hunt. We here at GSI think keeping yourself safe is a necessity, but we all know that not everyone else agrees.

Business is a tough game sometimes. The reality of the situation is that the attention, the time, the resources and the cash go to the places that are generating the most revenue. When there is more than one company, it’s survival of the fittest. Right now, the fittest is not GSI.

If Gun Safety Innovations were a standalone company, the doors probably would have closed long ago. Since it is part of a group of companies, we’ve gotten a bit more time. The challenge now is to figure out what to do with that time.

If I’m being purely objective I’d say the GunTriever will not be our salvation. For a lot of people it’s a luxury product, and luxury isn’t much on the agenda for most people right now. As an alternative, I still keep coming back to the whole hunting logowear idea, since our parent company has the infrastructure for that, and I believe we have the goodwill in the hunting community to make that a viable option.

The challenge I’m facing now is how to make that happen. I’m also fighting a bit of a battle between my head and my heart. My head, the logical part of me, says that maybe it’s time to let this go, that maybe our resources could be more profitably spent in other places. My heart, on the other hand, loves this company and the community to which it’s introduced me, and isn’t ready to see that die.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. I guess the first thing I need to know is this: if I tried to move forward, would there be support out there? Could I count on you guys to help me spread the word? Would you talk about us as a potential logo wear source to the clubs and organizations to which you belong? If I’m going to do this, it will have to be a grassroots sort of thing. There won’t be funds for anything else until I can prove that this can work.

I’m not sure this can work. I’m not sure that, even if there is interest, the owners will see the value of letting it go forward. I have permission to try what I want as long as it doesn’t cost us money, but who knows if that commitment will last or when and if our other companies will require increased attention. If you asked me if this idea will save GSI and will the company still be here at year’s end, the short answer is I don’t know.

I just know I can’t let things fade without at least giving this a try.

Tips for Safe Hunting on Public Land
You all know how much I love safety tips. Ben G. has some great tips for hunting on public land in his post from April 6. I especially like how he stresses being aware of other hunters and what they're doing. The only one that you can control is yourself, so make sure you're taking every precaution you can.

This is So Not On My Diet
I try to eat well and most of the time I do, but every once in a while I see a receipe that makes me think I'd throw it all away just for a taste. This time the recipe comes from Borderland Adventures. Check out Papas de la Frontera and I'm guessing you'll be inspired to blow your diet (should you have one) as well. If that recipe doesn't work for you, you could always try Wild Duck Lettuce Wraps from Hunt, Eat, Live. Those sound fabulous too. Anyone have a duck or two to spare?

I'd Like to Try This Once
Dogsledding is one of the things I've always thought it would be interesting to try. Peter from Living with Birddogs recently got the chance to try dogsledding in Minnesota. It looks like a lot of fun and it sounds like those dogs can really work!

Organic Food: A Class Issue?
It's always interesting to read a blog that's from a country other than the one in which you live. In this case, I've been reading Rabbit Stew, which is written by a gentleman living in the U.K. One of his posts is about the high cost of organic food. It's an interesting subject, and one that I think we face in the U.S. as well. I'd love to see a discussion about this issue. It would be interesting to see how attitudes among countries differ.

This Just Looks Like Fun
O.k., I'll have to admit, when I read about this my first thought was the old movies with the Vikings or the Roman slaves where the guy with the drum beats the rhythm and everyone groans and rows. Still, I have to admit, dragon boating does kind of look like fun. Apparently, it also does a lot of good too.

It's Not Just Texas, Ed
Wild Ed from Wild Ed's Texas Outdoors is asking what's wrong with his fellow sportsmen and women in Texas. Why do they fight amongst themselves? Why don't they support each other's efforts to enjoy the outdoors? I hate to tell you Ed, but this problem exists in more places than Texas. Unfortunately, this is a nationwide problem and one we need to solve. If we can't learn to stick together, we'll soon find we don't have anything to stick up for.

HAGC Radio Interview
The Hunter Angler Gardner Cook continues to get his message out there. This time he's on the radio.

Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

Most people who do any outdoor activity talk about safety a lot. If you shoot a gun for any reason you talk about gun safety. If your outdoor activity involves the water, you've probably had at least one discussion about water safety. If you hike or camp, you've probably gone over ways to be safe in the woods. Climbers most likely have discussions about how to climb safely. There's a lot of discussion in a lot of places about how to be safe while doing some things that may inherently be unsafe. Being safe obviously matters to many of those who love the outdoors, that's a given. The question that isn't so easy to figure out is why it matters so much and why a lot of us spend so much time trying to make sure others are safe.

The first answer to that question is a pretty easy one, we're saving our own skins. Most of us like our current state of health and mobility and like having our bones unbroken and our skin unscarred. Knowing how to be safe while participating in your favorite outdoor activity is likely to help ensure that we can maintain the status quo. Following safety procedures also reduces the risk of the things we do. Accidents and unforeseen events will still happen, but knowing how to be safe can help minimize the risk.

The second answer to that question is also pretty easy, we talk so much about being safe and teach others how to be safe because someday we might be in the same woods, or on the same beach or climbing the same mountain with those people. One of the main causes of accidents in the outdoors is people behaving carelessly or stupidly and not following basic safety rules. The more people we can teach, and the more people who take these tips to heart, the more likely it is that accidents will be reduced. So we talk, and write blog posts, and teach classes, and hope those who take the time to learn will take our lessons to heart.

The third reason being safe matters is a bit more obscure, but no less true, being safe matters because there are those who don't participate in our particular outdoor activities who would like to make sure we can't participate in them as well. Every time someone handles a gun and a beer or gets caught out at sea in a boat not suited for the weather or gets trapped on a mountain by an unexpected storm, it gives the people who want to stop or limit outdoor activities more ammunition. If people who enjoy the outdoors can be portrayed as reckless and dangerous and a menace, than the antis have a powerful weapon that we've handed them. The best way to stop them from using that weapon is to do all we can to make sure that accidents are the exception and not the rule.

The outdoors is a great place to be and, with the proper knowledge and precautions, can be a safe one as well. We should all do everything we can to make sure everyone who enjoys the outdoors knows how to do that safely.

Technorati Tags [Safety Friday, outdoor safety tips, safety tips]

Kristine's Note: I just can't find a title I like better than I like Community Wednesday. Guess I'll just have to make an effort to write these posts on Wednesday until I can find an alternative title.

The Top Five Hunting Blogs
Dayne Shuda, who has a site with a lot of insightful things to say about outdoor business, has created a list of what he thinks are the top hunting blogs. What I like most about his post is the fact that almost all the blogs he mentions are members of the OBS. That's pretty cool. Stop by and see if you agree with Dayne's picks.

Hunter, Angler, Gardner, Cook Nominated for Award
I have always thought that Hunter, Angler, Gardner, Cook was one of the best food blogs out there and certainly the top wild game cookery blog out there. It seems I'm not the only one who thinks Hank's blog is worthy of note. HAGC has been nominated for a James Beard Award. You can read Holly's thoughts about this here, or you can read what the man himself thought here. If you want to know what having dinner with Holly and Hank is like, Phillip at The Hog Blog tells the tale.

In Other Food Related News
Remember when you were a college student and you lived on cereal, pizza and Ramen Noodles? Luckily, some college students of today are getting smarter and eating wild game. Paul at Extreme Outdoors tells us how a struggling college student stretches his dollars and his venison to make a filling meal. I have to admit, it's an idea that never occurred to me.

Living in Alaska
Mike writes Hodgeman's Thoughts on the Great Outdoors and lives in Alaska. He's written a great essay on what moving to Alaska means. To me Alaska has always been the last of the great wild places, and I think he captures the spirit of that perfectly.

It Could In Fact be Rabbit Scat, but I Didn't Say That
Jody at The Hunters Wife tells the tale of her intrepid outdoor adventure. She photographs a deer's hiney and ventures into the woods to find sheds. Sadly, she finds something else instead. It's a great and funny story.

Preserve Hunts: What's Good About Them?
Scott Linden wants to know what's wrong with a "good" preserve hunt. Please visit his blog to leave your opinion.

