The Bend Show Radio & Podcast Rebecca Wanner

Deciding when to upgrade or not your camper or recreational vehicle (RV) is a tough decision? Discover tips for assessing if you can afford to do so and what to look for in used campers. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Episode 194 Details
When to Upgrade or Not Your Camper: Your Decision Guide
When to Upgrade Your Camper or RV
Upgrading your camper or recreational vehicle (RV) is a significant decision that can impact your travel experiences and financial situation. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, knowing when to upgrade or not can save you time, money, and frustration. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider, how to find the best interest rates for financing, and what to look for in used campers.
Assessing Your Needs
Before deciding to upgrade, assess your current and future needs. Consider the following questions:
Travel Frequency: How often do you use your camper?
Family Size: Has your family grown, requiring more space?
Amenities: Are you looking for upgraded features like a larger kitchen, better insulation, or more advanced technology?
Lifestyle Changes: Have your travel habits changed, necessitating a different type of camper?
Financial Considerations
Upgrading your camper involves a significant financial commitment. Evaluate your budget and financial health:
Affordability: Can you comfortably afford the monthly payments without straining your finances?
Trade-In Value: What is the current value of your camper? Trading it in can offset some of the costs.
Long-Term Costs: Consider maintenance, insurance, and potential repair costs for a new camper.
Timing Your Upgrade
Timing can greatly impact the cost and availability of campers:
Off-Season Deals: Prices tend to be lower during the off-season, usually in the fall and winter months.
Model Year End: Dealers often offer discounts on last year's models to make room for new inventory.
Interest Rates: Monitor interest rates to take advantage of favorable financing conditions.
Insurance & Registration: Quote the camper for insurance, understand coverage and check your state’s rules on registration costs
How to Find the Best Interest Rates & Calculating Continuous Costs
Research and Compare Lenders.
Finding the best interest rates involves thorough research and comparison:
Banks and Credit Unions: Start with your bank or credit union, as they may offer competitive rates to existing customers.
Online Lenders: Use online comparison tools to evaluate different lenders' rates and terms.
Dealership Financing: Some dealers offer promotional financing rates, but always compare these with other options.
What to Look for in Used Campers
Structural Integrity
Ensure the camper is structurally sound:
Frame and Chassis: Check for rust, corrosion, and any signs of damage.
Roof and Seals: Inspect the roof for leaks and ensure all seals are intact and watertight.
Floors and Walls: Look for soft spots, warping, or signs of water damage.
Mechanical Systems
Evaluate the condition of mechanical systems:
Plumbing: Test the water system, including the pump, faucets, and tanks.
Electrical: Ensure all electrical components, including lights, outlets, and appliances, are functioning.
Open / Close Slides: Run the motors, listening carefully for issues.
HVAC: Check the heating and cooling systems for proper operation
Interior and Exterior Features
Consider the condition and functionality of interior and exterior features:
Appliances: Test all appliances, including the stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
Furniture: Inspect furniture for wear and tear, ensuring it is comfortable and functional.
Exterior: Check the condition of the awning, windows, and exterior storage compartments.
Documentation and History
Review the camper's history and documentation:
Service Records: Request maintenance reco

Episode 193 Details
Setup Trail Cameras Now, Why Drink Room Temperature Water in Heat & Tips to Keep Cooler Cold Longer
Why to Get Trail Cameras Setup and Where In Heat
Ensure Functionality of Trail Cameras
Image Retrieval
Non-Cellular Trail Cameras Vs Cellular Trail Cameras
Test Battery Life
Check how long batteries last in different weather conditions to ensure your trail cams capture crucial footage without interruption.
Evaluate Image & Video Quality
Assess the clarity of images and videos to confirm your trail cams provide reliable data for scouting and planning.
Trigger Speed & Recover time
When selecting a trail camera, trigger speed and recovery time are critical considerations. Trigger speed denotes how quickly the camera captures an image after detecting motion. Cameras with faster trigger speeds, typically half a second or less in high-end models, excel at capturing clear images of swiftly moving deer. However, areas like food plots, where deer linger, can still benefit from cameras with slower trigger speeds. 
Recovery time, on the other hand, measures the camera's ability to capture subsequent images. This interval can vary based on camera settings and affects how quickly the camera can take a new photo after the initial capture. Short recovery times are ideal for locations where deer travel in groups, ensuring no moment is missed, whereas longer recovery times suit areas like food plots, where single captures suffice. Understanding these features helps optimize trail camera selection for effective wildlife monitoring.
Flash Type
When selecting a trail camera, another crucial feature to consider is its flash type, which significantly impacts image quality and camera visibility during picture-taking. Trail cameras function similarly to conventional cameras, using a flash to illuminate subjects and capture clear images. There are three primary types of flashes available in game cameras: white flash, infrared (IR) flash, and black flash. Each type serves specific purposes:

White Flash: Provides a bright, visible flash that captures full-color images. Ideal for daytime use but may startle wildlife and reveal the camera's location.


