tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600733042859881402024-03-19T11:59:58.315+09:00The "Yabanjin Lifestyle"-an interactive view of the Yabanjin Lifestyle: full of facts, figures, myths, recipes, hunting, fishing, and of course, comments from our readers.Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-6105876294695481042021-01-27T20:43:00.000+09:002021-01-27T20:43:14.749+09:00Back in the blogging game!<p> Hello friends and fellow outdoor folks! What a long journey this has been! Relocating to the USA to work in Northwest Montana for a Wilderness Hunting & Fishing outfitter, moving to Montana and working inside Glacier National Park, working for county government, going to Federal Fire Academy, being an Assistant Fire Chief, teaching firefighters, working on national incident management teams, and squeezing in some hunting sort of sums up the last 5 years!</p><p>This year we relocated to southern Japan for employment and have really restarted the fishing, beach camping, van camping, spear fishing and night free diving! COVID has been a bit of a damper but we are back in the Land of the Rising Sun and back into the Yabanjin Lifestyle!</p><p>Looking forward to sharing our world with you, and rekindling some relationships with others who share our interests!</p><p>See you on the trail!</p><p><br /></p><p>SK1 Out!</p>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-86012313692077714052012-07-22T13:19:00.000+09:002012-07-22T13:21:16.419+09:00The Imperfect Storm<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Spoiler Alert: This is an excerpt from the draft version of my upcoming presentation on this important subject.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you in the Yama!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SK-1 OUT !!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Imperfect Storm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Fuji’s
ecosystem is in danger of collapse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observations and Opinions by Rick Sacca<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July 21<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup>,
2012<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This storm has been
brewing…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 58.5pt 4.0in 4.25in 315.0pt 7.75in; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Large segments of the Mount Fuji ecosystem are in danger
of collapse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last 35 years
multiple human and natural factors have changed, and have done so faster than
the pace of change within the organizations designed to manage the various
facets of this important habitat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
current pace, large-scale ecosystem collapse is possible in the next 2 to 4 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Significant issues and localized areas of
collapse are already occurring right now. Second-order and other follow-on
effects have the potential to be disastrous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mount Fuji, as we know it, is in danger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p>I offer my observations, conclusions, and suggestions in
the hopes of fostering wider and constructive discussion of the many facets of
this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hope is that harmonious
collaboration between the various governmental and private agencies, as well as
individual efforts, will produce immediate, near-term, and long-term
solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wide variety of actions and
inactions, shortsightedness and interdepartmental rifts have also allowed
numerous factors to combine and create a larger synergistic effect, which I
refer to as the “Imperfect Storm”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My intention is to be as respectful as possible while
making my observations, yet to provide candid observations and input for the
diverse discussion of this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
perspective is equally diverse, coming as a skilled hunter, an experienced
hiker/climber, someone who has spent a lifetime involved in all manner of
outdoor activities, and as a resident of Japan who is deeply concerned for her
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some areas, I also have the
unique ability to make a comparison to the practices (successful as well as
unsuccessful) of other western nations since I lived and hunted in North
America, and have studied these systems extensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most effective solutions we create must
be a blend of modern science and international best-practices, while being
uniquely Japanese, since this combination of factors is unique to this portion
of the Japanese ecosystem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All honest discussions must begin with a process to
discover the facts and current status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only after these are ascertained can any real solutions be
identified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am presenting a
significant number of factors involved in this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure that I am missing some issues, and
I am certain that further discussion will reveal that some of my observations
may not need to be addressed in the opening discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I welcome all input on this subject, to
further enhance the depth and accuracy of discussion and decision making.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What Has Happened?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 58.5pt 4.0in 4.25in 315.0pt 7.75in; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hunting Statistics<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A review of the Japan Hunters Association data reveals
significant facts about the “average hunter” in Japan and clearly documents
significant changes from 1974 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">S-</i>49)
to 2006 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H-</i>18), a period of just 35
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep in mind that we have
continued to change at similar, rates for an additional 6 years since this data
was collected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Important facts include:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Total Number of Hunters <u>dropped</u> from 517,754 to
186,580, a 64% decrease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recruitment of
new hunters is not being accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Average Age of Hunters <u>increased</u> from 30-49 to
60-69 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>56.5% of our hunters
were over 60 years old in 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now in
2012, the majority of our hunters are over age 65, and with my conservative
estimates of hunters retiring before 70 years old,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are on course to have no experienced
hunters remaining active from the original core group of hunters from 1974 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">S-</i>49) by 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The number of hunters in their 20’s has <u>dropped
significantly</u> from 87,920 to only 2,551 Japan-wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These hunters represent but 1.1% of all
hunters, clearly indicating that the hunting tradition and the responsibility
of managing the forest and its animal population is not being passed on to the
younger generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Game harvest reports from 2000 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H-</i>12) to 2007 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H-</i>19) also
illustrate that harvest levels are continuing to increase.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Inoshishi/Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) harvest increased by
34% from 100,575 to 134,831.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Nihon-Jika/Japanese Deer (Cervis Nippon-nippon) harvest
increased by 26% from 96,708 to 121,488.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Crop damage reports indicate:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*a loss of 21,331,000,000 JPY ($270,869,943) in 2009 (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H-</i>21).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Kamo-Shika/Japanese Serrow (Capricornis crispus) damage
has dropped by 50%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This indicates a <u>significant
decrease</u> in this national treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Note: Game density data is scientifically questionable
since it is hunter-provided, and not acquired from trained field scientists.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My observations and forecast:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*There will be a tremendous loss in the overall number of
over hunters, at least 40% in the next 2 to 4 years due to age.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The decrease in hunters will reduce the revenue stream
that funds research and the entire hunting establishment.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Animal populations will continue to increase, unchecked,
at the same or faster rates. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
governmental population culling numbers being suggested in the thousands or
even tens of thousands of animals, this alone is a recipe for failure.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Protected species such as Kamo-Shika will continue to
decrease as their habitat is consumed by animals that were historically non-competitive,
and will become further threatened.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Statistical
increases in hunter harvest are mainly due to the increase in animal population
rather than any notable increase in hunter skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average hunter has but a 65-72% chance of
harvesting one animal each season.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Recruitment efforts targeting 20-49 year old new hunters
is ineffective and/or insufficient.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Crop Damage will continue to increase exponentially;
deforestation will continue and increase.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Vehicular/animal collisions will increase as will other
undesirable human/animal interactions (accidents/attacks).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Loss of topsoil will continue, taking with it more
vegetation, trees, and will eventually cause disruption and damage to roads and
communities.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Disease will become more prevalent in the deer
populations due to increased contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Historical diseases such as mange will proliferate, and new mucus-borne diseases
similar to Chronic Wasting Disease and other neurological diseases will
increase and compromise both animal and human populations.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What Has Happened?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 58.5pt 4.0in 4.25in 315.0pt 7.75in; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regulatory changes<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A review of the regulatory factors which affect this
issue is best done if divided into the various entities involved:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Individual Hunters and Firearms Owners:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Some individuals, due to age, physical infirmity, or
diminished mental faculties attempt to hunt beyond their limits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*As with all sectors of society, a minute fraction of
hunters and firearm owners invariably engaged in forms of misconduct which
negatively affects all other hunters and firearms owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were effectively exploited by some
media sources and have soured public opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rate of gun related crime in Japan is virtually a non-factor when
compared to western countries which allow individual gun ownership.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Individuals engaging in unsafe, or unethical, activities
should control their behavior, as each of us is responsible for the reputation
and public image of our group.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryouyukai (Hunting Associations) Leadership:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Must be selected based on their skills and character,
not simply on age, length of time, or other irrelevant factors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaders are responsible for conducting safe
hunting operations and must perform the many roles as leader, safety monitor,
organizer, and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are obligated
to ensure the safety of the other hunters and the general public.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Ryouyukai are self-policing in the classic Japanese
style where each member supports the leaders and the members in conducting a
safe and responsible hunt, and everyone enforces the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The Ryouyukai leadership, at all levels, actively serve
as liaison and advisor to the Police Department and the Public Safety