Congratulations Casey
Please take a moment to stop by and congratulate Casey from Just South of North. He recently got engaged.

Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

This is the time of year when a lot of people want to get into shape for Summer. It's also the time of year when many people step up their exercise routines after being dormant for the Winter. While exercise and getting physically fit are great things to do, some people, like yours truly, can have a tendency to do too much too soon. If you're planning on stepping up your exercise program, here are some tips to help you take things to the next level safely.

Tip 1: Always check with your doctor - Before starting any new extensive exercise program, you should always check with your doctor. If you haven't had a physical, it might be a good idea to schedule one. Not only will this point out any potential hazsards, but your doctor can give you advice on ways that exercise can help you avoid potential health problems.

Tip 2: Warm up completely before starting strenuous exercise - A lot of people have limited time to exercise and it is always tempting to skip the warm up. Please don't do that. Stretching your muscles and preparing them for the more vigorous exercise you are going to do later is the best way to ensure you avoid injury.

Tip 3: Slow down if you feel discomfort - The days of "feel the burn" are long in the past. If you feel soreness or discomfort stop what you're doing and get yourself checked out. The cause of your discomfort could be a health problem, or could be poor equipment or exercise technique. Getting answers is the best way to solve those problems.

Tip 4: Invest in good equipment - Make sure you have good quality shoes if you're running or doing aerobics. If you're doing strenuous exercise, it is wise to get sportswear that will wick sweat away from your body and allow your skin to breathe. If you're using a home gym or riding a bike or using any sort of mobile exercise equipment, make sure things are put together properly and securely. No one wants to risk injury due to a piece of equipment snapping or breaking.

Tip 5: Water, water everywhere - Working out hard can leave you feeling powerful and energized, if you remember to stay hydrated. Make sure you drink water before you exercise, while you are exercising and after you're done exercising. Becoming dehydrated can sap your energy and cause muscle cramps and a host of other health problems. Drinking water on a consistent basis will help you avoid those pitfalls.

As someone who has lost quite a bit of weight in the last year and improved my heart health significantly, I can testify to the benefits of exercise. I hope everyone takes the time to get outdoors and get moving. Just remember to be safe as well as healthy.

Technorati Tags [Safety Friday, outdoor safety tips, exercise safety tips]

Kristine's Note: Yes, I know that the title sounds like a '50s variety show that should star Martin and Lewis. I'm open to ideas for a title.

If You Only Read One Thing Recommended Here
There are a lot of good reasons to hunt. For enjoyment, for food, to experience nature, for the challenge, the list could go on and on. One of the best discussions that I've seen lately of why people hunt and why people should hunt is currently on the Henhouse Pottery Blog. Go check it out, you'll be glad you did.

What Hunting TV Needs
O.k., I've stolen Holly's title, but she makes a good point. Hunting television needs to be less dumbed down and more about the whole process. It can't all be about boom, flop, whoo hoo. It's got to be more than that. By the way, if you'd like to contribute your thoughts about what makes a good wingshooting television show, Scott Linden is asking on his blog. Go over and let him know what you think.

Your Laugh For the Day
I love a good funny post, and this is a great one. I'm a little bit depressed though. I think he's made more from his blog this year than I've made from mine.

Arthur is Right on the Money
I've talked about this subject myself several times, but Arthur at Simply Outdoors is right on the money when he discusses the number one threat facing hunters. We all need to work together and support each other. It's that simple.

I Did Not Know This
Every week when I do this community post I learn something new. This week I learned about the Pittman-Robertson Act and what it does. I knew that sportspeople were funding a lot of conservation efforts, but I wasn't aware to what extent that was happening. Thanks to Denny at USA Outback TV for explaining.

A Birthday and 100 Posts
Terry at Women's Hunting Journal is celebrating the 9th birthday of her beautiful dog Jet. She's also celebrating 100 posts. Please stop by and congratulate them both.

What We Think of Poachers
Casey at Just South of North has a post up about poachers in Washington State. At the bottom of the post he asks what hunters think about poaching. Please take a moment to go over and tell him. While you're there, you might remind him that hunting is not about hurting animals.

