Author Archive: Charles Shawley
Dr. Shawley completed his undergraduate degrees in physics and chemistry from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, and his Ph.D. in materials science from Washington State University. He is currently the Director of Research and Development for Gaelectric Northwest, a wind energy development company in Clarkston, WA. In addition to his work in renewable energy, Dr. Shawley is an optics and predator hunting writer, and his work has appeared in Predator Xtreme, AR Guns & Hunting, and North American Hunting Club magazines.
Animal-In-Heat, Urine-Based Scents
The animal-in-heat, urine-based scent market is huge. Everyone has their favorite including UFC champion, Brock Lesnar. The most popular are deer, elk, and hog, but other species are gaining ground. The idea is simple and has a firm foundation based in animal science. I am not here to challenge the idea but rather the products. [...]
The Reluctant Bear Solution
A friend of mine was having trouble with a bear visiting his painstakingly prepared bait station. The bear had been there once but had not returned despite all the goodies left for his whimsical appetite. This can be a common problem with bear baiting. You get regular visitors, but they aren’t the big black bruin [...]
Red Fox vs. Coyote Dens
Scouting is a major part of hunting and can be vital to success. In the predator game, one needs to be able to determine the species of predator living in the area. One way to do this is to look at dens. Red fox dens and coyote dens are similar in many ways and worlds [...]
Red Fox Eyesight
I recently did a bit of coyote, red fox, and ground squirrel hunting near Leadore, Idaho. There was no shortage of opportunity. It was a great hunt, and I must thank Sparky Sparkes of M2D Camo for acting as guide and film crew. I hope the TV episode turns out well; I certainly had a [...]
Focus-Free Optics
There has been an upsurge in focus-free optics for hunters and bird watchers in the last year. On the surface, it seems like a great idea. Manufacturers simply set the focus at a single plane. The farther the plane of focus, the wider the depth of field. The problem with focus-free optics is eye fatigue. At [...]
Recharging NiMH Batteries
Fast charge rates are usually best for NiMH batteries. However, a rapid charge rate causes the battery temperature to increase. As long as the temperature of the battery does not exceed 140°F, the battery is usually safe. Temperatures above that may rupture the battery. Charging at rates above 1C (one times its capacity rate) can [...]
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