Garden of the Gods- and Whitetails

Garden of the Gods- southern Illinois


Garden of Whitetails- Rocky Branch Outfitters



Bachelor group feeding in one of the numerous food plots at Rocky Branch Outfitters- photo courtesy Daryl Hafford

When it comes to whitetails, there's no better place to be than southern Illinois. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Rocky Branch Outfitters to do a little pre-season scouting for my fall muzzleloader deer hunt. Yeah, it is a bit early- their muzzleloader season isn't until December- but if you want to see big mature whitetails- this is THE place to go.

There are few properties you can go to in the entire country and consistently see 150" class whitetail bucks year after year. Property manager and co-owner Daryl Hafford had a very simple explanation which came as the result of me making the comment-"You harvest corn- you don't harvest deer- you shoot deer"- one of my pet peeves while watching outdoor tv shows. Hafford responded with this analogy-"Deer to us ARE a crop- we harvest deer year after year." One look at the numerous record class bucks adorning the walls of their new lodge is the only confirmation you will need.


Family room at the main lodge at Rocky Branch Outfitters

Pre-season scouting is best done just before dark and either from a ground blind or from a distance using good optics. A good choice of optics are the new Nikon Monarch X Binoculars because of their fantastic low light capabilities. With the new technologies now availble to sportsmen, it's a lot of fun increasing your days afield by hunting with either a still or video camera and also setting up trail cameras prior to opening day. A good whitetail outfitter has the deer patterned long before any clients ever unload their hunting equipment. By doing their homework- preseason scouting- Daryl and Diane Hafford of Rocky Branch Outfitters have repeat clients year after year.

Accommodations at Rocky Branch have left nothing to be desired. The rooms at the lodge have extra long beds for large hunters and there's plenty of head space between the bunks as well as storage for gear. The main hall of the lodge is phenomenol with a comfortable lounging area fitted with a big screen tv, a Wii entertainment system and also a fooseball table to give clients more than enough activites and a place to relax during the non-hunting hours.

When it comes to growing corn- and whitetails- the Mid-west is famous and there is no better place to "harvest" your next big whitetail buck of a lifetime than Rocky Branch Outfitters.


Before you go hunting deer this fall, be sure to watch the hunting tips "Making Sense out of Scents" and "Call of the Week" on the USA Outback web site to increase your chances this coming deer season.

For more information, call Daryl or Diane Hafford at 618-841-9936or visit them on the web at www.rockybranchoutfitters.com.

Ladies Night at Basin Black Bear Outfitters

SOS TV hunt crew member Diane Hafford and Basin Black Bear Outfitters guide Carmen Kelly with Diane's boar shot the last night of the hunt


In my last blog, I wrote the 'Bear Necessities'- a summary of what I consider will make you a successful bear hunter. This week's column is all about the actual bear hunt that I recently filmed for my good friend Bob Walker's outdoor tv show Sportsmen's Outdoor Strategies. This hunt will be one of the upcoming shows on SOS TV airing on Versus and the Sportsman Channel this fall. Check your local listings for days and times.

Since I too am a casualty of the recent wave of unemployment, my schedule was wide open when I received the phone call from Bob asking if I could film SOS TV hunt crew members Diane Hafford and Emmy Stephens on their first ever bear hunt at Basin Black Bear Outfitters- formerly Kelly's Sporting Lodge. Having been to this facility on numerous ocassions, I knew that there were 'Bears O'Plenty' and it would be great to see my good friend Carmen Kelly- who many bear hunters refer to as the 'Bear God'. If you want to know anything and everything about bears, he IS the man and has been guiding bear hunters for close to thirty years.

SOS TV hunt crew members Emmy Stephens, Denny Snyder and Diane Hafford

Since I would be driving in from Indianapolis(twenty-two hours, 1350 miles just in case you're wondering), I decided to split the trip up and stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire just outside the Maine border. I highly recommend the Anchorage Inn & Suites(phone #(800)370-8111) located in the heart of this seacoast region of the northeast. They offer all of the amenities you would expect as well as an indoor pool, a separate whirlpool tub (which is perfect after driving fourteen hours) and a complimentary breakfast for your morning departure- all at a reasonable rate. Conveniently located just off of Rt 1 and I-95, it is the perfect place to spend a night prior to driving the length of Maine into Canada.

