Rod & Rifle Rag™ » admin

MN Walleye Opener & In-Fisherman….

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:50:46 +0000

The time of year has finally arrived in Minnesota….the 2012 Walleye opener weekend is knocking at the door of anglers all over the United States. A great weekend to spend on a lake or river with family, friends and children. A fortunate harvest is a bonus compared to the time spent with those close to you. Enjoy the time with them, don’t worry about work or finances. Submerge yourself in the outdoors, relax and take it all in. The best way to relive those memories is to journal them in the Rod and Rifle Rag, so you can reflect on the precious time you spent with others in the outdoors. A priceless journal for your children and grandchildren to cherish in their lifetime. Did I sell the product enough? Really though, the outdoors is about the adventure….don’t leave it behind!

The Rod and Rifle Rag has been featured in the In-Fisherman magazine, June 2012 issue. In-Fisherman is the world’s foremost authority on freshwater fishing. The Rag is listed in the Staff Noteworthy & New, new and unique fishing stuff, section on page 16. Thanks TB!

Prez. @ Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Minnesota Deer Classic….

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:39:28 +0000

Deer hunting is an annual event that is very important to the hunters of Minnesota. In this area deer hunting brings families together from all over the country. Come and join thousands of other Minnesota families in a three-day celebration of the Whitetail Deer, March 9-11. Davis J. Hennes, the parent company of the Rod and Rifle Rag will be exhibiting at the show, stop in for a visit with the boyz and see what we’ve been up to, same booth location as last year. We look forward to meeting other friendly hunters from around the country at this super event!
The show is the 2nd oldest deer hunting show in the nation and one of the largest hunting shows in the upper mid-west. Many regard it as one of the top buying and booking shows in the country! It’s held at the Coliseum Building, Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Over 250 commercial booths! Acres of parking!
Over 600 trophy entries annually! Trout pond! Fun kids archery instruction and hands-on events for the kids including electronic shooting games and much more! Measuring at the show for the state and national record books! Free hourly seminars (3 areas) by national and regional experts most show hours! Be sure to see these and other attractions.

Prez./CEO at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show)….

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:12:41 +0000

The time of year has come for Davis J. Hennes, LLC (parent company of the Rod and Rifle Rag) to pack our bags and walking shoes (if you’ve been to the SHOT you know), we are going to Las Vegas, NV for the world’s greatest outdoor show. The NSSF SHOT Show

We will be in attendance at the SHOT from January 19-20 as non-exhibiting manufacturers. During that time we will be meeting vendors, distributors/dealers, retailers, manufacturers, representatives, buyers and others involved in the outdoor sports world.

This is a very exciting time for us as a company, directly in contact with industry leaders in order to promote the Rod and Rifle Rag. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter during the show and see what we are up to….see you there!

Steven D. Lust, Prez./CEO, Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Out with ’11 and in with ’12….

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:37:47 +0000

The time of year is here, the holiday season then a turn of the calendar into a new year. During this time most of us reflect on the year that was and set expectations or goals for the year to come. We are no different here at Davis J. Hennes, the parent company for the Rod and Rifle Rag.

The year of 2011 was one of planting seeds, experiencing the retail world of the hunting and fishing industry and growing together as a young company. We set the year off with a trip to the SHOT show in Las Vegas, then on to Pheasant Fest in Omaha, presented our first show booth at the MN Deer Classic in St. Paul and did our second show at the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis. During that journey we met many wonderful people in the industry and introduced our product to fellow hunters and anglers. We also received wonderful feedback, some constructive criticism, which led us to develop and release our General Rag, Fly Fishing Rag and Waterfowl Rag. Each of which have been researched and built to suit the hunter and angler in their specific outdoor activities.

We continue along a similar path of showings that we made in 2011 through 2012. The main difference is that in lieu of just attending Pheasant Fest we will be there as exhibitors in order to introduce our Upland Bird Hunting Rag. Also in 2012 will be the release of our Big Game Hunting Rag, to which we have had many requests for. We expect the seeds that we planted in 2011 to start to grow in 2012 and will plant many more along the way.

