Layering allows you to be prepared for a multitude of conditions, both in terms of what nature has to offer and how your body heats up and cools down during physical activity. By adding and subtracting the right layers, we can be comfortable in all temperatures without carrying too much weight.
base layers This is where it all begins. This cape, either polyester or fleece, is worn on every outing. It should only be modified if you are targeting extreme temperature ranges. I’ll wear my basic long-sleeved merino wool shirt and pants from sub-zero temperatures to the 70s. In warmer weather, I swap it out for a short-sleeved merino t-shirt with no layers or bottoms. In extreme cold conditions, I’ll trade this in for an expedition weight merino wool base layer.
insulating layer Insulating layers sit between base layers and outerwear. Common insulating layers would be a Primaloft merino wool vest, down or similar layers, or wool or fleece sweaters. Your insulating layers are where most of the modifications to your layering system should occur. These layers should be avoided or minimized during intense excursions, such as climbing hills, because you will build up too much heat and start sweating.
outer shell layer This is your protection against snow, rain and wind. In dry conditions, nylon or wool blend pants can be your outer layer. In wet conditions, wear a waterproof but breathable layer over your pants. For top layers, consider an insulated outer layer with a hood when hunting in temperatures that are consistently cold, especially when stationary.
In warmer temperatures, wear a thin, breathable raincoat with a hood and underarm zippers that can be opened for increased ventilation. Since nylon hard shells tend to be noisy, the use of a softshell outer shell has become very popular with hunters who rely on stealth.
A typical softshell will have a quieter brushed type surface. These shells are water resistant but not waterproof so it should come with a hard shell in your package. Most softshells can function as an insulating layer, albeit a very light one.
Hats and Gloves Light wool gloves to hide or for cool mornings; thicker gloves for cold and wet conditions; Waterproof and lined mittens for extreme conditions. Merino wool facial mask to hide and keep warm. A heavier knit cap and warm hoods for cooler temperatures.
Stockings Insist on merino-synthetic blend socks. Merino gives warmth and comfort; synthetic elements, usually nylon and spandex, give strength and elasticity.
Synthetic vs Merino Wool Synthetic Pros: Dries faster than any technical fabric. Durable. Less expensive. Cons: sucks, especially on physically active trips; it is difficult to deodorize; Made of plastic, usually a mix of polyester and nylon.
merino wool Pros: Dries pretty quickly; minimizes moisture from sweat; high heat-to-weight ratio; naturally odor resistant; comfortable. Cons: Not as durable as synthetics; More expensive than synthetic ones.
From Alabama to Alaska, big game hunters rely on three types of hunting optics to increase their chances of a successful hunting season. Whether you’re scanning thick wood for a moose or searching for a black bear in a distant meadow, binoculars are something no big game hunter can do without. And when it comes time to part a distant mountainside to locate a mule deer in a bed or inspect the trophy quality of white-tailed deer in local alfalfa fields, a telescope is essential for long-range observation. . Finally, a reliable scope allows a hunter to make an accurate shot with confidence when it comes time to pull the trigger.
Buying optics can be a daunting task, especially for new hunters who don’t understand that the optics you’re using can make or break your hunt. Good optics allow you to find animals you might not otherwise see, especially at prime time in low-light conditions in the early morning and late afternoon. Many hunters balk at the high price associated with binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifle scopes. But Vortex has long been known for producing high-quality optics at prices that allow hunters to invest in all three major categories of big game hunting optics without breaking the bank. The Viper line, in particular, is what we’ve recommended over and over again to hunters who want to carry a full set of top-tier optics and still have money left over for other important hunting gear.
I spent my entire first year on the MeatEater team reviewing the Viper 10x42s. From long rainy days in the rain forests of Prince of Wales Island to endless hours searching for black bears in the mountains of Montana, the Vipers got the job done. They’re light and compact, but their grippy rubberized chassis is tough and waterproof. High-Density XR coated glass provides clear resolution and excellent light transmission early and late in the day. The Vipers fit on a tripod and come with a comfortable Glass Pack chest harness. The 10 x 42 model is an excellent choice for an all-purpose binocular. I recommended the Vipers to a couple of fellow hunters who used cheap binoculars and couldn’t believe how much more they enjoyed long viewing sessions.
