Best log book/journal ?

[Unreal_tk]

So I've been using a daily planner with some small notes of the day. I am not the type to hand write a whole bunch, but would like to find a better log book. Any tips or ideas?

I figure with some records, I can get some ideas on what I might have to change later by reading back.

[Warner5]

Surveyers and biologists use a "rite in the rain tablet" for field notes. Mine is about 5'' x 7" or so and can handle living on a dash board or damp pocket day in and day out. The spiral bindings will also hold a thin pencil. I find it really interesting looking back on hunts from a couple years ago. John.

[Dads dogboy]

I use a spiral bound calendar for that year. I write where, when/time, Hounds used and brief recap of the race.

When I get home I go to a Calendar file I have set up on the computer and write a detailed report on the hunt. Sometimes I plug the headphones into the MP3 player an listen to the race while I type to make sure that the memory is the same as the Race.

This sure helps to evaluate the Hounds and helps to catalogue where the Game is being found.

When we post a Cat I include details of the Cats diet, condition, Sex and Age.

This does not take long and helps to relive the memories!

[Unreal_tk]

Now how are you gauging the age of the cat Mr. Clay? Teeth, looks? Just curious. Usually can look at the size and teeth and get if its mature, young, or really really old. And diet are you opening the cats stomach or using the region you caught it in for that gauge?

[JTG]

The best I have found “The Ultimate Performance Journal” from Lanny Basham who has won several Gold medals in the Olympics and also trains world class athletes and the Navy Seals snipers are currently using his methods.
He also has training CDs that you can listen while driving that I highly recommend, especially Freedom Flight. www.mentalmanagement.com
JTG

[Dads dogboy]

Unreal_tk,

You are correct in how we "Guestimate" a Cats age:
Kitten-birth to 7 or so months
In mature (subadult)-aprox 8 months to 14 months or so
Young-15 months to 2.5 years
Mature-2.5 years to 6 years
Old-6 years to 8 years
Very Old- Over 8 years

The very young are judged figuring on most being born in late April thru June. I know that this may vary from region to region but this seems to be when most are born in the Piney Woods of the SE.

Teeth are used from there on....just like people some Cat seem to take better care of their teeth. We find that in the Sandy Country in Florida Cats teeth may not be as indicative as in other Soil types as you see more wear in obviously young Cat.

Body Type, Condition, and Reproductive Organ development sometimes help in aging a Cat.

We do try to cut open a Cat when possible to see if Rabbits, Rats or what they are feeding on.(Latex Gloves are a must if you do not want to smell like a Cat for a Week)

[Cowboyvon]

I have a video journal .... I've started written journals in the past and I guess I'm just to lazy to consistently write in them. I always carry a camera with me that videos and my wife asked who I was talking to in one of my videos of the dogs trailing I told her no one just the camera so now she always reminds me to video .... It works well with Macjournal software program you can include the video and also if you have a mapping program to go along with your astro you can include the tracks and any waypoints or what ever you mark on your astro..it's an excellent way to identify patterns ..

I don't run bobcats on purpose but I do enjoy reading this section ... I run lions on mules ...

[Unreal_tk]

A video journal would be a darn good way to do it, if a guy could keep it organized. I've been using a daily planner. Notes of the hunt, I might need to start writing conditions down however because it might play more of a factor later on.

[BlazeNBrat]

This is a good idea. I've kept a log for the last 3 seasons with a light description of the cat, date and where it was taken. Normally can recall what all happened with that, along with some video clips and pictures. Sure helps bring light to things going back. Might try getting more into detail next year. Would be nice to have a gizmo type log.
I worked with an older fella years back in the Frank church of ID, He would keep a diary, Then make a story out of it at the end of the seaso, he would call it lion tales, it was pretty need to read.