Department, as well to with timber industry, farming industry, land owner
associations and the Japanese Self Defense Forces.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*There is no effectively organized recruiting method,
designed to attract potential new hunters, to introduce people to hunting, and
to help candidates train and prepare for the complex hunting and firearms
testing processes.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*There is a lack of a significant marketing plan to
promote hunting, game management, and wild game meat consumption to the public.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Police Departments:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Some police agencies have resorted to knee-jerk
reactions, implementing new and unnecessarily complex local rules and
regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are often aimed
at culling potentially unsafe hunters, the true result is perceived as an
attempt to systematically reduce or remove gun ownership for virtually
everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Local interpretation is often made by individuals who
have no knowledge or understanding of hunting or firearms use, and without
consulting the knowledgeable members of the Ryouyukai leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Local internal policies have been implemented that make
continued firearms ownership unnecessarily difficult, and deter new
owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This drives away current hunters
and prevents new hunters from beginning the licensing process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*My Comment: My local City Police Department have always
been reasonable with me as an individual, however the entire system of testing,
and unnecessary measures is discouraging to current hunters and a deterrent to
new hunters, and helps create more injuries and accidents through
vehicle/animal collisions and other negative interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Public Safety Department:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The testing process for a hunting license is
simply rote memorization of antiquated information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no real information on decision
making, shot placement, field dressing, food sanitation, health hazards, land
navigation, emergency procedures, first aid, stewardship, or other important
game management or field skills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The testing schedule is far too limited and
discourages potential new hunters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*My comment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The role of balancing all aspects of public safety is certainly quite
complex, but hunting is discouraged at every step, which in turn directly
creates other negative consequences, and as a result overall public safety is
not enhanced, but I contend that public safety is actually diminished.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local Governments:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Lack of a distribution network to provide
free wild game meat to needy citizens, families, and organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Excessive controls and prohibitions on wild
game sales and usage, and lack of a public awareness campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Local governments need to maintain open communications
and working relationships with the Ryouyukai leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Japanese Self Defense Forces
(JSDF):<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Stewardship of the land used by the JSDF is
often focused only on training and convenience for the JSDF, has no scientific
basis or regular input from experts and could benefit from the expertise of
Ryouyukai leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Animal populations are completely out of
control in the East Fuji Maneuver Area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The excess population of Nihon-Jika is causing tremendous damage to the
timber industry, natural forests, watersheds, farms, and Kamo-Shika habitat.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Excess populations of Nihon-Jika in the EFMA
are now encroaching on all of the villages at the foothills of Mount Fuji.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This not only includes the areas along the
borders of the EFMA but Nihon-Jika are 5-6km into the City of Gotemba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kamo-Shika have also been pushed down into
local communities and have been seen as far as 3-4 km into Gotemba city, at unprecedented
elevations of only 400 meters.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 2012 the JSDF agreed to a partial, but impractical compromise and
allows limited pest control hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
Comment: *The JSDF needs to both enforce and obey the land use agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There needs to be regularly scheduled, open
communication between the JSDF and the Ryouyukai, and a cooperative
relationship, not an “us versus them” situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The JSDF should utilize planned rotational
access to more areas of the EFMA for population control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their previous multi-year moratorium on
hunting is one significant factor in the deer overpopulation that is destroying
this area, and the city.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contradictions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Incompatible testing dates work in
conjunction with a different police testing schedule to create the need for an
individual to wait more than one year, typically almost two years to begin
actual hunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Ryouyukai and Police give differing
orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Police Department insists
that all ammunition be consumed within 24 months of purchase, regardless of
condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ryouyukai complies by
scheduling “end of the season” shooting sessions with the expressed purpose of
consuming all ammunition left over at the end of the hunting season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Police then require that each hunter
maintain a suitable amount of ammunition in the event that they are required to
dispatch a hazardous animal at the request of the Police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ryouyukai then decides that individuals
with appropriately limited quantities of ammunition cannot be part of the pest
control season (Yugai Kujyo) because they “do not have enough ammunition” and
the Ryouyukai refuses to issue ammunition purchase permits, which encourages
maintaining excessive ammunition. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Some hunters are driven away from hunting
due to this added unnecessary financial burden of wasting ammunition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my case, where each shell costs as much as 680
Yen each (almost $8.00 USD), the 1,000 Yen we get from our Bunkai for each day
of active pest control hunting does not cover one bullet and an OBento lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Funds received from bounties on pest animals
has been widely criticized as being mismanaged, not going to the hunters who
are doing the important work of pest control (actually hunting, researching,
tracking, timing animal movements, expending vehicle fuel, consuming daily food
rations, and shooting expensive ammunition).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead the funds are utilized by various levels of the hunting
establishment, distributed to hunters who never set foot in the woods, and used
for other purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This removes all
incentives for the prolific hunters to engage in the important process of pest
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These funds should be carefully
earmarked and distributed more appropriately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Individual hunters should be receiving the largest portion in order to
directly offset their true expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remaining funds should be utilized for recruitment of new members and
for public awareness campaigns at all levels.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">My comment/example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The February to March 2012 Shizuoka Yugai
Kujyo (Pest Control) season began with three basic instructions: there would be
10,000 Yen paid for each pest animal harvested, these funds would be paid
directly to the Bunkai for further distribution, and the animal snouts &
lower front teeth were to be submitted for biological research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These instructions were not followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funding was redistributed in a
nonsensical manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biological
research, while the results have not yet been published, will also be skewed
because of the haphazard manner the data was reported, and the extensive
washing of the snouts removed all traces of mucus-borne diseases, a key concern
with the ever-increasing deer populations and increased animal density.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Hunter safety is compromised when decisions
are made on hearsay vice ballistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
example is the prohibition of the use of buckshot during organized deer varmint
hunts, and the instructions to only use slugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is contrary to standard safety practices in North America and
Europe, which were developed using proven ballistic information, and actually
enhance hunter and public safety.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other changes:<o:p></o:p></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Societal and Socioeconomic
Changes:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Public image of guns has been degraded by
media and anti-gun groups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Public understanding of hunting as a
management tool is not taught at the family and local community level, and has
virtually been erased from the average citizen’s understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*A syndrome dubbed “Nature Deficit Disorder” (coined
by Richard Louv) has been identified in many western countries, describing the
phenomenon where our children are no longer in touch with anything natural or
outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their physical and mental
wellbeing is jeopardized by constant indoor activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Commonly accepted definitions of terms like
“Eco” and “Environment” have been skewed by media, deficiencies in the
educational systems, and lack of firsthand experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ideas that all animals must be protected at
all costs have replaced our understanding of our responsibility to manage the
environment, and specifically our role to act in the absence of the apex predators,
such as the eradicated Nihon Ookami/Japanese wolf (Canis lupus hodophilax) and
Tsuki no Waguma/Asiatic Crested Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus japonica)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which were severely depleted by mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Many of the most senior hunters have lived
through post-war depressed economic times and hunting was a vital part of daily
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversely, modern times do not
require hunting for true subsistence, but still remain an important part of
population management.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Comment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please consider how many early teens currently choose to engage in the
activities that most of us grew up doing such as playing outdoors, fishing,
insect collecting, hiking, and other activities, including hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not many.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cultural Differences:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The consumption of wild game was a staple
part of Japanese history, just as it was in western countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transition to a rice based diet for the
masses began, yet the tradition of wild game hunting continued and was reserved
for the upper classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s not forget
the “Fuji-San no Makigari” conducted in 1193 by Minamoto no Yoritomo:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although primarily a military show of force,
the staggering volume and variety of wild game harvested on and around Mount
Fuji documents the vast animal diversity and availability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live and have the privilege to hunt in this
historic location, adjacent to “Iimori Zuka”, and right near “Shishi Ke Bashi”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Religious mandates, at times, precluded the
consumption of wild game by the average Japanese citizen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same times, the religious
establishment and the ruling elite continued to eat and thrive on wild game,
and developing euphemisms to disguise their consumption such as “Botan”,