Infrared (IR) Flash: Emits a non-visible infrared light that is less likely to disturb wildlife and remains discreet during nighttime captures. It captures black-and-white images.


Black Flash: Also uses infrared light but is entirely invisible to both human and animal eyes. It's ideal for covert nighttime surveillance without alerting wildlife.

Choosing the right flash type for your trail camera is crucial, especially when scouting deer near hunting spots, as it impacts image clarity, wildlife behavior, and camera concealment.
Where To Place Trail Cameras In Hot Temperatures
To begin scouting animals with a trail camera remembering the weather conditions is very important. If the temperatures are hot, Big Game animals such as deer, elk, moose, etc. will be looking to cool areas. Place trail cameras along trails leading to and from watering holes that these animals may frequent. This is an excellent start to begin patterning for hunting later as well as become comfortable using your trail cameras.
Stay Cool & Hydrated: Benefits of Room Temperature Water and Keeping Cooler Cold Tips
Introduction
Staying cool and hydrated is essential, especially on hot days. Discover why opting for room temperature water can be beneficial for hydration, alongside effective strategies to keep your cooler cold for longer during outdoor activities.
Benefits of Room Temperature Water is Better Hydration
Easier Absorption
Room temperature water is absorbed more quickly by the body compared to cold water, ensuring faster hydration when you need it most.
Maintains Body Balance
Unlike cold water, which can cause blood vessels to constrict, room temperature water helps maintain a balanced fluid intake, supporting overall hydration.
Enhanced Digestion
Gentle on the Stomach
Cold wate

Focus is on Archery hunting and preparing now for big game hunting. Silent rattlesnake news. Plus Have you been wanting to try Fly Fishing? Learn how to go about getting started. And have an easy s'more recipe the whole family will love. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!
Episode 192 Details
Archery Hunting and Rattlesnake News, Fly Fishing Tips & Easy S'more Recipe
Archery Hunting News & Prep
How to prepare now for Big Game Hunts
Heard this week from the field, The Bend Show listener/Fan Greg Clarke in Pennsylvania shared photos of himself working on his tree stands. Greg and his son got into archery because of the pandemic, and now that archery tags have gone on sale in Pennsylvania he wanted to give a quick reminder to all that right now is the time to be Checking your tree stand saddles, your climbers and all your gear.
Colorado has a new Big Game Season Structure that goes into effect for 2025. Nonresdent archery tags will no longer be available over the counter for Elk Archery Hunting.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to end over-the-counter (OTC) archery elk tags for nonresident hunters.
Reference
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Commission/2024/June/ITEM10.d.BGSS2025-2029.pdf
Rucksack Season is here. This means now is the time to start hiking the miles while carrying your rucksack slowly adding weight as endurance grows to be physically fit for hunting season. Hike in the boots that will be used and try gear such as socks and other clothing to be sure that nothing rubs and that you are comfortable.
Silent Rattlesnakes
Black Hills National Forest Encounter is a Warning
The following post was done by a Wildlife Biologist in Rockerville, South Dakota who had a close call with a rattlesnake. Situational awareness is what prevented the trained professional from being bitten. A great reminder to know the Dos and Don'ts about rattlesnakes. Find a timeline of what to do if bitten here.
Beginner Fly Fishing Tips
How to go about trying fly fishing?
Fly fishing is often the last angler learned skill, here is the best way to get a basic start.
Find a fly fishing guide or fisherman with experience. They will typically have the gear for you to have your first lessons. Save the money from buying blindly by instead investing in learning seasoned angler.
Instead of learning from a spouse or partner; take a class or lesson from an angler that can walk you through the beginning learning. This will save me from having frustration as it can be tricky to learn the rhythm.
Practice in cleared areas with your fly rod and line without any hooks. Use an open shortcut grassed yard that allows for free movement of the line without any obstructions to catch.
Easy S'more Recipe
Yummy Family Favorite Dessert
This recipe is from Heather Krohe, Little Rack Taxidermy, that involves everything we love about campfires without having to start a fire.
 
Ingredients: Marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham crackers.
Extra Add-ins: Chopped candy bars such as Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or 3 Musketeers bars.
Using a pie tin - spray first lightly with cooking spray, then layer the bottom with marshmallows, sprinkling on top chocolate chips and line graham crackers around the inside of the tin keeping ends sticking up for easy grabbing.
Heat the tin using a grill, griddle, oven or stove top until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted.
Scoop up the gooey marshmallow mixture with the graham crackers and enjoy!
 
