It’s been really hot but I’m not complaining at all, I would rather go from hot to air conditioning than cold to heat. I know what’s in store for Illinois this winter and I don’t like 50 below wind chill, so we plan to winter in Florida.  Its summer in Central Illinois and that’s just the way it is. 

Friends of ours Deb and Bob Park added a new family member.  A big 12 week old Chocolate Lab named Koda.  He has some of the biggest feet I have ever seen on a young dog and should be a brute. 

I have been looking for a Black male but to no avail at least right now. One will pop up soon I hope but it seems like there either $1500 to $2000 and are 500 miles away.  A big difference when I got my last 2 for free and boy were they fantastic dogs. If you hear of a litter of blacks with big males let me know. We have had an easy time not caring for two dogs; now with only Beau who is a 15 year old German Shorthair, I will admit it’s been nice.  But not having a fur ball of love doesn’t seem right especially for me.  We’ve have had Labs and Chesapeake’s all my life and it just seems like there is a big void. Like I have said before the love of a dog brings out the best in all of us. 

So if you know of a litter around here in Central Illinois let me know.  Email me at: asoharry@gmail.com.  It’s time to get back in the saddle and enjoy a new best friend.

I have to thank all of you who have joined the ISRA the last few months.  They have picked up a number of new members due to ASO Magazine.  It’s extremely important if you are a gun owner in Illinois to join this organization to protect your gun rights. It is not very expensive and knowing that you have made a decision to stand up for your 2nd Amendment rights should make you feel good.  

Illinois is trying to become one of the most restrictive states in the US to own firearms.  Not only to own but also to purchase.  I believe a lot of gun dealers in this state will be going out of business this year especially the mom and pop stores who have been here forever.  They are making a big push to register semi autos and that means every dam one of them.  The cost has been mentioned to be at least $25 or more per gun.  Even that 22 from your grandpa you inherited. This has become a battle in Springfield and our only way to fight these idiots is through the ISRA. There are over 2 million gun owners in Illinois but only around 26,000 ISRA members.

Join today for this may be your only chance to fight against these crazy laws.  See their ad on page 45 for a membership application. For more information see their website at: www.ISRA.org. Do it now for you and your family.

This time of year is when we all think about the upcoming hunting season. It will be here quicker than you know. The duck blind drawings will be over, we don’t want to talk about that scam, it is what it is. Dove season is just around the corner and teal and early goose is real close.  It’s time to get the boat ready, tie up decoys and buy enough ammo on sale to take you through the year.  One thing we all have some more than others is duck calls.  

I remember when I was a kid around 11 and dad bought me a D 2 Olt made in Pekin, Illinois.  Olt is history now but Dave Jackson who worked there since Abe Lincoln was a kid is one of the masters of call making.  He has kept up the Illinois River Valley art of call making and has become world renowned. 

DJ calls are sold all over Europe including Germany, UK, Austria, Italy, and Netherlands, Norway and believe it or not in Iran and every place in between.  There are actually 100’s of call makers some good and some not so good. One thing about DJ calls there always good. I still have dad’s and Grandpa’s calls and they are all Olts.  Dave has maintained the quality that he was taught at Olts and has taken DJ Calls to new heights.  If you’re looking for that first call or a new addition to your collection check out DJ Calls on the web at:  www.DJcalls.com or call Dave at: (309) 348-2112, cell #: (309) 241-1077.  DJ Calls are made by one of the masters of the trade.

As most of you know I am only a salesman for this great paper I started 23 years ago.  I had an unbelievable fun time, met some of the greatest folks in the world.  It seems in the outdoor world if you’re of bad character your not successful nor are you in business for long.  I’ve seen them come and go in this industry and most not lasting very long.  That’s why I am so happy that Andy Bugos bought the magazine 3 years ago. I wish him continued success and I know he will do it. 

It seems like yesterday on my kitchen table 23 years ago I had a dream that I would have the best outdoor paper in the Midwest and I did.  ASO has become an iconic part of the sports of fishing and hunting here in the heart of America.  Thanks to all of you who have made this paper what it is.  

I would like to mention some of those businesses that have been with us since we started so long ago.  Moser’s Shoes at 2027 SW Adams, in Peoria was our first or nearly our first sponsor.  Moser’s is an old time shoe store where you get service that you want and deserve. The store opened in 1918 so now they are in their 101th year of business.  I was there last month to buy some shoes and it was nice to be waited on like nowhere in Peoria.  Great people and a nice setting just like it was when were young. Happy 101st Anniversary! 

Another great long time sponsor is Gebby’s Diner located next to Schooner’s at 726 E War Memorial Dr. Peoria, who has great service and one of the best breakfasts in Central Illinois plus a great lunch menu.  A big Thanks to Greg Gebhardt and staff for supporting & distributing ASO for many years.  There are many more great sponsors, thanks to you all of you for your support.

Enjoy this upcoming hunting season and be safe out there. Keep your Powder Dry And Your Worm Wet. Your Friend Harry