“Botan-Nabe”, “Momiji”, “Sakura”, and “Yama Kujira”.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missed Opportunities:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Wild game meat is a delicacy in many
countries, and a staple in some countries, yet is shunned in Japan, due to
misinformation, inaccurate stereotypes, and the loss of traditional game meat
cooking techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Extensive amounts of wild game is available
for distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deer, Boar, Dove, and
Sparrow are all considered as pests at critical levels, yet there is no market
(charitable, or for profit) for these meats.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Comment/example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Safari Club International operates the
“Sportsmen Against Hunger” wild game donation and distribution non-profit
organization in North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2010 they
distributed more than 477,392lbs (216,996Kgs) of wild game meat donated by
individual hunters and various hunting organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This represented over 1,900,000 meals in one
year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be allowed to create an
organization like this in Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecological System Changes Created by Humans:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Large mammalian (Honyuu-doubutsu) predators
(Honshoku-doubutsu) (aka: Apex Predators) have been essentially removed from
the Mount Fuji eco-system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ookami
(Japanese Wolves) were hunted to extinction (Konzetsu-suru) early in the last
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tsuki no Waguma (Asiatic
Crescent Black Bear) have been hunted to near extinction, often times
persecuted as a “danger” to humans, and ultimately relegating them to an
anomaly in the forest rather that their former position as the apex
predator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other small mammalian
predator can fill this void, resulting in unchecked population growth of
ungulates and swine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Small mammalian predators such as Kitsune/Japanese Fox
(Vulpes vulpes japonica) have survived yet offer no significant predation of
ungulates and swine.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Planted timber forests (Cedar, Cyprus, and Tamarack)
have replaced the diverse forests & the mast producing trees, and have
forced animal populations into smaller living areas, increasing the density and
further depleting natural food supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Community operated cooperative farms, such as those
previously in the current East Fuji Maneuver Area were “requisitioned” by the
government in the 1920s, and farming became a localized family operated
enterprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The population explosion of
deer on Mount Fuji, and the subsequent consumption of virtually all available
food sources, now have brought the deer herds to the local villages and have
been wreaking havoc on family farms, creating incalculable losses for these families.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<u><span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inherited Knowledge:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Traditionally inherited knowledge about stewardship and
habitat management is no longer being passed on from one generation to the
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average 60 years old hunter
grew up in the beginning of modern Japan and have never truly needed to obtain
subsistence from nature directly, thus have lost this knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The current generation of 20-49 year olds, potential
hunters, have virtually no experience in the outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without this basic understanding of nature,
the idea of hunting is simply beyond their comprehension.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Teaching materials provided by the All-Japan Hunting
Association for hunters has become inadequate in passing this information to
new hunters, allowing for hunters to become licensed with virtually no
understanding of the outdoors, simply by memorizing information from a text.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Teaching
methods and materials are outdated and utilize rote memorization, straight
lectures vice interactive learning, and completely fail to utilize any modern
teaching technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="SUBHEAD" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <u>What are the true ecological conditions?<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Planted Conifer
(Shin’youju) Forests (Timer Industry Land):<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Since 2010 the most extreme example of the
deer population running out of food and resorting to non-traditional food
sources is the act of stripping away the outer bark of planted Cedar (Sugi) and
Cyprus (Hinoki) trees and eating the inner bark (Phloem).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is happening only after all other food
sources have been depleted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This action
typically starts at the roots where the Outer-Bark is being bitten then pulled
upward, sometimes to 2 meters, exposing the Inner-Bark or Phloem Layer which is
then eaten through into the Cambium Cell Layer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is occurring on almost 90% of the trees in some areas, with many
trees having bark removed around the circumference of the tree, effectively
killing the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These dying trees are
a direct economic loss for the timber industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The dead trees also quickly forfeit their hold on the topsoil, resulting
in further erosion and detriment to the entire ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mixed Deciduous (Datsurakusei no
Ki) Forests:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Since 2007 the deer are eating the bark of
several species of trees in the same manner as the Conifers but to a much more
devastating level that the Conifers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Key
tree species that are being destroyed are the various Birch & Scrub Oaks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sasa (several types of dwarf
bamboo) Patches:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Sasa, which both holds a lot of topsoil, and
provides cover & nesting opportunities for an innumerable amount of small
animal and bird species, has been completely and irreversibly depleted by the
deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is already causing these
plants to release their hold on the topsoil and is creating runoff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some areas of runoff go deep enough to allow
volcanic ash to be integrated into the runoff and cover previously viable
topsoil, further diminishing the amount of viable topsoil available for
recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Essential Food Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The over-browsing, and complete consumption
of plants interrupts the lifecycles of these plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This removes the plants which are keys to
repopulating the plants each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
portion of all plants are normally left behind in a balanced eco-system and
provide the repopulation of these plants for the next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all of the seeds are being consumed, or
the entire plant is being consumed destroying the root system, or depleting the
energy stores in Rhizomes (Chikakei), the plant reproductive cycle ends,
leaving no browse for the next year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The deforestation by the deer leave only the
poisonous, inedible plants, a majority of which are introduced invasive species
which are quickly taking over the barren land, and have no pressure because
they are not eaten by the deer.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Itadori/Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia
japonica) and their rhizomes have also nearly been depleted.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rice Fields and Family Gardens:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Ungulate and swine crop damage is occurring
in villages and city areas as low as 250 meters elevation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Attempts to install mesh fences, electric
fences, and a variety of other deterrents are now ineffective against the
onslaught of the exploding pest populations, especially deer, boar, crows, and
create additional financial burdens.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The loss of family food crops, and the
increase in expenditures for deterrents, is making family farming financially
unviable, and causing considerable hardship, particularly for our elderly
farmers, and small families.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p>W</o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">hat are some of the General options we have
(Japan-Wide)?<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Commit to open, honest, and
regular communication.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Agree that change and adjustment
is needed in the immediate future, mid-term, and long-term.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ensure all affected
agencies/departments are suitably represented, yet establish a core group of
decision makers.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Commission true field surveys to
be conducted to provide timely scientific information for further decision
making.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Increase the public information
campaign highlighting the need for hunting as an ecological management tool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">F.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Expand the recruitment campaign
to increase the number of new hunters being trained and licensed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">G.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Modify the training and
educational process to modernize the information and streamline the process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="FillerText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">H.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Create a small group of suitable
credentialed professional hunters to conduct culling and invasive species
eradication.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Create acceptance, and then
demand for wild game meat obtained from population control harvesting.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it for now. More details to follow! Thanks for reading, and any input is always appreciated!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SK-1</span></span>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-64149586713149950192011-12-27T22:52:00.005+09:002011-12-27T22:58:47.740+09:00Papa's Got a New Hunting Rig!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9thSYjDatmo-rIxnO2LMN6F9omrPS84vphFmFjcRkjmlzN9QDIQHk8hhyVo4UpGY7rDv7YExcQdSbaTkKgqzhBvQBLKJJCLkhV9xWX4Qi3_Ilpjws5NzRji_TWALLj3vURoqO4f40POG8/s1600/New+Jimny+December+2011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690807236443677394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9thSYjDatmo-rIxnO2LMN6F9omrPS84vphFmFjcRkjmlzN9QDIQHk8hhyVo4UpGY7rDv7YExcQdSbaTkKgqzhBvQBLKJJCLkhV9xWX4Qi3_Ilpjws5NzRji_TWALLj3vURoqO4f40POG8/s320/New+Jimny+December+2011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>SK-2 just bought me a new hunting rig! (Thanks babe!) It is a Suzuki Jimny, Wide Body, 1,300CC. It has a 4.5 inch lift done by replacing the torsion bar suspension with a racing set, a true LSD read differential, HID headlights, performance exhaust, and it actually has heat and AC, plus it has a radio! I am moving up in the world!<br />I will post more as I build it into a true hunting rig!<br />SK-1 OUT!!! </div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-35504028510256784992011-12-27T21:33:00.006+09:002011-12-27T22:44:47.322+09:00Ezo-Jika (Sika) Hunting In Hokkaido, JapanI was finally able to schedule time to go to Hokkaido this year for another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ezo</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jika</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sika</span>) stag hunt. Hokkaido is the northernmost inhabited island in Japan and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ius</span> know for it's giant brown bears "Hi-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Guma</span>", and huge <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ezo</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jika</span> (called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sika</span> in the US and NZ). We went very late this year, missing the rut & post-rut by more than a month. I still was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">successful</span> in taking two nice stags, one around 130kg and then the monster pictured here, at about 150kg!!