Addicted to Hunting Contest
Addicted to Hunting is having a contest to inaugurate their new forum. Stop by and leave your story to enter.

Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

This post marks the 508th post I've written for this blog. If anyone had told me when I started writing here that I'd have enough opinions and ideas for five posts much less five hundred, I would have been skeptical. My biggest concern when I started this blog was that I wouldn't have anything about which to write, or I wouldn't know how to address the subjects about which I could write. I guess I got over that pretty quick.

I've always been known for my ability to talk a blue streak, but I never knew I could write one too. This blog has been both classroom and playground for me, and it has brought me an entire community that I never thought would be interested in having me as a part of it. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to write here and to interact with all of you.

I'm not sure yet what the next 500 posts will bring. I know I'm definitely a different person than I was when I started writing the Hunt Smart, Think Safety Blog, and I think that has already started to show in how and what I write. I do know I want to get back to writing here more regularly. Time, alas, does not always allow me to do everything I'd like to do. I'm hopeful I can carve more time out to get this blog back to what it once was. I miss writing here a great deal.

Mostly, I just want to say thank you to all of you who encouraged me when I started writing here and those who've stuck with me as I've continued writing. You've taught me and praised me and occasionally called me on the carpet when that was necessary. Best of all, you let me become a part of your community, and I very much cherish my membership.

Thank you. All of you.

Here's to 500 more posts.

Once upon a time, when I updated this blog on a more regular basis, we had a little feature here called Safety Friday. Every Friday I would discuss a different aspect of outdoor safety, in hopes that some of the tips I shared would be useful to those who enjoyed the outdoors. I also had hopes that some of the tips I mentioned might help someone avoid an accident.

Let's face it, you can scan the news on any random day and probably come up with at least one story about someone in the outdoors who was injured or killed. Maybe they didn't remember or follow the rules for gun safety. Maybe they didn't check their equipment before they went mountain biking or rock climbing. Perhaps no one ever told them the what to do if they got lost, and so they blundered around the woods for hours and just made things worse. I have no illusions that the little posts I write here can help stop every accident. I'd just be satisfied if they made those who do read stop and think an extra second before doing something unwise while outdoors.

I'm glad to say that, while I've been AWOL, other people have been talking about safety. Over at Moose Droppings, there has been series of posts called "Survivor Friday". Other bloggers have taken up the topic as well. I think this is fabulous, we can't talk too much or too loudly about being safe while being outdoors. It is too easy to cause harm to ourselves or to others by being careless. We all need a reminders about being safe.

Because I know we all need reminders, and because I want to get the momentum going again on this blog, I've decided to bring safety Friday back. Starting next Friday I will be writing a Safety Friday post each week. Past Safety Friday posts have covered everything from gun safety to boating safety to how to have a safe picnic, so this series covers a lot of ground. If you have an idea for a topic that Safety Friday should cover, please do let me know. I'm always in the market for a good idea.

Technorati Tags [Safety Friday, outdoor safety tips, safety tips]

Kristine's Note: I don't really like the new name for this series, so I may be trying out a few others. If anyone has an original and cool idea for what to call these posts, please share it with me.

Help Florida Falconers
For years Florida falconers have been restricted from flying wild peregrine falcons. The peregrine falcon population had declined to dangerous levels and the birds were put on the endangered species list. Thanks to the efforts of, among others, falconers in Florida, the bird population has recovered. Now Florida falconers want the chance to fly wild falcons again. Florida is considering changing current legislation and they're accepting comments on the new proposal. Even if you don't live in Florida and have no interest in falconry, you should still support this effort. The more people who love the outdoors support each other's causes, the more we all win. You can read more about this issue at Another Falconry Blog, Harris' Hawk Blog and The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles.

Social Networking Pros and Cons
I am planning to do a series on Social Networks and their benefits and minuses on the OBS blog within the next few weeks. In the meantime, Phillip has already started the discussion on his blog. What do the rest of you think about social networking? Go over to Phillip's blog and join the discussion.

What Moment Made You?
Rebecca O'Connor of Operation Delta Duck has written a great post about the moment that made her love falconry. Most of us have probably had a moment similar to her. Take a moment to visit her blog and add your story. Make sure to welcome her to the OBS while you're there.

