2016 FISH, HUNT & RIDE -- SUMMER | Page 31

Videos galore for the fishers, hunters, riders W here do you look for a hunting or fishing video, or learn how to choose a new scope, find ways to hone your casting skills after landing in the weeds too often, or just get inspired by other people’s outdoor world? A Google search can lead ALLEN to thousands of dull, poorly MACARTNEY produced, unhelpful sites that waste your time. But Fish, Hunt and Ride has found a smorgasbord of adventure and information on video to build your outdoors experience. Drill down from these sites for an array of other topics. MODERN AND TRADITIONAL FLY-TYING    This is the site for outstanding video instruction on tying a wide range of flies. Davie McPhail’s series of videos simplifies this art form across the spectrum from expert to rank novice. You’ll learn how to tie everything from mayflies, crickets, nymphs, flies, various pupas, salmon flies, and much more. And you don’t have to squint to see the fine points. He positions the camera close enough to see even his most detailed work.  SNIPER 101 This is no backwoods yahoo website, despite the name. The host is an articulate and  knowledgeable shooter who will keep you glued to your screen for hours. Sniper 101 offers more than 100 videos, between 30 and 45 minutes each. Unlike some pros, he doesn’t try to dazzle you with his $5,000 scopes and $8,000 rifles, though he has them. Instead, he tells you how you can achieve outstanding shooting with average rifles from any outdoor store. His first video offers a long-range shooting tutorial for beginners. But advanced shooters wanting to learn exterior and terminal ballistics (how the  bullet flies through the air; how it reacts when it contacts its target) can find it here. Want to learn reloading? Wondering which deer-hunting cartridge to use this fall? Or bullet wind-drift calculations or shooterspotter team dynamics? It’s all in this great series! you’ll learn everything from how to skin a rabbit and squirrel, to how to make a backpack from a tarp. You’ll learn good lessons from their mistakes and victories. Very entertaining. RAY MEARS’ BUSHCRAFT Mears is a British outdoor wilderness expert who has produced a wide range of videos with the BBC. They are perfect for hunters, fishers or anyone wanting to build confidence to face the outdoors. Topics range from how to sharpen a knife or axe, build a shelter or light a fire, to exploring survival techniques in pre-historic Britain, Sweden and Russia.  Mears is a real teacher. His videos are not only articulate and thoughtful but brimming with historical knowledge wrapped in adventure. How did ancient hunters make arrows or harden their spears? How did aboriginals make hooks that would deceive the most wary fish? Watch these videos and find out. Or follow Ray as he makes a paddle with an axe, or a knife from a piece of raw steel. Inspiring. OUT OF THE WILD This Discovery Channel series portrays nine people (several with considerable outdoor experience) dropped off in the Alaskan wilderness to survive for 30 days while finding their way to a rescue point. Before setting out, they get three days of survival and first aid training. Each carries only a sleeping bag, a knife, a tarp, good clothing and boots. Then off they go, over mountains, through swamps, and into the forest. Watch this video and www.fishhuntandride.ca FISH, HUNT RIDE | 31