For years, I didn’t carry a spotting scope because I thought they weren’t really necessary and added a lot of weight to the pack. But once again, in my first year on the MeatEater team, I packed a Viper scope and learned that they’re worth taking on backcountry hunts, but they’re also a valuable scouting tool for hunters everywhere. At long distances, where binoculars don’t do much more than tell you you’re looking at a deer, the Viper 20-60 x 85 Spotting Scope can tell you if you’re looking at a doe, young deer, or big buck. That’s important whether you’re planning a long drive through steep, rugged terrain, or driving through a farm field to take a preseason inventory of your local deer herd. Remodeled and updated for 2018, the Viper HD spotter has increased clarity and resolution, is easy to operate, and has a compact profile. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and the Armor Tex coating protects the lenses from scratches. We prefer the angled model for a more comfortable glazing position.
To turn any big game rifle into a tack driver, you need a good scope. Fortunately for hunters, telescopic sight technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. But in many cases, those advances have come at a high cost to the hunter. But with the Viper 4-12 x 40 PA, Vortex created a superior, affordable scope. I have one of these mounted on my .30-06 and have found no reason to consider a different scope. Its many premium features are typically found only in scopes costing hundreds of dollars more; there are too many to list them all here. Coated lenses and ultra-low dispersion glass are crystal clear. The waterproof, fogproof and shockproof construction allows it to withstand bad weather and still hold a scratch after a lifetime of recoil impacts. A side parallax focus provides a clear image no matter the range. Vortex’s Dead-Hold BDC Reticle allows shooters to judge hold points for any caliber or bullet weight. Lastly, the variable power boost can be set low for hunting without moving in thick cover or turned up for long range shots.
The entire Viper line is a solid choice for hunters who want high-quality, durable, high-performance optics. And you get Vortex’s no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee. Run him over with your truck; throw it into the campfire; no matter. Vortex has you covered.
I doubt the product engineers at KUIU had me, a sweaty 6-foot-4, 275-pound squirrel hunter in mind when they started designing the Gila LS Hoodie. The Gila line, which also includes a neck gaiter and long sleeve crew neck shirt, is designed to keep hunters cool in the heat of hunting big game elk, pronghorn, sheep, whitetail, etc. But I have been using it to hunt squirrels on muggy August mornings and afternoons this summer. It’s one of the best warm weather pieces I’ve ever worn thanks to the fit of the hoodie as well as its ability to wick sweat away from my big body.
How can a long-sleeved shirt keep you cool?
The Gila LS team jersey kept the author cool on this August hunt in Kentucky. Will Brantley
I had this same question before trying out the Gila Hoodie ($69), which comes in three camo patterns and three solids. I’ve worn many of those long sleeve fishing shirts from various manufacturers, and none of the ones I’ve tried were worth it because they just didn’t help keep me cool. They were fine for keeping the sun off my back, but that was about it. The Gila Hoodie has excelled where those other t-shirts failed. It is made with a cool touch fabric (92% polyester, 8% elastane fabric). As soon as you put it on, you automatically feel cooler. It’s not the kind of feeling you’d walk into the air conditioner on a 100 degree day, but you’ll definitely notice a difference in temperature.
Now, if you’re hiking on a scorching day, the Gila Hoodie won’t keep you from sweating (although I’m sure if you’re in better shape than I am, it will certainly slow down perspiration). But you will sweat less overall. At home squirrel hunts in Illinois and recently in Kentucky, temperatures climbed into the mid-90s and I was sweating 30 minutes into the hunt. But what’s literally cool about the Gila hoodie is that the more you sweat, the cooler you feel. More breathability actually makes you feel comfortable when the heat index hits 100. Just remember to keep hydrating even if you don’t feel as hot.
I usually just wear a t-shirt early in the season to hunt, but it gets soaked with sweat quickly and gets heavy as it absorbs more perspiration. In fact, I can wipe the sweat off my shirt (yes, I know it’s gross) after a hunt. With the Gila Hoodie, the fabric doesn’t absorb a lot of sweat. It’s definitely there, but it’s capable of absorbing more than any fabric I’ve ever used.