A heartfelt thanks to all the special people that have aided us along the way since we started this endeavor three years ago. A few I have to mention in particular are: Jeff Howard, Trent, Jon Frie, Karen, Kari, Ben Dorn, The Oldhams, The Hirsts, all our suppliers and manufacturers, my wife and daughters. We are constantly building the Rod and Rifle Rag community into something special with your aid and support.

To all hunters and anglers, have a safe and harvest filled 2012 and remember “The outdoors is about the adventure….don’t leave it behind!”

Steven D. Lust, President @ Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Cyber Monday 2011!

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:29:14 +0000

CYBER MONDAY IS OVER…for now. CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR OTHER HOLIDAY SPECIALS

It’s Cyber Monday 2011! The best deals of the year are available for TODAY only!

Here’s what’s available:

50% off – The General Rag Bundle, the Fly Fishing Rag Bundle and the Waterfowl Rag Bundle. – Only 5 of each is available at this price.
Buy a Rag Bundle and get one of the following FREE:

A RRR Compass – 50 Available
A RRR Skull Cap (stocking cap) – 5 Available
A RRR Realtree Wave Cap (baseball cap) – 5 Available
An insert of your choice – 10 Available
A Columbia Bonehead Fishing Shirt – ONLY 2 Available
A Fishing Vest – ONLY 2 Available
A Shooting Shirt – ONLY 2 Available

No Rainchecks! When we run out of these, we’re out!

Also available are gift certificates.

FROM DUSK TO DAWN…PART 5

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:48:04 +0000

The annual trip to Redwood Falls, MN was made this past weekend for some pheasant hunting. The location hasn’t changed in the past five trips, mostly due to the super hospitality from Charlie Nelson and his son Michael. Over the years the crew has changed slightly, but there has been a solid number of us that haven’t missed this wonderful trip. Charlie Nelson Ranch is an old farm (house and outbuildings) in which he grew up on and inherited from his parents. Many know in the area and state that this is prime time pheasant country, its all about the habitat. Corn, beans and cover is what dominates this area. The landscape is flat farmland with patches of groves of tress scattered about. Water is located in drainage ditches and some ponds about, although this year is a major exception to that because of a current severe drought in which rich black soil becomes powder upon stepping over it and no precipitation since August.

Although the numbers were predicted to be down according to some experts in the pheasant world, we harvested a little better than what they and we thought. By no means a record setter or crazy roosters beyond belief, but a solid take. The hens sighted were probably normal to what we have seen. We jumped a couple of deer and treed a raccoon, which was new this year for us. Most all of the corn was out so the hiding spots for the roosters was somewhat limited, but they find them and stay hidden when they can.

A new adventure was had by the boyz. In years past we have shot some clays during the afternoon one day for some practice and bragging rights. Usually with a hand thrower or a homemade chair thrower. This year a member of the hunting party borrowed a Hawk – Pro-Matic for our pleasure. What fun! This beauty is battery powered with a trigger button to release a clay pigeon and a sleeve to hold almost a case of them. You could also adjust for height, speed and distance. We made an afternoon out of shooting clays in style.

All in all a great time with the boyz…can’t wait for part six.

Prez./CEO at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Old Time Shooting…

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:57:47 +0000

A great Fall weekend has just past us by, with most of us utilizing it to the fullest. Whether its doing some things around the house, going for a hike, hunting or shooting some clays the daylight available is becoming less with our activities becoming greater. Usually around this time of year is when I’m zeroing in my rifle along with getting in some clay pigeon shooting to spike my small game hunting skills. That’s exactly what I was into this last weekend with some friends and family.

We met at a local shooting gravel pit to accomplish this and we weren’t the only ones. It was a busy area with the sounds of different guns being discharged and the smell of powder lingering throughout our time there. The clay pigeon shooting was first, in order to get us in the mood. A case of pigeons and multiple boxes of shells later, we all felt comfortable with how we did and ready for the next phase.

The rifles came out next and so did a classic 30-30. A 1893 Winchester 30-30 was handed down to my father from his uncle a number of years ago. Although it has yet to see a Deer Hunting trip by my father, he has shot it before and told us prior he would be bringing out for us to shoot. The exact details of how this gun was owned by my great uncle is unknown, we never heard that tale by him. He is no longer with us and I sure do wish he would have told us or kept a journal of the events.