Day One and Two

The most common method of bear hunting in Canada is over a source of bait from a tree stand. Basin Black Bear Outfitters is no different and has well established bait sites that have been used for years. The stands are quite roomy(great for filming) and are located well within bow range with clear shooting lanes. Emmy Stephens is an experienced hunter from Alabama and has taken numerous game with a bow and gun but this would be her first bear hunt. I could sense her excitement in anticipation of the evening hunt. Unfortunately the 50/50 chance of weather brought us no bears on our first two nights- only a large cow moose and more rain and wind. Even though we saw no bears, this gave Emmy and I both had the opportunity to get all the 'bugs' worked out as far as filming equipment shots,closeups, and also her thoughts on being included on the bears menu. I guess my comments about 'pack bears' roaming the Canadian woods at nightfall had been taken to heart........

Day Three

Finally, the rain and wind released their grip and the sun had us dripping with sweat as we unloaded our hunting gear from the truck. 'That's a good sign' said Carmen commenting on the change of weather while swatting at the moose flies constantly bombarding our hunting party. After climbing into the stand, Carmen said "Try not to move and you'll see a bear tonight". Easier said than done.*

* I HIGHLY recommend a Thermacell unit if you venture on any spring bear hunt. You'll never fool the nose of a bear and if they see you wretching around because of the constant moose flies, mosquitoes and gnats, chances are that the movement will have any bears in the area waiting long after dark to visit your bait.

Our stand was located next to a babbling brook on the opposite side of our bait barrel. This helped hide any unintentional noise we might make while adjusting in the stand. Unless you are part statue, at some point you will need to 'adjust' after stoically sitting several hours in a stand- no matter how comfortable. Any movement needs to be slow and muffled to avoid alerting any approaching bruins. A raven broke the lull of the running water cawing as he flew over our stand. I told Emmy that was my own good luck sign after seeing dozens of bears within minutes of seeing ravens.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before my hunting partner excitedly whispered "Bear ! ". In the span of maybe two seconds, I swear Emmy managed to rapidly tap my leg thirty-four times pointing in the direction of something approaching that was black- and very big. I have seen many bears while hunting with Carmen over the past ten years and there was no doubt that this one was definitely a shooter. The large boar tried to circle downwind but hunger over-ruled caution and he slowly walked the same exact trail we had taken to the bait. His shoulders stood well above the 35 gallon bait barrel. He definitely owned the place.

Prior to climbing in to the stand, I had told Emmy to not wait for my signal, that the camera would be rolling to capture the events as they unfolded. She was already at full draw when the big boar decided to sit down facing us- at only a mere thirteen yards. I could see that this was going to be a test of wills- who could hold out the longest and the bear decided things didn't look quite right with this particular fast food stop. He stood and started to walk away.

I could remember Carmen saying "The best two shots on a bear are a killing shot or a clean miss" as I watched Emmy's Luminok sail harmlessly over the big bear's shoulder. If you ever think you can outrun a bear, think again. The three hundred pound plus boar covered a hundred yards back into the brush in the blink of an eye. I don't know of ANY hunters that have not missed a shot- myself included. I tried to consol my hunter whose face had the look of a star athlete who had just missed the game winning shot at the buzzer. The shot will be played over and over in both of our heads for quite some time.

The good news is that the big bruin lives to put on another 30% of his body weight for this coming fall's hunts. Now the woods were silent. There are only so many things you can say to your hunting partner after what we both knew was a golden opportunity.


Author Denny Snyder with B3O guide Matt Cheney and his bear

A shot rang out in the distance followed by two more. We both guessed guide Matt Cheney must have also had an opportunity at a bear. With only our two lady hunters in camp, Matt was taking full advantage of hunting this last week of the season. Carmen confirmed Matt's kill when he came in to get us from our own stand.

This break in the weather had all the bears up and moving that evening. We checked in with fellow guide and lodge manager Gary Sabean who was sitting with SOS TV hunt crew member Diane Hafford. They too had seen a large boar from their stand right at dark but it did not offer a shot. I believe Diane's description was "it was as big as a Volkswagon ! ". Changing roles from videographer to buwana, my back felt like we just carried a small German car after finally getting Matt's bear back to the truck.


Day Four and Five

Just knowing that last night was a gift(any time you can capture a monster bear on camera at a stone's throw away, at least I consider it a gift), we all knew that the unpredictable weather this week would make any other opportunities at trophy class bruins come few and far between. I would rather be lucky than good and was hoping that luck would smile on my two lady hunters this week.