Read next: The most effective rain gear for mountain hunters costs less than $200
Gila hoodie offers comfort and protection
One of my biggest complaints regarding sportswear is the fit. Companies like Sitka, First Lite, and KUIU are essentially taking what mountaineering brands have done for quite some time and bringing it to hunters…and they do a pretty good job of it. But many times the result is an athletic cut garment that makes sense for guys who are obsessed with MTN OPS and getting in “moose shape,” but not necessarily for people like me who eat buffet style most nights.
That’s not the case with the Gila hoodie. It’s lightweight at just 6.7 ounces and loose-fitting until wet (but all shirts will stick to you if you’re active in hot weather). So you don’t lose any points there. The Gila also stretches out with you in key areas. I’m very broad-shouldered and if a top doesn’t fit me, it’s most likely on my arms and chest. The hoodie fit perfectly in that area, and it’s not restrictive when I’m aiming my shotgun at a squirrel running up a tree or when I’m trying to rest as best I can at the base of a walnut tree with a . 22 LR in my hands.
KUIU also outfitted the Gila Hoodie with a UPF 50+ solar rating, simply by knitting the fabric tighter (which you’d think might cause a more uncomfortable fit, but it doesn’t). The hoodie is also great for when mosquitoes bite because it completely covers the arms. I sprayed my sweatshirt with insect and tick repellant and haven’t had any insects on me except on my exposed hands. It’s also nice to be able to put the hood up and keep bugs off your neck and face (it’s a deep hood, so it will cover some of your cheeks and forehead) if you’re sitting in a tree during spring deer or bear season. And surprisingly, the Gila hoodie doesn’t smell like sweat the next day if you don’t wash it. There have been many times where I have completely soaked the hoodie and put it on the next morning. As long as I left it on a drying rack overnight, it would never smell like a high school locker room.
The hoodie has become my favorite outerwear for summer hunts, and I plan on wearing it during dove and teal season in September, as well as on some early duck hunts when the regular season rolls around in October.
The future of any whitetail herd rests in the success and survival of each year’s fawn crop. Deer are exceptionally adaptable but they certainly require adequate cover for their safety. Trying to grow “giant bucks” is useless if you fail to maintain a positive offspring recruitment rate.
What is the hatchling recruitment rate? It is a measure of the number of fawns per adult doe that survive to at least six months of age. Therefore, a rate of 1.0 is a fawn recruited into the herd by an adult female. An effective way to capture this data is through trail camera surveys and recording observations during the hunting season. This is something I discussed on episode 529 of the Wired To Hunt podcast.
fawn predation
Predation is the main cause of mortality for fawns. But what is killing the newborn deer? A 2020 study in the Chattahoochee National Forest in the Appalachian region of South Georgia found a 16% survival rate for fawns, with predation accounting for 81% of mortalities. In a 2016 research paper “The Impact of Predators on Deer in the Southeast,” David Osborn and Mark McConnell reported that of “91 radio-collared fawns, 56 (80% of deaths) were likely killed by coyotes.” “. A University of Georgia study conducted in southwest Georgia collared 47 fawns, of which 11 were killed by coyotes. Some other deer survival studies have similarly shown that coyote predation may be the source. of fawn deaths and could limit fawn recruitment in the southeast.
Coyotes have continued to expand eastward in recent decades, although the canids it already had a storied history of survival and adaptation to a wide range of environments in North America. They will quickly recolonize habitat niches left by other packs that have been wiped out. Their ability to adapt and recover quickly makes them quite difficult to handle.
These predators wreak havoc on my farm. Last spring, while driving a lumberjack across our property, we saw a coyote run off with a dead fawn in its jaws. If you trust the data, you have to assume that a large portion of the fawns each year fall into the hands of yip-dogs.
So what options do land managers have to combat fawn predation? Even with year-round trapping and predator hunting, you’ll never stop new ‘yotes from filling vacancies, either as transient solos or with nearby packs. If you ask any land manager, they will tell you that the best defense against predation is to improve deer habitat.
ground disturbance
Prescribed fires, the use of light discs, and the felling of smaller sections of wood are good examples of soil disturbance, which creates high-quality, densely littered sites. The results of controlled burning and disc formation are highly dependent on tree crowns, basal area densities, and frequency of disturbance. It doesn’t take much to diversify the soil and let the native seed bank take over. Check the results and repeat as necessary. Rotating sections each year is ideal and effective, as soil disturbance can produce excellent brood cover for many years.
