Hunters are divided about scouting for deer during summer. Some think that any bucks identified will not be around come fall hunting season. Others think that summer scouting is beneficial because it reveals the quality of bucks that will be available in the fall. If you have the latter opinion, follow these tips to scout for deer during the summer season.

Tip 1: Summertime bucks usually stay in semi-open areas that feature breezes. These environments prevent issues like branches and insects from damaging antlers.

Tip 2: Many bucks congregate in the same areas that does are found during summer. A field is a good place to scout during morning or evening. Some states allow spotlighting deer at night. Check local regulations to see if this is permitted in your state.

Tip 3: Some hunters find that power line and pipeline right of ways are perfect spots to scout for summer bucks, especially if they are scouting in a new area.

Tip 4: In addition to providing an opportunity to determine the quality of bucks, summer scouting offers the chance to pattern does. It is likely that these female deer will hang around for the whole year so this is a great time to learn their patterns. Within agricultural locations, patterns do not usually change drastically due to seasonal changes in food sources.

Tip 5: Watering holes are other areas to target. Whitetail deer will pay more frequent visits to these spots as temperatures rise in the summer, especially in arid regions.

Tip 6: If your state has an early hunting season, take advantage of summer scouting opportunities. In most locations, summer bachelor groups will still be hanging around during August and early September. Scouting them during summer may allow you to kill your first buck before other hunters have thought about installing their stands.

A home furnace must be maintained or it will not perform its best. While many people pay a professional to clean their furnace, this task is something they can do themselves with a few tools. A furnace should be cleaned twice per year to prevent dust and debris buildup and provide years of use.

You will need:

• Screwdriver
• Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
• Toothpicks
• Toothbrush
• Cotton swabs
• Scrub brush
• Air compressor (optional item)

Step 1: Turn off the circuit breaker that provides the furnace with power. Locate the safety panel on the front of your furnace and remove it. If the furnace is powered by gas or oil, shut off the pilot light or fuel supply as an extra safety measure.

Step 2: Remove the front panel and vacuum the interior of the furnace, using the hose attachment on the vacuum cleaner. While vacuuming, take care to leave wiring undisturbed. Use the toothbrush to remove grime or dust buildup and give the area another vacuuming.

Step 3: Use the manufacturer guide to identify the blower assembly. Clean this area with the toothbrush, cotton swabs, and toothpicks. When removing surface buildup, do not forget the blower fins. Some furnace s have a cover on the blower. You must remove this to access the fan and fins. Clean up loose debris with the vacuum.

Step 4: Use a dry scrub brush to clean all vents.

Step 5: Remove the filter and replace it, if necessary. If the filter is permanent, remove it, vacuum it, and use a scrub brush to remove buildup. Blow the dust with an air compressor or vacuum the filter again. Replace a disposable filter at least annually.

Step 6: Reassemble your furnace by replacing the filter and safety cover but leaving off the front panel. Inspect this area to identify any worn or melted wiring, corrosion, and loose connections. If the area looks ok, replace the front panel, reconnect the fuel and power supplies, and turn the unit on.

Step 7: Let your furnace run for several minutes and identify any unusual sounds or smells. Dust disturbed during cleaning will make a crackling sound, which should be temporary. If you smell burning electrical wiring, oil, or gas, shut off your furnace immediately, turn off its fuel supply, and call a professional.

Every day, we use the light switches in our homes. They can eventually become worn or appear outdated. Exchanging a standard light switch with one that is decorative refreshes the look of a room. It is not difficult or expensive to replace a single-pole type light switch. Follow these instructions for safe installation.

You will need:

• Voltage tester
• Continuity tester
• Single-pole type light switch
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Work light
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire strippers

Step 1: Find the breaker or fuse for the circuit controlling the light switch and turn this off.

Step 2: Flip the light switch on and off several times to verify that electrical power is off. If the light does not turn on when the switch is flipped to the on position, the proper fuse or circuit was turned off.

Step 3: Hold your voltage tester up to this light switch to verify that electric current is not passing through.

Step 4: If the room is dark, turn on your work light. Remove all screws attaching the light switch plate, using your flat head screwdriver.

Step 5: Use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove all screws anchoring the switch to the electrical box in the wall.

Step 6: Pull the light switch out from the electrical box. Write down or snap a photograph of the wiring configuration for the switch.

Step 7: Remove the wires by unscrewing each screw on the light switch.