REFERENCES
https://www.healthline.com/health/rattlesnake-bite?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR09llOb4EamegZOp7Gw3iTKyBY7pzphUiJSr0RoBPY4wMd95aodKpFR5lk_aem_oWOG9eiThr1OZcC6o8JTZQ#treatment
 
FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS
Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363
Or email BendRadioShow@gmail.com
FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @thebendshow
https://www.faceboo

Discover and learn camping hacks, tips and tricks to make the most of your outdoor adventures! From efficient packing and setting up camp to cooking meals in order to make the trip stress free while enjoying nature. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!
 

Episode 191 Details
Ultimate Guide to Camping Hacks and Tips
Essential Tips for Camping
Camping can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its challenges. To ensure you have the best adventure possible, here are some invaluable camping hacks and tips that we have learned. This guide covers everything from packing efficiently to being ready for unexpected circumstances in the wild.
Camping: Hacks, Tips & Tricks
Packing the right way can make or break your camping trip. Here’s how to pack and be prepared.
Create a Camping Checklist: A Comprehensive list of essentials.
Hack: Flashlights & Headlamps - Test batteries, then after trip remove batteries and use painters tape to tape batteries to the lights for next use to avoid corrosion.
Ice: How to keep food cold is always an issue. Consider bringing at least two coolers. Cooler 1 is for frozen food items such as meats. Cooler 2 is for items accessed frequently.
Hack: Freeze any prepared foods that can be frozen to act as additional "ice" to keep coolers cold longer while using less resources.
First Aid Kit: Always pack a first aid kit. A Must - Add to the First Aid Kit medications for an upset stomach such as diarrhea.
Cleaning Station: Plan to create a space for a water jug and soap to rinse off hands, dishes, etc. to improve food safety.
Hack: The SureCan Utility Portable Water Station with Spigot is a GAME CHANGER and we highly recommend it. SureCan also offers an excellent SureCan fuel can that is designed for a no-mess filling of ATVs, UTVs, lawnmowers, boats and more. This product is not a sponsor of The Bend Show, and is a product we recommend. 
Tent Setup: Pack along an outdoor rug for a tent or camper and implement a No Shoe policy. Will keep both areas much cleaner.
Hack: Have a plan on how to securely tie-down a tent. For example: use hand weights, paracord and have extra tent stakes as it does not take much wind to lift a tent.
 
Hack: Create a comfortable sleeping area by using a fan that runs off the battery of your phone with an USB cord. 
 
DIY MRE Snack Packs: Make the daily snack packs at home. Using a gallon size ziploc bag, prepare so that you bring only what you will need for that day's activities to keep you going strong. Include foods that will not melt, have protein and can hydrate. Each person in your group should have their own MRE Snack Pack. Example of favorites: Fruit unsliced such as Apples, Oranges, protein bars, beef jerky, carrots, etc.
Camping is a fantastic way to connect with nature and unwind. By following these camping hacks and tips, you can enhance your experience, ensuring it’s safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Pack wisely, set up efficiently, cook smartly, and stay comfortable for an amazing camping adventure.
REFERENCES
https://www.surecanusa.com/utility
https://www.surecanusa.com/gascan
 
FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS
Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363
Or email BendRadioShow@gmail.com
FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @thebendshow
https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow
SUBSCRIBE to The Bend YouTube Channel.
Website: TheBendShow.com
https://thebendshow.com/
#catchBECifyoucan #tiggerandbec #outdoors #travel #cowboys
The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.
AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.
Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com
https://tiggerandbec.com/
 
WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS
Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are News Broadcasters that repres