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690785788990670274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXbreth0RGXVwj4iTso9fmp3iorJNsyNoDlYrYTqLZh_ZK-4n9vXQdp7MRLCEN1P8OZGHWU_Ts3ObtoLnFfPLpAndP2Oezq3On66JP6agp8Ol54g2NWKlr8y7C8bWqageJ17JWnNm8eZ-/s320/Ezo+Jika+December+19+2011+Hokkaido+Japan+Rick+Sacca+1.jpg" /><br />Picture below is the SK-1 with my new friend and top quality guide, Eric Rose. I had the pleasure of hunting with Eric for 2 days and he took me to some of the land that he has negotiated access and hunting rights to. If it were not for his very well established network of land owners and ranchers, I would have never been able to get anywhere near this area which turned out to be some of the wildest country I have been to in all of Japan, and by the way, home to some massive stags!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub0JXXshgEt5HnaLFZJMsL8N71L1axk8kQ7-A-LT0maaYK1nGF9Pzkd_3VAyHHsJXCvIHayrkdGujlsLjsTz-vuddB0-gkACFAtuwJHURbK_h-_gUHwNm3AgGPsNvdLFK1pKozHXKJKKS/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690785793295658690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub0JXXshgEt5HnaLFZJMsL8N71L1axk8kQ7-A-LT0maaYK1nGF9Pzkd_3VAyHHsJXCvIHayrkdGujlsLjsTz-vuddB0-gkACFAtuwJHURbK_h-_gUHwNm3AgGPsNvdLFK1pKozHXKJKKS/s320/IMG_2606.JPG" /></a> The Trip: Imagine the opening scene from the Beverly Hillbillies...that was me with three members of my hunting club, loading our gear into a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pajero</span> for the long haul to Hokkaido. One of my buddies, MW, has been with me on all of my previous Hokkaido hunts and we hunt together almost every weekend. He has killed more deer in our area that anyone I know, averaging over a hundred a year! The other two guys, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">TK</span> and MK were both on a hunt with me for the first time, and only one had ever been to Hokkaido. As it turns out I was 17 years younger than then next youngest guy, and 28 years younger than the oldest...you can do the math and see who would be doing all the work!<br />A four hour highway ride got us to the ferry terminal in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oarai</span> where we boarded and were off to Hokkaido. 19 1/2 hours later we made it to Hokkaido <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tomokamai</span> port, then had a 6 hour drive to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hiroo</span> to check into our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ryokan</span> (a small hotel that caters to hunters and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">timber workers</span>).<br />Day one was pretty much uneventful due to the fact that there was almost no game in our planned area due to the heavier snow that we predicted. Mid afternoon saw us traveling down to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erimo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Misaki</span> where the snow was gone but the cold (-12C.) and high winds made scouting tough. Late in the afternoon we stumbled across 3 deer feeding in a deep ravine. A closer look revealed 2 small stags and one large stag. One shot later and the large one was down, but it took an hour to dress him and carry him out of the ravine. Picture the scene with the first-timer snapping photos and the oldest member struggling with his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">over sized</span> pants, and me elbow deep field dressing. I knew it! He turned out to be the biggest stag I have ever taken so I was quite excited!<br />The next day we got completely skunked, seeing but a handful of hinds, and no significant stags. MW took a nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ezo</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kitsune</span> though (Hokkaido Fox). That night my buddy Eric drove down from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kushiro</span> and picked me up and took me back up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kushiro</span>. (Thank you again to Eric and his family for letting me crash at their place!!!!). Morning came way too soon and at was a 'brisk' -13C. when we loaded up the truck and headed for the hills. We drove to some of the ranches he has rights to and glassed a whole lot of terrain. We saw some very big stags, but were unable to get into a suitable location for a stalk. The day was filled with some amazing animals in some awe-inspiring terrain, but no deer on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">meat hook</span> that night. I also got to meet some of Eric's rancher buddies, and helped out with preparing antlers from a previous hunt, and I even learned a few new tricks in skull preparation.<br />Day 2 of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kushiro</span> hunting has us setting out on foot to hike, glass, and stalk. The plan was to hike into a deep winding river valley and work our way up the river bottom and on the highland pastures from the bottom corner of a block of land to the opposite corner where we would end up at another ranch for a ride back. Little did I know that this would be a 7+ hour effort, and the block of land looks to be about 10km x 12 km on Google Earth, with no roads in it! We hiked up and down frozen slopes, scrambled across slippery banks along the river, rappelled slopes using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuma</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zasa</span> as improvised rope, trudged through 2 foot deep <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kuma</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zasa</span> grass bent down by the weight of a few inches of snow, crunched through snow and ice that cracked so loudly that we were sure every deer in the county had heard us, had only one boot go through the ice (knee deep only!).. We spotted some very nice stags sunning but were unable to get close enough for a shot. At one field we unexpectedly jumped three huge stags and I missed 2 snap-shots. This was enough to get me down, but Eric kept pushing through, confident we would be successful! We also stumbled on a nice stag that had expired overnight. A close examination showed no injury from hunters, but rather a poorly healed broken rear leg, and clear signs of a horrific wild dog attack overnight. That certainly did not help our hunting either!<br />We ended up at the other ranch, exhausted but totally satisfied with such an amazing hike, the sight of some great stags, and the beauty of Hokkaido at it's wildest. Eric still had a few more rabbits up his sleeve though-When talking to the rancher, he recalled seeing a great stag coming to one of his remote fields "every afternoon at 3:00pm"..."sure" I thought, but it was certainly worth a try.<br />We carpooled back to Eric's hunting rig and drove toward the area the rancher recommended. We 'decided' that the deer lived in the mountains to the west and would come down from them to the field so we would need to hurry to get in place to ambush them as they got near the fields. Not a good plan...as we approached three stags were a few km to the south working their way north (coming from the exact opposite way they were 'supposed' to). Change of plans: We regrouped and 'decided' they would travel north, cross a public road into a pasture, continue on across that pasture then a set of railroad tracks, then to the field they were supposedly going to. We ran 800m down the tracks to set up an ambush when they made it over the tracks. The deer decided otherwise and traveled west with no intention of crossing the road, pasture, or tracks! We ran back, drove a few km further west to get ahead of them and finally picked out a single track dirt trail that was not in use that we might be able to swiftly stalk down toward the deer. A very quick but stealth stalk ensued, crouching, duck walking, and then crawling toward where the deer were likely to head, then there was nothing! I looked everywhere and could not see the deer! Miles of open terrain and I lost them in just a few minutes! "Wait! That looks like antlers!" They were right in front of me in a depression in the land that was not visible from a distance, slowly and cautiously grazing westward at about 50 meters from me. Every time I saw their antlers all drop to graze, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">slinked</span> along trying to be invisible behind just a thin strip of uncut meadow grass. I stopped and took a good USMC kneeling firing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">position</span> and held fast. The next minute seemed like 10 minutes but they traveled the next 3 meters westward and began to emerge from the depression. The biggest stag was a little spooked, sniffing the air, and I decided I could wait no further. I squeezed off one round and he crumpled. He tired to stand once and fell back down for good. This monster was down! My Savage Arms single-shot, bolt action 12 gauge, with Federal Premium Vital-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shok</span> 3 inch magnums with Barnes Expander bullets was certainly worth the 680 Yen (over $8.00)!<br />Eric and I took some time to marvel at the magnificent stag, took a round of pictures to preserve the memory of this fine animal and this fantastic hunting experience, and then got to work dressing him out and ready for transport.<br />That night I had to return to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hiroo</span> and we departed the following morning for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gotemba</span> once again. That 19 hour ferry ride and 9 hours of driving that I dreaded, was barely enough to help me recover from the extreme effort that Eric and I went through on the trail, but was a great way to end a hunt, with time to re-live every aspect and detail of the entire hunt. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!<br />I wish I was a better writer and could explain better how memorable this entire hunt was!<br />I am already dreaming of Hokkaido next year!!!!<br />See you in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yama</span>!<br />SK-1 OUT!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-15736926984454555062011-11-18T15:29:00.003+09:002011-11-18T15:38:35.206+09:00All-Japan Hunting season 2011-2012Hi everyone! Hunting season is upon us here in Japan! Our national <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">season</span> started on November 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. I have yet to make it to the mountain so far but will be in the woods starting tomorrow morning-look out Mr. Boar!!!!<br />Our "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">yugai</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kujo</span>" or population/pest control season just ended a 10 days ago. We had permits to kill 300 deer (either sex) and 50 boar. With the help of one of my Marine buddies we put two very good sized bucks in the freezer. <br />Not sure how much time I can put to the blog this season but I hope to get back up to full speed in the next few weeks (no promises though).<br />As always, if you are interested in hunting in Japan, please drop me a line. If you would like to swap some venison or boar meat for an item you have harvested/caught/or a local delicacy, please drop me an email.<br /><br />See you in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yama</span>!<br />SK-1 OUT!!!Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-52597633922781309302011-03-29T17:33:00.003+09:002011-03-29T17:44:39.501+09:00The Crisis in JapanI am sure everyone has seen the footage of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">devastating</span> Earthquake(s) and Tsunami(s) that have ravaged northeastern Japan over the last few weeks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yabanjin</span> has been on the move serving as a volunteer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pathfinger</span>/guide/translator, and all around red-tape-cutter for the US military. Check out the news footage of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">USMC's</span> "Task Force Fuji" to see our amazing work in clearing our Sendai Airport, and our efforts with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">USMC's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">IIIMEF</span> (Forward) in delivering heating fuel, bottled water, and blankets. I just came back from some of the hardest hit areas (Sendai, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ishinomaki</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Miyako</span>). I will not be blogging for a while, and have shifted my efforts and focus to keeping up awareness and supporting the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">relief</span> effort. I will only be available on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Facebook</span> page, so feel free to pop on over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">FB</span> for the latest info I have. (my Facebook Page is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/YabanjinDakara">www.facebook.com/YabanjinDakara</a> ) I would like to ask everyone to help keep the information flowing, the interest and support up, and for donations of time, sweat, equipment, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">materiel</span>, and (of course) money if you can. There are a lot of reputable organizations out there that need our help! Thanks for your support! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yabanjin</span> Out!Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-19842990176749635622010-12-01T14:53:00.002+09:002010-12-01T14:56:07.659+09:00The boxes are in the mail!Today at lunchtime I shipped 13 packages of Shika and Inoshishi meat to the various folks around Japan who have asked me for some. I sent everyone a short email to their personal emails with the tracking info. Please cook it up and give me some feedback, and maybe share some recipes with us!