Creating a cut is also an excellent practice to promote fawn survival through bedding and native forage. When National Deer Association founder Joe Hamilton visited our farm in 2019, he left me with many suggestions for improvement, but one in particular stood out and I won’t forget. We have a series of farm fields with a very open wooden stand adjacent on one side, but it’s a bit too exposed for whitetails to travel comfortably during the day. This means that the deer will not arrive in the fields until after legal hunting hours. Mr. Hamilton suggested cutting down a smaller section within the block, letting it grow wild and re-establishing vegetation after three years of natural growth by burning or cutting it down and starting the cycle over again.
What would this accomplish? First, it would provide deer with beds adjacent to fields, allowing hunters a realistic opportunity to fill out a tag. Second, the new natural thickness would offer mothers excellent brood cover with a distinctive edge created by the thickness.
Edge is key for fawns
According to a 2017 research paper, “fawns with the least available home range were 2 times more likely to be predated by a coyote than fawns with the highest available home range.” These are amazing data, to say the least. The research was conducted between 2007 and 2012 at a site on the Savannah River in South Carolina.
Diversity is king. Monoculture is generally not suitable for fawns, especially if the area is predominantly open wood with little or no cover. I recently wrote an article on whitetail pine habitat that covers my “checkerboard” approach to logging farms. By consistently clearing small 5- to 50-acre sites every five to 10 years, you’ll safely maintain thickets that provide plenty of security for fawns.
The benchmark of basketball
Dr. Bronson Strickland and Dr. Steve Demaris of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab give us a simple but highly effective way to measure sycophant coverage: Take a basketball and throw it as far as you can. In the woods. If you can still see the ball, it’s poor coverage. If the ball disappears from view, it’s probably excellent coverage. Predators often travel along paths of least resistance (highways, field edges, firebreaks) in search of their next meal. If a section is thick and nasty enough that you don’t want to go through it, chances are a predator won’t either. Deer, on the other hand, will close their eyes and bury themselves in a thicket of heather with ease and agility.
By upgrading and creating beds, you will increase the carrying capacity of your local herd. This must be done in conjunction with improved food sources. Also, you will surely need to hunt more deer.
A Georgia couple received citations last week after they were seen perusing the dog food aisle of a local Walmart with their “pet” fawn in tow.
The sight of the newborn whitetail at the Grovetown, Georgia, Walmart Supercenter apparently alarmed employees, who immediately contacted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Officers then enlisted the help of local rangers.
A strange freeze frame shows the man pushing a shopping cart with a large bag of dog food and what appear to be two cartons of milk. Beside her is a woman in a black shirt and white shorts cradling the week-old fawn.
While reviewing the footage, rangers were able to identify a company logo on the man’s shirt. The logo led them to his employer, who pointed wildlife officials in the direction of his home in Appling, Georgia.
After the rangers caught up with the couple, they questioned the man about his intentions. Warden Saxon Campbell said McClatchy News that the man said his dogs brought the baby deer into his garden and “he wanted to take care of it.”
The couple was cited for possession of wildlife without a permit. The wardens confiscated the fawn and turned it over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
According to MeatEater contributor Pat Durkin, misguided fawn rescue attempts like this are all too common each spring, as people across the county come into close contact with the newborn deer. People often assume that the fawns they find have been abandoned, but this is rarely the case.
“Their empathy is so strong that they cannot believe that they will doom a fawn to an early death or lifelong captivity by taking it to the nearest wildlife rehabilitator,” Durkin wrote in a recent article titled “Why Fawn Rescues Fail ”.
In this case, the fawn strayed to the nearest Wally World before finding himself in a halfway house, but he likely shared a similar fate.
The new poster of the next DC League of Super Pets has just been released and the new release date for India is now pushed back to August 5, 2022. The film will feature animated characters voiced by Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart and will be released nationwide, theatrically only, on English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Being labeled as, ‘A superhero movie like no other,’ DC League of Super Pets is an animated film based on the dccomics superhero team Legion of Super Petsfeaturing a group of super-powered pets from the DC Universe focusing on Superman’s dog, Krypto, trying to foil the plans of Lex Luthor’s evil guinea pig.