Step 8: Grab your new light switch. Position it so the word “Top” printed on the switch is located at the top of this switch.

Step 9: Use the photograph or drawing to properly connect the electrical wires to your new switch. Wrap slightly more than half an inch of each stripped wire clockwise around the appropriate terminal screw. The neutral wire should connect to a silver screw. The black wire should connect with the brass screw and the grounding wire connects to a green screw that on the opposite side of your switch. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to tighten each screw.

Step 10: Carefully push the new switch into the switch electrical box. Use the screws to attach the switch to the box.

Step 11: Screw the switch plate on top, anchoring it to the wall.

Step 12: Test the newly installed switch by turning on the circuit breaker or fuse.

Few things are more fun than a family camping trip. As long as it is executed properly, that is. Children enjoy spending time with each other and their parents in the wilderness. They are even willing to sacrifice their video games and TV shows for some ghost stories around the campfire and sleeping on the ground at night. Here are some tips to make a family camping trip a success.

Tip 1: Involve the whole family in selecting the destination. Ask older children where they would like to go. If you have a baby or young child, you may want to stay within one hour of home. Older kids may want to spend an entire week in another state.

Tip 2: Plan the trip far in advance so you can secure reservations. By the time warm weather arrives, many of the best campgrounds are booked for the season. The last thing you want is to arrive at a campground with no vacancy and have to spend all day looking for an alternative. Children (and many adults) do not have the patience for this.

Tip 3: Research the private, state, and national campgrounds in the destination area and choose one that offers family-friendly amenities including restroom and shower facilities, a lake or swimming pool, and even mini golf. Family-oriented campgrounds have a calendar of events for campers of all ages.

Tip 4: Research attractions on the way to the campground as well as at the destination. If the trip is long, it may be worthwhile to stop on the way to experience a theme park rather than hear, “Are we there yet?” for several hours. Look for both indoor and outdoor attractions because weather can be unpredictable.

Tip 5: Pack plenty of clothing for children because the youngsters will be playing in the dirt and splashing in the lake. Also, remember to pack entertainment for the car ride such as a portable gaming device or DVD player and movies. Take a first aid kid because there are bound to be some cuts and scrapes.

Tip 6: Plan meals and prepare as much food as possible before hand. Pack snacks for the ride and take more than enough food. Find out if there are supermarkets or farm stands near the destination, just in case they may be needed.

Some home improvement projects are subtle but make a big difference. Dining room and kitchen chairs can become stained, faded, or worn due to years of use. During an interior remodel, much money is spent on updating appliances, painting, and replacing windows and doors. There may not be much money left over to purchase new furniture, leaving the area looking less than desirable. Reupholstering chairs updates the décor and is much cheaper than buying new furnishings.

You will need:

• Chair Fabric
• Batting (if current batting requires replacement)
• Screwdriver
• Industrial strength glue or heavy-duty stapler with staples
• Butter knife or heavy-duty staple remover
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Step 1: Use the measuring tape to measure the seat dimensions for the chairs requiring reupholstering. This determines how much fabric you will need.

Step 2: Remove the chair seat. You may be able to push it out of the chair or might have to unscrew the bottom or sides of the chair frame. Lay the seat in your work area.

Step 3: Turn the seat over so the bottom is facing up and remove the upholstery tacks or staples securing the fabric. Staples can be removed with a butter knife or heavy-duty staple remover. Be careful not to damage the plywood portion of the seat when removing the tacks or staples.

Step 4: Remove old fabric but save it for a pattern for the new fabric. Buy durable, easy-clean fabric from a discount or fabric store. A fabric that is pre-treated with stain resistant formula is a good choice.

Step 5: Remove the existing batting and determine whether it needs replacement. Using the old fabric as a pattern, cut out the new fabric. Allow some excess on each side to hold the fabric during installation.

Step 6: Put the new fabric on top of the batting and begin wrapping it around the plywood. Begin at one side, folding the fabric around the plywood carefully. Fold the opposite end of fabric around the plywood, creating an even pull. Turn over the chair seat to make sure there are no wrinkles. Use the glue or stapler and staples to secure this fabric to the plywood. Repeat this process for the remaining two ends of fabric.

Step 7: Use the scissors to cut off any excess fabric. Put the seat into the chair frame by tapping it back into place or carefully screwing it into the frame.

Step 8: Repeat this process for each chair being reupholstered.