<br />Enjoy!<br />YabanjinYabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-17425286529473618302010-11-22T11:34:00.007+09:002010-11-22T12:11:48.053+09:00<strong>Hunting in Japan: SOFA Status</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Here is a little bit more info for folks in Japan with SOFA Status that desire to hunt:<br /><br /><em>Request: If you have more accurate info, or additional info, please share so we all can be better informed!</em><br /><em></em><br />In the Camp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zama</span> area, the Camp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zama</span> Sportsman's Club is a great resource! I met many of the members a few years back but since they are about 2 hours from my area, I am no longer a member. They do a lot of fishing, and a few members have also cracked the code on firearms ownership in the past. They also operate the base skeet range. Their website is: <a href="http://enjoyingjapan.com/sportsmensclub/index.html">http://enjoyingjapan.com/sportsmensclub/index.html</a><br /><br />In the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MCAS</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Iwakuni</span> Area, there are two guys to talk to, Dale Crawford and Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gingles</span>. Here is a link that tells more about their situation. <a href="http://www.iwakuni.usmc.mil/newwebsite/Press%20Room/Archives/NewsArchives/070627-hunt.html" target="_blank">www.iwakuni.usmc.mil/newwebsite/Press%20Room/Archives/NewsArchives/070627-hunt.html</a>. Dale previously was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zama</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sportsman's</span> Club President, ran the range at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Zama</span>, and has had a Japanese firearms license for many years. As for Ed, I have heard he is a great guy to deal with but I have not met him in person yet.<br /><br />If you are headed up north, there is a great BLOG out there by an avid fisherman/hunter/all round <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">outdoors man</span> that I recommend reading through. Here is a link: <a href="http://shumihanto.blogspot.com/">http://shumihanto.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />If you are in the Mount Fuji area, we recently started a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">FaceBook</span> Group for the Camp Fuji <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sportsman's</span> Club at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=143363619033702">http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=143363619033702</a> stop by and join!<br /><br />One more area peculiar to foreigners hunting in Japan is the use of HAM radios. US version CB radios are of no use (wrong frequency band, actually illegal). Japanese law controls the frequency band that can be used by hunters so you will need radios built in/for Japan. Most importantly is the recent change in the anti-terror laws that now makes the sight of a HAM radio (antenna, mic, actual radio, or the suspicion of using one) probable cause for the police to stop you, or pull you over. It is very important that your paperwork is right. The first step is to get a Japanese licence, or a reciprocal license if you have a US HAM license. Here is the link to the Japan Amateur Radio League: <a href="http://www.jarl.or.jp/English/3_Application/A-3.htm">http://www.jarl.or.jp/English/3_Application/A-3.htm</a> They helped me out a few years back, taking my US HAM license in English in Nagoya. Their site also contains all the info you need to know about frequency bands, power output limits and more. Another important step is to ensure your radios (in the truck and your hand-held) have the current Japanese tax/approval stamp. Your hunting association <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bunkai</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Cho</span> or local HAM shop owner can help you with this.<br /><br />I hope this info is helpful , and maybe all the SOFA hunters can plan a group hunt next season!!! Count me in, no matter what prefecture.<br /><br />See you in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Yama</span>!<br />SK-1 OUT!Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-66637478080858484272010-11-22T10:58:00.003+09:002010-11-22T12:11:12.252+09:00Hunting In Japan: More info<strong>I have had a lot of requests for more info on the possibility/process of hunting in Japan so here goes:</strong><br /><em>Disclaimer: This is as accurate as I can be, but there me be very slight variations in other regions of Japan, but since these are nationally and prefecturally managed, the variations are probably personality based, not significant variations. If anyone has additional info, please share!</em><br /><strong>What can be hunted?</strong> Here is a basic list, off the top of my head. Big game including; Original Japanese Sika Deer (Ma-Jika), Modern Japanese Sika Deer or "Cervus Nippon-Nippon" (Nihon-Jika), Hokkaido Sika Deer (Ezo-Jika), Hokkaido Brown Bear (Ezo-Guma), Asiatic Crested Black Bear (Tsuki-no-Waguma), and Asian Wild Boar (Inoshishi). Small Game: Common Fox (Kitsune), Hare (Usagi), Japanese Raccoon-Dog (Tanuki), Marten, Mink, Upland Birds: Green Pheasant (Kiji), Copper Pheasant (Yama-Dori), Mourning Dove (Kiji-Bato), Dove (Hato), Sparrow (Suzume), and three species of large Japanese Crows (Karasu). Waterfowl: A very wide variety of ducks and geese (Sorry, I am not well versed in this area).<br /><strong>Foreigners Hunting in Japan:</strong> As far as I know there are currently 3 foreigners (with permanent residency status) that have both the National Firearms License (and a firearm), and a National Hunting License (me, plus a guy in Misawa, a guy in Yamaguchi). Last week another foreigner passed the hunting test in Yamaguchi and is waiting on his firearms license.<br /><strong>Requirements:Hunting License</strong>: 1 day process with a tricky written test, hands on evaluation, and practical application. Test is 2 times per year. Pass rate for each level hovers around 30%. Levels include: 1-Snares/Traps, 2-Hunting Air Rifles, 3- Shotguns, 4-Rifles. I possess a level 4 license up to Rifle Hunting. Most people take the test 2 or 3 times to pass, since it is designed to make people fail and ultimately deter people from hunting. Fees to get license about $350. for the initial license 3 year then an additional annual safety brief, renewal every three years, and then the actual annual hunting permit. Sadly there is no training or testing on many vital skills such as hunter safety clothing, land navigation, emergency procedures, shot placement, field dressing, game processing...<br /><strong>Requirements: Firearms License:</strong> Also a 1 day process with written test, hands on evaluation, and practical application. Test is also only 2 times per year. Pass rate for this test hovers around 20%. Most people take the test 2 or 3 times to pass. Again, it is designed to discourage gun ownership. Fees to get license about $300. Annual Expenses (after getting your hunting and firearms license):$320 for mandatory membership fees in the village, city, county, prefecture (state) and all-Japan hunting associations, and for Mandatory Hunter Insurance. I also belong to the All-Japan Big Game Association ("52 Club") and membership is an additional $300 per year.<br /><strong>Firearms Purchasing:</strong> Very restrictive, controlled (hindered) at every level. Request may legally sit in police station for up to one year. Requires extensive background check, neighbor and family check, police interview, and house/locker inspection. Also need approval from landlord, neighborhood chief, and your employer. Additional recommendations from hunting association leaders is helpful. Fees for guns are typically double or triple US prices. Application fees are charged for every step of the way (typical Japanese government process where you pay for every document being processed).<br />A key difference between the US and Japan is the fact that you only can have one gun for each purpose. If you want another gun for deer hunting, you must give your old one to a gun shop or the police station for disposal before you can accept receipt of your new one. I own a 20 gauge for bird hunting, and a 12 gauge for big game. If you want a rifle....the minimum requirement is that you own a shotgun for 10 years without incident, then you can apply for a rifle. Approval rate for rifles is very low, and may take several more years.<br /><strong>Harvest Limits:</strong>We are in heaven! Right now (15 Nov 10 to 15 Feb 11) the limits are:<br />Deer: Male 1 per day per person, Female 1 per person per day<br />Bear: either sex, 1 per species per person per day<br />Boar: either sex, 1 per day per day<br />Green Pheasant and Copper Pheasant: 1 per person per day<br />Please take a look through this blog for some photos, there are some monsters here! Well, I hope this is enough to give you a slightly clearer picture of hunting in Japan. I have lots more info and will be glad to assist in any area you might need some help. I am slow on returning email since I have a very demanding full-time job, a busy family life, tend our garden, belong to the Japanese Volunteer Fire Department & Disaster Response Team, and HUNT!!!<br />See you in the Yama!<br />SK-1 OUTYabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-73583794185610039662010-11-21T20:20:00.005+09:002010-11-21T20:55:49.140+09:00Nihon-Jika Totta!Hunting Log 21 Nov 2010:<br />Today was the first group hunt by the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tamaho</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunkai</span> (our neighborhood hunting association). We had 17 hunters show up so we were able to hunt the largest tract of land we have access to. This is a steep hillside about 4km long on the downhill side and from the bottom to the top of the treeline is about 3km. Since I am the youngest member of our group (excluding 1 new member) I was assigned to the most remote position at the top of the highest point of the treeline. After about 1 hours 15 minutes, I made it to my spot and signaled for the hunt to begin. About 2 hours into the hunt, one of our elderly hunters radioed the group that he saw 6 does enter the hunting area. Since these were about 4km from me, I did not pay much attention. About 50 minutes later I spotted a big doe sneaking above my position. It turns out there were 6 does in all. They were moving pretty quickly until one of them spotted me and let out a "danger" snort/whistle/bark. They bolted through the bushes and I was unable to take a clear shot. Just as I was about to settle back leaning against my tree, I heard movement on the same trail the does had come from. I adjusted my position just as a very nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nihon</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jika</span> came around the bend. He paused for a second and instantly spotted me in my full safety orange clothes. He began to run, following after the does, but my reaction time was much quicker, and I squeezed off one round. I was sure the shot was good but he bounded away and was out of sight in 15 meters. I radioed the hunt leader and began to slowly walk to the last spot I saw this deer. I had a lot of trouble locating his tracks in the deep, dry leaves, and I could not find any blood trail. I identified 6 or 7 possible trails but none of them felt right. I returned to my spot twice to check my bearings. I then did a 20meter circular search crossing the tracks I found, searching for the real trail, to no avail. I decided to conduct a grid-type search 50meters by 50meters. On my second pass, I found him in a depression next to the majority of the trails. Turns out he had bounded just 1 or 2 times after I lost sight of him and had quickly expired.<br />After radioing our leader, I field dressed the deer. My bullet had been true, entering his left side just behind his shoulder, and exiting his right side mid-torso. By the size of the wound <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">channel</span>, it was clear that he had passed in a matter if seconds. <br />Next came the really hard part...I needed to haul this deer down to the bottom border road, about 3 km!!! One of our newest members, a guy 13 years older than me, was assigned to come help me. I let the boss know that this deer would take more horsepower to get down but all of the hunters are much older and no one wanted to hike all the way up to this position. We grabbed the antlers and started dragging! The dragging changed to a preventing the deer from tumbling down the mountain! This area is so steep we struggled to keep from slipping ourselves and the deer knocked us down more than a few times! Actually, the steepness of the slope, and the dry leaf bed made it not too bad. About an hour and a half later we made it to the nearest road and the hunt was done!<br />I was the only hunter lucky enough to take a deer today. This is the second deer this season, and third trophy in as many days! I am absolutely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grateful</span> for my incredible good luck this season!<br />Sorry for the poor photos, all I had handy was my cell phone.<br />See you in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">yama</span>!<br />SK-1 OUT!