The new poster DC League of Super Pets
Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) will voice Krypto, Superman’s Kryptonian labrador retriever, while Kevin Hart will voice Ace the Bat-Hound, Batman’s hunting dog who has super strength and invulnerability. SNLPB’s Vanessa Bayer voices PB, Wonder Woman’s pot-bellied pig who can grow and shrink in scale, while Natasha Lyonne (Russian doll) has been cast as the voice of Merton, Flash’s pet turtle who has super speed. The film will also feature Mexican actor Diego Luna playing Chip, a squirrel with electrical powers who belongs to the female Green Lantern and Lex Luthor’s evil guinea pig, Lulu, who will be played by SNLIt’s Kate McKinnon.
The film’s plot revolves around Krypto, who forms a team of superpowered shelter pets after Lex Luthor captures the Justice League. The main villain is Lulu, the guinea pig. The film has an expected duration of 100 minutes and a video game based on the film titled DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto and Ace was released on June 15.
A Johnson County judge on Thursday fined an Iowa City man $855 Thursday for accidentally shooting a U.S. Marine with an air rifle for a minor violation of the Iowa City code that did not carry a threat of jail time.
Philip Olson pleaded guilty in April to violating an Iowa City ordinance prohibiting the firing of toy guns and slingshots, a simple misdemeanor. Olson turned himself in in October and was later accused of accidentally shooting US Marine Lance Cpl. Gabe Heefner in the head, leaving him seriously injured.
Heefner was in Iowa City visiting his grandparents and friends who attend the University of Iowa while on leave from the Marine Corps a week before his first deployment to Okinawa, Japan. He was driving down Highway 6 when he was hit in the head by the projectile fired from the airgun.
Olson and Nile Heefner, Gabe Heefner’s father, took the stand Thursday before Olson’s sentencing.
Olson discussed a recent divorce and other family issues that preceded the shooting. He said that he had recently bought the .22-caliber Gammo Swarm air rifle to get rid of the squirrels that he said were ruining his yard.
Olson admitted to having “38 confirmed kills” of squirrels in his backyard with the BB gun.
Olson tearfully said he believes buying the rifle was one of a series of poor decisions. He said choosing to shoot the squirrels, especially the little one in an oak tree in her backyard that got lost that night, was the worst decision she ever made and one she regrets.
“I wasted my life and the life of an innocent young man,” Olson said.
As Heefner took the stand, he described the night he received “a phone call that nobody wants” about his son being in a car accident in Iowa City, which he later learned was the accidental shooting. She said that she thanks God that her son survived.
Heefner looked directly at Olson during his testimony and said he knew he meant no harm and that both his own family and Olson have been hurt by the tragedy.
Olson said he knows there is no one to blame for what happened but himself and that he hopes and prays that Heefner recovers from his injuries.
Addressing Nile Heefner, Olson said: “I’m so sorry and embarrassed.”
In addition to the Iowa City municipal charge, Olson pleaded guilty to violating four Iowa Department of Natural Resources laws, including an unlawful attempt to capture a squirrel; not paying a wildlife habitat fee; fire a firearm on a highway; and hunting without a license.
For these charges, Olson was fined a total of $450.
Iowa City Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Schwickerath requested the maximum sentence under city code, $855 without jail time, while Leon Spies, Olson’s attorney, requested the minimum sentence for his client.
Spies argued that while this was a terrible accident, no injury was intended and that the other fines and knowledge of what he did would be enough of a deterrent for Olson.
Schwickerath said the city is not seeking restitution, but Heefner’s family is receiving assistance from the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program.
Magistrate Karen Egerton said what concerned her was that Olson admitted that shooting squirrels in his backyard with the BB gun, even though he knew it was illegal to do so, was not a one-time event. She said there could have been hundreds of shots in total.
Egerton described Olson’s actions as a disregard for the law, which caused “the complete destruction of (Heefner’s) family”. He acknowledged that the charges do not directly address Heefner’s injury, but only address the fact that Olson illegally fired the air rifle.
“Good people make mistakes… but your actions have consequences,” he said.
Johnson County Prosecutor Janet Lyness told Press-Citizen in November that she thinks the Iowa Code should be changed as a result of the shooting.
Nile Heefner told the Press-Citizen after the sentencing hearing that he hopes some kind of change will happen as a result of his son’s injury.
