Over the years, I’ve had a habit of giving myself a birthday present, and since today IS my birthday, I’m going to reveal this year’s choice.
Readers will probably guess it’s a gun, but not one that needs gunpowder. It’s an air gun — the new Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 with a single-cocking break barrel.
The Mach 1 power plant replaces the standard spring with an inert gas cylinder. This means more velocity and terminal penetration, 1,420 fps in .177 caliber, or 1,020 using the .22-caliber PBA Platinum ammo. It also provides consistent cocking effort and constant power to any pellet. As a fussy trigger guy, I like their custom action trigger that allows adjusting the first and second stages.
Another nice feature is the noise-reducing Whisper Fusion technology that reduces noise up to 85.5 percent through the steel barrel. The new shock wave absorber recoil and molded cheek padding reduces felt recoil up to 74 percent.
To minimize scope stress, Gamo has added a recoil reducing rail that absorbs shock waves almost 100 percent. The package includes a 3-9×40 adjustable objective scope and five-year warranty. Retail price is $249.
I chose this particular model for hunting, but there are other reasons anyone might have. To help, Gamo has released the Proshot ID System that describes how to choose the right airgun, based on needs.
I’d like to add it’s definitely a lot easier to get pellets than shells or bullets, and definitely a lot cheaper.
TURKEY TALK
I haven’t heard anything from successful turkey hunters. I’ve hunted just about every day and have seen turkeys every day, but they’ve all been either hens or jakes.
Opening day, hunting in Montgomery County, I saw some big gobblers, but they didn’t seem interested in my calling. Actually, the first week was cold and wet, and I like nothing more than sitting on the ground in the rain for six hours, watching a few jakes walk by. For the next five days, I had at least one opportunity to take a jake, but decided to wait for Mr. Long Beard.
I believe the major reason I’m now seeing more birds is my new decoys. Turkey hunters should check out Montana Decoy’s new Purr-Fect Pair 3D Hen and Jake. In addition to their realistic look, they weigh a little over two pounds and fold quickly for transporting.
FISHING
Those who want a crappie fishing day should grab their gear and head for Peck’s Lake. Clarence Chamberlain of Sportsman’s Choice Bait Shop said now is the time because they’re definitely biting. They have been averaging 10-15 inches, and there was also a 16.25-inches caught recently. The best bite has been on fatheads and small shiners.
Use a light action rod and reel spooled with 4-6 pound-test monofilament and a small hook and slip bobber. Concentrate on Peck’s shallow bays with submerged structure, primarily stumps, rocks and light grass areas in water depths of three to four feet. He also said the best bite is the last 30 minutes of daylight.
Remember, crappie must be at least nine inches long. Daily limit is 25.
Categories: -Sports-