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541961644884405506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczmGEx1mz5xqT3_QbR3h7D26ayOdNgMj0SWjTHkzVduLijyklHSiSEII7eTGBHGkSWHRy-a5wBrQoZAUnWKJUk-Bagz0JjsUNSpfKqxBzH9dE85NYT4GJc8YAKQxoAUKjse_cE4Dinp3D/s320/nihonjika+21+Nov+10+c.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2g8D_UeeAuW4uCiCrb1vF0AVCjQhrt1t7NWlxocDHy2YOeFDh1pfLtc77s2U1Fst7RIBzKm2eOuKl0IcZP8JQ2_gT64mf-Wkn9Z77eO9vB8J6tKoWLyIvNylOabXB9h6gRwOw6oAwDLO/s1600/nihonjika+21+Nov+10+b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541961648743580098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2g8D_UeeAuW4uCiCrb1vF0AVCjQhrt1t7NWlxocDHy2YOeFDh1pfLtc77s2U1Fst7RIBzKm2eOuKl0IcZP8JQ2_gT64mf-Wkn9Z77eO9vB8J6tKoWLyIvNylOabXB9h6gRwOw6oAwDLO/s320/nihonjika+21+Nov+10+b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-87658911299425447752010-11-20T20:04:00.004+09:002010-11-20T21:36:30.943+09:00Hunting Log: HooJiro Inoshishi<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597872606197954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiUk0wpLdtNW0XIJyv1eudl4bX_j6P5R_kDFSu2FNFt-4ICBOI8YzpDZ8BVOjz72MefVqxWr3rgHPBxJr6QaH_rcA-pJ1zr5a3gF1Hkp09bUT4AZvZrymtD2M-d7DQ8vzq_wTJ9ixMlwC/s320/shishi7.jpg" />Today was the first group hunt of the year with the "52" Big Game Hunting Association. The morning was supposed to be spent analyzing the fresh tracks and preparing to hunt. Instead we spent the morning clearing away trees and branches and repairing huge, impassable ruts in the access roads. Our area experienced several serious rainstorms this fall and many of our best areas were completely washed out. With the hard work done, and a good lunch break we set up in five positions surrounding a 2.5km by 1.5km block of mixed hardwoods with some traditionally productive briar patches. While walking to my designated location, I jumped 2 does which bolted out of our hunting block. Not a good start, I thought. I set up on their trail rather than my normal spot 100 meters further down the river bed. This would turn out to be a great decision.<br />Our best tracker, and one of our senior members entered the block on the southern end and I figured it would be at least an hour before they were close enough to jump any game near me. 10 minutes into the hunt, I experienced the most heart stopping 10 seconds of hunting in many years. I heard a large animal bounding through the briars and dry leaves. I drew my weapon and about 4 seconds after the first sound, a huge boar appeared. I found him in the scope, released the safety, and began squeezing the trigger. My gun boomed as he bounded off the side of the river bed and my bullet struck home in mid air. He hit the ground with a tremendous thud! I immediately chambered another round in case he began to run. He made an attempt to raise up and I fired a finishing shot to his head. I quickly reloaded with 1 more round and focused on this hulking monster on the ground. I tried to see of he was still breathing, but was unable to because my pounding heart was making the scope bounce! I waited about a minute and approached cautiously. When I got close, It was clear that my second shot was true and he had expired instantly! I called the kill into our leader and we began the process of hauling him out of the woods. This involved cutting a 150 meter long trail for a mini 4x4 with a crane, and pulling out about 100 feet of winch cable to get him out of the river bed. We hauled him to the ice cold mountain river, finished field dressing him, washed out the body, and cleaned all the innards for Motsu-Nabe (soup) later this week (liver, heart, kidneys, stomach, chitterlings, and spleen).<br />This boar was estimated by our association as weighing 25 Kann (about 94kg, or 207Lbs). As you can see by his white cheeks, he is an older boar and is locally called "HooJiro" or "White Cheeks". They are reputed to be quite aggressive, and to attack when confronted or injured! Thanks to Federal Premium I did not have to find out!<strong> </strong> BTW, The Japanese name for the Great White Shark is "HooJiro-Zame" or "White Cheeks Shark" and these wild boar have the same temperament!<br />Now with only 2 days of hunting so far, I have already harvested the "double" that the big game association expects from all our members! I have been quite lucky this year!<br />We will de-bone this hog Tuesday after work, so please stop by and give us a hand!<br />See you in the Yama!<br />SK-1 OUT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z7FL8nMbuuGcyHSFDXBleyr76PtneBOA8DEMl5IYKDAYtl7BnG0v_Pi06aonncd-hBajILFtM-9o6WDwp2faGbVSqbgUmdA5Fox2JCr0ieUQRsVp9_J-9FBIlelc-JHAwdeO9kuwZkVV/s1600/shishi9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597883088194946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z7FL8nMbuuGcyHSFDXBleyr76PtneBOA8DEMl5IYKDAYtl7BnG0v_Pi06aonncd-hBajILFtM-9o6WDwp2faGbVSqbgUmdA5Fox2JCr0ieUQRsVp9_J-9FBIlelc-JHAwdeO9kuwZkVV/s320/shishi9.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv8rAuvhviJSK4RTeX-Arm_5zWlPb55vcqt8sn2tSO_g3Ko4cTob-rfn8sjkXVCk4JpffcYLbvdvN6oxhPy0MOHR0-pVvK8xPctI5vYA8j6B46GE6FRhZVw404erPjg8LgtpPNmxY8TEA/s1600/shishi6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597869891162146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv8rAuvhviJSK4RTeX-Arm_5zWlPb55vcqt8sn2tSO_g3Ko4cTob-rfn8sjkXVCk4JpffcYLbvdvN6oxhPy0MOHR0-pVvK8xPctI5vYA8j6B46GE6FRhZVw404erPjg8LgtpPNmxY8TEA/s320/shishi6.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULQnxpSLMofIwLny1CRrJx_Tj2Cyr99nRp1-mK9eu0mRfIRmcu1W6fHEmmKikUuOtLA-RWhW_MeIWfdfCAViolHRcmBj4tIsYIrBSVebtRRNVpy4mz7K1WbK0ZK02zsGfAU5DQpjR5DGx/s1600/shishi+5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597860235253762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULQnxpSLMofIwLny1CRrJx_Tj2Cyr99nRp1-mK9eu0mRfIRmcu1W6fHEmmKikUuOtLA-RWhW_MeIWfdfCAViolHRcmBj4tIsYIrBSVebtRRNVpy4mz7K1WbK0ZK02zsGfAU5DQpjR5DGx/s320/shishi+5.jpg" /></a> <div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597546053301186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk6tL2zSRRuOAu2Ub6tL0j8MdCkaSMlDGydF55XnEJKVoSxM56W7t_gNxTgVjIDpPJG5nLGXqi3T2kW2V-WlfvkG-8SqIiUY9AoIclALZDqfy5VDPUo6bBkM980XcWSbC9eeUVoL5xUfz/s400/shishi8.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOXDKZpdzfCM1lVQ9f1j0Ql3JHhDimSkwe9z7oUVw00Ne_s99KSl-tULe0gFdQaKwY_yNdh37_w5Jk985QiMeKv6yCjrUIy3DuU7NtN-nZkNPfEABUd5scbqXS7SMR11fLzLbjiroPkT/s1600/Shishi+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541597844858342946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOXDKZpdzfCM1lVQ9f1j0Ql3JHhDimSkwe9z7oUVw00Ne_s99KSl-tULe0gFdQaKwY_yNdh37_w5Jk985QiMeKv6yCjrUIy3DuU7NtN-nZkNPfEABUd5scbqXS7SMR11fLzLbjiroPkT/s320/Shishi+4.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-73536257698983118922010-11-16T19:46:00.003+09:002010-11-16T19:48:59.420+09:00Shitake!Our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shitake</span> (yes, the mushroom!) logs have finally started to bloom! Here is our first harvest of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shitake</span>, fresh from the garden (well, actually out behind the butcher shack)! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oishii</span>-so!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEab_5lJlohmHMEVnJGtU3hiXl1_oqre8FNgkAtaQmGZvU6JLbwuECZYMHvUHiHr-6PwgRGs7sULJdRkbarwl2raer0WxdsHVBwDJlH3E2KQ6Cqc_BohoSWh9Jn9hf4IkcC_OfOiMAcsDQ/s1600/IMG_0567%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540097338590044818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEab_5lJlohmHMEVnJGtU3hiXl1_oqre8FNgkAtaQmGZvU6JLbwuECZYMHvUHiHr-6PwgRGs7sULJdRkbarwl2raer0WxdsHVBwDJlH3E2KQ6Cqc_BohoSWh9Jn9hf4IkcC_OfOiMAcsDQ/s320/IMG_0567%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccqCME9kyJvJ9abRHm67VyH_El4YStYX4AlIuCbtCLtwRJi4usGD7aAvO7yrjgwOdUasfLG_oAHqSoTQlyMhS9bfprEGZf3sPgc3EtnP_zP8oooeSVChsmlctBqQk5oxOq6QfeLOMR963/s1600/IMG_0572%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540097336529327586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccqCME9kyJvJ9abRHm67VyH_El4YStYX4AlIuCbtCLtwRJi4usGD7aAvO7yrjgwOdUasfLG_oAHqSoTQlyMhS9bfprEGZf3sPgc3EtnP_zP8oooeSVChsmlctBqQk5oxOq6QfeLOMR963/s320/IMG_0572%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-35203559067796526032010-11-16T19:36:00.003+09:002010-11-16T19:44:21.942+09:00OPENING DAY 2010SK-1 harvested this 5 1/2 year old buck in the first hour of daylight on opening day! This is a Japanese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shika</span> (AKA <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sika</span>), known in the local dialect as Ma-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jika</span>, or original deer. He has a fully matured set of antlers with brow tines and three additional tines, the max for a typical deer of this breed. <br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540095051875368050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCywIRtZPQMv1P-4TbWXH5wWXrCin4oGqctL7r2iP1w_67fKcoNRORQHJleCrBKyFpwb8YFszS6Ir-VW3iSmXeNRPYws-f50QK5eWGu9lPfBLz9C9YmjbmBDwhBzTYpee1jkkdmAvtXaFv/s400/IMG_0579%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540095053429809714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIsALkTCrH4o8rcksohAvuwa7On3JYARzEvg4KZ9zTrL6MBU4ncntJV3yKfKFUG4nwNnOPMe67d4PXeSFqOsYtJblhT72EVQc1nfT7DRcURxYhKIKvOmuKdoTlX6pikCNcPSXSkg-0VQv/s400/IMG_0582%255B1%255D.JPG" />Nick helped out with the butchering so we made short order of this work, and the freezer is now stocked! <br /><br />Gut Deer?<br /><br />See you in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">yama</span>!<br />SK-1 OUT!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-20706762502791441542010-11-16T19:25:00.004+09:002010-11-16T19:36:17.506+09:00Japan's other wildlife<div><div><div><div><div><div>Here are some strange wildlife shots I took while touring Japan this past summer. </div><div>Deer statue in Kyoto <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6mWCpJ5_ultp4RY6FxoNHdPNaLGqOTcZE7M2ptz2dpFwh4kp-5Yv1t2xaeB6oInPjlDMt8OCDV8Znsi49evduBwpGO22XCl44HrbrKPC8h0JLMzb0Z0tkYhWOa9kFkigNKbC9DwIlrX0/s1600/IMG_0083%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540092660052664034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6mWCpJ5_ultp4RY6FxoNHdPNaLGqOTcZE7M2ptz2dpFwh4kp-5Yv1t2xaeB6oInPjlDMt8OCDV8Znsi49evduBwpGO22XCl44HrbrKPC8h0JLMzb0Z0tkYhWOa9kFkigNKbC9DwIlrX0/s200/IMG_0083%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Raccoons (fake) at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Subashiri</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">guchi</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_YpPdXqNcKsIkflKUrNMHmMd9HHVbVEEue-e2cbZHKfCtqF9MdfMjl6QZEJdq2jVKj3jeLOIRi3BSQjaxJeRAiqR9PKo84W92c27yGDMmzG6Sehlpm1MimGRrvPo1JtgN12oFwBIyKpA/s1600/IMG_0011%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540092935991503826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_YpPdXqNcKsIkflKUrNMHmMd9HHVbVEEue-e2cbZHKfCtqF9MdfMjl6QZEJdq2jVKj3jeLOIRi3BSQjaxJeRAiqR9PKo84W92c27yGDMmzG6Sehlpm1MimGRrvPo1JtgN12oFwBIyKpA/s200/IMG_0011%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Rutting deer at Hiroshima </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRl9YPC6mHENNspgDlhLxcHoUIMAlTxQtMK_0U-g-KfA3t2VYHKn2Ecih5riHzj-bVH3FCcR7PDxpRG4rHETcWql2b8H3EqymFqvzOYxYJH3kzxBAxaTfp38YIBwTuk6J7g9kNI7-6dLz/s1600/IMG_0231%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540092934139344434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRl9YPC6mHENNspgDlhLxcHoUIMAlTxQtMK_0U-g-KfA3t2VYHKn2Ecih5riHzj-bVH3FCcR7PDxpRG4rHETcWql2b8H3EqymFqvzOYxYJH3kzxBAxaTfp38YIBwTuk6J7g9kNI7-6dLz/s200/IMG_0231%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Suzume</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bachi</span> (huge bee) killing a dragonfly in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kawagoe</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">shi</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5N9oyrU47Er7-T5EBa3itg3PPPXOaNyzJAToVrhraj2VHIFCiWIa8sQF7C569L-AjzNk0Qj_4S6Kl8tsMpsqVWvVnBa-EP5-0lWKxFdZwUEFE54IKtDMAQS7r7WwBvtn_YAZbl6mem_C/s1600/IMG_0008%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540092652354165570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5N9oyrU47Er7-T5EBa3itg3PPPXOaNyzJAToVrhraj2VHIFCiWIa8sQF7C569L-AjzNk0Qj_4S6Kl8tsMpsqVWvVnBa-EP5-0lWKxFdZwUEFE54IKtDMAQS7r7WwBvtn_YAZbl6mem_C/s200/IMG_0008%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sakamoto</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ryoma</span> statue in Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyk6mqcovDRS3Hszorq35AElHYtQzq9JyQhz11wv0i-fZQPkR_V8DHMGd9D5x82D6UKYX4bxygAieWFRd5sJAr0eFVpanJ0vBtpn2iIgNWV2Qpdo_WMRQAo9PxCpDZgjnWK0GVpwhPzdB/s1600/IMG_0159%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540092668436125202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyk6mqcovDRS3Hszorq35AElHYtQzq9JyQhz11wv0i-fZQPkR_V8DHMGd9D5x82D6UKYX4bxygAieWFRd5sJAr0eFVpanJ0vBtpn2iIgNWV2Qpdo_WMRQAo9PxCpDZgjnWK0GVpwhPzdB/s200/IMG_0159%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-44541233434866361112010-11-16T19:19:00.003+09:002010-11-16T19:24:59.116+09:00Mount Fuji SummitWe finally did the night climb of Mount Fuji (Subashiri Trail) and watched the sunrise! Magnificent! Here are some pics of Nick and me at the top.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540091072165541058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kajMksmbZklr0vuyP2NMn113Fe6csZUWNvocsu2QS359laKubK1CzvCOYHh0FmR95FFmDeQpM23VTwvTDefK-4vJTLp5jUeJmlWw_Up5DdDINK-iYF2wavHZBcOmugDAW0lFrfbnloTP/s320/IMG_9890%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540091088169480770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aLsT-4p-lwMCtWT1HYtZg-CH9CclrNCbc0EiPkyEkInOdBgYZ2t6G2FN6yprqxgO6NHd7MTNzajOkRtpXdE6z4C2qnOtc_eRA7G2NaVlKWynSlspdqidiwXu5p3yneiykmYqbC9jBAk9/s320/IMG_9895%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540091068826236450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHP5-YYwD1J0iPx9iKGccMLIVOVjV_NwmoCYqCHd34-r3KGjFYjvUMNyplscDEzE0avVjg0ON-OxmeJJH5BTUkz3Heb2FNGioJHh9gcqnYlX8kYQk1rcAlTIysewTuGwGuNBebjdWKlaw/s320/IMG_9924%255B1%255D.JPG" />Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-56236028381171868892010-11-16T19:01:00.003+09:002010-11-16T19:19:36.583+09:00Artichokes<div><br />Fresh Artichokes!