A water leak, rotting, or other condition can damage the molding that surrounds windows, walls, and doors. Replacing a baseboard is usually easy because the area is not very ornate. It can sometimes be difficult to replace window or door molding because this can be hard to match. If you cannot find matching molding, follow the steps below to create a casting and mold.

You will need:

• Spackle
• Polyester resin
• Wall adhesive
• Painter’s tape
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• 2 wooden blocks
• 2 pieces scrap wood
• Utility knife
• Home lubricant
• Paintbrush
• Paint (color should match existing molding)

Step 1: Put the painter’s tape around the floor and wall areas adjacent to the damaged molding.

Step 2: Auto body filler is another name for polyester resin. It features two parts: a catalyst contained in a tube and the resin. Mix the two components on one piece of the scrap wood, using your putty knife and following the product instructions. This resin is used to create the casting of your original molding.

Step 3: Spray the existing molding in your work area with the home lubricant. This will allow your resin to release from the molding. Use your putty knife to spread the resin onto this intact molding section. The mold should be as large or larger than the area featuring the missing molding. Allow a few minutes so the resin can harden to a semi-rubbery state. Trim resin with your utility knife so it matches the dimensions of the molding.

Step 4: Gently remove the resin from the molding. Create a casting mold by placing the resin on the remaining scrap wood piece. Put one of the wooden blocks at each end and tape the blocks to the wood to anchor the mold in place. Use the home lubricant to spray this mold.

Step 5: Create another batch of the polyester resin. Pour this into your new mold. Allow it to dry until slightly flexible. Remove the resin from your mold and trim the excess with your utility knife.

Step 6: Fill in air bubbles with the spackle. Let the spackle dry, then sand this casting. Apply the casting over the area of missing molding, securing with the wall adhesive.

Step 7: Paint this area to blend with the existing molding. Allow time for paint to dry.

A fence makes a yard more attractive and private but professional installation can be expensive. Constructing this fence yourself costs as little as $500, with total expenditure based on the amount of fencing you need. In just one weekend, you can fence in the yard to add beauty, privacy, and security.

You will need:

• 5/4-inch deck boards (pressure treated)
• 4x4x8-inch posts (pressure treated)
• Fast-dry, premixed cement
• Gravel
• Stakes
• Galvanized 2-inch screws
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Shovel
• Spacer block
• Post hole digger
• Level
• Wheelbarrow
• Framing square
• Plumb bob
• Tape measure
• Spray paint
• String
• Nails (optional)
• Pneumatic nail block (optional)
• Hand-held router (optional)

Step 1: Identify the property line and any setback required. Mark the location for the new fence with the string and stakes. Use spray paint to indicate placement of corner posts. Mark locations for line posts, keeping the space between posts less than 8 feet and even.

Step 2: Dig each hole with the post hole digger, making the diameter at least 10 inches and depth approximately 24 inches.

Step 3: Provide drainage to each hole by adding several inches of gravel to the bottom. Place a post in each hole, checking for level and plumb.

Step 4: Mix cement according to manufacturer directions and pour some of it into each hole. Let the cement cure for at least 48 hours.

Step 5: Measure the distance between two of the posts. With the saw, cut the deck boards to this length to create the rails. Use the deck screws and drill to attach rails to fence posts. The top rail should be 20 inches from the post top and the bottom rain should be 20 inches from the ground. Repeat this process for every two posts.

Step 6: Identify the number of pickets needed. Use the saw to cut enough of the deck boards to a length of 6 feet. To make the fence more ornate, add a decorative cut or edge, like a 90-degree or dog-eared cut, to the top of pickets. Alternatively, round off edges with the router.

Step 7: Center pickets on the top and bottom railings. Use nails and a pneumatic nail gun or use screws and drill to attach pickets to railings. Pickets should be spaced evenly between posts. Use a spacer block to create a consistent gap between pickets.

People head to rivers, lakes, and ponds to enjoy a day of fishing. Fishing is often frustrating because you can catch a bucket of fish one day and nothing the next. Here are some tips to select fishing spots that will minimize the number of days you come home empty-handed. Guard these secrets closely or other anglers may give you a run for it!

Step 1: Look for structures that are most likely to hold the desired fish or other fish that they eat. Fallen trees, submerged logs, weeds, and rocks are typical places that sunfish gather, making them ideal spots for walleye and bass anglers. Do not overlook the sun because bright spots in shallow areas create warmer water attractive to fish. When the weather is hot, fish tend to gather in shady areas where the water is cool.