‘Nothing is easy anymore’: Nile Heefner describes his son’s recovery
Heefner said his son’s life has changed dramatically since October, and he and his family are still mourning Gabe Heefner’s inability to walk unassisted; his memory loss; his inability to use his left arm and what he described as problems regulating body temperature and feelings of hunger. Heefner said his son also suffered a pulmonary embolism, which was treated when he was flown to Chicago for care.
“Nothing is easy anymore,” said Nile Heefner.
Codi Heefner, Gabe’s mother, and Nile Heefner have maintained an ongoing blog on CaringBridge.com since the incident and tracked their son’s condition.
The latest blog post from June 5 provides more details about his son’s recovery, including his physical issues and memory loss. The post said Heefner “is working hard” and still goes to therapy five days a week.
The post said that Heefner is progressing to walking only with close supervision, but is still walking slowly.
The post said his left hand still won’t open on its own, which has been disheartening and frustrating for Heefner, and he’s starting to realize more and more what he’s lost.
The post said that Heefner’s short-term memory loss has been heartbreaking to witness. Her parents have had to tell her what happened to her several times because she forgets the details of the accident.
“It’s been heavy as we had to answer some of his questions, and recounting it isn’t easy for us to relive or for him to hear, but I think it’s better for him to know why he is the way he is now,” the post read.
Nile Heefner thanked several people in her testimony for helping her son both on the night of the shooting and during his care at various hospitals. This included the two witnesses who initially tried to help Heefner, the responding police officer, her son’s care team at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, and staff from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Hospital Northwestern Memorial in Chicago.
Heefner said UIHC helped save her son’s life. She said the family hopes Heefner can overcome her injuries and live a long and full life.
George Shillcock is the local government and development reporter for Press-Citizen covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (515) 350-6307, [email protected], and on Twitter. @ShillcockGeorge
Dogs like squeaker toys because they are interactive and designed to simulate prey. These noisy toys trigger an instinctive response in your dog that makes playing endlessly satisfying, as if he were hunting alongside his wild ancestors.
If you want a happy pet, look for a squeaker toy that’s durable and packed with interactive features. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy is the best choice because it’s whimsical, squeaky, and features a fun puzzle that will keep your dog engaged for hours on end.
What you need to know before buying a dog squeaker toy
Types of squeaky toys
There are many types of squeaker toys to choose from, and every dog likes something a little different. For a more comprehensive list of general dog toy categories, check out BestReviews’ complete dog toy buying guide.
Stuffed Squeaky Toys: These soft and squeaky toys are usually in cute shapes or designed to look like animals. While they may not always be particularly durable, dogs of all sizes and ages love squeaky plush toys.
Balls and chew toys: These squeaker toys are usually made of a hard plastic material like nylon and are tough enough to resist regular rodents. These are great for dogs that love to compulsively chew on things, and many of these toys double as tossable balls if your dog likes to play fetch.
Puzzle toys: A great way to stimulate your dog’s brain, puzzle toys often include squeaks and are perfect for easily bored pets. These toys often incorporate some sort of reward into their design, such as a treat or stuffed toy.
squeaky toy tips
Many dogs chew on stuffed toys trying to get to the source of the squeaky sound. If that happens, be prepared to retrieve the plastic squeaker or your pet could swallow it.
Put dog toys away when not in use and retrieve them only when your dog wants to play. This will give your pet a new thrill every time his toys reappear.
If your pet can chew hard plastic, make sure there are no sharp pieces left. Shredded bits of plastic can cut your dog’s mouth without him realizing it.
If your dog spends a significant part of the day alone, consider a puzzle toy or durable toy that will keep his brain active when you’re not around.
What to look for in a quality dog squeaker toy
Durability
Perhaps the most important thing to look for in a squeaker toy is durability. Most dogs have extremely powerful jaws, so choose a manufacturer you trust that makes durable construction a priority in their products. Details like double stitching and puncture-proof squeaks are good indicators that a squeaker will last.
Safety
Squeaker toys are meant to spend a lot of time in your dog’s mouth, so safety is key. Look for a brand you trust that uses safe materials, like food-grade and BPA-free plastic, and avoid anything with small parts that your pet can swallow.