</div><div>First off, THANK YOU to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reza</span> for the fresh artichokes from the garden, and to Tom and his family over at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">KitchenGardenJapan</span>.<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span>, a blog I follow, for the inspiration and recipe that I started with. </div><div>I used; olive oil, lemon slices, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">shiso</span> leaves, fresh basil, fresh mint, fresh apple-mint, cheap white wine, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">fleur</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">sel</span>, minced garlic, and fresh Italian parsley to stuffed the artichokes and cooked them in the pressure cooker. I think they came out very tasty and our daughter clearly showed her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paisano</span> side and tore through a plateful herself!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX9fOWZfRn87oJZKNLyls9L3D5fyqBqfQfcUsqgwcmNC0LX2foTGJIPLnkxccOX9HX-3xdcanrJCqj7bKhyphenhyphenRNtzrEes4hxxXCDR-mKizZkov87NlT1JvyBDBrxDV_a2PhXIhMnOI6612_/s1600/IMG_9826%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540086469373754322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX9fOWZfRn87oJZKNLyls9L3D5fyqBqfQfcUsqgwcmNC0LX2foTGJIPLnkxccOX9HX-3xdcanrJCqj7bKhyphenhyphenRNtzrEes4hxxXCDR-mKizZkov87NlT1JvyBDBrxDV_a2PhXIhMnOI6612_/s200/IMG_9826%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEMuMfPRlfHvuSxS_YL3Wbm14-xC044R2IXgp_xnaitD0IkJNVcDPsSICruTw9EdrFdqRrfCAwugQd3i8_xmF-qDrBrdNxzLnNTw9URez8MmJ6HSQgvUwmyYYnlmx0kp2jbd4LFlhGEMk/s1600/IMG_9822%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540086471345428418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEMuMfPRlfHvuSxS_YL3Wbm14-xC044R2IXgp_xnaitD0IkJNVcDPsSICruTw9EdrFdqRrfCAwugQd3i8_xmF-qDrBrdNxzLnNTw9URez8MmJ6HSQgvUwmyYYnlmx0kp2jbd4LFlhGEMk/s200/IMG_9822%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvNxzuT6NE6ATMd-rlh79Oaid2G_xB-xnJ0Cw8NxWfGmsi64xLVzS52qMPEcyGY5-MfrMHDZKwQ-AfcPbABXtfN3TszFM0EnZRXQzzZpOghP1uVdcbyKXIxOCVaWt8xHLzlVRdr3mcrSr/s1600/IMG_9819%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540086468826063410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvNxzuT6NE6ATMd-rlh79Oaid2G_xB-xnJ0Cw8NxWfGmsi64xLVzS52qMPEcyGY5-MfrMHDZKwQ-AfcPbABXtfN3TszFM0EnZRXQzzZpOghP1uVdcbyKXIxOCVaWt8xHLzlVRdr3mcrSr/s200/IMG_9819%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-46350899495186035422010-11-16T18:13:00.006+09:002010-11-16T18:23:49.147+09:00Yabanjin BBQOur annual<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFeoJ7R0Iqs1kd9G9ppSG34kLpqLOwsgc0XYhsmx7cZIdCLd55ytDo_CvHXXbRGro4FZAqPbh5ZqviYiVcnb2UaH8UUsSDwy_OFtPMAC5Hu6N2aKyMb9VPi_7E_2Falxl4wMI39-lcoTD/s1600/IMG_9728%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074392672066418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFeoJ7R0Iqs1kd9G9ppSG34kLpqLOwsgc0XYhsmx7cZIdCLd55ytDo_CvHXXbRGro4FZAqPbh5ZqviYiVcnb2UaH8UUsSDwy_OFtPMAC5Hu6N2aKyMb9VPi_7E_2Falxl4wMI39-lcoTD/s200/IMG_9728%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a> "52 Big Game Hunting Association" BBQ was held at "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yabanjin</span> no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">su</span>" -our house!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Us2Y9d1mVdB4mFvmGIlOvCjnIfgysvcZY84riWrDzohz4iIvPNm0eFRCElE0h2haExEIss1ROZzCnYL5-cgI2g3U6OgrTmZoP0fdszk0bcz00-Ikf_UmqIDfKGKBv_2gPdq5Xn7SckvQ/s1600/IMG_9717%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074387945373106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Us2Y9d1mVdB4mFvmGIlOvCjnIfgysvcZY84riWrDzohz4iIvPNm0eFRCElE0h2haExEIss1ROZzCnYL5-cgI2g3U6OgrTmZoP0fdszk0bcz00-Ikf_UmqIDfKGKBv_2gPdq5Xn7SckvQ/s200/IMG_9717%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDqeQkWpM-gDBSenznN9yGwObb3UT7IT68yjjkEZGaYBrXY1JqYoqP_0Awqj-CJtE0epOTWSvuLgCxi-txnrhLcVrLETqg57GjCZ6Ur-EFfNFe4JwS-HD0cXqDjT8i5uyGoyHaqQbPQLP/s1600/IMG_9732%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074098113568802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDqeQkWpM-gDBSenznN9yGwObb3UT7IT68yjjkEZGaYBrXY1JqYoqP_0Awqj-CJtE0epOTWSvuLgCxi-txnrhLcVrLETqg57GjCZ6Ur-EFfNFe4JwS-HD0cXqDjT8i5uyGoyHaqQbPQLP/s200/IMG_9732%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK4ojQrjmDl-EwHgNwoYtOrTusMYjIWGtuOMxM52zCH9xTRb_xeITC9J9XkiVFbRb3xTNqwdp_JTrmfRJdS9cx_n7wauXtL_8z-__LGTPzwfV9si0vxsSyp7DIx8-LW1NdiJuynP84qTU/s1600/IMG_9716%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074094192728466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK4ojQrjmDl-EwHgNwoYtOrTusMYjIWGtuOMxM52zCH9xTRb_xeITC9J9XkiVFbRb3xTNqwdp_JTrmfRJdS9cx_n7wauXtL_8z-__LGTPzwfV9si0vxsSyp7DIx8-LW1NdiJuynP84qTU/s200/IMG_9716%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwlDIlGd29vy2uLHVdVOJ0rMxc429_5yHwyqnD2-wKGp320NZVwcGAU74P4833fkM85JI1yS6WbJHmClt7D-uTf3KNxjpzHAqLOSkl5VGt2I6SPM7FMCDe3XG1vmS4hZSmWaVR8MGnrIg/s1600/IMG_9724%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074090211917042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwlDIlGd29vy2uLHVdVOJ0rMxc429_5yHwyqnD2-wKGp320NZVwcGAU74P4833fkM85JI1yS6WbJHmClt7D-uTf3KNxjpzHAqLOSkl5VGt2I6SPM7FMCDe3XG1vmS4hZSmWaVR8MGnrIg/s200/IMG_9724%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGo2-UPK8e1rtmnxA_TeeaAXhetxfBI6mJGKSb9urwuCDlLgODIGau-caYIE20kNNfSDcIun7ti-Cfj_P5spNs8ibv21luZx-rZFukujF_tXfCLCfMs2v6BPj1gKjKyzsR9xTdbzEW-s4/s1600/IMG_9710%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540074091614099202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGo2-UPK8e1rtmnxA_TeeaAXhetxfBI6mJGKSb9urwuCDlLgODIGau-caYIE20kNNfSDcIun7ti-Cfj_P5spNs8ibv21luZx-rZFukujF_tXfCLCfMs2v6BPj1gKjKyzsR9xTdbzEW-s4/s200/IMG_9710%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Of course we had a great menu of wild boar roasted on a spit, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">motsu</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">nabe</span> AKA chitterlings soup, hon-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">jiru</span> AKA boar bone soup, deer steaks, boar chops, and more!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-35942096650834609472010-09-11T20:20:00.002+09:002010-09-11T20:25:27.561+09:00Computing Again!We are finally back computing again! Got a new PC <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and</span> then screwed up the upgrade, struggled for 2 months then begged U-1-3 to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">un</span>-screw it up. He fixed it in a few minutes!<br />We now have full <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> access again and are rebuilding our favorites and files. Hope to be back posting in the next few <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weeks</span>, so please check back!<br />See you in the woods!<br />SK-1 OUT!Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-61623576335609367532010-04-20T19:16:00.004+09:002010-04-20T19:26:23.526+09:00Earth Day 2010What are you doing for Earth Day 2010?<br /><br />On Earth Day 2008 we did a clean-up and renovation of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jiggs</span>' Fitness Trail at work. Here are some pics:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462162344383215138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgAba54rWL8d711uh731uEIyACSCFZ3zgaLcUWrxD-FbAoH0r_GrKZOQZtYPKYrNhTjMJmSkqk9zRPinq9Dkr0aUr8bUa_TYO06GX2arCUfMLkFDpMT50WcX2NqLbbk0icvT99IWE3roJ/s320/earth+day+1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462162352760476962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXZes92-t8rFjP_y484177rNAwQtrobV8eZDfeDbJt-tkRPEQ4m56DunrNktufyJmjGKFlZS67HB6mO5eUEBuQ2r6udDH-HmxAKTunnR9aiT1UwTP_iiGS3SGRoeNx2jd25apiGCLwtkU/s320/earth+day+4.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462162363656928274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzGQAanbzBt_frWdl_mI9cfBjv4G8R8X92V5zmxxdDfYXNgYuVIj9LFUH29vRsbL3akPXrN4A5VZ7Yzq0R0u-KnuG9wEdkE1fI8uDcodCzCT3_GXaQqlwCVD2_lFzywvMiBviDFpGRAxy/s320/earth+day+8.JPG" /><br /><div> Last year, for Earth Day 2009, we cleaned up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Numazu</span> Beach. Unfortunately we also found a dead body on the beach, so no pics!</div><div> </div><div>Please, get out and do something for Earth Day 2010. Even if it is working in your garden, cleaning up the parking area at the boat launch, or volunteering with a big group, the most important thing is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">to do</span> something!</div><div> </div><div>See you in the woods!</div><div> </div><div>SK-1 OUT!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-5893735873934057012010-04-20T19:09:00.005+09:002010-04-20T19:27:33.257+09:00Yamadori Mount<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjMvdoIrhvtWkDCA2MQii-_tJEdalvpP9b0MShGOgs03c7qJypct_eFRm22G7LUX8P_u_68OQ96PbVLo-ErD0swxWYoTjaQ1q4sOyu3FgRtW9EvvzJ__dewHudeHbneyzaJ_sBENnkO7k/s1600/yamadori+tail+feathes+plaque.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462160060314769138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjMvdoIrhvtWkDCA2MQii-_tJEdalvpP9b0MShGOgs03c7qJypct_eFRm22G7LUX8P_u_68OQ96PbVLo-ErD0swxWYoTjaQ1q4sOyu3FgRtW9EvvzJ__dewHudeHbneyzaJ_sBENnkO7k/s320/yamadori+tail+feathes+plaque.JPG" /></a> Finally got around to mounting the tail feathers from the nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yamadori</span> (Copper Pheasant) I took a few years back. They are now on our living room wall. The feathers stand 64cm (25 inches) above the plaque base!<br /><div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-71538229940562954402010-04-20T18:02:00.003+09:002010-04-20T18:21:04.672+09:00Spring Planting...It Has Begun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU9fQUUvQSZSa0LhCRl1bnKP2_njy1btnvCKknOnvZcKzRHv-p75gD-g-q3VR8jCjYAE6boo2E7dv4lScnvcbifuMUYMaumZQ80L0eek_onSA6FGaki4vpwP8_P6adQwn3isdPogrbmbF/s1600/potato+3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144425378579586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU9fQUUvQSZSa0LhCRl1bnKP2_njy1btnvCKknOnvZcKzRHv-p75gD-g-q3VR8jCjYAE6boo2E7dv4lScnvcbifuMUYMaumZQ80L0eek_onSA6FGaki4vpwP8_P6adQwn3isdPogrbmbF/s320/potato+3.JPG" /></a> Finally, the snow is gone! Our last snow was Friday but the heavy rain overnight melted it and it was time to get up early Saturday and get planting! I ran the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ko</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">unki</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">roto</span>-tiller) through the main garden spot and hoed a few rows. With a little bit of guidance from my J-Mom, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jagaimo</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mayqueen</span>, and Cherie varieties are in the ground, 40 meters worth!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9OL7zz8KtNM1oYEc3cFHMUBPcijeUP7Av0XGIfxyop1eFTwHJfCHaGO8_ySsf19nlrai1UnVuQJqqGXhO-5rXQ7MfZvyXbo9Osp2Sn8N-xt1qgJoIz2-BCo-AXoacr-hTCzTe8rGYYLz/s1600/potato+6.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144415815319154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9OL7zz8KtNM1oYEc3cFHMUBPcijeUP7Av0XGIfxyop1eFTwHJfCHaGO8_ySsf19nlrai1UnVuQJqqGXhO-5rXQ7MfZvyXbo9Osp2Sn8N-xt1qgJoIz2-BCo-AXoacr-hTCzTe8rGYYLz/s320/potato+6.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgY9if63DE7CU_UGsdVNcnLCwOzXXNEIouh9s0JeJk1QFnWVSzRH_VfDYsuSz3A1PT-YxvxMzbGriDA4owTCaoWZ27H7a2pmKSX7JMnoH75eLcMaYMzbWRkYCtLdSqeXpgMBN3n0Ppugv/s1600/potato+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144411733349986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgY9if63DE7CU_UGsdVNcnLCwOzXXNEIouh9s0JeJk1QFnWVSzRH_VfDYsuSz3A1PT-YxvxMzbGriDA4owTCaoWZ27H7a2pmKSX7JMnoH75eLcMaYMzbWRkYCtLdSqeXpgMBN3n0Ppugv/s320/potato+2.JPG" /></a><br />Asparagus! It will take 2 years to yield so it was time to get them in the ground. Planted them right next to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Asatsuki</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transplanted</span> from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">yama</span> last year) and the Ginger (should yield in 2-3 months).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpt7Jnefp6Ck-TGUb2tnlITyIXNTXBqhtSAZhODoQfaP-VMJCEBRCpgyZWt0e5nQo4o6qh3Hhj8MvQNL559JSQemQPvsGSmtoSMwDztjNxxUiM6v2er5rxNxTdi47ygTehgp2B-cXnLat/s1600/spring+planting+5.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144082029187202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpt7Jnefp6Ck-TGUb2tnlITyIXNTXBqhtSAZhODoQfaP-VMJCEBRCpgyZWt0e5nQo4o6qh3Hhj8MvQNL559JSQemQPvsGSmtoSMwDztjNxxUiM6v2er5rxNxTdi47ygTehgp2B-cXnLat/s320/spring+planting+5.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNVoS0qi_nzpRzt1apO2Y8M63ZSg5BhsdL-L9ZWykgS5Gd0jgKsPbOzY_XQa1TMm5x2MK_bG69K2GOWGRRCABgGpWs2IiUzgWggweiK8bYFjy_vOC5YCRJJexpQUFKSvRRvxvf71DOG1v/s1600/spring+planting+3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144076091441202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNVoS0qi_nzpRzt1apO2Y8M63ZSg5BhsdL-L9ZWykgS5Gd0jgKsPbOzY_XQa1TMm5x2MK_bG69K2GOWGRRCABgGpWs2IiUzgWggweiK8bYFjy_vOC5YCRJJexpQUFKSvRRvxvf71DOG1v/s320/spring+planting+3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chibi</span>-Chan picking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">tanpopo</span> (dandelion), Note the winter gear: Yes, it is still in the single digits here!