The gun made its round through my father, mother and brother before it came to me. As it was handed to me, you could almost feel the history rushing over you. The barrel has a octagon shape to it and is very long with a short stock. I needed to extend my non-trigger hand more than normal just to hold it up for a period of time. The trigger was told to me as being very light, quick. The first shot I took felt fabulous, very smooth and little recoil. It had a feel to it of being a exciting gun to hunt with. After another round through us all it was time for it to rest, put in its case and back in a gun cabinet until another shooting.

The afternoon went fast, on a beautiful fall day, but the memory will last for quite awhile. We sat and conversed in the parking area for sometime after our shooting day and thought through some possible history of that 1893 Winchester 30-30. If we could only know…wouldn’t that be priceless!

Prez./CEO at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Starting It All Over Again…

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:14:34 +0000

The season of the year has been changing and so has most hunters attitude. You can feel it approach like a wave of excitement, building and then crashing all around you. The cool nights, a brisk northwest breeze, leaves changing colors and shorter days. The start of Fall and most importantly to us, Fall Hunting. The time spent practicing with our bow, shooting some clays with our shotgun, gearing up, training our Hunting Dog, mapping out that perfect spot to set up the portable stand should all pay off this weekend in Minnesota.

The Archery Deer Hunting and Small Game seasons will open this weekend in Minnesota. A start to one of the most enjoyable times of the year for outdoorsmen. From sitting in the portable stand to working a logging road over with your dog, all in hopes of harvesting that beautiful buck or a couple of grouse. The peacefulness, the anticipation, the time being spent outdoors, the time with friends and family and the cherished memories we all have and make from the Fall Hunting season is the ultimate.

We here at Davis J. Hennes, LLC want to thank all active Hunters for keeping this rich tradition alive and prosperous. Also to all for a safe, harvest filled and memory made Fall Hunting season. The outdoors is about the adventure…don’t leave it behind!

Prez./CEO at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Finally Captured on Camera…

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:03:29 +0000

The wait was finally over this evening at around 8pm, what an exciting end of the day.

I’ve been in visual contact with this piebald deer for about five months now (location not to be disclosed). The previous four encounters have been on my way home from RRR (Rod and Rifle Rag) headquarters late in the evening or in the early morning hours (12-1AM). All the times have been in the same general area, but ever so slightly moving west from my original sighting.

The first time I really didn’t realize what a unique sighting it was. After more research and talking to others it has taken on more and more meaning for me. I’ve been as close as to within 10 yards of this beautiful deer, as it has been crossing a county road right in front of my car or in the ditch just off. Every time it has been with three or even four others, never alone. The deer has also grown in size as time has went by.

After each time I see the deer, I always wonder if I would see it again. I’ve tried to use the camera on my phone before to no avail. Tonight on my way into RRR headquarters, not leaving, I spotted it as I flew by it. Practically slamming on the brakes and shifting my car into reverse, the opportunity finally arose. Thanks to my wife who suggested I just take our digital camera with me every time I go into RRR headquarters. These photos were taken from about 50-60 yards…hopefully I will get some more, but just seeing the piebald deer from time to time is a treat in itself!

See another image here

Prez. at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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Piebald Buck

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:55:55 +0000

This post came to me via email from my brother Robo…thanks buddy:

The photographs of the piebald deer shown below are real, although the animal was apparently taken in East Texas (not Wisconsin), and it was not sold for $13,000.

According to the Texas Big Game Awards website, “Bellville resident James Curtis took this unique piebald whitetail in Palestine opening weekend of deer season” in November 2008. The Buck Manager website provides the additional information from Curtis’s wife that:

The deer was actually killed November 2, 2008, on a privately owned ranch outside of Palestine, Texas. The piebald deer scored 138 5/8 gross with a total body weight of 195 pounds. My husband is getting the deer full body mounted. Anyways, I just wanted to give you this information since there are lots of emails going around saying the deer was harvested in Michigan, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Georgia just to name a few. One email even says that the deer was sold to Cabela’s for $13,000! It is crazy.

