Best Tools to Use When Hunting

When hunting, there are many items you can bring along to make the journey easier and more enjoyable. But what items/tools should you bring? Here are some items to bring to help you along:

1 - Safety gear! The number one item on our list is safety gear, and for good reason. A first aid kit is a good item to carry along, and many are available at a low cost from local stores. Be sure to wear your orange vest as well to protect against fellow hunters.

2 - Bird whistles. If you are out hunting certain types of bird, there are whistles available to help you along.

3 - A cell phone. Be sure to turn it on silent or off when you're stalking your prey. A ringing cell phone is never a good idea when a deer is within sight. Some prefer leaving their phone at home when hunting, but if there is an emergency, it will be a while before you can get a hold of one. That could be your saving grace.

4 - Food! Keep snacks and water on hand in case you get the munchies.

5 - A map of the area. To help ensure you don't accidentally get lost, it's a good idea to keep a map on hand of the local surroundings, if one is available.

6 - A companion. Although not technically an "item" having a companion with you during your hunt is not only safer, it'll also help the time pass. Two heads are better than one, and four eyes are better for spotting animals when hunting, as well as a good way to keep an eye out for any dangers that may be around.

Time for hunting! :)

When hunting, many use every last part of what they catch. This is a great practice so that nothing goes to waste. If you've run out of ideas for what you can do with your catch, here are some helpful tips:
1 - Cook a meal. The most common things hunters do with what they catch is cook it. Try a new recipe, store some of the meat for a later use, or donate meat if you have too much. Cooking the meat will get rid of the majority of what you catch. For birds, almost all of the bird can be used for cooking, including in stocks.
2 - For animals with a thick coat, use the remainder for warmth. Clothing or rugs can be fashioned from the hide of many animals.
3 - Some use part of the animal as decorative pieces. The antlers, bones, and even the head of the animal can be fastened as a piece of decor.

Once you have completed these three steps, your catch should be completely used. Nothing goes to waste.

If you're ready to get out there and start hunting, contact Cedar Ridge Setters today.

Have a unique Valentines Day!

Valentines day is right around the corner. Take the man or woman in your life out for a unique experience on Valentines day. Come explore Watermelon Pond, where hunting, camping, and family bonding are all combined for a fun and unique adventure. This Valentines day, take your loved one to Watermelon pond. Treat them to a picnic, horseback riding, or hunting. Rent our cozy and fantastic cabin for an even more romantic feel.

"Private & secluded may be the best way to describe your Florida trail ride at Watermelon Pond Plantation. Join us for a few hours, a 1/2 day, a full day or a weekend of horseback riding in north central Florida. We offer some of the best horse trails and horse trail rides in Florida. 5,000 peaceful and beautiful acres."

Check out these, and other great options, by visiting our website.

Spring Time Hunting

Winter will be ending soon, and spring will be here. Get an early start on spring time hunting with these tips:

1 - Get your reservations in early! When the cold weather subsides, people will be eager to get back out there and hunt again. Make sure you beat the crowd by getting your reservations in beforehand. One great place to hunt is Watermelon Pond - perfect for friends or family.

2 - Have proper gear. Gather all necessary items including vests, first aid, and other necessities way ahead of time to ensure you will have all the materials.

3 - Pick your game. Spring time is a good time for turkey hunting. But if turkey is not your first choice, research what game animal you'd like to hunt.

For other great tips and hunting advice, check out Cedar Ridge Setters.

Perks of Deer Hunting.

Love hunting, but haven't ventured further than turkey or quails? Maybe it's time for you to try your luck with deer hunting.

Some of the benefits of deer hunting include:

A great meal. This "gamey" animal is sure to help make a great meal. Deer meat is not only tasty, but healthy. Capturing your own meal also ensures you know what's going onto your plate. No worries of added hormones or steroids. Use deer meat in stews, burgers, etc.

Use all parts. One perk of deer hunting is that each piece can be used. Use the meat for food, the fur for cloth, and even the bones can be used.

Get out and deer hunt over at the Watermelon Pond. Make your reservations today.

All wishing to take part in deer hunting must have qualifying licenses.

Incorporate Hunting into your Vacation!

Don't have time to get all you want done in a week? Wishing you had more time for hunting? There's no reason you and your family can't have a relaxing vacation and incorporate hunting into your trip.

Check out the North Florida Watermelon Pond for your next vacation. A great hunting spot with a unique "Old Florida" outdoor adventure feeling. Take your family out camping and enjoy the great cabins that the pond has to offer, while also enjoying hunting (turkey, quail, or deer hunting), horseback riding, or just the great outdoors. This is sure to be a vacation your family will remember!

Get a good light's sleep, catch a nap or just relax in the available cabin rentals.
Lodge offers 2 bedrooms, complete kitchen, great room, patio, a large flat screen TV with DirectTV, AC, wood stove & heat

Lodge Rental $70.00 night with hunt package
$75.00 per night without hunt

Training the Upland Gun Dog English Setter, Mitzie

I've trained a lot of upland gun dogs during my 28 years as a professional bird dog trainer. Many I remember, a great percentage of them due to their degree of difficulty in training. Some I remember more than others, perhaps because of the distinct personalities each dog possesses, others because of the relationships that have been formed with their owners.
One particular dog that fits both criterion, I have trained and boarded off and on for several years. She is an English Setter from excellent lineage. Her name is Mitzie. Her owner George Milligan of Orlando, Florida is an avid upland bird hunter and fly fisherman. George never fails to bring me some goodies from his recent fly fishing adventures throughout the world. The Alaskan Salmon is particularly delicious.
My nickname for Mitzie is "Princess" due to the fact that she is unbelievably spoiled and also very hard headed. Her intelligence makes her very difficult to train as she always seems to be one step ahead of me. She is constantly a work in progress. Retrieving, I would put mildly, is not her forte. Getting her to fetch a dead bird was a battle of wills, which at most times, I believe she won. Gradually, we have made progress and she has finally resigned herself to begrudgingly deliver a bird almost to hand. George and Mitzie share a great bond and hunt in many different areas of the country. She has an exceptional nose, loads of drive and tons of stamina. She has becoming proficient in handling many types of upland games birds, including quail, grouse and woodcock. Although she has been trying at times, I have a special place in my heart for her and always look forward to the times she spends with me here at Cedar Ridge