Gear Review - Hunting GPS Maps

If you read my previous post, you know that my old GPS is so outdated that I don't even own a computer that I can plug it into anymore. It was definitely time for an upgrade. After much research, I chose the Garmin GPSMAP 62st, which includes 1:100k maps for all of the U.S.

I then added the Hunting GPS Maps Colorado chip that shows all land ownership and 1:24k topography in the state. The maps are state-specific and are available for 21 different states including all of the West.

I was rediculously impressed by the Hunting GPS Maps. On my friend Rick's elk hunt, we had to be aware of both private land and a national monument. On multiple occasions, we could have trespassed, but didn't because of the accuracy of Hunting GPS Maps. Without it, we would have used paper maps to determine our location, but it would have taken much longer and we couldn't have been as precise.

In the end, the Hunting GPS Maps prevented Rick from shooting an elk because we knew he was on the monument. There were no fences and no signs, but the map was clear. Rick wisely chose not to shoot and just let two awesome bulls walk. I am ridiculously proud of him for his decision, and like he said, "It's my responsibility to know where I am." Hunting GPS Maps enabled him to do that perfectly.

If you hunt anywhere near private land or other property where access is restricted, I highly suggest you get one of the state chips from Hunting GPS Maps. They are easy to use, the 1:24k maps are very precise, and they will help you stay safe and legal.

Gear Review - Garmin GPSMAPS 62st

My old GPS is so old that I don't even own a computer that I can plug it into. I figured it was time for an upgrade! After much research, I chose the Garmin GPSMAPS 62st.

The 62st has the 1:100k base map for the entire U.S., which I think I will find valuable throughout my travels. To determine property boundaries with 1:24k topo maps, I decided to get the Hunting GPS Maps card for Colorado, and then add other states as necessary. I couldn't be happier with my choice!

I really like the size and shape of the 62st. It isn't so small that it hard to handle, but it's not so heavy and bulky that I feel like I should leave it in the pickup. I especially like the buttons instead of the touchscreen because I consistently use my GPS with gloves on. I didn't want to risk having to take off my gloves to be able to use it easily. The controls are very intuitive, although I haven't found a good way to "wake it up" in the dark...my only complaint!

All said and done, the combination of the high-intensity antenna, ergonomic shape and design, handy buttons, and the additional Colorado map from Hunting GPS Maps make the Garmin GPSMAPS 62st the very best GPS I could have chosen for hunting in the West. With this tool I have the confidence to go where I've never been, and get back out safely again.

Hunt Photography Article

I just received my copy of the Nov/Dec 2011 (#54) issue of Successful Hunter magazine. On page 6, Editor Lee Hoots wrote about digital photography and included me! He outlined my hunt photography offerings, and then gave a bunch of great photography tips for hunters. Check out the magazine, and also check out my Hunt Photography page for more information and a couple sample coffee table books... thanks Lee!!

Four Rules of Firearm Safety

Okay, so I might be a safety geek, especially having worked in the outdoor recreation safety industry for the last eight years or so. However, as long as we always keep gun safety in the forefront of our minds, shooting and hunting will remanin two of the safest sporting activities.

As a reminder, here are the Four Rules of Firearm Safety as devised by Jeff Cooper, founder of Gunsite:

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Always be sure of your target.

If you ALWAYS follow ALL FOUR rules, you will never have a shooting accident.

Also, don't forget your eye and ear protection... now get out there and turn show powder into noise!

Outfitters and Other Services

Just below the "Trent Uses and Endorses" section is a list of outfitters and other outdoor service providers. I know each of the companies personally and can say that each provided me with great information and opportunities. If you are in need of their services, you won't go wrong picking any one of them!

Trent Uses and Endorses

On the right side of my blog is a list of companies whose products I have used over the years and feel comfortable endorsing. This is not a complete list and I have not used every product made by these companies. However, based on the products I have used from each company, I can proudly and confidently back them. If you have a question about any of the products, feel free to shoot me an email at trent@trentswansonoutdoors.com.

Eyes and Rocks Don't Mix

If you get a chance to have a rock imbedded in your eyelid, I suggest you pass.

It happened to me over Easter weekend, but I have no idea how. It might have been at my nephew's baseball game or possibly the Echeverria Famliy Picnic. It's not like I was riding the quad or doing it doggie-style... you know, hanging your head out the window of your pickup while driving down the freeway! Ha!

I thought it was just an irritation from my contacts so I waited until Wednesday to see my eye doctor, Dr. Todd Geiler. He happens to be one of my friends who also hunts and shoots, so he knows how much I value my sight. He said the tiny pebble was "like a boulder" in eye terms.

He put me on two topical antibiotics for 10 days to fight the accompanying infection, but when I went back yesterday, it hadn't cleared up. In addition, there is still a divot in my eyelid where the rock was lodged... so now it's 14 more days days of antibiotics, this time by mouth.

The one saving grace was that after the appointment Nichole, Mattox, and I went out to supper with Todd and his wife Leisa. Sometimes it takes a little suffering to realize some enjoyment, but I would rather have just met up with them on non-rock-lodged-in-my-eylid circumstances.

Another Side of Jeff Cooper

I had heard of Jeff Cooper and read his column in Guns N Ammo, but had never met him. However, towards the end of his life I got a truly unique experience. As he aged, he lost strength and his doctor suggested he attend physical therapy. It just so happened that he walked into my wife’s clinic and they struck up a relationship of mutual trust and understanding. You see, Jeff (many people call him Mr. Cooper or Colonel, but our relationship was different…) was anything but a soft man—opinionated and hard-assed would be understatements. Luckily, my wife is a bit of a hard-ass, too, especially when it comes to her patients. She knows what’s best for them and has a knack for figuring out how to motivate them. For Jeff, she had him do “rifle presses” instead of “chest presses” and allowed him to bring his rifle into the clinic to do them!

Once he endured her exercises, I got a chance to sit down and talk with him. Of course we talked about guns, but we also talked about his adventures, his life, and my life. He was just as interested in the things I had done. At one point our conversation turned to World War II. It turns out that while Jeff was on the ground as a Marine, my grandfather was in the air above him. The simple fact that my grandpa was a decorated fighter pilot made Jeff think more highly of me. I have a written account of my grandpa’s firefights, along with the video from the trigger-activated cameras on his Hellcat. I shared both with Jeff. He was so moved by them that his last two columns included references to my grandpa.

So here’s the other side of Jeff Cooper from my point of view: sure he was opinionated, and sure he should be revered for how he has influenced every person who handles a firearm today, but he was also a deeply thoughtful and caring man who recognized the best in people. He didn’t pull any punches and told you how he saw things. I received my first paycheck as a writer and even though it was small, I showed it to Jeff. He took one look at it and said, “Well, I guess you’re a writer.” If Jeff Cooper says so, that’s good enough for me!

My Blog List

Hey everyone! If you get a chance, spread the love to a couple other bloggers...

Check out "My Blog List." My list includes good friends, information I like to read, and photos I like to look at. Hopefully you will like them, too!

From Forest To Fork
Jay Scott Outdoors
Koury Guide Service
On The Prairie
Sleeping In The Dirt