Just Because I Find This Funny
Eric from Eric outside took some pictures of himself and his dog with a camera that had a self timer. The last picture turned out great, but it's the ones before that which tickle my funny bone. Particularly the first one. As someone who has had the dog lick the camera lens, I can feel his frustration.

A Lyrical Piece about Spring
I think most of us are ready for Spring now. I know I am. Grow the Hunt has a great piece about how Winter evolves into Spring. It's very well done, and makes me long for warmer temperatures and the smell of growing things.

Holly Scores Again!
Holly from Norcal Cazadora has written a great article on turkey hunting for the Sacramento Bee. As always, it's well written, full of statistics and makes hunters look good. Please take a moment to go read the article and leave a comment. Let the Sacramento Bee know that we support hunting and support Holly.

Recipe Corner
I have to confess, I always thought snipe was a fictional animal (resulting in sending people on a fruitless snipe hunt) but I guess that's not so. Apparently snipe is a bird. Terry at Women's Hunting Journal has a great recipe for Grilled Mediteranean Snipe on her blog. If you're more in the mood for rabbit, check out Braised Rabbit at Hunter, Angler, Gardner, Cook. I still think Hank should start a wild game restaurant. I'd be a customer.

Note About A New Blog
There is a new outdoor blog on the block called The Grass Stain Guru. It is dedicated to putting outdoor play back into the lives of children and adults. I think this is a great mission and one that is worthy of our support. Plus, how can you help but love a blog with a name like that. Please stop by and let the author of the blog know she has our support.

Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

Caleb Takes His First Pig
Darrell from Alpha Trilogy chronicles his son Caleb taking a pig with a bow. Sounds like Caleb did a great job at staying cool under pressure. It is so great to see yound people succeeding at hunting. Please go over and congratulate Caleb on his successful hunt.

Show a Little Support
Deerslayer over at Hunting Wild Game is working on quitting smoking. I've never personally had to do that, but I know from others how tough it can be. Please go over and let him know we all support his efforts toward getting healthier.

This is the Attitude to Have
It isn't about how much money you have, or how many trophies hang on your wall or what your circumstances are at the moment. It's about what you choose to believe about those things. Eric reminds us of that in a very well done post.

Two Questions About Issues Facing Hunting
At Hunt, Eat, Live they're discussing whether the current method of hunter education is sufficient. At Simply Outdoors the discussion centers around hunting and alcohol. Both these issues are important ones, so please go weigh in on the discussions.

A Little Philosophy for a Thursday
One of my new favorite blogs is Henhouse Pottery. There is a quirky sense of humor to this blog, but there are also posts that make you think. This post is one of the latter. I also happen to know that Julia is having a contest tomorrow. Go check it out.

Misty of Chincoteague: The Real Story
When I was a little girl I loved the book Misty of Chincoteague. It was about wild horses living on an island. You can find the reality upon which the book was based on the River Mud Blog. It's an interesting story.

Thanks to Those Who Serve
I'm sure none of us can forget the brave men and women who are currently protecting us and fighting in the Middle East. Joe Todd from My Quality Day has a son who is serving in Iraq. He's written a great post about the time his family spent at the Alamo before his son shipped out. Please go over and thank his son and their family for their service and sacrifice.

A Good Reminder
Let's face it we're all aware the economy is in trouble right now. A lot of us are feeling the effects of those problems. Unfortunately, our conservation organizations are feeling those effects too. Rebecca from Operation Delta Duck reminds us that donating what we can spare to our conservation organizations is now more important than ever.

Bits and Notes
Phillip is famous and has been intereviewed and quoted on CNN. Albert from The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles has started a second blog: The Range Reviews: Tactical. Rick continues his great antler art with a terrific walking stick.

Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

Last night when I got home, there was a package on my porch. I had to shovel the walk because it had snowed, again, and all the time I was shoveling my way to the porch I was running over the possibilities. Had I ordered something and simply forgotten? That seemed unlikely, but not outside the realm of possibility. Had the UPS man delivered something to my porch that rightly belonged to one of my neighbors? Again, not likely, but possible.