Once again, Diane and Gary saw another 'Volkswagon' at dark and the only thing big and black that Emmy and I saw was a large cow moose- also well within bow range. Now that I think about it, there was only one day while in New Brunswick I didn't see a moose while traveling to and from our stands. Emmy did see another bear her last night hunting but as luck would have it, her first bear would not be on this trip. Emmy would be flying home with the classic tale- "you should ave seen the one that got away"........

The Last Day

There has been more than one hunting trip that I have said to myself "just one more day". Diane Hafford is the owner/operator of the trophy whitetail hunting operation Rocky Branch Outfitters in southern Illinois and is too familiar with the term "one more day". We have been friends for many years and at her request, we gave it one more day. This would be my first night to film with Diane and sometimes that is all it takes. Tonight would be no exception to the rule.

A half hour into the drive to our stand I realized I had forgotten a crucial piece of equipment. When bear hunting, I have the habit of traveling in the truck in my house slippers and then pulling on my boots after getting out of the truck. Today, the knot in my stomach said I distinctly remember sitting my boots by the door of my cabin- to not forget them.

"Diane, tonight I GUARANTEE you will get a bear" I said from the back seat. She inquisitively looked at me with her eyes asking how I can make such a prediction. "Gary and Matt are both gone and my boots are back at the lodge- I guarantee I'll be helping carry out your bear with you and Carmen in my slippers tonight." Carmen and I both laughed because we knew of course this is what would happen. No extra help and me in a pair of bedroon slippers........

I absolutely love first time bear hunters. You can not fake that kind of excitement- which will be quite evident when this show airs. Nothing short of Emmy's rapid leg tapping, Diane's reaction to the approaching 'Volkswagon' this last evening had my own heart racing in anticipation of the upcoming shot. "Bear !" she announced as she quickly grabbed "Ol' Nellie"- a Remington 30-06 that has been feeding my own family for many years which I insisted she use for this evening's hunt.. I wanted to put the odds in our favor hoping that a rifle would at the bare minimum(no pun intended)extend her range if necessary.

"If you have a shot, take it" I told her as the camera was rolling. The bear must have sensed eminant danger and never came the entire way to the bait but was doing an about face and exit stage left. The shot rang out and just like an old Star Trek episode, the bear transported itself to another planet.

Her face said it all- she just shot her first bear. Seeing her not knowing whether to laugh or cry, I gave her a big bear hug(yes, I said it) and congratulated her on her first bruin. In the distance, we heard the classic death moan as the large boar expired probably a hundred yards through the thick Canadian brush.

"Is that good or bad?" she said pensively waiting for my response. "That's good AND bad" I responded- looking down at my footwear. "Good- that he is down for the count- Bad for where he is". Just as I predicted, Diane shot a beautiful boar all captured on camera for an upcoming episode of Sportsmen's Outdoor Strategies this fall. Tonight was ladies night and definitely a night to remember.



After the initial cell phone calls, congratulatory back-slapping and laughing in celebration of the hunt, it would be another late night trip back to the lodge. We all sat quietly while riding home thinking about the events - myself remembering old friends from hunts in the past and also the new friends I had made on this adventure with Basin Black Bear Outfitters. Once again, Uncle Carmen was and still is the 'Bear God' of New Brunswick- but most importantly my friend and I was glad to see him once again.

For more information on hunting bear, whitetails and moose, contact Basin Black Bear Outfitters at www.basinblackbearoutfitters.com.

Bear Necessities

Basin Black Bear Outfitters guide Matt Cheney with 2009 spring bear

Here it is Fourth of July weekend and rather than grilling outside, I'm sitting at the computer watching a rainy 4th and trying to put my thoughts together after an exciting spring black bear hunt in New Brunswick at Basin Black Bear Outfitters- formerly Kelly's Sporting Lodge.

Basin Black Bear Outfitters-B3O as I affectionately now call them has an excellent facility and has done major renovations to all of the cabins and main lodge which will make your bear hunt even more enjoyable. All of the modern conveniences are available, excellent food, comfortable tree stands and some of the best bear hunting for large boars in all of Canada.

Just in case regular clientele of Kelly's Sporting Lodge is wondering, the 'Bear God' Uncle Carman Kelly is still guiding. At 76 years young, I wish I had half of his knowledge hunting bears.He might even put you in one of 'Denny's stands'.....something we all get a laugh out of because my buddy Bob Walker mentioned one time- "Which one isn't Denny's stand?"........