Prez. @ Davis. J. Hennes, LLC

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Minnesota Deer Classic & Outdoor Expo

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:17:14 +0000

What a great weekend at the 29th Anniversary Minnesota Deer Classic & Outdoor Expo for Davis J. Hennes, the parent company of the Rod and Rifle Rag. We met a wonderful amount of people, from other exhibitors to visitors at our booth. The feedback we received in regards to the Rag was beneficial and valuable, whether it was the specialty journals we will be developing or the current journal, and we appreciate it very much. That type of feedback, from YOU the hunter and angler, is what will make the Rag a better overall product for everyone. In case you were at the show and held up from buying a Rag, we have extended our show price of $29.95 for this week and this week only. Thanks to all for stopping by the booth…we will see you at the Northwest Sportshow on March 30-April 3, 2011!

Prez. at Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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A New Year with A New Direction…

admin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 04:51:48 +0000

The beginning of a new year is an exciting time for most, as it is with Davis J. Hennes. A time to reflect on the past year, successes and failures, and to set a direction for the new year. The Rod and Rifle Rag is in a major development mode, with input from fellow hunters and anglers steering most of the direction. The product has taken shape with a Minnesota base, the initial set of inserts (Reference, Fishing and Deer Hunting). The Rag community has told us to develop a National set of inserts…so we are doing just that. A National set of inserts will be more broad, not so state/region orientated. This is ever so exciting as the intent is that the Rag will hit a national market by storm in a big time retailer. The state/region set of inserts will still be a focus as well. The Minnesota set will be updated and tweaked for ’11 along with other species being added. Wisconsin and Pennsylvania inserts will be taking shape as the year goes on and hopefully be available towards the later part of the year.

January will be a very busy time traveling also for Davis J. Hennes and the Rag! The plans are to be at the Archery Trade Show (Indianapolis, IN), the Pheasants Forever Minnesota State Convention (Mankato, MN), the SHOT Show (Las Vegas, NV) and the Pheasant Forever – Pheasant Fest (Omaha, NE). Hoping to meet more great hunters and anglers at these venues, with the Rag being introduced to all.

Best wishes to the Rag community in the New Year, successful harvesting and priceless tales!

Prez. @ Davis J. Hennes

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2010 MN Deer Harvest…

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:06:22 +0000

The time of year has come and gone for most, some still enjoying it though, the 2010 MN Deer Firearm season. The weather was incredible here in MN on that opening weekend. Some would say too warm for deer movement. The strategy for some was to get out into the woods, fields & groves and stir the deer up in order to have some success. The MN DNR is reporting a increase in deer harvested this year in comparisonto last years totals. That’s great for the Rag community of deer hunters in MN.Well, there should be plenty of tales to be told on the Rod and Rifle Rag blog site, don’t be shy…let it out. Enjoy putting it out for others to read.

The Rod and Rifle Rag, The Sportman’s Journal has been sent to some as a complimentary gift. The feedback has been very constructive so far, with us looking forward to ’11 and make some tweaks to the product. Check out the store side of the website for the Rag as a little something for yourself or as a gift!

I’d like to congratulate my uncle and cousin, Terry and Derek, with a successful harvest this year. Nice work guys!

Prez. @ Davis J. Hennes, LLC

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2010 MN Deer Hunting Opener…

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:28:57 +0000

The boyz here at Davis J. Hennes, the parent company of the Rod and Rifle Rag, would like to extend a handshake to all Deer Hunters in MN this weekend. The handshake represents friendship, conducting a safe hunt, enjoying the outdoors and wishes for a successful harvest. The time in the stand, posting on a drive, or any other time you may have on your hands this weekend are ones of reflection and thought. This time of year always open that conversation, some may be more passionate than others, in regards to previous years harvests and memories.

This is an exciting time of year for us here also, at Davis J. Hennes. The Rod and Rifle Rag, The Sportman’s Journal, is so close to being distributed and able to purchase online. The Blog side of our website, www.rodandriflerag.com/, is ready to take a serious hit after this weekend. The Rag community of hunters out there in the great American wilderness telling us about the stories of their hunt. Can’t wait to hear some tales of success, maybe some failures and some comical experiences.

Prez. @ Davis J. Hennes

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Fall Colors

admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:25:09 +0000

I had the opportunity to get out of the office a few times in the last couple of weeks to enjoy the great outdoors and splendor of the fall colors in Minnesota. It has been so nice and beautiful out that I just couldn’t help but take a few snapshots of the nature around me!

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