Step 2: Find spots where tributaries meet a main body of water. This usually creates two water temperatures and food from the smaller body. Travel up the tributary because game fish like bass will look for food in a few inches of water.

Step 3: Areas that are difficult to reach also make great fishing spots because you may be the only person there. Get away from the fishing crowd and you will probably have a successful day. Also, travel to areas that are not difficult to access but take time to reach. Ride your bike, take a hike, or navigate your boat to these spots, enjoying nature along the way.

Step 4: Once you find a spot where you catch fish, continue to fish there. Many people catch fish in a certain location and then travel elsewhere. Unless your catch is extremely territorial, there will most likely be more than one fish in the same spot. Be patient and continue fishing there to fill your bucket.

To change the appearance of walls without repainting them, install chair rail. This decorative molding is applied to the wall at a height of between 24 and 48 inches from floor level. A chair rail runs horizontally along a wall, protecting the surface from scuffing or denting caused by the backs of chairs.

You will need:

• Miter saw
• Hand saw
• Chair rail molding
• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• 2 ½-inch finishing nails
• Pneumatic nailer
• Nail set
• Level
• Sandpaper
• Hammer
• Paintable caulk
• Small paintbrush
• Interior wall paint
• Pencil
• Tape measure

Step 1: Measure the wall length with the tape measure and use this figure to determine the length of molding you need.

Step 2: Measure the height of the wall and divide this figure by three to determine the height of the chair rail. This molding is typically installed at a point representing one-third of the wall length, measured from a floor. For example, if the room has an eight-foot high ceiling, the molding is usually placed 32 to 36 inches from a floor. For an easy way to determine the height, place the back of a chair against your wall and locate the point where the back hits the wall surface. After determining the height of the chair rail, use the pencil, level, and tape measure to create a level line on all walls. The level keeps the line straight even when floors are unlevel.

Step 3: Start at an inside corner, door, or window frame and cut the molding at a 90-degree angle with the miter saw. Cut one piece of molding to run the length of each wall. For each corner, create a 45-degree angled cut. If your wall is longer than the length of one piece of chair rail, miter two pieces together, creating opposite 45-degree angle cuts where the ends of the pieces meet.

Step 4: Starting with an inside corner, install the molding, lining the bottom up with the line drawn on your wall. Put wood glue on the molding and attach the wood to the wall, securing it with the pneumatic nailer loaded with finishing nails. Insert the nails into the highest sections of molding to prevent splitting. Place nails one above the other.

Step 5: If you had to miter two molding pieces together during Step 3, position the seam over a wall stud. This allows you to nail the end of each piece into a wood stud.

Step 6: With your nail set, recess the nail heads. Cover all nail holes with wood filler. Sand molding lightly to smooth the joints and nail holes.

Step 7: Apply a caulk bead where molding meets your wall. Fill in other holes and gaps with the caulk.

Step 8: To give the chair rail a finished look, paint it.

Hunting becomes a way of life for many adults, who learn the hobby/sport when they are young. Though youth hunting is a complex issue, the trend seems to be increasing. According to some experts, since children are future decision makers regarding conservation and wildlife issues, adults should take the youngsters hunting. Here are some tips for incorporating children into the routine of hunting.

Step 1: If you have children, take their friends and them to observe a hunting trip. This allows kids to develop relationships so they will have someone to hunt with when you can no longer go. If you do not have children, volunteer your services to the local community or the state Division of Wildlife.

Step 2: Take children on scouting trips, teaching them how to identify signs of animals and how to follow tracks. The pre-hunt process is very important and you will think through the steps while you are teaching them, forcing you to exhibit best practices.

Step 3: When children are ready to take the next step, teach them bow and firearm safety, then teach them how to shoot. If you are not a great shot, the practice will help you improve your skills. If the children are not yours, be sure to get parental permission before embarking on this step. Win over skeptical parents by encouraging them to tag along, even if they do not want to hunt.

Step 4: Once children know how to shoot, take them on a hunting trip. Do not let them become frustrated if they do not get anything because success requires practice. The goal is to make the trip fun for both of you and encourage kids to go again.

Step 5: Discuss the trip afterward, recapping the high and low points. If you are not a parent, the child may come to view you as a mentor in all aspects of life.