Now I am back- away from the solitude of my Canadian tree stand next to a babbling brook to the main-stream media morbidity hysteria over Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Carl Malden and who can forget late-night infomercial guru Billy Mays. All I know is that I really could have used one of his signature ShamWows to wipe off the camera equipment from the first three days of Water World we experienced during this hunt......

If you want to have an 'enjoyable' spring bear hunt in the wilds of New Brunswick, there are a few necessities that I HIGHLY recommend including in your day pack:

#1- Thermacell. This is essential. There are mosquitoes and biting 'no see-ums'that can carry away small children and have no qualms about taking a piece of you with them. Available at Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops and most sporting goods major retailers.

#2 100% DEET. I recommend REPEL or Deep Woods Off. Don't worry about the odor- you'll never fool the nose of a bear- it is sound and movement that will alert them to your presence and send them running. If you can't sit still because of the flies, you are much more likely to spook a bear by moving swatting at the biting invaders.

#3 Camo/rain gear washed in UV killer. Because the woods are so 'dark', good camo like Mossy Oak tree stand, Cabela's 3D Seclusion, or Realtree HD are top choices as well as a new camo I just discovered- Ultimate Camo which virtually blends you in to the forest canopy. If you ever get the opportunity, look at night vision video of camo not washed in UV killer - it actually has a 'glow' which definitely tips off any game as they can see in mostly light/dark spectrum.

#4 Cushion. Most bear hunts involve long sits waiting for bears to show up at the bait and if you are not comfortable, you will NOT be able to remain motionless which is necessary to stay quiet and undetected.

#5 Patience. The same three rules that apply to turkey hunters applies to bear hunters- Don't move, don't move and don't move. No matter how much gear and equipment you pack in to the woods, if you can't sit still and remain quiet, you'll never see a bear.

#6 Practice. If you want to take a large boar, chances are you WILL get the opportunity at one shot- I repeat - ONE shot. Why spend all that money, time and effort if you can't make the shot. If you will be using a head net when you hunt, by all means practice with it on. Know where the vitals are and envision your arrow or your shot passing through those vitals. Just like throwing a baseball or shooting a basket, follow-through is crucial to a successful hunt. As Uncle Carman puts it, the two best shots are a killing shot or a clean miss.

If you want a fantastic bear hunt, follow the above 'Bear Necessities' and you too will have an outstanding bear hunt. For more information on Basin Black Bear Outfitters, check them out on the web at www.basinblackbearoutfitters.com or give them a call at 506- 654-1860.

Passport to the North

Guide Carman Kelly and USA Outback TV host Denny Snyder

Graduation ceremonies are all but over, caps have been tossed into the air, and high school and college graduates embark on their life journeys to their own paths of success. Along the way, some even partake in the "hunting trip of a lifetime" as their graduation gift of choice. Many travel to the far reaches of Canada in search of monster black bruins. Here it is June already, yet "spring" bear season is alive and well in the far north of New Brunswick, Canada. Up until a month ago, American hunters could cross the Canadian border without a passport but times have drastically changed thanks to unknown terrorist enemies wishing to destroy our way of life.

In less than a week, I will be traveling to Kelly's Sporting Lodge in the heart of New Brunswick, Canada to film a bear hunt with my good freind Bob Walker and his outdoor television show Sportsmen's Outdoor Strategies. Much to my dismay, I realized at the last moment that my own passport had expired- requiring me to scramble for a renewel. In order to prevent any confusion with the process of obtaining a new passport or renewing an old one, I thought I would write this week's blog as a simple guide to help hunters through the entire process of getting a U.S. passport.

The first step is to obtain the necessary paperwork. These forms can be obtained at most local post offices or can be printed out and/or filed online with the Department of State at their web site( http://travel.state.gov/index.html ). If you are filing for a new passport, you will need to use form DS-11. When filing for a renewel, you will need to use form DS-82. It is a fairly simple process of filling in the blanks with the appropriate information and submitting the required documentation- including two passport photos that can be taken at most post offices that carry passport application forms. The toughest part of getting your passport might be locating your own original birth certificate or an acceptable replacement that has an official notary seal to submit as proof of your Amercian citizenship.