Finally, I got done shoveling and took the package inside to see what it might be. My first clue was the name on the package. It was from Jody of The Hunter’s Wife fame. Seeing that name gave me some suspicion of what was in my mystery package.

After struggling with some tape and rather dull scissors, I finally got the package open to find I was now the proud owner of a silver fishing rod. A silver fishing rod that lights up! I cranked the reel and little blue and green LED lights lit up. It is the coolest thing ever and I will easily be the most stylish person on the lake this year.

I haven’t owned a fishing rod of my own in more years than I want to count, and the last time I can remember someone giving me a gift that was outdoors related was the Christmas when I was four. I got my first “big girl” bike. It was lovely to receive a gift that spoke to the fledgling outdoor side of me. The fact that I can fish with it and it lights up just makes it that much more cool.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jody for a lovely and most unexpected gift. I appreciate it very much and will make sure to get at least one round of fishing in this year so I can use my stylin’ new pole.

Technorati Tags [THe Hunters Wife, fishing gear, Kristine Shreve]

Kristine Hungry!
One of my challenges for the year I turn 40 is to try a new recipe every week. Luckily, my blogging friends can help me out with that. Jamie at Borderland Adventures has lots of great recipes on her site, but I think my current favorite is her recipe for Valentine’s Day dinner. It sounds heavenly. If I’m in the mood for grilling, and if I had some venison, I could try the recipe for Grilled Venison Backstrap from Whitetail Woods. Of course there is also the wonderful Hunter Angler Gardner Cook, where I found a recipe for chicken. Like most of Hank’s recipes, it sounds divine.

Real Hunting, or Bad for our Image?
I vividly remember a few years back when the World Hunt Organization first was proposed. A lot of hunters were outraged and the idea, I believe, quickly faded into oblivion. Now Kris, at Jake’s Outdoors, tells us about a similar idea over which no one seems to be making a fuss. I’ll be interested to see what you all think about this.

Who Takes Responsibility?
Back in August, I wrote a post after a tragic shooting occurred in Washington State. Now, Casey at Just South of North writes that lawmakers in Washington are considering changes to the state’s hunting laws. The guys at JSON want to know what all the other OBS members who hunt think about the issue. Please stop by and let them know where you stand.

In the “Dang, This Woman Can Write” Category
Brigid at Home on the Range is one amazing writer. Exhibit A: I Am A Hunter. Exhibit B: True Grit. Exhibit C: A Walk In the Woods. If you need more evidence, just go read her blog. It’s worth the trip.

It’s All In Your Attitude
Things are tough for a lot of people right now. The bad economy has caused issues for almost everyone in one way or another. In times like these, it’s good to remember the lessons that hunting and fishing and being outdoors have taught you. Luckily, we have Bill from Muskoka Outdoors to remind us all that it’s just a lull and things will get better. Stop by and read his post. I guarantee it will make you see things in a different light.

Random Notes from OBS Bloggers
Addicted to Hunting has added a new writer. Field Dress is supporting the Pass It On-Outdoor Mentors Program. The Rabid Outdoorsman has completed his Great Everest Challenge. HuntOnly.com held its first annual Hunter Palooza and raised $3,600 for Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

Finally, If You Haven’t Read This Yet
The Non Traditional Faces of the Outdoors Challenge was completed last Sunday. We had a record number of posts and they’re all fabulous. If you haven’t taken the time to go read the challenge posts, you really should. You can find a complete list of posts from the challenge on the OBS blog.


Technorati Tags [Community Wednesday, outdoor blogs, outdoor blog posts]

If you were constructing the résumé for the ideal outdoorsperson, my life experience wouldn’t even make up the first line. My skin is sun sensitive and I wear SPF 1000 to go to the mailbox and pick up the mail. I’ve shot a gun once. I fish, but I don’t like putting my own worms on the line or touching the fish. I get lost in the city driving streets I’ve known for years, so don’t even get me started on what can, and has, happened to me in the woods. I have camped out under the stars, but that was the night I mistook a skunk for a raccoon and chucked a stone at it. I could probably put up a tent if you gave me a couple of days, and I can build a fire and cook over it, but I can’t promise anything I made would be edible. I like room service and comfy beds and toilets and hot showers on a regular basis. I’m not, in short, the model of a very modern outdoorswoman.