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN10hV3khQ9s5Y4aovGAcrU9LSkggz3LSuYy9G8rTc4Zo8LlK120UMmaRpRXNTa8MJ8mQ9dxLSKrf8bWJyxZaUj64QwpUIWAgOcIbDgIcPvQLcU4V_lJYmY1INJPBO_ZkqMcbYQ9R0kky/s1600/spring+planting+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462144070445446658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN10hV3khQ9s5Y4aovGAcrU9LSkggz3LSuYy9G8rTc4Zo8LlK120UMmaRpRXNTa8MJ8mQ9dxLSKrf8bWJyxZaUj64QwpUIWAgOcIbDgIcPvQLcU4V_lJYmY1INJPBO_ZkqMcbYQ9R0kky/s320/spring+planting+2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>50 meters of mixed wild flowers, Cosmos, Lavender, Sunflowers, and more! Hope this makes a nice view from the kitchen, attracts lots of bees for pollination throughout the farm, and nice flowers for cutting. Who knows, we may have enough to dry as well.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-91016158513190460802010-04-05T22:00:00.004+09:002010-04-05T22:11:45.293+09:00Inoshishi (Wild Boar) Sausage<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yabanjin</span> made a batch of Wild Boar (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Inoshishi</span>) sausage from the boar he took on the day before the end of hunting season. We opted to try three flavors: mild Italian, spicy Italian, and American Southern-Style Breakfast Maple flavor.<br /><br />SK-1 hard at work in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaitai</span> Shack:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456637871053923042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt1CUPtLa7D5ROC8ndHPszO_guqsOBKRN6Tuq7E8hUjnjYIYgqM2CCPrwuTKSqgafLsr59_xYqaTeRjLXsx5dSC1fn-vIpbZnSD0UL1FMWIYTCuSXiPnm6dbRwBdjtmRWW73PdQcMWuqb/s320/sausage+making+4.JPG" />Sanitation, sanitation, sanitation! SK-1 is pretty strict!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456637880956016242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HldwDz32fRTr3nkIXb1SlsxMOvEsysmq3i78iwYzc8D2J_zj4ojgPN2EZzajWA8NUWLu4FNLw7fOs_yJ_5b_69CRBaxwjMl_G_f7oN7oCWiQCpsUe_KjLghzyqk9B1V2fyx8W2-kxnQd/s320/sausage+making+5.JPG" /><br /><div>We made this extra lean, with only 10% fat content. Here it comes, straight from the grinder:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456637854264022274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY-YLbqofvDFuDhNVEyU2Z19idrxqXJO2daDr_NcqKM3x1yg9ue2I8BoJXQTRidngsQ6nSoYJlormp6qwKylqhna4CJfqce_T5v4_ut_D4H4PHSLGioJk3a1k7OZdk7CG0CL-iPg0qjF3/s320/sausage+making+2.JPG" />A second grind after the spice was added:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0ArChr36czTrmeYKia2yD8zbj6UdwNJkur_ky8-WEUkadE9IRKBJhYwHbbna0zUmBH9FynDV3gLIeFrzl8DnZSSf9mn9UV7SqtUdebVakvoIqXBgv7AxJ7dk72QqAHZUeIAOGGS4zBWI/s1600/sausage+making+3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456637857888228546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0ArChr36czTrmeYKia2yD8zbj6UdwNJkur_ky8-WEUkadE9IRKBJhYwHbbna0zUmBH9FynDV3gLIeFrzl8DnZSSf9mn9UV7SqtUdebVakvoIqXBgv7AxJ7dk72QqAHZUeIAOGGS4zBWI/s320/sausage+making+3.JPG" /></a> Wrapped in 250 gram packs for easy cooking. Remember this is considered as "Fresh Sausage" and contains only spices, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">absolutely</span> no salt, nitrate, 'cure' or other chemicals or preservatives.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqsQm3y6j1smuj0HKTrB8xufPF_10T8bvgqOznlWndKyKbGNzPob78V7nekBX1agTcnZfOITE2kU4cd7TPqjifoNkjLPpe4T7tLLQKvWCwdA8Hs7T_wvHnEXu3XDwvZjjAMWaKNOPO8Pn/s1600/sausage+making+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456637849813194178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqsQm3y6j1smuj0HKTrB8xufPF_10T8bvgqOznlWndKyKbGNzPob78V7nekBX1agTcnZfOITE2kU4cd7TPqjifoNkjLPpe4T7tLLQKvWCwdA8Hs7T_wvHnEXu3XDwvZjjAMWaKNOPO8Pn/s320/sausage+making+1.JPG" /></a> We made a total of 15 kg (about 33Lbs) and shared them with some of our closest friends and asked for their critiques...all good so far with some great tips for the next batch!<br /></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-58833182580629332132010-04-05T21:45:00.005+09:002010-04-05T21:57:28.797+09:00Candles!Scented candles really add to our country home. We particularly enjoy an apple-cinnamon scent when we have our wood stove burning. Store-bought candles can be quite expensive and often are not the scent we want...so...we gave candle making a try!<br /><br />Start with block wax:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456633979049379234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON6uji5jcAMhSJlNicSBVB1IwiUq0j8qLxzHasCDQlP1bkhRPHvnVhUTPnQ6GJMCtRe20SozUncB6oaBNHfLfa0P17XYuKjSPNp8G1g9WO9gOMp-VcGCYIs49x9QLYfTltNP0oCx_hPds/s320/IMG_8968.JPG" /> Need a few scents to experiment with:<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456633984794229682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP_u63tSR1F7b9UtH88COtHlVLObwVjisZBExtbKZzoZA4ioBvaaufzNyeaPGLP2xBn1pQSWLmA7pALaNfyq0MZAToDE21UodVsRpUg62pwS3DGIegUsLU_qWojxJY2ueYHY8SaZQkwGp/s320/IMG_8967.JPG" />And some jars/wicks/dyes:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456633988504199074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVjjIabzuAH9404Pogd9zz5sqlztEpjy_dBDbZG6uBwGXvaXAQEGL1S2yJaAIEKTKgpYAvR7lE2BDYiVF4UGG22Dm2CX_GoEQtCBzOdofRalO4GXlSOLp3uiJyjmiZAu2pLZXY9aElN8t/s320/IMG_8971.JPG" />Some gentle heat:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456633993837844994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXDJP7m4E22XIF5MdwvVIhfPmmM0YC9Eq7md68zL-aYNTkTRLK6u1vygtI5NXlGyngL9qft7mAcut08eDa_EUOcdJB19ouhlvWqOzuk8bWCw8EeQUiC2-4vET9bZyzqvxaDJwv-i56Fk_/s320/IMG_8974.JPG" />Freshly poured:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456633997353593154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPOa1Bkg960hVDFgH9u5tj4JnyBuoneXz4Cymy5sY-mLUC5nUTDQt9ux2xaCTppsqCBKRgWAuw6WYyYML2oeI0ga2_mHwcbcJra6USH4dv9DqRcLfIwxNyaw0BQ1a1bjqKExxX6lSj1YH/s320/IMG_8976.JPG" />Finished!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456634118608986578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpeGYbIFOVpXqaSzZFZycznxfKNbPoMdYVlCqbECIdj5mS2ee58OoTtKCNyS_E-dV17XfaWhCMRMj4FkMJ3scSMEMs617j2p8lozdl1JMBAVYcQOm8J7dLEqMwz-VI3HoJ0xAHyMEiNjL/s320/IMG_8980.JPG" />This was our first micro-batch (bamboo & lemongrass scent) but we are hooked! Give it a try, it's easy! </div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-62761371417281766522010-04-05T21:24:00.005+09:002010-04-05T21:40:03.283+09:00Got Dirt?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456628472612561586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4eoJyu0za7AwY7QvXQMgas1eQ2icMiZ20p70gK5am934cmGageyVgRllfkE6hhOGGApuUoCNdjvy-ygJHJ7w8aULmRFFdPpOPFpGPvyAdrKaLKbKgE8fa8M2jf45bN22oOT7VXeAV0Kv/s320/soap+3+flavors+2.JPG" /><br />We at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yabanjin</span> homestead have been experimenting with making our own soap. Today's concoction was foaming liquid hand soap that we promptly named "Dirty Hands"! This contains a mild pumice abrasive, a natural dried kelp (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">kombu</span>) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">exfoliant</span>, and is scented to smell just like freshly tilled garden soil. It cleans awesome, and the smell lingers just enough after you wash your hands so that you know you put in a hard day's work!<br /><br />We also created an all-purpose shower gel for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yabanjin</span> guys with a refreshing but not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">perfumey</span> smell (no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span>-men here!). Mrs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yabanjin</span> also created a silky foaming <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hand wash</span> for the ladies of the house with a mild <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Asian</span> plum scent.<br /><br />It was fun working on a project with the wife, plus it might just save us some hard earned Yen in the process, and could be part of the post-retirement plan...we'll see!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZABtXEnHSaRNcomYcxamW1MbcHpKv6KT8Q_dycgRpi34j_4j-q0YUDjZOkwpt7gLSUqVB89pY09Dhrp8JjsWI0OLTX1a3rLTw33vV41YRBB05ZB0ED2KqNJGFGTrDJqO8FA1YSktDGwdo/s1600/soap+3+flavors+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456628600988521778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZABtXEnHSaRNcomYcxamW1MbcHpKv6KT8Q_dycgRpi34j_4j-q0YUDjZOkwpt7gLSUqVB89pY09Dhrp8JjsWI0OLTX1a3rLTw33vV41YRBB05ZB0ED2KqNJGFGTrDJqO8FA1YSktDGwdo/s320/soap+3+flavors+1.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-160073304285988140.post-39775444138766772582010-01-11T21:46:00.007+09:002010-01-11T22:14:38.336+09:00Preparing for Dondo Yaki<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4l6GPAw7N34pw3TruMPifFrz084Cr3qeTwepdMG3lDLDHjmKpFRRr0T8z-dWqjDDT1umMi1LjO-51cECklmLpOFUNdrqkt7oA8NzspgJlp0_xahbVNt6_8C7rw3BDMtqq19BralkPROy/s1600-h/dondonyaki+6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425469037926978210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4l6GPAw7N34pw3TruMPifFrz084Cr3qeTwepdMG3lDLDHjmKpFRRr0T8z-dWqjDDT1umMi1LjO-51cECklmLpOFUNdrqkt7oA8NzspgJlp0_xahbVNt6_8C7rw3BDMtqq19BralkPROy/s320/dondonyaki+6.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYRXcWwtEYTJjn_OWBVAAKNb6ePHTh3pj49WNTrQ-CaPoHI9q8a-USycAA7W5XPxruPygK_U1weT4Y3GIs5k5pHxWUTt4_A6McoZ4UttDfoBGnZdqMGxAyJo87r1t4oMxGCsDueBJSb5A/s1600-h/dondonyaki+4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425469027476286114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYRXcWwtEYTJjn_OWBVAAKNb6ePHTh3pj49WNTrQ-CaPoHI9q8a-USycAA7W5XPxruPygK_U1weT4Y3GIs5k5pHxWUTt4_A6McoZ4UttDfoBGnZdqMGxAyJo87r1t4oMxGCsDueBJSb5A/s320/dondonyaki+4.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJHATmhJoYGtkFxmMZ_qaViyQNnukDexj7RGhCzXfAKr0O1gzr6_iS5lJJPCSmjf2yoW1_2p5Gne2O68SESSY2JWiM-sXDEZaJ2lGSn37PxAFiowbnNVUSNVEVdjCTQI4U7p6NKDGLHB3/s1600-h/dondonyaki+3.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC039AzrK_R8AkS4edI4lVU3tX5CbdBd0RlSfA527IfgrMLwCuLYHrIwgKewG3TNiTGlPJiCOjS7KNpPLAUP04Cj9P3_IpcBYGgrvAeTYTfJlEyGVKhFW9FasSR4JRrWJ3G0Rf9ClJuSZs/s1600-h/dondonyaki+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425468850397026242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC039AzrK_R8AkS4edI4lVU3tX5CbdBd0RlSfA527IfgrMLwCuLYHrIwgKewG3TNiTGlPJiCOjS7KNpPLAUP04Cj9P3_IpcBYGgrvAeTYTfJlEyGVKhFW9FasSR4JRrWJ3G0Rf9ClJuSZs/s320/dondonyaki+2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz5rjrakknalg6lGGcagaJtk6UrdUpjRvFKIC4gGN7TGryT26zWbBn0HppHrJwl4dinBctsDYiTi9pu4nHPSr1VAgKKwfyPoyCG23-9k6GWfob7wGpC0xTDcIG58ct_SMsH3u7P7bayN-/s1600-h/dondonyaki+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425468845980568194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz5rjrakknalg6lGGcagaJtk6UrdUpjRvFKIC4gGN7TGryT26zWbBn0HppHrJwl4dinBctsDYiTi9pu4nHPSr1VAgKKwfyPoyCG23-9k6GWfob7wGpC0xTDcIG58ct_SMsH3u7P7bayN-/s320/dondonyaki+1.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Each year the small communities in our area gather at the start of the new year to perform a ritual called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dondo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">yaki</span> or sometimes called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">saitoyaki</span>. Essentially this is an ancient ceremony where last year's amulets, wishes written on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">spe</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">cial</span> paper, and new year's decorations are burned, in hopes of a good new year. There is a lot of varying info amongst the community, and on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> so I apologize in advance if this is not the best description.</div><div>What is important is that it is yet another event where the community gets together for a common good. The first step of this is to create the giant bonfire. This was my first year as a member of the building party. I was actually there for dual purposes. First was as part of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaboutai</span> (volunteer firefighter and disaster preparedness team) since we will be supervising the actual burn this coming Thursday evening, and standing by with the fire truck and pumper. The second as a male member of the community, where it is expected that all able bodies help out. We ended up with a team of just over 25 of us setting up the giant pieces of bamboo for the fire.</div><div>This sure was some hard work, and fun to hang out with the old guys in the neighborhood. I figure in twenty year's I will be the supervisor of stuff like this so I better start learning now!</div><div>On <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thursday</span> evening the whole community will come out and burn their stuff, and then roast <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dango</span> (dough balls made from a type of rice flower) balls on bamboo poles, sip <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nihon</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shu</span> (Sake), and enjoy some drinks and snacks. The kids will be running wild but everyone will stay close to the fire since it is quite cold out. This is a good time of neighborly fellowship that I look forward to!</div><div>The weather was perfect for the work to be done, cool and clear, and Mount Fuji was 'supervising' all day! Enjoy the pics, and I will post more after we do the big burn!</div><br /><div>SK-1 OUT!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Yabanjin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510040535870314772noreply@blogger.com1