Size
Find a squeaker toy that is the right size for your pet. If the toy is too small, it can be a choking hazard; if it’s too big, your dog may have trouble playing with it. Choose a balanced toy that is small enough for your dog to carry but large enough to support its jaws.
How much can you expect to spend on a dog squeaker toy?
Expect to pay $3-$30 for a squeaker dog toy. Keep in mind that cheaper dog toys are often less durable and may need to be replaced more often.
Dog Squeaker Toy Frequently Asked Questions
Can squeaker toys be washed?
A. The most durable squeaker toys can be added to a regular load of laundry without a problem. Just be sure to use cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can damage the squeaker part of the toy.
What should I do if my dog swallows the squeaker?
A. Call your vet immediately. While there’s a good chance your dog will get through the part without a problem, you should see a professional to make sure there isn’t an obstruction.
What is the best squeaker toy for dogs?
Superior squeaker toy for dogs
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy
What you need to know: This popular dog toy includes an elaborate and interactive puzzle to keep your dog entertained.
What you’ll love: The log-shaped plush toy includes six squeaky squirrels that your pet can hide and discover. The squirrels can then be tossed around for a game of fetch, while the log itself doubles as a toss toy.
What you should consider: Parts of the toy could be destroyed by a determined chewer.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
The best investment for your money
Medium Gnawing Squeaky Ball
What you need to know: This inexpensive squeaker ball is great for playing fetch and tough enough to take a lot of chewing.
What you’ll love: This affordable squeaker toy is made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic, and the spikes around the ball are designed to massage your dog’s gums. Users say that the ball is very durable for the price.
What you should consider: The squeaker is very loud, which is fun for the dog, but unpleasant for some pet owners.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Honorable Mention
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz
What you need to know: These popular squeaker toys are unstuffed and double as a pull toy.
What you’ll love: These squeaky toys come in two sizes and are designed to look like three adorable woodland creatures: a fox, a raccoon, and a squirrel. Each toy contains three squeakers and no messy stuffing.
What you should consider: Several users said that their dogs were able to start the squeakers relatively quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Kenneth ‘Doodlebug’ Fulmer Jr., 62 of Metter, passed away June 21, 2022 at his home.
Doodlebug was born in Metter on March 4, 1960, to Kenneth and Betty Fulmer. He lived most of his life in Metter, Georgia. He spent a few years living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Bridgewater, Virginia.
Doodlebug was a logger by trade who began his career when he was 15 years old. He can count on his peers to know him as the best cutter/loader around. He loved to tell stories of encounters in the woods and always had a squirrel in his pocket when he found one while chopping wood. He loved to entertain you when you were in his presence. He loved fishing and hunting too.
Doodlebug was also a great father to his children. She was happier when they were with him. He taught them the industry and started their careers. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Fulmer; sister, Vickie Kersey and grandson, Edwin Chance; maternal grandparents William and Ethel O’Daniel and paternal grandparents Jessie and Nezzie Fulmer.
Survived by her children, Chris Fulmer, Kenneth ‘Dustin’ Fulmer (Chelsea), Ashley Fulmer (Alli), Brittany Fulmer (Matt), and grandchildren, Coley, Lexi, Hunter, Autumn, Raylen, Sophie, Remington, Fisher, Millie and Maddie. . Her parents also survive; siblings, Linda Sowell, Joann Deal (Henderson), Sandra Samples (Blaine), and Wanda Fulmer and many other relatives.
Pallbearers will be DJ Sikes, Hunter Roberts, Devan Williams, Robbie Fulmer, Dalton Roberts and Matt Wright. The pallbearers of honor are his grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, June 24, 2022 from 5-7pm at Wood Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at Wood Funeral Home in Metter on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 am.
Expect to lose power during a storm. Whether it’s a summer storm, snow and ice, or a hurricane. But those moments when it’s sunny but the lights go out, they always come as a surprise. And this morning in Asheville, it was one of those days. Power was restored in downtown Asheville after a squirrel caused a power outage. Yes, a squirrel. The local news program Nuevo 13 reported that as of 8:30 this morning the power supply had been restored to more than 3,000 customers. Duke Energy says the animal made its way into a wire that caused the blackout. The affected customers were in the downtown Asheville area.
I guess squirrels have more power than we think. 100% intentional pun.
GALLERY: List of Native Animals of North Carolina
As found by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