When I first started working to become a part of the outdoor world my biggest concern was that I wouldn’t be accepted. I made the decision early on that I would never exaggerate my experience or my interest, and I’ve always tried to be honest about who I am and how I feel about the outdoors. I think the biggest thing I had going for me in the early days was a sincere desire to learn. What I didn’t expect was to find all the wonderful people I now count as friends who were, and are, willing to teach. What I didn’t expect was how open the outdoor world would be.

There are a lot of adjectives that I could use to describe people who love the outdoors, but the main one I would use, at least when describing those people I know, is welcoming. Whether it has been talking with fellow bloggers, conversing on an outdoor forum, or meeting hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts in person, I’ve had a warm welcome every time.

It’s funny how life changing experiences can sneak up on you. If someone had told me four years ago that I would one day be one of the Founding Members of an outdoor blogging organization, I would have laughed hysterically. If they had further mentioned that I would be planning to take a hunter safety course, to learn to shoot a gun, and working on hiking all the trails in our local trail system, I would have had them checked for drugs or drink. The fact that all of those things are now true is a testament to the welcome I received from the outdoor world.

If there is a moral to this story, and I’m not necessarily claiming there is, I suppose it would be this: the outdoors is for everyone and the people who truly love the outdoors know that. I won’t deny that there is the occasional troll, for example the one who inspired this post in the first place, but for the most part, the men and women I’ve met have been more than open to welcoming all sorts of people into their world.

If you’re someone who is becoming interested in an outdoor activity, but you’re afraid you won’t be accepted, I want to reassure you that you will. If you’re someone who thinks the outdoor world isn’t for the physically challenged, or women or Asians or insert your own group here, I want to tell you that you’re wrong. The outdoors is for everyone.

As the outdoor world’s most unlikely advocate, I know of what I speak.

I pride myself on telling you guys everything. I've always tried to make GSI as transparent as possible because I felt like the outdoor world was family. When good things happened I celebrated with you. When bad things happened, you guys were there to provide comfort and support. I would be being less than true to the spirit of this blog if I didn't share with you what's been happening the past few weeks.

These last few months haven't been easy for this company. Like a lot of smaller companies, we've been rocked by the tough economy. A lot of people are cutting back on their spending. When you were working to build market share in a niche market in the first place and then the market gets smaller, it hurts, no matter how much you try to hide it. I'm sure there are a lot of small businesses that could identify with us right now.

In the end it came down to two choices, try to take things in a different direction and hope that the market for our core product starts to grow again, or shut the doors and call it a day. I've always pushed for option number one. I love this company and I love the outdoor community and I want to continue to be a part of it. I also think this company can survive, especially if it gets a little help from its friends.

Some of you may remember that I've talked about branching off a company from GSI that would create logowear for outdoor organizations and clubs and such. The idea has been kicked around for a while, and we've finally decided that's the direction we want to pursue. Our parent company has the infrastructure and the expertise, having been in the embroidery and screen print business for a specific industry segment for over 30 years. Part of what I've been doing while I've been away is figuring out things like pricing and how this is all going to work. We still have some revamping to do on the web site and it will probably be a week or two before we're live and ready to take orders, but it appears GSI Logowear is going to become a reality.

So that's where we stand. I will be sharing more details in the weeks ahead, and I will hopefully become more visible again in the outdoor blogosphere. There's a lot of work to be done still, but I'm hopeful that this will help us take the company to new heights. I'm also hoping that I can count on all the friends of GSI to help me as I take this company in a new direction. I may be asking you guys to help me publicize press releases or to mention us to any outdoor organizations of which you are a part. So many of you have been such a great support to GSI in the past. I'm hoping we can continue to count on your support in the future.

So, that's where we are right now. I promise this blog will be seeing more regular posts again. Starting with tomorrow, when I'll be posting my answer to the latest OBS Challenge.