Howdah pistols – the forerunner of today’s hunting handguns

Tom LounsburyFriends of ELO, Gear Reviews & Recommendations

During the 1790’s, British officers and other gentlemen associated with the East India Company in India were introduced to big game hunting from the backs of elephants, riding in a basket-like platform known as a “howdah”. A key animal hunted was the tiger, which is a tad bigger than lions, and tigers are very fast and agile, and were well known for jumping and clawing their way up an elephant to reach a hunter riding in the howdah. Having something weighing around 600 pounds which is equipped with meat grinding sharp teeth and claws, can … Read More

A Winter-Wonderland Travel To Yellowstone – “Experience the Magic”

Bruce TerBeekConservation & Wildlife Management

A thumbnail sketch of the wonders of Yellowstone through the eyes of our dear WGD’s friends, Bruce & Nancy Ter Beek…worldly travelers-extraordinaire…”Thanks for sharing!” My wife and I spent ten days exploring our first national park.  Yellowstone National Park was created in 1872.   The Department of the Army managed the 2.2 million acre reserve for over 40 years until the National Park Service was created. This was my 10th trip to this spectacular place, but my first winter experience.  Yellowstone never disappoints.  From May through September the park is crowded with over two million visitors.  … Read More

All That and a Bag of Chips!

Rebecca MorganHunting & Outdoor Lifestyle, Spring Fling

You don’t have to hunt to enjoy the great outdoors.  Being newly retired and living further north has provided me with ample opportunity to enjoy what’s all around me.  I have a newfound understanding of why many hunters are so passionate about this pastime.  I’ve learned that it’s not just about the hunt, but everything in between, as in truth, how many hunting adventures actually result in meat?  The meat is great, God put it there for us. But it seems that hunting is so much more.  I hope you enjoy a non-hunter’s interpretation of … Read More

The ever-unique atmosphere of spring turkey hunting

Tom LounsburySpring Fling

Spring of 2023 was a very lucky timeframe for me. I had purchased a raffle ticket from the Cass City Gun Club, for a turkey shotgun. I’ve been none too lucky when it comes to raffles and look at purchasing tickets as generally supporting a good cause and have no expectations of winning anything. However, my ticket was drawn for a Winchester SXP Longbeard 20 ga shotgun, which has turkey hunting written all over it.  Being able to use this specialized shotgun a couple weeks later to bag my largest gobbler ever in over 50 … Read More

I Got Hooked On Canadian Walleye Fishing

Robert WellerFishing

When I met my wife, we would get together and play cards with her parents and once in a while.  As time went on and we got married, that tradition continued. My father in law, Robert and I  share an interest in the outdoors so the conversation over those card games eventually turned  to hunting or fishing. I’m more of a deer hunter than a fisherman but fishing has been something  that I have enjoyed since I was a small boy when my grandfather used to take me. Robert loves  to fish and has been … Read More