Not to long ago, applying for a U.S. passport was a long and tedious process that would sometimes take up to several months before you would see your little blue book as proof of American citizenship. Thanks to modern technology and the ability to file online, these expedited services can help you get your passport in as little time as two weeks- of course for an additional fee. As I write this article, I patiently await the return of my own passport renewel through the services of A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors( http://www.abriggs.com/passports/new_passport.php ).

By following the directions listed with each application form, obtaining your passport will allow you to travel to those far away Canadian provinces, Mexico, or even Africa for that matter - in pursuit of big game or other exotic adventures.

Hopefully, all of my own papers will be in order, my new passport will be received and next week's article will cover what YOU should pack to participate in a Canadian spring bear hunt.

Magnet Gun Caddy teams up with USA Outback Outdoor Television for 2009

Indianapolis, IN- USA Outback Outdoor Television executive producer Denny Snyder has announced that the award winning popular outdoor television program ‘USA Outback’ has joined forces with Magnet Gun Caddy to help hunters protect their most valuable possessions - their guns and their vehicles starting in 2009.

Magnet Gun Caddy is a portable magnetic gun rack that acts like an extra hand- but much smaller than your fist. The Magnet Gun Caddy conveniently holds your gun when you need to temporarily set it down and also holds just about any long barrel gun upright against your car (or your gun-safe when you are opening and closing the door). The patent-pending design makes it possible to secure and remove your gun from the holder with just one hand. Magnet Gun Caddy protects your gun and your car and is small enough to fit in your pocket - making it truly portable and easy to store.

“We are always looking to find new and innovative products to introduce to our viewers and I am happy to be one of the first companies to feature Magnet Gun Caddy on our show USA Outback” says host Denny Snyder. Snyder adds- “The Magnet Gun Caddy is one of those products that when you see it and use it, you just say to yourself what a great idea- why didn’t I think of that.”

Whether you are getting ready to begin your hunt, just taking a break to water your dogs, or returning from a rewarding experience in the field, the Magnet Gun Caddy provides a fast and convenient way to rest your gun. Remember, NEVER use the Magnet Gun Caddy with a loaded gun.

Next to our dogs, our guns and cars are our most important (and expensive) hunting assets. For around $10 you can protect both! The Magnet Gun Caddy is so affordable you may as well purchase a few extra for when your hunting buddies are riding in your car. You'll gain additional peace of mind knowing their guns (and your car) are safely secured. It’s a smart investment. Plus you and your friends will all benefit from the convenience, and maybe even enjoy, a little more, the sport we all love. Look for the Magnet Gun Caddy on new shows of USA Outback coming this fall.

Contact Magnet Gun Caddy by calling toll free at 866-226-9123 or visit them on the web at www.magnetguncaddy.com. the ultimate portable gun rack.

Doctors vs. Guns

Food for Thought

With the NRA convention well underway, guns and gun control will be the major topic of discussion at the convention and for many evening news casts this week. In conjunction with this hot topic, I received this interesting email(below) that I thought might generate some discussion from anyone that reads this blog.

"Doctors:
(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.
(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.
(C) Accidental deaths per physician are 17.1%.
Statistics courtesy U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services.

Now think about this:
Guns:
(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000. (Yes, that's 80 million)
(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.
(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.00188%- as compared to the 17.1% accidental deaths per physician.
Statistics courtesy FBI.

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR."

Statistically, doctors are not fairing too well. However, if someone decided to start driving over pedestrians with Ford F150 pickup trucks, will the government outlaw ALL pickup trucks? I don't think so. Sort of puts things in to perspective doesn't it?

Regardless of what laws are put in to place, regulations are added, taxes levied on sporting arms and ammunition, schooling requirements and special training added for doctors, etc., etc.- none of these things will eliminate accidental deaths. That's because they are just that- accidents.

The Second amendment was written for a good reason. Take a minute and look up what has happened in countries where the "right to bear arms" was taken away from citizens. Civil liberties were also soon to follow as well as increases in violent crimes and murders. This week in Phoenix, AZ, the NRA convention is the ultimate meeting place for members and gun owners to share their thoughts and hopefully shape a bright future for the protection and continuation of our Second amendment.

Getting back to the title of this blog- are doctors more inclined to cause accidental deaths than guns?

Could the statistics be wrong?

Doctors AND Guns save and protect lives everyday.

Draw your own conclusions.