Dreaming about ranch or farm life, and thinking that’s your next big adventure? Or maybe you're considering diversifying into AgriTourism. Learn what to expect, pack, and be prepared for sharing in the rural life experience! Yes there are rules when invited to that backyard bash! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!
Episode 190 Details
What to Know and Wear for an Amazing Farm or Ranch Experience
Essential Tips for an Engaging Farm or Ranch Visit
As the demand for experience and adventure tourism rises, the global agritourism market is experiencing significant growth. Travelers increasingly seek meaningful engagement and self-discovery, making farms and ranches popular vacation destinations. This expansion is fueled by several factors: a growing tourism industry, the ease of instant bookings, farmers and ranchers diversifying their activities, a focus on rural development, and farms and ranches leveraging the unique features of their operations and locations.
Understand Your Activity Level and Desired Involvement
Rural life is inherently physical and varies with the seasons. Determine your preferred activity level and the type of involvement you seek from your farm or ranch experience. Each season brings its unique tasks and experiences:
Spring: Involves crop planting, animal birthing (calving, foaling, lambing, kidding), and fence repairs.
Summer: Focuses on haying, rotational grazing livestock, and harvesting crops.
Fall: Continues with crop harvesting, livestock weaning, and seasonal round-ups.
Year-Round: Farms and ranches are always bustling with activity, with different chores and events depending on the season.
By understanding these seasonal activities, you can choose the best time to visit and match your interests and energy levels with the farm or ranch's ongoing operations.
Dress for the Weather
When visiting a farm or ranch, it's crucial to dress appropriately for the weather. Rural areas often experience significant temperature variations throughout the day. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool.
Check Local Weather: Always check the weather forecast for the area you’re visiting. This will help you prepare and pack accordingly.
Layering: Dressing in layers is essential. Start with a base layer, such as a lightweight shirt, add a warmer layer like a sweater, and have a jacket on hand for extra warmth.
What to Wear Around Livestock on a Ranch or Farm?
Interacting with livestock, especially horses and cattle, requires specific attire for safety and practicality.
Long Pants: Wear durable long pants, preferably jeans, to protect your legs from scratches and bites.
Light Long Sleeve Shirt: In summer, a light long sleeve shirt offers protection from the sun and insects.
Closed-Toed Shoes: Never wear open-toed shoes around livestock. Boots with a heel are ideal, especially for horseback riding. Pair them with tall socks to prevent chafing.
Gloves: Soft leather gloves are useful for a variety of tasks and provide protection for your hands.
Long Hair: Hair can easily be caught in machinery or become irritating if blown in the face. Always have hair pulled back in a fixed position to avoid accidents such as being caught in farm machinery. Example: ponytail, braid, bun, etc.
Protect Yourself from Sun, Bugs, and Wind
Being outdoors exposes you to various elements, so it's essential to take precautions.
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days to protect your skin from UV rays.
Hat or Cap: A hat provides additional protection for your face and eyes. Sunglasses are also recommended.
Bug Spray: Use insect repellent to ward off ticks and mosquitoes, which are more prevalent near livestock and tall grass.
Wind Protection: Secure your hair with a ponytail or braid to prevent it from getting caught in farm machinery. A baseball cap or hat can also help

Gear up and hit the open road! But not so fast, we talk about prepping your RV or camper for adventure but also the importance of driving your home away from home while still at home! Important tips are offered so you make the most of your trip! Learn how Juneteenth is celebrated at all National Park Sites and how 4th graders are the key to a free year of admission for exploring National Parks. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Episode 189 Details
Ultimate RV Adventure Prep: Road Trip Tips + Free National Park Admission Offers!  
Explore Juneteenth with Free National Park Admission & Every Kid Outdoors Program 
NATIONAL PARK FREE DAY: JUNETEENTH
Celebrate Juneteenth on June 19th with free admission to all National Park Service sites that typically charge an entrance fee. It's a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty and history of our national parks without any cost barriers.
Every Kid Outdoors Program: Free Access for Fourth Graders
Fourth-grade students and their families can enjoy free access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas through the Every Kid Outdoors Program. This initiative, supported by multiple agencies including the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, aims to foster a love for nature and the outdoors in children at a crucial developmental stage.
Why Fourth Grade?
Research shows that children around the age of 10 are particularly receptive to learning about the environment and developing a deeper connection with nature. By offering free access to fourth graders, the program seeks to ensure that every child in the U.S. has the chance to explore and appreciate our natural heritage.
What's Included
The program provides a voucher or pass granting free entry to fourth graders, all children under 16 in their group, and up to three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) to most federally managed lands and waters. While it covers entrance fees, additional charges for amenities like camping or boat rides are not included.
Take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your family and friends! GET YOUR PASS HERE!
Top RV / Camper Prep Tips for Your Next Road Trip Adventure
Key RV & Camper Tips Before Hitting the Road
Drive the RV or Pull the Camper. One must know how to skillfully drive a recreational vehicle or traveling with a trailer in order to be confident when on the road. Your reactions are completely different than driving a car or pulling other trailers. Practice backing up, changing lanes and parking. Make sure that you have a back-up person in your party also practice with you near home.
Understand the space when slides are retracted. The recreational home may have seemed adequate while purchasing or loading, however once filled and with the family/friends in tow you will want to make sure all still is comfortable. Check that bathroom doors can still be opened and that anything wanted can still be accessed while in travel mode.
Learn the hoses. There are two important hoses to be aware of so that you do not contaminate your RV or cause a traffic jam. Know which hose is the for Waste Water (greywater) and the hose that is for FreshWater.
Quick RV / Camper Last Minute Checklist & Know How To:
Light the Water Heater
Light the Furnace
Test the Battery
Fill Propane Tanks
Long Power Cords: We suggest two long cords plus adapters for 30-amp plugins, 50-amp plugins and 20-amp plugins.
Drive unit fully packed to make sure nothing falls while in motion.
Understand how to level the unit.
Now hit the road and Have Fun!
 
REFERENCES
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm
https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm
 
FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS
Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363
Or email BendRadioShow@gmail.com