Denny :)

Genesis Lamp and USA Outback mix Business with Pleasure

Whenever you get the opportunity to mix business with pleasure- it’s a good thing. Genesis Lamp VP of Sales Mark Zukowski recently traveled with USA Outback host Denny Snyder to the turkey hunting heaven of Missouri to investigate the possibilities of expanding the long list of Genesis Lamp corporate customers- and hopefully tag a couple of long beards.

After meeting at Lambert International Airport, the first stop along the way would be the Bass Pro Shops retail store in St. Charles where Mark and I had the opportunity to speak with facilities maintenance manager Darin Johnson. The sheer number of retail lighting and specialty lighting required for a facility of that size is astounding. After you start to add up all of the ceiling fluorescent lights, sodium halides, spot lights and bulbs used for displays and showcases, it really makes you wonder just how many of the lights used are in fact energy efficient lights. The energy savings alone by switching to energy efficient lighting would cover the costs of quite a few turkey hunting trips to Missouri.

A little more than a stone’s throw away from Bass Pro Shops is the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa conveniently situated just off of I-70 along the scenic Missouri river. Re-lamping a retail store would seem like child’s play compared to illuminating the Ameristar casino facilities.

Located in historic St. Charles, Mo., Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles is a short drive from downtown St. Louis. The property features a 400-suite luxury hotel, a full service day spa, an indoor-outdoor pool, 22,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference and meeting space, seven restaurants, 12 bars, a 130,000-square-foot casino and three entertainment venues. The 130,000-square-foot casino is decorated with ornate architectural details, lighting and stained-glass skylights. With more than 3,000 slot machines, 60 table games and a 19-table live poker room, the Ameristar is a far reach from the turn of the century cabin where we would be turkey hunting.

We arrived at the cabin just before nightfall and proceeded to unload our gear from my 2008 H3 Hummer. The inside of the vehicle looked like either a Bass Pro Shop retail store or a Cabela’s warehouse had exploded and it was all contained inside the Hummer. It is amazing just how much gear you THINK you need to kill a turkey. Between the two of us, we probably had a dozen different slate and box calls, “B” mobile decoys, enough 3D Seclusion camo for ten guys, a couple dozen different Butski mouth calls, guns, and enough Winchester and Federal ammo to wipe out all things gobbling in Missouri. You would think we were going to war- and we were- with the turkeys once again.

Several weeks earlier, Mark and I had come to Missouri to help out with the early youth turkey hunt capturing the opening day festivities for my outdoor television show USA Outback. We had a successful hunt with my shooter 12 year old Rebecca taking a nice long beard at first light. This time it was all about us. Mark has hunted the area for over 14 years and pointed us in the right direction to roost birds- thus ensuring us of a successful first day's hunt.

One of the best tips I can give the beginner turkey hunter is to let nature take its course. Missouri is abundant with coyotes and owls who(get it- who who- LOL)sing in unison enough to inspire any long beard on a limb to gobble and give up his location. After listening to over a dozen birds sound off just behind our camp, we were certain for some early morning turkey hunting action.

You would think that having a good connection with a lighting company that we would have sufficient lights for our stay. NOOOooooo- we get back to the cabin and sure enough the back porch 60 watt incandescent light bulb was burned out. To add insult to injury, we walk in to the kitchen to find a replacement bulb and sure enough- the overhead Circleline fluorescent over the kitchen cabinet was burned out as well. “You have got to be kidding me” I said looking in Mark’s direction. “Do you know where a guy can get a couple of light bulbs?”- knowing full well we were in the backwoods of Missouri and wireless service for the laptop to order lightbulbs at www.genesislamp.com. would be a few days away. Replacement bulbs would have to wait until our next trip because we didn’t want even the delivery guy to know about our turkey hunting hot spot.Long story short- both Mark and I tagged out opening day on a pair of long beards all captured on camera for a future episode of USA Outback. Not only did we tag toms, we also experienced some terrific fishing for crappies on Lake of the Ozarks and spoonbill fishing on the Osage river.

I look forward to returning to Missouri and our little turkey hunting heaven. One of the landowners where we were hunting is even building a new house equipped with Genesis Lamp energy efficient compact fluorescents to light things up for his guests.

What does all of this have to do with Genesis Lamp? It does not matter whether you are gambling at the Ameristar in the city limits of Saint Louis or hunting and fishing in the backwoods of Missouri, Genesis Lamp is there for all of your lighting needs. Contact Genesis Lamp at www.genesislamp.com. or call toll free at 1-800-685-5267.